Healing
Disclaimer: I don't own Saint Seiya or its characters or make any money from this fanfiction.
Chapter Three: Understanding the Heart
Phoenix Ikki's Point of View
By: Sassy Little Owl 808
3:15 pm~ Fujihara Private Academy
Shaka and I arrived at the Academy just as the bell rang, signaling the school day's end. I smiled as Rosemary ran up to us. I kneel and hug my little Green Bug. To my surprise, my little Green Bug hugs Shaka around his waist—the stoic expression on Shaka's face, replaced by beet red blush, is priceless. I wanted to laugh, but I didn't dare. Shaka pats Rose's head awkwardly.
I gently took Rose's right hand while Rose took Shaka's left hand. Shaka's face is priceless. Shaka is not used to people touching him. Nevertheless, Shaka did not pull his hand, which I found curious.
"Ikki, where is Shun?" Rose inquires quietly.
I ruffle her hair, earning an icy glare from Rosemary.
"Shun stayed home to help the other Gold Saints settle in from their long trip from Sanctuary," I answered Rose softly.
Rose snorted in disbelief but let the matter drop with a shake of her head.
We arrived at the frozen yogurt shop and placed our order. I decided that we would stay and sit in a booth to enjoy the sweet treat. Shaka's look of curious pleasure as he bit into the frozen yogurt had Rose giggling around her spoonful.
We talked a little more before we decided to walk home. I knew Rose was super excited to see the other Gold Saints.
Rose let go of our hands as we returned to the manor and ran towards the mansion. I chuckled at my little sister's enthusiasm while Shaka looked on with a mixture of complex emotions running across his face. I chuckled at Shaka's expression, which earned me a stern glare. I laughed and patted Shaka's shoulder.
"Come, let's see what Green Bug is up to."
As we entered the foyer, we saw Rose trying to tackle Aldebaran. Aldebaran catches Rose effortlessly and tickles her mercilessly until Rose screams mercy. Aldebaran stops tickling Rose, gently sets her on the ground, and pats her head softly.
I watched Rose as she greeted each Gold Saint. I'm surprised when Death Mask high-fives Rose while Aphrodite gives Rose elegant hair clips as a gift. Death Mask ruffles her hair while getting a stern glare from Rose. Moments later, the badass and Rose were laughing cheerfully. Aphrodite and I shook our heads at them in disbelief.
I watch as Rose greets each of the Saints. Some gave her gifts, while others patted her head or kissed her cheek. The last to be greeted were the Gemini twins, Saga and Kanon. Kanon lifts Rose in his arms and noisily kisses her right cheek.
I saw Kanon give her a gift bag. Rose looked in the bag, and her face lit up like a firework display. Rose hugs Kanon around the neck and kisses Kanon on both cheeks noisily.
Kanon then places Rose on Saga's lap (Saga is sitting on the couch). Saga glares at Kanon. Kanon chuckles as he walks away from his older brother.
Rose watches the exchange intently. Somehow, I knew Rose could sense Saga's hidden pain. Typically, Rosemary would avoid Saga whenever the Gold Saints would visit.
Rose hugs the reluctant Saga and gently whispers to him,
"It's okay; everyone here loves you, and no one here condemns you for your past sins. It is time to release your guilt, pain, and regrets."
I watch as Saga buries his face into Rose's shoulder. I saw the proud man's shoulders shake as Saga released everything. Rose just held Saga.
Kanon, also watching, mumbled silently, "About time."
Kanon walks over to them and hugs Saga from behind. Kanon held his brother. Soon, the others and I joined the group hug. I could hear Saga's sobs and Rose's soft reassurance.
A few minutes later, Saga gently lifts his head and kisses Rose's cheek.
"I do not know how you knew I was carrying this burden, but thank you, Rosemary."
Rose smiles at Saga warmly and kisses his cheek.
"How about we chalk it off to a little girl's intuition," Rose whispered.
I had to smile at the surprised look on Saga's face. Gemini Saga begins to laugh as he hugs Rose softly.
"I am glad this little one is intuitive; otherwise, I'd still be downhearted."
Saga freely laughed, and everyone smiled, even Rose.
To Be Continued!
