Pallas waited, holding the unconscious man’s hand in hers as if by doing so she would bring him back. She would force him to open his eyes.

Yet she knew she couldn’t.

Tatsumi was dying, and there was nothing she could do about it. Nothing anyone could do.

In a way, she felt guilty. Guilty for holding his hand when she had no feelings to accompany that silent waiting. Even when his skin felt like fire, she still remained cold and distant. Unattached.

Just like Virbio’s eyes had looked when leaving. Blameless.

Maybe that was why he had told her to stay by Tatsumi’s side. Because he had known she couldn’t feel sorry for the man she had grown to fear and avoid.

She placed her gaze on Tatsumi’s closed eyes when he stirred, pushing her away from her thoughts. The first couple of times he had done so, she had jumped in surprise, waiting for his black eyes to open. She now knew that wouldn’t happen, so she simply squeezed his hand tighter and waited for the small seizure to stop.

What Virbio had done to him... it was eating him alive.

And that had changed her. It had changed her world. It still surprised her, that ability of seeing the world as if one wasn’t really there that overcame people when something was changed in their daily routines. The ability of seeing herself in a hospital room, holding a dying man’s hand, and being able not to feel a thing about it, except wondering whether someone at the mansion had taken over her chores for the day, or if her mother would remember to feed her child.

And yet she couldn’t think about what would happen once Tatsumi’s body stopped struggling, once he was erased from the mansion’s life. From her life.

Maybe it was because of the same reason she couldn’t feel sorry for him. Because she already considered him dead. She had already erased him.

‘’ Miss.... ‘’

‘’ Is she here? ‘’ The doctor looked at her, then nodded. She smiled, standing up slowly. With methodic practice, she straightened her uniform, erasing imaginary wrinkles, and leaned closer to Tatsumi. ‘’ Your lady has arrived. Now you can rest ‘’ she whispered in his ear as she placed his hand on his heaving chest.

The doctor opened the door for her, waiting as she stopped and looked over her shoulder to the massive figure of a man she thought would never fall. Tatsumi didn’t smile. She had hoped he would. They always smiled in the movies when their beloved arrived.

Movies were always so full of crap.

‘’ Over here ‘’

Once again, she nodded, keeping her eyes fixed on the carpeted floor as she followed the doctor to the waiting room. Now that she wasn’t holding Tatsumi’s hand, she was once again a maid. A servant of the Kido. And her mistress was calling for her.

‘’ Pallas ‘’

She bowed, flinching slightly when the doctor closed the door behind her, leaving her at the mercy of Saori Kido and her dogs.

‘’ The doctor told me you’ve been here since... ‘’

Pallas looked at the younger girl, hoping to see tears in her eyes, hoping to see her crying out in despair. But no, a Kido would never do something like that. Cry before their servants. Cry for them.

‘’ Someone had to stay, my Lady ‘’ she replied courtly, unable to help comparing the whiteness of her mistress’ dress with the one of the walls. Everything was so white... so incredibly pure...

With the same detachment she had taken Tatsumi’s illness, she felt her legs going weak, the floor suddenly rising to meet her.

‘’ Are you ok? ‘’

She tried to find the face that matched that voice, but everything seemed blurry and formless around her. All she could see was endless white.

‘’ Bring her some water ‘’ said another voice, softer than the first one, as another set of arms moved her away from the being that had stopped her from falling and lifted her off the ground, to later place her on a soft, comfy surface.

‘’ Should I call the doctor? ‘’

‘’ I don’t think that will be necessary, she fainted, that’s all ‘’ replied the same, slightly high-pitched voice. ‘’ Girl, have you eaten something today? ‘’

‘’ I.... ‘’ Pallas frowned, finding hard to accept that squeaky voice was hers.

‘’ Yesterday? ‘’ Her questioner was calm, had no hurry, yet at the same time, his words almost felt as demands.

She had to answer.

‘’ Maybe if we call the doctor... ‘’

‘’ The doctor will do the same I am doing now, Andromeda, I am a Gold Saint after all, do you honestly believe I don’t know what I am doing? ‘’

Saint? She could find a face for that word. She had named her son after one. ‘’ Peter.... ‘’ she whispered, trying to find an end to that white ocean she seemed to be drowning in.

‘’ What? ‘’

‘’ Her child’s name. Poor girl, she shouldn’t have had to come here in the first place, I am the one that.... ‘’

‘’ It’s not your fault, Saori ‘’

The heiress... she knew? If the world hadn’t seemed so aggressive towards her at the moment, she would have cursed herself for not thinking that the girl probably knew everything about everyone on the house. She might not know their faces, but their profiles she probably knew by heart.

‘’ Girl... ‘’

‘’ Pallas, that’s her name ‘’

And know she worried over her? She didn’t want her pity. She didn’t want her words.

‘’ Pallas, can you hear me? ‘’

‘’ She doesn’t even know you, Aphrodite, let me try ‘’

‘’ Pegasus... ‘’

‘’ ... Aphrodite... ? ‘’ she began, taking her hand to her head when the world painfully reassume its colours. She’d rather have the worst of headaches than a Kido’s pity, ‘’ Isn’t that... a woman’s name? ‘’

The light-blue haired man that was kneeling by her side stared at her wide-eyed. Without really knowing why, she felt herself blushing, taken aback by the feminine beauty of the stranger.

Behind him and staring at her with fright in their eyes were some of the youths that lived at the mansion. Except for one of them, who was covering his mouth not to laugh while Saori scolded him lowly.

‘’ Not in this case ‘’, the kneeling man finally replied, smiling softly at her. She blushed even deeper, nodding faintly as he helped her to sit on the couch.

‘’ You should go back to the mansion and rest ‘’ said Saori, the man named Aphrodite standing up and moving away from her to allow the girl to hand her a glass of water. ‘’ We will stay ‘’

Pallas nodded, taking the glass with trembling fingers.

‘’ I can take her there, my lady ‘’ said one of the younger men. Pallas looked at him, as the names of the seven youths returned to her mind. Ban was this one’s name. The Lion of the Galaxian Wars.

Saori looked at him, then nodded, turning her attention back to Pallas.

‘’ We’ll call if anything changes ‘’

Pallas bowed her head slightly to show she understood. If Saori hadn’t been her mistress, she would have told her that there was no need to do that. That Tatsumi’s fate was already sealed.

But she, being nothing but her servant, couldn’t say a word. Couldn’t but let her keep her futile hopes.

Artemis covered her mouth with her hand, trying to hide a yawn. She couldn’t but wonder why on earth she had accepted June’s proposal. Yes, seeing some saints beating each other to pulp had somehow sounded like a good way of forgetting the morning’s events. Or at least better than simply brooding on the temple. But now that more than two hours had passed and still that foolish Albinach was trying to get through Ophiuchus’ defence, she was pretty certain she should have chosen the brooding.

‘’ Will she ever notice the breech she is leaving her or should we stay here until she drains her strengths? I should have brought some pillows... ‘’

June merely hushed her, her eyes never moving from her protégéé. It was in times like this that Artemis regretted having broken her mask. At least if she still had it she wouldn’t be witnessing her expression of total attention to something that was incredibly boring.

‘’ The next time Hyoga asks me to heal someone, remind me to ignore him ‘’ she said, stretching on the step of the coliseum where she had been sitting.

‘’ Huh? ‘’

Artemis rolled her eyes, waving at the blonde saint to keep on looking at the fight. Placing her arms behind her head, she looked over her shoulder towards the people around the arena. A group of trainees waiting to be tested were staring with fright at the mighty Silver Saint, dreading the moment they would have to face her the same way the small girl was facing her now. Only three of the ten children would see the breech Ophiuchus was keeping open. Of them, none would see it before falling to the ground by the silver saint’s deadly kicks.

And certainly Albinach wouldn’t be one of those three.

Her cosmo was not strong enough.

‘’ Shaina... ‘’ The green-haired saint nodded faintly at the Councillor, who was sitting on the opposite end of the Coliseum with two of Athena’s golden ones. Leo and Aries.

‘’ Kiki will try to spar with Ophiuchus today? ‘’ Artemis asked, searching for the boy among the group of trainees. She waved at him when finding his orange mane, making him blush. He would succeed, even if not as brilliantly as his master expected.

As Albinach used her air based cosmo to gain speed, Ophiuchus dodged her, touching the back of her knees with a light kick. Soon the girl was on the floor, resting on her arms and knees.

‘’ Marin ‘’

The masked woman nodded, as Leo failed to hide a yawn. Artemis smiled. It seemed she wasn’t the only one who found the exercise pointless.

Shaina waited for the girl to stand up again, moving into a defensive stance with ease.

‘’ Try again ‘’

‘’ By Zeus, can’t you see she has not what it takes? ‘’ cried Artemis, trying to protect her eyes from the scorching sun with her hand. ‘’ She can’t see the breech ‘’

Most of the presents turned to stare at her, while Ophiuchus frowned, meeting the girl’s masked face.

