The Fall of a Goddess
" Mortal Eyes, looking through a veil of dreams.
Hypnotized, an ever-living soul with wings.
Think you are God, but you never had control,
Think you are loved, but there’s no one there at all ‘’
- Black Sabbath; Psychophobia -
Chapter 9: Blood Tainted Moon
I
The world stopped. For a second, a minute... a breath... there was nothing but coldness in the hearts of those who were able to feel her. Children broke in tears for no reason, old men feared their coming end. And those blessed by the Gods rose their cosmos in warning. For a Goddess who lost her path was not to be forgiven.
She was meant to fall.
Turned into a lone, fallen angel with broken wings.
So they waited, those who were loved by the Law-giver waited, surrounding the small temple, now frozen, with their cosmos burning and their hearts unsettled. They had been through many wars now, they had faced many gods, and knew the price to pay for lifting a hand against one of them. Of the Twelve Olympian.
All they could hope for was for a fast death and a place in Elysium. If Elysium still remained.
For the Huntress was trapped, surrounded and outnumbered. But the Goddess would never be outmatched.
‘’ There must be a way... ‘’ muttered Dohko, staring at the frozen gate. He had thought he had been the first to hear Artemis’ dreadful scream, yet Milo and Camus were already at the temple’s door when he got there. Many other Gold Saints had come, too, fearing the Huntress was now a threat. Fearing War. Yet he had managed to stop the trainees and most of the newer saints from playing heroes and daring a Goddess into a fight by sending Saga, Kanon and Deathmask to keep them on their usual posts. Even though they were not as respected as Aiolia, Mu or Aldebaran, they were feared. And fear was what everyone should be feeling right now. Specially him. Dohko was still surprised by the way he had handled everything, by the way he had played his post to perfection, even when he knew that his greatest treasure was inside that frozen temple with a crazed Goddess, unprotected, wounded. Alone.
He had felt Shunrei’s faint voice between the strangled scream of the Goddess, yet he was still able to pretend she wasn’t there. That she was still safe and happy in Rhozan.
Shiryu was not so able to delude his own mind, and in a way, this helped Dohko justify his own behaviour. As long as Shiryu fretted over Shunrei’s danger, he could allow himself to worry only over Sanctuary.
To follow the task of the Kyoko. To be Athena’s Voice.
‘’ Unless you find a Libra Saint in a matter of minutes, there are no ‘ways’ ‘’ Shura replied calmly, tightening his grip around Shiryu’s arm. ‘’ So we wait. All of us ‘’ he added, meeting Dragon’s eyes when stressing those words.
‘’ So we wait... ‘’ Dohko repeated, loosing himself in the many facets of the diamond-like ice. They waited.
‘’ Shunrei! ‘’ At least most of them did. The Dragon, calmed and strong... wise... could not allow himself to wait. His wrath had been awakened once again, and like the unstoppable creature that had once crushed the Cancer Gold Saint, it rose.
She always watched after him.
Prayed for him.
Helped him when endangered.
She was his angel.
An angel he had never been able to protect. First Okko had saved her from drowning when he, caught in his own sorrow and self-pity, had been unable to. Something in him had broken that day, when he failed to protect the one person that had always protected him.
He had changed. The Dragon had turned unworthy of being the one reflected in her eyes. Because he had known he would always fail her.
Deathmask proved him that also. Shunrei’s warmth had reached for him, had given him strength. And yet he could not stop the Gold Saint from throwing her into the waterfall. He could not save her; Dohko had to do it instead.
Always
He had known Dohko shouldn’t have left her alone in Rhozan. He had known danger would fall on her.
He had wanted her in Sanctuary. He had wanted to be reflected in her eyes, even when he wasn’t worthy of that honour. Yet he hadn’t ask her. He didn’t have the courage to ask his angel to follow him.
Always
Because of his pride and fears... because of his cowardice... she was slipping away from him again. And again, he could do nothing to save her.
He would always fail her.
Always
‘’ Shiryu, it’s no use... ‘’ began Shura, placing his hands on his shoulders to calm him down. ‘’ Dohko... ‘’ he added, asking for help to the man behind Athena’s Voice.. behind the pale gold mask...
" He is to blame, too!!! ‘’ Shiryu cried out, pushing the Capricorn Saint to the ground and turning to face his sensei. ‘’ You shouldn’t have left her alone! You know I can’t protect her!! I never could! ‘’
Ever
Shura looked at Dohko from the ground. The Kyoko was ignoring Shiryu’s words and his unstable state, even when Aiolia was already shifting into a fighting stance in case the Dragon lost control over himself. ‘’ You must not... ‘’ he whispered, crouching before stretching his leg in a sweeping kick that made Shiryu fall to the ground, ‘’ ... let your anger rule you ‘’
He stood up, placing his right foot firmly on Shiryu’s back to stop him from getting up. The long-haired saint tried to reach the foot with his hands, but Shura stopped him once again, keeping his wrists together with his left hand. ‘’ Anger will lead you nowhere ‘’
Shiryu did not answer, and kept struggling to break free instead. Shura pulled him up roughly, placing his free hand under his chin to keep him still while whispering in his ear. ‘’ I know the man that defeated me understands that. So stop playing and let go of the man that defeated Deathmask. Anger may help you against a traitor, but not against a Saint. And definitely not against a Goddess ‘’
Shiryu moved away from Shura when he released him, his grey eyes burning with deep green cosmo when meeting the Capricorn Saint’s steel-like violet gaze. But then the burning mellowed, and only a look of resignation remained.
Always
‘’ What is she doing to her...? ‘’ he whispered, crouching and taking his hands to his head. ‘’ Why has she... ‘’
‘’ Because she is in pain and Shunrei brought part of that pain to her ‘’
Shiryu looked at Milo from over his shoulder. The Scorpio Saint had remained silent since the beginning, standing next to Camus and Hyoga, the only other Bronze Boy that had come to the temple. Ikki hadn’t come, which did not surprise him. After all, Shiryu had guessed the previous night that their burning brother had left to his volcano after hearing about Tatsumi’s death.
Ikki always needed fire to heal his wounds.
‘’ Not even the snow can hide what happened ‘’ Milo added, his turquoise eyes leaving the temple to rest on Camus. Aquarius didn’t seem to notice. ‘’ Not even the coldest mask can hide the fire within ‘’
‘’ It’s not hers... ‘’ interrupted Mu, walking carefully out of the broken pillars. Dohko nodded absently. He had sent Aries and Taurus to find out what had happened, and if the blood on the ground was Shunrei’s. ‘’ The stains on the northern pillar are, but not the ones under the snow... and we found something on the shore, Kyoko ‘’
‘’ Something? ‘’ he asked, walking towards the two ice saints, ‘’ A message perhaps? ‘’
‘’ A clear one ‘’ the Aries Saint replied, ‘’ Aldebaran is removing the last blocks of ice that cover it, but we could already tell what it says... ‘’
‘’ ...‘Leave’ ‘’ said Camus, closing his eyes.
Dohko glared at him from behind his mask. ‘’ I want Sanctuary searched. Two saints per score of guards. Someone broke in and I want him found. Mu... ‘’
‘’ I’ll scan the Houses ‘’ the lilac-haired Saint said, bowing to Dohko before leaving.
He sighed, shaking his head slowly. ‘’ Will Artemis hurt her, Camus? ‘’
‘’ I cannot answer that, Dohko ‘’
‘’ Why? ‘’
‘’ Because he doesn’t know ‘’ Hyoga replied, frowning slightly. Camus’ eyes rested on him when interrupted, a faint smile curving his lips, for he knew that Hyoga had felt Artemis’ screaming cosmo resonating in his own. He had felt her pain.
He could still feel it.
‘’ She won’t, Dohko. Artemis does not care about Shunrei. And Gods like her only hurt those they love ‘’
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I am not I.
I am this one
Walking beside me whom I do not see,
Whom at times I manage to visit,
And at other times I forget.
The one who remains silent when I talk,
The one who forgives, sweet, when I hate,
The one who takes a walk when I am indoors,
The one who will remain standing when I die.
-Juan Ramon Jimenez-
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II
Everything was white and cold. Even when blankets covered her, she could feel that coldness, creeping over her skin, nesting in her heart. She had never felt such coldness... able to freeze the body as much as the soul.
‘’ Your voice can reach the Gods. I don’t know quite why, though... ‘’
Shunrei managed to sit despite her arms felt numb. Oddly enough, she wasn’t surprised when finding all her wounds had vanished, the only reminder of the Guardian’s work being the bandage around her chest. Somehow, she had known she was going to be ok.
‘’ Now speak, Voice. I want my message ‘’
Shunrei frowned. Her concept of a Goddess was of someone sweet and gentle. Someone whose endless love could be felt by merely staring into her eyes. Someone like Athena.
The woman that was staring at her from a corner of the icy room showed no love. Only madness.
She was sitting cross-legged, her back against the wall, diamond eyes fixed on the broken figure of a huge wolf on her side. Frost covered both of them, making her look dead and spectral. If it weren’t for the stains of dry blood on her hands and around the neck of the wolf, Shunrei would have sworn she was facing a Ghost.
But it was just a Goddess, who had been twisted and broken. Who had been forced to fall.
