Providence Defied
This is an AU (Alternate Universe) fic, but hopefully will not be too OOC. I have had the idea for the story for quite some time and Duo & Quatre simply seemed to fill the roles best.
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing; I am merely a deluded fangirl drifting from one fic to the next…
Chapter 1
Deep in a verdant and peaceful forest, far removed from the turmoil of civilisation, two beings, somewhat contradictory in character, but friends nonetheless, relaxed in the quiet shade of aging oak trees.
Both too tall to be humans, they yet had the faces of teenage boys. One seemed gentle and serene, his blonde hair adding to his innocent appearance. Only his eyes betrayed his true age, tempered as they were by the trials of time; watching the world change; seeing nations rise and fall. Yet they retained a visible sparkle, a testament to the joy that had ever been a part of him. He could not help but feel sheer wonder at every detail he perceived and a deep contentment in his belief that everything was in its place and that all was right.
This boy, as he seemed to be, was truly beautiful. His raiment was simple, being purely white, and yet he radiated an inimitable light and warmth which affected all it touched, rejuvenating the very flowers and trees about him, every plant brightening as it turned towards his radiance. His lips formed a perfect cupid's bow, touched by a soft smile, whilst his slender hands, as pale and delicate seeming as those of a young woman, were neatly folded over his knees. Leaning against the wide trunk of a tree, he watched his companion in silent amusement.
This other had a darker air about him; a macabre beauty that could not be denied. His lithe form was clothed in the black garb of a priest in slight mockery of his friend, and his black, leathery wings were spread awkwardly to save them from abrasion on the forest floor. In his long hands he held a collection of dry leaves and twigs, and his narrow, pointed tail flicked back and forth unheeded as he focused his blue-eyed gaze on the small bundle of tinder, willing it to light as, effortlessly, he found his centre, his whole frame becoming completely still for a moment, even his ticking tail.
A dark flame rose between his palms, quickly engulfing the dry material, and he raised his head, grinning impishly at his companion as the flames licked around his fingers. Tenderly, he placed the ball of fire amongst the various twigs neatly arranged in a circular pile before him, and watched, entranced, as the flames spread hungrily. Then, springing to his feet, he hurried to his companion who smiled warmly up at him, applauding his efforts.
'Come on, Quatre, stand up; you look incredible in firelight', he implored his seated friend, extending his left hand to him. Quatre compliantly took the offered hand in his own, rising to his feet gracefully, smiling inwardly as he observed the other's rapt expression. The other simply watched expectantly, admiring his companion's grace and elegance, involuntarily squeezing his hand, as awestruck as ever he was when he saw the Angel unfold his grand bright wings. They arched up over Quatre's shoulders, the tips just brushing the ground, brilliant white, but shimmering on the edge of one's vision with colours known and unknown.
'Duo?' the Angel whispered, his voice like a song on the wind, as he delicately removed his hand from the other's grasp, waking him from his enchantment. The young devil flashed him another grin, exposing his sharp canines, before dragging Quatre towards the crackling fire. They stood facing each other in the firelight, Angel and devil, each marvelling at the shadow-play on the other's features. The light on the iridescent wings reflected with all the hues of a glorious sunrise, Quatre even appearing to glow, whilst, in contrast, his companion seemed to absorb the light, but for that which gleamed on his long braided hair or glinted off his fangs, and his sapphire eyes burning from the depths of shadow on his pale face.
For a long moment they stood, simply studying each other in silent wonder. Then, Duo's nose twitched and he snapped his head round to glare in the direction of a startled gasp from amongst the trees. Quatre followed his gaze in bewilderment, having heard nothing.
Hesitating on the edge of the clearing, a young girl met their stares with an awestruck gaze, subconsciously tidying herself up for the eminent beings before her.
'Mariemaia', uttered Quatre, surprised, recognising her to be the adventuresome child who dwelt in a remote cottage on the edge of the forest. As if hearing her name gave her confidence, she stepped forward, studying them intently. Finally, she smiled, pointing at Quatre with a gleam in her eyes,
'Ooh, you're going to be in so much trouble when God finds out,' she crowed delightedly, giggling as she scuttled off into the forest. The two friends gazed after her in stunned silence, then, at last, Duo began to chuckle, a resonant sound, complimented by the higher, melodic laughter of his friend, like so many little silver bells.
When they finally regained their composure, the Angel smiled sadly at Duo, whose mirth had caused him to lean rather heavily on Quatre. He seemed reluctant to let go.
'She did have a point, I fear.' Duo drew back, confused, clasping his friend's shoulders with both hands as he held the Angel's azure gaze,
'What do you mean?' Gently, Quatre removed the hands from his shoulders and lowered them to the devil's sides, where he held them a moment longer before releasing them and stepping back, his eyes never leaving those of his companion.
'My absence would be noted, and the cause, if discovered, greatly disapproved of.'
'There're tons of you up there; they'd never know…' Duo countered hopefully.
'They would know' the Angel assured him 'and if they got to know of you, the consequences could be dire.'
'Why? If He's so accepting then why can't you befriend who you choose? Y'know, you might even have a good influence on me.'
'They do not know you as I do. They do not see the good heart you have inside,' Quatre replied gravely, privately wishing that Duo could let it drop for once. Parting with the young devil became more difficult each time, but, as much as Quatre desired to stay, to do so would be to put himself, and more importantly his dear friend, at great risk. Duo stepped towards him again, pasting a hopeful grin onto his face.
'Do I at least get a kiss goodbye?' He already knew what his noble friend's answer would be. Quatre winced visibly and turned away; this was becoming more than he could bear, but he was startled by the faint bitterness he heard in his own voice as he replied, struggling to keep his voice steady.
'You know that is not possible; it would be to defy providence itself.'
'All the more fun' Duo quipped, though he knew his efforts were in vain. The Angel glanced back over his shoulder, smiling sorrowfully once more, before fading.
Duo threw up his hands in exasperation, muttering a few words he knew his companion would have disapproved of, then turned and walked purposefully towards a tree where he, likewise, promptly vanished.
First chapter complete! I hope it makes sense; I wrote it whilst ill and sleepless. I am quite pleased with it though. Please review and tell me your opinions. Farewell for now. -Rose