‘’ Can you? ‘’

Albinach looked for June’s face among the crowd to reassure her. To help her. June smiled faintly. ‘’ Next time ‘’ she mouthed. There was no point in going on.

‘’ I said... ‘’

‘’ I cannot ‘’

Shaina nodded, dropping her stance. ‘’ Then you can return to your place. Solovei, your turn ‘’

‘’ He’ll be luckier ‘’ Artemis smiled, sitting with a sudden motion and resting her head on her hands.

‘’ It’s my fault... ‘’

‘’ Cur? ‘’

June stared at her clenched hands, avoiding her gaze.

‘’ I said... ‘’ began Artemis, moving to the step where June was sitting, her right hand lifting the girl’s chin to force her to meet her eyes. ‘’ why? ‘’

‘’ I should have trained her. On Athena’s name, she can bend a storm’s will but she cannot fight... '‘

‘’ She was not yours to train. She was your underling, not your trainee. So stop blaming yourself. Besides, she is not meant to be a warrior. She’s like that Andromeda of yours, she hates being the one to give the first stroke. And that’s what today’s exercise is all about ‘’

‘’ Do you always have an answer for everything? ‘’ teased June, reassuming her self-assured attitude.

‘’ Something like that ‘’ she smirked, laughing when June flinched at Solovei’s fall. ‘’ Zeus, don’t worry that much. Unlike the girl, he is meant to be a warrior ‘’

‘’ And you read all of our auras... ‘’ June tsk’ed, forcing a half-smile to appear on Artemis’ pale lips.

‘’ Old habits die hard. And I don’t read all of them... I haven’t read yours yet. Though I tried. You are turning into quite an enigma ‘’

‘’ I am the Chameleon Saint ‘’ June shrugged matter-of-factly, cursing lowly when Solovei ended on the ground once again.

Artemis looked at her, then chuckled. Yes, she was the Chameleon. The mistress of disguise. ‘’ You are funny, June ‘’

‘’ Nightingale Serenade! ‘’

‘’ Yes! ‘’ cried out June, as the ground under Shaina began to tremble to the sound of Solovei’s voice, spikes of earth and rock growing from the arena.

‘’ Nice ‘’ allowed Artemis. It seemed the boy had realised Ophiuchus’ breech on her defence was on her legs. ‘’ Can we go now? ‘’

‘’ Go? Where? ‘’ asked the blonde saint, grinning when Shaina fell on her back and Solovei turned to beam at her. The test was over.

‘’ To celebrate, I suppose? ‘’ tried Artemis, frowning slightly as she stood up, ‘’ Heck, I just want a drink ‘’

‘’ You mean... going to town? ‘’ asked June, apparently shocked.

‘’ The tavern is still there, isn’t it? ‘’ Artemis’ patience was slowly but surely disappearing.

‘’ Yes, but... I mean... I can’t go there without a mask... ‘’

‘’ What is it with you people and those masks of yours? Ophiuchus doesn’t wear hers and I don’t see anyone complaining ‘’

‘’ That’s because everyone knows she loves Seiya... ‘’

‘’ And...? Talk to me, June, I am not a frigging mind reader ‘’

‘’ Well, neither of us is wearing a mask and you know what that means to most... and we would be going to town on our own... It’s just that... ‘’

Artemis eyes went wide, staring at the blushing June in disbelief. ‘’ For Zeus’ sake.... ‘’ she let out, unable to contain her laughter for long, ‘’ I’m not lesbian, girl, and you have a crush that matches my brother’s for that chained friend of yours... But if you care so much about what people thinks, then maybe Ophiuchus can borrow you her mask, happy? ‘’

June chuckled, shaking her head slightly. ‘’ You win, Artemis ‘’ she relented, brushing the dirt away from her clothes. ‘’ You don’t think we could... ‘’

‘’ What? Oh, that ‘’ she replied, following June’s gaze towards Albinach, who was congratulating Solovei despite her own pain at failing. It seemed the brooding would have been the absolutely right choice. ‘’ Damn, ok, tell her. She could use a drink ‘’

‘’ Thanks ‘’ beamed June, bowing at her.

‘’ For what? Now I get to have two female saints to deprave ‘’ she winked, moving away in time to avoid June’s fist. ‘’ Kidding, kidding... On Leto’s name, you definitely could do with a little sense of humour ‘’ ‘’

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

‘’ Here ‘’

Shun took the cup that was being offered to him and stared at the dark content with tired eyes.

‘’ It’s black coffee. I thought you might need some ‘’ replied Aphrodite, leaning against the wall while looking through the glass door at the inside of the room. Athena was sitting next to Tatsumi, holding his hand between hers. Behind her where Nachi and Geki, the huge Saint’s figure making the Wolf look insignificant. And in one of the corners of the room, was the ever-vigilant Pegasus. Athena’s Saint of Hope.

‘’ The albino wasn’t inside? ‘’

‘’ Huh? Ichi? No, he left with the doctor. He is going to check the analysis of Tatsumi’s blood, to see if he can find a way to stop the poison... ‘’ Shun bit his lower lip, glancing at the window. ‘’ But there isn’t a way, is there? That’s why you are here instead of being with them. Your knowledge of poisons surpasses his ‘’

‘’ Do you really believe that, Andromeda? ‘’ Aphrodite smiled. ‘’ I can’t lie to you, can I? You felt my roses’ power. But you also survived it. Yet in the end, it’s not the poison that matters, the flowers are. And the language of the flowers can tell us many things. But none of their messages are as clear as the one of the Belladona ‘’

‘’ He won’t... ‘’

Aphrodite sighed, then shook his head, his hair brushing his elbows at the motion. ‘’ The atropa belladona... it’s not called deadly nightshade for nothing... Never trust the scientific names, Andromeda, they mean nothing. Trust the ones plants have earned, that’s what my master used to tell me, and she was never wrong ‘’

Shun looked at him, frowning slightly. He never knew how to act in front of Aphrodite, not even when fighting him. He never knew if he was playing with him, or being honest. Shun had learned the hard way that Pisces’ words, be it lies or not, were always as beautiful as his roses.

‘’ Why... ? ‘’ he began, stopping himself from asking. Aphrodite merely shrugged.

‘’ Because I always wondered how it would feel to talk to someone who pitied me. Being known as the most beautiful saint leads to admiration, not to understanding. Yet you knew my fame, and decided to judge me for my actions. And you pitied me instead of hating me... And of course, I like talking ‘’ added the older Saint with a faint smile on his glossy lips.

‘’ You know... when it came to accepting what I had done in the name of power, I was doomed to act like Deathmask. To accept that Athena was the highest power on earth, and for that reasons follow her. I was supposed to lock myself inside my temple and wait for my cloth to leave me or accept me as I was. But you changed that fate, Andromeda. Your words did. About fighting for others, even when that meant dying. They still sound a bit naive to me, but I want to give them a try. And I am not lying, when I lie I smirk, Milo always mocks me for that ‘’

Shun blinked, then smiled, not shyly as before, he just smiled like he smiled when Seiya or his niisan were around.

Aphrodite couldn’t but feel touched by the warmth of that smile.

‘’ I did not enjoy killing you, Aphrodite ‘’ he finally said, keeping his emerald eyes fixed on the scene inside of Tatsumi’s room.

‘’ I know... ‘’ the Pisces Saint whispered, following the boy’s gaze into the immobile figure, ‘’ He doesn’t have long, Andromeda... why don’t you go to him? ‘’

‘’ Because I have not yet lost my hopes. That’s the true reason why my niisan, Hyoga and Shiryu didn’t come with us, I can understand it now. They don’t believe someone like Tatsumi can fall this easily. And I won’t believe it either. Maybe that way... if we all wish it hard enough... he’ll make it, don’t you think? ‘’

Aphrodite’s eyes were wide at Shun’s words, but they soon softened. Andromeda’s way of seeing the world was so beautiful... he had been able to see the world like that once, to find beauty in the smallest things. ‘’ Maybe. Who knows? Gods work in mysterious ways ‘’

‘’ Mother... ‘’

Aphrodite looked over her shoulder, placing a rebellious pale gold lock behind her perfectly shaped ear. ‘’ Dearest ‘’ she smiled, patting the edge of her bed. Eros nodded obediently, sitting by her side.

‘’ What were you doing? ‘’ he asked, staring into the crystal bowl that was resting on the floor, next to her mother’s feet.

‘’ Let me show you a secret, my dearest heart ‘’ she whispered in his ear, kissing his cheek lovingly. ‘’ But you’ll have to pay attention. That means not wondering what to do with your new toy while I talk ‘’ she added with the softest of smiles.

