Hagaromo
Chapter 6
Heavenly beings
"Evergreen fields? What does that mean?" Shun asked, holding onto one of the many feather's on Hyoga's swan back.
"You have to understand something about the princess." Hyoga was still getting used to his animal form. He wasn't very confident he could handle a rider but Shun wouldn't ride anyone else. "She's as spoiled as she is rotten. One winter when she was seven years old, she decided she didn't like the snow out her window." Communicating without words was very strange and sounded, er, it did sound but it was just like normal talking in his human form. "She was in a tower room because she liked the view in the spring and summer. So her servants had the daunting task of clearing her view. At first the tried just melting the snow with several fires, but that didn't stop the snow from falling. In compromise, they made artificial flowers and hedges that they could heat all winter long. So when the snow falls, the heat generated from the artificial plants melt it the before it even hits the ground."
"How can mere mortals have such magic?" Shiryu asked, his scaly dragon form reflected the sunlight that glinted patterns on Hyoga's white body.
"It's rumored that she's no mere mortal, but I try not to get involved with her." Hyoga admitted.
"Why's that?" The Pegasus galloped closer to ask.
"How do I say it? There's something...not right about her. Something...unnatural." the enormous swan tried to convey his concerns. Deep blue eyes noticed the change in the land below. "There it is. Do you see it?" Green eyes saw the fields of melted snow, the entire area was caught in between spring and winter.
"The fall is like purgatory for the land." Shun closed his eyes and bit the inside of his cheek. "Hyoga? She did all this, just because she didn't like snow?" the celestial adjusted so he could be deeper in the soft feathers that protected him from the harsh winds.
"No, she likes snow." the swan clarified. "Ooh, that tickles Shun."
"Sorry." the heavenly being tried not to smile, but he was enjoying Hyoga's reactions.
"She turns off the heaters for some holidays. But when it doesn't snow for those days, she makes her servants bring snow in to make it more festive." Cygnus had a bitter tone in his voice.
"You seem to know a lot about a woman with whom you wish no familiarity." The dragon couldn't help but notice.
"My mother ran away from the palace and that was when my father found her. They built a life together and had a son but...my mother couldn't let her past go. Whenever she had the chance, she'd gather information on the palace and the new princess."
"New?"
"Yes. The previous king was getting old and wanted an inheritor. My mother said that the princess was born without a mother. In other words, there was no queen to give birth to the princess. She seemed to appear as if the devil was spit out of hell. Despite her darkness, the king was overjoyed and spoiled her until his death. Even now she can't accept that everything is not hers for the taking."
"Geez," Seiya snubbed her, "What a brat."
"Sounds like this princess needs a good spanking." Ikki's burning phoenix form laughed, scoffing at the princess's foolishness.
"And we're about to give her one, but good." the swan craned back to glance at the green haired rider. "Are you ready, Shun?"
"I think so. I kept this chain from the mountain. It's not the nebula chain but it'll have to do."
"Don't risk yourself in there." the phoenix warned him. "Your cloth protects your body, but without it, you're as helpless an any mortal."
"I know." Shun nodded. Hyoga took particular notice to this.
"Just stay close to me." Swan told the green haired heavenly being.
"Yes." he nodded again. Green eyes looked down at the growing castle in the distance and suddenly felt the impulse to run. He wanted to get away from this place, away from the danger...with... "Hyoga."
"Yes, Shun?"
"Your feather's are really soft and you smell really nice." Shun hugged those feathers and breathed in the other's scent, trying to calm his heart.
"T-There it is!" The swan studdered as they suddenly began to descend. Shun could have sworn he saw the swan blush. The green eyed celestial giggled, holding on tighter.
The welcome wagon was much as expected. There was a virtual army at the gates of the castle and even more men inside. The stone walls were high, but the heavenly beings just flew right over it. Swan landed in the court yard while Phoenix cleared off the outer walls where archers and sentries could hide. Just by gliding over the tops of them, men dove off or took refuge elsewhere.
