hello!
ok, a lot has happened but i managed to complete another chapter, i hope you like it
sorry it took so long. i usually write stories from the end backwards. I mean, i have the characters and the ending figured out, then I work a way to get there. but i derailed from the original story i had planned when i wrote about kanon erasing mu's memory, so this chapter was completely improvised and the next one will be too. i hope is not so horrible
thanks for your support and feel free to review!
– Didn't you planned to come out and let everyone know you are here once Saga and Kanon fixed their issues? – Asked Shura to the cloaked figure sitting next to him in Athena's gardens
– I'd like to. But Saga is busy supporting Kanon on this one. I'm afraid that if I were to come out now they'll separate…
– I think you are just making excuses. If you don't want to go back, just say so and leave. There are other ways to serve Athena than being imprisoned in here
The cloaked figure sighed
– … I'll talk to Athena…
– You are late already – Shura stood up ready to leave
– Why do you care? I though you'd be better with me out of the picture
– If you were out of the picture, I might be slightly better. But even if you are hiding you are not out of the picture. I don't like secrets, and I'm not Kanon to be sneaking around undetected. I'm getting tired of amusing you, it's becoming too much trouble.
– You just wanna beat me to Saga in plain view, don't you? Since when are you that confident?
– I'm not afraid of taking you on fair and square, actually I think it'd be simpler. Are you hiding from me then?
– In all honesty, I'm rather concerned about them, Saga and Kanon. And also about the legend that's been created around me. Both the good and the bad…
The situation at the sanctuary didn't seem to improve in the least for the gold saints. Granted, Kanon was not as unreachable as before, he could be approached and talked to, his help could be acquired, he would properly attend matters assigned to him, he would still train as usual and manage the mess in the shrinking unclassified section of the library... But he still avoided getting involved in any activity that required more than two or three other people, he would vehemently avoid public places, more so any kind of social events, his economy of words made him manage himself almost in monosyllables, well he even spent most of his free time in seclusion in the third temple, as if the sun would be upset if it ever caught him out not on duty.
– Since my memories were discarded with such ease, I can only assume they had next to no value. – Mu's indifferent green eyes were fixed on Kanon at the time he said such words – So I'm not interested in getting them back. – Shion and Saga were shocked – Let that be his punishment. – He declared and turned around to leave. The former pope tried to make the Aries reconsider, but the Gemini stopped him.
– All this mess happened because I tried to impose my will on someone else. – He explained – That's a mistake I would not dare repeat. If he doesn't want his memories back, we should respect that. I don't think I could bring them back even if I wanted anyways. But, Mu, at least allow me to free you from the influence of my oblivion strike. Shaka is right to fear you might experience some other unknown side effects...
The Aries agreed to that much and so the Virgo and Leo saints were summoned to Athena's hall that morning to assist in the procedure. The Indian saint in particular was not very pleased to learn the Lemurian would be subject of another weird move from the Greek, but he didn't complained until after it all was done, when he found out Mu's memories were not coming back. At light speed Shaka punched Kanon so hard, he hit and damaged the nearest wall with the power of the impact
– Shaka! – Since the Virgo seemed ready to blast away the Gemini, the former Pope stood between them as the actual pope hurried to check on his twin. – Stop!
– What is wrong with you? – Demanded the Leo, who was busy attending a fainted Aires.
Shaka couldn't say a thing, he couldn't explain himself, he just felt an urge to murder Kanon like he never felt before. He got scared. More so when the Greek looked up at him accepting in silence whatever he decided to do to him.
– Stay away from him... – That's all he could mutter. Kanon nodded and Shaka backed away
– Take care of him... – Pleaded Kanon as he saw Aioria and Shaka take Mu away.
Once the door to the main hall closed behind them, bitter tears began flowing down Kanon's face. The world blurred away in a light so bright, he couldn't stand looking at it. He tried to hide from it, to flee from it, but he couldn't stop shaking, he couldn't put himself together not even to crawl away from the spot he had crumbled at. This time, not one sound came out of his mouth, he completely lacked the strength to pull the needed air to scream of despair, to plea for mercy or help.
Yet Saga reached out for him and Kanon abandoned himself to his brother's care.
That night as the gold saints and their disciples were going back to their chambers for the night, they were greatly surprised to find Shaka and Aioria about to punch each other before Aries altar
– But it is not alright! There must be something we can do!
– Stay out of it, Shaka! You'll only make things worse! If you do care about Mu, stay put and help me out in here!
– But...!
– It's over, just let it go!
– No! I cannot let it go! I cannot! You were not there! Aioria, you were not there the night Shion was murdered. Everything changed, just everything... I did think it all was lost then, and just when I was starting to accept that, I saw hope and I had faith and I cannot just let it go again! I owe him that much!
– Faith... Prove your faith staying put and letting things find their way on their own!
– Dammit Aioria! We made an oath to protect people back when we got the gold cloths, have you forgotten? How can we call ourselves gold saints if we cannot protect one person?
– You are confusing things. We are here to protect all people, not just the lucky ones you or I care about! You are being selfish and are getting obsessed, and you are no good to anyone like that!
Watching Shaka so desperate and nervous was as disturbing as watching Aioria afraid. As they got back inside Aries private chambers disregarding everyone else, Milo followed them to find out what was going on while the others continued their way up.
– I wonder if this has anything to do with Kanon
As soon as Shura heard Angelo mutter such things to Aphrodite, he sprang forward full speed towards Gemini temple. Since he confirmed it was empty, he tried to reach to his friend through cosmos and he found it even more disturbing not to get a reply. So he reached out to Saga instead, he explained everything. The Capricorn rushed up, making a small stop at his temple
When he got to the pope's chambers he found Saga really worried about his brother who had spent all day in bed, not sleeping, drinking or eating a thing, don't even speaking a word. Well, at least he was not wasted like the last time but…
Saga wondered what would Shura do with his guitar. But if he expected him to play something nice, he was completely mistaken. The Capricorn dragged a chair from the living room to the dorm, making a lot of noise. Then he slumped on it and began playing, loudly and fast.
