O|======================|O
Gemini: Defying Gravity
6I: CANON II
or
"I Have No Mouth, And I Must Scream, But I Know What You Did Midsommar"
BOLD: Cursed Mode
BOLD and Italicized: Ares
Canon= Saga
Kanon=Kanon
O|======================|O
We've looked by the woods,
we've looked by the sea.
We've searched every flower,
and we climbed every tree.
.
Here is the boy,
who's been missing for years.
Here is his smile,
to end our endless tears.
.
Kanon, oh Kanon,
You've finally come!
.
Kanon, oh Kanon,
Our love for you is strong.
.
Kanon, oh Kanon,
You were gone for so long!
.
We never gave up,
until you finally came home.
Saga smiled graciously as his arms, covered from his wrists to his shoulders in flower bracelets, clapped graciously as the musician from Delphi who used to sing the song in the park that he was stuck at.* "Thank you. It was because of music like yours, was I able to find my way back to where I belong," spoke Canon. To think, he used to curl up and shut his tent to silence the song, now he was singing along with him as well as the grand crowd that had gathered in an attempt to speak and interact with the most famous missing person in the territories of Sanctuary.
*See Chapter called CANON
The young man with stringy blond hair, still wearing his Delphi School Uniform grinned wildly. "Me too...it just blows my mind like…" he took his hands and gestured an explosion while crafting the sound with his breath. "I just saw your posters and figured that if Sanctuary was putting them all around the city then maybe they still think you were alive. Here you are, man! Will you sign my guitar?"
Saga raised his hands and graciously took the instrument, and perfectly produced his brother's signature. It amazed him that was asked to sign everything from the old Kanon Missing Posters to whatever object people had on hand from boots to wooden spoons. He knew he drew attention, but he hadn't seen this village this excited since the birth of Athena. Every bench, balcony, and ledge was occupied. Many people had clearly taken off work, judging by the fact that several still had their aprons and gear. They say the village of Rodario's level of happiness could be measured by how decorated the main square was, and right now, the fields were probably stripped of all flowers in order to weave elaborate chains from building to building. The Maidens even crafted a large crown upon his head, nearly a foot high of expertly woven poppies, primroses, and daisies.
It all should feel good, being loved by everyone as he had as the Pope, but on the other hand, it was also going to cost him a whole day, time that Aiolos didn't have. However, he had to play the role of his younger brother, and Kanon would drink up such attention like a cold glass of water after eight hours of sparring.
The next pair came, a man, with surprisingly gigantic muscular arms, holding a large basket with a middle-aged woman with silver hair by his side.
"Welcome back, Kanon. You were always one of our more prominent customers and so we thought you needed some catching up," spoke the owner of Demeter's Bakery.
Saga's eyes widened at the three loaves of bread, two bags of cookies, and a large tray of her famous baklava was presented. It was extremely generous since the place was so famous that even with a limit on how much people could buy, it wasn't uncommon for it to run out of food by noon. "Indeed I will," he took a bag of the cookies, knowing that it would be the first thing his brother would choose, and pulled out one of the famous cake-like chocolate-chip that was smothered with honey baklava frosting and took a bite. It was still warm, perhaps freshly baked by the owner. "Mmmm...now that's Rodario," he complimented with their famous catchphrase. What a treasure trove! These cookies were only limited to half a dozen per customer and he had four times that amount.
Clearly used to the endless compliments, but considerate enough to accept it, Demeter bowed her head before she and her baker stepped away to allow the next person.
This time, it was an Elder, the equivalent of a preacher among the Catholic faith. However, one big difference was that just like Maidens were dressed all in white with a matching hood, Elders instead wore a pure white robe like the Pope, with a long beard that must be kept narrow. In fact, the longer the beard, the more respect they garnered much like how long hair was prized among Saints.
"Kanon, praise be to Athena, that you have finally returned. If your presence here is not proof of her divine ability to create miracles, I do not know what will."
Saga gave a weak smile, but he felt a small sting of sadness. He didn't know who he was. But perhaps it was his soft, slow, and gentle tone, or the fact that his eyebrows being so thin they resembled a pair of dots, he couldn't help but think of the great Lemurian who had lost his life by his hands.
If it had been a few months prior, he would've lost it in a stream of tears. However, after taking a moment to repeat to himself in his head that the Lemurian had forgiven him, he quietly smiled back. "Indeed. May the miracle that happened to me, occur with the others who are still missing."
The Elder laid a heavy hand upon the Gemini, "such a beautiful heart and more than worthy of Athena's divine blessing.." He pulled away, knowing that many others had eagerly awaited their turn.
Up next, to Saga's surprise, it was a mother and a child, most likely the son of a foot soldier due to him wearing an old Sanctuary-issued trainer. While he did attract the youth of Rodario, once the novelty of finding Kanon wore off, they went off to play their rambunctious games like climb the clock tower or punch each other until someone's helmet is knocked off. The fact that the child was not producing an annoyed pout and was gazing at him like a jewel came off as a pleasant surprise.
"Where were you, Kanon?" blurted the kid with an odd bit of curiosity.
Canon replied the same way he told the others. He had five years of experience when it came to a politically acceptable answer. "I can't give any details without the approval of Sanctuary, but I will say that the distance was far enough that it made me long for my home in Rodario with each passing day."
He nodded, never losing his cheerful tone. "Everyone said you were dead. Everyone said the only thing they would find would be your bones."
"And everyone was clearly wrong!" retorted Canon with a cocky grin.
The child shook their head no. "Not me! Now they found you, I hope they'll find my Dad too! He used to work in the Papal Chambers a couple of years ago, but then he disappeared. But if they could find you, then he's got to be out there too, alive!"
At that moment, the words of the child felt like Great Horn had slammed him against his teeth. Two years...easily the worst time of his false reign. Without a doubt, this child's father was fertilizer in Aphrodite's rose garden right now. "Yes...he must be out there." Not wishing to lie, nor kill the child's hope.
It seemed like no matter what he did, he couldn't get away without a reminder of all the sin he had committed in the last five years. The worst part was that his mind was so muddled and so many had perished that he had no idea which father the boy was talking about.
"I want to be just like him!" the child proclaimed. "I want to honor him! I have his armor and I've been working every day on my cosmos." He grabbed a stick and clenched it tightly. It didn't break but once he let go, it showed some light scorching and the heat produced came from some other source other than the child's body heat. His cosmos wasn't very strong and clearly not worthy of training to be a Saint. However, he can see that with time, it would be high enough to serve as a door guard. Besides, in reality, the aspects of a Papal Guard that was more desirable was spirit and trust, and he could tell that the kid had it. "Give me your name. I need to see the Pope and perhaps I can pass it along so that it shall be whispered greatly!"
"Huh?" the boy raised a confused brow.
"Write your name, and I'll talk to some people who can help you get in," Canon rephrased, keeping it simple. Even if his influence was lost, he couldn't imagine either Dohko or even Aiolia turning the kid down after hearing his story.
After the two parted, Saga continued to see the line of people until a bright Gold flash appeared next to him.
The Gemini turned to Aiolia, still dressed in his Gold Cloth. Suddenly the crowd went from general giddiness of meeting Canon, to pure ecstasy at the possibility of meeting both him and a Gold Saint in one place.
The noise level was deafening as the foot soldiers circled around the two to create a barrier.
Aiolia was unphased. He was used to the enormous clatter that his Cloth created.
How odd. At that moment he and Saga had one thing in common: On the surface, they were loved, but if the people knew what was beneath the surface, they would both be ostracized just as quickly.
Aiolia closed his eyes as proceeded to use his cosmos. "How long are you going to be out here? We both need to be in the House of Libra and searching for the mold of the Cloth." He chastised with a bit of grit in his tone.
"Look, the only way I can join you up there is to convince everyone here I am my brother." Saga turned his head and smiled, holding his crown of flowers with one hand and gracefully blowing a kiss toward the crowd with another. On the surface, he was blushing with joy, his white teeth glittering with absolute radiance. But just like Aiolia he too just wanted to get the hell out of here and search for what seemed like the last clue to the mystery of the curse. "Do you think Kanon would turn away a crowd like this? Besides, you don't have to be by my side. You are free to look in Libra."
