I don't own Saint Seiya, or any of its characters, please do not sue me.
A Lifetime in Exchange for Seven Days Chapter 5
" " Talking ' ' Thoughts
[Friday- Saori's Bedroom]
The sun leaked through the curtains, Hermes looked around the large room but found no one. The bed looks to have been slept in, the sheets wrinkled, the blanket flung aside. The slippers gone, her perfume still looming in the room. Landing on the ground, he sighed tiredly, it's so freaking early in the morning!
He made his way over to the door, the door knob turned before he even touched it. He blinked as the door flung open, his eyes widened, the door slammed right into him, knocking him backwards.
Saori watched as a guy fell onto the ground holding his nose, looking to be in pain. She felt Saga tense up behind her just as she felt the guy's cosmos.
"Who are you?"
"Hermes!"
The two of them yelled out together, Saga looked at Saori for her 'convinient' answer, Saori ran towards the fallen man. She knelt down before him worriedly. "Hermes, are you all right?"
Hermies rolled his eyes and looked at Saori annoyly. "Why do you always have to beat everyone?" Saori smiled and helped him up, coming face to face with Saga.
"Goddess?"
Saori looked at him with a helpless smile and helped Hermes to sit on a chair in her room, with him still rubbing his nose slowly. She turned and walked over to Saga, whom is still by the door. "It's okay, he's just here for a visit, he won't do anything harmful. You should get to your morning meeting, I'll look for you later."
Without waiting for his reply, she closed the door before him and turned around, her heart thumping. She's still in her night gown, with a male Saint almost entering her bedroom, both looking fatigue. And in front of Hermes, the fastest mouth alive. She'll be dead, and so will Saga.
"Hermes, what are you doing here? And in my bedroom?"
"Zeus, your lovely father sent me to look at what you're doing right now." Hermes answered easily, seeing his nose isn't exactly bleeding.
"What does he want?" She asked, crossing the room to her large closet and opened it up, looking through for something to wear, considering that she's still in a night gown.
"Don't talk about your father like that, he's just worried about you."
"What for? I'm a big girl, and I'm the Goddess of Wisdom after all." She answered as she swirled into the bathroom, the door clicking shut behind her. Hermes sighed and looked up at the bathroom door, she's so stubborn.
"Athena! Think about your father! He doesn't like the idea of you getting married! He'll be sad!"
"It's okay, he has tons of lovers to go to." Her voice came out a bit muffled by the door, just loud enough for Hermes to hear.
"Athena, reconsider this... please."
The door opened up, her head poked out, her hair falling into her face. "What makes you think that I'll reconsider? Even Artimes couldn't convince me." She then disappeared back into the bathroom again.
"You're so stubborn! I really want to open your head and see what's in there!"
"You can always try." Appearing again, her hair is now up, holding it up are two silver chopsticks. A few smaller clips in her hand as she put the clips into her hair one by one.
Her white dress swirling around her whenever she moves, her earrings, her necklace, her bracelets jingling as she moves around. After the battle with Hades, she has really matured much, her aura gives a sense of power.
"Fine! We'll drop the subject, and move onto something else."
Saori nodded and tilted her head, signaling him to continue on. Her hand still holding onto her hair as a few more clips were left in her hand.
"Zeus has heard a news that you're back here in Santuary because you're supposingly in love with one of your Saints." He paused and looked at her seriously. "Is that true?"
Saori dropped her gaze but said nothing. She continued to put the clips into her hair, slowly and gingerly, as if she's thinking about the answer. However, Hermes knew better, he knows that the answer is already on her tongue.
Finishing up her hair, she turned and walked over to her windows, looking out at the windows. "Who told you that?" A quiet question came out.
"Is it true?"
"I love my Saints, every one of my Saints. So, what would be the point of that statement?"
Hermes blinked and looked down, her mouth is tight, however, she's right. Ever since the beginning of time, Athena had always loved all of her Saints. True, that point would not be valid.
"You're getting married no matter what?" It was a statement rather than a question, the expression on her face already told him.
"I'm sorry." Saori dropped her head, and turned around to lean onto the window ledge so that she could face him.
"Hearing the word 'sorry' from Goddess Athena is an honor on my part." He said playfully, and both immortals laughed softly at that. "If you're really sure about this, then perhaps you need to consider your next life time."
"Next life time?" Her head picked up, her eyebrows rasied.
"You need to tell the current Master of Sanctuary how and when to locate the next Athena, you're going to die sonner or later."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome. The next Athena will appear as soon as you lose your virginity, seeing that you're no longer a maiden." He then crossed his arms in front of his chest and looked at the young Goddess before him cockily. "Have you told the Master of Sanctuary how to locate her yet?"
Saori's eyebrows raised even more, realization shone in her eyes. Hermes is right, the night of her wedding will be the night that Athena disappears within her. Therefore, a new born baby will be the next Athena, however she won't be born inside of the Sanctuary seeing that no one knows who she is before hand.
"Don't worry, I'll tell him sooner or later." Saori answered him, making a mental note to talk to Saga as soon as possible.
Hermes sighed and dropped his arms tiredly, he looked at his sister, why does she have to be so stubborn? "Athena, why not come and live with us? You are a Goddess after all, and you're Zeus's favorite child, he'd love to have you by his side."
"If I go, what about my Saints?"
