Waves keep coming and crashing at Cape Sounion. Kanon, resting high on the rocks, kept listening to them as a cat perched on a tree to escape some barking dogs. He was tired, so tired he could actually fell asleep in there. If he did, waves would eventually reach him, maybe pull him down, but he wouldn't fret. As the mighty Sea Dragon he would tame the tide and get back ashore. There were greater dangers than that, but he considered them improbable. No, wait a second, he had been unrelentingly training all day, fighting back the sea would not be so easy, much less without having slept and eaten properly. Staying there was definitely unwise.

Despite knowing that, he kept looking at the slow dance of colors in the sky, it was mesmerizing, even inviting… to… doze… off… …

– Sea Dragon Kanon… is that really you? – Kraken Isaac was coming out of the waves at that time. – Yes, it is you. Man, I can barely recognize you – Kanon barely looked at him when he approached – Hn, I guess it is a bad time?

– What do you want? – Kanon's tone was downright hostile

– Easy now, I'm not here because I want to – Isaac gave him a locket in the shape of a sea shell – Poseidon sends it.

– I don't think it's my style – Kanon was sure it was not a regular locket, but he couldn't recall anything about it. he kept from opening it, just in case

– I agree. – Kanon glared at Isaac demanding more information – All he told me was to give it to you and that I was sure to find you here, implying it was an urgent unavoidable delivery.

– it's delivered – Kanon kept the locket and turned to the sunset, disregarding Isaac completely

– Hey, don't be like that. I was hoping you could help me meet Hyoga.

– I thought you were not here because you wanted to

– Indeed, but here I am so I'd like to make the best of it

– Hn… what for?

– Hang out?

– After all this time? Wasn't he the one to kill you?

– I'm pretty much alive. We sorted out things at the time

Kanon wanted Isaac to get lost. If only he knew how to create another dimension…

– Don't make me hunt you down, Isaac… – Said Kanon standing up – I'm just waiting for an excuse to smite something down. – He stretched lazily – Wait at Rodorio's plaza tomorrow afternoon. Leave if he doesn't show up. – And turned away.

By the time the Helene reached the Gemini temple it was already late at night. He kept going up to Aquarius, to talk to his French friend.

– Kanon – Camus sort of greeted Kanon as soon as he stepped in the hall going to the private chambers.

– Hn? were you looking for me?

Camus nodded and pulled the door behind him, although he didn't close it

– Who did you picked a fight with? – Kanon frowned, pointing at the bruise on his left

– Shura… – Camus was really ashamed. Kanon blinked surprised – I think he found out…

– Darn, penguin. How the hell did that happened?

– I have no idea. He got real mad.

– Imagine what Milo would do. I should punch you too, great last thing I'll do. – Camus looked aside, but Kanon couldn't bring himself to do it since he gave his consent. – Do you know where are they?

– They left the day afterwards. I'm not sure where to.

– Together?

– Yes, I guess Shura took Milo away, hopefully to keep him from finding out, but I think rather to keep him from doing something extreme.

– or to try to put the pieces back together. – Kanon's mean look made Camus teary eyed on guilt. Like he needed any more of it, but…

– He is not my owner! I can do whatever the hell I want and the only person I need to report to is Athena!

– Enough of that. If that is truly how you feel, then tell him that so he can move on! – Kanon was losing his patience – You are being selfish, emperor penguin. You have him all for yourself but you don't reciprocate. - the Helene couldn't help to hug him like he was a little kid, and he found disturbing how lost the French should be to accept the gesture. – Camus, you need to stop doing things you'll regret later. Seriously. – He let go of the younger man and pushed him towards the private chambers. – Now we are both in a mess. Let's hope the goat can mitigate the damage… – but Kanon stopped in his tracks – Is Hyoga in? Now we can't get caught alone until this get fixed, or Milo could snap.

– Yes, we were having dinner… – Camus pushed open the door – Do you really think so?

– Do you really doubt it? – Kanon then turned to greet Hyoga.

– Would you join us? – Asked Camus

– Yes, why not? – He said stumbling on the nearest chair. Camus brought him some Russian dish he hadn't tried before. – Thanks – The Gemini began eating without asking what it was, only then he remembered how hungry he was.

– Actually, I came because I just met Kraken Isaac at the beach

– Really, how is he? – Hyoga was interested

– Didn't ask specifics. But he wanted to meet you. I told him to wait tomorrow in the afternoon at Rodorio's plaza, but I also told him to scram if you don't show up.

– May I go? – Asked Hyoga to Camus

– As you like.

– Then I'll give you the same warning I gave him. Don't make me hunt you down, Cygnus. I'm just waiting for an excuse to smite something down… – Kanon sighed and turned to Camus – Do you think Shion is still awake as to drop by?

– It's still early. But why would you meet him all of a sudden?

– A Kraken wouldn't come to shore just to play with a Swan

Kanon was really concerned about the locket. Why had Poseidon sent it?

A week or so for Shura and Milo became two weeks and a half. Considering how long had the Spaniard been away from home, it was due, yet it was nothing. After the old lady showed them around, he spend most of the time with her, while the Hellene got the chance to clear his mind out in the mountains by himself. But the general meeting was approaching, and both had to go back.

– Will you go back soon? – Milo asked Shura once they arrived to the Sanctuary

– Not anymore – Shura kept on going up the stairs – I went there to bid grandma farewell. I got nothing else to do there.

Well, it'd made sense. That old sweet lady didn't quite looked in the best health, but still…

– Shura, – Milo's call stopped his friend and made him turn around – I did not want to meddle in your affairs, so I kept from asking you anything ... but if you need to talk to someone, I'm always available.

Shura sort of smirked and patted Milo's head before going up the stairs again. The Scorpio blinked surprised, it's been ages since the last time the Capricorn did that. Suddenly he felt like he was a kid again.

After dropping all their stuff each in their chambers, Milo went down to the gym while Shura joined Shiryu and Dokko on their training at the cliffs

The saints in the wilderness had barely started when they got an unusual visitor

– It's so rare to find you out, more so here in the wild. What do we owe the honor?