The dragon curled around the rising tower, scanning each window for any royalty or other suspicious targets. Pegasus transformed immediately, next to the blond and the green haired celestials. The boy was far too happy to start clearing the court yard of the soon to be scattering soldiers. The brunet rained down meteor punches and comet fists left and right.
"You guys find the Andromeda cloth, I'll handle this!" Seiya smiled at the two holding hands.
"Look out!" the blue eyed man shouted, shielding Shun with his body as a hail of arrows rained down from one of the lower rings of the central tower. A wave of heat brushed them as the phoenix incinerated the tiny splinters of resistance.
"Ikki!" the green eyed celestial waved to his brother briefly before being drug off by Hyoga. They ran for the entrance through the confusion. The large oak doors of the tower were being closed by a group of soldiers and servants inside.
"They're blocking it! We'll have to find another way!" Shun stopped when Hyoga let go of his hand.
"Oh no they won't! DIAMOND DUST!" The blond threw out his fist and with a powerful punch a hail of frozen destruction devastated the doors. BAM!
"Wow." Green eyes remembered seeing something similar when the blond was battling the Griffin but abilities don't always carry over from animal to human form. Blue eyes looked at the fist that flung the cold assault. He felt the cold on his hand but there was nothing there now. This heavenly being stuff was pretty narrly.
"Come on!" Hyoga motioned to the green haired celestial to follow. They burst into the hall, running past cowering maids and butler, not knowing where to go. "If she's anything like she was then, she'll be at the highest point!" The blue eyed warrior found the stairs and followed them up.
"I'm sorry." They went up ten floors before Shun needed to take a rest. "I'm not," he had to take a breath, "a runner." He panted trying to just breathe.
"It's alright. I need to get my barings." Blue eyes looked around.
Stairs left and right, but did they end up at the same place? From the outside it was likely but...The green haired celestial took breaths in gasps. He had clearly over-exerted himself. Hyoga kicked himself for not noticing sooner. It takes longer to recover from such suffering when the strain is prolonged. Sweat glistened on Shun's exposed skin. The blond touched the other's hair, measuring the amount of heat his body was generating. It didn't seem that his temperature was the problem.
"Shun." Cygnus could see his companion was probably a bit dizzy and it was clear as to why. Hyoga took the other's hand, bringing the andromeda warrior to his chest, allowing Shun to lean in him and... "You're breathing too much." The blue eyed beauty explained. The heavenly being looked at him confused, panting. "Breathe with me." The blond leaned a bit so that their lips were barely apart. "Just breath." Hyoga opened his mouth and let his breath mingle with the celestial's. Green eyes closed to take in these new sensations. Warm, sweet breath touching his lips and tongue. The strong body, holding him. That heart beat just beyond his own. This sensation more than the rest began to burn in his chest, forcing to touch a rose color on his cheeks. Soon his lungs began to calm from the controlled mix of air. "Better?" the former mortal released his embrace to get a good look at the Andromeda warrior.
"M-much." he smiled tucking a green lock behind his ear.
"Good, lets go." the blond took his companion's hand. "I think we've only got a couple of floors left."
"Oh good." Shun said with sarcastic excitement.
"Stop right there!" Jab the Unicorn suddenly stood in their way.
"You." blue eyes glared. This was the armored man who tried to take Shun at the cabin.
"Hyoga," the cocky kid folded his arms across his chest, "such a pleasant surprise and you brought the celestial, how thoughtful of you."
"How do you know my name?" Cygnus challenged him for the answer.
"Her majesty has a special place in her heart just for you." he cracked his knuckles. "And promise I'll bury you beside it."
"I don't care if she carved her own heart out with a spoon." Hyoga swung his arm angrily. "You were one of those guys that kidnapped Ivanava. Where is he?"
"Ivanava?" The Unicorns' eyebrow lifted quizicly. "Oh." he touched his chin, painting a grin on his face. "Wolf said something about a new throw rug for her majesty. He's probably getting ready to skin the pathetic beast now."
