I don't own Saint Seiya, or any of its characters, please do not sue me.
A Lifetime in Exchange for Seven Days
Chapter 3
[Wednesday]
She floated on top of water, walked on air and saw someone ahead of her, slowly he turned around, and she smiled at him gently. His long hair floating in the wind. He held out his hand towards her, inviting her to come along. She smiled and walked towards him, suddenly realizing that he's faceless. Frowning, she slowly touched his hand hesitantly. The moment their hands connected, the guy before her exploded into million pieces and disappeared.
Saori snapped her eyes open and starred up at the ceiling of her room, it was only a dream. Saori shook her head and rolled her eyes towards the sky. It's a pathetic warning from her father, he doesn't even know who the guy is. That might be good, because Saga would be safe. And once she leaves, he'll be fine. Maybe... she should take his advice... after all, she is putting him in danger.
However, no matter who she is, she can't possibly turn back time. She sensed his awkwardness in the threatre. That was something that she so shouldn't have done!
Groaning, she pulled the blanket over her head blocking the sun from her face, pathetic father! She hates it when he does this. Flipping around on her bed, she felt a familiar cosmos, and heard voices raising outside. Without a second thought, she jumped out of bed and ran towards the window.
Poking her head outside the window, she saw Sorrento and Julian trying to explain their visit exhaustidly, while her Saints are starring at them dangerously. After the battle with Hades, and after Poseidon sent the cloths to the underworld for her, Julian's memories have been awakened. He remembered his life, from the smallest age to proposing to her, to being Poseidon, everything. Sorrento, his loyal Saint, and now, his best friend, has been there for him always.
Flaring up her cosmos she managed to grab Sorrento's attention, whom looked up at her and nodded his head towards her. Saori returned his gestrue and turned back in her room again, preparing to meet the Lord from the Seas.
[Training Ground]
"I'm telling you that your Goddess will welcome us, just let us in!" Sorrento rolled his eyes unbelievably. Remind him to contact Athena to inform her that they're coming. Her Saints are stubborn beyond belief... they can even compete with Seiya.
"What is going on here?" A deep voice cut through the noisy crowd, they looked up and the Saints bowed.
"Saga! Finally! Someone reasonable!" Sorrento breathed out an air of relief.
"What are you doing here?"
"It's okay, I called them here." Saori finally appeared, dressed properly in a white dress. Her Saints kneeled, Sorrento bowed and Julian stepped up towards her.
"Saori, long time no see." Julian took her hand and laid a kiss on the back of her hand, just like the first time they met.
Saga looked at this scene coldly, he had wanted to talk to Saori today about yesterday. No matter how he feels, what happened should have been avoided, and should have never happened, and should never happen again!
"Julian, it's great to see you again." She smiled and slipped her hand into his before turning around to face her Saints and Saga. "Now, don't torture Sorrento, I want to see him alive after I come back from my walk." She then turned, but was stopped by Saga.
"Goddess..."
Saori turned and looked back at him, she then smiled thinly and nodded at him. "We'll talk later, okay? Whatever you want to talk about."
With that, she turned and walked towards the little stream at the back of Sanctuary slowly, with Julian by her side. Saga just watched their back views until they disappeared, a tight feeling in his chest raising up, something that he doesn't like. However... no matter what, he's got to admit, Julian and Saori are perfect for each other. He's a God, and she's a Goddess, they're both rich and very beautiful. He sighed and turned backwards as well, his backview suddenly looking very lonely.
[Stream]
"I don't think you should go near the stream." Saori said with a goofy smile as they made their way towards the twinkling stream.
"Oh? And why's that?"
"You're Poseidon after all, you could flood the entire Sanctuary, I don't feel safe." She joked with a soft laugh, Julian laughed along side with her.
"Oh please, you have all your Saints, I only have one. And besides," he paused and they faced each other before the stream. "I used up all my powers when I sent you your cloths to Hades."
"Thank you." Saori said sincerely, if it wasn't for his great timing, she doesn't know how many Saints she would have lost in that battle. Seems like deep inside his heart, there's still goodness circling around. "What are you planning on doing now?"
"I'm going to attend Mr. Okaity's wedding next week." Julian said hintingly and looked at Saori, whom dropped her gaze and turned her head away. He didn't say anything, she didn't say anything, a soft wind ruffled and played with their hair. Julian just looked at Saori, someone he loved... he loves, yet can never have. If he wasn't Poseidon, then maybe they could be together now. Then again... if he wasn't Poseidon, would they have met? It's hard to say, is it fate? Or is it just a fluke?
"Julian... I have no choice but to marry him. He's the only one that can save my foundation. I can only rely on him to keep my Saints alive, I have no choice." Saori started, sighing, how many times is she going to say this little speech over and over again? She's getting bored of it. "You know what? I don't even know why I'm marrying him! He thinks I'll be a perfect wife, I see him as a perfect man, whom can help me. It's a win-win situation, there's nothing I can say 'no' to. So... why not?"
