This is a Saint Seiya fanfiction story that aims to resolve the contradictions found in the first season. While we will introduce new elements to enhance the narrative, our goal is to make sure you enjoy this retelling of the beloved tale.
After yet another merged reality, disaster was adverted. Hiro and Hector stepped into the mess hall, and for once, Hector was radiating pure rage. The last merged reality had brought forth a fan of the anime that irritated him endlessly—Saint Seiya. To Hector, this series was riddled with contradictions and plot holes that made it seem like Swiss cheese. Hiro glanced over at his friend, noticing the tension in Hector's expression. "Are you still upset that Bra wanted you and Bulma to binge-watch all of Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac?" Hiro asked, trying to lighten the mood.
Hector's mood was so foul that he had skipped getting any food for himself. He stood there, arms crossed, brows furrowed, his frustration almost tangible. The aura of anger surrounding him dimmed the atmosphere in the mess hall. Hiro knew Hector well enough to understand how infuriated he must be.
Desperate to lift his spirits, Hiro quickly mentioned that he had something from that merged reality that might just cheer Hector up. "I brought you something special," Hiro said with a hint of excitement. He reached into his bag and pulled out an astonishingly large collection of Cherry Coke bottles. To everyone's astonishment, it wasn't just any collection. It featured the long-discontinued four-liter bottles, not the two-liter ones you typically found in stores.
"This is the real deal!" Hiro exclaimed, placing a bottle on the table with a flourish. The people nearby gaped in disbelief. How had Hiro managed to score these rare bottles?
To further sweeten the deal, Hiro revealed that Audrey had baked a homemade meat lovers pizza just for them. When he said it was huge, he wasn't exaggerating. The pizza was the size of a small table, loaded with layers of gooey cheese, pepperoni, sausage, and other toppings that made the mouth water. People who had been silently watching couldn't help but stare, awestruck by the gigantic pizza that seemed to steal the spotlight.
Hiro chuckled, his laughter ringing through the hall. "I know, right? Let's talk about those crazy Saint Seiya plots while we enjoy this incredible pizza and drink some of this cherry soda," he suggested, hoping to divert Hector's mind from the grievances of the anime.
Hector sighed, but a flicker of curiosity broke through his rage. "You really think talking about it will help?" he asked skeptically, even as he rubbed his temples. Hiro nodded, his excitement not wavering. "Absolutely! Everyone has their gripes about the series. You can let it all out, and trust me, a slice of this pizza will help too," he reassured him.
As they settled down with the massive pizza taking center stage and the array of Cherry Coke surrounding them, the two friends began to share their thoughts on the series.
"First off, what was with that whole saga about Athena? Her character just bounces around like a rubber ball," Hector grumbled, picking up a slice with a mixture of annoyance and hunger.
Hiro laughed, taking a generous bite of the pizza. "Right? And let's not even get started on the inconsistencies in the power levels! One episode, they're invincible, the next, they barely hold their ground," he replied, shaking his head.
Hector's frustration slowly ebbed away as they bonded over their mutual feelings. The combination of delicious flavors and shared thoughts was transforming the once tense atmosphere. "You know, maybe this won't be so bad after all," Hector admitted, a hint of a smile beginning to emerge.
Hiro's grin stretched wide across his face. "See? Food and laughter can solve almost anything," he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with mischief. The light atmosphere drew a chuckle from Hector, whose mind momentarily shifted away from the burdens of the past. Hiro took a breath and decided to shift gears. He had serious points to share, and the moment felt right.
"Did you know," Hiro began, leaning closer as if to share a deep secret, "that the Gold Saint of the Ares Armor isn't actually the supposed pope?" Hector raised an eyebrow, signaling for Hiro to continue. "It's crazy, right? They've got this whole facade going on. And that's not even the worst part." Hiro's voice became more intense. "They actually bullied the brother of the Sagittarius Gold Armor. Can you imagine? The very people meant to protect others turning on their own?"
