hello. I added a little fix to chapter three and rearranged seven, hope you like it.
updated chapter 8
Camus, Milo, Shura and Kanon were already in the meeting hall by the time the others arrived.
– When have I lied to you? – Said Kanon sort of offended. He got an unimpressed look from Milo so he rolled his eyes – Alright, bad choice of words. But even tho… Shura, you know how it goes, tell 'em.
– I don't think it's a lie, – Interrupted Milo – That's the problem. You saying the truth is unusual. You are up to something else.
– You wouldn't do it just out of the kindness of your heart. – Stated Camus. – or you would but for ulterior motives…
– Well that is for me to know and for you to wonder. But that is beyond the point.
– It's never beyond the point, trickster.
– You know what? Offer goes down in 5. Your call.
Milo looked down. Camus side glanced Kanon. Shura stayed idle.
– I don't see how it can go wrong, I don't like it
Kanon rose 4 fingers.
– Too good to be true, I'm not buying it either…
One finger down.
– If you let it go you will never know. It all might be a trick, then again it could be the real deal. Either way, I can guarantee you, you won't get another chance like this. I won't go through the effort more than once, at least not for you.
Another finger down.
– Shura? – both Camus and Milo looked up at him.
– I don't care one way or another. You decide.
Milo and Camus exchanged looks.
– Time's up. Your answer?
– Don't fall for it, Camus.
Then the others noticed Camus had a small bag in his hand. He took something out of there.
– It's just too much temptation, isn't it? – Said Kanon with a devil smile.
– Shura, you eat it.
– What?
– Why me?
– I'll decide afterwards.
– Hey! that is against the rules!
– No it isn't.
– You are delegating the decision.
– It's my call, I call for test subject. Now if he refuses, that's against the rules. He's got no choice. Sorry, Shura.
– Do it, goat. - Conceded Kanon
– Escape goat, it seems. Let it be clear I hate you all. – Shura took whatever it was that Camus gave him… a candy? A chocolate! And he ate it in one go.
– Enjoy it at least! – demanded Kanon. He then turned to Camus. – So?
– Mine. – Said Camus.
– Not the whole bag! – Kanon tried to take it from Camus but he moved aside.
– How can you be so sure? – Said Milo.
– If the chocolates were adulterated, he wouldn't have allowed Shura to eat it. You wouldn't mess with him. So these are mine and I'm not giving you any!
But he gave some to Shura and Milo.
– Ingrate. For the record, you were the one who state it a dare when I offered you some. I was eating them merrily enough by myself!
Then Shura pushed Kanon's shoulder and gave him his chocolates.
– You don't want them?
– They're good, but I'm not a fan.
– Let's go get some drinks later on.
– Where to? – Asked Milo.
– Sorry, no kids. – Said Kanon.
– On for a date? – Teased the Scorpio.
– More like taking a day off babysitting you – Said Kanon with a smirk leaning on Shura.
– Jealous? – Asked Shura rising an eyebrow.
– You ought to be kidding me! – Milo's ego went to the roof – It's people who want me, not the other way around.
– The best of luck, Shura – Said Camus as if giving him his condolences.
Kanon laughed.
– No offense but I'm into more exotic conquests – Added Milo.
– Shura does count as exotic, he is a Spaniard – Said Kanon as if showing him off.
– Mmm? - Milo blinked surprised.
– Did you forget?
– And that is the kind of people I mingle with, thank you very much.
– He does count, doesn't he? – Milo looked at him up and down – Well if I'm ever available I might let you invite me a drink.
– I already invite you far too often. – Shura remained impassive.
– Quit it, goat. He is only using you.
– I don't mind. He doesn't have much tolerance. One drink too much is all I need.
Did Shura just say what he just said? The other gold saints were stunned. He was joking, right? Since when Shura joke? Aphrodite made a scowl
– You, beast! – Kanon laughed hard at Milo's overdramatic statement.
– Did I just say that out loud? – He had to be joking, Shura was joking around with the others... Although he was as poker face as ever.
– And that is why I don't hang out with you – Milo shrugged.
– Oh, but you do hang out a lot with Camus.
– Come on, Shura. Camus doesn't needs cheap tricks to have a taste of Apples every now and then. – Kanon's remark made some uneasy and others jealous. If only they would shut up already.
– Step one, be me. Step two, I'll leave it to your imagination.
Hyoga could not believe that Camus just said that with a straight face.
– Wait, what? – Milo blinked in disbelief – The nerve! – And then began laughing – Please guys, there's no need to fight over me. – Milo stayed one bit shy from striking a pose.
– Would you handle them both? – Teased Kanon with fake alarm.
– I could even if you dare jump to the fry, trickster, but that's not it. I'm the crown of the king, – Milo bowed – No lion or unicorn may have me.
– What? Milo, are you feeling well?
– That's from Alice Through the Looking–Glass... – Explained Camus
– Since when you read books, Applehead?
– For your information, I've read plenty. No matter who wins, I'm not yours to have, so just drop it.
– You break my heart – Kanon began laughing in a way that it looked like he was crying leaning on Shura's shoulder.
– Get used to it. What would Athena say if it were her saints causing another holy war for nothing?
– Holy war? – Stated Shura still with his expressionless face. – I was rather thinking of something among the lines of a coin toss between Camus and me.
– If that's the way you solve your romantic affairs no wonder you are still single, Shura.
– What the hell did they had for breakfast? – Mumbled Aioria. Aldebaran just shrugged trying hard not to laugh
– Those chocolates might have been adulterated after all – Mumbled Angelo to Aphrodite
And after a long while…
– Meeting dismissed.
As soon as the saints were in the hall…
– Here... – Camus gave the chocolates bag to Kanon.
– Huh? Did you pricked your conscience or are you that eager to hang out with us? – Kanon grinned speaking in French.
– Whatever.
– I was just messing with you, emperor penguin. – Kanon gave the chocolates back – I got a full stock of those.– He patted Camus shoulder as they turned to the exit
– Sure? – Camus hesitated.
– Yeah.
Camus kept the chocolates.
– Hey, Kanon. – called Dokko. It was impressive how the Gemini's bearing changed in a split second to one more serious and a bit to the displeased side when he turned around. – Thank you for your support a few days ago
It didn't go unnoticed to some of the other saints that Kanon wasn't expecting positive remarks of any kind. – Think nothing of it. – He said and turned around preventing anyone from adding anything. And as if guarding him from further unwanted comments, his three friends escorted him out.
Later in the week, when Aioria, Aldebaran and Mu had already finished training at the coliseum and had just met Shaka on time to go get lunch at the dining hall, the Aries suddenly stopped in his tracks.
– Mu? What is it?
