I don't own Saint Seiya, or any of its characters, please do not sue me.
A Lifetime in Exchange for Seven Days
Chapter 4
" " Talking
' ' Thoughts
[Olympis]
"What are you saying? She'll marry that man no matter what?" A woman cried out unbelievably, her eyes full of disbelief.
"Yeah, she's so stubborn." The man floating on air said and shook his head. "Artimes visited her... but came back shaking her head, muttering that she's helpless."
"Then... where is Artimes now?"
"Locked up in her own place." He said dryly.
"I have to go visit her, I have to talk her out of this. This is not possible!" The lady stood up quickly, shaking her head sadly, her delicate eyebrows furrowed together.
"Good luck, you know how stubborn she is." He commented while beginning to float upwards.
"I just hope I'm not too late."
[Sanctuary- Saori's Bedroom]
"Are you okay? You were in there for quite a long time." Kanon asked as Saori exited her bathroom slowly, a hand over her stomach.
"Do you want to go see a doctor?" Milo asked, standing up to let her crawl into bed again.
The young Goddess sighed as her body hit the bed, a weary look flashed through her eyes. Great, out of all the days, it has to happen today! She flipped around to look at her two Gold Saints. They came into her room early in the morning, wanting to talk to her. Yet, so long had already passed by, but they still haven't said anything important. Making her wonder just exactly what they wanted to talk about.
"I'm fine.. but just what did you want to tell me?" Damn, that pain is back again.
The two Saints glanced at each other before looking at her seriously, being the older one, Kanon started. "Saori, even though I have no right to require you to do anything but... I really hope that you'll answer us truthfully."
Saori blinked and pulled herself up a bit more, nodding her head, she looked at them intently.
"You know Kanon and I go to all kinds of bars and clubs... and last night, we heard something rather shocking."
A knot tied up in her heart, a bad feeling surrounding her immediately. The kind of bars that they go to are usually ones that spreads truthful 'rumours'. Something tells her that this news is nothing pretty. "Yes?"
"The Kido Foundation's new partner, Mr. Okaity... is supposingly to be engaged to you, ready to be married by next week." Kanon paused and looked at Saori carefully. "Tell us that's not true."
Saori's eyes widened, where did that news spread from? She glanced down, a list of names running through her mind, possible gossipers flashed through her mind. Looking up, she was greeted by 2 pairs of eager eyes looking at her. Putting a convincing smile on her face, she shook her head quickly, rolling her eyes. "Of course not! I'm not planning on getting married any time soon.... nor later. That is purely just a rumour." She said sincerely, and sat up to face her 2 saints. Suddenly, the familiar pain ran through her lower stomach. She winced unconsciously, gaining a worried look from the two males in front of her.
"Saori, are you all right?" Milo leaned forwards and reached out a hand towards her.
"Do you mind leaving me alone for a while?" Cause that bathroom looks real friendly right now.
"What's wrong?" Alert ran through their minds.
"I'm okay, I just want to be alone for a while." Saori said and pulled her blanket over her body covering herself up, silently rubbing her stomach. Kanon and Milo shared a look and shook their heads tiredly, women these days.
[Study Room]
"Master, you wanted to see me." Marin said as she knelt down in front of a frantically pacing Saga. He had called her in urgently, saying that Saori is acting strange, and that she won't let anyone into her room, she has always been close to her Saints ever since she found out that she's Goddess Athena, so what's her deal now?
"Yes, Sao.... Goddess won't allow anyone in her room, and she has been in her room for all day today. Milo and Kanon were in there before, and said that she was in pain. I want you to check on her, since you're a female, she might be more comfortable with you."
Marin looked up at a worried Saga and stood up calmly. "Yes, master." Then without a second word, she turned and walked out of the study rom, walking up the stairs, she's prepared to greet anything possible. Thinking about all sorts of enemies hurting the Goddess right now.
Raising her hand to knock on the door, soon sher heard a groan, and a frustrated voice. "Go back, I'm fine!"
"Goddess, I'm Marin, the Master wanted me to check on you. Please allow me to come in." Marin waited and waited, soon, the door crept oepn, Marin walked in and closed the door behind her. Looking into the room, she saw Saori sitting on her bed, face flushed. Marin looked around the room again, making sure that no enemy is here.