Hector frowned, a knot forming in his stomach. "That's just wrong," he muttered. Hiro nodded vigorously, his excitement growing. "Exactly! And let's not forget about the Gemini Armor. Those guys attempted to kill Athena and then took over the role of Pope. It's wild how they became the de facto leaders of the Sanctuary. They're supposed to be defenders, yet they corrupted everything they touched."
Hector's gaze drifted to the window, the sun casting long shadows. "They are supposed to represent honor, mercy, and virtues," he said quietly. "But they don't live up to that at all." Hiro leaned back, crossing his arms. "Right! Some of these so-called Gold Saints are not heroic knights. They're more like mass murderers, sadistic sociopaths. How did it even come to this?"
"Their actions are beyond comprehension," Hector replied, shaking his head. "If they saw an orphanage on fire, they wouldn't lift a finger to help. Instead, they'd pour more fuel on the flames, laughing like maniacs." The image danced in Hector's mind, the fiery scene highlighting their cruelty. "It's chilling to think about."
Hiro's expression grew serious, reflecting the weight of their conversation. "They were supposed to protect humanity. Yet, the show displays them as utterly evil. It's twisted." The two sat quietly for a moment, the reality of their words hanging heavy in the air.
"But why?" Hector finally asked. "How did it get this way?" Hiro shrugged. "Power corrupts. They let it cloud their judgment and morals. Somewhere along the line, they forgot who they were meant to be."
Hector sighed, feeling the burden of their discussion wrap around him. "It's sad," he said, glancing at Hiro. "To think that those who should be shining examples became monsters instead."
Hiro nodded, a thoughtful look in his eyes. "Yeah. It makes you question everything. If the Gold Saints can't be trusted, where does that leave us?" The weight of the world felt heavier, and in that moment, laughter seemed far away.
"Food and laughter can solve almost anything," Hiro had said. Maybe this time, it wouldn't.
Hector stared at his friend, his heart heavy with sorrow. The Bronze saints hailed as the heroes of their tale, were far from being treated like champions. Instead, their lives were marked by tragedy, abuse, and overwhelming demands. These were children, barely having crossed into their teenage years, forced to bear burdens that could break the strongest of spirits. Hiro quietly nodded in agreement, sharing Hector's pain.
The butler, who served Saori—the girl reincarnated as Athena—seemed close to becoming a villain himself. His hunger for power and recognition was palpable. Hector thought that if he ever got his hands on one of the coveted gold armors, he would stop at nothing to seize control of the world. This man, driven by selfish ambition, was a significant reason for Saori's ruthless treatment of the other children.
Saori, influenced by her caretaker's elitist beliefs, felt justified in her cruel commands. The butler filled her mind with twisted ideas, making her think she could treat those ten kids like proper slaves, with no regard for their humanity. Her grandfather had gathered these children to mold them into the finest Saints, destined to protect the world. Instead, he subjected them to harsh training regimes that surpassed even the cruelest treatment found on slave plantations.
The examples of abuse were shocking. Ikki, one of the strongest among them, had been beaten nearly to death. His crime? Choosing to sacrifice himself by going to a place many considered a death sentence rather than letting his brother face it alone. Ikki's protective instincts were met with brutality, leaving him bruised and battered for making a noble choice.
Hector recalled in the universe they went to in a version of Saint Seiya the last confrontation he witnessed. Saori sat on her grand, ornate throne, looking down at the children as they knelt before her. "You will do what I say," she commanded, her voice dripping with disdain. The kids exchanged worried glances, unsure how to respond to her coldness. "You think you can ignore me? You are nothing without the power I give you!"
Hector's fists clenched as he remembered Ikki raising his chin defiantly. "You don't understand us at all, Saori. We're not just your tools." Her eyes narrowed dangerously. "Tools? Do you think you have a choice? You're nothing but a means to an end!"
