As the Path Shifts. Prologue.
~}I{~
Saga finally finished his training for the day. He took a drink from the leather pouch he had, letting the refreshing water roll down his throat. Saga pulled the rim of the pouch away from his lips, he let out a sigh. The 5-year-old then looked at the Gold Cloth that was to be his when he earned the title.
The Gemini Cloth... The Twins...
Saga lowered his gazes before he looked away when he thought bitterly, 'Why am I the one who has to do this?'
Then he remembered why... Because he was the older twin...
Kanon, the younger twin, was the back-up should the older die... The younger was the spare... The replacement...
Saga clutched the water pouch at this. He loved his twin brother and wanted to train with him! But the elders forbade it... And forbad anyone else knowing about Kanon's existence...
Why? That wasn't fair to Kanon, and it wasn't fair to Saga. Why shouldn't it be known that the candidate for the Gemini Cloth was an Identical Twin? It makes sense, so how come one had to be hidden away like some dirty secret? Gemini is a constellation about twins, so why couldn't both twins wear the Cloth?
Saga narrowed his eyes before he closed them. He took a deep breath before he opened his eyes, that now sparkled with a renewed determination.
}I{
5-year-old Kanon hugged his knees to his chest as he sat in the corner of his 'room'... Though it was better described as a cell than an actual room... This was where he 'lived', hidden away from everyone but the elders, a few selected servants, and his older twin brother...
Kanon glanced around the perimeter of his 'room'... Sure it looked like a cell and felt like one, but at least he had sections where he had some privacy... Like his 'bedroom', bath, and loo... Not much but it was something... Although, sometimes Saga spent a few nights with Kanon when he wanted to get away from the elders...
Kanon glanced up at the barred window. Judging by the type of light coming in, it was the late afternoon...He lowered his gaze as he wondered when the last time he was outside... The last time he was under the sunlight... The last time he felt the gentle breeze against his skin...
The sound of the cell door opening snapped Kanon out of his thoughts. He looked up to see his older twin brother walking in and closing the cell door behind him. "Saga?" Kanon vocalised inconfusion before asking, "Did the elders make you mad again?"
It was a logical assumption to the younger twin. The older always came to him when the elders overworked their chosen twin or aggravated him. Saga shook his head before he pointed towards the 'bedroom'. Kanon glanced at the wall that allowed him some privacy while he slept before he looked at his brother and stated, "A little early for bed..."
Saga glanced at the cell door, to make sure no one was there or coming, before his attention was on his brother. The older twin placed his right index finger to his lips as he motioned for his brother to follow him as he walked towards the 'bedroom'.
Kanon was confused by his brother's actions, but stood up and followed him anyway. Once they were in the 'bed area' Saga quietly explained his plan. Kanon was flabbergasted at this and tried to talk his older brother out of it, but... How could the younger twin refuse when Saga pointed out so, so many good things that will come from this plan...
And so they indicated this plan that very day...
~}I{~
"Very good, Saga, you are progressing well," one of the elder trainers told the young Gemini trainee.
The dark blue-haired child gave a respectful bow when he said, "Thank you, sir." The 5-year-old, soon to be 6-year-old, kept his gaze low as a small smirk crossed his lips, hidden from the sight of the elder before him.
The man waved a hand when he said, "The rest of the day is yours. You are expected here at the usual time for your usual training."
The child nodded before he headed off. He quickly made his way to the main kitchen of Sanctuary.
The chefs spotted the boy coming in and gave him a wave when one of them said, "Yo, little Saga! Training hard, I see."
The child nodded with a smile as he snatched two small loaves of bread off of a plate.
"Oi! Don't take so many, you'll spoil your dinner," another chef scolded the little knight in training.
The child held up one of the loaves when he retorted as he dodged one of the servants and retorted, "I've been training all day! And dinner is still a while away." He then scurried away.
The head chef patted the other chefs on the shoulder when they said, "The knights-in-training burn a lot of energy, so it's alright if they take a snack or two."
One of the chefs couldn't help but comment, "That I know, but little Saga always takes enough 'snacks' for two people, yet still eats all his regular meals."
The head chef shrugged off the comment by saying, "He's young and probably has a high-metabolism." That was a solid enough answer to the other chefs.
}{
The Gemini-Saint-in-training slid into the familiar hidden cavern on the side of the nearby hill and walked down the stone corridor until he came to a familiar cell door. The child was quick to say in a hushed tone, "Ani, I'm here, let me in."
The other twin came out of the 'bed area' of the cell and smiled when he saw the other. He moved to the cell door. "How was your day, Kanon?" the twin in the cell whispered as he placed his hand on the 'lock' on the bars, causing the locking mechanism to unlock.
This lock was forged to only open to the Elders of Sanctuary and the chosen candidate for the Gemini Cloth.
The Twin outside the cell walked in while the other closed the door behind him and said, "Nothing new, just the usual training." He smirked when he said, "And they still don't suspect a thing." Kanon handed one of the loaves to the other.
Saga accepted the loaf when he said with a matching smirk, "And as long as we keep up this plan, they never will."
It's been six months since Saga proposed the 'Swapping Places Plan', and it has been an utter success! Saga and Kanon switched places every three days, they told each other everything they could during their time 'outside', and they kept up their training.
Since only the Elders knew about Kanon, they were the ones the Twins needed to make sure to be more on guard when one of them was around. So far, those elders have yet to note any changes to their 'Chosen Twin.'
Saga and Kanon ate their bread in the corner of the cell that had a concentration of dried straw, both leaning somewhat against each other.
~}I{ 6 Months Later }I{~
There was one thing the Gemini Twins didn't expect, was becoming friends with the candidates for the other Gold Cloths.
Of course, as far as they knew, there was only one Gemini candidate... Saga. So that's the part the Twins played... However, There was an unexpected factor that the Twins had overlooked about the other Gold Saint candidates...
Aldebaran let out a hearty bellow of a laugh when he got out, "Saga, you silly! I made the banana pudding for Mu's test and made the apple cake for Milo's!"
Camus glanced at the Gemini candidate when he commented in a stoic tone, "Milo loves apples, so he would've wanted something apple-based for his passing reward."