‘’ I healed you... ‘’ Artemis whispered without lifting her gaze from Arcade’s soulless eyes. ‘’ The arrow was so nicely made... ‘’ she went on, raising her arm. In her hand was the arrow that had pierced Shunrei’s chest, blood dripping from its tip. ‘’ It is not as good as the ones at the Armoury, but good enough. Did you know, Voice, that a Hunter is tied to its arrows? Or at least... we used to think that way... Just in case... ‘’ the diamonds rose to meet Shunrei’s eyes, a ravenous smile twisting her severe face. ‘’ I drenched this arrow in my wolf’s blood. If I break it... Iphigeneia will die ‘’ Artemis snapped the arrow in two, then sighed. ‘’ Or at least, she would have died, if Tique had not left me. But she did, Voice, everyone did. You will too, once you deliver your message. So tell me... ‘’ she added sweetly, tilting her face. Shunrei shivered when seeing the scars on her neck, ‘’ ... what do they say? ‘’
‘’ They... they want you... ‘’
‘’ To leave? Yes, yes, I know that part, my wolf was killed to make me remember that part ‘’ she grumbled impatiently, waving her hand at her to go on, ‘’ What else? ‘’
‘’ They say you shamed them... by defying them ‘’ Shunrei said, loosing her fears. Artemis did not want her death. Artemis only wanted her own. ‘’ They say that if you ever... defy them again... they will demand your head ‘’
‘’ My head? ‘’ Artemis smirked, then chuckle, before starting to laugh hysterically, ‘’ My head! Just that? A Goddess’ head on a silver platter... I could have given them that years ago, if they had been able to take it, of course... so, I defied them. Why? ‘’
‘’ Because you came here ‘’ Shunrei whispered, looking away.
‘’ You are wrong. I defied them by flashing my cosmo here, my presence would have been irrelevant. No one sees the truth, no one understands... ‘’ Artemis stood up and began pacing. ‘’ Except Aphrodite. She sees the world just like I do.... without laws, without mercy... So they told you that I had defied them and shamed them. And they are right. Do you know what I have accomplished by coming here, Voice? ‘’
‘’ I... ‘’
I don’t care.... I want to leave this room, this... grave... I want to get away from you...
‘’ In a minute, Voice ‘’ Artemis said, frowning. ‘’ You certainly think too loud ‘’
Shunrei’s eyes went wide.
How could you...?
‘’ Damn you! I’ve already told you! ‘’ Artemis suddenly dashed to Shunrei’s side, placing her arms at the sides of her head, ‘’ Because your freaking sixth sense can somehow reach the gods. You... Think.... Too... Loud ‘’ she growled, moving away and returning to the wolf’s side.
‘’ How is... ‘’ Shunrei whispered, sitting on the edge of the bed.
‘’ Dead ‘’ the goddess answered, stroking his neck. ‘’ Don’t move, you are too weak to walk ‘’ she lifted the wolf in her arms and stood up. ‘’ I wish they had killed you instead of him. But Iphigeneia is good when inflicting pain. She just hits were it hurts the most ‘’ Artemis grinned deviously, ‘’ But I guess you know that better than anyone, don’t you Voice? ‘’ she chuckled, ‘’ And yet you love her and hate me instead. But that’s ok. Goddesses are not meant to be loved. Only feared. ‘’
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Well, me... it’s nice talking to myself.
A credit to dementia.
Some day you too will know my pain,
And smile its blacktooth grin.
If the war inside my head
Won’t take a day off I’ll be dead.
My icy fingers claw your back.
Here I come again.
-‘Sweating Bullets’; Megadeth-
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III
When he was little, he had met a girl. She had eyes that sparkled like diamonds, midnight hair and the most beautiful and rare smile he had ever seen. She was harsh, but she was also gentle. She could make him laugh.
...You must follow your instinct more often, if you don’t, you'll never be a Saint...
The girl grew up, severe, reckless. Beautiful. And then left. But when his soul broke, and his heart bleed, she returned. And healed him.
...Won't you look at me?...
She stayed then, an accomplice, a partner in crime. She would always unsettle him, puzzle him. Mesmerise him. She would make his heart beat faster, and turn it into ice as promptly as she had turned it into fire. Back then, when the world was white and easy, he had promised her he would never leave her. And she had promised the same.
...You have the vow of a Goddess. What it stands for, you already know...
... I've always been with you, Hyoga, and I'll always be...
...Athena will be lucky to have you ...
She broke that promise. And so did he.
...As your friend, I died, you made sure to kill that part of me. As a Goddess... are you willing to face the Goddess?...
...See? I always catch my prey...
So did he....
...Because I fucking promised, that’s why!!...
...Oh, so now all I can do is play games? Damn you, Cygnus...
Yet he would still see the black-haired child that had laughed at him behind her icy eyes. He would still see the Goddess that wanted to hope.
...Hyoga... do you have hopes?...
...You are so silly.... All I want... I... I want to know how it feels like... to be able to hope for something... to believe in something greater than myself. To believe there is something else beyond being... like me...
Even when all she now did was hurt him...
...Am I funny, Cygnus?...
...Damn you, Hyoga, why on Leto’s sake should I escape a Saint?!...
And all he did was hurt her back.
...It never healed... never... all the others did... but yours... It was always there to hurt me...
...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...
But that had ended. And she was gone.
Hyoga couldn’t recognise her anymore. The moment the ice-wall that had blocked the temple’s gate turned into shimmering crystals and she emerged with her wolf in her arms, he was sure he had lost her.
...They want me to die!...
They had won.
...You needed? How strange!...
She was right. His problems had always come first. She had never... shown him... what she wanted. No. She had. That day, when she left Siberia, she had voiced her only ‘hope’. She had needed him to say that he trusted her.
He couldn’t.
Even when she had made his soul burn again, even when she had returned to Siberia for him, he couldn’t return the favour.
He didn’t know, back then, what she was going through, all he had known was that he wanted to make her suffer. He had been the one to strike first. And even now that he was finally beginning to understand her; he knew it was too late to ‘return’.
The huntress had turned into an angel once, when his pain reached her. But when the angel died... he didn’t even notice.
Her guardians had broken her soul, and he hadn’t done a thing to stop them. All he had done was offer them a clear shot.
What... had happened to her? To the little girl that mocked him? Had he killed her? Where had the brightness of her eyes gone?
‘’ What have you done to Shunrei?! ‘’ Artemis lifted her eyes from the corpse of her wolf and met Shiryu’s.
The brightness had died.
‘’ You ask me what have I done to the girl you couldn’t protect? ‘’ she said coldly, a ravenous smile spreading over her lips, ‘’ Nothing that my Guardians haven’t done to the wolf that I failed to protect ‘’
Anger. She was always good in bringing out the worst of people.
‘’ How...How could you?! ‘’
Hyoga tried to reach Shiryu before he dashed against Artemis, but he was too late. The emerald cosmo of the Dragon burned in anger, defying her.
‘’ Rhozan Sho Ryu Ha! ‘’
‘’ An agios can’t lift his hand against a thea ‘’ she whispered, her voice sounding incredibly calmed compared to Shiryu’s. Her Cosmo shone brightly, white flames freezing everything on their way.
And Shiryu, the emerald Dragon whose soul was at stake, dared to play with those flames. And failed.
Leo and Capricorn rose their own cosmos in defiance when Shiryu was thrown against one of the pillars, his weight and the strength of the blow making the marble column shatter.
‘’ Do you want to die? I don’t want to kill you, but if that is your desire, I will ‘’ she said softly to the two Gold Saints, her smile turning genuine. ‘’ Right now I feel as if I could kill the world ‘’
‘’ Drop the stances ‘’
Aiolia frowned at Dohko’s orders, while Shura sworn. Yet both of them obeyed, even when they didn’t understand his reasons.
‘’ Shiryu, are you ok? ‘’ he asked from behind his pale gold mask.
His student opened his eyes slowly, accepting Shura’s help to stand up. Frost covered his legs and arms, and deep cuts spread over his skin like cobwebs, but no other wounds had been inflicted. It had only been a warning.
‘’ I am ‘’ he finally whispered, his voice breaking because of the shame. Tears shone in his grey eyes, where anger still burned.
‘’ Go get Shunrei. She is inside, isn’t she? ‘’
‘’ She is, though she can’t walk ‘’ Artemis answered, fluttering her eyelashes innocently, ‘’ Iphigeneia broke her legs... and poisoned her blood... and twisted her arms. My Guardians are very effective ‘’ she added with a wide grin, ‘’ It was a pity healing all those wounds, maybe you could have used her on one of your lectures, Dohko. That way all of you, proud saints of Athena, would know what you are facing ‘’
Dohko ignored her words and nodded to Shiryu, who refused Shura’s help and went into the temple on his own.
‘’ I did not know we were facing anyone, my Lady ‘’ Dohko replied calmly once Shiryu had disappeared into the temple.
‘’ Oh, you did not? Well, I’ll enlighten you then ‘’
‘’ ...don’t ‘’ That’s what all he could say. That was all he felt capable of doing for her.
Artemis glared at Hyoga, her eyes narrowing into tiny slits. ‘’ I think I will ‘’ she repeated, her anger burning into life. ‘’ I was a guest in Sanctuary, under the laws of hospitality. Both my person and my possessions were under Athena’s care. But she failed me, you see? Because, in case you haven’t noticed, my sacred wolf was killed in this place last night, his throat was slit and his blood was smeared over the shore and on my face while I slept. So I guess Dohko, that you are facing me ‘’ The last words were almost a growl, her arms closing tighter around her wolf to keep her cosmo from breaking free. ‘’ But don’t worry, everything has already been solved and we can all be friends once again ‘’ she smiled deviously, ‘’ you see, my Guardians are very effective. Because Athena has also lost her most faithful dog. They made sure she would. You can tell her we are even, then ‘’
Aiolia and Shura turned to look at Dohko, waiting for orders. Milo cursed, and Camus fixed his eyes on the temple’s gate when Dohko’s masked face tried to see if he had already known.
‘’ My lady, Athena would gladly appreciate it if you could tell her yourself on her return... ‘’ he finally answered.
