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– Pope Shion – Said Shura just the night before – The only ones among us capable of succeeding you are Aioros and Saga.
"Yes, only him and Sagittarius, thanks for the extra stress, Shura." It was wrong, it was plain wrong. Aioros should succeed Pope Shion. Why was anyone even considering him for the job? Saga haven't slept one bit since the meeting. There was no way he would get chosen. Aioros would, he would be the new Pope. And Saga could not stand it anymore. As soon as the sun came down again, he sneaked out of the Sanctuary, walking the hidden paths he knew so well until he reached the sea. It wasn't even midnight when he reached Cape Sounion, but the sound of the sea that he usually found comforting, sounded kind of alien. But there were no storms coming… As Saga hurried up to his destination, he looked around as if he had never been there before. "I am in the right way… right?"
For a moment he stopped. He couldn't quite recognize the place he was at. When was the last time he was there? It must have been at least six months… but even so, the landscape wouldn't change so drastically as to get lost, right? But he had been wandering for too long, he should have already arrived… where was it? had he walked too far already?
But then he saw the large boulders he was looking for. He went towards them a little calmer. He slid a bit down the side and turned, and just as he expected he found a wooden cabin cleverly hidden from view from shore.
He was in a hurry to enter but he stood there frozen before doing so. It was empty, there was nobody inside, he was certain. He looked up at the sky to figure out what time it was… stil it wasn't midnight.
"what the hell? Where is he?" He pushed open the door and walked in darkness towards the back of the small cabin. "what is this?" A cabinet. A newly made cabinet. What was it doing there? He forced himself to go slower through the drawers until he found a candle. Not in the mood to look for matches he used his cosmos to lit it. "where the hell am I?"
The rotting wood had been replaced everywhere, and there were mostly new furniture wherever Saga looked at, there was even a small cooler in a corner, but a fine layer of dust covered it all, the cooler was empty. "He's been out for a while. Where would he be?"
Saga turned to the bed and found the old mechanism still in place but the upper bed had a very comfy brand new mattress and bedsheets. "where did all this came from?". Just out of curiosity, he pulled the cord to check what was hidden under it and found a few small boxes orderly placed and a lot of glass bottles.
Saga took one of said boxes and opened it. "the hell?" there was a good load of money in it, well, a good load of money for someone who didn't even used it. "No way…". He then took another, it had the same content. "Are all the same?" no. two were empty and something rattled inside the last one. Saga's hands shook when he saw inside a deck of cards and some dices along with some notes. He didn't dare read them, but under the light of the candle he noticed the writing in them was not Kanon's, much less the dark red lips shaped stain in one of them. Completely shaken, Saga grabbed one of the bottles at hand and… yes, it was wine. Upon a closer inspection there were a few empty bottles but there was an open one.
– Kanon…
Kanon was in no hurry to get home. As the sun rose, the party at the Captain's was still raging, but he had been helping out like crazy with the preparations the whole week, he had no mood or strength left to stay and enjoy it. As soon as his job was done, he picked up his stuff and left. Everyone was so drunk in the festival merriness nobody even noticed.
It didn't matter. The payment he'd collect in two days would surely made up for it. He still hadn't decided what to use the money for, getting it was accomplishment enough. Maybe he should use it to move out of the cabin, the captain had offered a room and food for his work at the bar. It was quite a tempting deal. But in order to do that, he would need to let Saga know so he could find him… on second thoughts it might not be a good idea to tell him anything. He was rarely ever around, but he might not approve having his brother sweeping floors and kicking out drunkards instead of training to serve Athena.
But then Kanon came to a sudden halt when the boulders hiding his house came into view. He then sprang forward with joy when he noticed his brother's cosmos at the cabin.
– Saga! – Then his sixth sense kept him from going in. What happened? There was something awfully wrong…
– Where have you been? – He was sitting at the table in complete darkness
– At the bar… – Kanon mentally kicked himself. A bar was the last place in the world a saint should be in… but he wasn't a saint, was he?
He had no idea what happened. He was sure to be standing right by the door when all of a sudden the world became a bunch of stars and the pain in his body made him realize he had crashed upside down against the back wall.
– YOU REEK OF ALCOHOL! – Well, that's because one of the waitress spilled a glass on him, but Kanon's lungs lacked air to explain due to the impact. – IS THIS WHAT YOU DO WHEN I'M NOT AROUND? – Saga stepped on his chest throwing at him the cards, the dice and a bottle that crashed very close to his face, splashing more alcohol – BETTING AND DRINKING WITH LOCAL RUFFIANS? – Kanon shook his head weakly and whispered something – EARNED IT? AT A BAR?! – Saga repeated, lifting him from the floor. What was that in his eyes? Envy?
– I… work… there
Saga snapped. He grabbed his brother like a doll and threw him to the bed.
– At a bar… you earned this much money, enough to rebuild the cabin and get new furniture, working at a bar… – Kanon's sixth sense went nuts, he desperately tried to run away but Saga punched him so hard back to the mattress that the whole world went black. – Your manager must be very pleased with your performance… – Saga tore Kanon's cloths, but the younger brother was too out of sorts to even notice. – To pay you this much. – The older twin stripped from his cloths as he spoke
– Stop…
– So why don't you please me, for a change?
– Saga…
Saga almost jumped out of his skin when he felt someone's hand on his shoulder
– Shura, Shion… – He was not at the cabin by the sea, he was up in the pope's chambers
– Are you alright? – Asked Shion – You are pale
– No… – Saga confessed – I finally understand your decision, Shion. I finally get why you choose Aioros and not me. – He took a hand to his head – I've been told, but I didn't get it. That is until now… – He side glanced at his reflection in the nearby mirror. He then turned to look at himself when the Pope's necklace called his attention. He grabbed it as tears streamed down his face. – I'm not fit for this post, I shouldn't even be here. – He took off the necklace
– Saga – Once more Shura tried to approach him but Saga made him grab the necklace instead of his shoulder
– What you said… of me always thinking the worst of him, it's but the tip of the iceberg. I've done to him… way worse than that. In retrospective, it is amazing he is still alive. Athena might have forgiven me, because she is a merciful goddess. If Kanon cannot forgive me is only to be expected, he is but a man, it's alright. All I want… is for him to wake up. – He crumbled down in the nearest couch and didn't spoke any other word.
