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[so_sweet]

[It's been a year...

It's been a year since he first came to the Plane. What he feels about it? Sometimes it's like a haze inside his head and all over his Cosmo.

Sometimes, wishes he could hate this place, and others but even less, a part of himself can't help but to be grateful for. Feelings that are still hard to accept... and having them meant weakness. His own Cosmo betrays him at times and he's so sick of it...

Neither sad or angry, Saga lies next to the stream as he gazes at the leaves stirring slenderly with the wind at times. His motionless, emerald eyes piercing tenderly at the sole view.

That is the Gemini Saint, graceful even at ease.]


[ooc: Backdated to the 20th x3;;]

Comments

[uccellodifuoco]

[Saga didn't choose who would be the man to raise Saori, neither did Aioros, really. Much less did any of them decide how the man would do it or what other ideas he would have. Part of him knows he shouldn't be so hard on Saori but as herself she really has done nothing he feels he owes to her and even Athena he doesn't feel as if she's more than just decent. He performs his duty because that's what he's to do, because he takes pride in being the Phoenix Saint and Esmeralda told him to get the Cloth, it was her last wish. He doesn't care who Athena is or how she is, he will do his part and will give his life for her regardless of personal feelings. Besides, it's not as if he could ever do anything else.]

Not as serious?

[so_sweet]

[Neither does Saga. He barely knows how Saori's life was and how she is. But the little he could see is that she's very kind to him.

Even so, as Ikki, he has a duty as well. To protect his Goddess at any cost, until his Cosmo ceases to exist... his life was hers. He promised to himself do things the right way this time.

He meditates for a moment what he's going to say to him.]

Aioros and I were older than the rest. So we had other... interests. It didn't mean we had to treat the children badly.

[uccellodifuoco]

I suppose. That's not what I meant though.

[so_sweet]

[A heavy sigh.] It was the same situation as you mentioned.

[uccellodifuoco]

It may be, but you were younger. We're all stupid brats up to a certain age.

[Except Shun, who didn't ever evolve from the crybaby stage.]

[so_sweet]

[A faint smile. Ikki is right...

Vain... greedy... self-centered... Those flaws were a piece of his daily life in his teens. And because of them, coupled with what it was slumbering inside of him...]

We still are some sort of fools... in a way.

[uccellodifuoco]

We wouldn't be here if we weren't. Anything wrong with being a fool?

[so_sweet]

[... and feelings. Silent. Remembers certain lady.] ... No... there's nothing wrong.

But things cannot be changed. And we accept it.

[uccellodifuoco]

We don't just accept everything. If we did we wouldn't fight.

[so_sweet]

[Not everything huh?] What about... feelings you should not have? [Because, you know, he's very new at it.]

[uccellodifuoco]

[He stares.]

Who says you shouldn't have them?

[so_sweet]

It is useless. You are exposed to weakness. [Says the one whose heart is a huge mess.]

[uccellodifuoco]

Feelings aren't a weakness. I learned that long time ago. They can be a weakness but only if you see them as such, otherwise they can be the source of your strength and be what will call others to you to fight along your side.

I casted away my feelings once, everything but hate and anger. I've never been as weak as I was back then.

[By the way, he hates you for making him say those things. Seiya or any of the others would be more suited for this kind of speeches.]

[so_sweet]

[Haters to the left? Heh, he‘s used to the hate so, no hard feelings at all.

“... as weak as I was back then...“ Those last words are causing a conflict inside of him. Does he feel strong enough to have them as of now?

He dares to ask Ikki one more thing and maybe a punch to the face is a go. Why Saga seems slightly emotional for a brief moment is somehow unknown.]

Have you... loved someone before?

[uccellodifuoco]

[Goes to the right, hey this is my left ok?

He feels stronger than back then and he realizes that giving up to hate and anger only made him weaker than before he became a Saint. No wonder he was defeated, he didn't become stronger than ever until he returned to his old self. Ever since, he has only grown stronger each day.

Ikki glares at Saga. And for a good long moment it may seem as if he's going to indeed punch him. He even uncrosses his arms and clenches his fist several times as he glares... But, no matter what Saga caused, he can kind of understand what's left after healing from such a wound in his own soul. Even if their wounds weren't the same, even if one got lost in devotion and the other in hate. He sighs.]

I have. I do.

[Ask whom and he will punch you. And claim that it's his brother. Hey, brother love counts, right?]

[so_sweet]

[okay okay xD

Saga eyes him boldly for a moment as the reaction of the Phoenix becomes apparent, then looks down silently. He expected it... it was imminent, but seems that Ikki (and Kanon) understands him better than anyone. Of all Saints, Ikki is the one he can dare to keep up a conversation like this. It is certainly different from the ones he has with Oliver. Different points of view.

No. He won't ask because it is private and doesn't make any difference. And Saga knows Ikki would give his own life for his brother and his comrades. That is unquestionable...

... But...]

It hurts, doesn't it? [Okay. Now punch him.]

[uccellodifuoco]

[Definitively. This time there's not even a moment of consideration, his fist directed to the other's gut, of course, being a Gold Saint Saga may be able to avoid it. But at any rate the message will be delivered.]

Yes, exactly like a punch.

[It's a valid answer, if the other bothers to think about it.]

[angeoudemon]

[Indeed, he could have avoided it. But Saga's to blame, even if he didn't mean to piss Ikki off. He's definitely to blame for this, so welcomes it on purpose.

The Saint writhes with eyes shut and lets out an almost contained sound, placing a hand on his stomach in response. Ikki was right... The intensity of his fist expressed all his frustration, all his ache.

Even so, Saga couldn't help but chuckle weakly.]

[uccellodifuoco]

[Ikki just gives him a side-eyed look.]

Better?

[so_sweet]

[Saga straightens despite the pain isn't gone yet, now laughing amusingly.]

[uccellodifuoco]

I'll take that as a yes. Or you have gone definitively mad now.

[angeoudemon]

[He stops laughing and squints at him. Low voice and filled with sentiment.]

You really loved her.

[uccellodifuoco]

[You want another punch?]

I still do.

[He will never forget her and the wound in his heart will never heal. It will keep aching and bleeding, kept alive by his own flames.

Ikki... Let the phoenix flap its wings... Okay?

For as long as he was the Phoenix Saint. He wouldn't forget.]

[angeoudemon]

[N-No. He‘s had enough.] [He eyes him briefly before looking away.]

There are times when I deny what I feel.

[Despite what Ikki told him... his sense of duty vs emotions create a conflict in his mind.]

A lady. A Queen... from Camelot. Maybe you will meet her on the Plane.

[Why is he telling you this?] ... She‘s... beautiful and fascinating.

[uccellodifuoco]

She must be, for having caught your attention that way.

[He doesn't need to know Saga closely to be able to tell that.]