Antarctica – South Pole
Time: Undetermined
A massive black cloud had finally dissipated from the sky after what felt like an earthquake. From his vantage point, the Saint could see deep fractures spiderwebbing across the frozen expanse, remnants of the violent tremor. Judging by the distance, the epicenter had to be at least twenty kilometers away. Focusing his Cosmo, he vanished in a flash.
He reappeared near the crater's edge, nearly stumbling into its depths. Mu peered down, unease prickling at him. It looked as though something had erupted from the earth itself – the hole was so vast he couldn't even see the other side. But that wasn't what had drawn him here.
People.
He could sense them. Human presences, alive – somewhere nearby.
His gaze swept across the endless white until he spotted a dark shape. As he drew closer, the figures became clear: two people, unconscious. The woman clung tightly to the man, her grip frozen in place. A quick check confirmed they were still alive – but not for long. Hypothermia would claim them soon if he didn't act.
xXx
Night had already fallen over Greece by the time Mu materialized in the Hall of Aries. He glanced down at the two figures in his arms, wondering where to put them while they recovered. More importantly, what would he do when they woke up and started asking questions?
For now, warming them up was the priority. He carried them to the only room in his temple with a proper bed and was just about to settle them in when he sensed an approaching presence.
Great. More questions.
"Mu? You're back already? I thought you weren't due until tomorrow…"Of course it was Aldebaran – no way he'd miss Mu's return."Where are you?"
"In my quarters, old friend! And I could use a hand…"
Aldebaran quickened his pace, concern furrowing his brow. What had happened? When he entered the room, he found Mu struggling to arrange two strangers in his bed.
"What the–? Where did these two come from?"Aldebaran frowned."Mu, don't tell me you brought them back from the South Pole!"
"Exactly that,"Mu admitted, letting Aldebaran help position the man beside the small red-haired woman."I saw an earthquake, went to investigate, and found them nearly frozen to death. I couldn't just leave them there."
"Typical you,"Aldebaran chuckled.
"As if you'd have done any different,"Mu shot back with a smirk.
"Fair enough. But what happens when they wake up? They'll want answers…"
"I'll speak with Athena. I know we're not supposed to bring outsiders into the Sanctuary, but surely she'll understand – they would have died out there."
"True, but it's already night. You won't reach her now. And if we don't get them out of those wet clothes soon, they'll freeze all over again."
They worked with practiced efficiency, stripping the man of his soaked garments. Just then, Shaka of Virgo appeared silently in the doorway, startling them both.
"What are you doing?"
Aldebaran recovered first and quickly explained while Mu continued dressing the unconscious man. When Mu moved to the woman, the other two Saints froze.
"Mu, what are you doing?"Shaka demanded, appalled."You're going to undress this woman without her consent?"
"She's half-frozen, Shaka. She's in no state to give consent to anything. I mean no disrespect – I'm just trying to save her life."Mu's voice remained calm as he carefully removed the soaked jumpsuit.
"Right. I think I'll be heading home now…"Aldebaran averted his gaze and made for the door."If you need anything, neighbor, you know where to find me. Good night!"
"Thanks…"Mu finished dressing the woman in one of his robes and tucked both strangers beneath thick winter blankets. He lingered for a moment, watching them, before stepping out of the room. Shaka followed.
"Mu… what will you do when they wake up?"
"I know. They'll have questions. I'm not sure yet. I'll speak to Athena in the morning."
"And where will you sleep?"Shaka asked."Your bed is clearly occupied. You're welcome to stay in Virgo – I have space."
"Thanks, but I'll stay here. I don't want them waking up alone in a strange place with no one to explain. I'll set up a futon in the hall – no trouble."Mu smiled gratefully.
"As you wish."For a fleeting moment, Mu could've sworn he saw disappointment flicker across Shaka's face."I'll take my leave, then. Good night."
"Good night, Shaka."Mu watched his friend depart before turning back toward the room where the strangers slept.
Something told him the days ahead would be anything but quiet.
xXx
Warmth.
Was she dead?
The last thing she remembered was snow – painfully close to her face – and a cold so deep it felt like it had seeped into her bones. But now… she was warm. Too warm. And something heavy pressed down on her. She cracked her eyes open, unsure what to expect.
The first thing she saw was a beautifully carved stone ceiling. Then she realized the weight was just blankets – and the bed beneath her was impossibly soft. But the heat was stifling. She needed to get out. Where was she? What happened to all that snow?
She turned her head – and realized she wasn't alone.
"…Mulder?"
TO BE CONTINUED…