Panpolemos (Global War)
Not Alone
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lang=EN-GB style='mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"Timew Rew Roman";
mso-fareast-language:IT'>“Panpolemos” (Global War)
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Author’s warnings: This is a post-Hades fic, starting
ten years after the Holy War in which Seiya and the Gold Saints died and based
on both the manga and the anime. It’s pretty neutral so far, but it will
contain yaoi (though het will be there as well) hit hit the back button if you
don’t know what that is or if you don’t like it. Other than that, please just
forgive any mistakes in grammar, English is not my mother language. On the
other hand, please do not hesitate to point out any mistakes concerning
timeline / characters / canon facts / etc. Thanks a lot to all who take the
time to read this.
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mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Disclaimer:
If I owned them, I’d be called Athena!
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style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Chapter 6. Not Alone
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Seiya’s eyes
travelled from Saori to Kiki to finally settle on Shaina. All of them had
changed, which was obvious in
consideration of the years that had gone by. He was conscious that even
Mu’s brother looked now older than he did. He felt as if he had been left
behind. His mind inevitably called up the memory of the other Bronze Saints.
Were could they be? Were they well? Had they changed so much too? And what in
the name of Athena was going on?
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style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>His sadness fell
away from him when his mind concentrated on the core of the matter. What were
they all doing here? Shion, the Gold Saints, even Kanon and Aioros… Not to
mention himself! They were all supposed to be dead. Not that he minded being
alive, but he trembled thinking of the power of the entity that had brought
them back to life. Even Hades, lord of the Underworld, had asked for the dead
saints’ allegiance before restoring them, and the resuscitated warriors had
however been under a very strict contract with the deity. Their new opponent
instead, whoever he was, didn’t seem bothered that the warriors raised from death
by his will could turn against him.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>His thoughts were
interrupted by Shion, once more reclaiming everybody’s attention.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“We all agree
that it is imperative to figure out what is happening. However, while we decide
the best course of action to be taken, I would suggest to arrange Sanctuary’s
defences. With your consent, Athena?”
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Saori nodded,
regretting that they had to return to their duties so soon. The Holy War had to
be a very recent memory for them, and if their bodies bore no sign of the fight,
their hearts certainly did.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“It would be wise
to do so. I hope they will not be necessary, but… I don’t remember anything
like this ever happening, iy ofy of my previous lives. I don’t understand.”
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Perhaps you
could attempt to star-gaze, Holy Father” Aldebaran suggested, addressing the
man with the deference due to his position, which was evidently recognized by
everyone in spite of Shion’s youthful appearance.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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cannot be done anymore” Shion replied.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Why?” the
Sagittarius Saint asked, surprised and alarmed.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“The temple at
Star Hill has been… tainted” the Pope explained hesitantly.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Aioros understood
what that meant seeing Saga cringe visibly at the word “tainted”. Shion’urdeurder had been perpetrated on Star Hill. He still could not believe that
Gemini would go to such lengths for an insane dream of power. That was not the
man he knew. But could he claim he knew him at all, after what had happened? In
fact, with the time elapsed since his death, basically everyone in the room was
a complete stranger to him, including his own brother.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“There is still
something we can do.”
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Everyone turned
to Dokho, who quickly explained his idea.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“We could consult
the Oracle of Delphi. It’s been a long time since anyone did, but the Pythia
should still be there. With you permission, Athena, I would leave immediately.”
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Ver;mso;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Saori looked
pensive for a moment, then shook her head. She wasn’t sure it was wise to
inform Apollo’s pries ofs of their present predicament, but there was little
choice left. In any case, she still didn’t want Libra rush into action
immediately. They all needed to let their emotions settle, so that they may be
able to think more clearly and thus act more effectively. Besides, she had seen
the momentary grief passing over Seiya’s features, and had easily understood
its reasons. She had to do something about the disparity separating him and
Aioros from their companions.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-foize:ize:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Please, take at
least this night to rest. The Oracle isn’t very far in any case. You can leave
in the morning, but not alone. It will be safer to have someone travel with
you.”
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Surprising more
than a few Death Mask stepped forward, offering himself as escort.
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Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“I would
accompany you, Libra, if you and Athena allow it.”
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Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Both the
interrogated parties nodded their consent. The Gold Saints were about to take
their leave and go back to their respective temples to stand guard against any
possible danger, but Saori stopped them.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Do not go yet.
Aioros… please come forth.”
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>The Sagittarius
Saint obeyed promptly, kneeling in front of the Goddess he remembered only as
an infant. His heart was pervaded by warmth and contentment as her cosmo gently
brushed his own, filling him with peace. She
was the light that dissipated all shadows without blinding, justice that
righted wrongs without punishing. She was the embodiment of hope and love, and
life. And when she smiled gently, curing him of all resentments and
uncertainties, it was like being born a second time.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“You have done so
much for me, Aioros…” she spoke softly. “I think I should do something for you
in return… and for Seiya, as well. Seiya, please come closer.”