Back at that dreadful morning, two weeks before throwing him into the Cape's prison, Kanon had indeed done his best to please Saga, despite himself, despite the hearth break and the pain. He could have fought back, but not only he didn't even screamed or tried to escape, he followed his brother's every command as promptly as he could.
By noon Saga left back to the sanctuary again, after washing any evidence of what he did from his body. And he didn't even cared to look back at Kanon, who at some point must have fainted from the abuse. "why didn't I stopped?" Saga could not stop shaking "Kanon, how could I ignore him begging for dear life?" Saga was a mess of guilt "why didn't I go back? Why couldn't I remember until now? Kanon, please wake up, come back!"
– He is indeed pretty disturbed… – said Shion as he went out of the room – how long will you keep torturing each other?
– Gather the others as we discussed, Shion – said a pretty familiar astral projection. – Tonight it all will end, one way or the other. It has to… for everyone's sake…
Out at Cape Sounion, the sea was just as restless, crashing loudly against the rocks as the night approached.
In the middle of the night Saga's sixth sense not only woke him up, it made him spring up and stay on guard. He had fallen asleep sitting in the floor, leaning his back against the bed in which Kanon laid. He wasn't fully aware his brother was no longer there, but still he walked towards the balcony. Someone was out there, shrouded in shadows and way too close to the handrail than to the door.
– Kanon
– Saga – He was looking down to the valley and the refuge, lost in thoughts. He only gave his brother a side look before looking down again towards the Gemini temple – You haven't rested a bit, have you?
– No... – "why are you worried about me when you are the one who spent so many days unconscious?"
Kanon let go a long sigh
– Athena is waiting for me. – Kanon moved towards the door – I'd rather go to her.
– Wait – Saga didn't move aside. Kanon stood before him, but with his gaze down. – What can I do to fix this? Us? If I have to wait thirteen years, I'll...
– Life is too short to waste it waiting for things that'll never come to pass, Saga – Said Kanon placing a hand on his brother's shoulder. The older twin felt a bolt of pain striking him hard through his chest
– There must be something, someway... – it was almost a plea
As Kanon stepped pass Saga, the former Gemini saint grabbed the hand letting go of him and the collar of his brother's shirt, pulling him for a desperate kiss.
Kanon's heart skipped a beat, but Saga failed to notice. Since he got no other perceptible reaction from his brother, Saga pulled back, feeling disappointed to the point of even feeling sick, he was convinced Kanon's frown was one of disgust
– I'm sorry… I won't bother you again…
Shrouded in his misery Saga turned to the balcony and looked out as Kanon stared at him hesitant before walking towards the exit. The pope closed his eyes as the door opened. Once it closed he felt as being shoot and bended over in pain.
– You are an idiot! – exclaimed a wicked and furious voice in the darkness – What the hell are you crumbling down for? Turn around and go get him!
– Leave him alone… – Mumbled Saga – Just leave him alone
– What are you talking about? Are you seriously going to let that maggot just look down on you? On the Pope? And walk about like he owns the place? You ought to teach that ingrate a good lesson, he must know his place!
– Stop! Shut up already! All this time it's been me making his life a hell. I won't consent on it anymore. You know your place and let him be, or I'll… ARG! – Saga fell to his knees holding his head
– or you what? what are you going to do, ridiculous weakling? Without me you'd be still clinging to his tunic. You are too weak to stand on your own. I made you the strongest saint alive!
– You are wrong… it was him… – Saga made an effort to stand up – If I ever were the strongest saint alive it was because of him… to keep him away from the battlefield… Kanon… – The pope looked up to the Gemini constellation – I was so happy to learn he was alive and well, so proud to see him wear the gold cloth… – Saga walked towards the balcony – He is stronger than me already and… I'm sure… – but he bended again in pain when he reached it, yet he struggled to remain standing – He'll be the greatest Gemini saint in history…
– Nonsense! That treacherous little…
– …so long I keep you away from him! – Saga's cosmos began burning wildly – GEMINI!
But as soon as he called for the third gold cloth, his appearance changed. His hair turned grey as he leaned on the handrail.
– You are two of a kind, treacherous scum. – He said standing straight – Did you really thought Gemini would come over for the likes of you? One more thing Kanon stole, one more thing to make him pay for.
– Stop…
– Go back to sleep, chump, I'll take care of everything this time…
– No…
– Saga! – Kanon rushed towards him followed by the other gold saints wearing their sacred cloths
– Kanon! – He turned back to be himself for a brief moment but – No! Back off!
– Darn it, how many times do you need to get killed to stay dead? – Said the evil voice to the gold saints – Aren't you tired of it?
– Who are you, coward? – Demanded Aioria
– Huh? I'm Pope Saga of course. – Said the evil entity with a grin – You know that already
– Bullshit! – Screamed Kanon – You are some meddling deity taking cover under my brother's flesh. Identify yourself!
– Ah–ah, Kanon. That's no language to speak at Athena's temple.
– I'll send you to her as tribute as an apology.
– Oh you want to fight me? All of you? who is the coward in here? Although it doesn't matters, you were no match for me before, you aren't now. So come! All of you or one by one, it's the same. Death was not nice before, it hasn't change since the last time. You all were granted new lives, why waste them in here?
– No, they will not fight you. I called them over to keep you from running away with Saga. I'm more than enough to deal with you
– You? Sorry, I don't think you'll dare. I've abused you for so long in so many ways that the only logical explanation for you letting me have my way every time is that you enjoy it maybe even more than I do. I don't think you can do squat.
