Aphrodite wasn't expecting not to find Mu at his temple at that early hour.
– He left during the night – Said Kiki
– With that storm? – He sighed in resignation – He told me he was going out for clay today, I hoped he'll show me were to get it
– Well, I have nothing to do today, I can take you to the place if you like
– Huh? Aren't you helpful. Please, if you don't mind
– This way! But are you sure you'd like to go like that? – Kiki eyed Aphrodite
– Is there any problem? – he only rose an eyebrow. He was wearing slim fits with a buttoned shirt and casual leather shoes
– It's all the way to the bottom of the cliffs, the mud will ruin your clothes and shoes
– Oh, - well, it wasn't the ultra expensive attire, but he had gone out of his way to get something comfortable to wear besides the mass-produced low-cost spartan look dominating the Sanctuary. - I can change at the coliseum
– Alright, let's go
At the coliseum Aphrodite changed to the training gear and recruited Misty for the trip.
Just out of the Sanctuary, the road to the cliff, which should had been rocky and bare, began turning green on vegetation.
– Does he always walk in a bee pattern? – Asked Misty to his mentor after walking half the way, he was getting tired just from seeing Kiki ahead of them. Aphrodite only shrugged, as long as he learned the location he was after, he didn't care much how to get there. Besides, how would he know? This had to be like the second time in their lives Aphrodite talked to the kid
Aphrodite's attention was rather on the plants around them. It was brighter and lushier than it should... He grew weary and Kiki noticed so he began channeling the Pisces saint's thoughts. "Not normal..." A slight rain began and although it visibly bothered Misty it had no effect on Aphrodite, who was still lost in his contemplation of the forest. "Not normal at all. What are you?" Kiki noticed Aphrodite's cosmos crawling around him, reaching for the plants. It was very subtle, easy to miss unless you knew what to look for. But quickly enough, it disappeared, along with the rain
– Does your mentor come often? – he asked the young smith
– I think so. May I know what do you want the clay for?
– Mu's pottery somehow makes the plants last longer than they should. I intended to check the clay in case Athena's garden could benefit from it, but I'm having second thoughts…
– We are almost there, – Indeed, Aphrodite could feel Mu's presence ahead although he was still far – But the road becomes treacherous from this point on, so watch your step.
Misty began falling slightly behind in the muddy terrain as Aphrodite and Kiki waltzed about without many troubles. Soon Kiki stopped.
– How dirty are you willing to get?
– What do you mean? – Asked Misty concerned
– If we keep going this way you are going to end up covered in mud. We could walk around but there's no guarantee of cleanliness just and easier trekking
– We came after mud – Said Aphrodite shrugging and wondered why the young smith was so concerned about them getting dirty. But when he looked at Misty, he understood.
– You are not friends with it, right? Lizard Misty – asked the young smith.
He almost jumped out of his skin. But as much as he repulsed it, Misty would rather die before disappointing Aphrodite.
– Where my mentor leads, I'll go
Aphrodite tried hard not to roll his eyes. Kiki chuckled but hey, there was no need to torture the guy aside from petty revenge, that is. So, Kiki used his psychokinesis to pull some boulders on which they could stand as clean as possible.
– Now, if you lose balance and fall don't blame me – Said Kiki entertained.
Aphrodite was surprised at the telekinetic skills of Kiki.
Soon enough as they advanced, the mud became more fluid, until it became an actual stream of mud. The creek was not so far, they could clearly hear it, but it was not visible yet. Kiki guided the boulder to some bushes and a crystal-clear stream racing fast due to the heavy rains from last night
– Should we wait? – Asked Kiki
Aphrodite nodded. Misty just looked around without being able to spot anything of particular interest... No wait. Is that a barrel in the rocks ahead?
Then something approached the rocks they were in... Another barrel?
– Good morning, Aries Mu
As the lemurian went out, he placed the barrel he carried on the stones and with his psychokinesis he lifted the other one to pour on himself half the water it contained.
– Good morning... – He said now that he was a bit cleaner
– Getting into the mud is not necessary to retrieve it, is it? – Said Aphrodite
– Depends... – He undid his braid and began combing his hair to rid it of the mess – This here is for you, I assumed you wanted it for plants. The storm last night was fierce, it dragged rich mud from up the mountains and combined it with the highly mineralized dust from the cliffs. You can only get this from the bottom, just after the storm. Way over there – He meant back at the road - the clay will make for sturdy crafts, stuff for daily use. And that one – He pointed at another barrel across the mud pond – I haven't decided what to make with that yet. But it'd be a waste to leave it there. Something more for looks...