The tension in the air was thick, filled with fear and resentment. The other kids looked on, their spirits battered and bruised like Ikki's body. Hector felt their pain. They deserved better. They all did.
Hiro had another important point to address. Throughout the series, these barely teenage characters are told repeatedly that the key to power and skill lies in burning their Cosmo. This concept rests on the idea that everything in the universe originated from the dust of the Big Bang, suggesting that all matter, including people, is made from stardust. Within each person exists a galaxy of their own. For them to become Saints, they must ignite the Cosmo inside themselves and create their own big bangs, expanding their inner cosmos.
However, Hector pointed out a significant flaw in their training. While their instructors insisted they learn to make their Cosmo burn, they never provided any guidance on how to actually do it. These ten teens were essentially left to figure it out for themselves, with no clear instruction given. This seemed like an inefficient approach to Hector.
Hiro continued, elaborating that the training regimen was further complicated by additional layers of difficulty. They learned that Bronze Saints could barely break the sound barrier with their movements. In contrast, Silver Saints could achieve double that speed, while Gold Saints supposedly reached speeds that surpassed light itself. Hector, grounded in theoretical physics, found this notion impossible.
"Unless, of course, they've unlocked anti-gravity," Hiro replied with a smirk, though his eyes held a hint of frustration.
Next, they tackled the concept of the Seventh Sense. They had five familiar senses—sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste. However, the training claimed that the sixth sense represented insight, which served as a precursor to awakening the seventh sense: the Cosmo. To access this seventh sense, one had to momentarily shut down the other senses, forcing their body to tap into an inner perception. This was something all Gold Saints supposedly possessed from the beginning.
"That's just infuriating," Hector said, clenching his fists. "They can't teach it to anyone. Each one has to awaken it on their own. It's just one contradiction after another."
Hiro nodded in agreement, his frustration palpable. "It's like they keep adding more and more complexity without any actual guidance. No plan, just chaos."
The boys stood in the dusty training dojo, surrounded by training equipment and portraits of past heroes hung on the walls. The weight of their realizations felt heavy in the air, and the musty scent of sweat and ambition lingered around them.
"Why can't they just have a straightforward method?" Hector lamented, pacing back and forth. "It doesn't make any sense. How are we supposed to grow if there's no roadmap?"
"Maybe that's what they want," Hiro suggested, pondering aloud. "To push us to our limits and see who can figure it out. But it feels less like training and more like a test of endurance."
Hector's mouth was full of the pizza his precious daughter had made. Each bite reminded him of her talent and love. Yet, as he chewed, his thoughts wandered into darker territories. He couldn't bear the idea of her facing the trials that Seiya and the other Bronze Saints had endured. The sheer thought was like a knife to his heart.
He thought about the battles they fought, the scars they carried, and the sacrifices they made. The idea of his daughter going through such pain felt unbearable. It was too painful to think about. Even if some in that universe tried to create saint cloths—those legendary armors worn by the Saints—Hector couldn't ignore the fact that the Steel Saints appeared only occasionally. They showed up in moments of dire need, but their presence was fleeting, like shadows vanishing at dawn. They had not been seen during the Sanctuary Arc, which was filled with chaos and conflict.
At that moment, he imagined how different things could have been if they had been there. They could have prevented Saori from being struck by that arrow. But instead, the writers of the story chose to create drama—a painful choice that felt unnecessary. To Hector, the military strategy was flawed. They were already facing immense tension as they invaded the Sanctuary, the home base of their enemy. The man they fought was pretending to be the Pope, the leader of the Sanctuary. He was meant to be the right hand of Athena, the very goddess they revered.
As they plotted their approach, Hector felt the weight of what they faced. They had to confront every Gold Saint, many of whom had connections to the Bronze Saints. Even worse, those connections had been twisted by the Gemini Saint's mind control. He had made them believe he was chosen as the Pope and someone else was Gemini Saint, and that corrupted their sense of duty.
