Three kids around 12 years old or so, were sitting idly in the plaza of a village close to the sanctuary. One of them spotted an old woman walking through the market and called for his friends. They stood up and began walking while the old woman talked with the merchants and choose a few items to take. The kids began discussing when all of a sudden one of them pushed another and knocked down a few oranges from a crate. While everybody turned in their direction and they apologized quickly putting everything back into place, the third one stood behind the old woman. Then all three of them began running through the market out of the village. And when the old lady looked into her purse to pay for her stuff, she couldn't find her money anywhere…
Ophiuchus Shaina noticed, and pursued the kids. No way all that was coincidence.
– Stop right there, thieves! – She called the kids just out of the village. Startled, they looked around but couldn't find the source of the call, so they remained on guard back to back. They didn't even saw what hit them, they only acknowledged the attack they were victims off by the sudden pain that pinned them to the floor. – Aren't you supposed to be Sanctuary cadets? How dare you use the skills you learned at the train fields for this shameful deeds? You shouldn't even be here. Identify yourselves at once!
– Magda…
– A-Alec…
– Homer…
– Aren't you Cetus Moses apprentices? – Without waiting for an answer, Shaina asked the same thing to Moses through cosmos. When he confirmed, she told him what they've done. He told her to wait for him, he wasn't far.
The kids so desperately wanted to stand up and run, but they only managed to sit up.
– Put out what you stole – She commanded, and Magda complied – is that all? – The girl nodded
– Shaina! – Moses arrived shortly.
– Here you have them. Loot and all.
Moses looked down at the kids and the money. He didn't really knew how to proceed.
– Thank you, Shaina. I'll take it from here…
Looking at Moses, Shaina felt bad. Not too long ago, both silver saints were encased in pretty shameful deeds themselves. They wouldn't want these kids to learn the same they did in the same hard way…
– What are you runts doing sprawled in the middle of the road? – Everyone turned in the direction of the bored voice – Are you alright?
– Gemini Kanon! – Both Shaina and Moses greeted him. The kids wondered how things could get any worse. The saint had a small bag of nuts and was eating them without a care in the world.
– Oh, Ophiuchus Shaina and Cetus Moses… – He said casually – Huh? Aren't you the plaza thieves? Did you got caught? – He broke open a nut with only his fingers.
At that moment, everyone wondered how things could get any worse.
– What do you mean, plaza thieves? – asked Moses
Kanon ate the nut.
– In the village they told me about the inexplicable disappearance of random objects from the people in the market. The general conclusion was that someone stole them, but nobody knew who. I told them that every day they wrote down the people they saw on the street. Also that they would get some bells and ring them every time anyone missed something to warn the rest. At that time everyone should take note of all the people they could see around their stands. It took some time, but comparing the lists of the day with those of the alarms, that is, who was there before and after the theft, the merchants could finally identify the thieves. It took a great effort to convince the merchants not to chase them away without solid proof. Some even considered to shut down their stands as soon as they were spotted, but that would make them lose clients, something many could not afford. And since talking to them would only lead them to deny it all, I suggested the merchants to leave trash disguised as valuables to call their attention away from really valuable stuff. It's been working over the last two months, unfortunately some people are already getting tired.
The kids felt atrocious not only for being found out but also for being played for fools. Cetus Moses was so ashamed he could not look up from the floor. Kanon remained indifferent, eating nuts.
– How did you know it would work? – Shaina was so surprised that such a simple tactic worked that she forgot about the other's distress
– I didn't, I was surprised myself. Kleptomaniacs feel such remorse after stealing they wouldn't dare come back, they do it for impulse not for profit. Thieves by need focus in the one kind of thing they lack, but we were dealing with the disappearance off all kind of objects. It couldn't be revenge either for the same reason. And thieves for power don't usually hide. This was but a game of skill. I just evened the odds… – Finally Kanon put away the nuts. – But such skilled brats are uncommon, so I began thinking whether they were or at least cadets, although by the looks of Moses, I would think that if they are not his students at least he knows them. So, just out of curiosity, what is it?
Watching their mentor fall to his knees in shame before the gold saint was way more painful for the kids than Shaina's punishment.
– I'm sorry – He told Kanon – I've failed as their mentor. I apologize for their wrong doings.
– Moses… – Shaina looked at the kids very angry, sadly due her mask they wouldn't know.