Beneath the black face mask that hid everything from his hair to his neck, Aiolia frowned. "No...but we don't have 'time' to put on a perfect performance. I opened up the House of Libra private quarters and trust me, it is 'huge'."
Saga sighed. "If it is that big, it must be like the House of Pisces and serve as a resting point for guests in the past."
"It also serves as a storage house. It is packed with so much junk that it would be quite nice if someone could Another Dimension all that shit away."
Saga felt like every flower on his arms, waist, and head had just wilted at that moment. His hope was that once it was time he came to Sanctuary, Aiolia would have found the location of the mold of the Libra Cloth, and the long search would end.
Of course not.
Their luck in all of this could be best described as fighting the Hydra where every swing of the sword led to two more heads appearing.
The Gemini turned to the large crowds before he turned to the Leo. "Take your hand and place it behind your back."
Confused but willing, Aiolia did so. Suddenly, he felt a cool blast of wind before something fell into his grip. He couldn't feel the texture, but judging by its shape, it was most likely a scroll."What is this?"
"It is a blank scroll from one of Orphee's rooms.."Just pretend it has an order for my presence at Sanctuary."
Aiolia turned his head. "Can't I just tell them without it?"
"As I told your brother, having something ornate gives the impression of importance and prestige, even if it is blank. Every little bit helps."
"Feels like a prop in my hand, like I'm some actor."
"Oh no, you are no actor. Actors are to entertain. Politicians are to persuade. Now hurry up."
"One problem."
"What is it, cub?"
"I don't like public speaking."
"Why not?"
"Because it terrifies me."
The Gemini turned and could hear the slight clatter of the Leo's metal gauntlets as the hands beneath them trembled as if he was standing before Zeus himself. "Look...this is as favorable a crowd as one can garner. As long as you don't piss yourself, they will eat your words. If anything, the sooner you speak, the quicker we can reach your brother."
Aiolia pulled the blank scroll and turned toward the crowds of civilians. "People," He swallowed hard as he could hear the shaky tone. He cleared his throat and tried again. "People of Rodario, I like everyone else am thrilled of the long lost return of Canon!"
'PRAISE ATHENA!" cried an elderly woman as she raised her hands to the sky before everyone else joined in jubilation.
Aiolia knew he wouldn't wet his trainer, but he was breathing so heavily that it seemed like he was going to steal all the oxygen on the planet. But this was for his brother. "I must take Canon now, for the Goddess wishes to see Canon." He gritted his teeth. That last line sounded so stupid. He stopped before his voice weakened once more, as well as the crowd producing a collective disdain of sadness and disappointment that the famed missing boy would leave.
Saga stepped forward in an attempt to finish the speech before the cub passed out. "Everyone, your eternal love, never-ending searching, and endless prayers has brought me back! For that, I shall express the highest of gratitude of your love to our Goddess so she knows and will bless each and every one of you! Praise Athena!" cried the Gemini as he raised his arms.
The sadness of everyone immediately lifted.
"PRAISE ATHENA!"
"Come, let us all approach Sanctuary together to show not just the Saint of Leo but all twelve Saints the power and glory of Rodario's people!" Canon spoke as he grabbed his basket of baked goods and turned toward the Twelve Houses.
"Holy shit…" Aiolia thought as he watched Saga suddenly transformed the streets into an impromptu grand parade. The Leo kept turning his head back and forth to the proud Gemini, the hundreds of flowers upon his body bobbing up and down to the rhythm of his feet, to the crowd that moved like lemmings behind. Even those that were in the buildings were either tossing flowers or pieces of paper.
Aiolos was right. Saga may not be a God, but he certainly knew how to carry himself like one.
O|=================|O
THE WOODS?
Aiolos opened his eyes and found himself staring at the blue sky. He turned his head to see Ophiuchus Asclepius sitting next to him, his long silk-like strands flowing gently in the wind while his rose-colored eyes gazing upon him. "I-I…" he muttered. "I don't know…" the archer stuttered a bit more.
But Asclepius knew exactly what was going on. The process of dreams is merely the mind grasping bits of past memories from places, to feelings, and faces and putting them all together like an elaborate simulation in order to solve one's life problems or to seek one's inner desires. Because the mind crafts these simulations to be real, one believes they are real, which is why when one experiences a dream, they do not question the environment.
"Welcome back, Aiolos. Would you like to go on another walk?" he reached over and offered his hand, his cosmos burning ever so gently.
The archer gazed at the figure. He didn't have the rigorous mental training to decipher whether or not the figure was real nor any more barriers. Just like any other person who has a dream, he doesn't question his surroundings but rather live out the moment. He takes the Thirteenth Guardian's hand and could feel the lost sensation return back within them.
The two strolled along a cleared path. It was formed over several generations of Aiolos' ancestors who have created the most efficient ways to the river, the spots where the berries are sweetest, the mushrooms are plentiful, and where most of the animals gather.
Suddenly, Aiolos stopped and gazed upon a ledge in the distance that overlooked an old dried out river. "That is where I used to test out my wings."
"It looks very high." Asclepius' eyes shifted from the tip to the bottom. "It is certainly enough to kill a man if he failed."
"It is, in fact, this is where my father died." He swallowed hard, his face turning pink as he recalled his mother pacing and fretting after he didn't come back that night. It all felt like yesterday, despite his youth. He remembered all the neighbors gathering together to perform a search, only to find his old dad's old red headband that he used to keep the sweat off his eyes. "They never found the body. Wouldn't be surprised if some scavengers came upon it. Didn't matter. I told myself if I was going to fly, he would be the first to see it. So I came here. Everyone said I should've done it over by the water...but I told them I didn't want to wind up like Icarus. The wings might as well be weights when they are underwater."
"Not just Icarus, but that is what happened to the first Sagittarius," spoke Asclepius with a bit of odd nostalgia.
"Him too," Aiolos agreed, recounting the old legend of how the first Sagittarius drowned trying to retrieve Athena's Cloth before it could sink to the bottom of the ocean. He continued to gaze at the cliff. It may not be the highest place in Rodario and it certainly wasn't the most scenic, but this was a special place in his heart. Suddenly, he felt a strange and familiar warmth before he turned to his side and gasped at the bright golden glow of his Cloth, still in its statue form, sitting there next to him. His free hand hovered over it, feeling its warmth.
What was it doing here?
Did it matter?
The medic watched Aiolos reach out, sensing the connections and the bonds of the Cloth of Sagittarius. "You should put it on. It has been a long time." He took his wooden stick and used the tip to hook the headpiece before lifting it up and setting it gently upon the chestnut's curls like a crown upon a king. "As long as you hold my hand, such a feat is possible."
The weight felt good. The Cloth adjusted to one's own size and the headpiece was so perfect that it felt as if a part of his own flesh had reunited with him. "I could, but it only makes it harder to give it up. I don't mind holding your hand for these walks, but I can't hold it anytime I need to fight. Every day, it seems like perhaps the chance to walk is just a dream. It's probably best that-" he pulled off the headpiece, "-start looking at future options," he spoke as he was ready to return it to the Cloth when Asclepius stopped his hand.
Asclepius recognized that look, many times. "You wish to pass on the Cloth to someone else? But you are twenty, nearly twenty-one. You have yet to reach the prime of your strength."
Aiolos nodded. "I know. But Holy War can never be underestimated...especially if my friends must fight it."
"Do you know of someone worthy enough?"
"I do, but the problem is that he's going to be thirteen years old when Holy War strikes," Aiolos professed as he thought of Seiya.
Asclepius clutched Aiolos' hand. What the archer doesn't realize was that as long as he did so, he could read the archer's mental state. Normally it would be on how to cure one's one psychological issues, but in this case, he can use it as a way to manipulate the Sagittarius. "Thirteen...that is so terribly young. Maybe enough time for a bit of immature love, but there is a high chance that the child will never know the beauty of a deeper bond nor the bliss of children."
Aiolos' face crumbled a bit in sorrow, hearing that the medic was on the same page as him when it came to his fears about the Pegasus Trainee. "Sometimes I wonder if people think I'm selfish for wanting to walk on my own again...but if I don't...Seiya is the only one most likely qualified. If it was peacetime that is different, but Holy War...it's almost like I'm sending him to his death," he threw his hand over his face. "My brother...good chance he'll die too. If he dies...I want to be there to… not far and away wearing a silk robe while drinking fucking wine… I've already left him behind once… I can't do it again."
