Saga was walking late on a rocky road. The wind and the sea played a mellow tune under the moonlight, the stars shone bright, it was a nice night to take a walk on Cape Sounion… but then a different sound called his attention away from the waves. What was it? It was far away, maybe he was imagining it. The night darkened; he could no longer see very far. Some trees were hiding the sky. He then found a door to the side of the road, the construction it belonged to was difficult to make hidden in the shadows, but the noise came from the other side, so he decided to go in. A child was crying.
Saga's hearth skipped a beat as he went in and up some stairs. He arrived at a long hall with a few doors, the crying came from behind the first one, so he went in.
- Kanon! – by hearing that name the kid stopped crying
- who is there?
- It's me, Saga – the concerned pope walked to the bed
- Saga? – huge teary eyes looked up trying to find him in the darkness
- Yes, what happened? Why are you crying?
- I'm scared…
- Scared? – Saga kneeled before the bed and cleared away some tears. The kid's huge eyes looked back at him - Of what?
- The darkness…
- There's nothing to fear in the darkness, there's nobody else in here.
- I know… - the boy clung to Saga – everybody is gone. What if they don't come back?
- people come and go all the time. – Saga sat on the bed and caressed that familiar messy hair - Greet them all when they arrive and say goodbye when they depart. Maybe you'll meet again, you can never know. But you will never be alone. Our goddess Athena will always stay with you.
- and you? – the kid curled up in his arms
- I am here tonight. I'll stay by you as long as I can. Rest well.
– KANON! – The twins almost hit each other due such a rude waking call – SAGA!
– Who's that? – Asked Saga
– Milo…
– WAKE UP
– What time is it?
– Almost 9 – Said Kanon turning to the clock
– We overslept?
– It was due… what do you want? – Replied Kanon to the intruder
– COME OUT
– How did we even get in? – Wondered Saga looking around. he was expecting an ugly hangover, but there was nothing. As Kanon went to the door, Saga went to the bathroom
– What?
– SURPRISE! – screamed Milo merrily
– The hell?
– You forgot again what day is today?
It took Kanon a while to get it… then he closed the door.
– KANON! SAGA! COME OUT!
– What's all this about? – Asked Saga to his brother
– Do you know what day is today?
– Saturday?
– Besides
– … Our birthday? – Said Saga in a gloomier mood
Kanon nodded and patted his brother on the shoulder as he moved towards the bathroom
– You go deal with them. I need a bath and a kickoff coffee.
– I'll make it.
– The can next to the coffeepot. One spoonful per cup
Saga went out surprising Milo for a moment
– Happy birthday, Saga!
– Are you sure I'm Saga? – He moved to the kitchen to make the coffee
– Yes, because if you were Kanon, you would have tried to kick me out for waking you up like I did
– Grant you that.
– Good morning, Saga – Camus was about to take a sit at the table and Shura was sitting in the couch he slept in the night before
– Do you want coffee?
– Yes, please – Said Camus sitting down
– Me too – Said Shura from the couch
– Half and half, – Replied Milo – I'd like to keep my stomach where it is – And he approached the fridge to take out the milk. It was weirdly nostalgic to have a sleepy Saga in plain clothes fixing breakfast, well sort of, for them in the kitchen of Gemini temple. The other saints suddenly felt like they have gone back to be kids. – It's such a good luck we caught you here. We were afraid we'll end up split like last time. Thinking about it, we'd never got to celebrate your birthday in the actual date, right? – Milo turned to Camus and Shura
– It was usually only Kanon and me… – replied Saga still half asleep
– Huh? So the reason you were never around was because you were with him?
For a moment there, Camus regretted being too far to step on Milo's foot and shut him up. Well, nobody expected Saga to nod with such a nostalgic look in his eyes
– Down at Cape Sounion…
– Now, what the hell are you doing here and who invited you? – Said Kanon trying to dry his hair with a towel while Saga poured the coffee
– Well, we came to have birthday breakfast with you.
– And by that I hope you mean you brought something
– Breakfast as close to bed as it can be. – Said Shura.
– Goat, come be useful! – He was unimpressed of seeing Shura dressing differently than the night before. Considering the twins woke so late, the Spaniard must have woken up earlier and had all the time in the world to go up and get ready to go. Maybe it was him who told Camus and Milo the twins were together at the temple. – Take a seat, Saga. You both stay away! – Well, Camus had already set the table, so Kanon began warming up the tiganopsomo they brought – You cooked this? – Asked Kanon to Shura and he nodded
– Why? – Asked Milo upset
– Because I wouldn't want to spend my birthday twisting and turning in pain
– keep that up and you might end up that way!
– I understand you wouldn't thrust Milo's cooking but what's wrong with mine? – Asked Camus
– Hey!
– The mess implied makes me fear I'd end up biting a spoon or something
– Ingrate.
Saga just heard them amused
– There are some baklava pastries in the fridge… – Said Kanon to Shura. The Capricorn found them and took them to the table
– Some? – It was a salad bowl almost full of assorted pastries
Shura took a dark looking one, but halfway to the kitchen he stopped. The taste reset his brain
Milo right away took a few, but at the first bite of a white one he melted in his seat
– Are those any good? – Asked Camus unsure to take one
– Saga, take one with cinnamon – Called Kanon, and Saga did so. Well, it smell real good, sweet under the cinnamon and he bit it. – Camus try the ones without toppings – And he did so too
– Where did you get these? – Saga was delighted.
– At Rhodorio's plaza. Are they any good?
– Are you kidding me? – Said Milo suddenly standing up
– Haven't you tried them? – Asked Shura
– Only the apple and cinnamon, and the ginger and lemon. Gimme a chocolate and coffee, won't you? – He asked Shura – The darkest ones – The ones Shura tried. So he turned back and took one for Kanon. Since the Gemini saint had his hands busy, the Capricorn fed him the pastry.
– Freaking hell, that girl is a genius…
– What are the white ones?
– White chocolate and toffee
– Wait a second, a girl gave you these?
Everybody turned to Kanon
– Nah, don't tell me it was Elena?
– What's the problem? – Kanon turned off the stove and took the food to the table. Shura had already served drinks and was preparing a second round of coffee just in case
– Who is Elena? – Asked Saga, wondering if his brother had finally found a relief to his romantic dilemma.
– The daughter of the owners of the large restaurant by Rhodorio's plaza.
– Where I get your dolmades – Explained Kanon to Saga
– Those without toppings are nuts and orange blossom, right? – Asked Camus
Kanon nodded while sitting down
– So, the pastries: Elena is experimenting with pastry recipes for the festival.
– And you just happened to get a salad bowl full of them. – Said Milo skeptical
– Kanon never gets free food samples by chance. – Camus reminded the others
– obviously. – Admitted Kanon about to finish his share – I got the sampler on the condition that I got other saints' opinion on them. That's why there so many. I'm sure she'll greatly appreciate your feedback, so don't forget to drop by. And be honest, if there's anything you think can be improved, tell her. She is counting on you…
– Heard that, Shura? I told you he's been cheating on you all along! – Said Milo – Getting free food elsewhere!
– We better alert Elena about this two–timer – Said Camus
– My sympathies – Said the stoic Capricorn sitting down – He is so high maintenance, it's hardly worth it. – That earned him both of Camus' eyebrows rose and Milo blinking in disbelief – Him being someone else's trouble every once in a while is a good break. – He side-glanced Kanon – I don't mind, he knows where he belongs, he'll be back. – And he took another pastry. – With his tail between his legs, for my amusement. – And he bit the pastry
– Shura, you are a demon – Said Camus eating his share
– No matter who comes and goes, you'll always be number one, sugar – Kanon sent Shura a kiss
– Hypocrite – Shura shielded his face behind his palm
Saga just took a drink of coffee to hide his smirk.
– So, any plans? – Said Kanon once everyone finished breakfast
– Oh, we were expecting to have breakfast with you and lunch with Saga – Implying they were not expecting to find them together – Have you got other plans?