Kanon was quick to say, "Sorry, the dates for the tests were so close I mixed them up." He, of course, wasn't present when those tests happened, but his brother was and told him. But understandably, the younger twin mixed who did which test thus mixing up who got which dessert.
Milo shrugged when he said, "True, but it's still silly of you to do that." He then bit into a bright red apple with a crisp crunch with a smile.
"My bad," Kanon said with a weary chuckle with a wave of a hand. He then looked around when he asked, "By the way... Where is Mu?" He noticed Shaka meditating on top of a nearby boulder a bit away from their group, but that wasn't anything new with the Virgo-Saint-in-training.
Aioros scratched his cheek before he remembered something and got out in realisation, "Ah, right!" He held open his left palm, hit the side of his right fist, and added, "Pope Shion sent Mu on a task this morning. He won't be back until tomorrow."
"Aw, really? That sucks," Milo got out with a frown before biting into the apple again.
Camus elbowed the Scorpio-in-training in the arm when he corrected sternly, "I believe you mean 'that's an honour', right?"
Milo gave the Aquarius-in-training an annoyed look as he chewed what he had in his mouth. He swallowed before he retorted, "Not if it was sudden and he's gonna be gone for a day." Milo stared at the teal-haired boy as he took another bite of the apple.
Camus only glanced away only to see Shaka leaving. The other Gold-Saints-in-training turned to watch the golden-haired boy leave.
Aioros couldn't help but ask, "Why's he leaving?" as he watches Shaka's figure getting smaller.
Aldebaran tilted his head to the side when he commented cluelessly, "I don't know... I don't even know why he doesn't join us in the group... "
Kanon pressed his lips in a line when he said, "He always sits close enough to us yet he doesn't sit with us... "
Milo scoffs when he states, "When he Does sit around us, at least." Camus gave the other a stern look at these words.
Kanon couldn't remember when he couldn't see the Virgo-Saint-in-training in his peripheral vision when he was with the others like this and doesn't recall his older brother mentioning this fact. So the younger Gemini Twin kept quiet about that. However, Kanon couldn't help but think, 'I'm going to have to tell Ani that we need to be more observant with the other Gold Saint Candidates. They're starting to pick up on a few things.'
"Yo! Saga! You there?" Aioros called out as he waved a hand in front of the Gemini's face.
Kanon blinked when he vocalised, "Huh?" before looking at the Sagittarius.
Aioros tapped the side of his head when he said with a smirk, "Lost in thought again, Saga."
Kanon's cheeks turned pink when he got out softly, "Kind of... I was just wondering why Shaka even bothers with being near us when he doesn't exactly... You know."
Milo shrugs when he retorts, "Not a clue." He bit into the apple once more before he turned his attention to Aioros and asked between bites, "Oh, by the way, heard you're going to be a big brother soon."
Camus frowned when he told the Scorpio, "Don't talk with your mouth full, Milo."
Aioros couldn't help but grin as he scratched his cheek in embarrassment as the others congratulated him.
}{ That Night }{
"Really!" Saga got out in excitement after Kanon told him the events over the last three days.
Kanon flipped his shirt over his head when he said, "Yup!" When his head popped out of the neck of the shirt, he added, "I already congratulated Aioros, so try not to do it tomorrow."
Saga flipped his hair out from his shirt when he said with a pout, "Fine! You're lucky you were able to do it…" He glanced at the ground when he added bitterly, "And I can't give him any suggestions about being a big brother..."
Kanon glanced away when he said softly, "You know you can't..."
They both left the 'bedroom' when Saga grumbled out softly, "I know... "
The Twins sat in front of their dinner before they quietly ate their meal.
~}I{~
Another year of the Gemini Twins switching places and they were starting to worry... Not about the elders, they still thought that Saga was their perfect little student outside a few moments involving his brother's treatment. It was the other Gold Saint candidates who noticed a few 'oddities' with 'Saga'... And the date for the Test of the Gemini Cloth was drawing nearer.
}{
"You worried about the test, Ani?" Kanon whispered to his older brother as they laid on his bed, tucked under the blanket to keep them warm.
Saga tucked the blanket closer to his chin when he whispered back, "Yeah, but not for the reasons you think..." He curled himself into a ball when he told his younger brother, "If I pass, then the Cloth is mine... And..."
Kanon understood what his brother was leading into when he finished, "I can't wear the cloth if needed when I'm outside... Right?"
Saga nodded when he said, "Yeah... We'll be found out if that happens... And I can't fail the test either..." He was going to be honest with himself, the older Twin didn't think about what would happen once he got to the test of the Gemini Cloth...
Kanon took his brother's hand in worry. Then an idea came to the younger twin's mind before he asked, "Hey, Ani, do you think you can steal one of the training outfits before the test?"
Saga blinked in confusion when he got out, "I can without anyone noticing, why?"
}I{
This idea was a major risk if either of the Twins messed up. The elders were watching 'Saga' as he took his test, but they weren't the ones that the Twins needed to appease
It was the Gemini Cloth... The armour that they hoped to share to solidify their goal...
And another reason to be careful was because the other Gold Saint candidates were watching 'Saga' take the test as well.
}{
Both Saga and Kanon were super careful as they started the test. One kept to the dark shadows of the environment while the other drew the attention of the onlookers during the test. The one in the shadows kept their Cosmos hidden, so not to be noticed, waiting for their chance to switch.
The Twins had developed a non-verbal dictionary just for this test, so they can secretly switch places during the test so both can pass to become the Gemini Saint without anyone but the cloth realising it. It was the key to their success...
And because of it, they were able to pull off passing the test of the Gemini Cloth without anyone noticing that there was more than one person taking the test.
As 'Saga' doned the Gemini Cloth, the other young Gold Saints, Gold-Saints- in-training, and elders congratulated the now Gemini Saint, Virgo Shaka kept his distance from the others.
The Virgo Saint then glanced at the terrain of the field. Shaka could've sworn he sensed another Cosmo within that environment, that was only there for a second before it was gone. He was going to investigate that.
}I{ That Night }I{
In secret, Saga and Kanon tested to see if both could wear the Cloth. Of course, it was in the middle of the night when everyone was asleep. It meant that no one would see both of them and there would be no interruptions.
The Gemini Cloth accepted both of them without any hesitation.
