Shura knocked at the pope's studio and waited almost sure nobody was in there. He looked at the clock in the corridor wondering if by any chance he arrived too early. But no, he was on time. Then he heard steps in the opposite side of the corridor. Athena was walking down the hall followed by her saintias.
- Good morning, Shura
- Good morning - He greeted his goddess
- If you are looking for Saga, he hasn't come yet. - She said in a concerned tone. Shura frowned slightly - Could you please check on him?
The Spaniard bowed to Athena and walked towards the pope's private chambers without giving another glance to the girls.
How unusual for Saga to be late. Shura knocked at his door but got not answer. He called and waited, but nothing happened. Still the Capricorn was sure he was inside. So he just went in quietly and closed the door behind himself. The large room was empty so he moved to the closed doors at the back, where a dinner cart was ready with an untouched breakfast, salad with boiled eggs.
Saga was surely inside so he knocked, but knowing he was not going to get an answer, Shura got in pulling the cart behind him, and closed the door. He found his friend sitting on his bed, fully dressed and almost ready to leave, but with his eyes glowing gold and overflowing with tears.
"The astral projection" Shura assumed Saga must have gone out early. Actually, he looked like he didn't slept well. The Capricorn left the papers he was going to review with him on the cart next to the bed, and decided to use his cosmos to call Saga back.
The saddened figure blinked as if just waking up from a deep sleep and then looked up at Shura, not immediately recognizing him.
- What happened?
- Oh, Shura... I called for you today, yes. Is it time already? I'm sorry, I...
- What happened, Saga? - Saga's looked up at Shura like a lost child. Then he turned away. - Saga...
- I'm being both naive and arrogant... Again... To think... Kanon would need me... I was worried that he wouldn't adapt in here. He doesn't needs my help at all. It is rather I... who needs him back.
Shura waited patiently
- He's found a replacement for me, someone he can rely on. I should just give up and let him be. He's proven once and again he can take care of himself. - Then Saga saw the papers. He was going to reach out for them but Shura took them away
- Saga, you have been working none stop since you came back. You should take a break today.
- But there's too much...
- None of this is so urgent that it can't wait a day or two, or even more. Don't push it Saga.
- I failed as a brother, as a student and as a lover. I can't possibly allow myself to fail my goddess at the task I've been given...
It tug at Shura's heart to see Saga so vulnerable. He placed the papers out of reach and sat in the bed next to his friend, then he held him tightly against his chest. Saga couldn't help but to cry in silence. The Capricorn felt as if Saga was coming down to pieces. He stroke those long wavy bangs as he rested his cheek on the Gemini's head.
Saga's misery was almost palpable. He was getting weaker as his cosmos was on the break of disappearing. But how was that possible? Even that close, Shura could barely feel it. "What's the meaning of this?" He took the other man by his chin and made him look up. The will to live was leaking from those unfocused eyes blurred by tears.
Shura couldn't help it, he kissed Saga in a panicked reaction. "Don't… please don't give up Saga. Not yet." Before he knew it, Shura had pushed Saga back to the mattress and was pretty much on top of him. But the Hellenic didn't react in any way, like a broken warrior who submits to his captor, accepting in advance whatever fate reserved for him. Shura grinded his teeth "not like this…"
- Saga... I know I'm not the one you long for. – Shura rested his forehead on Saga's chest. - I know I'm nothing like him and I know there's no way I'll ever replace him. But even though allow me... Allow me to show you, there is still some hope.
- Why would you care, Shura? – it was only a faint mechanical whisper - I've hurt you, I deceived you and used you for evil. I put you against your best friend and your goddess, I turned you into a criminal, a traitor...
- Because I love you, Saga
Before Saga's confusion, Shura got closer and kissed him. It was a slow and soft kiss, if only a declaration of intentions, a request to go further. And to Shura's surprise, it was answered.
Saga kissed him back, with all his sadness and regret stuck in his throat. The Capricorn deepened the kiss as if to reach them and chase them away with his tenderness and determination. They escaped as tears from the Gemini's eyes so the older man could finally breathe again.
How long had Shura waited to have a taste of the Hellenic skin? How long had he dreamed of having Saga in his arms like that?