"No!" Shun stepped forward. "Please let him go!"
"Hmm." Jab's eyes narrowed at the green haired celestial. "I might be willing to consider a trade."
"Uh," the warrior of andromeda felt a sweat drop on his brow. "A trade?"
"You for the dog." The punk spelled it out.
"I..." Shun grabbed a fist of cloth before his heart, considering. If he trade's himself, Ivanava can be saved and Ikki will surely come anyway. But even saying that, a celestial is forbidden to go against his word. If he promises to stay, he must. But...green eyes looked at the blond. His head was down, his bangs covering his expression, but his shaking fist said it all. "In exchange for Ivanava..." He bit his lip. Don't be afraid, Shun. He coached himself, letting his hands drop to his sides and stepping forward proudly. Ivanava is Hyoga's only family, I can't let him die. "I'll..."
"Enough!" Hyoga's angry voice made the green haired man jump. "They'll be no trade." He stepped in front of Shun and glanced back. "I'm not the kind of person who can put a price on life, yours or Ivanava's."
"Hyoga, but..." The green eyed celestial touched his arm.
"Besides," Blue eyes turned to his opponent, "I don't trust this guy. Everything about this guy screams welcher."
"Can't be helped," the bad-guy shrugged, "guess I'll have to take him by force." the unicorn grinned.
"Ivanava's my best friend." The blond thrust himself forward and threw a punch. The kid doged, jummping to the side. "If even so much as a hair is missing from his fur." The saiberian kicked high and then low, but his opponent was good. "I'll see to it personally that you suffer."
"You need to get your priorities straight." The chanlenger dropped backward and rolled on his hands and head to avoid a punch then sprang his legs up to kick Hyoga in the face. "You're more worried about you dog than you mother."
"What did you...?" The blond was distracted for a moment and took the full force of the kick. He skidded back and dropped a hand to the floor to help him stop.
"Your mother said you'd come, that was a long time ago of course." the jerk stood over swan, condicendingly as the blond wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth.
"She's here?" Blue eyes couldn't tell if this guy was lying. If she's here, he never suspected. Then again something deep inside told him it could be true.
"What's left of her." Jab chuckled. "Only her majesty is allowed to look at her now. I think it's because she's a rotting corpse."
"You...took Ivanava the only family I have left. Now your telling me you've had my mother all this time!" Swan stood slowly. "I can't...I won't...not ever...forgive you!"
"Oh, back for more. You should really be a good boy and stay down." He kicked at the warrior of cygnus. Hyoga's strong hand caught the other's powerful kick like it was a baby's pat. Blue eyes were on fire, burning with rage as the blond threw the man by his foot across the room. "You bastard, I'll..." Jab stood up quickly, although a bit shakey. The unicorn warrior's eyes grew wide with surprise by the flaming aura around the siberian. Perhaps more surprising was the blond's next action. He seemed to be...dancing.
"Hyoga." Shun watched Swan's arm move like the beating of a wing, then the other. His body looked taller when he stood on one leg, his arms coming up and then down in a beautiful display.
"Aurora Thunder!" Both feet were planted on the ground. His one fist punched the air above him then the other and a rain of power showered down on the unsuspecting man. The warrior of cygnus clasped both hands together and shot out a burst of power not once but twice. Shun heard a scream from the enemy. He jerked his head to see what was happening and a small smoking crater, craddled the half naked, mostly frozen Unicorn, was left.
"Amazing." The Andromeda warrior was still in awe when Hyoga grabbed his wrist and pulled him along. They ran up the stairs, Shun just barely able to keep up. Green eyes watched that blond mane bouncing as they ran, letting the event he just witnessed sink in. "Hyoga," He smiled wanting to praise his friend, "that was..." Just then he caught a glance at the swan's expression. Frustration, fear, anger, pain, sadness and...fury. "Hyoga..."