"Who cares about them? They're merely humans! They have their way of life, we have our own way of life." Even though he has been to many places and communicated with all sorts of beings. He cannot forget that he is a God, and that's he's superior to most beings. Humans are nothing in his eyes, they're like pieces on a chess board, they exist solely for te superiors' amusement. And that is why he cannot understand why his sister would care so much about these humans.
Athena opened her mouth to reply him, but sudden knockings on the door interrupted her. Both of them looked towards the door simultaneously. "Come in."
The door opened and Saga took a step in, this time in his formal clothing. He seemed surprised to see Hermes still in the room as his eyes widened slightly at the sight of the messenger God. He bowed to Athena and nodded towards Hermes, Hermes glanced at him but took no particulare interest in him. Saori pushed herself away from the window ledge and looked at him questioningly. "Something wrong?"
"No, I'm just here to inform you that breakfast is ready Goddess." Saga responded as formally and as neutrally as possible. "If Lord Hermes is staying for breakfast as well, then I'll..."
Hermes waved his hand to stop Saga in mid-sentence, himself already floating on thin air. "I'm leaving, don't prepare anything for me." He then turned to Saori as his body started to fade. "Remember what I said, you better do it soon." Just like that, he disappeared in front of them, going back to Mount Olympus, giving some very disappointing news to Zeus. Saori gave him a small wave as he flew back to where all the Gods are.
"Goddess?" Saga looked back at Saori, whom seems to be deep in thought. Her eyes narrowed slightly, her lips pressed together tightly, appearantly the conversation with Hermes didn't go well. However, why was Hermes here anyways? From his knowledge, Hermes only delivers Zeus's messages, if that's the case, then what did Zeus want?
Saori looked up at Saga, for a split second he thought he saw a dangerous glint inside her eyes. He straightened at that look, never expecting such a look from her. In a blink of an eye, her face broke into a gentle smile, and she moved fowards to him.
"Did you say breakfast is ready? I'm staved, let's go."
Everything is back to normal, she's still the 18 year old Goddess, but this time she didn't grab his hand and drag him down for breakfast with her like every morning. Saga watched as she danced past him, she seems so normal. Yet that look....
That look in her eyes a moment ago felt so real, so un-human like. It felt as if she's ready to kill anyone that stands in her way. It was a look that he had seen in Hades's eyes when his spirit reawakened them.
"Saga, are you coming?" Saori called out at the bottom of the stairs, snapping him out of his trance. He looked into her curious eyes and nodded quickly. Saori smiled and walked towards the dining room. He sighed and began moving downstairs as well, that look in her eyes must have been his imagination.
It must have been!
[Night]
"Come in." Saori spoke up from her piles of work, Saga stood up from his sitting place as the door opened. A middle aged man walked in with a brief case, a nervous look on his face. Saga looked at him curiously, if this is another one of the Gods from above, he sure knows how to disguise himself.
Saori stood up quickly, surprise covered her. She glanced outside, it's dark already, it must be something urgent. However, what is so urgent that can send him here, and just how did he find her here anyways? "Is something wrong?"
The man wiped his forehead nervously and shifted his weight around, he opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but then glanced at Saga nervously and looked back at Saori. Saori looked at him then sighed and turned to Saga just as he turned to her as well.
"Saga, do you mind leaving us alone for a minute?"
Saga put down his book and nodded, turning he bowed slightly to Saori and walked out of the room confidently. Closing the door behind him, he still hears nothing, what is that man doing here? And just who is this man? So many questions, yet who can answer him right now? He wonders if Saori's ever going to tell him willingly, without him bringing it up the next day. He's not dumb, he has been sensing all sorts of powerful cosmos around the Sanctuary lately, he knows that all these Goddesses and Gods must be visiting her, but what for? What reason is there for them to visit her all at once? Is another war starting?
Pausing at the top of the staircase, he frowned, could that be it? Could another war be coming? Is this the reason why she's acting so strange lately... but that wouldn't give her any excuse of not telling them about it. After all, they need to be informed. Unless... unless she wants to go into this war all by herself, not wanting her Saints to follow her. Picking up his head, his frown deepened, turning around to look at the closed door. The reason sticking deep into his mind, that must be the answer.
[Inside]
Saori watched as Saga walked out of the door and closed it gently behind him, she didn't say anything, the man just looked at her nervously, not saying anything either. She waited until Saga was completely out of hearing distance and then turned to the man again, this time her eyes showed sharpness and a dangerous glint crossed over her eyes.
"What are you doing here?" Her voice low and cold as she walked over to the sofa and sat down, while looking up at him coldly. "Well, sit, don't just stand there."
The man forced a thin smile and bowed a bit, carrying his briefcase with two hands, he managed to move the heavy thing onto the table and sit down with a big sigh. He arched his back, stretching just to feel his body parts again, a smile on his face as he enjoys the return of his senses to him. Saori crossed her arms over chest and looked at him unwaverly as he stretched, what is he doing here?
"What are you doing here?" She asked again, and he paused in the midst of his action. "Do not tell me that you're here to stretch." One cold comment seemed to have frozen the room. She might be only 18, but her aura is always so cold around them. Whenver she's around the Bronze Saints, she's always so warm and friendly with them. However, with the employees, she's always so cold and distant. She's like someone at the top of an un-reachable staircase that everyone soughts after.
