Standard Disclaimers apply (meaning I'm too lazy to type it)… Okay, fine, here it is: Of course, I disclaim anything about owning Gundam Wing and characters, nor the myth written about a 1,000 years ago, and I won't receive a cent, so everyone's happy, so there!

Pomona and Vertumnus

(Gundam Wing Style)

By Ninetails

Part 2: Rascal and Seraph

Duo loved anything growing in soil. That was about all he was good at: letting plants grow; he had the greenest of thumbs. Once, when a heavy drought overcame the land, his garden was the only one that flourished.

Quatre, his younger brother, was his only companion. Their parents were dead since their childhood so they had to work to live at an early age. Duo had noticeable glorious chestnut hair that reached to his knees, but was always tied up in a braid. His most noticeable feature though was his brilliant dark lilac eyes that always sparkle with mischief.

His younger brother had a more gentle stature, and he was loved by everyone, as guaranteed by his delicate features. He had silky blonde locks that glistened under the sun and the bluest of blue eyes. Life was a bit unadorned for his brother and him so he always kept an animated attitude.

He knew of rumors spread by villagers of a garden in the middle of the deep forest, which was said to be the most beautiful one in the world. It is also rumored to be tended by a cold-hearted bastard who never shared his garden's blessings with anyone, and his brother, a silent type who tended the animals of the forest. He longed to take a look at this mythical garden but was strongly discouraged by his brother, who said that it was too deep in the forest.

The mysterious brothers were also said to be sons of a wood nymph with holy Apollo, and were of exceptional beauty. Duo was a bit intrigued, especially with the garden, but just shrugged it off. 'Hmm, Quatre's taking a bit long with the water again…'

"QUATRE! Where are you! Don't you dare talk to those blasted animals again or you're sure going to get it! I sound like a henpecked mom, sheesh! QUATRE! I need water and I need it NOW!"

One more thing to note about Duo. When he yells, the whole village could probably hear him.

A few meters off, Quatre winced at the earsplitting hullabaloo. He sighed and quickened his pace, stopping one last time to pat a timid fox and caress its slightly wet nose. Another ear-jangling shout and he lost all dignity and rushed to the cottage.

"Gods, Duo, can't a guy take a walk?" asked the exasperated Quatre.

"Yes. But you see, I'm in desperate need of water. My beautiful plants are thirsty, can't you see them, gasping for water? I'm sure you don't want to starve tonight so you'd better do as I told. Besides I'm older than you so I could boss you around whether you like it or not," was Duo's rather peeved retort.

At Quatre's slightly-raised eyebrow, he said, "Okay, okay, I was just kidding. What took you so long? Oh, never mind. I know. Some cute, little furry creature caught your undivided attention…again. Tsk, tsk, I should've known."

"Duo, I'm always amazed at how you can talk so much without losing your breath! I'm sorry, I just got a little distracted…" At Duo's inquiring look, he said, "I saw a particularly beautiful specie of lark. Here, water the plants now. I'm going inside to prepare the meat," with a sweet smile for his adored brother, Quatre went inside the cottage to perform his everyday domestic duties.

With a fond look at his brother's back, Duo picked up a bucket and proceeded to water his plants.

TBC

Author's Notes

Um, gomen for updating this fic just now. I'm kinda working on another Gundam Wing fic and it's taking most of my time. Two more (short) chapters to go. So sorry for the shortness of this one; the myth of Pomona and Vertumnus is a rather short one too and it was a struggle to lengthen it, but hopefully, I didn't exploit the said myth… much.