"Panpolemos" (Global War)
Author's warnings: This is a post-Hades fic, starting ten years after the Holy War in which Seiya and the Gold Saints died and based on both the manga and the anime. It's pretty neutral so far, but it will contain yaoi (though het will be there as well), so hit the back button if you don't know what that is or if you don't like it. Other than that, please just forgive any mistakes in grammar, English is not my mother language. On the other hand, please do not hesitate to point out any mistakes concerning timeline / characters / canon facts / etc. Thanks a lot to all who take the time to read this.
Disclaimer: If I owned them, I'd be called Athena!
Special note: For Greek terms, see bottom of the chapter.
Chapter 8. The Oracle of Delphi
At the Second House, Aldebaran welcomed them with a broad smile, slightly bowing in greeting to Poseidon and gesturing the whole group to traverse his temple freely. The sight of his solid form infused the Bronze Saints with energy, almost as if the warrior had lent them a bit of his great strength. They excused themselves and passed quickly, as much as they wished it could be otherwise.
"We will talk later, Aldebaran" Shiryu told him hopefully as he went.
"Of course we will, young Dragon" the defender of the Taurus Temple replied humorously. "I'm not going anywhere."
At the following temple their stop was considerably longer for a reason they had not really expected. It was Poseidon, in fact, to pause and address the guardian of the Third House. Saga was waiting for them at the entrance of the temple, a taut expression painted on his features.
"Hails to you, keeper of the Third Sign, favoured by Hermes and blessed by the gods" the Sea King addressed him, using the archaic greeting from the ages of myth. "I have been looking forward to meet you. I believe there is something you can help me with."
Saga's face remained impassive in spite of his inner turmoil. He had panicked when Athena had informed them of Poseidon's cosmo approaching Sanctuary, and had forbidden Kanon to leave the rooms on the second floor of Gemini, frantic to hide the brother he had just reunited with from the Sea King's wrath.
"I will try to serve you at the best of my abilities, but I do not think there is anything I can do for you, Lord of the Oceans" he replied dryly.
Julian's azure eyes flashed dangerously, and when he spoke his voice roared with the preternatural intensity of a thousand storms.
"I do not appreciate liars, Gemini Saga. I am looking for the man who has your same face. He is in the upper rooms of this building. Send him down, before I decide neither of you two are strictly necessary to world's perpetuation."
"I am here" the former marine general said, stepping out in the open before his brother could react to Poseidon's statement and command.
"Kanon, I told you…"
"I know you did, brother mine" replied his twin, offering him a smile full of faked confidence. "Don't worry about me. I'm a big boy. I can handle my own mess."
When the traitor knelt in front of him, Poseidon had to give him credit at least for his courage. It was not the God's intention to strike him down, the man was under Athena's protection after all, but certainly Kanon couldn't know that for sure. It was with a certain satisfaction that he noted sweat-beads forming on his ex general's brow. So the felon was afraid after all. Somehow, that made his audacity all the more impressive.
"I am at your disposal, my lord" the kneeling man said a little breathlessly.
Before Julian could say anything, somebody stepped between them.
"You cannot touch him" Ikki said, challenging the deity with his voice and pose. "Athena forgave his actions, and he died honourably in her service."
"It is not Athena's prerogative to forgive offences suffered by others" remarked Poseidon wryly. "Move aside, Phoenix. My business is not with you."
"Get out of the way, Ikki" Kanon told the younger saint gravely. "You, of all people, should understand that a man needs to face the consequences of his actions alone."
The bronze saint looked at him thoughtfully, and finally stepped aside, nodding his understanding.
At the same time, Poseidon became aware of a cosmo expanding surreptitiously but unmistakeably. His eyes turned to the guardian of the Third House. His features were altered by a great determination. He was evidently preparing himself to strike Julian if he raised a hand to harm his brother.