At that moment he had to admit to himself he could not entirely blame the former Gemini for what he did to Sagittarius more than 13 years ago. Ever since one night way before that, in which young Shura caught Aioros and Saga together, certain jealousy began whispering him ill thoughts against his dear friend.
Watching Saga bathe on moonlight, blushed up, gasping for air, lips parted and eyelids half closed had been a divine sight marred only by the presence of the ninth guardian shamelessly enjoying the third guardian's submission to his wishes. Shura had been grateful for picking up the fight that had him punished running laps so late at night around the coliseum and allowed him to witness that.
He had been too young to recognize sex for what it was, especially since he didn't had a full view of the situation, but he was old enough to acknowledge the love and devotion those gold saints professed to each other at the time in the passionate kiss they shared. So Shura ran away back to the cadet's barracks, realizing Aioros and Saga belonged together like the waves and the sea, and there was no room for anyone else. Yet that mean voice in the back of his head refused to shut up. Its insistence became so aggravating that Shura made a deal with it.
He would remain away from them, not interfering in their relationship one bit. But if Aioros happened to be unworthy of Saga, if Saga declared so himself or if Aioros had a change of heart, Shura would step in and do everything in his power to take his place. That silenced the evil voice for a while… only to be later replaced by Saga himself. That's why that dire night of betrayal, Shura didn't hesitate to lead the hunt, he would have even volunteered if he had been given the chance. Back then the Capricorn had slashed his target with all his anger, frustration, and disappointment, but also with the determination to replace him before Saga. After all, he always knew the false pope and his platonic love were one and the same. His only regret for the longest had been towards Aioria. But learning the truth, that Saga had only taken advantage of him, that his perfect person had played everyone for fools, had been unbearable. He could have survived the Dragon's suicidal attack, but he couldn't bring himself to do so.
And despite the shameful heartbreak that ended his life, fighting along the person he most admired, witnessing his power and repentance, following him back to life and living lawfully under his guidance, all of it had Shura wondering what if…
Yet that "if" was too large to overcome. Between longing for Aioros, Kanon's snub, the guilt for his crimes and all the responsibilities of rebuilding the Sanctuary, most of them pretty unforgiving and auto-imposed, Saga was drained. It had been difficult to watch him suffer in silence all along.
Which brought Shura to this chance…
- Tear it… - whispered Saga when Shura stopped to consider how to deal with the black tunic keeping them apart. The buttons were at the back and it was too long. However they tried to remove it, it required Saga to stand up for easiness and… apparently that was not going to happen. The Capricorn got unexpectedly aroused at the thought of tearing open Saga's tunic. For a moment he considered he hadn't heard right
- do it… - said the Pope looking into the Capricorn's eyes
He wasn't told again. And he really enjoyed the sound of the concentrated cosmos in his fingers, not fully making an Excalibur, ripping the cotton threads and exposing that alabaster skin underneath. Luckily Saga wasn't wearing his sash yet, that would have complicated matters more than needed.
Shura couldn't help but to solemnly kiss his chest as Saga's hands went down the Capricorn's back pulling from his shirt until it was free from the leather belt and pants. Shura's hand ended up at Saga's waist, and proceeded to deal with his pants. As the Spaniard left a trail of kisses down the Hellenic chest, Saga rose his hips to help riding himself of said pants, quickly reaching for Shura's shirt and pulling it over the brunette's head. The only problem were Saga's sandals. Shura couldn't understand how anyone would prefer them over almost any other kind of footwear. Luckily, the former Gemini saint reached for them and loosened the ties so they were discarded along with his clothes…
The Spaniard sighed to relieve pressure from his chest, his heart was about to explode. To finally get that Hellenic body laid bare under him was a bit intimidating, mostly because he never thought it would happen. And Shura cursed himself for his lack of experience in the matter at hand, not that he had none, but still… Yet far from shying away, he leaned forward to press his lips against Saga's manhood, making him take a deep breath. Shura passed an arm around the older man's waist while making him rise one of his knees, to bite softly at his thigh. Saga arched his back as Shura took him into his mouth and began moving back and forth. He stopped and let go when he saw the older man reach for the dinning cart. Shura let go of Saga only to kiss him fiercely and push him back to the mattress once he got what he was looking for.