"True... as Saori Kido, you have nothing to worry about. However... what about Athena? What is she going to say? What are her Saints going to say? Most importantly, what is her father going to say?" Julian threw a bunch of questions at her, hitting the point straight on.
Saori sighed and walked closer to the stream slowly, Julian looked after her and picked up his feet as well. "I already talked it over with Athena, she loves her Saints just as much as I do... she agreed to this as well. I'm not going to tell my Saints about this, they can see the wedding on T.V., I can't tell them, I don't have the courage to tell them. As for my father... he loves me, he'll understand my point of view." She stopped just as her dress touched the water and her shoes are almost in there. "Actually, Artimes already came and talked to me. She gave me this whole lecture, but left unsuccessfully."
"Artimes? The most convincing Goddess gave up on you?" Julian asked funnily, in his memory of being Poseidon and communicating with Artimes, she was always good at persuading people.
"Why is that so hard to believe? She maybe good at convincing people, but I'm still the Goddess of Wisdom!" Saori shot back playfully, then her smile dropped into a bitter one. "Goddess of Wisdom... yet, I can do nothing to help my foundation to revive... I have to depend on a man to help me."
Julian laughed whole heartedly, and Saori turned towards him questioningly. "What?"
"Now you're definitely Athena, that was her famous line. I'll survive even if all the men in the world died." He said matter of factly, earning a laugh from Saori, soon he joined in as well.
They stood on the edge of the stream, just enjoying the peace and quietness of the moment, Julian, waiting for her to continue. Saori thinking of a way to start. "You know... I talked to Mr. Okaity before I came here." It was Julian that broke the silence. Saori tuned to him, waiting for him to continue. "He's an honorable man, despite what he did a while ago, he'll be a good man to put your trust into."
Saori smiled thinly, Julian's right, but just how many people can actually calm down and think that through when they're going to marry that man. She smiled self mockingly, then turned to Julian. "I'm surprised that you're here comforting me, telling me it's a good thing."
"Oh? Why's that?" Julian turned to her as well, an eyebrow raised.
"Because of what happened before, I thought you'd be the first one to object." She hinted playfully.
Her words reminded him of when he met her at his birthday party for the first time in his life. She was exactly how he pictured her to be, petite, slim, long hair, and beautiful. When she turned and their eyes connected, in her eyes, he saw wisdom so old, much older than her.
Then, everything else was a whirlpool, the proposal from him to her. The rejection from her to him. The God evoking from him within, the second proposal to her, the firm rejection. Then war broke out. Then he lost, not only lost his kingdom, his generals, most importantly, he lost her.
"I've learned that you can't force what's not yours, and you can't fight destiny either." Julian said softly, his eyes holding a far away look.
"True, Athena and Poseidon can never be together. Poseidon loves Amphitrite, and Athena loves everyone in a sisterly way." She paused, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "As for Julian Solo and Saori Kido...."
"They can never be together, because their destiny... has an ocean in between, a boundless ocean."
They then turned towards each other, Saori looked at him funnily. "If I married you that time, we won't be having this problem right now."
"If you had married me, Earth would be underneath the ocean right now." Julian then turned serious. "You know Zeus'll come sooner or later, how are you going to hold him off?"
"I'll think of something."
[Later- Office]
"Goddess, you wanted to see me?" Saga asked, trying to keep his voice as neutral as possible. He hasn't missed that look in Julian's eyes when he first saw Saori.
Saori looked up from behind her desk and a hurt look skated across her eyes, he's now calling her 'Goddess' again, does this mean he regretted what happened last night? With a sigh, she stood up from the desk and walked towards him, she can put what happened between them at the back of her head for now.
"Saga, Julian's leaving tonight. I'll be having dinner with him near the harbour, and then he's going to take a ship back to England." She stated as she stopped in front of him, her head up high, her posture straight, giving full prescence of a Goddess.
Saga looked down at the powerful girl... no, powerful lady before him. No matter how fragile she might look on the front, inside her, there's strength no one can measure up to. Dinner... with Julian... surely Sorrento will go as well, and the only ship that leaves tonight is around 10 o'clock, which makes it pretty dark for her to come back by herself. No, he can't let her do that.
"Goddess, I will accompany you tonight... if you don't mind." Saga said slowly, reading her expression carefully.
To his surprise, she just smiled softly, a smile that's so out of this world, so surreal. "I'm happy to recieve your company Saga." She said shortly then turned around to walk around her large desk again. "We shall leave at 7 o'clock, as of now... I'll have to take care of some paperwork. You can excuse yourself."
Saga looked at her backview, this is the only time that he has to talk to her about last night.
"Goddess... may I talk to you for a moment." Saga started, suddenly so unsure of himself, feeling as if he's a little fish in a big tank.
