Spirit and Metal: Healing Souls and Cloths
After traveling all night and all day, Asakara and Taurus Aldebaran arrive in Lhasa in Tibet. The shape of the monasteries welcomes them, framed by the stunning starry night sky. Prayer flags flutter in the wind, and a respectful silence fills the air, accompanied by the harmonious murmur of pilgrims and monks.
Lhasa is over 3,000 kilometers above sea level, so Asakara feels exhausted, and her surroundings seem a bit spinning; however, the discomfort is quickly forgotten as she is invaded by an expansive sense of peace and calm, something she has not experienced since she left India to live in the Sanctuary. Asakara feels sheltered, as if she were at home, the same feeling she gets when she is close to her brother Virgo Shaka's Cosmos.
After the exhausting journey, they decide to find a hotel to rest. Aldebaran explains calmly and affectionately: "We'd better rest. The road to Jamir is challenging; we must be fresh and energized to face it."
Alone in her room, Asakara tries to sleep but is haunted by memories of her encounter with the Pope. She concentrates, trying to meditate and clear her mind, but only succeeds for a short time before the image of the Pope manages to disturb her again.
She closes her eyes again and focuses on seeking silence, but after a few moments, the Pope's voice comes back to haunt her: "Wounds like the ones left by Aioros' betrayal..." the hoarse voice of the Pope whispering in her ear causes her to shiver. A new memory comes to her mind of the last time she saw Aioros, already a decade ago:
The friends were gathered on the Sanctuary grounds: Aries Mu, Taurus Aldebaran, Virgo Shaka, Scorpio Milo, Aquarius Camus, and Asakara. They were ready to leave the Sanctuary and continue training in their places of origin.
Asakara, full of nostalgia and nervousness, noticed the arrival of Sagittarius Aioros and his brother Leo Aioria, both of whom were approaching to bid a kind farewell.
Asakara was lost in her thoughts when she heard Milo's shrill voice. He disappointedly lamented not having been able to see Saga before leaving. Asakara began to tug desperately at her brother Shaka's robe and urgently warned him, almost secretly, "There's something wrong here. I can feel it." Shaka didn't think much of it, and trying to reassure her, he explained that they had to return home to concentrate again on their training.
Suddenly, she felt an unsettling presence approaching. Her heart began to race, her breathing felt anxious, her legs trembled, and her skin bristled. A current of fear and distrust ran through her from head to toe. Suddenly, the Pope appeared; seeing him, she realized all her bad feelings were related to that dark presence.
Frightened, Asakara fearfully begged Shaka, but he insisted that they should leave. Suddenly, Asakara's gaze met Aioros', and the sensation of a terrible foreboding suddenly invaded her; feeling an intense tightness in her chest, and the air began to fail her. "Asakara, we must go," Shaka hurries her firmly.
In an impulsive act, Asakara rushed to Aioros and hugged him tightly, her eyes filled with tears. Aioros, at first, smiled, thinking it was the tender act of a child; however, that smile was suddenly wiped away as he realized that the girl was terrified. Aioros crouched down to her height and, looking confidently into her eyes, tried to comfort her by saying: "It will be all right, little warrior."
Shaka, terribly embarrassed by his sister's behavior, firmly addressed her: "That's enough, Asakara! We're leaving right now." Shaka grabbed her tightly by the hand and hurried her towards the exit. As she walked, Asakara kept turning back, searching for Aioros' gaze, feeling despair and fear.
With that memory fading, Asakara finally falls into a deep sleep. During the night, a terrifying nightmare haunts her. In her dream, Shaka is furious: "You are a disgrace to the Virgo's Temple! How can I have such a worthless sister?" he shouts at her, his voice ringing with cruel contempt.
Asakara feels pressure on her arms; Shaka grabs her hard and shakes her forcefully until she is thrown against a pillar of the Temple. Her eyes begin to fill with anger while Shaka continues to scold her: "You have always been a shadow, a mistake; you haven't even deigned to look for a Cloth," Shaka's Cosmos shines even more brightly: "It's time for you to prove your worth!
With flaming eyes full of fury and pain, Asakara replies defiantly: "Shut up! You don't know what I've been through! A dark Cosmos emanates from Asakara, enveloping her in an evil aura as she sarcastically addresses Shaka: "Do you wish to see what I am capable of?"
The spectral three-headed dog emerges from the darkness of Asakara's Cosmos and attacks Shaka with ferocity. The monster's jaws close over Shaka, slowly devouring him as he screams in agony. Blood and flesh disintegrate into the void, Shaka's every scream echoing in Asakara's ears...
She wakes with a start, screaming and sweating. Aldebaran, who had felt the presence of a dark Cosmos, throws open the door and rushes into the room. "Asakara! Are you okay?" he asks worriedly as he surveys the room for any enemies. She sits up, still trembling, and explains to him it was only a terrible dream. Aldebaran, still uneasy, notices something on Asakara's arm and, with a severe voice, points out to her: "Look, you have marks on your arm as if someone had held you tightly. Are you sure? Wasn't there someone else here?". Asakara, surprised, looks at the marks and gently touches herself. "It can't be...it was just a dream...I probably did it to myself," she mutters.
Aldebaran frowns, kneels beside the bed, and, looking at her with concern, insists: "Dreams can reveal hidden truths and deep fears. You have to face these fears, Asakara." And "gently," in Aldebaran's terms, he pats her back; Asakara feels a stinging burn in her back that intensifies with each pat. She does her best not to let the discomfort show; she looks up and, taking strength, thanks Aldebaran for his attention.
"That's the way to talk. Now, let's rest. Tomorrow will be a long day," he says, winking at her before leaving the room. Asakara gets up and looks at her back in the bathroom mirror; she can see that she has another hard bump on her back, fortunately out of reach of Aldebaran's protective gaze. She lies down again, worried about the consequences of her internal battles.
The following day, shortly after dawn, Taurus Aldebaran and Asakara set out for Jamir, a mystical place known for its enigmas and the ability of its guardian to repair Clothes. The light illuminates the mountains as the two strides steadily up the steep paths.