Well for Saga it wasn't quite bad, but for Kanon it was annoying as hell.
– Where did you learn to play? At a deaf hall or a Parkinson support club?
– By myself, mostly. How is it?
– Had you played at Hades hall, we would have won faster. Even Orpheus would have killed himself – He covered his head with a pillow, but Shura kept playing – quit that already! – He threw Shura the pillow, that didn't hit the mark – Saga, take him out!
– He let me in
– Darn impertinent goat chop. – He buried his head in the pillows – What are you planning to achieve?
– Getting you out of bed
– Hn, I'm not going to die, if that is what you are concerned about
– Oh, I know, but your brother doesn't
– Hn…
To Saga's surprise, Kanon fell asleep like that, he was too tired already. So Shura stopped the noise and both him and the pope walked out.
– Do you mind if I join you for breakfast tomorrow? – Asked the Spaniard
– Please do so!
And so Shura came back early next morning. And as he expected, Kanon was out of bed waiting for breakfast with his brother. That day both twins went back to their duties. But it was clear the younger Gemini wasn't alright.
Afterwards, Shura, Milo and Camus tried their best not to leave him alone, despite there weren't that many options to cheer him up.
– This is no different than a prison! – Of course, the Scorpio freaked out when he stepped into Gemini chambers
– of course it is, there's a sink and a bathroom…
Disregarding Kanon's comment, Milo and Camus rushed out to the villages at the closest opportunity they got to find anyone who could help them make the place more comfortable.
Saga would visit him every afternoon, but they didn't speak much, they didn't need to. Either would prepare dinner and, after finishing it, they both would go to one of Gemini's balconies and look at the stars for a long while. He would normally leave once Angelo arrived.
The Cancer had adopted the custom of sharing one or two beers with the Gemini, in his way to his temple, sometimes Saga or Shura would join them. If Aphrodite was around, he'd keep them company although he wouldn't drink beer. He once carried a bottle of wine yet one glass made Kanon drowsy faster than anyone expected.
– How can he ingest that much liquor and still pull his tricks but half a glass of our wine knocks him cold like that? – Aphrodite was offended
– You poisoned him! – Angelo would mock him for a while.
– Allow me to remind you Camus prepared this! I just grew the grapes
By this time all gold saints and their disciples knew about what happened between the Aries and the Gemini saints. And to them all it was pretty disturbing how Mu would go through his daily routines as if nothing happened. Well that was the point. But that was not so…
Maybe if no one had explained him what happened, if no one had told him about Kanon and their relationship, the oblivion technique would have served its purpose. He was free from its influence, but that didn't mean he recovered his memories. So instead of him going back to the way he was when he began living in the sanctuary, Mu grew more and more distant. There was something missing, he had been robbed of something precious, he had no idea what it was but it was done by someone he trusted. He felt that his dignity had been run over, by someone close to him, and this time on purpose.
He was fed up with people having him at their disposal. He wouldn't have any of that anymore. And the definitive way to achieve that was just cutting off from everyone. And to that end his polite gentleness mask got stuck in his face, making completely impossible to reach him. He turned almost as unreadable as Shura, only that Shura didn't do it on purpose. Mu, on the other hand, didn't want to get involved with anyone anymore. And there was no freaking way to approach him. Not even for Shion. To both him and Kiki, Mu's psyche had become a hard block of marble.
And if there was any doubt about it at first, it became alarmingly obvious when not only he began wearing long sleeves in plain summer and declining all invitations to go out, but at one time that Kiki took his hand to take him to see something in the workshop and Mu just jerked his hand free and turned away.
– Later… – He told Kiki with a cold smile
– Hey! – But the kid was not alone. Shion, Dokko, Saga and Kanon were coming from the road to the workshop – It's me you are mad at – Kanon's call met a death glare from the Aries, yet he managed to pretend he couldn't care less – Quit taking it on everyone else and care for your duties as smith. This might be important. – The Aries gesture visibly affected the kid and that was something the Gemini would not quite tolerate. Saddly there were more urgent matters to attend
– Let's go… – It visibly pissed off Mu, so he turned to the workshop disregarding everyone but Kiki.
Shion and Dokko followed them, wondering if the Gemini would too, but the twins went up the stairs to their temple instead. Kanon though Mu would pay more attention to the matter at hand without him in the room.
Everyone was losing hope of ever getting things fixed.
In the end, the problem Kiki ran into was a really puzzling and important one. A dark dent had appeared at the Gemini cloth breastplate and no matter what the young smith did, he could not fix it. Neither Kanon or Saga had any idea how it happened, neither recalled ever hitting it or being hit in the chest while wearing it, but both were certain it was not there during the fight with Amphititre. Did Momus made it? Shion also tried his hand at it but couldn't make it any better. So Mu was the last resort…
After reporting at Saga, Athena and Shion that he was no better and he would need to go Jamir to check some documents that might help, he went down to his temple with a hell of a mood, but halfway there he realized he had turned to Virgo's private chambers instead.
"what am I doing here?"
He turned around and walked towards the exit but he ran into Shaka in the way to the temple main hall.
– Mu… – Shaka was surprised
– Oh, hi…
– Where you looking for me? – He added hopefully. Although something must be real wrong, because by stepping inside the Virgo temple Mu should have realized if Shaka was around or not, so there was no need for him to go all the way to the private chambers to knock the door…
– My mistake, I'm just tired – Mu tried to escape but not with real conviction. Shaka did notice how out of sorts he was and couldn't bring himself to just let his friend go like that
– There's still a long way down to Aries… – He insisted and noticed how his friend suddenly turned defensive. A simple "rest in here" would have usually followed such a statement, but the Virgo intuited how counterproductive it would be to word his concerned invitation like that – Would you like to rest in here? – It worked, somehow the Aries relaxed and considered it.
