Every minute seemed like eternity while all I could do was wait for worrysome news. Kiki kept an eye on me while Mu stood the injured girl's side. For what I could guess she was Saori Kido, attacked soon as she and the bronze saints put their feet on the Sanctuary. She does have an intriguing presence and a calming Cosmo that probably was the reason why I didn't freaked out yet.
I sighed and embraced my own legs, burying my face in them; I just want this nightmare to be over. "He'll be fine."
As a mean of distraction, I tried to imagine what we should do after this. If they really defeat the false pope, they should elect someone soon. My guess is for Mu, at least he would be a fair one.
Would we get sent to missions again? That was somewhat thrilling. But then...Mu knows about me and Camus, would he let it go?
I remembered one time we kinda discussed our futures, slightly drunks, lying on the bathtube on a scorching day
"– ...We should get married.
–Hm?
–Right, Cam...?
He sighed and I felt his breath on my neck - though I couldn't see his face because he was behind me I bet he rolled his eyes. – We shouldn't be even dating but here we are.
I giggled and splashed water on his face
– Also, wasn't I supposed to propose...?
– I know you wouldn't, and this is a bit sexist. So, marry me or not?
He stood in silence and although we were joking that pause made my heart race
– You know this is a luxury men like me can't afford...
I paused for a while; whenever we are together I end up forgetting he has duties to follow. Saints can't have a regular life.
–... Although I'd be delighted to. Maybe someday things change.
– As long as I can stay with you, I don't mind not having the common life.
He held me tighter and kissed the back of my neck.– I promise you, I'll give you all I can. And one day they shall see our love as a strength instead of weakness. Then I'll not hesitate to make you my wife."
Those memories were like a drop of joy on my heart, taken me away from that uncertain reality. "He is mine and that's all that matters.
"–... Didn't you feel? I'm sure it's him, a few minutes ago you could barely feel his presence and now is so strong!
I straightened myself and listened carefully to what Jabu and the other bronze saints were talking about so enthusiastically
– It is really Hyoga! His cosmos is way stronger now, how did it happen?
I stood quickly and confused
– What did you just said? Answer me!– I said barely thinking while pushing Jabu against a rock.
– Miss Aurora, calm down! - Kiki tried to stop me.
– I just want to know what is happening now? Is Hyoga out of Libra?
– Argh, yes! His Cosmo was a bit weak before, then it was normal, then he nearly died a couple minutes ago and now he is fine, who the hell are you by the way?
I released Jabu and looked at the clock. Scorpio, huh?
They made it to Milo...but I can feel Milo's Cosmo alive and kicking too. What in the world...
I have mixed feelings. I'm glad they made it however...just a bad feeling. Nah.
2 hours until Aquarius and I can't sit still.
– Kiki, I need your help.
The boy stared at me fearing what I wanted to say.
– I need to get back to Aquarius until it starts fading away, understand?
– No way, I can't even do this! Only master Mu can do this and-
"And I wouldn't do it anyway."- A soothing voice invaded our minds. - Aurora, you have to be pacient , there's nothing you can do there. I'm sorry but I can't allow this.
Feeling busted, I tried to act rationally and wait, ignoring my urging to cry of frustration and avoiding the pity looks of the bronze saints.
Hang in there
Just a couple of hours and everything will be okay.
Sagittarius, Capricorn. Like being taken by a dragon, Shura was gone.
Aquarius. I was too scared to pay attention at their cosmos.
Aquarius' fire was fading, I stared at Mu.
– Please.
The lavander haired man with gentle yet firm expressions looked away and so my hopes were gone, except buy the fact that all of sudden I felt in the middle of the stairway between the 10th and the 11th house.
Quickly getting up, I looked once again to the clock. A small fire was still burning on the 11th house.
Thank you, Mu.
The more I runned through those familiar stairs, the more anxious I felt. Soon as I stepped in, I felt the coldest breeze I've ever felt even living in Siberia for years. There was something going on.
I runned into the house, slipping on what could be an ice rink but was just the floor.
From a distance I saw two men standing with their hands embraced and pointing to each other.
No.
Camus fell; and so did Hyoga seconds after
NO
I desperately approached, sliding towards his side.
– Camus, wake up! Come on, darling, don't leave me!- I shook his body, leaning his head on my lap.
–Aurora...porquoi est-tu ici?
– It's me, try to stay awake - I checked his pulse. Weak. - Please, you're strong, fight!
– My time is over, dear. But I'm happy. My student beat me and I'm honoured to be defeated by him. And I got a chance to say goodbye..to you.- single tears rolled down his pale face.
I breathed heavily – No, no, no, please don't say something like this! You're going to live!
He gave a bittersweet smile – I'm afraid it's too late. Please dont't be harsh on him. I'll be always taking care of you both.
– Stop!
–Sorry for making you cry...thank you for showing me...feelings that books could merely describe...- he sighed for the last time as his life escaped of his body.
My heart shattered in pieces while I cried over his lifeless body. Don't leave me, please, tell me this is a nightmare. This can't be real.
– Aurora! Aurora I am so sorry.- I didn't see Milo coming around. He checked Hyoga first. -He is going to be ok, but - I cant believe...- Aurora, I'm truly sorry. Aurora?
– Are you awake? Aurora, can you hear me?
I opened my eyes and faced a boring blank ceiling, feeling heavy and dizzy. Where am I?
Slowly turning aside, I saw Milo sitting next to me, clearly worried. My arm with a needle stucked in.
Milo is in his casual jackets.– You passed out two days ago.
Now the painful memories started to come back. I feel my stomach sick...
– What did I miss...besides my boyfriend.
– What a terrible joke.- Milo frowned
–Spill.- Was all I answered. I had little patience to deal with common grief sense, it feels awkward.
– Well, they defeated Saga and we recognised Saori Kido as Athena. Turned out they were right.
– Good. And where are them?
– Here in the hospital, but in coma for now. All of them...including Hyoga.
I turned to the other side.– Did the funeral already happen?
I've never seen Milo so uncomfortable in my whole life.– They decided to wait until today so maybe you could wake and-
–I'm not going. It's...pointless.
– Are you...sure?
Nodding, I let a tear come down.
– Look...I respect your decision. But I want you to know that...you don't need to isolate or feel alone. If you need anything I'll be here, right? He would kill me if I let anything happen to you. Good lord, I lost my best friend, I don't want to lose you too an-
– Milo. Shush.- I interrupted him, letting a laugh come out between my tears-I got it and thanks. I... just need a moment...don't know for how long. Don't worry, though.
He seemed a bit relieved and finally understood me.– You're right. I'll go back now, I'll come back later to check you. I think that also the doctors wanted to check a few things with you, you might stay here for a while, be nice, ok? You have to eat well too!
He messed my hair and I heard the door closing
I was alone again.
Its been 84 years but it's here! Next chapter will be the last and I hope it doesn't take me ages to write it. Hope you liked!