– Were you the one to directly instigate this behavior? – Kanon tone of voice changed from casual to sharp cold. Everyone felt him rise his cosmos, they all feared the worst
– No! – Screamed Magda as Homer hugged Moses
– D-don't harm him… – Said Alec trying to join him, but shaking in fear
– He's been good to us. He always cares for us!
– If that is so then why do you repay him in such a despicable way?
– We were just having fun…
– We were just fooling around
– Oh, so it is fun to cause troubles for hard working people who struggle all day every day to make ends meet only because they lack the skills you have? – Direct hit – And how does it feel to be played by the very people you looked down upon? – Another direct hit – If you cannot find in yourselves the will to help them out, you should at the very least not mess with them. You might be skilled but you don't have it all. And you might never do, much less with such an attitude. – Kanon looked at the sea, everyone felt his cosmos rise as if calling it – The power to change the world, the power to save it – the water rose and crashed loudly not too far from them – is not donned to runts with egos. – He said as the sea foam rose and fall before them. – Return the things you took tonight at the plaza, I hope you still have it all. You must apologize to everyone and accept whatever comes at you from them. Moses, you go with them make sure this whole ordeal is settled. If you want to run, kids, you can try, but know that would be considered desertion. I don't need to remind you want happens to deserters, right? Don't make things worse than they already are. It's not worth it.
Kanon took out his nuts again and kept walking his way like they didn't even existed.
Moses sat on the floor and both Homer and Magda hugged him crying.
– We are very sorry, we were just playing. We never thought it'd be so bad.
Moses hugged them back and called for Alec who was still shaking on the spot he fell on, looking at the Gemini saint leave
At nightfall, as indicated, the kids arrived at the central plaza with most of the objects they took. They weren't expecting to find so many people in there. The merchants had gathered to receive them. Had the Gemini saint warned them? As everybody's eyes turned to them, the kids walked closer to their mentor.
– Cetus Moses? – Called an old lady – What are you doing here?
– Where you the one who caught the thieves?
– Good evening, folks. – He said while the kids put down all the stuff – Actually, it was Ophiuchus Shaina who caught them. I'm escorting them tonight to apologize for my poor performance as their mentor. Alec, Homer and Magda are my disciples
– So they are cadets at the Sanctuary? – Someone said – That explains why they were so difficult to catch…
– We are very sorry for our foul pranks. – Said they three kids
– They had brought what they took. I hope you'll find all of your belongings in here
– That is not enough – and old man said, he was pretty mad – What kind of saints are you rising? Can you really call them that? They are delinquents and should be punished!
– These are just kids with a game that went out of hand, gramps. – Said Kanon with familiarity. He was leaning on a cart. – Don't tell me you didn't had your fair share of them when you where their age. – The old man frowned further, and shook his head in disapproval. Kanon just shrugged. where they acquainted? – First things first, please come take your stuff everyone – He said, and then addressed the old man again – What do you propose?
– An exemplary punishment! We can't allow this kind of thing.
– Throwing them to jail will only waste their youth. Or do you mean physical punishment? – The old man nodded – C'mon, gramps. They are cadets at the Sanctuary – He casually took the whip from the cart, and held it out – A slap or punch won't amount to much. They'll need something a bit more drastic… – most people got alarmed by the sight. Moses stepped forward with something to say but a look from Kanon shut him up.
– That's too much! – The old man hesitated, he might have agreed, if the lady next to him hadn't voiced what many others thought.
– Alright – He put away the whip. – Good, because who would be the executioner? certainly not us. Personally I think that's too much given how nobody got directly injured out of this.
– So what would it be? – Demanded the old man – they can't get away with this
– They didn't, gramps, that's why we are all here. Any ideas? Anyone?
– How about they pay what they took? – Said someone else – I'm still missing a full crate of fruit and there's no way to grow it back.
– With what money? – Said an old woman – Athena's saints don't use it
– Maybe some work? – Said a lady in the crowd – I could use a hand at the shop
– Well, that sounds promising. – Said Kanon – Let's explore the idea. Just consider they are available only from 5 to 9. In that time they should be able to get here and back. Is that ok? – many agreed. – Well… have everyone recovered their belongings? I supposed the food and money can't quite be returned. Is anyone missing anything? Does anyone have a marker? – a girl gave him a black marker – Whose building is this? – He said about the closes building nearby, which had a large whitish wall. A man rose his hand – May I scribble on it a bit? You'll get it painted afterwards, I'll personally see to it.
