''Ah, Seiya, it's good to see you've returned to the land of the living,'' the man greeted with a familiar tone. It was the same man who had aided him in the alley, confirming to him that it hadn't all been a dream. ''But before we proceed, allow me to properly introduce myself. Walk with me, and we can talk along the way,'' the man gestured for Seiya to follow him. Taking cautious steps, Seiya followed the man in the suit as they disembarked from the aircraft. He made sure to avoid the closing doors, as if he feared they might erase part of him, if he wasn't careful and accidentally found himself trapped between his doors. Although a part of him felt like he had left something behind in that alley, he kept his emotions hidden from the man. As they reached the towering iron gates, Seiya's heart raced with anticipation The man's estate, which turned out to be a majestic mansion, was bathed in the enchanting glow of the setting sun. The sprawling property seemed to possess the fame air of mystery and intrigue as the man himself. The ancient architecture of the mansion loomed before him, its grandeur accentuated by the play of light through the oak treet leaves, surrounding his vision from both directions. With every step, Seiya embraced the exhilaration of adventure and the allure of the unknown. The mansion's splendor beckoned him, promising hidden wonders and secrets waiting to be unraveled. Despite his confusion, he couldn't help but be captivated by the sheer magnificence of the house. Stepping across the threshold, guided by the man, Seiya was greeted by a gust of musty air, as if the burning itself had been holding its breath for centuries, eagerly anticipating his arrival.
If he thought the exterior was beautiful, he was completely unprepared for what awaited him inside. The mansion truly lived up to its regal facade. A gran staircase swept majestically upwards, framed by marble columns and adorned with intricate woodcarvings. Seiya found himself marveling at the meticulous attention to detail, his eyes darting from one artistic masterpiece to another. Lost in his own thoughts, he suddenly realized that the man had been speaking all this while. Seiya had been ignoring him this entire time, taken aback by the mansion's beautiful decor. Seiya's distraction did not go unnoticed by the man, who then remarked, catching Seiya's attention immediately. ''Impressive, isn't it?'' He paused for a moment, understanding Seiya's reaction. ''No need to be ashamed, my boy.'' he added. ''I'm not 'your boy,'' Just tell me what's going on, right now!'' Seiya retorted, breaking free from the allure of the house. He turned to face the man, locking eyes with his pale, grey gaze. ''Alright, Seiya. My name is Alman Kido. I used to be a successful businessman, as you can see. But there's one thing I learned in my time, money cannot provide, and that is the purpose.''
Seiya's voice was filled with confusion as he tried to make sense of the situation. The man, sensing his struggle, gently led him towards a lavishly decorated living area that matched the grandeur of the rest of the house. Seiya couldn't help but ask. ''Are you taking me to the place where I can find my 'purpose'?'' The man kept a cautious eye on Seiya as they both entered the room, with Seiya quietly following behind. With an air of intrigue, the man replied. ''You could say that.'' His intense gaze felt reminiscent of being back in school, being questioned by his homeroom teacher. Seiya's palms began to sweat, as he answered as honestly as he could. ''I'm not entirely sure what you're showing me. All I see is a collection of ancient artifacts and statues. I suppose there are stories behind them,'' Seiya pointed towards the statues of men and women. The man nodded and began to speck, his voice filled with a mix of admiration and longing. ''Ancient heroes were known for their monumental deeds, but also for their tragic ends. I've always been fascinated by the magnitude of their fates, and perhaps even envied it. I used to believe that the ancient lore held no secrets that I couldn't uncover. Unfortunately, that wasn't entirely true.''
''What does that even mean?'' Seiya questioned, his curiosity piqued. ''Let me ask you, Seiya, what do you truly know about Athena?'' Seiya was taken aback for a moment, but he managed to produce an answer. ''Well, she was known as the god of war.''
''And wisdom,'' the man added. ''Now, imagine if I told you that Athena has returned to this world in human form...and that you are destined to become one of her guardian knights. Would you think I was crazy?''
''Well, I might consider increasing your therapy sessions,'' Seiya chuckled, but his words fell flat as he realized the seriousness in the man's eyes. ''Things don't just happen randomly, Seiya. It was not me who brought you here today, but rather the Cosmo flowing through your veins at this very moment.''
''What on earth is Cosmo? You're just giving me more questions instead of answers,'' Seiya said, feeling a mix of irritation and frustration building inside him. ''Don't pretend you haven't felt it, Seiya. That power that surged through you during the cage match. The blue flame. Aren't you a little bit curious about how you managed to do that, or what caused such a power?''
