Arion vs Hermes!? The Mother Goddess regrets a wilting flower
(アリオン対ヘルメース? ! 地母神は萎ちょう病に後悔している)
When Demeter emerged from her island's Hell's gate—located behind her Temple— to return to her quarters, she felt a sense of relief. Arion went ahead of her to check on the Bronzes. An angst occasioned flowed and ebbed from the well-being of her "daughter" Pan and her "son" Ginga. Because of the Goddess's provocation of Athena, her guardians paid the price; secretly, she would blame herself. She checked the grayish Thesmophoria flowers inside of the dish, floating above her arm rest. Only two remained. She genially slid one onto her fingers and held it to her eyes. Its petals were rapidly wilting.
"Have you accomplished your desire, Libra Genbu?" Demeter'a voice carried a strange aura of morose disappointment. She really had faith in him, long enough to keep him alive. She had considered crushing the flower prematurely, only to be delayed by Arion when he said told that Genbu was chasing a Saint. She would crinkle its petals to relay a bit of pain to Genbu and to reduce the time he had. Who knew what these incompetent, perhaps sullied Saints, could do in three days? Especially what she had heard about Hades's attempt in doing the same. At least Genbu was honest about her feelings—and quite brazenly so—before the goddess.
"Still, you were quite stubborn," she mused.
"Did Genbu fail, O Mother Goddess?" A lively voice rose from the corner of Demeter's quarter. She quickly snapped to the right, seeing a shadow standing between pillars. There was only three people she recognized for their cheeriness.
Demeter's eyes narrowed at the shadow, her voice deepening to a tone of being letdown. "Amor, where have you been?"
"I will admit that my precious defeated me." The scarved Pisces Saint took a few steps forward into light, revealing himself. While describing failure, he's as pleased looking as ever. "I thought I was going to die."
"Genbu had just died. The other Gold Saints perished," Demeter said; a tad of anger entered her voice. "and yet you remained alive. Thus, you could've pursued them! Now, the Bronze Saints are at my Gardens!"
"It isn't a problem no?" Amor shrugged. "I can sense the power of God, so it looks like your task is complete."
"That is true." The Goddess calmed and turned away.
"And that means I outlived my usefulness to you, correct?"
"If that's how you like to see it as. To be simple: You may choose to stay at my side or designate yourself a new resting place."
The Pisces Saint whistled, completely struck by her coldness. "Well, since I'm done, I wish to be with my Yuna or at least make sure she stays safe.
Saying nothing, The Goddess turned again and only stared coldly. She found his words quite peculiar. The Saint suddenly pulled a rose from behind him.
"I am a simple man," said Amor, placing the stem of his Rose between his lips.
"You would dare?"
"I did what you asked, so I should do like a Gold Saint of Pisces right? Show my beauty."
Demeter's face bends into a scowl. She gives Pisces a death stare. "You Athena Saints are never trustworthy! However Amor, as you wore that Cloth, you served a dark God who wanted to destroy the world, cleanse it of all and renew it. Those were your thoughts when I rose you from death. So where does your heart truly lie? Don't tell me it's all for that girl?"
As she was rattled, the color of her temple chamber suddenly faded to black. Demeter's face changed as she became transfixed. She looked down; in her line of sight was the head of a red rose.
"Call this pantomime, o Mother goddess," Amor's smile was wicked; a black rose had hit Demeter's sternum. An unfamiliar feeling creeped through her body, and became to drain her senses. She wasn't sure if it was pain, but her brain responded with true fear that devoured the worries she has been harboring? What would cause that – being targeted? Death?
The Saint's smile then bent down as he spoke curtly. "You are out of line, using me."
The cause of the darkness was Amor's Olbers Garden, the technique he used on Yuna back at Cyclades.
Amor explained if he achieved the defeat of God, an an annoying one at that, it'll be worth his pride.
"You know Demeter, I hate being disrespected and manipulated," he said, "especially by a woman."
When he admitted this, veins pooled his face and expressed fury. "Especially a human vessel of a goddess! My cursed roses will rot you away!" It all burned from his memories, or perhaps grievance, of having lost to his sister and Abzu, who had controlled Kouga. Olbers Garden turned everything around him unto a featureless ambiance. It's said that a normal human would fade out, a body unable to process being in a void. Skin and tissue would dissipate. It was particularly deadly to those who used energy like Cosmos to fight, making one an easy target to Amor. Then, Amor's roses would seal the deal – they're the only matter that could be utilized in the space, sucking its target into the same "nothing".
Demeter slumped over. Her lips moved. "So, you are the one to determine my fate? The words caused Amor to buck an eyebrow. He held nothing but confidence; he wondered if she was wallowing in despair, mumbling words appropriate for her incoming death.