The others turned to where the Lemurian was looking and none of them could avoid frowning. Just out of the library Kanon and Saga were arguing. They weren't far, but the fact nobody could clearly make what they were saying was clear indicator of how bad the fight was. People would normally shout to vent their ill mood, and everything said in that way can then be attributed to anger and not be taken seriously, might even be forgiven. But when they lowered their voices instead, it was to keep things personal and deliberately hurtful. And since both of them suddenly fell silent, it could only mean either had released the verbal equivalent of sulfur mustard. They stood before each other for a little while. Then Saga sighed in defeat and his astral projection vanished. Kanon was dangerously mad, so much he shivered a little.
– Kanon. – But despite that, Mu went to him. The Gemini's side glance was downward murderous, the other saints feared for their friend's well being, yet he remained seemingly unimpressed. – We are going to the dining hall for lunch, – He said calmly – Come with us. It might do you good – He stopped at a step or two from the older man.
– How so? – What kind of question was that? Had he not seen what had just...? Kanon train of thoughts came to a sudden halt. Mu's sincerity and boldness derailed it.
– You'll get a reminder that there are other people in the world besides him.
Mu surely saw the twins fighting, and that's why he was inviting him to lunch.
Again.
To distract him from his misery...
Yet, Kanon hesitated. If it were only Mu, he'd go, but...
– I wouldn't like to ruin your friends' lunch. – He said looking at the others in a less dangerous way.
– You don't have to interact with us if you don't feel like it. Just come. Don't stay alone with his words.
Kanon looked at Mu. He had not the will power to refuse a chance at mental detox... heck, he lacked the will power to refuse anything from Mu. So he agreed. The Aries turned to his friends indicating the way to the dining hall with his head. They nodded and began walking that way.
– Will Kanon be eating with us? – Asked Aldebaran.
– Maybe not with us – Said Aioria after confirming how Mu and Kanon were not in any hurry to catch up with them.
Shaka was annoyed, whatever kept him from enjoying Mu's company was unavoidable annoying. So he said nothing.
– What were you doing at the library? – Asked Mu casually looking at the two books the Gemini carried. Deep down he was glad he finally got to meet Kanon out of Aries temple.
– Fighting boredom.
Mu made gesture as to grab the books, Kanon gave them to him
– By reading Sagittarius Sisyphus and Capricorn el Cid Rodrigo's investigation journals? – Not the most amusing reading there was. Mu wrinkled his nose briefly
– Have you read them?
– Shion made me. – Mu made it sound instead as if Shion tortured him with them. The others found weird the Aries' expressiveness, since he rarely let out whether he liked or disliked something. – I can't believe you are reading it on your own free will
– Why?
– It's absolutely boring! – Ok, never had the other saints heard Mu complain so openly about something – Especially Capricorn el Cid Rodrigo's chapters. There's not one bit of emotion in anything he wrote.
– Plain hard data... – Said Kanon thinking about it – Now that you say it, I think the guy lacked adjectives. Well it might have been hard for a kid to read, but actually it helps speed up understanding process, at least for me. It's the exact opposite of Sagittarius Sisyphus who filled pages and pages of what–ifes leading nowhere.
– Well, he had a wandering imagination.
– Which would contribute more to the investigation if at least he committed to find the answer to his own questions, instead of wondering aimlessly.
– Didn't he triggered your curiosity? – Mu looked at Kanon perplexed.
– Downward annoying. – He admitted shamelessly. – I rather have him telling me what is and what is not than what it could or could not be. This is an investigation journal, not a romantic novel. I can almost picture the guy asking a daisy 'is it true? Is it false?' as in a 'does he loves me? Does he love me not?' fashion.
– You went all the way to picture him like that from his investigation journal alone? He is not the only one with an active imagination.
– Of course not, but you don't see me writing down a complete depiction of every dodo that marches through my mind, much less in a formal document to be archived for posterity – Said Kanon opening the journal on an specific page and pointing Mu a paragraph to read.
– Maybe you should – Said Mu reading the paragraph.
– Are you kidding me? – Asked Kanon skeptical – I've got a reputation to maintain. I'm not interested on giving any more excuses to send me on a trip to the loony bin.
– Well... I find this inspiring – Said Mu a bit embarrassed.
– It's so corny... – Said Kanon taking the book back. – I want information. If I wanted inspiration, I'll take it from a pint.
Shaka had evolved from annoyed to mad, Kanon had pretty much accused Mu of being corny. But beyond that, Mu was enjoying the chat. Like, really enjoying the chat. Despite having his eyes closed and walking ahead of Mu and Kanon, Shaka could clearly tell Mu was at the very edge of smiling. Wait a moment... was that the Gemini's intention?
– It's so sickly-sweet I feared getting diabetes from reading.
– You are going too far...
– The last guy I met like that had a horrible death.
– How does one thing relate to another? Did you had anything to do?
– Sorry to disappoint, but I didn't get the pleasure.
– Because first, death is never pretty. Second, we are Athena saints, there's an awfully high chance our deaths end horrible.
– I agree death is never pretty, but there are better ways to die than others.
– Like?
– One could die peacefully at sleep for example. Or from overdose.
– What!?
– Think about it. It might not be a pretty sight for the average viewer, but being so high you don't even get you are dying until you do, well...
– Gets appealing? That's awful.
– Better than being beheaded or having your spine severed. It's been proved it takes up to seven seconds to disconnect, so you get seven seconds of awareness, dread and pain before you go. Chocking takes 3 full minutes at least, hemorrhages can take up to 20 or more. Thirst one day average, starvation 3 days, and from there up.
Aldebaran, Shaka and Aioria wondered how Mu could keep the talk going so casually.
– I'm not sure I want to know how you know that.
– You are better off that way.
– Ok, and what kind information were you after? – The other saints appreciated the change of topic – Anything Hades related won't be useful now that we won, at least for another two centuries and a half...
– Can't deny it would have been more useful to read this before the battle, but there's other stuff as well
– Like?
– It seems those saints came across information about other deities that correlate to stuff I read long ago on Poseidon's scrolls. Back then I disregarded it since I couldn't find any other reliable source of information. But now that I got this, I'd like to know more. Unfortunately, they didn't delve much in the matters, since they were focusing on Hades alone. I wanted to check out the third journal, but it is not on the library, someone else took it. Saga interrupted me before I could persuade that guy Asterion to tell me who has it
– I heard Shion and Dokko talking about it earlier today, maybe either of them have it. If Asterion is not too cooperative, ask Camus to find out. He has free access to everything in the library.
– Camus? Good to know. You spared me having to apply any persuasion methods needlessly...
– Spared you or Asterion?
Kanon shrugged – The world, for all I care.
So they arrived at the dining hall and Kanon went to the buffet while Mu, Aldebaran and Aioria left their gym gear under their usual table followed by Shaka.
