109,562 days, Castor counted, since he last found himself dressed in a gaudy outfit that his Master assured him would help him blend in with the mortals. It was a little over three centuries since he and Master took up another espionage mission on Earth, since three centuries ago, Master’s beloved Goddess was still alive in the flesh.

But unlike all the spy schemes that the Goddess had for the two of them, this mission was of Master’s own doing. Ever since he and Master awoke and got a whiff of that apple blossom scent, the two of them couldn’t stop obsessing over it. This obsession ultimately led them to where they were now, dressed like some typical mortal couple that enjoyed people-watching to pass the time.

It wasn’t that Castor gave a damn as to who that scent belonged to, but since he was Master’s soul and shared Master’s thoughts, he was cursed into believing, thinking, seeing, and feeling whatever Master felt.

One day, many centuries ago when Castor and his Master became one, he swore to himself that he’d consume Master whole so that he could finally be in control. He wanted Master to believe, think, see, and feel only when Castor believed, thought, saw, and felt. He wanted to be the one holding the shackles around Master’s neck and tossing him about, making snarky comments as Master choked and flirted with anyone that passed him.

Castor wanted to be the Master, not the soul. He wanted unlimited freedom without someone constantly tugging at his neck whenever he went too far killing a demon or ended up eating a mortal.

Though it’d always been a goal of his, Castor had a hard time accomplishing it simply because Master held the reins to the entity tight and kept his will unbreakable. When Master did that, it was impossible for Castor to consume him.

That was why Castor had no choice but to play dress-up with Master and act like a golden retriever to that irritating star Goddess. Master was totally smitten by her, and ultimately, Castor was forced to be, too. But overtime, Castor didn’t mind. He enjoyed playing as a weak mortal occasionally, and the Goddess was insanely hot, especially during those moments when Master and her got intimate–

“Do you want me to bring out the chain?” Master asked in a low and threatening tone. He was sitting cross-legged on a bench outside a restaurant, a newspaper held out before him. “Clearly, you are begging me to.”

“I never said anything, darling,” Castor replied, playing the role of a wife to a blue-collared company worker. Master had dolled him up with a pretty green dress and a black wig, one that was long enough to cover all of Castor’s un-mortal-like parts. He waved a fan to cover his face. “Though you should save your naughty thoughts for the bedroom. We are in public.”

Master set his newspaper down and gave Castor a terrifying glare. Castor only waved his fan, whatever lewd memories he was playing slowly turning off. Master was amazing at his facades. A true Gemini indeed.

“Oh, I think we found our target,” Castor said sweetly, pointing his finger at a man. He was tall with a strong yet slender build and had wavy caramel locks that brushed over his brows. The man was wearing a blue, checkered long sleeve with black slacks and brown loafers.

School teacher, Castor decided. Serious and closed-off. He’s most likely gossiped about and mocked by his students; isn’t really popular and has little to no friends. Teaches history.

“Yep.” Castor nodded. “That has to be the Capricorn.”

“His appearance has changed,” Master said. “But I suppose everyone’s has.”

“At least he doesn’t have to play the role of a school boy.”

Master rose from his seat, removing his shades and ruffling out his gelled-back hair. Castor smacked his lips together, observing his Master.

“What is it, Castor?”

“Are you sure we should be doing this?” Castor asked.

Master raised a brow. “It’s unlike you to question whether something is right or wrong.”

Castor lowered his fan and stared at the schoolteacher. “Have you considered that perhaps he isn’t the Capricorn?”

“I’m nearly certain he is,” Kian commented.

“If you’re certain, have you considered that he hasn't been activated yet? Unlike us.” Castor tapped his chin. “That cute mortal girl– Auriella, was it? She has to activate him herself if he isn’t.”

“I’m aware of that,” Master remarked curtly. “But it wouldn’t hurt to gather all the sheep together so that the shepherd wouldn’t go out of her way to find them. Especially not when we’re all being watched.”

By that apple-blossom-smelling mysterio, Castor finished for him.

“They may not even want to return to being a Warrior,” Castor pointed out. “You’re little friends, I mean. Have you considered that?”

“Their duty is to Asteria and her empire. They have no other choice but to obey their oaths as Zodiac Warriors–”

“But Asteria is dead.” Castor narrowed his eyes, watching for any forming cracks in his Master’s unbreakable will. The Goddess was always a touchy subject for heartbroken Master. “The constellations are nothing without their Constellation Goddess.”

“We have Auriella.”

“You know she’s no goddess, Master,” Castor said. “Nowhere close to the prestige and power that the Constellation Goddess had. Wherever the Zodiacs are now, I doubt they will allow themselves to be wielded by such a weak mortal girl.”

Master shot Castor a hard look. “I suggest you refrain from insulting your Master and your Goddess any further unless you want to be punished for your impertinence.”

Rather than feeling threatened, Castor only smiled.

There it was. The small crack he needed to break Master’s will and consume him.

The tension between the two soon dissipated when a loud alarm sounded from within the pockets of Master. Master fumbled to get the device out, something that the mortal Auriella called a flip phone, which he then opened and placed against his ear. Castor found it interesting how a small object can allow communication of two people from a long distance.

So, Earth mortals do have their own magic after all, Castor thought to himself.

And as Master answered the phone, the name Auriella weaved into his greeting, Castor observed the changed expression on the boy’s face. His eyes, usually cold and indifferent– at least to the entity– sparkled and widened through different expressions. Master’s lips that, when in the presence of Castor, Asclepius, or another Zodiac Warrior, were perpetually curved into a frown, brightened into a glamorous smile that melted the hearts of any passing female.

Castor wondered if Master had surpassed him, in terms of the potential terror and fright he could ensue. It didn’t take long until the entity came to a conclusion.

Geminis were terrifying.

And Master… Well, he hadn’t changed. Maybe he was a little weaker, a little more careless and less thoughtful than he used to be– a terrible liar now, too. However, one thing was certain.

Old habits never die.

This constant lie Master was playing, the facades he constantly switched back and forth from, was taking a toll on him. Soon, it would be his relationships.

When that time came, Castor wanted to be ready.