This time, Asakara has taken the dogs to train in a secluded corner inside the Sanctuary. Melinoe's words never cease to torment her. Although the cruel goddess has been sealed again, the feelings she stirred in her are still alive and dormant. Her mind goes over and over again, reliving the pain of the wounds opened that day, which seem never to heal.
Asakara's thoughts spin in a downward spiral, endlessly repeating Melinoe's cruel verdict: "Your words precipitated Aioros' tragic death." She would give everything to go back ten years and change the events of that fateful day. If only She had listened to Mu's advice.
Ten years ago, it was a cloudy and dark day in the Sanctuary. Master Shion had not attended his usual sessions for several days, causing concern. Even Aries Mu, Asakara's comrade-in-arms in these valuable lessons, found his absence unusual. Although Mu suggested being patient, she proposed seeking out Pope Shion to ask him if they would continue with the lessons; however, Mu strongly advised against it.
That same day, young Asakara walked back home, absorbed in her thoughts. Suddenly, she was surprised to glimpse the figure of the Great Pope. Nervously, she approached him, trying to ask about her lessons, but before she could even formulate her question, the Pope abruptly rebuked her: "How dare you talk to me like that! Get out of here, you spoiled brat!" And waving his arm, he threw the little girl who fought through the air.
Constrained, Asakara ran away with tears in her eyes, feeling guilty and upset. She did not understand what she had done to offend the Master in such a way. Tired of running, she sat on a stone, crying incessantly. Sagittarius Aioros, passing by the place, noticed the girl's presence. Feeling dismayed by her grief, he approached her tenderly.
"I don't understand; what have I done wrong?" murmured Asakara between tears and sobs. Aioros, worried, asked the girl to calm down and explain what had happened. Asakara, trying to pull herself together, told Aioros about her recent meeting with the Pope. Aioros, concealing his uneasiness, sympathetically comforted the girl by saying that she should stop worrying and insisting that she had done nothing wrong. "Don't worry, I'll investigate what is going on with Master Shion," he confidently said as he left. No more than ten days later, Aiolos died.
Asakara feels her world crumbling, crushed by the weight of guilt. If only she had not told Aioros about her unfortunate encounter with the Pope. She can't help but think that something terrible must have happened to Master Shion. He would never have treated anyone with such contempt, especially not her, with whom she always found a paternal and protective figure. And that voice—hoarse and cold—the mere memory of its sound sends shivers down her spine.
Shadows Revealed: The Dilemma Accompanying the TruthMilo paces back and forth in the Scorpio Temple as he struggles internally. Resentment and disbelief struggle in his mind. Each memory of Melinoe adds more salt to his wounds. His wounded pride cries out for justice.
He can't get the image of that battle against his friend Camus out of his head. "Will it be my fate for real?" he refuses to believe it. If only he could get that darn laugh out of his head. His memories overwhelm him; he feels them all coming at him at once: "How much guilt for Aioros...he has preferred Aioros...you have always been important..." "That's it, that's enough!" Milo leaves the Scorpio Temple with an outburst, determined to resolve his doubts.
Walking through the Sanctuary, his confidence crumbles with every step. He would like to resolve his doubts, but that would also open the door for him to answer questions. What bothers Milo the most about this situation is that Melinoe exposed him. Nothing can be done to erase her words. "Damned Witch!" he exclaims, full of fury.
After thoroughly exploring the entire Sanctuary, Milo finally approaches Asakara slowly. He appears surprised by the chance of meeting her. His expression is cold, and his gait is firm.
Asakara tempts the dogs by throwing a stick while asking them to remain still and silent. Some seem to do so effortlessly, while others drool incessantly.
Milo approaches Asakara and says: "I see you are busy." Asakara replies without turning around but with a big smile as she looks proudly at her pupils: "That's right. I gotta keep these guys in shape."