"Goddess, are you all right?" Marin walked closer to her and showed worry on her face, and without the mask, the one on the receiving end can actually see it.
"Marin, you're like me, you should know what's going on."
"Goddess, I'm not honored enough." Marin said reflexitly, based on all her knowledge, no one has the right to compare themselves with the Goddess.
Saori smiled and looked towards her. "You have been taught well, I'm not talking as Goddess Athena, I'm talking as Saori Kido, a normal girl. Now... do you know what I mean?" Marin forwned, still not getting what she is getting at. They just looked at each other, after a while, Saori sighed and shook her head. "Nevermind, just tell Saga that I'll be fine."
"No, Goddess... what is wrong with you?"
"Okay... one more time." Saori bit her lips and closed her eyes. "This pain will only last about a week or so. It happens once in a month, very annoying, ends when you're about...."
Suddenly, it clicked.
Marin's eyes showed realization, that's what's happening. No wonder she won't say anything ot any of the Gold Saints, it's too embarrassing!
[Later- Study Room]
"So... how is she?" Saga demanded the second she stepped ino the room. Kanon and Milo both looked toward her, Marin blinked and closed the door behind her, this is so embarrassing.
"She's fine." Marin said shortly, her eyes darting around the room.
"Can we talk to her now?" Milo stood up immeidately.
"No... I don't think she wants to see anyone right now." Marin objected quickly, Kanon rolled his eyes and stood up as well.
"Nevermind, I'm going back to the Gemini Temple. Milo, come along."
Relunctantly, Milo was dragged outside the door by Kanon, still turning his head to look into the room before the door closed shut, leaving Marin and Saga inside. "So?"
"Master, it's a female thing... I don't think you'd like to know." Giving out such embarrassing details about the Goddess is not such a good idea, considering she is one of the most powerful Goddesses in Olympis.
"Huh? What? Just tell me, what's wrong with her? I can take anything! Cancer? A tumor? A..."
But then again, Saga's stubborness is even worse!
"Master!" Marin interruped him. "Drop it, please. The Goddess will not be pleased."
"We're just worried about her."
Marin sighed and met his eyes straight on. "Do you really want to know?"
"Of course!"
She then opened her mouth and spat out the truth, Saga's eyes widened, awkwardness spread on his face.....
[Saori's Bedroom]
"Your room is cold looking."
Saori opened her eyes to look into a pair of orange eyes, she smiled and sat up on her bed and leaned back onto a propped up pillow. "You think everywhere is cold looking."
The lady smiled and walked around the room slowly, her bare feet enjoying the cool feeling on the marble floor, her eyes trailing across the room. "But a beautiful room none the less, your Saints treat you well."
Saori smiled and gathered together some loss hair in front of her face. "I take care of my Saints as well."
"Appereantly too much."
"Hestia..." Saori began, her eyes serious, suddenly looking older than she really is.
"Fine, we'll drop that... what about this marriage that I've heard of from Aphrodite? Is it true? Artimes won't see me after she talked to you." Hestia said and sat on her bed, facing Saori gently. "I heard about your company, you know you can come back with us."
"I can do that, but what about my Saints? Can they survive without the huge amount of money to live the life they want."
"Why? Are they expecting to be millionaires? Billionaires? They should be able to support themselves with their own doings." Hestia said immediately, she can be too good to her Saitns.
"I know, but... they have already gave so much to me, and to this Sainctuary, when the wars are over, they deserve the best. They should be living a life that they want." Saori explained pateintly.
"You're so... unbelievable." Hestia shook her head sadly, this is definitely not going to work. "So I guess nothing we say will be able to change your mind."
Saori smiled thinly and shook her head slowly, a calm and peaceful look on her face.
"No wonder Artimes locked herself in her place. I think I might be doing the same thing as her." Hestia said regretfully, letting go of her hand, she stood up. "Athena, is there anything that I can do to change your mind?"
"I don't think so. The Kido Foundation is just a hollow illusion right now, it used to be the world's greatest foundation, but as time progresses, other big foundations began raising up. Many employees quit and went else where. By working with Mr. Okaity, he can keep this illusion alive, settling down everyone that depends on the Kido Foundation to survive. There's no way to change the situation around for our foundation quick enough for it to income money right away."