Aldebaran chats incessantly with Asakara, although it seems more like a monologue. Asakara has difficulty concentrating and suffers a little from altitude sickness. From time to time, she blurts out a word or two to show some interest when Aldebaran points out the beauty of the landscape.
As the two warriors advance, the territory becomes more and more inhospitable, the altitude increases, and the air becomes scarcer with every step. You can see how an unforgiving climate batters the region, and the geography is undoubtedly challenging. With the lack of air, Aldebaran also stops speaking, and each step seems to echo in the absolute silence of the mountains. The morning mist swirls thickly around them, creating spectral shapes that play with their minds. The path is narrow and steep, bordered by rock walls that seem to close the passage with every meter they travel.
Suddenly, they emerge onto what appears to be a dark and eerie esplanade filled with skeletons, forming an impenetrable barrier. The presence of the wandering souls makes the air feel even more stifling. There is a constant whisper in the air as if the souls of the dead warriors are trying to communicate.
Aldebaran explains to Asakara that these people would also have come to repair their Clothes in these mountains in life but had been attacked by the souls that haunt the terrible place. "They seek to make other warriors have to pass their same cruel fate," he says, explaining to Asakara that they must go through the skeletons in a straight line until they reach where Aries Mu is.
"Don't worry; I'll take care of it," Aldebaran states bravely. Determined to attack, he gets ready in a fighting position. But Asakara takes him by the arm and stops him: "Wait, they are just wandering souls who suffer infinitely without knowing where else to go. Is it necessary to mistreat them?" Asakara points out compassionately. Aldebaran frowns, but trusting Asakara's judgment, he stops.
Asakara steps forward and addresses the grieving souls. "Please let us pass; we don't want to disturb you, but we must be on our way," she says in a firm but soft voice. With an ethereal and melancholic voice, one of the souls replies: "Why should we help you? No one has helped us."
Asakara answers to the soul: "I understand your suffering. Unfortunately, we cannot change your past. Still, we promise to carry you in our memory with respect, and I leave my promise to look for a way to help someday you find peace", showing her empathy and commitment.
A murmur begins to be heard among the sea of skeletons and shadows. Finally, the soul addresses Asakara again: "Your intentions seem sincere; we will let you pass. But you must remember your promise." "So I will," Asakara replies confidently. The souls move aside, revealing the long, narrow bridge over which Asakara and Aldebaran must continue their journey.
Walking along the narrow path, they see the great precipice that has taken so many wandering souls. Aldebaran is still very surprised at Asakara's peaceful resolution and asks: "How did you know that would work?" To which Asakara replies, "I didn't know."
Asakara explains to Aldebaran that from her point of view, souls are not just shadows of the past; they still feel, although in a different way. She believes that their emotions, memories, and desires remain even without physical bodies. Asakara thinks they are no less valuable than living people and deserve to be treated with the same dignity and consideration. Aldebaran asks Asakara how she can be so sure of this. Asakara replies: "I'm not sure why, but I have always felt a connection with souls, and I can feel their pain and longings."
Aldebaran tries to process the information: "I understand better now. Although I don't share that connection, I can see the logic of offering them compassion. Look! at last we have arrived!" he exclaims in satisfaction.
Finally, after hours of ascent, a majestic and almost ethereal five-story building seems to emerge from the fog. "And the door?" asks Asakara curiously. Aldebaran laughs, noting that everyone he brings asks the same question when they see the peculiar structure.
They begin to feel Mu's warm Cosmos welcoming them. "Aldebaran, friend, it's good to see you again. Who did you bring with you this time? I don't recognize that Cosmos," Mu says softly and firmly. "It's me, Mu, Asakara." Mu is immediately happy; joy can be felt in his Cosmos: It's been a long time! Using his telekinesis ability, Mu transports them inside the enclosure.
Once inside, Mu turns to Asakara and asks, "How have you been? I didn't recognize your Cosmos. It feels oddly muted. I remembered it much livelier." Asakara sighed deeply before replying: "I didn't sleep well last night, and the walk here has been exhausting; I don't feel quite right." Mu kindly offers her a place to rest. Grateful, Asakara accepts Mu's offer and retires to rest. Sheltered by Jamir's tranquility, she wakes up the following day.
Emerging from her room after taking a long, refreshing bath, she encounters Mu, who is already working on Cancer's Cloth. "Having you here makes me remember our lessons with Master Shion," Mu says nostalgically, addressing Asakara. Asakara nods, feeling the shared nostalgia: "Yes, he was a great teacher. Those days of learning are etched in my memory."
They both smile as they recall that scene in the Sanctuary. They were around seven years old, and both attentively stood next to Master Shion, intrigued by the visibly damaged Clothes lying on the ground beside their teacher.
Master Shion began his lesson calmly and serenely: "Mu, the Saints' Clothes are more than battle garments. They are alive, connected to the Cosmos and our hearts. Repairing them requires technical skills, understanding, and respect for these sacred entities. Can you feel the life in the Cloth, Mu?" Little Mu confirmed what the Master said with his bright and curious eyes.
Pope Shion moved forward, explaining that the repair must be done in Jamir, a mystical and sacred land. He added that divine tools are needed and are under custody in that very place. He also explained to them that a Cloth is made of gold, silver, or bronze and that each has a unique spirit connected to constellations that establish a bond with the wearer.
Master Shion picked up one of the damaged clothes from the ground as he addressed his students: "First, we identify the fractures and visible damage. Then, we connect our cosmic energies with the Cloth, feeling its internal damage. Come closer, Mu. Feel this Cloth." Mu reached out to touch the Cloth and said he could feel its damage. Shion glared at his student and congratulated him: "Excellent, Mu. Now, we will use the golden flames generated by our Cosmos to melt the materials. Concentrate on your Cosmos and use it to stabilize and strengthen the bonding of the parts."
