Welcome! To second arc of Saint Tenma… wow! Before new year too… I thought I would forget this story at some point, but hey! This is one of my very first baby in this site!

So! Without anymore delay! Enjoy!

Prologue: A farce like war…

It was a beautiful twilight sky, the roof of the word painted in myriad of color from red, orange and blue. The surface of sacred temple of lion dyed by the light, every contour of age became pronounced before their very eyes. Reminding them that these temples they guarded had existed since the age of Gods. Every time the tip of their finger brushed against the coarse surface they felt connected with time and tradition; through marks of touch they shook hands of countless generations of Athena's saints that had departed the world before them.

This was especially true to highest ranked saints of Athena, the gold saints.

"Your determination wouldn't change, would you? Tenma?"

Tenma, the Pegasus saint looked up to his brother in arms, "Yes."

"This is crazy, stop it! Are you ignoring your brother and mentor's order?"

Brown eyes closed, his expression pained. "Even if it's your order as my superior, brother and mentor… I will disobey you! It's for your own good! Aiolia! Milo!"

"You're serious!" Milo snarled, "In that case, I will stop you! No matter what happens!"

The Pegasus saint cracked one eye open, "Even so, my decision wouldn't change!" And with that he raised the jar on his hand and-

"STOP IT!" The two gold saints shouted in agony. "Don't do it! Tenma!"

GLUP! BLOP! BLOP! POUR! He poured the purified water onto larger jug filled with burgundy liquid.

"Don't put water on our wine, TENMAAAAAAAAAA!" They howled in despair.

Tenma ignored them, at thirteen years old he was getting very good at it. "No can do!"

"We're twenty! We deserve undiluted wine!" Milo wept.

"You two are both terrible drunk, and so… no pure wine allowed in twelve temples!" Tenma declared as he mixed the wine with water.

Camus who had poured himself some nodded. "Besides, I have explained to you… thinning pure wine with water is a normal tradition since ancient time in Greece."

"I am a modern man! I don't care what our ancestors did, Camus!"

Tenma huffed, "You two can't drink responsibly to save your live, so no pure wine for you…"

"Isn't it just sad, our youngest is more responsible than you two…" Aphrodite drawled on, cutting a piece of Baklava for himself with fork. "Hm… this is really good! Miss Lithos."

Lithos, one of Aiolia's servants beamed. "Thank you Lord Aphrodite! I did my best." She had cooked dolmades, grape's leaf rolled with minced meat. Musakka, eggplant, potato and roasted meat. Tzatkki, plain Greek yogurt with pita bread.

Aiolia groaned, sipping the diluted wine. "At least you didn't mix up salt for sugar this time…" His tongue was still feeling phantom numbness from spicy baklava, traditional Greek pie Lithos cooked for him years ago,. "In the first place, it's Milo's fault to challenge me to a drinking match last time!" Which led to a mad drinking night.

"What did you say?! You damned ornery cat?!"

"What did you say, Arthropod?!"

"Shut up! You two!" Tenma howled, "I am enjoying my meal, and this supposed to be my party!"

That silenced them both, after the wine fiasco they almost forgot why they had a feast in Aiolia's front yard in the first place. At last after a long training, the time has come for Tenma to start his first big mission. Galaxian war, the tournament held in Tokyo by Kido corps. The tournament itself was not a problem, if only the participants weren't bronze saints Kido sent years ago to win sacred cloth of saint, their supposed comrades.

It was a heresy, to use the cloth for their personal gain, to fight not in the name of justice and Athena. If that was enough, the prize of the tournament was Sagittarius Gold cloth.

"Is it the biggest problem?" Tenma asked after the feast to Shaka, as the Virgo saint led the younger saint to his temple. "They handed the gold cloth over as a prize like that… or was it the publicity?"

Shaka inhaled softly, "Are you aware most people is under assumption you're to be prepared as the next Sagittarius saint?"

Tenma nodded, "And they're wrong…" He said without hesitation, "This bronze cloth I'm wearing now… it's mine, always is…" He always felt that way, it was strange that to him regardless of what everyone said, he was meant to be Pegasus saint.

The blond opened the door to Twin sala garden, the innermost place in his temple only select few know of. No words exchanged as they made their way towards the two identical trees and Shaka sat down, legs crossed and Tenma also sat down on the soft grass.

"I have taught you about the concept of reincarnation…" Tenma nodded slowly, unsure what Shaka was getting at. "So, Tenma…"

Silence stretched as if eternity itself was present in that beautiful garden.

"Do you know who you are?"

Sanctuary Ship, Nike

In years of his tutelage under both Crystal and Camus, Hyouga was emulating Camus a little too much for comfort. So, when he called them all and briefed them on their first big mission, Hyouga was not impressed, but furious in artic like anger.