Suddenly, Aphrodite got rid of his sandals with all the intention of going down from the boulder.
– It's slippery – Warned Mu as he rinsed his hair again.
Contrary to what Kiki expected, the Pisces stepped on the mud without even a wince and wondered if Misty would too, but that horrified scowl in the silver saint's face was priceless.
Aphrodite paid close attention to the mud he was stepping on, he even walked into it, felt its texture with his feet, then he came back to the barrel and grabbed some
– I'll take your word for it. I don't think I could ever tell the difference.
– Let it settle. – Said Mu with a gentle smile. Ah, that hideous mask Aphrodite despised so much. He was trying to be polite! Why did Mu had to act defensive?
– You are going to destroy this place if you keep that fake smile in your face. – Said Aphrodite annoyed. Mu blinked in confusion – If you don't want us here just say so! Let's go. – He told Misty, shaking the mud from himself. Contrary to what Kiki expected, all of it came off – Thanks for the tour. – He said Kiki and turned to leave.
– Huh? What do you mean? – Asked Mu
Aphrodite turned to him pondering whether he really should go through the trouble or just leave. He didn't want to get involved in other people's business at all, he was not friends with anyone! But...
– Kids, take the barrels. – Aphrodite instructed
Kiki was fast to understand the Pisces wanted the kids out of the way, so he quickly complied although Misty was not fond of being pushed around.
– When there's tension between gold saints you better stay clear quickly. – Said Kiki to the silver saint.
– Look around you, silly lamb! – Said Aphrodite once the kids were out of hearing radius. Mu frowned and was about to push Aphrodite into the mud, but he stopped as he realized how childish that would be, so he did look around instead – That greenery over there... – He pointed in the direction from which they have come – In contrast to the one on the other side? How lush and beautiful it is? - Mu did checked it out – In order to thrive, plants not only get nutrients from the ground and water, but they also need energy to process them and grow, energy they can't get from two to three hours of sunlight a day flanked by these cliffs. Your cosmos did it – Aphrodite tone of voice made Mu turn to him - even I can feel it briming from this area, you spend a great deal of time in this place not only digging for clay. But if you keep that rotten attitude, it is going to permeate this place and kill it the very same way it built it!
– Well sorry my problems are such an inconvenience! Why don't you stay and nurture them yourself?
– Because I can't. – Aphrodite bitterness cut short Mu's moodiness – I literally kill everything I touch, although the dose makes the poison, so I try not to stay too long anywhere that's not my temple. My classes last just one hour to keep the kids from getting sick. The only thing that can withstand my presence are the death roses...
– But Athena's Garden...
– Has Athena, Aioros, Shion, Dohko and sometimes Saga, Shura and the saintias to counter me. But this whole place only has you, it reflects you... You don't have a kiln, do you?
– No
– So you cure the clay with you cosmos, that's why the plants thrive and last so long in your vases and pots. Mystery solved. Your cosmos, the cosmos of a gold saint, which can be compared to the sun, created this haven of life. It is too precious to waste it in ill attitudes and toxic behaviors. It will permeate into the area and corrupt this beautiful landscape. If that's what you want, just blast it away and don't torture it. The world its not to blame for whatever unresolved issues you have in your head. If something is bothering you, face it and solve it.
Aphrodite last words to him that day echoed in Mu's mind as he followed Kanon around. "Leave it alone and it will root, like everything else around you when given the chance."
– It seems you got a lot on your mind, Aries – said Kanon as they walked through the corridors towards the arena
– Indeed, I do. Gemini shattering has me baffled. There's no record of any cloth just exploding into pieces by itself, nor a resonating cloth unable to be repaired. But the "why" interests me more than the "what". – Mu stopped walking so Kanon had to turn around to look at him – Why did you put yourself in such a difficult position?
– What do you mean?
– You were overloaded, overwhelmed. I do think Gemini blew up to spare you.
– An interesting theory. Can't tell how far off the nail you are, I don't understand much either.
