Once a Lifetime: Beginning
By: Nuriko & Jess
Disclaimer: Gundam Wing and its characters don't belong to me. Nor does the WISH story line, which inspired the beginning of this story. We write only for fun, so please don't sue.
You'd think that an angel's life would be easy. You'd think that because of their very nature they would have no problems at all or that they simply were granted perfect lives where the only thing they required to be happy is simply... exist.
If that's the case, then you'd be sadly disappointed to find out our truth. We are just as miserable as humans if not more so. At least humans live a short life, and die. If they choose to be reborn, then the troubles of their past lives are over and done with and they get to start off with a clean slate. Those who choose to stay in heaven end up in a surreal existence. Their souls are stored by God and they get to live the rest of eternity in the happiest, most sickeningly sugary dream their feeble little minds can come up with.
If only angels were given the same treatment.
I am perhaps the iciest, cynical angel in the heavens. Why? Maybe its because we were created with the intent that we would be loyal slaves to God. Humans, though imperfect and granted short, meaningless life spans have one thing we angels do not: Freedom. This is where my malcontent started, and it is that which keeps me from smiling.
How can I be happy when everything I do is out of servitude to God? I'm not saying I'd like to disobey him, no that's not it. I just don't like the notion of eternal servitude. At least humans have a choice.
How ironic is it that the most unhappy angel holds one of the highest positions in the heavens? That's right. I am the "Perfect Angel". I do what I'm told but that doesn't mean I like it. I am Heero, Angel Master of Wind and the most powerful angel in existence, but I can't help but feel something is missing.
I sigh as I make my way to the bridge where the annual meeting with the daemons occurs. At first, I thought this place beautiful, but now it's dull. Everything is dull now. Perhaps that's why I don't smile any more. There's just no reason for me to live. Too bad angels can't commit suicide.
I see my peers coming to join me but I pay them no mind. First comes that little angel, Quatre. He's easily the sweetest of the Angel Masters, the Angel Master of Earth. For some reason, I get the feeling that sometimes he can sense what others feel. Maybe it's just because he's so perceptive, or maybe it's because he has an extra gift that the rest of us don't share. I never really cared enough to find out, and I still don't.
Next comes Wufei, Angel Master of Fire. Of all the angels, I think he and I are the most alike. Where I'm quiet and brooding, he's temperamental and fierce. His malcontent with the universe is the perverse sense of justice that God has. He also finds it unfair that humans with all their follies get to ultimately decide what they want for themselves. He calls it favoritism and that humans should count themselves lucky to be in such good graces with the almighty even if they don't deserve it. I can't help but agree.
My attention is caught by that daemon, Trowa. He's somewhere in Kokuyo's family.
I believe he's Kokuyo's nephew. Unlike most other daemons, he has bright green eyes, quite an oddity for them. As usual, he makes his way to Quatre and they begin talking. It's good to know that we don't jump at each other's throats, after all, daemons were once angels too. Or at least, the oldest ones were. Maybe I would have been happier as a daemon. At least they're already damned and there's not much more you can do to get on Satan's bad side.
"Heero!!" Damn that shrill voice.
I notice everyone cringes at the sound, I don't blame them. Finally the last Angel Master, Relena has decided to grace us with her presence. Unlike the rest of us, her wings- her general angelic glow has dulled. She likes to immerse herself in carnal pleasures with other angels and sleeping humans alike. The only reason her indiscretions haven't cost Relena her position is because there are no other angels who could replace her. Angel Master of Water, what a joke. Personally, I have a theory that she sleeps with His Glory himself. But then again, that's just speculation. I'd need hard proof to accuse her of that, and even if it was true, he's God, he can do what he wants!
The disgusting being is now trying to drape herself all over me, but I take my seat at the head angel chair, effectively providing space between us. I look around at our little group and notice something- or should I say someone- missing.
"Where is Kokuyo? He's never late," I question, I don't like to be kept waiting and furthermore, I don't like not knowing what's going on.
"As you recall, Kokuyo is retiring soon. His son, Duo, shall be taking his place. Kokuyo believes his son is ready for the responsibility. In addition, he wants to spend time with his wife, Hisui." It is the daemon, Trowa that answers me. I nod my assent and notice idly as Quatre smiles softly at him. It seems Trowa handles detail duty very well. At least this Duo would have some help.
"I think its sweet he wished time with the one he loves," Quatre says in a soft, kind tone. Just like him to look at the bright side; He is very understanding.
"I think the same thing," A new voice startles me. I don't like being startled. A figure steps out of the shadows on the other side of the bridge, odd wings out behind him. He is the oddest daemon I've ever laid eyes on. He is truly...magnificent. I can't help but stare at this creature. Unlike most daemons, he has bat wings and a long rope of chestnut hair braided down his back. Surprisingly, he's wearing a priest's collar which is a shock since they're supposed to be against the human institution of church since it gives them a bad name. But most stunning of all, are his eyes. They are the color of the purest,
most brilliant amethysts in creation, the likes never seen since the Garden of Eden. He is just incredible.
