I

She stared at her hand, unable to do anything but watch her blood flowing down her wrist, between her fingers, falling in thick rivulets on the mud and rapidly diluting with the rain. Even when the storm kept releasing its wrath against her, the heavy drops were unable to clean her, to wash the blood and mud away from her arm.

‘’ ... I’m so sorry, Hyoga ‘’ Artemis whispered to herself, frowning when trying to brush the little shards of glass away from her skin. ‘’ I am so... so sorry ‘’ she repeated, her eyes travelling from her hand to the ground, where the pieces of the broken bottle were halfway buried in the mud ‘’ You are right... I should leave... But... ‘’ she picked one of the larger pieces, trying to brush the dirt away but only accomplishing to dye the glass red.

‘’ I don’t have anywhere else to go to... And I would never escape. That’s just... not me... ‘’ She chuckled, brushing the long soaking tresses away from her face, her fingers leaving blood stains on her pale skin, ‘’ It seems I am dead to everyone, but my body is as stubborn as I am, and just... keeps forgetting that ‘’

Artemis played with the glass, pressing it hard enough against her wrist to draw blood. She smirked. Maybe... she should just remind her body of that which it had forgotten. She should make everyone’s wish come true. For Hyoga, for Milo and Camus, for her Guardians, for Aphrodite and Eros... They would love her then, because she would be making them happy. She would make their dream come true. She would end the curse she had turned into.

‘’ When I talk to myself it usually means I am on my own and want to stay that way ‘’ Artemis said with an emotionless tone when hearing the footsteps over the clamouring of the storm. ‘’ I thought Dohko would ask Milo to spy on me, he is better at that than you. Yet he didn’t accept, did he? He doesn’t want to see me, not even from afar. He always knows what is best ‘’ she added, running her index over the edge of the glass ‘’ And you always had a soft spot for broken disciples ‘’

‘’ Let’s get inside ‘’ Camus let out coldly, looking at the temple. It wasn’t that he refused to look at her and preferred to look at the building instead, she was wrong about that. He wasn’t mad at her. It was just that... he had known she would end up breaking. Milo hadn’t refused to be Sanctuary’s eyes on her. He hadn’t even had the chance to make the choice. Because Camus had offered first. Because he knew that she would break sooner or later, and also knew Milo would not have been able to handle it. Would not have been able to handle the possibilities. As easily as Artemis could play with that piece of glass, she could cut her wrists, or attack him, or maybe and just maybe she could put it down.

He was hoping for the latter.

‘’ That’s cheating ‘’ she whispered with a faint smile, allowing the piece of glass to slide from her trembling fingers and sink into the mud. Soon it had disappeared under the dirt. ‘’ It was unfair of them to send you ‘’ she added, standing up groggily, ‘’ You are a lousy audience ‘’ And she faced him.

Camus frowned slightly when meeting her eyes; tired, veiled, aquamarine stones that were almost bleeding from the pain. And he knew that the wound in her soul was deeper than what he had thought. That back then, it hadn’t healed. She had hidden it. And he hadn’t notice. He hadn’t notice the past would catch up with them again. And even though four years had already went by, that wound and its past would come to life that very night.

And she would fall.

*************

‘’ I want you to do something for me ‘’

Camus looked over the edge of the book to the temple’s entrance. The girl was standing there, her defiant eyes not even wavering from his. They had always looked so ancient to him, so wise and self-assured... but now they were empty, making her already harsh features look crueller.

Even when she was barely sixteen, Artemis was already a merciless beauty.

‘’ Come ‘’ he finally answered, putting down his book and resting his chin on his hands. Any other man would have had to bow at her and beg her to grace his temple with her presence. Camus would never do that.

She had asked him that when she was eleven. Since that day, she stopped being a Goddess to him, and turned into a child under his care. Until her training was over.

But the relationship master-disciple was something that never disappeared completely. Not even when the disciple was an all-mighty Olympian and the master a mere mortal. Camus grimaced. Relationships caused havoc to titles.

‘’ I’ve been here for a while, but you already know that ‘’ Artemis began, her voice sounding frightening matter-of-factly. ‘’ Three months to be more precise. Not once I flared my Cosmo to tell you I was here. Not once I came to talk to you, nor to explain myself ‘’ she grinned, leaning over the marble table. ‘’ Yet you aren’t mad. Strange... Milo is, and I’ve been staying in his temple all this time... ‘’

‘’ Perhaps because you haven’t spoken to him since you arrived. Some people think that’s a hint that shows something is wrong ‘’

She chuckled, tugging a rebellious strand of her black hair behind her ear, ‘’ Milo talked to you, then ‘’

‘’ He said you weren’t sleeping nor eating. Nor talking, I believe, though it seems you are already doing that ‘’

‘’ The exception to the rule... ‘’ she teased. An exception Camus knew would happen. He had known it since her last day at Siberia, when two of her Guardians had come looking for her. ‘Visitors at home’, had been the last words she told him before heading to Ortygia.

And after two weeks, she had come to Athens and locked herself in Milo’s temple for three months.

The exception to the rule had a reason. All he needed to do was find which.

‘’ But that is irrelevant, isn’t it? ‘’ Artemis continued, frowning slightly, ‘’ What matters, is that I need something from you... And you are dying to know what and why ‘’ she added, smiling grimly, ‘’ And I will tell you, because it is the only way you will agree to do it ‘’

It was Camus turn to frown, arching one of his parted eyebrows quizzically. She had always had a strange way with words.

‘’ You see... ‘’ she began, the cruel darkness behind her almost pupiless eyes coming to life, ‘’... my Island, my beloved Ortygia... is not mine anymore ‘’ She laughed, ‘’ But that’s ok. I mean, I don’t deserve it. Honest ‘’ Artemis pouted mischievously at his enquiring look. She was bleeding in the inside, he could see it now. It wasn’t that inherent darkness that seemed to threaten to come to life in any moment what he had seen in her eyes. It was pain. Pain that she was masking behind her cold, sarcastic attitude. But the disciple couldn’t fool the master in that in which he was best.

‘’ I don’t. I failed. Athena’s Sanctuary will fall, Asgard will fall, Poseidon’s Sanctuary will fall. And no one will stop the Holy War. Blood will be shed, and it’s all on my hands... ‘’ Artemis said, her voice never wavering, only growing more certain, ‘’ So my Guardians asked me to leave. I am... unfit for the task, they say... among other things. Aphrodite will take over, they... they have higher hopes on her ‘’ she shook her head, her smile turning more sorrowful ‘’ Yet they don’t know that everything will happen no matter what. I can see it... ‘’ Camus noticed the brightness of her eyes. Brightness that the light could not cause. Only unshed tears could. ‘’ Being a prophetic goddess is not as good as most think ‘’

‘’ So now... I have no reason to be. That’s why I need your help. Milo would never do it... he... doesn’t know and I am not sure if I want him to. He would be so... disappointed. After all, you’ll always have Hyoga... all Milo has is me ‘’

‘’ Artemis... ‘’ He started, not wanting to hear the words to come, suddenly realising how alike they were... and hating that realisation.