Shiryu wondered who Dokko was talking to. He turned to Shura, who was already looking at the person in question. Kanon was approaching from the bushes... Or was it Saga?

– I'm afraid I don't know what to do with myself when I'm not in the Pope's studio – It was Saga. The bushes at first didn't allow the Dragon to see what he was wearing until he was almost next to Dokko – Good morning

– Good morning – Greeted the dragon

– What is there to do on a day off? Come on, sit. Let's enjoy this beautiful day.

Saga complied, then he turned to Shura.

– I never saw you train like this before. What are you up to?

– Both Dokko and Shion told us about Capricorn el Cid Rodrigo, who developed the ultimate Excalibur, a sharp burst of cosmos that could cut through everything.

– Sadly neither Shion nor I saw directly how he accomplished this. – Explained Dokko – He came up with it during a fierce battle and died shortly afterwards. No other Excalibur wielder had ever done anything of the sort, to our knowledge. The kids have been working hard trying to figure out how to do it.

– Kids? – The emphasis was in the plural

– I gave my Excalibur to Dragon Shiryu when we first met. He already wields it like his own

– The sharpest sword and the toughest shield...

– I always get very popular disciples. – Said Dokko real proud.

No more words were exchanged. Dokko was relaxing taking his tea and Saga sat next to him with his mind full of things he could not order properly while Shura and Shiryu trained in the creek

– You are going to end up more exhausted than us if you keep that up. – Pointed out Shura after a long while

Saga just blinked surprised and sighed. He wondered if he was distracting them by being there.

– Time out is time out... – Whispered Dokko

To distract himself he decided to pay more attention to Shura and Shiryu. As usual, Shura's movements had rhythm, it's wasn't difficult for Saga to pick it up and follow the sound. Such familiar sensation. But wouldn't that make Shura's attacks predictable? But when Shiryu joined him the dynamics changed. So the Gemini figured out Shura must adapt himself to his opponent and whether he could win or not would depend on his adaptability and endurance. Shiryu had also figured out Shura's weakness and exploited it mercilessly, taking every opportunity to throw the Capricorn off rhythm. Yet they seemed to be at a tie, neither could touch one another to decide their battle. But a moment arrived when Shura began landing hits, imposing his own rhythm to the battle, which was a clear sign of Shiryu getting either tired or distracted. When the Capricorn finally knocked him to the floor, Dokko stopped the fight

– For the time being it's clear Shura has more patience and endurance than you Shiryu and he used that to his advantage. It's an interesting change on strategy for the sake of workout but I'd advice against that in a real battle.

– He is too strong to take on head first. – Said Shura

– True, but you are not equally matched yet

– I wanted to secure victory, not gamble with it. I knew I could tire him out

– You assumed you could tire him out, and assuming is a gamble too. This time you won. But remember both of you, the main point of a fight is victory, not a lengthy campaign, benefits are reduced as the battle goes on, and if you both burn all your resources in a single battle it will be unlikely you can stay in the war. Shiryu, learn from Shura, for imposing his will on the opponent, not letting his opponent impose their will on him, and for seizing victory as soon as the opportunity appeared. Yet beware, Shura, this boy has you pretty much figured out, you have shown him the same pattern of behavior too many times already. He is sure to give you a surprise one of this days. Engage your opponent with what they expect to make them grow arrogant and predictable, so they don't see the moment you strike. Engage your enemy with the unknown to keep them confused and at bay. Now, let's eat, you too Saga.

Sunrei then took the lunch basket they had brought and began setting up the picnic.

– I wouldn't like to...

– A favorable outcome doesn't come from hopping your friends won't appear unexpectedly but rather from the fact you are prepared to welcome them at any time. – Said the Libra saint giving Saga a bowl and showing him they had carried much more than they actually needed, so having Saga over was no problem

– I'm pretty sure the proverb doesn't goes that way, Dokko. – Said Saga accepting the invitation to lunch

– But it works all the same, no?

So they began lunch, and it called Saga's attention how nobody said a word and yet the atmosphere was pretty enjoyable. Meals with Milo, Shura and Camus were always a lengthy conversation, mostly because of the Scorpio.

Once they finished, both Shiryu and Sunrei began cleaning the dishes in the water, while the others prepared to head back to the sanctuary.

– What is it? – Asked Shura to Saga once Dokko got distracted in his contemplation of the beautiful surroundings

– Do you often hang out with Milo and Camus?

– And Kanon, yes

Shiryu noticed how his brother's name disturbed Saga. As if his thoughts got entangled like threads on a loom. It seemed Shura did that on purpose.

– ... Is Camus alright? – Saga's question dragged Dokko's attention although he didn't show it – He's been acting like something spook him…

Shura side glanced the Pope as evaluating what to say

– Don't get involved – He stated matter of factly as usual

– That bad? – Saga looked down concerned

– As much as you'd like to keep him out of harm's way, you can't possibly protect him from himself. If you try, all you'll accomplish would be breaking the black ice in which he stands and fall with him. Just don't, Saga. Concentrate on Kanon instead

That would be the second time Shiryu heard Shura say Camus stood in black ice. What was happening?

– You sound like you were the one who punched him… - he gave his friend a suspicious look

– It was me indeed.

The Libra was really surprised. He considered the Capricorn to be the most neutral almost passive among all gold saints and least prone to physical violence. what did the Aquarius do to earn a direct hit from him?

- why? – Asked the former Gemini

- so that nobody else would

What? So without Shura's interventions things would have escalated?

- are you sure you won't tell me what happened? – Saga insisted

- there's no need

Of course Saga was not convinced, but getting Shura to talk once he decided not to was nearly impossible.

– What about Milo?

– Inevitable collateral damage, yet I bet he'll live

– And Kanon...?

– Knowing him, he would more likely throw a rope and break the ice, just to move on. As things stand, it might be the best we can hope for. But I'm not sure where exactly he stands in this whole mess, I haven't seen him since the night before I left. – To Shiryu it was evident Saga wanted to know more yet he hesitated to ask, and that seemed to put Shura in a bad mood.