The Gemini got surprised at the variety of things to eat. And it was for free? No way. What a waste haven't gone sooner. He was a decent cook, but hated to cook and more so to get provisions. He'd rather catch whatever in the woods and throw it to the fire than go the market to pick vegetables and spice. But although he could survive like that for long, he got bored quickly. When he carved some other taste, he would raid his friends, not that they mind. But with the dining hall food service, he wouldn't have to do either thing anymore. The main problems were the schedule and the noise. Food was not available at any time as the note at the entrance indicated, and there was too much people around. Kanon wondered if he could take the food out legally. Maybe he would need to sneak it out, like Saga did so long ago...
Saga, Saga... Why had his mind betrayed him? Kanon frowned taking a dish and proceeded to serve his lunch.
In the meanwhile, Shaka had been seriously considering how to prevent Kanon from sitting next to Mu, aside from sitting between them like a possessive stalker. Fortunately he didn't had to do anything since the Gemini himself picked a seat in the same table but some places away from them. The Virgo relaxed as he took his seat next to Mu.
Kanon discreetly checked out what the others were eating. As expected the Indian blond barely took anything. Aioria and Aldebaran served themselves a lot of everything. It could not be healthy to eat all that… well maybe for the Taurus, given his constitution, but there was no way the Leo could finish his meal with no consequences. On the other hand, Mu served himself a pretty decent meal, half a bowl of soup, some salad and a piece of meat the size of his hand, a good balance…
But the Aries wrinkled briefly his nose. Kanon had only seen him do that when he disapproved something. What did he took? While the others praised the food, Mu remained neutral. The four saints began talking, what where they talking about? And… there it was again… It was difficult to see what it was without staring. So he decided to get some more salad and check out in his way back. It was the salad, something in the salad, something white… on the way back he saw what it was. The turnips. Mu didn't like them, why did he served himself so many? He quickly checked what the other were eating and spotted turnips on Shaka's food too, but he seemed to enjoy them… weird.
It was weird, but the Gemini was too tired to think about it further. The important thing was he had found more information on Mu. That alone pleased him. By not talking to anyone, Kanon quickly got lost in his thoughts. He kept eating in silence but lost all track of time, so he got somewhat startled when someone sat in front of him. Of course it didn't show. And that someone was Libra Dokko
– What a surprise to find our local ghost in plain view on board daylight! – The other gold saints turned to them. Kanon rose an eyebrow – What do we owe the honor?
– Hunger – Was all he said.
– Hu–huh we can get used to anything least not eating. So? What do you think of our dining hall?
– Noisy
– Sorry about that. That's what you get from getting together this many people in one place. And the food?
– Edible – Kanon frowned at the Libra ignoring his indirect request to leave him the hell alone. Because that sly smile indicated he did get it.
– Good to know our cooks hit the basic target. – He was not willing to let the Gemini off the hook so easily. – Would you consider coming here more often? – Dokko smile widened devily
– No
Mu frowned. Dokko had ruined the chance to have Kanon coming for lunch more often with his quality service inquiry.
– So was this an emergency drop by?
– Yes – Kanon's patience was really ridding low
– Let's hope for more emergencies in the future then – Dokko's smile diminished when Kanon's eyes got hooked on him
– Now that I answered your quality service inquiry, you answer me something. – Mu almost smiled from hearing Kanon voice his thoughts – Do you have Sagittarius Sisiphos and Capricorn el Cid Rodrigo's third investigation journal?
– I do have it. – Dokko smiled devily again – Why?
– Please lend it to me
– I'm using it
– As a paperweight or to level a table? I don't see you carrying it, much less reading it
– Don't be silly, it's a very important document, yet I need to take breaks from it from time to time and attend some other matters. I'm the one responsible for it since it was me who took it from the library. I'm not going to be carrying it around everywhere I go and I can't just lend it to someone else carelessly.
– What does it takes for you to lend it to me when you are not using it? – Kanon made an effort not to roll his eyes
– Let's see... what about you read it up at Libra?
– While you are not around?
– Shiryu would be. Take it or leave it.
Kanon gave Dokko an skeptic look. The Gemini already had two journals, another one would not make any difference. So it was more about having him at Libra than keeping safe the book.
– What a waste to ask – Said Kanon disregarding Dokko and focusing again in his food.
Dokko realized that now that Kanon knew where the book was, nothing could prevent him from sneaking in and use it as he pleased. He was only being polite by asking permission
– What a temper. Alright, take the book. But I'd like you not taking it from Libra. I've been using it lately and I'd like to keep it available when I need it. That's why I took it out in the first place. Could you do that?
– Sure. – Kanon gave him a look that read "see how painless it is to just agree?" – At what time can I drop by?
– Tomorrow at 2 sounds good?
– Alright.
– What's your interest anyway?
– I already read two. I like to finish what I start
Mu thought that was a good way of answering the question without giving actual information. Aldebaran was about to elaborate further but…
– There's an underground reading club very interested in other opinions about these journals. – Said Dokko leaning forward – Maybe you'd like to join once you finish and give us your impressions. – Yeah, Dokko was no fool. Such a vague answer from Kanon could only mean he was looking for something important
– Can't make any promises – Answered Kanon indifferent
– Really? We got discount at the cafe, and all you can eat cookies for members only – Joked the Chinese
– Sounds tempting. – Answered Kanon sarcastic
– Kanon! – Milo called him loudly as soon as he spotted him from all the way to the door – So good to see you! Where have you been? – He said upon approaching, followed by Camus and Shura
– Oh, rats... – Mumbled Kanon and covered himself with his arms before Milo leaned on him
– Its weird how those four look more like brothers than Kanon and Saga – Mumbled Aioria. The others agreed
– Get off me, eight–legged freak! – Kanon pushed Milo away – Now, this is why I don't come eat here!
But despite his words, both Mu and Shaka could tell he was glad to see them
– Oh, come on. Don't gimme that. I haven't seen you in weeks
– Why would that be? Shura, take him off me! – But Shura did as Milo and even Camus so all three of them were on top of Kanon trying to push him down to his food. To avoid that, Kanon ate what was left before his face ended up covered in potatoes – Guys!
They released him... well Milo gave him another push, but it was also unsuccessful.
– What are you doing with this? – Said Camus grabbing one of the books and passing the pages.
– Tasting it – Said the Gemini trying to have it back, but Camus moved out of reach as Shura grabbed the other book.
– For a moment there I feared you would said you are studying it or something. – Said the Capricorn giving back the book and following Milo to the buffet
– What do you mean? Study? What is that? Those made good doorstops. I'm saving them for my room
– They'll look better at my place – Said Camus
– You already have too many, leave a few for the rest. – Said Kanon. As soon as Shura and Milo reached the buffet, instead of grabbing the book, the Gemini took Camus by the wrist and pulled him not so gently, forcing him to sit. He then held him against his chest, fed him something and covered his mouth and nose, preventing him from making any noise, well, keeping him from even breathing. – There are more from where that came from – Whispered Kanon to Camus ear in French – Keep him away from me and I'll reward you plenty.