The people had already left the building, and a few saints had gathered at the center of the arena. Kanon approached them followed by Mu. A large pit had been dug during the past days and light up earlier in the morning. The bull Kanon fought was sacrificed by Shura before the cloths assignment and they were lowering it into the pit to cook since it had reached ideal temperature.
– Hey, Kanon!
The Gemini despised the familiarity in which the Libra addressed him. But still he tried to tolerate him, since he dealt with everyone but Athena the same way.
– Have you messed up my food already, old geezer?
– What? I don't think so. We did as you instructed, although I'm glad you are here so you can check it out. – Kanon did turn to inspect the pit, although there was not much to do about it other than monitor the heat and hope the responsible team didn't mess up. – How did you come up with this?
– Pit cooking is common in Mexico… – Kanon avoided elaborating on the topic
– I'm looking forward to the results. I need to get going. Will you stick around?
– No promises.
– Oh, okay. Have fun, kids! – Then he turned to the saints in charge of the pit – we are counting on you, guys! – and he left.
There was going to be a watch through the night. It officially started when the blue flames in the clock light up at nightfall and it was going to conclude at sunrise. It was not mandatory for anyone but there were many volunteers already appointed for the two shifts. Many saints gathered in the area, and many townsfolk. Through the night there were people chatting, drinking, playing games or music, it was overall a peaceful and enjoyable evening. But as the night progressed, the mood slowly became more solemn. By midnight, a reverent silence had taken hold of the place. Some people were camping for the night, some others were on full guard duty, many were praying. But those of Athena saints who remained without an assignment were deep in reflection. There were mostly the saints who died in the raid by the bronze saints.
Shura was sitting closer to the pit, tearing solemn notes from his guitar. Camus was sitting close by, absentmindedly playing with Milo's curls as he rested his head on the Aquarius' lap and lulling him to sleep. Aphrodite was just pacing around, lost in his own thoughts, while Angelo laid flat in the floor looking at the stars with his huge dog curled besides him. Kanon had been making rounds followed by Mu, to ensure everything was in order. They weren't expecting so many people to spend the night in there. In a way, their faith was comforting. He eventually came to sit with the others and Mu leaned on him, quickly falling to sleep.
When the flame in Pisces began to fade, an unreal sound took hold of the clearing night. Kanon's tenor voice sang the Homeric Hymn to Athena. His cosmos could be felt even by the townsfolk and compelled everyone in the area to wake up and join the interpretation. By the time the flame in Pisces faded, the rest of Athena saints had gathered to help in the feast preparations, while those who spent the night there went away to get ready to start the day. Meanwhile more and more people gathered for the closing events.
As Saori left to join her guests escorted by Aioros and Shion the previous evening, Saga turned back to his private chambers. He wanted to go over the plans for the feast that should take place at dawn and the closure ceremony later on, but he ended up wandering Athena's gardens with his soul made a mess.
He still could not believe Aioros had been hiding in the gardens all along. The Sagittarius had told him where and how he had lived all that time. It was not one bit right. It was hard on him, on Shura and on Saga.
As he saw himself in the mirror of his dressing room for the twentieth time as the sunrise approached, he felt like a fraud, compelled to give back the papacy to his old friend. Come morning, he as the Sanctuary Pope, would have to lead the final ceremony to the glory of Athena. Just thinking about it made his hands shake. How in the world…? A filthy creature such as him was unworthy of even stepping into the Sanctuary. How was he supposed to lead the ceremony, or Athena's army for that matter?
As he looked into his own eyes, terrible vertigo stole his air and brought him to his knees. He grabbed the pope's necklace as it were the source of it all, ready to tear it away from him, but he could not. He had been given a mission and he was going to see it through no matter what. But how? Just how? He just despaired curled into a ball before the mirror. Tears flowed freely, but not a single sound came out from him. His head throbbed, and the sound of his own heartbeat muffled everything else.
Then something made him look up again. And the concerned look in those blue eyes looking back at him restored back his peace as they had broken it before. Suddenly, he could breathe again, and the shaking of his hands stopped. But he wasn't looking in the mirror, was he?
– You with us yet? Just breath… - a warm presence was holding his hand, something comforting ran through his messy hair.
– Kanon? – He said when he noticed the mirror was to their side
– I'm here. – his voice was a calming whisper - What happened?
He was not alone. Who else…?