‘’ Mother, you were always able to read my mind ‘’ he answered, looking over his shoulder at the man sleeping soundly on the bed, ‘’ You’ve found a pretty toy yourself... ‘’ Eros stretched on the bed, resting his face on the pillow to get a closer look to his mother’s new discovery. ‘’ He is roughly handsome... your type, of course ‘’ he mused, playing with a strand of the man’s silvery hair. ‘’ He is the one that guards the hunting grounds, isn’t he? One of the nine? ‘’

‘’ He is a diamond on the rough, my dearest heart... Eos enjoyed this pretty thing’s attentions once, before the Huntress stole his heart and life. He ended up being everything Dawn promised he would be... ‘’

‘’ Mother! ‘’ he said teasingly, cocking his head to admire the harsh features of the man that was loved by the Gods. ‘’ Orion is his name, isn’t it? I think Dictina might have mentioned him... though she certainly didn’t mention his looks... You said the huntress stole his heart? I could make him forget her so easily.... ‘’

‘’ Eros, dear, we don’t want to wake him up ‘’ she purred, closing her hand around his to stop him from stroking his cheek.

‘’ We don’t, mother? ‘’ he asked, his eyes never leaving the sleeping man’s weather-beaten skin.

‘’ No, dearest. His love for the huntress is now hate, we can’t let that change. We can’t let him forget her. Do you really believe I wouldn’t have changed his heart’s desire if I had thought it would work for us? ‘’

‘’ You are always right, mother, I don’t know where I would be without you ‘’ he beamed, moving once again to sit next to Aphrodite and kissing her hand softly, ‘’ So will you tell me what you were doing? ‘’

‘’ Always so curious, just like your father ‘’ she replied, picking a red rose from a near by vase.

‘’ I am going to bring us victory ‘’ Aphrodite played with the red petals, until she found one where still a drop of dew shone. ‘’ The world was forced to change its nature when the gods divided it. And each one of the ruling immortals had a different way of how accomplishing his or hers goals. Had a different concept of what was a ‘fair world’. Then the Fates decided to place a peacekeeper to stop them from forcing their concepts over the others. Yet she also had her own wishes at heart, her own beliefs... We are going to change the world back to its primal nature, my dear son, we are going to bring the peace it is crying for. We are going to change it with love. And in return, the world will love us back. ‘’

Eros beamed, holding his mother’s free hand to kiss it tenderly.

‘’ We will show them, won’t we? ‘’

‘’ Of course we will, dearest, of course we will... ‘’ Aphrodite replied, taking the dewdrop petal to her lips. ‘’ And the Owl and the Moon will weep in shame, and they will lower their heads in understanding... ‘’

She crouched next to the crystal bowl, placing her fingers in the clear water, ‘’ Look, dear boy, look at my wonders... ‘’ she cooed, her shimmering cosmo glowing brightly around her.

‘’ What will that do to her, mother? ‘’ Eros asked, watching how the petal floated on the water. Aphrodite smiled. ‘’ You’ll see, my dearest heart, you will see ‘’ She run her index over the stem, flinching slightly when a thorn tore her ivory skin.

Aphrodite placed the stem on the water, smiling lovingly when the clear surface began to dye deep red.

When everyone was gone, Saori cried. She had contained herself all day long, clinging to any possible solution, any possible help. Any possible hope.

But now she knew that this time not even her cosmo could help her. There wasn’t going to be a miraculous divine intervention to spread her cosmo and help her reach Tatsumi’s soul. Because her butler, her tutor, her friend, was not love by the Gods. Only by her. A scared child that feared losing the one person that had been by her side since her birth. The closest thing to a father she had had after Mitsumasa Kido’ death.

Athena did not care about Tatsumi, Saori did.

‘’ You old fool.... how come you didn’t realise they were feeding you that? ‘’ she sobbed, holding his hand so tightly that her knuckles were turning white. ‘’ How did you allow them to take you away from me? ‘’

Her saints had tried, Ichi had gone through the analysis over and over again. But there was nothing to do, not now. It was too late to stop the nightshade from taking him away.

Her tears fell on Tatsumi’s broad hands as she lifted them to her lips, kissing them gently. ‘’ It was my fault, wasn’t it? ‘’ she whispered lowly, glancing at the glass door. Seiya was still there, his back turned to her, waiting for... for the only thing that was left to wait for. He was the only one that remained from her Saints, she had made the others leave to the mansion after they had said goodbye to Tatsumi, wanting to be the one to be by his side when the moment came. Knowing that was what he wanted.

Yet she couldn’t push Seiya away. She needed him there, outside, to be the one to comfort her when she couldn’t comfort Tatsumi any longer.

Damn the Foundation. She had been so sure nothing could happen to the mighty empire her grandfather had built, that she had never consider one of its competitors could attempt something against it.

She trusted humanity too much. She had forgotten how envious could some people be when power was involved.

How god-like they could behave.

‘’ I shouldn’t have left... ‘’ Yet she knew she had had no other choice. Her role as Athena was far more important than her role as the heiress of a thriving commercial behemoth. Her responsibilities lied elsewhere, in Athens.

Japan was only Saori’s home, when Greece was Athena’s heart.

‘’ I should have felt it... felt the danger before it was too late, the same way I feel my saints in danger... '' Yet Tatsumi wasn’t her saint, had no cosmo for hers to link to, to relate to.

He was nothing but a mortal.

Nothing but her most faithful friend.

A strangled sob escaped her throat when he stirred, the few dignity she had been able to retain running away from her as she hugged him, trying to keep him still. The seizures were feebler now, yet any of them could prove fatal. Any breath of Tatsumi could be his last.

‘’ Don’t leave us ‘’ she cried, hiding her face on his broad chest.

‘’ Don’t leave me alone ‘’

A second seizure spread through Tatsumi’s body, making her flinch. The moment was near now, she could feel it. She could feel Death’s presence at the head of his bed, her scythe about to fall over Tatsumi’s head.

‘’ My loyal servant ‘’ Saori straightened her back, taking a deep breath and forcing herself to stop crying. If there was nothing she could do to bring him back, then she would make him go as a warrior. She would give him the death he deserved.

The death of a Saint.

‘’ I won’t cry now... I won’t cry for you any longer... ‘’ she began, allowing her Cosmo to flood the room, to embrace the body of the dying man. ‘’ I will cherish the life you lead, and I will make others cherish it also. You will be remembered as the man who fought for Athena to the end. The one that dedicated his life to me. And when the Saints speak your name, there will be pride in their words, pride that a hero such as yourself followed the path they are following, that a man of your grandeur was once among their lines. There will be no tears for you, Tatsumi. Only smiles ‘’ she leaned closer to him, kissing his cheek lightly, ‘’ Your soul will find peace in Elysium, and when you decide to live again, your life will be full of peace and happiness, untainted by violence and wars ‘’

‘’ You will always be there in my heart, Tatsumi ‘’

‘’ ... the girder-on-of-arms... will now... be safe... ‘’

Saori started when she heard those words escaping from Tatsumi’ s lips at the same time that his body went suddenly rigid, his black eyes opening widely and staring right into her. Into her soul.

‘’ ... the girder... ‘’ he repeated, stretching his arm to touch her cheek. But his strengths failed him before he could reach her, his arm falling limply by his side.

Saori bit her finger so hard that it bleed, forcing herself to keep her promise.

Athena would not cry for him.

‘’ Artemis... ‘’

The goddess frowned at June, brushing a strand of black hair away from her face. ‘’ What? ‘’

June looked at the two empty bottles of wine on the table meaningfully. She had had two glasses, while Albinach had had none. Artemis had taken care of downing the rest at a remarkable speed.

‘’ What....I mean... is anything wrong? ‘’

Artemis muttered a silent curse, leaning back on the chair and placing one of her long legs on the table. ‘’ No ‘’

The Saint sighed, shaking his head slightly, while Albinach looked away, embarrassed by the Goddess’ attitude.

‘’ People only want to get drunk when they have problems... I just want you to know that... ‘’

‘’ I am not people ‘’ Artemis grumbled, lifting her arm to ask for another bottle ‘’ I am a Goddess who happens to enjoy a good wine. Blame Dionysus for creating the damn thing... Heck, I am not even frigging tipsy yet ‘’ she added lowly, playing with her glass. June didn’t know her, had no idea about what was going on in her head. And yet she judged her, just like the others.

Yet she had to admit getting drunk hadn’t been part of her plans, not until they reached the tavern. She had felt better when seeing the place hadn’t change in all those years, that the fountain was the same, that the small white and blue house had still its dark wooden benches.

But once inside... once inside everything had turned back to the present, to the reality she knew she couldn’t escape. The small tavern wasn’t the one she had hoped it would be. The tavern she knew was one where Milo would take her to smuggle some wine so they could drink after training. The tavern she knew was one were she was sure she could find her masters after the sun had went down.

They weren’t there now. Even when dusk was near, they weren’t there. And in a way, she felt glad for that. Because she knew they hated her now. She knew she had disappointed them. As much as she knew that she wouldn’t have been able to sustain their silent reproaches.

She finished her glass in one gulp, reaching for the new bottle. She could feel the tightness in her chest, the pressing feeling she was now familiar with. The feeling of being about to lose the ability to breathe.