– I must go back…
– No, you don't – Said Shura pulling a note from the counter and passing it to Saga
"Take the day off – Shion"
– Oh…
– Would you like to go camping? – Said Kanon to Saga and everybody turned to him.
– Alright…
It was not his favorite activity, much less for his birthday, he was not an outdoor person, but staying away from the pope chambers and studio was crazily appealing…
Kanon quickly began cleaning the table
– Camus, bring the backpacks, they are still on the corner, your violin too. Shura, bring the cooler from under the counter.
– Is it already packed? – He said when he lifted it
– Yes, I got… some other visitors earlier yesterday.
– Where's my guitar?
– By the door. Milo, take care of the table and help Camus.
– Excuse me – He said to Saga, who stood up, then the Scorpio pulled something from under the table and it collapsed. Only then the former Gemini noticed that the table and the six chairs were portable, but the group didn't look like taking them too.
– Saga? – Kanon turned to his brother – Could you take this basket? – He asked as he pulled out also a sort of portable charcoal grill
– Sure…
– Take these. – Shura put some condiments inside the grill kit and some vegetables on the basket
– Why can't you just eat the meat as it is?
– Why should I when I can make it taste better?
– You are just complicating things needlessly
Then Shura looked at Kanon and the world stopped. The Gemini regretted opening his mouth
– You are free to cook your own food
– No way! It was only an observation – Kanon pushed him to the door – I do dislike excess luggage
– I'll season your food with your words
– I know you will, you always do, come on!
Saga was surprised on how quickly they organized everything and were ready to go.
– Is this a normal routine for you? – He asked
– Sort of – Admitted Milo merrily
– I thought you didn't like to stay outdoors for long – Saga told him
– Actually, I don't, but this is the first time you tag along!
Saga blinked surprised and followed the team down to Aries, but once they confirmed it was empty, they went around it as if going for the workshop, only they kept going forward and down a path to a sort of lookout post. There they all let Camus go ahead… and he shoot an aurora execution down the cliff
– All set – He said letting the others go ahead
– You have never used an aurora slide before, right Saga? – Asked Milo
– No…
– Well, it's pretty much a regular slide, except for two things. First, you better sit on your legs or you ass will freeze. – Kanon sat down and showed him how – I don't recommend you descend standing until you really get how it works. Camus' ice is tricky
– Alright – Saga sat down behind his brother, not confident about the whole ordeal
– Second, you need to be extra careful once you reach down, or you won't be able to stop. You ready? – Saga nodded – Down we go!
He pulled them both down the slide…
Freaking hell, how long was the slide? It was a 60° or so slope, smooth like glass. They gained speed fast and the only thing to stop was the air resistance. Kanon purposely leaned backwards to go down faster but sat straight again to slow down. It was the kind of obvious things you don't think of until you are told. They reached the bottom without further issues
– Nice way to go down – Said Saga moving out of the way of Milo who, as usual was fooling around in the slide, going down headfirst and then spinning around with the table and the backpack on his back. At the last second, he managed to sit properly and stop without troubles. After him Shura descended like the twins and finally Camus came down, with one knee on the backpack, mostly sitting on it, and the other leg controlling the speed. Behind him, the slide was melting.
– Alright, let's go – Said Kanon turning to a very narrow path into the woods but close to the cliff
– You have been wandering these paths for a long time, don't you?
– Yeah, why?
– You all look familiar with the place
– We are
– This was our usual escape route when we were cadets
– The aurora's slide was Kanon's idea
– Makes it easy to get out but complicates going back
– But why down from Aries and not any other temple?
– The cliff is not so forgiving the further up into the temples you go.
– I already tried to build escape routes from Taurus and Gemini, but the slope is so irregular that building a reliable slide down takes too much energy. At some points the ice is as thick as your thumb, and at others is more than a meter thick. I can only create safe slides from Capricorn and Aries. Although I admit I haven't explored many other options. Aquarius and Pisces are too high to be practical.
Trusting his brother's guidance, Saga began to study and admire the area. He was certain he had never been there before. But then, he noticed Milo wandered off the trail they were following. A bit further down the road, Camus also wandered off, and only then he noticed Shura wasn't following them either. He could still vaguely feel their cosmos not too far away, but they were already out of hearing radius
– Where did everyone go?
– Huh? Oh, to get some meat for the grill
– Do you have a regular rendezvous point or something?
– Yes, that's where I'm taking you, it's further ahead
Then Kanon and Saga began discussing what kind of game could be find in the area, if it was rather new for them to engage in such activities, if the guys would even find anything, how long it would take them to return, who would clean the meat, how it could be cooked, what else was interesting in the terrain around…
– Hn…
– What?
– We might be identical twins but we starting to look different
– What do you mean?
– I just noticed you got a good tan while I look rather pale
– Well, you are welcome to join us on any trip we make. We usually decide just like today because we are always ready to go out. A trip to the beach, to the woods, to the lake, to the open sea, well that one requires more planning since we don't own a boat yet… and the mountains are not as fun, it's cold and it's difficult to get good game so high up…
– Do you always get food where you go?
– Yes, it's easier than carry it all the way. No, we don't always carry the grill, the condiments and the pans. That's only because we weren't going that far today
Saga looked up to the cliff, it was already far considering the fastest walking route to get back to Aries. But sooner than he expected, they reached a small lake
– Can you fish in here?
– Yes, but given a choice, I'll eat anything else.
Kanon didn't mean anything by that comment, but Saga did feel bad. How long did Kanon have to survive eating raw fish? He didn't really want to know.
– What do you eat when you go to the open sea?
– Fish, obviously, but only after Shura has make it edible. I can't stand the smell not even while it's being cooked
Saga turned gloom remembering the labyrinth vision of his brother eating raw fish, yet Kanon failed to notice. They kept walking until they reached a weird construction. It was a shelter made of carefully tied up branches and sealed with clay. It lacked one wall, but the inside was even. There was a broom also made of branches and a coal sack at the very back and a small pit nearby.
– Wait, let me check we don't have any unwanted visitors… – So, Kanon left all the stuff by the entrance and took the broom to clean the low ceiling and the corners. They haven't decided if they will spend the night in there, but it was better to check if there weren't any spiders, centipedes, bats or snakes building nests around. He found nothing.
– Please take the vegetables Shura stock in the basket and put them in the net. I'll start the fire…
Saga opened the basket about to ask which net, but he found it inside too.
– What now?
– There's a hook over there – Kanon pointed at a point in the water – Hang it there, please
Saga kneeled near the edge and found the hook just barely off the water
– Done
– There are some other hooks on cords on the edge of the ceiling. Please hand the basket there – Saga found them and pulled them down. He used two hooks to hang the basket
– Now what?
Kanon had set up the grill and started a small fire
– We wait, they won't take long… unless you want to go swimming, in which case use another hook for your clothes, or I won't be held responsible.
Saga did approach the lake but was not really in the mood to swim. He just looked around to a place so close to where he had lived most of his life but had remained completely unknown for him. Maybe he should join Kanon in his trips from time to time. There was such peace out there…
– So, what do you think? – Asked Kanon after putting some water to boil on a kettle
– I might join you on your trips if you can take me to more places like this one
The twins remained in comfortable silence for a moment, looking at the scenery, until Kanon remembered something
– oh, Saga, come here… – Kanon turned to the basket his brother had been carrying around all along – Mmm… I did not forget our birthday… I… I wanted to give you something – He pulled out a small paper bag he gave his bother. Saga was really surprised Kanon got him a present and was very embarrassed for not getting him something in return. yet curiosity made him look inside the bag – I know you do like sweets more than I do, so… well throw them to the lake if you don't want them, it's ok. Now that I think about it is rather childish. There's some beer and wine in the cooler Shura has, let's…
– Caramel apples? – Two small bright red caramel apples were neatly packaged in the paper bag. – For the one I gave you?