He was indeed tired, so he followed his friend inside
– Isn't Shun around?
– No, he went out camping with his friends to the creek. Would you like to dinner?
– Hn… – He didn't recall Kiki saying anything about it. Was he not invited?
Mu didn't reply but followed his friend mechanically through the living room to the bar where Shaka began making dinner. As Mu took a seat, Shaka brought over the ingredients for a salad
– Pick what you'd like
– Whatever you are having
Mu wasn't even paying attention to what Shaka was doing. He began eating absentmindedly once his friend joined him at the table. They both ate in silence. But as Mu ate, something unusual made him pay attention to his surroundings. An unusual flavor. And he looked down at the salad he was eating… A Mediterranean salad. With olives. And. Cheese. And… no turnips.
– Since when do you like this kind of food? – Asked Mu who wasn't used to eat such things at Virgo. The blond usually prepared Indian dishes.
– I'm impartial to it. But it seems Shun likes it better than my regular cooking. Japanese food is not as readily available… Do you like it?
– I do.
Actually, Mu seemed to cheer up a bit with the food. But he was still tired.
– Thanks, Shaka – He said taking the dishes to the kitchen once they finished
– oh, just leave them there. – Said the blond.
– No way, you already made me dinner. It's the least I can do
– … would you spend the night here?
– Mmm… alright
– I'll prepare the room then…
He left before Mu could stop him. Shaka just wanted to make sure he had an extra pillow available but… well Mu said he'll stay, that doesn't necessarily mean in his bed, or even in his room, but that's what he had always done, so… In the remote case he would indeed stay in his bed that didn't meant they'd… all of a sudden, Shaka had no idea what exactly he should prepare. He stayed before the closet, clutching the pillow he had just taken out.
– Shaka? – called Mu from the doorway
– I really suck at caring for others – He said turning away
– Huh? – Mu blinked surprised not quite getting what he meant. When the Virgo left, the Aries thought that maybe he had a mess at his room he wanted to straighten before letting his friend in, but upon looking around Mu remembered Shaka didn't have much stuff to make a mess with anyways.
Shaka opened his eyes wide when Mu leaned on him and gently made him turn around to kiss him. The Virgo could almost taste the Aries bitter sadness in that soft, slow kiss
If only… if only he could make things better…
For a brief moment, their eyes met.
"such severe isolation doesn't suit you..."
Who had told Mu that? It was true. Cutting everyone off had been a punishment more to himself than to anyone else. A punishment for being the fool to go trusting people who do not deserved it. But it was doing more damage than good. As time went by, far from feeling better, Mu was getting angrier and tired by consequence.
Shaka had been the only one to bear with him and remain by him despite not really getting what was going on, not agreeing with what was going on when he did understand, Mu turning him down, and Mu acting like a jerk in general. Even at that very moment, Shaka was willing to help him out, but… how willing?
As answer to his unvoiced question, the Virgo turned to him to deepen the kiss, but also to hug him. Well an actual hug was a rare gesture from him, he was far from being the warmest person in the bunch. He was really concerned about his Aries friend
"Maybe if you had shared with them a bit more about what was going on with you, things would have gone differently"…
Mu rested his forehead on his friend's temple and Shaka gave him a gentle push with his head. As one of the Indian's hands fell to the Lemurian's waist, Mu frowned yet one of his hands pulled the uttarasanga as its owner stepped back so it would loosen.
The Aries' hands quickly found their way under the yellow garment. The warmth of the Virgo's body was comforting. And so the guardian of the first temple found himself desperately needing such warmth since he felt completely frozen over. He kissed Shaka's neck as if trying to suck it up.
Recognizing the sudden urge, the sixth guardian couldn't help but to encourage such behavior by wrapping his arm around Mu's waist and pulling from the cord of his tunic to undo the knot
Yet Shaka found the gesture weird. It wasn't something Mu used to do… and all of a sudden Shaka thought that despite his own desire to share the night with him, it might not be a good idea. Every encounter changes people, and Shaka wasn't quite mentally prepared to find out how much Mu had changed because of Kanon… "but didn't he complained I didn't know him anyways?" Shaka discarded the cord. Mu's red scarf fell to the ground the same as Shaka's sanghati
Mu's hand slid down Shaka's left shoulder under the uttarasanga. Somehow, he was expecting his friend to be tense. He placed his other hand on the Virgo's shoulders just to confirm it. On second thoughts, it would have been weird, Shaka would be the last person to be tense. Mu felt a tad disappointed of not being able to help.
The Indian cupped that pearly face in his hands and kissed him dearly again. Mu's hands easily found their way under the yellow cloth and pulled it loose. It fell to the floor with a muffled sound as Shaka guided Mu towards his bed.
As he sat on the mattress and pulled his friend closer, his hands found their way under the impertinent shirt covering the alabaster body standing between his legs. Mu took the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head, discarding it right away. Shaka wrapped his hands around Mu waist, resting his forehead in his solar and kissing his abs. Shaka sighed.
– What is it? – said Mu softly stroking his head
Shaka shrugged – I've spent the last few months fearing I wouldn't get the chance to do this again…
Well, it has indeed been a long time since the last night they spend together but…
– Because of Kanon? – The name really mean nothing to Mu, yet Shaka nodded. What a disturbing situation. It was disturbing not to recall anything of a relationship that kept him busy enough to neglect all others… Again Mu unconsciously placed his hands on Shaka's shoulders but… something was off. His hesitation made Shaka weary, that gesture, what would it meant? Mu was clearly confused. He took those insecure hands between his own and kissed them.
As Mu leaned forward to kiss Shaka's lips, the Indian managed to push down his pants and underwear so the Lemurian could kick them off. The blond didn't even noticed when exactly did his antaravasaka got discarded until Mu began preparing him.
