POPE'S CHAMBERS

STARDUST PRISON

TEN YEARS AGO

Kanon walked toward the pile of books and papers placed in the center of the room next to the desk and chair. He walked toward the pile and stood next to it, "Woah, it's almost as tall as me!" he grinned as he took his hand and began to check the level from the top of his head to the pile of papers next to him.

Shion, his masked face turned toward the ten-year-old Gemini. "Kanon, do you see these papers? Do you know these are all of the assignments you didn't complete?"

Kanon turned his head and shrugged his shoulders. "And?"

Shion took a deep breath. He thought having a pair of Greek prodigies would be a dream. They didn't have the language barrier that Camus had, lack of education like Aiolos, or both like Aldebaran. Instead, Saga finishes everything before the ink dries leaving him a bit irritated while Kanon is the opposite. "Aren't you at all concerned about it? You haven't done any of your homework since you arrived nearly four years ago!"

Kanon darted his head toward it. "And what are you going to do to me? Give me an F? I know for a fact that the Cloth is what decides whether or not I become a Saint, not if I can name what is the difference between Ajax the Greater and Ajax the Les-?"

The chair pulled out with a psychic jerk.

Kanon rolled his eyes and placed his rear upon his seat before a pencil flew in the air like a dragonfly and landed into his palm. He frowned heavily. He missed the days when the teacher just flunked him and took away his recess. At least when she attempted to call home, he could always delete any voice messages before his parents received them. He reached over for the top paper, completed the first page with ease before grabbing the next one on top.

Shion had a skeptical gaze upon his face as he lifted said sheet. To his surprise, it was not just all correct, extraordinarily detailed, but he did so without even bothering to open the book. He watched Kanon complete another sheet and looked up.

"How is that one?" he asked.

"All correct," replied the Pope.

Immediately, Kanon snatched it and began to turn it into origami.

"Kanon!? What are you doing!?"

"You said it was complete, so now that you don't need it, I'm turning it into a paper origami ball...unless the Pope has to record my progress in his grade book and intends to use it to analyze my progress," he spoke before he filled it with air before tossing it and bopping it with his head.

Shion drew a hand over his masked face. Sometimes he wondered if he was a bit too soft with these children. The younger Gemini should be grateful that Dohko lost the coin toss as to who would sit at the waterfall. "Kanon… why do you do this? You are so intelligent and yet…"

Kanon took the ball and attempted to balance it on his nose like a seal. Sounds like the old man was trying a round of passive-aggressive flattery with him. "Why do you make me do things I already know? Writing it feels redundant. Besides, aren't Lemurians known for thinking books were primitive and don't keep written records but psychic ones?"

Shion took a deep breath. Saga warned him about Kanon's desire to test higher authority just to see how much he could control and get away with, but he never realized the younger Gemini would be this frustrating. "Kanon, it's not just about the material, but learning to complete things in a timely manner. That's part of growing up!"

Kanon nodded. "A good point, but don't worry, if you have something important for me to do, I'll do it! But one thing Demetris taught me was that a good adult knew how to prioritize their time." He plucked the top sheet and held it up. "Behold, you are asking: Which of the Olympic Pantheon was the only God to ever physically fight on the battlefield among humans in the Iliad?

The problem with this question is that it relies on rote memory...therefore one would either have to know it, or they don't. This type of thinking is not only annoying but unstimulating as well. As a Gemini, I must have questions that have that right amount of difficulty that I am capable of answering, but require a bit of massaging of the grey manner to find stimulating. By the way, the answer is Ares. He's the only God who fought alongside humans during the Trojan War….not that would ever come in handy someday."

Shion was absolutely dumbfounded. Why are humans so strange? "Kanon, you speak of prioritizing time, yet you spent two minutes explaining why you don't want to write a one-worded answer that you already know!"

But Kanon waved a finger, tisking the most powerful man in the world. "Yes I did, and in business, that is considered an upfront investment. However, as you can see, the pile I have next to me is just as tall as I am. If I were to explain each time I don't provide written proof on questions I already know, by the time I am finished, the Cloth of Gemini would already be covering my body. However, by taking a few minutes explaining it to now, I save hours later on. In a way, we both win," he spoke as he unfolded his paper and refolded it into an origami butterfly.

Shion's aged eye twitch. Why does he have a feeling that if Kanon had an opportunity to test or control the Gods, he would do so?

Kanon stared at the paper butterfly, trying to bend the light to alter its colors, but found no cosmos showing up. "How come nothing works in this room?"

"It's surrounded by stardust. It affects the cosmos, but not my psychic abilities."

Kanon darted his head around. "Let me guess, this is where you hold your prisoners at?"

"It is...but we also used to hold the other Gemini as well."

At that moment, Kanon turned his head curiously at this new tidbit of info. "Wait, what do you mean?"

Shion took a deep breath. While he would rather the Gemini focused on his work, he had a feeling Kanon won't proceed unless his curiosity was satisfied. "Back then, we didn't have the Gemini competing for a single Cloth. Instead, the former Popes would keep one here, the younger one...which they would always deem the evil twin, while the older twin, the so-called good twin, would guard the House of Gemini."

Kanon couldn't believe what he was hearing. Sanctuary was full of stupid traditions, but this? It sounded so cruel and ignorant. "But why? This place is so out of the way and hidden?"

"It is, but that's the point, Kanon. Some Popes will go as far as to fake the younger twin's death to make the task less painful for the other Golds. Once the younger Gemini becomes old enough, they are tossed on an island and expected to train, threatened with death should they make their existence known outside of Holy War."

Kanon shifted his eyes. For the first time in a while, his nerves felt like they were brushing against ice, especially with all he did to annoy the Pope. "You're...not going to do that to me are you?" he muttered suddenly finding his mind scrambling on how to get the hell out of here.

But Shion shook his head no. "It's like you said, it sounded cruel and ignorant. If you were going to be locked and forgotten, we wouldn't be having this conversation. Kanon, allow me to use the words of one of my dearest friends: You are a pain in the ass," the old Lemurian chuckled, causing the child to laugh a bit as well. It seemed he had finally nailed what humans called grandpa humor.

The boy rested a hand on his stomach. Still, it does raise questions. "But why the younger Gemini? It sounds unfair!"

He pulled off his helmet to reveal his faded gentle lavender gaze. "It is. Choosing the younger Gemini is simply based solely on custom and superstition. Previous Popes will argue that the records show that the younger Gemini that the Pope held was the evil twin. I would argue, if I locked someone without any sun, keeping them isolated, for several years...wouldn't that turn anyone evil...and twisted?"

"What's the point of having an evil twin in Gemini? The myth is based on Castor and Pollux, not Cain and Abel," grumbled the boy as if it was common knowledge that everyone should know.