‘’ But I cannot, so you will tell her ‘’ Artemis stepped closer, leaning to whisper in his ear ‘’ I am not Eris, Dohko, I am not a goddess you can imprison because Athena doesn’t like me. I will not be taken down, Libra, not without taking with me all of Sanctuary ‘’ she added hoarsely, using his previous saint name to insult him ‘’ So now, I am going home and we’ll remain in peace terms. Ask me to stay again, and you have war ‘’
She chuckled when Dohko did not answer, staring into the remaining Saints’ eyes to see if any of them wished to dare her. Milo stepped forward.
‘’ Master, do you want to play with me? ‘’ she whispered softly.
‘’ It’s been long since the last time you called me like that... ‘’ he said, placing a hand on her shoulder. ‘’ Did Shunrei hurt you? ‘’ he added lowly in her ear so the rest wouldn’t hear them.
‘’ Voice? Not enough ‘’
‘’ They hurt you? ‘’
She smiled absently, hugging Arcade tighter. ‘’ ... Always ‘’
He nodded, placing a hand over the wolf’s side. Artemis frowned and tried to move him away from his reach protectively, but Milo stopped her by tightening his grip on her shoulder. ‘’ I will take care of him ‘’
She looked at the wolf’s glassy eyes, and then into Milo’s. ‘’ A pyre. Everything must be burned in my honour. Everything. That way, he will be able to wait for me in Olympus ‘’
‘’ I can do that ‘’ he said, taking the wolf from her arms.
‘’ Burn... ‘’ she looked at her stained nightgown and cursed, making her cosmo shine around her hand. A dagger encrusted with garnets and onyx stone and a carved crimson blade appeared, her fingers closing around it. ‘’ ... burn this in his pyre, it’s part of my Tunic. He... ‘’ she bit her lower lip, forcing herself not to cry, ‘’ he deserves it. For being my most loyal follower ‘’
‘’ Artemis... ‘’ Milo leaned closer, whispering in her ear, ‘’ ...Make them fall ‘’
She smiled, whispering back.
‘’ I will ‘’
Artemis straightened her back and walked away from Milo, forbidding herself to turn back. Her icy eyes ignored Aiolia’s blue sapphires and Shura’s steel-like gaze. For an instant, they rested on Camus, but soon moved on.
Until they stopped.
You are dead.... I don’t want you to be dead... live... if you won’t do it for me, do it for yourself...but please, live.
Hyoga wished he could tell her that, he wished he hadn’t turned his back on her the previous night, he wished so many things hadn’t happened. He wished he could bring her back from wherever she had lost herself in, and make her smile, make that teasing smirk grace her lips once again.
But wishing was in vain.
‘’ I... ‘’
‘’ Hyoga ‘’ she said, interrupting him. She looked at the floor, frowning slightly, but then looked up at him once again.
Your eyes are dead... they used to burn so brightly, but I can’t see anything in them anymore... not even myself...
‘’ I.... ‘’ she leaned against him, the smell of dry blood and dirt on her gown drowning the scent of sandalwood of her skin. One of her hands crept over his back, resting at the nape of his neck, while she rested her chin on his shoulder, ‘’ I hate you... ‘’ Artemis finally whispered, closing her eyes ‘’ ...and I also love you. I wish I knew why, but I don’t. All I know is that because of that, I am in torment ‘’
...Because of Catullus’ words? The words have no value...
The words she had said the previous night echoed in his head... She had lied... She always did, he had merely forgotten.
Artemis’ lips almost brushed his when she moved away, and he couldn’t do anything but stare at her as she made her cosmo burn, loosening the grip she held around it.
Even if the light in her eyes had died, her cosmo was the same; a core of coldness that seared everything it touched. The white shimmering flames spread to embrace his own, an icy breath reaching into his heart. Just like before.
But when he found the strength to make his own cosmo burn, she was gone.
They had won.
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This world is a puzzle, This world is a lie
But this world is compassionate, after all
Only for a loved one, I am waiting
-Schwarz Ein. DIA III: Farfarello’s Theme Song-
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IV
Milo watched the flames dance, crackle and twist, engulfing the shadow of the wolf. He had burnt him in her name, just as she had asked, and placed the dagger by his side before lighting the pyre.
Whenever he closed his eyes, he would feel her screaming cosmo, he would see her, her bleeding eyes and vacant expression. That was why he kept his eyes open, fixed on the bonfire. He didn’t want to remember that. He didn’t want to think about her. It was best to light a fire and watch the beast burn.
‘’ It’s ironic, don’t you think? ‘’
Milo frowned slightly when Camus approached, watching him as he knelt by the fire and threw a bunch of clover into the flames. ‘’ Artemis came here to forget Ortygia. Yet because she came, she is now with them ‘’
‘’ I thought Dohko wanted you to take over the west post ‘’
‘’ He sent Hyoga ‘’
‘’ And he followed his orders? ‘’ Milo almost growled those words, his turquoise eyes burning as much as the fire. Camus allowed a faint smile to appear on his lips. Milo’s passionate soul shone in those eyes whenever something he believed in was endangered. He was certain that, when Milo had faced Hyoga in his name, that passion had burned. And now it was burning again. Camus sometimes wondered if Milo’s flame one day would burn too high and turn him into ashes.
Do your instincts want you to go to her? Does your soul burn because you won’t? Because no one will? You asked her to make them fall, Milo... but she won’t. Does your soul know that?
‘’ Why wouldn’t he? He is a Saint, and Dohko is the Kyoko ‘’
‘’ But sometimes... ‘’ Milo stopped, watching at the burning flames in disgust, lowering his head after some minutes. ‘’ What have we turned into, Camus? ‘’
In dead men walking
‘’ We are Gold Saints ‘’
Heartless angels
Milo smirked. ‘’ To protect Athena, the world and those we love! ‘’ He chuckled. ‘’ We are so full of shit, Camus. We fight for Her, yes... ‘’ Milo pointed at the statue at the top of the Twelve Houses, the Goddess whose eyes never wavered from those she loved, ‘’... but the rest are lies for trainees. A Saint is an expert in bringing pain to those he loves. If he is capable of loving at all. We are almost as twisted as the Gods in that area... I had only hoped Bronze Saints would be different... ‘’
‘’ We can’t afford ourselves to hope... We are what we are ‘’
Milo glared at Camus. ‘’ And what is that? Saints? Well, I certainly find the title fits me perfectly ‘’ he added with irony.
‘’ Milo... ‘’ Camus stood up, brushing the dirt from his black trousers. ‘’ If you love her so, why don’t you go to her? ‘’
Milo stared at him, his eyes narrowing into slits. Then he laughed. ‘’ Love? You still don’t get it, don’t you? Despite all your wisdom, you can’t see it... I don’t know why I am surprised, though... you made sure you would never see... ‘’
‘’ What do you mean? ‘’ Camus frowned, closing his hand around Milo’s shoulder and forcing him to turn around and face him. ‘’ I said what do you mean? ‘’
‘’ Why do you care? You wouldn’t understand it even if I explained it to you ‘’
... Why do you care...?
Hyoga had wanted to ask him that same question. Artemis had voiced it, but he hadn’t answer. And now Milo wanted the same from him. To see if there was something inside of him, under the ice. He understood, though, why they did so. Because they knew Aquarius could not love, and they needed to understand what force was the one that pushed him to pick them up from the ground whenever feelings made them fall. They needed to know what was his flame when Love did not touch him.
Love.
Camus understood it, yet could not feel it. He just... did not know what he felt. What could he feel? His life, completely devoted to his task, to his students, had had its perfect ending when Hyoga defeated him. When he had to die in order to make Hyoga reach the seventh sense. His lack of feelings, his dedication to Athena, to Sanctuary, had exploded the moment Hyoga had taken the aurora execution from him. When that happened, he was sure he felt.
He allowed himself to cry and feel, for he knew he deserved that. Because Hyoga had defeated the Saint, and freed the Man, he allowed himself a few seconds of Life.
It had been the end he had always wished for. Even when he had hoped, before his life left him, to be able to let Hyoga live, to be able to see him grow and turn into a Saint greater than his master, he had not repented any of his actions.
If he had been given the opportunity to return to the past, he was certain he would not change a thing.
But now that life had been granted to him, now that he was alive, he found no meaning in that ‘gift’. Hyoga had made his heart burn, as high as Milo’s passions did. In that final moment, Hyoga’s Aurora Execution had burned his own. And that fire had not died, even when he had.
That fire, now that he breathed again, was still there, a part of him he could not understand.
The shadow of a smile curled his lips. It seemed Artemis wasn’t the only one whose fate was twisted by Irony. He, who feared Milo’s flame would one day consume his friend, had already died because his own newly found fire had scorched him too deeply.
Now... now that same fire was asking him to live.
‘’ Try me ‘’
Milo frowned, pushing Camus’ hand away from his shoulder. For a breath, Camus thought Milo would turn his back on him and leave, but soon the turquoise eyes of Scorpio fixed on his
‘’ How can you understand what it means not to be wanted? How can you understand what it means to lose all you love? You were never there, Camus. You made sure you would never be ‘’
Milo took a step back and sighed, rubbing his eyes. ‘’ You are unable to feel alone, Camus, to feel the despair loneliness brings. Artemis is not. You want to know how she feels? Deprived, meaningless. And powerful. All she has is her power now... the feeling of being able to kill the world ‘’ he quoted, smirking. Yet his eyes remained thoughtful, serious. His flames were trying to grasp so many things...