As the armour in question reassembled itself as it returned to its box, the twins gave each other a hi-five as Kanon said in excitement, "We did it!"
Saga smiled when he replied, "Yeah! we did!" He couldn't help but laugh as his younger brother surprised him with a hug. Saga happily hugged the younger back before he told him, "We need to go back..."
Kanon nuzzled his older brother's shoulder when he mumbled, "Can you stay with me tonight? I don't want them telling me about you getting the cloth in the morning..."
Saga involuntarily tightened his grip on the younger twin when he whispered, "I was going to regardless if you asked me or not..." He knew exactly what Kanon was talking about, and if he could minimise the elder's poor treatment of his younger brother Saga would do it.
Soon enough, the Twins snuck back into the cavern where 'Kanon's room' was and entered the 'cell' without an issue. They then went to bed and fell asleep.
}I{
Shaka spent all night trying to find out where and what that strange other Cosmos he sensed during the Gemini test and found nothing but rements from Gemini Saga... Yet... He held up a stone in one hand and then another stone in the other, carefully focusing on them.
'Strange... The Cosmo remnants on these have a slight difference to them...' Shaka thought as he let that information sink in. The Virgo Saint dropped the stones as he made his way back to the Temple of the Maiden and wondered how one person could change their Cosmo, even slightly.
Shaka passed the Sagittarius Temple, annoyed that Aioros fell asleep outside with his baby brother, Aioria, on a flimsy blanket, again. The Virgo Saint-in-training felt that the soon-to-be Sagittarius Saint was too careless at times. At least until he got a little too close to the other.
A flare of the Sagittarius Cosmos emitted from the young brunette when Shaka was roughly ten passes away from the siblings. Of course, the Virgo Saint paused at this and turned his attention to the soon-to-be Sagittarius Saint. The still sleeping Aioros instinctively hugged the slumbering 12-month-old baby close.
Shaka walked on, somewhat impressed by how much he underestimated the sleeping soon-to-be Sagittarius Saint.
~}I{~
Saga held the now 18-month-old Aioria by the hands as the baby was trying to run. The Gemini smiled when he told the little one, "You're doing great, Aioria. You've got the balance right."
The baby ended up propping on the ground with a frustrated grunt. He didn't cry from falling, but was not happy that he couldn't get this 'running' thing as well as the bigger kids. Aioria stood back up, and tried again.
"Ah, almost," Saga commented as he scooped the baby into his arms before he could get anywhere. Of course, little Aioria protested but knew he couldn't do much about it. The Gemini Saint cradled the baby when he told him, "You'll get it eventually, little Aioria." Saga looked up just in time to see the Sagittarius-in-training coming into view.
Aioros gave the Gemini Saint a friendly wave when he got closer and said with a smile, "Yo, Saga! Thanks for watching Aioria for me for a bit."
Saga returned the smile when he replied, "Not a problem. Aioria managed to run a short distance before losing his balance. He's eager to get to that stage."
Aioros couldn't help but chuckle at those words. He was amused that his little brother was so eager to be on the big kids' level.
The 18-month-old was quick to reach out to his older brother when he saw him.
Aioros chuckled at this as he took the baby from the Gemini Saint and told his little brother, "Aw, did you miss me that much, Aioria?"
The baby cooed happily as he gripped his big brother's shirt and leaned into his embrace. Aioria nuzzled his nose into Aioros's shoulder, glad to be in his brother's arms again.
Saga smiled when he said, "Seems like it, Aioros." He motioned his head in the direction of the usual hang-out of the Gold-Saints-in-training when he added, "Aldebaran made a picnic for us. He's kinda hoping to finally lure Shaka closer to the group." Saga looked at the 18-month-old when he said with a small smile, "Maybe you can help with that goal, Aioria."
The baby gripped his brother's shirt tighter with his tiny hands. Aioros hugged his little brother when he said as he and the Gemini Saint started walking. "Ah, maybe. Shaka doesn't seem to mind Aioria being around."
It didn't take long before they came to their usual spot, a large red blanket was spread out for everyone to sit on comfortably. Aldebaran was humming happily as he set the plates and cutlery for everyone.
Saga practically beamed at the sight, already excited about telling Kanon about this. Then a bubble of guilt boiled in his gut about the younger twin having to miss out on this. Maybe Saga could snatch a few extra 'snacks' for Kanon.
Aioros looked past the picnic and saw Shaka in a meditative position a couple of passes away from the group, as usual. He looked at Milo, who was cutting a cake, and asked, "Anyone else joining?"
Milo carefully plated the cake Slices when he said, "Mu and Camus are coming with refreshments." He noticed the baby in the soon-to-be Sagittarius Saint's arms. Milo gave the little one a pleasant wave when he said, "Hi, Aioria, you wanna try some of the picnic foods?"
The 18-month-old looked at the spread as Aioros stated, "Only the soft stuffs and the easy to portion ones." The Sagittarius sat on the blanket as he repositioned his little brother when he added, "He's not at that stage yet."
Aioria kept his tiny hand on his big brother's arm as he was placed in Aioros's lap.
Saga sat next to the soon-to-be Sagittarius Saint as Aldebaran got to plating the food. It all looked good.
Camus and Mu arrived with the drinks. The Aquarius Saint held the containers of water and one jug of apple juice, while Mu carried a portable stove, tea kettle, and a container of tea. The drinks were passed out. Milo happily took the apple juice while Mu set the kettle up before he poured the water into it.
As the kettle boiled the water, the food was divided among the children. Mu carefully filled a tea-catcher with just the right amount of tea. Once steam was emitting from the spout of the kettle, the lilac-haired Aries carefully poured the hot water into the container with the teacatcher. Baby Aioria watched this in fascination as the clear water turned see-through green because of the tea. Mu looked at the 18-month-old when he said, "Aioros, I don't think it's a good idea for him to have this tea just yet."
The soon-to-be Sagittarius Saint nodded when he said, "Yeah, tea is best enjoyed hot and it'll probably be too bitter for Aioria." The baby seemed to protest at this, but the promise of apple juice quailed him pretty quickly.
"Is that green tea?" Shaka questioned as he sniffed the air, his attention turned towards the group.
Mu held up his cup of tea for the Virgo to see when he said, "It is. Do you want a cup?"