The Pope sighed. Kanon would be an absolute dream if it weren't for that thick...yet brilliant skull of his. "That right. It is exactly right. So I broke the norm… and despite what tradition says, many know you exist. In fact, if you suddenly went missing, I'm certain people would go out of their way to make sure you returned safely."

Kanon paused and with a guilty glance, he unfolded his paper until it was flat again before he reached over and began working on the next piece of homework from over the past four years.

Shion gave a small smile. He didn't tell the story of this prison to scare the Gemini. Kanon kept demanding to learn things he didn't know and now he got his wish. Saga was the same way, desperate for new material. Except Saga will never complain and despite having a fairly bored expression, he would only express his dissatisfaction in a private manner. He supposed that in a way, he understood the twins, for he to struggled to find things new to learn about. "You know, if you say you can recite the answers, I suppose I can accept that too."

But Kanon shook his head no. "You told me you wanted it written, I'll do it…." he paused. "...except for the essays."

"Done," Shion chuckled. For the first time, it seemed Kanon was actually showing him respect. He wasn't sure how long it would last due to his capricious nature, but he'll take what he can get.

Of course, it was further proof that perhaps there is no such thing as an Evil Gemini Twin.

O|=========================|O

Gemini: Defying Gravity

6J: It Sucks to be Me

BOLD: Cursed Mode

BOLD and Italicized: Ares

O|=========================|O

PRESENT TIME

ROZAN MOUNTAIN

The waterfall near the old Training Ground of China was normally a very serene place and was so perfect for mediation that a person could do it for years. In fact, that is what the Old Master had done.

But right now, the Lemurian blacksmith folded his arms, focusing on what was being done thousands of miles away in the House of Libra. "Take it upstairs of the House of Libra and try inserting the dagger there," spoke Mu while using his cosmos to send the message to the Saints. "If it doesn't work, try it every twenty-ten meters. Precision is important when it comes to these matters." He could tell by each consecutive reply that they were getting annoyed. After there was a long pause of them traveling upwards. He turned to the Old Master, for even he needed moments to vent out some frustration. "This would be so much easier and faster if I was there."

"You know that such an option must not be taken...not yet. If they fail, we'll be all that's left and we have to be ready, my friend," spoke the Buddha as he felt the gentle mist of the waterfall next to him, weighing his long blond locks down.

The Old Tiger as his tiny palms squeezed the top of his cane. "You think it is hard for you? They have my Cloth and they are in my House."

Mu turned his head, "Are you worried they may ruin it?"

"Ruin it?" He let out a chuckle. "I've gone through the Holy War and seen bigger weapons being shoved into it. I'm worried about what they will discover with it." Dohko let out a quick scoff before a mixture of amusement and fear became apparent. He had worn his gold Cloth for so long that it was as intimate to him as his own skin. "My Cloth has outlived hundreds of users as well as entire civilizations. The idea that there is still a major secret left in it has left me just as restless as everyone else."

O|================|O

HOUSE OF LIBRA

3 DAYS BEFORE AIOLOS GOES PERMANENTLY INSANE (IF HE HASN'T ALREADY)

The trident slipped out of the side, causing it to bounce and roll until it slides down the stairs at breakneck speed.

"Shit!" cursed Saga as he and the Leo both produced a mutual eye roll. That was the problem with the Libra Cloth in that because it doubled as a weapons case, each of the deadly instruments was not locked in like the rest of the armor. Since neither of them was the owner of the Libra and couldn't mentally control the Cloth back into its box, everything had to be done manually. After a couple of hours of repeatedly taking it out of the box, setting it up, asking Mu, and putting it up, they finally gave up and decided to just carefully carry it from place to place in its statue form.

The two set the Cloth down, using a door they borrowed from one of Libra's closet openings as a means to transport it on top of before Aiolia went back to fetch the lost weapon trident before shoving it back in its spot.

Saga picked up the jeweled box next to the Cloth and laid an uneasy hand on top of it. He could see his own palm-sweating hard. The Libra Cloth was annoying to move, but it wasn't heavy. Instead, there was a tremendous amount of fear that every time he was forced to clutch the weapon that the voices and nightmares would return. He slid his hand inside and picked up the golden handle. Turning his head away, he attempted to place the tip over the hole but a red light shined and blocked its path. "Mu, we can't put the dagger inside the Cloth, that red light appeared again."

"Very well, take it outside of the House and try it there."

Saga gestured his head toward the exit before he and Aiolia were back lifting the Cloth until the morning sun began to break the horizon.

Aiolia's stomach sickened. "Shit, everyone will be up getting ready to do their training soon."

But the Gemini was prepared for it. Everything has been going wrong, so luckily he planned ahead this time around. "I may not drink anymore, but I know my liquor. There's a reason I chose to inebriate everyone with brandy...it is well known to cause the worst hangovers and should buy us a bit more time."He returned back to his work, aligned the blade, and gasped when it slid as easy butter.

Aiolia's gaze was equally transfixed as the smooth slide of metal on metal echoed until the hilt slammed down and echoed, causing flocks of birds to fly off from a tree. He focused upon the Gemini's hand as it held the blade, inserted in the hole of the Libra Cloth. He searched for any sign of anything happening, a glow, a ding, but nothing appeared. "Well?" the Leo whispered, praying that any effects could only be felt and not seen.

But this was not the case. Saga gave a quick head shake before he took his hand and touched his forehead. "Mu, we're outside of the House and were able to insert the blade with no problem. However, nothing is happening," Saga spoke aloud.

"I was afraid you would say that. Saga...Aiolia...I think I understand what that red glow was. It is clear that the light demonstrates that the dagger and the Cloth activate only in the House of Libra and nowhere else."

"But it won't go in!" cried the Leo. "We've tried!"

"You did, but the resistance is not due to the wrong place, but rather the wrong person inserting it in...you will most likely need Aiolos to do it."

Saga's eyes widened before he snatched the dagger and tossed it back in the box. While he had a feeling that perhaps that was the answer, he prayed and prayed endlessly in his mind that they wouldn't need the archer for this part. Then again, thanks to the weight of his sins, his prayers probably didn't mean much since he had the holiness of a cockroach.

O|================|O

POPE'S CHAMBERS

"Goddess Athena, has his Holiness returned from his hunt yet?" spoke the nobleman as he stood there with a servant clutching several papers, ready to be perused.

Athena shook her head no. "I'm afraid he has not."

The man felt frustration build up. "My Goddess, this has been my third venture up here in a week, is the earliest he can make himself available truly a couple of weeks from now?"

"It is! He is the Pope and if he wishes to hold off all business until then, so be it."

The man frowned before stomping off without so much of a bow.

Athena shut her eyes and shook her head after the doors slammed shut.