Hector thought about how there was no need for Athena to be shot. If the aim was to build tension, they could have simply taken her hostage. They could have announced that if the Bronze Saints didn't return in time, she would face dire consequences. Such a choice would create urgency and fear, but instead, they chose to hurt her for no clear reason.
Across the table, Hiro commented on the mission. "I can't believe what we just went through. They could have done so much differently. It's maddening." Hector nodded, his mind still racing through the implications of their choices.
"Exactly," Hector replied, his voice steady. "They had the power to create real stakes without harming Athena. This felt cheap and reckless."
Hiro leaned back, and frustration was evident on his face. "It's like they wanted to break us. Nobody has to get hurt to tell a story. There are other ways."
The mess hall buzzed with post-mission chatter, but Hector's mind remained elsewhere. He took another bite of pizza, the flavors a comfort against the turmoil of his thoughts. Each chew was a reminder of the simple joys his daughter brought to his life, joys that stood in stark contrast to the chaos they faced.
Hector stared intently at Hiro, his eyes filled with determination. "If I'm thrown into a reality based on Saint Seiya again," he declared firmly, "I won't just sit back and let things unfold as they do in the series. I will fight for change." His voice held a mix of anger and hope. "I'll throw caution to the wind and face whatever comes my way. I'm going to make that world better, no matter the consequences. If it shortens the story, so be it."
Hiro nodded, understanding where Hector was coming from. "You're right," he said, leaning forward. "Each of the Saints goes through hell and comes out battered. They sacrifice so much and gain so little. They each have someone who loves them deeply. It's not just about fighting for Athena. They should have someone to protect, someone to return to. That's the true power of love."
Hector was energized by Hiro's words. He thought about Seiya. "Look at him," Hector replied, shaking his head. "Seiya has no less than five women who are head over heels for him. He's so oblivious, it's infuriating. He grew up with two of them in the Sanctuary, one of whom ran the orphanage where he lived. And yet, he still ends up alone. That's just wrong."
Hiro sighed, wanting to delve deeper into the situation. "It's like he's trapped in his own bubble. All those battles he fights, and he doesn't see the love right in front of him. It's sad." He thought about the moments from the show where Seiya fought bravely, his fierce spirit shining through, but all that bravery didn't translate to understanding the feelings of those around him.
"You know," Hector continued, "the other Saints suffer too. They fight with everything they have, but they also need something to fight for. Not just as knights of Athena, but for love. They should fight to protect those who care about them, to find happiness together." His fists clenched with passion.
Hiro leaned back, contemplating the idea. "Imagine if they had that motivation. It could change everything. Instead of feeling like they have no choice, they could find strength in their loved ones." He paused, visualizing the impact of such a bond. "They could become stronger, not just as fighters, but as people."
"Exactly," Hector agreed, his voice rising slightly with enthusiasm. "Each battle would mean something more. They'd be driven not just by duty, but by love. They wouldn't be the lonely heroes of a tragic story. They'd be a team, fighting for each other and for what really matters."
Hiro nodded and a smile crept across his face. "If I had the chance to step into that reality again, I'd fight alongside them. We could shake things up. We could rewrite the story."
As evening fell, the two friends shared their dreams and frustrations. Their voices mingled with the sounds of the city around them, each passion fueling the other. They spoke of battles, of love, and of heroes who deserved a little happiness. That energy filled the air between them, igniting a hope that they could change the story, even if just in their minds.
As the conversation wrapped up, a familiar voice resonated in the air. Hector and Hiro exchanged glances, both knowing the source. The call to the office of Serket was not a light one. Hector, who had dedicated his life to serving her, felt a rush of pride. His beloved wife, the goddess he revered, awaited them behind her desk.
Serket's warm smile greeted them, lighting up the room, contrasting with the heavy atmosphere filled with uncertainty. Hector felt a mix of relief and anxiety flow through him. He knew she had listened intently to everything discussed. It was a habit of hers, to observe and understand before speaking.