So Kanon used the wall to write down the names of all the affected people. Then he inquired what business they had and what tasks could they request from the kids. He calculated the kids debt to each one and how much do each task could cover of it. quickly the whole wall became a chart of activities Moses's disciples should complete the sooner the better to consider the debt settled. All the merchants seemed satisfied, after all, the thefts were not that big
Kanon turned to the kids
– Cadets, here you have your duties. Your debt to this people will only be settled once all of them are completed. Do you understand?
– Yes, sir! – all three of them answered
– Now some rules. Cadets! You must carry them on to satisfaction or they won't count. You'll get to choose who will do what tasks and when, it doesn't matters as long as all three of you participate in equal amounts of tasks. Also, since you might not be familiar with some of these tasks, you first need to learn how to execute them, so this first week is for training. Nothing you do will count towards modifying the debt, but once it is over, you can get to reduce it by excelling on your performance or increase it if you screw up. You'll report here at 5:15 sharp and write your name in the task you had chosen to help. At 8:45, you'll go back to the barracks. No delays will be tolerated. If you get some spare time you are free to choose another activity to work in, but be careful not to exceed the available time. Merchants! you can request an specific person to help you out, any specific day, by writing down their name in the wall. You cannot hoard their help, tho, you must allow all three of them to work at different things. Once they complete their duties, you'll write your name next to theirs, only if it was correctly executed. If you have a complaint, address Moses, nobody else. He is the only one capable of rising the debt. Also, be reminded the sanctuary will be lending you workers, not slaves. No disrespect or abuse of any kind will be tolerated. If you wish to make any change to the arrangement, again, discuss it with him first. To both parties, any activity not listed here doesn't counts towards reducing the debt so any request will be left to the cadets' discretion and they can refuse without penalization. Moses, you'll supervise the development of these whole ordeal.
After a little discussion the arrangement was agreed upon and everyone left to their houses, except for the old man who didn't took his eyes from Kanon the whole night.
– Kanon! – He called him a little to the rude side
– Yes, sir? – He immediately replied as he were a soldier talking to his superior
– How long will you keep ensnaring people with your jabber?
– As long as they let me, sir.
The old man seemed satisfied with such reply
– It was difficult to discuss with you before, it's only worsened
– Thank you, sir. I do what I can.
– Drop by later on. Make sure these runts stay well away from troubles
– Count on it, sir
– At ease, runt... – He said as he turned to leave
– Good night, gramps.
– Gemini Kanon – Moses called – Thanks for your support on this matter. I had no idea how to handle such situation
Kanon nodded but then he turned to the kids
– I expect you to fulfill your duties with honor and responsibility. No more pranks or smart games or you'll face me.
– Yes sir!
– Moses, be cautious. not everyone in the village is thrust worthy – The Cetus saint immediately noticed a letter in some people's name was underlined, so he nodded – Let's go
– Are you acquainted with those people?
– Some of them. i used to live nearby when i was their age
– Didn't you live in the barracks? – Asked Alec
– I was never a cadet at Sanctuary. i used to help the old man on his bar. he is a former soldier.
the kid wanted to ask more, but Moses stopped him with a gesture.
– All three of you should be grateful to Gemini Kanon. things could have been much worse back there without his help
– Thanks for your support – Said all three children
Kanon nodded but didn't said a word. Halfway back to the Sanctuary, they reached a crossroad and the gold saint took down another road
– Won't you go back with us? – Asked Moses
– No, I got errands somewhere else – He said in neutral tone and turned to leave
– Good night! – Greeted Moses with great respect. the kids did too. he only nodded and got lost in the darkness...
Shion was calmly walking back to the sanctuary from a nearby village when the shouts of some kids called his attention. When he turned he saw a bunch of angry kids running towards him. But he didn't see the young boy they were chasing until he stumbled past him into a nearby alley. There, the boy knocked off some barrels and boxes to slow down his chasers and ran to the back. The kids knew the way so they ran around the place. It would have been a perfect escape if the boy weren't so small. Almost all other kids were older than him.
Concerned, Shion followed them and found them in the garden of an old house.
– Hold it thief! – He heard a scream – We got him!
Indeed the older kids had the small one cornered.
– Leave me alone! I didn't stole anything!
– And that piece of bread?
– I paid for it!