Camus swallowed. Kanon kept covering his mouth but allowed him to breathe and speak.
– He invited you over and you skipped without warning, you should bear with him now that he caught you.
– I know. I'll make up for it. Just not now.
– When? It is not the first time you let him down. He could have nailed you on the spot and he didn't. Don't be an ingrate.
– Look who is talking. - Kanon released him
– I already did my part convincing him you must have run into some mayor issue as not to show up. - said Camus sitting straight - Now pay me for my silence or I'll tell him you tried to bribe me to help you get away from him. – Camus rose his hand as if to receive something
– What!? – Kanon frowned – Alright. – He made a gesture as to shake hands with Camus but he actually gave him something.
– Two more. – Said Camus standing up
– That's extortion!
– Learned from the best
– Darn penguin. – Kanon agreed – Bring me some dessert – He added in Greek resting his head on his hand. Dokko was about to inquire about what just happened when Shura and Milo arrived. The Capricorn didn't wait to start his meal
– So, I hope you are up to something important as to stand me up last week as you did. – Said Milo standing next to Kanon
– Milo...
– Save it. – Milo's cut short any further comment – Answer me something instead... – He looked Kanon in the eye defiantly – Did your recurrent fighting co–star was in any way involved? – Kanon froze solid. – Figures... – Milo turned to the exit pretty mad but before he could get far, Kanon held him by the wrist to stop him. Milo tried to break free. That called almost everyone's attention
– Don't. – The Gemini's voice was low but serious.
– Kanon... ! – Milo wanted to protest but Kanon stood up.
– You need two to fight. I'm sorry your plans got ruined. Drop it and I'll make it up to you.
– That is not the point... – Milo looked away. He found it difficult to accept there was nothing he could do.
– I know, but that's all I got. What do you expect to achieve anyways if you go up there to nail him? – Kanon sat down.
Milo sighed. Yeah, if he went up there, things would end up worse. Saga was not nearly as passive as Kanon. He wouldn't hesitate to send him down to the eight temple with a punch to his stomach for meddling in none of his business... eh? Wait a second...
– Did you guys fight again today? – Said Milo frowning. The witnesses of the earlier fight got surprised.
– How did you reached such conclusion? – Said Kanon.
– You are awfully off your usual self. You are eating in the dining hall, out in plain view, you were talking to other people beside us, and you haven't played us any prank or said any smart remark. You even let us bully you instead and even tried to apologize to me just now.
Mu and Dokko were impressed at how good did the Scorpio knew his friend.
– He tried to bribe me into helping him get away from you when he could just vanish as usual. – Accused Camus upon arriving and sitting down – Here's proof! Got enough for you too – He placed one chocolate within Milo's reach and gave the other to Shura. Kanon gave him a killer glare. – You are definitely not thinking straight today.
– It's rude to just vanish in front of people – Kanon meant Dokko
– Since when you care about manners? – Said Shura
– What a crime it turned out to be the desire to eat like people, without being harassed. And then you ask why I don't show...
Everyone at the table felt pretty bad. Except
– You do are off your usual self today. Your emotional blackmail does not work on me.
Kanon snapped his fingers in frustration. – I slipped and hit my head while mopping the bathroom. Not in the mood to cook – Said Kanon sarcastic. Milo sighed – Now sit down and eat, before I shove it up your meddling nose.
– Watch that head of yours, it would be a shame you ended up more idiotic. – Answered Milo doing as told. Such an obvious lie...
– Your loyalty to Saga despite your alleged hatred it's remarkable. – Said Shura.
– Having lived through hate almost half a life one realizes that there are bigger things in the world than petty egos.
– You don't mean status, right? – Said Milo
– I was thinking in something more along the lines of duty, thanks
– So the only reason you bear with him is because he is pope?
– Your words – Said Kanon with his head between his hands "He is my older brother"
– So what if he gets dismissed? – Camus spoke in French since it was a delicate matter. Shura and Milo flinched. Kanon blinked surprised. "Can that even happen?"
– That's the most inappropriate I expect you to ever be, Camus, for your own sake. – Kanon's severity turned his words into a real threat. He didn't bothered on changing languages. The other saints at the table wondered what could have Camus said that caused the man who discusses death methods as current weather to call him inappropriate – First call. Now, elaborate.
– Don't get me wrong, – Said Camus still on French – After my last shameful contributions to the cause, no I'm not into sabotaging him. And I already died in a civil war, I'm not looking forward to another to overthrow him.
– What do you mean then? – Asked Milo
– What the Sanctuary needs is stability, overthrowing Saga would only work against everyone's best interests. But this stability need is what compromises Saga's position anyways. As long as you can't solve your differences, disruptions will keep sprouting everywhere. For example, the people from Andromeda Island are still resentful, most are too young to be called upon their better judgement. Getting them to work with either Milo or Aphrodite it's a gamble as long as the figure behind them is not trustworthy. Yes you can assign others to work together, but in an emergency everyone should be capable to team up. Yet who could possibly trust someone his own twin won't trust? Let's say Saga resigns for the sake of appease them. Who else would ever take his place aside from Shion? The only one with any tactical and strategical knowledge it's him, but he has close to zero influence over anyone aside from the gold saints, how can he possibly lead on a life or death situation? He could dump all responsibility on us but once on the move we would invariably lack the full view of the situation and coordination would be delayed. Worrying about decisions would hinder our focus on execution. Hence the relevance of my question. Where is your loyalty currently at, Kanon? If it is placed only at the pope figure, we might manage during next war, with substantial loses. But if it is placed at Saga himself, we'll fare way better.
– Camus, we came here to enjoy a meal, not to choke on it. – Said Shura in Greek – Please keep such complicated matters for more suitable moments.
– Well, he is to blame for not being available to discuss such concerns, so this is as "suitable" as it can get – Replied Camus also in Greek before beginning his lunch
Kanon laughed. Not a regular laugh, not even his mocking laugh. No, that there was his maniacal laugh. A dangerous mix of tiredness, irony, resignation and anger which send shivers down some people's spine. The whole hall got silent...
What the hell did Camus said, was the question in Aldebaran, Aioria, Mu, Shaka and Dokko's mind.
Kanon covered his face with his hands and sighed. He then turned to the dessert Camus had brought him and stabbed it with the fork – This is the drop that spill the glass! – Weirdly enough he was back to his usual self – A penguin trying to lecture me on politics and warfare. What exactly do you think I spent 13 years of my life doing as a marina? Athena is not the only one of Poseidon's enemies, you know? – He gave it a mean bite – Complicated matters, – He turned to Shura – That's actually a very simplistic way of putting things – He told him pointing to Camus – Yet, it's a relief to know there's some people caring to think out of their "Daily duties". Call off. – Camus blinked confused, but both him and Shura continued their meal. Kanon added in Spanish – So, what are you up to, Milo?