Saori paused and glanced down, she already knows where this is headed. Picking up her head again, she looked directly in front of her, giving him her back view, strong and confident. "What is it?"
"Goddess.... about last night." Saga began, she nodded softly and slowly, giving him the permission to continue on. "I want to apologize for my behaviours last night, I shouldn't have done that, it was out of my league. I hope you can understand Goddess, I promise I won't make the same mistake again." He blurted out, announcing out his well rehearsed little speech.
Saori didn't move an inch, she dropped her eyes, maybe... perhaps... she should try to fight back a little. "Saga.... it's okay, I... don't mind." She said quietly, hoping that he'll catch on.
Saga looked at her back surprised, not believing that the virgin Goddess will feel anything for him. That was probably just something to comfort him with. "No, Goddess... I really regret what happened."
"Do you really regret what happened before?"
"Yes Goddess, I apologize again for my rudeness." Saga began and glanced at her, she still hasn't moved yet. Yet, if he saw the tight clutch that she has on her paperworks, perhaps he'll think otherwise. "Goddess, I am not fit enough to even stand at the same level as you. For example, Sir Julian Solo, Poseidon, God of Sea... his human form should be someone that's competable with you. Someone like him should be what you're looking for in a husband...."
That word reminded her of the little time that she has left with him, and yet he's trying to convince her to marry Julian... everyone seems to like playing her life a lot. She closed her eyes, feeling the burning cosmos raising within her. "I don't want to see you, get out!" She interrupted him sharply.
"Saori?" Saga looked up surprised, first time in his life hearing her speak like this. Even when she found out that he was the one that tried to kill her, she still smiled and forgave him.
"Out!" She shouted, breathing hard, unable to control her cosmos.
Saga's eyes widened, he felt her cosmos and heard the sharp order. He bowed stiffly and walked out quickly, not sure what he'll do if he stayed there a second longer.
The second the door closed behind Saga, she let out a scream and flung out her arm, knocking down piles of paper work. The papers fluttered in mid air and soon dropped onto the ground, forgotten, at least for the moment. Saori took in deep breaths, and gritted her teeth against each other, still... burning tears dropped out from her eyes. She closed her eyes fully and buried her face in her hands, slowly, she dropped down onto the ground.....
The paperworks are still on the ground, forgotten, waiting to be picked up. Suddenly, a song rang through her head, suddenly she understands what she was singing about, suddenly she wish she was dead....
I'm tired, I'm drunk.
The lights are all fuzzy in my eyes.
Why... why do I still remember so clearly that sentence of 'forget what happened, forget me'.
How can I forget? Unless I hold my breath.
Where can I go to erease all these memories?
Parting is doubting myself, not even sure if I hate you or love you.
Maybe... everything's my fault.
I didn't know that a true heart cannot hold back your embrace.
Even if tear is the most gentle handcuff, but I don't want a pity love.
It's my fault, I still can't forget.
Heartache can only be healed by time, after all, I was the one that chose you, you, whom can't give me forever.
It's my fault....
[Later- Night]
The four of them walked down the harbour together, the early evening air blowing cooly, just to be gentle with its plays. Saga and Sorrento walked a couple of steps ahead, talking non-consistantly with each other. Saori and Julian walked behind them, engaged in a conversation of their own. The day passed by fairly quickly, without... much disturbance. Due to what happened before, Saga was surprised that Saori still agreed to let him come.
Sitting down in some harbour restaurant, they finally found a resting place for their feet to rest themselves, while they tend to their stomaches. Looking at the overly large menu, Saori's delicate eyebrows burrowed together, confusion written clearly in her eyes. Saga glanced up, understanding that she's not familiar with these names at all. Not wanting the two Saints to feel out of place, she chose a quiet and normal restaurant for dining.
Saga put down his menu, wanting to explain something to her, but found Julian already doing his job. Saga blinked in surprise, Sorrento looked up at him and smiled. "Saga, don't worry. Mr. Julian knows what he's talking about. Before he regained his memory, we spent quite a lot of time in restaurants like this. Julian's really familiar with these names, he won't poison Miss Saori." Sorrento explained quietly, thinking that Saga's behaviour is due to worry.
Saga looked away, heaving a big sigh, he ordered whatever, having no real desire for anything. Sorrento looked at him strangely, glancing up, he saw Julian and Saori have talked themselves into another storm, totally ignoring them.
"Saga, what is wrong with you?" Sorrento turned to Saga, his eyebrows raised. "Why are you so tense?" Saga shrugged half-heartedly and raised up his cup to take a sip. Sorrento looked at him funnily, then glanced at Saori. "Don't tell me you're jealouse of Mr. Julian." Saga choked on his drink, as he put down his cup shakily, nearly breaking the cup in the process.
Saori and Julian looked up at him, a questioning look in Julian's eyes. Saga gave them a smile and quietly wiped his mouth. Looking up again, he caught Saori's eyes. They were questioning, but also with a hint of worry. Their eye contact remained for a second before Saori turned back to Julian again.
