Echoes of Humanity

Opening his eyes to the fragile light of dawn, Mu wondered why he was so opposed to getting up. Slowly, he ran through his tasks for the day, smiling slightly when he remembered. Tonight was Athena’s “party”. They had actually had confirmation that a party was exactly what it was, since it had apparently reached her ears that some of the Saints were anxious, thinking that perhaps there was going to be a punishment involved. Indeed, much of yesterday had been spent either carrying stuff up Sanctuary, or offering directions to the strange group of caterers that had begun to stream in, looking up the jagged steps with expressions that seemed to indicate that they thought that they weren’t getting paid enough. Most of the Saints wished they weren’t getting paid at all, and more than one mumble about people “traipsing all over sacred ground” had been uttered under the breath of various Saints. Mu himself found it slightly comical. Or he’d tried too. His mind had been racing for a dozen reasons for the past week, and he’d been having trouble finding anything to be funny. He’d avoided Sanctuary as much as possible the past few days, since he couldn’t quite shake the feeling that the others were watching him. He’d returned yesterday to help with preparations, and skillfully avoided Aldebaran and Milo, both of whom seemed desperate to interrogate him, following him around and waiting for the brief moment between tasks that they could ask whatever questions they had. It was for that reason that he’d chosen to work alongside Shaka most of the day. They might be having some trouble making conversation, but at least they were intelligent enough not to ask each other questions.

Although, thinking back on it, Mu thought that perhaps that hadn’t been the best of techniques, since the behavior had only added to the hundreds of questions that the others had for him. Not to mention the strain it had taken for him not to talk to the Virgo Saint. After the strength and comfort he had gained from his conversations with Shaka following Ares’ defeat, it was almost a physical blow to revert back to their previous relationship. Rolling out of bed, Mu skillfully blocked out the raw ache that ate at the corners of his heart as he prepared for the day. First, he would prepare breakfast for Kiki and himself, then he would return to Sanctuary and prepare for the evening’s….gathering.

To his surprise, Kiki was already awake, just stirring a bowl of uncooked rice into a cauldron of boiling water.

“Master.” He greeted as he watched Mu walk down the stairs. “You don’t look well.”

Mu smiled. “Thank you for that, Kiki. You look positively energetic.”

“I get to see my friends tonight!” The redhead replied happily, peering at the mush in the pot for a brief moment, and then giving it a quick stir. Mu shook his head, watching his student out of the corner of his eye while he went to make himself some tea.

“Is this really that exciting to you?”

Kiki laughed, the sound happy and bubbly in the morning mist. “Of course it does. Just because you’re an antisocial old man who hates talking doesn’t mean that I can’t think the party seems like a fun idea.”

Mu’s eyes narrowed. “Kiki.” He said sternly. “We need firewood. Why don’t you go chop some while I finish breakfast.”
“But…” The child replied, looking upset, “I don’t….I didn’t mean to call you old!” He said.

Mu shook his head. “Go. Now!” He said, Kiki darting out the door with an angry expression on his face, but somehow Mu guessed his was entirely unabashed over his manners. Someday, someday Kiki would learn proper manners. Until then, the spire would be kept well-stocked in firewood.

Sighing, he went to look in the pot and threw a few more sticks of dehydrated fish into the mixture. Then he sliced some fruit, arranging it on a platter in the center of the table. After contemplating for a moment, he walked across the room to where the seemingly out-of-place, but ever-useful ice box was kept and pulled a container of pre-squeezed orange juice from it’s innards.

Setting the juice, and two cups on the table, Mu sat down. Was that really the difference between those who thought this gathering sounded fun, and those who believed it to be an unwanted, but unavoidable, summons? Did he really hate the company of others so much? He tried to deny it. He could think of several times that he’d enjoyed conversation, even debate. It was always comforting to speak with Aldebaran, and philosophical conversations with Shion had always been worthwhile. There were others, too, with which socializing had become enjoyable. Shaka, for instance, had become a genuine joy to spend time with, the piece of himself that he’d shared with the blond…Mu hissed, reaching across the table and grabbing the juice to him, pouring a glass before the thought continued. It briefly crossed Mu’s mind that he probably should have paid more attention to Shion when his master had tried to teach him lessons about human emotion. If he had, he figured he might be doing a better job of ignoring his now that it mattered that he must. The stupid hole in the center of his chest was getting downright unavoidable, even entering into his dreams the past few nights.