"I can always ask the Fate Sisters, I'm sure they can help." Hesita suggested hesitatnly, unsurely, after all, the Fate Sisters charge tons for every wish they grant.
"No Hestia, I cannot back out of his proposal, and I really want to do this myself." Saori said quietly, her hand on her stomach undernearth her blanket, her expression still calm.
"So... I see there's no wy to talk you out of this, huh?"
Saori smiles and looks down, her eyes showing helplessness. Hestia nodded to herself and turned to look at the rainy day outside through her glistering windows.
"Well then... you better show your prescence to your Saints soon, it'a already past noon. They'll probably come banging on your door soon." She then sighed and looked at Saori sadly. "Athena, if you ever need my help, call, and I'll come right away. For now... I can only say that it's unfortunate that we have to reunite this way, but I wish you all the luck in the world for your future." Her voice grew fainter, and slowly, Hestia's image disappeared as well. Saori let out a surpresssed moan the minute she completely disappears. Being a female sucks! Jumping out of bed, she used the fastest speed ever known to make it to the bathroom. It looks real friendly right about now!
[Later- Office]
Saori walked into the room, locking the door behind her, she looked around carefully. Gently, she slipped an anti-tracking device onto the phone, then dialed a familiar number.
"Good afternoon, Kido Residence."
"Tatsumi, it's me." Saori said confidently, slipping into her working mode.
"Miss Saori! Where are you? Are you all right?" A whole string of concerned questions flew out of the phone, her personal butler is still as the same as the before, always worried about her.
"Tatsumi, I'm fine. However, this phone call is business." Saori said sternly, she leaned back into her leather chair and looked through the huge windows.
"What is it Miss Saori?"
"I want you to call Mr. Okaity right away. Tell him that my sources have told me that rumours of me and him getting married are going around in various clubs and bars. Tell him to check them out and take care of them." She said, her fingers playing with the phone cord carelessly.
"What a rumour! He can almost be your father, how can you two ever get married?" She can just picture him right now. Standing straight, a bwildered look on his face, shaking his head unbelivably with a sigh here and there.
And no, he doesn't know about her marriage. When she says no one knows about her marriage, no one knows.
"I know what you mean. Anyway, get that done as quick as possible. And I'll see you sometime." Her delicate fingers hung up the phone as soon as her sentence was finished, and a sorry sigh escaped her lips. She hate to have to lie to people close to her... but what other choice is there?
Slipping the anti-tracking device into her pocket, she left the room. Going up the stairs to her room, she paused and looked down at the barely visible ground floor. Dropping her gaze, she remembered Hestia's words. Swirling around, she walked down the stairs to the ground floor. At least she needs to see Kanon, Milo, and Saga to tell them that she's fine.
Walking out of her palace, she nodded at the two guards standing on either side of the door, the two of them quickly bowed to the departing Goddess. Making her way down to the 12 Temples, she was careful to avoid as many people as possible. Seeing with her state right now, wincing every now and then is bound to attract unwanted attention.
"Goddess!" Two guards at the Scorpio Temple greeted her, she stopped and looked at them surprised.
"Where's Milo?"
"I'm sorry Goddess, but Master Milo went out with Master Kanon."
'Probably to those 'rumour' bars and clubs again.' Saori smiled thinly and nodded. Turning around, with many thoughts crammed in her mind at the same time, she walked around aimlessly. Kanon and Milo probably went to check out those bars again. Knowing them, they won't stop until someone puts a stop to those rumours. She just hopes that it'll be Mr. Okaity and not her confessing the truth.
Wondering around aimlessly, it gave her time and space to figure out her wedding in a few days, and the rumours that have been going around. Who could have possibly spread it out? She's certain that no one on her side knows about this... then it must be from Mir. Okaity's side. Or... Saori paused at the same stream where she and Julian talked yesterday. Or, could it be that Jennifer girl that saw Saga and her on Tuesday? After all, she did talk a lot about him that evening, and especially things about him that are persoanl and unknown to the rest of the world.
Shaking her head, she regretted talking so much the other day, giving out too much information that night. Then, she smiled mockingly, she's being really paranoid right now, everyone is her enemy... impossible. Shaking her head, she turned and headed back to her room again.