Kanon nodded. – Where the hell you got them? I've been looking for them for ages, but they are not common here despite it's rather easy to make them
– I can't recall… but it was our birthday, the first after our father died
– He did die…?
– Yes, Shion told me… – Saga noticed Kanon's skepticism – When he found us, dad was already dead… and you were following close behind.
– Did he tell you what did he die of? – Asked Kanon after rising an eyebrow
– No, I didn't ask, but I clearly remember both of you twisting in pain after eating some oysters. You both were running very high fevers, getting weaker by the minute, and turning inside out.
– You ate fish that night…
– Yes
– Food poisoning…
– You almost died too at the time; I was never so afraid in my life. So… for our birthday I wanted to celebrate with something special. I was so grateful we could finally be safe together and in a place we finally belonged to, but I knew you still were really down because of dad. So, I got the apples…
– But I got so excited I dropped mine and you gave me yours
– And you split it, although you almost cut yourself in the process…
– I couldn't bear to see your face so sad because of an apple
– Let's eat them now, but please don't drop it
Both smiled and sat near the lake eating the apples and looking to the landscape
– They looked bigger a few years ago – Said Kanon
– Yes, but I don't think they were
– I don't think you took them from the dining hall, right?
– No, there were never desserts like this in there
– How did you managed to sneak out so much food for me?
– I just didn't eat it and hid it away in the training field.
– Did someone ever found out?
– Yeah, one of the guards, she could not believe why would I steal and hide that much food if there was always a good serving ready for me at the hall. Nobody but Shion knew about you, so he never did anything about it despite her complains
– But were you in troubles with others?
– Every time, but it didn't stop me, did it?
Kanon shook his head. Ever since he fled the Sanctuary back to the beach hideout, he could find a small bag with bread, cheese, some nuts, dried fruit and meat, small bottles of marmalade or pickled veggies, stuff that would last, and not in small quantities. In very fortunate cases he even got bandages and medicines. Kanon always tried not to rely on any of that, knowing one day the help could stop arriving without warning. But it was a nice backup in case he could not find something on his own. He would have surely died many times if not for Saga's clandestine deliveries.
Kanon was thinking about that when he noticed his brother taking something out of his pocket
– I don't think I got into more troubles getting that for you than you getting this for me. – He gave something to his younger brother. It was a pocket mirror.
– I gave it to you the day I left the Sanctuary…
– Because I didn't want to stay there. Kanon, I never wanted to leave you. But you told me whenever I wanted to see you, I could look for you on it. That way I wouldn't miss you
What a big fat lie…
– Did you keep it all this time? – Kanon was stunned, and suddenly felt angry and ashamed.
– Kanon? – Saga called him alarmed when he saw the clear but chipped crystal darkened in his hand, the metal rusted – Don't...! – In a single violent move, he threw it against a rock, it bounced and shattered. And the gate to another dimension ate the pieces. – Why...?
– I let a simple mirror take my place. You don't need it anymore. Now you have me. And I will always be here for you... – Saga looked at him with a weird mix of feelings – Just avoid requiring me too often in the wee hours of the morning...
– Can't make any promises– Said Saga smiling and finishing his apple
– Abusive, abusive! You'll do it on purpose – Kanon finished his apple too, took what was left of Saga's from his hand and threw the evidence to the lake.
Confused, Saga was going to inquire about such behavior when he heard someone approaching
– What took you so long, goat? We are dying of thirst in here!
– You know there's the lake
– You know it's not the same!
Shura handed over the cooler – Don't get too drunk before the food is ready
Milo and Camus arrived shortly. They ended up with two doves, a hare and a duck.
Milo placed the table, Camus helped place a plastic tablecloth from the backpack and shirtless Shura quickly cleaned the animals and prepared them. When he finished, Camus removed the tablecloth and cleaned it in the lake. Shura also washed himself.
– None of that! – Screamed Milo and tackled Shura into the lake, he had already hanged his shirt and pants.
– Kanon! – Called Shura as he surfaced – Mind the food! – He took his pants off while in the water
– Got you covered! Destroy him – Said Kanon rising the beer his way
– Thanks, could you please hang this to dry? – He asked to Camus
– No if you do destroy him – He said taking the pants
– Come help him, in that case
Camus hanged Shura's pants from a branch and held them with a cord, then he hanged his shirt and pants besides Milo's and jumped to the lake.
Suddenly, Shura and Milo were competing across the lake with Camus as judge
– That judge has been paid! – Screamed Kanon, since despite whatever Shura did, Milo was always declared winner.
– or laid… – Whispered Saga taking a drink. Kanon almost threw the beer through his nose, almost.
- no doubt about that – he said chuckling
- what? Is now official?
- them together? yeah, for a while now.
- I thought the whole ordeal with presentation was barely the proposal. – Kanon shook his head, Saga continued - finally. After their fight in the dining hall, I was seriously considering throwing them into another dimension until they sorted it all out…
- I would have. Luckily for them they figured it out before I had the chance to mind
Quickly enough the others were fighting
– It's an uneven fight two against one – Said Saga
– I'm watching the food, but you are free to join them.
Saga did strip off shirt and pants to get into the water but didn't quite join the mess. It had been long since he enjoyed swimming just for the sake of it. but quickly enough the others dragged him into the game
– Shura! – Called Kanon – How do I know if your pot is ready?!
– Coming!
Shura checked the food, and it was ready, so everyone else got to the table. Once more Milo pulled something from under it and it collapsed, but they didn't fold it to keep using it that way. Camus took out the flatware from the backpack and arranged it while Shura brought the food. Everybody sat on the floor around the table. The lunch was hare stew, grilled duck, and roasted doves
– I can't believe how good this is. – Said Saga – Thanks, Shura
– This is why it is so difficult to take your brother out of Capricorn – Said Milo
– Me? Just me? – Asked Kanon rising an eyebrow
– At least he brings ingredients – Said Shura looking at Milo and Camus
– It's the least he could do considering how often he crashed there – Said Camus calmly
– Hey! We always bring drinks! – Said Milo mostly at the same time
– I don't think it's the same – Said Saga
– It is not – Said Shura and Kanon in stereo.
Both Milo and Camus felt bad, they stopped eating…
– Hey, you finish that up. – Said Saga, who was starting to feel bad himself
– quit the drama and eat. You hunted those, remember? – Said Kanon – Wasting food is disrespectful
– If it were a bother, I wouldn't do it. – Said Shura – Sturdy guinea pigs are hard to find
With that Camus kept eating frowning and Milo began devouring everything in front of him
– Milo does the dishes! – Kanon declared standing up and leaving
– Hey, why me? I hunted!
Since Saga had finished too, Kanon made him stand up and pushed him away
– Shura cooked and hunted, Camus cleaned after him and hunted, and it's our birthday. You got no choice
Shura quickly stood up after the others, avoiding any further discussion
– Not fair! Come back here! – Milo couldn't pursue them because…
– You can't stand if you haven't finished! – Yelled Kanon already out of view
– Darn…
– I'll help you out – offered Camus
– No, it's ok… – Milo kept eating.
The other saints just walked around the lake, talking about nothing in particular. It took them a while to return. By then Camus and Milo had tidied up the place, but where nowhere to be seen
– I wouldn't look for them. – Said Kanon sitting down at the collapsed table and taking another beer. But when they got silent, they could hear Camus playing the violin not too far away. Shura took out a deck of cards from the backpack – Since Saga is here you better take out the domino
– You want me to play?
– Why not? we'll teach you…
And so, they began playing. They were so into it that they didn't notice when Camus and Milo retook swimming in the lake
– Hey, guys! – Called Milo going out for the last pair of beers – How's the game going?
– Kanon leads… – Said Saga. He still didn't quite get the game
– Well, I'll help you, but I'm not good
Camus came out of the water too
– It's getting late. Are we staying for the night? We must procure dinner and we are out of beer…
– And we are a hammock short…
– I got the spare one fixed, so we are good on hammocks, – Said Kanon – But yeah I'm getting hungry
Shura looked into the cooler
– There's some ham, salami, and cheese in here
– Oh, so that's where they were – Said Kanon
– Since when?