There was something intimidating in Mu's attitude, something Shaka had never felt before. The Lemurian's cosmos had always been to him a warm and soft torch that would always burn to protect others. But being feed garbage recently, all those ill feelings and broken memories, it produced a colorless flame that would hurt anyone who approached. "If there were any way to burn all that trash out…" Mu's lips trapping his own on a possessive kiss cut that train of thoughts. Shaka could even taste his anger and he felt so bad about having contributed to it.
Mu wasn't thinking straight. He felt insulted, a laughingstock and underrated. Discarded. The urge to take it on something grew wild. And yet something else entirely different began kicking in the back of his head. Something gentle but distant. What was it? The sensation… the sensation on his lips, on his hands, on his manhood and the rest of his skin… it was so familiar but it was off. Maybe some more of it would help him figure out why. That scent, that taste… that sound…
He began trusting forward harder, taking deeper breaths, tasting and touching that warmth he was on top off. More…
But then something clicked in Mu's mind…
– Oh, Shaka! – The Aries was still standing and had the Virgo pinned down against the mattress on the edge of the bed, holding him down by the wrists in not a very gentle way. – I'm so…
But Shaka held him with his legs, keeping him from retreating. Before Mu's confusion Shaka supported himself on his elbows and dragged his partner closer to kiss him
– Keep going, Mu…
Before Mu's hesitation, Shaka laid back again, supporting himself in his elbows. Was it really fine to proceed? The Aries could not tell. It all didn't felt quite right, yet he could not stop…
Mu kissed him again but broke the kiss only to increase the pace of his thrusts.
– Mu…
– Shaka – As Mu let go of all his frustration with a groan, Shaka came too.
They had to wait a bit for their brains to restart normal operations. But once Mu's did, he felt real bad. He was indeed calmer, but not satisfied nor proud.
– Mu? – called Shaka reaching for him. – Please forgive me for whatever I did or failed to do to make you think you must hide your real self from me. – And he invited his friend to the bed
– Thanks, Shaka… – Mu climbed up with a mild headache.
"I bet they'd like to get to know you better. You are a person worth knowing more about."
– You always bear with the worst of me
"If that was the worst I'll get it anytime" Shaka scolded himself for such an inappropriate thought. – Mu, you can't keep going on like this, you are tired.
– Like what?
– … pushing us away.
"Such severe isolation doesn't suits you"
– I know we are not the best friends there is, we have let you down many times, but…
– I know you didn't mean it
Shaka felt that was not excuse. – The world is not built on good intentions alone…
– maybe not. but in the end you are the only one here
– What do you mean?
– You dealt with me, supported me, even when you did not approved my actions, you are the only one left
– Mu, as much… as much as your reasoning might benefit me, I can't let you go around thinking I'm the only one who cares about you. That is not true.
Mu sighed
– I'm leaving tomorrow… – Shaka again felt his heart stop, but – I'll go to Jamir again to check more files…
– When will you be back?
– I hope it'll be only a couple of days… would you like to come with me?
Upon looking unto those big green and tired eyes, Shaka could not refuse.
Around that time, Camus and Kanon were going down the temples road towards their night shift. It would be the first official night shift for the Gemini
– With all that's happened I haven't got the chance to properly congratulate you – said the Gemini to the Aquarius
– Me? What for?
– Your looks improvement, and I don't quite mean your hair. You look happier, even healthier.
– Really?
– For such a thing to happen I can only assume your relationship with Milo is finally where it should
Camus didn't reply right away. Nothing in his demeanor betrayed any emotion, but Kanon knew he was embarrassed. – I'd like to do something for him. – He said absentmindedly
– Bake him an apple pie – replied Kanon
– I'm serious!
– I'm too. You know something else he loves besides you is food... and making Aioria look bad. if you want to make it special, take him somewhere
– You need money for that
– It can be a picnic, there's beautiful places around, you don't need to go far.
– Spending time outdoors is not one of his favorite activities
– You're right…
– I… never got to properly apologize to you either. So, I'm sorry.
– About?
– … – Camus hid behind his forelocks – carelessly dropping all my existential crisis on you, when you clearly had troubles of your own, and… – Camus looked aside really ashamed – For my stupid request
– Never mind that. Although it was stunning to find out you trust me AND like me that much – Added Kanon with a sly smile. Camus went mute in embarrassment, he was certain Kanon will never stop bulling him about it – Thanks, by the way. – The Gemini's words threw him off – It's good to know not everyone wishes me cold.
– … I've always admired you and Milo's fierce determination to stand against all odds, never fearing or doubting.
Kanon snorted – What are you talking about? The only thing I've been certain my whole life is that I got to die one day. Other than that I've always lived doubting even my shadow. And fear? Until very recently all I've known is fear, the kind of fear that makes you wish to be dead, perhaps the overexposure made me insensible to it? And determination? Yeah, I'll grant you that. I determined long ago I would get my revenge from the world by not letting it get rid of me. And see how mortified it is.
As they both entered Virgo temple, Kanon was frozen solid for an instant – Kanon?
Upon hearing the Aquarius' voice, the Gemini resumed walking in dead silence. It took Camus a few steps to figure out Shaka was not alone in his temple, Mu was with him. "Darn, after pushing everyone away, Shaka is the only one he still approaches". It must have been a bad blow for his Greek friend.
– I saw your old violing sitting in the counter at Aquarius. – Said Kanon once they were about to get into Leo temple – Have you been practicing at all or why have you kept Shura from getting rid of it?
– We have been playing every now and then, – It was so hard for Camus to admit something of the sort – Why?
– Have you ever heard country songs?
– eh?
– The Panathenaia is drawing near, you should take advantage
– You want me to participate in the music contest? I'm hardly average…
As they reached Gemini, Kanon made a stop to get pen and paper.