Meanwhile, Asakara approached another Cloth and lifted it from the ground, looking to listen to it just as Mu had done. Still, she was angry when she couldn't hear anything and, annoyed, put the Cloth back on the ground, generating a noise that interrupted Mu's concentration. Asakara apologized to her Master, who immediately asked her if she had felt anything; Asakara shook her head shyly and embarrassedly. Master Shion, noticing the girl's frustration, clarified: "You don't feel anything because that Cloth is dead."
Both children were surprised to hear their Master's statement; the thought that a Cloth could die would never have crossed their minds. The teacher continued his lesson: "Yes, a Cloth can die. But it can come back to life. For that, a blood sacrifice is required. The blood of a golden saint provides life force to the Cloth. Finally, with meditation, we can reconnect the Cloth with its constellation to restore it."
Master Shion continued his lesson: "Repairing Clothes requires years of training and a deep knowledge of the Cosmos. This technique has been passed down from generation to generation in Jamir; Mu: you must trust your instincts and inherited knowledge," the experienced Master said. Asakara interrupted him curiously," Master Shion, can I also repair Clothes?"
After thinking carefully about his answer, Master Shion replied that she could indeed repair Clothes: "Each repairer brings a unique energy. As humans, we use our Cosmos to heal a Cloth. But there are beings with an even more intimate and powerful connection to these entities. If a God were to do it, their innate power and connection to the Cosmos would allow them to repair with unparalleled efficiency and depth. For them, there are no technical or energetic limits. It is pure and perfect harmony."
Asakara, with eyes of amazement and an ambitious smile, asked Master Shion: "So if I train hard, could I become a repairer as good as a God?" The Master, smiling tenderly, replied: "We all have innate potential that can surprise us. The learning path is long, but it is also full of beautiful discoveries. Trust your heart and your energy. You will discover all you can achieve with time and dedication."
Master Shion was prepared to end the session when he turned directly to Asakara's expectant eyes, saying: "The route you will travel will be full of secrets. But in time, you will discover many truths. Remember what I have told you about the goddess Hecate: decisions are sometimes difficult to approach, but they must always have a purpose. You must always follow the path of good, no matter the difficulties." The memory of Shion's words encourages and moves Asakara, especially now that she has felt so lost.
As she snaps out of her thoughts, she notices Mu looking visibly saddened with a hint of doubt in his expression. "What's wrong, Mu?" Asakara asks with concern and curiosity. Mu hesitantly replies: "There's something else... something Master Shion told me that day, shortly after you left the lesson place..."
Mu recounts to Asakara the strange moments that occurred ten years ago at the end of that lesson:
"Mu, stay a moment. I need to talk to you." Master Shion paused and waited until Mu approached. He took him by the shoulders as if wanting to have his disciple's full attention, and measuring every word; he said: "Mu, you must listen to me carefully; I have seen a bad omen in the stars. If you notice anything strange about me, go immediately and without hesitation to the old Master at the Five Peaks of Rozan. Now go, keep on training. We must always be prepared for whatever comes."
Asakara is shocked; she feels anguish for her Master, but finding she is not alone is a great relief. Mu almost whispers to her: "Asakara, you must leave the Sanctuary; you are in as much danger as I am in that place. No one can know this thing we have talked about; I trust you."
Aldebaran suddenly enters the room, preventing Asakara from asking all her doubts. Mu quickly points out that Cancer's Golden Cloth had no severe damage and has already been repaired, so it is ready to be returned to the Sanctuary.
Vivid Dreams: The Lion's Roar
Leo Aioria heads to the Virgo Temple, determined to get his friend Asakara out of it. He has been worried. Since she returned from her mission with Aldebaran, she has spent a lot of time locked up meditating, which is strange since she has never liked meditating. Asakara has always said she prefers air and movement. And, if that wasn't strange enough, Aldebaran had told him about the nightmares and the wounds they had caused her.
Arriving at the Virgo Temple, Aioria was ready to answer Virgo Saint's usual questions. Still, to his surprise, Shaka beat him to it this time: "Asakara, you have spent days inside these walls, seeking inner peace and deep meditation. Although this holy Temple offers you the serenity you long for, the outside world also has its way of enlightening the soul." after a pause, he adds: "Besides, Leo Aioria is waiting outside. I do not intend to waste my time arguing with him."
Asakara leaves the Temple to catch up with Aioria, accompanied by her dog, Shadow. She reluctantly greets him, and Aiora explains that, as requested, he will accompany her to see Marin, the Eagle's Silver Saint. Asakara wanted to thank Marin for taking care of Shadow. The dog wags his tail excitedly as if he knows who they are talking about.
After walking through the Sanctuary grounds, Aioria asks Asakara uncomfortable questions, trying to get information out of her, which she elegantly evades. The friends arrive in an almost deserted environment at a small stone house with a tile roof. Suddenly, the booming voice of an excited child broke the silence: "Marin! Your friend Aioria is here!"
Sombra gets excited and runs lightheartedly into the house as soon as the door opens and pounces on the child. "I think someone missed you, Seiya," Aioria says in a friendly tone.
At once, Marin approaches the door; Asakara is excited to finally meet the famous Marin that Aioria talks so much about. Asakara can't clearly distinguish the shade of Marin's hair; it looks brown but shines with reddish tones when the sun shines. She is slender and athletically sculpted, wearing a mask over her face and typical training clothes.
Seiya is a restless boy about ten years old. He is short and has large, expressive brown eyes matching his messy hair. The boy's carefree attitude makes Asakara smile like it hasn't happened for days, as she can notice the influence of his personality on Sombra's usual behavior.
Asakara greets Marin and thanks her for caring for Shadow, letting her know she is indebted to her. Seiya replies as if he is being talked to, saying that taking care of the dog is no problem and that Asakara can leave him with them whenever she wants, which makes everyone laugh. Asakara confidently says: "Why don't I stay and take care of Seiya while you guys go do that thing you had to do." Seiya indignantly replies, "Hey, I can take care of myself." Asakara, trying to make amends for her mistake, tells him that both will care for Shadow, so Seiya remains calm.
