Chapter Three – The Wings of an Angel
Yawning again, Kanon was a bit annoyed Saga was right. Getting up early in the morning was really not his thing. What, though, forced him into doing this? To be fair, yes, as a man, Kanon does not deny his urge to pursue a beautiful lady when he sees one. Miyabi, the new Libra Gold Saint would certainly qualify as a beautiful lady.
However, it was more the fact Saga somehow appears to be interested too and it annoyed him. It was always so, growing up as his shadow, Kanon found constantly he and Saga fighting over the same things. Therefore, he thought it would be interesting to win over Miyabi's affection just to see that look on Saga's face. Well, she doesn't have to fall in love with him, but as long as she chooses him over Saga, he has won.
Heading out the Gemini temple, Kanon's perfect eyebrows lifted immediately in displease when he saw the 'Aio' brothers.
"Good morning, Kanon!" In contrast to Kanon, Aiolos greeted full of energy.
"What are you guys doing here…?"
"You mentioned training yesterday, right?" Aiolia cracked his knuckles in excitement. "We are definitely ready for more training."
Feeling a headache coming up, Kanon started heading up the steps toward Libra temple, ignoring the two brothers. Following after him, Aiolos laughed, "This is exciting isn't it, brother."
"Yes, we get to train with the new Libra Gold Saint. I wonder if it will be different from training with Roushi?"
Trying to ignore the conversation of the brothers behind him, Kanon fastened his pace but only to find the two brothers following right behind him.
Seriously, what the hell. Read the air you stupid 'Aio Brothers!'
Kanon cursed within, but since Aiolos is one of the respected Gold Saints, Kanon dared not speak against him. But deep within, he has already imagined sending the brothers numerous times to Another Dimension or forever be lost in the Golden Triangle.
To his relief though, as he continued to run up the steps through the other temples, the other Gold Saints appear to be either still sleeping or did not care him running pass. Well, considering teleportation wasn't allowed in Sanctuary, all the owners of each temple were used to having each other pass through in order to get to the Pope's Hall on the top, or leaving the Sanctuary through the bottom.
Successfully passing through Virgo temple, Kanon was glad he could already see Miyabi waiting outside her Libra temple.
"Good morning, Kanon!" Greeting so, the beautiful girl was in a tank top, black fitness tights, sneakers and her long silky black hair tied up in a high ponytail, ready for training. Though she was just in a comfortable sporty outfit, Kanon had found himself mesmerised by the girl before him. It was indeed nice to have a sweet smile greeting you early in the morning.
"Good morning, Miyabi!"
Kanon cringed straight away when the 'Aio brothers' greetings brought him back to the land of dudes.
"Oh hi, Aiolos and Aiolia." Miyabi greeted them too. "Are you both joining us for training?"
"Of course!"
"This is exciting!" Miyabi was definitely not expecting more seniors to come help her train.
Exciting my ass.
Was all Kanon could say while he cursed within. Not letting it show, Kanon turned to Miyabi. "Ready to go?"
"Of course, where do we go to train?"
"The Arena." Smiling mysteriously Kanon said. "Let me show you the best training facility in the world."
Miyabi felt her jaw dropped in astonishment when Kanon took her to an establishment hidden underneath the Athena Temple. Apparently, the Gold Saints cannot train with the rest of the saints due to their high destructive power, together with the seal set by Athena's cosmos, Saori also implemented an arena using the highest technology invented by the Graad Foundation. Here the Gold Saints will be able to train without causing destructions to the buildings, which in turn saves Saori way more money.
"How do we train here?" Miyabi asked still feeling she couldn't close her mouth from the enormous arena before her.
"Let's try physical combat first." Kanon said as he came before a panel and pressed a button.
Responding to the button, an extremely tall pole was raised in the middle of the arena. Indicating for Miyabi to join him in the arena, Kanon started to explain. "You see that red strip of cloth on top of the pole and the two highlighted circles on the ground?"
Nodding in understand Miyabi waited for Kanon to continue.
"The rule is simple, we each stand in one of the circles, when the buzzer goes off, whoever takes the cloth wins."
"Oh, I see." Nodding, Miyabi was surprised the rule was straightforward, but it is definitely a great way to train two Gold Saints against each other.
"Of course, we can't use skills against each other or use teleportation here as protected by the seal set by Athena. But other than that, I guess we can pretty much do anything."
"We are still on the score of 22 to 23 aren't we brother?" Aiolia said to his brother.