– Three days tops
Camus approached the basket – We have a loaf of bread and olives
– And there's the roasted dove from before
– Looks like we are covered. Let's stay
And they did. Camus and Milo prepared dinner while Kanon took out the hammocks from the second backpack and showed Saga how to hang them. They set them from the three trunk at the middle of one wall to a wooden structure Saga hadn't noticed in the opposite wall
– Luckily it doesn't look like it will rain
– Why?
– I don't think this simple construction fares well under a storm
– Can we really sleep on these things?
– Yes, we can. Of course, if you don't lie down properly, you'll turn around and fall.
So, they sat down for dinner and kept on playing. Kanon left his place to Milo so both him and Camus could join the game. Then he began couching Saga. His score improved but he could not take the lead from Shura
– Well, let's wrap it up – Said Kanon. He had lit a lamp a while ago.
– It's so dark already! – Saga was surprised
– Final check! – Called Milo and everyone began checking the ceiling and the corners while Shura took out something like a curtain from the backpack
– We good?
– Looks like it – Said Camus putting the broom on a corner
Then Kanon and Shura hung the curtain from the hooks all around the missing wall, but kept it up.
– A bug net?
– Yes, we should have hanged it earlier, but, Camus, could you please…
Camus, who was still on the back, made a cold wave that moved towards the front. Shura and Kanon hurriedly hanged the curtain. Everybody climbed their hammocks, but Saga still had his doubts
– Come on, sit in the middle! – urged Kanon
– And now? – Asked Saga
– Get on! – Kanon was half impatient half amused – Slide inside!
– You won't roll off, Saga – Said Milo amused too
– You must lay diagonally… slightly off center… there! So, how is it? – Asked Kanon once Saga stayed still
– Weird – He concluded
– You are too tense, relax… – Said Camus
– You can slide up or down until you feel comfortable – Added Milo
– Mind your neck – Added Shura
Saga shifted for a moment while Kanon held the hammock for his peace of mind
– Done?
– I guess
– I'm letting go, ok? – Kanon rose his hands once Saga nodded
– It's only a hammock! – Chuckled Milo. Kanon frowned at him, then he passed under Shura and began trying to roll off Milo. – Hey, stop that!
– That's how you ripped the other one – Called Shura – Remember?
Kanon let him go and moved to his hammock
– If you get cold just pull the sides to cocoon yourself like Shura
Shura had wrapped himself and was already half asleep
– Turn off that light! – He said
– I'm on it, jeez – Kanon turned off the lamp
– Hey, Saga – Called Milo – It was so cool to have you over after so many years. You should come more often
Saga blinked surprised.
– I'll think about it
– Happy birthday, twins – Called Camus, and the others echoed him
– Thanks… – Said Saga a bit embarrassed
– Yes, yes, thanks, now sleep!
In the quiet night, Saga noticed when the others, even Kanon quickly fell asleep. After a little consideration he decided to pull the sides of the hammock and join them. It has been a weird day… but an enjoyable one. And for the first time is as long as he could remember, he did get some fine rest.
He woke up to some noise, it was close by, something was lurking around. Saga first thought of some animal looking for the leftovers, but upon paying attention it was too big for any random animal and too clumsy for an attacker. Besides, it was not approaching them. Saga saw it crawl near a window, silently open it up, grab something and flee under the cover of the shadows down the alley. "what?". He shook his head and he found surrounded by pitch darkness again. Saga didn't move until he acknowledged his surroundings. He was still on the hammock instead of the dark alley. "was I dreaming?"
Then Camus stretched lazily. It was still dark, but the Aquarius had awaken and silently put away his hammock and went out for a swim. Shura was the next one to wake up, well sort of. He sat on his hammock but stayed like that for a while. When he finally stood up, it was like he was moving in autopilot, not really aware of his surroundings. So, the first thing he did was getting out of the shelter and wash his face. Camus even splashed him, but it still took a little while after that for his brain to restart and get back inside to pack his stuff.
Saga didn't even notice the moment in which Kanon slid out of his hammock, until he took it and the lamp down. Milo was still out when Saga decided to let the others know he was awake
– Hey, Kanon…
– Saga, morning!
– How do I pack the hammock…? What are you drinking? – He asked when he noticed Shura and Kanon were holding mugs
– Cold brew – Kanon stood up and gave him the mug – You try it and I'll pack. Saga got the fine scent of the coffee and tried it. He felt the caffeine hit its mark like a kick to his abs. Kanon put down the hammock and packed it with the rest. – How is it? – He asked when he returned
– Heavenly
Kanon smirked
– So, what now?
– I'm not sure if we should wait until sleeping beauty wakes up or just pull him down
– I would expect a mean scare jump from you to that end
– He learned the hard way how bad it can be to roughly wake up Milo – Said Camus going out of the water to get some coffee too
– I won't hear the end of his royal nagging, grumping and general bad mood. Believe me, you don't want to put up with that. – Kanon patted Saga in the back
– He is far from being a morning person – Said Shura enjoying his coffee – unbearable…
– Camus, you wake him up or we'll stay here until noon! – Complained Kanon
– I don't have complete immunity, you know? – Camus frowned and went in – only his clock has such privileges
– You've got more than us!
Saga watched Camus approach the cocoon Milo was sleeping in. The Aquarius carefully pulled the sides of the hammock to find his lover's head. He then gently stroked his messed blond curls and whispered something. The Scorpio shifted and tried to cocoon himself again. But the French held his hand and leaned further forward. He must have told him something. Then, he backed up and waited. The sleepy Helene shifted again and sat up rubbing his eyes. Camus patted him on the shoulder and began pulling down the curtain. As Milo stretched and stood up to pack his hammock, Shura helped put down the bug net.
– Alright, – Called Kanon – We'll be leaving as soon as you are done
The group was ready in record time. A bath and decent breakfast suddenly became extremely appealing. But at least for Shura, Camus and Milo, going to their temples was out of the question, it was too far. So they decided to detour to the gym instead and then drop to the dinning hall.
Saga and Kanon went back to Gemini temple. But upon reaching the private chambers, Kanon noticed a small box in front of his door. And a can on top
– What is that? – Asked Saga while his twin opened the door and pushed the box inside with his foot
– The box? A delivery from Angelo… – It had the cancer symbol on top – The can, I don't know
The twins left all the stuff in the living room and went back to check the items.
Saga took the can, it had a note on the side – Its from the Japanese kids – He opened it. – Coffee – It had a strong rich scent. Saga wondered how they figured out Kanon liked coffee
The younger twin checked the box. It was a small cooler with six bottles of beer inside and a note.
"Please return cooler. Share with your twin"
– A birthday present, it seems – Said Kanon pulling one bottle and whistling – This is so good! But we must cool them down more.
Angelo had placed ice in the cooler, but must of it had melted.
– He left it today, since there's still some ice there – Said Saga while Kanon put them in the fridge
But when he pulled the last one out, he accidentally lifted the cooler and the strap knocked down a plate from the counter. Saga tried to catch it, but not with a good enough effort, so it still shattered. Saga began picking up the pieces, but he stopped when he noticed Kanon was frozen still. He looked up to his younger brother and his gloom looks confused Saga. The older man then paid attention to the shattered plate and noticed it was different from the ones they used in the trip. Kanon quickly turned to the fridge to put away the beer and then went to look for a broom.
That was Mu's pottery.
– I'm sorry, Kanon
– I knocked it down
They picked the pieces and discarded them
Saga felt real bad about his brother, he had been almost cheerful just a few moments back. He couldn't help but to hug him. Kanon was so out of sorts he could only lean against his brother.
With Momus gone, that gesture was becoming more and more common. Saga was kind of glad his little brother now trusted him that much, but it was worrying him all the same. For someone like Kanon to let go of his rebel and though guy attitude more and more frequently, things were really going out of hand. It was really disturbing to see him like that, especially sober.