‘’ Your trainee... ‘’ Camus frowned when hearing the anger in that phrase, Milo usually called Hyoga by his name ‘’ ... he knows how it feels... He is worst than you, Camus. He’s been on Artemis’ place so many times, lost and alone, when his mother died, when Isaac died... When you died. But he was always able to hide it and act like you do. He feels and acts as if he doesn’t. Quite your opposite, don’t you think? You don’t feel, and yet sometimes you act as if... ‘’ Milo stopped, trying to find an answer in Camus’ deep blue eyes. He chuckled. He should have known there would be nothing to see. ‘’ Forget it, you are just like Hyoga. You can’t see that Gods turned to flesh are very much like mortals, you can’t understand... ‘’
‘’ What can’t I understand? Milo... ‘’
‘’ You asked me if I loved her, didn’t you? Look for an answer within you, Camus. She is to me what Hyoga is to you. If you, cold Aquarius died for him, just guess what I would do for her ‘’
It was a low blow. A blow Camus had seen coming since his friendship with Milo had strained.
...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...
Had it been Hyoga the one that made him fall that night, when they fought and bleed? Had he been the one that caused that newly found fire to burn up and die?
‘’ Don’t lecture me, Milo ‘’ he let out through clenched teeth. He did not want to look into himself. He did not want to be forced to search for answers to questions he did not care about. He was a Gold Saint.
A Gold Saint was flawless. Was more than a Mortal. Was nearly a God.
But Gods bleed, suffered and cried. Gods felt.
So what did that make of him?
... we are what we are...
A hypocrite. A lie.
Perfection
He was worst than Artemis, with her need to be held and her fear to be judged. For he had no one to judge him, and no need of others. And yet he burned.
‘’ Don’t compare yourself with me ‘’
Even when he did not want to.
He saw anger and pain turning into life in Milo’s own flames. They burned higher than his, yet Camus could not help to feel reflected in them.
‘’ Who would? ‘’
Scorpio’s Sting. Hurting others when hurt himself. Camus wondered if Milo knew how much like the Gods he behaved.
‘’ You would ‘’ he said matter-of-factly, returning his attention to the pyre. The fire was still burning, a sweet, nauseating odour filling the air ‘’ If Artemis lost all she loves, then she is free ‘’
‘’ She is dead, Camus. She has no weaknesses, remember? That includes your coldness ‘’
‘’ Then she needs no one ‘’
‘’ She needs everyone. She lost what she loves most, and now blames herself. She fights herself. How can she expect to defeat someone without weaknesses? She can’t ‘’
She’ll fall
Camus was puzzled. Milo rarely argued so much against him. He rarely tried so badly to be right. Milo cared too much about himself as to bother with arguments that were meaningless to him.
Yet now the turquoise flames were ablaze, telling him... stating... that in this case, Scorpio knew best than Aquarius. Passion could talk about pain and suffering; Coldness could not.
‘’ How do you- ‘’
Milo laughed, interrupting him. It was a chilling laughter, full of irony and sarcasm. Full of pain.
‘’ You just can’t see it, not even if I wrote it all over Sanctuary. Hyoga and Artemis were not the only ones to fall, Camus. They are not the only ones that lost all they loved... And your precious student is not the only one that can’t deal with having what he lost back ‘’
Camus did not speak. The sparks of the flame that scorched him under the ice remained concealed, and nothing, not even the slightest acknowledgement of the meaning of those words, not even the slightest surprise, was reflected in his cold blue eyes.
Passion could talk about pain and suffering. Coldness could inflict them both, and not feel guilty for doing so.
Coldness could allow itself not to feel and make Passion cry.
‘’ Damn you, Camus ‘’ Milo growled, turning his back on him and walking towards the Twelve temples.
Aquarius remained staring at the fire, letting him leave. His anger would not last, he knew that.
And himself... as far as he could see, he was already damned.
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Thou wast all that to me, love,
For which my soul did pine –
A green isle in the sea, love,
A fountain and a shrine,
All wreathed with fairy fruits and flowers,
And all the flowers were mine.
-Edgar Allan Poe, ‘’ To One in Paradise ‘’ –
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V
Somehow, deep down inside, she had hoped everything would have lost its shine without her. She had hoped the deep bluish green of the leaves would turn yellow, and die. She had hoped no bird would fly over the clear sky, no beast would dare to roam the shadows of the forests. Nothing would grow, nothing would thrive. She had hoped everything would wither away without her.
But Ortygia, the island with the steep cliffs, dark, twisted forests, muddy grounds and hidden caves was still as beautiful as it was the day she left it. Four years had gone by, and nothing had changed. The raw beauty of the sacred island was still intact.
It had survived.
She smiled. It was unfair that the island that held her heart and blood would sore will she fell, but fairness was something she had never believed in. Gods weren’t fair. Gods weren’t merciful.
Gods where Gods, perfectly flawed beings that followed their own wishes and desires. That followed their passions, whatever they may be. Sometimes they took what they wanted... sometimes they yielded. And sometimes, only sometimes, they fell.
She knew that, she knew it the same way she knew her blood was boiling now that her soul was back to where it belonged. Her soul was crying, and her cosmo... her cold, severe, unforgiving cosmo, was reaching the very core of Ortygia, feeding on its heart the same way her guardians had feasted on hers.
Gods went insane. That she also knew. They went insane and destroyed everything they loved. But they had to be loved first. And no one loved her, so she knew she wouldn’t lose herself. The last being that she could have hurt, was already dead. The others... every being she loved would not even look at her. They did not care if she made them bleed.
So she would. Just to show them that she still loved them.
Artemis smiled, her fingers brushing over the rough surface of the trees and the dew-covered bushes. She had almost forgotten... how much she loved Ortygia.
‘’ Did you miss me? ‘’ she whispered, walking through the forest. ‘’ Did you miss your mother, your lover, your child? ‘’ She moved as if in trance, quickening her pace, her icy eyes narrowing into slits while her Cosmo started to burn around her.
‘’ You didn’t ‘’
Artemis growled those words, loosening her grip around her Cosmo completely while breaking into a run. The muddy ground felt soft under her naked feet, the bushes were soft caresses against her legs, the wind a loving embrace around her body. This was her land, untamed, unruly, savage, wild. Hers. Athens had drowned her, suffocated her under its laws, trying to make her fit into a scheme. Ortygia was freeing her. The Goddess was alive once again.
Suddenly, the forest led her into an open space. And she saw it, as beautiful and overpowering as the day it was built, the white marble mixing perfectly with the onyx and ebony, the steps being barely covered by dry leaves and dirt. The strong, tall columns stood proudly, ivy surrounding their bases, while the statues of wild animals and the painted panels on the walls retained their blazing glory. Even the torches burned next to the carved gate, the flames dancing under the sun.
The Artemisium.
‘’ Because you always knew that I would come back. That I would never... ‘’ Her cosmo spread, engulfing the huge temple, resonating with its ancient power. And the gate opened, for its mistress ordered so.
... Leave you
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How does it feel to treat me like you do?
When you've your hands upon me
And told me who you are
I thought I was mistaken
I thought I heard your words
Tell me, how do I feel
Tell me now, How do I feel
-New Order, ‘Blue Monday’-
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VI
Thyestes stepped into his shrine, dodging the pieces of wood and the broken bricks scattered on the gravel with practised ease. The sharp, humid wind that blew over the island pushes his flame-like bangs over his eyes and grazed his skin, but he ignored the feeling. He was used to it.
After some minutes of walking without hurry, he reached a clear spot among the ruins. A stone stood in the centre, covered by dust and dry leaves. Several pieces of dirty cloths, melted candles and wooden effigies of children lay around its base Thyestes sighed as he knelt by the stone, picking up one of the effigies to admire the rough edges. The workmanship was very basic, but in it resided its raw beauty.
‘’ Aglaus, Orchomenus and Calileon... ‘’ he whispered, leaving the effigy back in its place. The memory of three smiling faces replaced those of the effigies, making him frown in pain. ‘’ Forgive me... ‘’ he added lowly, closing his emerald eyes while placing his left hand over the stone. Soon, his fingers began to shine with a golden light. Bright gold cosmo that flowed from his hand to the stone and spread all over the Den’s Ruins.
Thyestes’ Shrine. Home of the Canes Venatici Guardian.
‘’ They are not the ones you must ask forgiveness to ‘’ said a deep, hollow voice once Thyestes’ cosmo stopped burning.
‘’ And the one I should is not listening ‘’ Thyestes replied, lifting his gaze to the unlit torch by the altar.
‘’ Thinking of betraying Melaenis? ‘’. Thyestes smiled, brushing the dust away from his trousers as he stood. ‘’ I would never betray my Goddess ‘’
‘’ Spoken as a true diplomat ‘’ Emerald eyes met the unreadable gaze of a grey mask, red curves painted under its left eye.
‘’ Why are you here, Narcissus? ‘’
The taller man ran his fingers over his aquamarine hair as he stepped to the edge of the ruins, staring at the temple that stood beyond the trees and bushes. ‘’ Your Shrine is nearer the Artemisium ‘’
‘’ Orion’s, Dictina’s and Atalanta’s are even closer ‘’
‘’ Orion and Dictina are not in them. And Atalanta is busy... as always. Besides, none of them would be particularly interested in allowing me to see the temple from up close ‘’
‘’ Thinking of betraying Melaenis? ‘’
Narcissus tilted his head as his masked eyes met Thyestes’. The redhead frowned slightly, trying to get used to the older Hyperborean’s presence. Narcissus was the odd one of their pack, too gentle looking, too calmed compared to the rest of the Guardians. He always seemed to have just woken up, moving slowly and subtly as if his body had no consistence. He just... was like a ghost, walking in its ethereal world. Thyestes had even told him once that he seemed to be made out of the same material dreams were built. That had been the only time he had seen him smile.
‘’ I would never betray my Goddess ‘’ he finally echoed. As always, there was no irony or sarcasm in that statement. Narcissus rarely cared for that.
