This happened on October 30th, one year later after Osculum.
Victoria
Basium
It was a silent gloomy afternoon in that dark old pit of the Underworld near Cocytos, the one he used to call his refuge. In that special day, he wanted some peace, if it was possible in Hell! He closed his golden eyes and took a deep breath.
However, a storm was coming, he could not deny it. He didn't need to use his cosmo to know it! His steps were rhythmically approaching, heels thumping like a wild heavy metal song… more energetic and alive than his battle scarred heart, so alive indeed!
He tried to stand up and leave all the old parchments neatly closed on his table. Being a Judge of the Underworld, he was controlled, balanced, tidy and careful with his paperwork… and what he was going to face in a couple of moments… it was his opposite! Well, it was worse than a tropical storm… he could sense it!
Why do they call with feminine names most of the tropical storms? A twisted smile formed in his thin lips. Most have female names. Now, he knows what would be his choice for the strongest storm: Kanon.
If he could look back to what happened the last months, when they were together, there were moments of violent fights, some cooking disasters, acid critics, screams and pouts, but there were also wonderful steamy times of never ending bliss and authentic merging of bodies and souls, if this he ever thought of achieving something deep with that… that… that hot & sexy Sea Dragon!
Full of desire, yet a bit worried for his paperwork, he stood up to face his beloved Gemini, the one who was cherishing his life now. The one who knew him and was able to read his mind (well, sort of) especially when he was up to some foreplay...
He closed his eyes, trying to enjoy the anticipation, his mind flowing him with images which aroused him but when he stared at his beloved, he felt like facing a slapping icy wind… Camus? No, he couldn't be. However, he could feel a certain coldness getting into his bones, a snow storm approaching… no, a tropical one!
- I was looking for you!- The handsome tall sapphire-blue eyed Gemini twin called aloud, angry yet almost pouting. His wild blue mane was smooth and full of volume, so enticing that he had to make a great effort not to caress it, from the top to where… Well, you know! - Seems you are always busy and hidden in this place while I have to deal with scum like Val, that narrow minded Sylphid and your messy troopers!
- Come on, Kanon! What happened now? - He was genuinely surprised by his beloved's ups and downs, his demands, his fierceness, his cunning… – Why are you so crossed?
- You know I cannot stand your ill-bred subordinates! That miserable Harpy is madly in love with you and acts like a jealous wife against me! – Oh, again those pouting lips which drove him crazy! But the Gemini was really angry – Yes, he took my clothes out of your room into a dirty laundry bag!
- Oh, I would tell him not to do it again, Kanon. Maybe he thought they were dirty clothes or just rags… - He teased him while caressing the blue marine maneand grabbing a long silky tendril with his big strong fingers.
- RAGS? Whose rags? Hey, Wyvern, I could wear casual clothing now and then! But the Gemini Sea Dragon is considered one of the sexiest and most elegant warriors of all!- He said with a triumphal look.
- Don't be so conceited, Kanon! Maybe he wanted to please me, so I will have you all naked at home… especially today! - His throaty voice remarked. But the younger Gemini was still crossed and took a step away from him.
- I'm serious, Rhada! You just consider me a childish complainer whenever I have something to sayagainst this bunch of barbarian specters!
- Ok, ok, Kanon! Leave it, then. Why did you come here? I was going to Caina in half an hour to spend the rest of the day together…
- Rhada, I am stuffed with all these! Staying alone in Caina waiting for you makes it worse! Nobody cares of what I said or what I do! Sometimes I think that Hades has given me his invisibility helmet to stroll around! Even that evil bitch Pandora was trying to despise me when we met at Giudecca! But I had a great time punishing that stupid Chesire! – His smile was smug and wide.
- Hey, no blasphemies! Show more respect to my Lord Hades!
- You don't care of what's happening to me or how I feel, Wyvern! – He was serious now.
He closed his amber yes. What a mess! Nice birthday indeed! Pretty soon, he would have a headache for sure… at least! Now Lady Pandora would be angry with him for Kanon's deeds and he'd pay dearly for the Sea Dragon's mischievousness! Oh, not today!
- Kanon, could you stop acting like a teenager? Making Pandora angry doesn't help you to be respected by her….
- But I feel better after that, Rhada! You must have seen Chesire's scratchy face…! She'll be so pleased! - He said, while licking his lower lip.
- Ok, Kanon! - The busy Judge added, hugging the Gemini and looking into his eyes. - You don't come here to have business with them. Let's celebrate today!
- Yes! - He answered with a devilish smile. - Let's go and have fun together… to celebrate your birthday!
