At the end of the recent Holy War, Kanon was surprised to find himself alive and accepted by the people of the Sanctuary.
He mused that it couldn't be merely because he was a Gold Saint. Afterall one of the conditions of the new truce that Athena and Hades had agreed on was the revival of her Gold Saints. So there was no shortage of Gold Saints at the moment.
Kanon knew this since he had been the one who assisted Athena with the treaty negotiations.
He wonder was it due to the fact that he had made it out alive despite that last desperate attack on Rhadamanthys.
Just moments before Kanon thought he was a goner, he woke up on the surface with the bronze saints when Athena brought her surviving saints back to Earth with her.
However, Kanon knew that he had a lot to make up for the misery that all his years of plotting had caused. His suggestion to Athena to demand the revival of her Gold Saints was but a small part on his road to making amendments.
Therefore when he was summoned to the inner audience chamber of the Sanctuary months later, Kanon has assumed that Athena has decided it was time her wayward Gemini received his punishment.
However, his goddess appeared to have other ideas for his future.
He had entered the audience chambers with the thought that today would be his day of Reckoning. Every step that echoed sounded ominous to his ears. Now however, Kanon wondered if he had fallen prey to Ikki's Phoenix Illusion Demoniac Fist again.
After all, the bizarre proclamation he heard made him question his sanity. Words escaped his lips before he could stop himself.
'I, I beg your pardon Lady Athena but did you say…'
Saori smiled benevolently down from her seat upon the throne.
'Gemini Kanon, I am sorry to impose this upon you so soon before your injuries from the Holy WAar are fully healed but I must insist.'
'Lady Athena, I do not mean to sound ungrateful however surely the others will object~!'
A heavy sigh drew Kanon's attention to the figure besides his goddess. For his part, Shion stood forward. The old Pope had been revived in his advanced age, (Hades would only give so much leeway) now looked all his years as he spoke.
'Are you rejecting her Ladyship's decision Kanon?'
Kanon quickly denied. 'No! It's just that…'
Shion swiftly cut in. 'In that case, there is no issue. Now, Gemini Gold Saint Kanon, heed Athena's decree! From this day onwards, you are appointed the rank of Cardinal and a candidate for the seat of Pope of Athena.'
Shion's eyes narrowed on the younger Saint as he stressed his next words. 'Do NOT disappoint her.'
Well, if the old man put it that way; there was no way to object without insulting his goddess was there.
Kanon bowed his head low, humbled. 'I understand'