– Eh? Ah, yes! Not much, we already ran out of supplies... – Kanon topic switch was so fast, Milo almost lost the opportunity to avoid setting him in any further bad mood by not following on time.
– So? How fast can we restock? – Kanon placed his books on Milo's head, the Scorpio kept eating.
Shura turned to the clock on the wall over the buffet – We can still make it if we leave now. – Both he and Camus pretty much swallowed what was left of their food. As they stood up, Kanon grabbed their dishes and glasses...
Let's meet at the sanctuary entrance then. – And placed them on top of the books, Milo kept eating.
Shura and Camus nodded and went out fast. The other saints at the table wondered where had they been dispatched while Kanon placed his tableware on top of Milo head too.
With his mouth full, Milo watched Kanon rest his head on his hands as if praying. His half closed eyes glowed gold and his astral projection stood up, then it vanished. Not too long passed until the Gemini came back to his senses
– What did you do?
– Nothi… Are you still eating? Darn bug, finish already!
Milo swallowed the last bit of his food and answered him
– Can't you spare me a minute? I'm not a penguin to swallow my food whole!
Terrible choice of words. As Kanon blinked surprised Milo bit his tongue, but it was too late. The Gemini began laughing uncontrollably as the Scorpion blushed up embarrassed – I meant a pelican or a seagull, any bird that… Many birds eat their food whole! … That's because you keep calling penguin this and penguin that… Curse you, Kanon! – So the Scorpio stood up and walked to the service table with everything on his head and left it there, just taking the books back. – Quit laughing already! – But he got no answer. Kanon had bended over and had his forehead on the table – Are you alright? What is so funny?
– Camus… – Kanon tried to speak but he could not do so properly – Camus… eats… – Why did he spoke in French? – You said… Camus eats… it whole…
– So…? – At first Milo didn't get it but once he did he opened his eyes horrified and turned red as a tomato. – I DIDN'T FREAKING MEANT THAT! – By looking at his expression, Kanon began laughing so hard he could not breathe, so he could not produce a single sound, yet his body kept shaking and was about to fall off the table. – QUIT THAT ALREADY! – Milo grabbed a chair and was about to burst it on Kanon's head, but as Dokko and Aioria stood up to stop him, he got a better idea so he put the chair down and leaned on it. – Technically, given the way both Camus and Shura finished and left, what you just said would also apply to the goat, don't you think? – Kanon laugh subsided
– Wha… what? – Kanon regained his breath – That ain't funny in the least.
Milo grinned evilly.
– I wouldn't now, I must ask him
– You wouldn't dare… – All traces of laughter left the Gemini as he turned to the Scorpio. – Milo…
– If I put myself into it I can catch up with them before they even get out of here… – He stepped back towards the exit, using the chair as shield. – I mean, for the sake of finding out. Aren't you curious? I know I am…
– Milo, – Kanon stood up – That man can't take a joke like that one. Don't…
Milo's grin widened
– Oh, I'm sure it wouldn't even qualify as a joke to him.
– Come on, tone it down. I'm sure we can reach an arrangement…
– We could but… ah, it's so rare and satisfying to have the upper hand for a change!
– Yeah, no doubt. What do you want? Just name it. Don't make me say it twice…
– I can make you do whatever I want. – And he gave one more step back towards the exit
Kanon grinded his teeth and snapped his tongue.
– But you are such a remarkable good person, an inspiration for us all! You'd break the hearts of a whole generation by getting even like this for some jokes and silly pranks. I'm sure you can let this one slide and join the others for a nice relaxing evening. Don't fall to my level, you are better than me…
– I can't believe the lengths you'd go as not to get banned from Shura's kitchen
– Hey, you don't find such good cooks just around the corner. Have you any idea what it takes to be this awesome? Pretty high maintenance and I won't let anyone ruin my Capricorn's membership.
– Marry him already. You are just using him as personal chef. At least you pay him?
– That does not concern you. You are just jealous since you couldn't keep a pot of water from burning even if our lives depended on it.
– You wish! – Milo got offended and put another chair in the way while stepping back – It's pointless to keep arguing…
– It's been a terrible day for me today. – Kanon stepped forward – Don't make it so on you too…
Milo looked at the books in his hand, then side glanced Kanon – Another thing I'm curious about is whether or not you have improved your sprints lately. Because last time I checked that's not included in the long list of your amazing abilities… – He added sarcastically as he flexed his knees ready to get out.
– Those are pretty important documents. Mess up with them and you'll face Saga. – Kanon removed the chairs as Milo was almost at the door. – Don't even think about it! It was you who talked without thinking in the first place.
– Yes, but it was you who put the joke together.
– And you are stretching it too much.
– Actually not, I'm not. Given the context, it is a valid assumption. Besides, it is your word against mine, and you know I always get the advantage. So the actual question would be… – Milo threw the books as far away from the exit as he could – grated or sliced? – And he sprinted out, pulling the table behind him to block the way out.
Kanon had to sprint forward and jump to save the books, – Milo, stay the hell away from Shura! – Then gave a sharp turn to the exit and went out sliding over the table to the door. – I can't survive on this cooking alone! Get back here!
And so they were out.
Mu would have liked to join them for the evening or rather join Kanon, but it wouldn't be alright to ditch his friends just like that. He wasn't best buddies with either Camus or Shura and he only became friends with Milo after their death. Still he was relieved to see Kanon in good enough mood to party with the others.
– Kanon is so weird – Said Aldebaran – His mood swings are disturbing – The way he said that implied Kanon wasn't quite sane o at least was emotionally unstable
– Don't take too seriously what he says or does. – Said Mu a bit upset about the Taurus impression – Unlike Saga, Kanon is a pretender, an actor. His behavior is somewhat disconnected from his feelings, yes, but it's an ability he reached through training, not due to a personality disorder. As long as he gets what he wants he can be whatever he needs to be. All he does is premeditated to get a specific reaction out of people. Like his impressions about death from earlier. He wanted to disturb you, guys, and you all fell for it. He really enjoys manipulating people. When their reactions are not predictable, he acts cautious, like with Dokko. Shura, Camus and Milo are important to him, so he makes an effort to act silly and care free so they don't worry about him. He can be very kind to the people he is interested in, like Seiya and his friends, while being indifferent to those people he considers irrelevant, or downright hostile to those he doesn't want anywhere near. Everybody switches behavior to some degree according to the people around, but what earned him the nickname of 'trickster' from his friends is the ease with which he manages this despite his inner feelings.
– I thought it was due to his illusions – Mumbled Aioria, and added – It sounds exhausting, it might have been easier to just vanish like he did at the beginning
– No wonder he's built up resentment. There's so much one can bottle up, – Aldebaran was suddenly concerned – He's going to blow like that.