The night went by without any incident, what a long night it was. As the two saints reached back Gemini temple, they found Saga waiting by the altar. Looking at his brother send shivers down the youngest twin's back. Camus noticed and looked at his friend concerned.
– Good morning, Camus. Could you please keep going? I need to talk to Kanon privately
Camus nodded and kept going with all the intention of alerting Shura and Milo in his way up.
– Let's go in – Said Kanon with a good enough idea of what his brother wanted to let him know. – Straight to the point please – Kanon went to the kitchen and took a large gulp from a bottle of rum from under the counter
– Mu went away to Jamir on a mission and… Shaka joined him. – Saga didn't know what to expect – They requested permission to leave this morning.
Kanon turned grim. "Mu and Shaka, away, alone…"
– I'm sorry – Saga did feel bad. After keeping his distance from everyone, the first person Mu choose to move on was other than Kanon.
– Well, at least he is feeling better – Saga looked at his brother unsure about leaving or staying – You can go back to your businesses, Saga. – Kanon left the bottle where it was and walked to his dorm
– You sure?
– Yeah, I'll just take a nap
– Won't you rather sleep at my dorm?
– I'll never get to sleep up there, there's too much light. See you at lunch – Was all he said before entering his dorm and closing the door
Well, a promise to lunch together was something Saga could believe in, so he let his brother be. But as expected, he met Milo and Shura on the way up.
The time away from the Sanctuary helped Mu set his ideas straight. Well sort of. He still had to go through a mountain of documents to find any useful clue for the task at hand. If he had gone alone he would had never focus, but thanks to Shaka's support, he did… only to come down to the conclusion the old documents were useless.
– The twins weren't even aware of the damage until Kiki casually pointed out. – said Mu during breakfast on the third day of their stay in Jamir – The strangest of it all is that all three smiths failed to repair it
– So there's nothing else to do?
– There's one last thing I can try. But we must go back
– You have been too distracted today. What is it, Mu?
– I had a very unsettling dream
– About?
– In it I was walking by the beach at night and I was talking to someone, I couldn't see this person, like he was walking behind me or something. I can't recall what we were talking about either, but he was making me laugh. I sat on the rocks and then some fireworks lighted the sky. Then with the certainty of dreams I knew I was alone. I looked around but only found something glowing in the sand at my feet. I picked it up and… well, it was a golden scale tainted red, and as soon as I realized what it was it broke and the sky went silent. It was so dark and I had no idea how to go back. Then the bits of the scale… resonated and showed me the way back to the Sanctuary, although I ended up in the ruins you showed me
– It is indeed an unsettling dream… – Shaka was certain what Mu picked up in his dream was a sea dragon scale, but bloodied? – Don't you want to check out that place again?
– The ruins? What for?
– Perhaps your subconscious is trying to remember. Mu, I doubt it'll stop haunting you even if you don't want to remember. You should get to the bottom of this if only to get some peace of mind
– Let's go.
Once they finished eating, Mu teleported them to the ruins, although he wasn't quite sure where exactly he should be in.
He expected the place to be in silence, yet someone was singing.
– What is that?
It was more like someone was reciting with a tune than actually singing
– It comes from over there…
They began following the sound. Shaka sort of recognized the voice but said nothing and kept on going anyways. Then both began channeling a ghostly sadness.
The lyrics were in a language neither was very familiar with… English perhaps? They were still a bit far to clearly make the words. As they approached in silence, the voice became all too familiar, but Mu couldn't put a face to it. As he turned a corner he recognized the specific place where Mu and Shaka had argued a few days ago. "speaking of the devil…" and resting in the very same boulder was Gemini Kanon, he was the one singing so poorly. Mu tried to channel his thoughts as to figure out the meaning of his words
"Some folks can lose the blues in their hearts,
But when I think of you, another shower starts…
Into each life some rain must fall
But too much is falling in mine…"
– To think I used to make fun of such whiny corny songs…
Well the song had ended. The hidden saints stayed in silence while the Gemini poured himself a very small glass of an amber liquid, then he resumed singing, this time in yet another language neither the Aries or the Virgo were familiar with. More likely Spanish. Mu concentrated again.
"For the day you came into my life,
my dear dove,
I started toasting.
And getting a tad drunk,
Thinking of your lips
I began to sing.
I felt better than anyone
And a handful of stars
I tried to bring down for you
But upon realizing none I could reach
I got so mad
I wanted to cry.
I got no idea how much my life is worth
But I'd like to give it to you
I don't know whether your love would accept it
But I'll lay it down here for you"
Mu was stunned. Kanon gave a sip to the small glass and continued
"You found me in a very dark road
As a pilgrim
Lacking direction and faith
But the light of your divine eyes
Turned my sorrow
Into enjoyment and pleasure
Ever since then I feel like loving you
With all the strength
My soul can provide
Ever since then, my sweet little dove
My chest I've exchanged
For a dovecot"
– Although a lamb might need a… – Mu got startled by the sudden end of the song – Paddock? – Kanon chuckled bitterly and finished the glass "how much is a life like mine worth? That's actually a pretty good question" he poured himself another glass, then he rose it as for a toast and looked at a sunbeam shining through it "Maybe as much as a roach" he took a sip and chuckled bitterly again "since nothing seems to kill me". And then he laid down in the boulder
"A pilgrim lacking direction and faith…" that was something Shaka could relate to. Mu had allowed him to understand the song
Both Mu and Shaka were about to leave when Saga's astral projection appeared.
– Kanon… – His stoic features were unreadable
– What's up? – greeted Kanon lazily
– Shura is looking for you
– Hn? What for? – Kanon was surprised
– Something about a practice
– What day is today? – Said Kanon sitting properly
– Tuesday…
– Rats, where did my Sunday go? I don't think I can help him now
– I can see that. – Kanon laid down again – What should I tell him?
