St. Seiya is copyright Kurumada Masami and Toei. Knights of the Zodiac is copyright DiC. No infringement or disrespect is intended by this non-profit work of fan fiction. This is a work of noncommercial amateur fan fiction; it is not published for profit or material gain. The author and the posters have no intent to infringe any intellectual property rights held by the owners of existing copyrights in Saint Seiya or its derivative works. The author retains copyright to this work.
Author's Notes: This story, which contains spoilers for the Twelve Temples arc and the Hades OVA, is based on the original St. Seiya manga and anime, which differ substantially from the edited episodes shown as Knights of the Zodiac. ~ These stories were written in 2002-2003, before Lost Canvas or Next Dimension.
This story, which is primarily a character story and backstory, contains light shonen ai overtones.
Intermezzo:
1) A short light entr'acte
2a) a movement coming between the major sections of an extended musical work (as an opera)
2b) A short independent musical composition.
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Intermezzo
by Silverr
I: Prologue
Two hundred and forty years ago, two armored warriors stood before the Temple of the Holy Father, watching the sunset. The taller one, with rose-colored eyes, leaned on his companion, a powerful young man with dark hair who held him up with a strong arm around the waist.
Their exhausted faces were exultant in the velvety red light. The Holy War was over. Athena's Seal had finally been placed on the Lord of the Underworld.
"I never tire of that," the dark-haired warrior said, gesturing to the blazing sky with his free arm. " 'The daylight's parting gift, the wanton beauty that heralds nightfall.' "
His companion, the Gold Saint Shion of Aries, smiled faintly. "That's good, Dohko. You'll see many sunsets in the coming years." After a moment he added, "The color is too like a lake of blood." He shifted, pulling himself away from Dohko's supporting arm, and asked, "When will you leave for Rozan to begin your watch on the Seal?" His gaze was fixed straight ahead.
"Immediately." Dohko studied Shion's sharp profile for a moment, then asked, "When do you take up your duties as Holy Father?"
"Immediately."
A leaden silence descended between them. Among the five-score Saints who had battled for Athena only they alone had survived. Now they must ready themselves to take up new duties in Her service, duties that would keep them thousands of miles apart for the rest of their lives.
Suddenly there was a gust of wind behind them, and they turned: the spirit of the Goddess as they had last seen her, shining with power despite the battle-weary lines of Her face.
They knelt, side by side, at Her feet.
"Shion of Aries. Dohko of Libra," She said gently, "You from whom so much has been taken, and so much yet to be asked."
"We serve gladly, Athena," Shion said quietly.
"There is one thing more I would ask of you."
Two warriors looked up, faces shining through blood and sweat and grime. "We are yours to command."
"Wait until sunrise to take up your new burdens," Athena said. "Take this night as our gift. Celebrate your friendship, and make it last 200 years."
They bowed their heads in gratitude. The backs of their hands brushed together.
She smiled at them then, and melted into the dusk.
Two warriors stood together and watched the moon rise, then turned and went inside.
And this time Shion did not shake off Dohko's arm.
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~ to be continued ~
(49) 26 June 2008