The Sea King marvelled at the affection and attachment of the saints for such a treacherous man. What had he done to earn their support and respect? Athena was a goddess, and her love for all living creatures was incommensurable. She could joyously forgive any offence all to readily in Poseidon's opinion. Knowing this, he didn't find it so strange that she had welcomed the prodigal warrior and let him join the ranks of her defenders, but those who stood before him were just men. Mere mortals, flawed by nature and imperfect in their ability to love. Yet, they were all staring intensely at him with great resolution in their eyes, almost as if they could stop Poseidon's hand by sheer force of will.
There must be more to Kanon than he had guessed, then. Perhaps it wasn't as unlikely as he had feared that the man could still prove valuable. It was Sorrento's intervention which decided the traitor's fate, however.
"My lord, perhaps we have still use for him" his loyal subject and friend told him, too quietly for anybody else to hear. "His powers make him an asset in the present situation, even considering the hazards involved. Isn't that why you asked us to bring along the Sea Dragon scales? Do not harm him. I'll keep an eye on him."
The marine general's thoughts mirrored his king's exactly. Kanon's strength was worth taking some risks. If the opponent they would face was as powerful as he feared, they needed all the help they could get.
"Very well" the Sea King finally conceded. "Tone down your cosmo, Gemini Saga. No one is going to attack anybody. After all, I suppose I can't really blame a mere mortal for my actions. However, I can't simply ignore your treachery, Kanon. I do not intend to harm you, but you must be ready to do anything I ask."
Everyone relaxed visibly, and Kanon even dared to raise his head and look at the man standing in front of him.
"As I said, my lord, I am at your disposal."
"Krishna, would you mind?"
The Indian Ocean general came forth, depositing a golden coffer in front of Kanon. The man blinked, incredulous. Certainly Poseidon couldn't mean he was reinstated as protector of the North Atlantic, could he?
"This was abandoned in the underwater citadel" the Sea God explained, as a wide smirk formed on his lips. "Do you think you can make good use of it?"
Something that had not changed in Kanon, even after his conversion, was his ability to make use of a chance. For all Athena's acceptance and forgiveness, he still was nothing but a renegade at the moment. Poseidon's offer implicitly recognized his strength and gave him an opportunity to make amends for his actions, becoming a leader worthy of the name. Refusing wasn't really an option. Rising from his kneeling position, he touched the coffer lightly with his fingers.
"If that satisfies you, my lord, I will be honoured."
"Very well… Sea Dragon Kanon. You will now forth serve as general of the North Atlantic and commander of my troops. I trust you will do a better job of both, this time."
"I will not fail you."
"I hope so, for your own sake. Wear your scales, Sea Dragon. We have an appointment to honor."
It was only in that moment that Saga relaxed completely and allowed a smile to touch his lips. A part of him regretted losing the chance to have Kanon to himself in their spare time, but perhaps it wouldn't be so bad for his restless brother to have responsibilities to attend to. In fact, perhaps it was better for them both not to be as close as they had been the previous night. He was afraid their attachment for one another, after long years of denying their bond, could grow to unhealthy proportions, cutting off their already thin connection with reality. All those considerations aside, however, he was proud to see his twin rightfully wear a cloth of his own.
Adjusting his head piece, the North Atlantic general turned to the Bronze Saints and smiled.
"I'll escort Lord Poseidon from here onward. You boys take your time to climb the stairs, but don't be too late. There is someone very impatient to see you in Athena's temple."
The four younger men watched the Sea King and his generals start to traverse the Third Temple. Only the desire to question Saga about Kanon's enigmatic words held them back. When the group disappeared from view, Hyoga couldn't resist anymore.
"What was he talking about? Somebody wants to see us?"
"I'm not going to spoil the surprise for you" Gemini replied light-heartedly. "You'll have to go and check it out for yourselves."
"Has truly everyone been resurrected?" asked Ikki, thinking perhaps he had understood who Saga and Kanon had been talking about.
"Why don't you go and see?" the Gold Saint reiterated gently.
Saga's smile made something click in the minds. Suddenly they all knew whom they'd find at the hill's summit. Without further hesitation, they rushed up the stairs to the following temple.
There was no way to avoid the tourists that crowded the ancient Delphic ruins, but with a little discretion and by throwing covers over the golden coffers strapped to their backs, Dokho and Sertan were able to reach the temple of Apollo and finally the stadium at the summit of the Pythenian Sanctuary going mostly unnoticed.