"Did none of their master's teaching made it to their numb skull?" Hyouga wondered, her ice like blue eyes shimmered under the light. Gone the baby fat and pale skin, replaced by muscular body and healthy tanned skin after years of harsh training. "Not only they fight for their own selfish wish, they also flaunt their power in public… for what? Sagittarius Gold cloth they're in no way legible for…"

Tenma nodded, "Thank you for the summary of their crime against Saint code and Athena, Hyouga… thanks a lot."

"Tenma… can we talk some sense to them first?" Tenma best friend and comrade asked.

In years of training Shun had grew up to adolescent with the same beautiful face, and unlike his brother in arms he was lightly muscled and slender built. After all as the current Andromeda saint, agile body was preferred rather than raw power.

"I would have done the same… but I won't care about the prize, I will return just to see Ikki." Shun added, his eyes narrowed in sadness. "We're all orphans… and thrown to this world only armed with our body… to see each other again we have no other choice but abide by Kido Mitsumasa's will…"

"Shun…" The last in their group was the oldest, it never cease to baffle Tenma how Mei could grow up to be a brother with the closest personality to Shun, albeit he was not a pacifist with hidden sadistic streak but still very kind. Another student that in Tenma opinion shouldn't emulate their teacher too closely, dyeing his hair the same color as DeathMask was overboard.

Imitation was the highest form of praise they said…

Tenma sighed, "Kido Mitsumasa is already dead."

"Good riddance." Hyouga muttered with no small amount of satisfaction in his voice.

"Hyouga!" Mei hissed at his half-brother in scolding tone before turning his attention to their leader. "So what are we going to do, Tenma?"

The Pegasus saint crossed his arms, "Well… our law aside, I can't ignore what Shun said… I mean some of them might not be there for selfish purpose. Not to mention, Aiolia and Milo also voiced their concern about upcoming holy war."

They tensed, the holy war… they were one of few that had been informed it was happening in their generation and Sanctuary was preparing for the worst.

"We can't just punish blindly without proper investigation and decreasing our manpower."

Hyouga narrowed his eyes, "With lowering our standard? Or getting lenient towards rogue saints?"

"Of course, we're not going to do such thing." Tenma denied, "And even if it's as Shun said, they're not here for the prize… they're not off of the hook. One way of another they would get some punishment for breaking our law, just nothing as drastic as death sentence."

They pointedly ignore Shun's relieved sigh.

"I'd like Mei to join the tournament with Shun and Hyouga but…"

Mei shook his head, "Tatsumi know me… I am afraid I am not suitable for infiltration mission."

"And there's other personal mission of mine." That surprised them, Tenma never had solo mission and it was unusual when they had one this big Tenma had to stretch himself thin for other mission. "It's above your clearance, and let's just say it involves me getting as close as I could to investigate Kido Saori."

"What about that selfish brat?" Hyouga wondered. "I can't imagine that terrible girl is of any importance other than being the bastard's granddaughter."

Tenma's left eyebrow twitched dangerously and the three half-brothers backed away in caution. "I'd say it's none of your business…" He inhaled deeply, "But if you have to know Hyouga, it won't be a fun mission for me…"

SS Hotel, Tokyo

It was not a luxurious room, far from it. The bedroom with two beds and a bathroom was utilitarian, no TV, no air-con, just bare necessity that fit the saints just fine. Luxury was an enemy to them in every sense of word, as spoiling one's body would be detrimental to one's training.

"Ne, Shun…" Tenma called out to his roommate who was in the middle of polishing Andromeda's chain before bed. "Tell me about Kido Saori in good light…"

Shun froze, "Erm…" He trailed off unsurely, delicate lips quivered. "She is pretty, elegant and charismatic girl…"

The Pegasus saint narrowed his eyes, "Even though I ask you to sugarcoat it you only can tell me superficial stuff like she is pretty. Nothing about her personality?"

"She is a very proud person?"

"Shun… what you tell me sounds like a roundabout way to describe Kido Saori as spoiled and arrogant Ojou-sama, like Hyouga…"

Shun fidgeted, "Well… I think Saori-san is lonely and awkward so when we were young, she don't know how to get along with us… I mean we're all boys."

"Shun… that didn't explain using boys around her to play horsey with real whip."

"Erm…"

Tenma turned around, "Forget it Shun… go to sleep, you have to go signing up for the stupid tournament tomorrow morning." Hyouga would come as late as he could to avoid suspicion.

As for his personal mission to investigate Kido Saori… Tenma was unsure what to feel, because the image of warm and gentle girl that engraved in his memory didn't match the girl Shun couldn't even describe in good light.

"Tenma… Brother! Look! I made you bracelet! It's a promise that we will stay as friends!"