In a neutral tone, Milo stops beside her and asks if she always trains the dogs alone. Almost apologetically, Asakara tells him that sometimes Aioria accompanies her when he's not busy, and she turns her focus back to the dogs. Milo crosses his arms, struggling to keep his composure. Asakara tries to fix the situation: "He's a good friend. He helps where he can."
Milo replied with a coldness that would overshadow even Camus himself, stating that he thought it was something else. Asakara frowned and became tense, feeling uncomfortable as she replied, "I don't know what you mean, Milo. Aioria and I are just friends." Milo let out a barely noticeable sigh, finally relaxing his shoulders, which had been slightly tense until then.
Discomfort hung like a thick cloud, making each second drag on forever. One of the dogs, noticing the tension, approached Milo with the stick in its mouth and happily wagged its tail. Milo bent down, petted the dog gently, and threw the stick away, playing. His voice relaxed as he said, "I always thought I had a special connection with animals."
Asakara relaxes and smiles slightly. She notices Milo and warmly suggests that he accompany her to training sometime. He replies, "Sure, after all, it's good to help where I can." Before Asakara realizes the irony in his comment, Milo asks her if she plans to stay longer and quickly offers to accompany her to Virgo's Temple since it is on his way.
Clash of Wills: Facing Absolute Justice.
As Milo and Asakara journey back to the highest part of the Sanctuary after sheltering the dogs, the setting sun casts a warm glow over the thick, towering mountains. The tranquility of their walk is shattered by the haunting howl of a dog, echoing through the valley with a sense of urgency and pain.
Asakara quickly rushes to its aid. When she reaches him, she is petrified by the brutal scene; Deathmask, Cancer Gold Saint, uses fatuous fire to torture a poor black puppy. Asakara angrily clenches her fists, and her Cosmos ignites uncontrollably upon witnessing that injustice.
"Stop it now!" she shouts at him, flushed with fury. Deathmask mockingly replies, "And who's going to stop me, you?" The cruelty of the Cancer Saint's biting laughter echoes through the mountains ominously. Milo arrives at the scene seconds after Asakara and tries to stop her, but it is impossible for him; she doesn't even hear him.
With a scream of rage, Asakara lunges at Deathmask, her fists and kicks leaving golden trails in the air: "You are a Gold Saint; you are supposed to act with justice and compassion," she points out. Deathmask deftly dodges her blows. "True justice is absolute strength. Only the most powerful have the right to dictate what is just. And you, wretch, are not remotely strong."
Deathmask, undeterred, uses his telekinesis to hurl debris and stones towards Asakara to destabilize her. Asakara defends herself with agility but knows she must counterattack decisively to last long. Angrily, Asakara remarks, "Then, take the absolute strength: ! **Om**!" and unleashes a blast of energy that knocks Deathmask off balance.
"To think you can stand in front of me is an offense. You are less than nothing," says the Cancer Saint mockingly. Deathmask lets out an ominous cackle as he raises his hand, "We'll see if you can survive this, you puny cockroach: !**Underworld Waves**!" Opening a portal to the dimension of the dead, the Cancer Saint transports the battle to the sinister Hill of the Dead.
The entire Sanctuary resounds with the thunderous clash of two immense and furious Cosmoses, catching the attention of every Saint and filling them with a sense of unease as they ponder what might be happening. Leo Aioria swiftly discerns the distinct Cosmos signatures of Asakara and Deathmask among the commotion, sparking a deep concern within him. Worried about a troubling situation, he quickly heads toward the developing conflict.
Upon arrival, he saw Scorpio Milo holding an injured dog, his face unhinged and distressed. Aioria rushes over and asks Milo what has happened. Milo looks at him from the corner of his eye and begins to relate what happened. "Where are they now?" Aioria asks impatiently. Feeling the weight of the situation crushing him, Milo hesitantly replies: "Probably on the Yomotsu Hills."