Asakara, Seiya, and Shadow happily run around with each other outside the house when Shadow suddenly starts barking furiously. Asakara asks Seiya to get to safety, but Seiya barely moves away.
He looks around desperately, trying to see what Asakara and Shadow are reacting to as they become defensive. Suddenly, he sees Asakara dodging something invisible while pleading for it to stop. Seiya is puzzled by his friend Aioria's companion's behavior, but then he witnesses her being hit by an unseen force. Seiya begins to sense a dark Cosmo around them and becomes extremely anxious, realizing that there might be someone present whom he cannot see.
Asakara is still trying to defend herself using the technique: !*Khan*!, Seiya starts to throw stones in the air, trying to hit the aggressor or at least scare him; suddenly, he feels a blow that throws him backward. Asakara tries to go to help him, but as she lowers her defense, a more decisive blow reaches her.
As he stands up, Seiya hears Asakara say: "I didn't mean for this to happen! I never meant to hurt anyone!" A decisive blow hits her, knocking her to the ground, but she doesn't get up this time. Seiya bravely runs up to her and realizes that the dark presence is gone. He kneels next to Asakara, trying to revive her.
Shadow, who wouldn't stop barking, came running out, alarmed. Seiya reached to see that Shadow was bringing a man, barking and pushing. Upon seeing the scene more clearly, the man started running towards them. As he got closer, Seiya could make out a pale blond-haired figure dressed in training clothes; he appeared to be of a similar age and height to Aioria but with a slightly thinner build. "Who the hell is him?" Seiya wondered as he adjusted his stance, ready for any eventuality.
The stranger approaches the scene bewildered, and pushing Seiya away, he leans down next to Asakara, trying to revive her while asking Seiya what has happened. With a trembling voice, Seiya describes the events: "Asakara seemed to be hallucinating... she was seeing things that I couldn't see, but it started to attack her. I could only see the effect of the blows, but she didn't fight back; she just defended herself and asked it to stop. I tried to throw stones at it, but it was useless. That thing Cosmos was dark, very dark."
Asakara wakes up, very hurt, and almost in a whisper, refers to the stranger: "Milo..." and seems relieved to see him. Milo asks her in distress, who attacked her. With effort, Asakara mumbles, "Aioria... "Before she could string any more words together, Milo, realizing that Aioria was approaching, got up angrily to confront him, leaving Seiya and Asakara behind.
Aioria returns along with Marin, both in a hurry as they sense Seiya and Asakara's altered Cosmos and Shadow's alarming barking. Both are surprised to see Milo approaching aggressively with a visible scowl and clenched fists. "What's wrong with you, insect?" Aiora greets him by stopping him firmly and adopting a defensive posture.
Milo pushes Aioria hard, his eyes full of anger: "What you did to her, miserable scum?" he shouts ragefully. Aioria, without thinking, responds with another equally vigorous shove, knocking his aggressor back. Soon, the two are flurrying, exchanging grapples and thrusts while swinging around, trying to gain an advantage.
When the situation seemed about to get out of control, Marin intervened, firmly separating them. "Stop it, stop it right now," she ordered, pushing both men back. Looking at Milo with a grave and determined tone, she asked him, "Explain to me what happened here. Why did you attack Aioria so violently?"
Milo, his face contorted with fury, replies, "This asshole cowardly attacked Asakara!". Marin frowns and explains that Aioria couldn't have been responsible because he's been with her all this time. Confusion mixes with anger on Milo's face.
Suddenly, Asakara's name echoes in Marin's mind, and worried. "Asakara! How is she?". Milo's anger turns to concern as he says she is badly hurt. Marin's indignation flares like a flame, "You two are idiots! While you're fighting like children, Asakara is injured on the ground!" Turning quickly, Marin runs to where Asakara lies, Making Aioria and Milo feel overwhelmed with guilt and confusion.
They both calm down, though the tension is still palpable. Asakara, still pained and mortified, recounts what she saw: "It was a figure of Aioria, but it wasn't him...it was like an illusion." Tears blur her vision as she recounts in confusion: "Aioria ...blamed me... Aioros...if I hadn't said anything...he would still be here." Between the physical injuries and the crying, they can barely make out what she is talking about.
Aioria appeared puzzled and asked: "Why did I tell you that, Asakara? What is it that you haven't told me?" Milo, enraged again, shouted at Aioria: "Leave her alone! Can't you see she's in no condition to answer questions?" Then he gently carried her and took her away, followed by Sombra. As they walked away, the others were left with many questions and worries, knowing that danger still lurked in the Sanctuary.
Alliance of Honor: The truce between the Lion and the Scorpion.
Milo walks along carrying Asakara as if she were a feather while the Shadow follows close behind them. "Stay awake, Asakara," Milo urges her, his voice firm but laden with concern. She struggles not to close her eyes, and she will sometimes falter. "I'll take you to Shaka," Milo says, but Asakara shakes her head weakly. "No, please. I don't want to explain myself to Shaka."
Milo is not thrilled with the idea. He knows the right thing to do is take her home to her brother, but the pleading in Asakara's eyes is too much for him. Finally, he agrees and continues up to the Scorpion Temple. The rest of the way is a constant battle. Asakara closes her eyes, demanding rest, but Milo gently shakes her, keeping her conscious. "Asakara, wake up. We're almost there."
She has no notion of time passing. When she regains consciousness, she realizes she is in the Scorpio's Temple, and he again tends to her wounds. With a weak smile, Asakara jokes, "I'm already abusing your healing skills." But Milo is in no mood for jokes. He is worried, uncertainty marking his face. "Why didn't you want me to take you to Shaka? What's going on?" he asks, his voice laden with anxiety.
Asakara evades the questions, his gaze dodging Milo's. Her fingers brush his hand for an instant, a subtle gesture that almost goes unnoticed but enough to convey gratitude and a flash of affection. Milo feels the warmth of the contact and quickly withdraws his hand; for the honor of the Gold Saints and his respect for Shaka, he prefers to remain respectful at all times.