"Miss... Miss Kido, I am here to inform you of a decision that I have made." He started shakily, cannot bring himself to look into her eyes.
"Before you start, I have a question to ask you." Saori interrupted him mercilessly.
"Ye... Yes, Miss Kido? What is it?" His head snapped up immediately, she clearely saw the fear in his eyes. Rolling her eyes mentally, she glanced away. Oh please, how old is he? And how old is she? What is she going to do to him? What can she do to him?
"How did you know that I was here?"
"Mr. Okaity told me. I was trying to contact you for the past few days, but had no success with it. So, I called Mr. Okaity in hopes that he'd know where you are, and he was correct."
"He just agreed to let you see me?"
"No, at first he was very relunctant to tell me where you are. However, when I told him what I'm about to tell you today, he thought about it and agreed to let me see you. Miss Kido, am I doing something that I should not be doing?"
Saori looked at him, if Mr. Okaity had let him pass, it must be something urgent, she should give him the time of the day. "What is it that you wanted to talk to me about?" All of a sudden, her voice softened, and her aura changed to a much more calmer one.
He looked up at her, and then turned to his briefcase on the table, Saori followed his eyes and her eyes landed on the briefcase as well. "I really don't want to do this, but...." He then reached out and with firm hands, he gripped the briefcase, snapping it open, there stood a few packages labeled with different names on it.
Saori looked at them and looked up at him again, what is he up to? She watched as he took them out and laid them flat on the table, he then shut the briefcase after taking out another, smaller, envelope. He looked down at the smaller envelope, as if weighing it carefully, debating whether he should do this or not.
Taking in a deep breath, he looked up at Saori in the eyes and pushed the smaller envelope in front of her gently. Saori looked at him for a moment before reaching forward to grasp the envelope. Turning it around, she saw the word 'Resign'. Looking at it expressionlessly, she slowly lowered it and put it back onto the table again, this time her eyes never leaving his.
"Tell me, what is the reason? You are our finance manager, how do you expect us to run on with you quitting?" Saori asked calmly, as if this is not about her company at all.
"Miss Kido... as the finance manager, I know how the foundation is running with our... money. I don't think... there is any future for me in a foundation like this. Miss Kido, you've got to understand, I have a wife and a family to look after as well. And besides, you're going to marry Mr. Okaity anyways, so... me going there would be the same as working for you before."
"Who told you I'm going to marry him?" Saori asked sharply. To this day, she still doesn't want anyone to know that she's marrying him, not even her own finance manager. Her eyes narrowed slightly, her aura powerful, giving off a pressuring feeling, her voice tight and sharp.
"Mr. Okaity told me so himself. He said that you would not want me to go to another foundation, he said that since you guys are getting married anyways, working for him would be the same as working for you. I was surprised with the news at first, but I thought it over and realized that he's right. I must agree that you are a very brilliant leader of a foundation, and it has been a long time since I've found an owner like you. After you and Mr. Okaity get married, your company might not be his officially, but everyone will believe it to be that way. So, when that day comes, I'll still be kinda... like working for you." He blabbed on, not caring if Saori is listening or not. All he knows is that this lady over here cannot be angered, or else.
Saori turned her head towards the windows half way through his explanation, her eyes longing and calculating. So... he had already told him about the marriage... just how many more people know about this deal that they made? The room settled in silence after he was done with his explanation. Saori rolled all the possibilities in her mind, she knows that if she wants to, Mr. Okaity would not accept his proposal for the job, but....
Turning, she looked at him understandingly, and looked down at the other bigger folders that he had brought with him. "What are these?"
"Oh, these!" He exclaimed all too happily, glad that she is not going to press this matter any further. "I just thought that you are the rightful person to keep all these." He handed them to her respectfully, she took it and looked at the thick folders one by one. "These are all the yearly reports of finance and other managements ever since the foundation started. Even though I wasn't here when it started, but the last finance manager passed them all down to me. So... I thought you'd like to keep them, as a memroy... if you want to." He added on the last part unsurely.
Saori looked through them with a fond expression on her face, she's known this company for 18 years now... has been in control for about 6 years now, saying goodbye really is hard. This is what her grandfather worked his entire life for, and now... it's ending in her hands. Her eyes dimmed, she held the packages closer in her hands and closed her eyes.
"Miss Kido, I'm sorry to leave at a time like this, but...." He began again, feeling as if it's his duty to explain more to the young girl before him.
"I understand." Saori said and took in a deep breath, she put down the packages and picked up the smaller envelope again, looking it over carefully. "It's okay, we'd still be working together in the future anyways, there's nothing sad about this parting."
He nodded with a weary smile, this is a good day, it's fortunate that she can see through this so clearly. Saori nodded and placed the resign letter on top of the pile of packages and then turned to him seriously. Her body leaning forwards a bit, her hands laced at her lap, she tilted her head, a sign of her wanting to talk about something important.
"As your leader and boss for one last moment, I want you to know that you were a very good employee under my foundation all these years, and I thank you for the contributions you have made."
"They were my pleasure, Miss Kido." He said modestly.
"Now... as a friend... I want to you to promise me something." Her voice grew softer, her expression almost pleading.
"What is it?"
"About what Mr. Okaity said... about our marriage, I hope that you can keep that a secret until we do get married. Can you do that? Can you keep that promise?"