But she wouldn’t, she knew herself too much as to know how far she could go and still remain undefeated. ’ Know thyself ‘, her brother had always told her. She had always laughed at that. Apollo had never understood that she had never lost herself. That she didn’t care.

Because she knew what she had to look like, how she had to act.

She knew that, the same way she now knew what the saints at the tavern thought of her, a woman... a goddess... getting drunk with cheap wine.

She knew what they thought of her.

As much as she had expected to find Camus and Milo there, she had not expected to find the three Bronze Saints. Yet they were there, watching in silence, Athena’s dog’s coming death drawing them together despite their differences, despite their usual need of solitude.

And even when Tatsumi secretly occupied their thoughts, she had felt Hyoga’s cold eyes the moment she entered the tavern, she had felt his hate freezing her blood.

She had despised herself for waving at them, for teasing Phoenix and ignoring Hyoga. She had despised herself for daring Dragon to pity her.

She hated herself.

And then June had the nerve of asking her why she would want to get drunk.

‘’ Well, I guess it is enough for a day, don’t you think, Albinach? ‘’ June finally said, standing up. The young trainee nodded, following her.

‘’ Oh, my, just when I was starting to feel warm ‘’ Artemis teased, trying to stand up. Too bad the ground under her started to shift. ‘’ Oopsie ‘’ she let out, slumping on the chair. Now she knew why she hadn’t felt tipsy. Because she was already drunk.

‘’ It seems I’ll have to stay and finish this little thingie ‘’ she smirked, closing her hand around the bottle while eyeing the deep red liquid with glee.

June frowned, glancing at the door. Albinach got the hint and bowed to the Goddess.

‘’ Goodnight, my lady ‘’

‘’ Don’t ‘lady’ me, girl ‘’ Artemis muttered, feeling light-headed. ‘’ Aw, what the heck, call me as you wish ‘’ she added, waving at the trainee as she left the tavern.

‘’ And I thought you had it under control ‘’ teased June, walking to Artemis’ side.

‘’ Of course I have ‘’ she replied, grinning mischievously, ‘’ You go ahead, June, I think I’ll stay for a couple of minutes ‘’ Maybe Camus and Milo would decide to appear now that it was dusk, and they would see her like that. Turned into a decadent shadow of the being she used to be. That way she would show them what their trainee had turned into.

They were going to be so proud.

‘’ I can’t leave you like this... ‘’

‘’ You can’t? ‘’ glared Artemis, standing up in a cat-like movement. She was almost a head taller than the Saint. ‘’ Why? ‘’

June shook her head, relenting. ‘’ Be careful, ok? ‘’

‘’ Yeah, mama ‘’ she teased, returning to her seat.

Just a few more minutes...

Hyoga frowned, his eyes fixed on Artemis and Ikki as they walk to the barracks. He hadn’t want to see her, not that night, when his mind and heart felt so alien, clouded by the shadow of Tatsumi’s illness. All he had wanted was to wait, to just stay still and wait for that cloud to move away. That was what he and his brothers had wanted, he had been able to see that in both Shiryu’s and Ikki’s eyes as they sat in silence at the tavern. He had known their feelings were close to his.

That they didn’t know how to react either. Not yet. Not until that damn cloud that had appeared among them took shape... or vanished.

Yet not only had he seen her, but now had to put up with her drunkenness.

If only Ikki hadn’t waken her up when the tavern closed and had just left her there...

A grim smile appeared on Hyoga’s lips. It seemed his wishes and beliefs were still enough for both of them.

‘’ From childhood’s hour I have not been as others were; I have not seen as others saw; I could not bring my passions from a common spring... ‘’

‘’ Does she always recite Poe when drunk? ‘’

Hyoga shook his head slightly at Shiryu’s question, his eyes resting once again on the black-haired girl that was walking with Ikki some steps before them.

‘’ I wouldn’t know. I never saw her drunk ‘’

He never saw her so decadent and broken. He never though he would see her like that. And yet that was what she looked like now. The girl that had once asked him what it was like to believe was now dead. Buried under the shadow she had turned into.

...Odi et amo; quare id faciam, fortasse requiris...

Yet seeing her like that... hearing her say that poem he had heard so many times from the very same lips, couldn’t but remind him of those times... of that single conversation.

Had she meant it then? What she had told him at the temple... had been true?

... Nescio, sed fieri sentio et excrucior...

‘’ From the same source I have not taken my sorrow; I could not awaken my heart to joy at the same tone; And all I loved, I loved alone ‘’

‘’ I am sorry, I shouldn’t have asked ‘’

Hyoga did not answer, knowing there were no need for words among the two of them. Instead, he listened to her voice, to the words that escaped her lips in perfect rhythm. She wasn’t reciting the poem for them. Only for herself. Even when Shiryu saw it as a mere act of lack of self-control, and Ikki thought it amusing, Hyoga knew that Artemis wasn’t trying to entertain them. For her, they weren’t even there.

‘’ Then – in my childhood, in the dawn of a most stormy life - was drawn from every depth of good and ill the mystery which binds me still: From the torrent, or the fountain, from the red cliff of the mountain, from the sun that round me rolled in its autumn tint of gold, from the lighting in the sky as it passed me flying by, from the thunder and the storm, and the cloud that took the form (when the rest of Heaven was blue) of a demon in my view ‘’

‘’ Impressive ‘’ mused Ikki, ‘’ How you can remember such a poem after drinking two bottles of wine ‘’

‘’ Two and a half ‘’ she grinned, lifting the bottle for them to see it, ‘’ Yet my mind has nothing to do with this. My soul is the one that remembers it, not my head ‘’

Hyoga chuckled, shaking his head slightly. She had omitted saying ‘heart’ on the sentence on purpose. Feelings were a nuisance for the Queen of the Hunt. And admitting to have them was a sin.

‘’ Am I funny, Cygnus? ‘’ she asked, turning to face him. She had almost tripped on the movement, and her eyes were slightly red and clouded by the wine, but she still managed to get to him. She always did.

‘’ No, just your words, Artemis ‘’ he answered, ignoring Ikki’s reproachful eyes on him. ‘’ The barracks are east from here, while the temple is west. I hope you enjoy the rest of the wine ‘’ he finally added, waiting for Ikki and Shiryu to make up their minds.

‘’ Of course I will ‘’ she said loudly. He merely waved.

‘’ Ikki... ‘’ began Shiryu, but Phoenix shook his head.

‘’ I’ll walk her to the temple ‘’

‘’ You don’t have to ‘’

So Artemis’ like...

‘’ I want to ‘’ he replied, making her smirk and roll her eyes.

‘’ Do as you please. Goodnight then, Dragon ‘’ she said, waving at Shiryu as he bowed at her. ‘’ Sweet dreams, Cygnus ‘’

The insult. She would never let him go without it. Without spewing his saint name like that.

‘’ Always, Goddess ‘’

And he would insult her back. Just for the sake of old times.

Ikki walked next to Artemis in silence, watching her errant steps despite she had told him she wouldn’t fall. In a way, he couldn’t help it. The same way he couldn’t help comparing her to Pandora.

He knew they weren’t the same, he knew their personalities couldn’t be more different. Yet he couldn’t but feel as if Hades’ Priestess was the one that was walking by his side.

It was funny, how a woman like Artemis could awaken in him the same feelings Pandora had.

‘’ The Moon is bleeding, even when the clouds are almost covering it... ‘’

He frowned, looking at the dark sky. A red halo circled the full moon, making it seem even brighter among the black stormy clouds.

‘’ It’s a bad omen... ‘’ she grinned, looking at him, ‘’ There have been bad omens since I arrived... yet you don’t believe in them, don’t you? You are quite the sceptical of Athena’s bright ones ‘’

‘’ I thought a cat had bitten your tongue ‘’ he began, amused when she half-closed her eyes, ‘’ You hadn’t say a word since we took this road ‘’

‘’ I was thinking on how to kill Hyoga without Camus getting mad at me ‘’ He chuckled at her words, forcing a smile out of Artemis’ lips.

‘’ You should believe in omens, Ikki... they are never wrong ‘’ she finally whispered, her eyes fixing on the moon once again.

‘’ I’ll take my chances ‘’

‘’ Don’t you always? ‘’

He didn’t answer, smiling faintly at her question. She had got too close the last time he had talked to her, he wouldn’t let her get the upper hand this time.