– Saga? – The sweet voice of the holy girl coming from the door to the dressing room, made him grind his teeth and tense up as if he had been hurt. Kanon put a hand to his shoulder – Saga, what is the matter? – Her cosmos, so warm and peaceful, almost brough him to tears again as he tried to collect himself to at least kneel before her.
– Holy Athena, about the ceremony… – It was not his intention to question his goddess, nor to run from his responsibilities, but it didn't seem right that he led them. He had no idea how to express his concerns properly, his brain refused to cooperate.
– Saga, a sacrifice that is easy to perform is not really a sacrifice, is it? – Saga looked at his goddess surprised – It's meaningful because it comes from you, as representative of everything everyone had gone through. I'm looking forward to it. If there is anything keeping you from carrying it on, I'm certain you'll find all the help you need if you just look around.
Saga did so. The holy girl was standing right beside him and his brother, but Shura was also standing close by and both Shion and Aioros were by the door.
– In your name, Holy Athena – He said kneeling in respect.
The girl smiled and turned to leave, her saintias were waiting in the main hall.
As she went out, Kanon helped his brother to his feet, but before he could say anything.
– Where did you leave the bottle, I gave you? – Asked Kanon.
Saga blinked surprised.
– On the nightstand…
– Alright, – He turned to the others – Let's go to the main room to discuss this.
Kanon slid past everyone towards Saga's room without anyone reacting to stop him.
– Let's go – Shura placed a hand on Saga's shoulder, and he nodded. The Capricorn stayed by him like a guard, but also ready to help him out. Aioros couldn't help to feel a bit jealous of his proximity.
Once in the main room, everyone took a seat, except for Kanon who was opening a tequila bottle. Saga was surprised to see the sunrise.
– Kanon, do you really need to? – Asked Shion when the younger Gemini poured a glass
– To me it's irrelevant – Then he turned to Saga – Here.
The pope took the glass not very sure it was alright to drink.
– Now, – Kanon poured himself another glass and had a sip, – We are good. What's the matter?
Saga looked down at the glass and decided to take a sip too before his hands began shaking again.
– Kanon, ever since you rid me of Momus, I've been having these visions of all the misdeeds I carried on while under his influence. And although I've addressed most of them anyways, there's one which has been… haunting me lately.
Saga made a long pause
– Hey, – Kanon took a sip of his glass indicating Saga to do the same. And he did
Seeing Saga so insecure had left Aioros stumped. What could it possibly be?
The Sagittarius had been helping the former pope all night. They were on their way to let the actual pope know everything was ready when they felt the disturbance in his cosmos and went into the pope's main hall almost crashing into the saintias. Inside the dressing room, Shura and Athena were already next to Saga and Kanon. The Capricorn and the Gemini arrived using the gate to another dimension. And now all of them were waiting for an explanation not knowing what to expect.
But then Saga stood firmly in place, like he did every time he made up his mind
– I had relationships with several girls brought here by Gigas on my request. – He left the glass without even looking were. Well, Aioros couldn't have been more surprised if anyone told him Loki and Hades joined forces and were invading. – I have no idea who they are, where they were from, how he brought them here or what happened to them afterwards. But I must find out. Specially because… all things considered, there's no way the consequences of it all would not reach further…
Shura was not quite surprised at all. He had seen said girls go in and out several times, although at the time he had no idea what they were doing there.
Shion was confused. It was clear Momus and Saga incurred in a hell of a mess in his absence. But why did he need to address this now? Was it because of the ceremony? Maybe he just needed to come clean of it all. Shion sighed with concern and frustration. Saga was the very first saint of this generation he recruited. He was only a little kid, sweet and brave. It was impossible for Shion not to feel awful about not being able to protect him from everything that happened to him, not being able to help. Finding him curled up in frantic terror, even after it was all over, was demoralizing. Shion wanted to help him out, however he could…
But before he could do anything, Kanon held Saga by the shoulders.
– Are you telling me there's a very high chance there's a stranded and unchecked army of mini us rolling around somewhere?
No, wait, what? Well, if Saga hadn't been clear on his concerns, Kanon left no room for doubts. Aioros' brain skidded to a halt but crashed and rolled over.
The older twin just nodded, but contrary to the blast into oblivion he was expecting, his younger brother just squeezed the air out of him on a bear hug.