While they approached Caina, his temple seemed quiet and dark. Suddenly, Kanon eagerly ran towards the entrance, climbing the stairs at speed of light!
What's Kanon planning? He innerly smiled. Maybe a nice surprise for him, like a gift wrapped in Tartan? Suddenly, a deep sadness came to him. Camus, why did I have to leave you, my love? Why?
He came inside calling for his lover. It was so quiet. With caution (no, no his Greatest Caution now!) he walked across the hall towards one of his most beloved room: the one with the fireplace. The cedar logs were burning and two heavy armors were shining together in live and death: the golden honey Sea Dragon Marina Scales and the dark Wyvern Surplice.
He looked around and found a big courier box, almost a meter high!
How weird! How did Charon bring this from outside and my troopers carry it here, inside Caina? Someone should answer for this tomorrow!
He carefully approached it, finding a simple card with his former name: Lord Rhadamanthys Wyot-Windsor (1). Maybe his old butler sent his books from his London residence? He turned around, coldly dropped the card and went towards the bedroom. It was empty and a soft light went through the silk curtains. Certainly Kanon was not there.
- Oh, you're playing hide and seek now, little dragon…! – He mockingly said and went ahead. However, all was silent and dark, even the kitchen was closed! So his Masterchef forgot to cook some of the delicacies he liked, he shrugged.
- Don't try to hide from me, Kanon! – He kept behind the curtains, not even a sound in his well furnished wine-cellar! He was getting a bit tired with this game and came back to his cozy room with fireplace and opened the bar, took a crystal glass, added some ice cubes and poured some of his beloved Glenlivet.
While he was silently trying to drink it, a sudden glow came from inside the big box and before he had time to put on his surplice, the box was torn off and a big explosion came from inside. The Wyvern fell on his back cursing while a golden-like god came out, wearing just a big sash which said "World Winner Balvenie" (2)! The Judge stayed on the floor, shocked!
- Come on, Rhada'! Happy Birthday! – A laughing Kanon approached him, giving him a hand to get up. – Seems it was unexpected as I planned! You're absolutely useless for games! Even for foreplay!
Because he was still in shock, all seemed so unreal now! Watching Kanon just wearing this sash and smiling mischievously was so tempting then…!
- What do you think, Rhada'? – He was lustily staring at him, his eyes full of desire while his lover looked at him with acknowledgement. Geminis are unpredictable!
– Rhada', I needed to work hard to find out which is one of the finest whiskeys of the world!Do you know who'san award winner this year? Balvenie! – Again, that mischievous smile was alluring him, while a playful finger caressed his lips.
- Kanon, I am still in awe. I cannot imagine that you were hidden in that box here…! I almost burn you with my Greatest Caution! – He looked concerned.
- What do you mean, Wyvern? You are not a match for me, you know! My Galaxian Explosion would certainly finish your present life, even without my Gold Cloth! – He playfully answered and turned around, walking towards the box. The Judge noticed that his Gemini only had a brief loincloth and licked his lips. He was a predator after all. He stood with his senses sharply focused in his lover.
- Here is your gift, Wyvern Rhadamanthys, Judge of Hell! –Kanon gave him a nicely wrapped box. - Come on! Don't be so boring!Open it now!
Although he wasn't used to get orders from others than Lady Pandora and Lord Hades, he was obliged to bend to his Gemini's commands. He torn-off the paper and widely opened his eyes.
- Blow me! A Balvenie! – He stared at the box, still in awe.
- Well, not only a whiskey but a Balvenie 1970 30 years old – Kanon read from the box and added with a sexy whisper – A very special one…
- Crikey! Kanon, this is a very expensive gift! It's about 1,500 pounds! – He was amazed that a naughty carefree Sea Dragon took his time and savings for such a birthday present.
- Not at all,Rhada'! It's my pleasure to give you something you'll like!
- Don't be silly, Kanon! It was enough for me to spend this evening together…!
- But I have some something for you… Haggis and Yorkshire pudding (3)! I made them for you! – He happily pushed the Wyvern towards the dining room and turned on the lights.
- My, you did this for me! Thanks, Kanon! – He was almost speechless now.
- Beware, Rhada', I am not going to cook for you forever! I am a warrior, not a servant! In the future, you'll need to get someone really good in the kitchen for our meals! – He put the whiskey bottle on the tableand crossed his vision of his gorgeous body just covered with that sash and loincloth was driving him crazy.
– Well, what's next? What do you want to taste first, Milord? – Kanon said with a mocking bow. He teased the Brit playing around with protocol, pretending they were at court.