Chapter 6
Heavenly beings
"Evergreen fields? What does that mean?" Shun asked, holding onto one of the many feather's on Hyoga's swan back.
"You have to understand something about the princess." Hyoga was still getting used to his animal form. He wasn't very confident he could handle a rider but Shun wouldn't ride anyone else. "She's as spoiled as she is rotten. One winter when she was seven years old, she decided she didn't like the snow out her window." Communicating without words was very strange and sounded, er, it did sound but it was just like normal talking in his human form. "She was in a tower room because she liked the view in the spring and summer. So her servants had the daunting task of clearing her view. At first the tried just melting the snow with several fires, but that didn't stop the snow from falling. In compromise, they made artificial flowers and hedges that they could heat all winter long. So when the snow falls, the heat generated from the artificial plants melt it the before it even hits the ground."
"How can mere mortals have such magic?" Shiryu asked, his scaly dragon form reflected the sunlight that glinted patterns on Hyoga's white body.
"It's rumored that she's no mere mortal, but I try not to get involved with her." Hyoga admitted.
"Why's that?" The Pegasus galloped closer to ask.
"How do I say it? There's something...not right about her. Something...unnatural." the enormous swan tried to convey his concerns. Deep blue eyes noticed the change in the land below. "There it is. Do you see it?" Green eyes saw the fields of melted snow, the entire area was caught in between spring and winter.
"The fall is like purgatory for the land." Shun closed his eyes and bit the inside of his cheek. "Hyoga? She did all this, just because she didn't like snow?" the celestial adjusted so he could be deeper in the soft feathers that protected him from the harsh winds.
"No, she likes snow." the swan clarified. "Ooh, that tickles Shun."
"Sorry." the heavenly being tried not to smile, but he was enjoying Hyoga's reactions.
"She turns off the heaters for some holidays. But when it doesn't snow for those days, she makes her servants bring snow in to make it more festive." Cygnus had a bitter tone in his voice.
"You seem to know a lot about a woman with whom you wish no familiarity." The dragon couldn't help but notice.
"My mother ran away from the palace and that was when my father found her. They built a life together and had a son but...my mother couldn't let her past go. Whenever she had the chance, she'd gather information on the palace and the new princess."
"New?"
"Yes. The previous king was getting old and wanted an inheritor. My mother said that the princess was born without a mother. In other words, there was no queen to give birth to the princess. She seemed to appear as if the devil was spit out of hell. Despite her darkness, the king was overjoyed and spoiled her until his death. Even now she can't accept that everything is not hers for the taking."
"Geez," Seiya snubbed her, "What a brat."
"Sounds like this princess needs a good spanking." Ikki's burning phoenix form laughed, scoffing at the princess's foolishness.
"And we're about to give her one, but good." the swan craned back to glance at the green haired rider. "Are you ready, Shun?"
"I think so. I kept this chain from the mountain. It's not the nebula chain but it'll have to do."
"Don't risk yourself in there." the phoenix warned him. "Your cloth protects your body, but without it, you're as helpless an any mortal."
"I know." Shun nodded. Hyoga took particular notice to this.
"Just stay close to me." Swan told the green haired heavenly being.
"Yes." he nodded again. Green eyes looked down at the growing castle in the distance and suddenly felt the impulse to run. He wanted to get away from this place, away from the danger...with... "Hyoga."
"Yes, Shun?"
"Your feather's are really soft and you smell really nice." Shun hugged those feathers and breathed in the other's scent, trying to calm his heart.
"T-There it is!" The swan studdered as they suddenly began to descend. Shun could have sworn he saw the swan blush. The green eyed celestial giggled, holding on tighter.
The welcome wagon was much as expected. There was a virtual army at the gates of the castle and even more men inside. The stone walls were high, but the heavenly beings just flew right over it. Swan landed in the court yard while Phoenix cleared off the outer walls where archers and sentries could hide. Just by gliding over the tops of them, men dove off or took refuge elsewhere.