Asclepius reached over and gave him a hug, not just out of compassion.
Oh no, only ordinary humans think that way.
At that moment, the Ophiuchus burned his cosmos. The human body's emotions can easily be manipulated, not just by words, but by its own internal chemistry. "You are in such a terrible position aren't you? You don't want others to fight for you...but you understand that if your body isn't back to its normal strength, you fear being a hindrance, costing the others their lives because they are forced to compensate for your weakness."
Aiolos blue eyes briefly opened in wonder. It felt as if Asclepius was reading his mind when it came to his fears. "Yes," he uttered.
The thirteenth grinned as he raised every other happy hormone that the human body produces until the archer looked absolutely drunk...and strikingly handsome...he always had a thing for those who could give it rough. He took his hand and gently caressed the side of the archer's cheek. "I admire your spirit, Aiolos. It is beautiful...that is why I would like to make an offer."
The ninth guardian wasn't sure why, but all the sadness he had before was replaced with absolute joy like the first time he earned his Cloth, first kiss, or the moment he learned he was going to be an uncle. "What type of offer?" he asked in an almost drunken stooper.
The medic turned downwards and eased the release of dopamine to ease the sleepy gaze and gave a slight boost of the love hormone known as oxytocin. "Sanctuary's Gladiators need you, and they would like you to join them."
"Gladiators? I've never heard of them, and I have access to the Pope Chamber's Library."
"You shouldn't for they are a secret specialized sect in Sanctuary," the medic smiled with playful alliteration. "Much like the Pope and even myself, they are unwritten in history. Just because you've never seen or heard of it, doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Am I not proof of that?" he spoke as his hand ran over the side of the rough stubble that had sprouted on the archer's cheeks since the little brother locked him in the room. His hand brisked over and over it like a peach. "Our leader finds you worthy. You have a keen mind and if you take up the offer, you will have a keen body to match….a body that will allow the full use of your skills and some of your hidden talents."
The archer felt his gaze start to linger. He kept having the urge to run his hand in Ophiuchus' soft white hair but was able to restrain himself from such behavior. It didn't help that it had the smooth velvety texture of Saga's or the fact that he wore the exact same musk of the Gemini either.
However, over the shoulder of the medic was an old forgotten rusty spout used to harvest maple sap for syrup with a bucket that looked as if the slightest touch would cause it to fall apart.
Suddenly any attraction he felt dissipated.
The spout and bucket was his mother's. She had set it up a couple of days before she and his second father were killed by wolves. He knew for every minute of that day was eternally engraved into his mind.
There was only one time he spotted it and that was on the day he and Saga wanted somewhere quiet and private to roll around in the dirt before a long bath afterward; a deal to satisfy them both.
At that moment, everything felt exactly like that day.
But there was a huge difference, he knew Saga for a long time. He knew his favorite foods, what books the Gemini would pull out if free time was granted. Which musicians he held in esteem and those who he considered hacks. What plays he enjoyed. He knew how Saga conducted a bath, which may sound mundane but the Gemini had more oils and herbs than a homeopathic doctor with a routine and dedication that most would mistake for a religion. Most importantly, what words to use when he had his moods and how to read every subtle expression.
Why did he feel this way with Ophichius?
With Saga and later Futaba, he's always taken his time before he admitted any deeper feelings. Right now, he was about ready to jump upon the thirteenth guardian.
While the medic had been friendly, he didn't know Asclepius.
He doesn't even know what his non-greek name was.
It felt real.
Of course, it did, because it was all some bizarre form of deja vu with a different person.
Headaches began to form like a leash being jerked at his neck, but he knew there was something off. He may not have had the mental training of others like Saga, Shaka, or Mu. But the training of the mind was in some ways similar to training physically:
Kick the living shit out of a rookie long enough and no matter how good the opponent is, they'll figure out how to block some of it eventually.
One does not win a fight by only blocking and unfortunately with the mental blocks that is what he had been doing.
He had to play a bit of offense, and the key to that whether being physical or mental was to give in a little while repelling at the right time.
Three months ago, he would have absolutely no clue about it, but even if he didn't realize it, he was starting to pick up the nuances.
Saga spoke of having unopened bottles of Ouzo as a means of keeping check of time and a sense of reality.
So he focused hard on that spout, telling himself it wasn't there because he personally removed it after it was found. That will be his defense. That will be his anchor right now. At the same time, he had learned that if he fought against it too much, the pain got worse. So he gives in. He treats Asclepius as if he was Saga, entangling his fingers into his hair, sure enough, the headaches recede a bit. It all felt like heaven, but he knew better, his eyes constantly checking on the spout to keep his mind secured.
Much like how one can feign an attack he does the same...but with carefully chosen words. "Who is in charge of the Gladiators? Can't be the Pope." he lets out a low growl as he nibbles the ear lobe.
Asclepius let out a slight moan. He must say, this was always his favorite part of his duty. No one, whether high in the Olympic Pantheon or any other foe of Sanctuary can say they've honestly conquered all twelve of the Gold Saints as he has. "I'm afraid I can't say. The Gladiators of Sanctuary remain unknown for a reason. If you join… all such secrets will be granted."
The archer already knew by his tone that such secrets weren't going to slip out no matter how far he went with this. So he pulls away slowly, "I'm sorry, but I want to meet them before I even consider it."
Asclepius's eyes softened in a bit of disappointment. "Don't you want to walk again?"
"Of course. But I still have options and maybe I should exhaust those first."
"And Seiya and Holy War?"
Aiolos bit his lip. "I have time. It's not like I'm stuck in the belly of a wooden horse, waiting for nightfall," he chuckled lightly to keep the mood between them pleasant.
But the medic knew that was not really the case. If he waits too long, the curse will reduce Aiolos into a savage Berserker. But if he accepts, he will become a refined Gladiator. However, as his Master had told him, either way, he will still claim another victory over Athena. "Alright, perhaps on our next walk, we can talk more about it. Until next time." He looked down curious about how his lips tasted but the archer had turned away and let go of his hand.
O|==============|O
Aiolos opened his eyes and turned down toward the heavy blankets he asked for, piled upon his lower half.
"Aiolos, are you okay?" called the voice of Athena.
"I was just sleeping….I think…" He wondered if he was still sleeping now. The temperature never changed and neither did the lighting.
He lifted his head and picked up a flashlight, another request to provide him more light in this place, and flicked it on before setting it upright to brighten the darkness. "Athena, have you ever heard of the Gladiators here in Sanctuary?"
"No, I haven't, but there are many groups within Sanctuary that even I am not aware of. I am reborn as a human, but I can't carry the knowledge over. Can you imagine living one life while having all the memories of one long ago where everyone is most likely dead? I would probably go mad from it. But I will do my best to find some answers for you."
"Gomen ne sunao janakute. Yume no naka nara ieru," he spoke in Japanese before he heard her hum along. "Shikou kairo wa shooto sunzen, Ima sugu aitai yo."He quietly nodded before he laid back down since that was all he could do.
O|==============|O
RODARIO: LAURION OUTSKIRTS
It was one of the poorest provinces of Sanctuary. Located on the eastern edge of the flood zone, the outskirts were dirty and depressing. Part of the reason was that it was located next to the filthy silver mines. The air seemed like it would leave the residents with lungs a few shades darker. No one lived in this part for sentimental reasons.
But it did have a bar. While it wasn't the best in the village, it was far cheaper and as a bonus, had a working television. Normally, it received moderate business around this time, but with the excitement of the legendary Kanon, it was devoid of nearly all of the staff as well as customers, except for a pair of out-of-towners gazing upon the screen.
After twenty years, and millions in dollars of funding, Arthur Solo, the second wealthiest man in the world, has signed a deal to mass-produce a new type of sports fabric that not only rivals the synthetic material that FIFA currently uses, but is also completely organic.
Arthur Solo: Thirty-five percent of microplastics in the ocean right now come from clothing. Thirty-FIVE! We are willing to switch to compostable utensils and plates, but why not the very shirts and shoes we have?
News Reporter: You have put quite a bit of money in this, Mr. Solo. Many investors are concerned about the fact that each uniform is made at a loss.
Arthur Solo: We do, but according to our charts, while the initial cost is at a loss, by the time my son Julian turns eighteen, it will not only turn a healthy profit but will be cheaper and higher quality than the synthetic junk that the Kido Foundation promotes.