Wild flower she weaved with prayers for their friendship, a hope for better tomorrow…

His friend, beloved and goddess he devoted himself for…

Sasha, Athena…

Meanwhile

Seika sighed, it felt just yesterday they finished mourning period for their grandfather. Saori was recovering from the lost, but it was obvious she was shaken by Mitsumasa's death. This was Saori's first taste of losing her beloved, and even though Saori tried to put a brave face, Seika knew better.

Saori didn't fare well with losing their grandfather, and hated herself for it. However instead of moving on, Saori tried to distract herself with focusing on Galaxian war. The tournament their grandfather asked Shiori to start with his dying breath, claiming it was for the sake of the world.

"This is ridiculous, Saori… stop this!" Seika pleaded.

Her adopted sister glared at her, beautiful purple eyes that used to shine with joy and innocence were hardened with determination. "It's Ojii-sama's last wish! As his heirs it's our duty to fulfill it!"

Seika owed many things to Kido Mitsumasa, and she respected him to an extent even though he was the reason why she lost so many surrogate brother from her orphanage and so far, only Seiryuu and Jabu returned. That respect mostly vanished when of all things to ask in his dead bed, Mitsumasa had to ask Saori to hold his stupid tournament in his place.

She didn't know much about Saint but from little she had learned, Saints were honorable warriors of Athena with power to split earth with their kick. She also knew who Saori was, and why Mitsumasa worshipped her little sister like a goddess. She was an insurance to guide Saor, because while Tatsumi was loyal he was not the smartest.

Saori was Athena, the goddess reborn in human body.

Even if they were hers, Seika couldn't see how pitting them against each other in glorified tournament could win Saori their approval. It was not honorable, but insulting to make entertainment out of them. He claimed it was to draw out the evil in Sanctuary to the surface, making the tournament as grand as possible and once the enemy showed themselves, the saints under Saori would fight against it for her.

"Saori… is there nothing I can do to change your mind."

"No, Onee-sama…" Saori's will was unmoving. "I have to do this! For Ojii-sama's sake!"

It was naïve to think the saints would just believe Saori was Athena. Seika loved her sister very much, but aside from Jabu the saints they gathered didn't have high opinion on Saori. They never know Saori had changed, and her aloof and dignified appearance made them think she was just the grown up version of that selfish little girl they knew from their childhood.

Not to mention after growing up by Saori's side, Seika didn't see anything goddess like in her sister. Seika researched a lot about Athena since Mitsumasa revealed the truth to her, Athena was goddess of warfare, wise, fair and respected. Personality wise, Seika could see the connection somewhat but it was superficial at best. It was not like Saori had done anything sort of miracle to prove her divine status.

Sometimes Seika was tempted to entertain the idea that Saori was just a normal girl and their grandfather was the mad man who was dreaming everything.

Now, if only she could talk some sense to her sister…

The next day

He didn't like fighting, and this Galaxian War was like a nightmare for a pacifist like him. After all, the upcoming battle was pointless. Even if Grand Foundation promised glory, he knew it was a lie. At least to Saint of Athena, their definition of glory didn't match mundane understanding. He was very tempted to agree with Hyouga sometimes, that they should get this over with, taking back the gold cloth, and drag Jabu and co to Sanctuary to be judged.

Their plan was simple, Shun just had to go back to Kido manor and tried to speak with Saori to gain more insight about the tournament and participants. It was not a strategy worth of saints under protection of Goddess of Wisdom for sure, but Tenma was a believer that simpler plan meant smaller chance of failing. Shun agreed, but he didn't like what the plan entailed at all.

It didn't work so well however…

[So far six bronze saints have gathered in the mansion… I am the seventh to return.] Shun relayed to him through telepathy.

Their leader added, [I only sensed five bronze saint level cosmoses inside.]

Shun closed his eyes briefly, [You're right… I think I can assume it's Shiryuu, he like Hyouga couldn't stand Saori-san…] Always avoiding the girl because he couldn't handle such a selfish princess. [Maybe he is staying somewhere else too.]

[Ah… The disciple of Libra saint, Dragon Shiryuu…]

The Andromeda saint didn't know what to think that Shiryuu of all people was willing to participate in this, and the only explanation he could come up with was Shiryuu's competitive streak when martial arts was concerned. Tenma wanted to be cautious with Shiryuu because he was a gold saint's disciple like Hyouga.

Shun looked around, the mansion didn't change much from little he remembered in his childhood. He was pleasantly surprised that Seika-neesan was adopted too and became Saori-san's legal guardian until the girl was old enough to lead Kido corps. He wondered if apologetic look their older sister's figure had meant something else.

"Saori-san…" Shun tried to reason. "I can't join this tournament… it's against our code, and all I want is to see my brother again. I am not interested in your prize."