Pushing himself up from the table, Mu looked in the pot at the now cooked mush.

“Kiki.” He called mentally. “Cut ten more pieces, and then come in for breakfast!.”

Careful not to burn himself, Mu dished out a generous portion of the rice-and-fish dish into his bowl, sitting down and eating it mechanically, as his mind raced between the events of the day to Shaka, to how Milo was going to handle himself tonight, to everything in between. Kiki said nothing when he came inside, and they ate in silence.

When he had finished, Mu stood.

“I’m going to Sanctuary. When you finish eating, wash the dishes and put everything away, then do your exercises. When you complete those tasks, please come as well.”

Kiki nodded, looking rather smug, and Mu figured he’d probably let his student off fairly easily, but added nothing to the list of chores. Turning, he picked up his cloak from the peg on the wall, and closed his eyes, the odd non-being feel of teleporting enveloping his senses for a moment before he landed outside Sanctuary, looking up at the pillars of the Aries Temple. Smiling wryly, he thought that he should be lucky that Athena had not asked him to put a banner with “Welcome Saints!” painted on it across the entrance.

Aldebaran seemed to be waiting for him, the Taurus Saint sitting to the edge of the path. He stood as Mu approached, smiling broadly.

“I was wondering when you’d show up.” The big man said, “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say that you’d been avoiding us.”

Mu didn’t bother to correct him. There was no plural to what he’d been avoiding. “I’ve been busy, and the slightest bit flustered. Is there something that I’m needed for?”

“Actually, no. Athena has arrived, and has asked to meet with us before the ‘party’, but she isn’t expecting that meeting to take place until early afternoon.”

Mu cocked his head. “You didn’t feel it necessary to inform me of this sooner?”

“Aiolia and I decided we’d have Shaka try to contact you if you didn’t arrive in the next hour or so. The Virgo Saint, however, is trying very hard to pretend that this day is just like any other, so we thought it might be kinder to let him be as long as possible.”

“Is something wrong?” Mu asked, more quickly and with more concern than he would have liked.

“Nothing other than performance anxiety. Milo has it too, but he’s been running laps up and down Sanctuary all morning to alleviate his.”

Mu smiled. “And what have you been doing?”

Aldebaran smirked. “Me? I spent the morning painting behind the Taurus Temple.”

“Ah.” Mu said. He didn’t bother to ask about Aiolia, already guessing that the Leo Saint was probably taking the entire situation fairly well. He wondered about the various Silver Saints that had been pulled from the corner of the world, many of them were far less well-adjusted than the Gold Saints, and that was saying something important. He ran a hand through his hair, looking around curiously. He really needed something to do for the next few hours that would take his mind off of the evening.

The sound of quick footsteps behind him made the Aries Saint turn around. Unsurprisingly, given what Aldebaran had just said, Milo was approaching at a run, breathing hard, but not seriously so. The Scorpio Saint was not in his Cloth, and looked completely dedicated at the task at hand. He managed a quick nod as he pounded by, and Mu couldn’t help but notice that Milo was still avoiding making eye-contact with him most of the time. He wished Milo would just put the whole event between them behind him. Mu had forgiven what part of the attack had actually been Milo’s fault long ago. From what he could tell, Milo had done the same for him. He figured he was going to have to speak with the Scorpio Saint at some point again, and soon. He wasn’t looking forward to it.

Aldebaran whistled once the Scorpio Saint had passed. “That makes his fifth lap. It’s good to know that he isn’t out of shape.”

Mu nodded. “I need something to do.” He remarked suddenly, making Aldebaran smile.

“I would suggest talking to Shaka. I think he’s close to panicking, and I swear he’s been somewhat despondent since you spent so much time away from here.”

Mu balked but, at the same time, couldn’t tamp down on the happy thrill that went through him at the statement. It meant he wasn’t the only one unhappy. He quickly shook his head, though. Without the distraction of preparations, he wasn’t sure he would be able to stand the Virgo Saint’s presence. It had needed to be said, but admitting their mutual desire, and the problems attached to allowing it to continue had obviously made denying its existence impossible, which made it all the harder to deal with.