News Reporter: That sounds wonderful, but many regard such a move as a bit controversial. In fact, the idea of forcing organic cloth, along with some of your standards for all teams that you own, such as players required to only eat organic foods makes it seem like your players are in a cult and not a club.
Arthur Solo: I merely ask something that I, my wife, and son all adhere to. It is sickening at how much pesticide is dumped in our water supply for a simple bowl of cornflakes. If an athlete has a problem, thousands of others would gladly take their place.
News Reporter: Mr. Solo, eighty percent of a recent survey feel that while the ocean is important, they also have a negative impression of your views calling them far too political and extreme.
Arthur Solo: Mrs. Nancy, how is trying to protect our oceans considered political and extreme? Forget fossil fuels. Forget gold.
The most important resource in the world...is and always will be...water.
It is not only precious, but it is something that cannot be synthetically made. Water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen. Do you know what else is made up of that? Explosives. The process of trying to artificially create water is extremely dangerous, otherwise, every drought-ridden country in the world would be creating their own. Water is limited, but it is also life. That is why we must take more steps to preserve the oceans we have from simple changes like the type of clothing we wear to thinking more of the number of chemicals that are poured on top of our fruits and vegetables before it is rinsed and ingested by the fish we consume.
"Are you going to try it?" asked the Sea Dragon, the hood of his shirt draped over his head, the cords pulled so tight that the seam touched his dark blue eyebrows.
Baian's eyes turned away from the news before he turned back to the gyro on his plate. "Sorry, I was just a bit distracted."
The Sea Dragon sighed as the interview continued. "I wouldn't pay attention to this version. The network is owned by Mitsumasa Kido and the two are bitter rivals. The interview is edited to make Solo appear a bit more aggressive and in some ways obsessed. You can tell by the cup of water in Solo's hand how it changes heights throughout the interview. It is best to ignore this and watch it in its entirety on the internet from SOLO's network."
Baian nodded before he turned his head toward the window to spot a large mass of people parading outside, led by a man who looked exactly like Sea Dragon. It still blew his mind. "You have a twin?"
"I do. We even have the same cosmos."
"Is that possible?"
The Sea Dragon nodded. "Cosmos is established the moment of conception...like a big bang. The thing about identical twins is that in the womb, we were together...until we split up. I guess you can say that after the Big Bang, a parallel dimension is established...same...yet...different," he spoke as he drank his non-alcoholic ouzo. It was a strange and bizarre new habit that suddenly sprang up. One moment he couldn't sleep without a glass of wine...the next he had no desire for it.
"Are you going to talk to him?" asked the Sea Horse. "Everyone else in this place looks like they are doing so."
While it was easy to convince the guards they were merely Modernos from Delphi, getting too close would give them away. "I have no desire to see him, I just wanted to check on him."
Baian looked up. Sea Dragon had been very off for the past couple of months. First Kanon headed to Delphi, next to some random ramen place in Japan with an urge to try the extremely spicy ramen, and nearly went to China before changing his mind and coming here. That was when Sorrento asked him to follow and ask what was going on with their leader. While Kanon mentioned a sibling, he didn't tell them that it was an identical twin. He had a feeling the others are going to flip when they learn that.
It made him wonder if Kanon was going to all of these places because of his brother. Back in Toronto, he was friends with a set of twins who talked about a strange psychic link between the two despite having no clue that the cosmos existed.
He wondered if the two did the same but to an extreme due to how high their cosmos was.
But unlike his old friends who seemed inseparable, Kanon sounded like he wanted to distance himself and seemed more frustrated than nostalgic. "Something happened between you two?"
Kanon took another drink. "He got the Cloth, and I didn't. When you don't have a cloth, you're nothing even if you are a high-level trainee. Be grateful I got you out of the Rocky Mountains...At best you would've been a mere Bronze Saint of the Bear….still fodder… in Sanctuary's eyes….but now you're a Mariner...equal...greater than A Gold Saint." Despite his words, he could see the confusion. "What is it?"
Baian folded his arms. He hated questioning the guy that got him out of the hell that was training to be a Saint. The moment he put on his Scales, everything synced in seconds instead of years. But something didn't make sense. "Why is he trying to be you? He's a Saint, so why go through all of this?"
"He's always been deceptive. That's his nature." By the seven seas, if he would've known the trouble this would cause, he wouldn't have followed his gut and came here. But an idea came up. With Saga running around and not cooped up in the Pope's Chambers, his presence could cause problems with his greater plan. Still, perhaps he could use this opportunity to ensure it doesn't cause trouble in the future. "Alright, I'll tell you the full story. But first, you said you wanted to try some of the baklavas?"
"Yeah, I heard a lot about it."
"Are you thirsty?"
"Just a pop...any as long as it isn't diet."
Kanon headed toward the front to fetch the items. Of all those who came over, Baian was friendlier and more open….meaning he was pleasant but gullible. Him being young, at thirteen helped out. He hated Demitris, his father, but the man did know how to win over favor.
People who are offered food and drink, especially if it is sweet, are more likely to be persuaded.
Why else would anyone shell out the Euros to offer a coffee bar for waiting customers or a sweet secretary offering a jar of chocolates and mints? Because they are kind? Perhaps. But the main reason is to lower a person's mental defenses.
"Here, the owner here buys all his sweets from Demeter's. It's a place that oddly draws more tourists than the ruins here." Kanon set the plate down in front of the Canadian watching his eyes widened while taking careful bites. He watched him lick his fingers, a sign that he was enjoying a taste of Rodario. "Anyways, it all started in a place called Cape Sounion that was where I learned…
...my brother, Saga, had plans to conquer the world!"
SEVEN YEARS AGO
CAPE SOUNION…
..
…
…
...
... KANON'S VERSION
Cruel Saga slammed his fist into his sweet innocent younger brother so hard that he nearly broke a tooth. He folded his arms and smugly smiled. "Come on Kanon, This is for the best. I will become Pope and you will have a Cloth."
Kanon spat a bit of blood and turned to his older sibling. He couldn't believe what was going on. The younger placed his hands together as one like himself would always do during prayers and realized if he did not do something, chaos will erupt in Sanctuary. "Khris...my brother...my blood… I know I want the Cloth, but by the holy grace of Athena...it is but a piece of metal...the Pope's life is flesh that cannot be repaired or brought back. Forgive me, my brother...my best friend...my other half….I refuse to take part in anything that results in the death of an innocent man who had been like a father to us. Think of your actions!"
The heartless older Gemini let out a burst of laughter."I did...and as long as it benefits us...I mean...me… than that's all that matters. Well, Kallen...are you in?"
Kanon, his heart, pure and true, brought a tender hand to his chest," no brother…" a long and thoughtful pause followed. Kanon's eyes wept tears of torment and sorrow. He could feel his noble heartbeat with the rhythm of justice from within and knew that such deception was not in his blood. "….I cannot…"
"You pacifistic noble and honest fool!" The sinister Saga shrieked! The sea air blew as Saga repeatedly kicked and maimed his sibling as their Dimitris, the father that the older Gemini so dearly idolized, often did to him when work was not going well.
But no matter how hard each strike was, brave Kanon laid there, refusing to raise his fists and taking every painful blow as Princess Andromeda once did with each crash of the waves.
Kanon laid there, much of his body was broken from the conflict that transpired. His delicate heavy blues met the cold glare of Saga.
At that moment, Saga realized that no matter how hard he kicked, he could never beat out the empathetic soul that was his younger brother.
There were two moves that one did not perform unless intended to humiliate. The most well known is to stomp the back of an incapacitated opponent. The other and far more vile was to grasp the hair by the scalp and lift the person, and that was exactly what the older Gemini did before tossing his sweet and compassionate little brother in the Cape Sounion prison.
How was it done, Kanon wasn't quite sure...his mind was still in a daze to think straight. However, Saga had studied endlessly in the books of the Pope's Chambers, most likely plotting how he would conduct his future reign of terror. The older Gemini knew of the various secrets of Sanctuary.
Kanon opened his eyes to find himself loosely tied up against the bars, not to trap him, but to ensure that he didn't sink and drown when he woke up. He slipped his hands cleanly out of the torn cloth and grasped the bars before smashing his face as close as he could against them. "Brother, what have you done?" he screamed as the salty water splashed against his teeth.
