Sanctuary
Athens, Greece
6:59 PM

Back in the living room, Shaka was met with three pairs of curious eyes. Even the American agent seemed to want to know what he'd been doing in the room with his furious partner. Shaka spoke first.

"She's fine. She'll get some rest and might join us later."

He sat down in the armchair, leaving the couch to the others. He knew the questions would come, but he had no intention of repeating anything said in that room. It would've been indiscreet.

"But what's wrong with her?" Mu couldn't help asking.

"I told you, she's just tired. She'll be fine," Shaka replied, not wanting to give details.

"We had a little disagreement before you arrived," Mulder decided it was better to admit it upfront.

"It's not a good idea for the two of you to stay here if you're going to argue..." Shura shook his head.

"It wasn't even an argument. We've had worse, actually." Mulder clarified.

"Well, she was really upset," Shaka commented simply.

"Hombre, you need to watch what you say,"

"Maybe things would go smoother if she stayed over in Aries. She can take my room, and I'll sleep in the temple..." Mu offered.

"NO!" Mulder and Shaka said in unison.

"No need, thanks, Mu. My partner and I have worked together for many years. We always resolve our disagreements calmly and sensibly. You don't need to worry, alright?" Mulder quickly backtracked. Not that he doubted Mu's intentions – but he definitely preferred his partner within reach.

Shura tried, and failed, to hold back a laugh.

"Then be nicer to her. Mu can't handle arguments and honestly, neither can I." He paused, amused by Mulder's stunned expression. "My temple has a spare room. If you two argue again, I'll be delighted to host Agent Scully."

Shura winked at Mu, who chuckled at the Spaniard's teasing. Even Shaka smiled.

Mulder's jealousy was so obvious.

He was starting to feel uncomfortable. These guys were making him react in ways he usually kept well hidden.

Time for a subject change.

"Well... I slept the whole afternoon, now I'm wide awake. What can we do around here after dark?"

Mu thought for a bit, then suggested:

"We could head over to Taurus Temple. Do you eat dinner at night?"

Mulder nodded.

"Perfect, so does Aldebaran. Shall we?" Mu got up, followed by Shaka and Shura.

"I think I'll check if Scully's really asleep, maybe she wants to come with us..." Mulder turned toward the bedroom.

"She's asleep." Shaka replied.

"But how do you..." Mulder stopped, remembering their special abilities. "Ah, never mind. Let's go..."

Mu had the idea to stop by Scorpio to see if Milo wanted to join them. A second later, they were all inside the temple. Milo looked like he was heading out.

"Going out, Scorpio?" Shaka asked. "You're all dressed up..."

"Uh-huh..." Milo replied, casually fixing his hair.

"You guys can leave the Sanctuary?" Mulder was curious, he thought they were all pretty much reclusive.

"We're not supposed to. But nothing will happen during a two or three-hour trip. Besides, I'm careful," Milo said with a grin.

"Not bringing anyone back with you tonight? I doubt that," Shura teased, feigning malice.

"Capricorn, before I forget, go f–" Milo cut himself off when he saw the others. "Where are you all going?"

"To Taurus. Agent Mulder couldn't sleep, and since Aldebaran's a night owl, we figured we'd hang out there for a bit," Mu replied.

"Then I'm coming with you. Should we stop by Aiolia's?" Milo asked, excited.

"You just want the ride. Admit it," Shaka teased.

"Obviously, I can't ruin my look," Milo laughed.

Seconds later, they were at Leo Temple.

Mulder was getting used to this method of travel, but still had to ask:

"Doesn't this tire you out, transporting so many people?"

"A bit," Mu admitted. "But it passes."

"He used to teleport boulders and all sorts of stuff, Agent Mulder, we're nothing compared to that. Right, Mu?" Shura joked.

"Good evening!"

Aiolia greeted them as they arrived at the brightly lit temple.

"Aiolia, we're heading to Aldebaran's, want to come?"

"Mu, aren't you transporting too many people already? You'll be wiped out tomorrow..." Aiolia said. "I'll come, but go on ahead – I'll stop by Cancer and Gemini to see if they want to join too, okay?"

With a wave, the group disappeared.

Aiolia tied his sandals and smiled. – Aries, always overdoing it.

xXx

When they arrived at Taurus, Aldebaran looked like he'd been expecting them.

"Welcome!" He smiled. "Staying for dinner, I assume?"

"Oh, that smell – I can't believe you made..." Shura closed his eyes, savoring the aroma.

"Oh, I did," Aldebaran chuckled. "Agent Mulder, I hope you enjoy Brazilian food. I made my famous beef stew with polenta. Even Shaka gives in..."

"Only the polenta, my friend..." Shaka defended himself.

"And the MEAT BROTH I saw you slurping it the other day!" Milo tattled, making Shaka blush.

"Milo, leave him alone! Broth's meat-free!"A tall, dark-haired Saint entered with Aiolia and Saga. He extended a hand to Mulder, his stern face breaking into a smile."Cancer's Gold Saint. Deathmask."

"Deathmask?!"Mulder choked.

"Ah—apologies."Deathmask switched to English."Guardian of Cancer Temple."

Mulder wascertainthat wasn't his real name. It was odd, sure, but somehow... fitting. He finally shook his hand back.

"Fox Mulder. Nice to meet you."

"And where's Agent Scully?" Aiolia asked, noticing she wasn't there.

"She stayed back to rest," Shura said, noting Mulder's twitch.

"Aiolia was telling me about the theories he and Agent Scully came up with this afternoon..." Saga added.

"Who's hungry?" Aldebaran interrupted. "I'd love to hear all about that but this dish is better served hot."

The now large group followed Aldebaran to the dining area, where the table was already set. Milo was the first to grab a piece of polenta then backed off.

"Sorry to bail, but I've got plans tonight..." He waved and left.

"Curfew's midnight, brat!" Deathmask called after him as the Scorpion vanished from the temple. "That one is hopeless..."

"Let him be, it's harmless," Saga downplayed it.

Everyone was already helping themselves when another Saint entered – exhausted but trying to keep it together.

"Aphrodite!" Aldebaran called. "Don't leave just yet, stay and have dinner with us!"

Afrodite smiled, grateful. "Ah, but I'm so tired..."

"Vieni qui," Deathmask insisted, patting the seat beside him. "Eat. You'll perk up."

Aphrodite relented, introducing himself to Mulder with flawless English. "Pisces' Gold Saint. I hope you're enjoying your stay."

Mulder gaped. The man's ethereal beauty outshone even the others. What powers hide behind those eyes?

"Agent Scully's resting in Capricorn, I assume?" Aphrodite's smile was knowing. "I heard she spent the afternoon in the infirmary. Is she well?"

"Yes. We drew blood for analysis at the Foundation," Aiolia explained. "Lost track of time discussing theories…"

Afrodite had barely arrived and already noticed how Aiolia's closeness to Dana Scully clearly bothered Mulder. He glanced sideways at Shaka and saw that the blond had something in mind regarding the agents. So, he decided to stir the pot – just a little – to confirm his suspicions.

"I see... Aiolia, who's going to oversee the research at the Foundation?"

"Saori plans to speak with Agent Scully in the morning. She believes that as a scientist she'll make great use of the lab facilities for this investigation," Aiolia replied. "And I'll probably be the one to accompany her, to ensure security and confidentiality."

Mulder's blood ran cold at that, though he managed to stay composed. It was pointless, really. Every Saint at the table picked up on his reaction, even the ones who weren't paying much attention.

Aphrodite and Shaka exchanged a glance.

Suddenly, Aphrodite didn't look tired at all.

TO BE CONTINUED...