genessia | 1st Rise of the Phoenix ஜ Video

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1st Rise of the Phoenix ஜ Video

[When he wakes up, he still believes he's in Nautilus. The last he remembers is going to sleep with Leanne like usual, did something happen? Another storm? Something worse? He can't remember anything else but there must have been something since not only he wakes up in a place he doesn't recognize but he is also wearing his armour.

It's not until he finds the hologram that he understands what has happened, and those sensible to Cosmo, ki or similar energies will most likely feel a huge burst of energy as Ikki's Cosmo rages. To his credit he doesn't damage anything in the area. But it takes everything he has to not do so. Kidnapped again, this time more blatantly and without made up excuses about there having been a call. It was bad the first time, but this time is even worse. Apparently he's not allowed to continue fighting to save Athena and Seiya, nor he's allowed to have a family and a "normal" life.

He makes his way out, with his Phoenix Cloth on and carrying its Pandora box on his back. He doesn't bother to try to use his Cosmo to reach anyone for he doubts that whoever is responsible of this would be so kind as to let him reunite with anyone he knows and cares about. It's not until he reaches the beach that a thought occurs to him which leads him to strip down his armour and shirt, so he can check his right shoulder and confirm that the tattoo that Ace made for him is still there. A red spade (from the cards) surrounded by two flaming wings, one blue, the other orange, and with what seems like a white crescent moon crossing over it, the only thing he has, aside from his memories, to remember his time in Nautilus. It brings some relief to his heart, but it does nothing to calm his temper, so he goes on to strech his joints and muscles, giving anyone watching the video a nice show without realizing it. It's not the coliseum he's used to, but the beach seems like a good enough place to do some improvised training.

It should help to release his anger.]

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[He senses another Cosmo he knows but at first he can't put a finger on who it is, thankfully Seiya answers that quickly. Ikki frowns as the other comments on how he can't figure how he ended in this world, he has an idea but...

He was stupid. Impatient. Nautilus gave him the power to will things into reality, to bend the universe. And he wanted to do it. He wanted to bring Seiya to a world were he would be fine, where he could recover without anyone going to the past for a gamble, he wanted to bring the Gold Saints back, so they would have a chance at the life Ikki had found. The life Athena wished for them. He wanted even her there, living as Saori because, regardless of his feelings for the girl instead of the goddess, she also deserved some peace. And he had tried to will it, before he was ready, before he was powerful enough.]

I'm sorry, Seiya.

[He blurts it before he can stop himself, but he falls silent inmediately after. No, he won't say it. He doesn't need the other blaming him, he can blame himself enough... Or worse, Seiya may even go to say that it couldn't have been that, that maybe it was something else and not Ikki's fault.

He frowns when Seiya asks about going to meet him. Of course he would do that, always the loyal saint, the leader, clumsy and an idiot at times but someone absolutely dependable when it matters. It has always angered Ikki because... It shouldn't be that way, Pegasus Saint or not, Seiya was his little brother too, even if only by half, he was the same age as Shun and Ikki... He was the oldest, he should be the one taking care of things, protecting his brother, like he did in the Sanctuary when Saga tried to kill Seiya. But he's a terrible brother and Seiya is actually a good leader.]

No. I'll go and meet you, I may be new here but I have never needed to know the place to find you, have I?

[Whether they were in the depths of the ocean or in Elysium, Ikki had always found them just fine when he looked for his siblings.]

[Seiya knows his fellow saints, his family sacrificed a lot to save the world. They vowed their entire lives to protect Athena, so that Athena can protect their world and the humans who lived on it from the wrath of the gods who wished to end it.]

No need to apologize. I'm sorry too.

[That seems like a natural way to say it. Seiya felt guilty that a lot of lives are lost on his behalf, but people believed in him. Though there's nothing to apologize for or blaming for as Seiya doesn't want people he cares being hurt, no matter what journey they choose to take, and he knows Ikki takes it hard. His life and training as a phoenix is a perilous one.]

I know this place better, so I learned my way around. Let's meet half-way. The city square, perhaps?

[Dohko beats to him it, as Seiya isn't so fast and nimble as before. He gave Ikki the coordinates on his phone, and carries his silver box, his cloth just in case and waited in the town square for Ikki to find him.]

There's nothing you have to be sorry about, Seiya.