– Saga! Did you heard what he said? – Kanon approached with determination. – He just confessed, before all these witnesses and me. He did it all. I always found pretty disturbing how everyone said Gemini Saga was the living depiction of a saint, and yet he could just trash me around on a wimp and act as if nothing happened. To me you were just a psycho, a megalomaniac. But now it makes sense. There's no way you could commit all those atrocities and keep going. It wasn't either that you happened to forget. – The evil entity grinned the teeth – You were not actually there. It was him!
– Ah! – Saga took his hands to his head
– Identify yourself at once!
– I am… Gemini Saga…
– No! – Screamed the real Saga – Who… are you?
– He is surely a Nyx, but not one of the tough ones, because those we already defeated. No, some irking maggot Hades just wanted out of the way of the real battle. "If he fails, no harm done; if he succeeds, good for us." Right? Let's see… At first I thought maybe you could be Apate, considering how you fooled everyone up until now, but in 30 years you haven't actually accomplished much, so no. You have nothing good to say about anything, and talking ill stuff seems to be your only ability, which explains why you had to take a very powerful person to actually have things done. so… Are you Momus? – The wicked entity gave Kanon a killer glare. – I nailed it! Momus, one of the few nyxes allowed into Olympus, who was kicked out because of his insufferable nagging. Because that is all you know how to do! – Kanon wasn't holding back his taunting in the least – You've taken hold of one of the most powerful humans on earth and all you achieved was getting him killed. No, worse than that! In 30 years you haven't been able to fully subdue one human, let alone the whole mankind. Some god you are! A complete disgrace! But that's to be expected because it happened to be my brother Gemini Saga the one human you choose to take on and he can not to be subdued by the likes of you! You lost before you even started!
– Insolent mortal. – Momus couldn't take such arrogant mockeries any longer – I should have killed you when I got the chance
– How you like to talk big. – But Kanon kept making fun of him – If you could kill me, I'd be already dead. You got plenty chances. But Saga would never let you. He kept watching out for me despite your constant instigation. Admit it, you are but a failure. Do the other Nyxes still talk to you? When was the last time you communicated? If I were them I would pretend that I do not know you and walk the other way.
– I don't need them! I'll kill you myself! – Momus sprang forward and grabbed Kanon in a lock, ready to snap his neck. – Humans should learn their place, I am a god!
– Kanon! – The other saints worried, but he stopped them with a gesture of his hand
– Any last smart remarks, idiot?
– Saga, I always blamed you for a great deal of things when in all honesty I wasn't quite the good brother I could have, I used your alleged wickedness to justify my own. So if this is your will, if you want me dead I'm ok, I won't blame you, go on. But if it is not your will, and you are only submitting to this guy, I will never forgive you! You hear me?! Fight him off and decide yourself! – Kanon's cosmos rose and Saga's resonated with his forcing Momus to let go.
– Kanon! – He let go.
– Saga! – Kanon turned around and trapped his brother in a lock – You've fought this leech on your own all your life, never allowing it to completely take over. But now you are not alone, let's do one more effort, Saga! Don't give in just yet! – Their cosmos burned up wildly – Now, Athena, Shion!
Then a powerful beam of golden light shone on them
– No! what is this? – Screamed the dreadful voice – Not again!
– Leave my brother alone, you pest! – Kanon placed the seashell locket on his brother's chest. Saga screamed like he was being split in half. A burst of hostile cosmos hit the balcony and both twins fell to the void. The rest of the gold saints looked down from the broken structure of the pope's private chambers. The only one to follow them down was Shura.
Shion and Athena appeared then among them. The holy girl was carrying her shining shield
– Shion, bring them up.
The former pope did as told so he teleported the twins and their friend up from the bottom of the cliff.
– Saga? – Kanon was kneeling down holding a fainted Saga, Shura was next to them – Saga… wake up… – There was a trail of blood in his face
Shaka approached and channeled the Pope as he had done with Mu
– I can't find any significant physical damage or any anomaly in his cosmos
Aioria got close and used his healing abilities to no avail. Saga didn't respond.
Kanon's cosmos began burning warm and gentle, calling for his brother – Don't leave me… – Saga's cosmos began resonating with his twin. The older Gemini frowned and a pained sigh escaped his lips as he leaned against his brother.
– Kanon? – Saga shuddered before trying to hold himself up. – What happened? – He put a hand to his head but stared blankly at it when he got it wet in his own blood.
– I got him… – He showed Saga the locket. – Momus won't bother you again…
– Momus, the god of blame, – Said Shion and Saga turned to him – Another offspring of Nyx…
– Was I possessed? – Saga was still too out of sorts to fully understand what was going on
– It was Poseidon who figured that out and gave Kanon Theseus' locket to pull him away. – Said Athena
– I'm sorry… – Saga turned in Kanon's direction as he whispered – Saga… for leaving you alone with that for so long… – Only Saga could see the streams of tears Kanon tried to hid behind his hands and he was deeply moved.
He hugged his little brother and Kanon couldn't help to hug him back, but he tensed up as the older Gemini leaned on him and turned limb.
– Saga!
– Won't you patch me up? – Nobody but Kanon heard the faint whisper
– How bad is it? – Kanon grabbed him, afraid he would faint. Saga just shook his head. – Hold on. – Kanon lifted Saga up and took him to the bathroom – Shura!
The Capricorn followed them and helped Kanon get all the supplies to patch up Saga as the other saints went out. He left them in the bathroom deeply surprised at the care and concern on which Kanon tended his brother.