Fortunately no one saw the two men slipping through a narrow passage opening beneath a natural stone niche and leading inside Mount Parnassus.
"Shouldn't some priest be here to let us in?" asked the Cancer Saint once they reached the first antechamber of the secret inner sanctum. "The place looks deserted to me."
Anywhere their eyes wandered, they found only signs of decay. The dust of the ages had gathered on the paved floor and the carvings adorning the walls, and wildlife seemed to have found refuge in the tunnel.
Dokho nodded absently, advancing with caution. The desolation of the first part of the walkway certainly didn't predict well for the outcome of their mission, but he still hadn't lost all hope.
"Yes, but since we made the trip we might as well try to reach the Pythia's residence. I studied the map we have in the library at Sanctuary, I think I can find my way to the inner temple. Follow me."
Sertan obeyed silently, trailing after the Libra Saint and doing his best to make no sound. At a certain point, however, they had to stop. The tunnel became too small, and they could not proceed carrying their cloth coffers on their backs.
"We have to leave the cloths behind" Dokho announced quietly.
"Couldn't we wear them instead? You know, this place doesn't make me very comfortable. There are too many spots that would be perfect for an ambush."
Dokho eyed his travelling mate, evaluating his proposal. Caution was never overestimated or overused, but there were a few other problems to be considered.
"Perhaps, but then if we wore our cloths we wouldn't be able to conceal our presence or proceed in silence at all, in case there is really some kind of danger. Besides, if the Pythia is there, she may take it as an insult that we came to see her prepared for battle. It could be interpreted as a sign of hostility. Let's just take the offerings for the supplication and move forward."
The Cancer Saint grunted, but didn't protest any more. He slipped the shoulder straps off and carefully placed his coffer in a small nook of the tunnel. Dokho placed his own over it, then they proceeded as agreed.
The narrow passage disoriented them considerably with its intersections, wild turns, ascents and descents. Dokho was starting to doubt his own memory when they finally stepped into the open. They were surprised to find themselves in a small valley, surrounded by high cliffs and completely concealed from sight. Like Sanctuary, the inner temple of Mount Parnassus probably had mystical barriers all around to keep the place hidden from the eyes of enemies and non-believers.
There was a single small building at the center of the meadow, and from its look no one had tended to it for centuries. The pillars were covered with moss, and the statues of the Muses scattered across the lawn were weathered and chipped in various places. A few even had missing limbs.
"What a fiasco" Sertan murmured angrily.
"I wouldn't be so sure, my friend" Dokho replied, smiling with satisfaction and starting towards the temple.
In that moment, the Cancer Saint felt the reason for his companion's confidence. A cosmic energy permeated the place, and its origin was clearly located in the ancient temple. There was definitely someone there. Pleased that they hadn't come all that way for nothing, Sertan moved to follow his fellow saint.
They went through the pronaos, and found themselves in the main cella. There were bronze fire pots lined up along the walls, and the embers they contained were still glowing, which was all the proof they still needed to be certain that the temple was not deserted. Still, caution held their tongues, and they did not announce their presence.
Slowly the walked through the chamber and moved to the rooms concealed behind the statue of Apollo, which portrayed the god in the act playing the lyre. There they could find signs of current habitation, for the curtains they moved aside to enter were plainly of recent manufacture, and there was no dust gathered in corners or above the shelves that preserved an impressive collection of ancient tomes.
Through another doorway they finally found the prophesying chamber, and there they stopped, staring in wonder and the sight offered to their eyes. There were two small artificial pools near the wall on the opposite side of the door, and in the moment they came in a woman stepped out of one of them.
She wore nothing except for ceremonial jewellery, and stood in front of them as if uncaring of her naked state. Her body was lithe and toned, and her tanned skin made a startling contrast with the paleness of her hair, which appeared almost white in the dim lighting of the room. Her eyes were pools of pure gold, shadowed by long ebony lashes and with lids painted in soft tones of brown. Her limbs were lean yet shapely and Sertan's eyes, unable to help themselves, lingered admiringly on the perfect curves of her bosom.