Paz, sitting over at a table with her book, practicing writing and answering in Greek. "Do not take it personally. They're still used to Saga. He always dropped everything and tended to the business."

"I noticed!" Athena replied. "Did he like doing paperwork that much?"

She nodded. "Yeah, he found accounting magical...whatever that means..." Paz giggled before her eyes saddened. "Although, I think it also kept his...other side in check too when his mind was very busy." Suddenly, Paz raised her head, her ears eager and sensitive when she heard Canon was in town. "Saga?" she gasped, her words causing Athena to stir in the chair of the Pope. Without waiting for the Goddess to say a word, she rushed through the halls and saw the man who got her out of that horrible orphanage a long time ago. "SAGA! YOU'RE BACK!" she cried as she grabbed his legs so fast that he didn't have time to bend over.

"Paz…" he muttered.

The girl from Chile. The only reason he met her was because of a tip that his twin was there trying to recruit a pink-haired boy. He felt sorry for her because she had long separated from her twin sister, only because the parents didn't want the sick one, and her brother was grabbed by Kanon. His excuse was she would make a darn good Athena despite being too old, no cosmos, a Spanish accent, and completely different skin and hair color. She did have the same gender though. Everyone went with it, after all, he was the Pope.

He had been separated from her for so long. His tears flow hard and heavy. She was one of the few things where he could look at and feel pride instead of guilt. "Oh Paz, I missed you!" He knelt and squeezed her tightly. He never intended to grow so attached to her and yet a large part of the torment of being away was fearing her safety despite his trust in Aphrodite protecting her. "I'm so glad you're okay! Thank Athena you're safe!" Just like how his mother did for him, Saga leaned down and kissed each of her cheeks before returning to the tight hug of before.

"I'm glad you're back! I don't like him! I hate him!" she rasped wishing he would loosen his grip a little.

"Who? Gigars?"

Paz shook her head no. "Aiolos!"

Saga pulled back. "He's cursed just like I was!"

The eight-year-old narrowed her eyes. "He tried to kill you before it!"

The Gemini turned his head toward Aiolia who looked a bit upset by her words, a clear indication that his little Chilean, was quite vocal in her distaste of the archer. Saga rested his heavy hands upon her shoulders. "Paz, he did hit me with an arrow, but he never intended to kill."

"Are you sure! Why would he do that!?" she begged.

Unfortunately, Saga didn't have the time to reason with the child. "Paz, it's a matter that's too long and complicated to explain right now. Just know, Aiolos could've easily done it, but chose not to even when everyone told him to. He really is one of the best men that I've met, and I have to help him." He could see she was still a bit skeptical, but she still gave him another hug.

Saga pulled away and asked her to head to her room. Normally he would tell her to do that to protect her from him, but this time, he asks her since he's not sure what the archer will do if they have to drag him out.

The old nightmare of him performing some sort of attack upon Paz to get her to do what he wanted was still etched in his mind despite how much time had passed. He could still feel her body slumped like a doll, her eyes glazed over as if in a vegetative state. It made him wonder if it truly was a dream or a warning of the future. Regardless, he didn't want to risk someone so small and fragile being struck by a crimson arrow, especially since they were clearly powerful enough to affect a Gold Saint.

Athena waited next to the row of stairs that led to her archer, her hand clutching her scepter. A very pleasant look appeared upon her face as she saw the two Golds coming toward her. While it was clear they weren't friends, at least neither looked like they fought in the last few hours.

Aiolia and Saga came to one knee in a proper bow before they stood back up. "How is he doing today?" asked Aiolia. When she passed a very concerned look upon her face, sickness filled his stomach. "Is he still talking about the woods?"

Saga darted his head. "Wait, what do you mean talking about the woods?"

Athena could feel the tension build up between the golds and chose to step in. "Ever since he's been locked up, Aiolos would be muttering about his life in the woods. Most of the time, it's very casual and pleasant. He would talk about the places with the best views, certain flowers that produce the best tea, which berries to eat and avoid…."

The hair on Saga's neck stood up. "Did it sound like he was talking to someone directly?"

Athena nodded. "Yes...it did. The first time, I thought he was talking to me, but the longer I listened, it became obvious that it wasn't," she blushed a bit after she would catch a couple of words she didn't expect him to say.

Saga raised a hand to signal for her not to say anymore. It always surprised him when people act like Aiolos had a Saintly mouth. True he knew to keep it clean, but he was the son of a foot soldier and anyone who's been around that crew knew they had a vocabulary that was worse than the River Styx. Besides, Aiolos cursed mouth was nothing compared to what his own mouth had touched in the last five years.

Before Aiolia could rush down to check, the Gemini grabbed him by his arm, because he knew he couldn't allow the cub or even Athena to run down there without being prepared.

"Let me go!" the Leo hissed, the guilt already overcoming him. "I locked him in there! He's going insane!"

But Saga wouldn't. "He's not going insane. But it sounds like someone really is talking to him utilizing the curse." He clenched Aiolia's arm so hard that he could already see the bruises of his fingers being left on the Leo's bicep. To his surprise, Aiolia stopped and turned his head without swinging his fist in his face.

They really had made progress.

"Why? Why would the curse have my brother talking about the best place to find mushrooms?"

"Same reason people have a small talk over trivial matters...to earn trust. How have you and your brother been rebuilding your relationship? Was it taking a class on how to learn to bond, or did you two spend time in the woods? The curse uses nightmares to gain what it wants, is it no wonder that its utilization of dreams would be no different?"

The Leo squeezed his fist in frustration. It seemed like the curse is always finding a new way to piss him off. "Saga, what did you see in these dreams and nightmares?"

The amount of sweat that came over the Gemini flashed upon his forehead so quickly, desiring to never touch upon those memories, let alone recount them. "Oddly enough, I didn't have any pleasant dreams...but at the same time, I never reached the point that Aiolos was now. As for nightmares, they tended to be the same thing. I would sit on the throne…"

"...yeah? And then what?"

"All the living Gold Saints would walk up, tell me I was a liar and closed in around me. After that, I would wake up."

"Wait...that's it!?" gasped Aiolia. "Not like seeing the dead body of Shion or some zombie version of my brother? No blood or demons or monsters? It's just people calling you out on your shit!?"

The Gemini flashed his dark eyes. "Cub!" He spat Aiolia's nickname as if it was a curse. "You are such a child! Do you see?!

A true nightmare is not of gore and fantasy, but one where it could happen...and does.

I murdered so many!

I stole the legacy of a good man and tarnished it like shit on a statue.

I knew Sanctuary would be in chaos if either was discovered, and that was what I saw.

Over time, as sleep is constantly drained and the tendrils of the curse burrow deeper from dreams to memories, the line dividing reality and fantasy blur.

Real memories fade and slowly replace them with false ones.