– That's so awesome! – Kanon was beyond thrilled to have nephews, family! It was such a sudden excitement he wasn't sure what to do with it other than crush Saga. But Shura had to call his attention back to his brother with a knock on the head. All colors had left the pope's face as he could not ignore the implications of how such children came to be, so Kanon let him go. – Don't get me wrong. – He straightened his brother's robe – I'm not celebrating what you did, but what you are going to do. – And he went back to his glass, emptied it on one go and poured himself another glass. – In fact, I'm rather proud that you were not willing to go on the ceremony with an issue of this size on your shoulders. - He poured himself another glass and drank as if toasting.
Saga blinked surprised, how could Kanon read him so well?
– It'd be a mayor hypocrisy.
– Indeed.
– And what is he going to do? – Asked Aioros
– Ah, he is going to use all resources available in the Sanctuary to find out those girls whereabouts, assess their situation and if possible, bring back any kid who needs it – "Nephews!"
– Kanon, this is a personal matter. I can't use…
– No, it is not. It's a matter of Sanctuary security. First, because we are talking about the kids of the most powerful man on earth. What if they inherited your greatness and don't know how to handle it? You do remember what happened to the bridge in the creek like twenty something years ago, right?
– I destroyed it by accident.
– Yes, let's leave it like that. Or worst! What if they go with the wrong company? – Kanon pointed at himself – We'd be facing dreadful opponents, don't you think? Second, we are talking about the kids of the current head of Athena's army. I don't know about you, but it screams ransom to me. We can't just sacrifice them; I mean we could, but… again it would be a major hypocrisy, and we are trying to move pass that. Besides, why would we if there's also a chance to secure some major assets? See? We should spare no expense! – he moved his arms dramatically for emphasis, then he turned more serious and closed the distance to his brother - You want a personal reason to go all out in search for them? There's a remote possibility there's twins. Would you honestly let them repeat out sorry story out there?
– No. – There was no hesitation on Saga's voice
– I thought so. So, first things first. Are there any records of these girls?
– Not that I'm aware of. If there's anything, Gigas should have had them
– Great! Step one, recruit Angelo.
– Angelo? – Aioros was frustrated that he could not follow Kanon's train of thought
– That Gigas guy is dead, right? Angelo and I might be able to track him down in the underworld and get some information.
– You are going down there? – Aioros was surprised about the casual tone used by Kanon
– Yes. With Hades gone and the judges in pieces, there's little chance we run into issues. Besides, being just the two of us would make it easier to avoid troubles or escape from them. It's an intel mission, not an invasion or a rescue. We should be fine.
– Camus reorganized Gigas files. – Said Shura – He might have a clue as to where to start looking.
– Great! Paperwork! – Kanon clapped – You two manage that – Shura was not thrilled
– We might be able to learn something from our current staff – Said Aioros
Kanon though about it.
– Half our staff has a year or less of working here. Any valuable information could come only from Gigas' henchmen, and they are dead too, right?
– Not all of them. Hercules Docrates and Crane Spartan are still around
– How magnanimous – Kanon rose an eyebrow
– I have no reason to reject anyone who had been forgiven by Athena – Saga deadpanned
– Right, right. Can you take care of that? Shion…
– Sure… – Whatever he could do to help Saga out of this situation.
– I might have some leads on where to start looking… – Added Saga. He meant the children
– How come? – Kanon's question made Saga uncomfortable, but the worst was already out so…
– Remember the… nightmares?
– Almost being thrown into another dimension by a sleeping person is not easily forgettable – Kanon deadpanned. Shion again had no chance to freak out
– Well, I think they weren't nightmares, but rather I was unconsciously reaching out to them using the astral projection
– The same way we link? you sure? – Kanon got worried, and Saga nodded. Nobody else got what they meant
– They were calling out.
– Is anyone in immediate danger? – Kanon turned grim
– I don't think so, but I can't be sure…
– We'll find them. – said Kanon placing a hand on his brother's shoulder – Milo and Aphrodite have a free afternoon, we could dispatch them
– Milo has the night shift – added Shura
– Aww rats!
– I'll go. – Aioros stood up and approached Saga – I haven't been of much help to you lately. Allow me to contribute.
– Aren't you busy? – Kanon rose an eyebrow
– No, I got nothing to do after the ceremony. I'll join Aphrodite
Saga agreed.