She shook her head, walking to his side and placing her index over his lips. ‘’ I was turned into a mortal to keep the Balance of the Realms from Ortygia. Now I don’t keep the balance anymore, and I don’t even have Ortygia to claim for... I have no reason to be ‘’ she repeated, stressing every syllable. ‘’ And you are the only one that understands me now... that’s why I need you to kill me ‘’

He stood up, walking away from her while rubbing his temples. ‘’ You don’t want that ‘’ he let out, picking up his book and placing it methodically on the shelves.

‘’ Camus, no one needs me. A God has to be needed to exist in this world. We need a reason, the same way those that follow us need us to be their reason. If Athena died today, what would be your reason to be? ‘’

He stared at her, forbidding his mind to even consider her words. Artemis rarely spoke with the truth, yet she always made it seem that way. She could convince a demon he was an angel the same way she could try to convince him she was right. When in fact, in both cases, she was wrong.

‘’ I just... want to make those I love happy. They want me away. Dead. And I... I don’t have a reason to deny them that ‘’ he felt her cold fingers close around his arm, ‘’ Tell me, aren’t you willing to die for those that you love most? ‘’

He didn’t answer. He knew this wasn’t her. He knew she would never do something like that, she would never kill herself. She was too proud to do that... she still valued her life. But she was lost now... somehow... she had lost herself because of what had happened at her island.

Now all she needed was to remember who she was.

Camus placed his hand over hers, grabbing her wrist while turning around and pulling her towards him.

‘’ Aurora Execution ‘’

Artemis collapsed against him, her right hand almost digging into his shoulder. Her left one was over his, covered in ice. He hadn’t used the aurora execution, he had just pretended to, using the diamond dust instead. But it didn’t matter. She had tried to stop him. She didn’t want to die.

‘’ Ochi... ‘’ she whispered, burying her face against his chest so he wouldn’t see her crying. Camus stood still, feeling her trembling against him. Tentatively, he lifted his hand to stroke her hair, but stopped before touching her, letting his arm fall limply by his side. It was best that way.

She didn’t recover until some hours had passed by, and still she wouldn’t speak. Without complaining, she allowed him to take her to his bed and cover her with some warm furs and quilts. He left her there, returning to his reading, until falling asleep on the chair. When he woke up, he found a small paper between the pages of the book.

She had left Sanctuary during his sleep, yet he had never feared she would lose herself like that again. Because he knew she had realised how much she wanted to live.

***********

Or maybe that was what he had wanted to believe.

Artemis stood still in her bedroom, her eyes lost on her hands while a soaking Camus threw the bottles away and searched through her drawers.

‘’ Here ‘’ he finally said, placing a dry nightgown on the bed. ‘’ Put this on ‘’ She moved her eyes slowly from her hands to the gown, and then to Camus.

He frowned slightly, rubbing his temples once again. ‘’ You are trembling. If you don’t change, you’ll get pneumonia ‘’

She grinned, returning her attention back to her bloody hands.

‘’ Artemis ‘’ he said sternly, grabbing the nightgown and placing it on her hands while lifting her chin with his free hand to force her to look at him, ‘’ I know right now there is nothing else you would like doing but getting ill and dying. But I won’t allow that. You’ll change those wet clothes for this one right now. Do you understand me? ‘’

She took the gown in her hands tightly, smiling softly at Camus, yet not really seeing him. The world was still a deep red in her eyes.

He shook his head, grabbing a towel he had taken from the drawers and walking into the bathroom.

‘’ Why do you care? ‘’

Camus stopped, looking at her over his shoulder. ‘’ You’ll freeze to death ‘’

Artemis smirked. ‘’ No one answers what I ask. Never. It’s easier to avoid, isn’t it? To escape ‘’ She said the last word as if savouring its meaning. It had sounded so much terrible from Hyoga’s lips than what it truly was ‘’ Why do you care? ‘’ she pressed on, tightening her hands around the gown, leaving her red prints on the white linen. ‘’ I am Milo’s pride, Phoenix’ wet dream and Hyoga’s nightmare. But I can’t make you out, Camus. I can’t... decipher you. Because I honestly... ‘’

‘’ ... don’t care about you. I never did ‘’ Artemis smirked, ‘’ I never cared about your skills, about your values, about your teachings. All I wanted was to know Isaac and Hyoga better. To know my chosen ones, so they could know me... ‘’ She walked closer to him, a wolfish grin on her face.

‘’ So I could snatch their hearts from Athena and make them mine. You were nothing but the means for my goal. Yet you are here, knowing there is nothing I can give you. Nothing I want to give you... So tell me, Camus, why do you care? ‘’

He arched one of his eyebrows, then, without saying a word, returned his attention to the bathroom’s door.

‘’ Change your gown ‘’ he said in his monotone voice before locking himself in the bathroom, his words betraying no feelings, betraying no doubts. Yet despite their lack of feelings, the words were like a brick of walls to Artemis. She had wanted him to hurt her... to hurt her for hurting Hyoga... but he had ignored her. And now she had hurt him. By saying words she had never meant to say.

Eris smiled, watching the rain fall from the safety of her temple. Her hand was stroking Jabu’s hair, who had fallen asleep with his head on her lap after crying for hours, trying to get over the pain Tatsumi’s death had brought him.

She closed her eyes, burning her cosmo to search for the patterns of others, picking their whispers and cries from the darkness of the night.

‘’ There you are... we knew we would find you ‘’ she whispered when sensing the warm embrace of a cosmo that was, unmistakably, godly.

Camus washed his face forcefully. The night was nearer to its end than its beginning, and he was already feeling tired. And being soaked to the bone did not help. Not that he was overly worried about his clothes sticking to his body and making every move an uncomfortable task. He had greater things to worry about, and his disciples were one of them. The One. He cursed lowly, gathering his thoughts. He knew that Hyoga didn’t need him right now, not when his argument with Artemis had replaced sorrow with anger. Besides, feelings made Hyoga stronger. He could live with them, seek them, hunger for them, and that dangerously human side of him could also reflect on his cosmo. Cygnus had turned into his greatest student, a student that had surpassed the master and made the techniques his own. There was little he could do for Hyoga now, there was nothing he could teach him. Because Hyoga had chosen the hardest path. The duties of a Saint rarely mixed with the feelings of a Man. And when they did, it only leaded to pain. Yet the little boy that still treasured his mother’s memory above anything else was walking straight through it. And was surviving.

Artemis was not. She had killed her memories, hidden her feelings, did everything in order to forget. And now she had nothing. Because she was not a Saint who would always have its Goddess’ precepts to follow, even if his personal life collapsed. She was a Goddess whose duties and precepts were her personal life. And they had been taken away from her. So she was lost.

She had always been the unstable one. He had believed that Hyoga was the one that needed to be look after because he was too emotional, but in the end, Isaac and Artemis had been the ones to fall first.

His two heartless disciples were the ones that had suffered the most; when realising they had feelings and knowing they were meant not to have them.

‘’ Camus... ‘’

He mouthed a silent curse, trying to dry his hair with the towel.

Yet Artemis would not stop ‘’ You know... ‘’ her voice was muffled by the door, yet he could still hear its deep, waterfall-like tone. ‘’ There was a time when my heart used to beat so hard that it hurt... but now is frozen, just like I am... I don’t understand... each time someone asked for a part of my heart, I gave it... but then no one seemed to care ‘’ He heard her chuckle. ‘’ Hyoga wanted a part of my heart... but he froze it! Then my Guardians did the same to the parts they had.... And now there is so little left... so little... ‘’

He tightened his grip around the towel, fearing she would try another stupid stunt. ‘’ Did you change your clothes? ‘’ he finally asked, changing the subject so her mind would stop going over that and concentrate on things that would not harm her.