– That's why he cheered up when Milo and more so Camus cornered him with the truth, whatever it was. He dislikes being found out, but at the same time is relieving to be honest for a change.
– Of course, Saga is the only one for whom he cannot act – Dokko thought about it.
– Yeah, the aversion towards him it's just too great to overcome.
Both Shaka and Dokko found really suspicious how the Aries knew that much, but before anyone could say anything, Mu stood up
– Well, I'll be leaving now. I forgot some stuff back a t the gym and I still need to meet Shion. Have a nice lunch, guys. – He took his dishes towards the service table
– Oh, take care Mu – Said Aioria
– Bye Mu – Said Aldebaran
Kanon's sixth sense woke him up in the middle of the night. He looked around and found Shura sleeping not so far, Milo curled up next to him, but there were no signs of Camus in the tent they set up by the beach. Fearing the kids' absence was discovered, the older boy stood up and went out carefully. They had sneaked out to the beach as soon as people took their eyes off their new Aquarius saint. He never thought it would be that easy, he expected everyone making a fuss around Camus for at least a week but since it didn't happened he decided to make the fuss instead.
Kanon got out of the tent slowly and looked around for either Camus or danger. The sky was already taking sunrise colors, but the sun was not there yet. He found his little friend standing in the waves looking at the dimming stars.
– Camus? Are you alright? – Kanon proceeded with great caution. He always feared an ambush. The kid didn't answered. The older boy decided to have a look at his face before getting any closer so he moved around and found two trails of tears marking the otherwise expressionless face – Camus... what's wrong?
– Everything. – The little kid said in a complete emotionless voice. – Aquarius didn't fix it
– What do you mean? – Kanon was puzzled. – What didn't Aquarius fix?
– I still feel... I feel awful... – And Camus began crying so loud and uncontrollably Milo and Shura woke up and ran outside to find Kanon handling Camus like he was a mad lobster which happened to burn like ice. – Why didn't it work? I trained so hard! Why didn't it work?!
Saga arrived drawn by Camus' frenzy as it escalated dangerously. He noticed the absences and was looking for the kids before anyone else noticed.
– What's happening? Camus! – He hurried to the kid – What are you doing in here!? – He asked to Milo and Shura – Kanon! – He would have scolded with his twin, if he hadn't had to move out of the way of an ice blast
– We found him like this – Said Kanon, which was technically true and neither Shura nor Milo said anything to compromise the situation further.
Saga tried to approach but he couldn't. So he used his illusions to turn the morning beach into an avalanche in Siberia. The noise and images along with Camus own cold wind made him believe it was real, he reacted to the danger and concentrated his cosmos in a single ice blast to stop the menace.
The kid ended up freezing a large wave and a great deal of the area they were in. But it was too much for his little mind and body, so he fainted in Kanon's arms.
The older boy held him dearly, still scared of what just happened.
– What happened, Kanon? – Said Saga slowly
– He said something... about Aquarius not fixing anything... what did he meant? – Kanon looked at Saga then at Milo hugging Shura and finally to the destruction Camus caused. – Saga, they might be powerful enough to wear Athena's gold cloths... but that doesn't mean they are ready. They are just kids. – Kanon stood up with Camus in his arms – Do you really plan to turn them into weapons and send them to their death?
– We are humanity only hope. Athena's enemies approach with each passing day and if we don't stop them nobody will. Nobody can! – Saga took Camus from Kanon's arms.
– But...!
– If they are strong enough, they won't die. But what would an outcast know... – Saga turned to leave as his words stabbed Kanon in his place – You two, – Milo jumped startled and held Shura even tighter – Move! – Both kids turned to Kanon wondering what they should do. Kanon nodded – If you want to waste your life out here, fine by me. But don't mess with them anymore, Kanon. – And so the children followed the Gemini saint back to the Sanctuary.
How much have they drank already? Shura had the bad habit of disposing of the bottles as soon as they emptied them, so Kanon quickly lost track of how much alcohol he had taken. All he could estimate was a dangerous lot, since such awful memories were coming at him.
The afternoon had gone smoothly. Camus and Shura managed the restock pretty fast while Milo and Kanon went to the market to get everything for dinner. Since Capricorn had the best equipped kitchen, they decided to host their improvised party there. Originally Kanon thought of taking it out of the temples road, so they wouldn't bother anyone. But then he thought it'll be dangerous for them to get wasted out of help reach.
Milo had borrowed a radio in town and turned it on loud while he and Camus took over the kitchen. But Kanon noticed how uneasy Shura was about it and as the first sauce spill happened he understood why.
– My goodness, Milo. The more pots you have, the more pots you use! – Scolded Kanon. The kitchen sink was getting overflown and they hadn't even eaten. – Reuse them! You too, Camus. Why are you discarding that knife? Keep using it until you finish cooking
– But then everything is going to taste like onions...
– Clean it with a napkin, or just rinse it off on the sink.
– But Shura has many more.
– That's for bread... and that's for meat! What the...? Use the chef's knife only!
– This?
– There's only one...
– It's all you need. Share it! No! No more spoons for you. – And Kanon put away more than half the stuff the guys had taken out. – Like that is enough... Mix it all in the same pot!
Shura sighed. It was going to be the first time in forever that they were eating at home without spending hours in the washing up. But...
– What are you staring at? There's three of you, there's no excuse for a messy kitchen. Start washing those while they cook.
As soon as he started, Kanon grinned amused. But Milo noticed and threw him a tomato slice. Kanon grabbed it and was about to send it back when Shura stopped them
– If you begin a food fight, I'll make you lick it all up.
Well, that stopped Milo, but Kanon had a theory he wanted to prove for a while, and that was the perfect opportunity to do so. The Gemini had noticed that whenever Milo was with "strangers" or "acquaintances", he often acted very sharply, like he was in a bad mood but still within the limits of politeness. He would act more relaxed and friendly towards the other gold saints and their disciples, even thoughtful of Mu and Aioria, and then act all easy going and carefree whenever Kanon himself or Shura were around. But whenever Camus was within sight, Milo would turn to call everyone's attention on himself. Either by being a bit louder than usual, speaking too much, teasing or challenging someone, or even picking a "fight" with Aioria. At first Kanon couldn't find a pattern for this change of behavior so he continued to observe his friend until it struck him. It was very difficult to pin point the reason, because Milo would normally be surrounded by people wherever he went.
The ice prince was another story. He almost never let out anything about himself. Even for Kanon it was difficult to figure out what was on his mind or how he felt about anything. Even Shura was easier to read than him. The stoic Capricorn didn't say much, due to his laziness to speak as the Gemini called it, but his body language was very easy to understand. With the Aquarius not even that was granted. He handled everyone pretty much the same, even Hyoga, Milo or Shura. That's why the Gemini always picked on him to begin with. To Kanon a person without emotions was inconceivable, so he was determined to prove the Aquarius had them even if the only one he could provoke was anger through annoyance.