Shaka seemed to hesitate on that. He didn't seem sure on whether or not he wanted the tea more or to meditate more.
Mu looked over the food before he told the Virgo-in-training, "The sweets we have go well with the green tea."
Shaka was quick to say, "I'm not going to finish any of them."
Mu poured another cup of green tea when he stated, "Neither am I, so how about we share?"
That seemed to push the Virgo-in-training to make his decision. And soon enough, Shaka was sitting between Mu and Aldebaran, drinking a little green tea.
Saga knew Kanon wouldn't believe him when he told him this.
~}I{~
By the time the group turned 9, the Gold Saints-in-training became Gold Saints.
3-year-old Aioria was pretty much Aioros's little shadow. Mind you, the Sagittarius was always mindful and careful when he was training, but it was always good to have an extra set of eyes around.
Because of this, Leo Kaiser seemed to notice how the toddler's Cosmo seemed to resonate with his Cloths and decided to make the little child his student... When Aioros turns four.
There were other things that have changed too.
~}I{~
"You like Aioros, don't you, Ani," Kanon told his twin while they somewhat lounged in his 'room'.
Saga brought a cup of water to his lips when he said, "Of course, I do, he's our fellow Gold Saint. An ally-in-arms." He then took a sip of the water.
Kanon rolled his eyes when he stated, "Not that kind of Like." He let out a huff before he spelled it out for his twin, "Like-Like. As in you wanna kiss him on the lips kind of like."
Saga choked on the water when he heard those words. After he managed to soothe himself, the older twin got out with red cheeks, "NO! I don't!"
Kanon raised a brow in an 'I don't believe you' manner when he got out sarcastically, "Yeah, sure you don't." He then rolled his eyes when he added in amusement, "You go on and on about Aioros like he's the most sweet and wonderful person in Greece."
Saga couldn't help but retort with red still painted on his face, "Well he is! Aioros is thoughtful, nice, and really good with a bow and arrow!" The older twin somewhat melted when he thought back on a memory and said, "I mean... He was able to bend that big longbow and hit close to a bulls-eye on the first try..." Saga's cheeks were more of a rosy hue now.
Kanon watched his brother when he commented, "Yeah, you've got one big crush on Aioros." He then asked the older twin, "Why don't you just tell him? I'm pretty sure he likes you back."
Saga lowered his gaze as he placed the cup on the ground when he said solemnly, "You know why I can't... "
Kanon folded his arms when he stated, "I don't see an issue with you and Aioros kissing."
Saga drew his knees to his chest when he asked softly, "But what about Aioros kissing you?"
Kanon raised a brow when he stated, "But I don't like him the way you... Oh..." That was when the realisation sank into the mind of the younger twin. Kanon became self-conscious when he got out, "Now I know why…" He glanced away from his twin at those words.
Saga then stated softly, "I can't tell Aioros my feelings, not unless he can also keep you a secret," He wrapped his arms tighter around his legs when he added, "If only you didn't have to be a secret, Kanon,"
The younger twin shared his older brother's belief.
}{
Aioros was using an arrow to draw something in the dirt as he sat on a rock. He didn't have an image in mind, since it was elsewhere. The young Sagittarius Saint was thinking back to the moment Saga tried to do a small-scale Galaxy Explosion. It didn't work the way it was intended, but the afterglow of the attack highlighted the Gemini Saint's features beautifully. Aioros's cheeks were dusted with pink before he snapped out of his thoughts. When he looked down, he realised he wrote Saga's name over and over with a lot of little lopsided hearts. Aioros really turned red when he saw what he did.
Of course, the Sagittarius Saint was quick to erase this evidence. But he wasn't fast enough.
"Oh? Does someone have a crush on the Gemini~," Milo teased cheerfully as he wrapped an arm around Aioros on his right.
Shura nudged the Sagittarius on the left when he added in a teasing manner, "A rather big crush."
Now Aioros was really red when he snapped in embarrassment, "Sh-shut up!"
Aldebaran stepped in to prevent a fight from breaking out when he stated, "Come on you two. Knock it off. Aioros is allowed to like Saga in that way without being teased about it." He then folded his arms before he sternly stated, "Plus, I don't think either of you are in any position to taunt Aioros about his love life."
Both Milo and Shura went very quiet with these words.
Aioros looked up at the Taurus Saint when he said in a genuinely thankful tone, "Thanks Aldebaran."
The towering child gave his fellow Gold Saint a small smile before he said, "No problem." Aldebaran's expression softened when he added, "But you should tell Saga that you like him. I've seen the way he looks at you sometimes, and I know he likes you back."
Aioros's heart skipped a beat when he asked the taller, "Really?"
Milo let out a huff when he stated, "Man, just tell him and live happily ever after."
Shura leaned over to look at the Scorpio when he retorted, "How about you follow your own advice with Camus."
Milo glared at the Capricorn at those words.
Aldebaran proceeded to bonk the indigo and blue-haired boys on the head for their antics. Of course, they protested this.
Aioros couldn't help but roll his eyes at his brothers-in-arms antics.
~}I{~
It was Kanon's turn to be out and since he had nothing to do, he decided to take a nice stroll around Sanctuary. The younger Gemini Twin simply loved the fact that he could walk around in the sunlight, feeling the warmth of the day on his skin and the gentle breeze of the wind caressing his hair. This was something that everyone else took for granted, but it was a small blessing for Kanon.
It was a few minutes into his little stroll, Kanon spotted Shaka meditating on a nearby boulder. The Younger Gemini Twin debates on what to do next. If he turned back, Shaka would take notice, but if he were to continue... Kanon glanced around for an alternative path. There were none...
Kanon bit his lips as he twirled a strand of his hair before he reluctantly continued on his stroll, keeping his Cosmos as calm and non-threatening as possible. The younger Gemini Twin didn't hate the Virgo Saint, but he never felt comfortable around him. To Kanon, it always felt like Shaka was watching him. Yes, Kanon confided with Saga about this and asked him if he noticed, but the older twin told the younger one that Shaka preferred to use his Cosmos to 'see'. It made sense, but it didn't settle Kanon's uneasiness around the Virgo Saint.