He came slowly and fetched him from his shoulders. Kanon calmly stared at him with his deep bluemarine eyes. He couldn't wait anymore. With a swift move, he took off Kanon's sash and looked at him with his hypnotic golden eyes. Fixing him with burning desire and caressing his hot skin, he seriously said:
- Actually, I think I would take my Balvenie first….
Three hours later, a tired yet happy Wyvern woke up, feeling a blue silky wavy hair covering his muscular chest. This had been really good! Love-making was more than sex. It implied a certain degree of connection and merging of souls. Kanon had been surprisingly great in bed tonight! His touches, his dirty talk, all that puffing and panting….! At least, Caina was far away and they had privacy to let out all the expressions of pleasure!
Kanon was sleeping soundly, like a small kid under the wing of Mother Hen, well, a more dragon-like one. Who could ever suspect that when he'dawaken, he could be a pest? A cruel mighty warrior that was able to deceive the gods. But he was simply sleeping in his arms, sexy yet so strong. He closed his eyes.
Mmmmm…. How did they get together?
He remembered one of this damned gatherings, which their deities organized in order to create certain friendliness among troops. What a waste! He disliked them so much!
When he fell in love with Camus, it was easy to endure those meetings but after their break-up, things were unbearable! Especially because he continuously met a nosey self-centered Sea Dragon!
Every gathering, Kanon made pranks and laughed at him.
First it was about his brows. Why did they call him "unibrow"? It was the Gemini's fault and even his fellows, Minos and Aiacos, had fun with the unibrow thing! Or when he seriously asked the Wyvern if he had lice because most of the Specters had long hair, as the other judges but his seemed chopped off… or he didn't pay the Underworld's hairdresser? He was going to answer back … but became absolutely ashamed when he saw a slight smile in Lord Hades after those stupid pranks!
His time for revenge came at last. The party was lousy and while Aiacos was pretending to dance a sensual tango with clumsy Violate, then a couple of warriors decided a challenge: who'll be able to take whole bottles of liquor without passing away?
First some were boasting but at the end, there was just Kanon and Rhadamanthys facing each other.
- Let's try something really manly, Wyvern! – Cried with delight the younger Gemini.
- It's ok for me, shadow twin! – He said mockingly while fixing his eyes on his enemy. – What about Scottish whiskey?
- Nope! You're a Brit so you're used to. Let's try Ouzo, the drink of Greek Gods! – He screamed aloud as many warriors madly clapped.
- Come on, Kanon! You've had enough! – A concerned Aiolia said.
– Mind your business, kitten! Go to the eagle's nest! – Snapped the Sea Dragon and the golden lion left the room.
There were few around the small table: some were Specters (a dutiful yet concerned Valentine and Gordon), Saints (Aphrodite and Deathmask) and Marinas (Lymnades and Sorrento).First, there were some bets but all become silent when the bottle of fine Ouzo was open, the glasses filled. Then Wyvern raised his glass and said:
- We shall make this challenge a bit interesting, shadow twin. If I win, you'll be my servant for a day and the same would happen to me in case I lose. – His golden eyes wickedly shone.
Kanon was sure of his victory because he was a heavy drinker since early age. – Ok, Wyvern. And add something: if I defeat you, I would personally depilate that funny unibrow!
Rhadamanthys considered this. He was sure of his triumph. It was getting more and more interesting. – OK! Let's begin now!
- For the best! – Eagerly cried the Gemini and the Wyvern nodded.
They drank their glasses at the same time, fixing their eyes and gulping it down. Kanon smiled widely and served a second one. -This toast is for Pope Shion! – He said mockingly.
- For Lord Hades! – Wyvern seriously drank. Again, both glasses were graciously filled the glasses.
- A toast for the Beauty! – Wildly screamed the Gemini with a wink to the most beautiful Saint who blushed. Deathmask laughed aloud.
- For my Lady Pandora! – He retorted. A couple of laughs from the Specters and they were silenced by the Wyvern's stern look.
After an hour, the Gemini's head was spinning and heavily bowing but the Judge's amber eyes were bright and reddish.
- For the North Atlantic Pillar….! – Kanon shouted. His voice was thick and his movements were very clumsy. His head bowed again. Then a throaty voice triumphal remarked:
- For Caina and my victory! – He raised his glass as the Gemini's eyes were shut and he collapsed on the table. The spectators cheered and clapped the Wyvern's back. Being a natural prankster, Kanon had lots of enemies even among his ranks!
Rhadamanthys stood up solemnly: - Gordon, Valentine, take him to Caina!
Saints and Marinas silently watched as the Wyvern's troopers took Kanon to a deep pit and threw him down there towards Hell.