"Saga, that was only a joke." Sorrento said lowly, and turned back to his dinner that had already arrived during their little incident. True, he was joking when he asked that question, however, he hit the question right on. This is an inevitable route, they're immortals, nothing will come out of it. Look at what happened to Mermaid, she... died for her God, trying to save him, she died... yet what did she get out from that? Once he woke up, he lost everything. Yet, once he regained his memory, Saori Kido once again filled his memory, Mermaid was just another general that died for him. Mabye Saori's differnet, maybe Athena's more generous than Poseidon, maybe....
So many maybes, yet they're just assumptions, who can say for sure what's really inside her heart? Who can tell what she's really thinking?
[Later- Harbour Front]
Dinner was finished without further interruptions, as they now walked down the harbour front, stars have quietly made their way up to their daily stage, performing different plays for everyone to see.
As usual, the four of them were paired up again, talking amongst themselves quietly, not wanting to bother the others.
"Is it him that you're trying to protect?" That question came out from nowhere, but Saori understood it perfectly, she said nothing. "If you aren't going to marry someone in a few days, if you're not a virgin Goddess, if you don't have your reputation to keep, if you don't have a father whom is very powerful, I would say... good choice." Julian said with a smile.
Saori chuckled softly, what can she say? She agrees with all that he just said, but yet she wish he had never said them. However, there's one small problem here. "Is it that obvious?"
"By the way that yor're acting today, nope, not at all."
"Then, how did you..."
"I felt your cosmos earlier, which wasn't particularly wonderful." Julian glazed it over gently, confident that she got his point. To his satisfactory, she blushed faintly and looked down.
Mabye she should just ignore him from now on, maybe that'll be easier on them both. Since clearly Saga feels nothing about this, she can't force him, and she won't force him. After all, she'll be leaving soon. Sighing, she glanced at Julian, someone who can understand her is going away as well. The world really is very lonely and isolated without someone who undertands her, who understands her ways, who knows what she's feeling at this moment.
Standing in front of the large ship, Sorrento and Saga shook hands and exchanged a few words with each other. Sorrento bowed to Saori as Saga nodded towards Julian. Turning towards Saori, Julian stepped forward and gingerly swept her into his embrace, warm and comforting. The chilly night air seemed to have suddenly lost its confidence around the two immortals.
Parting is sad,
Parting is touching,
Parting is glorious
Parting is beautiful,
Parting is hesistant,
Parting is....
No matter what parting is,
There's only one thing that's true,
Parting is inevitable.
As the 4 figures became 2, the night air have picked up its lost confidence, flapping her dress and hair, wrapping around her small form. She stood there, watching as the ship slowly disappeared from their view, into the midst of wherever. She knows, this is the last time meeting, as for the future, he won't be having any relationship with her what-so-ever. She hasn't failed to notice the hesitation in his voice when he was convincing her to marry someone else. She hasn't failed to notice the forced smile whenever they mentioned her marriage, and her soon to be husband's name. However, he also knows that there's nothing he can do to help her on this situation. So, the best solution is just to open your hands and let go.
A warm jacket was placed on her, a large hand on her shoulder, tugging for her to turn around. Slowly, she turned, her eyes still casted downwards. Saga slowly fixed his jacket around her, buttoning up the jacket in the process with gentle movements. Saori slowly looked up at him, he looks so peaceful and calm, as if he could just do this for the rest of his life.
"I'm sorry for the way I acted this afternoon, I wasn't feeling that good." Saori said quietly, making sure that he heard her.
"Don't apologize, I should be the one doing that. I shouldn't have brought that subject up anyways, I should have just dropped it." Saga said comfortingly, his voice low and forgiving, as if nothing she said wounded him at all.
She looked at him, and remembered the date, it's Wednesday already, and she totally blew her chance today. After this week, she'll be Mrs. Okaity... someone else's wife, who knows when she'll see him again. She really wish that at this moment, he'll scream and yell at her for the way she behaved earlier on, but he won't.
Blinking her eyes, crystal like tears rolled out of her eyes, slowly making their way down her cheek. Saga finished with the buttons and looked up at her, looking straight into her tear filled eyes, his eyes showed surprise. Saori quickly blinked and dropped her gaze, her eyes still misty, none of them said anything.
Slowly, he reached out and touched her cheek, she didn't move. He gently wiped away the tear drop that is rolling down her cheek, brushing away her sadness. With a sigh, letting go of all his reasons, he pulled her into his arms and just held her against him, his arms around her body possessively. Saori closed her eyes and laid her head against his shoulder blade, her hands around his back, returning the embrace.
Who can tell that they're not in love with each other? Who can tell that they are the perfect couple? Who can tell they're not made for each other? And who can tell she's getting married next week.....
TBC....