– Well, it sounds like a plan to me… Any other crisis control you need?
Saga looked at that lopsided smirk on his brother's face and suddenly felt reassured enough to smile.
– There's a leak in the faucet. – He pointed at the bathroom
Contrary to whatever Aioros or Shion expected…
– Facilities personnel these days… – Kanon shook his head and crossed his arms following the joke. He turned at the cabinet and took a regular glass – Put a glass to the faucet while I call them – Although he sort of pushed Saga with the glass in his hand instead of just giving it to him – It's unusual that you have troubles sleeping – Said Kanon not caring to hide his concern
– Oh, you noticed? – Saga was a tad embarrassed
– The darkening circles around your eyes? If you want to get away with hiding those, you better ask Aphrodite for some make up advice
– Does he use it? – Saga blinked surprised
– He doesn't – Said Shura
– I'm sure he does! I'll prove it – Said Kanon
– He doesn't – repeated Shura trying not to roll his eyes
– Leave him alone. – Said Saga – He's had that face since forever.
– Damn! Alright… So, how long has it been since you don't sleep? – Kanon indicated the shoot, Saga grabbed it
– Before the festival… – He said from behind the glass
– Figures. You should have told me sooner – That was a sort of scold
– Sorry. I didn't want to bother you.
– Sleep privation for the sake of it bothers more! Ask a psychiatrist. And here I was, going over the festival plans a thousand times thinking I skipped something important, and it was you rubbing your anxiety on me this whole time. Keeping troubles to yourself don't solve them! – he gave Saga a soft knock in the head. Saga put a hand on his head more out of surprise than actual hurt
– You seemed like you had your hands full – He was ashamed to cause his brother further annoyances. Both twins right away thought of Gemini, and Kanon's wondered if there was any truth to Mu's theory. – Thanks, Kanon
– Finish that, – He meant the tequila – get ready for the ceremony, and we start this quest fresh out afterwards while you catch up some missing Z's… it's not a suggestion! – Kanon cut Saga's protests before they even came to be. – I'm not beyond asking the old cat for some sleeping drug that I know he knows if that is what it takes for you to rest. – Kanon jokingly headbutted his brother, he barely touched him. Shion was admired at the dynamics between the twins
– Idiot… – Saga just shook his head
– If still you haven't learned to feel some compassion for yourself, you should at least be rational about it and quit trying to tackle every single problem alone, especially not one this huge, because in the end it is against Athena best interest that her pope falls to pieces like this.
Saga's eyes filled with tears
– Kanon…
Kanon felt so bad for his brother, he couldn't help to hug him. Saga leaned against him completely exhausted.
– You got this; you are Pope Saga. And you got us. Now let's get ready!
Down at the Coliseum there were a lot of people gathered not only from Rhodorio, but most of the allied settlements. All of Athena saints were orderly in the arena: the gold saints flanked the corridor from the arena entrance to the stairs made to reach the throne. Behind them, their silver and bronze troops were aligned. The cadets and the guards stood along the walls. The bull had already been unearthed and was ready to be served; the priestess prayed around it. People in the stands had also brought their food to join the feast. They were all waiting for the pope to make his entrance, to be officially proclaimed head of the Athena's saints.
When Saga appeared at the gate, all the people broke in cheers and greetings. It was deafening. He was dressed in his characteristic black robe and cape, but without the helmet, the necklace or the stole. The black mask still hid his face. He moved solemnly through the corridor marked by the gold saints, with a golden box in his hands.
To Saori's guests this was a very peculiar ceremony, with the townsfolk showing so much support, but the saints in the field were not even turning to salute or anything.
When he passed the Gemini saint, he fell back in line with him. Then the Sagittarius stepped out to lead the walk, and finally the Capricorn guarded the rear. It rather looked like the man was being escorted to the stairs, were another person, perhaps a priest, expected them. This priest, who was Shion on his white attire, lead the others up.
What was going on? Saori's guests could easily feel something was off, but since they had never attested anything of the sort, they couldn't really tell if this procession was normal or not. This overall looked like a trial, like a prisoner being escorted to the judge. From their perspective, they could not see Saori sitting on a throne atop the stairs thanks to Aphrodite's speed redecoration. It was arranged that way to conceal her identity from outsiders who might not believe she was Athena's reincarnation.