‘’ I knew I was forgetting something ‘’ Camus shook his head, already knowing she would answer something like that. ‘’ ... Done ‘’ she added after some seconds.

Camus placed the towel over his shoulders and opened the door.

And wished he hadn’t.

Artemis stood still, facing him, her eyes as empty as the piece of glass she had held earlier. On the floor, huddled around her feet, was her wet gown, and on the bed, left carelessly aside, was the dry, blood-smeared nightgown he had told her to wear.

A wolfish grin spread on her pale blue lips as she took some steps forward, but then stopped, her eyes meeting his with a flicker of a dare.

He felt it then, the same elation in his Cosmo he had felt when Athena spoke to them at the Coliseum. The certainty of being in front of a Goddess. Of facing something greater than oneself.

‘’ I killed men for seeing less than this. I turned Acteon into a stag and made his pack of fifty hounds tear him to pieces for taking a glimpse of my body. Do you think it was a fair price, Aquarius? ‘’ she said, deliberately pushing her wet hair against her back. Despite she always wore it in careless disarray, the rain had made it fall sleek and straight, the soaking tips almost brushing the ground. Before she pushed it aside, her hair had formed a fine cobweb over her shoulders and breasts, covering her like a cloak made of darkness.

The cloak was gone now.

The black mane that had once hidden her body from his sight now only served to enhance her nakedness. To bring out the paleness of her skin, to frame her dangerous curves, which started at her broad shoulders to go on at her voluptuous breasts, stopping at her flat stomach just to send men into perdition at her wide hips and strong long legs.

Camus thought about grabbing the damn gown and placing it over her head himself, but remained still instead, unable to move. He didn’t have feelings for Artemis, he never had. He didn't desire her, he didn’t lust after her, he had always been his teacher, and she had always been his student. In his heart, Artemis had shared the same place Isaac and Hyoga had. But no matter how much his heart and mind were set into his task as a Saint and teacher, his body was reacting in an extremely human way.

For she was beautiful. Even with the thin scars that marred her pale skin, even with the deep ones on her neck and hand, she was still a beautiful sight.

He didn’t lust for her, but understood why Milo did.

‘’ Everyone judges me... Aphrodite did... my Guardians did... Hyoga did... even Dohko! ‘’ Artemis muttered, moving closer to him, ‘’ But not you... not even now ‘’ she added with a smile, her index tracing an imaginary path over his shirt, the drenched fabric only accentuating her touch. ‘’ That deserves a prize... ‘’ He groan slightly when she placed one of her hands on his shoulder and leaned closer, her nipples brushing his shirt when she rested her body against his. ‘’ Let me give you a part of my heart ... ‘’ Her breath was warm against his neck, sending shivers down his spine, ‘’ The little part that is still left... so you can freeze it like the others... so you can know how much I hate ‘’

The hand that had been resting on his shoulder moved down the length of his arm, shifting to rest on his hip. A path of blood marked the places she had touched, but she didn’t seem to mind, and surprisingly, neither did he. Then, Camus felt her fingers finding the skin of his stomach, tugging at his shirt.

And even when he knew he should be stopping her, he was unable to prevent a disappointed moan to escape from his lips when she moved away, nor was he able to stop the elation of his body when she pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it aside.

‘’ My dearest teacher... ‘’ she whispered in his ear while she placed one of her hands at the nape of his neck, her fingers playing with his hair. The other one travelled to his chest, feather-like nails flicking over his nipples.

‘’ You are proud of me... ‘’ He cursed himself for enjoying the pause, as each pause brought a trail of kisses with it, warm kisses that burnt on his neck and shoulders, contrasting with the coldness of her body against his. She licked his collarbone and another involuntary moan escaped his lips. Artemis grinned and bit him when hearing it.

‘’ That’s why... you don’t judge me ‘’ she went on, moving both of her hands to his chest as he leaned against the wall. This time her lips followed the path her fingers first marked, scorching his cool skin with her kisses.

‘’ So I will destroy that pride... ‘’ She fell to her knees, one of her hands circling his waist to rest against his back and support him, while the other one struggled with his belt. ‘’ And once that happens... ‘’ she added, kissing his abdomen after throwing the belt next to his shirt, ‘’ You will judge me ‘’

Artemis’ dim eyes rose to meet his when he placed his hand over hers. Those were not her eyes. Hers shone like diamonds, and were so light that darkness was the only thing that could live behind them.

He wanted to see those eyes again.

‘’ Don’t ‘’

Her expression changed from puzzlement to fright, as she moved her gaze from his to stare at her left hand, which was closed around the waist of his trousers. Suddenly, she moved away, crouching on the floor with both hands closed against her heaving bosom.

‘’ Meus clades... ‘’ she muttered over and over again, rocking back and forth, totally oblivious of his presence ‘’ Amens melaenis meus clades est... ‘’

‘’ Artemis... ‘’ Camus whispered, kneeling by her side. She paid no attention to him at first, but when he tried to brush a strand of her hair away from her face, she shrieked and tried to crawl away, but he pulled her against him, forbidding her to move away. Artemis began to hit him on his chest to break free so he grabbed her wrists and placed them behind her back, keeping them secured with one of his hands.

‘’ Meus clades! ‘’ she cried again, her desperate eyes meeting his.

And Camus knew then why she hadn’t healed four years ago, why she was still lost and in pain. He knew he had been mistaken. For she was not like him.

‘’ Shh... let it out... ‘’ he said soothingly in her ear, his free hand stroking her black mane.

She struggled for some minutes, but soon relented and stayed still, her face hidden against his shoulder. It was then when she started sobbing. At first she cried so lowly that Camus only noticed she was crying when feeling the warm tears falling on his skin, but soon she began to cry harder, her body shaking with every sob.

Camus released her wrists, knowing that she would not struggle, and placed both arms around her back. Artemis didn’t seem to notice at first, but when her pain began to subside and her crying had turned into occasional sobs, she tentatively placed her arms around his waist to hold him back.

‘’ Are you feeling better? ‘’ he finally whispered, brushing a rebellious lock away from her face. Artemis moved her arms away from him and lifted her face, nodding. Her eyes were red and puffy, but they were shinning again.

‘’ Good ‘’ He stretched one arm towards the open drawers to grab yet another nightgown, keeping his other arm around her back.

‘’ Let me ‘’ Artemis said, taking the gown from his hands and putting it on carefully not to stain it with her hand. ‘’ There are some dry shirts on the second drawer if you want ‘’ she added, though she made no attempt to move from his lap.

‘’ Comfortable? ‘’. She chuckled, the mischievous glitter in her eyes betraying she was back.

‘’ Very ‘’

Camus shook his head teasingly and helped her to sit on the bed. Then he looked for something that would fit him and went to the bathroom. Even though he knew she wouldn’t try anything foolish, he left the door ajar just in case. He had failed once, he wouldn’t fail again.

He washed the bloodstains from his arm and chest, the cold water taking away the desire she had awaken in him next to the stains. She would never know how hard it had been for him to stop her, how much she had numbed his mind and senses. No one had been so close to make him lose control over himself. And he would never allow something like that to happen again.