Saga let out a roar of haughty laughter. "I have done what I should've done to a Clothless failure as yourself."
Kanon turned his head toward his wicked sibling. "Saga, I beg you. Even though I will offer prayers and offer forgiveness, I ask that you do the right thing and let me out!"
"Oh please, I will not only never let out, but tonight I will open the most expensive wine in my collection knowing you will remain here to die the most painful and agonizing way possible. Have you ever seen your skin after a long bath...how soft, wrinkly, and fragile it becomes? After two days...your flesh will become so soft that the fish will nibble and feast upon it. True you will be able to repel them for a while, but you will grow so weak you will have no choice but to watch as the scavengers reduce you down to bones all the while that you watch. A fitting end to one who chooses something as pathetic as honor over their brother...or shall I say...ex-brother. Now do the world a favor...and die."
With those words, the sinful, salacious, sanctimonious Saga spat into the salty sea before he tore a hole in time and space to leave behind the kindhearted, kindred, kosher Kanon.
It was a fate worse than death.
During that day, the waves plowed into the prison. Each one caused the Gemini to roll and tumble until he smashed into the sharp rocks behind him, scratching up his arms, before he let out a howl of anguish as the saltwater stings his wounds. His body rolled and twisted underwater for a bit before he swam back to the top and clenched the bars once more, gagging out any fluid he swallowed, a routine he had repeated hundreds of times now and probably will repeat thousands more until his strength gives out.
No sleep.
Nothing to eat.
Ironically, nothing to drink.
Death always a hair away whether it be him dropping his cosmos or slamming into the rock behind.
This truly was one of the most inhumane ways to die.
O|=============|O
Baian could not turn away from the Sea Dragon, his mouth still round with shock. "That bastard! How could he be that cruel to his brother...especially his twin?"
Kanon let out a sigh. "I'm afraid, Saga has always been like that even when we were children...his heart is simply as black as coal. Why he used to torment our teacher by refusing to do his work...or when he cheered the moment our father was murdered by our mother. He'll deny it… blaming someone like me...but never trust him."
"Of course not!" swore Baian as he turned his head. "By the seven seas… look at how he manipulates all those people."
"I know, it's awful," although deep down, Kanon wished he would've thought of and performed it first. As long as it didn't involve burning a man in a bearskin inside a yellow triangular building, he would've loved to parade around the village in flowers as if he was a May Queen.
"But how did you get out? It sounds like you couldn't use Another Dimension in that place."
"No, I couldn't. The prison itself had stardust engrained in it, draining my cosmos enough to keep me from using abilities or higher level strength, yet also weak enough to avoid killing me...well assuming that I didn't just let go and drown or allowed the fish to eat me alive. Despite my cold-hearted brother's words, I thought of a workaround. I used what little cosmos to craft a very thin barrier around my body. It wasn't strong enough to protect me from even a normal punch, but it did keep the water off my skin and allowed me more time. But still...I can honestly say, there were many thoughts where I thought about letting go. That was when I felt a cosmos and heard….the voice of Poseidon speaking to me. That was when he told me it was time to begin assembling our Great Army and he placed me in charge of everyone and everything including the trident. In fact, that is why he told me that is why he summoned me first." He turned to Baian and watched his fingers touching each other as if counting. "What is it?"
"I thought Poseidon was going to awaken after six hundred years...isn't it two hundred years too early?"
Kanon waved his hand dismissively. "A mere clerical error. Happens all the time. Think of how many variations on the true length of the Trojan War there are. You would be surprised how often historians make such mistakes. I thought of the same thing myself. It is good we think alike, right?" Kanon spoke, adding a compliment to hide the fact that he was the one who opened the urn a couple of centuries too soon.
Baian agreed. "I guess I shouldn't be nitpicking anyway. All that mattered is the fact that Lord Poseidon reached out." For Baian, while he once trained to serve Athena, he had seen the error of his ways as a Mariner. Poseidon was not as unsympathetic toward the humans, but rather merely a God who felt humans had rightfully caused the downfall of those who dwelled in the oceans. He was far more diplomatic and provided multiple offerings of treaties than the myths portrayed him, while Athena sought victory no matter the cause just to preserve her title as a master strategist. "Praise Poseidon that he got you out of Sanctuary when Athena would've left you to rot."
Kanon's eyes suddenly stared at one of the few decorations in the bar, a stained-glass picture of Athena with her hands clasped together in prayer. "Yes…" he muttered, suddenly feeling a bit queasy from his lies. "Come, we should get out of here. I think I've seen enough for now."
He held his hand out and suddenly a pile of Euros fell into it. He preferred withdrawing from the Swiss Bank Corporation. The amounts he took were so small that it was he took a fraction of a penny per each account holder. He placed what they owed before he pulled his hood back over his head, tucking every strand of dark blue hair that could betray his identity before the pair headed toward the back exit and performed Another Dimension out of sight, back to Atlantis.
O|=============|O
STAIRS BEFORE THE HOUSE OF GEMINI
Saga stared at the entrance of his House. There were no door guards in the front, meaning that either they were being neglectful of their duty, or they were asked to go on break, an option that can only happen if other Saints were present on the main floor. Normally it was typically done when Golds desired a bit more privacy, hence the expression that the guards would go on Lunch Break while the Golds were having dessert. But this time, he and Aiolia could tell, it was purely to avoid any witnesses.
If he wasn't covered in so many flowers, everyone could see how sweaty his arms and the sides of his hair were. It wasn't that he was afraid of taking on three-fourths of Sanctuary.
Far from it.
But any conflict while the others are in such a state could be quite bloody. It won't be like where Aiolos and his group were able to talk down those ahead of him. The two had seen how mindless the outside guards were. If Aiolos tells them to stand there until they arrive, they would most likely do so, no matter how long it took to the point their bodies were reduced to skeletons. If Aiolos asks them to fight to the death, they will do the same.
It was best to avoid conflict.
Suddenly, the door swung open, revealing the shimmering glint of six Golden armors. But they weren't charging forward at either, yet there was something odd about it.
To Saga, it reminded him earlier of the blanket gaze of the foot soldiers when he first arrived as Canon and the conflicting orders between capturing him and finding his brother caused them.
But these weren't foot soldiers but fully grown Gold Saints.
The moment they entered the Gemini's home was when the doors slammed right behind them. But Saga casually ignored it, placed his basket of baked goods down, and held his arms out. "Woah...you guys are all huge!" While he always spoke with a bit of formality and perhaps a bit of ham, Kanon had always been far more straightforward and casual. He was hoping for them to be excited, yet they stood there as still as statues. None of them showed the electrifying energy that the other villagers demonstrated. Hell, they were still showing their appreciation, their voices still cheering the return of Kanon all the way in the front of the House of Aries. This wasn't good. He at least expected one of Aldebaran's giant bear hugs.
Aiolia, also noticing the lack of enthusiasm, ran over and placed an arm around the Gemini. " "Guys, what's wrong? Kanon's back!" he spoke as he gave a good hard pat on Canon's chest. "Five years! It is a miracle!"
Despite the Leo's energy, Saga could see the bright red glow in all of their pupils.
That was when Aldebaran came forward, his great body towering over the Gemini and Leo like a looming shadow. "Is this really Kanon?"
"The timing is suspicious," deduced Milo as he folded his arms.
Camus came from behind the Scorpio and openly wrapped his arms around him. "Agreed and we can't rely upon cosmos since both Saga and Kanon are identical twins, therefore they have an identical cosmos signature."
"No, not at all! I just started seeing all of these fliers and I merely followed them," Canon spoke as he pulled out a spare Missing Kanon sheet that he happily autographed. "I had no idea my older brother was causing trouble."
Aphrodite drew a rose near his lips in contemplation. "He does look quite different than Saga. He looks like he's been getting sleep."
Milo pointed a finger toward him, "his skin has color as if he's been out in the sun for once."
"Not to mention, there is a bit of dirt upon his palm. The real Saga is obsessive-compulsive about baths that one would think he was destined to be a Mariner," pointed Shura.
Deathmask agreed, "Yeah, I agree. He has to be Kanon since he actually smiles while the real Saga always looks like he's drowning in hopelessness and self-loathing anytime the weather changes."