Saori nodded, "You may… with joining this tournament you can see Ikki again."

"Saori-san…" Shun tried in firmer tone. "Athena saints fight for justice, this tournament… it's a glorified farce. You can't do this to us…"

The lilac haired lady was unimpressed, "We can… my grandfather adopted you out of goodness in his heart and sent you to earn your cloth, you owe him… it's his last wish."

The Andromeda saint sighed, "As you said, we earn our cloth… we bet our life! Even though your grandfather sent us, he has no right for our cloth."

"Shun!" Jabu hissed, "How dare you to speak like that to Ojou-sama! Leave your cloth here and fight! It's Ojou-sama's order!"

Shun bit his lower lip, "Jabu… both of us are all Athena's saints, no one but Athena and higher ranked saints have right to order us…" He reminded the Unicorn Saint. "And I am not leaving my cloth just so we could do something as ridiculous as dramatic entrance." Shun was appalled when they asked him to leave Andromeda to their care. "Our sacred cloth is not for exhibit-"

WHOOSH!

SLAM!

Shun caught Jabu's fist and with well-trained reflex used Jabu's own power to throw the other saint over his shoulder.

"Gah!"

His green eyes hardened, looking away with disgust. "Your master would be disappointed, Jabu… you-"

[Shun, that's enough…] Shun froze on the spot as he backed away from Jabu. [Do as they said, leave Andromeda to them.]

His eyes widened in shock at Tenma's order. [But Tenma, that's…]

[At this rate we're coming off too hostile, just pretend to be obedient. It pains me you have to join this farce… but for the sake of our mission, so be it.]

Shun took a deep breathe, "Fine… I will do as you said, Saori-san."

But it was not for you, Shun inwardly say to himself.

That Night…

"Can we just get over this already?" Hyouga hissed, slamming his fist on the table and in impressive display of control he didn't even make a dent on the cheap furniture. "Arrest Jabu and the rest of idiot friends of his…" Namely Ichi, ban, Geki and Nachi. "And tell Shiryuu he can get a fight somewhere else, or Roushi should talk some sense to him."

Tenma sighed, because this mission was personal everyone was high-strung about it. "I understand your feeling Hyouga, but we have to wait and see." Hyouga was about to protest but stopped at his next line. "It's Camus' order… remember, it's already a public event. And there's more than what meets the eye in this to our superiors."

The Cygnus saint scowled, "Fine… I can't see how is this farce could worth anything aside from the biggest shame in this century to us."

To be honest Tenma hoped it only worth that much. "Mei, how is it going in your end?"

The Berenice Coma saint smiled, "I manage to join the tournament easily without giving out my identity to Tatsumi-san." He sighed, "It pains me to deceive him." His father's right hand man didn't recognize him at all, then again with generic name Akira it was not hard to make Tatsumi think he was just one of many orphans Kido adopted.

"I am not surprised." Hyouga murmured softly, "Only select few of us leave impression on that fool." Most of all the rebellious Ikki.

The implication of 'select few' didn't lost on Shun. "But still… is it true among us, only ten survives?"

Tenma looked up from his report, "It's more than expected… to be honest we expect only you three and Roushi's disciple to survive our training." Which was why they weren't so worried the situation escalated to this. "Milo did say if he was Kido, he would send at least one thousand kids… you guys are all very talented if ten out of one hundred got their cloth. I mean… you guys made up one eighth of our main force."

"Jabu and his band of idiots doesn't count." Hyouga insisted, he felt insulted to be put on the same level as them. "I was there to check our competition, none of them could match us…" Shiryuu perhaps could put up a fight but Hyouga was sure in the end they would come up on the top.

The Pegasus saint frowned, "Hm… anyway, the first match would be between Mei and Big Dipper Saint, Bear Geki…"

Mei nodded, "I will do my best to finish the fight without harming Geki-kun."

Glad to know Mei was more concerned in putting more effort in using minimum force to win. Tenma hoped this mission would end with them dragging those idiots to Sanctuary for reprimand and not anything serious. Then again, he was not delusional enough to think anyone who participate in this stupid tournament could get away with a slap on their wrist.

Unless Athena herself forgave them.

Goroho, China

Pegasus constellation was very bright tonight, it had always been shining brighter than most in his eyes. Even though two centuries had passed the memory of the war and losing his brother remained strongly. Dohko knew he would see Tenma again, the Pegasus saint would never miss the upcoming Holy War.

He would be here, by Athena's side.

"Are you there already? Tenma? Back to our goddess' side?"

If Tenma was here, Dohko imagined the dolt would smile like the sun and cheekily replied.

"Always... Dohko, always."

Yes, I am using Mei as placeholder for canon Seiya...
Let's hope this new story won't be the death of me and Please Review!