The dragon curled around the rising tower, scanning each window for any royalty or other suspicious targets. Pegasus transformed immediately, next to the blond and the green haired celestials. The boy was far too happy to start clearing the court yard of the soon to be scattering soldiers. The brunet rained down meteor punches and comet fists left and right.
"You guys find the Andromeda cloth, I'll handle this!" Seiya smiled at the two holding hands.
"Look out!" the blue eyed man shouted, shielding Shun with his body as a hail of arrows rained down from one of the lower rings of the central tower. A wave of heat brushed them as the phoenix incinerated the tiny splinters of resistance.
"Ikki!" the green eyed celestial waved to his brother briefly before being drug off by Hyoga. They ran for the entrance through the confusion. The large oak doors of the tower were being closed by a group of soldiers and servants inside.
"They're blocking it! We'll have to find another way!" Shun stopped when Hyoga let go of his hand.
"Oh no they won't! DIAMOND DUST!" The blond threw out his fist and with a powerful punch a hail of frozen destruction devastated the doors. BAM!
"Wow." Green eyes remembered seeing something similar when the blond was battling the Griffin but abilities don't always carry over from animal to human form. Blue eyes looked at the fist that flung the cold assault. He felt the cold on his hand but there was nothing there now. This heavenly being stuff was pretty narrly.
"Come on!" Hyoga motioned to the green haired celestial to follow. They burst into the hall, running past cowering maids and butler, not knowing where to go. "If she's anything like she was then, she'll be at the highest point!" The blue eyed warrior found the stairs and followed them up.
"I'm sorry." They went up ten floors before Shun needed to take a rest. "I'm not," he had to take a breath, "a runner." He panted trying to just breathe.
"It's alright. I need to get my barings." Blue eyes looked around.
Stairs left and right, but did they end up at the same place? From the outside it was likely but...The green haired celestial took breaths in gasps. He had clearly over-exerted himself. Hyoga kicked himself for not noticing sooner. It takes longer to recover from such suffering when the strain is prolonged. Sweat glistened on Shun's exposed skin. The blond touched the other's hair, measuring the amount of heat his body was generating. It didn't seem that his temperature was the problem.
"Shun." Cygnus could see his companion was probably a bit dizzy and it was clear as to why. Hyoga took the other's hand, bringing the andromeda warrior to his chest, allowing Shun to lean in him and... "You're breathing too much." The blue eyed beauty explained. The heavenly being looked at him confused, panting. "Breathe with me." The blond leaned a bit so that their lips were barely apart. "Just breath." Hyoga opened his mouth and let his breath mingle with the celestial's. Green eyes closed to take in these new sensations. Warm, sweet breath touching his lips and tongue. The strong body, holding him. That heart beat just beyond his own. This sensation more than the rest began to burn in his chest, forcing to touch a rose color on his cheeks. Soon his lungs began to calm from the controlled mix of air. "Better?" the former mortal released his embrace to get a good look at the Andromeda warrior.
"M-much." he smiled tucking a green lock behind his ear.
"Good, lets go." the blond took his companion's hand. "I think we've only got a couple of floors left."
"Oh good." Shun said with sarcastic excitement.
"Stop right there!" Jab the Unicorn suddenly stood in their way.
"You." blue eyes glared. This was the armored man who tried to take Shun at the cabin.
"Hyoga," the cocky kid folded his arms across his chest, "such a pleasant surprise and you brought the celestial, how thoughtful of you."
"How do you know my name?" Cygnus challenged him for the answer.
"Her majesty has a special place in her heart just for you." he cracked his knuckles. "And promise I'll bury you beside it."
"I don't care if she carved her own heart out with a spoon." Hyoga swung his arm angrily. "You were one of those guys that kidnapped Ivanava. Where is he?"
"Ivanava?" The Unicorns' eyebrow lifted quizicly. "Oh." he touched his chin, painting a grin on his face. "Wolf said something about a new throw rug for her majesty. He's probably getting ready to skin the pathetic beast now."