That was all he could think of when he unconsciously kissed his twin's neck, which in turn made Kanon return the hug although in a very possessive way.
– I'm here Kanon, it's alright…
Saga wished from the bottom of his heart to be able to give his brother some comfort.
Kanon was really too tired of pretending everything was alright, but Saga presence was reassuring. He couldn't help to kiss him. Although a bit surprised, Saga didn't resist and pushed him slightly against the counter instead. Having him not backing away encouraged Kanon
– Come… – He whispered on his brother's lips. He just nodded ready to follow him wherever he wanted to go. And so they ended up at Kanon's dorm.
As Saga closed the door behind them, Kanon rid of his shirt with his back turned to his brother. But the look in his eyes was so sad the older twin couldn't help to hug him and make him turn his head to kiss his cheek. The younger man placed a hand behind the other's head and pulled him a bit to kiss his lips again. Saga hugged him tightly, but one of his hands slid down to the hem of his brother's pants. Kanon himself helped push them down enough for his older twin to reach between his legs, he was already hard. Saga smirked and lightly rubbed himself against his brother to show him he was mostly the same.
– Saga…
– As you wish…
Kanon turned to reach for his night stand while Saga rid of his clothes. Once he found the small bottle he was looking for, he gave it to his brother and kneeled down at the bed. Saga kneeled down behind him and using the lube from the bottle he began preparing his brother. Kanon's moans only served to arouse Saga more and so he bit his shoulder.
– Kanon… – The older Gemini could clearly tell the younger was growing impatient, so he positioned himself and began pressing forward. Kanon melted on the mattress as his brother reached deeper. As Saga stablished a rhythm, Kanon's mind began wandering, lost in the pleasure his brother provided. And so he began imagining it wasn't Saga but Mu the one taking care of him, although they were not really alike at all
– More…
Kanon missed his teasing and the rough play he'd put through their entire encounter. Challenging Kanon and pushing up the enjoyment. Kanon was impartial to most stuff, it'd been fun because it was Mu. Discovering what he liked and exploiting that was actually the entertaining part. It had been refreshing. Besides Mu had offered an opportunity that one else did, Kanon had no need to pretend when they were alone. He could be all his nefarious self without being judged. Mu had accepted his bad moods along with the good ones, and it had been alright. Mu had loved him and he ruined it. If only he could apologize and have him under the moonlight once more. Those flaring green eyes and lavender locks. His clear voice. His youth and vitality, his strength. That slender alabaster body so eager, responsive and curious…
It wasn't difficult for Saga to figure out what or rather who his brother was thinking about, but he couldn't blame him. As he tried to focus on pleasing Kanon, his own mind began playing tricks on him and so he ended up thinking about Aioros, about having in his arms after so long.
The fast beating of his heart, his deep breath and moans, his blushed up face and parted lips, the resolution on which he picked up Saga and laid him in the desk before him, that fully grown up body of his, so different from 14 years ago and yet…
Back when they made love in the studio, they hadn't connected at all, not like they used to. Aioros had been hesitant, insecure. That resulted in Saga acting too passively to encourage him, but it didn't quite work. So even when Saga submitted completely to him, Aioros didn't respond accordingly. And despite they both reached their climax almost at the same time, at least Saga was not satisfied. There had been a lot of things he had wanted to do, but how would he dare without the archer's cooperation? Saga was certain if he had tried anything, Aioros would have backed away. It had been frustrating, but it was pointless to complain. If Aioros still feared him or distrust him, well, Saga didn't have the energy to try and fix it. Maybe later, much later, if it was still worth the effort.
– More!
There were others who will appreciate what he had to give and will gladly take it. That's what he should focus on, those who needed him and would actually let him into their lives. Saga leaned forward and hugged Kanon, the younger twin tensed up as the pace increased and tried to muffle his own groans with the mattress. Saga held him tightly in place as he came deep inside him. To his relief Kanon came too. Ah, he would have lost it if in the end he failed his little brother, who slid limply by the side of the bed. Saga grabbed him and helped him up the bed, where they both laid in silence next to each other.
Kanon remained idle, with his eyes closed. Saga stroked his hair and for a moment there he thought maybe he had fallen asleep. But then the younger Gemini moved to clear a tear from his eye.
– Please don't give up, Kanon. – Whispered Saga making the younger Gemini look up at him. Saga cleared some astray bangs from his face – He accepted going out with you during the festival. Have some hope, please.
Kanon once again closed his eyes and nodded. He hid his face on the pillows but then stretched lazily to gather strength to sit up on the bed.
– Thank you, Saga – Said Kanon. the older man just smiled as he sat up too. – Any plans for today?
Saga's stomach broke the silence
– Breakfast? – He said embarrassed
– Let's get a shower and get something to eat. – Kanon grabbed a lock of his hair – I think can still get a scent of smoke from my hair
– Let's do that, but upstairs. If we are going to be out, I must dress up
– Can't you just stroll around in plain clothes?
– I don't think it's appropriate
– Alright. – Kanon was not going to argue – But a black tunic with this heat?
Around the same time Shaka was helping Mu clean the workshop. As the Virgo took the bucket of dirty water out, the Aires opened the hidden vault with the intention of dusting. But as he stepped inside, he got an odd sensation, like he was stepping there for the first time, yet he had been there countless times already. Had anything changed?
"Do not hide from me…"
Mu looked around. Well, almost everything was where it should, the stardust, the tools, Fornax gloves, the last chunk of gammanium left from Caelum's head piece fix, no orichalcum anywhere… the dust pilling up on the shelves with no evidence of anyone going in for at least a week. Yeah, it all seemed in order.
Mu placed his hand on the left wall and walked to the back like that
"Never hide from me…"
He looked at the furniture he had in front of him, a regular one. He pushed it a bit and grabbed one of the shelves to make sure it was in good conditions, then he tried the next one, and the next one… it was all alright. He looked at it confused. There was something odd and he couldn't figure out what it was.
Then he turned to the shelves at the right. Had… had the gammanium just sparkled? He was about to grab it, but what was he expecting to get from a chunk of hypermetal? Somehow, he felt ridiculous and ended up grabbing the shelf instead.
"Anything you want, just say it…"
"A–Anything I want?" A volt of electricity rushed through his body, and he found himself slightly arounsed. "What do I want?" he rested his forehead on the edge of the upper shelf, still grabbing the other one. The gammanium chunk occupied most of his field of view. "What do I want?" He took a deep breath.
– I want…
Then he looked down, at the lower shelf…
– You…
– Mu! – Shaka and Shion rushed in when they stepped in the workshop doorway and saw the younger lemurian holding his head as if it were to explode. The former pope had been just casually passing by when he saw Shaka stepping out of the workshop.
"WHO ARE YOU?" his desperate thought echoed in Shion's mind
A massive headache assaulted Mu. Something… Something important happened there. What was it? Why couldn't he remember? Who had been in there with him? He felt like falling to the ground, but he wouldn't allow that. He was certain if he turned around, if only he could look back over his shoulder, he would know. He had to know. So he turned around…
But there was nobody there…
– Mu! Are you alright? – Shaka was to his right, holding him in case he would faint. Behind him, there was Shion. Mu looked at them like not recognizing them, then turned to the nothing in the middle of the small vault with an angry and frustrated look.
He stepped away from the shelves and confronted it. it shouldn't be there. Someone was supposed to be there, not a void.
"Anything you want…"
Mu couldn't take that deep husky voice from his mind. "Who was that? Who?!"
"Anything…"
– Has Kanon ever been in here? – Asked Mu
– Inside the vault? – Asked Shaka – No that I'm aware of, perhaps. He witnessed the Lyra repair, so he knows this exists. With his ability to sneak around he might have entered at any time.
Mu shook his head and tried to calm down.
– No, he didn't sneak in here. I think… – Mu looked around – I let him in.