– What were you doing? – He asked finally

– Getting drunk, what else? – Was Shura's sharp answer. Dokko made a resigned gesture. Saga looked at him annoyed, but Shura was unaffected. Shiryu could not picture the scene. – Don't worry, we ran dry real early so there was no chance to get as wasted as we wanted.

Saga sighed. Shura was still mad at him from yelling at Kanon – Shura, I'm sorry…

– You do are aware it is not me the one you should apologize to, right?

– Yes. But I cannot find him

– Why would that be? If anyone threated me as badly I wouldn't want to see them again. Might even regret being born.

– What do you mean?

Shura came to a complete halt.

– Guys, please go ahead. – he meant their companions

– Shura… - Shiryu had a very bad feeling about this.

– Shiryu, Sunrei, let's go – they walked away

– "If I hadn't been born, Saga would have been simply the son of a fisherman, Athena would have never been away from her sanctuary, Shion would have had more time to make better preparations to face Hades and nobody would have died by Poseidon's flood because he would still be sleeping in that jar."

– Huh?

– That was what Kanon was thinking the very moment you choose to yell at him how much of a disgrace he is to the gold saints.

– w-what?

– You publicly humiliated and discredited the very man who opened us a safe path through enemy territory straight to its core so we had a chance at victory, Saga.

Shura's words were like a cold water bucket poured on Saga. He had no idea what to say

– I-I was so mad for finding him like that…

– No wonder, but didn't it occurred to you there must had been a reason?

Saga looked down and shook his head.

– It was not the first time I ever found him wasted senseless in board daylight

– the question remains. Just now you said you were sorry, but what exactly are you apologizing for? Because, if you excuse me saying this straight forward out loud, I think all you are sorry about is that I caught you slashing at him at very vulnerable moment. Otherwise you'd be apologizing to him. - Shura turned to leave, but…

– I tried, – Saga made his friend turn around again – Shura, I've tried countless times and…

– As long as you cry on dry eyes he won't care one way or the other. – He tried to walk away

– Do you honestly think I don't care? – Saga remained in his place

– What I think doesn't matter. – Shura stopped too, like calling forth all of his patience – What you think it's the issue here

– What I think?

– Yes… – Shura turned once more to face a confused Saga. – Each time you catch Kanon doing something… let's say inappropriate, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? – Saga was about to answer, but Shura stopped him – Save it, I don't want to know. Just go back, for example, to the time you found him wasted at Gemini's altar. Who were you concerned about the most? Athena, the temple, the rest of us, him or you? – Such a question caught Saga completely off-guard – Or at the time he picked a fight with Mu? Or when Ikki asked you if it'd be alright to train with him? Or when Mu told you he loved Kanon? Who were you concerned about the most? If it was not Kanon himself... well, there you have your actual problem.

Himself, was the immediate answer in Saga's mind. The Pope sent an indignant glare to the imprudent Capricorn. What was wrong with that? It was clear that at any of those times Saga had cared the most about how Kanon's actions had an effect on himself and on the image they reflected to the rest of the Sanctuary.

– Have you ever been thrown stones at, Shura? – Saga spoke low, slow and in Spanish. That was surely the first time the Capricorn felt in his own skin the magnitude of the former Gemini's resentment in his cosmos. Even the Libra and Dragon saints along with the young girl felt it and they were not even within hearing radius. – Have you ever been chased out of somewhere? Have you ever been denied help while injured, sick, hungry or thirsty? Have you ever been called a curse and wish death just by existing, Shura? – The Capricorn was greatly surprised by the drastic switch in the Pope, and even scared but he held his ground – Of course I care about what people think of me the most, I was close to dying several times because of that before I even learned about Athena's Sanctuary. But talking about things present, the image we portray to the rest of the world directly affects the people's trust and therefore their willingness to cooperate with us in times of crisis. Without their cooperation, we can't possibly save them all! Yet he keeps falling into questionable practices without the slight remorse! He might be strong, fast and clever, but he is not helping us at all by setting such bad examples for the other saints, cadets and people in general!

- Oh, and you think because he is such a bad example Milo, Camus and I respect him? – Shura kept speaking in Spanish - Do you honestly think Mu would fall in love with such a bad example? Would such a bad example manage to coach Ikki, Seiya, Shun, Shiryu, Hyoga or Kiki with such good results? – well, he might have a point. – And what kind of image do you think you portray by pouring salt in his fresh wounds at every opportunity? – two points… The gold saint sighed and continued in a calmer voice – You ought to know bastards are not very welcomed in any family, Saga. – He pointed at himself – At least your father protected you. I have no idea who my father even was, well until last week, but because of that, there was no room for me in the family I happened to crash in. – Saga's anger toned down, he had forgotten that little tiny fact about Shura – Still, I have to admit I was never threated as poorly as you mention, mostly thanks to grandma, she was the one to look out for me the most. But you, Saga, on the other hand… you are nothing like her, you are actually not different from that people, – Saga blinked surprised and offended – From the people who hurt you, ignored you, chased you away, cursed you… because you heartily agree with them

– How dare you…?!

– Thus you act just like them against Kanon every time anyone else interacts with him in any way you don't like.

– How could you say such a thing? Trainees were not allowed to venture out of the Sanctuary premises, yet I risked myself sneaking away to check of him, to take him anything he might need out in the wild. Food, cloths, medicines. Nobody knew he existed, I could just not do that, nobody would have known, even if he died!

– And you did it out of genuine concern, duty or guilt? – Saga didn't really know what to answer to that. Shura continued – A curse, that's what people called you, because you had a twin brother, because of Kanon. And so Kanon is the reason you couldn't lead a normal life with your parents. You put the blame on him. And he carries it around wherever he goes. And every time you rub it in his face, he takes it with next to no complain… I hope you never wished him dead out loud, much less to his face. But even tho you didn't need to. It is enough you believe things would be better if he hadn't existed to make him believe the same.