Thyestes nodded, closing his eyes to let all his senses focus on the cold Cosmo flooding the island.
‘’ She is in the Inner Temple ‘’ he finally said, opening them and staring at the torch which had sprung into life, blue fire dancing at its end.
‘’ Yes, she is ‘’ Narcissus repeated, watching bolts of white and black cosmo bursting from the ground around the Artemisium. ‘’ Do the others... ? ‘’
Thyestes smiled. The others. That was what Ortygia had turned into since the day Artemis left, its unity breaking into pieces. Nine Guardians had asked her to leave, but only seven had knelt before Aphrodite. When the golden-haired Goddess had asked them to swear their loyalty to her, he had missed the ceremony by claiming a wounded stag had entered his shrine and had to take care of the wound before it was too late. Narcissus was the other one who had refused to make that vow. And Thyestes still admired the older Guardian for doing so. Less prudent than him, Narcissus had merely turned his back on Aphrodite and her newly built temple and walked into his own shrine, ignoring her ever since.
That day, Narcissus had been the greatest of them all.
‘’ Know? If this torch is burning, it means the other eight are. You should go to your Shrine, Narcissus, you know what this means ‘’
‘’ The call of war... ‘’ Narcissus stretched his hand towards the Artemisium, allowing his cosmo to burn. A deep crimson glow began to emanate from his body, making its way through the trees and bushes towards the temple.
‘’ Don’t ‘’ Narcissus stared at Thyestes’ hand over his, his golden cosmo invading his own. ‘’ It would be useless. Your hate towards Aphrodite is well known, and my House has always been faithful to Alpheia. Don’t give Melaenis a reason to kill us ‘’
‘’ I just wanted to feel her... But you are right... you always are ‘’ he replied, lowering his hand and stopping his cosmo from burning. ‘’ She’s really back, isn’t she? ‘’
Thyestes stared at the Artemisium, shinning in the distance. ‘’ She is, for better or for worse... ‘’ As he spoke, he sensed the cosmos of the other Guardians burning into life, searching for answers in one another, all of them afraid or too puzzled as to confront the one cosmo that truly belonged to Ortygia.
Artemis’
Closing his eyes, he freed his cosmo, ignoring the urge of embracing the white one screaming in the Artemisium, to touch those of the remaining Guardians. The first one to answer was the newly arrived Iphigeneia, her warm, loving cosmo whispering something about learning through sacrifice. Pentesilea was the next one to reply, merely brushing his cosmo to acknowledge his call.
‘’ Pentesilea knew she was going to return ‘’ Narcissus added when sensing the unsettled cosmos drifting throughout Ortygia. ‘’ It was in her vision ‘’
Thyestes frowned, but decided to leave the questions for later when sensing Hippolytus’ strong cosmo entwining with his. Egeria playfully burned him with her fiery wings and Atalanta almost scolded his cosmo with her own for interrupting her. The serpent was rarely unaccompanied.
Only two cosmos remained away from his touch, and that could only mean Orion and Dictina were at the White Temple and not at their Shrines, as Narcissus had hinted. And the temple that Aphrodite had made them built for her was a place Thyestes did not want to scan. Doing so would be taking a stand, and he could not allow himself that freedom. None could.
‘’ They all know... ‘’
‘’ So by asking her to leave, we brought her back ‘’ Narcissus looked up, towards the cliffs. And Thyestes shuddered when seeing the smirk forming on his lips when his masked eyes fixed on the White Temple that stood proud over all the shrines. Narcissus never smirked.
‘’ Aphrodite will love this ‘’
VII
Artemis stood at the entrance of the Inner Temple, listening to the whispers of the underground lake. She hadn’t really been conscious about her finally being back in Ortygia when she had entered the Artemisium. She had looked at every corner of the Outer Temple, not really surprised when seeing that Dictina was not there, she had walked among the nine thrones and brushed the polished surface of her own with her fingers. But everything had been like a dream, all she saw and remembered was processed in her mind with a surprising detachment.
But when she had placed her hand over the carved gate beyond the throne and made her own cosmo resonate with the forces that guarded the sanctity of the Inner Temple, all that detachment had vanished. Because she was back where she belonged, and for the first time in years, she knew she should never have left.
Ortygia was hers; that was what the murmur of the lake seemed to be telling her. Ortygia wanted her and she would gladly let the island have her.
‘’ Fos ‘’ she said coldly, stretching her arm and keeping her palm upwards. Two spheres of light danced over it before dashing into the depths of the cave. With a shower of sparks, they collided against two torches, making them burn to life. The eerie glow they projected cast shadows against the twisted stalactites and crooks of the cave’s walls. But the most breath-taking sight was that of the light of the torches flowing over the stone-carved throne that hid the entrance to the sacred grotto, to spread all over the dark lake that rested at its feet.
She couldn’t help feeling afraid of closing her eyes, in case everything would disappear the moment she opened them. The Inner Temple, the huge cave with its underground lake that was the heart and soul of Ortygia, was unmarred. Everything, from the shimmering walls, to the thriving nightshades, hemlock and staghorn creeping between the stones and stalagmites, and the foggy lake, still possessed the same raw beauty they had had the day she left.
The door closed behind her when she started walking into the cave, Artemis following the contours of the small lake towards the throne. Her eyes narrowed into tiny slits when fixing on the crimson and black figure sitting on it, cosmo emanating from it. The greaves betrayed long, strong legs, while the armour uncovered many of the vital points in order to allow freedom of movements. Oddly enough, instead of brassards, thin sleeves of closely knitted chain mail linked to the cuirass by large rings were the ones to protect the arms. Everything about the whole armour seemed to talk of an apparent frailness. Apparent, because tightly held by metal fingers was a long crimson bow, carved in black, while the right hand was reaching for onyx-tipped arrows from the quiver attached to the back of the armour. Power and protection had been sacrificed in the name of speed and strength in that armour.
In that Tunic.
Artemis smirked, staring at her reflection on the lake. She was still wearing the linen nightgown, which was by now so dirty and stained that it was almost impossible to believe it had been white.
‘’ It’s been long since I last wore you... ‘’ she whispered, following the line of the black and red mask with her eyes, stretching her hand to touch the new moon engraved on the winged tiara.
The Tunic responded to her touch, glowing brightly. The bronze arms that held the pieces together shifted, stretching towards Artemis and offering her the bow and three arrows.
‘’ Nai... ‘’ The word escaped her lips when she touched the tip of one of the arrows with her index, a drop of blood sliding down its sides.
With ease, she seized the bow, strung it and twanged the string melodiously, the sound echoing against the tortured walls of the cave.
... The arrow is an extension of ourselves. The bow is the muscle of our shoulders, the arrow our arm, its shimmering point our hand. If we want something, all we have to do is stretch our arm and make our hand reach it. That way, we can never miss, for we never miss when grabbing something, why should we when going through it?...
Artemis grinned when remembering the words she had told each one of her Guardians when they had praised her aim. The same bow had been on her hands back then, and all of them had once in their lives asked her for permission to wield it. None had had the strength needed to bend it. No one but her could shoot with it.
‘’ Aima... tanges... aethera ‘’ she said, narrowing her eyes before releasing the string, the three arrows crossing the air with a whistle, the ones at the sides sinking against the left and right walls, while the third one, whose tip was smeared with her blood, sunk into the lake.
Everything went silent afterwards. Even the gentle murmur of the lake ceased. And in Artemis’ aquamarine eyes, the inherent darkness that always lurked inside of them shifted.
The walls were the first to collapse; revealing two doors made of black stone. The one on Artemis’ right was carved with the totemic symbols of each of her guardians: the hounds, the hydrus, the snake, the hunter, the unicorn, the chariot, the harpy, the dragon and the river, crowned by her own symbol, the moon in its three stages, new, full and dying. Rather eclipsed by its twin, the other door presented no carving, with the exception of two silver arrows encrusted in each of its panels. The doors leading to the Armoury and to her chambers. Doors that had been sealed since the day she left Ortygia.
But she paid no heed to them; her attention focussed on the dark waters of the lake instead.
‘’ Nemesis ‘’
The waters roared, perturbed, while a ray of light descended from a hole on the cave’s roof and sunk into the lake, waves of darkness brushing Artemis’ feet.
‘’ Open my eyes ‘’
As she said each word, the light began to fade, condensing into a silver sword, which tip rested on the surface of the lake. Then, rays of cosmo began to spread from the sword, tracing a five-pointed star on the lake’s surface. The symbols of the different realms began to flash in each of the cells of the star, unveiled to Artemis’ eyes.
‘’ Enosichthon ‘’ she whispered, and the Trident danced over the faint currents of the lake in the cell closer to her.
‘’ Girder-on-of-Arms ‘’ The Owl appeared to her left, followed by the Golden Apple, its prisoner.
Artemis knelt and placed her hand into the now shimmering waters. Arcade had many times interrupted her visions by whining and scratching the Inner Temple’s gate. But even if she knew that had happened, she couldn’t see him anymore, her wolf’s follies and games had been erased from her mind, replaced by the single image of his broken body by the Athenian shore. She would not allow the same happening with Ortygia. Her island was alive, and she was going to keep it that way.
‘’ Melaenis ‘’
The lake went dark to later turn ablaze, the Girdle appearing on the centre of the star.
Artemis smirked, closing her eyes and scanning the island. She overpowered the cosmos of her Guardians, breaking into their souls and warning them to remain in their shrines. And then, only then, she touched Aphrodite’s.
She allowed her cosmo to flow into the lake and entwine with the sword, threads of white energy dancing with the silver of the blade. When she opened her eyes, the star disappeared from the lake’s surface, replaced by the image of an ivory temple supported by shimmering carotids on the top of a steep cliff. There her cosmo had found Eros’ and Aphrodite’s, the ones that had crippled Ortygia by using its treasures to build their temple, maiming its forests and killing its sacred beasts only to satisfy their luxurious whims.