''Deep down, in your heart, Seiya, you know the truth. You know that my words hold meaning. And I am not the only one who knows what you are. Your sister knew it too. Otherwise, she wouldn't have protected you that night. Her Cosmo I'm sure would have thanked her if she had chosen a different path, but instead, she sacrificed herself to save you.''
''What do you really know about my sister?'' Seiya growled, his anger simmering beneath the surface. He needed answers from Almon, not just about himself, but more importantly, about his sister's fate. ''Ten years ago, Vander Scar detected a powerful Cosmo at your location. However, the night, even though there were two individuals with Cosmo, your sister managed to conceal yours and make it appear as if there was only one - herself.''
''What happened to her?'' Seiya demanded, his eagerness for more, beginning to take over.
''I don't have all the details, Seiya. But your sister sacrificed herself to protect you. She had a deep understanding of what you would become, despite her fear. She allowed herself to be taken so that you could fulfill your destiny. A destiny to become a warrior to Athena. To train and become the legendary Pegasus Knight.''
''What happened to Pat?'' Seiya demanded, his voice growing louder as Almon seemed to waver from his line of questioning. ''The Pegasus Knight? Are you kidding me? You want to know what I think? I think you're just an old man with a fanciful imagination and too much idle time! How can you expect me to believe any of this? It's preposterous! I'm not a warrior, and there's no such thing as Athena or Cosmo! All I know is that my sister went missing ten years ago, and that's the only truth I'll believe.'' Seiya spat. ''Now how do I get out of here?'' Seiya's heart raced as he took quick but cautious steps out of the living area, following through the dimly lit hallway of the mansion. The air seemed heavier now, almost like it was laced with dust from his footsteps. The walls were adorned with beautiful portraits he hadn't noticed before, of long deceased figures, adding to the eerie yet captivating atmosphere of the place. As he reached the end of the long hallway, he seemed no closer to the exit. However Seiya did in fact notice a slightly ajar door leading to a dimly lit room. Curiosity managed to get the better of him, because without noticing, he found himself inside. Pushing the door open just enough for him to peek a small glimpse inside. What he discovered took his breath away. The room was filled with shelves upon shelves of dusty books. The illuminated moonlight fluttering through the tattered curtains cast long shadows across the room. Seiya's eyes widened with awe, realizing he stumbled upon a forgotten treasure trove of knowledge inside.
However just as he was about to step inside, a hauntingly beautiful melody filled the air. The sound was ethereal, as if it echoed through the ages. Seiya followed the sound, his heart pounding in his chest, until he reached the source of the enchanting sweet melody. There, in the far corner of the room, stood a girl unlike any he had ever seen. Her long, flowing chestnut hair cascaded down her back, catching the soft moonlight in its strands. Her pericing blue eyes held an otherworldly wisdom that captivated Seiya and left him spellbound. The girl turned to face him, her gaze curious and guarded. A secretive smile curved her lips, and Seiya couldn't help but feel the weight of her enigmatic presence. She took a step closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a dancer in a dream. ''Who are you?'' Seiya asked, his voice barely whispering, afraid that any sudden sound might break the magic of the moment. ''My name is Sienna Kido,'' she responded, her tone low and filled with mystery. ''I have heard so much about you from my father, Seiya.'' Confusion muddled Seiya's mind, but he couldn't deny a single familiarity in her words. Sienna continued though, her voice soft yet commanding. ''You possess a strength within you, Seiya. A power that has yet to be awakened. Time has come for you to embrace your destiny. Stay here and allow my father to help you, we can do this together.'' Seiya's eyes widened in astonishment. Sienna Kido? So she was the old man's daughter? How could this girl be related to him? And why was it her words resonated inside him so deeply?
In that moment, Sienna reached out her hand, offering it to him. Seiya hesitated for a brief second, uncertainty clouding his mind. What was he committing to if he took her hand? ''This is better than being alone, Seiya.'' Alman's voice, surprised him, but he didn't flinch, he'd become use to it at this point. Letting out a deep breath he didn't know he'd been holding onto, he felt the weight of her fingertips on his, a surge of energy passing between them. Sienna's eyes momentarily sparkled, as if a connection had been forged. Seiya felt a jolt as a newfound understanding and purpose blossomed within him. However he was not so sure he was ready to take on such a responsibility. A part of him was going to need some further proof...
