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"The Bulwark Contingency"Written By: t-shirt Disclaimer: Gundam Wing and its characters are
copyright to Sunrise, Bandai, Sotsu Agency, and associated parties.
I make no money with this fic. Rating: NC 17 Warnings: AU/Fantasy, Fluff, angst, sap…again,
TONS of sap! I can’t even convey the sappiness contained herein… you
might want waders O.o gloves at the very least. Mention of lemon Pairings: 1x2, 3x4, 5+2+ or … something… maybe
a little 5-1? rofl! Summary: Disturbing dreams lead a restless warrior on the adventure of a lifetime. Beta’ed by Mechante Fille ^-^ Art links: http://usera.imagecave.com/t-shirt/fanart/d_sketch_elf.jpg http://usera.imagecave.com/t-shirt/fanart/h_sketch_6_cg_mergjrevis.jpg
"The Bulwark Contingency" Ch 4 When he stepped into view of his charge his feet stopped dead in their tracks when he saw that Trowa was laying on top of the blond gently kissing him. His groin tensed as images of what he had wanted so badly to do with Duo assaulted his mind and he was fully prepared to turn around and walk away when Quatre’s quiet laugh beckoned him to stay. “You’re timing is superb,” the blond chuckled merrily into the disgruntled eyes of his lover. “Have you a time limit?” Hiiro asked cursing his lack of knowledge about the mission at hand. “Tomorrow,” Trowa replied in a tone so thick with alternate meaning it hurt Hiiro’s heart just to hear him speak. “We must end this before the black moon rises,” Quatre added but his gaze was intent on Trowa’s eyes and Hiiro knew his words were only half meant for his benefit. “I think it’s time I knew the details of your task,” the warrior surmised. “Perhaps it’s time you did your job instead of spending your time seducing unwary elves,” Wufei cut in changing from phoenix to man just before he hit the ground. Trowa’s gaze snapped indignantly to glare at Hiiro before Quatre drew his attention away and shook his head knowingly. His lover seemed unhappy with the fact that the blond had obviously been less than forthcoming with certain information but relented with nothing more than a small sigh of resignation. “What is the task?” Hiiro persisted. “I suggest you educate him on the road,” the Chinese boy cut in. “We have a long way to go and the pass is perilous with fallen rock.” “Can we get through?” Quatre asked allowing Trowa to help him to his feet. “I could carry you across one by one,” the changeling replied. “But the horses and this cur are on their own.” “Let him make his own choice!” Hiiro snapped. “One that would leave his beauteous form laying in your decrepit arms when death comes to claim you!?” Wufei spat vehemently. “You could not possibly understand what you are asking of him!” “Stop it,” Duo commanded firmly strolling into the clearing. “Leave him alone.” “Leave him behind,” Wufei countered. “I started it,” the elf sighed. “Whatever hardship comes of it is a result of my own sin so stop blaming Hiiro.” “Then he should have rejected you,” the changeling grumbled but Duo only offered a quite… “He did,” before turning his attention to Quatre and Trowa. “It is as he claims,” he informed them. “The pass has fallen victim to many rock slides during this past winter but I’ve found a way through.” Quatre smiled gently, an expression conveying much more than his pleasure over Duo’s expert findings as he asked, “Will the horses make it through?” “No,” the elf explained helping to hand the blond up into Trowa’s arms where he already sat on their mount. “But the journey is only a half day on foot after the pass. We’ll make it.” “Was there any sign of the men who attacked us before?” Hiiro asked but it was Quatre who answered. “The Maguanac’s will not attempt another extraction before our arrival.” Trowa’s tone was as coy as his eyes as he smirked, spurred their horse forward and added, “They’re not fools.” The claim didn’t seem to comfort Hiiro much as he turned a sharp eye on Wufei. “I have sworn my life,” the changeling spat already sprouting fire orange feathers. “If there is any sign of danger from above you will hear my warning,” he promised shouting back in his phoenixes cry as he took to the air. “See that you’re not so preoccupied with gazing into Duo’s eyes that you pay it no heed!” “Will he keep his word?” Hiiro asked pulling himself into the saddle. “Even if it meant his life,” Duo assured him smiling when the warrior offered his hand. Hiiro returned the expression as he pulled him up to sit behind him and joined their companions on the road. He waited until they had put some distance behind them and each was comfortable with the progression of their journey before falling back far enough that they could speak in private. “Our destination is the Valley of Shadows,” he began. “You’re very perceptive,” Duo chuckled. “It is where we shall fine the…” “Well of Souls,” Hiiro concluded grinning in satisfaction when Duo laughed again and tightened his embrace around Hiiro’s waist. “I see not all the tales of old have lost the vein of truth.” “Humans don’t really believe in them anymore.” “That’s only