Cramp pain kills!
[Mt. Olympis]
"She couldn't move her either?
"No.... Lord Zeus, I think Athena's mind has already been made up."
Zeus stood up from his seat and walked down the steps, lost in thought. Hermes looked after im, ever since Athena was born, she was never a troublesome Goddess, so why start now? Two Goddesses have tried her, and now they're both on 'vacation'.
"Hermes." The Lord of all immortals finally turned and looked at his messenger. "It's late into the night on Earth, I want you to go tomorrow to see her. There's a rumour that she's in Sanctuary to see one of her Saitns specially. Try to get a name out of her mouth. That's your job!"
"Of course my Lord." Zeus turned and walked to a deeper part of his castle, still appears to be deep in thought about something.
[Sanctuary]
With a roll of her eyes, Saori stopped tossing and turning, the pain in her stomach won't go away. She was taught to cover her stomach with something warm... but what? Her hand is not large enough to cover her entire stomach, and she can't possibly keep her hands on her stomach forever.
Sitting up, she climbed out of bed and settled for a walk. Her bare feet touched the ground, pulling her white night gown around her tighter, she noticed a light emitting from the ground floor. She blinked and changed the direction of her walk. Her feet drew closer to the light, she now hear the T.V. buzzing, and saw Saga sitting on the large couch.
"Saga, why are you still up?" She inquired suddenly, drawing his attention from the T.V.
"Saori." His eyes showed surprise as he saw her there, she walked closer to him, her hand on her stomach, rubbing slowly. "Is something wrong?"
Saori glanced at him and glanced down at her hand, looking up, she saw realization flash across his eyes, and faint awkwardness on his face. She knows that he knows about her problem, it's no sense in hiding her uncomfortableness. "My stomach hurts." She said in a small voice, pouting, and perhaps a bit whinily as she stopped in front of him, blocking the T.V. from him.
Saga smiled softly, as of now, Saori no longer looks like a Goddess. She feels just like a normal girl, suddenly within his reach. "Anything I can do?" He worded his question carefully.
"I don't know! I needed something warm on my stoamch for a long period of time." She half mumbed out the sentence.
Saga looked at her small hand trying to radiate warmth to her stomach, but her hand is too small for the job. Who knows what came over him to make him reach out and cover her hand with his own.
Warmth ran through her body, she dropped her hand in surprise, and slowly looked up at him. She found him looking at her, relaxing her whole body, she leaned into him, and he let her.
They now sit on the couch together, him facing the T.V., his chin on her shoulder. She's curled up in his embrace like a little kitten, her arms on top of his arms as they wrapped around her waist, his hands warming up her stomach, warmth radiating from his large hands.
"Saga, what are you watching?" Saori asked with a yawn as she stole a glance at the T.V. under her heavy-lidded yees.
"It's a business managing program."
"Do you like to work with business people?"
"I work with you all day, don't I?"
"I'm not talking about me, what about other business people?"
"Working with you is enough for me."
"Do you want to open something yourself?"
"Um... maybe a book store."
"Why a book store?"
"Becaue I love the sight and smell of books."
"Book worm."
"I guess I am."
Saori smiled and closed her eyes fully, leaning back onto him, she let him support her whole body. Never had she felt so safe before, in the warm embrace of the man that she loves. The whole world can stop turning right now, and she'll still be the happiest woman alive.
Under such a comfortable environment, Saori soon found herself unable to focus on anything but her own fatigue. Closing her eyes, she felt him right here, close to her, holding her. His large hand warming her up, his thoughtfulness creeping its way into her mind, his gentleness filled her heart. His heart beat strong and steady.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
In this cool looking living room, the most heart-warming scene can be displayed out in front of you.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
The two of them curled up together, trusting in each other entirely. Their hair mingled together with each other's, their hearts close to each other, every beating is so clear.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
"Saga...." Saori paused, her eyes fluttering less and less as her sleepiness drew in more and more. "I really love you." She felt his arms tighten around her, but sleep took her over. Disappointed in her sleep, she never heard his respsonse, but his heart was with her the entire night.
Thump.
Strong and steady.
Thump.
Clear and comforting.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.......
TBC......