Aioria harshly reproaches Milo as he clenches his fists: "Damn it, Milo, how did this get this far? Why didn't you intervene?" anguish can be seen on his face as he adds: "Damn it, neither of us can do anything now!"
The Yomotsu Hills stand imposing between the world of the living and the dead. The land is dark and lifeless. A thick mist covers thousands of specters that relentlessly walk toward the underworld. The constant wailing of the souls resounds like the murmur of an oppressed multitude as if an invisible force were dragging them into the abyss.
However, something unexpected happened. When Deathmask and Asakara reached the Yomotsu, Asakara's powers intensified surprisingly. Deathmask's heart starts to race as he notices that his opponent's Cosmos seems to draw energy from the surroundings.
To catch Asakara off guard, he uses the technique !**Inferno of the Kisouen**! To Summon a series of blue flames that engulf Asakara.
Asakara manipulates the flames with his hands as if conducting a symphony of pure energy. Suddenly, she stops abruptly and mercilessly throws the fire back at his creator, who is now immersed in his own attack.
The Cancer Saint shouts: "What the hell do you think you are? You have dug your grave; the souls of the dead will trample you for all eternity." He then releases his technique !** Underworld Waves Coffin**! Attempting to capture Asakara with a combination of waves, Deathmask is surprised when they vanish without even coming close to her, leaving him unhinged and bewildered, struggling to understand what is happening.
Enraged, he launches a definitive attack: !**Spirit Transformation Waves**! Although less used, this technique allows Deathmask to manipulate the surrounding souls and transform them into a devastating energy now directed toward Asakara.
Asakara quickly moved back and defended himself using the !**Khan**!, narrowly avoiding the attack. Then she called upon the spirits for help: "Calling all who stand for justice! I urge you to stand alongside me in this battle until we defeat this despicable soul abuser!" With a determined gesture, she raised her arm, saying: !**Heavenly Demon Pacifier**! The souls respond, and thousands of spirits appear from the shadows, ready to mercilessly attack Deathmask. At this moment, Deathmask sees only one possible way: retreat to the land of the living.
The Cancer Saint appears in the Sanctuary, panting with a sweaty face and eyes full of panic. A few seconds later, Asakara emerges. Deathmask cannot believe how that scum, who doesn't even have a Cloth, made it out of the Yomotsu intact.
With a cold voice full of contempt, Asakara addresses the Cancer Saint: "It's not worth dirtying my hands with someone so despicable," as she turns her back on him. Milo and Aiora stood in stunned disbelief as they observed the unfolding scene before them, their eyes struggling to comprehend the surreal sight.
"Where do you think you're going, you miserable bitch? This battle isn't over; I'm going to send you and all your damn dogs to hell!" shouts Deathmask furiously, igniting an uncontrolled rage in Asakara.
A gigantic three-headed spectral dog emerges from Asakara's Cosmos. Its rabid eyes are fixed on its enemy, and its growls resound like thunder, shaking the entire Sanctuary. The terrifying beast heads rapidly towards Deathmask.
"Asakara, stop!" Shaka's overpowering voice broke the tense air. His golden aura was a lighthouse of rationality among the chaos. The spectral beast stopped its pace, and Asakara's face reflected the internal struggle between his rage and the respect she felt for his brother.
Shaka noticed and addressed his sister again with a soft but authoritative voice: "Calm your spirit. Rage will not bring any benefit. Feel my Cosmos and look for the peace you have always had inside."
Under Shaka's powerful calming influence, Asakara gradually calms down, and the terrifying dog disappears at the same pace as her rage calms down. After emitting that amount of Cosmos, Asakara staggers, and Shaka stops her to prevent her from falling to the ground.
Worried and confused, Milo asks: "What the hell happened there," "Deathmask, are you...". Aioria's laughter interrupts Milo: "Wow, the Sanctuary will talk about your defeat, Deathmask! It's about time someone gave you what you deserved."
The tensions between the Gold Saints are more pronounced than ever, and everyone knows that this confrontation is only a prelude to future conflicts.