Once Athena's priest reached the top of the stairs, he stopped and turned around. The Sagittarius saint stepped aside and the man behind him kneeled, offering him the golden box and removing the mask.
An eerie silence took hold of the place.
– Gold Saint Gemini Saga!
Those words were like sparks on gunpowder through the crowds.
The priest opened the box, holding it so the crowd could see the golden knife it contained. The Sagittarius Saint held the mask at chest level and turned to the crowd.
Some words were spoken, but they only reached those up before the throne. The man remained still, kneeling and with his head lowered. The restlessness in the crowd was concerning.
Perhaps unknown to the spectators was how terrified Saga was. It was indeed a trial. He had been brought before Athena. And despite all the encouraging and reassurance he had been in the receiving end of, he was still freaking out. His identity was now public. The grudge against twins held his heart in a panic grip, reinforced by the guilt over his own crimes. Against all logic, he was expecting something horrible to occur. He was unable to hear Shion's words above his spiraling thoughts.
At least until, he then felt something around his neck: then his mind went blank.
– Pope Saga, arise
He then felt a heavy load been placed around his head.
Saga could not believe it: the Pope stole, necklace and helmet, Shura and Kanon had placed them
Still there was not one sound from the crowd. Like nobody could comprehend what was going on.
– All hail, Pope Saga!
Yelled Aioros, not turning to the crowd but to his fellow saints
– Hail, Pope Saga!
Not one of the saints hesitated to answer
But as Saga could not find the strength to stand up, Shion approached him
– Come on, up, son! – He said placing a hand on Saga shoulder
How long has it been since Shion called him son? He used to, when Saga was only a kid figuring out his place in the world.
– Hail, Pope Saga!
– It's been so long! – Saga took Shion's hand to his forehead – I'm sorry, Shion… forgive me…
– It's ok… finally we are all where we belong
Saga managed to stand up to look Shion in the eye.
– Hail, Pope Saga!
He then turned to Aioros and the Sagittarius saluted him. Then they shook hands and for the first time it felt natural.
– Hail, Pope Saga!
Same with Shura.
– Hail, Pope Saga!
But the tension in the crowd reached its peak when he turned to his twin
They looked at each other. With hesitation? Then the Gemini saint smirked and pulled his brother into a hug
– Hail, Pope Saga!
Finally, relief sank in, and Saga clung to Kanon for a bit to regain his strength
– Hail, Pope Saga!
That was it for the crowd
– Hail, Pope Saga!
Sounded around the whole place. But the new pope turned not to them but to the holy girl giving him back the knife, which he placed on his sash, and the mask which he hanged from the necklace. And so, Shion stood to the right of Athena, while the gold saints up there went back to their places and Pope Saga addressed the crowd to conclude the Panathenaia.
The saints in the arena rearranged their formation, to leave Marin and Aioria closer to the pit, while the saints on the stairs joined them. As the fire still raged, the new pope instructed them to leave their pasts into the flames, and both Marin and Aioria left their old spartan gear to burn away.
Then the couple were served a large portion to take to the holy girl in the throne. They did so, and as she gave them their blessing, the couple sat before her to enjoy the meal, and the feast began. In the privacy of the throne area finally Marin removed her mask to enjoy the food with Aioria for the first time.
Once all saints had their share of the meal, the rest was left to be distributed among the people in the area. There was again music and games here and there, and some townsfolk left white flowers at the stairs going up to Athena's throne.
By noon the banquet involved only Aioria and Marin's friends. And at nightfall they moved to Leo's temple. As Aioros was Aioria's only living relative, he was the one to greet them as a couple into what would be their shared home. They had dinner and Aioros left to guard the temple while his younger brother and his beautiful wife enjoyed a night off duty.
Outside, beautiful fireworks illuminated the night in celebration for both the successful closure of the Panathenaia, the official appointment of the new Pope and the wedding of Leo and Aquila saints.
Most saints were at Rhodorio plaza when the fireworks show started. Mu had been chatting and enjoying the catering when the lights forced him to look up.
Blue… Green… Yellow… Red… The faraway roar of the explosions over the constant chatting of the crowd…
Mu looked around disoriented for a moment. The colors, the sounds… what do they remind him off? And his sudden heartache reflected as he held back tears in his eyes. Why? He had never seen fireworks this close before, had he? They made him feel both an incredible joy, but also an unbearable longing, like something important was missing, like it was taken from him. What was it?