– A shower would definitely do us good… – considered Kanon and turned the faucets – Come on, rid of this – He softly told Saga as he helped him take off his tunic and the rest of his clothes. He just leaned on the wall as Kanon stripped too. – careful not to slip. – He told his brother as he helped him into the shower. Saga didn't do much aside from leaning on Kanon as he cleaned and dried them both. With a towel wrapped around, Kanon made him sit down as to look at the wound on his head. – It looks like a scratch, you've had worse…
– You ought to know – Mumbled Saga with a faint smile in his face. He remembered many times his little brother tended his wounds in the darkness of Gemini's private chambers
– How do you feel? – Asked Kanon and his brother immediately leaned against him as if too tired to support himself straight. – I'll be done in a minute… – Replied Kanon as he finished patching him up – Should we go to sleep? – Saga groaned. Kanon took him to the bed and helped him put on some clothes after getting dressed himself. He wasn't feeling like going back to sleep, he just woke up. So he waited until his brother fell asleep to get out of the room.
As expected Shion and Athena were waiting for him in the Pope studio
– How are you feeling? – Asked Shion
– Trashed.
– And Saga?
– Same. He is asleep. I'd like to return this to Poseidon… – He showed them the locket, it glowed eerily and they all felt like someone was staring back from within – We don't have a safe place to put it. And it will be dangerous to keep it where there's so many people. There'll be less chances for it to fall in the wrong hands if it is kept at Atlantis vault.
– can you do this alone? – Asked the holy girl.
– If Shion drops me by Cape Sounion it'll be safer.
– Where?
– Atop the cliff – And so, Shion took Kanon over there. The sea was supernaturally restless – It seems he is expecting me…
– be careful, Kanon.
He nodded and jumped into the waves. Right after the splashed water settled, the sea recovered it's calm. It didn't took him long to return. He went up the way of the temples until he reached Athena's hall at sunrise. After reporting he was allowed to seal the locket in Atlantis vault, the only actually secure place he'd known, he went back to check on his brother. Saga was completely asleep. And so he sat down in his bed for a moment, he was exhausted. He was so ready to be knocked out for another week, he just laid down and fell asleep right away.
Worried, Shion went to check on them around noon, and he found it really unusual to have the twins so peacefully sleeping next to each other, like the world was of no concern to them. He decided to let them be at least until sunset. He'll try to wake them up by then because he really needed to properly asses their health.
A little before that, Kanon's sixth sense woke him up. Saga was having a nightmare, he was clenching the bed sheets and frowning. Kanon held him tight and shook him a little
– Wake up, Saga. It's only a dream – He was careful not to be hit in case Saga made any sudden move. But the older Gemini did open his eyes upon his brother contact, although he looked around without recognizing his surroundings. At least until he found his concerned eyes looking back at him.
– Kanon… – He whispered after touching his brother cheek to confirm he was not looking into a mirror. Kanon nodded and Saga relaxed.
– How are you feeling? – Asked the younger twin sitting up
– Lightheaded… – He took a hand to his head
– Well that's good. It means there's only you in there.
Saga half smiled to his brother's joke
– How long we slept?
– I got no idea. – Kanon turned to the clock – A century or more for all I know. But first things first… – He lend a hand to his brother
– Why do you want a shower before food? – complained Saga before accepting his brother help to stand up. They proceeded carefully. The world did spin a bit around Saga but it soon passed.
– call me a cleanliness freak. I've noticed I'm more obsessive than Camus. Maybe that's what happens when hygiene items are scarce, I'd really enjoy them when available… can you walk?
– Yeah… sort of – Saga though about Kanon living in the wild. – Won't you like to try the roman bath?
– What? Sure.
Kanon helped Saga reach the place since the floor refused to stay completely still under his feet. The younger Gemini opened his eyes wide when he saw the baths.
– Never tried one?
– Never though I'll ever try one again.
Kanon shook his head. They quickly cleaned themselves at the showers and entered the bath. Ah, the water was so good…
– Kanon…
– Huh?
– What you said is not entirely true
– Is it ever? – he rolled his eyes – What you mean?
– About Momus… about him being the one committing all crimes and not me. It's not true. All he could do was talk ill about everything. He indeed took hold of me for one or other thing every now and then but he never got complete control over me as Hades did with young Andromeda saint. So even when I was possessed, it is only a mitigating circumstance, it does not exonerate me.
– could you please cut your selfless martyr act, please? – Said Kanon annoyed
– It's not an act… – Saga was deeply worried, but as much as he needed to come clean from all this mess, he didn't wanted to trigger another fight with Kanon
– I know, but I'm not in the mood to hear you speak like that. My goodness tolerance is riding low… – the twins fell silent for a moment, but then the younger spoke – I do forgive you Saga, everything. I've made a life out binding people to my will despite whatever was going on with them. I've seen the consequences of this for others. So I can understand what you went through, being prey of someone like that. Besides, it was a god, not just any smart–ass. I'm actually impressed you managed to coupe with him for so long. I can only image how it was like to have him 24/7 in the back of your head. You too please forgive me for doubting you, for not noticing and helping you sooner… and for using you as an excuse to wreak havoc.
Saga nodded.
– thank you, Kanon. – he mumbled.
They both relaxed as they enjoyed the bath.
Saga looked down for a moment. Then he looked around as if he had never before been in there. Kanon noticed he shuddered slightly before sliding a bit further into the water
– What is it?
It took Saga a while to answer
– It's too silent… – He whispered before sliding until the water reached his chin
Surprised, Kanon looked around. Well it was indeed too silent, but haven't it always been like that? "Surely not". Noticing how uncomfortable Saga was, Kanon began humming the first random tune that he could think of.
It was Saga's turn to be surprised, but also glad.
– Aren't you getting hungry? – Asked Kanon noticing how Saga was getting drowsy again
– Since I woke up. Are we clean enough yet?
Kanon splashed Saga's face
– Now we are, let's go
So they went out of the bath, dried themselves and went into Saga's dressing room. Kanon had to wear his brother's cloths since he didn't had anything else, but just as he finished dressing, the lights went out.
– Hey! what gives? – But Saga pulled the garment down and so Kanon saw in the full body mirror he was wearing the pope's black robe – What? Wait, no! take it off! – He tried to take it off
– Leave it on! – Saga did the top buttons so Kanon couldn't take it off and ended up struggling with the garment as if it were a strip jacket
Then they heard someone entering the main chamber and knocking on the door. The twins exchanged looks as the same mischievous though crossed their minds.