"Oh Goddess, is this what my friends really thought of me?" thought the Gemini while he stood there maintaining his chipper attitude. "That's right!"
But Camus remained ever so skeptical. "We can't rely on our judgment. Many of us have been fooled by Saga for five years and we should not allow the same thing to happen again."
The Gemini could see a wickedly red flash in Camus' eyes as well as the others.
"Canon, it is you! I've heard so much about you, and you are finally home!" called a sweet voice.
The other Golds parted from side to side as Athena stepped forward. "Everyone, this is the true Canon that has been missing all this time!"
All of a sudden, the tension that had blanketed the room lifted away as quick as the breeze before joy overcame them.
"We are loyal to every word you speak, Athena. If you say it is him, then surely it must be! Welcome home, Kanon!" cried Aldebaran as he lifted Canon into the air with such grand enthusiasm that several flower bracelets snapped and rained posies and daisies upon the group.
Canon reached over and hugged each of the Golds as if he hadn't seen them in years before he stepped back. "Thank you! Thank you! I suppose we have my dear friend, Aiolia to thank for my return," he spoke as he threw an arm over the Leo's shoulder.
"That's right! I'm so glad you've returned. Now maybe we can finally have a true Gemini Saint take up the Cloth who isn't a total dick," grinned Aiolia before he and Canon burst out laughing.
Aiolia turned his head and let out a blood-curdling scream as a hairy black spider appeared over his hand.
Saga waved his hand to make the illusion of the arachnid vanish before the others could see it. "We're friends, aren't we?" the Gemini smiled.
Aiolia produced a far wider smiler. "The best of friends." He was so pushing the Gemini down the stairs once they got far enough away from the brainwashed Golds.
O|===================|O
HOUSE OF LIBRA
FOUR DAYS UNTIL AIOLOS GOES PERMANENTLY INSANE
Aiolia and Saga finally reached the seventh House of Sanctuary. The two managed to break away after everyone brought a large amount of alcohol with them to get as stinking drunk as possible. It was midnight now, a whole day wasted on flowers and wine. However, it was better than having to fight their way through.
For Saga though, it was a sign that there was now more to it than getting Aiolos back to normal.
The problem with absolute control over someone's will was that it took away a person's personal judgment. Without that, it was clear that even the smartest of the bunch were gullible idiots and if they had to take on the Specters in the next Holy War with nothing but brainwashed Golds, they would surely lose.
The first thing that Aiolia did was he crossed his arms and returned his Cloth to its statue form. "I warn you, it's fucking crowded in there," spoke the Leo as he touched the glyph and opened the door to the inner chambers.
Saga's eyes widened. "Apple of Eris…" he cursed as crowded was a mere understatement. He ran down the stairs and not only was Libra one of the biggest Inner Chambers he's been into, but it was piled with boxes and boxes of stuff as if it was Sanctuary's grand storage room. "ANOTHER DIMENSION!" he called out as he began teleporting a whole room's worth of items to Milo's bath area. He knew the Scorpio had been secretly purchasing items ever since reports of the delivery trucks had been cited outside Rodario.
"What if one of those things was the Libra Mold?" gasped Aiolia.
"You have a point, but I seriously doubt the Lemurians would stick such a priceless artifact in a cardboard box with the words IKEA on it." He darted his head. "ANOTHER DIMENSION!" Even though he was speeding things up, time was far too precious. "ANOTHER DIMENSION!"
Aiolia, not wanting to be just standing around while his brother was going crazy, ran back up to the main floor to send a clearer message through the cosmos. "Mu? Have you found any more information about the mold since we last talked?"
I have, Aiolia!
"Finally, some good news," the Leo muttered, sick of all these times where just when they find answers and some twist comes about. "What did you find? Do you know where the location is?"
Unfortunately, where it is at is a mystery, even to myself. But the Libra Cloth, thanks to the weapons, is the second biggest mold. It is at least two meters wide and three meters long.
Aiolia whistled. "So look for a large metal box."
Well...
The Leo tugged his hair in annoyed anticipation. "What is the bad news?" he grumbled out loud causing the Gemini to stop and lightspeed next to him.
It is buried...under the floor.
"Buried!? Fucking buried!" He was ready to scream. Even with Another Dimension, clearing the rooms out, it will take a while. But now they had to break the stone of the rooms of all of Libra!?
Saga grabbed his arms but Aiolia attempted to punch back in anger. The Gemini dodged before he caught and interlocked his hands to engage in a battle of a thousand days. "WE'RE FINE!" Saga barked back unintentionally. He had been deprived of his medicine for a while and even though he knew the cub would only become more unhinged with yelling, he did so anyway.
"HOW!" Aiolia's fingers tightened and burned his cosmos higher.
In the battle of a thousand days, neither can move their hands or bodies to perform additional moves except burn their cosmos to repel the other like a pair of magnets of the same pole. While it was named a battle, it was actually a means to prevent a conflict involving higher-level techniques and provide a cleaner resolve than the first time they fought each other in the Pope's Chambers*. "We don't have to look through the boxes here. We just have to clear the way."
*A Game Of Thrones Part 2
"It's buried!"
Saga's eyes suddenly widened as he pulsed a tremendous amount of cosmos that Aiolia gladly pulsed back like a pair of rams. "I know, but it may make things easier! Let go! And I will show you!" He watched as Aiolia gave him one last jaw clench before pushing back and dropping his cosmos before he did the same. His hands were trembling, but not out of fear. He shut his eyes and refocused.
If he was calm, the cub would be calm.
"The original stone is made of an extremely strong material that no longer exists. If they buried it, that would have to use an inferior type that only looks the part but without the strength otherwise, no one would be able to retrieve it." He pulled away from the grip and cast a low powered version of Galaxian Explosion at a spot in the room. "There you see, the stone that is used to cover the pipes is charred yet the original stone is untouched."
Aiolia's blue eyes gazed at the clearcut line of darkened stone while everything else was as pristine as snow. It will take time, but at least it looked doable. "I could lightning plasma the empty rooms."
But Saga shook his head. "No. There is something only you can do."
O|==================|O
POPE'S CHAMBERS
Aiolia opened the hidden door that was used for the shortcut from the House of Leo to the Chambers. It still amazed him at how much quicker he could reach the top of Sanctuary when he didn't need to deal with the stairs. He heard a familiar pounding of boots against the tile. The first time it happened, it freaked him out, but now he was used to the Papal Guards checking out any openings when he doesn't come on his usual time.
The door flung open and the two men sighed in relief to see the Pope's Little Brother. "Sorry, Saint Aiolia. Didn't expect you this late at night," one spoke as he tipped his helmet and turned back around.
However, the other guard didn't move and waited for his partner to leave. He watched the young man turn to him before he professed his thoughts. "Saint Aiolia, do you know when His Holiness will return from his hunting trip? It's been almost a week."
Little did the guard realize, his brother had been here all this time deep in the Chambers. The prison was made so no one would know others were there and so far, it has lived up to its infamous reputation. "I told you, he was going to be out for a couple of weeks."
"Of course, Sir. But you-know-who, thinks that's just too long," he spoke, shifting his eyes a bit.
While Aiolia left all that bureaucracy stuff to his sibling, he knew exactly who the guard was talking about. "Tell Gigars I'm telling him that he is going to have to wait. My brother is the Pope and if he wants to be away for that long, then it should be respected or else." While even he admits that the excuse for needing half a month off from the highest position in Sanctuary is a bit extreme, considering Gigars seemed to have no problem with Saga's orgies, the advisor should allow patience for the excuse of Aiolos wanting to go after some woodcock.
Honestly, watching the guard return back to his duty without further questions demonstrated the power of not just the Pope, but his subordinates as well. No wonder the Gemini was able to get away with it.
Once he was alone, he began to get to work.
Saga will search for the Mold and he will find the dagger.
Aiolia ran back and forth through the various closets of the back rooms for a few hours before he finally reached one of the bedrooms. That was when he spotted a statue of Athena holding one of his previous headbands. Even with a mask, his older brother still kept putting it on underneath.
To this day, no one knows why Aiolos is obsessed with wearing a red headband, not even him.
If Aiolos hid things as he did at their old House, the same habits should carry over here. The Leo pulled the drawers out completely and began searching the insides, reaching around and touching each surface until his hand felt something strapped along the insides. He pulled it out to reveal a rusty key that was no longer than his pinky finger.
