Woohoo! Yet another chapter. I'm on a roll.

If I'm being honest, I wasn't going to write this chapter, but darkacuario, who has been my most devoted reviewer, said they were looking forward to it, which inspired me to write this after all.

Also, I made some revisions to the last chapter, so I suggest you go back and reread it.

Disclaimer: I do not own Saint Seiya or any of the included characters. They all belong to Masami Kurumada.


Shiryu smiled slightly as he reached the end of the path that lead up to his training ground. As he had expected, the small cottage that he had lived in with his master was still there, and next to it, bent over the small vegetable garden, was a figure with long hair pulled back into a braid.

"Shunrei!" Shiryu called as he approached. The figure started faintly, then turned around. A smile curled at soft lips and Shiryu's childhood friend beamed at him.

"Shiryu! Back so soon?" Shunrei asked, looking delighted.

Shiryu felt a flash of regret. He wouldn't be able to take long with Shunrei.

"Yes. I'm here to talk to Master Dohko. Is he by the waterfall like usual?" He spoke to her.

Shunrei's face fell slightly before she responded. "Is he ever anywhere else?" She asked.

Shiryu almost snorted at that. Shunrei was right.

"I'm sorry I don't have time to talk." He apologized.

Shunrei shook her head. "Don't worry about it. Saints are always busy people. Go talk to the Master."

"Thanks Shunrei." Shiryu said before he headed past her and ledge overlooking the waterfall.

Slowly, the Old Master came into view, a tiny man in green robes and a straw hat, sitting at the edge of the ledge as he meditated. He stirred as Shiryu approached.

"Shiryu. It is good to see you again."

"You as well, Master." Shiryu greeted the old man.

"Come, sit. And tell me what brings you here." Master Dohko said.

Shiryu did as he was told, sitting down next to his master, and began to talk.

"I see." Master Dohko said as Shiryu finished his story. "You've found the true Athena."

"Master you knew that the Athena in Sanctuary was false?" Shiryu asked, strangely unsurprised.

"I suspected." The Old Master responded. "Ever since that night."

"What night?" Shiryu asked.

Before the Dohko could respond, there was a familiar clank of armor.

"Probably the night Aiolos betrayed Sanctuary." An unfamiliar voice spoke.

Shiryu and his master both turned to see a man in gold armor standing by the path, Shunrei's hair gripped in one hand.

"Shunrei!" Shiryu yelled in alarm.

Shunrei just stared at him, looking terrified.

Master Dohko, on the other hand, seemed perfectly calm. "The Cancer Gold Saint." He said. "Deathmask, I believe you call yourself."

"That's right. And I'm under orders from the Pope to kill you, Roshi."

Roshi? Shiryu wondered. He'd never heard anyone call his master that before. He brushed the thought away.

"As if I'd let you hurt Master Dohko." He spat, reaching for his Cloth. "Let Shunrei go." Before he could call on his Cloth properly, he was interrupted by another voice.

"There's no need to fight."

Shiryu found himself turning once again, but this time, the sight was familiar. Another man, this one also wearing a gold Cloth, but with horns reaching over his shoulders.

"Mu." Dohko murmured. "How good to see you."

The Cancer Saint seemed less impressed. "I know you." He spat. "You're the Gold Saint of Jamir, the one they call Mu."

"That is correct." Mu said. "Now I don't think you want to fight both of us." He gestured towards Shiryu. "This will all be resolved if you let her go."

"Tch." Deathmask bared his teeth. "Fine." He snarled. Without warning he threw Shunrei towards Shiryu and Dohko. Shiryu caught her, pushing the girl behind him as he dropped into a battle stance.

"I'll be back for you, old man." The Cancer Saint growled, and disappeared.

"Relax, Shiryu. The danger has passed." Master Dohko said calmly. "It is time for you to go home."

"I can't." Shiryu responded angrily. "You heard him. He's coming back. You're in danger, Master."

"I am always in danger, Shiryu. Such is the fate of those who serve Athena."

"Speaking of Athena, she needs you, Shiryu." Mu said.

"But-" Shiryu went to protest, only to be interrupted.

"If it makes you feel better, I will stay here for the time being." The Gold Saint offered.

Shiryu hesitated. Mu had been a regular visitor to Master Dohko for years, and Shiryu had gotten to know him quite well, he trusted the man, but still...

"Shiryu." Master Dohko spoke up. "What does your heart tell you?"

Shiryu blinked. "My heart."

"You are of Athena' Vanguard, Shiryu, your heart will always tell you what to do."

Shiryu closed his eyes. Athena's Vanguard. My heart?

He opened his eyes again. "My heart tells me to go to Athena." He admitted.

"Then you have your answer." Master Dohko said. "You must go immediately."

"Yes Master. And thank you, Mu-san." Shiryu answered. "Shunrei, I'll see you soon."

"Be careful." Shunrei told him.

Shiryu nodded, then turned and headed back down the path. Back to Japan. Back to Athena.


A little shorter than I meant it to be, and perhaps kind of anti-climactic. What do you all think?

See you next time.