"Indeed," she said, her voice chimed with vitality. "Perhaps I am arrogant, stubborn, worth your resent, but you are a worm far below me, Pisces Amor."
However, Demeter was a goddess. She arced up her body, which began to glow vividly like sunlight. The Temple returned to its original state.
"Gh—!" Amor's ears ringed; he was suddenly immobile. Demeter watched him as he shivered.
"Vitriol to the gods, or perhaps to women, has not taught you to conquer," the Mother Goddess said, her tone and choice of words ever-so lofty—she fragmented whatever notion Amor had of defying anyone.
"You reflect the worst evils of human being. You are not worthy to be a holy Saint Amor, and there is no kindness or justice inside of you. The one who controls you, including your darkness, is me. Do you really think your darkness will have an effect?"
Pisces Amor's body curved backwards and flung into the temple wall. Demeter calmly strode towards him with a razor-edged gaze. Amor convulsed, every muscle in his body bound to an unseen force. His joints felt like they were crushed between jaws; against the wall, his arms and legs turned in another direction, twisted on their joints. Suddenly, giant rocks materialized around him, against his limbs.
"I really wonder who dare gave you an appellation of 'love'? You carry no such thing."
During his aches and pains, Amor gritted his teeth and all of his veins popped across his face. Bones were heard cracking as he lunged his neck over, against the mighty force, to get a look at the Goddess.
His blue eyes flashed with venom. "You bitch!" His manners wouldn't be put to mind if he was dead.
"Maybe one day Amor, you'll be reborn a better man. A butterfly who appreciates the flowers and the short life of nature."
Damnit! To die to another God?! No! Amor's sight was giving out, but even the aura and cold eyes of Demeter pierced him. The last thing he saw was a boulder careening towards his head.
Rough towards others, a self-control fairly holding behind a barrier of patience with Pan, there happened to be one man whom the Mother Goddess devoted her entire warmth, tolerance, and trust to. Sometime later, his violet hair brightened the dark corners of her temple. He entered her eye, grabbing her attention quickly.
"Demeter!" When the Mother Goddess lost strength in her legs, she fell into the arms of Arion. He looked over and saw Pisces Armor fastened to the temple wall by boulders, almost completely consumed by them. What might've been his last words? Last thoughts? He was still a warrior of Darkness. He stole the mantle of Athena and would not care about justice.
For some reason however, perhaps after experiencing purgatory by Demeter's rocks, a tint of desperate rectitude touched Amor. Some form of "what-if": Maybe, if were born under the mantle of Athena, perhaps he would be a hero of burning justice that protected beautiful women. His roses would be imbued with chivalry; a man like Percival or Robin Hood that supported the poor and weak; many would dislike him for his asinine flirting but noble. Amor of light—what would that be?
"Did Pisces attack you?!" The face of collected Arion burst out with concern. He came rushing when he sensed her Cosmos suddenly disappear a moment ago.
"Indeed, but it was futile from a man who moved by his foolish instincts." Demeter didn't sound as jauntily as before; while she garnered strength to break out Olbers and to fight against the rose, its siphoning effects lingered. Arion's eyes narrowed; without saying another word, he carried the Goddess back to her throne.
"Wait here. I'll place a barrier on the doors." Shortly after, he returned to the Forth Garden.
Using his Dragon's Vault—a golden ring like gadget that projects a picture from any area on the Island—Arion checked the temples in quiet contemplation. Pan's Garden of Plutus felt empty when its guardian lay unconscious; in Catasterismi, Ginga—once alone and unconsciousness—was now missing. He had wondered the worst, building a dread that he kept hidden as he consoled Demeter. In Androktasiai ironically, the unliveliest temple, Megaera was bursting with life as she faced a Saint.
The Cancer's Saint figure appeared within the ring, a fool lounging around the beachside like a tourist. Arion disappeared; in an instant, his feet sunk into sand and he was greeted with a smile.
"Oh! Who was it again? Sir Arion right? That's what the girls 'round here call you." It was Cancer Hermes's smile, and familiar geniality, that Arion met on the beach. Demeter's closest confidant said nothing to the Gold Saint.
"How is your Goddess by the way? She should be more placid now that her plan is going her way right?"
"Indeed."
Cancer decided on his next words, but they were caught in his throat through open air. His protrusive headpiece flew off. He saw a haze; Arion socked Hermes in the gut, sending the Saint crashing down to his knees. The force was beyond a man and nearly knocked him cold. He looked up to meet the sharp gaze of Arion; probably the first time, or in a long time, his face furrowed with anger.