because they don’t live long enough to understand,” Duo explained then fell sadly quite for a time. “I understand that Quatre is no ordinary human,” Hiiro prompted. “He is the most gifted cognitive I have ever known. His visions are remarkably accurate.” “He has a wise and gentle soul.” “It has won him the loyalty and friendship of an entire race,” Duo smiled fondly as he gazed at the back of the blondes head. “Is he your leader then?” “No,” the elf snorted but the mirth drained away before he explained. “He is our messiah.” Hiiro took a moment to let that information soak in, his knowledge of other religions bringing his next question into painfully sharp focus. “What is his task?” “He will renew the ancient contract with the demon.” “Shinigami,” the warrior whispered uncertainly. “You don’t believe in the God of Death?” Duo chuckled. “Not until this moment,” Hiiro confessed. “But how will he reason with a demon?” “Long ago,” Duo explained. “Before the good Queen Elandra’s insanity Shinigami would come for our kind as readily as any humans.” “But she bargained with the demon for immortality,” Hiiro supplied. “At the cost of human souls.” “The legend claims that she gave her own in repentance earning the elves longevity,” Hiiro went on. “Shinigami was satisfied,” Duo enlightened him. “His demands where met with the deliverance of not only the human souls he craved but a multitude of elves as well. However, Elandra refused his gift in her sorrow so he took her soul and bestowed a small amount of what she had sold it for on the remainder of her race out of sheer spite.” “Do you resent the gift?” Hiiro asked. “No,” the elf smiled. “We cherish every decade of our lives and think of Elandra as our deliverer but our longevity has set us apart from the rest of the world and that can sometimes be… difficult.” “Without the contract,” Hiiro wondered as he gazed at the couple ahead of them. “What will happen to your people?” “They will return to the way it was before the injunction. The agreement will be nullified and Shinigami will return for us at the end of a normal lifespan.” “Wufei,” Hiiro whispered feeling an aching in his chest as he thought of the changeling. How quickly did a hundred years pass for him? How many loved ones had he buried in the past? How would he survive without the companionship of the elves? “You’re insight serves you well,” Duo smiled holding him tight. “Duo!” They both turned toward the sky in response to Wufei’s call and Hiiro shifted to allow the elf to stand on the horses haunch as the changeling swooped down to pluck him up. “We’ll rejoin you before the pass!” the elf called back. “Do nothing till you hear from us!” Hiiro watched until they were out of sight feeling a great sadness seep into his skin. Of all the creatures he had ever heard tale of, the changeling had to be the most tragic of them all. His heart went out to him, his uncertainty of his right to claim Duo as his own growing stronger with each step that drew him closer to his companions. It was with a heavy heart gripped in confusion and pain that he was forced to listen to Trowa’s words. “You should abandon him,” the slender elf advised bringing a sorrowful shadow to his lover’s eyes. “Release him before it’s too late.” “That time is past,” Quatre sighed gently. “He may still be saved,” Trowa countered. “How?” Hiiro questioned knowing full well he wasn’t going to like the answer. His face paled as he swallowed the bile that rose in his throat and forced stinging tears to retreat upon Trowa’s advice. “Make you’re rejection clear. He is not alone and those that love him will help him heal but you must make your rejection perfectly clear.” “Trowa,” Quatre whispered burying his face in his lover’s chest. “He will live,” the elf reminded him pulling him close. “And your sacrifice will not be in vain.” Hiiro rode silently beside them for a time, his efforts to regain his center wavering under the sudden epiphany playing along the edges of his mind. “You have no intention of bargaining with the demon,” he finally commented. “We must pay his price,” Trowa replied. “Why him?” the warrior asked in a tone tight with frustration and pain. “Because he is human?” “A willing sacrifice,” Quatre quietly intoned. “It all began with the deliverance of human souls.” “And I am an elf,” Trowa added turning the blondes tear stained face up to meet his gaze. “The quickening agent of an ancient accord.” “Then why did you tell me I could save you!?” Hiiro snapped. “Why bring me along if all I could do was ruin Duo’s life and watch you die!?” “We never asked you to save us,” Quatre quietly replied. “Only to see that the task is completed.” “But Duo will live on,” Trowa reminded him. “How well he lives may be entirely up to you.” Hiiro reined in and put some distance between them again. The conversation had left him ill at ease and more uncertain of his path than he had ever been so he left them their privacy to speak whatever words were spoken between doomed hearts. He thought about Duo and what he would suffer should he pursue his feelings for him, he