Damage Recount: Claims and SequelsThe Cancer Saint bursts insolently into the Pope's hall. His eyes glow with rage, and his Cloth is visibly damaged. The Pope, seated on his throne, watches him indifferently. "This is unacceptable!" exclaims Deathmask, his voice echoing through the vast hall.
The Great Pope is filled with annoyance and disdain. He casts a withering glare at the Cancer Saint as he questions him: "How dare you interrupt my meditation! I should punish you for the disrespect you have committed!" He immediately demands an explanation, his voice echoing harshly and cruelly in the gloomy chamber.
"Asakara has bypassed all the codes of the Saints and has fought with dark and dishonest methods," Deathmask claims. The Pope reminds him that, "technically," she is not a Saint with a glint of contempt.
"Dark and dishonest, you say? Is it not rather your weakness that has come to light?" the Pope asks acidly. Deathmask squirms at the insinuation, his hands clenching into fists. He steps forward, his figure imposing but visibly defensive: "You don't know what you're talking about! I used my most powerful techniques, but she still resisted inexplicably. That freaking bitch is an aberration!"
Are you asking me for Justice?" The Pope lets out a cold laugh. "If power belongs to the one with the most strength, as you have always preached, then this fight speaks for itself, don't you think?" His tone is laden with sarcasm.
Deathmask's gaze darkens: 'You're missing my point!' his outburst escalates: "She was helped by thousands of...! The Pope, fed up with his complaints, firmly interrupts him: "Enough, I've had enough of your insolence," the Pope's raspy, authoritative voice shakes the room.
Deathmask firmly fixes his gaze on the Popes's eyes. Knowing his true identity, he addresses him: "Saga, I am sure you understand the gravity of my words. You wouldn't want this to become a bigger problem, would you?"
Saga sighs, his patience clearly at its limit. "Very well, Deathmask. I'll take care of this matter but don't expect any more special considerations. A defeat is a defeat." Deathmask nods, his fury still simmering, but he knows he has gained a little breathing room. He turns and walks out of the room.
After Deathmask's annoying intrusion, the Pope decides to take a bath to reflect on the events that have just occurred. The Great Pope's bath is luxurious and solemn. Spacious and with white marble columns, it has a central marble bathtub with golden edges and fragrant water whose calm reflects the light. The smell of perfumes and ointments intermingles with the steam of the bath, enveloping the place.
Saga enters the bathtub. The steam rises gently, covering his athletic body. The water caresses his muscular torso as he slowly descends the steps to submerge his shoulders. With his eyes closed, he allows himself a moment of peace and silence.
Reflecting quietly on his recent conversation with Deathmask while his fingers gently fiddle over the water, Saga thinks aloud: "Asakara is a danger, not only because of her combat prowess; she might know more than necessary about Aioros' death."
The memory of how he felt the aggressiveness in Asakara's Cosmos during her fight with Deathmask unsettles and fascinates him at the same time; it felt so similar to his Cosmos, the same one that he has been vehemently trying to hide from others. He must hatch a plan to ensure his absolute dominance and eliminate threats.
The Pope closes his eyes and calmly breathes in the steam, accompanied by the smell of roses. After a few minutes of relaxation, he breaks the silence: "As long as Asakara is in the temple of Virgo, I will not be able to do anything. It would be too risky. Shaka could easily notice. I must get her out of there," he says with determination.
Again, silence and peace permeate the atmosphere as Saga continues to calculate possibilities in his mind. Asakara has shown great power, is Deathmask right to warn him that this could become a Threat: "I must weaken her mind little by little... yes, that is it."
Asakara is devastated. She has been locked away in the temple of Virgo for days, cut off from the outside world. Although many think her latest feat was impressive, she feels humiliated that she has lost control. Shaka's attention and concern only increase her sense of failure, for she knows she has disappointed him greatly.