Thanks for reading, please R&R.
A Lifetime in Exchange for Seven Days
Chapter 3
[Wednesday]
She floated on top of water, walked on air and saw someone ahead of her, slowly he turned around, and she smiled at him gently. His long hair floating in the wind. He held out his hand towards her, inviting her to come along. She smiled and walked towards him, suddenly realizing that he's faceless. Frowning, she slowly touched his hand hesitantly. The moment their hands connected, the guy before her exploded into million pieces and disappeared.
Saori snapped her eyes open and starred up at the ceiling of her room, it was only a dream. Saori shook her head and rolled her eyes towards the sky. It's a pathetic warning from her father, he doesn't even know who the guy is. That might be good, because Saga would be safe. And once she leaves, he'll be fine. Maybe... she should take his advice... after all, she is putting him in danger.
However, no matter who she is, she can't possibly turn back time. She sensed his awkwardness in the threatre. That was something that she so shouldn't have done!
Groaning, she pulled the blanket over her head blocking the sun from her face, pathetic father! She hates it when he does this. Flipping around on her bed, she felt a familiar cosmos, and heard voices raising outside. Without a second thought, she jumped out of bed and ran towards the window.
Poking her head outside the window, she saw Sorrento and Julian trying to explain their visit exhaustidly, while her Saints are starring at them dangerously. After the battle with Hades, and after Poseidon sent the cloths to the underworld for her, Julian's memories have been awakened. He remembered his life, from the smallest age to proposing to her, to being Poseidon, everything. Sorrento, his loyal Saint, and now, his best friend, has been there for him always.
Flaring up her cosmos she managed to grab Sorrento's attention, whom looked up at her and nodded his head towards her. Saori returned his gestrue and turned back in her room again, preparing to meet the Lord from the Seas.
[Training Ground]
"I'm telling you that your Goddess will welcome us, just let us in!" Sorrento rolled his eyes unbelievably. Remind him to contact Athena to inform her that they're coming. Her Saints are stubborn beyond belief... they can even compete with Seiya.
"What is going on here?" A deep voice cut through the noisy crowd, they looked up and the Saints bowed.
"Saga! Finally! Someone reasonable!" Sorrento breathed out an air of relief.
"What are you doing here?"
"It's okay, I called them here." Saori finally appeared, dressed properly in a white dress. Her Saints kneeled, Sorrento bowed and Julian stepped up towards her.
"Saori, long time no see." Julian took her hand and laid a kiss on the back of her hand, just like the first time they met.
Saga looked at this scene coldly, he had wanted to talk to Saori today about yesterday. No matter how he feels, what happened should have been avoided, and should have never happened, and should never happen again!
"Julian, it's great to see you again." She smiled and slipped her hand into his before turning around to face her Saints and Saga. "Now, don't torture Sorrento, I want to see him alive after I come back from my walk." She then turned, but was stopped by Saga.
"Goddess..."
Saori turned and looked back at him, she then smiled thinly and nodded at him. "We'll talk later, okay? Whatever you want to talk about."
With that, she turned and walked towards the little stream at the back of Sanctuary slowly, with Julian by her side. Saga just watched their back views until they disappeared, a tight feeling in his chest raising up, something that he doesn't like. However... no matter what, he's got to admit, Julian and Saori are perfect for each other. He's a God, and she's a Goddess, they're both rich and very beautiful. He sighed and turned backwards as well, his backview suddenly looking very lonely.
[Stream]
"I don't think you should go near the stream." Saori said with a goofy smile as they made their way towards the twinkling stream.
"Oh? And why's that?"
"You're Poseidon after all, you could flood the entire Sanctuary, I don't feel safe." She joked with a soft laugh, Julian laughed along side with her.
"Oh please, you have all your Saints, I only have one. And besides," he paused and they faced each other before the stream. "I used up all my powers when I sent you your cloths to Hades."
"Thank you." Saori said sincerely, if it wasn't for his great timing, she doesn't know how many Saints she would have lost in that battle. Seems like deep inside his heart, there's still goodness circling around. "What are you planning on doing now?"
"I'm going to attend Mr. Okaity's wedding next week." Julian said hintingly and looked at Saori, whom dropped her gaze and turned her head away. He didn't say anything, she didn't say anything, a soft wind ruffled and played with their hair. Julian just looked at Saori, someone he loved... he loves, yet can never have. If he wasn't Poseidon, then maybe they could be together now. Then again... if he wasn't Poseidon, would they have met? It's hard to say, is it fate? Or is it just a fluke?
"Julian... I have no choice but to marry him. He's the only one that can save my foundation. I can only rely on him to keep my Saints alive, I have no choice." Saori started, sighing, how many times is she going to say this little speech over and over again? She's getting bored of it. "You know what? I don't even know why I'm marrying him! He thinks I'll be a perfect wife, I see him as a perfect man, whom can help me. It's a win-win situation, there's nothing I can say 'no' to. So... why not?"