"What the Hell was that for?!" He grumbled at the stoic man.
"Pisces attacked Demeter," he said.
"That's on him, not me!"
"Perhaps, but how is it known that the Gold Saints are not up to something? You, and you especially, have been most suspicious and insincere of all. You beat around the bush and move out of your own accord. You have no reason to subjugate to the Mother Goddess, do you?"
"Heh! What's it to you?"
"Don't ask such foolish questions. I am Demeter's faithful servant after all. If any movement conspires against the Goddess, I will not hesitate to kill you."
Cancer brought up a smirk. "I almost want to see what you'd do. I really don't like being threatened. My moves are getting Demeter's plan into motion…so, I can't have you trashing me now."
"Very well," said Arion as he backed away. He clasped his hands over his lower abdomen, his whole form carrying an air of confidence. While it looked like Arion deferred his anger, Hermes still felt his haughtiness. After approaching Cancer to personally reproach him, Arion proved that he was an authoritative figure. Hermes lifted from the ground, keeping eye contact on the Goddess's dog. His smile returned; even though, a trickle of sweat itched his temple.
"Something has been on my mind - you have no reason to subjugate to the Mother Goddess, do you? Maybe you're being a 'mediator' for Athena; by sacrificing her, however, a mediator does not go through these...underhanded deals. Even for fun? Maybe you're just an unnoble man. And with that backhanded tongue of yours…well…"
"I will admit," Cancer Hermes said, holding his gut, "I do like doing things my way. The wicked and the radical resounds within 'justice'."
"Very well," Arion said once again. "Keep at it. Do it your way, Cancer Hermes. But, let me establish what is expected from you – loyalty."
Arion blinked his eyes and Hermes felt an enormous shockwave, stilling his body. His head jolted back, and he lost his scream. His eyes nearly popped out his sockets as the pain he registered was beyond anything he has felt. As if his body was beneath a waterfall of scalding hot water. The entire beach melted into a crimson flare.
"Despite her fury towards Athena, Lady Demeter, with her benevolence, allowed your aid. It's going to stay that way. Maybe you worry little because you don't fathom fear?"
Another shock. Hermes couldn't speak. If there was fear, it entered Cancer's head. Aghh….this guy!
"Use your foolishness to send Athena's Saints to despair and complete Demeter's goal. Show me your madness."
Hermes's body began to slowly bend at the waist, as if he fought a giant weight falling against his back. Was he being controlled? He couldn't calculate what was happening, but he settled that Arion was demonstrating himself as atop the hierarchy of the Mother Goddess. When the wave stopped, Hermes fell over into the sand.
"You have to wonder Hermes. What do you insist on doing once this is all over? When Athena is imprisoned or dies? Or do you feel that you have a hidden faith in the young Saints on Naxos? Do you still have faith in Athena? Maybe I should destroy you."
Hermes only reacted to scratching the sand with his fingers. His body was heavy.
"Do you want to die?"
Suddenly, Arion caught Hermes's punch. He saw a wicked gleam below Cancer's oval spectacles.
"Athena will die," The Cancer Saint said with a subdued tone, a smirk folding his face. Arion stared quietly, his fearless eyes staring back.
"By the way, that's a Hell of a Cosmos you have. You are right: your goddess allowed my aid. Therefore, since you're her best dog, maybe trust what she's doing?"
"What was that?"
"You can't kill me you schmuck…cause it's against her plan."
"Do you think that you are required to kill Athena?" Arion released Cancer's hand and the Gold Saint was abruptly thrown back by the heavy force. He pinned his fingers together, of both hands, and launched three spheres at Hermes. Upon their touch, Hermes lost all sense of reality. Unlike the wave from before, he now experienced a breaking pressure touching his Cloth, digging into his flesh; will his stomach rupture and spill out his bowels? In combination was the electric current attacking his nerves. The area around him turned blue like the depths of the sea.
Damn him! This gravity! I'm going to—
Hermes couldn't continued speaking.
"It was also her plan to revive those incompetent Gold Saints. Things doesn't always work one's way. If eliminating you eases her worries, and eliminates the possibility of betrayal, then I will accept any punishment from her." To hear those words from a drawl out voice still felt passionate, comparable to maybe Pegasus or Sagittarius. That commitment to a beautiful Goddess. Hermes, a free soul, did not want to act like a straitlaced dog; surely, the Earth must be protected, but was Arion's allegiance creating a compelling power?