Kanon went all the way to where they had left a sauce and had a taste. It was real good. So he sneaked behind Camus with the sauce spoon in the left hand and looked over his friend's right shoulder. – So Shura – As expected Camus turned right to complain and Kanon used that as distraction to place the spoon in his left cheek – Who should lick that up? Milo or me?
For a moment Milo and Camus looked at each other in the eye. Milo took too long to hide his blush behind his blond curls even after Camus wiped the sauce away with his bare fingers and turned around to return Kanon the favor. Of course the older man caught him by the wrist too close to his face.
– Oh, you want me to do it? – He said with an extremely sensual voice. Milo flinched and turned around still blushed up.
– By all means, trickster – Said Camus in an equal sensual purr before freezing over his hand and the sauce on it. That was unexpected.
– Later. – He said letting go of Camus – I'd like to keep my tongue where it is. – He said with an angelic smile. Camus shook his hand to break the ice and continued what he was doing, sending a death glare towards Milo, who kept hiding his face behind the curtain of his hair, while Kanon grinned victorious.
His theory was right, Milo had a strong interest in Camus, more than a mere friend would, and he wanted to know just how far had his fellow countryman had gone on it. But that would be amusement for another time. Much more curious was the Gemini about the Aquarius. Did he had an interest in the Scorpio too? That would be way harder to find out. But what kind of best friends were these, if they didn't know something so important about each other? And if they do, had they done anything about it?
By the time they finally sat down to eat, they had emptied three bottles of wine. And when they finished the food they had finished three more.
Kanon had brought some dice and a dice cup to play, but he had to teach the others since none had ever played anything dice related. They were messing the game so much soon they were rolling the dice just because. They were already too drunk to keep tabs. As everyone began turning the place upside down looking for the sole die which rolled off the table, one of Milo's favorite songs began playing in the radio.
As Kanon located the missing die and put it in the table, he got stunned by seen Milo dancing alone to the song. The Scorpio was the most sensual man the Gemini had ever seen, and he had seen plenty. Shura's turning to the kitchen for a refill was a blatant insult to the right order of the universe. Was the Capricorn made of stone? Then Kanon looked at Camus, the Aquarius had finally shed his cold dispassionate shell. He was pretty much stripping Milo with his eyes. The Gemini expected him to spring forward anytime but Shura's return broke the charm. Camus turned to him with his glass ready for a refill.
Kanon got upset. He hearthly hated people who wouldn't dare take what they so obviously want especially when it was laid bare for the take. As if Shura or him would complain or something. Was there no trust between them or what? Besides it was only dancing and, if it were to escalate further, Aquarius was not so far.
The more Kanon thought about it, the angrier he got. And so he decided to dance with Milo, hoping it would not turn to be one of those seemingly harmless decisions that could thwart lives. For all he knew it could be. He had not the least idea how a drunken Camus would react, but he was well aware what the French was capable of. Kanon hoped he'd be able to handle the situation... But just in case, he made peace with himself.
The sudden contact with someone else startled Milo, he surely wasn't expecting anyone to join him. He hesitated, but out of the corner of his eye he noticed Camus wasn't even looking at him, he was busy with Shura. Somewhat disappointed, he smiled at Kanon about to politely refuse. But Kanon gave him an irresistibly charming smile in return... Alright, that was their old annoying friend Kanon, surely there would be no problem in dancing with him a bit, and it was only a dance, right?
But by the time Shura had finished pouring his glass of wine, his sixth sense alerted him of something odd. He tried to shake the haze of alcohol off his mind and looked around. Kanon and Milo were dancing... Wow, just wow... His mental gear skid for several seconds. With their closeness, the drunkenness, their natural sensuality, and their expert moves, those two were a vision out of this world. If there were an incarnated definition for a perfect match, they were it... Which made his sixth sense turn nuts. Again Shura turned around looking for the source of...
Camus. Him suddenly slumping into his chair looking to nothing else but his glass of wine had called Shura's attention, too late to prevent the crisis over what his senses alerted him. Camus moral had finally crumbled down. He had seen the same Shura had seen, but his interpretation had gone a step further. Milo and Kanon were made for each other, the Scorpio had always blindly followed the younger Gemini's lead anyways, they had always shared a weird bond, and there was no room for the Aquarius in their picture.
Camus had lost. Lost everything. Yet he could not be mad because it was Kanon. And despite how annoying he behaved most of the time, Camus respected him and admired him. It was a fair defeat. Although a really painful one. All of a sudden, the French felt a terrible urge to leave and too weak to do so.
No, they had gone together to have a fun time, to relax, not to dwell in their misery any further. Shura wouldn't allow his friend sink deeper into his sadness. But he couldn't just go and stop Milo and Kanon, what to do?
Well, for the first time in the longest time, Kanon and Milo were truly having so much fun they had forgotten they were not alone. Of course, Shura made sure to remind them when he dropped half his dishes in the way to the kitchen.
The noise made Milo trip but Kanon caught him
– Are you alright?
– My head... – Complained Milo – Quit spinning me
– I'm only holding you... I think – Said Kanon not so sure himself – You better lay down. – He helped Milo to the sofa. – Are you alright, goat? – He went to his kneeling down friend making a bee path – Don't get cut, please
– I'm fine... – Said Shura. Mission accomplished, but... – My flatware...
– Huh? You shouldn't be juggling with your stuff if you know you are drunk. – He offered Shura a hand to stand up – Come. Leave that for tomorrow. – As Shura stood up, Kanon put a chair over the mess – I'm confident nobody is drunk enough to get attacked by the wavering evil chair guarding the shattered dishes...
Kanon took Shura to the mattress the Spaniard had put in the living room in case his friends were in no conditions to go back to their temples. He slid down and covered his eyes with his arm.
Kanon checked on Milo, but he was out. So he decided to take one last glass of wine and call it a day. So he turned to the table, but got petrified when he approached it. Camus tears were rolling down his expressionless face like they did in the beach so many years ago. Kanon shivered before the memory and his drunkenness fled in frantic fear. Back then the Greek got a noxious taste of the French's inner turmoil but didn't reached the bottom of it, not even scratched the surface. If Camus were to unleash his freezing frenzy again in such closed quarters, they had a great chance of getting killed. None were in any condition to counter nor evade the attack. Maybe he could send his friend into his golden triangle, which would be a very nasty ride for Camus in his current state and might not survive it. If only Kanon knew how to make the gate to another dimension, he could pull everyone out of the damage radius before even triggering the disaster, but he never got the chance to copy that technique from Saga. The closest persons around were Dokko and Aphrodite but they wouldn't make it on time even if Kanon could awake them through their cosmos... Mu would, he could just teleport everyone to safety. But then who would help Camus?