"Haha, that's right, we need one more to see who the true winner is."
Almost forgetting the Aio brothers are still with them, Kanon secretly rolled his eyes as he ensured he kept his charming smile for Miyabi. "Are you ready?"
Taking the circle to the left side, Miyabi nodded. "Anytime."
Walking towards his circle on the right side, Kanon gave Miyabi a wink. "Hey, it's a bit boring just to battle it out. Should we put a bet on it?"
"A bet?"
"Yeah, whoever loses has to do one thing the other person asks."
"What type of things?"
"Well, I will be fair and say, something reasonable like buying dinner, doing the other person's administrative duty for a week etc."
"That sounds fair." Nodding in agreement Miyabi smiled. To be honest, she didn't think she was going to win considering the opponent to be Kanon. Unlike her, he has already awakened his eighth sense 'Arayashiki'. In comparison, she was just a rookie to the Gold Saints team.
On the other hand, Kanon was wondering too, for no one has seen Miyabi in combat. Though Kanon knew despite being female, many of the female saints have on par strength to the other male saints of their level. Same would have been said of Miyabi, or else the Libra gold cloth would not have chosen her.
Still, he initiated the bet because he didn't think he would lose. At the same time, he wasn't sure the amount of power to use against the girl who looked so physically fragile. As a knight who is able to create enough destructive power to crush a star, Kanon wasn't sure if he could use it on Miyabi. Well, guess the easiest way is to reach the cloth before she does.
"Battle commences in five, four…"
Unfortunately, Kanon wasn't given much time to think when the system started countdown registering both candidates in the circles.
The moment the sound of the buzzer goes off, as Kanon ran forward to the pole, to his surprise, Miyabi was even faster as she had already reached the pole and was already climbing at such a fast speed.
"Oh wow! Miyabi is so fast!" Aiolos called too with the scene before them.
"Haha, Kanon is going to lose." Not sure if he was ill-willed, Aiolia remarked.
"I don't think so!" Realising his concerns of holding back was completely unnecessary, Kanon leaped forward and sent an attack at Miyabi before her hand touched the cloth.
Sensing the enormous power, gripping onto the pole tightly with her legs, Miyabi simply swung backwards in such beautiful flexible motion as she made a summersault along the vertical pole and once again started climbing upwards.
With this, Kanon was able to catch up as he too was on the pole and to his surprise, when he too tried to reach for the cloth, he saw from the corner of his eyes Miyabi reaching forth her hand as with a wave of her fingers, Kanon sensed as if the air around them changed swiftly and became piercing sharp like knives striking at him.
Forcing to dodge, Kanon gripped onto the pole with one arm as with his core lifted his whole body upwards when the piercing attacks just barely scraped past him.
"This is interesting," A calm voice remarked from beside the Aio brothers. "Miyabi definitely excels in agility in comparison to Kanon's proficiency in strength. The outcome of this battle might be different from what we expected."
"Especially if this training is designed not to disadvantage fighters not proficient in strength." Another calm voice added too when he too observed the battle before him. "Being proficient in agility might actually gain the upper hand."
"Good morning, Shaka and Camus." Aiolos greeted the two Gold Saints that joined them at the arena. "Here for morning training as well?"
"Good morning, Aiolos." Camus greeted the senior Gold Saint politely. "I came because I couldn't help but notice the powerful cosmos being generated here. I guess I got to see something very interesting today."
Exactly like Camus mentioned, other Gold Saints too gathered at the arena for they also sensed the powerful clash of cosmos. What interested them most was, one of the cosmos was unfamiliar to them.
"Hey, I want to go against Miyabi too!" Milo remarked in excitement when he watched how beautiful her movements were, where she was able to perfectly flow her movements like a dance, using every part of her muscles flawlessly. Most of all, against a strong knight like Kanon, she didn't seem to be overpowered!
"This is why the Libra gold cloth picked her," Aphrodite smiled too, "I have never seen a battle this beautiful."
"Yeah, I wonder what it will look like when she uses the Libra weapon." Mu too let out a sigh of admiration. "Will definitely look like a dance."
Upon Mu's statement, all the men present in the room nodded secretly within.
"But will Kanon really lose?" His eyes also on the arena, Deathmask remarked. "To be fair, though, I hate to admit it. He is pretty strong."
"I am voting for Kanon," Aldebaran laughed. "Can't let agility beat strength."
"Count me in too," Shura agreed too. "One for the strength team."
