Usual disclaimer HUGE thanks to everyone here and here we go.
Something Amiss Chapter 21. The Underworld.
Rhadamanthys hovered paitently below a large blue crystal hanging from the roof of the Underworld. Outsiders rarely noticed the sparkling crystals that made the sky of the Underworld and for that he was glad and very few Specters could enjoy the peace and tranquility they bestowed. The restoration of these crystals from the dark taint had been the first proof for him that times were changing and the Lord of the Underworld was finally free of the chains that bound him.
This particular crystal had always been his favourite for reasons he could not discern. It rippled every so often cascading various shades of blue he was sure should not be found in the sky but on the surface of a sun kissed ocean. He had been quite happy to seek out the pleasantest part of this particular stretch of the Underworld's roof that somehow was supposed to be conected to the Cancer temple. The part that disturbed him was the whispers shared between the happy couple just as he left. He was sure the pale blunet had said something about birthdays, holidays humans celebrated on the surface and them all coming together. Perhaps he had misheard. However he had not misheard Minos' hearty laugh and that comment about Rhadamanthys' faction soon being a little happier concerned him. There was nothing wrong with combat readiness especially with *her* lurking.
If anything this whole mad scheme was beginning to look like a bad idea. Sure he had adjusted the spell to pull a living saint down here for a little chat but he had no clue how to send them back without on of the gods' permission. Lord Hades would not be pleased unless it was Shun that appeared in the Underworld and then he doubted he would let Shun leave not that Shun would want to leave if what he had heard is right.
During the disagreement he had the bad luck to see and take part in at the worst point he had been sure Lord Thanatos was about to punch Lord Hades in the face when he stopped the motion and pulled the Lord of the Underworld by his shoulder to the one side and spoke to him in tones so hushed even the super sensitive ears of Lord Hypnos could not hear what was said. Whatever it was it worked Lord Hades quickly calmed down and put the invisible sword back in it's rightful place before announcing that he was going for a walk and that he was not to be disturbed unless the hateful woman made an appearance.
Before he could contemplate what force could cause such a change the crystal above his head thrummed. Whoever had been caught by the spell is about to arrive and he had better catch them or they'd be a permanent resident considering the long drop to the Underworld's ground floor. Rhadamanthys, a man who prided himself of his self-control, could barely contain his excitement or the rapid pumps of his heart the last time he felt this way he had been in the presence of-
"Kanon?" He gasped as the crystal gave birth to the saint ending his spell induced journey. Catching the Gemini saint in his arms bridal style Rhadamanthys' mind went completely blank. His senses compenstated for him memorising everything about this moment to permanent memory from the blessed burden of Kanon's weight proclaiming that this was not a dream to every shimmer of the saint's hair in the crystal light making the surface of the ocean become bland in comparison.
The wyvern could not be sure if this was luck or divine intervention but whatever happened when Kanon opened his eyes the blond knew he would have to thank Aphrodite and may even risk a polite kiss on the lips to show his appreciation irrespective of what Minos may do to him afterward.
Kanon began to stir moving his head to the side. He very quickly woke up upon realising he was being held. Confused bright green eyes ensnared Rhadamanthys whilst the saint froze in his arms.
"Am I dreaming?"
The wyvern bit his tongue. The first answer that came to mind was not suitable due to the fact it would involve invading Kanon's personal space even more than he was and hs self control was barely holding him in check so he went with his second answer.
"No."
Blinking Kanon processed the nformation before asking. "We're not in the Sanctuary are we?"
"Let me fly us over to that ledge in the crystal and I promise I'll explain everything."
Kanon nodded tentatively reaching up to hold on to his shoulders. "I don't want to fall," he explained looking around calmly as if this were an everyday occurance.
"Right." Reaching the ledge in the large pearl coloured stalactite he helped Kanon into the gap before furling his wings taking his place beside the saint careful not to encroach too much on the limited space though if they were Minos and Aphrodite then this would be considered cosy and rather romantic looking out amongst the crystal sky watching the colours move through them like clouds.
Mentally slapping such notions out of his head Rhadamanthys was unsure where or how to start his explaination and the stange itch in his hands was not helping. Glancing over at Kanon was a bad idea but he did it anyway and lost his ability to breathe and think again. If there are truly creatures who could be called angels then surely Kanon had to be one. He looked as though he was trying to convince himself of something and finally he turned to face the wyvern a teasing half smile on his lips and broke the silence.
"So why have you kidnapped me?"
"I haven't."
"You do know the definition of the word 'kidnap' right?"
"Of course I know. I am familair with all laws."
"Alright. Where in all this did I say 'Okay Mister Wyvern take me to the Underworld'?"
Rhadamanthys opened his mouth to object but quckly closed it before saying. "You are partially correct on a technicality."
Kanon raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
"Fine." Rhadamanthys knew a lost cause when he saw one. "I, Wyvern Rhadamanthys have kidnapped you, Kanon of Gemini. Happy?"
"You had better not say something like that around my big brother."
Rhadamanthys shrugged. "You're brother does not scare me. I don't understand how you two are related anyway."
"We're twins. Identical twins."
"You're as identical as the sun and moon. Saga is cold, aloof, arrogant and grates on my nerves. All I have to do is look at him and I want to knock his teeth out at times especially when he coddles you as if your a toddler. You on the other hand are-" The specter snapped his mouth shut horrified at the truths he was about to divulge. Why was the Gemini saint so damn easy to talk to?
Kanon poked his shoulder. "I'm what?"
"Different."
"How?"
"I have already said to me you two are as different as night and day. Now we have business to discuss."
"Ah the reason why you've kidnapped me."
"You're not going to let that go are you?"
Kanon's smile nearly made him forget all about the business he had been summoned for. "Not anytime soon."
"Look there is a mad goddess running loose and-"
Kanon sat up straighter becoming more focused. "Wild guess she wears a grey robe and carrys a lantern."
"How do you know that?"
"Just before you kidnapped me she was standing on top of the Sanctuary clock tower beckoning me to go to her. Strange thing is Camus, who was right by me, couldn't see her."
"Dear Gods! She's already starting up there. Kanon promise me you won't ever go near her. There's no telling what she'll do to you or any of the others."
Kanon placed his cool hands on top of Rhadamanthys' that without the Specter's permission had found their way to Kanon's shoulders they saint pulled them off but kept a firm hold of them. "I promise. Now tell me what's been going on."
"Alright. But I'm not sure where to begin."
"The beginnings always a good place."
"The beginning is before the Time of Myth ended."
"Then it's good thing it'll be while before Saga notices I'm gone." Kanon gave his hands a gentle squeeze. "Now where in the Time of Myth are we talking?"
"Athene and Poseidon were having one of their many disagreements and ..."
to be continued...