Now that was a death blow. He could almost hear how Saga's inner self shattered.

– I-I've… – Saga shook his head in disbelief – There was… there was not a place we could stay. We were chased out wherever we went. But once brought us here, once I got this chance to prove I was none of what people said of me, I took it, and I worked real hard for years to get rid of that image…

– I guess you could said you succeeded since most people regarded Gold Saint Gemini Saga as the most magnanimous and fair person alive. – Conceded Shura

– But not once did he ever cared to shake off the stigma!

– Because Kanon had always known he's got nothing to prove to anyone. Well, anyone but you. – Saga was shocked – but you never believed in him, so he just stopped trying. He realized if you too believed what other people said of him, then it must be true. he believed in you. You want to know why he never wanted to join you here? That's the reason. You believed he was a curse, you made him believe he was a curse, and since curses are not wanted anywhere, he decided to stay away from you so at least you could have a better chance at life. Without you too, his chances at surviving would improve too, so being apart was the best bet.

– Kanon…

– You should be the first one to protect him, yet most of the time you are the first one to condemn him. – Said Shura softly, more sad than angry – You always think the worst of him, not giving him the benefit of doubt. You should try not to jump into conclusions about him. Yes, he is very manipulative, sneaky, crafty and ruthless, nobody can deny that. He has very unorthodox yet practical ways to get things done, granted. But oddly enough, most of the time he's only trying to be useful. At least in my experience, he has always been the first one to offer me a hand whenever I needed it, saved my life a few times even. – Shura continued in Greek – The fact he doesn't do things your way doesn't means he is a total waste of space…For example, he's been coaching Camus on some subject for a while now

– Some subject?

Shura shrugged, he never asked what it was

– Once a week they meet in the library after lunch, spend one to two hours at it, then each continue separately until they leave for the day. Before that, he used to help around in the library, tackling down the mess in the unclassified section mostly by himself

– What happens during morning?

– Kanon works out daily at the coliseum gym from breakfast to lunch. Hidden of course. No free days for that.

– What does he do the rest of the week in the afternoon?

– Kanon and Camus continue their studies on a field trip following next day. I ignore the details. Then all four of us train together one day and I understand he trains Ikki two nonconsecutive days.

– That makes five, the other two? – Saga was perplexed, ashamed of himself and proud of him for being so constructive.

– I don't know. Going to town to get supplies, mentoring Seiya and his friends on this and that, caring for the temple, doing laundry, perhaps hanging out with Mu… - Shura scratched his head - We don't get drunk that often, Saga, we don't even drink that much. I've only been hangover once in my life and he wasn't even involved, yet if he hadn't been around I might not be even talking to you right now. I had to learn the hard way intoxications suck. – with a gesture, Shura invited Saga to continue walking with him - if he were half as bad as you think he is, there wouldn't be anyone to care for him anywhere you look. But right now, if you go to Rodorio and some other villages, impersonating him, you'll find a lot of people greeting him, glad to see him, looking for his help or checking if by chance they could be of service. Just as with any other of us.

– It's a shame to count out hanging around with Mu from that list. If only they'd make amends…– Said Dokko with a deep sigh, Saga and Shura turned to him – Sorry to eavesdrop, I was worried you too would fight.

– make amends? What happened?

– Huh? Don't you know Mu and Kanon had a mayor fight at the end of the last meeting? – Dokko could not remember whether the Capricorn was or not at the main hall… Both Shura and Saga stopped in their tracks – The kid teleported both of them away. when they came back Mu entrenched himself at Virgo. Kanon tried to see him but Mu send him off, and I think they haven't met ever since.

– Now that would explain why he was drunk to begin with…

Saga had no time to ask more about it. his sixth sense made him turn towards the coliseum, something real bad was happening over there

– What is it? – Dokko caught up quickly on Saga's sudden alarm

– Something is happening... There are disturbances in the coliseum

They rushed over there.

– You cannot keep us in here!

– We want to go back

– Guys, please calm down. – Albiore had arrived almost as soon as the mess with his students started. But even he was being overwhelmed by the situation

– Go back to where? – Said Saga standing in the arena

– Pope Saga – Albiore immediately bowed to him in respect

– Andromeda island! – Called several of Albiore's disciples

– But you have in here all you need. Cepheus Albiore, have anything been amiss?

– Not really, your holiness.

– There is nothing left in Andromeda island. Why would you want to go back there?

– It's our home!

– We don't want to be in this nest of lies!

– And we don't want to talk to you either

– We want a hearing with Athena!

Reticulum Reda and Triangulum Spika threw their chains against Pope Saga. But another chain intercepted them and pulled them away

– Shun!

– Guys! You ought to calm down. There's nothing you can gain from attacking the Pope – Shun was desperate to contain the situation before anyone else decided to take sides. Other bronze and silver saints were watching and wondering. This kind of disturbance could quickly escalate out of control.

– Shun, release them. There shouldn't be any more fights among comrades. – Said Saga

– Kids, please, put down your weapons. – Albiore kneeled down – Your holiness, I beg of you please spare them

– Stand up Albiore, there's no need to beg. Let's just discuss this. If your students want a hearing with a Athena there's no reason to deny it.

Saga was making a real effort to remember whose training session this was supposed to be. Some gold saint should be in charge of this particular class but who...?

– So you are running away, eh? Figures. – Said Aphrodite walking into the arena. Yes, he was the designated instructor – I once heard the only cure for stupidity was death... Whoever said that certainly didn't had to deal with this kind of maggots. – As he approached Shun's friends, they backed away.

– You cannot keep us in here...

– Of course we can, but why would we want to waste so much effort in the likes of you? The exit is over there, - pointed out Aphrodite - it doesn't even have an actual door. Go lightly on your feet at your earliest convenience, only please leave your holy cloths on their boxes on your way out.

– What? They are rightfully ours!