– If he can wait I'll be up and about in an hour – The astral projection nodded and vanished, but the gate to another dimension soon opened and Saga arrived
– Done. – The pope looked around – What are you doing here?
– Torturing myself. – Saga frowned at Kanon's half smile – Someone has to do it since you quit the job… – Kanon pushed him with his leg
– … you promised to invite me to the fun. – Saga made Kanon move so he could sit down next to him and pointed to the small glass
– Sips – said Kanon passing it
– Tequila? – Kanon nodded. Saga had a small sip then a larger one before giving the glass back. Kanon grinned – Why here?
– He said it was a beautiful place.
– Mu? – Again Kanon nodded. The hidden saints paid attention – Well it is – Saga looked around
– Despite whatever happened, these are the ruins of a village. – Kanon spoke softly – I visited the places I destroyed, how long ago it was? – Saga looked at him – And just like this place there's no obvious trace of what I did over there. Julian has done an awesome work – He sipped at the tequila and looked at the bottle – All the hate, all the fury… Any trace of the very power I considered a force of nature, it's been already blurred away… – "Dust in the wind… was that a song?" Mu could clearly make Kanon's thoughts. The Gemini took another sip from his glass and emptied it "What's with me and songs today? All we are is dust in the wind…" He began humming a tune since he didn't seem to know the lyrics, and poured himself another glass.
– Destruction is a force of nature, but also Construction, or Reconstruction, however you see it. Any emotions associated are fleeting. – Saga thought about his twin's words – Disappointed the world didn't end and we are still here?
– Disappointed we didn't end and the world is still here. Like nothing happened! the bastard…
– Is there any difference? – clearly questioning his brother as drunk as he was, was pointless. Saga took the glass from his brother's hand and took another sip before giving the glass back again – Were you expecting it to destroy us?
– Weren't you?
– Well, it did, or rather we destroyed ourselves. It was Athena who brought us back
Kanon sat up
– I look around and I can't help to wonder… how long will it take the world to forget about me?
– Huh? – Saga looked at him
– About the man who tried to destroy it and almost succeeded?
– I wouldn't know…
– I don't think it even knows I'm here. I'm luck you'd mourn me.
– Kanon…
– Hopefully the kids would too… and the goat chop… and those annoying runts from the market… and the Japanese boys…
– of course we would. – Saga put an arm around his brother's shoulders and pulled him closer.
– Darn! – Kanon leaned on his brother's shoulder and he stroked his head
– After all we went through to be finally together please don't even think of casually ditch me in this world. I'll do more than mourn you – Saga kissed his twin's temple.
– I won't – Kanon only looked at his glass – Forgive me, Saga…
– What for?
– For all the atrocious things I said about you and Aioros. If this is how you felt all along…
– Well… Mu is still alive
– I don't want anything to do with him. – Both Mu and Shaka were shocked
– Why?
– Just look at me! – Kanon stood up defiant – I'm Gemini Kanon, one of the most powerful gold saints in history! The North Atlantic Mariner, Poseidon's Sea Dragon! The man who almost destroyed the world, who tricked a god, who faced the three judges of hell alone and kicked one of them in the ass without even his cloth. – he then took the bottle of tequila and gave it a large gulp – Reduced to a foolish drunkard by the mean tantrum of the sole boy who cared to treat me like a person… – he went back to sit next to his brother – treat me like a person at least until I screwed up. I've known most faces of fear and hate, I never thought myself capable of feeling anything else, and here you have me, feeling sorry for myself and for everything. – he laid down and put the bottle against his forehead, as if to reduce a fever – I hate good people. Good people always get the worst part of everything, they trust others hoping for the best only to be let down or worse. I guess that's what constitutes good, not knowing better, or maybe they can't help being abide by their own nature as I for example can't avoid constant auto sabotage… – he put the bottle down as he sat up – That's the worst part of it all, you know? I did this to myself. - Kanon looked away from Saga as he passed his fingers over one of the scarlet needle scars from his chest - I foolishly thought… - he sighed - I looked around, to all the people coming and going worrying about the first random ridiculous thing they came across… for a moment there I felt I could be just like them, and stay awake instead because of a burnt pie, a missing matching sock or a wall needing painting, as if those were the biggest problems in the world. - Tears rolled down his face as he nervously grabbed one stray lock of his hair - but good things don't come to sinners. I was delusional to think I could just make a life in here after everything I did. Believing such nonsense has been my greatest heresy yet and so I'm paying my due
Tears began falling freely from Kanon's eyes, even when he didn't even winced or made a sound. It was contagious for Saga, who reached him and pulled him closer
– You came back to me, Kanon. – He said softly. – and I'm not more a saint than you.
Kanon spend a few moments in his brother's arms
– Some wicked part of me even dare consider he set me up, you know? That he only pretended to love me, to stab me in the back once I lowered my guard. He wouldn't be the first to try.
– Why would Mu, or rather any of Athena's saints do that?
Kanon shrugged
– To get back at you, perhaps, to avenge his dad. and I thought also "as if he would care". At the very least I look like you, so maybe he'll settle to get me instead.
– His dad?
– Pope Shion. See what paranoia does? I had to find out, I went to find out. Actually I wanted him to finish the job already… but I was wrong. He said he'd wait for me. He was going to wait for me! How was that fair? If only I hadn't come back... But I had to, to make matters worse! No, I don't want anything to do with him. – Kanon sat straight again – I rather leave things as they are and be glad it all happened than risking distorting all those precious memories by forcing them back, I don't have many of those, moments worth remembering…
Mu was shaken. He couldn't stand being there anymore so he teleported back to Aries taking Shaka along.
Saga patted Kanon's head, but he frowned
– Care about me! – He said almost pouting and laid down on Saga's lap as if he were a giant cat demanding attention. To Saga it was both amusing and concerning.
– I do… won't you like some breakfast?