"You are quite perceptive, husband," she said, her voice calm and steady. "I was just thinking about how to explain what lies ahead for you and Hiro." Hector braced himself, sensing the gravity of her words.
"You will have to enter a merged reality," she continued, her tone shifting slightly. "This world is inspired by the Saint Seiya series but blended with one where Gamer powers are real. I call it Saint Seiya the Gamer. Unfortunately, it has turned into a hellish landscape. That makes it essential for both of you to go."
Hector's stomach twisted at her words. The thought of a dangerous and chaotic world was daunting. He locked eyes with Hiro, who appeared equally troubled. "What makes this one so different?" Hector finally asked.
"There are multiple deities in this merged reality," Serket explained. Her expression grew serious. "You'll face a mad Poseidon and a genocidal Hades among others. It's going to be a twisted journey." Hector felt his heart race. He could hardly wrap his mind around the concept. "Mad Poseidon? Genocidal Hades? How can we even begin to face such foes?"
Serket continued, "We'll need to approach this differently. For once, you won't enter as mere characters. You'll go in as your true selves. No time to build up power, no time to forge new connections. You'll descend like gods to mortals." Her eyes sparkled with determination. "Yes, we will address the plot holes you both mentioned earlier while enjoying that meat lovers pizza Audrey made."
Hector chuckled nervously, recalling the fun moments shared with their daughter in the warm glow of their home. But this was serious. The joyful image faded quickly as he thought of the challenges ahead.
"What if we fail? What if we aren't strong enough?" Hiro's voice broke through Hector's thoughts. Hector could see the fear etched across his friend's face.
"You must trust in yourselves," Serket replied, her confidence shining through. "You have faced challenges together before. This will require every ounce of strength and wit you possess. You will need to think on your feet and adapt constantly."
Hector felt the weight of her words. He thought about the bond he shared with Hiro. They had been through difficult battles and emerged stronger each time. Hector squeezed his friend's shoulder. "We can do this. We'll figure it out together."
They stepped out of Serket's office, their hearts heavy but their minds racing with plans, possibilities, and the unknown. The path ahead was unclear, but they faced it with a resolve that had been forged over time—one that would be tested in this chaotic new reality. With determination boiling within them, they prepared for the journey that loomed closer with each heartbeat.
Hiro and Hector stood together, deep in thought about their plan. The first thing they had to decide was when to travel back in time and the reasons behind their choice. Hiro recalled a pivotal moment in history: the death of the Gold Saint Sagittarius. This event was critical because Sagittarius had a younger brother who would become the Leo Saint. The rise of the Leo Saint would bring a lot of trouble for the Bronze Saints of Athena later. They would face a man pretending to be the Pope, and without intervention, chaos would ensue.
Before they could prevent Sagittarius's death, they needed to consider the mental manipulation of the trainers holding the Bronze Saints back. One training location was an island, a remnant of the Mu continent, where the black cloths were buried. They would have to cleanse those cloths and somehow transport them to a lab dedicated to creating the Steel Saints. Ideally, they wanted the Ares Gold Saint, Mu, to collaborate with the lab scientists. This teamwork would help refine the techniques needed for the Steel Saints.
The stakes were high. If they succeeded, Ikki could finally receive the training to become the Bronze Phoenix Saint. Saving Ikki's future love was equally urgent if they wanted to alter fate for the better. Hector chimed in, bringing up another thought. "What about the Cygnus Bronze Saint's mother?" he questioned, his brow furrowed with concern. The task at hand wasn't simple. They needed to land about three decades before the tournament began, which presented a big challenge. Not only did they have to stop key events, but they also needed to train future Bronze Saints before their journeys even started.
