Yeah, I know, I should be working on my Survival and Justice, but this idea just wouldn't leave me alone. There may be a few more chapters of Infinite Possibilities before I can work on my full stories again.
Disclaimer: I do not own Saint Seiya or any of the included characters. They all belong to Masami Kurumada.
This wasn't how it was supposed to go. The Holy War was meant to purge humanity, not destroy the world.
Hades stared in despair at what the war between the gods a wrought. Humanity was destroyed, yes, but so was the Earth.
The land crumbled, massive craters opening and dragging animals and plants alike into their depths.
The oceans boiled, fish and other sea life cooking alive and floating, dead, to the top of the roiling surf.
And the Underworld burned, flames licking at the souls of the dead and consuming everything in their path.
Hades watched from the balcony of his palace, where all the gods had retreated. It was the only place left that was even remotely safe.
"What are we to do?" Poseidon asked.
"What can we do?" Athena demanded, her face twisted in anger. "This is what your insistence on those pointless wars has wrought! There is nothing we can do."
Zeus frowned, resting a hand on his daughter's shoulder. "Be calm." He ordered. "We cannot do anything, but Kronos can."
"Kronos?" Poseidon asked. "You want to rewind time? How will that help. The world will just be destroyed all over again."
"I don't mean to rewind time, brother." Zeus answered. "I intend to send someone back in time. Kronos is capable of such a simple feat."
"Why send someone back, though?" Hades asked.
"Because there is no way to avoid the Holy War. We already that know from previous attempts." Zeus answered his brother's question. "But perhaps if Athena has someone to guide her."
"Me?" Athena asked.
"Yes, you, daughter." Zeus said patiently. "You are the Goddess of Wisdom, but by the time you regain that wisdom in each cycle, the damage done and lives lost have made your victories nearly worthless."
Athena shrank a bit at her father's words, glancing away from him. "I know." She whispered. "But what other choice do I have, than to keep fighting?" She asked.
"That is for you to figure out on your own." Zeus told her. "But perhaps you will do so better with guidance."
"If we are going to send someone back, who would it be?" Poseidon asked.
"Obviously it must be someone who knows of the Holy Wars, and can guide me as I regain my memories. It must be someone who already serves the gods." Athena said.
"And someone who will protect you, so both the Mariners and Specters are out of the question." Zeus added.
"I believe I have the solution." Hades spoke, finding himself hesitating.
"And what is that?" Poseidon asked.
"Before we retreated here I was able to acquire something, several somethings." Hades said. He moved his left hand out from under his cape, revealing the three swirling balls of Cosmo he had been holding there.
Athena gasped. "My Saints." She breathed, stepping forward and away from Zeus to lean closer to the three souls.
"Shion." The pale green ball of light lifted up off of Hades' hand, swirling around Athena's head before settling on her hand. Affectionate but respectful.
"Camus." The teal-colored ball of light moved straight for Athena's outstretched hand, resting lightly on her palm. Straightforward and clear.
"Saga." The dark blue ball seemed to hesitate, pausing a moment before moving to join the other two on Athena's hand. Anxious, wary.
Athena smiled "Thank you." She whispered to Hades.
The Goddess of Wisdom turned to Zeus. "Do it." She said "Send them back."
"Are you sure?" Zeus asked her. "At least one of those Saints betrayed you once."
"I am. It won't happen again. Of this, I am confident." Athena said.
"So be it." Zeus agreed.
I really like this idea, and I think I will eventually run with it, but not now.
Anyway, feel free to favorite/follow/review my story.