– Nonsense! They were made to serve and protect Athena, you can't just take them wherever you want unless it is in her benefit and this meaningless tantrum clearly is not. You are merely their bearers not their owners. If you wish to forsake her for your own silly ambitions do it on your own risk, but the cloths stay where they belong! – A burst of Aphrodite's cosmos stripped the kids from the cloths.

– Guys! – Albiore wanted to interfere, but Shun got his arm

– Aphrodite! – Called the Andromeda, but he only got a side glance from the Pisces.

Saga stepped forward as a barrier between the disturbance and the spectators. He had no intention of interfering further, it was Aphrodite's class after all.

– Also, before you go, allow me to remind you the punishment for desertion is death. Do you really want to go through that again? I don't really mind getting the world rid of such miserable scumbags...

– You, demon...

– Murderer!

– Go on, run, hide, cry, beg... No matter where you go, no matter what you do. There's no way such sorry excuses of saints can hide from me. I will find you, oh, but i'll take my time. I'll wait until you rebuild your ridiculous island, maybe even until you settle down and build a family. Then i'll go and crush it all while you watch defenseless and hysterical. I might even enjoy some marshmallows in the fires. And what exactly would you do then to stop me I wonder? – At that point Reda threw his chain at the Pisces, it did nothing but wrap itself around Aphrodite's arm, so he pulled from it and Reda fell to his feet. – What could you possibly do with this insignificant power level? If you cannot protect yourselves from me, what can Athena expect from you? How do you intend to protect her from anyone else? – Aphrodite stepped on Reda – Do you hate me? Do you fear me? Do you wish to trash me around good? – He then spoke to the rest of the class – If that is so, you should really stop your whining and pay attention to class! Use all that determination to at least try not to make Albiore look ridiculous! It took two gold saint to bring him down and he is only a silver saint! As his students you should be ashamed of yourselves! He died trying to protect you and all you aspire to do is crawl in shame like vermin! And like vermin you will die, busted and in pieces if you don't take this training seriously and begin improving! And don't you tell me it's impossible because there he is the living proof it is possible – Aphrodite pointed at Shun – So on your feet and let's keep going! – The Pisces shook the chains in his arm like a whip and then dropped them on Reda's back – We've wasted enough time already and there's a long way to go! You are stuck with me until you manage to justify your existence! You may come at me later if you wish, I'm not going anywhere, but first you ought to make it worth it!

Impressively enough, all of Albiore's students disregarded the rest of their classmates, their mentor, Shun, and even Saga, and began following Aphrodite instructions

– Day one of Aphrodite's training... – Mumbled Saga. – The rest of you have no intention to join the class? – He asked the other bronze saints who were just standing in their places. All of them rushed to follow the Pisces.

– I'll go too. – Said Shun excusing himself from his mentor and the pope.

– Please support Aphrodite, Shun. – Said Albiore. The kid nodded and left

– My students had been restless since the golden saints were appointed these weekly classes, knowing they'll eventually had to face either Aphrodite or Milo. I did feared some sort of riot will unfold but... My apologies, your holiness, I was hoping Shun's presence would help reduce any negative issue that might have arisen

– Such terrifying personality... – Said Saga watching the class now from the grandstand – There's no need to apologize. You yourself are not less weary of both Pisces, Scorpio or me, than those kids, Albiore. Still, I thank you for your support.

– It is Athena's wish that we work together, and so I will whatever I can to fulfill that wish.

Saga stayed there watching the class and thinking about what Shura said. He was the Pope, yet those saints held very little respect for him given how two of them attacked him without the slight hesitation. And that wasn't Kanon's doing. That was his own. And thinking about it, that was only an example, he simply did not wanted to notice. Blaming Kanon had always been easier, but it had to stop.

At night, up in Pisces temple, Aphrodite was more than ready to go to sleep. But just as he was about to turn to the private chambers, an odd feeling called his attention towards the rose gardens.

– It isn't the Equuleus girl… – He mumbled to himself walking outside. He paid attention, but his senses told him nothing, so he concentrated, but neither his intuition nor the cosmos could give more information. It was real creepy. Still the roses were restless, so he channeled them and decided to turn left away from the stairs.

Eventually he saw someone sitting on a bench, but the dim light didn't allowed Aphrodite to identify the intruder until he was a few steps away.

– If you are contemplating suicide, you can find yourself a nice resting spot under the bushes and feed my roses. It would be like going to sleep. Of course there's a very high chance your brother comes looking for you here, which would put me in the dire position of getting rid of the evidence, turn you in or pretend to be surprised, since the roses don't decompose carrion that fast. In any case, I will never hear the end of it so please if you don't mind spare me the mess and go look somewhere else.

– What makes you think I came here looking for death? – Replied Kanon

– Everybody knows my roses are deadly, nobody comes here with any other thoughts in mind except that Equuleus girl who swears she likes my garden. Besides, you reek of frustration and sorrow so bad you are making my roses uneasy

– Is that how you find me?

– Yes

Kanon smiled – You got me worried for a moment there… And what makes you think Saga will look for me AND find me, more importantly?

– I'd be amazed if he doesn't notice your death. And once he does that, he'll freak out and leave no stone unturned until he finds you, starting by the sanctuary grounds of course.

– You sound too sure

– Do you honestly think he wouldn't care?

– Oh, he would care, but I doubt it'd be out of concern…

– What else is there?

– Reputation, for starters

– About that, your death would barely qualify as another stripe for a tiger. Do I really need to list all of his past crimes to you? All of which, by the way, were forgiven too, so you know. Filial negligence isn't punishable by itself especially when you make it such a pain to interact with you… Besides, using suicide as revenge is what I'd expect from a lousy emotional teenager, not from a full grown man. It'd be the lowest blow, and you know it. You know it'd hurt, and it hurts because he is concerned about you.

– You truly are sheer poison, Pisces. Even your words.

– Thank you. What have you been looking for on all the temples, if I may know?

– Huh?

– You have been to every single one.

– I've been everywhere, just getting to know the place…

– Didn't you already know the place? It hasn't changed much in 13 years. You have been visiting the temples in order one by one, facing the guardians, as do everyone looking to meet Athena… You do are aware all you need to meet her is just go straight up, right? You are one of her saints.