Mu became unresponsive as he saw the fireworks, as he tried to recall what they meant. This obviously caused Shiryu and Seiya to worry, as their friend had completely ignored them when the show started and continued to ignore them as if he were in a trance or something.
It was Shion who managed to bring him back from his struggles, after Kiki found the former Pope in the crowd.
– Mu! Are you with us now? – He asked. Mu blinked a couple of times as if just waking up before answering.
– The fireworks... – His head hurt as much as his heart – There's something off
Alerted, Shion turned to the lights and tried to figure out if there were any menacing cosmos nearby, but he couldn't find anything.
– Are you alright? – Aldebaran turned to the Aries
Mu's heart was pounding, his head hurt like hell.
– This is not the first time I've seen fireworks this close, is it?
– No… – said a voice from behind him. All of a sudden, the plaza became the sea, and Mu found himself standing in the shore, looking at a beautiful night sky where fireworks danced.
"What is this? An illusion?"
"A memory…"
Mu turned to see Kanon standing close by
"A memory… of what? What is this? When did this happen? I don't remember! I must remember!"
– Happy birthday, little lamb.
"Who said that?" By hearing those words, Mu concentrated and found the seal on his memories. With a powerful rage he blasted it, and it snapped like a string. A rush of memories struck Mu: his birthday not so long ago, a taste of happiness he hadn't felt in his life before that night, a warm and comforting cosmos shrouding him in fantasy fireworks, eyes deep as the sky, a rare and sincere smile…
– I remember… – Mu's eyes were overflown with tears. As he turned to Kanon, Mu sent him to the floor with a mighty punch
– Mu! – Shion tried to stand between the two, but the Aries' blazing rage was downright intimidating
– Now I remember… – Whispered the Aries – How dare you…?
– What? – Kanon tried to stand up, but the hit set something loose on his head
– Do you? – Asked Aldebaran
– If that were so, I shouldn't need to remind you not to abuse my patience. – finally, Kanon's brain clicked all functions in place and so he stood up cleaning some blood from his lip
"Aldebaran", called Shaka through cosmos. He remained at Virgo once his duties in the festival were finished "What's going on?"
"Mu recovered his memories and assaulted Kanon", replied to the Taurus
– There are clear limits to what I'm willing to tolerate. – Said the Gemini in a very dangerous tone
– Don't you lecture me about limits – Mu concentrated his cosmos
– Let's take this somewhere else. Another dimension
– Kanon! – called Milo
– Mu! – Not even Shion could stop the catastrophe
But before anyone had real chance to panic, Saga deep voice nailed everyone in place, even Shaka who was by his temple entrance, ready to use his light speed to get where the others were
– Whoever interferes on Aries and Gemini's fight will face me – That's all he said, before turning around back to the temples road with the intention of going up.
– Marin, please excuse me. – Said Aioria to the redhead by his side. The Leo rushed out and found Aioros dealing with Shaka – Don't let him through!
– What? – Both Aioros and Shaka were surprised.
– I see Saga's words only served to slow you down, Shaka
– Out of my way, Aioria. – from that pointy on both saints ignored Aioros completely
– What exactly do you plan to do?
– At the very least try to prevent a fatality. Aren't you concerned? Golden saints shouldn't fight between themselves! – Every cosmos collision shook the ground despite the distance – even if it is not their intention, this can get out of hand with ease. – Shaka could not hide his worry
– What good can you do? We can't keep intruding where we are not wanted!
– Go back to your temple, Virgo Shaka – Said the Pope when he arrived at Leo. The Indian turned to protest but… – It will be what it needs to be. – Saga's internal conflict was only evident by the tears in his face – We should not interfere. Only they can fix the mess they are in…
It was difficult to argue with words said like that. So, Shaka followed the pope up the temples road and stayed behind at Virgo
Shura had been also at his chambers, but his sixth sense brought him to the temple main hall on time to catch a glimpse of that grim man going up. He became weary from the first moment he noticed Mu and Kanon were fighting. Why would they? Well, it wasn't the first time. But, given how the conflict was quickly escalating, he began to worry. Yet, one look at Saga told him that maybe his help was required elsewhere, so he decided to follow the former Gemini saint.