Aldebaran was giving him a strange look, and Mu realized that he’d been shaking his head for quite some time. Quickly, he tried to cover. “I don’t want….Shaka would probably do better left on his own.”

The Taurus Saint looked unconvinced, but nodded after a moment. “Perhaps.” He said dubiously. “Would you like to go for a walk, then? I believe that you have not seen the training grounds that Shaka and the Wolf Saint set up.”

Mu nodded, relieved that, whatever his personal opinion, Aldebaran had not pushed the matter.

“I would like that.” He beckoned forward. “Lead me to this place.”

Aldebaran walked out, heading towards the narrow path that led to the outer part of Sanctuary, starting behind the Aries Temple. As he walked, he led a conversation as well, choosing topics that were neither inane nor intrusive, and Mu found himself falling into the calm nature of the Taurus Saint’s composed reality.

As they approached the grounds, Mu became aware of the energy flowing through the area, obviously a sign that they were being used. One signature was unmistakable as that of Aquila Marin, the other less familiar, known, but unrecognizable as a specific individual. He guessed it was from one of the Silver Saints that had been ordered to attend. They approached the edge of a large field slowly, allowing whatever combatants enough time to feel their presence – not wanting to be attacked mistakenly. As he looked at the area, Mu felt his appreciation for the design grow. Large boulders, huge craters and even a river, all obviously moved or created by hand, filled the field, creating a variable terrain that provided many opportunities for both increasing endurance and forming elaborate battle strategies. If Shaka had truly had as little input as he’d said, and Mu had no doubt that he had, since there was no way the temperament of the Virgo Saint would have allowed the creation of something so…chaotic, then the Wolf Saint truly was talented.

Near the center, two Saints were fighting vigorously, movements quick and confidant. From the distance, Mu could see that the Aquila Saint had the upper hand, but not by a lot, the second Saint, another female, fighting hard. The unknown Saint was faster, but seemingly less willing to attack, which put her constantly on the defensive. As they watched, she faltered, missteping on ground that seemed to give way beneath her, and in an instant the Aquila Saint was on her, pinning her with a move that would have meant death in a true battle.

The two Saints rose, walking towards the edge of the field and the two Gold Saints. Marin bowed slightly when they were close enough, and the younger Saint bowed much lower in an extremely humble way.

Aldebaran stepped forward. “That was an impressive fight.” He rumbled. “I don’t believe we’ve met before?” He said. The girl shook her head.

“I am the Chameleon Saint. I trained and gained my Cloth on Andromeda Island.” She said simply, and Mu nodded in recognition of the Cloth, if not the Saint. This was one of the Cepheus Albior’s students, which slightly explained why they had not met before, given the Silver Saint’s position on the events in Sanctuary. One of Mu’s few allies in skeptism, actually. Yet, even as his mind realized the reason behind why they had not met, Mu couldn’t help but think that perhaps Athena was more correct than he thought – maybe they truly did need to get to know each and every Saint.

“How many have come from Andromeda Island?” Mu asked curiously, wondering just how many Saints and students he truly had never met personally.

“Only myself and three trainees, unless you count the Andromeda Saint himself.” She replied, diverting her attention to Mu.

“I see.” Mu said. “How are the other students fairing?”

Mu could have almost sworn he could see a sad smile forming on the girl’s face before she answered.

“They are surviving, and training as hard as they ever did. I’m afraid I am not as talented a trainer as my master, though.”

Aldebaran was the one who replied. “The Cepheus Saint deserves credit. He was strict without being harsh. His students, including yourself, are obvious signs of his talent and devotion.”


“Thank you.” The Chameleon Saint – June, Mu suddenly remembered her name to be – replied. “I’m afraid I have trouble living up to his model.”

“Then don’t.” Mu said, understanding her fears completely, from his constant battle to temper his own existence against the legacy left by Shion. “Do what you can as yourself, and let your actions speak for themselves.”

“That is far easier said than done.” June replied. “But I thank you for your support.”

She turned to Marin, then. “Thank you for the duel. It was most helpful in pointing out my weaknesses.”

The Aquila Saint shook her head. “It was no great imposition. You need to attack more, with greater conviction. Your defense is impressive, but can only stand up until your first mistake.”