"I am voting for Miyabi, agility rules." Milo jumped in. Turning to his best friend Milo asked. "Camus, how about you?"
"I guess I will support Miyabi as well."
"Count me in for Miyabi too." Mu smiled.
"Kanon for me." To everyone's surprise Shaka concluded from his observation. "The gap in real combat experience is too great. Kanon will eventually wear her out."
"True," Holding onto his chin, Aiolia knew Shaka had a point.
"No way, she won't lose!" Disagreeing, Milo turned to the two people in the arena and cheered. "Miyabi! Go!"
Not expecting to hear Milo's voice, Miyabi saw from the corner of her eye, shockingly all the gold saints had gathered and were watching her.
"Ha, I win!" With that little loss of concentration from Miyabi, Kanon seized the opportunity straight away and grabbed onto the cloth.
By the time Miyabi realised and tried to stop him, Kanon already leaped off the pole and landed on the ground waving the cloth in his hand.
"Milo…"
Sensing the icy cosmos from his friend, Milo scratched his head. "Sorry…"
Hopping off the pole too, Miyabi joined Kanon on the ground. "Well, I guess I lost." Despite it was Milo that distracted her, she knew as a saint of Athena, battling against people at the same level, any loss of concentration could be a deciding factor for the outcome, she willingly admitted defeat.
"So, I won the bet?"
"Of course." Nodding Miyabi asked. "What can I do for you?"
"Let's see," Rubbing his chin, Kanon took a look around the room. "I would ask for a kiss…"
"Ki…kiss?"
"But," Stopping Miyabi before she panics even more, Kanon grinned. "Not wanting to be murdered by the other Gold Saints here, I will just ask for a date."
"What the hell Kanon?"
"Again? Seriously man…"
Despite Kanon already lowering his ask, as expected the rest of his colleagues were not impressed.
"Do you want me to extinct him into dust, Miyabi?" Mu asked with a smile.
Knowing though Mu was just teasing, Miyabi somehow sensed he might actually do it. Shaking her head, she said. "No, it's okay. I did lose the bet, so sure, a date it is."
"Wow, in that case, I am next!" Immediately raising his arm Milo called. "Battle against me, if I win can I also take you on a date?"
"Oh, me too." Aiolos raised his arm too. "I don't need a date, but can you make me more of your dim sims?"
For some reason that started an overwhelming reaction from the Gold Saints to put themselves in as candidates to train with her.
"Miyabi," Calmly entering the arena, the Virgo Gold Saint ignored all the other boys as he raised his hand and gestured for Miyabi to join him.
Forever intimidated by the Virgo saint Shaka, Miyabi did as told and came before Shaka.
"Wait, Shaka, don't push in!" Deathmask called out to the Gold Saint who seems to forever live in his own world and rules.
"Deathmask, do you want to lose some of your senses?" Calmly Shaka asked, his voice full of authority.
As expected, that silenced the Cancer Gold Saint. Also, the rest of the boys.
"Sha…Shaka, what are we training on?" Feeling super scared, Miyabi could hear her voice trembling.
"Mu, pick the psych training option." Calling out to the Aries Gold Saint, Shaka instructed.
"Sure, sure…" Saying so, Mu came before the panel. After pressing a button, two chairs with a table in the middle occurred.
Gesturing for Miyabi to sit on one of the chairs, Shaka seated himself on the other one.
"The rule is simple." Pointing to the coin on the table, which sat along a line that equally divided the table. "Whoever moves the coin to their side wins."
"Hang on," Shura spoke up for Miyabi. "This battle is completely unfair. She can't ever go against you in a psychokinesis battle."
"Yeah, not to mention she just battled Kanon." Aiolia the knight who is just also spoke up.
"No, it's okay." Waving her hands, Miyabi smiled. "This is good training for me." To be honest, never in the world would she expect to be trained by Shaka. She definitely won't let this opportunity go.
"Don't worry, I won't pull it to my side." Shaka said knowing it would just be bullying if he seriously battled Miyabi in this psychokinesis battle. "All you need to do is try to pull it to your side, and my job is to ensure the coin stays."
"That sounds fair," The other master of psychokinesis, Mu asked. "What do you think, Miyabi?"
"Yes, that's fair. Though…" Looking up at Shaka, Miyabi asked softly. "Do I also get a prize if I win?"
Not expecting that from the girl before him, a smile crept onto Shaka's lips. "Anything you want."