When that happened, I reached a point where any Gold Saint that came to the Pope's Chambers was seen as an enemy. Part of why you live today Aiolia was that I never summoned you in fear of what I would do to you."

Aiolia felt his legs froze, not because Saga was crazy, but how eerily correct he was. "How should I approach him?"

Saga was a bit surprised to hear the cub ask for advice like this, but he won't give him a hard time. Both of them had been squabbling like children and it was time to grow up. "If my calculations are correct, he's probably lost much of his grip on reality. When you go in there, be his brother. He may say things where he's unsure if you are him or another illusion. Do what you can to show him you are the real thing. When you do, don't tell him he's crazy or yell. Remain calm...but yourself. You have to win over his trust...but he has to be one to come to that conclusion...not you telling him that you're the real thing."

"Are you sure that will work?"

Saga nodded. "It worked on me when your brother did it while I was cursed, so yes, I think it will work on him too."

Aiolia nodded. The Gemini may have spent the last five years living a lie, but one thing he knew that was true, was that Saga held a deep respect for his brother.

They continued down the stairs until they reached the silvery stone door. At the outset, it looked beautiful as if carved from crystal, but they knew it was the worst place for a Saint to be since it left those with cosmos powerless and very isolated.

The two men turned to each other, acknowledging it was best if the little brother came first.

Before the Leo could jimmy the lock, a small object easily flung perfectly through the narrow bars. He turned to the ground, seeing a wilted stuffed grape leaf that was served last night for dinner.

He dodged another stuffed grape leaf, before stepping to the side. He turned his head back to Saga who stood beside the Goddess.

Aiolia's frustrated face told the Gemini everything he needed to know about how he felt at that moment, but Saga still waved his hand, letting him know to stay with his original advice. "Be the little brother," he muttered as if it will burn in the cub's consciousness.

Aiolia turned, his hand reaching over to open the door before swinging it partially open.

He was going to be the little brother alright.

Aiolia stepped inside just as the wooden cup flew at him. ]He caught it and promptly threw it back, striking the bright red headband of the archer. "If you wanted a target board, you should've said something sooner. You know you're rusty when I had better aim just now." He could see Aiolos darting his head back and forth toward the walls as if there were others in the room. Oddly enough, Aiolos looks happy.

Very

Very

Happy.

Frankly, it was creeping Aiolia out. Aiolos' face stretched from side to side, while his eyes looked wide and fearful as if the Sagittarius had become a Gemini all of a sudden. Still, he hides his concern. "Brother?" he calls out trying to sound normal. "Good news, we're going to get you out!" But instead of joy, Aiolos shook his frightened head as happily as he could be.

"No...you're not Theo. The real one thinks I'm dead and scattered my ashes."

Oh Goddess, Aiolia nearly lost it. "How the fuck do I reply to that!?" Aiolia sent a message over to the Gemini.

Saga felt the same way, ready to vomit when he heard it as well. What the hell did the curse do to him? He had to think hard and fast. "Tell him gently he's not dead. Right now, we need him to feel good." Saga folded his arms. "Don't worry. Just give me ten minutes…"

Aiolia's eyes widened! Was Saga that shameless? After finding out the two were a bit closer than expected, no way in hell will he give them ten seconds. "I'll handle it!" The Leo returned his gaze to his dear older brother. "Aiolos, nobody thinks you're dead, they think you're hunting woodcock. You're here and you're alive. Now give me a second to grab your saddle and Zephyr and we can go for a ride."

Aiolos for a moment lit up. "You still have Zephyr? You didn't give him up?"

"NO! I would never give your horse up. I know how much you love him! If you died, he would stay with me, Marin, and Seiya living the rest of his life as a king in the backyard with the sweetest grass and the most tender plants he can find. But he's still here in the courtyard area. Athena made sure to ride him around to keep his legs strong. But he's just as eager to run around as you are."

For a moment, Aiolos gazed at this brother, one of many he's interacted with, held, and watched die in his arms. This one did seem like his. The others were always showing pity and tried to tug at his heart, while this one just threw a fucking cup at him. "Where are we going? He muttered. "And who's we?" he spoke, curious that it didn't sound like Aiolia didn't come alone.

Aiolia could tell that while any trust was quite fragile, he had a feeling it was best to bring out the Gemini as soon as possible. "We're going to the House of Libra and Saga is coming with us."

The Gemini felt his eyes widened. He didn't expect the cub to reveal him this quickly, but now that it was mentioned, it was best to move along with the tide. He stepped out from the shadow along with the Goddess, and what he saw haunted him.

There was Aiolos, his soft curls matted and oily despite a water basin and necessary toiletries provided to him nearby. The warm tanned skin was sickly white, the thick blood veins that they all had to support their strong bodies were so dark and visible on his arms. The soft skin around his pale blood-shot red eyes was so dark and wrinkled, giving the appearance of a skull and not a face. But the worst was the expression plastered over his face.

Aiolos was one of the most genuine people he knew, always willing to make a person's day better, but not afraid to call out shit when he saw it.

But here, despite Aiolos pensive gaze, the smile on his face was stretched upon his face as if someone was pulling his cheeks into a grin.

Aiolos twisted his neck toward the Gemini. "Hello, Canon," he hissed, a red glow followed blending in with his bloodshot eyes so closely that it almost looked like he had pupils at all. A soft chuckle followed. "Why did I had a feeling that the moment my brother proposed bringing up your brother's missing posters that you would try to come back in his place?"

Saga froze. The archer was a lot more intelligent than others gave him credit for, and that was why it was more important than ever to save him. "Aiolos... I'm so sorry." His apology was met with silence. "You of all people don't deserve this, but it was not in vain."

Saga studied his face as it lit up. The archer was clearly losing touch with reality. He knew since he had moments like this. Contrary to what was being seen, Aiolos hasn't quite lost it. He hasn't had any sleep, but considering he was still eating, a good sign that Aiolos cared about his health even with the slip in hygiene, as well as the fact that he was still engaged with what was being said, showed promising signs it wasn't too late. "We think we found the answer to the curse, but like your brother said, we need to leave here and head to the House of Libra. We need you to insert the dagger into the Cloth." He watched his friend twist around, clutching his head.

It made him wonder if it was Aiolos contemplating his words, or was it the curse?

"What will happen if I do? Will it end?"

But the Gemini could only shrug. This wasn't like the movies where the answer to a curse was written in a single book, asking the protagonists to follow precise instructions like a cook studied the recipe for baking a cake. "I don't know, but we are certain that more answers are there," was the best answer he could give.

Unfortunately, the reply was not good enough. "No!" Suddenly, Aiolos shook his head and slinked into the corner of the room dragging his legs, before they very slowly pulled into his chest as if tucking himself into the corner. "I'm staying here!"