They had taken everything too far, enough to corrupt her Guardians. Those souls she recognised as her own.
‘’ I’ve come... ‘’ Artemis whispered, echoing the words she had heard from her Guardians’ voices on their initiations, as she stood up, forcing her own cosmo against Aphrodite’s ‘’ ... to ask for my heart’s desire ‘’
VIII
‘’ Get out ‘’
The bleak hunter shifted his position, straddling the young woman’s waist and leaning over her. The air around them was warm and humid, smelling of incense, their combined scents and sweat. Sunlight made its way through the curtain of water that hid the crevice’ entrance, reflecting on the man’s weather beaten skin and the woman’s golden limbs ‘’ Playing tough to get again? ‘’ he whispered hoarsely in her ear, brushing a rebellious red lock away from her stunning face. Crimson eyes met brown eyes, crackling with purple fire.
‘’ I said get out ‘’ The fire turned to life, searing his chest when her hands pushed him to the ground, the furs that had earlier warmed their bodies entangling with his legs.
‘’ Are you mad, woman? ‘’ he said, placing one of the furs around his waist to cover his body.
Atalanta stood up, ignoring him and walking to the crevice’ edge. Despite the waterfall that protected her shrine was falling with all its might over her naked shoulders, she could still stand straight, her red hair falling sleek against her back while the water fell in thick rivulets from her fingers.
‘’ Thea... ‘’ The word escaped her lips unwittingly, making her frown. Thea? Goddess? Artemis was a traitor, she was certain of that. She had promised them that she would always be there for them, she had told them that her task was to protect peace. And she had lied.
Her selfishness and pride had been the reasons behind all the bloodshed. She was the one to blame, to punish.
And now she dared to return, even when Iphigeneia had warned her to stay away.
She dared to defy them.
A gust of cold, icy wind broke through the waterfall, making her place her arms before her to protect herself, while the hunter cursed loudly, falling to his knees. Suddenly, the torch next to the silver altar began to burn, blue flames dancing a tune of their own.
She dared to order them to stay in their shrines.
‘’ Porni... ‘’ she growled, unleashing her cosmo to its fullest, bright purple flames dancing over her arms, making the water turn into mist when touching them. ‘’ Damn you, Artemis! ‘’ she cried out, trying to break through Artemis’ cosmo again and again, just to be reflected by its power. ‘’ Do you want us to stay away from your path? Then make us!!! ‘’
She was certain Artemis was laughing at her threats in the Artemisium. She was certain she was mocking her by ignoring her Cosmo. She was humiliating her, the same way she had done so at Sparta, when she had stopped her from punishing Poseidon.
Not only she was a traitor, but she was also allowing murderers to live.
Artemis was nothing but a fake.
‘’ ... porni... ‘’ she repeated, stopping her cosmo from burning and stepping back into the crevice ‘’ Why have you... ? ‘’
‘’ ... is that our Goddess? ‘’
Her crimson eyes fixed on the hunter. He was at least ten years older than her, his brown hair already touched by grey. His body was muscled, yet bent and beaten from the hard life he led. Nothing was particularly striking about his looks, which could be defined as plain, if it weren’t for that grim smirk that, somehow, set him apart from the rest of the inhabitants of the village. It had been that smirk that had made her invite him to her bed. She tried to remember his name, but dismissed the search when realising she couldn’t. After all, it wouldn’t be the first time she had slept with a man without asking questions.
‘’ Still here? ‘’ she let out, searching among the discarded clothes for her robe. ‘’ I told you to get out ‘’
He frowned, ignoring her and looking up at the burning torch. Yes, Artemis was back.
Atalanta glared at him through burning eyes. It seemed the villagers still loved her, despite all she had done to them, to Ortygia. But they did not know, did they? They were not as close to her as the Guardians, they could not understand.
Yet still they loved her.
‘’ Are you deaf? I said get out!!! ‘’ she screamed, dashing to his side and closing her hand around his throat, pushing him away from the altar, the man rolling on the floor until reaching the edge of the crevice. But despite her display of power, his eyes met hers without fear. They were defying her, just like Artemis’ cosmo had.
‘’ Ochi... ‘’ he growled with anger, getting to his feet.
‘’ That burning flame means that the Traitor is invading Melaenis’ territory. Because Melaenis is our benefactor, our Goddess. You should remember that. And you should also remember that when a Guardian says get out... it means get out ‘’ Saying that, she stretched her arms before her, purple cosmo flowing over her body. The hunter stared at the flames as if enthralled, placing his arms before his body to protect himself from the coming attack. But he couldn’t have guessed that the threat was coming from behind him. Two watery arms sprouted from the waterfall and made their way around his chest, mimicking each movement of Atalanta’s arms. Despite his struggles, they pulled him outside the crevice, releasing him. Atalanta heard him curse as he fell down the waterfall, his screams soon silenced by a loud splash.
She approached the edge of the crevice and watched the hunter swim to the shore. The crevice was not more than forty metres over the small transparent pool, covered by the waterfall and some protruding stones.
Once he reached the shore, she turned her attention to the now frost covered temple on the west of her shrine. If the torches were burning, it meant Artemis had opened the seal on the Inner Temple. Which meant the Armoury was open, too. Atalanta cast a glance to the lilac Tunic shimmering over her altar. Its shape mimicked that of a serpent surrounding a young woman, but the quiver that the woman had held in her hands and the bow that formed the last part of the serpent were missing. Artemis had seen to that the day she left, sealing all of their weapons into the Inner Temple.
... You decided to leave me, then you’ll leave everything that I am...
... Everything...
That had included their bows, swords and daggers. That had included the gifts their Tunics hid.
But now the Armoury’s Gate was open. Everything could turn back to its course. The Traitor could be punished, and they, Melaenis’ Guardians, could wield their blazons once again.
All they had to do was kill her.
The Tunic began to resonate with her purple cosmo, its pieces shifting, preparing to close around her body. But a bright gold Cosmo embraced Atalanta, making her stop.
...Let her come to us, my child. She will. She is only waiting for her sign to shine in the sky. But she does not know that tonight it will be a moonless night. We will make sure of that...
‘’ As you command, my Queen ‘’ Atalanta whispered, falling to her knees when hearing Aphrodite’s voice echoing against her cosmo.
She would have never behaved like that with Artemis. She would have never called her Queen. But Aphrodite was different. She was not a traitor. She was a Goddess, and because of that, she deserved to be revered.
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We also know that what you see with your eyes isn't necessarily the
truth... Won't you come join me on the journey for the truth?
Ramza, Final Fantasy Tactics
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IX
... I hate you ...
The sun was shifting in its path, shadows slowly growing, preparing to take over the world. Day and Night, always in conflict, always escaping from the other’s company.
Or where they following one another?
...and I also love you...
Day was fading away, slowly but surely. Night would take her place on the sky and bewitch the world and mankind.
... I wish I knew why...
Maybe the Moon would shine among the stars...
... but I don’t...
Maybe it wouldn’t. Would the stars weep for Her? Would they cry?
Would they scream Her name?
... All I know is that because of that, I am in torment...
Hyoga closed his eyes, leaning against the hut’s wall. Despite the day was warm and the sun was still shinning outside, he couldn’t but feel cold in the inside. Empty. The last time he had felt like that was when he had to kill Camus. When he had to end a life he cherished, in the name of higher purposes.
But what was his higher purpose now?
He was letting her die, and he couldn’t but feel that there wasn’t much difference between doing that and killing her himself.
Yet... he had already killed her, hadn’t he? At least she had told him so. He had killed the girl that used to tease him and the huntress had to take over. No choices were left for her.
And now he waited, watching for imaginary enemies in a shack west of Sanctuary. He couldn’t reach her cosmo, even when hers was still printed in his, yet he waited for a sudden sign of victory. He hoped she would live.
But she never hoped, and how could someone without hope defeat Gods?
Maybe... maybe things were different for them, for the Olympian... they knew instead of hoped... but Hyoga couldn’t but remember how Athena had faced her enemies with determination in her voice and hope... an incredible hope... shinning on her dark eyes. Wisdom had always shared its throne with Hope in her victories. Despair and Madness had never succeeded, and those were the feelings he had seen clouding the light of another pair of eyes, this time clearer than a pool.
‘’ I didn’t want... ‘’ he whispered, sliding his hand over the cool window. But he didn’t know what he had not wanted. He had wanted to hurt her, and he had done so. He had wanted her to leave, and so she had. He had wanted her soul to bleed, and now that it was doing so, there was no room for regrets. No redemption.
He had told Dohko that Gods like Artemis only hurt those they love. He should have told him that Saints were not all that different.
‘’ Damn ‘’
She was a Goddess, she had to know what she was doing. There was no point in worrying over a God. Even when she was facing another.
She had to know.
...Hyoga?...
He opened his eyes when Kiki’s mind touched his. He wondered if, as easily as Kiki could get into people’s minds and project his own thoughts, he was also able of reading into them. And if he had... what would he think?
Traitor
Hyoga smirked. Kiki, despite being as curious as Seiya, also knew when not to pry. He wouldn't dare to look in him.
‘’ It’s ok, Kiki ‘’ he said, igniting his Cosmo as an answer. No breath of ice embraced it, no tentative tendrils of white entwined with his own. All he could feel was a trainee’s warm cosmo recognising the permission to enter from a Bronze Saint.
He couldn’t but feel disappointed.