– coming!
They nodded in agreement and Kanon hurried to properly wear the robe as Saga helped him get everything else.
Shion, Shura, Shaka and Aioria had gone to check on the twins. The former Pope knocked on the room and felt relived upon hearing a reply. They didn't waited long before the door opened.
– Huh? – Shaka was surprised. He noticed the swap right away
– Saga, Kanon, good to see you awake – but Shion didn't
– I guess you must be fine if you are in the mood to be playing silly pranks. – Said Shura
– pranks? – Shion looked closely at the twins still not getting what the prank was
– I told you the goat wouldn't fall for it. – Said Kanon to Saga. The name calling gave him away
– Kanon?! – Shion and Aioria were stunned.
– In all my life I've never been able to fool him. – He said taking off the necklaces and trying to figure out how to remove the sash – Help me out! – He asked Saga, who immediately set it loose so Kanon continued – I wonder why? – And gave Shura a suspicious look while he undid the buttons at the back of the tunic – How do you reach the rest? – He asked Saga
– You just need to undo two and you can take it off – He just pointed the obvious
– Well, duh – Said his brother and pulled up the tunic
– You are simply not so handsome – Said the Spaniard in his neutral matter–of–factly way
– WHAT!? – Screamed Kanon dramatically tossing the tunic to the floor. Saga hurried to pick it up if only to hide his face in case he blushed up. – I thought I'd rid us of warmongers but it seems I missed one.
– You were going to find out one way or other, you got talent for that, so better I tell you myself. The one I like is your brother, not you. I'm sorry.
– Oh, yeah? What does he have, that I don't!? – great mistake – No, don't…
– Papacy
– Answer… – Kanon got mad for walking straight to that one – I know I can't compete on that but do you need to be so mean?! – He claimed as if offended, and turned away – It's your loss, Shura. Such selfish interest would lead you nowhere. Just don't come to me crying once Saga friend–zones you for life.
– Not even with a rum bottle?
Kanon spun around quickly and approached Shura
– Make it five and I'll surely be there for you – He said in a conspiratorial way while passing an arm around his friend's shoulders – come rain or shine!
– Talking about selfish interests – Saga rolled his eyes
– Throw in a few more and I might even help you out, because what are friends for?
– Hey!
– Deal – They shook hands
– HEY! How much help do you think he can be if I'm hearing all your evil plotting?!
– See how I can't ever mistake you?
Letting go of the Spaniard, Kanon considered it all and agreed, but still gave Shura another suspicious look
– ok, today I'll go with it… – He then turned to Saga then back to Shura and added – But, just in case, I'll be watching you – But then Shura made a front double biceps pose, not that he were the most muscular dude around – Ok, I won't!
– I could have gone for a side chest pose, but it won't work with a shirt
– Thanks Athena. Let's leave it like that. – Then, something occurred to Kanon but just before he could do anything Saga put a hand on his shoulder – Those are MY cloths. Go tear yours elsewhere, Hercules.
– Aww, Saga!
– The least I need is a bodybuilder exhibit in here. First because I'll beat you both any day, second because… – but Saga trailed off and Shura was the only one to react fast enough to keep him from hitting the ground. Both him and Kanon helped him to the sofa.
– What a way to score some points, goat – Shura ignored him as Saga just gave his brother a disapproval look, but Kanon just pushed him a bit and added – Make it double and get us some bruncher, won't you?
Shura nodded and went away
– bruncher? – Asked Shion
– breakfast, lunch, dinner – explained Saga as Kanon sat beside him
– How long were we out? What time and date is it?
After a week of apparent calm, once more a mayor commotion shook the sanctuary. All saints rushed out to the point of conflict.
There, at cape Sounion, a crazy sequence of explosions threatened to shatter the land.
– What is going on?!
– Those are Kanon and Saga – Said Shura
– Is it a battle of 1000 days?
– Did they finally reached breakdown?
– That's not it – Shaka was admired at the twins' power
At times the ground shook, the sea was pushed back, steam clouds raised to the sky, intense burst of light made almost everyone look away and step back.
– Athena!
Seiya saw her first. She was standing on the cliff looking down at the battle taking place all around her. Aioria was the first one to reach her before a mayor collision threw off balance most bronze and silver saints.
And then they saw the twins.
They were dressed more or less the same, nobody could tell who was who. They stood still as if caught in each other's illusions, their intense looks hooked to one another, their cosmos raising at unbelievable levels. It created a vortex of sand, seawater and wind.
– Galaxian Explosion!
Everyone moved back as two galaxian explosions collided and tore the landscape into a pillar of light.
As the light faded, the saints looked down. Both Kanon and Saga where standing challenging at the edges of a crater in the beach. Both looked mostly unscratched and their cosmos still kept the sea at bay.
There was a sudden change in the atmosphere, and one of them rose a hand towards the sea.
– Another dimension!
Just like that a gate to another dimension opened. The one to open it was surely Saga.
He closed it, then
– Another dimension… – He reopened it slower this time
Kannon mimicked him. He concentrated his cosmos… but he couldn't pull it. So Saga closed the gate and showed him again how to open it.
– Another dimension!
– Another dimension!
A second gate opened next to the first one. But it was too unestable. Kanon closed it and tried again as Saga held his open.
– Another dimension!
The initial instability soon passed as Kanon was able to hold it.
Saga's gate closed, but then the older Gemini interfered in the other one.
– Dimensional vortex!
The gate to another dimension distorted and became a violent vortex pulling the sea, the sand and the air. They held it under control for a moment, then they made it collapse and close. And suddenly…
– Another dimension!
It was clear that Kanon didn't expected Saga to drag them both to another dimension as he got surprised and tried to escape unsuccessfully.
– What just happened?