[And Ikki sounds ready to go into an argument or a fight about that. Because no matter how much they all had vowed to do, how much they had sacrificed, it had been Seiya the one doing the most. The one doing the biggest sacrifice as always. It's not something Ikki has managed to forget yet, the blame he feels himself for not being the one to break from Athena's shields in order to fight, to protect her and Seiya. If only he had been stronger, if he had broken out like Seiya then his brother would have been able to launch his attack while Ikki shielded him.]

... How are you feeling? You seem to be recovering from the wound.

[Maybe he had been brought here before the full effects of Hades' attack took place, or like with Nautilus, this place has some power to help with even those wounds. After all, there's a Gold Saint around, unless he's from before his death...

Ikki frowns as Seiya refuses to stay put, but then again he supposes he shouldn't have expected anything else.]

Half-way then.

[Nevermind that he will be tracking Seiya by his Cosmo and thus the boy moving actually makes it a bit harder for Ikki to find him, but the Phoenix isn't in the mood to argue about that. For all the anger he had upon finding himself here, all the anger he still has, he is feeling rather numb at the moment. Probably because of the shock of seeing Seiya here.]

I think I'm okay. So far I'm recovering from my injuries.

[Seiya couldn't tell him of Hades' sword attack and it's effects on him, because he wasn't sure other than he feels like he's in a physically weakened state. For now, Athena's power that is coursing through his veins is what keeping him alive or so that's what he believes. In theory. If he told him he took the sword's blow to his chest directly in the heart, that would make Ikki worry.

Well. There he is. Seiya. Seiya, the boy Ikki knew and grew up with. Though during their harsh training which started in childhood until teenager, there was a missing gap of years, but they're together as comrades and as a family in the end. He stood there, lean and tall, and muscular, with his no sleeve tank red shirt, wearing a pair of jeans, and sneakers. Pretty much the same scruffy, rough looking young man who is battle harden with scars.

He allowed Ikki to stand there dumbfounded. After a moment of silence, very slowly, very carefully, Seiya reached out with his hand, though there's a slight tremor, and placed it on Ikki's shoulder.]

Hey. It's going to be all right. I'm here.

Your injuries... Good, that's good.

[Part of him wants to scream when he hears that. Because he knows, he knows that Seiya took Hades' sword directly to his heart, he knows that the only reason he didn't instantly die was Athena's interference. That the only reason he's in a wheelchair in his time is precisely because of her Cosmo trying to fight it. Trying to keep him alive. And she's failing, which is why they make a gamble to go back in time and screw up the world by changing the past. Because as far as Ikki's concerned the world means absolutely nothing if it's going to require the life of one of his brothers.

He doesn't know if Seiya knows and hides it because he doesn't want to make Ikki worry, or get angrier... Or if he really doesn't know, in which case Ikki doesn't want to tell. Because he doesn't want to risk having Seiya saying that he's fine because he fulfilled his duty to protect Athena and would rather give up his life for her than anything else.

It still is quite harder than he thought when he finally is in front of him, looking just like always except with more scars. Meanwhile Ikki looks also the same, but with only one scar, the one that will never heal because he doesn't want it to heal. Part of the reason he freezes is fear that Seiya will notice, that he will see Ikki as older than he remembers, even though Ikki's sure he hasn't really changed much physically. When Seiya touches him he flinches before he forces a smug smirk on his face.]

You say that as if I was worried. It's going to take more than some strange kidnapping to unsettle me, Seiya.

[Nevermind that that's exactly what has happened. He looks at Seiya from head to toes once more, as if that would help somehow, before moving to take the hand placed on his shoulder. He wants to hug the other but... He has never allowed himself to be affectionate with anyone but Shun and in the last years after their training not even that. There was never time with the wars ongoing and Ikki dying or just leaving right at the end so that he wouldn't have to face his brothers, not after what he did to them after they claimed their cloths. Trying to kill them... Or to force them to kill him because he was a coward who didn't want to deal with anything.]

Are you sure you're alright? Athena's not here for you to have to act strong, you know.

[Seiya won't give up on Athena, even if he did fulfilled his duty, Athena is more than just a goddess, she is his life. So his mission continues even long after he fulfilled his duty.]