‘’ Tell me Ikki... have you ever danced under the light of the full moon? ‘’ Ikki lifted one of his eyebrows, making her grin, ‘’ Yes, just like witches ‘’ she teased, lowering her eyelashes as she smiled mischievously when he rolled his eyes ‘’ I thought not... At Ortygia, we used to dance at nights like this... we would light torches in the forest and dance until the rain began to pour. And even then, some of us would remain... ‘’ Her smile darkened for a moment, soon returning to its usual mocking demeanour

‘’ Dohko would throw me out of here if he saw me dancing tonight. One of ours, dangerous ortygians, rituals. Probably a spell to take over this frigging Sanctuary or kill damn Cygnus... ‘’ she chuckled. ‘’ But it’s ok, Athens has always despised me, and I’ve never liked Athens... I shouldn’t have returned ‘’

‘’ Why are you telling me that? Why do you keep on telling me things about your past? ‘’ Ikki asked in a slightly demanding tone. She was enticing him, pulling him closer... and he wasn’t sure he wanted to play her games.

‘’ Because I am drunk ‘’ she said matter-of-factly, looking up the road to the dark shadow of the temple.

‘’ A good lie ‘’ Ikki admitted, smirking, ‘’ I almost fell for it ‘’

‘’ Oh, my, don’t tell me I have lost my touch? ‘’ she let out, ‘’ I am devastated ‘’

‘’ I can see that ‘’ he added, walking behind her in case she would miss one of the stone steps that lead to the temple and fall.

She didn’t.

Despite her senses were clouded by the alcohol, she was still able to move as gracefully as ever. As a feline stalking its prey. It was strange, Ikki mused, how a woman with that kind of body could move like that. He was pretty sure she attacked with her speed, despite her hourglass body seemed to make it almost impossible. But her long legs betrayed her. They were the legs of a hunter.

Dangerous, her body was, hiding a wolf in the shape of a deer.

‘’ Artemis... ‘’Bright eyes met him in the twilight, as she stopped to look at him over her shoulder ‘’ I... what the... ‘’ A huge black shadow appeared in front of them, interrupting him. Ikki grabbed Artemis by the elbow, pulling her roughly to the side instinctively to move her away from danger.

But before he could get to the shadow, Artemis was once again standing in front of him, her hands closing over his with surprising strength.

Fast, just as he had expected.

‘’ Don’t ‘’ she said plainly, burning her cosmo slightly so its white shimmers would light the way and reveal the shape of her damn wolf. He stared into her eyes, trying to understand what shone behind them. Nothing did. Only darkness seemed strong enough as to live in her almost pupiless eyes.

‘’ Arcade came to greet me ‘’ she added after a few seconds, moving away from him to beam at the black wolf as it made its way through the stone path.

‘’ Did you catch anything today? ‘’ she purred, crouching to scratch the back of its ears. The wolf merely licked her cheek and then closed its jaw around the sleeve of her black shirt, tugging insistently.

‘’ Damn... you couldn’t own a dog, could you? ‘’

‘’ I do own a dog. As a matter of fact, I own the best pack of them ‘’ she replied, ignoring the wolf’s tugging for a second. ‘’ But he is much prettier than them ‘’ Ikki shook his head, surprised by the way Artemis’ severe features would soften when looking at her frigging beast.

‘’ You should keep that wolf chained ‘’ he smirked, walking pass them and towards the temple.

‘’ You can’t be serious! ‘’ she let out, placing her hand defensively over the wolf’s head, ‘’ I always knew you were a really mean man, Phoenix ‘’ she added with a wink, quickening her pace to catch up with him. ‘’ Besides Arcade is just doing Athena a favour... ‘’

Ikki couldn’t but chuckle. Artemis had the strangest way of telling things.

‘’ Is he? ‘’

‘’ Of course! ‘’ she beamed, almost tripping now that the wolf was pulling her forward. Ikki closed his hand on her shoulder absently to stop her from falling. It seemed her balance had been affected by the alcohol after all. ‘’ He makes sure no wandering saint gets too close to my temple. Which in the end means less wounded or dead saints in Athena’s ranks ‘’

Ikki’s steady dark blue gaze met Artemis’ icy one. He hadn’t moved his hand away from her shoulder.

‘’ Aren’t I too close now? ‘’

She held his gaze for a moment, then half-smiled.

‘’ You are not wandering ‘’

Artemis couldn’t but feel relieved when they got nearer the temple. Her growing headache had made the short walk a hell to endure. And Hyoga’s words had not helped.

He had never called her like that. Ever. She had always felt... human... with him. Alive. His hate had not changed that. Or at least, she had believed it hadn’t.

She had been so wrong...

At least Phoenix was with her. Even when she would never admit it, the alcohol had affected her more than she had expected, and with Arcade attempting against her balance each time it tugged her shirt, pretending she could walk straight it was beginning to be impossible. It was a shame, though, how in the end it was Phoenix, the saint that was not bothered by her excesses, the one that was walking with her right now. Camus and Milo would not learn how horrible their disciple had become. How much she had disgraced them.

Fortunately rumours flew fast in Sanctuary. The drunken Huntress’ tale would soon reach their ears. And they would finally hate her. And they would understand.

What she had become.

If only she could force those words out of her head! If only she could turn them into nothing... the same way Hyoga had turn her into nothing. The same way he had killed her and made her disappear.

Artemis had died... only the Goddess remained. And she couldn’t but wonder for how long that would go on. How long she would manage to stand it.

She had failed everyone. She had broke them and torn them apart. She had let down all those souls that trusted her. Isaac should have betrayed her. He should have turned his back on her before dying. That way he wouldn’t have died a fool, trusting a fake.

And to believe that she had once thought she was his friend.... That she was Hyoga’s friend.

She was none of that.

She was their curse. Always been.

And she would do nothing about it. Not until breaking everyone completely.

Not until turning Hyoga into what she had become.

‘’ Damn... ‘’ she let out when one of the steps moved away from her, night’s mist making them slippery. That was just what she needed. Another frigging storm coming their way.

‘’ I suppose I am to blame the wolf for making you lose your balance instead of that bottle you are holding? ‘’

‘’ You are supposing correctly ‘’ she grinned, while Arcade’s yellow eyes fixed on the angry sky and decided to return to the broken pillars that were now his shelter. ‘’ Quite a mean, smart little Saint you are ‘’ she added, allowing Ikki to place her arm over his shoulders to help her up. Great, she had scratched her knees. She hated Athens.

‘’ Little Saint? ‘’ he asked,

‘’ Don’t tell me I hurt your pride, Mighty Phoenix? ‘’ He chuckled, helping her up the last couple of steps.

She sighed in relief. They were finally at the temple’s gate.

‘’ I’m starting to wonder what do I have to do to make you call me Ikki...‘’

It was her time to chuckle, not because of his words, but because of what they implied. She had felt his eyes since he decided to walk her to the temple. She had felt them, scorching their way over her body, resting on her face, losing themselves in her own eyes.

No one was kind to others for nothing. Everyone wanted something in return.

And in this case it was herself.

‘’ You sound like Milo, Phoenix ‘’ she muttered, moving her arm away from his shoulders.

‘’ I am a Leo, not a Scorpio ‘’ he replied, a seductive smile gracing his lips. He was beautiful.

‘’ The Mighty Phoenix is a tamed kitten? ‘’ Artemis replied teasingly. She had also been following his game, even when she knew she should be stopping him. She had felt the urge of seeing how far she could go. Of destroying what little left she had of herself.

‘’ Not really... ‘’ he whispered, cornering her against one of the pillars, placing his hands next to her head not to let her move away.

‘’ Are you trying to hunt me down? ‘’ she asked, locking her eyes with his ‘’ I am not an easy prey, Phoenix ‘’

For him. She would do this for him. To silence his words, to vanish him from her head. To show Hyoga he was not special, that he was not exception. That all she felt for him was hate.

‘’ Dammit, my name is Ikki ‘’ he growled, leaning closer. His eyes moved from hers to travel down her body, resting for some seconds on her cleavage to move back to her face, stopping on her lips.

And she couldn’t but dare him.

‘’ Phoenix ‘’

She remained still when his index rested over his lips, his free hand moving from the pillar to her shoulder.

‘’ You are a beautiful stubborn girl ‘’ he whispered lowly in her ear, sucking gently at her earlobe.

‘’ Beautiful? ‘’ she sighed, her body going stiff when he began to nibble at her neck.

His lips finally met hers, barely touching them, as the hand on her shoulder slid down her arm to rest on her waist.

She opened her mouth slightly, allowing him to deepen the kiss. His tongue danced with hers slowly, bringing a new wave of sensations. He was so... gentle. So caring. As if he were afraid the flames and violence of his cosmo might hurt her. As if he feared he would hurt her.

Had his claws forgotten what it was like to caress?

‘’ You are so soft... ‘’ he whispered huskily, his voice revealing his amazement. He stroked her cheek lightly before kissing her once again. It was... as if he was refraining himself... as if he was stopping passion to seize him. Her mind flashed with memories of a small blonde child and a black-haired woman.

Esmeralda and Pandora.

They had been the ones to mellow the fire that burnt in his wings, they were the ones that lived in the warm core of Phoenix’ heart. And now he was asking her to diminish that fire also. To stop him from burning.

His kindness felt so... different, so... wrong.