All the Gold Saints exchanged a look with each other, it appears Miyabi actually thought she might have a chance to win!
Upon the buzzer, Miyabi closed her eyes and focused her mind and soul. Remembering her meditation sessions with Dohko and Shiryu, Dohko taught her it's simply focusing your energy on one spot and slowly and gradually burning your cosmos. Unlike the physical battle training she just had with Kanon, Miyabi knew this one was what she needed. Shaka and Camus both reminded her of her true strength, and the infinite possibility to increase that cosmos within.
With the increased power she felt inside, when she focused it on the coin to move it, to her surprise it was as if the coin was stuck to the table. Knowing Shaka wasn't even using his full strength against her, Miyabi was forced once again to discover the huge gap between her and the powerful man before her.
"Focus, Miyabi."
While that thought hit her, she heard the man before him say to her cosmos. Realising the almighty Gold Saint before her was actually helping her train, Miyabi calmed her heart once more and returned again to the increasing of her cosmos.
Although the battle between the two did not look as exciting as the one before, the rest of the Gold Saints realised they all couldn't keep their eyes off the battle before them. Simply because they saw a golden aura that started forming profoundly around Miyabi.
What astounded them even more was the more Miyabi focused and burnt her cosmos, similar to when Shaka burns his cosmos where it engulfs into a blossoming lotus flower, all the Gold Saints saw a pair of large white wings started appearing on Miyabi's back, and the more she increased her cosmos, the wings started to open like the wings of an angel.
"Oh my…" Aphrodite couldn't help but remark upon such beauty.
"How is this…wow…" Was all Milo could say while his eyes fixed on the stunning scene before him.
Similar to Aphrodite and Milo, everyone else present realised they could not underestimate the new member of the team. For the cosmos they sensed before them was powerful, enormous, and beautiful.
At the same time, Shaka found the force pulling against the coin before him increased immensely and continued to get stronger until it became impossible for Shaka to hold back on his own cosmos.
Suddenly opening his eyes, the coin moved drastically towards Shaka and flew off the table.
"Ah…" Opening her eyes too, Miyabi leaned onto the table in defeat. "I lost…"
"No," Shaka shook his head. "I lost."
It was then Miyabi finally realised Shaka's eyes were open. "Wow, Shaka, you finally opened your eyes! Was that why I lost to that burst at the end?"
Applauding, Mu came forward as he joined the two. "No, Shaka was right. He lost that one."
"But, the coin went his way…"
"You forced him to open his eyes in order to stop you from pulling the coin to your side. His job was only to make sure the coin doesn't move." Mu explained as he turned to Shaka. "Isn't that right?"
"Yes, you have won." Shaka nodded again.
Not able to believe she won against Shaka, the girl stood up in joy. "Wow, I can't believe I did it!"
Happy for Miyabi too, the rest of the Gold Saints also entered the arena. Patting the girl's head in praise Milo laughed. "You did good, Miyabi."
"Yeah, you actually defeated Shaka, that's amazing." Aiolia nodded too.
"Alright, a bet is a bet." Shaka stood up too. "What do you need from me?"
"Well," While Miyabi tried to answer the question, an unexplainable tiredness suddenly rained down on her as she felt her consciousness leaving. Slowly closing her eyes, the girl lost her balance and fell.
Reaching out his arm, Shaka held onto the girl and found her eyes tightly closed.
"Poor girl is exhausted." Aldebaran laughed. "She just battled the two strongest Gold Saints, Kanon, and Shaka. Kudos to her."
A gentle smile came onto Kanon's handsome face when he watched the girl resting so peacefully. He realised though he invited the girl to training just to annoy Saga, he did not expect to develop a newfound respect for the girl.
"Aldebaran, Deathmask, Aiolos, Shura and Milo! Are you guys forgetting that you are on administrative duties today?"
Coming through to the Gold Saints group chat was Saga's angry roar.
Grunting, the group that was called had no choice but to leave the arena to their duty.
"Well, I guess it's my responsibility to take her back since I asked her to train." Kanon said as he reached for Miyabi.
"It's fine. I got her." To Kanon's surprise, Shaka lifted the girl up instead. Not explaining himself, Shaka walked off with the girl in his arms.
"That's unexpected." Aphrodite chuckled. Glancing over at Kanon, the beautiful saint teased. "Shaka might be a bigger competition to you than Saga will be."
Slowly letting out a sigh, Kanon felt that headache returning once again.