– You took it from our store!
Where did they found the stones they were carrying? They weren't big but will hurt anyways
– Go count your money, I paid! Maybe you are so dumb you can't count at all!
– You are a dirty thief and you'll pay
The little boy held the bread behind him, afraid of his enemies but ready to face them. Shion could feel his cosmos increasing to defend himself. But how? The boy should be only 5 years old or so. Just when Shion was about to interfere, the old sprinklers in the yard went off
– This way! – Screamed another voice out of Shion view. The little boy ran towards it and the sprinklers sprayed even more water.
Shion followed the boy and was surprised there were two of them, exactly alike.
– Gimme that! – The new boy took the bread from the other and both ran away towards a bridge over a river. In there they went into a big cardboard box and out of view
The pope got closer careful not to scare them and perfectly saw when the second boy hit the other in the head.
– Ouch, Saga, why did you do that for?
– I told you to stay out of troubles! Why did you stole this?
– I didn't stole it. I helped the old shoe house lady with her things and she paid me. I bought it for you and dad
– You sure?
– Yes! Saga you are mean! – The little boy began crying out loud
– No, no, Kanon, don't cry. Shut up or they'll find us!
Shion expected the boy called Saga to apologize, but he didn't. Yet his words made the boy called Kanon shut up.
– What is it? – Whispered Kanon to Saga
– I think there is someone outside
– Can't we leave?
– Stay. We must get this to dad
– It's late, he'll worry
– If we go out we'll get caught... Eat while we wait...
– I want to eat with you and dad.
Saga sighed
– Thanks, Saga
– What for?
– Coming back for me
– That's what big brothers do
Shion was puzzled, that was no normal behavior for kids so young. But Saga's words sounded as if said out of duty rather than brotherly concern. And the cosmos he felt from Kanon... He decided to meet them. He approached the box in not so quiet way
– Hello?
He got no response. So he decided to put himself into view. He was greatly surprised to see one of the boys curled up in the back of the box holding tight the bread without crushing it and the other standing right in front of him as if protecting him. Shion also felt this boy cosmos increase, but it was different from the one he felt before, so it had to be Saga. Both kids were scared, so Shion decided to act carefully.
– What a surprise! What are two little boys doing under a bridge? – He sat down where he was, yet he got no answer – Do you have names? – Neither would take their eyes from him. – My name is Shion. Do you live nearby? – Still no answer. "What kind of kids are these?" Shion thought to himself – Well it was nice to see you, but now I'm hungry, I'll go to dinner. – Shion stood up to leave. His words did picked the children interest, yet they didn't responded – If you happen to be hungry too, I'll be at this bridge tomorrow too. I hope we can lunch tomorrow. He walked away but paid attention
– Was that for real?
– He was trying to take us.
– Saga...
– Let's go.
The two kids carefully moved out of the box and ran as fast as they could along the riverside until they were out of the village. Shion had no trouble following them, they were just kids. As soon as they lost sight of the village they began walking, cheerfully even. But the pope did noticed each time they heard something they would get out of the road, taking it back later on. They walked for hours, and as night came down they began running again. All lights were gone from the sky except for the moon which lighted the world enough for the kids to go out of the road down a hill towards the nearby beach. From up where he was, Shion could see a lonely light in the middle of nothing. It was a lantern. And right under it was a man with an iron bell. It could barely be heard due to the noise of the sea, but it was indicator enough.
As the old man saw the children, he dropped the bell, and ran to receive them. It was obvious he was worried sick. He hugged them and lifted both from the ground, not noticing the bread until the little boy carrying it tried not to have it squashed between them.
– That is wonderful, Kanon. Thanks for protecting him Saga. But you should not go that far. Thieves could take our house if you don't stay here.
– Good evening – Said Shion approaching
Both children screamed and hug their dad
– Oh, I'm sorry for scaring you. My name is Shion. Are you the father of these kids?
– Yes I am good sir... Saga, Kanon, greet our guest
– Good evening... – Mumbled the children still clinging to their father.
– Would you like to come in? – Said the man turning to their house
– Do not worry... – Actually Shion could not quite see any construction around. It was only after approaching the lantern that he saw a small cabin hidden by some boulders. It was cleverly hidden even when it was not that small. It was well away from the tide and could only be seen from the sea. There was room enough for a table, some chairs, a cabinet and a closet to store fishing supplies.