– You always worry about food first – Kanon chuckled
– On my defense, this much alcohol on a empty stomach will really mess you up – Then Saga recalled what might cheer up his brother – What about resting in the Roman bath?
Kanon shifted lazily and smiled
– Now you are talking
Saga took his brother up and left him in the bath while he quickly checked how much time he could pull from his agenda, he remembered it would be a slow day. And so he joined him in the baths
– How in the mood are you for touchy subjects? – asked Kanon after a moment in silence
– My usual mood. Why?
– Alright. I've been thinking… It really doesn't make much sense Aioros isn't here.
– I've thought so too since we arrived, especially after seen him at Asgard… I might be loosing my mind, if I haven't already, but… – Saga hesitated
– What is it?
– At times… at times I can feel him very close – He looked far into the distance
– At Athena's garden? – Kanon rose an eyebrow
– How do you know? – Saga turned to him. – Have you felt it too?
– You spend most of your free time in there.– Kanon shook his head – I figured it must remind you of him. But now that you mention it, every time I get near the spot, something keeps me from getting in. – Saga looked at him concerned – I don't mean a barrier or anything of the sort, just… people calling me, Athena, Shura, even you. The maids dropping something in the halls, the gardeners working… I don't think I've been to the place since Hades' invasion. Didn't Aphrodite lead a restoration there?
– He remodeled the whole place… as stupid as it might be I haven't seen the entirety of the works.
– Why?
Saga shrugged. – Well, those are Athena's gardens. Whatever change she requested…
– Shouldn't her wishes be executed through you instead? You are the pope…
Saga considered it. – Kanon, what are you saying? You don't think…
Kanon stood up – Athena hasn't forbidden anyone from going in, has she?
– No, but…
Kanon was about to step out of the baths when he looked at his brother and stopped. He recognized the confusion and fear in his brother. It might not be a good idea to get all the way over there and find out Aioros has been hiding there this whole time – At least let's go ask her…
– Alright, but there's something else I need your help with
– What is it?
– Athena did approve your idea for the Panathenaia, but she also considers you'll be the best person there is to carry it on…
But just as they were stepping into Saga's dressing room, they felt a powerful cosmos burn
Shion felt Mu's cosmos burning from early on and he wondered why he didn't announced his return. As the former pope walked down the path of the temples, he noticed the Aries' cosmos came from the workshop. Was he working on the Gemini's cloth?
He met Aioria in the way down, wondering the same thing. So they walked down to Aries, but upon reaching the back door, the whole Sanctuary felt Mu burning his cosmos at the eight sense.
They rushed towards the workshop and almost ran over Shaka who was standing with Kiki by the door.
– What is happening?
– Shaka, did you found a way to fix the cloth?
– Pope Shion! Actually no, we didn't find anything. He said there was something else he could try but didn't tell me what it was. As soon as we got here, he took his tools and began working – The smith was wearing the Aries divine cloth and held the repair tools in his hands. The star dust spiraled around him as if it were a small galaxy and the Gemini cloth resonated disassembled before him.
Shaka and Aioria admired Mu at the time, even when they had done the same in the past. And for a moment they wondered if they'd be able to pull it again at will. Neither had particularly trained on that. To Shion and Kiki, who had never felt anything of the sort, it was amazing, and both felt real proud of being mentor and apprentice respectively of such a person. Yet, how long was he planning to stay like that? Not only Mu's cosmos burned like a furnace in the small workshop, he looked in trance with his eyes glowing gold. Soon Aldebaran and Dokko joined the others
– What is he doing? – asked Dokko confused because it didn't looked at all like Mu was working on the cloth despite having the tools in his hands. He had seen Shion at work plenty of times to know.
– He is trying to access the cloth's memories – answered Shion
– The cloth's memories? – everybody turned to him
– Both Mu and I are capable of seeing the memories of the cloths we repair. Learning about their bearers or the battles in which the cloths got damaged usually helps figuring out tricky repairs, but it isn't something we look for, it just happens. Cloths do let out such information on their own to help our job. But for a dent to appear outside a battle, not getting it fixed by regular means, and Gemini not sharing itself how it'd came to be, it makes sense Mu resorted to his eight sense and Divine Aries support. This might take a while…
And it did. Mu's friends stayed close by just in case but nothing much seemed to be going on. At least no for several minutes. Then, it was Shaka the first one to realize something else was going on, so he stood up from his meditation close to Aries altar and walked back to the workshop followed by Aldebaran and Aioria. They hurried when they noticed Shion and Dokko were already in. The atmosphere in the small workshop has grown heavy.
As Aries finally resonated with Gemini, it turned into its divine shape too, but as it rested before Mu, the twins' faces instead of looking at the smith, were looking to the wall and had also switched places.
– What is the meaning of this? – Shaka could clearly feel something was wrong
– Mu, stop! – Shion called his former apprentice – Gemini is not approving this. Mu!
Upon hearing Shion, Shaka tried to approach his friend, yet the former pope himself stopped him. Mu's eyes were still glowing gold, yet stream of tears began rolling down his face as the energy in the workshop grew.
– Gemini…
The wings of the cloth spread and a very loud and mournful sound was heard. Aries resonated with it and soon the other 10 gold cloths joined them. Through the whole Sanctuary the silver and bronze cloths replied. Then a dreadful silence followed and the movement of the stardust slowed down as it seemed to settle down.
In a bright flash, both Aries and Gemini went back to their regular shapes. Mu suddenly sprang forward to keep the third cloth from crumbling down but he could only grab the helmet as the rest of the pieces fell to the floor with a loud empty noise.
– Mu, what happened? – Aioria was the first one to approach him
Mu's teary eyes were fixed in the helmet he carried
– Are you alright? – Shaka was greatly worried
Mu just nodded as he dried the tears to clearly take a look at the twins' faces, they were cracked. – I am sorry – Mu used his psychokinesis to put the cloths back to their boxes – Gemini must be left alone. It will fix itself eventually. She doesn't need any help... – He then turned to Shion – I'll take her up – Without further words, he took both cloths and went out.