Camus grimaced. It seemed his disciples were still able to make him question his beliefs and surpass him.

With that thought in mind, he put on the dry shirt and left the bathroom, knowing that once again it was his duty to pick up the pieces of his students’ souls.

Artemis was sitting on the bed just like he had left her, her eyes narrowed into faint slits while she tried to take the shards from her right hand with the dirty gown.

‘’ May I? ‘’

Artemis looked up at him and nodded, making room on the bed for him to sit. He held her hand in his and made his cosmo flow over it in a cold rush, to leave it insensitive to the pain. Then he tore the gown that had been stained and with one of the pieces began to take the shards away.

‘’ Camus... ‘’ she said after a few minutes.

‘’ Mmh? ‘’

‘’ I didn’t mean to say that... about asking to train with you because of Hyoga and Isaac... It’s not true ‘’

He smiled inwardly. ‘’ It is. I always knew. As much as I know that you did not mean to say it ‘’

He heard her sigh in relief, but then felt her left hand closing around his chin to lift his face.

‘’ You are the best teacher I could have had ‘’ she said seriously when his eyes met hers, ‘’ Milo strengthened my soul, but you strengthened my heart. And I... I didn’t mean to... I didn’t want to... ‘’ Artemis bit her lower lip and frowned, as if trying to find the right words to explain what had happened.

‘’ Was it Aphrodite? ‘’ Camus asked steadily, trying to lead her through her thoughts

‘’ Yes and no ‘’ Artemis said plainly, ‘’ Aphrodite cursed me...‘’ she grinned, apparently pleased, ‘’ And it must have been a pretty strong curse this time to get to me like that ‘’

Camus arched one of his parted eyebrows.

‘’ Oh, it’s just that it’s not the first curse she places on me ‘’ Artemis added as if that really didn’t matter, ‘’ And it wouldn’t have worked, like all the others, if she hadn’t got to me when I was so... ‘’

‘’ Drunk? ‘’

‘’ Angry, Camus, and because of that anger...we could have... ‘’

They could have slept together, and then the consequences would have been terrible, Camus completed in his mind. For in his mind she was his student, and in hers he was a father, pretending they felt anything else would have crippled their ability to feel next to their minds ‘’ We didn’t ‘’ he added, returning his attention to her wounded hand.

‘’ It also affected you ‘’

He couldn’t but smirk at her words, knowing she was answering a question he had left unsaid. He had felt helpless against her, unable to stop her when his mind was telling him he had to. She was making him a favour by justifying his actions through Aphrodite’s meddling affairs.

‘’ Why the no? ‘’ he asked, bandaging her hand.

‘’ What no? ‘’

‘’ Your no, that it had been Aphrodite, and that it hadn’t been her. Yes and no. Why? ‘’

Artemis yawned, taking her hand away from his and getting inside the bed. ‘’ Because it was also my fault. I wanted you to wound my pride, because I had wounded Hyoga’s. Aphrodite’s stupid curse only made me try to accomplish that desire. She can’t force her will on me, Camus. It could almost be said that all she does... is enhance my own wishes ‘’

She placed the covers up to her shoulders, closing her eyes. Camus stood up, knowing she had said all she was willing to tell him. The black wolf that had stayed in the hall entered the bedroom, ignored him, and curled up next to the bed of his mistress, not before licking her hand. She stirred, shifting on the bed, but soon returned to her heavy sleeping.

‘’ Aphrodite drained you out, didn’t she? ‘’ Camus whispered, stroking her cheek lightly. She smiled in dreams, forcing a smile out of him too. For a Goddess, Artemis had always been extremely human.

He left the temple afterwards, glad that the storm had stopped. He still had a long walk to the eleventh house, but the thought didn’t worry him much. He needed that time to think. Yet after some minutes of straining not to slip on the muddy stone-path, he felt something strange. He felt... watched. He scanned the grounds, but found no aggressive cosmos, no threats. Yet the unsettling feeling remained.

Puzzled, he turned around to see if the wolf had followed him, but when he turned, he found no one, only the darkness of the star-less night.

The first thing she felt was the cold, mushy surface on which she was laying. Then the pain kicked in. It spread from her stomach to the rest of her body, though sometimes it felt as if it began on her wrists, or her ankles. She tried to cry out, but found she couldn’t. There was a cloth in her mouth that stopped her from speaking.

Yet nothing changed, nothing disappeared. The moment Shunrei managed to open her eyes she realised everything she had feared was true. What she had thought a nightmare had happened and was still not over.

‘’ I’m so glad you are awake! I was starting to fear you would miss all the fun! ‘’ whispered a cheerful voice. She tried to turn to find the owner of that voice, but the ropes around her wrists and ankles secured her tightly. Not that it made a difference. She was too weak and dizzy to move.

‘’ The time has come, my dearest Poet, for you to fulfil your task... ‘’ Small hands closed on her shoulders, pulling her into a sitting position. It was then when she was able see the place where they were. The mushy surface she had felt earlier was mud and her own damped clothes. It had probably rained and the broken Greek pillars that surrounded them hadn’t been enough to shelter them.

Them, because she was also there. Iphigeneia.

‘’ Aren’t you excited? ‘’ the girl beamed, clapping lightly. She had the hood of her cloak on, but still Shunrei could make up her bright hazel eyes and some strands of golden hair framing her round, friendly face.

Suddenly, Iphigeneia turned to look at their left, climbing over the broken pillar they were sitting against with an amazing ease.

‘’ Aquarius ‘’ Shunrei heard her hiss, the girl crouching by her side once again. ‘’ Now be very still, ok? I’ll be right back, I want to take a closer look at the traitor’s mentor! ‘’ she whispered enthusiastically in her ear before kissing her cheek and scrambling over the pillar.

Hope shone in Shunrei’s eyes, while she tried to loosen the ropes until her wrists were bloody and seared. But everything was in vain, the knots being too tight to loosen and the rope too thick to break. And she couldn’t crawl away from danger, Iphigeneia had made sure of that by twisting her right ankle, which by the odd angle of her foot was probably broken. Child or not, the Guardian was playing for keeps.

‘’ I thought he would be older ‘’ the girl panted, jumping over the pillar and crouching by her side, ‘’ And more impressive, like the heroes of old. But he looks just like a sour man ‘’ She shook her head, disappointed. ‘’ Well, never mind, it’s time to work ‘’

Shunrei frowned when Iphigeneia began to untie her, but the blonde merely giggled at her confused look. ‘’ Come on, Shunrei, you wouldn’t try to escape from me, would you? I thought we were friends! Besides... ‘’ she poke her left arm, making tears of pain shine into her dark eyes, ‘’ you have a broken arm... ‘’ her finger travelled to her sides and pressed lightly, ‘’ Two broken ribs... ‘’ The girl leaned closer to whisper in her ear, ‘’ And I twisted your ankles when you passed out... though I think I might have overdone the right one and broke it instead ‘’

When she passed out... when her mind had been unable to take the pain and had simply shut down. Once again, the memories of the terrible lack of mercy of the skinny girl piled up in Shunrei’s mind, mixed up with her words of treachery, sacrifice and gifts. And of course, with the Guardian’s high-pitched laughter, which sounded just like the innocent laughter of little children.

Oddly enough, Shunrei realised she did not hate her. She still thought those hazel eyes reflected an innocent and pure soul.