He looked up at her surprised, and a bit confused. If they're going to get married, then why are they keeping this a secret, everyone's bond to find out sooner or later. Mr. Okaity said the same thing to him, even though he's curious, but he's learned that you never question anyone about this sort of thing, ever!
"Of course Miss Kido, I will."
Saori smiled and stood up gracefully, he followed her up. They looked at each other and nodded, their usual greeting way. "I wish you all the luck with your new work place under Mr. Okaity."
"And I wish you a prosperous marriage life." He said sincerely, completely missing the flash of helplessness in her eyes.
"Thank you, you can show yourself out. And I'm sure Saga is downstairs, if you don't mind, can you please tell him that I'd like to talk to him?"
"Saga?"
"The man that was just in here a while ago." Saori explained.
"Of course." He bowed, then turned and walked out of the room slowly. Saori watched his departing backview, is all partings going to be like this? When her parting comes, she wants everyone to be going different ways, everyone's back should be towards each other's back. That way, no one has to see anyone's expression.
[Later]
"Saori, you wanted to see me?" Saga walked into the office after he sent the finance manager out.
Saori turned from her place before the large windows and glanced at him, she then turned back to the windows again. Her arms crossed in front of her chest, almost as if she's warming herself up. Saga looked at her and took a few steps forward, glancing down, he saw the resign letter and then looked up at her solemn expression, he now understands why. Not speaking a word, he just walked closer to her, not touching her, but just enough for her to feel the heat radiating from him.
"Saga... as the Master of this Sanctuary... and as the Goddess you're supposed to protect, I need to talk to you about something important." Saori finally began, her voice low, and mature. Saga looked towards her, knowing that this is probably Goddess Athena speaking.
"Yes Goddess."
"When I was born, you were here, but you weren't the Master then, Shion was. Shion knew how to take care of the reincarnation of Goddess Athena, and that was how he found me." Saori began, carrying out Hermes's wish this morning. Telling the Master of Sanctuary how to locate the next Goddess.
"Goddess, are you planning on telling me how to locate the next Goddess?"
"Of course, you need to be prepared for it."
"But Goddess.... I wouldn't be around for the next Goddess to be born, that'll be 200 something years later. I'll be long dead by then." Saga said thoughtfully, speaking out the truth.
Saori looked at him but said nothing. "When a Goddess is born, the cloud is supposed to shift unusually. They will usually form an almost vortex like shape up on the sky over the world. It will last throughout the entire day, that night, Polaris will change directions depending on the direction of where the new baby is born. The Big Dipper will change directions due to the birth as well. Just follow the Big Dipper and you will end up at a fairly close location at where the baby is."
So that's what it was, Saga remembered seeing all these changes in the night sky when Saori was born. He was small then, he didn't understand most of the things that Shion said to him. As of now, everything is so much more clearer.
"I'm telling you this now because you need to know this information, either for yourself, or for the next Master of Sanctuary." Saori said, concluding her long talk. Turning around to face him, she's ready for his questions.
"Of course, I will carry this in my mind with me until I die, I shall never forget it." Saga vowed with strength, Saori looked at him fondly, knowing that he will carry out his promise. Sighing softly, she looked down towards the ground, not wanting him to see the expression on her face. Afraid to give anything away.
"However... my question is... won't the next Goddess be born about 200 years later... why do you sound as if the new Goddess is going to be born tomorrow. You're not going to die tomorrow are you?" Saga looked at her strangely before answering his own question. "Of course you're not going to die tomorrow, so... why do you sound so urgent?"
"Saga...." She said softly, her browns furrowing a bit. "There's another way for a new Goddess to be born, without having to wait for 200 more years."
"Seriously?" Saga looked at her shocked, he was never taught this in his studies. "I've never learnt this before."
"That's because people like to believe that the reincarnated Goddess will keep to Athena's true name and true form. The other way for a Goddess to be born is if the reincarnation body loses her virginity, then the Goddess disappears within her... thus, a new Goddess will appear." She said quietly, not believing that she just told him that.
Saga looked at her surprised, this time, really surprised. He never knew there was a second part to this Goddess reincarnation thing. However... why is she telling him about this now.... "Saori... what are you trying to say?"
"You don't think every reincarnation of Goddess Athena will stay a maiden forever, do you? Some girls would very much like to get married after all the wars are over, when there's no need for Athena anymore. Some girls will get married, then... they no longer hold the identity of Athena." Saori said, this time, raising up her head to meet his eyes full on.
Saga's eyes widened at Saori's expression, speechless, he just stood there. Saori lowered her gaze but stepped forwards, leaning up she kissed him on his cheek softly. "It's late, you should get some sleep. Good night, Saga." With that, she walked past him slowly yet confidently. Pausing before the table, she gathered up her packages and exited the room, closing the door behind her.
Saga stood there, still not sure if he saw her clearly. This is the second time today that he has seen a different side of Saori that no one has ever seen before. That moment, when she raised up her head to look at him, the expression on her face was unbearable.
It was this sadness that was even beyond words, it was a sadness that was so terrifying that looked as if she just wanted to close her eyes and never wake up again. Not only that, Saga turned and looked at the closed door, feeling as if her cool lips are still on his cheek.
It was a desparate sadness that nothing could pull her away from, it was a kind of sadness that seemed to consume her inside out.....
TBC.....
