Disclaimer: I don't own Saint Seiya characters!

Author's Note: set after Hades Arc and Heaven Chapter:Overture

Flame of the Aries:

Shion

Shion, the former Saint of Aries Constellation left the chamber of his Pope Temple and with a long sight he stopped at the edge of the cliff. He looked at the area under his feet, at the Twelve Sacred Hills, where the Temples were showing themselves from the mist of the late morning, at buildings and trainings fields. He could see also small silhouettes, moving around and rebuilding the Sanctuary. The House of Aries were almost destroyed and from the Virgo Temple remained only ruins, when Saga used his attack to kill Shaka. Even his own Temple received a few damages as well. But fortunately everything was moving to the bright future, waiting for them now, after death of twin Gods and Hades.

Shion took one deep breath, still watching over his subordinates. It was so amazing to be here again, to stand in this place, looking at the Holy Land, wearing the clothes of the Pope. It was wonderful to be the Head of the Sanctuary once again. He could feel the whole strength, flowing out from every Saint of this land; hope and happiness were spreading around, filling everything with a new strength. The war with Hades was over, the body of King of the Underworld was destroyed by Saiya, all his Evil Stars were sealed again, twin Gods, Hypnos and Thanathos died as well.

And… And… they were alive again. They received wonderful gift from Athena, who asked the King of all Gods, Dzeus to forgive her Knights. Lady Athena honored them all with this new life, they could serve her one more time, they could see the blue sky and the sun, they could feel the wind, they could be sad, happy, they could love. Now, when the war was only the past, they could have the lives they wanted. Athena gave them one gift more – they could choice if they wanted to be Saints or live as an ordinary humans. Yes, Shion was considering this. He was thinking if it wouldn't be better for him to live as a normal person, without the whole Sanctuary under his command, without worries and this awful feeling he always felt, being responsible for so much lives. He could live normal life, far away from Greece, worrying about only himself about his own life. But it lasted only a few seconds, the new bright future far away from Sanctuary was crushed by some other feeling. Actually for these all years as the Pope, he learned to love this position. He loved to be here, to watch over all these young people who wanted to be Saints. It was always feeling him with happiness to be support for his younger companions.

So, he gladly chose that his new life will be here, again in the Sanctuary, at the highest hill above all of the other Temples and buildings. He was almost trembling from the happiness, putting on the Pope Robe, holding his gold helmet and looking around the chamber. It was a while when he last time have the opportunity to sit on the throne. First he was killed by Saga and after many years he returned as a 'traitor'. But all of them had lucky. Hades was defeated, Athena forgave them their betrayal, and other Gods decided to not punish them for rising against Hades. And now they were alive.

Shion knew that all of the Gold Saints chose to serve under Athena one more time. Well, it was expectable, after all no one knew any other life. Only this one, being here, fight for Athena. At the beginning the Pope thought that maybe Aiolos would refuse to be here, but the Sagittarius, being alive after so many years, still as fourteen years old boy, was not less loyal for Athena and stayed with them. Even Kanon, twin brother of Saga was allowed to stay here, in the Sanctuary as someone who could wear the Gold Cloth of Gemini. He proved his loyalty during the war, and Shion was happy, that Athena broke a few laws of the Holy Land and Kanon was with them.

He sighed, watching the silhouettes walking around the building. He knew he would have hard times right now, being as the Pope. Everyone who fought in the War, all Gold Saints and these five, brave young boys, were hurt. But not physically. They were hurt mentally, they were hurt inside their souls. The memories of the war wouldn't disappear just like that, Athena didn't give them oblivion. And he, as the Head of the Sanctuary, as their elder and a man who fought in two Holy Wars, will have to help them.

Oh, he knew he would have a lot of work. Lady Athena left to Japan with her five Bronze Saints to nurse them, especially Seiya, who was damaged badly while the battle with Hades. No one even knew if he would wake up from his coma. Everyone was worried about him. Well, mostly his closes friends. Shion could see this disappointment on the Gold Saint's faces when their Goddess again left them for these five kids. He himself was a little disappointed with Lady Athena. During all of these wars and battles, she believed only in them, only in her five Bronze Saints. For her only they had matter. They were important. She didn't even blinked, when all of her Gold Saints were thrown into the darkness in the front of the Willing Wall. But Shion knew that all Saints loved her deeply. Even if she left them, even if for many months she didn't try to save them from that monolith… She was their Goddess and they would always fight for her.

Shion sighed again, looking at the destroyed Temple of Aries, that years, decades ago was his own house. The current owner of the Temple, his beloved disciple Mu left the Sanctuary and hid in Jamir, refusing to be there for a while, wanting to heal his wounds in solitude. It was a few weeks since he had the opportunity to talk with him. The Pope wasn't surprised, everyone was deeply hurt. Camus left to Siberia, like always pushing himself away of his companions. Fortunately Milo quickly brought him back to Greece and now the Aquarius was under the care of his friend. These wounds of French couldn't be healed alone, after all Camus allowed Hades to touch his soul with his darkness. He had to be near his friend. It was good for them both, Milo could forget about his trauma, taking care of the cold Saint. But not only they two were traumatized. Shura, the proud Saint of Capricorn still couldn't forgive himself for betraying Athena and of killing Aiolos. And… and there was the case of Saga. The eldest Saint didn't want to even face his companions, fearing their hatred. Oh, it was filling the Pope with sadness; once brave and trustworthy Saint, now Saga was afraid of living again. Shion could feel this regret of the Gemini's soul. Regret about being alive again. And he didn't know what to do about that. How to help him, the man who for long years was in darkness? Was there any solution anyway?

There was so much to do with them. So many Saints waiting for salvation. And only him, one Saint, who wanted, who really wanted to help them now.

But… He was ready.