‘’ There, you are free ‘’ beamed Iphigeneia, expressing such happiness that her words, instead of seeming ironic, sounded warmly reassuring.

Shunrei began to take huge gulps of air once the cloth around her mouth was removed, but when she tried to talk her mouth felt numb, her eyes going wide from fear.

‘’ Don’t worry, you still have your tongue ‘’ the girl smiled, placing a brown bag over her shoulder and then placing both of Shunrei’s arms around her neck and lifting her so she was hanging over her back. ‘’ Though you are drugged, so I wouldn’t try to move my head too much, it will bring you a headache ‘’

Shunrei closed her eyes tightly, unable to stop the tears from despair from flowing down her face. There was nothing she could do. Despite they were in the Sanctuary, so close to Shiryu and Dohko, she could not find a way to scream for their help, she could not tell them what was going on. She was subdued and left to the plots of a girl with the soul of a monster.

But then a real monster appeared on their way and growled.

‘’ Arcade! ‘’ Iphigeneia let out, jumping slightly despite she was carrying Shunrei. The wolf tilted its head and then placed its legs over the girl’s shoulders and licked her face, waving his fluffy tail from side to side.

‘’ Now, now, boy, stop that or you’ll make me fall! ‘’ she cheered, looking around, ‘’ This place is perfect! ‘’ she added, dropping the bag ‘’ Look, Shunrei, we are finally here! ‘’ The Chinese girl moaned from the pain when Iphigeneia turned to show her the old temple with its broken columns.

‘’ Now we can start! ‘’ she beamed, lowering her gently to the ground and searching through her bag.

‘’ This and this... not that... here ‘’ Iphigeneia placed two sets of ropes around her left arm and held a folded paper between her lips so she could have her arms free to lift Shunrei. Carefully, she walked around some of the broken columns and finally stopped next to the tallest one.

Iphigeneia began to whistle a cheery tune while cornering Shunrei against the column. She used the ropes to tie her tightly to the column and then took some steps back to check her work.

‘’ Perfect ‘’ she smiled, apparently satisfied, ‘’ Just one more thing... ‘’

Iphigeneia removed her cloak, tossing it carelessly over her bag. Despite her mind was beginning to feel numb, Shunrei couldn’t but stare at the shimmering surface of the girl’s carved armour.

‘’ Thank you for this favour, Shunrei of Rhozan, the Traitor will appreciate it so much... she will finally understand it all... ‘’ she said tenderly, placing her arms around her neck to hug her. ‘’ Now remember ‘’ she went on, cupping her face with her hands to make her look into her eyes, ‘’ You will tell her that we are not pleased with her little show. But we are merciful, so we won’t retaliate on her for it, for trying to humiliate us by coming to Sanctuary. We will let her be, as long as she leaves Sanctuary immediately. But remember to tell her this, Shunrei, to tell her that if we ever feel her cosmo again in any of the Realms, we won’t be so merciful, and her head will be the only thing that will cleanse the shame she brought us. Remember that, my dearest friend ‘’ Iphigeneia kissed her softly on the lips and then walked back to her bag, returning with a wooden bow and a quiver full of arrows.

‘’ Now be very still... ‘’ she whispered, taking one of the arrows and placing the paper through it. Then, she stood straight, her hazel eyes fixed on Shunrei’s chest. And stretched her bow, the arrow’s point glittering in the night.

The numbness in Shunrei’s mind seemed to vanish as fear closed its claws around her soul, a strangled whimper escaping her lips while tears kept falling down her cheeks. So this was it? She would die in this girl’s hands because of a grudge she had nothing to do with?

‘’ Come on, Shunrei, you know I can’t let you tell all this to a saint! Only the Traitor must hear those words, so I have to make sure you don’t begin babbling to strangers. We’ve got this far, we can’t just stop! So stay still and don’t cry, ok? ‘’ she said softly, aiming to her heart.

Shunrei closed her eyes and allowed her thoughts to go to Shiryu, a faint smile appearing on her lips when the image of her strong Dragon appeared in her mind’s eye.

He was training by the waterfall, his back turned to her. But she didn’t care, for he would soon end the day’s training and turn to face her. And they would talk, and laugh, and smile on their way back to the cottage; and she would blush when he would pick up one of those flowers she loved so much to place it on her hair. He would blush back at her shyness, and look at the floor to hide the crimson touch gracing his cheek. Everything would be perfect, as it always was when he was around. For he was a wise and noble dragon, loved by the Gods. Loved by her. Nothing could go wrong when she was by a dragon’s side.

The waterfall shifted its course, roaring as much as the shimmering dragon she loved, the dragon that was able to change nature’s will. A tattoo she knew by heart spread on his back, barely visible through his silky mane.

Then everything went still once again, and the tattoo disappeared. He would turn soon enough. His grey eyes would meet hers, and everything would be all right.

‘’ It’s time to go ‘’ she said softly, picking up her basket. Her eyes narrowed slightly when hearing a whistling sound that interrupted the beautiful song of the waterfall, unsettling her perfect day. But the sound soon disappeared, and with it, everything began to fade.

‘’ Shiryu? ‘’ she whispered, afraid he would also disappear.

He didn’t turn, yet he still answered. ‘’ Look at the waterfall, Shunrei. Isn’t it beautiful? Even when I can change its course, it always manages to return to its previous self. Nothing can change it forever, one can only modified it, and the waterfall only allow us to do this for a short time. Its will always prevails ‘’

She nodded, pleased by his words, and lifted her gaze to the waterfall, to the huge mass of water that refused to be changed. It was so dark... so incredibly dark...

‘’ Thank you, Shunrei ‘’ Iphigeneia whispered after checking the girl’s pulse. She knew the arrow wouldn’t kill her, she, like the rest of the Hyperborean, was an excellent archer, and even when she had made a mistake by pushing her ankle to hard, she would never miss a shot. Artemis never forgave that, so they had made sure they would never fail.

Artemis taught them to shoot. To be the best hunters that ever lived, the ones worthy of hunting by her side. Of sharing the rush of the chase. For her, the hunt was the peak of her existence, the ultimate sensation. It went beyond survival to turn into a philosophy, a matter for poetry and songs.

For the hunter could always be hunted, and the predator could always turn into a prey. That dichotomy was the foundation of Artemis’ twisted mind. To fall and to thrive at the same time.

************

*****************

Artemis didn’t believe in letting a wounded prey live. She didn’t believe in wounding a beast in the first place. A hunter had to die in the hunt, not get crippled or wounded. A part of one’s soul had to be touched by the soul that was leaving. In that touch was the thrill of the hunt. That was the reward and the sacrifice a hunter had to make.

Yet tonight, in the embrace of a star-less night, Iphigeneia had unheard two of the Traitor’s precepts, by wounding her prey and letting her live. She couldn’t but wonder what would happen if Artemis weren’t the one that found Shunrei first. What would happen if a Saint were the one to find the bleeding Shunrei and tried to save her instead of leaving Artemis that task.

Shunrei would die, and her crippled soul, unable to touch the soul of her hunter, would plague her forever.

That was why a kill had to be done properly, and honoured properly.

Iphigeneia checked the girl’s pulse once again, haunted by the possibility of Aphrodite’s careful scheme failing and Shunrei’s spirit returning to claim her debt. No, she hadn’t missed, the arrow had went through her chest, but hadn’t touched her heart. Artemis would heal her easily, next to the other wounds she had had to inflict on her.