Thanks for reading, please R&R.
A Lifetime in Exchange for Seven Days Chapter 5
" " Talking ' ' Thoughts
[Friday- Saori's Bedroom]
The sun leaked through the curtains, Hermes looked around the large room but found no one. The bed looks to have been slept in, the sheets wrinkled, the blanket flung aside. The slippers gone, her perfume still looming in the room. Landing on the ground, he sighed tiredly, it's so freaking early in the morning!
He made his way over to the door, the door knob turned before he even touched it. He blinked as the door flung open, his eyes widened, the door slammed right into him, knocking him backwards.
Saori watched as a guy fell onto the ground holding his nose, looking to be in pain. She felt Saga tense up behind her just as she felt the guy's cosmos.
"Who are you?"
"Hermes!"
The two of them yelled out together, Saga looked at Saori for her 'convinient' answer, Saori ran towards the fallen man. She knelt down before him worriedly. "Hermes, are you all right?"
Hermies rolled his eyes and looked at Saori annoyly. "Why do you always have to beat everyone?" Saori smiled and helped him up, coming face to face with Saga.
"Goddess?"
Saori looked at him with a helpless smile and helped Hermes to sit on a chair in her room, with him still rubbing his nose slowly. She turned and walked over to Saga, whom is still by the door. "It's okay, he's just here for a visit, he won't do anything harmful. You should get to your morning meeting, I'll look for you later."
Without waiting for his reply, she closed the door before him and turned around, her heart thumping. She's still in her night gown, with a male Saint almost entering her bedroom, both looking fatigue. And in front of Hermes, the fastest mouth alive. She'll be dead, and so will Saga.
"Hermes, what are you doing here? And in my bedroom?"
"Zeus, your lovely father sent me to look at what you're doing right now." Hermes answered easily, seeing his nose isn't exactly bleeding.
"What does he want?" She asked, crossing the room to her large closet and opened it up, looking through for something to wear, considering that she's still in a night gown.
"Don't talk about your father like that, he's just worried about you."
"What for? I'm a big girl, and I'm the Goddess of Wisdom after all." She answered as she swirled into the bathroom, the door clicking shut behind her. Hermes sighed and looked up at the bathroom door, she's so stubborn.
"Athena! Think about your father! He doesn't like the idea of you getting married! He'll be sad!"
"It's okay, he has tons of lovers to go to." Her voice came out a bit muffled by the door, just loud enough for Hermes to hear.
"Athena, reconsider this... please."
The door opened up, her head poked out, her hair falling into her face. "What makes you think that I'll reconsider? Even Artimes couldn't convince me." She then disappeared back into the bathroom again.
"You're so stubborn! I really want to open your head and see what's in there!"
"You can always try." Appearing again, her hair is now up, holding it up are two silver chopsticks. A few smaller clips in her hand as she put the clips into her hair one by one.
Her white dress swirling around her whenever she moves, her earrings, her necklace, her bracelets jingling as she moves around. After the battle with Hades, she has really matured much, her aura gives a sense of power.
"Fine! We'll drop the subject, and move onto something else."
Saori nodded and tilted her head, signaling him to continue on. Her hand still holding onto her hair as a few more clips were left in her hand.
"Zeus has heard a news that you're back here in Santuary because you're supposingly in love with one of your Saints." He paused and looked at her seriously. "Is that true?"
Saori dropped her gaze but said nothing. She continued to put the clips into her hair, slowly and gingerly, as if she's thinking about the answer. However, Hermes knew better, he knows that the answer is already on her tongue.
Finishing up her hair, she turned and walked over to her windows, looking out at the windows. "Who told you that?" A quiet question came out.
"Is it true?"
"I love my Saints, every one of my Saints. So, what would be the point of that statement?"
Hermes blinked and looked down, her mouth is tight, however, she's right. Ever since the beginning of time, Athena had always loved all of her Saints. True, that point would not be valid.
"You're getting married no matter what?" It was a statement rather than a question, the expression on her face already told him.
"I'm sorry." Saori dropped her head, and turned around to lean onto the window ledge so that she could face him.
"Hearing the word 'sorry' from Goddess Athena is an honor on my part." He said playfully, and both immortals laughed softly at that. "If you're really sure about this, then perhaps you need to consider your next life time."
"Next life time?" Her head picked up, her eyebrows rasied.
"You need to tell the current Master of Sanctuary how and when to locate the next Athena, you're going to die sonner or later."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome. The next Athena will appear as soon as you lose your virginity, seeing that you're no longer a maiden." He then crossed his arms in front of his chest and looked at the young Goddess before him cockily. "Have you told the Master of Sanctuary how to locate her yet?"
Saori's eyebrows raised even more, realization shone in her eyes. Hermes is right, the night of her wedding will be the night that Athena disappears within her. Therefore, a new born baby will be the next Athena, however she won't be born inside of the Sanctuary seeing that no one knows who she is before hand.
"Don't worry, I'll tell him sooner or later." Saori answered him, making a mental note to talk to Saga as soon as possible.
Hermes sighed and dropped his arms tiredly, he looked at his sister, why does she have to be so stubborn? "Athena, why not come and live with us? You are a Goddess after all, and you're Zeus's favorite child, he'd love to have you by his side."
"If I go, what about my Saints?"