"True... as Saori Kido, you have nothing to worry about. However... what about Athena? What is she going to say? What are her Saints going to say? Most importantly, what is her father going to say?" Julian threw a bunch of questions at her, hitting the point straight on.
Saori sighed and walked closer to the stream slowly, Julian looked after her and picked up his feet as well. "I already talked it over with Athena, she loves her Saints just as much as I do... she agreed to this as well. I'm not going to tell my Saints about this, they can see the wedding on T.V., I can't tell them, I don't have the courage to tell them. As for my father... he loves me, he'll understand my point of view." She stopped just as her dress touched the water and her shoes are almost in there. "Actually, Artimes already came and talked to me. She gave me this whole lecture, but left unsuccessfully."
"Artimes? The most convincing Goddess gave up on you?" Julian asked funnily, in his memory of being Poseidon and communicating with Artimes, she was always good at persuading people.
"Why is that so hard to believe? She maybe good at convincing people, but I'm still the Goddess of Wisdom!" Saori shot back playfully, then her smile dropped into a bitter one. "Goddess of Wisdom... yet, I can do nothing to help my foundation to revive... I have to depend on a man to help me."
Julian laughed whole heartedly, and Saori turned towards him questioningly. "What?"
"Now you're definitely Athena, that was her famous line. I'll survive even if all the men in the world died." He said matter of factly, earning a laugh from Saori, soon he joined in as well.
They stood on the edge of the stream, just enjoying the peace and quietness of the moment, Julian, waiting for her to continue. Saori thinking of a way to start. "You know... I talked to Mr. Okaity before I came here." It was Julian that broke the silence. Saori tuned to him, waiting for him to continue. "He's an honorable man, despite what he did a while ago, he'll be a good man to put your trust into."
Saori smiled thinly, Julian's right, but just how many people can actually calm down and think that through when they're going to marry that man. She smiled self mockingly, then turned to Julian. "I'm surprised that you're here comforting me, telling me it's a good thing."
"Oh? Why's that?" Julian turned to her as well, an eyebrow raised.
"Because of what happened before, I thought you'd be the first one to object." She hinted playfully.
Her words reminded him of when he met her at his birthday party for the first time in his life. She was exactly how he pictured her to be, petite, slim, long hair, and beautiful. When she turned and their eyes connected, in her eyes, he saw wisdom so old, much older than her.
Then, everything else was a whirlpool, the proposal from him to her. The rejection from her to him. The God evoking from him within, the second proposal to her, the firm rejection. Then war broke out. Then he lost, not only lost his kingdom, his generals, most importantly, he lost her.
"I've learned that you can't force what's not yours, and you can't fight destiny either." Julian said softly, his eyes holding a far away look.
"True, Athena and Poseidon can never be together. Poseidon loves Amphitrite, and Athena loves everyone in a sisterly way." She paused, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "As for Julian Solo and Saori Kido...."
"They can never be together, because their destiny... has an ocean in between, a boundless ocean."
They then turned towards each other, Saori looked at him funnily. "If I married you that time, we won't be having this problem right now."
"If you had married me, Earth would be underneath the ocean right now." Julian then turned serious. "You know Zeus'll come sooner or later, how are you going to hold him off?"
"I'll think of something."
[Later- Office]
"Goddess, you wanted to see me?" Saga asked, trying to keep his voice as neutral as possible. He hasn't missed that look in Julian's eyes when he first saw Saori.
Saori looked up from behind her desk and a hurt look skated across her eyes, he's now calling her 'Goddess' again, does this mean he regretted what happened last night? With a sigh, she stood up from the desk and walked towards him, she can put what happened between them at the back of her head for now.
"Saga, Julian's leaving tonight. I'll be having dinner with him near the harbour, and then he's going to take a ship back to England." She stated as she stopped in front of him, her head up high, her posture straight, giving full prescence of a Goddess.
Saga looked down at the powerful girl... no, powerful lady before him. No matter how fragile she might look on the front, inside her, there's strength no one can measure up to. Dinner... with Julian... surely Sorrento will go as well, and the only ship that leaves tonight is around 10 o'clock, which makes it pretty dark for her to come back by herself. No, he can't let her do that.
"Goddess, I will accompany you tonight... if you don't mind." Saga said slowly, reading her expression carefully.
To his surprise, she just smiled softly, a smile that's so out of this world, so surreal. "I'm happy to recieve your company Saga." She said shortly then turned around to walk around her large desk again. "We shall leave at 7 o'clock, as of now... I'll have to take care of some paperwork. You can excuse yourself."
Saga looked at her backview, this is the only time that he has to talk to her about last night.
"Goddess... may I talk to you for a moment." Saga started, suddenly so unsure of himself, feeling as if he's a little fish in a big tank.