Aioria is uneasy. He hasn't seen Asakara in days and fears for her well-being. Determined to help, he heads to Virgo's temple, taking the black puppy Asakara rescued from Deathmask's mistreatment. The dog, now healthy and with healed wounds, could be vital to comforting his friend.
Arriving at the temple, Aioria encounters Shaka, who blocks his way. "Asakara is meditating," says Shaka," she does not wish to see Anyone." But Aioria insists, "Trust me, as when you trusted me with your life to defend you from the Titans." Shaka remembers his debt to Aioria and reluctantly lets him pass. Aioria advances to the Virgo's temple garden, where he finds Asakara meditating.
He speaks to Asakara softly but firmly, "I have brought someone who wants to see you." Asakara opens her eyes slightly and is thrilled to see the black, healthy puppy with a gleam in his eye. The cub is excited to see her and comes closer, wagging his tail agitatedly.
Aioria smiles and explains that Eagle Marin, the Silver Saint, helped him with the puppy. Using a teasing tone, Asakara asks him how things are going between them; Aioria blushes and, in a challenging tone, replies, "Why don't you come with me one day and look into it for yourself?"
Aioria clears his throat and straightens his posture, showing seriousness: "You shouldn't feel bad about what happened." Asakara averts her gaze; her confession sounds almost like a whisper: "I feel guilty for losing control like that. I shouldn't have let myself get carried away like that." Aioria shakes his head, his eyes fixed on hers. "What you did in your fight against Deathmask was impressive. It's nothing to be ashamed of." The mention of combat and the memory of the rabid spectral dog visibly discomforts Asakara. Still, Aioria doesn't hold back, "Anyone loses their mind when it comes to that Deathmask wretch. You're not alone in this."
The cub snuggles up next to Asakara, offering her the warmth and companionship she desperately needs. Asakara feels a part of her burden lighten, and for the first time in days, a small smile comes to her face. "I'll call him Shadow," she says firmly, petting the dog affectionately.
Milo's Memoirs: The Medallion of ErisMilo is restless in the Scorpio's temple. He cannot digest what has happened and does not know what to think of Asakara. The anger unleashed that day is opposite to the calm and serene personality with which he knows her. He paces back and forth, his thoughts whirling. He searches his memories for some glimpse of that irascible personality, some sign that would have shown him another side of Asakara but finds none.
He rests on a pillar and closes his eyes, trying to focus. Nothing. The only thing he manages to bring to his mind are images of their adventures as children.
Milo remembers it as if ten years hadn't passed. All the golden knights were gathered in training when The Great Pope Shion suddenly interrupted the session urgently, calling Aioros and Saga.
Shion urgently exclaimed: "Saga! Aioros! The Centaur Saint has betrayed Athena and the Sanctuary; he is trying to flee! He carries the Medallion of Eris, a relic representing great danger in the wrong hands. You must go as soon as possible and retrieve it!"
Centaur Soroth had been a respected Silver Saint until that moment, but consumed by ambition for power, he stole the medallion, seeking to claim it for himself. The artifact can grow the wearer's Cosmos and corrupt his soul.
The Medallion of Eris is an ancient artifact made of gold. It depicts a female figure with a defiant expression and windblown hair, holding a golden apple with the word "kallisti" written on it. It has a stormy background and inscriptions written in ancient Greek on the edge.
Milo's heart was beating fast as he listened to Pope Shion's words. Excited, he lowered his voice and addressed his friends: "Did you hear that? We must go! It's going to be an amazing adventure!" Camus cautiously refuted him, saying that if the Pope had entrusted this mission to Aioros and Saga, it was because it must be dangerous.
Aioria agreed with Milo. Surprisingly, in those times, they almost always agreed on everything. Asakara thoughtfully and serenely confirmed that while it was a risky plan, if they all stuck together and looked out for each other, this adventure could be a great learning opportunity. Aldebaran, as always, was quick to offer to protect them all. Despite being seven years old, his height and size made him look much older.