thought about Wufei and what he could offer and considered the demons demand before they were forced to stop by a large fall of rocks that barred their path. He was just considering climbing to the top to have a look around when Duo popped up from behind the topmost boulder and grinned down at them. “Good afternoon, Gentlemen!” the elf smiled waving happily and though Hiiro was most pleased to see a gleeful expression on his face he couldn’t help but wonder how it had been achieved. “If you will pack a light bag and gather at the base there,” Duo instructed indicating the place, “We have secured a rope,” he explained tossing said rope into the air. Hiiro moved forward and caught it before it hit the ground feeling unusually light headed when the action brought a bright smile to Duo’s lips. “I hope you don’t mind setting your mount free,” the elf called to him. “There is no way through on hoof!” “He was born wild,” Hiiro called back dismounting with the others. “Then you can pick him up on the way back!” The longhaired elf’s jovial mood was infectious and lightened the hearts of them all as they prepared to climb. The horses were set free and what goods that could be carried packed and secured and Hiiro was standing ready when Quatre came to take the rope but Duo called from the summit. “Stand away! It’ll be a quick trip to the top!” Trowa and Hiiro did as they were bade standing away while the blond wrapped his wrist firmly, signaled his readiness and was suddenly rocketing upward. Trowa was next and then Hiiro who smiled in appreciation when his suspicions of a counter weight were confirmed. Wufei was waiting at the bottom of the next drop unfastening the rope from the last of the weights then catching them one by one as they descended. Duo was last and was born to the top of the next boulder on flaming wings and the whole exercise began again. It took nearly seven hours to make their way through the pass leaving them all exhausted and more than ready for a nights rest when they emerged from the other side. More than once Hiiro had tossed a scornful glance at the changeling in reprimand for forcing them to work so hard but he was utterly unrepentant in his decision making sure Hiiro, the only truly human one in the company never touched his skin. Wufei and Duo had already chosen a sight for their camp and supplied it with firewood that Wufei easily set aflame. Fish rolls were heated, sweet bread toasted in the flames and sweet elderberry wine shared in celebration of the joining of Quatre and Trowa’s hearts before the couple retired to a small cave Duo had reserved for their use alone. “Did you find the Tedderwood?” Duo asked their Chinese companion once the couple had disappeared. “Two pounds of it,” Wufei chuckled deviously. “They may not live till tomorrow,” the elf laughed tossing a fishbone at him. “What is Tedderwood?” Hiiro inquired. “A herb that secretes an aphrodisiac aroma,” Duo grinned. “They hardly seem to need any stimulation,” Hiiro chuckled. “It is their last night together,” Wufei solemnly intoned. “Duo made sure it would be wonderful.” “There’s more?” the warrior smiled. “Took two hours to find the nest of firelights that will light the cavern walls tonight,” Duo smiled. “And I had been saving the Merlian oil for… some years,” Wufei added evasively. Hiiro thought about it but couldn’t recall having ever heard of it before. “The oil is extracted from the new born buds of the Merlian flower. There are only two fields of the bloom that exist and no more than a drop of oil in each one.” “They only bloom every seven years,” Wufei added. “Took me some time to gather enough to be of any use.” “And you gave it to them?” Hiiro wondered. “Without regret?” “I would take their place right now if I could,” the changeling assured him. “But I wouldn’t expect you to understand,” he grumbled rising to his feet as he added, “Life is for those who live,” before slipping into the form of a black wolf and disappearing into the dark. “I think he likes you,” Duo chuckled. “If that is affection,” Hiiro snorted, “Remind me never to piss him off.” “He’s not so bad once you get to know him,” the elf smiled taking a long draw from his glass of wine. “I dare not anticipate his friendship when I have apparently stolen the heart of his lover,” Hiiro commenting rising up in alarm when Duo choked and spit wine across the fire. “Lover!?” the elf laughed as tears puddled in his eyes, his hand gripping Hiiro’s forearm to steady himself as he sucked for air. “What do you take me for?” he rasped in high amusement. “He…. I thought…” “He’s a completely different species!” Duo chortled swallowing some more wine to clear his throat. “Neither elf nor human. Hell, I don’t think he even remembers what his true form is. Don’t be absurd.” “Then you…” Hiiro began feeling oddly elated by the news. “Hiiro,” Duo smiled inching closer. “I am to my kin no older than you are to yours,” he told him and Hiiro swallowed and wet his lips in anticipation as he drew nearer, the thrill steadily growing in his stomach lurching up to wash through