"Submit, Gold Saint of Cancer. Show off your uncompromising nature to your former companions." The attack ended and Hermes's legs buckled under him. His eyes whited out. He was completely lost; even chosen by the star of Cancer, perhaps he didn't know fear after all. It seemed that this constellation was quite unlucky, always besmirching the living. However, Arion was surprised that Hermes was still in one piece. Perhaps it was to be expected from a Gold Saint, ones at the apex of Athena's army. Slowly, Hermes rose from the sand, only reaching halfway. His body was hunched over.
"Trying to make me behave like some kid, you bastard?" A flare appeared over the scowling Hermes, and the tips of his fingers held tongues of blue flame.
"So, you live. You are a Gold Saint after all. Maybe the experience is unveiling your fighting spirit a little bit. The will to survive is opening you up, isn't it?" Hermes only replied with an upset huff.
"I have yet to test my strength against Gold Saints." Arion blinked and the atmosphere turned an abyssal violet. Teeth filled Hermes's wide grin.
"Let's change that!" Cancer raised his hand and pressure went up Arion's spine. He turned, and saw an enormous, outstretched hand. A hand devoid of flesh; only bones grabbed Arion, and his limbs were pinned together. He looked straight ahead at Hermes, whose vitriol could be felt at eye contact, no matter the distance. No matter the smile.
"I know a good spirit when I see one. For you to lecture me…you have much confidence in your power. What would happen if it was taken?"
Arion groaned; a grip from an ethereal-like hand was as real as a hundred men. Cancer emitted a small cackle, his body still shining with an aura.
"I see. You do know that…the mighty do not serve others? Then why? What is it that you have? And why? May Hell eat it and make it mine."
Suddenly, their actions are interrupted. A voice called to them. "Enough!" Both Saint and guardian looked above and everywhere. It was a voice that could not be ignored-it was Demeter using telepathy. Hermes's giant hand dissipated from around Arion as the goddess projected her voice.
"Arion, why are you attacking Hermes?"
"I wanted to assure that he submits to us, Lady Demeter. May I propose that I send him against the Saints on Naxos and finish them off?"
"You know well of the island decree." The low, simmering jaundice Demeter set forth, even towards Arion, was as indiscriminate with how she spoke to Athena and her enemies. "Do not commit to reckless actions. There is no need to worry."
"I apologize." Arion said as he sunk his head. It throbbed his heartstrings that she understood him.
"As for Hermes, bring him to me. He will stay at my side. Dare he imitate Amor…"
"Now now Lady Demeter," Cancer interjected. "I've been good so far."
"Hermes, I think you realize that whatever possible thought you have of crossing me or Hades will unquestionably fail. It's too late. Despite your golden body, this is now your fate to restore balance to the Underworld. You understand?"
No answer was returned. The Goddess continued.
"While it would be interesting to have you destroy the Saints, to see how Athena would feel, and perhaps that would truly cement your loyalty to me, that is not a priority now. Come to me."
Demeter's voice disappeared. Hermes sighed and thought of how callous the Goddess was. Arion lifted his head and eye Cancer.
"I have met the Pegasus Saint before he entered the Gardens," he said. "For some reason, his eyes carried a shining hope."
Frowning, Hermes listened to him quietly.
"To travel across the frozen sea, to not be intimidated by their former comrades, and even both Pan and Ginga…" Arion stopped there and looked up; deep inside, he wished for their recovery.
"Facing such a threat," he continued, "with complete defiance…something had lit inside of me. However, I am sure Megaera will deal with them."
"Taking a liking to a bunch of brats?" Bitterness seeped inside Hermes's voice. He had nearly died after all, and he was further aggravated from Arion's change of attitude.
"They must be defeated at all cost. But they made me wonder—what do you fight for, Cancer Hermes? When you are aware that you have betrayed your allegiance to Athena?" Demeter's guardian would not be given an answer, but rather, a condescending smirk. All he knew that Arion and Demeter had the crab in their grasp like a hostage. Both men returned to the Goddess's Temple with an instant teleport.
Both stood before Demeter, giving her full eye contact. Offering his usual smile, Cancer posed unnerved by the previous situation despite being in the presence of gods. However, he kept quiet. Demeter sat on her throne, relaxing her face, contorted with anger. Rather than dust, Pisces Amor was a splayed, calcified husk upon her wall, hefted by boulders. A stark reminder on not to cross her.
"Athena's Saints has reached the Third Garden. I am certain that they'll meet their doom there. With the power of the released Akelepsos, Hades will revive in a week. Today, it'll be his soul; tomorrow, his corporal form and blade. His body will be prone, but then gradually, as days pass, his senses, his movement and his power will revive. As well as the Underworld."