"Who cares about them? They're merely humans! They have their way of life, we have our own way of life." Even though he has been to many places and communicated with all sorts of beings. He cannot forget that he is a God, and that's he's superior to most beings. Humans are nothing in his eyes, they're like pieces on a chess board, they exist solely for te superiors' amusement. And that is why he cannot understand why his sister would care so much about these humans.
Athena opened her mouth to reply him, but sudden knockings on the door interrupted her. Both of them looked towards the door simultaneously. "Come in."
The door opened and Saga took a step in, this time in his formal clothing. He seemed surprised to see Hermes still in the room as his eyes widened slightly at the sight of the messenger God. He bowed to Athena and nodded towards Hermes, Hermes glanced at him but took no particulare interest in him. Saori pushed herself away from the window ledge and looked at him questioningly. "Something wrong?"
"No, I'm just here to inform you that breakfast is ready Goddess." Saga responded as formally and as neutrally as possible. "If Lord Hermes is staying for breakfast as well, then I'll..."
Hermes waved his hand to stop Saga in mid-sentence, himself already floating on thin air. "I'm leaving, don't prepare anything for me." He then turned to Saori as his body started to fade. "Remember what I said, you better do it soon." Just like that, he disappeared in front of them, going back to Mount Olympus, giving some very disappointing news to Zeus. Saori gave him a small wave as he flew back to where all the Gods are.
"Goddess?" Saga looked back at Saori, whom seems to be deep in thought. Her eyes narrowed slightly, her lips pressed together tightly, appearantly the conversation with Hermes didn't go well. However, why was Hermes here anyways? From his knowledge, Hermes only delivers Zeus's messages, if that's the case, then what did Zeus want?
Saori looked up at Saga, for a split second he thought he saw a dangerous glint inside her eyes. He straightened at that look, never expecting such a look from her. In a blink of an eye, her face broke into a gentle smile, and she moved fowards to him.
"Did you say breakfast is ready? I'm staved, let's go."
Everything is back to normal, she's still the 18 year old Goddess, but this time she didn't grab his hand and drag him down for breakfast with her like every morning. Saga watched as she danced past him, she seems so normal. Yet that look....
That look in her eyes a moment ago felt so real, so un-human like. It felt as if she's ready to kill anyone that stands in her way. It was a look that he had seen in Hades's eyes when his spirit reawakened them.
"Saga, are you coming?" Saori called out at the bottom of the stairs, snapping him out of his trance. He looked into her curious eyes and nodded quickly. Saori smiled and walked towards the dining room. He sighed and began moving downstairs as well, that look in her eyes must have been his imagination.
It must have been!
[Night]
"Come in." Saori spoke up from her piles of work, Saga stood up from his sitting place as the door opened. A middle aged man walked in with a brief case, a nervous look on his face. Saga looked at him curiously, if this is another one of the Gods from above, he sure knows how to disguise himself.
Saori stood up quickly, surprise covered her. She glanced outside, it's dark already, it must be something urgent. However, what is so urgent that can send him here, and just how did he find her here anyways? "Is something wrong?"
The man wiped his forehead nervously and shifted his weight around, he opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but then glanced at Saga nervously and looked back at Saori. Saori looked at him then sighed and turned to Saga just as he turned to her as well.
"Saga, do you mind leaving us alone for a minute?"
Saga put down his book and nodded, turning he bowed slightly to Saori and walked out of the room confidently. Closing the door behind him, he still hears nothing, what is that man doing here? And just who is this man? So many questions, yet who can answer him right now? He wonders if Saori's ever going to tell him willingly, without him bringing it up the next day. He's not dumb, he has been sensing all sorts of powerful cosmos around the Sanctuary lately, he knows that all these Goddesses and Gods must be visiting her, but what for? What reason is there for them to visit her all at once? Is another war starting?
Pausing at the top of the staircase, he frowned, could that be it? Could another war be coming? Is this the reason why she's acting so strange lately... but that wouldn't give her any excuse of not telling them about it. After all, they need to be informed. Unless... unless she wants to go into this war all by herself, not wanting her Saints to follow her. Picking up his head, his frown deepened, turning around to look at the closed door. The reason sticking deep into his mind, that must be the answer.
[Inside]
Saori watched as Saga walked out of the door and closed it gently behind him, she didn't say anything, the man just looked at her nervously, not saying anything either. She waited until Saga was completely out of hearing distance and then turned to the man again, this time her eyes showed sharpness and a dangerous glint crossed over her eyes.
"What are you doing here?" Her voice low and cold as she walked over to the sofa and sat down, while looking up at him coldly. "Well, sit, don't just stand there."
The man forced a thin smile and bowed a bit, carrying his briefcase with two hands, he managed to move the heavy thing onto the table and sit down with a big sigh. He arched his back, stretching just to feel his body parts again, a smile on his face as he enjoys the return of his senses to him. Saori crossed her arms over chest and looked at him unwaverly as he stretched, what is he doing here?
"What are you doing here?" She asked again, and he paused in the midst of his action. "Do not tell me that you're here to stretch." One cold comment seemed to have frozen the room. She might be only 18, but her aura is always so cold around them. Whenver she's around the Bronze Saints, she's always so warm and friendly with them. However, with the employees, she's always so cold and distant. She's like someone at the top of an un-reachable staircase that everyone soughts after.