Gently resting the girl on the couch in the Libra temple living room. Shaka's crystal blue eyes studied the girl before him. As a man who spent years conversing with gods, Shaka thought he had seen it all. However, there was something about this girl that piqued his interest.
"You know," coming from beside him, Mu initiated the conversation because he too found their new team member intriguing. "There's something I discovered about Miyabi's cosmos. From what I saw today, it is indeed strong, powerful yet…" Mu paused while trying to find the right term.
"Pure." Camus finished the sentence for Mu because he long noticed it from the aura the girl carried since the night of her welcome party.
"Pure is Indeed true," Shaka agreed with Camus. "Like us, she has the enormous cosmos of a Gold Saint. At the same time…"
"Unlike us, it's stunning and untainted." Mu sighed.
"Miyabi can keep such pureness because she has never taken a life with her hands." Kanon said while he too studied the girl sleeping on the couch. "Despite our reasons to fight for love and justice, our hands were stained with blood. But as a Gold Saint now, we all know one day that innocence will be taken from her."
The other three men remained silent because they knew what Kanon was referring to. Although there's no more holy war going on. It was still the duty of the saints to rid the world of corruption. From time to time, there will be 'Purge' missions assigned to them. The mission was to simply assassinate the corrupted party that no laws in the world could judge. As the name of the mission suggests, it is to eliminate of the evils of this world.
Unaware of the heavy thoughts going through her seniors, the girl regained consciousness and slowly opened her eyes. When she encountered the deep blue eyes from Shaka, Miyabi immediately sat up straight.
"I am sorry, did I pass out?"
"It's fine." Sitting down next to her on the couch, Kanon patted her head. "You used up too much cosmos against Shaka, so your body shut down that's all."
With that, Miyabi remembered there was a prize to claim. Turning to Shaka, Miyabi asked, her eyes glittering with anticipation. " Shaka, so the prize…"
"Yes, we were talking about it before you passed out in my arms. Because of that, I had to carry you back here personally."
Blood immediately rushed to the girl's cheek upon Shaka's words. "I, I what?"
"You can be such a bully, Shaka." Mu cracked up laughing seeing Miyabi's reaction.
"So, what is it?" Ignoring Mu's tease, Shaka asked, keeping a straight face.
"Can I spend an hour a day doing psych training with you for a month?"
"Sounds more like a punishment to me than a prize." Kanon burst out laughing. "You should ask him for something humiliating like bring you lunch for a week."
Shaking her head like mad, Miyabi knew she could never ask that from Shaka.
"Though I do wonder," Kanon thought back about the physical battle he had with Miyabi. "If I remember correctly, Roushi's ultimate skill 'Rozan Hyakuryu Ha' is a full strength-based attack, why do you need psych training?"
Kanon did indeed bring out a good point, considering as a successor of Dohko, Miyabi too should have inherited the Libra Gold Saint's ultimate skill. However, studying the tiny girl before him, he found it hard to believe she will be proficient in a full scaled strength attack.
The 12 Gold Saints of Athena, top tier elite knights of the 88 saints of Athena were all extremely powerful because they were proficient in different styles of battle. With Aldebaran, Saga, Kanon, Aiolia, and Shura skilled in strength, Mu, Deathmask, Shaka and Aiolos expertise in psych, Milo, Camus, and Aphrodite in techniques.
"From what I observed of the battle just now," Kanon continued, proving he was indeed an experienced veteran of battle. "I assume instead of strength, you are more a technique fighter like Camus and Milo?"
Nodding to confirm Kanon's observation, Miyabi scratched her head in embarrassment. "It's true I couldn't master Roushi's ultimate skill. In order to execute it, it comes with great cost of my cosmos to be able to make up for what is lacking in my physical strength. That is why, I have created a different skill, 'Rouzan Hyakuryu no Mai.'"
Raising her finger, the air around it changed straight away, and the Gold Saints in the room all understood immediately what Miyabi was doing.
"I see," The Gold Saint known as the Magician of Water and Ice, Camus remarked as Miyabi's technical ability was something he was familiar with. "You control the airflow around, focusing them on your fingers and with the light speed movement achieved by Gold Saints, together with ten fingers, you can cast a net of piercing damage making it impossible for the enemy to dodge, like the dances of a hundred dragons."
Astonished at how Camus was able to read her skills straight away, Miyabi nodded in respect. "As you know, the power of a technique fighter is based strongly on the control of their cosmos. That is why I wanted to be able to better control my cosmos, and Roushi mentioned, there is no one as proficient as Shaka."