"Welcome, saints of Athena" she spoke, her voice carrying a note of antiquity well beyond her physical appearance.
Being among the few who had ever been gifted with it, Dokho recognized the woman as a bearer of Mysopethamenos, the god-given technique which reduced years to days for the body of the chosen one. She didn't look to be over twenty five, while probably she was almost as old as the temple itself.
"I was waiting for you" she continued, moving to the pool near the one where she had emerged from. "Please, be patient a moment longer. I have already bathed in Castalian spring water, I need to perform the inner purification with Kassotis before we can proceed with the ritual."
"You knew of our arrival" Dokho said, a statement more than a question.
"You come here to ask for a prophecy, certainly you do not doubt my abilities. Yes, I knew you would come. I am the Pythia, last priestess of Apollo. I bid you welcome into his sanctuary."
She took a golden chalice from a small tabernacle and filled it with water from the second pool. She sipped the clear liquid carefully, as if afraid of spilling a single drop, then she put the cup back and slipped on a white traditional peplos. Finally, she wrapped a crimson himation around her clothed figure and moved towards the center of the room.
"Wait" Sertan said, stepping forth and kneeling to present her with the supplication offerings.
"That is not necessary" she informed him with a small motion of her head and a faint smile. "The ancient times have passed, I no longer require gifts in exchange for divinations. If you are eager to please me, send one of your craftsmen to help taking care of the temple. I am alone here, and I can't tend to it like I would want to."
"You ask a small favor, which we certainly cannot refuse" Dokho replied respectfully while the Cancer Saint rose again.
"Then please, take the seats in front of me and wait."
They did as directed and watched the Pythia lifting a small circular bronze trapdoor. As soon as the passage was opened, a fine vapour rose for the depth of the mountain the fissure was connected to. The priestess inhaled the fumes deeply, closing her eyes and leaning back against her seat.
The two gold saints watcher her in rapture. They had never witnessed the mystical trance of a prophesying oracle, and their hearts trembled in both marvel and concern for her as the Pythia's body started to be shaken by faint tremors.
Author's note: The chapters are starting to get longer in spite of my best intention to keep them to three pages of MSWord text. Oh, well, I hope you don't mind. Hm, notes for this chapter will turn into a glossary, mostly. I documented myself a bit on the structure of the Delphi citadel as well as the ritual the Pythia performed before issuing a prophecy, but if you find any mistake or something that can be improved do not hesitate to let me know!! Let's see, for the Greek words present in this chapter…
Mount Parnassus: one of the Greek mountains once believe sacred, residence of the Muses and of Apollo, their protector. The city and the Oracle of Delphi were/are situated on it.
Pronaos: front portico of a temple
Cella: the inner chamber of a temple, the room dedicated to cult, where usually a statue of the god/goddess was displayed
Pythia: priestess and prophetess of Apollo who delivered divinations in Delphi. It's interesting to note that while most of the priesthood was male in Delphi, the Pythia was solely female. Back in those times, women were believed to have a stronger connection to mystical things… or perhaps the customs of that era only made them easier to manipulate…
Castalian and Kassotis springs: sacred springs necessary to the ritual of divination. The Pythia bathed in the first and drank from the second. The Castalian spring was believed to be the residence of a nymph or dryad called Castalia. The spring sprouted magically in the spot where the winged horse Pegasus touched the ground. This is a particularly cool info for Italian fans, considering that in the Italian adaptation of the anime, Marin was called Castalia. They changed the names, which I hate, but at least they didn't go casual about it. ;
Peplos and himation: respectively the dress and mantle ancient Greek women wore
A note about the ritual: the Pythia entered the divination trance by inhaling a gas coming from the depths of the earth, and such gas contained ethylene, which caused her to have visions. It basically acted like a drug, and in the altered state caused by it she issued prophecies. Sometimes the ritual could even prove fatal for the priestess, meaning she went into overdose!
If I missed anything, or have any questions at all, please let me know!!