"Miss... Miss Kido, I am here to inform you of a decision that I have made." He started shakily, cannot bring himself to look into her eyes.
"Before you start, I have a question to ask you." Saori interrupted him mercilessly.
"Ye... Yes, Miss Kido? What is it?" His head snapped up immediately, she clearely saw the fear in his eyes. Rolling her eyes mentally, she glanced away. Oh please, how old is he? And how old is she? What is she going to do to him? What can she do to him?
"How did you know that I was here?"
"Mr. Okaity told me. I was trying to contact you for the past few days, but had no success with it. So, I called Mr. Okaity in hopes that he'd know where you are, and he was correct."
"He just agreed to let you see me?"
"No, at first he was very relunctant to tell me where you are. However, when I told him what I'm about to tell you today, he thought about it and agreed to let me see you. Miss Kido, am I doing something that I should not be doing?"
Saori looked at him, if Mr. Okaity had let him pass, it must be something urgent, she should give him the time of the day. "What is it that you wanted to talk to me about?" All of a sudden, her voice softened, and her aura changed to a much more calmer one.
He looked up at her, and then turned to his briefcase on the table, Saori followed his eyes and her eyes landed on the briefcase as well. "I really don't want to do this, but...." He then reached out and with firm hands, he gripped the briefcase, snapping it open, there stood a few packages labeled with different names on it.
Saori looked at them and looked up at him again, what is he up to? She watched as he took them out and laid them flat on the table, he then shut the briefcase after taking out another, smaller, envelope. He looked down at the smaller envelope, as if weighing it carefully, debating whether he should do this or not.
Taking in a deep breath, he looked up at Saori in the eyes and pushed the smaller envelope in front of her gently. Saori looked at him for a moment before reaching forward to grasp the envelope. Turning it around, she saw the word 'Resign'. Looking at it expressionlessly, she slowly lowered it and put it back onto the table again, this time her eyes never leaving his.
"Tell me, what is the reason? You are our finance manager, how do you expect us to run on with you quitting?" Saori asked calmly, as if this is not about her company at all.
"Miss Kido... as the finance manager, I know how the foundation is running with our... money. I don't think... there is any future for me in a foundation like this. Miss Kido, you've got to understand, I have a wife and a family to look after as well. And besides, you're going to marry Mr. Okaity anyways, so... me going there would be the same as working for you before."
"Who told you I'm going to marry him?" Saori asked sharply. To this day, she still doesn't want anyone to know that she's marrying him, not even her own finance manager. Her eyes narrowed slightly, her aura powerful, giving off a pressuring feeling, her voice tight and sharp.
"Mr. Okaity told me so himself. He said that you would not want me to go to another foundation, he said that since you guys are getting married anyways, working for him would be the same as working for you. I was surprised with the news at first, but I thought it over and realized that he's right. I must agree that you are a very brilliant leader of a foundation, and it has been a long time since I've found an owner like you. After you and Mr. Okaity get married, your company might not be his officially, but everyone will believe it to be that way. So, when that day comes, I'll still be kinda... like working for you." He blabbed on, not caring if Saori is listening or not. All he knows is that this lady over here cannot be angered, or else.
Saori turned her head towards the windows half way through his explanation, her eyes longing and calculating. So... he had already told him about the marriage... just how many more people know about this deal that they made? The room settled in silence after he was done with his explanation. Saori rolled all the possibilities in her mind, she knows that if she wants to, Mr. Okaity would not accept his proposal for the job, but....
Turning, she looked at him understandingly, and looked down at the other bigger folders that he had brought with him. "What are these?"
"Oh, these!" He exclaimed all too happily, glad that she is not going to press this matter any further. "I just thought that you are the rightful person to keep all these." He handed them to her respectfully, she took it and looked at the thick folders one by one. "These are all the yearly reports of finance and other managements ever since the foundation started. Even though I wasn't here when it started, but the last finance manager passed them all down to me. So... I thought you'd like to keep them, as a memroy... if you want to." He added on the last part unsurely.
Saori looked through them with a fond expression on her face, she's known this company for 18 years now... has been in control for about 6 years now, saying goodbye really is hard. This is what her grandfather worked his entire life for, and now... it's ending in her hands. Her eyes dimmed, she held the packages closer in her hands and closed her eyes.
"Miss Kido, I'm sorry to leave at a time like this, but...." He began again, feeling as if it's his duty to explain more to the young girl before him.
"I understand." Saori said and took in a deep breath, she put down the packages and picked up the smaller envelope again, looking it over carefully. "It's okay, we'd still be working together in the future anyways, there's nothing sad about this parting."
He nodded with a weary smile, this is a good day, it's fortunate that she can see through this so clearly. Saori nodded and placed the resign letter on top of the pile of packages and then turned to him seriously. Her body leaning forwards a bit, her hands laced at her lap, she tilted her head, a sign of her wanting to talk about something important.
"As your leader and boss for one last moment, I want you to know that you were a very good employee under my foundation all these years, and I thank you for the contributions you have made."
"They were my pleasure, Miss Kido." He said modestly.
"Now... as a friend... I want to you to promise me something." Her voice grew softer, her expression almost pleading.
"What is it?"
"About what Mr. Okaity said... about our marriage, I hope that you can keep that a secret until we do get married. Can you do that? Can you keep that promise?"