Aldebaran wanted to follow him but Shion didn't let anyone do that
– Leave him alone.
– Gemini has always been around one great tragedy after another. – Dokko was worried too – Generation after generation, the twins have always been among the strongest, which has always made them desirable targets of the most wicked enemy tactics.
– Indeed – Agreed Shion – That is why Gemini is far from being prone to share. That might be the only cloth in which memories I never dared to look.
Once up in the third temple, despite both twins were there, Saga was the only one to go meet him to the altar
– Mu...
– Your holiness...
– Drop the titles, Mu. – He said gently.
The Lemurian nodded and put Gemini down, he had put away Aries in his way up
– I've come to return Gemini to its resting place
– Were you able to fix it?
– No smith would be able to fix damage made out of battle... – He opened the box to take out the helmet and present it to Saga.
– What happened? – He was greatly surprised and deeply concerned to found the cracks in the masks
– Would you please call out Kanon?
Saga did so and Kanon came out as requested
– What is it?
– Now the helmet is cracked
– What?
Saga showed him the damage
– It happened while I was trying to fix it
– So it can't be fixed
– Not by means of the smiths.
– What do you mean?
– The cloths have the power to fix by themselves under certain circumstances. it's all we can hope for – As Mu looked away, both twins noticed there was something else he wasn't saying. – Now, if you help me out, I might be able to fix the cracks I just caused
– What should we do?
– Make her resonate with your cosmos for a moment...
– Both of us?
Mu nodded. the twins exchanged looks. Saga rose an eyebrow, Kanon shrugged. so both concentrated in the helmet they both were holding and their cosmos grew. Mu took out the star dust pouch he carried and rising his cosmos too, he used the material to fill the course, quickly enough, the helmet was as good as new.
– That's all
The twins rested and Saga took the helmet to check it out. Mu draw closer the pandora box so the pope could put the helmet back in
– Can't we do the same for the chest piece? – Asked Kanon
– It won't work – Said Mu closing the box and putting it back to the altar – I forced Gemini to disclose to me its memories of the damage and that's what cracked the helmet, that's why I could repair it. But the dent in the chest piece is a whole different story.
– Forced it?
– To disclose its memories?
The twins exchanged looks. What was Mu talking about?
– And about the dent... – Mu was too tired to try to explain further. Instead – Kanon, may I talk to you privately?
– I must run some errands at Rodorio. Care if we speak in the way there?
Mu sighed, but nodded. Kanon couldn't help to feel bad about it, but before he could say anything Saga gave his brother an envelop.
– Here…
– I'll be back with dinner
Saga nodded as he turned to the stairs going up.
Kanon then invited Mu to join him going the other way. Mu felt really awkward, and he was surprised the Gemini had recovered so fast from his morning drunkness.
– What do you want to talk about? – Kanon spoke on a neutral tone.
– I owe you an apology – said Mu looking down
– What for?
– For kicking you out
– Huh?
– Of my life, I mean
– You owe me nothing. It's your life
– It was not right. It was selfish to demand something you could not give, and take it on you because of it. Instead of being supportive, or helping you out... I just... I'm also responsible of what happened, for putting you on the ledge you jumped from.
– Did your memories return? – Kanon was confused
– Not quite.
– Then what exactly makes you feel like apologizing?
– The purpose of the zodiac cloths is to protect their bearers. The dent in the breastplate… it was caused by a powerful blow, although not a physical one. It's the result of Gemini taking on the pain that ails you. That's why a smith can't fix it. I found that out thanks to Aries. They showed me... They showed me what happened. I saw their memories… – Mu took his hand to his head. It had been overwhelming.
Kanon kept quiet for a moment considering what the young man had said
– I don't want your apologies, Aries, but I'll accept them if it makes you feel better. – Mu turned to him. For a moment there he thought that maybe the Gemini was mocking him – It's ironic how now tables are turned. What I want you might not be able to give me anymore, but... – Kanon was far from amused – at this point I think I can settle for something else – his solemn demeanor was much like Saga's
– What do you mean?
Kanon stopped, Mu turned to him. Oh, those green eyes, the Greek hadn't considered at all the possibility of looking into them again…
– Just a chance… – Mu got enchanted by Kanon's deep blue eyes. The Gemini wasn't quite sure how to complete the phrase – A chance to get back into your life. – As Mu didn't seemed to understand what he meant, he added – Come with me to the festival. To the Panathenaia. – Mu hesitated, Kanon remained calm – No strings attached, you'll leave whenever you feel like it. Invite your friends if you like. I've got some duties to take care off, I know you too, but…
– Alright, – Mu knew being stubborn was not getting him anywhere – I'll be supporting the guards at the coliseum for the concert…
– Let's meet by the East door once it is over.
Mu stayed at Aries while Kanon kept going down the road. But in the way, the Gemini called his brother through cosmos.
"Remember what I just told you about auto sabotage? I think I just did it again"
"What happened?"
"I invited him to the festival and he accepted."
"How does that counts as auto sabotage?"
"I just told you how I should just stay clear of Mu for the sake of what we had! Darn! It's one thing he avoids me, and a whole other to avoid him!"
"Kanon..."
"I should just bail. There's just so many ways to screw up!"
"As there are ways for it to go right. Don't back down now!" Saga was not sure if he said that out loud too
"Well, if I leave the Sanctuary with Mu, I'll come back with him or not at all. I can't stand being around him like this. You have to agree it's not healthy"
"Where will you stay?"
"There's places. I'll let you know"
Saga sighed
"Get me some dolmades for dinner tonight"
"Can't you request the cooks to make them?"
"Yes, but I'm not in the mood for those. Not after everything we just discussed with Athena."
"I'll get you the good ones from the plaza then"
"Please, thanks"