V. Birthday Blues

Shion could hardly believe it when he looked one morning at his calendar that his Little Lamb would be one full year old in only two more days. Time seemed to have gone by fast with autumn turning to winter and then spring again. He still remembered how adorable Mu was while making the leaves float around himself with his telekinesis or playing in the snow. Shion had even decided to show him how to make snow bunnies and angels for he was still too little to try himself with a snowman in his option. Looking out of the window landed his eyes on one of the large trees just outside of it, full in bloom.

Yes, this spring promised to be a rich one.

Taking his gaze from the view walked the pope with even steps in the direction of the kitchens, it was true that they were all preparing for a war which would soon come, but that didn't mean that they couldn't enjoy life in the fullest. His master was adamant that he should never forget this as was Sage-sama regards Manigoldo, both wanted they students to know that there was more to life then war. As he walked remembered Shion the day he had given the pope's helmet, the one he wore now, to his master and he talked about how lonely it was to sit on the throne, gazing at the closed door in the large room. He now fully understood that loneliness and also the heart warming feeling which come when the doors were opened by comrades. Though there was a difference in his time and that of Sage-sama for when he was the pope there were still a few other surviving gold saints and others who brought new students to the Sanctuary, but they number now was little and most of the young trainees were more qualified for either bronze or silver cloths then gold, they cosmos was not strong enough and none of the ten had found either of them for they liking. It seemed that only his Aries was the one who had decided that it had found its next master in his young charge.

It seemed that if he wishes to find the next generation of Gold Saints would he need to head out himself with a part of each of the ten gold cloths and search for them, but he couldn't and wouldn't leave Mu with anyone as long as he was this little. Unfortunately would this not faze the spectres if the Holly War starts so he had no choice, he would head out shortly after Mu turns two years old.

"Can we help you Pope Shion?" the voice of the cook brought Shion out of his musings and made him realize that he had arrived at the kitchens without even noticing it.

"Ah yes "he said hurriedly composing himself, now he had a new idea why the pope wears this helmet which hides most of they face, it saves you from looking like an idiot. "Mu's first birthday is in two days and I would like to ask you to prepare a cake for him."

"Of course Pope-sama, it will be our pleasure." the cook replied while his staff smiled and nodded eagerly, they all loved the child living in the palace and knew that he would soon be spending more time in the first temple to get used to it for when it becomes his new home.

Nodding in gratefulness, left Shion the kitchens to also inform his other staff members, that they will have a little birthday party for the youngest person living in the Sanctuary. After being done with the fore-preparations made the greenet his way back to his chambers where Mu was currently having his nap. Entering the room carefully Shion froze for a second when he saw the crib empty, but let out a sigh of relief when finding the toddler curled up in a little ball on his bed. Smiling warmly at the scene put the pope his helmet on the night table beside the large four poster bed, took of his shoes and laid down beside the child, his hand gently stroking the lavender hair, it was still short, but Shion liked how soft it felt. Mu stirred a bit in his sleep, but didn't wake up as he instinctively snuggled closer to the warmth the other body at his side was emitting.

"I think I'm old enough to allow myself also some nap time. Don't you think so Mu?" he asked the sleeping baby while allowing his violet eyes to close.

The sound of something clicking and the flash of bright lights woke Shion from his peaceful slumber, it took some minutes for him to finally clear his vision which soon become both surprised and annoyed when spotting the ground for his awakening. There in his room stood his fellow gold saint and brother in arms Libra Dohko with a huge smile on his face and a camera held between his hands. Shion was still shocked asto how old his friend had become even thought Athena had informed them before departing, but still in difference to his friend could the pope still be called a young man regards his looks. This brought him to another thought, why was the other not in China?

"Dohko, what are you doing here and…did you just make photos about me sleeping?" he asked the now chuckling saint who placed the camera inside his robes.

"I merely come here to do my honours for the Little Lamb and was unable to leave out the adorable scene which had greeted me when entering here." Dohko replied as he walked closer to the bed where Mu was looking at his curiously. "He is a really adorable little thing." he remarked while tickling the toddler who laughed gleefully.

"Yes he is." Shion replied before looking over at the other again, no matter how annoyed he felt for being woken up and he was still sore about Mu's firs word, but still it made him happy to have his old friend here. "Dohko, would you like to accompany me to our brothers?" he asked softly at which the other nodded solemnly.

The two days flew by with everyone being busy making everything ready for the upcoming birthday party. Even the people living in Rodoriho were excited because it were such little things that made them feel part of a world unknown to so many of those living in this era. The party was held outside in one of the many gardens of the Sanctuary. Coloured lanterns were hung out with flowers on them, torches were lit, blankets spread out on the soft grass for everyone to sit and to eat, laugh and sing together. There was much laughter, dancing, best wishes and presents. Mu seemed to enjoy it all well as much as a one year old toddler could really enjoy a party if they are not even sure what it was.

The main event of the night was of course the opening of the presents by which Shion needed to help his young charge who was sitting securely in his lap. The pope sent a glare at his best friend when his present revealed a sheep doll with ironically pale green fleece and violet eyes. Dohko only winked at him in amusement, the doll was too good to be left behind. This was also the ground for a new photo to be made. Shion's present had been the last one to be opened, when the lavender ribbon and the golden paper were down from the small box looked everyone curiously at the arm bracelet made out of gold with a rubin in the middle. Seeing it Dohko went closer to his friend who looked at it with melancholy in his eyes.

"Shion, this is…" Dohko started.

"Yes, it was Yuzuriha's, she has given it to me with the blessing of her children and grandchildren to one day give it to my own child or student, not that for us there is a difference between these two titles. She wished that with this those who had fought in Jamir, our people to be remembered under the Saints of Athena." Shion finished with a small smile on his lips when Mu yawned and started rubbing his left eye. "And it seems that this is it for tonight." he said when the child leaned against his chest.

"Yes, it is nearly morning again and he is still little." agreed Dohko, not commenting on that what Shion had said beforehand, he knew that now only a few of them were still there to remember the past and those who had given everything for the future generations.

Owari