Thanks for reading, please R&R.
A Lifetime in Exchange for Seven Days
Chapter 4
" " Talking
' ' Thoughts
[Olympis]
"What are you saying? She'll marry that man no matter what?" A woman cried out unbelievably, her eyes full of disbelief.
"Yeah, she's so stubborn." The man floating on air said and shook his head. "Artimes visited her... but came back shaking her head, muttering that she's helpless."
"Then... where is Artimes now?"
"Locked up in her own place." He said dryly.
"I have to go visit her, I have to talk her out of this. This is not possible!" The lady stood up quickly, shaking her head sadly, her delicate eyebrows furrowed together.
"Good luck, you know how stubborn she is." He commented while beginning to float upwards.
"I just hope I'm not too late."
[Sanctuary- Saori's Bedroom]
"Are you okay? You were in there for quite a long time." Kanon asked as Saori exited her bathroom slowly, a hand over her stomach.
"Do you want to go see a doctor?" Milo asked, standing up to let her crawl into bed again.
The young Goddess sighed as her body hit the bed, a weary look flashed through her eyes. Great, out of all the days, it has to happen today! She flipped around to look at her two Gold Saints. They came into her room early in the morning, wanting to talk to her. Yet, so long had already passed by, but they still haven't said anything important. Making her wonder just exactly what they wanted to talk about.
"I'm fine.. but just what did you want to tell me?" Damn, that pain is back again.
The two Saints glanced at each other before looking at her seriously, being the older one, Kanon started. "Saori, even though I have no right to require you to do anything but... I really hope that you'll answer us truthfully."
Saori blinked and pulled herself up a bit more, nodding her head, she looked at them intently.
"You know Kanon and I go to all kinds of bars and clubs... and last night, we heard something rather shocking."
A knot tied up in her heart, a bad feeling surrounding her immediately. The kind of bars that they go to are usually ones that spreads truthful 'rumours'. Something tells her that this news is nothing pretty. "Yes?"
"The Kido Foundation's new partner, Mr. Okaity... is supposingly to be engaged to you, ready to be married by next week." Kanon paused and looked at Saori carefully. "Tell us that's not true."
Saori's eyes widened, where did that news spread from? She glanced down, a list of names running through her mind, possible gossipers flashed through her mind. Looking up, she was greeted by 2 pairs of eager eyes looking at her. Putting a convincing smile on her face, she shook her head quickly, rolling her eyes. "Of course not! I'm not planning on getting married any time soon.... nor later. That is purely just a rumour." She said sincerely, and sat up to face her 2 saints. Suddenly, the familiar pain ran through her lower stomach. She winced unconsciously, gaining a worried look from the two males in front of her.
"Saori, are you all right?" Milo leaned forwards and reached out a hand towards her.
"Do you mind leaving me alone for a while?" Cause that bathroom looks real friendly right now.
"What's wrong?" Alert ran through their minds.
"I'm okay, I just want to be alone for a while." Saori said and pulled her blanket over her body covering herself up, silently rubbing her stomach. Kanon and Milo shared a look and shook their heads tiredly, women these days.
[Study Room]
"Master, you wanted to see me." Marin said as she knelt down in front of a frantically pacing Saga. He had called her in urgently, saying that Saori is acting strange, and that she won't let anyone into her room, she has always been close to her Saints ever since she found out that she's Goddess Athena, so what's her deal now?
"Yes, Sao.... Goddess won't allow anyone in her room, and she has been in her room for all day today. Milo and Kanon were in there before, and said that she was in pain. I want you to check on her, since you're a female, she might be more comfortable with you."
Marin looked up at a worried Saga and stood up calmly. "Yes, master." Then without a second word, she turned and walked out of the study rom, walking up the stairs, she's prepared to greet anything possible. Thinking about all sorts of enemies hurting the Goddess right now.
Raising her hand to knock on the door, soon sher heard a groan, and a frustrated voice. "Go back, I'm fine!"
"Goddess, I'm Marin, the Master wanted me to check on you. Please allow me to come in." Marin waited and waited, soon, the door crept oepn, Marin walked in and closed the door behind her. Looking into the room, she saw Saori sitting on her bed, face flushed. Marin looked around the room again, making sure that no enemy is here.