"Very well," Shaka nodded in understanding. "Whenever you are ready for the training, just come find me at the Virgo temple."
"In that case," Touched with Miyabi's eagerness to become stronger, Mu offered too. "If you'd like, you can join the psychokinesis training I have with Kiki."
"Woah, just because I am strength based doesn't mean I can't help." Not letting Shaka and Mu look like the only helpful seniors, Kanon jumped in too. "I don't mind continuing our morning trainings if you are up for it."
"Of course!" Not expecting to receive so much help from her peers, Miyabi jumped up in excitement. "Though it's not much, but as a sign of my appreciation, would you like to stay for breakfast at the Libra temple? I am happy to prepare something for all of us."
"Would never say no to that." Kanon responded with a friendly smile.
"I will give you a hand." As polite as usual, Camus offered.
Following Miyabi into the kitchen, Camus could not help but feel a little saddened. Unlike Shaka, Mu and Kanon who were able to offer support to Miyabi. Because his expertise is too similar to Miyabi, in turn he could not assist her. Despite being a technique fighter too, each of their technique was unique. Aphrodite produces different roses by using his cosmos, Milo uses his light speed skills to precisely attack the opponent's pressure points, causing direct damage to the central nervous system, whereas Camus uses his cosmos to stop the movements of atoms in order to freeze anything he wills. Being so different, Camus wished there was something he could do to assist Miyabi. Probably a habit he gained from being a master of two apprentices.
To his surprised though, unlike the melancholy he was feeling inside, the girl beside him seemed to be in the best of moods. Chuckling while she whipped the egg in her bowl, Miyabi said. "It's funny Camus, how we always seem to be kitchen buddies."
"That's true," Camus couldn't agree more while he turned the omelettes on the frying pan. "I know I couldn't offer help with your training like the others can, but this is probably the tiniest bit I can do to help."
"That's not true." Miyabi shook her head in disagreement. "No one understands how my technique works like you do. You will probably be the only person that can provide expert advise on how I can further improve."
Not expecting the junior member to turn around and comfort him instead, Camus once again felt the ripple of emotions occurring within. Peeking at the girl beside him, he was touched by that simple genuine warmness she conveyed. She was like the light that always brought him back to the right path.
"Oh, looks like I am running out of food already." Unaware of the affect she had on Camus, Miyabi remarked while she went through the fridge. "The next supply won't be here for another week."
"It's the same as my fridge," Camus smiled. "We are the ones constantly providing food to the others that's why."
"Oh, in that case, where do you get more supplies?"
"I just head into the nearby village and get some more," With a certain realisation, Camus asked. "You haven't been to the nearby village yet, right? If you want, we can go for a supply run. That way, you can find more ingredients you need for your cooking that isn't on the usual list."
"Really? That's a great idea!" Miyabi's stunning face brightened up immediately. "I have wondered how your kitchen has all these special spices and condiments. Like, I have always wanted to prepare some Japanese food, but not sure where I can get my hands on the Japanese groceries."
"I know what you mean," Camus continued to smile, realising this was the type of help none of the other Gold Saints can provide. "I sometimes just teleport to Paris to buy the needed ingredients there. I think you can probably do the same for your Japanese stuff."
Holding onto her chin, Miyabi realised Camus has a point. With the privilege of being a Gold Saint, teleportation was a simple task. Why had she not thought about it? If she wanted her Japanese groceries, she could have just travelled there and return straight away.
"We are allowed to do that?" Miyabi asked in amusement.
"Yes. As long as we teleport to a place not seen by others, and not expose our status as a saint it should be fine." Camus explained. "In fact, I plan to do my Paris supply soon if you want to come along."
"Paris!" the Libra's saints gorgeous hazel eyes brightened up with the mention of the beautiful romantic city. "If it's not too much trouble, can I please come along?"
With that, since the two Gold Saints both weren't scheduled on anything for the rest of the day, Camus and Miyabi met up at the exit of Sanctuary where Athena's seal no longer prevented them from teleporting. Miyabi followed after Camus as he took the lead, and without trouble the two arrived at Paris in an instance.