– Are you a fisherman?
– Yes – Said the man setting down the kids, who ran to the cabinet – Take your seats, kids – Haven't missed a catch a single day yet nobody would hire me.
– Why is that?
– Superstitions... – He said indicating the kids. Shion was well aware that people in nearby areas still considered the twins a bad omen but he never though the belief was strong enough as to have this family living in such precarious conditions. As Kanon and Saga waited at the table. The old man cut the bread and made them sandwiches of cheese and prosciutto, yet he hesitated
– Do not worry about me – Said the pope once he realized the man was worried about their food supplies and their guest.
– Then, if you excuse us... – The man sat at the table with his cooked fish. All three of them ate rather fast. Still, the kids enjoyed the bread. Once they finished both said thanks to their father and picked their tableware, washed it and put it back where it was.
– Time to sleep.
The kids took their clothes off and gave them to their father who took them to wash by hand in the sink.
– They are good kids, these two. – Said the old man to Shion – They are also real smart. – Meanwhile they went to a corner of the cabin near the entrance. Shion noticed there was no wooden floor there. There was a large barrel of fresh water. – There is something special about them, I wouldn't know how to explain it... – One of the brothers took a cup and used the water to wet his twin who washed himself with a bar of soap. Once he finished his brother rinsed him and then they swapped roles. Once clean, they dried themselves with a large towel and put on sleeping clothes. – They deserve better than this, yet I can't find the way to provide them anything else – They then pulled a cord next to their dad's bed it lifted against the wall, pulling up part of the flooring and revealing another mattress in which the kids laid down with one pillow each. Their father sat down with them. – they were born on May 30, you know? So if his holiness could take them to Athena's Sanctuary, I'm sure they'll serve her well.
– WHAT? NO!
Shion was surprised about the man recognizing him as someone not only related to the Sanctuary, but the pope, given by the "holiness" stuff. And also about the man insinuating they'll get to serve in the Gemini temple. But the kids panicked before the possibility of being taken away.
– We'll be good! We won't leave the house alone again!
– Daddy, we don't want to go! We'll help you.
– Shhh. My sons, you are good, you are my good precious children. You should not live in a hole such as this. – He stroke their heads tenderly, trying to sooth them. – Remember how we prayed Athena every day to send us help? One way or another she managed to send me with food back home. But that was only temporary. She is not the goddess of sea or fish, she is the goddess of justice. She has sent this man for you, to help you out of this place and you should go with him. – The old man had his eyes filled with tears.
The pope had no words, he was deeply moved by the whole situation.
– Let's go together then!
– All my life I've tried my best to serve her, but she has no need of flimsy fishermen like me. She needs strong warriors to fight for her, and you'd become such warriors. You'll become her saints and protect this world. – The man hugged his boys
– We don't want to leave you daddy!
– We love you
– And I love you too, my boys. But we don't see each other much anyways, do we? We dine together one day then I get lost for two more. It'll be the same. But you'll be better taken care of. In a dry sturdier home with proper food and a comfier bed. – The kids kept weeping – Go with this man and grow strong, stronger than anyone, my children.
But the tears wouldn't stop until they got tired and fall asleep in his father's arms. Only then the old man carefully laid them down. Once out of bed, the man pulled the cord again and holding the bed carefully moved it back to its original position. The kids' bed ended down under the house, perfectly hidden from anyone willing to hurt them during the night.
– Have anyone tried to hurt them before?
– Yes. We used to live in another village to the west. The birth was really difficult, mainly because the woman caring for her refused to help with Kanon. As the people found out about the twins, they began harassing us. We had to flee that place. But my wife couldn't take it very well, and died while the kids were six months or so. In a larger town I managed to get an old couple to care for Saga while Kanon stayed with my boss' wife while we were out at sea. Their caretakers knew nothing about the other sibling. And that worked well until they were about almost four years. I think someone came to visit at the place we lived in... I don't really remember what happened, it was all so fast... How do you make a kid that young to hide or to play along? We were found out, and from that point we were treated like the diseased. The old couple would lock Saga or yell at him over nothing. My boss wife wouldn't even let Kanon eat at the table. What is wrong with people? I had to take them away. All their care and love was fake. So I built this cabin with the hidden trap. They know if anyone comes they have to run there and stay there until there's silence. There's an escape towards another hideout under the house, only they fit there. But this is no way to live.