his chest when Duo smiled and confessed, “I have never known a lover.” “But he seems so…” Hiiro began again but Duo’s mouth was so close he was having trouble organizing his thoughts. “He loves me,” the elf smiled temptingly shifting his body closer as he added, “He is my… best friend.” “I would like to be his friend.” “That would be nice,” Duo breathed softly along his lips. “Duo?” “Hm?” “If you value your virtue I would advise a retreat.” Duo’s mouth curled playfully as he pressed his body more firmly to Hiiro’s side and inquired, “And… if not?” Hiiro snatched him up, spun him around and laid him on his bedding beneath him all in one smooth motion that left the elf bright eyed and breathless as he smiled down on him and replied, “Then I shall take it as my own.” Duo returned the expression wrapping long arms around the warrior’s neck as he opened his mouth, his body and his heart. There was a time when Hiiro wondered about the couple in the cave and the depth of feeling they must have shared to commit so utterly to each other but he knew as he joined with the beautiful elf that no matter where he was or what came to pass he would forever be connected to him. He would carry a piece of him in his heart always and understood that Duo felt the same as he cherished him that night. Before dawn they had formed a union unbreakable by time, a bond forged of irrevocable truths and softly spoken declarations of love. So sweetly had the reckoning been accomplished that the suns first rays seemed harsh and unwelcome as they brought with them the inescapable reality that their companions would not see another night. “Duo?” Hiiro spoke softly as he held the sated elf warmly against his naked chest. “Hm?” Duo sighed. “When I die,” the warrior began wistfully but Duo lifted up and touched his fingers to his lips. “Let’s dwell on the living for the moment,” he smiled kissing him gently but Hiiro was intent on speaking his mind. “Live happily,” he told him. “I don’t want you to die with me,” he said softly cupping his lovers face. “I want to leave this world knowing you will live a long, happy life.” Duo smiled quietly lying his head down on Hiiro’s chest before he asked, “Would your life be happy if I were suddenly gone?” “You could still find another.” “There is no other,” the elf grumbled. “But you can’t know that,” Hiiro countered. “Where is this coming from?” Duo suddenly asked pushing away from him. “You’ll out live me by a few hundred years,” his lover reminded him. “I can’t stand the thought of taking that away from you.” “You should have thought of that before,” the elf snipped pulling on his tunic. “You said it was already too late!” Hiiro reminded him anxiously. “I was prepared to accept your loss,” Duo told him jerking his pants on as he spoke. “Even though I knew I’d never get you out of my heart but then you came to me! If you weren’t serious then you shouldn’t have claimed what you didn’t intend to keep!” “Duo… I…” “Good morning,” Wufei smiled stepping from behind a tree. “Fuck you,” Duo snapped widening his grin ten fold. “Have you scouted the trail ahead?” the elf demanded hastily gathering his things. “Hai,” the Chinese boy nodded tossing a most satisfied glance Hiiro’s way. “Though it would have been easier if you had been available to help.” “How about you shove it sideways and we just get on with it?” the elf growled. “Isn’t that why you were unavailUFF!” the changeling huffed doubling over when Duo slammed him in the stomach with a bundle of gear as he passed but his grin remained intact as he limped off after his departing friend and smiled at the dumbfounded Hiiro. “Your rejection should have been clear,” Trowa’s soft tone interjected into the mire that had overtaken the warrior’s brain. Hiiro turned to find him standing quietly nearby looking oddly incomplete without the blond by his side. “It would be a lie,” he reasoned. “Do you know why Quatre cries?” Trowa asked moving forward while Hiiro pondered the question. There were many obvious answers but he knew the elf was digging for something deeper. “He cries for me.” “Then why wont you give him what he wants?” “Because it doesn’t exist.” Hiiro started to argue the point but then stopped to consider the statement. “There is no life without him,” Trowa clarified. “When he dies, a part of me dies with him. That is inevitable. What you have given Duo is an even exchange. He is a part of you now; there is no restitution.” His words rang true and settled in Hiiro’s chest next to the pain that had already rooted itself to his soul. What misery did the elf endure on his quest? For how long had he loved the kind hearted blond and how could Hiiro face a lifetime of knowing he would eventually break his lover’s heart? Quatre emerged before he found anything to say and gently urged them onward. Hiiro was aware that the blond had to have heard their conversation but he said nothing only staying close to Trowa as was their way. Duo and Wufei rejoined them before the noon sun crested overhead signaling their eminent arrival in the Valley of Shadows. ~ * ~ tbc... |