– Peace… – Said Kanon all of a sudden, although in a voice so low, Aphrodite really had to struggle to figure out the words – At Virgo it's like a void, at Cancer is like darkness, at Leo is like looking at a bonfire, at Taurus it's like a sunny day in open field, at Capricorn it's like the mist in a mountain, at Sagittarius is like the afternoon rain, at Libra is like a waterfall, at Scorpio is like staring at the starry sky…

– In here is like a cemetery – Said Aphrodite wondering why he skipped both Aries and Aquarius but unwilling to ask.

– That's what it is, isn't it?

– Yes, my roses thrive on the corpses of all those insolent pest who dared attempt against Athena carelessly. That soil was once people…

– As is the rest of the world. New generations thrive on the remains of the last. – Kanon stood up. Aphrodite followed him back to the temple. But when he saw the Gemini taking the path down the temples he couldn't help to point it out

– Athena is the other way. You better finish what you started. – He warned – Now that you've been to all 12 temples is only logical you keep going up. You might find what you look for there, the peace of forgiveness…

– I've been forgiven already by Athena, and I don't need Saga to forgive me anything

– That is not the kind of forgiveness I meant, nor the one you need. Good night.

What a dark, dark night it was. Saga was tired, so tired he had to call all of his willpower to get to his bed. The training had been hard, he was both physically and mentally exhausted. Just a bit longer and he'll be in his bed... But no, he was all sweaty and covered in dirt, he even had a bloody cut in his left fist. He wouldn't dare climb on his bed like that. But a bath? He was certain he'll fall asleep in there. All he could think off was grabbing a cushion from the sofa. Upon reaching his room, he kicked off his sandals, pants and shirt, tore the blanket from its place and laid in the ground, using the cushion as pillow after wrapping it in a towel of the bathroom.

He had just laid down, when he noticed he was not alone.

– Are you really going to sleep in the floor?

– Kanon? – It was too dark to see him but there was no mistake. His little brother was sitting in the bed looking down to him – What are you doing here? How did you get here? – Saga was both overjoyed and worried. They would be in a hell of trouble if anyone found out he was there.

– You better take a shower and sleep in your bed. You didn't came all the way here to sleep like a dog.

– I'm too tired to move...

– Come on, I'll help you – Kanon stood up and helped his brother up. In the darkness they went to the bathroom and Saga stripped to get to the bath tub, while Kanon managed the faucets. They didn't turned on the lights hoping that would keep anyone from coming into the temple. Saga couldn't help but to sit down in the tub, he couldn't keep himself standing. He began washing his hair but he was so tired he couldn't keep his hands up. So Kanon finished the task and also soaped him all over and rinsed him clean. Saga was falling asleep when Kanon accidentally rubbed one of the scrapes in his arm, making him jump startled.

– What?

– Nothing, a scrap

– Is it bad?

– No.

– Was training hard?

– Yes

– Are you alright?

– Yes. I just want to sleep

– Let's go. Careful not to trip – Kanon turned the faucets and got into the tub to help his brother up. He then gave him a towel – Where are your clothes?

– Should be in the chest by the bed... – Said Saga drying himself.

So Kanon went there and brought back some clothes for his brother.

– Let's go.

The kids went back to the bedroom. Saga immediately climbed onto the bed.

– Kanon? – But his little brother stayed a few steps away from it – Come on, I'm tired.

– May I sleep with you?

What's with the weird question?

– Sure, where else would you sleep? It's too late to go back to Rodorio.

Kanon hesitated, but then he took off his sandals and pants and climbed in the bed with his brother.

Saga hugged him and smiled

– I hid some sweet bread for you. Let's eat it tomorrow – Whispered a drowsy Saga – I'm glad you are here

But the younger boy didn't reply right away

– Do you love me, Saga?

– I do. I've missed you

– Don't you think I'm evil?

– Annoying tops, but not evil. Have anyone been telling you lies again?

– Would you love me if I were evil?

– I will always love you, Kanon. You are not evil. You are my brother. Don't listen to nonsense. I'd like you to stay here with me, we could train with the others and lunch together everyday

– No, if I stay here, nobody should know about it or it will happen the same as in the villages, they would chase us out...

– But how could you hide? Pope Shion and other saints come here often, they'll find you anyways. Might as well tell them, I don't want you so far away. I want to go back home with you.

– Don't be ridiculous. What if we get sick again? What if we ran out of food? At least people care for you in here

– But even if you stay in here, you'll be all alone. I'm almost always out.

– But I'll be here when you come back. – Said Kanon more cheerfully – Don't worry, I found something to help me hide.

– What?

– If you don't tell anyone, nobody would ever know I'm here...

Saga moved restless in his sleep. In the dim light of his dream, he saw a silvery gleam on his little brother's face, and he shivered in fear.

At first Kanon had no idea where he was. There was the sunset in the horizon, and he had to hide from it behind some rocks because it burned. Somehow he felt he was running out of time. Something was going to happen once the light were gone, he was being haunted. He jumped out of his hideout and ran looking for something, he had to find it before the light faded over the land. His bare feet sank deep in sand that felt like needles on his skin. The roar of the sea was deafening. But he didn't stop, he wouldn't dare.

Then Kanon saw what he was looking for. Saga was out there in the beach, the waves danced around him, splashing against his golden armor shinning with the last rays of light.

The younger Gemini reached out for him but he was too far away, he couldn't even hear him scream, he wouldn't turn to look at him.

And Kanon could not move. He looked down, to his feet hidden by the water. He was trapped in quicksand and sinking fast as the tide went up. And no matter what he did, he couldn't call Saga's attention. So he rose his cosmos instead...

Saga's sixth sense made him jump out of bed.

– Kanon! – He looked around in frantic terror without recognizing his surroundings, his cosmos rising too resonating with his brother's. "What's happening? Where are you?"

Kanon was trapped to his waist in sand and each time the waves came they covered him.