"LIKE HELL YOU WILL!" barked Aiolia as he lurched forward only for the Gemini to snag him by the collar, jerk it back, and caused him to gag a little.

"I TOLD YOU! DON'T SCREAM AT HIM! You force Aiolos to go...he's going to resist the whole time! If he's resisting, he's going to draw the attention and cause every Gold to come to the aid of their Pope," Saga practically shouted through the cosmos. He felt Aiolia ease up before he returned his attention to the archer. "Why do you want to stay here?" Saga spoke softly and gently.

Aiolos fearful gaze pierced there while he continued to smile for his goddess. "If I stay here...the only one who has the curse is me! I could live another fifty or more years while you balance the budget, Saga! I'm insane! I"m broken! This is for the best. Everyone will live! Everyone will be happy! I may look sad, but I'm sooooooooooooooooooooo happy!"

"No, you're not," thought Saga. It was clear that the archer was very miserable, afraid, and confused. But most importantly, this was the final proof that Aiolos wasn't as crazy and was still intact. That was the Geminism about insanity: A crazy person won't admit it, but a sane one would. Just like Aiolia, Saga tells him his honest thoughts, to maintain trust. "Aiolos, you selfless fool... Come with us! You have to try!" he pleaded.

Aiolos shook his head back and forth. "Every moment I have this curse has been hell...but better me than anyone else!"

Athena stepped forward. "Aiolos, don't you remember three months ago when we talked about this!? We wanted the curse to end so no other had to go through everything we've all gone through! Right now, we have made it farther than anyone else who challenged it, but if we stop now, such an opportunity may never happen again. Is that what you want?"

The Goddess of Wisdom's words struck Aiolos like a hammer. He wasn't even sure if the conversation even took place between the two or not. But was this the same person he spoke to? "Shikoukairo wa short sunzen, Ima sugu aitaiyo."

Aiolia and Saga looked in confusion while Athena began to hum a bit.

The archer relaxed and looked up with his sunken eyes. "Before we go...I want my bow back," he rasped.

Aiolia felt a bit of relief, hearing a semblance of his brother's normal tone. But still, he hesitated for he didn't want to be caught off guard again. "Should we? He nearly attacked me!" he asked Saga without even turning.

The Gemini closed his eyes. It was a very tough call. Saying no may cause all the progress they made to crumble, but saying yes meant putting one of the most dangerous weapons in Sanctuary in the hands of someone who was struggling with what was real and what was not. "Give it to me. I will tend to the matter."

As much as he hated him, so far, Saga's guidance had been extremely valuable in this type of matter. Aiolia turned and used his light speed to vanish and return with the black stardust case that contained the bow of Sagittarius. Aiolia reached for his pendant where he hung the key for the bow with it. It was his failsafe in case Aiolos managed to get a servant to deliver the weapon without his knowledge. Once the box was unlocked, he handed it to the Gemini.

Saga looked at it. It was extremely heavy and only those aligned with it can wield it with ease. They say that it was easily capable of holding the power of the sun, the problem is that anyone and those in the same room who tried to shoot that much power would be vaporized the moment it was released. He never felt any unease when his friend carried it around, but this was not the same Aiolos as before, more creature than man. The journey back to the House of Libra was long, but judging by the tone, the archer wasn't willing to do what he was told unless he got what he wanted.

But he was once the Pope and Aiolos is the current one now. If there is one thing they both understood, it was the power of negotiation.

Saga approached the archer and held the bow close enough so that he was able to touch and gently stroke the very tip to show that it was the real thing and not some illusion he conjured up. Just when the Sagittarius was about to pull it toward him, the Gemini retracted it with a strategic tease and a devilish raise of the brow. "Come with us! You can have it once you insert the dagger in the Cloth."

Rather than feeling insulted, the archer gave out the first genuine smile. Oh yes, this was the real Saga, smoldering eyes and a deep rich voice that beckoned to be obeyed. Of course, Saga should know that he's not the pushover he once was when it came to these matters. "Once we reach the room with the Libra Cloth, I want it before I insert it in," he countered, biting his lip a bit.

Saga let out an amused sigh. It seemed like a few months in, the normally soft-hearted Sagittarius was gaining the edge needed to run Sanctuary. He forgot how hot the archer sounded when he was like this. A pity that time was of the essence. "Deal. The bow is yours before you put it in." The Gemini shouldered the bow. "Alright, time to get the horse!"

Athena turned toward her Leo. "Saint Aiolia?"

The fifth guardian groaned unsure if what he saw was the two of them having a small debate or something else. Either way, he wished he was back to being an ignorant ten-year-old. "Fine, I'll go fetch Zephyr!"

O|=================|O

HOUSE OF LIBRA

Before the Leo and Gemini reached the Pope's Chambers, the original plan was to take the secret passage, retrieve the cursed archer and Athena and get the fuck back to the House of Libra.

But like everything that's happened, nothing ever goes right.

After they got Aiolos out, it was clear going that a long, claustrophobic, tunnel with sections under the House of Aquarius being ice cold and human skulls lining the walls from the first Scorpio Saint, was not the proper place to travel with a man who thinks that everyone believes he's dead. After all, one cannot simply restore sanity as easily as flipping a light switch.

Instead, Athena and Saga took the passageway to avoid suspicion while Aiolia will stay with his brother and the two will go down the stairs. Naturally, Saga was nervous at the idea, but when Aiolos stepped outside, covered in a spare set of soldier gear, the fearful and skittish behavior from earlier faded as the warm sun touched his skin. For Saga, watching Aiolos' bizarre grin disappear and replaced with an actual one made him a bit more at ease.

Athena held her scepter as she stood beside her Gemini. She looked up at his fretting gaze and upon his shaking hands. "Have you had any more of your medicine lately?" she asked, now familiar with his routine back in Delphi.

He shook his head no. "Kanon doesn't take any...if I had it on me, it would easily give myself away."

Her face saddened. "Will you be alright?"

Saga shut his eyes. "I don't have much of a choice. Sometimes I am over the moon in that the mystery of the dagger will be solved, but I won't lie. I can't tell you how hard it was to not cry seeing him like that." He brought his hand to his face as he felt his tears come down before he wiped them away. "Why should I be cured for doing everything wrong while he suffers because he did everything right?" Before long his face was drenched. "I know… I'm pitiful and emotional and…" He heard a slight rip before he turned downwards, to see the Goddess rip a slight bit of fabric off her dress before handing it to him.

"Saga, don't say that stuff. The truth is, the reason why Aiolia and I didn't show our feelings, was because neither of us had any more tears to shed. Aiolia won't admit it, but we both cried so hard the first night we placed him in that prison. If Marin didn't contact him saying how worried she was, he would've never left the Pope's Chambers. We knew he wanted out, but all we could do was tell everyone he was out hunting for woodcock. So if you cry, it's not because you are weak and bipolar, but because you care about him just as much as we do."

