Chapter Seven

In the Pope's chambers, lying in between the statue of the goddess and the twelve temples, the Grand Pope Sage sat on his throne, donning immaculate clothing. He represented the Sanctuary; his status a reflection of Athena. His clothing held the finest material adorned by the finest jewelry that the Jamarians have ever created. In the long room, Sage sat upright on his throne, taking in the singular red carpet resting on the marble floors surrounded by large pillars that led straight to his throne.

He looked across the room, toward the double doors, as the Pisces Saint arrived with his helmet tucked under his arm.

"I apologize for the sudden announcement," Pope Sage said. As an authoritative figure, he did not need to apologize, but out of habit, even out of respect, he lowered himself to a regular saint.

The Pisces knelt before him, his head bowed.

"No," Albafica responded. "I should've arrived sooner."

Sage said nothing on the matter.

"The situation has changed. You will patrol the outskirts of the Sanctuary along with Kardia and Regulus."

"You fear this threat to send three gold saints to patrol?"

"I fear the unknown."

Albafica stayed silent and then he looked up, his eyes stern. "I respect your decision, and I will do what I must to protect Lady Athena, but…are you sure of Regulus?"

"I cannot doubt his abilities," Sage responded.

The Pisces lowered his eyes. "Then I shall not doubt either." He rose steadily on his feet, straightened his posture and bowed his head. But when the double doors violently opened, Albafica turned quickly, changing his stance to a fighter, only to loosen his shoulders when Dohko rushed in with El Cid behind. The usual grin did not appear on Dohko's face. He looked rather unsettled as he passed the Pisces Saint and kneeled before the Pope.

With a dismissive wave from Pope Sage, Albafica left the room. El Cid, always serious in his appearance and unfazed by the situation, knelt where Albafica last stood.

"What urgency has brought you here, Dohko?" Sage asked.

"Regarding the matter in Italy," he stated. He raised his head. "It seems Lady Athena's friend, and our fellow comrade, Aspros, are not the only ones infected."

Sage frowned. "How many?"

"Just one," Dohko confirmed. "A prostitute who passed away the day I arrived."

By the Libra's side, El Cid remained quiet.

"In what matter of hours?" Sage asked.

Dohko shook his head. "That I do not know."

It troubled Sage to learn the passing of the individual. With time uncertain, he only hoped that his saint—and Lady Athena's childhood friend—survive in the next couple days. Sage turned his head toward El Cid, to advise him to seek Sisyphus, but before he could articulate a word, the doors reopened once more and across entered Manigoldo, his student.

"Hey, old man! You're needed in the medical bay."

In the conjoining rooms, where beds rested against the walls and down the middle aisles, Lady Athena stood in the corner of the room, a barrier formed around her. In her hand, her trident gleamed. It engulfed the young girl in a serenity and safety. But, most of all, it provided protection from the raging Scorpio who was miffed at her behavior.

"Don't be stupid, Sasha!"

He banged against the barrier. The light cracked but did not break. With his mind in a rage, he pulled back a fist, pouring his entire energy into the blow—until he was stopped by Aldebaran standing in the way.

"This is pointless, Kardia!" Aldebaran argued. In his arms, the Virgo Saint rested.

"Get out of my way!"

"And injure yourself? I have no time for follies; Asmita needs our help!"

"As if you give a damn about him," Kardia sneered.

"Enough!" Sasha shouted. The two saints stopped in their quarrel and looked at her. She gripped her staff tightly in her hands. "I told you what you had to do!"

Aldebaran stood silently, debating her request. He knew she was right; however, to leave her with such a responsibility left him in trepidation. But, slowly, he complied. He set Asmita on the ground, as close to the barrier as possible. In hindsight, he knew Kardia would not be pleased. After all, the Scorpio spent much of his day trying to convince Sasha to dispel the barrier.

"What the hell are you doing?"

Aldebaran answered, "I have to do this."

Sasha released her trident, but the barrier did not falter. Instead, the trident remained rooted to the ground, as if the young girl had affixed it to the stones. She grabbed for Asmita and pulled from his shoulders. It proved rather difficult for the young girl. Still, she managed to pull him through, showing her exhaustion when she finally pulled him enough into the barrier.

It only displeased Kardia further to see her so weak. With a scowl, he turned on his heel, commenting, "As you wish, Athena." He left the medical bay, only to leave behind his bitter dissatisfaction. It made Aldebaran question his decision. Did he make the right choice?

Putting an end to his doubts, Athena spoke, "There is no other way." The Taurus kept silent. She continued, "I hope Kardia will forgive me."

"He will," he said.

She smiled in return.

In the silence, they stood, each lost in their own thoughts. Sasha laid Asmita's head on her lap, comforting him by running her fingers through his hair. She knew that he would've never asked for her help nor her comfort. In fact, she was prepared for him to stir and scowl in his sleep at the sudden intrusion. None of that happened, however. He slept blissfully unaware of the Goddess crying over his person.

After the tears were shed, the Pope entered the room and stopped when he noticed Aldebaran frowning. He followed his gaze and found Athena with bloodshot red eyes. The girl merely wiped her fallen tears and ran her fingers through the Virgo's blonde tresses.

He looked at Aldebaran. "What has happened?"

"The same symptoms appeared."

"My saint?" Athena intruded. "What does my saint, Dohko, have to say?"

"There is no hope," Sage bluntly stated.

"Why do you give up so easily, Sage? There is still Degel and Shion."

"And if they find nothing what then?" He shook his head. "My hope is diminishing. I do not want to avoid the truth."

"Then you have no faith in me?" she asked.

Sage scowled. "That you should never question." He grew closer to the barrier. "I have faith that they will overcome this disease, but, at the same time, I fear it will not. If there is no cure, you must face the reality."

She looked at Asmita, fighting back her tears. With a kiss to his temple, she said, "I will face it when the time comes, but, for now, our hopes lie with Degel and Shion."

Slowly, her fingers slipped through his blond tresses until there was nothing left in her hand.