Shaka, in meditation posture, opened one eye and gave his verdict: "Doing this would not be wise. If they wanted help, they would have asked for it. We will only get ourselves into trouble." Turning to the ever-solemn and sensible Mu, asked him if he agreed.
Mu looked at everyone and serenely nodded, "True, it doesn't sound brilliant...". Before he could finish saying his idea, Aioria interrupted him and, with a sarcastic and defiant tone, addressed Shaka: "As usual, you're a spoilsport... Are you going to stop us?" Calm and indifferent, Shaka replied that they could do whatever they wanted but that he, Virgo Shaka, would not get into trouble and immediately returned to his meditative state.
Milo persuasively asked Camus and Mu what their decision had been. He insisted that the group would need them. Mu finally relented and stated that he would do so only because they would indeed all end up in more trouble without him. In the end, Camus also agreed, although he calmly and cautiously reminded them to be vigilant and cautious. Aioria, confident, assures them: "With any luck, they won't even know we're out."
The young Saints discreetly followed Saga and Aioros in pursuing the Centaur Saint fleeing the Sanctuary. In the distance, Soroth's cry is heard: "I will no longer be a shadow after another's glory—this time, I will make my destiny!"
Suddenly, Milo discovered that Aphrodite and Deathmask were following the chase and wondered what they were doing there. He watched as Deathmask launched a structure that complicated Saga's road. Aioria, alarmed, approached Milo and almost whispered: "They are trying to delay Saga and Aioros; we must stop them!"
Seeing Saga and Aioros taking opposite directions, Milo instructed the group: "Aioria, Mu, and Aldebaran, go after Aioros. Asakara, Camus, and I will go after Saga." Milo broke into a run. Behind him, he heard the footsteps of Camus and Asakara running after him. He kept running. He stopped when he noticed Saga slowing down. It looked like he was setting a trap to catch the foolish Centaur Soroth.
After a few minutes, Milo noticed that Camus had stopped next to him and began to point out Saga's location. Milo started to get anxious when he realized that Asakara was not arriving and asked his friend about her, but Camus, not knowing what to answer, just shrugged his shoulders.
Milo was trying to figure out Saga's plan, but he was distracted by the doubt of where Asakara could have gotten to if she had come right behind him. Every passing minute seemed like an eternity to him. His distress grew more when he seemed to sense a sinister Cosmos in the vicinity.
Milo was deeply worried when he finally saw Asakara appear. With his heart racing, both annoyed and relieved, he whispered, "Asakara, where were you?" She was looking a bit confused and clutched her head as if in severe pain. She replied, "I think I fell; I must have hit my head."
Immediately afterward, Aioria, Mu, and Aldebaran quickly joined the group and pointed out that Aioros and Saga already had Soroth cornered. Milo was excited to see that combat was about to begin.
Soroth launched his first attack against Saga, shouting, !**Fire Whip**! Saga, with unflappable calm, dodged the attack with a single hand. Aioros, with firmness and a conciliatory tone, tried to reason with Soroth: "Centaur Soroth, it is not worth fighting. You know we are more powerful than you; we will defeat you easily. Give us the medallion, and we will speak to the Pope on your behalf."
But Soroth, in a fit of exasperation, put on the medallion, and his Cosmos became exponentially stronger. "Silence!" he growled and launched his !**Fire Whip**!, this time at Aioros. Aioros parried the attack initially, but Soroth's increased strength made him struggle to hold it back. Suddenly, Aioros shouted in concern: "Brother!"
That distraction caused Soroth's attack to hit Aioros, though it did not seriously injure him. Among the chaos, Saga and Aioros realized that the children had secretly followed them and were now caught in the battle.
With a commanding tone, Saga ordered Aioros: "Take them away! I'll take care of the Centaur Saint." Aioros warned Saga that the medallion had raised Soroth's Cosmos and was now more dangerous.