The Goddess took in a breath before continuing. "I took an oath to preserve Earth's growth, and yet, this all may potentially lead to its destruction. Without death, the gods have become enraged; the malicious have appeared on Earth, some directing their ire towards Athena, being Earth's most valiant protector. You see, mortal and divine fear an era without gods."
Arion finally spoke. "I cannot imagine."
"I thought nothing of it at first since I've been so busy with my daughter's health and Europe's Green protocol. But the most important part is what Hades's intentions are after the revival. I thought of pleading to him to keep Earth safe, at least Naxos. When he revives on Earth, according to my memory, he always wages war with Athena, and he is insistent of purging the evils of the world."
"My Goddess, is it possible that humankind will end?" At Arion's question, the Mother Goddess was quiet. He continued as if pleading for a sensible answer.
"What if he doesn't preserve Naxos? Will he reconstruct the entire world through destruction?"
"It is possible, Arion. We may lose everything, just to let it begin again."
Arion bowed his head and closed his eyes; a weight fell on his heart and even he didn't think it would end up this way. He did not want such a severe result, even though his convictions were fully committed to Demeter.
Humph, letting your guts out are you? Gods can be so selfish. Hermes's thoughts boiled as his smile crooked into a slant.
"Cancer Hermes?"
"Huh?"
"I still don't understand your choices, but you carry a darkness that has led you to become my ally. Did you feel that sacrificing Athena was the better choice for the world? No matter the cost, you will keep your promise to me. You, as a Saint, are a reminder of Hades's shame, but perhaps your contributions will be considered. If not, do you want to die? After all, you are human."
Hermes's smile returned, but it was puckish smile familiar to the Gold Saint of Cancer. "Heh. Oh, Demeter. I can only say one thing – because you are the Mother Goddess, I think you'll definitely succeed in your request to save Naxos."
Demeter furrowed her brow. "At what point have you come to try clairvoyant nonsense?"
"Not at all. Let's just say that Gods love gratitude, and miracles happen when they are given love and gratitude, even through dalliance, betrayal, and deceit."
"You were always sharp-tongued, but you are indeed not wrong."
"I still want to know why you fight or why you obey us," Arion gave Cancer a side glance. He was still simmering from Amor attacking Demeter, and their scuffle on the beach.
"The Underworld's part in the world is as rudimentary as breathing. As a former practicing doctor, I must see to graves and to palliative care of the seriously, terminal ill. I stand before you because of my justice. If the world isn't protected, then Athena is a degenerate goddess unworthy of the power to rule or heal."
Hearing those words, Demeter and Arion were chilled silent by Cancer's broad grin, which was ample with passion. Did they possibly agree with him? But what of his subterfuge? Taking action by his disinterest in others, including former allies. Speaking of which…
"I also believe another thing," the Crab said. "I will have my chance against the Saints."
Later on, Arion returned to his garden not far from Demeter's temple, and Hermes would remain at Demeter's side. No issue arose between the Saint and the Mother Goddess, even though the latter had to bear the usual picnic-like prattle as if they were confidantes. That was when Demeter would learn that the Cancer Saints prioritize their job with high esteem, even if women and children died, even if they disregard their patron deity. They were also ruthless in battle; if anything, their affection was hidden from most. Demeter merely replied that even Athena's Saints were presumptuous. Cancer did not seem like the type to needlessly die?
Before Arion left to return as a guardian for the fourth Garden, he left only a single tidbit.
"When it comes to our intruders, I only know the one called Pegasus. He is very impulsive and stubborn, but he also seems noble and cares about those close to him, including Athena." He wouldn't admit it openly to avoid Demeter's ire, but he was impressed by Pegasus and the rest of the Saints. For them to reach so far as the Third Garden, and seeing Kouga collapsed next to Ginga—it all gave him a lot of thought. Perhaps his gut sank with nervousness, especially with Ginga's disappearance.
"My Chthon Impulse," Arion began talking to himself while sitting out on an open beautiful field. It illuminated as if bathed in summer sunlight. It looked like the outside, a marble path cutting through a grassy field, leading to an arched gate.
"How did you surpass it? I heard a story that in the ancient past, the Impulse could be averted into another dimension. Was the core destroyed from the outside? Pocketed into another 'space'?"
Floating before him was his Dragon's Vault as he watched the Third Garden, which was plummeted in a deathly black fog. As expected from the garden of decay and death. He did not expect anyone to pass there, no matter what. In fact, right at the doorway, Pegasus and Orion collapsed. After Loom and Boron was Swithern, who was supposedly a reminder that all life faced death essentially; not even the innocent was barred. But it was also effused by its guardian's inner fury, and it was near unwelcoming. For visitors to reach Demeter's temple, the goddess herself or Megaera had to mitigate its atmosphere.
.