- Who's going to tell Saga? – Softly ask Aphrodite with a pout.
- Not me, for sure! – Deathmask answered with an evil grin. – Let's go around, there would be more having fun in this party! - The Gold ones swiftly left Kanon to face his defeat.
The Wyvern's troopers put Kanon in a small humid jail under Caina. When he woke up, his head was aching.
- Good morning, Sleeping Beauty! – The Wyvern greeted him. – It's time to work!
- I need some rest so take me to the guest quarters! – The Gemini commanded, sitting on the dirty floor.
- Are you nuts? You lost last night so you're my servant now! You're not in a resort! This is Caina!
- I don't remember what are you talking about, unibrow brute! So let me out or Athena or Poseidon would miss me and bring the hell here!
- We're already in Hell! Many witnessed our challenge yesterday. So you don't have grounds to protest! Being a judge, I know all the legal procedures so move your ass out because there's work to do!
- Saga would come at any time to take me out, judge…! - He was laughing at him with a mischievous look. – So prepare yourself… besides, you know who wins if we go into battle! – He chuckled, remembering how he defeated the mighty Wyvern in the last Holy War.
- Now I have enough of you! – Rhadamanthys approached him and grabbed his neck… until a special odor came from that blue wavy mane, intoxicating him.
- You unibrow brute! – Kanon kicked him and the Wyvern reacted, pulling him down. They kept struggling for a couple of minutes, their hands touching their bodies, their skins covered with pearls of sweat, nails tearing flesh… until a dragon fiercely kissed the other and changed the touches into a passionate, intimate ones, which ended in thrusts, bites and moans that were heard around.
Still having him on top, a panting Kanon admitted: - You're really good in this…! – And kissed him deeply, anticipating another round of hot sex.
Yes, it began like that. He was a storm of raw sensualitysuddenly arrived to his life and took him to the Elysium of sex. He closed his eyes again but when he opened them, he found a pair of blue sapphire eyes intensely watching him.
- Happy Birthday, Judge of Hell..! – He happily sang, pretending Marilyn Monroe's tune (yes, Happy Birthday, Mr. President!) and kissing him deeply.
-Yes, this is a wonderful long day! Maybe the best birthday so far! – Rhadamanthys answered and caressed his lover's face.
- Let's have some food…! I am hungry and want more….! – Kanon swiftly got out of the bed and nakedly walked towards the kitchen. – I would bring you some Haggis and Yorkshire pudding, made by your Masterchef!
Rhadamanthys stood up and went to his black marble bathroom. When he turned on the lights, he found that there were some things around which were not his: a golden comb, mousse, perfume and toilette bag in blue marine. – What the….!?
He returned to his bedroom and noticed luggage near the closet. He opened it and he was surprised to see a couple of jeans, a suit and other garments who were not his…! – Kanon,what's going on…!
- See, Rhada'! Haggis and Yorkshire pudding! Yummie, yummie! – He cheerfully cried aloud.
- Wait, Kanon, what happened here? – His golden eyes were flashing as he stared to the Gemini entering his bedroom.
- Oh, this is my third gift! – He added with a wide smile. – I've decided to move in here!
- What?! – He was shocked. In his very long life, he never had someone living with him.
Even in his human life, he didn't share his bed and house with someone permanently. His relationships were discreet and based on little commitments. Even when he served Pandora, it was a mutual understanding: no links, no ties, just a one-night stand. Camus didn't ask him to share his temple with him. He was having a headache!
- Hey, Rhada', what's all that fuss? It's the best for us to share more time together and Caina seems more suitable than the Gemini Temple (yes, a bit crowded with Saga around!) or my Pillar in Atlantis. This place is big and a little gloomy but I could take good care of this…!
- Kanon, you are absolutely crazy….! We are just beginning a relationship! Besides, I am a loner. I am not used to share my space with someone…!
- Come on, Rhada'! Maybe this proposal is unexpected but it's absolutely worthy! You would have me around and we would share more time together! Isn't it wonderful?
- But, Kanon, I… - He was still in shock.
- There are some adjustments to be made. First, I don't want that damned Harpy being in charge of your place. I prefer Sylphid because he seemed more helpful and friendly. Well, he helped me to carry my luggage and the box… - He smiled with satisfaction. –Second, no more extra-services for Pandora. I hate when she dug her nails on your back. Third, no animals here: which means, it's forbidden that Cerberus, Zelos or Chesire come inside. Only dragons are welcome. Four, I would need my own closet so you could keep your things without mixing them with mine…
- Shut up! – He screamed as he grabbed Kanon's wrists. – Are you mad? Do you think I can be deceived as Poseidon? What do you want, really?