Soroth authoritatively exclaimed: "No one leaves here!" and launched his attack directly towards where Milo and his friends were standing. Mu bravely stepped forward and launched his technique: !**Crystal Wall**!, stopping the impact with his protective barrier.
Aioros, determined, launched a Golden Arrow towards Soroth. Saga, exasperated, shouted at him: "Aioros! I told you; I'll take care of it!" Aioros urgently walked up to them and, one by one started to lead them away in the opposite direction of the combat.
As they walked hurriedly by Aioros, fragments of the combat could be heard. A voice from what sounded like many Sagas at once made even the stones rumble: "Now tell me, you traitorous worm, which of us will attack you first?" This is followed by Soroth's reply, "Enough of Gemini's tricks: !**Flame Despair**!
As they moved farther away, Soroth's words could be heard in a cracked voice that mixed pain and despair: "No... the medallion! How could you... Give it back, Saga!" but Saga quickly interrupted him with his technique: !** Another Dimension**! Suddenly, Milo could feel Soroth's Cosmos disappear completely, leaving an eerie silence.
Milo and Asakara walked a little behind the others and engaged in a discussion. Milo excitedly told Asakara how Saga was the best, impressed with his demonstration of power and strategy. Like a crack, he had easily defeated the Centaur Saint.
As he recounted Saga's exploits, he could tell how Asakara's face was getting increasingly annoyed until she suddenly interrupted him, saying: "Aioros gave up the fight to protect us. That is also important. It's not just about power. A true Saint understands the value of caring for others." Milo wasn't quite convinced and partially agreed with her, but he stressed that a battle could not be won without strength.
Asakara replied serenely: "Aioros is strong and has a big heart. He cares about us instead of looking like the hero. That's strength, too, Milo." Asakara's words left him thinking that she might have a good point, and he finally acknowledged Aioros' greatness and added, "Aioros is great, but Saga is greater!"
Milo is absorbed in the memory; his breathing is calm as he recalls those happy moments, and a faint smile can be seen on his relaxed face. Suddenly, his memory moves forward, and his body immediately tense up. The smile abruptly fades as he remembers Asakara laughing and blushing, saying, "Yes! They are both fantastic, but Aioros will always be the best for me. But don't tell him I said that."
Lurking Shadows: The game of hunter and prey.Asakara has been summoned to the Great Pope's Chamber; now, she stands by the door, gaining the courage to enter. She is terrified. It is not the fear of possible reprimand that disturbs her; it is the thought of the Pope himself that she finds chilling. Until now, Asakara had managed to stay out of the Patriarch's sight. She has been hiding her distrust and suspicion from everyone for ten years.
The thought of being in front of someone whose true identity she doesn't know turns her stomach. Something terrible must have happened, and most likely, this stranger with the hoarse, cold voice has something or everything to do with Shion's and Saga's disappearances and perhaps with Aioros's death.
She cannot allow this stranger to read his thoughts; she must erase them before she walks through that door. Asakara breathes in and out repeatedly, trying to bring her mind to a peaceful, white, and bright place.
Opening the door, she finds a large hall. The coldness of the place is disturbing. She takes a first step as if the room's echo emphasizes her insecurity. In the back, the Pope can be seen seated on his throne, an immovable figure that seems more like a statue than a man.
Saga waits impatiently. He has waited anxiously to meet the girl in person—the one who managed to seal a God and mercilessly defeated Deathmask—she whose duality reminds him of his own. With authority and indifference, he asks Asakara to approach. She carefully measures each step, fighting the instinct of wanting to run away.
The Pope firmly addresses Asakara: "It seems to me that this is the first time you have appeared before me." Hearing his voice, Asakara feels the atmosphere becomes suffocating. She nods, shivering and speechless. The Pope thoroughly inspects Asakara, who keeps his gaze on the floor to avoid the disturbing intrusion. Interrupting the room's silence with his cold attitude, he states: "I have heard many things about you lately: your brother Virgo Shaka was here; he is worried about you. Despite all the training and investment the Sanctuary has made in you, you have refused to join the Athena's Saints, wasting your strength and talent."