- you do me…
As the Capricorn grabbed the little flask of olive oil from Saga's hand, the Gemini sat up to reach Shura's belt and pants, and get rid of them. Shura took some of the bottle content on his fingers and Saga pulled him on top between his legs.
All hesitation vanished from the Spaniard as he kissed the Hellenic with passion and began to prepare him for his entrance. Saga initially shivered in pain, it had been too long since he was with another man. Shura paid utmost attention and proceeded carefully, distracting Saga away from the pain taking his manhood again into his mouth. But it soon passed and Saga gave Shura a reassuring look when he considered himself ready to receive his lover.
Shura positioned himself on top of Saga and pushed forward. The Hellenic clenched his jaw for a moment and the Spaniard slowed down. He remained still a moment until Saga himself began moving again. The brunette picked his lover pace and made it his own. As he held onto Shura the thrusts picked up speed.
Such force made Saga cross his legs at Shura's back, gasping for air. The Capricorn had to sit straight on his own knees to have a better look at the former Gemini. That divine vision again, this time before him, because of him. Shura couldn't help to touch him, as he could vanish at any moment. As he kept thrusting forward, his hands traced the toned muscles of his lover thighs, abdomen and chest. One of said hands reached up to that vulnerable neck and gently but firmly moved the head to the side so he could kiss the exposed skin. The other hand reached low between them, to take hold of the hardness trapped there. As Saga began voicing his pleasure, Shura hugged him and began thrusting even harder, ignoring the increasing pressure of the Gemini's legs against his sides
Then Saga realized Shura had indeed died as a means to apology to Athena for his wrong doings, but everything else, from murdering Aioros to fighting Shiryu, the Spaniard had done it for him despite it had been the false pope who commanded it. Thinking back, it was impossible that Shura didn't know his true identity.
- Oh Shura…
- Saga…
They couldn't hold on their climax any longer. It was intense and cathartic for both of them. Saga's tears rolled down his face as Shura tried to regain his breath hiding his face in the curve of his neck. Exhausted but somewhat at ease, Saga fell asleep. Shura stayed by his side as if mounting guard. The world around them became silent…
"I just got the pope…!" Shura hid his face in the pillow. That could not be right. He had just taken a person that was not meant for him. The Capricorn was sure he had damned himself again, although he wasn't sure how exactly the curse would manifest. He looked at Saga's profile, so serene. – So be it. – It was worth it.
But it occurred to Shura he had no idea what other matters the pope was supposed to attend that day besides his meeting with him. He should just go cancel them all if there was nothing too important. Or maybe he could find a way to cover up for him?
He went out of bed to take a quick shower, he dressed up, and after making sure Saga was still asleep, he went out to the pope's studio leaving him a note in case he woke up in his absence. Waiting outside were Deathmask, Dante, Capella and Algol. The gold saint had some papers in his hand, maybe some report to deliver just like his own.
- Morning everyone.
- Capricorn Shura, good morning. - Greeted the silver saints. Deathmask just nodded
- If you are looking for Pope Saga, please excuse him. He won't be able to meet you today.
- We have a report to deliver. - Said Deathmask rising the papers in his hand.
Shura nodded and approached the door. He tried the door knob and it was still locked, so he pulled out the keys he had taken from Saga's night stand and tried them, not really sure which one would open. Luckily the second try was the good one and so he let the others in.
He walked towards the desk and took a yellow envelope from one of the drawers. He gave it and a pen to Deathmask. So as the Cancer saint placed the papers inside, closed it and wrote on it the names of the team involved and the subject, the Capricorn looked for Saga's agenda, finding it in another drawer. After a quick skim he found out he could pretty much cancel all appointments but the last one, but it was well in the afternoon.
- When does he eat? - Said Deathmask after a quick glance at the page. He could not read it from the other side of the desk but that was not necessary given how the page pretty much dripped ink. There was not a single free time slot. He gave his envelope to Shura
- Do him a favor and please help these cancellations reach the people he was supposed to meet today. - The Capricorn took out a notepad and quickly wrote the cancelations. "Capricorn Shura, on behalf of Pope Saga" he signed them
He folded them neatly, put the pope seal to them and handed them over to the others. He himself took the last one and then took everything back were it was, except for the agenda. The Spaniard took it and the yellow envelope with him.