Yet a saint wouldn’t, for none of them had the skills to save her on time. Fate, as always, was on the hands of the Gods.

‘’ Loud ‘’ she whispered, satisfied with her work despite her ghosts. After all, the scheme had been planned by a Goddess, and she would not let harm come to them, despite the risks. For a Goddess had to protect her followers, that was the duty she had to them.

Artemis had told her that also. Iphigeneia assumed that rule also applied to Aphrodite, even more when everything was going as the Goddess of Desire had planned, and nothing had failed.

Hippolytus had poisoned Tatsumi, forcing Athena to leave the Sanctuary and pull down the Veil. Without it, she had been free to take Shunrei into the-Girder-on-of-Arms’ sacred land without being detected. Everything had been easy since then. The temple the Traitor was using was far from the barracks and the twelve houses, and with the amount of broken pillars she had had little trouble finding a place to hide her Poet. And Melaenis had taken care of Artemis by cursing her. The Traitor would sleep heavily tonight, numbed by her mistress’ power, so she had nothing to fear.

Only one thing was missing, the last part of their message. And then the Traitor would know that they still looked after her, that Aphrodite still thought of her well being.

Artemis had always taught them that sacrifices were the best way to catch the Gods’ attention.

‘’ And now, my beautiful Arcade, it’s your turn to help me out ‘’ she added, turning her attention to the black wolf that was sniffing Shunrei’s feet.

‘’ Because you do want your mistress to learn, don’t you? You want her to turn into a better person, as much as we do ‘’ The wolf looked up at the girl and licked her hand. Iphigeneia smiled.

(Even while they teach, men learn)

After a walk without complications, Camus reached the twelve temples. Despite all the times he had seen the same place, the same rocky hill with the shapes of the houses shrouded by the night’s mist, he still felt taken aback by them. This was Sanctuary’s first and last line of defence. This was its hopes and dreams. Sanctuary’s brightest children, Sanctuary’s strongest fists.

Those houses had always marvelled him, the secrets they hid haunting his dreams. He had always known he belonged to them, especially to the only temple built in the roman way. The eleventh house had always called him, and was now welcoming him.

He had always known his fate was to guard that house, as much as he had known he would die in it.

‘’ I was always your child ‘’ he whispered when feeling the warm embrace of his cloth’s aura. Artemis’ words had had an effect on him after all, and now his cloth was reassuring him. That was all he needed.

If he asked for something else, then he would have to follow Hyoga’s path, and that was something he would never do. It was too late for him to follow the path of feelings, it brought too many doubts, too many questions, too many fears. A Saint only needed the reassurance of his Cloth, the company of his Mind, and the power of his Cosmo.

Doubts were a menace, and a menace meant defeat.

No Saint could allow himself to be defeated.

Yet a Saint was a Man, and as a Man, a Saint would cry and suffer in pain, would long and lust in aching desire. A Saint, being a Man, was doomed to fall.

Not even he, the cold and distant Aquarius, was free from that fall.

As a matter of fact, as long as Camus was concern, he had already fallen. Not into that hurricane of feelings that men had, for he had always known emotions were dangerous ground and had kept himself aloof from them. Yet somehow, some of them had managed to creep their way into his heart, and found a home in it, plaguing him.

His fall would never be as hard as Milo’s or Hyoga’s, but he would fall nonetheless.

For he cared. He cared for his only friend as much as he could allow himself to care, he cared for his students as if they were his own children and had gone to the extent of dying for one of them.

Artemis’ voice echoed in his mind, and Camus knew that, when he went to Hyoga at the shore, his trainee had also wanted to voice the same question.

Yet he could not answer them, he could not tell them what they wanted to hear. For he did not have the answer for that question, even when he felt... yes, he did feel... like protecting them from harm, like dying for them, if that was necessary.

To make them shine, even if he had to stop shinning for them to burn.

‘’ Hyoga came looking for you ‘’

Camus didn’t take long to guess who the shadow at the entrance of his temple was. He had already felt his cosmo missing from his own temple when walking through the secret passageway. And even if he had no cosmo, he had known he would find him there, waiting for him.

For anger was short-lived in a scorpion.

‘’ We talked for hours, and in the end he told me how much he wished he had been my student instead of yours ‘’ Milo said coldly, leaning against one of the pillars. A cold breeze had begun to pick up, making his violet tresses fall over his eyes despite all his attempts to prevent it. Camus had always believed Milo was the owner of a strange and decadent elegance, and that was why he behaved as if he deserved to be above the rest of the world. Because he was so different that he still hadn’t find his niche among people.

Yet Camus had always wondered if that attitude was something that was inherent in him, or, like in this case, in which Milo was standing next to the column, one of his saffron linen cloak’s sleeves falling carelessly to reveal a bare shoulder, his hair dancing with the wind, that show of decadence was nothing but an act, so elaborate and rehearsed like his own coldness. A show that allowed him to behave as he pleased, to tease others and unsettle them.

For that was how most people felt around him. Unsettled. Not the Gold Saints, for they knew Milo well enough, but regular Saints or trainees always felt weird, unable to tell what his intentions where. Some would say Milo was flirting with them, others, that he was judging them, and a few more, that all the Scorpio saint did was tease and mock them.

None knew the truth. None could tell, for only Milo knew it.

Only Scorpio could tell where his desires were taking him.

Milo rolled his eyes at Camus’ lack of interest. ‘’ I lied. He merely nodded and left when I told him you weren’t here. Another iceberg, Hyoga is. Hell, he even looked like shit, just like you. I’ll assume you two were in the same Holy War, though only one of you got lucky ‘’

‘’ Milo, you know you can come into my temple whenever you want, I am already used to having you barging in here without announcing yourself, but does it have to be at four in the morning? ‘’ asked Camus, walking pass Milo and entering the temple. Scorpio followed him.

‘’ I came at midnight, but you weren’t here ‘’ Milo replied, eyeing Camus’ books while he changed, ‘’ I asked Shura if he knew what you were up to. He said you were on an assignment, but wouldn’t tell anything else. So I waited ‘’

‘’ Shura is a good neighbour ‘’ Camus replied, sighing in relief when getting rid of his damped trousers and getting into the loose white linen tunic he usually slept in.

‘’ Not very talkative, keeps to himself and with a pride worthy of a gold saint? ‘’

‘’ I was going to say that he is not nosy, like a certain long-haired saint, but if you want to put it that way... ‘’

‘’ Hey, don’t talk about Aphro at his back, if he had been here, I would have got all the details I wanted from his pretty mouth ‘’ said Milo, going through the pages of a book. Camus shook his head disapprovingly when reading ‘Ars Amatoria’ on the cover. He couldn’t remember how many times Milo had taken that book to his own temple nor how many times had he bragged that he knew better than Ovid.

‘’ I was talking about you ‘’

‘’ That hurts, Aquarius ‘’ Milo replied, pouting, ‘’ So, how was it like? ‘’

Camus frowned, already knowing where the conversation was heading into and fearing he was not going to be able to sleep that night because of Milo’s stupid questions.

‘’ What? ‘’

‘’ Sleeping with Artemis. Did you enjoy it? She is... ‘’ Milo smirked before correcting himself ‘’... sorry, was a virgin, so I bet she must have been really nice and tight ‘’

So that was it. Milo’s fears and anger when knowing he had been the one chosen to spy on Artemis. Camus needn’t wonder what would have happened if his friend had been the one to put back the pieces, to be tempted by her.