O|=================|O
"GALAXIAN EXPLOSION!"
"ANOTHER DIMENSION!"
"GALAXIAN EXPLOSION!"
"ANOTHER DIMENSION!"
"GALAXIAN EXPLOSION!"
"ANOTHER DIMENSION!"
"Galaxian Explosion!"
"Another Dimension!"
"Galaxian Explosion!"
"Another Dimension!"
"...galaxian explosion…"
"...another dimension…"
"...galaxian…"
"...another…."
By the twentieth room, the Gemini was dragging. It wasn't that he was physically tired, but he was sick of what seemed like hours of endless disappointment.
Libra was massive.
As in, it could fit everyone in Rodario massive.
At first, he thought it could serve as a halfway resting point. But the deeper he went, the more he felt that it was originally going to serve as a gigantic shelter.
It also became clearer that it wasn't just the present Gold Saints but those of the past as well. One room was filled with old cameras with cranks and dry plates instead of film. The only thing he could think of was that they passed away before letting anyone know they still had their things down there. Regardless of what was there, it needed to be cleared. He summoned Another Dimension, teleported everything to the previous room before using Galaxian Explosion. All the stone would be pure and white and forces him to move on.
The worst part about all of this was that even if they found the original mold, he on whether or not something will happen. But this was the only trail they had and they needed to find it in the end.
At that moment, he just started silently sobbing.
He's been at this for over five hours now. He was underestimating how slowly it took to clear each room. Not only that, but it had been at least fifteen hours since his last dose of medicine. The problem was that he couldn't bring it. After all, one of the easiest ways to differentiate the two brothers was that he took medicine for bipolar and Kanon was somehow magically blessed to be the normal of the two.
He could already feel the difference, where it seemed the slightest thought easily shifted his emotions from sadness to anger with no in-between. But he had to hold on. Aiolos was counting on him.
He needed to shift strategies. Saga pulled out another old Missing Kanon poster and stuck it on the outside of a door to serve as a placeholder in case he needed to revert to the technique of checking each room.
He took his ball of cosmos that was used to light up the place and expanded it before he began running down the long stairs darting his head left and right trying to find something that stuck out. Suddenly, he stopped when his eyes glanced at something familiar. He took his cosmos ball and brought it to the side of the door.
It was a heart carved within the stone.
Most would dismiss it as graffiti on the wall between lovers. But in Lemurian culture, it meant infinite power and only the strongest warriors may use it. He learned it from Dr. Krios and judging how he dominated him in the Room of the Golden Orb, he well deserved to use it.
The Lemurians understood that humans would misinterpret the sign, perhaps it was a secret sign here?
He took his hand and with an easy gesture teleported the various trunks and decaying leather armor out from that room and over to the next.
"GALAXIAN EXPLOSION!" He screamed and gasped as a perfect rectangle of scorched stone. He stared at it as if it was made of gold itself."This is it!" He fell to his knees before he slammed his fist full of cosmos at it. It was far stronger than he thought, but there were slivers of damage. He ran back to the Libra Cloth, grabbed a sword, and began to chip and break the rock under.
O|===================|O
POPE'S CHAMBERS
How hard was it to find a fucking dagger hidden by a guy who can't walk? Yet a few hours later, Aiolia has a key but no clue to where the box would be. He threw his hands on his face to refocus. He knew Aiolos still cursed the stairs as much as he did towards Hades and ensured his routine stayed between the main level and only one floor below.
He ran up the stairs and headed toward the office. He spotted a cup and looked inside of it and nearly gagged. It was clear Aiolos had been working there six days ago and with all the servants on break, no one bothered to pick up the moldy cup of coffee. At least it was a sign that he liked to work there. Suddenly, he spotted a small bed.
At first, nothing appeared unusual. Probably somewhere for Aiolos to lay down on so he wasn't stuck crawling over to get to his main bed after a night of work. That was when he turned toward one of the wooden posts. It was fairly large, square, not very elegant. But most importantly, the end of it was made of walnut while the headboard was out of oak. This was the Pope's Chambers and unless it was intentional, nothing should be this mismatched unless done on purpose. His eyes turned toward the woodgrain to see that it was misaligned. He pulled off the arrow pendant that his brother made and slipped it in between the cracks and watched as the top slowly yet smoothly slid up. Once it was high enough, he lifted the top to reveal an old wooden box with a metal handle. He pulled out the key and noticed the metal was the same as it. "Must be Dad's," he whispered with hints of excitement.
He pulled the handle to reveal an old steel box, clearly hand-welded together. It wasn't perfect but it was pragmatic. While much of his memories were faded as a child, he did recall seeing the metal container as some sort of magical treasure box. He twisted the key and popped the lid open. There should have been an old rabbit pelt to wrap the blade in, but instead, they were gone. Instead, the solid white box with thirteen red jewels sitting in its place. Maybe spectators would see it as a dingy poorly constructed box, but it belonged to their dad, and the idea of the cursed dagger's box desecrating it made him red in the cheeks. "You piece of shit," the Leo cursed at the box. If there weren't so many others in front of him, he would be more than happy to melt the cursed blade until there wasn't enough left to turn it into a needle for embroidery. Now came the part that made his stomach turn. He reached for a handkerchief and wrapped it around his hand. He turned his head and lifted the lid and gently patted down to ensure the blade was there. He felt the round pummel and the moment the cloth began to separate after barely rubbing the blade, he jerked his hand back and slammed the top.
He rushed back to the House of Libra. "CANON!" He screamed, just in case the brainwashed Golds were nearby. "Canon, where are you?"
"Down here!"
Aiolia's eyes widened as the Gemini's deep voice echoed and he saw the small glint of a cosmos ball, shocked at how deep Libra went. He lightspeed over to the spot before he dodged a huge chunk of rock. Saga's hands were covered in blood as he cracked the hard stone before trying to toss it out and continue. The Leo jumped in the small pit and helped out, picking up the rock just as Saga broke the rock.
Suddenly, there was a glint of something shiny like onyx. The two stared at a set of handles meant to demonstrate that the mold had to be lifted. The two men each took a side but gasped at its unwillingness to move. The two Golds filled themselves with their cosmos, lifting it out of the hole, but even then, the task was difficult. Both of their faces were dark red, despite how much cosmos they were burning for strength while feeling as if their arms were going to rip out of their sockets. They lifted it high enough for the edge to rest upon the side before they pushed it onto the floor.
Aiolia rubbed his arms. "Shit that was heavy…" he muttered out of breath, his arms feeling as if the great weight had stretched an extra inch on his arms.
Saga turned toward the flat black color. "It's probably some forgotten and extremely dense mineral. It probably has to be if this was the stuff used to create the original Gold Cloths." He felt as if he had just lifted an entire planet. The two healed their arms quickly before they walked over to the side where some clear cut ledges were made. The two lifted the top to see the outline of each piece of the Libra Cloth from the large chest piece to the fine bolts used for each chain link. Saga rushed back upstairs and grabbed the Libra Cloth. He pulled the backplate and laid it on its spot to see a single one-inch slot preventing it from laying flat. He pressed it down causing a slight pop before he lifted the Cloth to see the final slot where a thirteenth weapon could be inserted.
Saga was still exhausted from repeating his main techniques, but he was ready for all of this to be over. He placed the plate back onto the Libra Cloth. "Alright, cub. Pass me the box. Let me handle it. Aiolos will kill me if you somehow get cursed too."
The words made him sick to his stomach. If the curse was able to do that to his brother, he feared what would happen if he was stuck with it too. He walked over and picked it up to pass it over.
The Gemini stared at the white box. To think the first time he saw the outside of it, he thought it was the most beautiful thing in the world. He thought he could earn great praise for returning it to whomever it belonged to, only for it to torment and mind-rape him for over ten years.
It was a miracle he didn't kill himself.
Of course...he had the best friend in the world to thank for that.
He carefully slid it partway, spotting the original cloth that Aiolia used. As if he was handling a cobra, he turned his head and clutched the handle before he aligned it with the slot. "Alright Lucas...it is time to end this," he mutters before he lowered it down.
*TING
Aiolia heard the sharp echo, his head turned away from the Gemini and the blade.