"How much can we really do?" Hiro pondered aloud, walking across the room. Hector considered this and suggested, "If we use the shadow clone technique extensively, we could help them awaken their sixth sense." There was a moment of silence as Hiro absorbed the idea. "And with Genjutsu?" he asked, excitement building. Hector nodded. "That could push them to their seventh sense. They might then match low-tier Gold Saints or even Silver Saints. With such power, we could avoid many issues during their training."
Hiro nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. Using shadow clones, they could accompany each Bronze Saint to their training locations. This would aid in their understanding of who they really were. They could intervene before any major conflicts arose. They would also be there to counteract the manipulation by Gemini, who was posing as the Pope.
The importance of timing was clear. They needed to arrive thirty years before the tournament began, and then eleven years after they first arrived on that specific moment when Sagittarius saved Sayori from Gemini's deadly plot against her life. "What if we could be there when Sagittarius tells the father of the future Saints the truth?" Hiro suggested, his excitement palpable.
Hector nodded, understanding the weight of that moment. The man they needed to reach was the father of ninety-nine boys and one girl. He would understand the bigger picture. Hiro said, "He might give up seeing his sons grow up if it benefits the world. But we can't let them become orphans." The pain of facing abuse and neglect loomed over their heads like a storm cloud. Many troubles the Bronze Saints faced could have been avoided if they intervened in time.
Both of them knew the journey ahead would be filled with struggles, conflicts, and heart-wrenching decisions. But they were determined to change the course of history and save the people who mattered most. Their resolve was strong, and even if the path was difficult, they would face it together.
Hiro and Hector found themselves in a strange, merged reality, a place unlike any they had experienced before. This time, they did not take the place of anyone from that world. Instead, they looked around, getting their bearings in the unfamiliar surroundings. The air felt heavy with tension, and the colors seemed muted and shadowy. After a moment, they realized they were not far from their intended destination.
After eleven years since their arrival in this world, they had forged numerous friendships and encountered a handful of adversaries. They had experienced countless adventures, but today marked a poignant moment as they had to witness a dear friend's departure.
As they moved cautiously through this strange land, they soon spotted an old man kneeling beside a young man. The younger one lay on the ground, bloodied and severely injured. His face contorted in pain, and he clutched a small bundle close to his chest. Hiro and Hector rushed forward, their instincts pushing them to help. However, they were struck by the sight of the wounded man, who appeared to have been attacked by a force far greater than himself. Wounds marred his body, each one a testament to the fierce battle he had faced. He was slowly slipping away.
In the fading light, he spoke in a weak voice, almost a whisper. "You must listen," he told the old man. His eyes were filled with desperation. "The Saints are not just warriors; they are defenders of humanity, keepers of peace, champions of justice." He paused, gasping for breath before he continued. "We follow Athena, the goddess of wisdom. And this child," he gestured to the small bundle, "is her reincarnation, reborn once every two hundred years."
Hiro felt a chill run down his spine. The implications of the man's words settled heavily in the air. The young man's voice grew fainter as he recounted his tragic tale. "An evil man seeks to kill her. I beg you, protect her. Keep her safe." Tears welled in the corners of the old man's eyes as he took in the weight of the request.
With trembling hands, the old man introduced himself. "My name is Mitsumasa Kido. I promise you, I will do everything in my power to protect this child. I will raise her as my own granddaughter." There was a fierce determination in his voice. "I will train young men to become true Saints, ready to stand by her side."
Hiro's heart sank as he realized what the old man was proposing. "You can't be serious," he interjected, his voice laced with concern. "You plan to use all your sons? All ninety-nine of them?"
Mitsumasa nodded, a strange glint in his eye. Hiro felt anger bubbling within him. "Do you really think making them believe they are orphans is the answer? Do you think that will not tear them apart?"
The old man straightened, a defiant look on his face. "They will be stronger for it. I will shape them into what they need to be."
Hiro shook his head in disbelief. He understood the old man's intentions, but the methods felt cruel. "You are talking about sacrificing family ties for a cause. That's not right."