"Look, Asakara," Milo says in a softer but firm tone," I know Something is happening to you, and I care about you. You can't take this kind of beating anymore. If you don't talk, neither Shaka nor I can help you. Please trust us." Asakara feels a lump in her throat. Milo's words penetrate her shell and expose her vulnerability, but the fear is even more powerful.
Shaka arrived at Scorpio's Temple the following day, worried about Asakara's condition. He had spent the entire night restless, imagining all sorts of scenarios. Milo maintains his firm stance but acknowledges Shaka's authority with a slight nod, "I couldn't leave her alone, Shaka. But I understand if you feel I should have informed you earlier." Shaka smiles, his calm unwavering. "I trust your judgment, Milo. I only wish to know what is going on with Asakara."
Asakara, still lying down, sighed deeply and sat up with difficulty, trying to conceal her pain. "Shaka! It's nothing, really," she said with feigned confidence. Shaka looked at her skeptically, observing every little gesture of discomfort Asakara was trying to hide, "You think I can't feel your pain, sister," Shaka told her empathetically.
"I'm fine. Look, I'm ready to leave with you right now." Asakara tried to stand up with a mammoth effort, showing a forced smile. Milo, who had followed Shaka into the room, frowned as he took in the scene: "Asakara, this doesn't look like 'nothing,'" Milo commented, his voice laden with concern. It was clear that Asakara was in no condition to leave.
Asakara shot a warning glance at Milo, clearly wanting to avoid discussing it in front of Shaka. Milo felt a knot in his stomach, caught between his desire to help Asakara and his need to respect her desire to keep things private. "Well... if you say you're okay," Milo murmured, though his discomfort was obvious. He couldn't intervene further in the situation without overstepping boundaries but couldn't ignore what he saw clearly.
Shaka, still hesitantly, decides not to push at that point. "Okay, let's go," he says without taking his eyes off Asakara. They walk together towards the door, but before they get there, Asakara staggers slightly. Sensing the looks from Shaka and Milo, she quickly says, "It's nothing; don't start with lectures."
Shaka grabs her arm, passing it off more as a gesture of affection than the help she needs. Asakara tries to maintain her composure, though Shaka senses the fragility in her grip.
Scorpio Milo heads towards Leo's Temple with firm and determined steps the following day; pride is evident in his eyes. As he arrives, he finds Leo Aioria standing at the entrance, arms crossed, and one eyebrow raised: "What do you want, insect? Come to find more trouble?" asks Aioria arrogantly.
Milo pauses, taking a deep breath before replying, "Easy, kitty. I didn't come here to fight. I need to talk to you." Aioria blinks in surprise, his distrust still perceptible: "Talk? What on earth could you possibly want to talk to me about?" Milo patiently replies that it's about Asakara and, with a severe tone, explains that he's worried: "We need to know what's going on with her." he adds firmly.
Aioria relaxed, uncrossed his arms, and asked Milo what he knew. Milo nods: "Asakara is not well. I've noticed strange things and behaviors that don't fit. Have you seen anything similar?"
Aioria sighs and looks at Milo, empathizing with his concern: "It's not just us; Aldebaran is also concerned. He told me that on her mission, he heard her having incredibly vivid nightmares, and what worried him the most were the bumps he noticed on Asakara." Milo shudders as he visualizes Aldebaran checking Asakara's body for bruises.
"Do you think it could be Deathmask's handiwork, some kind of revenge?" theorizes Aioria aloud. Milo thinks about it momentarily before answering: "No, it's not him. Deathmask doesn't have that kind of power. To create such realistic illusions, it must be someone much stronger."
They are both silent for a moment, aware of the gravity of the situation. Aioria looks seriously at Milo before breaking the silence: "Have you talked to Shaka about this?" asks Aioria in a deep voice. Milo shakes his head and admits that he hasn't. Aioria nods slowly, pondering the situation: "Maybe we should talk to him," he suggests, full of conviction.
Milo deeply sighs as he tells Aioria that Asakara begged him not to involve Shaka; however, convincing himself, he adds: "Shaka is probably the only one who can do something definite to help her," reflecting a mixture of hope and despair. Aioria and Milo exchange a look of understanding. They both knew that, although the decision to talk to Shaka was not easy, it was necessary to save her.
Frozen Encounter: Milo's Dilemma
Asakara walks with shade to the shelter, where the guardian dogs eagerly await her. She walks towards them with a forced smile, her hands caressing their heads gently, trying to mask her inner discomfort: "Let's train for a while," she tells them, although inside, Asakara knows that she only intends to distract herself and evade reality.
The intuitive and faithful dogs seem to notice his lack of energy. Some stay by her side, seeking comfort through closeness, while others run freely, jumping and playing nonchalantly. Asakara sits, her fingers stroking the dogs beside her, finding silent support.
Suddenly, the dogs begin to bark, sensing someone approaching. "Freeze!" Asakara indicates to them as she feels an icy air coming in. Looking up, she sees Camus advancing towards her. The Aquarius Gold Saint is a tall man of slender build; his hair is warm red, and he wears the same color painted nails. His blue eyes emanate the coldness of the eleventh house. His face is a mask of indifference, his gaze always serene and calculating.
"What are you doing here?" she asks, trying to hide the tremor in her voice. Camus doesn't answer right away. His gaze fixes on the signs of pain Asakara tries to hide, and his expression hardens: "I came to see you," he finally says. "There are things we need to talk about." Asakara feels as if the world's weight is again falling on her. Beside her, Shadow, the small black Labrador, observes.
Camus stops in front of her and, with his voice as cold as his Cosmos, tells her without preamble: "Asakara, you must stay away from Milo, a person as temperamental and immature as you will only bring him trouble. Think about what happened recently between Milo and Aioria. That situation cannot be repeated." The growling of some dogs interrupts him. Asakara quickly reminds them of the order: "I said freeze."
Camus' words are icy and precise, cutting through the air like an ice sword. "We are comrades, and anyone who sows discord between us is an enemy of the Sanctuary," he adds firmly. Asakara lowers his gaze, not even trying to respond. She knows Camus is right. His thoughts return to a whirlwind of emotions.