Saori paused and glanced down, she already knows where this is headed. Picking up her head again, she looked directly in front of her, giving him her back view, strong and confident. "What is it?"
"Goddess.... about last night." Saga began, she nodded softly and slowly, giving him the permission to continue on. "I want to apologize for my behaviours last night, I shouldn't have done that, it was out of my league. I hope you can understand Goddess, I promise I won't make the same mistake again." He blurted out, announcing out his well rehearsed little speech.
Saori didn't move an inch, she dropped her eyes, maybe... perhaps... she should try to fight back a little. "Saga.... it's okay, I... don't mind." She said quietly, hoping that he'll catch on.
Saga looked at her back surprised, not believing that the virgin Goddess will feel anything for him. That was probably just something to comfort him with. "No, Goddess... I really regret what happened."
"Do you really regret what happened before?"
"Yes Goddess, I apologize again for my rudeness." Saga began and glanced at her, she still hasn't moved yet. Yet, if he saw the tight clutch that she has on her paperworks, perhaps he'll think otherwise. "Goddess, I am not fit enough to even stand at the same level as you. For example, Sir Julian Solo, Poseidon, God of Sea... his human form should be someone that's competable with you. Someone like him should be what you're looking for in a husband...."
That word reminded her of the little time that she has left with him, and yet he's trying to convince her to marry Julian... everyone seems to like playing her life a lot. She closed her eyes, feeling the burning cosmos raising within her. "I don't want to see you, get out!" She interrupted him sharply.
"Saori?" Saga looked up surprised, first time in his life hearing her speak like this. Even when she found out that he was the one that tried to kill her, she still smiled and forgave him.
"Out!" She shouted, breathing hard, unable to control her cosmos.
Saga's eyes widened, he felt her cosmos and heard the sharp order. He bowed stiffly and walked out quickly, not sure what he'll do if he stayed there a second longer.
The second the door closed behind Saga, she let out a scream and flung out her arm, knocking down piles of paper work. The papers fluttered in mid air and soon dropped onto the ground, forgotten, at least for the moment. Saori took in deep breaths, and gritted her teeth against each other, still... burning tears dropped out from her eyes. She closed her eyes fully and buried her face in her hands, slowly, she dropped down onto the ground.....
The paperworks are still on the ground, forgotten, waiting to be picked up. Suddenly, a song rang through her head, suddenly she understands what she was singing about, suddenly she wish she was dead....
I'm tired, I'm drunk.
The lights are all fuzzy in my eyes.
Why... why do I still remember so clearly that sentence of 'forget what happened, forget me'.
How can I forget? Unless I hold my breath.
Where can I go to erease all these memories?
Parting is doubting myself, not even sure if I hate you or love you.
Maybe... everything's my fault.
I didn't know that a true heart cannot hold back your embrace.
Even if tear is the most gentle handcuff, but I don't want a pity love.
It's my fault, I still can't forget.
Heartache can only be healed by time, after all, I was the one that chose you, you, whom can't give me forever.
It's my fault....
[Later- Night]
The four of them walked down the harbour together, the early evening air blowing cooly, just to be gentle with its plays. Saga and Sorrento walked a couple of steps ahead, talking non-consistantly with each other. Saori and Julian walked behind them, engaged in a conversation of their own. The day passed by fairly quickly, without... much disturbance. Due to what happened before, Saga was surprised that Saori still agreed to let him come.
Sitting down in some harbour restaurant, they finally found a resting place for their feet to rest themselves, while they tend to their stomaches. Looking at the overly large menu, Saori's delicate eyebrows burrowed together, confusion written clearly in her eyes. Saga glanced up, understanding that she's not familiar with these names at all. Not wanting the two Saints to feel out of place, she chose a quiet and normal restaurant for dining.
Saga put down his menu, wanting to explain something to her, but found Julian already doing his job. Saga blinked in surprise, Sorrento looked up at him and smiled. "Saga, don't worry. Mr. Julian knows what he's talking about. Before he regained his memory, we spent quite a lot of time in restaurants like this. Julian's really familiar with these names, he won't poison Miss Saori." Sorrento explained quietly, thinking that Saga's behaviour is due to worry.
Saga looked away, heaving a big sigh, he ordered whatever, having no real desire for anything. Sorrento looked at him strangely, glancing up, he saw Julian and Saori have talked themselves into another storm, totally ignoring them.
"Saga, what is wrong with you?" Sorrento turned to Saga, his eyebrows raised. "Why are you so tense?" Saga shrugged half-heartedly and raised up his cup to take a sip. Sorrento looked at him funnily, then glanced at Saori. "Don't tell me you're jealouse of Mr. Julian." Saga choked on his drink, as he put down his cup shakily, nearly breaking the cup in the process.
Saori and Julian looked up at him, a questioning look in Julian's eyes. Saga gave them a smile and quietly wiped his mouth. Looking up again, he caught Saori's eyes. They were questioning, but also with a hint of worry. Their eye contact remained for a second before Saori turned back to Julian again.