He wiped his eyes. "Thank you," He took a deep breath. "I just can't afford to have another episode...not now….not when he is counting on me...on all of us."

"I know, but don't forget, you are not the same Saga as when we first left the Chambers three months ago.

That was true. While it wasn't easy, he was still holding his sanity, at least so far. Perhaps it was because he knew his death meant Aiolos' death as well. Perhaps taking care of his wellbeing has made dealing with his feelings easier.

Perhaps it was because his greatest fear of everyone confronting him over his crime had come to pass. Nearly everyone close to him knows what he had been doing for the past five years and not only did the world not end but in a way, he was able to at least lessen the damage of what he caused.

Before he could think longer, the two jerked their heads toward the rear as what sounded like rolling thunder came toward them. Saga ran toward the doors, the light of cosmos reflecting in his eyes. "When the two brothers left the Chambers, Aiolia was on the ground, guiding the sandy stallion and keeping a reasonable distance. But now he was on the saddle with his brother, manning the reins and moving at near lightspeed when they were supposed to take it at Mach 3 at most.

Something must have happened if Aiolia was willing to draw this much attention. The Gemini grabbed the Goddess, putting her behind him while pushed the door out to allow more room for them to pass. Zephyr's hooves slid a bit on the marble as Saga caught a glance of the archer's red eyes. He watched Aiolia throw himself off the horse just as a crimson arrow appeared in Aiolos hand. The Gemini pulled the archer off with one arm while feeling the red arrow pierce his arm in the other. Like before, there was no pain, and it was better he absorbed it before it struck either the Leo or the Goddess. "Lucas, focus!" he barked until a scream followed.

Saga jerked his head to see Aiolia's face a darker shade of red, his arm dark, and swelling. He sat the archer down before he ran to the cub.

"Oh Goddess, what have I done!" moaned the archer as he threw the old foot soldier helmet off and began to peel off the uniform.

"What happened out there!?" barked Saga as he examined the arm, most likely snapping from the bad landing. "What took you two so long!?"

Aiolia gritted his teeth as he felt Athena's hands hover over the spot, trying to use her cosmos to alleviate the pain. "Everyone wanted to pet the damn horse and have a conversation!" He cursed as he took several labored breaths. "We were halfway through Scorpio when Aiolos said he wasn't feeling quite right. So I jumped on and sped things around. Mrs. Schfurwatt was asking what happened and I told her we needed to hurry. Aiolos began using that same weird voice and I told him to just hold on a little longer. I could see the red light of the arrows, but was able to hold on. That's when we landed here," he moaned before he clutched his bicep while flinching at his injury. Even though it is not the first time he broke it. In fact, breaking a bone was more of a rite-of-passage in this place. But it didn't mean it sucked less.

Aiolia turned toward a small table, lifted it. and gave it a good smash. He then follows up with the most stereotypical Saint thing to do by ripping his shirt off his chest. He combined the wood and cloth and formed a sling.

"Aiolia...I'm sorry...I…" Aiolos muttered darkly, his eyes glowing brightly.

Aiolia looked up. "Don't worry. I'll get it properly healed after-"

But the archer turned his head. "...actually...I was talking about the fact that I just summoned Milo over here to help you out."

Saga and Aiolia's eyes widened before the Leo ran to the front door and sure enough, the red-eyed Scorpio was marching down the steps, his cape waving in the wind, still covered with splashes of brandy from the night before.

Fucking….hell...

Doesn't anything ever go right?

Athena grabbed the Leo. "We'll turn him around. Take Aiolos into the inner chambers, keep him quiet."

Saga nodded. It was a good plan. Aiolos can't send mental messages deep inside and he could use this time to get the archer reset and ready to use the dagger. Not only that, but it was clear he was unaffected by the crimson arrows. Saga adjusted the bow on his shoulder before he snatched the archer, tossed him on his back before he headed into the Inner Chambers. As he moved, he could feel Aiolos' hot breath. It seemed very different. He of all people knew how it felt and it wasn't the type that sent a shiver, but a sense of dread like he had a dragon on his back.

He ran down the stairs and turned the corner where the Libra Cloth was placed before he set him down. From afar, he could hear the distant silken tone of the Scorpio inquiring of the cub and the Goddess about the Pope. It sounded like she was exchanging pleasantries, an obvious sign that thanks to her upbringing around the most wealthy of the world, she was experienced in carrying herself with others. Of course, no amount of honey will work if the Pope suddenly shouted or screamed. "Lucas, you need to calm do-"

"I-I-I…" he stuttered wildly, his mind feeling as if it was being pulled in so many directions. But Aiolos red eyes were dark red. He nearly let out a scream, only for Saga's hand to cup his mouth, holding the sound. He twisted and writhed uncontrollably.

The Gemini held it in place until he felt the archer's body relax. He pulled his palm away, trying to establish trust once more. "It's not your fault...it's the curse! We can end it! But you must calm down and focus." He watched the Sagittarius jerk his head back and forth as if giving off an exaggerated no unsure if it meant Aiolos didn't want to or if he couldn't.

Either way, it was breaking his heart.

Goddess, he had to do something! "...I don't know how much this will help, but remember when you wrote me a letter before you did the stupidest thing in the world?" he spoke referring to the day Aiolos stole the curse. "Well, I did the same," he spoke before he reached into his pocket and pulled out a thick stack of folded paper. He unfolded it all, more book than a simple speech. Saga took a moment to straighten out the sheets before he began to read.

Lucas,

I'm not sure what it was that drew us together so long ago. We're about as night and day as could be. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized, that's not entirely true. We both seek to help others, the difference was that while I sought recognition and glory, you were as subtle as the wind and silent as a shadow, the only proof is that those you helped somehow acquired your thousands of red headbands.

This is one of many things about you that makes you such a beautiful and endearing person. You will never hesitate to help those who need it even if it involves risking your being. You are one of the best things in my life.

You are my best friend. I can sit for hours talking with you, I can sit for hours with you saying nothing at all. Contrary to what has happened, the truth is-

Aiolos' red eyes widened as he squeezed his head tighter. "I can't- control..."

Saga shut his eyes and shoved the papers back in his pocket.

Looked like he needed something quicker. Besides, he was the last person in the world who should give a speech on friendship after all he's done. "Lucas, give me ten minutes."

O|==================|O

"So that's what happened. My brother saw me fall and unable to walk, he panicked and summoned the nearest House!" grinned Aiolia, his face glowing by the light of the cosmos of the goddess.