"Here is a written order from the Pope. He summons you later to a training camp.", Camus adds without a trace of emotion. Asakara accepts the letter without hesitation, striving to appear calm, though inside, she feels a mixture of fear, helplessness, and despair. Her heart beats wildly, and she can feel a knot of anxiety in the pit of her stomach.
Without another word, Camus turns and walks away, leaving Asakara alone with the Pope's order in her hand. Asakara clenches her fists furiously, crumpling the paper with the Pope's orders. It takes her a few minutes before she comes to herself and opens the letter, her hands shaking, hindering her movements. She knows that the highest authority of the Sanctuary is the cause of all her injuries. Every encounter with him was a torture from which she could not escape.
Asakara is lost in her thoughts. She cannot stop thinking about the encounter that awaits her later. She knows that every minute that passes brings her closer to a dark abyss full of pain and anguish. The dogs around her begin to sense her stress, so she decides to train them for a while to calm them down despite the pain that the physical effort would entail, given their conditions. Suddenly, Asakara could feel Milo's familiar Cosmo approaching.
Milo can see Asakara trying to straighten his hunched body as he approaches. Her slow and stilted movements reveal traces of pain. He frowns as he notices the bandages peeking out from under her clothes, and with an authoritative tone, he addresses her: "Asakara, you should be at rest. I don't understand what you are doing here." She replies that she would rather be outside with the dogs than in the Virgo Temple, answering Shaka's constant questioning.
Milo approaches her, telling her she should tell someone what is happening: "If you don't trust me, at least talk it over with Shaka... or even Aioria." The pent-up jealousy at the mention of the latter name is more than evident.
At Asakara's frustrated silence, Milo insists again, this time in a softer tone, letting his concern show: "Something is going on; tell me who is assaulting you. You can't go on like this in silence." Gently, Milo moves a lock of hair away from her face. Asakara feels a strange tingling; it seems she is about to collapse, but she remembers Camus' words, and suddenly her face hardens, and she pulls away as if the contact burns her:" This is none of your business, Milo. Leave me alone.", Asakara replies with a trembling voice still doubting her decision.
Milo, annoyed but trying to be patient, tries to make her come to sense: "I talked to Aioria; we are both worried..." But Asakara interrupts him, showing her discontent: "So now you get together to talk about me behind my back! Before, you couldn't even see each other, and now, what are you, friends? I don't need you to take care of me, none of you!" She lashes out angrily.
Milo's patience begins to wear thin, and in desperation, he warns Asakara: "Your immature attitude is endangering your life. Don't you see?". Asakara responds defensively, insisting that he should leave her alone. Milo can see her eyes glisten with unshed tears, and he says softer but determined: "Asakara. I'm just asking you to trust someone. Please let me help you. I can't bear to see you like this."
She stares at him, her eyes cold and distant: "Milo, there is nothing you can do for me. Your loyalty to the Pope and the Sanctuary is so blind you could never understand what's happening."
"What do you mean by that?" asked Milo, confused and resentful.
Asakara took a step back, backing away from him. "You never question anything, Milo. You are the most loyal of all. And I... I can't risk trusting that." Milo froze, his mind flooded with questions he didn't know how to ask. Asakara, feeling the weight of her despair, turned away without looking back as all the dogs followed her.
The Shining of the Sword: Dishonor under the Sign of Capricorn
The Pope knows he doesn't have much time left for games; he must definitively resolve Asakara's situation before it gets out of control. Once again, he summons her, but this time, he waits in a secluded training camp.
Asakara walks fearfully towards the meeting point. The Pope awaits her, accompanied by Capricorn Shura. In his mythical golden Cloth, Shura personifies coldness and duty. His dark, implacable eyes reflect the commitment of a warrior who does not tolerate weakness.
The Pope steps forward and orders Asakara to assist Shura in his training. The Master's voice is firm and authoritative. Asakara feels his heart racing as anger boils inside her at the sight of Shura. He is the man who inflicted the fatal wounds on Aioros. With each passing second, she finds it more challenging to control her anger; she takes deep breaths to keep calm.
"Train," the Pope orders, and Shura wastes no time nodding, his ruthless attitude coming out. He uses his technique: !*Excalibur*! Each slash in the air is felt on the ground near Asakara. As Shura makes cuts on the ground, Asakara rushes to jump nimbly from one space to the other while dodging stones and debris falling on her. Asakara wants to counterattack, but she has seconds before she has to move again.
Asakara struggles to keep up, but she is still seriously injured, and Shura is one of the Sanctuary's most powerful Gold Saints. The ground fragments under the force of their combat, and Shura's invisible sword makes ever-closer and more accurate slashes.
"Asakara, you should understand that fate is unforgiving. Just as it happened to Aioros, soon you will have nowhere else to run. Justice always finds a way, and your attempt to escape only delays the inevitable.", Shura warns mercilessly.
Just hearing him mention Aioros' name unleashes Asakara's wrath. She furiously launches her attack : !*Heavenly Demon Pacifier*! A spectral light surrounds her. An impressive number of ethereal figures begin to materialize around her, and immediately, with astonishing speed, the spirits rush against her enemy.
Shura stands her ground. Each strike of !*Excalibur*!, cuts through the spirits, dissipating their form into a spectral mist. However, despite his talent, the number of spirits seems endless. Asakara takes advantage of this lapse to recover, trying to overcome the pain she feels throughout her body.
Feeling the pressure, the Capricorn Saint concentrates all his Cosmos. The burst of golden energy confronts Asakara's horde of spirits, colliding in a blinding radiance. When the light dissipates, both combatants remain standing, Asakara is exhausted but not defeated.
Shura's icy voice addresses Asakara, "Someone who is on the side of justice cannot defend a traitor with such resentment," Asakara tries to respond, but Shura punches her. Asakara is on her knees, trying to gather strength to face the pain that has already become unbearable.