- Thank you everyone. - He said to the others in the corridor as he turned to lock the door. - I'll take this to the pope now.
- Thank you, Shura. See you around. – It was all Deathmask said before leaving. The other saints bowed and followed him out.
Once back in the pope's private chambers Shura made sure Saga still slept. He left everything he carried in the night stand and went out again to deliver the final cancellation. Not too much time passed before he came back.
Once in the room, he got caught up in the stillness around. He got rid of his boots and his belt and went into the bed with the Hellenic. He didn't even frowned when Shura held him close. It seemed the Capricorn had only blinked when he felt a powerful presence nearby.
The Spaniard remained still, making sure of his surroundings. From his position he could only make the 11 of the wall clock. Then he stealthy moved out of the bed towards the balcony. He looked around, but none seemed to be there.
He leaned on the handrail for a moment before he finally spoke.
- You've been around all morning don't you? - A cloaked figure was standing nearby. Knowing who it was, Shura didn't bothered turning around
- I can't possibly stay away from him long. Not in his current state
- ... Are you mad?
- I got no right to be mad.
- That is not what I asked...
- Let's say I am as mad as you are unsatisfied.
- Fair enough. But if that is so you should just come back and end this charade. Aioria would appreciate it too, and you'd be better mentor for Seiya than the others.
- If I were to come back now, the chasm between him and Kanon would truly become impassable. As things stand I can only do more harm than good.
- Aren't you afraid? - Finally Shura turned to the cloaked person - Of losing him? - He meant Saga
- To you?
- The fact he doesn't loves me now doesn't means he would never do so, and if I'm lucky enough for that to happen I swear to you I won't let go of him, but that is not what I mean.
- You say that wishing either it'll be true or that I believe you, but I know you well enough to recognize the lack of your typical stony determination backing up your words. If I were to comeback after he falls for you, you would indeed let him go if only to spare him the pain of having to choose one of us. But Shura, despite everything that's come between us, I still think of you as my friend, if he were to love you, I wouldn't dare fight you about him. I don't think I could just go back to my post anymore. I don't want to hurt him anymore than you do. But let's worry about that when the time is due - The cloaked figure approached the handrail and looked down at the rest of the sanctuary. He leaned on the white stone and spoke on a softer voice - To answer your question, yes, I do am afraid of losing him, as afraid as you. Right now bigger things than us are happening. We should do what we can and have faith.
- Shura? - Saga's voice came from inside.
- Take care of him. - Whispered the cloaked figure. Shura just gave him a side glance before going in
- Saga... Are you alright?
Saga nodded. He was still drowsy
- What time is it?
- Something barely past noon. We should grab something to eat soon, you especially - The Capricorn went to grab some clothes for his friend but
- Wait, Shura... - Saga was still somewhat stunned for what happened. He looked away before asking - Since when...?
- You don't need to know.
Saga looked down and ran a hand through his messy hair, mostly to take it off his face – I'm nothing short from an idiot…
Shura sighed.
- Not really. I just think you are blind. Blind by yourself. It all comes around to what you do, what you deserve, what you want, what you need. Or at least what you think of all of it. You are so encased on it, you fail to see what else is around you. - Shura kneeled before him and put a hand on his shoulder - These feelings for instance, my feelings, so new to you, have been there way since before all this mess broke loose. But you never noticed. Don't get me wrong, I didn't do a thing to show them either. But just like me, there's other people who care for you, even despite all that's happened. They are worried, they think of you, they want to come over, but they don't seem to find a way to approach you here in this high tower of self-loathing. - Shura stood up - And those who try... You just keep pushing them away. You keep hiding behind this walls, you have locked yourself behind open doors. And so, they look from bellow in hopes they don't ever see your body drop. The world is too big Saga, life is happening out there. And you are missing all of it, the same way you missed it before. You must come out... Before it's too late.
- Thank you Shura.
- Do not thank me. I feel like I totally took advantage.
- Even though... But Shura - Saga stood up - I don't think I can return your feelings...
- I know, don't worry about it. - Shura had finally taken out some cloths from the dresser and gave them to Saga - Saga, I'm nobody's consolation prize. If you can't love me, don't give this another thought, have mercy on me.