As quietly and casually as possible. Kanon walked by the meditating Shaka. The Younger Gemini Twin wanted to get away from the Virgo Saint as quickly as possible, but he didn't want to raise any suspicions.
"Out for a late afternoon stroll, Saga?" Shaka asked the passing child out of the blue without moving from his position.
Kanon almost jumped out of his skin at the sudden voice. He quickly calmed himself down before he turned to look at Shaka when he said, "Uh, yes. I just felt like stretching my legs for a bit." Kanon tried to keep things polite.
Shaka was quiet for a bit before he asked, "Don't you have training to do?"
Kanon twirled his hair when he replied as politely and casually as possible when he said, "I finished that and had some free time. So I decided on a nice stroll." He tried to keep himself calm as he waited for a moment to leave without raising any suspicions. Kanon looked at the clear sky when he added, "The weather is nice enough for one."
Shaka nodded in agreement when he said, "We have been getting some nice weather as of late."
Kanon continued to twirl his hair when he got out, "Oh, is that why you've been meditating outside more often?"
Shaka let out a hum when he replied, "I'm surprised you've noticed."
Kanon couldn't help but say, "It's a lucky guess and I have seen you out a little more often." He really didn't want to keep up this small talk, but he knew he had to keep up appearances.
Shaka shrugged when he commented, "That's fair."
After a moment of silence, Kanon took that as his cue to leave.
Shaka turned his attention towards the Gemini Saint when he suddenly asked in a serious tone, "Are you really Saga?"
Kanon froze as he felt his stomach drop to his feet. He was glad he wasn't facing the Virgo Saint, but he was sure his Cosmo wavered at the question. Kanon looked over his shoulder, plastered on a smile, and stated with a small laugh, "What are you talking about? Of course, I'm Saga." The younger Gemini Twin was quick to ask in what he hoped was a humorous tone, "What on Earth made you think something so silly?" Kanon twirled his hair nervously, his hand was out of view of the other Saint but his hair still moved slightly.
Shaka stared at the Gemini with his eyes closed for a minute or so before he faced forward when he mused out, "No reason, just a minor thought." He said it so casually that it sounded like it was nothing important.
"Uh-Uh Kaay..." Kanon got out before he gave the young Virgo Saint a wave and said as calmly as possible, "Uh, see you later." Before he continued on his stroll as normally as possible. The moment Kanon could no longer sense Shaka's Cosmo, he was quick to change course and head straight to where his 'Room' was.
}{
Saga was doing some push-ups to keep in shape. He knew Kanon was a little more creative when it came to staying fit inside this cell, but maybe he could try to get a few things to make it feel more like a room, or at least better bare minimum things... More than blankets and pillows at least.
Saga finished and moved to a sitting position as he caught his breath. He glanced at the makeshift 'couch' that Kanon made from the old pillows and blanket and a little coffee table that he managed to get in without anyone seeing until the Elders saw it in 'Kanon's room'. Saga had to admit, it had gotten more comfortable over the years, but it was still a cell by the end of the day, the older Gemini Saint couldn't help but think bitterly, 'Couldn't they have at least made this place nicer?'
Saga heard the sounds of hurried footsteps echoing through the cave. He stood up as he slowly moved towards the cell bars in a causions manner.
When Kanon suddenly appeared, Saga was quick to let him in when he asked in a hushed tone, "What happened?'' The Older Gemini Twin has never seen the younger so frantic before. He closed the cell door softly.
When Kanon took a few breaths, he told his older twin in a hushed but frantic tone, "Shaka knows!"
Saga kept that hushed tone when he asked, "What do you mean?" He took the shirt he was wearing off and motioned for the other to do the same. Saga knew his twin felt better when he was wearing his own Cloths so he hoped it would calm him down.
Kanon took the shirt he was wearing off and swapped it with the one his brother had when he said in that still hushed and frantic tone, "I think Shaka found out about me not being you somehow!" He slipped the shirt on when he added, "He just asked me if I was you!"
Saga slipped the shirt on when he asked cautiously, "Just? When did this happen?" He could feel his stomach sink and he didn't even flip his hair out from the shirt.
Kanon, also still hasn't moved his hair out from under the shirt, nodded when he said frantically but in a hushed tone, "It was roughly five minutes ago!"
Saga's eyes widened at this when he got out in shock, "And you came here right after that?!"
Kanon nodded frantically when he said, "Yes! Had to warn you!"
Saga tugged on his shirt as he bit his lip before saying, "Kanon! You did exactly what he wanted you to do!" He understood his younger twin's actions, but this was bad! Kanon froze at these words before Saga stated, "He seemed to know that something was up with us but didn't have proof! And he might find us out!"
Saga noticed that his younger twin was still frozen in place and asked, "Kanon?" The younger Gemini shakily pointed his right index finger towards the cell door. Saga was quick to turn to see what had his brother so frazzled and he too froze at what he saw with his widened eyes.
Shaka was on the other side of the cell bars, staring at the twins with his open mouth and sky blue eyes.
The three stared at one another for who knows how long before Shaka finally got out, "J-just like your constellation!"
Saga and Kanon could feel their stomach drop at those words.
Someone found them out!
Yeah, it wasn't one of the Elders but still...
The three suddenly heard voices. From the volume, whoever it was was at the entrance of the hidden cave.
Saga let out a low growl before he quickly opened the cell door, grabbed Shaka by the wrist, pulled him into the cell, and closed the door as quickly and softly as he could. Kanon looked worried as his older twin hauled the Virgo Saint towards his 'bedroom'. Saga shoved Shaka on the 'bed' when he snapped in a hushed and stern tone, "Keep quiet, stay out of sight, and hide your Cosmo!"
Shaka was still too stunned to retort or question what was going on at Saga went to be by Kanon's side. The young Virgo Saint was now confused. He had too many questions and not enough answers. Maybe listening would be a good idea for Shaka right now.
Kanon was quick to clench his older brother's shirt when he got close as the footsteps and the voices got louder. Saga, of course, wrapped a protective arm around his younger brother. They knew what might be coming, and they hoped it wasn't because the Elders found out about their swapping ploy after all this time.
}{
Mu was reading a book in the dining sunlight in front of the Temple of the Ram. He would've continued reading if Pope Shion hadn't appeared before him. "Master Shion," the 9-year-old said respectively with a small bow.