When she had felt Hyoga’s lips on her, her heart had not been the one to burn. Her soul had. Her very essence had seemed to boil at his touch and disappear into nothingness. The feeling had been too exhilarating, too terrible, as to leave her with no other choice but to lean closer and kiss him back. She had had to burn him also.

Because she had loved him.

‘’ Don’t ‘’ she whispered coldly.

And a blast of pure energy escaped her hands, pushing Ikki to the ground.

She walked calmly to his side, placing her hand over the place where her cosmo had torn his shirt and burnt his skin with its cold embrace.

‘’ What... ‘’ began Ikki, staring at her hand as her cosmo began to shimmer around it, flowing over the wound and healing it immediately.

Artemis rested her eyes on his, offering him her hand to stand up ‘’ I am not Pandora ‘’

‘’ I know ‘’ he replied.

‘’ I don’t love you. You don’t love me. I can’t offer you more than this ‘’ Ikki followed Artemis’ eyes to her hand.

‘’ It was worth the try ‘’ he finally smirked, closing his hand around hers and allowing her to pull him up. ‘’ You know that the ‘don’t’ was enough to make me stop... ‘’ he trailed off, staring at his torn shirt.

‘’ The blast gave it emphasis ‘’ she shrugged, making him roll his eyes.

‘’ At least you didn’t try to kill me, ne? ‘’ he teased, brushing the dirt out of his clothes.

‘’ I allowed you to kiss me, Ikki, the blast was punishment enough ‘’ she added with a wink. In fact... the blast had been her reason not to kill him. If he hadn’t stop when she had said ‘don’t’, she would have attacked him for real. And killed him. So she made sure he would stop. She made sure she wouldn’t have to kill him.

‘’ Are you calling me by my name, Artemis? ‘’

She chuckled, shaking her head slightly.

‘’ And you are already making me regret it, Ikki ‘’

He was gone. No more hope, no more wishes. Nothing to do. Tatsumi wouldn’t scold her saints any more, he wouldn’t be there when the world started to tremble around her and some enemy would approach. He wouldn’t be there to make her feel safe and respected.

The burial was going to be in the morning, and his body would rest forever in the Kido’s mausoleum.

Yet Saori knew his soul would always shine in Elysium. And his memory would stay in her heart. Burning forever.

She rested her head against the car window, looking at the grey sky. Even when she had promised not to shed tears for him, the world was crying anyway. Shedding its tears for the man that had raised her, for the one that had watched over her since her birth.

‘’ You hate him... I wish he had been able to go without all that hate... ‘’ she whispered, her eyes not moving from the window. Tokyo was so beautiful at night.

‘’ ... I don’t. Not anymore... I think... I think I stopped hating him the night he told us that you were... ‘’

‘’ Athena ‘’ she finished, smiling grimly. He was slipping away from her, too, only in a different way. Athena was taking her Saint of Hope’s soul away from her, while Shaina was taking his heart.

‘’ Why? ‘’ she asked, shifting on her seat to look at Seiya while he drove. He didn’t lift his eyes from the road, concentration making him frown. She couldn’t but think about how much she depended on him, on how much she needed him to be her friend. And now with Tatsumi gone...

‘’ Because he had to deal with knowing the truth and hiding it from you even when you were the most important person to him. He had to deal with the fact that so many dangers were waiting for you, and he couldn’t protect you from them. You had to face them ‘’ he finally said.

‘’ And now I couldn’t protect him... ‘’

This time Seiya did look at her, his crimson eyes revealing his concern.

‘’ That’s not true ‘’ he stated flatly, almost harshly, before returning his attention back to the road.

‘’ It’s ok, Seiya, you don’t have to lie to me. I am Athena, remember? ‘’ she said with a faint smile, looking at her hands. ‘’ I know that others are meant to die for me. I am too precious ‘’ she added sarcastically, frowning hard. She wouldn’t cry. She had promised.

‘’ Seiya... ‘’ she said, looking at the streets around them. ‘’ This is not the way to the mansion... ‘’

‘’ I know ‘’ he said, driving towards one of the exits. After a few minutes, he pulled over, his hands closing tightly around the steering wheel while he closed his eyes, a if trying to pull his thoughts together.

‘’ Saori... what happened to Tatsumi... it was an accident. Accidents happen. It wasn’t your fault; it had nothing to do with you... ‘’ he finally said, resting his eyes on hers while placing his hands on her shoulders.

‘’ It had everything to do with me. He said so... before... before it ended. He named her... me... the girder-on-of-arms... he said that with his death I would be... safe. Just like the Saints... just like you! ‘’ she snapped, pushing his hands away from her. ‘’ If he hadn’t been my butler, he would be alive today. No one would have tried to do something like that to him just to get to me. Everything would be better without me... ‘’

‘’ Don’t say that ‘’ he said, afraid... afraid of her words? ‘’ Without you... the world would be a bleaker place, left to the gods to feast on. Thanks to you... we can hope. Tatsumi knew this. That was why I know that if he had had the chance to choose his fate, he would be by your side once again, not changing one thing of his life. Not even his death ‘’

She closed her eyes and shook her head, placing her hand on his. ‘’ Thanks to Athena, Seiya. Saori... Saori just endangers everyone ‘’

‘’ Athena is Saori, as much as Saori is Athena... ‘’ he laced his fingers with hers, ‘’... the name doesn’t matter, it is you the one that does. It is you the one we fight for ‘’

Saori blinked, then smiled, holding his hand tighter. Hers look so small and fragile in his... yet a part of her knew that the power that lived inside of her was so much greater...

‘’ Thank you ‘’ she whispered, bowing her head slightly. He just scratched his head, blushing brightly.

‘’ You don’t have to thank me, Saori ‘’ he grinned, releasing her hand to start the car.

She placed her hand over his to stop him.

‘’ I do ‘’

His eyes met hers once again. He didn’t understand, did he? He never did.

‘’ You suffered so much for my sake... and I never did something for you... ‘’ she said softly.

‘’ You were always with us, Saori ‘’ He was nervous now. Had he understood?

‘’ Yet I never thanked you. And when I tried... when you jumped off that cliff for me, and the hard rocks met your body when the soft grass had embraced mine... I was stopped... ‘’

The flames that burnt inside his eyes seemed to grow under her steady gaze. She had never realised, how beautiful his eyes were. How much they shone.

Just like shooting stars.

He was so alive... so incredibly alive...

Saori placed her hand on his cheek, following the line of his jaw with her index. His skin was soft, just like a child’s.

Yet his looks were the only thing childish about him. Inside of him lived a burning meteor. The same hands she was holding were able to shatter the stars.

He was Athena’s Saint...

Saori’s Saint of Hope...

‘’ Thank you, Seiya ‘’ she whispered, cupping his head in her hands and pulling him closer. ‘’ Thank you... so much ‘’

And she kissed him.

He remained still, and for a second she feared he would move away. That the fire that burnt inside of him was already burning so high for Shaina that he wouldn’t give her a chance. That he wouldn’t want her.

But he finally placed his arms around her slender waist, tentatively pulling her closer to him.

She deepened the kiss, running her tongue over his lips before allowing his own to play with hers, before losing herself in the warmth of his mouth. He was like a flame, and she was stoking him to his limits.

‘’ Don’t say a word... ‘’ Saori whispered breathlessly when breaking the kiss, ‘’ Just... just drive... ‘’ Seiya stared at her, running his tongue over his lower lip as if not believing what had just happened, as if needing to feel her taste on his sore lips to make sure everything was real.

He started the car and began to drive towards the highway, his eyes once again set on the road, though this time she could feel that he feared moving them away from it. He feared the things he could do if he stopped looking at the road.

‘’ I... I don’t want to go to the mansion yet ‘’ she said, resting her hand on his leg. A low groan of surprise escaped his lips. ‘’ I don’t want to face them yet, to tell them what happened... I don’t want to speak of death... What I want... is to feel alive ‘’

And he obeyed.

Seiya sat on the bed of the hotel room, feeling cornered. Feeling... as if he were daydreaming. This couldn’t be true. The kiss couldn’t have happened. Yet he could still feel it, still taste it. On his sore lips, in his warm mouth. He could still feel her.

He knew he should be trying to stop her, yet he couldn’t bring himself to do it. He had dreamt of this so many times... had lost himself in those dark eyes... And now he was lost again, unable to think straight. There he was, in a two-stars hotel which looked a lot more like a motel, waiting... Waiting for his dreams to come true. Dreams that had seemed impossible, that he had consider the product of a childish crush, a crush he had been certain he had left behind after realising what love really was. Shaina taught him that, even if she still didn’t know it.

He had been so sure he loved her. That he loved the green-haired beauty that had thought he was worth sacrificing for.

And now, the very night Tatsumi died, he was on a freaking motel with Saori.

With Athena.

‘’ Damn, she is my goddess ‘’ he growled, finally gathering the strength to leave the room.

Strength that vanished the moment she appeared at the bathroom’s door, her dark eyes staring right into his.