"Goddess, are you all right?" Marin walked closer to her and showed worry on her face, and without the mask, the one on the receiving end can actually see it.
"Marin, you're like me, you should know what's going on."
"Goddess, I'm not honored enough." Marin said reflexitly, based on all her knowledge, no one has the right to compare themselves with the Goddess.
Saori smiled and looked towards her. "You have been taught well, I'm not talking as Goddess Athena, I'm talking as Saori Kido, a normal girl. Now... do you know what I mean?" Marin forwned, still not getting what she is getting at. They just looked at each other, after a while, Saori sighed and shook her head. "Nevermind, just tell Saga that I'll be fine."
"No, Goddess... what is wrong with you?"
"Okay... one more time." Saori bit her lips and closed her eyes. "This pain will only last about a week or so. It happens once in a month, very annoying, ends when you're about...."
Suddenly, it clicked.
Marin's eyes showed realization, that's what's happening. No wonder she won't say anything ot any of the Gold Saints, it's too embarrassing!
[Later- Study Room]
"So... how is she?" Saga demanded the second she stepped ino the room. Kanon and Milo both looked toward her, Marin blinked and closed the door behind her, this is so embarrassing.
"She's fine." Marin said shortly, her eyes darting around the room.
"Can we talk to her now?" Milo stood up immeidately.
"No... I don't think she wants to see anyone right now." Marin objected quickly, Kanon rolled his eyes and stood up as well.
"Nevermind, I'm going back to the Gemini Temple. Milo, come along."
Relunctantly, Milo was dragged outside the door by Kanon, still turning his head to look into the room before the door closed shut, leaving Marin and Saga inside. "So?"
"Master, it's a female thing... I don't think you'd like to know." Giving out such embarrassing details about the Goddess is not such a good idea, considering she is one of the most powerful Goddesses in Olympis.
"Huh? What? Just tell me, what's wrong with her? I can take anything! Cancer? A tumor? A..."
But then again, Saga's stubborness is even worse!
"Master!" Marin interruped him. "Drop it, please. The Goddess will not be pleased."
"We're just worried about her."
Marin sighed and met his eyes straight on. "Do you really want to know?"
"Of course!"
She then opened her mouth and spat out the truth, Saga's eyes widened, awkwardness spread on his face.....
[Saori's Bedroom]
"Your room is cold looking."
Saori opened her eyes to look into a pair of orange eyes, she smiled and sat up on her bed and leaned back onto a propped up pillow. "You think everywhere is cold looking."
The lady smiled and walked around the room slowly, her bare feet enjoying the cool feeling on the marble floor, her eyes trailing across the room. "But a beautiful room none the less, your Saints treat you well."
Saori smiled and gathered together some loss hair in front of her face. "I take care of my Saints as well."
"Appereantly too much."
"Hestia..." Saori began, her eyes serious, suddenly looking older than she really is.
"Fine, we'll drop that... what about this marriage that I've heard of from Aphrodite? Is it true? Artimes won't see me after she talked to you." Hestia said and sat on her bed, facing Saori gently. "I heard about your company, you know you can come back with us."
"I can do that, but what about my Saints? Can they survive without the huge amount of money to live the life they want."
"Why? Are they expecting to be millionaires? Billionaires? They should be able to support themselves with their own doings." Hestia said immediately, she can be too good to her Saitns.
"I know, but... they have already gave so much to me, and to this Sainctuary, when the wars are over, they deserve the best. They should be living a life that they want." Saori explained pateintly.
"You're so... unbelievable." Hestia shook her head sadly, this is definitely not going to work. "So I guess nothing we say will be able to change your mind."
Saori smiled thinly and shook her head slowly, a calm and peaceful look on her face.
"No wonder Artimes locked herself in her place. I think I might be doing the same thing as her." Hestia said regretfully, letting go of her hand, she stood up. "Athena, is there anything that I can do to change your mind?"
"I don't think so. The Kido Foundation is just a hollow illusion right now, it used to be the world's greatest foundation, but as time progresses, other big foundations began raising up. Many employees quit and went else where. By working with Mr. Okaity, he can keep this illusion alive, settling down everyone that depends on the Kido Foundation to survive. There's no way to change the situation around for our foundation quick enough for it to income money right away."