Mu could actually see the younger Saint filing the information. This was not someone would allow such advice to fall on deaf ears. She would remember this lesson well, and use it well in the future. She was young to be training others, but he couldn’t feel that perhaps she would be as great as the master whose shoes she was fearful of filling.

“Shall we head back, then?” Marin asked, the question directed at all three Saints. They nodded and, as they walked back, Aldebaran engaged the two women in conversation as easily as he had done with Mu earlier, chatting easily with the Chameleon Saint, who seemed to be one of the more open Mu had ever met. As they walked, two figures seemingly melted from the trees, walking passively behind the rest of the group. Mu glanced at them several times, and was struck by the extreme resemblance they bore to Milo. It seemed the trademark of a fiery personality that had been subjected to a great betrayal. One of the young men bore a massive and only recently formed scar on his face; the other walked with a limp. Like with the Chameleon Saint, however, Mu found that he couldn’t quite place who they were.

As the approached the Aries Temple again, the Gold and Silver Saints parted ways – the two unknown boys following June, as Mu and Aldebaran headed up Sanctuary for their meeting with Athena, and the women towards the small stream at the bottom, presumably to get cleaned up.

Aiolia had taken up Aldebaran’s previous post, leaning against a rock and watching their approach. He said nothing as he fell in step behind them, obviously realizing that they didn’t need to be fetched. Mu looked around curiously as they climbed, at the people who covered the hill. While it was not uncommon to see visitors, the amount of Saints present was truly staggering. And this was only the ones who were actually still alive, Mu thought sadly, reflecting briefly on the many who had died, honorably or otherwise, during the battle for Sanctuary.

Within a matter of minutes, the Gold Saints had gathered outside the temple. Looking around, Mu noticed that the Libra Saint was not in attendance. He had received permission not to attend, then. A fully expected pardon, but Mu felt a stab of envy.

They were beckoned forward by the large man who seemed to be Athena’s assistant, when she was dealing with matters outside Sanctuary.

“I have been told, ” He said shortly. “That Ms. Kido would like you to treat her fairly informally, if you can bear it.”

He seemed confused by her choice of words, and Mu glanced at the ground, hiding a smile. Their goddess had obviously done quite well in analyzing her Saints. It put him at ease, to at least know that she understood.

Then the assistant was beckoning them inside, the Saints walking into the temple with curious expressions. It relieved Mu to find the inside not overly changed, a few traditional decorations lined the interior, and several tables were set up along the walls, but little else. Athena had obviously worked not to disturb the sanctity of the temple, which made things far easier to deal with.

The goddess herself was standing at the far wall, waiting for them. When all four of them sunk to their knees before her, she shook her head. “Please rise.” She said. “There is no need for such formality today.”

The all nodded as the got to their feet, but none of them regretted the action. It was as necessary to their relationship as anything, and would not be easily traded unless an order accompanied it. Mu inclined his head.

“What is it that we can do for you?”

“I simply wished to see how you were doing.” The avatar said, smiling gently. “I met with many of the Silver Saints earlier.”

“I see.” Mu said. Athena looked at him for a long moment.

“So how are you doing?”

“We are well. You have provided us with more than we could ask for, goddess.”

The young woman smiled again. “Perhaps, but I still think that you need it.” She turned towards Milo and Shaka, who had placed themselves slightly behind the rest of the Saints.

“How do you faire?”

“Well enough, my lady.” Milo replied, and Mu was relieved to see that the Scorpio Saint seemed more relaxed than the last time Athena had addressed him, if not at ease.

“That is good to hear.” The avatar seemed to pull back again, addressing the group. “When I met with the Silver Saints they said that many of you seemed more at ease with each other, and are forming a more coherent, close group. Is this true?”

Mu braced himself from looking over his shoulder at Shaka, fixing his eyes on Athena instead. “We have been speaking with each other more, yes.”

The goddess looked genuinely happy. “I’m glad to hear that.” She said. “Existence in isolation is a dreadful thing.”

Mu said nothing, unsure whether he wished to disagree or not.

Athena looked at them for a long moment, examining them carefully, as though trying to decide something. After a minute she nodded, as if to herself.

“Is there anything you wish to ask of me?” She asked, the question sincere. The Saints, however, shook their heads almost in unison. The response was honest, though. Sanctuary had been provided for before the avatar’s return, and was not more than sufficiently cared for. As extensions of Sanctuary, the Saints were feeling almost overwhelmed by the generosity of the newest avatar.