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>While the Pegasus
Saint complied, both men stared at Athena, uncomprehending.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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is nothing you have to do…”
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Seiya’s words
died in his mouth as he felt her energy engulf him like a protective cocoon.
For a long moment the world was lost to him, and all he knew was peace and joy.
It was only when Athena’s cosmo retreated from him that he realized what she
had done.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>At his side,
Aioros no longer had the look of an adolescent, but that of a man in his late
twenties. From the way Shaina was transfixed, he guessed that something similar
had happened to him.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“I believed
Aioria would be disoriented, having a teenage-looking older brother” she
explained, smiling with complicity. “And you, Seiya… your friends and comrades
of so many battles have grown into men since you last saw them. I am sure you
wanted to be level with them.”
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Both men nodded,
grateful and comforted that the Goddess they had offered all of themselves to
knew them so intimately. Close to the deity as no other was, their hearts
swelled with love that resembled no form of love known to man. In that solemn
moment, they knew they would once more surpass the limits of humanity for her
sake, regardless of whom they had to face.
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***
<
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Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Dawn rose over
Cape Sounion, lending shape to the promontory and the ancient ruins surmounting
it. In the secret chamber beneath the temple of Poseidon, once the most
important place of worship of the deity on mainland, the Marine Generals stood
in silence after Poseidon was done speaking. Nobody could find anything worth
replying to the God’s apology. His words were still ringing in their ears.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“I dragged you
into an insane fight for a dream of conquest which had already felled me in the
past. I let myself be driven by Kanon’s ambitions, not seeing that he was using
us all for his own ends. I understand now that my first and most sacred duty is
to protect my people, and that includes all of you. I deeply regret I forgot
about something so important. You are free to go and live the new life you
have, pursuing nothing but your own happiness. I do not have the right to
demand anything of you.”
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Sorrento felt his
eyes fill with thousands needles as he fought back tears. None of them had
remained unaffected by Julian’s words, but he didn’t think anyone else was
experiencing the overwhelming joy that seized his heart. This was the lhe
he
had sworn to serve. An austere and proud king with little love for compromises
and no tolerance for nonsense, perhaps, but completely dedicated to his
people’s well being. Free to go? Go where?! He had followed Julian in the past
ten years, and he certainly wasn’t about to abandon him now.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Lord Poseidon…
what are you going to do?” he asked, though he knew what the answer would be.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“I have the
feeling that the world is in danger. I am free of Athena’s seal now, and I will
not sit idly by as I was forced to do when Hades started the war of ten years
ago. As much as the Goddess and I have been at odds in the past, I believe it
is better to join forces with her under the circumstances. I am sure she will
understand my concerns.”
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Scylla Io’s hands
balled into fists as his body was shaken by the fierceness of the emotion those
words evoked in him.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
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style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Lord Poseidon,
how can you ask us to turn our back on you in a moment such as this?!” he
asked, his voice streaked with anguish. “Do you not trust us? We might have
failed you in the past, but you cannot demand that we go on our ways pretending
everything is fine! We will not leave your side, even if you order us to!”
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Kraken Isaac
nodded in agreement.
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“I served you in
the name of a false ideal” he added. “All the more I will do so in the name of
a true one. Even if one of the generals is now missing, we still will stand by
you. This new life we have cannot be spent uselessly. Death doesn’t frighten
us. It never did.”
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>The others
confirmed those words with a nod, which Poseidon returned as a gesture of
understanding.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Since you all
seem so determined, and I cannot hide I need, I , I will not try to dissuade
you anymore” he said, rising from his seat and walking towards the exit of the
chamber. “The new day is coming. Let that not be wasted. Athena’s Sanctuary is
not far from here. Take the Sea Dragon scales as well. I will need them.”
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> o:p>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>***
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-languaN-GBN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Kanon blinked,
using his hand to shield his eyes against the light of the rising sun filtering
through the window. He had meant to stay awake, but apparently the trying night
had taken its toll. When his sight adjusted, he turned to look at his brother’s
sleeping form, laying curled against his side. He had difficulties reconciling
his mental image of Saga with what he had before his eyes.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>During the night,
the Gemini Saint had been tormented by the pain of the wounds Aioros had caused
him as well as by nightmares. Only his twin’s presence and reassurances had
allowed him to finally calm down and slip into dreamless rest. Saga looked so
small, so utterly different from the solemn man he recalled.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;ansiansi-language:EN-GB'>“I have done this
to you” he whispered regretfully, brushing back a lock of hair to better look
at his face.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“You showed me
the path of corruption, but he… I walked it on my own. Think no more of it, and
neither will I.”