"I can always ask the Fate Sisters, I'm sure they can help." Hesita suggested hesitatnly, unsurely, after all, the Fate Sisters charge tons for every wish they grant.
"No Hestia, I cannot back out of his proposal, and I really want to do this myself." Saori said quietly, her hand on her stomach undernearth her blanket, her expression still calm.
"So... I see there's no wy to talk you out of this, huh?"
Saori smiles and looks down, her eyes showing helplessness. Hestia nodded to herself and turned to look at the rainy day outside through her glistering windows.
"Well then... you better show your prescence to your Saints soon, it'a already past noon. They'll probably come banging on your door soon." She then sighed and looked at Saori sadly. "Athena, if you ever need my help, call, and I'll come right away. For now... I can only say that it's unfortunate that we have to reunite this way, but I wish you all the luck in the world for your future." Her voice grew fainter, and slowly, Hestia's image disappeared as well. Saori let out a surpresssed moan the minute she completely disappears. Being a female sucks! Jumping out of bed, she used the fastest speed ever known to make it to the bathroom. It looks real friendly right about now!
[Later- Office]
Saori walked into the room, locking the door behind her, she looked around carefully. Gently, she slipped an anti-tracking device onto the phone, then dialed a familiar number.
"Good afternoon, Kido Residence."
"Tatsumi, it's me." Saori said confidently, slipping into her working mode.
"Miss Saori! Where are you? Are you all right?" A whole string of concerned questions flew out of the phone, her personal butler is still as the same as the before, always worried about her.
"Tatsumi, I'm fine. However, this phone call is business." Saori said sternly, she leaned back into her leather chair and looked through the huge windows.
"What is it Miss Saori?"
"I want you to call Mr. Okaity right away. Tell him that my sources have told me that rumours of me and him getting married are going around in various clubs and bars. Tell him to check them out and take care of them." She said, her fingers playing with the phone cord carelessly.
"What a rumour! He can almost be your father, how can you two ever get married?" She can just picture him right now. Standing straight, a bwildered look on his face, shaking his head unbelivably with a sigh here and there.
And no, he doesn't know about her marriage. When she says no one knows about her marriage, no one knows.
"I know what you mean. Anyway, get that done as quick as possible. And I'll see you sometime." Her delicate fingers hung up the phone as soon as her sentence was finished, and a sorry sigh escaped her lips. She hate to have to lie to people close to her... but what other choice is there?
Slipping the anti-tracking device into her pocket, she left the room. Going up the stairs to her room, she paused and looked down at the barely visible ground floor. Dropping her gaze, she remembered Hestia's words. Swirling around, she walked down the stairs to the ground floor. At least she needs to see Kanon, Milo, and Saga to tell them that she's fine.
Walking out of her palace, she nodded at the two guards standing on either side of the door, the two of them quickly bowed to the departing Goddess. Making her way down to the 12 Temples, she was careful to avoid as many people as possible. Seeing with her state right now, wincing every now and then is bound to attract unwanted attention.
"Goddess!" Two guards at the Scorpio Temple greeted her, she stopped and looked at them surprised.
"Where's Milo?"
"I'm sorry Goddess, but Master Milo went out with Master Kanon."
'Probably to those 'rumour' bars and clubs again.' Saori smiled thinly and nodded. Turning around, with many thoughts crammed in her mind at the same time, she walked around aimlessly. Kanon and Milo probably went to check out those bars again. Knowing them, they won't stop until someone puts a stop to those rumours. She just hopes that it'll be Mr. Okaity and not her confessing the truth.
Wondering around aimlessly, it gave her time and space to figure out her wedding in a few days, and the rumours that have been going around. Who could have possibly spread it out? She's certain that no one on her side knows about this... then it must be from Mir. Okaity's side. Or... Saori paused at the same stream where she and Julian talked yesterday. Or, could it be that Jennifer girl that saw Saga and her on Tuesday? After all, she did talk a lot about him that evening, and especially things about him that are persoanl and unknown to the rest of the world.
Shaking her head, she regretted talking so much the other day, giving out too much information that night. Then, she smiled mockingly, she's being really paranoid right now, everyone is her enemy... impossible. Shaking her head, she turned and headed back to her room again.