The Scorpio brought his hand near his nose, his eyes as red as his lone red nail. It made a lot of sense and his Holiness spoke of his brother requiring aid. "But where is the Pope?" he asked as darted his head in the room as Zephyr trotted toward the wedding tea ceremony area and began to devour the freshly cut flowers left in the sacred vase.

"He is resting! He had been struggling to sleep. Don't worry, Saint Milo, we'll take care of him. But thank you for coming so quickly," the Goddess chimed as she entered the Inner Chambers. "I'm going to go check on them!"

Aiolia turned his head. "Don't worry, we got it." He waited for Milo to go, but yet he stayed. "Is there anything else?"

Milo nodded, his eyes shifting toward the Leo's arm. "You should probably see either a doctor or Aldebaran about that."

The Leo turned toward it anxiously. He wanted to go back and get that dagger in, but he needed Milo gone. "You're right, I'll do that!" he agreed hastily.

Milo frowned. "I'm serious! I once broke it in the same place when I slid on some ice. I had a party that I had to attend and so I used my cosmos to repair it on my own. The next day, I had to go spar with Deathmask and it was the first fight I faced where every Scarlet Needle I shot hurt worse than the person receiving it. By the end of the day, I ended up having the Cancer Saint rebreak my arm so that Shaka could heal it properly, ensuring the correct alignment of the bone."

"YES! YES! You're right! Good advice! I will ensure it happens." He needed to occupy the Scorpio. "Listen, while I go see the doctor, could you return Zephyr down to the stable veterinarian? I wasn't the only one who stumbled a bit."

Milo nodded. "I'll do better than that! I know a few silver-ringed nobles who have far more experienced personal veterinarians who are far more capable of tending to him than whoever is in the stables," he spoke as he walked over and clutched the reigns of the sandy stallion. "This is His Holiness' personal beast and deserves the very best," he spoke as he stroked the top of its head.

Aiolia felt a bit of relief, happy that something was clicking with the Scorpio. "Sure is. Plus, it's hard to find a good horse as brave as he is as well as one who isn't frightened by the cosmos."

"Exactly! After I get him checked out, would you like him to stay in one of the stables? I promise with but a few words, Zephyr can easily be set up with a box fit for a pureblooded stud, free of charge?"

Aiolia shook his head. "Nah, just get him checked out and take him to my house. Zephyr is a lot like his Master, one who just prefers the simple pleasures." The Leo waited until Milo was far off before he headed back to the Inner Chamber doors. While he didn't hear the slight stifles of screaming as before, some odd sounds were coming out.

"Wow...I forgot how good this is."

"Do you want more?"

"Oh yeah, keep it coming, Saga."

"So good! You like it?"

"I love it!"

"Yeah?"

"Yeah!"

"Want more?"

"Are you fucking kidding me!?" gasped Aiolia as he approached the door.

"Very creamy?"

"Exceptionally! But I like it on my fingers. Cleaning up is the best part!"

"YOU DO REALIZE ATHENA IS HERE RIGHT!?" barked the fifth guardian.

"Of course?"

"She wanted to join us!"

"Would like to join too, Saint Aiolia?"

The Leo's face went white before he used his good hand and opened the door. Sure enough, there the two were in front of the basket that the Demeter's Bakery had donated to 'Canon'. He guessed that Saga had used Another Dimension to bring to the duo, now they were eating cookie after cookie as if they were potato chips, with Athena daintily nibbling a couple as well. "Brother...how are you feeling?"

Aiolos turned up, his features still dark and sunken, but his eyes were at least blue again. "I think...I'm ready…" he muttered, heavily focused as if maintaining the calm that had been established. "All of you?"

Saga nodded as well as Athena. The Gemini, lifted the archer by his arm. It was probably best he guided him since it was clear that he wasn't affected by the Crimson arrows. He then saw his friend gave a focused gaze upon him. He knew what Aiolos wanted and as promised, passed over the bow to him. As the pair approached the Libra Cloth, the Gemini was quite impressed at how much movement Aiolos had. However, he guessed that while Aiolos could move his legs, his back wasn't healed enough to support his weight quite yet.

Aiolia picked up the box with his good hand.

"Don't look at it!" Aiolos snapped, his dark sunken eyes stared, nearly causing him to tumble.

"I know…" Aiolia assured taking no insult from it. It was just his brother being his brother, and he'll take that over the monster that Saga was when cursed. He turned his head to allow the Gemini to lift the golden dagger out.

Saga barely hovered the handle over Aiolos' hand before it was snatched right out. He turned to the archer and there was a strange look upon his eye. What the hell was going on? Doubt began to surface. The hope was that perhaps when Aiolos inserted it in, that perhaps the curse would vanish like a puff of smoke.

But there was something odd about Aiolos stare.

Before the Gemini could hesitate, Aiolos twirled it until the blade's tip aligned with the hole before sliding it in, red energy cracking and sparkling all around it.

But then something unexpected happened.

Aiolos took the handle and twisted it as if it were a key and various hidden glyphs illuminated around it.

Everyone turned toward a bright streak of red light that suddenly split into a perfect rectangular doorway.

Bits of cookie crumbs gently sucked into the mysterious entrance as all eyes were transfixed upon it.

"Cub...go tell the Old Master!" Saga nervously swallowed as he clutched his friend tighter, the red light reflecting upon his blues.

"I was thinking the same thing!" Aiolia muttered as he turned toward the stairs. "Should we pull the blade out?"

But Saga stared on for a few seconds before. Oh Goddess, they wanted to cure Aiolos, not open a fucking gateway to hell! His body tensed as he stared at the ruby light. At least nothing was coming out. "I have no idea…"

Even the Goddess shrugged her shoulders. "I don't either. But this is the only clue we have."

Saga turned down at his friend. "Aiolos? What do you think? Do you feel any different?" he spoke as the archer continued to have the oddest of appearances.

"Can't you hear it?" Aiolos muttered, his red eyes stared at the door. Without warning, his hand slammed against the Gemini's shoulder, dislocating it, causing him to fall over. Before the Gemini could grab him, Aiolos grasped the edge. The moment his hand crossed the plane, his body was sucked inside.

"AIOLOS!?" cried the Goddess.

Saga took his dislocated arm and with a heavy grimace, quickly set it back into place. Once more, Aiolos inability to walk didn't stop him from demonstrating his skills in a fight. He rushed to the door. Unable to see anything, he stuck his head out and gasped at the endless black mist and fog. "AIOLOS!" He screamed, but couldn't hear anything. Without any hesitation, he ran inside, parting the heavy fog around him. "AIOLOS!" He took a moment to make sure the doorway stayed open. Thankfully it wasn't a one-way passage. But where the hell was he!?