The last one didn't even let his risen hand out of the water. The world went dark and hard. He was down in the water dungeon again, he couldn't breathe at all and the waves trashed him inside like in a rattle.

A powerful one came crashing against the prison bars and held him against the wall with an ever increasing weight. Kanon thought his ribcage was going to get crushed. But the pain he felt actually came from his face.

A silvery gleam around his mouth and nose kept him from breathing, from even opening his mouth. He tried to reach it and tore it off his face but he found himself chained to the rocks...

The powerful disturbance ripped off every single gold saint from their night rest. It came from the cemetery. They all rushed over.

Mu was the first one to arrive, he teleported there along with Aldebaran, Shaka and Aioria. They found Kanon writhing in pain over an unmarked pair of graves. The Aries immediately knew he was dreaming, but before he could do anything about it, the gate to another dimension appeared and Saga came stumbling out of it reaching for his brother

– KANON! KANON! WAKE UP!

The mask... The silvery mask had attached itself to his face, biting at his flesh with an iced metallic touch. Terrified of it, Kanon struggled to reach it and take it off. It was asphyxiating him.

"The more you fight, the more you will suffer" called a voice "Accept it, become one with it. It's your destiny. You can't escape it."

Saga had to hold his brother's arms, he was badly hurting himself flailing about, fighting whatever nightmare he was victim of. So instead of grabbing his own neck or face, Kanon got hold of Saga's arm across his chest, hurting him instead. The older twin didn't seemed to notice as he held his sibling against himself, keeping his head against his shoulder.

– Kanon, wake up, please wake up. It can't reach you, it's not real, I destroyed it. I destroyed it! Wake up, wake up...

He was panicking too and the other saints had not the least idea of what was going on.

Mu then felt another cosmos around them. He channeled it, it was downright hostile but it seemed familiar. It allowed him to see something like a silvery ghost covering Kanon's face, keeping him from breathing normally. And by the lack of oxygen, Kanon was losing his strength, his will to fight...

– You can't have him! – Yelled Saga holding his brother tightly – He is the Gemini saint, he is Athena's saint! He is nothing like you, we are nothing like you. Leave him alone! – Saga's cosmos burned and so did Kanon's resonating with his. The alien cosmos vanished and the silvery ghost burst. Then Athena's cosmos shrouded them like a protective mantle and even Poseidon's.

Whatever assaulted Kanon seemed to retreat, allowing him to breathe again, but his body became limp in his brother's arms, who refused to let go. Saga was shaking, frightened beyond anyone had ever seen. He kept whispering unintelligible words in his brother's ear, stroking his hair with a trembling hand. By then, all other gold saints were already there, but the only one who dared approach them was Shion

– Saga...

– Where did it go?

– I didn't see it. It's not in here.

– It must be! It almost got him... but how? I destroyed it... I destroyed it, didn't I? Shion!

– Yes…

– Then how...? How is it possible...?

– I don't think it'd be that easy. That thing has been around as long as the Gemini cloth itself.

– He is the Gemini saint now, not me. It should leave him alone...

– It could just go after you all the same.

– Let it try... I'll blast it away as many times as required... It didn't get us before, It won't do it now...

Shion looked at Dokko and he nodded. Then he teleported the twins away

– Dokko... – Called Mu. The Libra turned around. – What happened? Who were they? – The Aries meant the graves

– Our comrades Defteros and Aspros, the previous Gemini saints. – But the graves weren't marked...

– And what... what was that on Kanon's face? – Mu was seriously disturbed.

– Did you saw it? – Dokko was surprised Mu got a glimpse of the silvery mask – The restrain of the star of chaos. Defteros was the last one to wear it, although if half of what is said about it is truth, it should have been Aspros. Sadly, it's almost impossible to know which of the twins is the star of chaos, or if either is... it's supposed to keep the evil nature in the Gemini under control. But I've never seen it do any good, the whole opposite – Dokko avoided any precise details – Pope Sage wasn't convinced of its usefulness. And given their story, – He meant the saints at the graves – Shion never encouraged its usage either. Although it was Kanon himself who put it on, where he got it or why he did that, nobody knew. He must have been eight years old or so. It was nothing short from disturbing, according to Shion, so Saga destroyed it. Or so we thought.

– Disturbing how? – Asked Milo

– I wouldn't know how to explain it, I wasn't there. But you saw Saga, that should give you an idea.

– And where is it? – Said Aioria looking around – I didn't see anything.

– What is it? – Asked Shaka...

Dokko shrugged. But then turned to Mu who kept staring at Defteros' grave.

– Defteros... Aspros... so that's their names...

– Mu?

– Aspros convinced everyone that his brother was indeed the star of chaos, even Defteros himself. Nobody forced the restrain on him, he willingly accepted it, and all it implied. It really destroyed Defteros, turned him into a mindless puppet of his brother... Aspros was to become Pope after Sage, didn't he?

Dokko nodded.

– But Pope Sage wanted to be sure of his decision, so he set up Aspros, the same way Pope Shion set up Saga.

– So Aspros attempted against Pope Sage? – Asked Camus

Mu didn't answered

– Aspros sent Defteros to murder him, – Explained Dokko – To frame him and reassure his own reputation.

– No, wait a second. Was he deliberately going to sacrifice his own brother to be Pope? – Aioria could not believe it.

– More likely. The punishment for treason is death – Said Shura. – By saving the pope and killing the traitor, his own blood, he was going to turn himself into a martyr hero.

– But he didn't had to! – Aioria was visibly mad – Maybe he was planning on sparing him somehow and redeem him once he turned pope...

– Come on, –interrupted Angelo – Even if Aspros were to send Defteros into exile, having him alive would compromise his legitimacy in case anyone found out. Getting rid of him would have secured his power.

– Just when you think you have seen it all... – Said Afrodite.

– But Defteros rebelled and Aspros was defeated... – Continued Mu – In revenge, Aspros sold the Sanctuary to Hades and came back to hunt down his brother. Defteros was murdered, but his sacrifice in fact redeemed Aspros who twisted Hades plans...