The goddess smiled again, some amusement that Mu could not place dancing behind her eyes. “I see.” She said. “If that’s the case, I guess you’re dismissed, as I can think of nothing else to say.”

Aldebaran stepped forward a half step. “I hope we have not wasted your time, my lady.”

“Of course not!” Saori replied emphatically. “I wanted to make sure that you were well and, however short, this audience has confirmed that for me.”

“Do you have any orders for us, before we go?” Aiolia asked cautiously, obviously desiring such. The woman looked at him for a long moment.

“Not right now. You serve me well, there is nothing else I can ask. Continue to take care of yourselves and each other, and please be ready if I need you. Those are your standing orders, and the only ones I can think of at the moment.” She said.

Mu blinked. He couldn’t remember their standing orders as ever containing “take care of yourselves and each other” before, but he supposed that he shouldn’t be surprised. It was pleasant to know that they had been changed, and he exchanged a quick, amused glance with Aldebaran as Aiolia nodded his understanding.

The avatar stepped forward. “Like I said, I suppose you are dismissed. Please feel free to do as you wish for the next few hours. You shall not need to return here until five.” She looked at her watch. “Which gives you three hours to do as you please.”

The Saints bowed in unison, walking backwards for a half dozen steps before turning and leaving the temple. Outside, they stood blinking at each other for a long moment.

“That was interesting.” Aiolia said wryly, Milo echoing his expression next to him. “It is good to know that our standing orders have been amended without our knowing it.”

Surprisingly, it was Milo that answered. “I don’t think she realizes that she did amend them. She just assumes that they were changed to suit Ares’ needs.”

Aldebaran looked them over. “It doesn’t matter.” He said. “We have been following the orders without knowing of their existence. We are all supporting each other in ways that were unheard of a year ago.”

Mu shifted uncomfortably, staring at the ground and hoping desperately that the Taurus Saint wasn’t looking at Shaka or himself. When he finally got the courage to glance up, however, Aldebaran had his gaze fixed on Milo and Aiolia. Mu blinked, suddenly realizing that a friendship had indeed formed between the two Saints. The realization left him relieved, somehow. They were enough alike that they would know the border of each other’s personalities far better than Mu himself. The Aries Saint guessed that Aiolia had yet to be attacked by Milo.

The Gold Saints milled for a few moments longer, looking at each other from time to time and around at the scenery the rest. Finally, Shaka sighed. He looked slightly ill as he examined one of the tables set up in the great hall.

“If you’ll excuse me, I must return to my temple.” He said shortly, his gait steady and even as he left, but uncharacteristically hurried.

Mu took a half-step forward before he could stop himself, hand reaching unconsciously towards the Virgo Saint. He was able to warn himself though, and turned abruptly, examining the table much as Shaka had done earlier. It wasn’t particularly interesting, but none of the other Saints seemed to notice, leaving to do their own thing.

“You two have become close, haven’t you?” A voice fairly purred behind, and Mu spun around, meeting Milo’s eyes for the first time in a great while, and wishing that he hadn’t.

“We’ve all become closer.” He replied softly. “We just told Athena so.”

“Don’t pull that shit on me.” Milo said. “The attraction between you two is thicker than simple camaraderie.”

“It is none of your business, but there is nothing between us.” Mu ground out, wondering why it was so hard to say the words. Milo simply smirked at him.

“Which begs the question of why you won’t even look at him, and yet obviously want to follow him to the Virgo Temple.”

“I don’t even see why it would concern you, even if there was something.”

“It probably doesn’t. But I want to know.” Milo replied. “Defensive as you are, though, I’m guessing you aren’t going to give me any answers. So I’m going to go speculate how this little development came to be, so that you can be alone with your denial.”

Without waiting for a response, the Scorpio Saint walked away, leaving Mu to stare at his back and wonder how he had failed so badly at his end of the bargain that even the other Saints were noticing. A shudder ran through his body and Mu decided that, even if he could not speak with the Virgo Saint, he might as well take lesson from him. Two hours would be more than enough meditation to ground him, if he worked at it. Mu had the feeling that he was going to need a great deal of grounding to make it through the night.