I notice as Quatre's bright eyes widen at the sight of him while Wufei and Relena's jaws drop open. Trowa is apparently used to the sight of him and simply graces him with an encouraging smile. I can't help but raise an eyebrow in his direction. Is he really a daemon? He looks more like an angel than a daemon. I don't like being surprised or caught off guard, but he is unique, after all.
"Duo-sama, forgive my rudeness toward your appearance. I simply didn't realize you were there," Quatre says quickly, masking his surprise. Ever quick to diffuse a situation, he naturally took the role of peacemaker.
"No need for apologies, or such formality. Father allowed you to call him by his name and I'd like to allow the same," says the new comer.
"Of course, Duo, thank you," Quatre answers him with another smile. My interest is piqued when I see this daemon answer Quatre's angelic smile with one of his own. All three of my companions share a surprised look but I ignore it. This...heavenly daemon is looking right at me with a mischievous sparkle in his amazing eyes. I try to be the iceberg that I am, but he seems to see through me.
"Shall we get to business?" Trowa questions his tone humorous. Why is he amused?
Is it because we're surprised to see such an odd looking daemon?
"Of course," Duo said. I silently agree, looking foreword to many more meetings where I could see my Heavenly Daemon Duo.
(Years into the future)
We've spent years together, Duo and I, and it was quite amusing to find out that Duo thought he'd die if he ever saw daylight. He'd go and visit a priest almost every day, which surprised me not only because going into a church didn't phase Duo, but by the fact that the priest either didn't mind or didn't know that Duo was a daemon. He has a smile for everyone and I can't help but wonder how I existed for so long with out him. In all my years of being an angel, I had never come across a person (angelic or otherwise) that could make me smile and even laugh. He is truly a find. If only he weren't a daemon!
I've fallen for him, even more than I ever believed I could come to care for someone. Relena chased after me with a single-mindedness that knew no bounds, but I've always been there for Duo when he needed me. After all, he wasn't strong enough to be his normal self in the light. It took hundreds of years to do that. I had to take care of my little Chibi-Duo. No wonder he made me laugh. I'm not immune to his child-like innocence and charm. I wish I could tell him how I feel. No. I WILL tell him, tonight. When we meet at the park we've both come to love.
I arrive with a gust of wind; I can't help the dramatics. He likes them, so I indulge him. He's sitting on a rock but gets up and walks to me when I make my appearance. For some reason he looks shy and nervous. What could have possibly happened to have my Duo so off balance?
"Heero, there's something I have to tell you. I don't want you to think differently of me after I tell you. I just need you to know." He looks so scared. As if what he has to tell me could shatter him. I don't want him to be so afraid and I want to tell him so, but my words come out sharper than I intended.
"Duo, you're beating around the bush. What is it already? You know you can tell me anything." He takes a deep breath and I look at those expressive amethyst eyes that have captured my heart.
"I've fallen in love with you. I've known since the first time I saw you, but it's grown for you over the years we've gotten to know each other." I'm frozen at his revelation. I didn't expect him to say this to me. This was what I'd come to tell him and here he was echoing my feelings. I can't help it. I pull him into a hug and kiss him with all I have in me. He is perfect. Those sweet lips give into mine and I feel like I'm back in heaven... only everything is different.
This is a heaven I had only dreamed of. I've never felt so good in my long existence.
A sudden screech breaks us apart; his violet eyes go wide. Relena is standing a few feet from us, her eyes glaring daggers at my Duo.
"How could you!? You've passed me over for him?! A daemon in place of an Angel Master?"
"I've never wanted you, Relena. I've loved Duo since the day I first saw his smile. Nothing will change that," I said, rather coolly, I might add. Relena glares daggers at both of us now and vanishes in a circle of water. Neither of us wonders about what she is going to do. Everyone knows God and Satan are firmly against what we've done. Punishment won't be as kind now as it has been in the past. Duo's parents are the only ones to have gotten off easy enough but if the case were ever repeated, the consequences would be dire indeed.
It doesn't take long for us to find out our punishment. Seeing as both God and Satan had foreseen this, they made a deal. We are going to spend lifetimes trying to find each other. Duo would remember us, but I would be left in the dark. We are soul mates but it will be up to him to bring us together. How ironic that I spent most of my eternity wishing to be human and now I will be. I'm worried though, if Duo doesn't find me, we'll both be lost forever.
Only when things mirrored our true lives would we get a chance to remain together forever in true happiness. Otherwise, we would loose each other within a year of finding the other. Neither of us would know how to break the cycle, and I hugged Duo one last time. Our punishment is great, but our love is greater.
"I love you, Koi." I tell him just as the spell is being recited for us to become human and forget about all this. "Don't give up on me."
He wraps his arms and wings around me, holding me close. "I'll find you. I'll find you over and over and over again until the cycle is broken. Remember me in your dreams. I love you."
I kiss him one last time. A bright light engulfs my vision and I can't feel him any more...Duo....