"Traitors like you or like Aioros have no right to give explanations, nor do they have the right to wear a Cloth to defend themselves, much less to be given any consideration. It's funny that both of you had to face me while already seriously wounded," Shura says, addressing Asakara without compassion.
Asakara's Cosmos begins to burn with rage; with eyes full of fury and a voice charged with contempt, she addresses Shura: "Attacking Aioros when he was wounded and unprotected, without his Cloth on, not even giving him a chance to defend himself... That's not the act of a hero but that of a coward: !*Ohm*!". Asakara's attack hits Sura hard, causing Sura to slam hard against a rock wall.
Shura's eyes darken even more in anger. !*Excalibur*! he shouts and lashes out, furious, at Asakara. She tries to dodge the attacks, but Shura's invisible sword grazes her left arm. Before Sura can take further action, the Pope raises his voice:"Shura, stop it!" he orders. Shura stops his cold, calculating gaze still fixed on Asakara.
Paths of Darkness: The Asakara Rebellion.
The Pope had watched closely, secretly enjoying the combat. It was impressive how Asakara was immersed in her fury, allowing rage to direct her every move. To the Pope, this was not just a battle but a symphony of chaos in a macabre masterpiece of which he was the absolute conductor.
The practice field falls silent. Shura leaves without looking backward, leaving Asakara hurt and angry. The Pope approaches Asakara and addresses her in his angry and condescending voice: "You have done well, Asakara. But you are still far from being up to par with the others."
The Pope puts his hand on Asakara's injured arm and begins to apply pressure, hurting her. She hides the pain, trying to keep her composure. "You must let your anger consume you," the Pope whispers to her, his eyes flashing with controlled malice," Only then will you reach your full potential."
Asakara's mind is filled with pain and anger as she attempts to appear calm and assertive. The Pope reminds her he is trying to help and releases the pressure on her arm. The Pope offers to heal her wound, but Asakara pulls away. Her attitude enrages the Pope, and he grabs Asakara hard by both arms, again causing significant harm.
"It seems to me, Asakara, that you are still unclear about my authority here. I am getting tired of your insolence," the Pope says. He addresses Shura's obedience as an example: "Shura would do anything I asked him to do. I asked him to stop this time, but I could have asked differently."
Asakara tries to let go, but the Pope, grabbing her by the hair, pulls her head back and whispers in her ear, saying: "Always remember that your life is in my hands, and I will do with it as I please." Finally, he lets her go.
Asakara runs away as fast as she can, but she feels a cold presence behind her. Her legs lose strength, and she falls to the ground. The scene distorts as everything around Asakara turns into eerie shadows; a dark figure emerges among them: "You didn't think you would escape so easily, Asakara. There is no corner of the world where you can hide from me." The Pope's commanding, imposing presence fills the space, his cold, calculating gaze enveloping her.
With a quick gesture, The Pope unleashes his power. Suddenly, Asakara finds herself in a shadowy, endless labyrinth. The air is thick with danger: "Where do you plan to go now, Asakara?" Saga's seductive voice echoes through the air, full of mockery. Each word seems like a whisper directly in her ear, a constant reminder of his power.
She runs. Her feet pound the stone floor, creating an endless echo through the labyrinth. Every path she takes seems at first like a possible way out, but in the end, it always leads to a dead end or, even worse, a wall of mirrors reflecting her despair and fear and, behind her, always the dominant image of the Pope:"All roads lead to me," says the Pope, his magnetic voice filling the space.
He appears before her, his eyes full of wicked satisfaction. "You cannot escape me, Asakara." She turns, looking for another way out, but the maze shifts and distorts around her, the walls moving as if alive. Shadows play in the light, casting figures that seem to move and stalk her.
Asakara feels a shiver run down her spine. Her breathing becomes heavy, but her determination does not fade. Her mind works frantically; there must be a flaw in the illusion imprisoning her: "I'm getting out of here," she declares with an uncompromising will.
The Pope lets out a cruel laugh: "Then keep trying," he replies with a tone that is both defiance and mockery. "But you'll never forget who controls this game." The Pope's image disappears into thin air, leaving Asakara alone, trapped in the endless labyrinth.
The place transforms into a hellish landscape, with the ground cracking and flames erupting. In the illusion, Asakara feels a sharp pain, as if an invisible hand is holding her and lifting her off the ground. !*Khan*! Asakara tries to defend herself but only succeeds in enraging the Pope even more: "Why do you insist on defying me? Evil always ends up winning because it is stronger. Darkness always finds a way to dominate. Whenever you close your eyes, I have been there, reading your thoughts, manipulating your feelings."
She fights with all her might, but she is hurt. In a last effort, she concentrates all her Cosmos: ! *Nova Nyx*! With this technique, Asakara subtracts strength from the Pope and sees how the illusion fades; realizing it worked, she quickly launches her attack: !*Ohm*! It hits the Pope's mask, revealing his face for a brief second.
Asakara cannot determine who it is before the Pope reacts by covering his face. The Pope isn't sure if she managed to see him and knows he needs to end this: "You've gone too far." With his dark and overpowering Cosmos, he uses his most feared technique: !*Demon Emperor Fist*!
The Pope's dark Cosmos invades Asakara's mind, trying to subjugate her spirit. Asakara feels the pressure, her memories and thoughts begin to fade. But something inside her resists. The technique should work better. Asakara's mind, though weakened, struggles with rage and resolve.
"Why don't you fall?" the Pope wonders, frustrated and surprised. His attacks had struck her at the most critical moments, trying to wear down her will, but she clung on. The Pope's hold on her begins to fracture.
"You will not be able to control me," Asakara says, her voice trembling but firm. Her eyes burn with determination and defiance. The Pope, aware that he cannot wholly subdue her, opts for a darker path. His Cosmos intensifies with murderous intent. It is now or never. Just as he prepares to launch a deadly attack, an unexpected presence arises.