"What would Kanon be doing in the vault?" wondered Shion. He was getting worried that too many people recently knew about the existence of the vault. Not that he feared any intentional spill of the secret, but unintentional could be as dangerous and more likely. But that aside…
– Mu, did you recall anything about Kanon?
– No, and that's exactly why I assume it was him.
– You should rest Mu. – Said Shion. I'll request Kiki to finish this
– No. I'll do it. Kiki needs his rest after training.
– You know I'll help you out – Said Shaka. And they pick up the chores where they left them.
Shion agreed but made a mental note on asking Kanon about the vault…
– I got a confession to make – Said Saga as he rinsed his hair in the shower
– What is it? – Said Kanon applying shampoo to his own
– Back then, when I was training here… my wounds were not nearly as bad as I made you think. I just wanted you to stay around as much as possible
– Hn… – Kanon entered the water stream to rinse his hair – I know…
– Really? – Saga leaned back against the shower wall to allow more room for his brother
– Come on. I saw you obliterate to dust boulders larger than the cadets' barracks with your fists alone. It made no sense you would put up such drama over a scratch in the knee. I figured you must be acting up to get me to stay. Although you do make me worry about who'd be caring for you if the training got out of hand and I was not here. I felt glad you needed me, so I stayed. We both improved faster when we were together anyways.
Saga smiled
– I did like your attention
– You've always been such a spoiled brat. – Said Kanon turning the faucet. Then he grabbed the towels as he stepped out of the shower and gave one to his twin
– Thanks – Saga took it and began drying himself
– But hey, what happened today…
Saga looked back at Kanon
– Don't get offended, but I doubt it is healthy for either of us that it becomes a regular practice
– Well, using each other to replace what we both miss certainly isn't going to benefit either in the long run. But hell if I know how to deal with this mess
– For starters you could reduce your workday – Said Kanon wrapping the towel around his waist
– What does that have to do with this? – Saga looked at his brother skeptical
– Don't pretend you don't use your work overload to avoid dealing with any personal affair. If I stopped disappearing, you can have breaks… and go down the temples path while you are at it.
Saga made a scowl. He then followed Kanon to the dressing room
– Well, in the large scope of messes I can deal with I preferred to focus on those I can actually straighten – Saga reached for his clothes
– I understand, but far from being productive, that is another way of procrastinating ugliness. – Said Kanon while getting dressed with the set he had brought – Troubles won't solve themselves, just grow
Saga frowned at the truth on his brother words although they kind of contradicted his former resolution. Once again, they were no news, he just didn't want to face that fact until someone else told him about it. It took him a while to answer
– You are depriving me of the only source of ego boost I've got, – He said in a slightly dramatic tone Kanon could never take seriously – Scratching one more item from my to do list, however small it is.
Kanon smirked and patted his back
– There must be better ways to justify one's existence than taking care of every single detail around.
– Tell me one – Said Saga walking out of the dresser room
– once I learn of any – Said Kanon shrugging – Did you got a secret admirer or what's with the roses? – There was a large bouquet of peach-colored roses on the dining table and a smaller one in the living room table.
– Birthday, remember? Aphrodite must have sent them. Any excuse is good to show off his roses.
– Well, you must admit they brighten up an otherwise gloomy sight.
Yeah, although somewhat luxurious, the pope chambers were not very cozy or charming. Everything was marble and wood, with a very discrete grey upholstery, Saga had ridden himself of all the crazy red and gold stuff he had placed around during his previous administration, curtains, carpets and the like, but he didn't really like the outcome. Maybe he should ask Aphrodite for advice on how to make the pope's chambers a bit more lively, he had such good taste…
– It's late to ask the service to prepare us breakfast… – Saga was in the living room, halfway between the table and the door
– And too early for lunch, I guess… want to go to the dining hall? I'm not in the mood to cook and it should still be open
He nodded
– Another dimension…
They came out near the dining hall. Once again, the general noise toned down when the Pope came in.
– Hn, I should have dragged you here earlier. – They walked to the buffet – Are we staying?
– I rather eat outside. – Saga didn't want to disturb anyone's late breakfast although there weren't that many diners left
– Alright. – They picked their breakfast in some available paper plates and left. But Kanon was so hungry he began eating while their walked.
– What do you usually do on Sundays? – Saga was tempted to do the same, but he waited until they arrived to the library gardens.
– This early? workout at the gym. You should come too
– To the gym?
– unless you wanna stay up on your chambers on your own. – No, Saga didn't want to do that. – I gotta go to Rodorio afterwards for some shopping. – Kanon didn't sound very fond of that
– I'll go to the gym, but not to the villages
Yes, they might be the Pope and the Gemini saint, but who knows if that would distract people from the fact they were twins. Yes, most people knew the name of the "new" Pope was Saga and had the vague idea he and the Gemini Saint Kanon were related. But it was unlikely it occurred to anyone they were twins and even less likely that anyone actually related them with an specific set of astray twins from the many they chased out of the towns over the years. Still, many were bound to freak out once they realized the truth, so Saga never made any public appearance without the dark mask.
And that's one more thing they would need to face eventually, preferably after the festival.
So they finished their breakfast and walked towards the coliseum
– It's kind of late, would you still manage to get anything done?
– Maybe… Have you ever seen the conditions it is in?
Before engaging on his usual routine, Kanon gave Saga a tour. A detailed tour. To Kanon's taste there were a freaking lot of stuff out of order. Saga knew it but not first hand, not to the full extent. It all should have been taken care off for the festival but maybe not completely… Down in the arena, there was Aldebaran's class.
The last stop was at the rehabilitation clinic at the back. With that many people training and fighting they were bound to require medical attention at some point. With Dokko in charge of it, they covered mostly everything from fractures, sprains, muscular and cartilage injuries and rehabilitation therapy to many related issues. Although of course they were not a top tech medical facility, it really helped having them around. Whenever any saint or cadet got hurt in trainings they would usually run there for attention.
Mu and Kiki were attending Angelo, who got a minor injury in his ankle during his night shift, Shaka supervised Aghora and Shiva while they tended Moses and Algol after their training. And Aiora was explaining some healing techniques from a book to Aioros.
– Saga! Kanon! – Exclaimed Dokko, calling everyone's attention to the twins – What do we owe the honor?
Kanon right away noticed how Saga tensed up.
– Inspection. – Said Kanon hopping to disturb Dokko, but it didn't work. Why it'd never work?
– Really? Good! Let's me get a pencil and my notebook. Any chance for improvement is highly appreciated.
– Hn, drop it, grandpa. – Said Kanon as soon as he got Saga into the side office and check room – We've come because you seem to run the cheapest nearest physical therapy clinic
– Well, if it is our services you require, we'll be glad to help. What is going on?
– Saga requires a check up
– Me?
– Saga? – Dokko came closer
– Yes, you. Sit – Kanon purposely blocked the way out and indicated the checkup bench, completely unaffected by the dirty look from his brother
– Alright, what's the problem?
– All of him
Dokko blinked, surprised
– You didn't just drag me all around the place to get me here, did you?
– Not really, but now that we are here might as well take advantage, don't you think?
Still not convinced, Saga sat at the checkup bench.
– Excuse me, let's see… – As soon as Dokko put his hands on Saga's shoulder, he knew Kanon was not joking. – Saga, could you please take off the tunic?
Saga tensed even further and glared at Kanon. But since he had no trouble holding that killer glare, the pope stood up and complied. Then he sat again. Dokko kept checking him, asking him to make some movements and flexions. Dokko stood still for a moment
– That bad? – Asked Kanon
– Indeed it is – Dokko went around the table and called for the other gold saints – How busy are you, guys?
– Angelo was our last patient – Said Mu
– Aghora and Shiva are fully booked today, but I don't think they'll need my help – Replied Shaka
– Jamien should be bringing over his student in a few minutes – Said Aioria looking at the clock
– What happened to him?
– He is fresh out of a broken arm. We took off the cast on Friday.