Kanon sighed. The young man had been so cheerfully messing around with the others until not so long ago, but he had to tease him. Darn his habit of throwing rocks to the pond just to see the ripples. There were ponds better left alone...
And that was a foul lie.
So Kanon decided to make as if he didn't notice and go sit casually next to his friend to pour himself the intended glass of wine. There must be something he could say to...
– What do you think would happen to me – Said Camus softly – If I become unable to wear the Aquarius cloth?
Kanon blinked surprised and sat down with his glass full. – Well, that would depend on the kind of crime you intend to commit for that to happen. – He laid back in the chair and put his feet on the table, good thing Shura wasn't looking – What exactly do you have in mind?
– Nothing else...
– Just your current stack? Then must likely nothing would happen to you. – Kanon took a sip – Hyoga would inherit the cloth and that'd be it. Maybe you'll be requested to leave, but I doubt it. Saga would like to keep you in the library, you'll be the library hermit... – The French remained silent before Kanon's joke. He sighed and sat straight – Camus, if after all you alleged crimes Aquarius hasn't ditched you, I doubt it'll ever happen. So why are you asking? – He got no answer – ... Are you afraid you wake up one day and you can't wear it? That's unlikely... Or is it that you don't want to wear it anymore? – The glass shattered in Camus hand as he hid his eyes under the shadow of his forelocks, but he refused to talk. – Well, with such an attitude Aquarius indeed wouldn't have you as bearer... – Kanon leaned on the table looking at the wine – I never liked the idea of a kid fighting a war. No doubt you guys were powerful, but that didn't meant you were ready. I ignore the reasons you had to go and acquire a gold cloth so early, but I'm sure it wasn't out of how merry and care free your life was. – Kanon thought again about that day when Camus was donned the Aquarius cloth. The new saint was emotionless indeed, his eyes were completely void. – But if after such a mighty feat you still feel like you didn't accomplished anything, I can only conclude Aquarius, the Sanctuary and everyone else betrayed you first by selling you a lie.
The younger man looked at Kanon as if he had unveiled a mighty mystery, and the older man could have sworn he saw and heard how his emotionless mask cracked. For the first time in their lives he met the real Camus, the lost child crying his eyes out in the beach, and didn't hesitate to reach out for him
– I thought... Once I got the Aquarius cloth I'd have all the answers... I'll know what to do... it won't hurt any more but... How many years have passed... and things have only worsened... I don't freaking know what I'm doing here anymore... All my life... is one sorry mistake after another... I just can't get things right... It's not that I wanted to take it on everyone for what happened... But it does look like it, doesn't it? Especially the way I took Hyoga from his mother... It does look like I did it out of envy instead of concern. I wasn't able to look for my parents in the mountains, but Hyoga got to visit her mother in the ship... That's atrocious, an atrocious thing to do. If Hyoga is a worthy saint, it is not because of me. And Issac... What kind of mentor abandons his disciples in such a dire moment? I gave him for dead, but I never looked for him, didn't even tried. I should have, I should have... Surt, not only I killed little Simone in my carelessness, I destroyed him, and in my shame I just helped him destroy much more, instead of facing him to save him. I might be a gold saint... But it's only the looks, I haven't done anything worth of even standing next to Milo... I got him and Shura killed. I got them killed... there's no excuse... If Aquarius didn't turned out to be what I expected... all it means... is that I failed at every challenge thrown my way...
Kanon held Camus as he wasn't able to so many years ago, and cursed every day the young man had to bear with such heavy burden in silence and alone. But what caused Camus to act the way he did, against himself and everyone? Kanon did what he did out of resentment, but that didn't make much sense in his friend's case.
– Aquarius choose you, Camus, – Said Kanon softly – Not only because of your power. The gold cloths are tools to protect people, kid, and that includes you, so don't reject her. Maybe she didn't turned out to be what you expected, but if Aquarius hasn't abandoned you it's because she protects you, and will keep doing so as long as you are both in this world... – Camus crying slowly subsided. Kanon stroked his hair. – You could go talk to Saga and Athena to request a leave and I'm sure they'll grant it. But where would you go? Where would you hide? Anyone can dye their hair, use contact lenses, change names, faces, bodies... But I've yet to meet the one to escape from himself... Stay with us...
Camus fell asleep like that. Kanon lifted him from the chair and took him to the mattress were Shura was sitting.
– Did you heard it all? – Kanon was mad at him playing asleep all along
The Capricorn nodded – I don't blame anything on him. We both did what we thought was right.
Kanon sighed as he laid Camus down – Do you know anything about Camus parents?
– Only they died on a plane crash in Siberia when Camus was five. He was the sole survivor...
– The hangover is kicking in... Darn... I'm not sure how much of this I'm going to remember by morning.
– Let's sleep, trickster...
– Move – Shura stood up and Kanon placed Milo next to Camus so he could take the sofa. – Go to your bed, if you want
But Shura took the other sofa
– The dates don't add up – Said Kanon
– What did you say?
– The dates don't add up. If he became orphan by five how did he became gold saint by seven? And if he indeed made it in such short time, did he even had any time to grieve for his loss and overcome it?
– Maybe that's what he was expecting Aquarius to fix
– "Aquarius didn't fixed it", he said... – Kanon kept thinking on that day at the beach and frowned – It's not that he has no emotions, he learned to suppress them and whenever he could not, he reacted opposite to them... That actually explains a lot...
– ... Serving Hades does not count, – Sentenced Shura – It was a charade
– But he had to fight his comrades
– And in Asgard he was trying to save his friend. There was no way for him to see the scope of his actions
– Explain that to him...
– ... I know nothing about Hyoga or Issac
– He will eventually become unable to wear Aquarius if his heart rejects her... – Kanon kept silent for a moment – Plane travel is expensive and the three of them were on board in a trip from somewhere in France to Siberia. What kind of family did Camus come from? Not from one devoted to Athena nor used to our hardships. How did he managed to go from a regular family boy to a gold saint in less than two years? And at that age...
– The same as Aphrodite, Mu, Shaka, Deathmask or me
– Who is Deathmask?
– Eh? Cancer Deathmask
– Isn't his name Angelo?
– He told you his name? He used to go around presenting himself as Deathmask so everyone calls him that. I'm sure not a lot of people know his real name.
– Call him Angelo. – Said Kanon making himself as comfortable as he could in the sofa... Actually those were pretty comfy sofas or that was just how drunk he was... – And about you, guys, Mu and Shaka don't count. They grew up in allied environments so they had an advantage, just like the local saints. You got the cloth by 10 and I'm sure you got more than two years to get what was expected of you, get convinced and train to get there. Besides, your family is still safe and sound in the Pyrenees…
- ... I must request a leave soon... - said Shura, more asleep than awake
- troubles back home? - asked Kanon feeling his eyelids too heavy
- grandma hasn't felt too well... - he mumbled...