"Enough!" the Pope screams and stops abruptly. His Cosmos shines with a different light, filled with justice and honor: "You must leave now," orders Saga urgently. Asakara does not think twice. Her survival instinct and the unexpected opportunity urge her to move. Her injuries and tiredness seem less important at that critical moment, and she runs to the Virgo Temple without stopping.
Darkness and Enlightenment: Shaka's Protection
Asakara staggers to the Virgo Temple, barely reaching the entrance, and collapses to her knees. Her breathing is still ragged, and her left arm is bleeding profusely through the deep cut of Shura's sword. Her whole body showed traces of bloody combat.
Shaka, who was meditating, sensed his sister's distressed presence, and before she crossed the threshold, he was already impatiently waiting for her. Seeing her in such a state, his heart was startled by her distress, although he still appeared before her with characteristic serenity.
He quickly approached her and asked her what had happened. His voice was serene, but there was a slight tinge of concern that only his sister could notice. Shaka looked at her and said softly and melodiously: "Calm down, Asakara. You don't need to hold your pain in front of me." Asakara couldn't help but let out a loud cry, her body trembling with each breath.
Shaka added with a deep but gentle look: "Remember, in every tear, there is a lesson, and in every pain, an opportunity for growth. Now, take a deep breath and allow peace and love to fill your heart. You are safe by my side." Shaka moved closer, placing a gentle hand on her sister's shoulder.
Asakara, still weeping, felt Shaka's words penetrate her being, bringing her the calm and relief she so desperately needed. Gradually, the sobs turned into deep, serene breaths, enveloping the tranquility that emanated from Shaka.
Crouching down beside her to examine her wounds, he tries to persuade her: "True courage lies not in not feeling fear or pain, but in facing and overcoming them. You can no longer evade this; you must explain yourself, sister. These wounds are not accidental; who did this to you and why?"
Asakara stares into her brother's eyes, terrified; a barely perceptible thread of voice finally confesses to her brother: "The Pope... he..."
Virgo Shaka, who always faces things with serenity and wisdom, is taken aback: "Do you realize how serious what you are saying is?" Shaka interjects, his tone hardened. He knew Asakara would not lie, but the information was too much to digest at once.
The Demon Emperor Fist had attacked Asakara, and though she resisted the Pope's control, her mind was not unscathed. Her eyes show confusion and helplessness: "No...I can't remember all the details. It wasn't nice. A dark force tried to take over my mind. It's like my mind is foggy. I can't describe it...not clearly. I just know it's a terrible threat."
With his eyes closed, Shaka briefly fights the storm of emotions that had raged inside him, acknowledging each one and letting them pass without holding on. He concentrates again and reflects on Asakara's words: "Someone must be playing with you, manipulating your thoughts and perceptions.", he remarks.
Turning to Asakara, his face showed an uncommon hardness. "Asakara, you must leave," he says, hiding his genuine concern. "I cannot risk your safety or act rashly without proof. I command you as your brother: leave now."
Asakara looked at Shaka in disbelief and sadness. She felt a knife being plunged into her heart. With eyes full of fear and a lump in her throat, she asks her brother: "How do you expect me to leave? I've never been alone; I don't know where to go. Shaka, this scares me."
Shaka replies serenely: "You have no choice". Asakara insists on asking him why he is doing this, to which he adds with a harsh, almost implacable tone: "Because I need to protect you. As a Gold Saint and protector of the Virgo Temple, I have the authority to guarantee your exit. In the end, I promise things will be better if you try to find your way out of this place."
With pain and anger, Asakara confronts Shaka: "No, it's not fair! You're abandoning me, leaving me to my own devices. That's not protection!" Shaka looks at her with unwavering firmness: "I know you don't understand now, but someday you will. You have to go." Asakara resignedly replies, "Okay, Shaka, I will leave..."
Night Crossroads: The Farewell of Asakara
Asakara, distraught and filled with rage, decides to leave the Sanctuary. The moonlight faintly illuminates the path towards the exit. Her footsteps and those of her dog, Shadow, echo alone at night. His breathing is heavy, and his wounds throb with intense pain that only intensifies his determination.
As he nears the exit, a familiar figure emerges from the shadows - Milo, his golden Cloth gleaming under the moon, intercepts his path, "Where are you going, Asakara?" he asks in a firm voice, "It is forbidden to leave the Sanctuary. I cannot let you go."
Asakara looks at him defiantly and asks, "And what are you planning to do, Milo?" At Milo's silence, she answers, "I thought so," and turns to continue. The tension in the air is palpable.
Milo, as she approaches, notices the terrible wounds on Asakara and clenches her fists, struggling to contain her emotions, "Why won't you tell me who did this to you? Would you rather go away, hurt and alone, than trust me?" With a tremor in her voice, Asakara replies, almost breaking. "There are things too dangerous to know. Do us both a favor and give it up already."
Desperation seems to take hold of Milo, his voice carrying an intensity that matches that of his eyes: "If it wasn't something big, Shaka wouldn't let you leave." Asakara, anticipating disappointment, questions him, "What if it were? What would you do, Milo, risk everything?" Milo takes a deep breath, and his resolve crystallizes with solemnity: "I am a Golden Knight. My duty is to protect Athena and uphold justice."
Asakara looks at him with sadness and disappointment. "Do you truly believe that obeying orders without question is justice?" she asks, taking a step closer. "Don't you see the injustice that surrounds this place?" Milo stands firm, though his inner self is conflicted. "I cannot betray the principles of the Sanctuary," his words are laden with painful resolve. "This is not just about you or me."
Turning away, Asakara speaks resignedly, "Then there is nothing more to say; I know where your duty lies, Milo. And that path does not include me." The moonlight casts a cold glare on Milo's solemn face, which remains silent, torn by helplessness.
As Asakara turns toward the exit, Milo almost impulsively tries to stop her, calling her name almost imperceptibly, "Asakara..." She visibly trembles, her strength threatening to unravel. "Stop it, Milo. Just... let me go," she whispers.
Accompanied by Shadow, Asakara walks away. Milo stands watching as her figure fades into the darkness, his true feelings trapped in a silence that only he and the darkness of the night can comprehend.