– Alright, I'll check on him. Meanwhile I want you to attend Saga
– All of them? – Asked Kanon noticing how Saga grew uncomfortable with this whole ordeal
– Yes. Right away. – Said Dokko turning to the pope.
– Maybe some other time – Said Saga standing up, but Kanon cut his way out – My clothes
For a moment they both looked like they would start fighting but Kanon sighed, and his expression changed completely
– Hey, you know I can tend to a wide variety of wounds and injures, I'd like to help you, but this is out of my scope. You know I'm not particularly fond of this lot, but I wouldn't have brought you if it weren't necessary… please?
Saga sighed and went back to sit. Aioria, Mu and Shaka were impressed about the exchange, after watching the twins almost kill each other over the last few months.
– Check this out – Dokko began his check again, explaining the others with a lot of weird terms the twins were not very familiar with
– Saga, doesn't any of this hurt? – Asked Shaka after a moment of confused silence in which Dokko made him flex his arms in a weird position
– Not really. It's uncomfortable, but not quite painful
Dokko released him. Mu and Aioria blinked, surprised. It was clear Aioros was a tad confused. But Shaka was completely incredulous.
– Saga, please allow me to try something
When the pope nodded Shaka pressed some specific points in his back that caused him to move, but nothing more. He then again pressed those points with his hand on Saga's back, everyone could feel his cosmos at work trying to come up with a clear diagnosis.
– I really can't believe this
– He hasn't lost sensitivity, right? – Asked Aioros
– No, it's rather that he is so used to the pain he no longer responds to it.
Everybody wondered how long had Saga stayed like that
– Well, we can't allow this to keep going any more. – Said Dokko – Thanks for bringing him Kanon. Ok, people, let's go. Saga, please lay down. Mu top left, Shaka top right. Aioria, guide Aioros, one leg each.
Mu lit some scented candles while Shaka brought some medicinal oils
– Why all of them? – Asked Kanon. It looked like an overkill
– Saga is so stiff that if I assign just one of them, that person will get tired before properly finishing and won't be able to attend anyone tomorrow, and we still have other patients to look for. Besides, this is not going to get fixed in just one session. I'd recommend at least 4, one every second day, and we'll continue depending on the progress
Saga grumped
– If you wanna murder me you first need to catch me – Said Kanon to his brother – How long would it take today?
– No less than an hour
– Alright, and hour it'll be – Said Kanon walking out to avoid Saga's glare – I'll be in the gym!
So Saga was left in the massages table. The candles scent was annoying, although he knew it was meant to help him relax. And the oils felt cold and hot at the same time, their scent was equally annoying.
So all four saints began working, Mu and Shaka in perfect sync, while Aioria guided Aioros. But it soon proved a very difficult work to handle. After 10 minutes there was next to no progress
Then something occurred to the golden archer
– Saga, – Called Aioros – We really can't help you if you don't let us
Help. They were trying to help him. Yeah, sure… yeah… right? That's what they did. Help. For real? Help him? The man who trashed them around? The man who had one killed, shamed and manipulated another, framed a third and fooled the last? Will they really help him? Well, that was their job, a job assigned by Athena, just like his own. They wouldn't go against her, she forgave him… Well, that doesn't mean they would forgive him, they don't really have to. All it mean was they wouldn't act against him, at least not directly. They wouldn't try anything funny, right?…
Both Mu and Shaka could feel Saga's conflict, although neither could clearly tell what the source of it was.
Distrust. Wasn't that the source of Saga's constant stress? Doubting everyone? Fearing everyone? Wasn't that the reason behind his own seclusion up in the pope chambers? Behind his stubborn attitude of not daring step out of there without at least the pope's necklace, a visible reminder to everyone that he was present by Athena's will and not his own? Such garments were neatly placed out of reach. He really felt helpless without them… at their mercy…
– I… I'm sorry…
Everyone heard him, but nobody saw the tears that splashed the tile.
Enough… He had been running enough already… There was really no point. If anyone had any vendetta against him, he should just face them and move on. Athena needed him, so she would not give him away so easily, she even managed to rescue him from Hades himself. He should just have faith and keep going. There was still much his goddess wanted him to do to worry about other's unfinished business. Enough with the paranoia
The pope took a deep sight and seemed to relax for the others to work
Mu did feel like he surrendered, but aside from Shaka who got puzzled by Saga's words, the others were rather clueless of their meaning.
Kanon finished a light training routine and went for a quick shower. The hour had already passed and he thought he would find a very uncomfortable and grumpy Saga glaring daggers at him for being late. To his surprise, the guys were not yet finished, it was Dokko who greeted him, but Shion was also there.
– Seriously? – Said the Gemini when he saw the curtain to the check room still closed
– I'm afraid so
– Kanon, how long has Saga been like this? – Asked Shion
– I wouldn't know. Too long.
– That there is sheer stress, Shion. – Said Dokko – He does train just like everyone else, but you don't get such results from running or lifting weights alone. It's like he's been on guard all the time. I would understand if Momus were still around, but he is gone. What else would keep him like that? His duties as Pope? You need to appoint him an assistant!
Kanon snorted mocking both saints, then walked towards the curtain to wait for his brother. Still Shion wouldn't let him go so easily
– If you know the reason, please tell us, Kanon.
– I won't waste my breath
– Kanon!
But the Gemini entered the room, not caring about Shion in the least. He knew there were no other exits, so he pretty much cornered himself, but he also knew the old man wouldn't disturb the patient, so there was no way he'll continue the argument in there
Although, upon entering…
– What did you do to him?
– What do you mean? – Asked Aioria
They were finishing
– You put him to sleep! – Said Kanon approaching his brother greatly surprised
– If that is so let him rest until he wakes on his own. – Said Dokko – Also, Kanon, he should stay clear of cold water until tomorrow, and no baths or showers for at least two hours so the medicine keeps working. – Kanon nodded – Mu, please take them to the pope's chambers
As Mu prepared to do as requested, Kanon took Saga's clothes, looking around in case he was forgetting anything. Then he approached his brother, as to verify how deep asleep he was. Once he confirmed it was a full knockout, Kanon smiled, a warm sincere smile nobody had ever seen in his face. Well, to Mu that smile was a weird déjà vu, as the full work had been too. The younger Gemini leaned forward placing a hand on his brother's head and whispered – Happy birthday, Saga. Rest well.
Then both vanished, teleported by Mu, but those final words made everyone turn to the calendar hanging from the wall.
– Their birthday was yesterday… – Pointed out Aioros, terribly concerned.
– We all missed it? – Asked Dokko. Nobody said anything.
– Dokko… – Called Mu while Shaka put away the stuff they used and the brothers left following pope Shion.
– What is it?
– We have never tended Saga before, right?
– No, why?
– It felt like I've done it before… But in that case it might have been Kanon.
– Hn… but if Saga is difficult to reach, Kanon is worse… Thanks for telling me. I'll follow up with Saga, hopefully he can drag Kanon into the therapy too.
"Hey, goat chop" called Kanon through cosmos.
"what's up?" Shura replied from Capricorn, he had just arrived from his early festival errands.
"you got a free afternoon, right? Any plans? You skipped yesterday's duties…"
"not until late. What do you need?" he was looking into his fridge, trying to figure out what to lunch…
"won't you watch Saga for me?"
"what happened?" Shura almost dropped a bottle of sauce
"nothing much. I took him for a checkup with Dokko, and his staff knocked him down." Shura relaxed "The old man said to let him sleep it off, but I'm afraid he won't be in the best of moods when he wakes up. I'd like to be there but I must get some stuff done. You on or what? I can't promise you lunch but I can promise you dinner, I'm going to Rodorio."
"a gyro from the plaza and some dessert!"
"deal. Don't let him clean off the medicine oils for at least two hours. And he must stay clear from the roman bath"
"alright"
So, Shura made himself a sandwich, wrapped it up and went up the stairs to the pope chambers, taking a book and his guitar along. The Capricorn wondered if it was good luck or bad.