He looked up at her surprised, and a bit confused. If they're going to get married, then why are they keeping this a secret, everyone's bond to find out sooner or later. Mr. Okaity said the same thing to him, even though he's curious, but he's learned that you never question anyone about this sort of thing, ever!
"Of course Miss Kido, I will."
Saori smiled and stood up gracefully, he followed her up. They looked at each other and nodded, their usual greeting way. "I wish you all the luck with your new work place under Mr. Okaity."
"And I wish you a prosperous marriage life." He said sincerely, completely missing the flash of helplessness in her eyes.
"Thank you, you can show yourself out. And I'm sure Saga is downstairs, if you don't mind, can you please tell him that I'd like to talk to him?"
"Saga?"
"The man that was just in here a while ago." Saori explained.
"Of course." He bowed, then turned and walked out of the room slowly. Saori watched his departing backview, is all partings going to be like this? When her parting comes, she wants everyone to be going different ways, everyone's back should be towards each other's back. That way, no one has to see anyone's expression.
[Later]
"Saori, you wanted to see me?" Saga walked into the office after he sent the finance manager out.
Saori turned from her place before the large windows and glanced at him, she then turned back to the windows again. Her arms crossed in front of her chest, almost as if she's warming herself up. Saga looked at her and took a few steps forward, glancing down, he saw the resign letter and then looked up at her solemn expression, he now understands why. Not speaking a word, he just walked closer to her, not touching her, but just enough for her to feel the heat radiating from him.
"Saga... as the Master of this Sanctuary... and as the Goddess you're supposed to protect, I need to talk to you about something important." Saori finally began, her voice low, and mature. Saga looked towards her, knowing that this is probably Goddess Athena speaking.
"Yes Goddess."
"When I was born, you were here, but you weren't the Master then, Shion was. Shion knew how to take care of the reincarnation of Goddess Athena, and that was how he found me." Saori began, carrying out Hermes's wish this morning. Telling the Master of Sanctuary how to locate the next Goddess.
"Goddess, are you planning on telling me how to locate the next Goddess?"
"Of course, you need to be prepared for it."
"But Goddess.... I wouldn't be around for the next Goddess to be born, that'll be 200 something years later. I'll be long dead by then." Saga said thoughtfully, speaking out the truth.
Saori looked at him but said nothing. "When a Goddess is born, the cloud is supposed to shift unusually. They will usually form an almost vortex like shape up on the sky over the world. It will last throughout the entire day, that night, Polaris will change directions depending on the direction of where the new baby is born. The Big Dipper will change directions due to the birth as well. Just follow the Big Dipper and you will end up at a fairly close location at where the baby is."
So that's what it was, Saga remembered seeing all these changes in the night sky when Saori was born. He was small then, he didn't understand most of the things that Shion said to him. As of now, everything is so much more clearer.
"I'm telling you this now because you need to know this information, either for yourself, or for the next Master of Sanctuary." Saori said, concluding her long talk. Turning around to face him, she's ready for his questions.
"Of course, I will carry this in my mind with me until I die, I shall never forget it." Saga vowed with strength, Saori looked at him fondly, knowing that he will carry out his promise. Sighing softly, she looked down towards the ground, not wanting him to see the expression on her face. Afraid to give anything away.
"However... my question is... won't the next Goddess be born about 200 years later... why do you sound as if the new Goddess is going to be born tomorrow. You're not going to die tomorrow are you?" Saga looked at her strangely before answering his own question. "Of course you're not going to die tomorrow, so... why do you sound so urgent?"
"Saga...." She said softly, her browns furrowing a bit. "There's another way for a new Goddess to be born, without having to wait for 200 more years."
"Seriously?" Saga looked at her shocked, he was never taught this in his studies. "I've never learnt this before."
"That's because people like to believe that the reincarnated Goddess will keep to Athena's true name and true form. The other way for a Goddess to be born is if the reincarnation body loses her virginity, then the Goddess disappears within her... thus, a new Goddess will appear." She said quietly, not believing that she just told him that.
Saga looked at her surprised, this time, really surprised. He never knew there was a second part to this Goddess reincarnation thing. However... why is she telling him about this now.... "Saori... what are you trying to say?"
"You don't think every reincarnation of Goddess Athena will stay a maiden forever, do you? Some girls would very much like to get married after all the wars are over, when there's no need for Athena anymore. Some girls will get married, then... they no longer hold the identity of Athena." Saori said, this time, raising up her head to meet his eyes full on.
Saga's eyes widened at Saori's expression, speechless, he just stood there. Saori lowered her gaze but stepped forwards, leaning up she kissed him on his cheek softly. "It's late, you should get some sleep. Good night, Saga." With that, she walked past him slowly yet confidently. Pausing before the table, she gathered up her packages and exited the room, closing the door behind her.
Saga stood there, still not sure if he saw her clearly. This is the second time today that he has seen a different side of Saori that no one has ever seen before. That moment, when she raised up her head to look at him, the expression on her face was unbearable.
It was this sadness that was even beyond words, it was a sadness that was so terrifying that looked as if she just wanted to close her eyes and never wake up again. Not only that, Saga turned and looked at the closed door, feeling as if her cool lips are still on his cheek.
It was a desparate sadness that nothing could pull her away from, it was a kind of sadness that seemed to consume her inside out.....
TBC.....
Thanks for reading, please R&R.