‘’ Do you realise who are you talking about? ‘’

Milo’s eyes fixed on the closed book, unable to met his.

‘’ I know ‘’ he whispered.

‘’ And you also know I did not sleep with her ‘’

‘’ I know what you said... ‘’ he muttered, the scornful tone disappearing from his voice, '‘ About Artemis being unable to cope with her feelings. I know... you are wrong, Camus ‘’

He arched one of his parted eyebrows, puzzled.

‘’ These days I’ve been thinking about your words, and I think I finally found an answer. For even when Artemis never learnt my techniques nor asked me to teach them to her, I believe she still had a reason to ask me to be her teacher. I believe she wanted something from me, and she got it. I did not fail, Camus ‘’

‘’ Milo... ‘’ he began, but Scorpio rose his hand to stop him from going on.

‘’ Nor did she. As I told you when she fought Hyoga, she has no weaknesses, and I know, not only because I trained her, but because I know why I trained her. For she is like me, Camus, a child of her instincts, not of her mind, and like me, she can’t allow her enemies to live, she can’t spar, because she can’t allow herself to lose. When she fought against Hyoga, her feelings were demanding his life, but she could not take it. So she did the only thing she could do to stop herself ‘’

‘’ She let him win ‘’

Milo nodded, placing the book back in its place. ‘’ Hyoga... he provokes the strangest reactions in those that surround him... he makes us doubt, he enlighten us... and in some cases, he makes us fall ‘’

For their souls were the same, Camus mused. That was why she had wanted Milo to train her, that was why she was so determined in not letting him know what she was going through. Camus had believed that she trusted him because she was like him, a creature able to stay away from feelings, but now he knew that she trusted him because she was the one that knew he was able to stay away from feelings, and would not judge her. Milo would, for he knew why she behaved like she did.

Because Milo, for all his decadence and flirtatious behaviour, was the only one that could see the darkness behind her eyes.

Artemis could lie to her heart, but would never be able to lie to her soul.

And just like Milo had given the victory to Hyoga when knowing he was not facing a child, but a man who held the truth of the path he too should be walking; Artemis had lost because she knew the only way she could win was by killing Hyoga. And that was something she didn’t want to do, so by accepting that inability, she accepted her defeat. And let him win.

‘’ Hyoga looked broken. Artemis didn’t look better, did she? Did you comfort her? ‘’

‘’ Milo ‘’

Scorpio chuckled, running his fingers through his violet mane.

‘’ I didn’t mean that kind of comforting, I know you did not sleep with her... I just needed to say so. I don’t lust for her since she was thirteen for nothing, Camus ‘’

He frowned, surprised, ‘’ You love her? ‘’

Milo’s eyes went wide, and then he started laughing so hard he had to bend to stop the aching on his stomach, ‘’ I will pretend you didn’t say that, my friend! We are talking of our huntress here, the girl that sees you as a father and sees me as a virtuous teacher! She is either mad or too smart, and none of them are my type ‘’

‘’ I thought all women were your type, Milo ‘’ Camus replied, smirking faintly.

‘’ Nah, only the knock outs that are willing to jump into my bed after some nice words and wine ‘’

‘’ And you’ve been trying to hit on Artemis? She doesn’t precisely fit into that category ‘’

Milo grinned mischievously, ‘’ Come on, Camus, have you seen her body? She might not fit the ‘jump into my bed’ part, but she is definitely worth the try. I still have to meet a woman that matches her breasts; when I do then I might... and just might... stop trying to get between her legs ‘’

‘’ You are hopeless, Milo ‘’

‘’ Awww, are we jealous? You know, Camus, I am always more than willing to try new experiences, and what’s best than sharing them with a friend? I heard trust is the most important part, and we trust each other, don’t we? It would be so interesting... ‘’ he purred, playing with a strand of Camus’ hair.

Camus shook his head both in refusal and disapproval, yet was all the same unable to stop himself from laughing. Milo’s lewd words usually meant his anger had faded, just as promptly as it had appeared.

For anger, as Camus had managed to learn, was short-lived in a scorpion.

Artemis woke up, panting heavily. She felt sick, nauseated and slightly blinded by the morning’s sun, and before she had been able to sit on the bed, she had to move to one of the sides to throw up.

‘’ Damn... ‘’ she whispered, taking her bandaged hand to her head. She was burning with fever, and felt as if Thor and his freaking Mjollnir were hammering her brain. This wasn’t her first hangover, but this was definitely her worst ‘’ Where is the frigging water... ‘’ she went on, cursing loudly when seeing both the glass and jar were empty. She moved the cover aside and tried to stand up, just to fall on her knees due to the pain in her ankles.

‘’ Fuck ‘’ she growled, feeling her bones. Nothing seemed wrong with them, yet the pain did not mellow.

Artemis’ eyes went wide when remembering the words that had been echoed in her dream. Clumsily, she pressed her hand on her left side and had to bite her lip to stop herself from screaming at the searing pain. Her wrists weren’t in a better shape either.

‘’ The dream... ‘’ she whispered, closing her eyes while trying to remember it. There was a bleeding girl, asking about a waterfall, but whenever she moved near her, she felt her pain. The pain of her wounds. So maybe it wasn’t just a dream, but a vision... Yet something was missing, she was sure there was something that had caught her attention even more than the seared wrists, the twisted ankles and the lost expression on the girl’s dark eyes... there was something...

‘’ Dammit ‘’ Artemis cursed, feeling nauseated once again ‘’ Arcade, I hope you didn’t use the temple as bathroom, because I am certainly not in the mood of cleaning up ‘’

The wolf was nowhere to be seen, which made Artemis’ suspicions grow even stronger. ‘’ Damn wolf, first he shits in the temple and then goes hunting. What a life ‘’ she grumbled, leaning on the bed to stand up. Now that her mind was conscious that the pain wasn’t real, she was having an easier time controlling it. Slowly, she made her way into the bathroom, resting her arms on the sink while throwing up for the second time.

‘’ Frigging cheap wine... ‘’ she added, lifting her face to look at herself in the mirror.

And then, by just staring at her reflection, she knew what was going on, and also knew that the life she had managed to create around her had been destroyed and shattered in her sleep.

For her guardians hated her, and they wanted her to feel their hate. And that hate they had inscribed on her cheeks by smearing them with blood, only to remind her how near they had been. To show her that she was living thanks to them, to show her that they could have killed her in her sleep, yet they hadn’t.

Artemis left the bathroom, forcing herself to ignore the pain and find the strength to keep on walking.

‘’ Arcade! ‘’ she cried out again, but a sharp pain on her chest stopped her, forcing her to lean against the temple’s gate. Now she remembered what had surprised her about the girl of her dream. She had an arrow... an Ortygian arrow... piercing her chest. In her dream, she had wondered how the girl could speak when she had that wound, but now she knew that the wound had not reached her heart. She had been left to bleed to death.

Artemis let out a load groan, taking her hand to her chest. The girl didn’t have much time, she could feel it in her own screaming heart.

‘’ Where... ‘’ she whispered, looking around. If the girl had been sacrificed to her, then there had to be a path.