– They got dragged away?
In the Gemini's absence, the sea came back and filled up the crater
– Don't panic.
– But Milo…
– They should be back any moment…
– How do you know that?
– Saga saved me once taking us away from the battlefield with that technique
– I thought only the lemurians could teleport.
– With my teleportation I can move from a place to another. – Explained Shion – The Gemini's another dimension is another thing altogether, it can not only move matter, but energy itself and alter the flow of time, subjected to the will of its creator. Saga learned it by himself after he acquired the Gemini cloth, the same way Kanon learned his "vanishing" abilities from the Gemini's restrain. Gemini Aspros took Mephistopheles Yoma to a dimension that moved faster than light, therefore negating his time control techniques. Then he took us through the gods passage from the underworld to the Elysium
– Here they come
The gate opened again and the twins appeared. Off course Kanon's aim was off and they fall to the water.
Both Camus and Milo jumped down from the cliff not really knowing if they should be worried or not.
– So now we have a pool instead of a beach...
The first one to surface was Saga, he just stayed by the edge, not really willing to get out yet
– Good morning to you too, Saga... – Called Milo
He looked at him and nodded, but didn't said a thing.
– What was this all about? – Camus looked up to Athena, who Aioria was escorting away
– Care to give me a hand? – Said Kanon once he surfaced next to his brother
Camus leaned forward to help him out, but immediately regretted it when Kanon grabbed him and pulled him into the water
– What?!
Milo was so surprised, he couldn't avoid getting pushed into the water too by Saga, who had just gone out from there
– What's the big idea!?
– Nothing at all. – Said Kanon swimming to the edge and getting out.
– One bloody scary pair... – Said Deathmask
– You've been strangely quiet today. – Said Saga back at his chambers, when both twins were preparing to sleep
– You sure you are better now? – Said Kanon sitting on the bed – Can you really resume your activities tomorrow?
– I can't stay idle forever. Shion has been covering up for me but I am the pope. I must resume my post and tomorrow is a day as good as any other… – Kanon remained quiet – Why? – Saga noticed now it was his brother the anxious one
– All of a sudden I feel like running away…
– What?
– Actually I was hoping you'd join me – He said with an ironic smirk but without looking at his twin
– Why? Did something happen? – Saga sat on the bed next to him
– No, it's just… – Kanon trailed off. Why wouldn't he look up?
– I'm just resuming management, you know? Locking myself in the study to figure out how to get us supplies to keep us going until the next holly war. Shura told me you kept yourself busy on a pretty tight agenda so you can go back to that. Whether you stay here, go back to Gemini temple or pick someplace else, it's ok, as long as you are available when we need you. You don't need to take on activities as the others, although it'd be a great help for everyone if you do…
– Do you have anything specific you want me to help with?
– The night guards and cadet training
– You want me to look after some kids? – He said alarmed – Like I'm a role model. What am I going to teach them?
– You have been checking us out since you arrived, what do you think we need?
– Are you serious? – He directed a suspicious look towards Saga
– I am. I spend most of my time up here, so I can only know what I get reported. Which means I only see this much – Saga made a circle between his index and thumb – I established the cross teaching to find and close any gaps the individual mentors might have but I don't think that is enough. There are a lot of hurt and inflated egos around. Dealing with that so everyone collaborates towards our common goal it's been a nightmare. I used to rule by fear but you can only go so far on that wagon. I don't really know how to inspire them to do things on their own.
– And I do? – Kanon arched an eyebrow skeptical
– At least better than me. I just had to see you lead Athena's saints and Poseidon's mariners. Not one person hesitated to follow your instructions. Not Mu or Aldebaran who aren't used to stay back. Not the newest saints who hadn't fought a real battle before. Not your old comrades who are not very fond of you. Not anyone.
– When you act like you know what you are doing… – Kanon rolled his eyes and looked down again
– Its more than that
– Yes, actually knowing what you are doing, well, sort of… – He sighed – Although most humans are idiots, even animals understand not dying. So all you need to do is honesty making emphasis in how we are helping to not die and… – There was such lack of conviction he didn't even finished the sentence. He sighed. Why was he so insecure all of a sudden?
Saga wanted to comfort him and so he got closer as to put his arm around Kanon's shoulders, but he retreated immediately when the younger Gemini tensed up and looked away as the older tried to rest his chin on the closest shoulder.
It wasn't quite the gesture or the closeness what got Kanon uneasy. It was that it reminded him of Mu. Well, for the longest time it was the Aries the only one to get concerned enough about the Gemini as to offer any kind of comfort. Kanon missed him dearly, but after he did to him, indeed he felt like running away as far away as possible. He hadn't told Saga anything about it and he doubted he could.
But not knowing what it all was about, Saga misinterpreted the gesture as Kanon still being wary of him and therefore reluctant to be touched by him, instinctively moving away. After all, Saga touch had rarely even brought anything positive for him
Kanon noticed Saga turning gloom as he climbed to the opposite side of the bed. "what did I do?". He feared maybe his brother got disappointed due to his unwillingness to help – Saga?
– I am sorry Kanon. I was just looking for your support, I didn't mean anything else by leaning on you
– Just now?
Saga nodded
It took Kanon a while to get what Saga meant
– Saga… – It was the older twin's turn to tense up – Do you really desire me?
He shifted uneasy before answering
– I'm not sure how much of it was Momus and how much of it was me. I missed you, and it made me crazy with jealousy thinking you might be with someone else
A weird silence took hold of the room. Saga feared the worst when he felt Kanon standing up and walking towards the door, but then the lights went out after the click of the lock was heard. When he turned around, his brother was climbing the bed straight towards him
– How much of it was Momus and how much of it was you… – He said on a husky voice
– Kanon? – But before he could say anything else, Kanon closed in for a deep kiss. Saga instinctively moved back but it was not enough to avoid him. He placed a hand on his brother's shoulder to push him back but ended up pulling him closer. The younger Gemini backed only to sit in his brother's legs and took off his shirt. Saga couldn't really think straight. He grabbed Kanon's hand to stop him but couldn't do much to keep him from reaching his pants – Kanon…
– Shouldn't I trust you?