Cramp pain kills!
[Mt. Olympis]
"She couldn't move her either?
"No.... Lord Zeus, I think Athena's mind has already been made up."
Zeus stood up from his seat and walked down the steps, lost in thought. Hermes looked after im, ever since Athena was born, she was never a troublesome Goddess, so why start now? Two Goddesses have tried her, and now they're both on 'vacation'.
"Hermes." The Lord of all immortals finally turned and looked at his messenger. "It's late into the night on Earth, I want you to go tomorrow to see her. There's a rumour that she's in Sanctuary to see one of her Saitns specially. Try to get a name out of her mouth. That's your job!"
"Of course my Lord." Zeus turned and walked to a deeper part of his castle, still appears to be deep in thought about something.
[Sanctuary]
With a roll of her eyes, Saori stopped tossing and turning, the pain in her stomach won't go away. She was taught to cover her stomach with something warm... but what? Her hand is not large enough to cover her entire stomach, and she can't possibly keep her hands on her stomach forever.
Sitting up, she climbed out of bed and settled for a walk. Her bare feet touched the ground, pulling her white night gown around her tighter, she noticed a light emitting from the ground floor. She blinked and changed the direction of her walk. Her feet drew closer to the light, she now hear the T.V. buzzing, and saw Saga sitting on the large couch.
"Saga, why are you still up?" She inquired suddenly, drawing his attention from the T.V.
"Saori." His eyes showed surprise as he saw her there, she walked closer to him, her hand on her stomach, rubbing slowly. "Is something wrong?"
Saori glanced at him and glanced down at her hand, looking up, she saw realization flash across his eyes, and faint awkwardness on his face. She knows that he knows about her problem, it's no sense in hiding her uncomfortableness. "My stomach hurts." She said in a small voice, pouting, and perhaps a bit whinily as she stopped in front of him, blocking the T.V. from him.
Saga smiled softly, as of now, Saori no longer looks like a Goddess. She feels just like a normal girl, suddenly within his reach. "Anything I can do?" He worded his question carefully.
"I don't know! I needed something warm on my stoamch for a long period of time." She half mumbed out the sentence.
Saga looked at her small hand trying to radiate warmth to her stomach, but her hand is too small for the job. Who knows what came over him to make him reach out and cover her hand with his own.
Warmth ran through her body, she dropped her hand in surprise, and slowly looked up at him. She found him looking at her, relaxing her whole body, she leaned into him, and he let her.
They now sit on the couch together, him facing the T.V., his chin on her shoulder. She's curled up in his embrace like a little kitten, her arms on top of his arms as they wrapped around her waist, his hands warming up her stomach, warmth radiating from his large hands.
"Saga, what are you watching?" Saori asked with a yawn as she stole a glance at the T.V. under her heavy-lidded yees.
"It's a business managing program."
"Do you like to work with business people?"
"I work with you all day, don't I?"
"I'm not talking about me, what about other business people?"
"Working with you is enough for me."
"Do you want to open something yourself?"
"Um... maybe a book store."
"Why a book store?"
"Becaue I love the sight and smell of books."
"Book worm."
"I guess I am."
Saori smiled and closed her eyes fully, leaning back onto him, she let him support her whole body. Never had she felt so safe before, in the warm embrace of the man that she loves. The whole world can stop turning right now, and she'll still be the happiest woman alive.
Under such a comfortable environment, Saori soon found herself unable to focus on anything but her own fatigue. Closing her eyes, she felt him right here, close to her, holding her. His large hand warming her up, his thoughtfulness creeping its way into her mind, his gentleness filled her heart. His heart beat strong and steady.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
In this cool looking living room, the most heart-warming scene can be displayed out in front of you.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
The two of them curled up together, trusting in each other entirely. Their hair mingled together with each other's, their hearts close to each other, every beating is so clear.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
"Saga...." Saori paused, her eyes fluttering less and less as her sleepiness drew in more and more. "I really love you." She felt his arms tighten around her, but sleep took her over. Disappointed in her sleep, she never heard his respsonse, but his heart was with her the entire night.
Thump.
Strong and steady.
Thump.
Clear and comforting.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.......
TBC......
Thanks for reading, please R&R.