Sunion Beach
Athens – Greece
04:38 PM

Scully absorbed the information quickly, yet each new detail left her more stunned by the revelations about that place and those young men. So, Saga had a twin brother. Now it made perfect sense – he was the Gemini Saint, after all.

"Er…" Scully looked from Aphrodite to Milo. "So Saga has a brother. A twin brother. Of course…" She was talking more to herself. "He's the Gemini Saint, and he has a twin…" Then she turned back to Aphrodite. "Is Saga's brother still alive?"

"Yes, he is. He works with Athena at the Graad Foundation," Aphrodite replied calmly.

"But… you just told me…" Scully could hardly believe she was even entertaining the story about the cape's prison and the amphora. "Aphrodite, I'm sorry, but didn't he… um… release a god who caused all sorts of trouble? And wasn't he imprisoned? So how is he working for your goddess now?"

"Kanon was pardoned by Athena, Agent Scully. He's a Saint like the rest of us. He redeemed himself – I personally made sure of it," Milo said, sounding proud of the memory.

"I see… I think," Scully still looked skeptical, but if they said so… "And, Milo, tell me something… Does Saga get along with his brother? I'm only asking because I don't want to risk saying anything awkward to him, and if his twin works at the Foundation, it's likely I'll run into him."

Aphrodite smiled at her practical, cautious attitude. She really was someone to admire.

"I'd say they do speak, yes. I wouldn't call them super close, but then again… who can truly understand those two?" Milo answered.

"Don't worry, Agent Scully. There's no bad blood between them. Saga's not the type to let personal matters affect others, and Kanon behaves accordingly," Aphrodite added.

"Alright… I just hope everything goes smoothly tomorrow…" Scully shivered slightly as a cooler breeze passed. The sun was beginning to set, and the temperature was dropping.

"Would you like to head back, Agent Scully?" Milo offered. "It's starting to get chilly."

"What about the others?" Scully asked, unsure.

"Don't worry. Agent Mulder will come back with the others," Aphrodite smiled. "Besides, you should get ready and rest a bit. It's a long flight…"

Milo stood, put his shirt back on, and extended his hand to help Scully up. She thanked him, momentarily lost in the Greek's radiant smile. She scolded herself – it wasn't proper to melt at every gorgeous smile sent her way. If she kept this up, she was doomed.

Aphrodite observed silently.– That scorpion… he'd be a heartbreaker if I didn't know he has zero intention. He's charming without even trying.–Aphrodite chuckled to himself.– Better watch out, handsome agent, –He laughed aloud.

"What is it?" Milo, still holding Scully's hand and helping her navigate the rocky slope, looked at Aphrodite curiously.

"Nothing, Scorpio. Nothing at all…"

And the three of them walked peacefully back to the Sanctuary.

xXx

From the beach, Shura, Mu, Aldebaran, and Camus watched the trio head back. Aldebaran's eyes widened in alarm when he saw Milo extend a hand to the American woman, grinning broadly. Shura noticed too and caught the Brazilian's concern. He could already picture Scorpio ending up in the same mess as Mu. He laughed to himself – but stopped as he considered the consequences. Milo was playing with fire, and in his case, they'd have a lot more to clean up than a grumpy federal agent and a moody , no, no…He definitely didn't want to deal with Camus.

"I think we should head back," Camus said, already walking away without waiting for the others.

Mu stood there, stunned. Shura and Aldebaran exchanged looks.

"Yikes, looks like a storm's brewing here too…" Aldebaran muttered, still watching the Frenchman walk off.

"May Athena protect us!" Mu exclaimed in frustration. "Sometimes I feel like disappearing back to my land and enjoying some peace. Keeping things calm around here is exhausting!"

Shura and Aldebaran laughed, following the Aries Saint as he began to walk. Mu turned back for one last comment:

"And the worst part is that," he pointed toward the other group, "there was nothing even remotely suggestive going on! If Camus doesn't like Milo getting attention from others, then maybe he should just talk to him and spare us these bad moods! It's so pointless…"

Shura and Aldebaran glanced at each other, laughing even more. How could things always end up like this?

xXx

With therelic explorers, things were much calmer. Deathmask had Mulder's full attention as he explained – lightly and briefly – the story of the cape's prison and the sealed amphora that the agent insisted on touching.

He only made one mistake: thinking Mulder would be content just hearing the story.

"Hold on a second…" Mulder narrowed his eyes, suspicion etched across his face. "You're seriously telling me that Saga locked up his own brother here – in a place that floods to the ceiling, no less – for thirteen years? And now that same brother is alive and working for your goddess?"

"Exactly," Deathmask replied with a shrug. "Kanon was fully pardoned. These days, he's practically Saori's right-hand man in her business affairs in Japan."

"Second right-hand man," Aiolia muttered, not hiding the sarcasm. "The first is Saga."

"Saga manages the Sanctuary. Kanon handles her corporate matters," Deathmask clarified. "Saori may be our Goddess and a wise leader, but she's still young. That's where the twins come in – they balance the scales."

"Hm…" Mulder rubbed his chin, clearly still doubtful. "It's a little hard to accept that the two people closest to her are the same ones who once threatened her life."

"Trust me, we had our concerns too," Aiolia said evenly. "But over time, it's become clear – there's nothing to fear anymore, Agent Mulder."

"Va bene, va bene…" Deathmask said, just to avoid an argument. "Shall we? It's getting dark, and tomorrow Aiolia travels with Agent Scully, non è vero? Better get ready."

Mulder nodded, the reminder of Scully's upcomingsolotrip with Aiolia hitting him like a jab to the ribs. He told himself to get a grip – he had no claim over her time, no right to feel this , does she have to swoon over every charming face around here?he grumbled inwardly, the memory of the sandal moment flaring up again.

With a huff, he quickened his pace to catch up with the others. Stewing in silence wouldn't get him anywhere.

TO BE CONTINUED...