– You can trust me
– Show me
Kanon kissed Saga again and it was impossible for the former Gemini not to answer back. Saga placed a hand on Kanon's cheek. It caused him to sit even closer on top of his brother, who reacted pushing him up and sending shivers down his back.
But as their excitement grew, Kanon's attention began drifting away, like it did every time he had an encounter with someone he wasn't very interested in. Who could have guessed he could fool himself with his own illusions to make more bearable acts he wouldn't engage into otherwise? That was actually the reason why he could not properly remember most people he shared a bed with. Back then Kanon did it on purpose, only as a means to an end, he could go through such endeavors just to appease himself or get something else from otherwise unwilling people. But this one time he did it unconsciously, rather out of habit?
Unaware of this, Saga's free hand caressed one side of Kanon's face while he placed a track of kisses along his jawline towards his neck and his other hand went to stroke his brother's broad back. The younger Gemini leaned against his older brother.
It was when Saga pushed his twin back against the mattress, that Kanon came back to reality
– Saga... – he whispered as distress began building up in the pit of his stomach
But Saga failed to detect anything odd, aside from the dreadful scar of Poseidon's trident, he had just seen the scars of Milo's needles in that otherwise perfectly tanned skin. When did they fought? Saga's fingers followed their deadly path. All of them but Antares. For Milo to land so many hits, it was clear Kanon wasn't fighting back. He could have killed him, and yet he didn't. "Where was I when this happened?", he frowned mad at himself and leaned forward to kiss one of the scars on Kanon's chest.
It was then when the older Gemini noticed his brother's uneasiness, yet he attributed it to nervousness and leaned forward to kiss those trembling lips. The last of their cloths slid down the side of the bed, but as Saga positioned himself on top of Kanon, the younger Gemini adopted a very submissive attitude that Saga found oddly familiar and not quite right.
– You sure you want to continue? – asked the Pope in a husky voice. The Gemini nodded – you know we can stop at any time – he whispered, but his twin shook his head. As Kanon laid bare under Saga, the younger Gemini began feeling anxious, yet he tried to remain calm
Yet Saga's sixth sense made him hesitate
– go on…
Saga reached for his night stand. After what happened with Shura he decided to be better prepared. Although he wasn't expecting anything close to the current situation. As he opened the drawer to take out a small bottle of lube, he suddenly wondered why Kanon hadn't mentioned anything about it.
– Relax, Kanon…
He indeed was tense, yet he managed to calm himself enough for Saga to properly prepare him for his entrance. Saga became fascinated with his brother. He had never paid enough attention before at how alike they actually were. It was completely surreal.
Saga pulled one of Kanon's knees over his shoulder
– Let me in...
And so Kanon did
Saga kissed Kanon dearly and slowly pressed forward as his brother clung to him and hid his face in the curve of his neck.
– Ah Kanon… – Saga wanted to look at his face to make sure everything was alright, and found it very worrying how reluctant his twin was – Kanon? – he stopped – Kanon… – he insisted. The younger twin finally let go of his brother and lay limply in the bed. A cold hand of fear squished Saga's heart by looking at him. That expression, those eyes. Saga had certainly seen them before, but he couldn't recall where until Kanon turned away. – No, please no, Kanon! – But Kanon was not there at the time, he was lost in his memories of the first and last time they were together like that – Kanon, look at me – As he didn't respond, Saga covered him with his body and rested his forehead in his brother temple, his cosmos shrouded them both – Kanon, please, it's me. – whispered Saga to his ear – I need to know if I'm doing this right or I'm hurting you. I'll stop at any time, just tell me. – Kanon made an effort to look back at Saga. Ah, the warmth of his cosmos was reassuring. It had nothing to do with the one that wrecked him so many years ago.
"It's gone… it's really gone…" Kanon shook off those dreadful feelings and made an assessment, yeah, he was in no real pain, it was only in his mind, in his memories. He held Saga trying to focus in the reality. He began moving calmly. His older twin felt relived and so he gained confidence to continue.
Only then he really began enjoying his brother's attention
– Saga…
Saga placed Kanon's hand on his own shoulder.
"Let go" echoed Saga's voice on Kanon's mind. "let go of those memories. Let me forge you new ones"
– Show me... – "Show me I can trust you again"
– Kanon…
Saga nibbled at the side of Kanon's knee while moving back and forth. The younger twin shifted under the other's weight to better accommodate him.
– better like that? – asked Saga with a smile.
– you tell me – whispered Kanon as he began moving on time with his brother
Saga nodded, oh Kanon could tell he was not going to last much longer. He couldn't help to chuckle amused. Saga tensed up as his thrusts gained speed.
– ah… Kanon… – he looked into those sapphire eyes, looking for the smallest hint of shadow and found none.
– Come now… – said Kanon, looking up to those mirror eyes that reflected all his care and concern, the relief and the sense of safety he felt. He held thigh the man on top of him and kissed him with passion. Saga almost roared as he released all of his sorrow and regret from his soul.
As he lay on top of his brother trying to regain his senses, Kanon held him dearly and stroked his hair. Yet his deep sigh made his brother wary.
– Kanon? – he said moving back
– hn? – As Saga sat on his own legs, Kanon rose on his elbows to look at him
– Kanon you haven't…! – oh, Saga couldn't hide his shame when he noticed Kanon's manhood still hard and loaded. But before he could panic, his brother kissed him dearly again
– don't fret, it's not your fault… – he whispered on those lips. With Momus gone, it was clear to Kanon that his twin was not very experienced in the matter. In retrospective, it was really improbable Saga and Aioros had much chance to experiment all there was to do living how they did.