– I could take them... – Said Shion – But that does not guarantee they become Athena saints. They could die all the same.
– Better they die there than here.
– Still, they don't look too convinced to go. Conviction is an important factor to survive
– Give me five days. I can convince them in five days
– So be it
Shion took a sip of his tea cup, then he continued telling the story to Dokko.
– But only three days passed until I felt Saga's distressed cosmos all the way back to the sanctuary. When I teleported to him I could hear him cry from inside the cabin, but something outside called my attention. I found their dad lying face down in the rocks away from the house. His body was still warm but it reeked of death. A painful one. After verifying his death I covered his body with sand and rocks, mainly for the kids not to see him. Then I entered the cabin. Saga was in the middle of the room crying for help with his brother lying face down in the floor. The same rotten stench was all over the place. Saga looked at me and begged me for help. Kanon was burning hot and even delirious. I brought them back, to the Gemini temple. IT was a severe case of food poisoning by some contaminated oysters. Saga ate fish instead so he was spared. Back then it was Saga who saved Kanon. Not because I felt his cosmos and picked them up, but rather because he prayed to Athena with such devotion that night, that Kanon's cosmos resonated with his and kept him alive for the medicines to take effect. And so he woke up the next night. Ever since, Saga's faith was unquestionable and so he worked hard towards getting the Gemini cloth, but Kanon feared the people who chased him every day had done something to their dad so his distrust on people only increased
– And that is why he never agreed to move in here with his brother
– It was a deep fear and distrust of people. Ironically, he received the greatest damage from the only person he trusted.
– I've noticed Saga doesn't know how to handle Kanon. Like there's a strong lack of empathy for his brother. I wonder if the constant discrimination against them while they were kids is the cause. They were considered a "bad omen" after all, Saga set himself to overcome that becoming the Gemini saint while Kanon did nothing to shake the label off. Eventually Saga projected the label onto Kanon too.
– Well Kanon is not your regular saint, all devoted and virtuous. His strength and resolve is unquestionable, yet he is merciless and highly practical...
– But Milo and Camus look up to him. Shura trusts him. And he has been the only one to approach Ikki. All of them support him. If the quarrel between the twins were to escalate, the golden saints taking sides would be inevitable.
– The twins are aware of it. That is why, despite their differences, they do put an effort on not to get anyone else involved. But that alone is not enough…
– I wonder if Mu could help...
– Why Mu?
– Some how I got the impression he can reach out for Kanon...
– I don't see why, but if you think so I can ask him tomorrow.
– Tomorrow, tomorrow...
– What is it?
– Didn't we have something to do tomorrow?
– I don't recall a thing
– Neither do I... Maybe it wasn't important...
– Either that or we are getting old
– Talk for yourself!
Down at Aries, Mu's shirt fell down immediately followed by Kanon's. The Aries was so fired up he could not bear with the cloths keeping their bodies apart. He tried to drag the older man to bed but he found himself pinned against the nearest wall to it. Kanon had him trapped, holding him at the ribs against the rough stone, covering his neck and chest in kisses. Instinctively Mu tried to push Kanon back, but his efforts were quickly forgotten when Kanon pushed him forward with his body and caught his lips in a passionate kiss. The Gemini growled and the Aries moaned as their erections rubbed together.
One skillful hand unzipped the fly of the Aries' pants and pulled them down, only to travel up his hip and hold him in place. Mu shyness made him shudder and turn away as Kanon wrapped his hand around his manhood and began to masturbate him gently. But despite that, the younger man reached for his lover's pants and forced them down just the same. Amused by this, the Hellenic grabbed both of them in his hand and took the opportunity to place a knee between Mu's legs, soon they would not hold him standing. Noticing this, Kanon reached for a pillow from the bed and placed it between Mu's back and the wall.
The Lemurian's confused look only got a devilish smirk from the Hellenic, who pulled one of his young lover's leg to his hip.
– Better gimme the lub, you ain't going anywhere. – Said Kanon with a husky voice.
Mu looked around for a brief moment, like he forgot where he put it away. Then the bottle appeared in his hand. He poured some of its content on Kanon's hand but he never expected him to once again grab them both and began jerking them. Mu leaned against the wall, sliding down a bit since his knees were about to give away. Kanon then lifted him from the floor and pushed him against the pillow. Mu had to wrap his legs around the older man's waist to keep his balance.