''How can I trust you?'' Sienna's smile was as sweet as honey, evoking a bittersweet nostalgia within Seiya. It reminded him instantly of his beloved sister Patrica, whose smile he longed to see again. As Sienna's hand gently rested atop his shoulder, Seiya felt a surge of warmth, captivated by the enchanting allure behind her piercing blue eyes. There was an elusive quality about Sienna that eluded his grasp, leaving him intrigued and yearning for more. ''Now that we have you here, Seiya, there's something I think you'd be interested to be reunited in again.'' Alman spoke, a small bit of disappointment came over Seiya as Sienna removed her hand from his shoulder, the warmth, the protection he felt instantly fading as he turned to look at Alman. ''And that would be?'' he asked, curiosity looming behind his syllable as he took off out of the room, quick to keep up with the man. He was still surprised that Alman could move as fast as he did for such an old man...
The moon now bathed the land in a silvery glow, replacing the fading hues of sunset that Seiya had once admired. The air hung heavy with an eerie darkness, the only sound being the gentle rustling of leaves in the wind. Clasped tightly in his hands, Seiya held a small box that seemed to hold his entire existence. He had asked to be alone, and Alman and Sienna had obliged, leaving him to find solace in the empty courtyard behind the mansion. With bated breath, he grazed his fingertips across the lid of the box, watching as it slid open, falling to the floor. A sight of wonder awaited him - a pendant, ancient in appearance but fill of familiarity. Trembling hands clutched onto it, tears welling up in his eyes. He was grateful that Alman and Sienna were not present to witness his vulnerability. This pendant was a relic from Seiya's past, an ancient artifact adorned with a mysterious symbol etched on its indigo surface. Though time had dulled its golden edges, his memory remained vivid. As Seiya traced the symbol with his fingertips, a surge of longing and nostalgia washed over him. If he dwelled on it long enough, he could almost feel the warmth of his sister, Patrica, contained within. He had been oblivious to its true purpose then, unaware that the pendant held the key to his destiny - the power to transform into something extraordinary. The Pegasus Knight. And he had connected the dots. Sienna was the reincarnation of Athena, the one Alman had spoken up. Who else could he have been talking about?
Seiya's heart pounded as he prepared to shut his eyes, a flood of memories engulfing his mind. It was the day when he had lost everything, the day Patrica was cruelty snatched away from him. On that same chaotic day, he had also lost the pennant, lost amidst the pandemonium as he was instructed to hide in the closet space. At that time, he knew little about the people who had taken his sister, but everything had changed. Since then, Vander Scar. It was him who had taken Patrica, mistaking her for the one he had truly been seeking. Patrica had concealed Seiya's Cosmo and offered herself up instead. Vander Scar had made him an orphan, believing that both the pendant and his sister were lost forever. But now, fate had brought the pendant back into his possession. Seiya couldn't help but wonder why fate hadn't brought his sister back to him instead. With a swift motion, he tightly grasped the pendant, feeling its cold, smooth surface against his skin. Rising it high above his heart, he found himself whispering. A phrase he couldn't recognize. As the words escaped his lips, a surge of energy coursed through his entire being, from his fingertips to his very core. The pedant began to emit a soft, otherworldly light, reminiscent of the same light he had witnessed when he inadvertently tapped into his hidden power, during the cage fight. The courtyard was bathed in the sacred glow, illuminating Seiya in its mythical radiance. A gentle breeze carried whispers of secrets through the air, infusing an aura of mystery and awe.
''Are you finally prepared to embark on the journey that awaits you, Seiya?'' he heard in his mind.
''I-''
''Seiya! Stop!'' a voice called out, snapping him out of his trance. The pendant slipped from his grasp, vanishing from his hands in an instant. Opening his eyes with a fiery determination, he locked gazes with the intruder standing before him - Sienna. Tears streamed down her face as she pleaded with him, clutching the pendant she'd taken from him, tightly between her hands. ''You mustn't do that,'' she cried. ''The protection field only extends inside the mansion walls. Activating the pendant without proper training is too dangerous. It can overpower you!''
''What do you people want from me!'' Seiya shouted, leaping up from his seat, his arms flailing, his expression filled with anger. ''First, you tell me that my destiny is to become The Pegasus Knight, and the moment I take some action, you tell me not to?! Which is it, Sienna? What are you and Almon trying to achieve with me? It's hard to believe you need protection when your dad is as wealthy as Bruce Wayne!'' he snapped.