"No!" Shun stepped forward. "Please let him go!"
"Hmm." Jab's eyes narrowed at the green haired celestial. "I might be willing to consider a trade."
"Uh," the warrior of andromeda felt a sweat drop on his brow. "A trade?"
"You for the dog." The punk spelled it out.
"I..." Shun grabbed a fist of cloth before his heart, considering. If he trade's himself, Ivanava can be saved and Ikki will surely come anyway. But even saying that, a celestial is forbidden to go against his word. If he promises to stay, he must. But...green eyes looked at the blond. His head was down, his bangs covering his expression, but his shaking fist said it all. "In exchange for Ivanava..." He bit his lip. Don't be afraid, Shun. He coached himself, letting his hands drop to his sides and stepping forward proudly. Ivanava is Hyoga's only family, I can't let him die. "I'll..."
"Enough!" Hyoga's angry voice made the green haired man jump. "They'll be no trade." He stepped in front of Shun and glanced back. "I'm not the kind of person who can put a price on life, yours or Ivanava's."
"Hyoga, but..." The green eyed celestial touched his arm.
"Besides," Blue eyes turned to his opponent, "I don't trust this guy. Everything about this guy screams welcher."
"Can't be helped," the bad-guy shrugged, "guess I'll have to take him by force." the unicorn grinned.
"Ivanava's my best friend." The blond thrust himself forward and threw a punch. The kid doged, jummping to the side. "If even so much as a hair is missing from his fur." The saiberian kicked high and then low, but his opponent was good. "I'll see to it personally that you suffer."
"You need to get your priorities straight." The chanlenger dropped backward and rolled on his hands and head to avoid a punch then sprang his legs up to kick Hyoga in the face. "You're more worried about you dog than you mother."
"What did you...?" The blond was distracted for a moment and took the full force of the kick. He skidded back and dropped a hand to the floor to help him stop.
"Your mother said you'd come, that was a long time ago of course." the jerk stood over swan, condicendingly as the blond wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth.
"She's here?" Blue eyes couldn't tell if this guy was lying. If she's here, he never suspected. Then again something deep inside told him it could be true.
"What's left of her." Jab chuckled. "Only her majesty is allowed to look at her now. I think it's because she's a rotting corpse."
"You...took Ivanava the only family I have left. Now your telling me you've had my mother all this time!" Swan stood slowly. "I can't...I won't...not ever...forgive you!"
"Oh, back for more. You should really be a good boy and stay down." He kicked at the warrior of cygnus. Hyoga's strong hand caught the other's powerful kick like it was a baby's pat. Blue eyes were on fire, burning with rage as the blond threw the man by his foot across the room. "You bastard, I'll..." Jab stood up quickly, although a bit shakey. The unicorn warrior's eyes grew wide with surprise by the flaming aura around the siberian. Perhaps more surprising was the blond's next action. He seemed to be...dancing.
"Hyoga." Shun watched Swan's arm move like the beating of a wing, then the other. His body looked taller when he stood on one leg, his arms coming up and then down in a beautiful display.
"Aurora Thunder!" Both feet were planted on the ground. His one fist punched the air above him then the other and a rain of power showered down on the unsuspecting man. The warrior of cygnus clasped both hands together and shot out a burst of power not once but twice. Shun heard a scream from the enemy. He jerked his head to see what was happening and a small smoking crater, craddled the half naked, mostly frozen Unicorn, was left.
"Amazing." The Andromeda warrior was still in awe when Hyoga grabbed his wrist and pulled him along. They ran up the stairs, Shun just barely able to keep up. Green eyes watched that blond mane bouncing as they ran, letting the event he just witnessed sink in. "Hyoga," He smiled wanting to praise his friend, "that was..." Just then he caught a glance at the swan's expression. Frustration, fear, anger, pain, sadness and...fury. "Hyoga..."