Asakara struggles with herself and finally looks up. Now, her eyes are fixed on the Pope, who continues condescendingly: "Your brother...the man closest to God...a pride among the Saints. It must have been a hard blow growing up together, both for him and for you. How do you carry that burden, Asakara? That of constantly worrying about not measuring up.
Asakara feels like a dart in her heart, her desire not to shame her brother burning inside her. She answers him, swallowing saliva, that she has never wanted to shame anyone, much less her brother.
The Pope continues confronting Asakara with her faults, referring to the fight with Deathmask: "This incident... shows a disturbing lack of control on your part. That Spectral Dog is proof of that. Without discipline, you are a danger not only to yourself but to everyone." The Pope's words strike at her most profound insecurities. Anger at herself for being unable to control her temper burns within her, and she recognizes that she should not have let herself be driven by anger.
"Anger is a dangerous emotion, especially for someone like you," the Pope states as he stands up, his figure imposing. He begins to walk threateningly in Asakara's direction; with each of his steps, the young woman's nervousness intensifies. In the air, you can feel how her skin bristles with each step of the Pope.
The Pope paces around her, his eyes filled with dark fascination. His presence becomes more frightening as he gets closer. He addresses her seductively: "You know, sometimes uncontrolled impulses can lead to devastating consequences, don't you agree?" Asakara replies in a trembling voice that she understands and has learned her lesson, even if it is costly.
The Pope's gaze lingered on her, his eyes assessing every movement of her body: "You confronted Deathmask and emerged unharmed; that is quite an achievement, but with its consequences," he remarked. Asakara, face slightly bent, mouth dry, and almost in a whisper, replies to him: "I must learn from my mistakes."
Leaning towards her, his face inches from Asakara's, he says: "It's funny that you think of mistakes when in reality... there are deeper wounds." Leaning even closer, he whispers in her ear: "Wounds like the ones left by Aioros' betrayal..." Asakara can feel the Pope's breathing, making her feel discomfort and fear. She feels as if the air is running out of her.
Saga enjoys hunting his prey; Asakara's fear feeds his ego. He enjoys sensing her vulnerability. With an insinuating tone, he continues: "I don't want to see you suffer; the guilt can consume us..." After a few seconds, he finally straightens up. Noticing this, Asakara feels as if she can breathe again.
Asakara struggles to pull herself together and responds, "I just know that I must be stronger, more disciplined." The Pope manipulatively adds: "Don't misunderstand me; I want to help you redeem those mistakes." Asakara senses that the Pope is merely playing a twisted game of tug-of-war with her emotions.
Aware that he will not be able to obtain today what he seeks so much, the Pope walks away and sits back on his throne, smiling behind the mask. His tone changes drastically, and in a cold and firm tone, he explains: "I will send you along with Aldebaran of Taurus to Jamir; you will take the Cancer's Cloth to be repaired, for it was you who damaged it." Asakara slightly relaxes her shoulders and humbly answers: "Yes, Great Master, I am willing to fulfill any task."
Finally, the Pope condescendingly concludes: "Your willingness is admirable. Consider this a benevolent punishment, given your grave error. Do not make me regret this. For your sake and your brother's."
Asakara feels great relief as she leaves the room. Aldebaran has been waiting outside and greets her with great enthusiasm as usual, but she barely responds. "Are you all right? You look a little pale," Aldebaran asks worriedly. Asakara tries to speak but still can't manage to string words together.
Aldebaran, trying to make her feel better, warmly explains that the Pope can be intimidating and that she shouldn't worry. The Pope will eventually get over his anger. Seeing Asakara still not reacting, he addresses her: "The fresh air will do you good." He kindly takes her by the arm and escorts her out of the temple of Athena.