Gods, she was gorgeous.

‘’ I can’t believe I looked that bad and you didn’t say a word, Seiya ‘’ she said, walking towards him. She had washed her face to erase the marks of tiredness from her eyes, the water also taking away the remnants of her make up to reveal her porcelain skin.

With fright, he realised he couldn’t stop wanting her, he couldn’t stop desiring to touch that skin, to caress that perfect body that was hidden under that white dress. He could still lust for her even when he knew his heart belonged to someone else.

‘’ Saori... ‘’ he let out, realising with an odd detachment how desperate his voice had sounded. Almost like a plea. She smiled at him, her long, ivory arms circling his waist as she rested her face on his chest.

‘’ What are we doing? ‘’ he finally managed to say, his eyes looking at her small hands tugging at his shirt, unable to stop her yet unable to be the first to move.

For how long had he wanted her? Always?

‘’ Shh... ‘’ she whispered, throwing his shirt on the floor and moving away for some seconds to admire his body, ‘’ We are doing what we want to do ‘’ she added, running her fingers over his collarbone, and then moving downwards on an exhilarating path of sensations.

‘’ You are doing this... not to think about what happened... to Tatsumi ‘’ he said in a strangled moan, closing his eyes the moment she began to struggle with his belt. This was real, what was happening was real.

She stopped. His skin was burning, demanding her touch, but she had moved away. It was for the best, the part of his mind that still worked told him, this was Saori, his Goddess...

‘’ Don’t you want me, Seiya? ‘’ He felt her warm breath on his neck, one of her hands suddenly resting at the back of his neck, while the other one moved over his arm, closing around his wrist to pull his hand to her own body, making him feel her. Feel the dangerous curve of her hips, feel the softness of her bountiful breasts.

‘’ ... Yes ‘’ he growled, opening his eyes after his hand had followed that blind path of perdition.

‘’ Then don’t ask... ‘’ she began, pushing him gently on the bed

‘’ ...don’t speak... ‘’ He found himself removing his trousers, throwing them on the same place where his shirt was.

‘’ ... just make our dream come true... make me feel alive ‘’, she said, sitting on his stomach, the feeling of her warmth against his skin driving him to the edge.

And in a way, it was like a dream. The most vivid dream he had had. He stretched his arms towards her, closing his trembling hands on her hips, slowly moving them to her buttocks as she leaned over him, her mouth leaving a trail of kisses on his neck and chest while her hands ran through his hair.

Moving his hands to her back, he unzipped her dress, Saori straightening slowly to sit on him once again. He looked into her eyes, and she smiled, nodding in reassurance. Resting his hands on her shoulders, he slid them gently down her arms, taking the dress down with them.

He couldn’t ignore the smile on Saori’s lips when seeing him gasping at the sight of her heaving breasts.

‘’ You are... perfect... ‘’ he let out, caressing her body with tentative fingers.

‘’ And you are beautiful... Seiya-chan ... ‘’ she replied, getting off the dress completely while allowing his exploring hands to feel her.

He led her under him, staring into her huge beautiful eyes as she pulled his underwear out of the way, her hands closing around his throbbing manhood.

He followed suit; tenderly pushing her panties down her legs, smirking at the crimson touch on her cheeks. He leaned over her, kissing her passionately, desire driving him insane. Then he moved lower, sucking her breasts gently while his hand moved even lower still.

Her moans were music to his ears.

‘’ Make our dream... ‘’ Saori moaned, cupping his face lovingly, ‘’ ... come true ‘’

He nodded, kissing her while she closed her legs around his waist, her hands guiding him inside her.

And he was lost.

In her warmth, in her passion, in her dark, half-closed eyes. In her voice calling out to him, wanting him inside of her, close to her, demanding him to take everything from her, and give her everything in return. And all he could do was comply, losing control of his body as he moved inside her, his hands roaming over her as if fearing she would disappear in the heat they were sharing.

She was so beautiful...

Yet...

He didn’t love her... it was devotion what moved him to her... And lust what had made him accept this... this moment he could not enjoy, not anymore... even when his body seemed about to melt, lost in a world that was about to rock and shatter around them, his heart felt like crying. What had he done? What had he allowed to happen?

Her hands closed around his back like claws as her body stiffened, clamping around him, leading him to a core of white fire, of scorching sensations he could not ignore.

‘’ I... I love you, Seiya-chan ... ‘’ she whispered between strangled moans. She was already there, playing with that fire, allowing it to take her away...

She just needed to hear four words that would push her over the edge.

But he couldn’t say them.

He couldn’t say he loved her too.

Saori’s hand travelled to his cheek, stroking it softly yet forcing him to look at her eyes at the same time.

‘’ I knew ‘’ she mouthed weakly, before closing her eyes and biting her lower lip, her body finally reaching its peak.

‘’ I’m sorry... ‘’ he whispered in her ear while she repeated his name over and over again, telling him with unspoken words that he could go on, that he needn’t stop. He clutched the sheets, hiding his face against the pillow in shame when he reached his own peak, his body going weak on top of Saori’s.

‘’ I’m... so... so sorry ‘’ he kept saying, not lifting his head when he realised he was crying. He hadn’t meant to hurt her... he hadn’t meant to let things go so far... he had never expected she would tell him something like that, that she would feel so strongly about him.

‘’ Seiya... ‘’ she said with a broken voice after some minutes of agonising silence, running her trembling fingers through his unruly mane, ‘’ Shun must be worried about us... call him ‘’

He nodded absently, not daring to look at her in the eye when standing up. He felt so ashamed... so embarrassed... Clumsily, he put his clothes on, and took the cell phone from the floor, leaving the room to call his brother.

He didn’t know what excused he gave him for being delayed. He didn’t know how he managed to tell him about Tatsumi. Yet he did, and soon found himself staring at the phone, listening to its beeping as if enthralled.

Still trembling, he re-entered the room, just to find the bed was empty, and the shower was running.

She... hated him...

‘’ Saori.... ‘’ he whispered painfully while leaning against the bathroom’s door, his hand resting on it as if it somehow could reach her. ‘’ I... I don’t want you to... to hate me... ‘’ Begging. That was what he was doing... just like a fool. ‘’ I care too much about you as to lose you ‘’ he went on, sliding down the door to his knees, ‘’ You are my friend... my... ‘’

The water stopped running, Saori’s reddened face meeting his when she opened the door.

He had made her cry...

‘’ Seiya... ‘’ she said weakly, stopping him gently when he tried to touch her cheek, ‘’ You... you are my dearest Saint... my Saint of Hope... and you are also my friend ‘’ she added, taking his hand in hers and kissing it softly. ‘’ What just happened... was a dream... a beautiful dream we shared and made real... but it was still dream in the end. Let us remember it... and cherish it... like that ‘’

He stared at her wide eyed, not knowing what to say to that words, what to do about them... not being able to believe them, to believe she had forgiven him, that she didn’t blame him... Unable to contain himself, he embraced her tightly, his heart leaping in joy when she embraced him back.

She did not hate him.

She did not blame him.

She only made their dream come true. And now that dream was over.

Hyoga stared at the small temple from a near by cliff, not caring about the rain beating his body, nor about the thunders roaring over his head. He did not know what to care about anymore. What mattered to him.

So he decided to take a walk, even when it was pouring outside. Neither Shiryu nor Ikki had tried to convince him otherwise. They were all dealing with the pain the only way they could.

And he had ended there. From all places he had ended almost at the door of the temple she had claimed as her own, staring at her as she drank what was left from the bottle of wine at the peristyle, her eyes fixed on the sky, on the shadow of a moon that was still shinning despite the black clouds that covered her.

He walked down the cliff clumsily, looking absently at the rocks when they would tear his trousers and scratch his arms.

And then he stood there, meeting her frowning eyes with a grim smile on his face.

‘’ Hello, Artemis ‘’ he muttered, ignoring the wolf when it ran to meet him, growling and lifting the hair at the back of his neck in warning.

‘’ Arcade ‘’ she said coldly, making him smirk. That voice... she could even freeze a hellfire with that voice. ‘’ Come here ‘’ She crouched by the beast’s side, placing the quilt that had been on her shoulders around the now soaked-to-the-bone wolf, drying his face affectionately before whispering something in its ear. The wolf whined, yet obeyed, walking into the temple. It didn’t surprise him. He had expected she would care more about her damn wolf than about him.

‘’ What are you doing here, Cygnus? ‘’

‘’ I don’t know ‘’ he chuckled, running his hand through his soaking hair ‘’ I was walking and somehow ended here... ‘’

Her eyes softened as an amused smile crept to her pale lips, ‘’ Walking under the rain? That’s a new one... I though you weren’t the kind of person that dared to do things that could hurt you in the end ‘’

‘’ Oh, yes, I dare... no ... I defy the storm, even when it could crush me! I guess I am just like you with your drinking, Artemis. Time made us reckless ‘’ he said sarcastically. A part of him had began to feel the coldness of his clothes, of the rain touching his skin, yet his mind still remained oblivious, and in a way he was glad it was.