– Are you seriously…? – Mu looked into Kanon's eyes
– Hold on – was all the answer he got as the Gemini's fingers bypassed his entrance. Mu threw his arms over Kanon's shoulders and hid his face on the curve of his neck as those fingers worked him wonders. All of sudden Kanon pulled them out and Mu felt a different kind of pressure ready to penetrate him. He tried to straighten himself to easy his way down as Kanon held him to prevent him going too fast. Mu looked divine all blushed up and breathless when he reached bottom, the Hellenic couldn't help but to kiss him again. A warm and soft kiss only broken when the Gemini began rocking his hips, picking up rhythm.
The Lemurian clear voice began filling the room. When Kanon noticed he was making an effort to stay quiet, he began picking up speed. "Sing for me little lamb, I wanna hear you. Don't hold back"
– Ah, Kanon… – Mu's natural shyness was getting overridden by the overwhelming pleasure. He could not control himself anymore, neither he cared to do it. He wasn't even aware he was pulling from Kanon's hair, although not hard enough for it to hurt. – You are… insane… – he moaned to his ear
– I thought… you already… knew that – Said the older man linking the curve of that vulnerable pale neck. – do you… want me… to stop?
– No way…
Kanon grinned as Mu grip tightened. It made him thrust faster.
– Mu... – he bit at his lover neck like a vampire.
The lemurian couldn't hold on anymore, he arched his back pushing Kanon backwards as he came between them. He became limp on Kanon's arms after almost squishing the air out of him with his legs. The Greek came too almost immediately.
Without letting go of Mu, Kanon rested his chin on his shoulder and his forehead on the wall. He then lifted his lover to gently lay him down on the bed. It was too intense. The Hellenic was sure he stopped breathing for a moment there. He wondered how the Aries was so he looked at him.
A moonlight beam was coming through the open window and shone upon Mu then. It made his hair look silvery and his slightly sweaty skin glow. The Aries agitated breath, parted lips and blushed up face were an exquisite sight. The Gemini couldn't help but to admire him. In his drowsiness, Mu felt Kanon's hand clear some stray bangs from his face, sending them behind his ear, and his lips went over his neck down to his chest, finding his pulse and following its path down to his hard beating heart.
Only then Kanon realized Mu was surely ten years or so younger than him. The fierce Hellenic had never held any particular interest in his sex partners' previous experience in the matter, but the Aries was different. He was different from all others in so many ways. From their first encounter it was clear Kanon was not his first male lover, but given Mu's shy, embarrassed or surprised reactions to most of the older man's actions it was clear also there was still so much uncharted territory to show him around. Kanon felt so amused but also so glad to find someone like that. But why would Mu bear with him? Wasn't there anyone else he could turn to? The idea had been circling his head like a vulture lately…
The Gemini looked up to find a bright pair of emerald eyes heavy with sleep looking inquisitive at him. With a devilish grin Kanon leaned forward and bit Mu's hip only to take the Aries' length in his mouth and slowly let go of it. It tore a very sensual moan from the younger man, who had closed his eyes and arched his back in pleasure. Kanon couldn't help but to reach forward for those lips and trap that delightful body under his weight. And exhausted as he was, Mu still answered plenty
The whole situation reminded Kanon of an American song he once heard.
– You think you've flown before, little lamb, but you're gliding still very close to ground… – Whispered Kanon the modified lyrics in Mu's ear as he nibbled at his earlobe.
– Would you teach me to fly? – Asked Mu as if mocking him
– I'd like to… – But then Kanon remembered all the twisted issues in his life lingering on top of him like dark clouds hiding from him the sky – But I might not be the right person to do that. One needs clear skies to gain height – He rolled aside and held Mu against his chest.
– Don't let me down. You started this, might as well show me all the way… – Said Mu kissing his cheek softly, Kanon chuckled.
– Hmmm, there are things you are better off not knowing…
– You keep saying that…
– Is it just me or you have been sending the imp away far too often recently? – Time for an strategic change of subject.
Mu blinked confused at first then he turned his face to the wall
– Sorry to disappoint you, but despite how much I enjoy your company, you owe last three times to Shion
– You sound upset – Kanon wonder what was the problem
Mu buried his face on the pillow
– Shion was my mentor. – he answered after a moment – I know he means good, but I don't quite like him taking decisions on Kiki's training.
– Have you told him?