– Mu, how do you know that much? – Asked Dokko – You weren't even born when it all happened

– I've repaired the Gemini cloths a few times already

– Can you reach its memories?

Mu nodded

– Just like Shion. But Dokko, Saga and Kanon are indeed nothing like Aspros and Defteros. There's equal light and dark in both of them.

Dokko agreed.

– I've always believed that, had they remained together from the start, the disaster from 13 years ago would have been avoided altogether. Keeping them apart throws both off balance.

– Well, I don't see them getting along too well now that they are together. – Commented Aldebaran. – They are at each other's neck all the time

– Do you seriously expect them to get along after 30 years of being fed the "Destiny of the Gemini"? – Mu was visibly mad. "Nobody trusted them, so obviously they don't trust neither themselves nor each other, even when they want to. They feel they should point a finger at someone, but they don't dare because they see each other as equal. The first one to rise the accusation, no matter who the accused is, will be the one to fall and he would inevitably drag his brother along." – It's a curse on top of a curse and the clock is ticking... – Only Shaka heard such angry whisper. "How long can they resist?"

– And so what? – Milo anger was hardly dissimulated – The restrain is haunting both Saga and Kanon hoping to latch onto either, but it can't choose. What will happen if it gets them?

– We lose them.

Mu took everyone back to their temples, but instead of going to his own, he went to the pope's chambers, where he was sure to find the twins.

indeed saga had placed Kanon in his bed and was sitting by his side.

– Saga...

– Mu... come in... – He figured the Aries had come to check on Kanon.

– The Restrain of chaos... – Saga flinched when he heard that – You said you destroyed it...

– It was a long time ago.

– And hadn't it bothered any of you until now? – Saga nodded – Do you know how Kanon got it the first time?

– I don't, he showed up in my room one night with that thing already on. it was like it gave him the power to merge with shadows and get anywhere without being noticed. At times it made me feel I was going crazy because he could be casually talking with me, but if someone appeared he would vanish in thin air. it was unsetting and... frustrating. he tried to convince me that way he would be able to attend the trainings without getting us into troubles. And for a while that's what he did, no matter what I said, and he learned fast.

One day Pope Shion heard a desperate crying coming from the top side of the coliseum. he rushed there thinking some of the newest kids was in serious trouble. For the likes of the crying he was expecting to find the worst, so he approached carefully to better assess the situation. but from his hiding spot, he could only see a little Saga sitting in the floor with his back turned to him. he was the one crying.

– I want to go home, I want to go home now! please! let's go back. I don't want to be here anymore if you can't be with me. it's not right, it's not right! take it off and let's go back! please!

Shion looked around but he couldn't see anyone else. he did heard a muffled whisper

– Take it off? are you mad? this mask allows me go everywhere I want. I can even attend your trainings. we can be together all the time! I can follow you everywhere!

– I don't want you to follow me! I want you to be with me!

– But don't you think I can help you better like this? nobody would even know I'm there...

– Kanon, please, that thing is scary. let's talk with Pope Shion, he would definitely let you stay, we just need to ask. Aioros and Shura...

– The only thing you are scared of is me becoming stronger than you, because then the Gemini cloth would be mine and you would have to wear this!

only then Pope Shion saw Kanon, he was wearing the restrain. the kid was only a few steps away from his older brother. but it was really difficult to tell him apart from the shadows of the columns around them.

– If you want the Gemini cloth keep it, I don't want it. but I won't wear that hideous thing and neither should you! you are not an animal! you are my brother!

Saga sprinted forward and grabbed the mask

– No!

but Kanon pushed him back furious. the kids began fighting, or rather Kanon began fighting Saga back but Saga only interest was the mask

– Take it off! – He finally trapped him in a lock – Don't move!

– No! let me go!

and took the mask off

– Saga! – Shion finally came out of his hiding spot but it was late, Saga had put the mask on.

– No! take it off! – It was as if Saga fainted. Kanon immediately held him, not allowing him to hit the ground. But then he saw Pope Shion and trembled in fear. – I didn't do it...

Shion understood Kanon feared he would blame the kid for whatever happened to Saga and punish him in consequence, but it was more important to take that thing off his older brother. the pope felt an eerie cosmos coming from the mask when he grabbed it to unfasten it, but he couldn't care any less. As soon as it left Saga's face, the kid reacted by snatching it from Shion hands and elevating his cosmos to unbelievable levels. And then he crushed it with his bare hands as if it were made of paper.

– Galaxian explosion!

Shion barely managed to grab Kanon and protect him from the violent explosion. Saga had just learned to execute that technique, and still could not control it very well. he ended up with serious burns in his hands, but there was no trace left of that silvery mask.

– But Kanon had already learned a lot from the mask. – Saga kept telling the story to Mu – He no longer needed it to disappear or sneak around. he was so afraid of Pope Shion punishing him, he escaped. I didn't looked for him at first because I too was afraid of leading Pope Shion to him, and then he would punish us both. I locked myself in the Gemini temple since the incident and wouldn't even talk to Aioros or Shura, who were worried about me and frequently stopped by. And one night, I couldn't stand it anymore, and I began crying again in my room. I remember I screamed "if you don't come out now, I'm going to leave without you and you won't see me again". And as I expected, Kanon came out of the shadows of my room. And he stayed with me all night. he told me he would never forgive me if I ran away from him...

– All Kanon wanted was to be with you but he was too afraid of being seen with you. The power of that wish lead him to the mask. He was willing to give up his life, his identity to be with you and help you in any way he could. He must have learned a lesson when you put it on, he wouldn't have wanted you to feel the way he felt. He still wants to be with you, Saga, and he still feels he is but an annoyance, that you'd be better if he just disappeared. And that is what dragged the mask to him again. it might have been physically destroyed, but I wonder if he can call it into existence again if his wish to vanish is strong enough... or maybe it doesn't need to physically exist. it would only be a matter of how real his own illusions can be.