He turned his head toward the rectangular entrance. To his shock, the Goddess' hand was pressed against the surface, while Aiolia desperately was pounding upon its surface, unable to pass through as if it was scarlet glass. "Aiolia! I'LL FIND HIM!" Saga screamed, but judging by the cub's body language it was clear he couldn't hear him and vice-versa. He was about to run to it when the view vanished, yet left a thin ruby outline as if it was shut.

The Gemini turned away. "AIOLOS! SAY SOMETHING!" What is this place? It smelled strange too. When the wind blew one way, it was that of the pleasant holy scent of myrtle, but when it blew the other it was that of blood. "AIOLOS!" he screamed.

How the heck did he move so quickly despite being paralyzed?

O|==================|O

The large five-meter creature clutched the unconscious archer in its arm, his legs dangling in between the sharp claws. Despite its size, it moved at lightspeed like a bright comet until it reached a large chamber. Once there, it slowed down and gently laid the archer's body down.

Its black shiny eyes stared at his face before it brought its heavy claw close to the side of his face and a small light glimmered over the large bruise on the side of Aiolos' temple, causing it to shrink until it was gone.

The creature tapped his curly hair head a few times before a heavy snort followed and parted the curls that had clung to his face. The beast then turned its head and ran off, the heavy footsteps causing the room to rumble.

Not too far away, the Thirteenth Saint snuck inside. Unlike his Master, he preferred to avoid combat whenever possible, even among those lesser than him. However, he couldn't resist.

Ophiuchus Asclepius came across the Sagittarius laying so low to the ground that he had to take his hand to fan away the thick fog that covered him. "There you are…." he hissed delightfully as he found the archer at last. His eyes turned toward the bow that remained gripped in his hand. Even while unconscious he is trained to never allow it to leave his side. "It must be painful when he stole it and your horse from you… at least for a while. You probably felt angry...naked...betrayed..."

The figure reached down and cradled the ninth guardian as if he was his son and the figure was Madonna. It has been a long time since he's had more company around here. He pulls the sweaty curls from his face. This was far better than the dream world.

"You poor thing. Look what your love for Athena has brought you. You nearly died… you can't walk… you can't think straight….you are nearly a shell of your old self. But the worst part is…." He leaned down, his white hair rubbed against the side of Aiolos' face. "She and Aiolia betrayed you in favor of the one who has wrought all of this upon you. What a shame! All of the years you two spent together and they did...that right in front of nearly all of the Zodiac. You've sacrificed everything, but your life, and yet, you've gained nothing."

"But I… can change that. Behold the appetizer before the main course. Join us, and unlike Athena who has brought nothing but misery upon you, we will make certain you are a proper warrior once more. You will walk and run. You will fight. Your heart aches for it." The room shook with every step of the creature not too far off.

"Aiolos! Where are you!" shouted the Gemini in the distance.

His time was up. He must leave for now. Although he was quite curious about what the two will do.

"Think about it," he whispered before spirited off.

It had been centuries since someone living came to this realm and he wanted to join his Master in watching the show.

O|=============|O

Aiolos drew his hand to his face as he slowly began to hear something in his head. His red eyes darted wildly, feeling each thud of the large creature from afar. That was when he began to hear something.

Voices

But they weren't of the curse, they sounded familiar.

But from where?

His red eyes stared at the ceiling before he twisted his body. He attempted to use his bow as a cane, only for him to tumble. He felt so different here, unable to focus, his mind strangely lasered at the task of following them. His arms began to drag his body to the point that his nails began to break and bleed.

He has to keep going.

Up

.

.

Up

.

.

.

UP!

Not too far, Saga's eyes widened. Like water, the movement of the archer began to cause the thick fog to sway and swirl, the red headband illuminating against the haze. "AIOLOS!" Relief settled. The door may be shut, but at least the archer was around, clearing the fear that perhaps they both teleported in two separate dimensions. He ran under the archway where he crossed over from the surrounding void and into the large bright room. The stone walls gave off a mother-of-pearl shimmer and the ceiling was so transparent that he could see the stars as clear as if he was outside.

Saga rushed to his friend, grabbing him by his shoulders and picked him up. "Lucas!" he pleaded as he grasped his burning cheeks trying to get any sort of reply.

But Aiolos frantically jerked his head, taking his hand and pushing against his face. "I have to go. UP!" He muttered as he pointed his finger farther ahead. "They said they'll help me!" Aiolos screamed, his bloody hands lashing out frantically.

Saga could feel his breath. It almost felt like the archer was on fire. What was going on? "Who? Who are they?"

But Aiolos' produced a strange gauze, his eyes rolling back for a moment. "I..don't...know…" He muttered drunkenly. "Maybe they're not real. Maybe I just want to find an answer. Maybe there is no answer? Maybe I was never in a coma and I died in a rock quarry long ago."

Perhaps it was the never-ending darkness, the lack of sleep, the lack of medicine, or even the lack of an exit. But at that moment, the Gemini felt a couple of tears coming out, as he hugged what was left of his friend.

Saga felt as if he had lived the life of King Midas, he wished for gold, but everything he touched turned to ruin.

He didn't know how to cure Aiolos and even if he did, he didn't know how to get home.

Suddenly, the room shook and the Gemini turned his head. A large panda over five meters in height crawled in front of the pair before it stood upon its hind legs. Its paws, as large as their bodies, swung over.

"COME HERE!" it's large snout enunciated.

At that moment, the red-eyed archer's face nearly broke. "Saga...is that a talking panda? Oh Goddess...I really have gone crazy!"

The Gemini frowned. "Aiolos don't be ridiculous! The curse is making you see things that aren't there, hear things that don't exist…

...I on the other hand… don't have that excuse.

Therefore I am officially barking mad the old fashion way."

DING DING

The Gemini heaved heavily, his eyes as wide as dinner plates before he let out a scream that shattered every window, glass, vase, and picture frame in the room.

"Saga, calm down. You had a nervous breakdown."

He turned his head to see Dr. Krios standing over him, his bright lavender eyes twinkling as he removed his glasses to buff out the giant cracks in the center of the lenses, while the heavy handsome mane of bright green hair flowed flawlessly down his shoulders.

He was back in the Room of the Golden Orb for one last time.

O|=================|O

January 10ish

FINALE PART ONE

Saga has one last meeting with Dr. Krios, who decides it is time to confess his *cough* secret. Also, the Panda, once Aiolos stops screaming, explains where they are and what must be done.

O|=================|O

Author's Notes: Don't know why, but maybe it was the holidays or just writer burnout, but I just wasn't in the mood to write this chapter. But we are finally in the homestretch. I know it sounds like I've jumped the shark, but the place is not as crazy as it may seem.

Today's title is one of my favorite songs from a Broadway show called Avenue Q. Basically, this is about as low as it gets for the duo. Wasn't my intention to release a bummer of a chapter, but it is the last one before 2020 ends.

Read and Review, hope you enjoy it.

Jenny D