Under the noon sun, a girl was fetching water from the creek. She looked too thin and pale to be carrying such a heavy load under such heat. She tripped but as she fell she managed to use the barrel to avoid hitting the ground while keeping it from spilling. Saga thought the girl might fit into it if it had a bigger opening, therefore it must be heavier than her.
Opposite to what Saga expected, the girl only pushed it to a nearby post, secured the lid with a rope and then used the excess rope and the pole to put the barrel on its side. After that, she just rolled the barrel down the road back to a wooden shack.
"Am I dreaming?" Saga asked himself as he saw the same girl go back to the creek with a fishing rod and start a fire nearby. The pope looked around and recognized the cliffs around the Sanctuary a few walking hours away. To his knowledge there were no villages nearby. "Does she lives alone…?"
An hour passed in the pope's chamber when Shura heard some knocking to the door. He stood up and opened
– Ah, lord Shura – It was a maid – Good afternoon. I came to check on pope's Saga's instructions for lunch.
– Good afternoon – Shura wondered what kind of instructions those would be, since in the hall behind her two other servants were pushing a dining cart already served. – The pope is currently resting.
– oh, then we better leave the service on the table, unless you were told otherwise…?
Shura just let them in, and the people quickly set up the table for the pope
– Excuse us, lord Shura. Will you be joining the pope for lunch?
– Don't worry about me, I already ate.
– Alright. Is there anything else you need?
– Not at present, thank you. – But then Shura suddenly turning to the door called their attention. He quickly crossed the living room towards it and knocked the door. – Saga, are you awake? – There was a muffled reply from inside so Shura gave the servants a side glance and went in.
Sitting on his bed Saga was pretty out of sorts
– How do you feel?
– Like I'm in someone else's body. – He tried to stand up, but Shura had to support him – I can barely move… and I need a shower
– Kanon said you should wait at least one more hour before washing away the medicine
– I can't stand the scent… – So instead of going to the bathroom as he intended, Saga turned to his dressing room – The bed sheets are a mess, right? – Shura nodded – If Mrs. Vasileiou is still outside, ask her to change them, please.
While Saga put on a robe, Shura requested the maid to straighten the room.
– Right away – She said, and left the room followed by the other servants
– Your lunch is ready – Said Shura to Saga once he came out of the dressing room
Only then, the pope noticed how hungry he was, so he approached the table
– And you?
– I ate already
Instead of sitting at the table, Shura sat on the sofa
– May I play? – He said taking his guitar
– Sure. Please do so
Shura tuned the guitar when they heard a knock at the door
– Housekeeping!
– Come in!
So the lady from before came in – Excuse me – Pushing a cleaning cart. Shura stood up right away and opened the other door for her.
Shura sat down and began playing while Saga ate his lunch. No further words were exchanged. The peaceful melody filled the environment and lifted the mood in those otherwise gloomy chambers.
Saga had just finished his lunch when the maid came out again pushing the cart. Shura stopped the music.
– Your room is ready, your Holiness. Is there anything else you need?
Before Saga could say anything there was a knock on the door.
– Come in
Shion and Dokko entered the room.
– Thank you. Oh, sorry to disturb. – Said the Libra saint
The maid quickly began cleaning the table
– Could you please bring us some tea?
– Right away – She placed all in her cart and Dokko kept the door open for her – I'll be right back.
– Oh, so you where the one playing, Shura. – Said Shion when he saw the guitar – It's was a beautiful song
– Thank you, sir. – The Capricorn got the impression he should leave but something told him Saga would prefer otherwise so he left the guitar alone but didn't make any attempt to stand up
– We heard it all the way from the entrance. – Added Dokko as Shion walked towards the table to join Saga – We were wondering who it would be. You got talent, kid.
Shura nodded in gratitude for the compliment, but it didn't go unnoticed the fact Saga didn't invite his guests to sit down nor did he stood up to welcome them as he would normally do, so Shura wondered if he was not in the mood to deal with them or he was simply too out of sorts to do so. The pope was simply resting in his chair.
– How are you feeling, Saga? – Asked Shion
– High – He replied looking at Dokko
– Sorry about that. Shaka did prepare a stronger medicine than usual, but I agree it was necessary. You might feel sluggish still for a little longer, but you should be fine by dinner, especially after a warm shower
– Good, the scent is so annoying – Saga sighed. Only then he invited them to sit down with a gesture.
– Yeah, I've been told, it's just the herbs
When they did so, the maid arrived with the tea service. She quickly served everyone from the different blends she brought
– Thanks – Said Saga – That will be all
– Lord Shura?
– I'm fine, thanks
She vowed and left
– So, what is next, doctor?
– I told Kanon I'd like you to pay us a visit every second day at least four times. We'll see after that. – The pope nodded, although he wasn't really pleased. – And please stay away from the roman bath until then. – That he liked even less, but he hid it by sipping at the tea. As he put the cup down, he felt the world waver a bit
– Saga,– Called Shion – Dokko told me about the check up, and I'm really concerned. I'd like to find out how that happened.
– I was not aware of it myself…
The lunch along with the medicine still at work was making him drowsy
– Well, we must find out. we can't allow that to continue, because…
Despite Saga was trying to focus on Shion moving lips, he really couldn't make the words. Who was he kidding? He was in no mood to get unrequested advice. He could take it when it was the Sanctuary, the saints, the administration and so on, but not when it was about himself. Not from Shion at least. And he wasn't even in the mood to be polite about it…
– This medicine is really annoying; I don't want any more of it…
Dokko must have started explaining something, yet all sounds traveled in and out of Saga's brain without getting any meaning.
– And Mu suspects Kanon might be the same. Tending to you today he seemed to recall doing this before, so it is very important that… Saga?
– Kanon… – That's the only word he reacted to – I wouldn't be surprised… Sleeping is so difficult…
– Really? Well, all the more reason to… Saga!
Shion reached his hand from across the table. He was worried when his disciple didn't answer. He wouldn't know it was both the drowsiness and him blatantly ignoring the former pope. Dokko stood up to check on him
– He's asleep again…
– Was Shaka's cocktail that strong?
– I don't think so
– He was that tired – Said Shura retaking his play in the guitar. The Capricorn was annoyed as hell. – With all due respect, sir, pope duties aside, how do you expect Saga to take it easy and relax after 30 years or so of daily abuse from Momus while trying to lead the people he took it on and who succeeded on kill him on revenge? Same goes for Kanon. Do you honestly think all the atrocities he's been trough can just be overcome by good intentions? If you are really concerned about them, please try to have a bit of empathy. It's not easy to wake up every day to face everyone's suspicion, hatred, or indifference. The fact Athena forgave them doesn't mean everybody else did, all it means it's they won't get killed as long as they are useful.
Shura's hard words were like a bucket of cold water to both saints.
– Did you guys got to spend time with them yesterday? – Dokko couldn't take out of his mind the painful fact that even the cadets celebrated their birthday while the twins' just went by like any other day.
Shura nodded.
Shion turned to Saga and wondered when the last time was, they spoke of anything besides duties. Maybe never. He had cared for both him and Kanon, they were the first children he took into the sanctuary, Saga was the first official saint after himself and Dokko. It had always weighed in his heart that he could never actually reach the younger twin.
– Will you watch out for him? – Shion asked Shura. Once again, he nodded – Let's go Dokko. Thank you, Shura
But he didn't reply as the older saints exited the room
– Now that's why Kanon was mad at us… so the reason Saga never asked for help is he didn't think he either deserved it or that he wouldn't get it anyways.
After a long while Saga half opened his eyes and looked at the clock. It's been only a few minutes. Upon noticing, Shura stopped playing
– Are they gone?
– Yes.
– Thanks…
When he tried to move, Shura stood up in case he needed help, but Saga just took his tea and moved to sit next to Shura. So the Capricorn resumed his play. The Gemini leaned back and quickly got lost in the beautiful melody, again dreaming of a lonely child throwing stones to the creek while his mother looked around for him at the other side of a fence.