Ensuring he performed his role as a good local, Camus took Miyabi to the best local delicatessen, where Miyabi fell in love with the different type of cheeses and condiments. Despite the two wanted to stay low key while they shopped for supplies, whenever the two of them entered any store, their striking appearances always attracted eyes of admiration from both male and females. Though Camus never really took notice of the glances he attracted, he for the first time noticed the romantic fellow French lads making comments about Miyabi. Unlike Miyabi who couldn't speak French and had no idea all the men were talking about her, Camus discovered for some reason, a sense of possessiveness taking over within. Not wanting to share the girl with others, Camus turned to Miyabi and suggested. "Now we bought some of the food, do you want to have a picnic on the lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower?"
"Eiffel Tower!" Miyabi cheered again feeling if it was alright for a saint, a protector of the world to enjoy life like a tourist. However, when Camus and she sat down on the lawn, enjoying the soft breeze under the warm sunlight, Miyabi gave a sigh as she looked up into the blue sky.
Miyabi knew the only reason she could enjoy this, and watch the people laugh and play around them in the park, was because the saints of Athena sacrificed their lives to protect this. Sacrifice, yes, Miyabi was reminded lives were lost during the fierce battle. The man that sat next to her was one of the fighters that have laid down his life for the cause.
She remembered hearing of the fierce battle between the Gold Saints when Hades first raised them for his use. In order to reach Athena and notify her of the revival of the Athena's Cloth, Saga, Camus, Shura, Deathmask and Aphrodite had to play the roles of traitors to be able to do that. Taking a look at the man next to her while he calmly prepared lunch from the food they bought, Miyabi knew she could never comprehend the amount of pain this man went through. Yet, he was here kindly to help her and guide her, and she couldn't do anything for him in return.
"Here, try this croissant we bought," Passing the pastry to Miyabi, the handsome Aquarius Gold Saint recommended. "The bakery made it with the butter they churned themselves…"
Taking a bite of the croissant, the moment the sweet buttery aroma filled her mouth, together with it, Miyabi felt her heart ache. The fact she was able to enjoy this was a testament her fellow teammates sacrificed their lives to achieve this, and she was a step behind.
"Miyabi?" Camus called in surprise when he saw tears rolled off the girl's soft cheeks. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing!" Quickly drying her tears, Miyabi forced out a smile. "It's so delicious! Crusty and buttery, I have never had a croissant like this!"
Knowing eating a most delicious croissant doesn't usually bring tears to the eyes, Camus understood something went through Miyabi's mind. "Miyabi," softly helping Miyabi remove the crumbs off the side of her lips, Camus spoke gently. "I know though we haven't known each other long enough for me to say this, but I do wish to become someone you can talk to. Becoming a Gold Saint is no light matter, and the responsibility you bear must be heavy. If there's anything that you ever need to let off your chest, I am always here to listen."
"Camus," Miyabi felt her heart moved greatly. Gently overlapping the man's hand with her own, Miyabi whispered. "I just realised when we see life continuing around us, the world remained beautiful and strong, I cannot help but be reminded it came with the cost of all your lives." With her eyes looking sincerely into Camus', Miyabi gave her fellow Gold Saint a most stunning smile. "I just wanted to say thank you, and from now on, I will be there with you guys as well."
Upon such sincerity and kindness, Camus knew he was doomed. The ripples of emotion he had been feeling nonstop ever since he met Miyabi has accumulated and now produced a passion within that started to overcome his coolness. For a knight who was known for his calm and inexpressive personality, Camus had found himself failing to uphold to that standard. Before he knew it, his fingers that was near Miyabi's lips started to trail along the girl's soft cherry lips. The desire to want to kiss her right now was overwhelming.
"Camus?" Surprised with Camus' touch against her lips, the girl enquired softly.
Luckily as a man who had spent years controlling his emotions, logic soon returned to Camus as he moved away and changed the topic. "Here, try this pate and the cheese selection here…"
Though Camus made no mention of his odd action again, it didn't mean Miyabi could just put it aside as well. What puzzled her even more was, though they continued to finish their lunch on the beautiful lawn enjoying the stunning view of the Eiffel Tower, on their way back to Sanctuary, Miyabi found Camus' hand holding onto hers as they teleported back together. Their hands continued to be connected as they walked up the steps, until they have reached the Libra temple, Camus finally let go.
"Thank you, Miyabi, for coming with me to Paris."
Shaking her head quickly, Miyabi said. "No, it's my pleasure. If you are free next time, it's my turn to show you Japan."
"I can't wait." With that, Camus said goodbye to Miyabi as he soon headed up the steps to return to Aquarius temple.