Saga nodded, Shura wasn't a person for second places, which was most likely the reason he hadn't let Saga know anything about how he felt until now, Saga had been so focused on Aioros, Shura must have recognized he did not have a chance...
- I cancelled your meetings for today, except for the last one. - The Capricorn's voice brought the Hellenic back to reality - I have no idea what it is about. - Shura reached for the door and found some other yellow envelopes in a plate - And everyone having pending issues with you send them over it seems. - Shura collected the envelopes and took them to Saga along with the agenda, his own report and Deathmask's. - Would you check them over?
Saga grabbed the bunch but looked up at Shura when he didn't let go of them
- Over lunch I guess - He said. So Shura let go of the papers.
Saga took the agenda and checked that all the due reports where there. He reviewed the last meeting Shura told him about, nothing too complicated, he would attend it. He placed all in the night stand and went for a shower.
As Shura heard the water ran, he thought of the cloaked figure that had been outside. It was gone, he couldn't feel his cosmos anywhere nearby. "I'm not good at keeping promises. I swore I would stay away from you and yet…" Shura sighed "But Aioros, I can't bring myself to feel too bad about it. Not now at least, not for you. I rather feel I lost out on a once in a life time opportunity. If I stay back it would be for Saga only."
- Would you like to go to the dining hall? - Asked Shura once Saga came out from the shower.
It was not the quietest place to go over important information during lunch time but Saga agreed.
They stopped by the studio to check if anyone had left him something there but there was nothing. So Saga grabbed Shura's report and began reading it in the way to the dining hall.
The noise coming out of the building must have been kind of deafening for someone who had spent all his time so far in seclusion up in the pope chambers. General chatting, laughs, someone speaking very loud. Still Saga was so concentrated in the files he didn't seemed to mind. He automatically followed Shura to some random seat while underlining some stuff. Of course all cheerfulness toned significantly down by his entrance.
- I'll bring you something. - Said the Spaniard turning to the buffet.
Saga only nodded sitting down and making some annotations. Then he put the papers back in an envelope, took the papers from the next one and continued to read. He really speed through it. Someone might assume he was just skimming, but it was far from that. By the time Shura brought him lunch he was already annotating stuff on that other report. And by the time he finished the food, he had already read and annotated a third, a fourth even a fifth file.
- You seem rather entertained. - Said Shura once he put the files away
- This is truly interesting. But I might need to go over this with someone else before reviewing it with Athena. This is enough for now. - Saga got the papers together and unconsciously took a zip of a cup of coffee. It was so good but - When did you brought me this?
- I asked if you wanted some and you said black... Half a cup ago.
- You were really into the reading, your holiness. - Said Deathmask who was about to leave.
- Thank you for your efforts, Deathmask. It was pretty thorough.
- Hope it was what you were looking for.
- Yes, I'll summon you and the others later if anything else comes up.
Deathmask bowed and left. He was more worried about his work going to waste than the actual health of the pope, Saga knew it, but he didn't mind
Only then Saga became fully aware of his surroundings. Well, the dining hall hadn't changed at all since the days he was a rookie. Well, maybe there was a more relaxed atmosphere but nothing else. Both he and Shura were sitting at the end of the first long table as if they were two somebody else's and not the pope and a gold saint. But at the other end of the table there were Dokko, Shiryu and Seiya about to leave too. Saga mentally scolded himself for not paying attention, but maybe it was better that way, he didn't wanted to disturb anyone's lunch.
- You look better than in days before, your holiness - Said Dokko cheerfully approaching Saga. Both he and Shura stood up.
- Impressively enough I do feel better after a forced knock out. - Said Saga side glancing Shura. Dokko looked at the stoic Capricorn surprised. Well, Shura had indeed knocked Saga down, only not the way Dokko pictured.
- You were the one who taught me desperate situations required drastic measures - Said the Capricorn excusing himself.
- And drastic just suits you right...
- Saga! - Greeted Seiya when the others approached too - Are you better now? Dokko told us you maybe didn't feel well today.
- Guess I do required a time out. - Added Saga and turned to Dokko - I know we were supposed to meet earlier, but I'd still like to talk with you today if it isn't much trouble.