– but that was not the idea– said Saga a bit calmer but still concerned
Kanon considered it for a moment… – well, uhm… – he found himself unable to voice the obvious alternative at hand…
But Saga got the message – go ahead
Kanon kissed Saga as he took some lube and slid a hand under his older brother. He shivered and grabbed Kanon by the shoulders, slightly leaning on him. Saga couldn't help to moan as his twin prepared him, and what a delightful voice. Kanon rested his head against his brother's neck to better enjoy his voice. Upon noticing the younger's attention, Saga turned away embarrassed, Kanon just smiled and pushed him back to the mattress.
– Ready? – he whispered somewhat nervous. As Saga nodded, Kanon began pressing forward. Once again the former Gemini was expecting a due punishment for his wrong doings, he was expecting Kanon to seize the opportunity to get back at him, and make him pay. But once again he was wrong. Kanon was being just as careful as he had been. Saga let go a deep sigh. – Are you alright? – He nodded.
Kanon didn't intend to take long, but noticing how his twin got excited again, he changed his mind, yet as much as he wanted his older brother to enjoy the moment, he was aware it was not his place to show Saga anything as he had done with Mu.
Mu…
Darn it. what a way to spoil the mood.
Kanon took Saga's ankles and placed his brother's feet on his own chest. The older twin unconsciously began pushing the younger back every time he thrusted forward, increasing the pleasure and need.
Kanon had never paid much attention to his brother either, and upon wondering if that's how he should look too under the same circumstances, he suddenly got mad at all the faceless people he allowed to see him like that. Just one person in the world deserved it aside from his brother and the thought made him thrust faster, willing to witness his brother release once more.
And so he did, seconds before his own climax.
Kanon let go of Saga, allowing him to regain his breath, and lay face down beside him, with a weird mix of feelings about what just happened.
– Would this count as narcissism? – he wondered out loud stretching his arms under the pillows
– At least as messed up, yes – said Saga with a hand covering his face
They both chuckled. Neither could bring himself to feel bad about it
– Kanon… – at the call of his name, the younger Gemini looked up to the older one. Saga lay on his side and looked at him – I've lived my whole life doubting you and I want to change that. From now on I'll believe in you…
Kanon was about to tell him not to do promises he might not be able to keep, but looking into those stern eyes he couldn't say so – You won't be disappointed
– … then please be honest with me. How exactly did you managed to survive all the time I was not there?
– I told you back then. I got a job in a bar with good pay.
– please elaborate
– well, I mopped, swept, washed the dishes, picked up some supplies, made payments, sorted the bar, took one or another customer back home, took out the drunkards or dealt with the troublemakers, whatever the captain needed. He never let me get closer to drinks, much less to the betting tables... there was a small band that played every other day and I at times joined them
Saga rose his eyebrows surprised – what did you play?
– … nothing… – Kanon turned away embarrassed – I sang…
– you ought to be good if they let you do that often
– sort of
– bet you got fans? – Saga remembered the letters he found
– I got good tips – Kanon got even more embarrassed, although he wondered why all of a sudden if he had never really cared about that before.
– is that all? – Saga's gloom tone of voice made Kanon forget about it and turn to him concerned
– pretty much, why? – he was really surprised to find his brother's eyes blurred with tears – Saga?
– that means… Kanon… Kanon, was I your… first…?
Tears rolled down Saga's face as Kanon silenced him with a hand to his mouth
– Saga… – he said in a soft voice – do you remember what happened that night?
Saga shut his eyes as Kanon let go of him – I… raped you, Kanon…
– how, exactly? – Saga blinked surprised by the question – I mean, what exactly did you do? – Saga considered, and tried to recall it… and he could not. "was it that atrocious my own mind blocked it?" – Saga – he turned to his twin – just now you said you'd believe in me. Then believe what I say. Nothing frightened me as much as that dreadful cosmos that's been plaguing my dreams ever since it trashed me and left me to die in the water prison, I could never mistake it, and that was not you. By sharing this night with you, I've confirmed it, it's gone. – Kanon stroked Saga's hair – I'm not a masochist, I've got no reason to cover you up for such an atrocious crime. I'm telling you the truth. – Kanon got closer to his brother – Momus wanted me dead. He would have killed me if you hadn't stopped him every time. – Saga kissed his forehead – Now that he is gone, I don't think I'll ever fear anything again.
When pope Shion announced he would soon chose a successor Saga became restless. Before he could be openly denied what he thought he deserved, he ran away looking for Kanon's support and snapped by not finding him at home. When he went back, he learned Aioros was appointed pope in his absence. He couldn't bear it. Once again he looked out for Kanon but all he got was his curses and mockery. That was it. Kanon was imprisoned, Shion murdered, Aioros framed and the whole sanctuary turned to chaos
– I won't leave you alone again. Kanon, you can always count on me. – Kanon sighed – Also, I don't want to hold you down anymore. Don't you hold back for me either. If there's someone else beside me, I accept it. Feel free to go. But know... I'll always be here for you, whenever you need me. – Kanon looked up not fully understanding why he said such things – Go back to Mu, he must be waiting…
Saga was greatly surprised to see Kanon's hurt expression just before he turned away
– I can't go back… – Said Kanon as tears rolled down his face
– Huh? – Saga was stunned – What do you mean? – He rose from the bed and put a hand on Kanon's shoulder – Kanon?
– I… I've lost Mu forever. I… I can't go back to him.
– Kanon, what are you talking about? – Then Saga remembered Dokko told him they had a major fight at the end of the last meeting – What happened?
– I wasn't supposed to survive… I wasn't supposed to come back… He said… he'd wait for me… so… so I made him forget about me…
– What?– Saga wasn't sure he heard right – How?
– A new technique… I used it against him the night I left… He was so mad… he'd been so down… I wanted him… to at least go back to the way he was before we met… so he could try again with someone else… – Saga was shocked. He had no idea how to handle such a situation, neither as a brother neither as pope. – premeditation… ambush… betrayal… I'm still not one to be in here!