Whoever Aphrodite had sent knew how the task had to be done, for Artemis soon found a crimson path marked on the almost dry mud. They had used blood to mark the way... a lot of blood, so the soil would not drink it all and eat the path.

Doing her best, Artemis shunned the pain from her mind and began walking, even when every step sent stings of pain that threatened to make her loose her consciousness. She walked, as fast as her ankles allowed her to.

And found her Guardians’ gift.

‘’ Shunrei... ‘’ she whispered in the girl’s ear, feeling the wound on her chest without removing the arrow. She knew the girl, she had been intrigued by her for a while now. A normal mortal being able to unsettle a Gold Saint in his own territory. She had been a mystery for her, someone marked by the Gods, though she was never able to find out which God or Goddess had claimed a woman with such a strong sixth sense as their own.

It seemed her Guardians had felt as intrigued as she did, and thought she would like the present.

‘’ Damn fools ‘’ Artemis growled, running her fingers over the paper. Carefully, she tore the edge that was pierced by the arrow, not even brushing the wooden shaft. And read it.

Artemis frowned, clenching her fist around the paper. It was Iphigeneia’s handwriting, though it spoke Aphrodite’s words. A sacrifice, made the way she had taught them... She took some steps back, staring at Shunrei’s twisted body. Slowly, Artemis felt her own blood smeared cheek. Despite the girl’s state, she wasn’t bleeding copiously, the only mark of blood worth considering being on her chest. Yet her face and the path from the temple to the column had been smeared with blood.

The sacrifice was missing, Shunrei was only the messenger.

For the first time in her life, Artemis felt afraid. She began to follow the path of blood with her eyes, feeling her body going cold. Her legs began to waver, and she was unable to know if it was from the pain Shunrei kept sending into her mind, or from the fear encasing her heart.

‘’ No... ‘’ she muttered, feeling the tears coming to her eyes, ‘’ No... you wouldn’t touch him... by Leto, you would never... No... fucking bastards, not him!!! ‘’ she cried out, the pain disappearing under her despair. She turned her back on Shunrei and with a last cry she ran though the crimson path. She slipped when trying to go over some broken pillars, a shriek escaping her lips from feeling her ankles tearing in the inside, yet she managed to stand up again, ignoring her stained knees and hands. She kept running, following the path to the back of the temple and down the steep hill that led to the shore. It was a mad race, a struggle, for with every step she took, her mind grew more and more certain of what she was going to find. And her heart, untouched by Shunrei’s pain, was starting to bleed.

Until it broke. She stopped at the shore, knowing there was no need to run, not anymore. She could already read the answer to her fears written in red on the sand. A single word, a word that could pierce through her soul and turn her into ashes.

She walked the few steps that separated her from the hunched figure that lay next to the blood-stained sand, and fell to her knees, stroking the back of her wolf’s head. He didn’t move. She watched, enthralled, the way her tears fell on his velvety hair, shinning like diamonds against the now crimson fur; and then she reached for him, lifting his head to place it on her lap. She bit her lower lip when seeing the blood flowing from his slit neck, and pressed her hand over it, trying to stop the bleeding.

‘’ Arcade ‘’ she whispered, frowning. ‘’ Please... wake up, you are the only one that followed me out of Ortygia... the only one that still sees me as I am... Please... you are my last friend, open your eyes... for me, do it... for me ‘’ she whimpered, closing her arms around his neck and holding him as tight as she could, locking her gaze in his own lifeless eyes.

‘’ Bastards... ‘’ she muttered, cradling her wolf’s broken body in her arms ‘’ Damn bastards!! ‘’

The world had turned suddenly dark around her, and she screamed. She cried as hard as her lungs allowed her too, freeing her grip around her Cosmo. The world that had turned her back on her heard her and felt her, felt her cold claws closing around their hearts and freezing them to death.

Without warning, her Cosmo spread around her in an unstoppable wave of shimmering crystals, hitting every cosmo in Sanctuary and feeding them with her pain. For she was able to heal Athena’s broken children, yet had failed to protect the last soul willing to follow her.

‘’ Vos caeum sum meus lupus ‘’ Artemis whispered, lifting her wolf in her arms. Her cosmo had covered both its body and her hair with frost, making her burning aquamarine eyes stand out from the total whiteness that surrounded them ‘’ Ego venabere vobis ‘’

SE FINNI

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First of all this chapter is dedicated to Toffee, my fellow conqueror ^_^y **hugs** –I know, it was supposed to be more Milo and Camus scenes, but somehow Aquarius demanded more attention... such a self-centred saint... tsk,tsk,tsk -

**Glossary and strange thingies**

Vesper: Dawn

Meus clades: my disgrace

Amens melaenis: Mad dark-one (Melaenis/dark one was one of the titles of Aphrodite, while Alphea/white one corresponded to Artemis)

Vos caeum sum meus lupus: You killed my wolf (approx., as my knowledge on Latin is veeeery limited)

Ego venabere vobis: I will hunt you (again, approx.)

‘Ars Amatoria’: Ovid’s compendium on what boys and girls should do to get laid ^_^U. A very funny and interesting book that I absolutely recommend if someone out there is interested in seeing how alike the classical greeks and modern people behave.

For sacrifices are the best way to catch the Gods’ attentions: Artemis was the member of the Greek pantheon that demanded most holocausts and killings – she was a very demanding Goddess and her rituals demanded lots of blood-, that was why there are so many myths regarding mortals forgetting/ignoring the sacrifices to this goddess, which sometimes included the sacrifice of the Sacred King himself (no wonder the king would refuse ^_^U). It is said that the statue of Artemis that Iphigeneia gave Orestes was so used to being offered men’s lives that when the rituals were changed, they would whip boys until they bled in front of the statue. Yet the statue’s glee would be such that it would go heavier if the blood was not enough, making the priestess cry out for more.

It was also known that the dearest the sacrifice, the more possibilities it had of being heard by the Gods, that’s why usually the king’s heirs/daughters are the ones the gods demanded on most myths (eg: Andromeda, Iphigeneia). That’s why the sacrifice of the Goddess’ sacred beast –in this case represented by Arcade- was the logical victim for the Hyperborean.

On Artemis displeasure on wounded preys: This is a very free literary modification ^_^. On Heracles’ twelve duties, when he wounded the stag’s ankles with his arrow, Artemis appeared to him to tell him off for wounding her sacred stag (a tale I already used on ‘In my End is my Beginning’ ^_^U). The rest has to do with Artemis being a nature goddess, so retribution had to be one of her precepts. Thus I preferred to use the metaphor of the ‘hunter being both predator and prey at the same time’, as a way to show that killing had a price on the killer. (besides, it sounded soooooo nice ^_________^)

On Artemis crying: Yeah, I know, Gods can’t cry, but this rule was ignored by both Homer and Kurumada... what’s stopping a struggling fanficker from doing the same? ^_~

On Artemis being a prophetic goddess: Prophecy was a skill both Apollo and Artemis shared, though later on with the Delphic Oracle, Apollo’s abilities became more known than his sister’s.

On Shunrei being able to ‘reach the Gods’: Oracles were supposed to be able to ask Gods mortals’ doubts and listen to their answers –which were veeeery twisted ^_^U-, and thanks to Kurumada-sama doing the little ‘Shunrei unsettling Deathmask’ scene, I thought to take her abilities a step further and compare her to the said oracles.