‘’ Don’t get into that ‘’ she growled. He smirked. After all his comment about the drinking business had affected her. It seemed she wasn’t the only one that knew where to hit. ‘’ If you have nothing else to say, leave ‘’ Artemis added, leaning against one of the pillars and taking a large gulp of wine. ‘’ I am trying to knock my mind out here ‘’

‘’ Tatsumi is dead ‘’

She put the bottle down, her eyes narrowing slightly.

Hyoga smiled nervously, ‘’ He is. Shun called to the guards stationed at the outskirts of the Veil, and they came with the... ‘’ he chuckled, placing his hand over his eyes ‘’ ‘news’ about half an hour ago. Shiryu is with Dohko now; and Ikki... heck, who knows where the fuck he went to... but you know what is the worst part? That when I found out, all I could do was come here. How pathetic is that, Huntress? ‘’

‘’ Very ‘’ she replied coldly, running her hands over her shoulders to keep herself warm. White didn’t suit her, he found himself thinking, looking at the long nightgown she was wearing. It made her look... dead.

‘’ I’ve also been thinking... on what you said this morning. The words have been echoing in my head all day long, and when the news arrived... they just began to cry out... ‘’

Artemis’ icy eyes met his, and for a second, neither sarcasm, nor hate shone in them. For a second, the little girl that he had met in Siberia was staring at him. But the cold huntress she had turned into soon replaced her.

‘’ Tell me, Hyoga... aren’t you glad? That Tatsumi is dead, I mean. He used to beat you around, and beat your brothers. He took your childhood away from you ‘’

‘’ I feared... I would be... but I don’t feel a thing. Nor hate, nor sorrow. Anything. Is that wrong? ‘’

‘’ No ‘’ she let out sternly, startling him, ‘’ ... no, it’s not wrong. In the end... I am glad... enough to be glad for both of us ‘’

‘’ Why did you tell me that this morning? That Tatsumi was dying because... ‘’ he stopped, unable to bring himself to repeat those words.

...Odi et amo; quare id faciam, fortasse requiris...

‘’ Because of Catullus’ words? The words have not value ‘’

... Nescio, sed fieri sentio et excrucior...

‘’ The fact is... that Tatsumi is dead because of me. Because of what those words imply. I guess you could almost say that... I... ‘’ she smiled, looking away, ‘’ I killed him. Now tell me if you aren’t glad ‘’

In the end, he had drifted back to her.... In his moments of pain he always returned to her.... Even if it wasn’t to seek redemption in her eyes this time.... even when all he meant was hurting her. Making her feel his pain.

He was right, they were the same. Two twisted persons that had grown to find delight only when suffering.

‘’ You don’t mean that ‘’ he finally said, his blue eyes searching for the answer in hers.

Of course she did.

‘’ His blood is on my hands ‘’ she repeated, stretching her arms towards him. The rivulets of water that flowed from the edge of the peristyle touched her fingers, making her shiver. He was probably freezing.

‘’ In the end... everyone’s blood is ‘’ she thought out loud, looking away.

‘’ Artemis... why... ‘’

‘’ Tatsumi was killed by one of my Guardians to make me leave Sanctuary. I did not know until Dohko told me Saori’s dog was poisoned with deadly nightshade. We Hyperborean are good with herbs ‘’ she interrupted, unable to stop her pride from showing in her words. She was still proud of them, of those whose souls were part of hers. In the end, she was nothing but a sentimental fool. ‘’ Now he is dead. And out of your life. That’s all there is to it. Rejoice. ‘’ Artemis looked at the bottle in her hands. It was already empty. ‘’ Damn, I only hope there is another of this in my room... ‘’ she grumbled, heading into the temple. ‘’ Goodnight Cygnus, I’ll assume you know how to get the hell out of here ‘’

‘’ Escaping from me again, Goddess? ‘’ Artemis felt her muscles tense when hearing those words, when hearing the coldness of his voice, the sarcasm hidden in it. How dared he? How could he?

‘’ Damn you, Hyoga, why on Leto’s sake should I escape a Saint?! ‘’ she growled, turning to look at him, immediately regretting having done so. She wouldn’t be able to win this time. Even when his soul was defeated, victory shone on him nonetheless.

‘’ You tell me ‘’ he said calmly, his blue eyes betraying no feelings. He was so empty...

He didn’t care.

He... didn’t even hate her.

So she would hate him in return.

And make him hate her.

Because he couldn’t see... all she had suffered for his sake.

‘’ No. You... You know nothing ‘’ she muttered, stepping into the rain, her hair and gown sticking onto her skin, ‘’ You never did... you are so trapped into your little world that you can’t understand a thing! Why did you come here, Hyoga?! To fight me? To humiliate me? Or are you like Phoenix and all you want is to fuck me? ‘’ Artemis moved to where Hyoga was, her hand closing around the collar of his shirt, ‘’ What on earth do you want from me?! ‘‘

He grabbed her hand so tightly that it hurt, pushing her away from him. She staggered, finally falling on her knees, unable to keep her balance.

‘’ Artemis... ‘’ he whispered. She just chuckled, looking at her hand like an idiot, lost in the path of a deep, twisted scar.

‘’ It never healed... never... all the others did... but yours... ‘’ she shook her head, closing her hand into a tight fist, ‘’ It was always there to hurt me ‘’

‘’ I... ‘’ he said, his eyes travelling to his own hand. Not a mark remained. ‘’ I came... because... I guess... because I needed a friend... ‘’

‘’ You needed? How strange! ‘’ she snarled, lifting one of her eyebrows, ‘’ Then let me enlighten you, Cygnus! You are not my friend. You are my curse. You’ve taken everything from me... all that I cared about... all those that cared about me... you crushed them... First, you took Isaac from my side, and then you took Camus... My soul died with you two when you fought!!! What else do you want to take away from me? Tell me, Hyoga, so I can give it to you on a silver platter and save you the trouble of destroying it yourself!!! ‘’

She felt he could see right into the core of her soul, into the depths of her mind, and didn’t move when he lifted his hand to slap her.

She stayed still, even when his trembling hand stopped inches from her cheek, his breath coming ragged and heavy.

By Leto, his eyes were so confused...

‘’ You... should never have come... ‘’ he let out hoarsely, his fingers tracing the contour of her face lightly, as if still considering whether to hit her or not. Artemis followed his gaze as it moved away from her eyes, down the line of her neck, resting on her heaving breasts, visible through the now transparent fabric of her gown.

She couldn’t but laugh.

‘’ That’s what you want? ‘’ she asked, pulling one of the straps of her gown slowly off her shoulder. She could feel her heart clenching in her chest painfully as he followed her hand with his gaze, burning blue flames scorching her skin.

Hyoga’s hand around hers stopped her before she could pull the other strap.

‘’ Leave ‘’

Artemis frowned as he moved away from her, turning towards the stone path.

‘’ Tonight. Leave Sanctuary... before you break us all ‘’

‘’ How dare you... say something like that to me? ‘’ she managed to say, trying to get on her feet, but she only managed to slip on the mud. ‘’ How dare you turn your back on me?! Is it because I’m not blonde, Cygnus? Is it because I don’t look like your frigging mother?!! ‘’

She could see his hands closing into tight fists, his head lowered as he tried to contain himself from hurting her. Artemis knew she had crossed the line, she had realised that when the words escaped her lips... she had gone too far. She hadn’t meant to... she hadn’t want to hurt him like that...

‘’ I... ‘’ she began, trying to find the words to explain herself, but she couldn’t think straight, she was too drunk to do anything right. The perfect Goddess.

The worst of friends.

‘’ You are such a bitch... ‘’ he muttered over his shoulder, his eyes piercing into her. ‘’ Leave to your damn island tonight, Artemis, return to your Guardians, or help me God, I don’t know how long will I be able to stop myself from killing you ‘’

She chuckled nervously, placing her hands over her shoulders in a vain attempt to find some warmth. ‘’ You want me to return to my Guardians? To my most faithful friends?! ‘’ she was now laughing hysterically. It was fair, though, that he would hurt her the same way she had hurt him. That he would cross the line the same way she had.

She deserved it.

‘’ They don’t want me, Hyoga! If wasn’t enough to take Isaac and Camus’ lives, you also had to take them away from me! Why on Leto’s name would I come to Athens if I could be staying at my Island?! Because of the lovely weather? ‘’ she grimaced, her fingers tightening around the empty bottle so hard that it broke. ‘’ They want me to rot in some cave, so they can pretend I am dead and gone! They want me to die! I guess... in the end they are just like you ‘’ she added with a sarcastic smile, looking at the blood flowing from her right hand’s fingers with surprise.

He didn’t listen to her. He just started walking back to the barracks, not even turning when he thought to hear her sobbing. He knew it was just a trick of his mind.

Artemis never cried.

SE FINNI.