For a moment, silence stretched between them. The old man's gaze hardened, while Hiro's eyes flashed with defiance. They stood in the twilight, the weight of their choices hanging in the air.
Finally, Hector broke the tension with a somber voice. "We need to focus on saving that child first. The world outside is dangerous, and we must find a way to keep her safe from the evil that hunts her."
Hiro nodded, realizing the urgency of their situation. Together, they cast one final look at the wounded man, whose breaths were growing shallow. The air around them felt charged, a mix of hope and heartbreak. The old man cradled the tiny bundle, and in that moment, they all understood the gravity of their fight ahead.
Each of them had a role to play in this unfolding drama. As they prepared to confront the dark challenges ahead, they knew the path would be fraught with conflict, sacrifice, and the struggle to protect the innocent. This child's destiny was now intertwined with theirs, and they would stop at nothing to ensure her safety.
As Mitsumasa stood there, staring at the lifeless body of a young man, his heart felt heavy. The young man had given everything to protect a child, a precious being who was believed to be the reincarnation of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war. The weight of sacrifice pressed on Mitsumasa as he turned to Hiro, a friend and confidant. Hiro's expression was somber, but he spoke quietly. "He died," he said, his words hanging in the air like a heavy fog.
Mitsumasa's breath caught in his throat. The tragic news struck him like a lightning bolt. This young warrior, a Sagittarius Saint, had shown what it meant to be noble, to stand tall in the face of danger. Mitsumasa felt a deep sadness swell inside him. A loss like this rippled through their community. People needed heroes, and this young man was one.
But Hiro, sensing Mitsumasa's sorrow, offered a glimmer of hope. "It's not as bad as it seems," he said, reaching into his pocket. His hand emerged, holding a feather that shimmered with a brilliant array of colors. It was unlike anything Mitsumasa had ever seen—a phoenix feather, radiant and full of life. Hiro's voice was steady as he began to speak ancient words, words that seemed to dance in the air.
Mitsumasa looked on, confused and curious. "What are you doing, Hiro?" he asked, trying to grasp the gravity of the moment.
Hector, standing nearby, chimed in with an excited energy. "Hiro is using that phoenix feather to cast a resurrection spell!" he exclaimed, disbelief mingling with hope in his tone. "He's going to bring him back to life."
Hiro completed his incantation, his voice rising as he threw the feather onto the body of Sagittarius Aiolos. The feather sank into Aiolos' chest, disappearing from sight. The air grew still, filled with anticipation. Everyone held their breath. Mitsumasa's heart raced as he leaned closer, watching for any sign of life.
After a moment that felt like an eternity, Aiolos stirred. His chest rose and fell as breath returned to him. Mitsumasa's eyes widened in disbelief. "Is it really happening?" he whispered.
When Mitsumasa checked Aiolos' pulse, it was strong and steady. Relief washed over him, followed by joy. The young man was back, a beacon of hope after a moment of despair. Mitsumasa had witnessed a miracle, a true act of faith and courage.
A few days later as Aiolos opened his eyes, confusion mixed with recognition. "What happened?" he croaked, his voice hoarse but steady. Mitsumasa quickly explained, his words tumbling out in a rush of relief.
"You saved the child. You died to protect her, but Hiro—he brought you back."
Aiolos blinked, processing the weight of his actions and the love that had brought him back from the edge. Gratitude washed over him, and he looked to Hiro. "Thank you," he managed to say, his voice filled with sincerity.
Hiro smiled, a warm glow of pride. "You showed us what it means to be brave, to serve Athena."
The world around them, once filled with sorrow, now brimmed with new possibilities. They faced struggles ahead, challenges that would test their strength and bonds. Yet, in this moment, they stood united, fortified by the spirit of sacrifice and the miracle of life. Together, they would protect the child, the embodiment of hope, as well as honor the memory of the noble souls like Aiolos who fought for a brighter future.