''It's not like that, Seiya. I never asked to be the reincarnation of Athena, just as I'm sure you didn't ask for any of this to happen to you. But it's happening! So accept it! If you want to rescue your sister, you'll have to set aside your anger and work with us!'' Sienna snapped, though her expression immediately fell as she realized the weight of her words. Her mouth was covered, as she gasped for breath. ''Seiya, I didn't mean-''
''Let me be clear, you've known all along what happened to my sister! You've known all along that Vander Scar still had her! Even when I spent ten agonizing years believing she was dead!'' Seiya's hands clenched into fists as he stared into Sienna's tear filled blue eyes. ''I didn't realize it immediately...I only just found out. However, I also understand why I couldn't tell you. If I revealed the truth too soon, you wouldn't heed my reasoning! You would impulsively rush to rescue her without considering our plan! I couldn't afford to take that risk! Seiya, I'm genuinely frightened here. And your the only one besides my father who I believe can truly help me. I need you.'' Sienna whispered.
''No, you're mistaken. You don't need me, and I don't need you! I can safe Patricia. I promise you, I won't hesitate.'' Seiya's words were sharp, causing Sienna to visibly flinch. Despite her shock, he effortlessly snatched the pendant from her grasp. As the words flooded from his lips, a sudden surge of energy coursed through Seiya's body for the second time. Traveling from his fingertips to his core. The pedant began to emit the same soft, ethereal light, how it illuminated the whole courtyard, bathing the surroundings in its powerful blue light. A murmuring breeze whispered secrets through the air, carrying an air of secrecy and wondering. Seiya's eyes widened, his breath caught in his throat, as he watched the pendant transform before his very eyes. The golden relic expanded and contorted around him, shaping itself into an intricate suit of armor. Piece by piece, it wrapped around Seiya's body, molding itself to fit him perfectly. The armor glistened in the moonlight, adorned with the same symbol that had adorned the surface of the pendant before he'd held it against himself. A rush of amazing power surged through Seiya's veins as he stood in his newly formed armor. He felt invincible, as if the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders. The pendant had bestowed upon him its ancient secrets and bestowed the responsibility to rescue his sister. ''Seiya, please!'' he heard Sienna still begging, but he chose to ignore her. With newfound determination and an unwavering gaze, Seiya stepped forward, stepping towards the heartbroken Sienna, his armor shining with a radiant aura. The echoes of his footsteps resonated through the courtyard. ''Please, Seiya! At the very least, assure me that you will not listen to the voice! Promise you won't let it get the best of you! Keep your thoughts hidden from the armor! You lack the necessary training!'' Sienna shouted again, reminding Seiya.
''I appericate your concern, Sienna. But I know exactly what i'm doing.'' As she stared at him, Seiya responded by pushing her from him. As Seiya's eyes widened just at the sound of thunderous roars of helicopters engines and the tremendous fight that showered down before them, the atmosphere around him turned to dread. A strong blast of wind dragged his cape through it, and Seiya's pulse raced as he understood, as did Sienna, that they were about to be surrounded. ''Sienna!'' Seiya exclaimed when he heard her scream. The sight of terrifying cyborgs clad in black amour appeared in front of them, their bodies gleaming in the dim light. Their cold, calculating eyes fixated on him, ready to strike at any moment if he so much as moved a muscle. As if the scenario wasn't already terrifying, the silence of the night was disturbed by a second roar from a second thunderous noise from another helicopter engine, which had his ears ringing. Bright searchlight pierced through the darkness, each one focusing on him. Seiya squinted, his heart thumping in his chest, against the dazzling light. Seiya reached out in front of him, arms gripping over Sienna's shoulders, bringing her body against him. ''I thought you said you didn't need me,'' she inquired, her gaze rising to meet his. ''I did, but it was my fault. I will not let you suffer as a result of my mistakes.'' With the cyborgs closing in, Seiya's thoughts turned to strategy. He knew he had to protect Sienna. So he backed up as swiftly as he could, bringing Sienna, with him. He found himself on the edge, taking advantage of the courtyard's arrangement. His armor glistened in the light with each step, a beacon of hope despite the mayhem.
While the first cyborg came for him, Seiya's reflexes kicked in, pulling Sienna away from him, careful to keep a grip on her still, he dove the attack with surprising agility, his move aided by the improved power of the armor. He countered quickly, delivering a tremendous punch that knocked the cyborg to the ground. But there was no time to take a break. More cyborgs were closing in, their iron limbs clanging menacingly. Seiya fought back with vigor, each punch and kick powered by his determination and the increased might of his armor. With each effective strike, he could feel the cyborgs still approaching. They wouldn't stop until they got both him and Sienna.
Just as a cyborg was about to shoot a strong current of electricity at them, Seiya lunged for the white flowing cape behind him, tossing it in front of Sienna like a protective shield, as quickly as he could with his newfound powers. Then once he realized she was safe, he backed up without hesitation, knowing that the coolness of the water awaited him below. As the two went thumping into the ice below, Sienna's screams were cut off.