Mu rose on his shoulders looking at Kanon as if he hadn't heard right.
– What's the matter? Just tell him, don't slam the door shut on his nose
Mu thought about it
– What? Don't you guys discuss things?
– No…
– Why not? He doesn't allow it?
– Never occurred to me…
– Eh? – They looked at each other briefly, then Mu turned to the wall embarrassed, with his face on the pillow. – You do are aware you are not a cadet anymore, right? – Kanon's teasing earned him a pillow hit – If you have not been blatantly forbidden to question an authority you should do so if you feel like it. How else can you learn and improve? Besides, he might have been your mentor, and the former pope, but now he is but an advisor.
– The pope's advisor – Mumbled Mu
– An advisor none the less. He can only advice, but he has no real authority to order anyone around. You owe him respect because he was your mentor, he is older, he was pope and this and that, but he also owes you the same respect since you are a gold saint, the current Aries gold saint, and Kiki's mentor.
– I don't want Kiki to think I spoil him by contradicting Shion
– Do not question Shion in front of Kiki. He wouldn't know who to follow. Talk to Shion, discuss the plan with him, and only when you consider it is adequate, go through with it. If he challenges you, well, that's a whole other issue, but I don't think that'll happen.
– Do you think it is irresponsible to let him take decisions? – Mu turned to Kanon still with his face resting on the pillow
– Well, yes, especially if he does so without asking you. Worst if he decides anything without involving you at all
– I don't think he has gone so far. We have very similar personalities, Shion and I – Mu rose again on his elbows – But we have some very different ideas. That is why I'm not completely comfortable with this whole ordeal, but there are a lot of things I didn't get to learn from him and I want Kiki to get them.
– And why not you too? You should participate of the learning too.
– I wonder if I'll learn anything. Those challenges are no longer for me.
– Then learn through Kiki. – It was weird that Kanon addressed the boy by his name – check how he faces the challenges and make his learning your own. Also if there's anything you disapprove from Shion methods, you have the authority not only to object but to spare Kiki, don't forget that. You are the one in charge of him after all. Whose responsibility you think it will be in anything goes wrong with him? – Mu thought about it. – But wait, let's go back, why is he interfering?
– He is concerned about Kiki not being able to wear Aries so far
– So?
– Shouldn't he be able already? – Mu looked at Kanon.
– Not necessarily. Although it is true Camus became a gold saint at 7, Ikki didn't wear Leo until he was 15.
– But Ikki had a bronze cloth. Kiki doesn't even has one
– Alright, alright, the kid can't wear Aries, but there might be several reasons for it – Kanon stretched lazily before continuing – Your circumstances were different, you can't compare. When you became gold saints, you were preparing for a war and also there was no other gold saints around. Kiki has been in battles but just missed the war. And also Aries has Shion in here, even when she stayed with you, maybe if Shion calls for her, she'll go to him too. And you want to bind her to a third person? I don't think that'll happen. I haven't find any records of having simultaneously two gold saints for the same cloth that aren't Gemini. I think you should not push it. It can also be a matter of respect. Kiki admires you, I don't think he wants to take your place, or rather replace you, just yet. What would happen to you then? It can also be that having such role models, he feels the shoes are too big for him and he is scared of failure so he doesn't really tries.
– Oh he does try and very hard. He is incredible dedicated... – Mu showed his concern
Kanon thought about it
– Did you choose him as apprentice?
Mu nodded.
– You fear maybe you choose wrong?
Mu opened his eyes wide, then he looked down – It'll be a horrible let down if in the end he cannot inherit Aries
– For him or for you?
Mu didn't answered
– Does he even want to inherit Aries?
– Why would he be making such an effort if he weren't interested?
– For you. You raised him. He wants to impress you and that you be proud of him
– Oh, Kiki, if I did choose wrong then we might be asking too much of him. And I'll need to start over. If I get another apprentice...
– Don't jump to conclusions. Think about why did you choose him and how had he performed so far. Do you really have enough evidence to declare he is not suitable?
– No, he was doing just fine...
– Then don't let Shion impressions disturb your achievements. It might be too early to pass on Aries.
– Why did I choose him, how has he performed, and what does he want… – Mu repeated to himself
– Once you sort that out you can make any necessary adjustments. Whether that is getting another apprentice or rise the difficulty level for Kiki… – Kanon stretched again and yawned – Aries what did you do to me?
– What I did?!