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
lang=EN-GB style='mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-language:IT'>Kanon
was caught by surprise by that soft-spoken reply for more than one reason. Hadn’adn’t realized Saga was awake, but most of all he hadn’t expected such a ready
acceptance, such a complete forgiveness. He was disturbed by it, in a way. It
wouldn’t do his brother any good to go back to the old habit of burying all
negative emotions, pretending they didn’t exist. That was precisely what had
caused his capitulation to darkness, twenty-three years before.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-languEN-GEN-GB'>“We have to think
about it, instead” he replied firmly, squeezing the other’s hand in his own “so
that it will not happen again. I have as much responsibility for your actions
as you do. I will not let you carry the burden by yourself. We will work
together to put the past behind us. No matter what you say, I won’t leave you
alone a second time.”
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Saga’s sapphire
eyes opened slowly, and the relief and gratitude they conveyed repaid Kanon of
the uneasiness he had experienced in speaking so openly about his feelings.
Even admitting to himself that he had such feelings was hard for him. Then,
slowly, he began losing contact with reality as he stared in his brother’s
eyes. He wanted nothing more than to spend all morning studying the different
nuances of blue in Saga’s irises. Forcibly turning away from them, he allowed a
fairemoremor to shake his body.
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mssi-lsi-language:EN-GB'>“I hate that you
do this to me” he said cryptically, earning a puzzled look from his brother.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Kanon…”
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“I hate the way
you make me feel” he explained, his voice streaked with misery “how I get
intoxicated by your presence. You overwhelm me.”
style='font-size:t;mst;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Saga tightened his
hold around Kanon’s waist, buryins fas face in the other’s chest. It was no use
trying to avoid the conversation. It was only the first of many, after all.
They had a long way to go to clear the air between them,style="mso-spacerun: yes"> so perhaps it was better to start the process
sooner rather than later. Raising his head and locking his brother’s eyes with
the steady gaze of his own, he tried to convey the fact that he was neither
distant nor unfeeling as he had always seemed.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“I feel rather
overwhelmed by you as well. I can’t seem to keep my balance around you. You
were, you are, everything I crave and cannot be. I can only assume the reverse
is true. What we failed to understand is that it is natural for us to be that
way. Instead of accepting our differences and cherishing them, we let them
drive us apart. It won’t happen again. I won’t leave you alone either.”
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Kanon smiled
faintly and sat up, grudgingly disentangling himself from his twin’s arms.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“There’s so much
I want to talk about, but…”
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana-far-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Saga nodded,
moving away the sheet that covered his body and rising from the bed.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>&;
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Yes, there are
more urgent matters now” he concurred, slipping his shirt on over his bruised
chest.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso--fon-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“But we will have
time, won’t we?” Kanon asked anxiously, ignoring the sharp feeling he thought
he had left behind when he had turned away from evil.
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-ffamifamily:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>He mentally
scowled at himself. All that mattered was that Saga forgave him, that Saga
welcomed him. He couldn’t ask for more. Could he?
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Turning to look
at him, for the first time Gemini saw his brother’s vulnerability, and felt
relieved. They were very different, but they also had so much in common.
Working on that and with a bit of good will, perhaps they could really put the
past behind them. He wasn’t going to let anything come between them again. Perhaps
it was selfish, perhaps it was not in his power to make it true, but he also
found that he didn’t care.
st
st'fon'font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Yes” he replied
confidently. “We have all the time of the world.”
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>***
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Author’s note:
the Pythia was the priestess of Apollo issuing prophecies at the Oracle of
Delphi. According to Myth the Oracle was founded by Apollo himself: he slew the
snake Python (hence the name Pythia) who dwelled in the place and claimed the
holy ground for himself. Finally, repenting his crime (the snake was the daughter
of Gea, embodiment of earth), Apollo purified himself and built the Oracle
after Pan taught him how to make divinations. In real history, the Oracle of
Delphi was very important until the advent of Christianity and a few wrong
prophecies caused its fall from favour. It was finally closed in the IV century
by decree of a Roman emperor (I forget the name ^^;;;).
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:
Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>After the little
mythology curiosities, some personal notes… Woah, finally some Saga/Kanon
interaction. I have been dying to get to this point! I just love the twins. On
the contrary, I’m having my troubles with Seiya, since he is so *not* my
favorite character… Sorry Seiya lovers, the boy just isn’t my type, but I’m
trying to be impartial and to let him have his moments. Please, don’t hesitate
to whack me when I get OOC, with him or anybody else! By the way, Athena and
Poseidon’s teams are about to meet, finally! Stay tuned!lang=EN-GB style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>