The elderly man folded his arms when he said almost playfully, "Mu, haven't I warned you about reading in the dark?"
Mu placed his bookmark before closing the book when he said with a smile, "There's still light." He looked up at his master and father figure when he asked, "Is there something bothering you?" It was an honest question for the child.
Pope Shion moved to sit next to his student when he asked, "Be honest with me, what are your opinions on Gemini Saga?"
Mu was understandably confused when he asked, "Why?"
Pope Shion looked at his student when he explained, "Apparently, Virgo Shaka came to me about his suspicions that Gemini Saga's Cosmos might be unstable and his memory is a little odd at times."
Mu thought about those words for a bit, thinking about some of the odder behaviours of the Gemini Saint. The 9-year-old let out a hum before he admitted, "Well, I've noticed that his Cosmo shifts slightly every few days or so, and can mix up some small things, but nothing too major except for his appetite."
"Appetite?" The Pope parroted in confusion before he asked, "What do you mean by that?"
Mu shrugged when he said, "He seems to eat a lot. Not all at once, but he likes to 'save some snacks for later'. Usually leftover food from our picnics mostly, but I've seen Saga taking an extra loaf of bread a few times."
Pope Shion placed a hand on his chin when he mused, "How odd... But nothing to really worry about."
Mu wondered what this was about as he watched the sunset with his master.
}{
Saga honestly didn't get these stupid rules for the Gemini Saint anymore. What WAS WRONG with letting the younger twin know about the Gemini Cloth? If the younger is the spare and back-up, shouldn't they know about how the Cloth works too? Know about the signature attacks? Let them feel the Cosmo of the Cloth?
So, of course, Saga snapped at the elders in anger about letting Kanon interact with the Gemini Cloth.
As it turned out, someone did see both Twins during one of their nightly Gemini Cloth experiments. But they were half asleep so it was easy for the elders to convince them that they were seeing things. Although, that got both of the Twins in major trouble...
Kanon didn't want his brother to get in trouble because of him, but Saga was pointing out some major things regarding his position as the 'Younger Twin'. He should be able to interact with the Gemini Cloth too, especially since he is 'the back-up'.
Not that the elders knew that the Gemini Cloth already accepted both twins as its weirder.
But the elders stood their ground on their stance on the 'Traditions' before they left, informing the twins that neither will be getting dinner or breakfast.
Fine by Saga and Kanon, they had stored enough snacks to cover them. All in the coolers-turned-ice boxes that Saga snuck in, that was hidden in Kanon's 'bedroom'. They knew how to ration their supply to keep them satisfied.
It wasn't until the Twins couldn't hear the footsteps of the elders that they breathed a sigh of relief. Both Geminis sank into the makeshift couch when Kanon said softly, "Ani... I'm sorry,"
Saga wrapped his arms around his younger brother when he replied equally as softly, "Don't apologise. You did nothing wrong..." He hugged him when he added. "It's these dumb so-called 'traditions' that those stupid elders want to follow."
Kanon let out a small laugh when he asked between giggles, "Did you just call the Elders 'stupid'?"
Saga playfully huffed when he got out, "I did, and they are." He nuzzled his younger brother's hair when he added softly, "As are these 'traditions'..." Kanon nuzzled his older brother's shoulder as he leaned into his embrace.
The Twins stayed like this until they noticed Shaka peering around the corner from 'Kanon's Room'. Both Saga and Kanon stiffened when they saw the Virgo Saint, feeling self-conscious over the fact that they forgot he was here.
Shaka was oddly quiet as he stepped into view. His eyes were closed again, but the Twins could feel him staring at them. Shaka turned his attention to the cell door when he finally stated softly, "They... They don't know that the two of you have been switching places every few days or so... Given their words and actions..."
Saga scoffed bitterly when he stated sourly, "No! And we made dang sure they didn't..."
Kanon couldn't help but add softly, "You saw how they reacted when they discovered that Ani let me out on here for one night... How do you think they'd react when they learn that they have been unknowingly training me?" He shuddered at the thought, already dreading that moment.
Saga hugged his brother close when he sensed his discomfort. He glanced at the Virgo Saint when he grumbled, "You might as well stay the night... There's a high possibility that one of them will be watching the entrance..."
Shaka let out a low hum when he replied, "They currently are right now... For Elders, they are rather careless with concealing their Cosmos," He looked around the 'room' when he asked, "Is this where one of you have to stay? Away from everyone?"
Both Twins got out bitterly, "Unfortunately."
Kanon glanced around when he said, "But as you can see, I managed to make my room a bit more comfortable with a few old things."
Saga patted the younger twin on the shoulder when he said proudly, "Kanon is the more creative of us. I just helped get and bring in everything." He snickered when he added, "But seeing those idiots' faces when they saw the coffee table the first time was hilarious." Kanon chuckled in agreement.
Shaka wasn't sure how to react to this... Banter... He wasn't sure what threw him off more, the fact that the Gemini Saint was actually a set of twins or the fact that they were already so at ease with him around even after he found out their secret... Probably the latter, given how much Shaka noticed how the younger twin, Kanon, was always on guard when he was around. Well, now he knew that it was the younger twin, and that there was a younger twin.
Saga glanced at the Virgo Saint when he asked awkwardly, "Um, do you want something to eat? We've got some snacks... Those should tie us over until morning..." He mumbled, "But we might have to rework the rations though."
Shaka glanced around when he asked in confusion, "Um, where do you keep these snacks?" It was a fair question, he didn't see any place to keep any kind of food.
The twins were quick to get off the 'couch' and carefully moved the old blankets and pillows to reveal a pair of closed coolers. Both Kanon and Saga opened the coolers to take inventory of what they had.
Shaka carefully stared over the Twins' shoulders to see what was there. He was quick to note that there were no liquids when he asked, "Do you have any waters? I-I can go without dinner for tonight."
The Twins looked at the Virgo when they asked at the same time, "Are you sure?"