- Sure, whatever you need. Let's go.
- I still got training to attend at the coliseum - Said the Capricorn
- Thank you, Shura.
- Dokko, what should I do then? - Asked Shiryu
- Shura, do you have a plan for today? Would you mind taking Shiryu along?
Shura just nodded to the bronze kid and they walked to the exit
- Bye Saga! - Said Seiya following the others to the training fields
Both Saga and Dokko went up to the pope's study
- That guy Shura, he is pretty much your body guard.
- He's always been like that. He wouldn't hesitate to even guard me from myself. Although I'm afraid at times I'm too much for him to handle...
- I wonder if it is as common threat of the Capricorns, to build up such powerful friendships. - Saga turned to Dokko, who suddenly seemed nostalgic - Capricorn el cid Rodrigo went to incredible lengths for Sagittarius Sisyphus right to the very end...
- I wouldn't like Shura doing anything of the sort for me. - Said Saga opening the door to his study - No after all I've done to him
- Well, that's not your call to make. - Said Dokko entering the study right after Saga.
As Camus and Milo approached the Aries temple, they saw Aldebaran, Mu and Aioria coming up by the other side.
- Morning guys - Greeted Milo
- Hello, where you looking for me?
- Indeed, we do... - But then Milo noticed the packages they were carrying - Are you busy? It can wait.
- We are having lunch at Taurus, care to join?
- Thanks for the invitation but I got errands at Rodorio, I was planning on getting lunch there
- I'd like to, but I got training at the colosseum today. Thanks
- Aren't you late for that?
- A lot, but a few more minutes won't make any difference.
- Go ahead, guys, I'll catch up with you
- Sure
And so Aioria and Aldebaran left.
- How may I help you?
- Mu, we were wondering if by any chance you had or could make a spare amphora for Camus. I accidentally broke his yesterday. He says you made it long ago
- The chipped one you fixed for me before I left. He finally broke it
- Oh, I remember now.
- I can't believe it survived that long just for you to come over and knock it off.
- I already said I'm sorry
- I don't think you are sorry enough...
- Well, yes I have many but I haven't finished them yet - Mu hesitated before adding - Come over. Pick one you like. Just make it quiet
Puzzled by the last remark, Camus and Milo followed Mu to his private chambers.
They both got puzzled further when the Aries opened the door to a pitch black darkness. Mu used his telekinesis to open two windows and let some light in, but not a lot.
And in the bed against the middle of the wall was the reason. Someone was sleeping there.
- Kanon?
For someone apparently asleep, he was too tense. He was covering his eyes with his arm, and both his hands were closed in a tight fist
- Is he alright?
Mu shrugged
- He's got a severe insomnia that we found out I can help him with. Although I'm not the definite cure for it
Well that explains why he is asleep in the middle of the day, but not why is he asleep in Mu's private chambers... And that was nobody's business. So Milo changed subject
- Not only do you have a lot of amphorae, you have a lot of a lot.
There were pots, vases and flatware everywhere. Many stacked in dangerous ways.
- You stay put - Said Camus to Milo
- It was an accident!
- And I fear a mayor accident in here.
Indeed it looked kind of dangerous to move around, so Milo didn't objected to stay by the door.
- That was one of the first pots I ever made. I don't think I have any like that. At least I hope...
- No you don't. - Said Camus looking around
- Are any of these useful?
- One of these will do.
- You sound disappointed, are these that bad?
- Not in the least. Actually you improved a lot, these are impressive. I just liked the old one too much.
- Really? Why?
- Don't know. I liked it since I first saw it. That's why I asked you for it. I was surprised you gave it to me just like that. An amphora with an Aquarius picture on it just seemed fun
- That's what I draw on it?
- You really don't remember.
- I make all pieces the best I can each time, but when I paint them I place there the first thing that comes to mind at the moment. So I don't usually remember what it was. Although, now that you mention it, hadn't you just got your cloth when I gave you the amphora?
- Indeed...
- Ok, now do you think this is sorry enough? - Milo did feel real bad about breaking the amphora
- Maybe. - Said Camus after looking at him
- If you still have the pieces I might be able to replicate the drawing for you.
- Is that ok? No artist likes to see their work shattered.