*TING TING TING
The Leo frowned because it seemed like the Gemini was having trouble. "Saga, is it in?"
"I can't!"
That wasn't exactly what he wanted to hear. "Saga, what do you mean you can't?"
*TING TING TING
"It won't go in, there is some sort of red energy over the slot where the blade goes!" Saga gripped the handle tighter and attempted to push it in and yet the blade refused to cross the threshold.
Aiolia turned to see Saga using two hands upon the weapon as if he was attempting to churn butter. "GIVE ME IT!" Aiolia snatched the blade before he filled his hands with cosmos and attempted to slam it into the slot only for the energy to reflect it back and send the Leo flying to the ground, the dagger tumbling to the side. "FUCK!" He ran to try and grab it only for the Gemini to twist him to the ground.
"Idiot!" Saga took his fist and smashed it into the cub. "You heard Mu! If we damage the slot, it may not work! Not only that, but we can't afford to damage the Libra Cloth! Every hour spent repairing it is another loss!" He grabbed the blade and aligned it perfectly with the hole before he lowered it. But once again, a bright red light blocked its path. Saga dropped the dagger into it only for the tip to strike the red barrier and bounce right off.
O|==================|O
POPE'S CHAMBERS
STARDUST DUNGEON
"Aiolos," spoke the voice of Athena.
"Athena!" The archer lifted his head. He gazed upon her sparkling cosmos, warm and beautiful, just like how he remembers. "What time is it? What day is it?" He had been so isolated.
"It's Wednesday night. You've been there for seven days now."
"Feels like forever," Aiolos spoke a bit somberly but perked up. If the so-called Kanon, that the guards have been cheering about from a distance, is really Saga, he must have found an answer. "But it will be worth it, just like you said. If this curse is so far-reaching, we can't let it continue." His hands shook a bit as he thought back on his experience. "He told me how the curse tormented him, robbed him of rest….and while I felt sorry for him then…now…" he felt his eyes watered from his own experience. "...Goddess…" He wiped his weary eyes dry. "Three months of madness...that's a small price to pay compared to Saga going through it for nine years. Honestly...I wish I would've given him more comfort...more patience if I knew the true horror that he wouldn't say it was."
"About that…"
Her tone was stilted and hesitant. "What is it?"
"They failed, Aiolos. I was wrong."
The archer froze, his eyes were wide in disbelief. "No...if anyone can solve it...Saga can. He may be crazy….but he's brilliant and he's one of the most determined people I know."
"He couldn't, Aiolos. There's a good reason why this curse has existed for a long time. I'm sorry. He did try to do his best to work it out. Now we must focus on the future. In your state, there's no way you can serve as Pope anymore. But, Saga is free from the curse, and since he's the strongest of the Golds and he's had to experience as Pope so he can just continue ruling in your place. We will also summon Seiya to start training in your place. You have done fine work with him and he will make an excellent Sagittarius...minus the ability to aim."
Aiolos shut his eyes. He did feel tears fall. He trained to be the Pope and had lost the position...technically twice now. He had worked for his Cloth and will be losing that too. However, before he accepted the curse, he knew he would be risking those things. Unfortunately, this was a gamble he lost. A shame really since he was so confident his friend would be the one to end the curse. "At least you are safe as well as everyone else." He rested his hands on his lap. "Tell Saga, to not feel guilty for not finding the answer to the curse, even if I am consumed by the curse...tell him to never give up searching so that our successors will never experience it." He sat there, surprised by the long silence afterward. "Athena?"
"Aiolos...the truth is, we did find the answer."
He leaned forward in shock. "What?"
"The problem is, if we cure you, the curse goes back to Saga, but if it stays and dies with you, it will leave for a long time. It was a choice between you and Saga. It is a hard decision, one that breaks my heart, but we have a Holy War...and he's not..."
"...you can say it...he's not broken…" the archer muttered as he gazed at his legs. It was a subject he took very personal about. He swallowed hard. "So what will happen to me?"
"You will be safe here, in this place. You can't hurt others and you won't be able to hurt yourself."
This meeting was getting worse and worse. At that moment, his tears began to fall once more. The truth was, he felt more madness in this solitary room than when he was on the outside of its four white walls. If anything, it seemed like he felt like himself when he was outside at his old House just hanging with his family and Seiya.
Family.
At least he had that. Soon it will be expanded. How joyous. If it is a boy, he could have someone new to take hunting. If it is a girl, it will be like the old days where he played dolls with Athena.
Well, perhaps not. He can imagine that his brother won't be able to bring his child to him, but nothing would make the sun rise more if he could at least see it from the bars or perhaps even drop a picture for him in this place.
"Athena...this is so much...can you ask for my brother to come...I just need someone to talk. Invite Saga...or Canon as everyone is calling him. It is lonely here."
"You can't. Sanctuary must heal and in order for it to heal...we told them...you passed away."
"You told them I died!?" he gasped feeling his heart crumble.
"I'm sorry, but I had to. For the sake of Sanctuary, it is better this way. I told them that the curse caused you to spontaneously combust. So I gathered some ashes at the fire, gave them to him, and your brother spread them out in the woods. He took it hard and donated Zephyr to another family. I'm sorry Aiolos. You will be given food and water by a blind and mute servant and some books. But from now on… you cannot exist. He can not visit you. Your friends and neighbors can't visit you...not even me...not even your future niece or nephew."
His eyes felt so dilated at that moment. For the sake of Sanctuary, he had to give up everything...except he will live with the curse only keeping him company. "Athena...before you go….listen to me...how about one more time...Gomen ne sunao janakute, Yume no naka nara ieru…" he muttered before he turned his head to the bars.
"Goodbye, Aiolos. Your self-sacrifice is always treasured. Never stop smiling," with that, the footsteps faded, and the light of cosmos gradually darkened the room until it was nothing but a shadow.
Aiolos always did believe in sacrifice. His family sacrificed their lives to save him and Aiolia. He nearly gave up his life on the night of the great betrayal.
But this?
It didn't feel like a sacrifice.
Sacrifice is to give.
Everything suddenly felt like it was taken.
He's so stupidly loyal to Athena.
Stupid
Stupid
Stupid
Never stop smiling...she says.
At that moment Aiolos did smile. Oh, he smiled quite widely.
He laughed. The room was designed to keep sound from extending past the bars but he kept smiling and laughing.
He laughed so hard he swore his eardrums would pop.
But he laughed.
And laughed.
And laughed.
He will never ever stop smiling!
EVER!
O|===================|O
? ?
Ares lifted his hand from the globe, staring at the last remnants of the dream. "When there is no more sorrow, only madness can take its place."
People think the worst dreams are those that feature scary monsters and a collage of one's deepest fears. But there is a good reason why treachery is the deepest circle of hell.
O|===================|O
Coming December 19ish
I'm sorry, Aiolos. I'm sorry you had to be involved and now we're both walking around in hell together being chased by a giant talking panda.
-Saga from "Prologue to the Epilogue."
O|===================|O
Author's Notes: Anytime I write a long fic, I do several pages of planning and outlines. So what you see here is the stuff that was planned from a year ago including the weird stuff like the panda in the preview above from a long time ago (it will make sense later on).
It also allows me to outline how to break Saga down and rebuild him while Aiolos is the opposite where you take a perfectly sane person and strip him down to see if his integrity holds up. Outlines help me figure out how characters grow or fall. It also allows me to scaffold for the reader. In the beginning, it is clear cut on what is an illusion and what is not, but now I can do parts where the reader may look at it and wonder if it is real or not.
Stuff does change quite a bit. For example, the theme of Aiolos wanting control was actually toned down than originally planned since I didn't expect half of the planet to be locked down due to COVID back in March.
It takes a long time and effort, but it's always nice to see things going full circle.
I'm finally able to add more Kanon to it. He's fun to write, but unfortunately, when it comes to the editing stage, his parts were often the ones that got the ax. This chapter was no different, maybe worse. Kanon lost two scenes this time: One with him and young Aiolia in a pet store (fully written and deleted) as well as "his version" of what happened after he left Cape Sounion due to pacing (also fully written and deleted).
I'm currently taking part in Aiolos week. I got two out of the seven done but had to pause the progress on that due to Thanksgiving and having to work on this. It wasn't that I lost interest or was stuck, but I only have so much time.
Hope you're enjoying the fic and read and review to show your support.