Even if she's not here, no matter which world, I'm Athena's saint. I know in the future I'll go back to her side and protect her as always. I just have to figure out how to go back. I don't know how, but I think everything will work out. [He has no clue actually...] Call it a hunch, but I know I'll see her again.

[And anyway, he doesn't 'act' strong because for Athena. His strength comes from his cosmos and it is strong because he is naturally inclined to be devoted to her to protect her ideals of love and justice for all. He didn't think twice of giving his life for her. Athena is his life. He just doesn't meditate on it often as to what it means philosophically. Seiya is pure instinct. He believes in her, pure and simple.

Ikki is very warm to touch. Are phoenixs are always this hot-blooded? Then Seiya playfully thumped against his shoulder with a fist. Smiling brightly at him, since all is forgiven, and anyway...Seiya believes in him 100%.]

C'mon, you big lug, you just got here. Don't think about it. It makes my head hurt if I think too much. Do you wanna fight here? Or how about we go find a place to stay and grab a bite to eat?

With our luck, and seeing how it seems this world is calling a gathering of us, she may end appearing here by next week. But you are right, it will work out. It always does when we fight together, doesn't it?

[It doesn't. Not in Ikki's opinion, not when the result is one of them being at the edge of death or dying -and it's not Ikki himself because if he's the one to die then all is fine. But he knows Seiya is optimistic and he's not in the mood to rain on his parade.

He's now realizing just how much he had missed the Pegasus Saint.]

Your head hurts if you think because you're an idiot. [Despite his words he doesn't mean it in a bad way, it's just a tease. Ikki himself isn't one to think... Or at least to admit to think as much as he does. He leaves that to Shiryu and the others.] Let's go grab something to eat and a stiff drink, I need one since I doubt I can release my anger here properly.

I really don't know. We'll see. Maybe the others come.

[Playful punch in the arms, if anything, it's a cheeky punch. Although for Seiya, he had seen Ikki just yesterday, he misses him too.]

Hey, this thick head of mine saved your life a couple of times. Give me some credit! I think those cafe and shops have something you're looking for, and then if you're tired, there's an inn where I and Dohko were staying at.

[That punch manages to make Ikki chuckle and smile and he's not sure if he has ever done it with Seiya openly but... It has been so long for him, so much has happened, he can't remember how he used to act or how he would have acted.]

Oh, really? Well, I also remember that thick head of yours having to be saved by me a couple of times, because you couldn't tell the difference between your teacher and an ugly guy. Or because it seemed to you like a genius idea to climb alone to face a deranged Gold Saint while having to focus on lifting Athena's shield to save her life.

[Though it was true that at the end it had been Seiya the one who saved them all. His hand moves before he can stop it and he finds himself ruffling Seiya's hair.]

Then again, maybe it's not a bad thing to have a thick head.

Let's go check those cafe shops then, how long have you been here again?

[Well, the ruffling makes his hair a mess. Off to the shops they go! Whatever catches Ikki's eye in the shops, Seiya went along with him.]

It was the best idea. I'll do anything to protect her, even if the idea seems crazy at the time. As long it works.

I think a few days ago? It hasn't been a week yet.

It was the best idea to save her, but not when you have someone actively trying to kill you. What would have you done if I hadn't arrived in time to help you win some time?

[He smiles, though.]

You're not the only one with crazy ideas to save the other, though.

[Ikki hums at the answer but it's not until they are seated somewhere, Ikki with a drink and Seiya with whatever he wants that he bothers to continue with that train of thought.]

So taking everything into account it's not been very long for you since we were together. Do you have any idea what's the last thing Dohko remembers?

I thought I was almost a goner then. He destroyed my senses and I was almost dying. The toughest part is crawling on the stairs to get to the shield. I'm not sure what I'll do if you weren't there...or even make it out alive to save her in time, but things work out in the end.

[Seiya will help himself to an iced coffee in that case! Here comes the caffeine buzz! At Ikki's question, there was a thoughtful pause.]

He said it was when he opened the gate for us at the wall.

I'm surprised you actually were aware of how much damage he did, I thought you were so focused on what to do and too busy being too stubborn to die, that you wouldn't notice.

[It's not said as a bad thing, though, quite the opposite, Seiya's stubborness has been a blessing more times than he can count.]

So he's probably aware of the fact that he's dead. Good, we won't have to worry about mentioning it.