‘’ And here we are! ‘’ Kiki’s high-pitched voice broke the spell of desolation of the hut as a bright sphere of orange cosmo flashed into life in the middle of the room, revealing the figures of a slightly plumpish flame-haired trainee, and the tall, slim figure of a black-haired Saint with a bandaged arm.
‘’ The Kyoko decided to strengthen the posts ‘’ cheered Kiki, floating towards the window and glaring with half-closed eyes at the road below, a loud sigh showing his disappointment when founding no menacing shadow hiding among the rocks.
Hyoga nodded absently to Kiki’s comment, his blue eyes fixed on Shiryu since their arrival.
‘’ How is Shunrei? ‘’
Shiryu stared at the floor when listening to her name. She had felt so light in his arms, so weightless and frail. His arms had seemed clumsy when he had lifted her from the bed, his mind fearing he would hurt her. But Shunrei, beautiful, tender Shunrei, had smiled and locked her arms around his neck as if she were in the safest place in the world.
He had felt the worst man on earth when carrying her out of the temple.
‘’ She is fine... tired and scared, but Mu says she has no wounds and all she needs to do is rest. Dohko and him are with her now ‘’ He added the last sentence unconsciously, as if justifying himself for not being there for her, for not staying by her side.
‘’ What about you? ‘’ Shiryu’s eyes narrowed. ‘’ Your arm. Broken? ‘’
‘’ Not really ‘’ He moved his arm about to prove it, ‘’ A rock gashed the skin when that... ‘’ He looked away, containing himself from judging Artemis in front of Hyoga, ‘’ when I hit the ground. Mu thought it was deep enough to be looked after ‘’
Then, if nothing stops you why aren’t you with her? Why are you here, when you know that no enemy will appear, when you know all watching is futile? And if it weren’t... I am here. Any other Saint can be here. You should be the one by her side, not Mu or Dohko. You should be the one watching her sleep, soothing her in her nightmares.
You shouldn’t be here.
Shiryu could almost see those words printed on Hyoga’s cold eyes, he could almost hear them, echoing over and over again in his head. They weren’t a recrimination. They were the truth, reflected in his friend’s cloudless gaze.
Or maybe it was just his own conscience, screaming in his mind words he knew by heart.
But he had failed her again. He always did. He had no right to be the one comforting her, not when he had done nothing to protect her.
He could not play hypocrite with the woman he loved, that was why he couldn’t let her love him back.
Ever.
‘’ I wonder how they look like... ‘’ Shiryu turned his attention to Kiki. He was still looking through the window, his dark blue eyes sparkling with excitement. The desire of proving his strength in battle was shining in those eyes. To show that he was no longer a kid, but a man.
Had they really been that young once? Had they found so many things to wonder in the world?
No, they had never been young.
‘’ The Guardians? ‘’ Hyoga walked towards the window, looking at the palm of his hand.
...They will walk beside you, and you won’t notice they are there. They will whisper your name in the darkness, and you’ll think it was nothing but the wind. With shimmering cosmos they will announce their presence, and the sound of the hunting horn will be the last thing you’ll hear...
... Really?...
...Damn, don’t tell me you bought that, Hyoga? It’s just poetry to scare those that menace Ortygia, nothing else! The Guardians... they are my blood, my heart and my soul. They are my friends, just like Isaac and you... though they certainly don’t annoy me as much as you do...
‘’ They are mortals marked by Artemis ‘’ he finally said, running his index over the faint scar. ‘’ Their cosmos are entwined with hers, mixed, guided... improved. Yet unless their cosmos burn to life and her mark with them, you won’t be able to tell them apart from any other man or woman in Sanctuary ‘’
They will be shadows for you. Visible ghosts.
Kiki turned around to look at both Saints ‘’ Are they strong? ‘’
Shiryu looked at Hyoga, who shrugged ‘’ I never met them, Kiki ‘’ Yet if they were anything like their Goddess, they were worth fearing.
‘’ But you shouldn’t worry. Sanctuary will not be taken by them ‘’
‘’ I know. That’s not... what worries me ‘’
Shiryu placed his hand on Kiki’s shoulder, fearing the kid was thinking about doing something stupid. The young trainee had been on the side of battles for too long, he had to know that being the one attacking and getting attacked was something he shouldn’t wish for. ‘’ Remember that the Gold Saints have been the ones appointed to face any stranger ‘’ he said, omitting the fact that also him and his brothers had been given that task. ‘’ No one will get hurt ‘’
Kiki rested his head on his arms, nodding slightly ‘’ I wish I could see her fighting them... ‘’
‘’ Her? ‘’ asked Shiryu, while Hyoga merely frowned, returning his attention to the window.
‘’ Artemis. I heard the rumours about her match with Hyoga and June... She must be great when fighting for real! ‘’
‘’ Who said she went to fight her Guardians? ‘’ Shiryu would not believe Shunrei’s pain, the ordeal she had to face, had been for nothing. He would not believe Artemis would defy those that went through such extremes to tell her to leave Sanctuary. ‘’ She probably went to some forest ‘’
‘’ Shiryu, do not judge her so lightly ‘’ he turned when hearing Hyoga’s voice. He was still by the window, his blue eyes seeming lighter because of the sunlight reflecting on them. But his eyes were the only place where light shone. ‘’ Kiki is right, she returned to Ortygia... ‘’
To the one place she was escaping from.
Hyoga smirked, placing his hand over his eyes. ‘’ Vengeance suits her ‘’ Even if she had to fight the world, she would have that.
Even if that meant losing.
Even if that meant dying.
No matter how much he wanted her to live, he knew that this time his hopes weren’t enough for both of them.
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Behold, my pretties! Destiny, in it's most brutal form. All the dreams that
might have been. All the happiness, and sorrow, you might have experienced.
Gone forever! For you there will be no tomorrow!
Queen Zeal (Black Omen), Chrono Trigger
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
X
She skipped her way to the Artemisium, singing loudly in her high-pitched voice.
‘’ The Bells! Hear the bells! The merry wedding bells! The little silver bells! How fairy-like a melody there swells from the silver tinkling cells of the bells, bells, bells, of the bells! ‘’
She stopped at the open gate, looking at the torches burning by its side. Aphrodite’s mercy once again needed her services, and she would gladly comply.
After all, she couldn’t but blame herself for what was going on. Maybe her message hadn’t been clear enough and Artemis thought that she had to return instead of stay away. Maybe she should have written that, stay away, instead of writing leave. She sighed. She wouldn’t fail this time, her message was going to be crystal clear. And the Traitor would finally learn and thank her for doing so.
Iphigeneia giggled, clapping lightly. She loved making others happy so much.
" The Bells! Ah, the bells! The heavy iron bells! Hear the tolling of the bells! Hear the knells! How horrible a monody there floats from their throats, from their deep-toned throats! How I shudder at the notes from the melancholy throats of the bells, bells, bells! Of the bells! " she went on, igniting her cosmo while she danced around the marble room, emerald sparks of light following her every step, making her green Tunic shimmer with their glow.
‘’ Mean goddess... ‘’ she pouted, when seeing the Inner Temple’s door closed. Artemis always had to ruin her grand entrances.
‘’ Monoceros ‘’ she cheered, placing her right hand over the door while concentrating her cosmo around it. The door turned light green for some seconds, then creaked and opened. She giggled once again. The rush was still there, pumping in her veins. A road to exhilaration. She had always felt that before entering the Inner Temple, the sensation of being on the edge of a cliff, about to fall down a precipice.
To thrive and to fall at the same time
Maybe living through dichotomies wasn’t that bad.
‘’ Artemis? ‘’ she called out, getting used to the dim light of the cavern. The Traitor’s Tunic was still on the throne, the shadows of the torches reflecting on its deep crimson surface. She could see the gates of the Armoury and the Chamber, and behind the throne, the shadows that gave away the entrance of the Sacred Grotto. But she couldn’t see her, even when her Cosmo seemed to flow over everything.
The ripples that perturbed the lake’s surface revealed the Goddess’ presence to the Guardian. She emerged slowly, her black tresses seeming endless when connecting with the dark waters. Iphigeneia frowned slightly, narrowing her hazel eyes. Artemis did not seem to have turned into a better person. ‘’ I thought you did not want to see me ‘’ she whispered, her voice sounding hoarse compared to the Guardian’s. Artemis’ eyes were fixed on the roof of the cavern, where a large hole revealed the crimson sky. Dusk was reigning. ‘’ That I would pollute your flawless existence with my presence ‘’ she added with a smirk, resting her gaze on Iphigeneia’s. ‘’ After all, I am a traitor, aren’t I? ‘’
‘’ You shouldn’t be here ‘’ Iphigeneia let out, placing her hands on her hips. Her pouted lips were pressed together tightly in annoyance. Artemis had not learned a thing. ‘’ We don’t want you here, we want you to leave! ‘’ she went on, walking towards the lake.
‘’ Don’t move, and that’s an order from your Goddess ‘’ Artemis growled, aquamarine fire going ablaze in her eyes.
‘’ You are not my Goddess, you silly! ‘’ Iphigeneia replied, smiling sweetly, ‘’ Melaenis is. You left, so she had to take your place, so the Balance of the Realms wouldn’t be broken. You would be proud of her, she is so merciful! A true peacekeeper! She even cares about your well-being and... ‘’
‘’ I gave you an order ‘’ Artemis rose her arms from beneath the waters, crystal tears sliding down her bow. Almost delicately, she released the string, the arrow piercing the air with a whistle.
Iphigeneia stood still, her hazel eyes wide with surprised. With trembling fingers, she felt her cheek, containing her tears when seeing them smeared with red. The arrow had gone into the rocks behind her, but had flied closed enough as to graze her cheek. ‘’ You... you said you would never hurt us... ‘’ Iphigeneia managed to say, trying to understand what was happening. Artemis loved them, didn’t she? She loved them, and that was why they had wanted to show her their love. That was why she had made a sacrifice in her name, so she would know they cared about her, and that they wanted the best for her. And the best would be staying away from the other realms. That way no one would try to convince her to break the peace.