Shaka didn't know how to feel about having identical faces looking and asking him the same thing at the same time. The Virgo Saint took a step back when he said softly, "Yes, um, unlike you two... I'm not... Used to hearing what was said... And... It... kind of erased my appetite..." In all honesty, Shaka wasn't sure if his stomach could take having food right now. Not after hearing what the Elders told the Gemini Saints, more specifically, the younger of the two. Shaka just couldn't believe that the people that everyone in Sanctuary respected, even the Pope, would be doing something so cruel to one of the Gold Saints in such a way,
The Twins stared at the Virgo Saint for a few seconds before they glanced at each other. They silently debated the words they heard. Once the Twins silently concluded that it was a fair reaction, before Kanon moved away from the 'couch' and to the wall, where a make-shift chair was next to a make-shift shelf with a few books. The younger twin lifted the old pillow and revealed another cooler hidden within.
Shaka was rather impressed by these 'plain sight' hiding spots within this cell.
Kanon handed the Virgo Saint a pouch of water, who accepted the item. As the younger twin took out two more pouches of water, the older took a few of the snacks out. Both returned the pillows and blankets back in place before they settled at the little coffee table.
Shaka wasn't sure if he should be unnerved by how fast the Twins were able to brush off the events from a few minutes ago or impressed, probably the former more than the latter. Shaka took a sip of the water to hopefully ease his unsettled stomach.
When the Twins finished eating, they brushed their teeth before they went to the 'bedroom'. Shaka somewhat followed, noting how worn yet comfortable the bed was. But it wasn't very spacious, for two bodies the size of 10-year-olds. Shaka decided to meditate in the corner of the 'bedroom' farthest away from the 'entrance'.
The Twins fell asleep rather quickly, both just tired from today's events. Shaka meditated on this whole thing for an hour or so before sleep finally took a hold of him.
~}I{~
The other Gold Saints weren't surprised that Shaka wasn't with them eating breakfast, but Saga missing was a little out of the norm.
Of course, little Aioria sat next to his big brother, somewhat blissfully unaware of the unusualness of today's missing breakfast members. Aioros, on the other hand, kept glancing at where Saga normally sat. The others easily noticed this. They couldn't help but wonder what was going on.
}I{
Both Saga and Kanon munched on some of the snacks. Shaka, somewhat, joined them at the coffee table, which was rather cramped with all three of them there. The Virgo didn't really eat so much as nibble on the food.
Shaka was unusually unsure when he finally asked the two, "Why are you so... At ease about me knowing about... Both of you?" He subtly nodded his chin between the two when he added, "I stumbled on the thing you both have been keeping from everyone, yet you are oddly calm about it now..."
Kanon lowered his gaze as Saga stated, "Well, you know why it's a secret... I doubt you would do anything underhanded to either the elders or us... You're too noble for that."
Shaka knew the older Gemini was right,he wouldn't do such a thing as blackmail or use any unsightly methods. But for Athena's sake! Did these two honestly think he would sit back and do nothing! "Are the two of you really going to continue this whole facade?" Shaka asked the two coldly.
"Huh?" were the shared responses from Saga and Kanon.
Shaka was stern when he stated coldly, "Pretending to be the same person to the world. To our fellow Gold Saints? Ones who are to fight side-by-side with you. It's one thing to fool the elders, but should you continue to do this ploy with the other Saints?" He let out a breath before he added, "The Gemini Cloth accepted both of you. It chose both of You. It wants both of you!"
Saga scoffed when he stated, "We know about that."
Kanon looked at the Virgo Saint when he asked, "You... Aren't going to tell anyone, are you?"
Shaka shook his head when he said, "It's not my place to do so." He stood up when he added, "Saga, Kanon, you are the ones who can do that."
The Twins glanced at each other at these words.
After sensing to make sure the entrance wasn't being watched, Saga let Shaka out of the cell. Once the Virgo Saint was gone, the Twins stared at each other as they thought about what was told to them.
}I{ A Week Later }I{
"Hey Camus, have you noticed the weird tension between Saga and Shaka?" Aioros asked the Aquarius Saint as they sat in the middle of Sanctuary's library. The Sagittarius was trying to read a book with the other Gold Saint.
Little Aioria was currently with Leo Kaiser, so the child could get used to being with the adult and slowly start on the training. However, it was a little jarring to see the Sagittarius Saint without his brother with him.
Camus glanced up from the book he was reading when he stated calmly, "Mu and I asked Shaka about that. According to him, he and Saga had a big disagreement and don't want to talk to each other." His attention was back on the book.
Aioros grumbled out, "Makes sense." But for some reason, the Sagittarius Saint wasn't sure about that. He felt that there was something else involved. Aioros couldn't help but think, 'Whatever it is, I hope it doesn't interfere with me telling Saga.'
}I{
It was a tough discussion between the Twins, but they knew that it was needed.
Saga and Kanon quietly went over the pros and cons on this. It was tough, since the cons were bad but there were a lot more pros.
However…
The Gemini Twins knew what they needed to do.
}{
Aioros was currently annoyed by his fellow Gold Saints' antics, or rather two particular ones.
The Sagittarius Saint clicked his tongue when he told Milo and Shura in aggravation, "Do the two of you have to pester me about it?"
Milo gave the other a playful shrug when he said with a smirk, "Well, how else are we going to know that you confessed or not~." Shura snickered in agreement.
Aioros let out a low growl when he pointed at the duo and stated, "The only reason I don't shoot you two with an arrow is because when I tell Saga, You two confess to your crushes!"
Shura rolled his eyes when he said with a smirk, "Yeah, of course, of course." He pointed at the Sagittarius Saint when he added, "But that means you can't back out."
Aioros scoffed when he retorted, "The same goes to both of you."
"Fine," Milo and Shura stated in unison.
Aioros rolled his eyes as he looked up at the clocktower. For once, he wished that the meeting with the Pope would happen sooner.
}I{ Three Hours Later }I{
All the current Gold Saints gathered in the Pope's champers, well all but Gemini Saga.
Aioria tugged on his big brother's shirt when he asked innocently, "Nii-chan, where Saga?"
Aioros patted his younger brother on the head when he said, "He's just a little late. Don't worry, he'll be here soon."
Shaka turned his head to the side when he thought, 'I wonder which one will be here...'
Pope Shion was getting a little worried about the young Gemini Saint, at least until he felt a familiar Cosmo right outside the doorway. The elderly man let out a relief breath before he said out loud, "Saga, please come in so we can start."