"Saga, that was only a joke." Sorrento said lowly, and turned back to his dinner that had already arrived during their little incident. True, he was joking when he asked that question, however, he hit the question right on. This is an inevitable route, they're immortals, nothing will come out of it. Look at what happened to Mermaid, she... died for her God, trying to save him, she died... yet what did she get out from that? Once he woke up, he lost everything. Yet, once he regained his memory, Saori Kido once again filled his memory, Mermaid was just another general that died for him. Mabye Saori's differnet, maybe Athena's more generous than Poseidon, maybe....
So many maybes, yet they're just assumptions, who can say for sure what's really inside her heart? Who can tell what she's really thinking?
[Later- Harbour Front]
Dinner was finished without further interruptions, as they now walked down the harbour front, stars have quietly made their way up to their daily stage, performing different plays for everyone to see.
As usual, the four of them were paired up again, talking amongst themselves quietly, not wanting to bother the others.
"Is it him that you're trying to protect?" That question came out from nowhere, but Saori understood it perfectly, she said nothing. "If you aren't going to marry someone in a few days, if you're not a virgin Goddess, if you don't have your reputation to keep, if you don't have a father whom is very powerful, I would say... good choice." Julian said with a smile.
Saori chuckled softly, what can she say? She agrees with all that he just said, but yet she wish he had never said them. However, there's one small problem here. "Is it that obvious?"
"By the way that yor're acting today, nope, not at all."
"Then, how did you..."
"I felt your cosmos earlier, which wasn't particularly wonderful." Julian glazed it over gently, confident that she got his point. To his satisfactory, she blushed faintly and looked down.
Mabye she should just ignore him from now on, maybe that'll be easier on them both. Since clearly Saga feels nothing about this, she can't force him, and she won't force him. After all, she'll be leaving soon. Sighing, she glanced at Julian, someone who can understand her is going away as well. The world really is very lonely and isolated without someone who undertands her, who understands her ways, who knows what she's feeling at this moment.
Standing in front of the large ship, Sorrento and Saga shook hands and exchanged a few words with each other. Sorrento bowed to Saori as Saga nodded towards Julian. Turning towards Saori, Julian stepped forward and gingerly swept her into his embrace, warm and comforting. The chilly night air seemed to have suddenly lost its confidence around the two immortals.
Parting is sad,
Parting is touching,
Parting is glorious
Parting is beautiful,
Parting is hesistant,
Parting is....
No matter what parting is,
There's only one thing that's true,
Parting is inevitable.
As the 4 figures became 2, the night air have picked up its lost confidence, flapping her dress and hair, wrapping around her small form. She stood there, watching as the ship slowly disappeared from their view, into the midst of wherever. She knows, this is the last time meeting, as for the future, he won't be having any relationship with her what-so-ever. She hasn't failed to notice the hesitation in his voice when he was convincing her to marry someone else. She hasn't failed to notice the forced smile whenever they mentioned her marriage, and her soon to be husband's name. However, he also knows that there's nothing he can do to help her on this situation. So, the best solution is just to open your hands and let go.
A warm jacket was placed on her, a large hand on her shoulder, tugging for her to turn around. Slowly, she turned, her eyes still casted downwards. Saga slowly fixed his jacket around her, buttoning up the jacket in the process with gentle movements. Saori slowly looked up at him, he looks so peaceful and calm, as if he could just do this for the rest of his life.
"I'm sorry for the way I acted this afternoon, I wasn't feeling that good." Saori said quietly, making sure that he heard her.
"Don't apologize, I should be the one doing that. I shouldn't have brought that subject up anyways, I should have just dropped it." Saga said comfortingly, his voice low and forgiving, as if nothing she said wounded him at all.
She looked at him, and remembered the date, it's Wednesday already, and she totally blew her chance today. After this week, she'll be Mrs. Okaity... someone else's wife, who knows when she'll see him again. She really wish that at this moment, he'll scream and yell at her for the way she behaved earlier on, but he won't.
Blinking her eyes, crystal like tears rolled out of her eyes, slowly making their way down her cheek. Saga finished with the buttons and looked up at her, looking straight into her tear filled eyes, his eyes showed surprise. Saori quickly blinked and dropped her gaze, her eyes still misty, none of them said anything.
Slowly, he reached out and touched her cheek, she didn't move. He gently wiped away the tear drop that is rolling down her cheek, brushing away her sadness. With a sigh, letting go of all his reasons, he pulled her into his arms and just held her against him, his arms around her body possessively. Saori closed her eyes and laid her head against his shoulder blade, her hands around his back, returning the embrace.
Who can tell that they're not in love with each other? Who can tell that they are the perfect couple? Who can tell they're not made for each other? And who can tell she's getting married next week.....
TBC....
Thanks for reading, please R&R.