Those worlds like to pull people in without any care about what they were doing or if they are from the same time as the friends they may already have here. It could be entirely possible for a six years old Shiryu to appear here next time, which is why knowing what's the last we all remember is a good idea.

[He doubts they will be lucky, or unlucky, enough to get more friends brought here, but he may as well explain Seiya a basic issue of those worlds. Even if it means his brother having the chance to pick up that Ikki actually has experience with this situation.]

The thing is, I was focused. Very focused. I can't give up. I wasn't afraid to die, but not before saving her and if it weren't for you help, then climbing the stairs on my hand and knees while knowing death is chasing me, I wouldn't have made it. If Athena is gone, then what of everything else? She's a balance to our world and I swear myself to protect that. From our role as saints in the world to the Sanctuary. The Universe within me tells me it that was what I was born to do. And I would do the same for you.

And anyway, Athena told she is sorry for making me suffer so much, but I told her it was I meant to do.

[Never once Seiya thought of himself as foolish for being so determined to save others even if it means dying on their behalf or getting himself killed. Battles were fought hard, armors break, punch and kicks landed a blow, sacrifice made, blood spilled.

Sensing the topic shift now, Seiya believed him. He isn't crazy. If anything, Ikki is just as a sensible saint as the others. After all, Ikki has always had this ability to destroy minds with a punch. Why not open doors or portals to dimensions too? Well, that's how Seiya understands it, meaning...not much of it, the science of it.]

Worlds you say? The energy is a bit different here, that I can say. I'm not sure how it works, so I can't explain to you how I got here...all I remembered is sleeping. I thought I woke up from a dream, where I think you guys are coming back to save me as you always do, and show you I can walk, talk, and finally see all of you.

[He smiles at him. It's embarrassing for him to admit he's invalid during that period of time.]

Anyway, you just got here right? I have a room at the inn where you can spend the night and we can figure out what to do next from there.

Hmm, she always says that, doesn't she? Apologizing for making her Saints fight, yet she won't change her ways or mind to avoid said fights. That's one of the things I can't stand of her.

[It's no secret that Ikki's far from a fan of Athena, though he never fails to show up to fight in her name so clearly he's not totally against her. It's more that he just can't stand the fact that she would apologize for things she shouldn't apologize about, be it because they weren't her fault or because she would do them again anyway.

Ikki frowns at his own slip, he hadn't meant to tell Seiya that he has been in another world before but... Then again there's no real reason to hide it. He doubts Seiya would worry about it. But then Seiya comments about that dream and it's Ikki the one worrying. Somehow he hadn't really think that Seiya would be even minimally aware of anything while stuck in that chair. He knows that Athena and Shun would argue that he was, but it's like when people are in a coma, and Ikki isn't one to fool himself with pipe dreams.

As his brother changes the subject, though, Ikki feels that he has missed his chance to ask and not feel awkward about it. So he just shakes his head.]

Don't worry about me, it's true that I've just got here but I know of a place where I can crash already.

[Part of him would like to accept the offer, even if he has Marco's offer, he could just tell Marco that he would go the next day and spend the night with Seiya. But... When has he actually hanged around his brothers without it being due some upcoming threat? No. The Ikki his brother is more accustomed to wouldn't accept the offer, so he shouldn't. Even if Marco says that Seiya will probably just accept Ikki and his changes, the phoenix himself isn't sure that he wants to show those changes too much.]

You know I'm used to handle things alone.

If Athena could find a peaceful way to settle her fights, she could have chosen that. But we're all she has for an army, and I would stand up for everyone, including you.

[Seiya understands Ikki, though he finds him just as frustrating. In a way, Athena and him, they trust Ikki wholeheartedly. He just doesn't do the group thing. He doesn't worry about Ikki at all, but rather worry what Ikki would do for him if he knows of his state back home.

Smiling at him, being cool about it. He walks deliberately slowly, not revealing a misstep.]

All right, all right. I know you don't like the group thing, but still...I don't worry much here. The only Cosmos I sense is you and Dohko. I haven't seen any enemies or soldiers at all. I can sleep easy, so I was wondering if we're the only ones here or maybe one of our comrades and friends would show up? Anyway, if you found a place to crash, I'll meet you up if I could.

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1st Rise of the Phoenix ஜ Video

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