- But how else am I supposed to paint it if I don't remember it? Where did you left them?
- In a box, outside Aquarius temple...
And so Mu concentrated and teleported the box. Yeah, the amphora was not the finniest in the world but even thought, Mu didn't quite like to see it shattered.
- You are getting there. Keep at it - Said Camus to Milo
Mu found the pieces making the drawing and put them together.
- Yeah, an Aquarius drawing on an amphora for an Aquarius saint. It is funny.
- Mu, you are really talented fixing things. Do you think there's any way of putting it together again? Even if it is of no use?
- Are you 7 again? Of course it can't be fixed, what for?
- Don't know. You liked it...
- Ok, that is sorry enough. Stay away from my stuff next time.
But then Kanon moved in his sleep, like trying to grab something in front of him. He indeed got caught of Mu's hand, who was standing next to him. Without waking up, Kanon relaxed and let go of Mu's hand just to keep sleeping.
But it was clear as day for both Milo and Camus that the look on Mu's eyes was not that of mere friendly concern.
- I'll paint this today. - Said Mu turning to them and walking towards the door - I think you can get your amphora by tomorrow
- That soon? Excellent. But don't feel in a hurry or anything. If you have other matters to attend I can wait.
- It's my pleasure.
They walked out the door, but before Mu closed it he closed the windows again.
- Mu, Kanon might trip over something if he wakes up in such darkness...
- It's ok. He won't be waking up before I return.
- Well, see you later, then. Both Camus and Milo turned to the temple front exit
Mu just nodded and walked to the rear exit, to catch up with Aldebaran and Aioria.
- Trying to fixing that vase is like trying to patch up ourselves. - Said Camus to Milo before they went different ways - Those 13 years we lost are not coming back. It's good to remember them, they made us who we are, but we ought to look forward.
- I wonder if they can be fixed, you know? Saga, Kanon, Mu, Aioria... Or if they'll remain broken.
- There's nothing we can do about it.
Later in the week, Kanon arrived at cancer temple. It was quiet and surprisingly enough it looked very illuminated compared for example to Gemini temple. There was a weird figure laying on the floor of the main hall. Upon getting closer, Kanon finally made out the shape of Deathmask resting there with a large black dog of long hair nearby.
- So you are Pope Saga's little brother... - said Deathmask without moving
- I don't think we have been properly introduced...
- I'm Cancer Dea… Angelo
- Gemini Kanon. It's good to know my stalker has an actual name…
- What? – Surprised, Angelo hesitated before admitting to the implied accusation - Am I that bad? – he sat up
- I appreciate you not trying to deny it. - Kanon shrugged - Not really, I think you were lacking motivation so I can only conclude it was my brother who asked you to follow me around
Angelo sighed
- Think what you want, I won't tell you a thing. – Angelo laid back again
- why is that? – Kanon crossed his arms
- it does nobody any good. And if you try anything funny to find out, you'll only make it worse. So just drop it.
Kanon had to acknowledge the truth on such reasoning
- and if I ask you to stop following me?
- well, now that you know about me, there's no point for me to continue, is it? Unless I'm appointed your babysitter which, believe me, I'll oppose to. That will be going too far, might as well lock you up again and end the charade.
- what are the chances someone else is appointed instead of you?
- real low. I'm supposed to be the best.
At that time, three maids came out of the private chambers taking some cleaning stuff with them.
- Lord Angelo… we have finished the chores. Is there anything else you need?
- No, mam, thanks for your help. See you next week.
- Quite a prince – said Kanon rising an eyebrow. As Deathmask sat up, Kanon offered his hand to help him.
- Leave me alone. – the Italian accepted the help - Whenever I grab a mop or a duster I make more mess than there is. I just can't stand the mess. Cucciolo, il piatto. - The dog looked up and then ran away to the back of the temple and out. – Care to lunch? It's about time. – Deathmask didn't really cared one way or the other
- You sure? – Kanon noticed, but he was kind of lazy to go out and fetch something.
- Yeah, why not, there's plenty. – said the cancer saint completely neutral
By the time they arrived to the private chambers the dog waited by the door with a plate in its snout. Once the saints went in, the dog followed them all the way to the main room and left the plate next to the table, not making a sound and not moving from the spot.