The young Gold Saints and the Older Gold Saints turned their attention towards the doorway to see Saga poking his head around the corner nervously. The young Gemini Saint timidly came into view slowly... As did another boy who looked identical to Saga. Hand in hand.
Everyone in the Pope's chambers were utterly dumbstruck at what they were seeing as the Twins walked into the room. Well, all but Shaka and little Aioria. The Virgo Saint was more surprised while the 3-year-old was excited.
Innocent little Aioria happily jumped to his master when he chirped excitedly, "Wow! Gold Saints can turn inta deir cloth! Can I learn to do dat!"
Still rather dumbstruck, Leo Kaiser slowly got out, "No, we can't... And that's not... Not something we can do... "
Little Aioria was confused when he asked innocently, "Den... How come dere are two Sagas?"
Pope Shion walked over to the Twins before he knelt to their level and asked in a soft, kind tone, "Saga, is this your twin brother?"
Both twins nodded when the younger twin said nervously, "Yes, I'm Kanon... Saga's younger twin brother," He moved a little closer to his older brother.
Pope Shion looked between the two and asked in that same soft, kind tone, "Was there a reason why Saga never mentioned that he had any siblings? Let alone an identical twin?"
That was when both Saga and Kanon told everyone present about the 'traditions' of the Gemini Saint, not skipping over any details that they knew.
The other Gold Saints were... Shocked upon learning this.
Pope Shion let out a low hum when he commented, "I... Was unaware of this Tradition..." He placed a hand on his chin when he added in realisation, "Ah! But that does explain the situation with Aspros and Defteros back in my day... "
"Huh?" Both Saga and Kanon vocalised in confusion.
Pope Shion smiled when he explained, "The Gemini Saints during my time as the Aries Saint. They were identical twins too." A thought came to the elderly man as he remembered the concerns Shaka brought. The Pope looked at the pair of twins before him and asked them seriously in that same soft, kind tone, "Saga, Kanon, have you two been pretending to be the same person?"
The two nodded when Saga explained, "It was my idea... We'd switch every three days... So the elders didn't catch on to it..."
Pope Shion placed a hand on his chin when he asked, "Which one of you took the test for the Gemini Cloth?''
The Twins shrank a bit when they both admitted at the same time, "We both did..." They then explained what they did during the test and how the Gemini Cloth accepted both of them.
"I see..." was all Pope Shion got out before he placed his hands on the Twins' heads when he said, "Thank you for coming clean about your deeds and I do apologise that you had to go through such an ordeal."
The Gemini Twins' eyes watered before they both hugged the Pope. The elderly man gently hugged the two back before he stood up and ushered them to the other Gold Saints when he said, "You two get reacquainted with your fellow Gold Saints. I will have a few choice words with the Elders. Today's meeting will be postponed until further notice."
As Pope Shion left the chambers, Saga and Kanon slowly made their way to the other Gold Saints, and they them.
Aldebaran stared at the Twins when he got out in shock, "Well... This explains the extra snacks..."
Milo then added, "And the memory mix-ups."
Mu then said, "And the slight shifting in the Cosmos."
Saga and Kanon turned pink with these words.
Aioros kept quiet during this whole thing. He was unsure about his feelings towards Saga, now that he learned that he had a twin that he's been switching with every few days. Aioros didn't know which one he liked and who was interested in him.
Kanon seemed to notice the Sagittarius Saint's hesitance. The younger twin folded his arms when he said in a matter-of- fact tone, "There's one thing I want to make clear..." Kanon nodded his head towards his twin when he continued, "Saga is the one who has a crush on Aioros."
The older Gemini immediately turned red at those words when his attention was on his twin as he stuttered out, "K-Kanon!? Why did you tell them that?!"
The younger Gemini looked at the older with an unamused tone, "I'm Not getting mixed up in any courting attempts you and Aioros wanna do. You like him like that, I only see him as a friend..." Kanon suddenly became aware of those words when he glanced at the Sagittarius Saint as he twirled his hair and added self-consciously, "Um... If you and everyone else are willing to consider me a friend..."
Saga was still red as he clenched and rubbed the helm of the bottom of the shirt he was wearing as he somewhat buried his face in his brother's shoulder.
Aioros's face was just as red as Saga's at the rather blunt admission from the younger Gemini. Yeah, sure he was glad that he got confirmation that Saga liked him back, but... Aioros rubbed the back of his neck when he got out sheepishly, "Well... We do need to get to know you... Both Kanon and the real Saga,"
The other Gold Saints had to agree with that. However, Shaka couldn't help but smile a bit at all this. Little Aioria wasn't too sure what was completely going on, but he did know that there was another Gemini Saint.
~}I{~
None of the young Gold Saints learned what words Pope Shion said to the Elders, and they didn't want to know.
They were too busy with training, new responsibilities, and getting to know Kanon and the real Saga. Granted, it was still a little jarring to see two identical faces at the same time, but that gradually faded the more they got used to the twins.
Another thing that changed was Kanon's living arrangement.
Now that Pope Shion knew about Kanon, how he was treated, and where he's been 'kept', he wasn't letting this continue.
}{
Kanon looked around the cell that had been his 'home' for as long as he could remember. It had been emptied of all the 'furniture' and personal items. And today would be the last time he will step foot in this place.
Saga placed a hand on his younger brother's shoulder. He gave him a small smile when his attention was him.
Kanon returned the smile before they left the hidden cell... Together and for the last time.
}I{
Kanon's new room was next to the one Saga occupied. All his old 'furniture' was moved here. Sure, Kanon could've gotten real furniture rather than kept his make-shift ones, but the move to an actual room was already overwhelming the younger Gemini. Going to get new furniture so soon after such a big change would've been way too much to handle. So the furniture part will be gradual and at Kanon's pace.
~}I{~
When the Gold Saints turned 10, they had a new normal.
A 4-year-old Aioria started on his training to become the new Leo Saint.
There were now candidates for the other Gold Cloths, aside from the Libra Cloth.
}{
Shaka was meditating, as usual. He did let his mind wander a bit as he thought, 'I wonder what the future holds for us?'
~}I{~
To be continued.
~}I{~
Gale-Dragon: Now that one thing has changed, future events will also be shifting.
~}I{~