- To be with you, to live together, to love you…! – Kanon answered, staring at Rhadamanthys intently. He was surprised by the Wyvern's reaction.
He closed his eyes. It was a nightmare! He began this relationship with Kanon because he was a carefree, easy-going, self-confident guy, never minding to have hopeless relationships or easy sex. What was he saying now? He wanted to live with him?
- Kanon, you are misunderstanding everything! We are lovers but just a bit more than friends with benefits, we are beginning to know each other… and I don't know if I am able to love…!
- Oh, that's the same crap you told Camus, isn't it? Wyvern, you are good in taking what you want and leaving! – He was angrily facing him, his eyes flashing evil glares. The Wyvern felt he had hurt his lover, so deeply.
- Kanon, you don't know about Camus and me…
– I know all! You are afraid of loving someone besides you! So you're a loner because you don't want any commitment! Your ways are to be always the winner, no matter how you hurt someone!
- Kanon, I….
- Tell me, damned coward unibrow brute! You are afraid in falling in love because love makes you weak! You're a damned coward!
- I cannot love you, Kanon, that's the truth. I was happy to share some sex with you but this is too much for me. You want more than I can give you so it's better that we end this now! Then we would move on as soon as possible.
- Move on? Are you lecturing, Wyvern? Well, let me tell you that I am leaving you now and I don't need to search for someone to move on. There are so many waiting that I snap my fingers to humbly bow in front on me and beg that I will try to love them….! Even Poseidon has a crush on me!
- So you could get out of here as soon as you wish. – He turned his back to the Sea Dragon,
- Sure, I am leaving now. – He hissed, walking towards the bathroom. – I would leave my luggage so ask your troopers to bring them to the North Atlantic Pillar tomorrow. – He commanded while the Wyvern stood at the window and took a glass of whiskey with ice.
A couple of minutes later, Kanon returned to the bedroom and faced his owner.
- Well, this is over, Wyvern.
- I just want a token of you, the last one. – He humbly asked him, his eyes bright and veiled with some tears.
- What do you want?
- A farewell kiss.
The Gemini twin nodded. He slowly approached Kanon, trying to record everything about him, every inch of his skin, the wavy blue marine mane, those delicious juicy lips…! What a pity that there would not be another chance to enjoy those lips, to caress that brawny wet body and the silky hair…
Just a slight touch on his lips… - He remembered himself like a mantra. Just a slight touch and that's over. I cannot risk to fall in love again.
When he was just caressing those luscious lips with his, in a magical moment that was both a blessing and a lost, the Wyvern-beast inside him overcame his sanity and he shamelessly bite Kanon's lips, leaving a hideous mark.
The Sea Dragon pushed him away with a mix of rejection and lust. Horrified, he desperately ran outside crying, touching his lips and cleaning the blood drops. This was over now. Forever and ever.
Kanon would hate him… there was no point of turning back.
While his lover disappeared in the dark night of the Underworld, flying as a stunning shooting star towards the sunny surface, the Wyvern silently watched him, still standing at Caina's entrance.
He sighed but it was done. The mighty Wyvern was alone but hadbranded his prey. Kanonhad left him now but he had his mark, too.
What's going to happen to him now? He was a cruel and stern judge of the Underworld. He branded Camus' heart when he left the lovely Ice Saint. Now he had marked the Sea Dragon in a more physical way. Somehow there was a paradox. They were marked but living away from him, who was left alone.
Their last kiss. A basium! He licked the drops of blood, tasting them with delight. The last one but so good!
Slowly, very slowly, he got inside Caina. All seemed empty and dark now. He pulled closed the big doors. He wanted to be alone.
Next time, he would be more careful when choosing a mate. Camus had taught him not to put his heart on a relationship or he could lose it. Kanon showed him that he needed someone he might control and have under his command. Maybe someone, yes, must fit in his world… in his personal Hell.
He filled his glass with his expensive whiskey, the special one he was given today. Well, it was his gift, a farewell one.
Then, there was a slight beep and a message from Camus was displayed on his cell phone's screen: Happy Birthday, Wyvern!
He smiled, showing his white predator's teeth still dripping with blood. Love is a mystery, at least unknown for a Judge of the Underworld.
Yes, he whispered to himself: Wyvern Rhadamanthys, Happy Birthday!
What an unforgettable basium, indeed!
(1) Old English Medieval name, meaning someone brave in battle.
(2) Balvenie is a fine Scotch whiskey distillery.
(3) Haggis and Yorkshire pudding are typical English food.