She was lost, and needed guidance. Iphigeneia had tried to give her that guidance. Aphrodite had wanted her to do so, because Aphrodite was merciful and cared over the fate of the Traitor, despite of the things she had done to them. Then why did she attack her? Artemis promised she would never hurt her. She had promised. But she was a Traitor. Promises had no value for traitors.
‘’ And honesty has always been an hyperborean treat ‘’ Artemis said sarcastically, stepping out of the lake and returning the bow to its place in the Tunic. Iphigeneia couldn’t but think that Artemis looked like a corpse with that stained nightgown clinging to her shoulders. She had never looked in so much... pain. Iphigeneia couldn’t but feel the desire to stop that pain, to fall on her knees and tell her everything was going to be ok. To tell her that she hadn’t forgotten her. But a sudden pain in her head stopped her, as the images of saints, shoguns and god warriors dying suddenly flashed in her mind. Artemis had done nothing to stop those deaths. She had turned her back on Ortygia, on her Guardians, on her. And all because of a mortal. She had brought them Shame, and now she suffered and felt pain.But pain was needed to learn, wasn’t it?
Through pain, even Gods could see the truth and change their ways. ‘’ Leave ‘’ she let out, taking a step towards her, ‘’ Leave now! ‘’
‘’ I never miss, Iphigeneia. The first shot was a warning. The second one will go through your liver and grant you a slow death. So don’t frigging move, say whatever you have to say, and then you will return to your shrine ‘’ Artemis stretched her arm towards Iphigeneia, running her index over her right wrist. ‘’ My blood is running through your veins, girl, that makes you mine, regardless of what you think, want or desire. So you will follow my orders ‘’
‘’ You need help... we want to help you! If you leave now, Aphrodite will spare your life! Can’t you see that all we want is your happiness? If you go to the Realms, the gods may try to use you to break the peace, and we don’t want you to be used... all we want is for you to be happy! ‘’ That was enough. The hold she was keeping on her cosmo went loose, white flames surrounding her as two words escaped her lips.
‘’ Diamond Dust ‘’
Iphigeneia saw the shimmering crystals moving towards her, eager to embrace her in their cold arms. But Artemis always used that technique at ground level. So she leaped, green sparks following her like the tail of a meteor. ‘’ Happiness? ‘’ Artemis growled, crouching. ‘’ I don’t want happiness ‘’ She leaped after Iphigeneia, closing her hand around her ankle and pushing her to the floor. Iphigeneia landed on her knees, lowering the hit’s power by jumping backwards twice. Yet anger had always made Artemis faster.
She grabbed her by the elbow, pushing her face first against the rocky walls. ‘’ You said you would never hurt us! ‘’ Iphigeneia cried out as Artemis kept her arms behind her back.
‘’ I want vengeance, my dearest girl ‘’ she purred in her ear, tightening her grip on her arms until making her whimper. ‘’ Happiness has nothing to do with me. You see... you forgot one thing when you killed Arcade. You forgot he was the last thing I had. And never take everything from a God. Those that have nothing, have nothing to lose, remember? Tell that to Melaenis. Tell her that she’ll die by midnight if she doesn’t leave Ortygia and takes her lustful son with her... Because, I, the peacekeeper, judged her, and found her guilty of breaking the peace ‘’ Artemis chuckled, releasing the girl. ‘’ You are not the only one that can slit a wolf’s throat, Iphigeneia. By Leto, I am even able of slitting a Unicorn’s just to catch the Gods’ attentions ‘’
‘’ You are so lost... you used to be different... but now, you are lost... ‘’ Iphigeneia said glumly, rubbing her wrists. ‘’ I told Melaenis that Arcade wasn’t the right sacrifice, but she wouldn’t let me kill him instead. She said it would mean a declaration of war against Sanctuary. But he was the one that changed you. His sacrifice would have made you see... And when it comes to war... well, you already allowed so many wars to happen... Does blood stop mattering once you had your hands soaked in it time after time? ‘’
Artemis stared at her, forcing herself to ignore the urge to kill her. The girl actually believed that being thrown out of Ortygia and Arcade’s death were going to help her attain a so-called redemption. ‘’ I always had to lecture you, didn’t I? You always grasp what you want to hear, and discard the rest. Theory never worked with you, Iphigeneia. So I will show you. I will show you the price to pay for war. My hand will show you that ‘’ She grinned deviously, crouching by the girl’s side. ‘’ But you did well by killing Arcade, you can tell Aphrodite to reward you for that. Because you caught my attention. And that’s the whole purpose of killing something in the name of a God. You said I was lost. I am not. At least not anymore. Ortygia is my home. I left because you asked me to. I left because I wanted to show you that keeping the peace is impossible... Too bad all of you were too busy trying to break me as to notice ‘’ She stood up, fixing her nightgown carelessly. ‘’ I thought you were a warrior, but Aphrodite turned you into her messenger. So show me how good your skills are. Return to your mistress, and tell her all the gory details as I know you will. And don’t forget to tell her that I am back, and that she needn’t worry about the Balance anymore. If this is not clear, tell her that I want her golden butt on Cyprus before nightfall ‘’
Iphigeneia moved away from her, climbing to her feet. She had grown by Artemis’ side, she knew her, how she thought and behaved, even when her eyes had never revealed her feelings. She knew... or at least part of her knew; that hitting her had been the toughest decision Artemis had to take, that was why she had been taken aback by it. She knew that she was in pain and drifting. Just like Odin when forced to wear the Nibelung, just like Poseidon when being used by Sea Dragon. The woman standing before her was not the Goddess she loved; it was just a shadow.
Why?
You were the one that left when we asked you to...
You were the one that made us ask, by forgetting your responsibilities... by preferring him over us... You were the one that failed us, when you wouldn’t defend yourself...
You preferred to be a whore and a deceiver instead of being our Goddess...you preferred to go against everything you taught us...And now you scorn our attempts to return you to your previous self?Now you suffer for your actions?
It’s too late, Artemis
‘’ She tried to be merciful, Artemis, remember that. Whatever happens from now on... will be your fault ‘’ she said, bowing theatrically at her, ‘’ Your pride will be your doom, thea ‘’ she added with a sweet smile, before turning on her heels and skipping her way out of the Inner Temple.
‘’ The Bells! Hear the bells! The merry wedding bells! The little silver bells! How fairy-like a melody there swells from the silver tinkling cells of the bells, bells, bells, of the bells! ‘’
She smiled while singing. She had a message to deliver. The words of the Traitor to her Goddess. Now Aphrodite, the merciful and beautiful Melaenis, would take the matter on her own hands. And Artemis, proud, twisted, insane Alpheia, would understand. It was fair that the Goddess of Love would show her how much her Guardians loved her.
" The Bells! Ah, the bells! The heavy iron bells! Hear the tolling of the bells! Hear the knells! How horrible a monody there floats from their throats, from their deep-toned throats! How I shudder at the notes from the melancholy throats of the bells, bells, bells! Of the bells! " she went on, dancing into the depths of the forest, her Tunic shimmering like the leaves of the trees under the dying sun.
SE FINNI
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Derre’s Blah Blah ^_^:
FINALLY! Sigh... this chapter is probably the longest of TfoaG –for the time being, the ones to come seem pretty long too u_u-, and was certainly a hell to write –once again, thanks to Camus’ uncooperative mood, meaaan gold saint-, I have witnesses! ^_^ Talking a tad more seriously, I do hope you enjoy reading this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it, and pleaaaaaaase, c & c, yeap? Please? Pretty please?
When it comes to the dedication.... this chapter goes for the three ‘great ones’, Irina, Lisa and Millerna, who are probably sick and tired of my ‘ Camus is meaaaaaaaaaaaan’ moments –besides, if it weren’t for them, I would have probably taken even more time to get this chapter finished... and trust me, it was supposed to be even longer, but half of it is going to Chapter 10 ^_^U- So to my three muses, thaaaaaaaaanks for putting up with me!!!
Notes:
Agios: Saint (Gk)
The Artemisium: Check Ortygia’s section dedicated to this temple, and you’ll find aaaaall the info you need ^_^
Melaenis: ‘’dark one’’ One of Aphrodite’s titles, I thought of using it so the Goddess wouldn’t get confused with Pisces ^_^U
Alpheia: ‘’ whitish ‘’ One of Artemis’ title.
Fos: Light (Gk)
Nightshades, hemlock and staghorn: Three kinds of poisonous plants.
Nai: Yes (Gk)
Aima... tanges... aethera: ‘’Through blood you’ll reach immortality ‘’ (approx)
Nemesis: Goddess of Divine Vengeance
Enosichthon: One of Poseidon’s titles
Girder-on-of-Arms: One of Athena’s titles, given to her by Heracles.
‘’I’ve come... to ask for my heart’s desire ‘’ : For more details on this phrase, check ‘The Angel’
Thea: Goddess (Gk)
Porni: whore (Gk)
Ochi: No (Gk)
Iphi's song:
‘’ The Bells! -Hear the bells!
The merry wedding bells!
The little silver bells!
How fairy-like a melody there swells
from the silver tinkling cells
of the bells, bells, bells,
of the bells!
The Bells! -Ah, the bells!
The heavy iron bells!
Hear the tolling of the bells!
Hear the knells!
How horrible a monody there floats
from their throats-
from their deep-toned throats!
How I shudder at the notes
from the melancholy throats
of the bells, bells, bells!
Of the bells! "
(The Bells, first draft, 1848, by E.A.Poe)