- have you ever tried pasta arrabiata? – The Cancer saint looked into the fridge after setting some water to boil in the oven
- I don't think so
- wanna try? It's a bit spicy
- Yeah…
Angelo put the pasta in a colander and then put it in the boiling water. Then he went back to the fridge and took a package out. Kanon noticed the dog paid close attention to it. The cancer saint took a ball of meat from there and put the rest back into the fridge. As he turned to attend to the pasta he threw the ball to the living room. The dog ran and caught it in midair without breaking anything or making a mess, then it went back to his bowl and kept chewing it.
– where did you get it? - said the Gemini
- It followed me from Rodorio one day. I never imagined it'll be this big, it's only a pup.
It looked something like a black German shepherd but chubbier and larger, with really long hair and a shorter snout. Kanon was sure it could reach his chest, maybe even his shoulders if it stood on two feet. A small kid could easily ride on it. And it looked very well kept, its fur was bright and untangled.
- will you keep it?
- Unless someone else wants him, but I doubt he'll leave. – Angelo set the table and soon enough he came with two bowls of pasta - So, how does it feels?
- What?
- To officially be a gold saint.
- I don't feel either way about it
- Weren't you looking forward to it at some point?
- Not really. It was never in my plans.
- So the cloth just happened to suit you...
- So they say. - Kanon shrugged.
- Maybe that's because you weren't raised here. I can tell you, I was dying to be one, to hold the world in the palm of my hand. Sadly I'm afraid I misunderstood what the gold cloth meant.
- You sound like it is still not clear for you
- No, it is not. What are we supposed to do? We messed around, we got screwed and now we are back. What for? There doesn't seem to be any further enemy to fight off. I would understand if they assigned me a disciple to pass down the cancer cloth, but I don't think anyone thrust me with such a task. I don't think I'd thrust myself either. It's more than enough they let me handle the 3 days a week class for a month.
- Well, you trained the dog…
- And so, here we are, stuck with trainings and temples maintenance…
Kanon sighed
- I was never interested in holding the world, whatever that means. I wanted it destroyed. You don't need titles for that, just the right tools. And now that I don't even care about that, being a gold saint is nothing more to me than being an errand boy.
Deathmask looked intently at Kanon, as if some truth had been revealed
- Where were you while I bursted my back off as trainee? – Asked Deathmask - Have anyone told me that before I might have avoided making a fool of myself. An errand boy, yeah, it sums it all just right
- For someone who isn't thrusted Saga sends you out a lot
- ... He does, doesn't him? But that might be due to a matter of habit. Aphrodite and I used to be his recurrent henchmen. It's either that or he wants to keep us as far away as possible. I don't think Aphrodite makes it difficult, ever since we came back he stays in his garden unless told otherwise.
- mmm… would you do me a favor?
Later in the week, Deathmask climbed up to the pope's studio to meet Saga and deliver his report on Kanon. He knocked the door
- Come in. – said Saga from inside
Deathmask opened the door and found Athena, Dokko and Shion there too, they were looking at some books Saga kept there, probably from former popes
- Sorry to interrupt.
- Angelo, good evening – greeted the holy girl
Saga looked at the clock. It seemed like their meeting extended too much.
- we should continue this later… - Dokko stood up
- of course – answered Saga, then he turned to the cancer saint - come in Angelo
- oh, no. please stay. I only brought a special delivery – Deathmask entered the room and left a paper bag on Saga's desk. The Pope took it and looked inside. The messenger made sure to back away
- Angelo, what is the meaning of this? – There were three beer bottles of different kind and a bottle of sparkling wine. Saga was utterly confused.
- I don't quite get it myself, I'm only the messenger. – He put special emphasis on the last word
- And you brought it here just like that?
- Well, that's all I got to report anyways. I did my best but obviously it was not enough to pin down a cloud. I apologize for the outcome…
Dokko, Shion and Athena were puzzled over such cryptic statement
- It's ok, Angelo. You may leave. - It was clear to Saga that Kanon found out about the task he gave Angelo, but why would he send him that?
- Am I dismissed? – Deathmask meant his task of following Kanon
- Yes… thank you. – Saga would later on ask Shura whether the gift was a mockery, a challenge or a sign of truce.