In this time
Written by MysticFantasy. Original story idea by MimiYamatoForever. We do not own anything relating to the anime.
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Chapter 1
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Sisyphus stood at the entrance of the Sagittarius temple overlooking the view as the setting sun cast its glow over the land. Being so high up the cliff, the temple had a grand view of the land and he enjoyed seeing it.
It has been a little over a year that he and his fellow Gold Saints had been revived in this new century. While they had been in Sanctuary most of the time, there were few moments when he and the other Gold Saints would travel outside of the training area.
Mostly they would go as far as the villages around Sanctuary but there were rare times when they accompanied Athena to Japan.
Life in the new century was proving most entertaining to the revived Gold Saints of the previous Holy War.
Especially for Regulus.
Being the youngest of both sets of Gold Saints, Regulus was closer friends to the Bronze Saints who were at least just a few months to a year younger than him. This led to him being roped into the adventures that the Bronze Saints got themselves into sometimes. Or namely, the adventures that Seiya got them into.
Sisyphus clearly remembers that the Pegasus saint had no problem making friends and his free spirit allowed him to get into all kinds of situations.
Now he had another friend that he could talk into going on these little adventures.
Although Sisyphus knew that his nephew was more mature than he let on most times, Regulus is still a teenager and did have his childish moments from time to time. The young former Leo was just over sixteen and was living the life that he never really got to have in their time.
Today however, Sisyphus noticed something odd.
Having decided to visit with Asmita, the former Sagittarius spotted his nephew running toward the cliffside behind the Leo temple.
Sisyphus found this very strange since he knew that Regulus had no reason to be sneaking around. He watched as Regulus easily jumped down the cliffside and then take off in the direction of the nearest village.
"Something troubling you, Sisyphus?"
The archer quickly turned and spotted Asmita and Shaka standing a few feet away.
"You noticed Regulus heading off, didn't you?" Shaka asked.
"I did." Sisyphus answered. "Has he done this much?"
"Truthfully, this has been going on for several days." Shaka answered. "He has been going to the village closest to Sanctuary and won't return until it's after dark. I know that he does not meet with the Bronze Saints though."
Sisyphus turned back to the cliff where he had last seen his nephew, wondering what it was he was up to.
"Do you plan to follow him?" Asmita questioned.
"Well, I would be lying if I said I didn't want to make sure that he was not causing trouble." he answered. "But I believe I do need to trust that Regulus will act properly."
"Are you saying that with a straight face?" Asmita asked with a knowing smile.
D**n Virgo's and their insight. Sisyphus thought.
"Why not ask the Bronze Saints to follow him?" Shaka suggested. "Regulus will not suspect any of them if they go to the village."
"A tempting idea but I trust Regulus." Sisyphus replied as he continued to look over to the distance and not noticing the smirks from the Virgo men.
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"Tenma?"
Seiya looked up at the mention of his former name and spotted Sisyphus walking up the last steps to the front entrance of the Libra temple.
"I hope I'm not interrupting." the former Sagittarius said.
"Actually, I welcome the interruption." Seiya replied as he glared at the chess board before him and a smirking Shiryu on the other side.
"Still not fond of mind games, I see."
"I don't think I ever will like them no matter how many times I reincarnate." Seiya replied.
"Anyway, I came to see if either of you have seen Regulus."
"I saw him earlier." Shiryu answered as he moved his bishop. "He said he would be heading to the village for something. Said it was important but not what it was."
Still could just be simple matters. Sisyphus thought. Although I'm surprised that even Tenma and his friends don't know about it.
"Perhaps I'll catch him on his way back in then. Thank you both." he said and continued on his way.
As he walked brunette man continued to wonder what it was his nephew was up to. Sneaking off to the village, not informing anyone what it was he was doing, not returning until after dark...
He didn't want to admit it but the signs were pointing to a...girlfriend.
Sisyphus wasn't sure what to think of this. He hadn't given this possibility much thought back in their time because of the war. But now that they were in this new time and 'retired' as Gold saints with free time on their hands...
Could Regulus possibly be courting a young woman? Sisyphus thought. Could that be why he has been sneaking off and not telling anyone?
"Sisyphus, you look deep in thought."
Sisyphus looked up and spotted Degel a few feet away sitting on a rock with a book on his lap and his glasses in hand.
"You only look that way when you are concerned about something." the former Aquarius added. "Is something troubling you?"
"It may possbily be nothing but the way Regulus has been lately as I've heard from others...I'm not sure."
"Is it about his many visits to the nearby village?" Degel questioned.
"You know of this?"
"I do." Degel answered and shut his book. "I had seen him go there alone myself and questioned him about it. He claims that he was meeting someone he had met there. I assumed that this person is just a new friend."
"I would believe that as well but, from what I learned from others, I believe this may not just be a 'friend'."
"You believe there is more to it?" Degel asked.
"I do."
"You beleive that he is in relations with a young woman?"
"That is my top suspision." Sisyphus answered. "Which concerns me as I have never talked with Regulus about such things. There was really no need to when we were the Gold Saints preparing to go to war, as much as I hated to think that at the time."
"But it was true." Degel said. "And you were right. But now we have new lives and are living somewhat normally. Regulus is a young man now and is experiencing new things. I believe it would be best to speak to him about certain things before he lands himself in a situation he is unsure of."
Sisyphus didn't even want to think of what kind of situation Regulus might land himself in. He was ever bit as curious as a kitten and could be just as naive. Having spent half of his youth with his father and the other half alone and then under his uncle's guide, Regulus might not be sure of certain things.
The only time that Sisyphus even knew of Regulus having been friends with a girl his age was his very first mission as a Gold saint to protect Connor Lugh. From what the Sagittarius understood, they had become close friends during that short amount of time.
Deciding he couldn't stand it any longer, Sisyphus decided to go find his nephew. Luckily his coat was dark enough that he could keep in the shadows and not be noticed too easily.
The village wasn't very far from Sanctuary and it only took a few minutes for Sisyphus to get there. With the village being one of the few that managed to survive the tests of time, Sisyphus was familiar with the layout of the small town.
New things were present but most of it was still familiar.
Keeping his senses open, the former Sagittarius continued to look around for his nephew. Looking around corners of buildings and houses, down the streets and allies, toward the small market area...
That was when he heard laughter that he knew all too well. Following the sound, the tall brunette man came toward the local shops. He looked down a row and spotted his target.
Regulus standing halfway down the row with not one but two young ladies. Still trying to believe that they are just friends, Sisyphus decided to continue to follow him.
For the next hour, Sisyphus believed that perhaps he had been wrong in his thoughts of thinking that Regulus was getting into uncertain situations.
Regulus and his two companions seemed to be gathering groceries and other supplies. The teen's uncle was about to call off his spying when he saw Regulus follow the two girls into a small house.
"You're going to follow him, right?" a voice asked from behind.
Sisyphus whirled around, ready to strike, and saw Kardia casually standing there with his trademark grin.
"What are you doing here?" Sisyphus demanded.
"You think you're the only one curious about what the kid is doing?" Kardia replied. "He's been acting a little different the past few days and I wanted to see why. Guess it's pretty clear now."
"You don't think..."
"He's a teenager, seems to be a hit with girls his age...It doesn't take someone as smart as Degel to figure it out, Sisyphus." Kardia replied. "I wonder if Regulus has...made relations."
Sisyphus felt his eyes widen at the thought and kicked himself even more for not having this talk with his nephew sooner. Even after their revival, he should have done this.
Regulus was a true genius when it came to battle, even more than all of the other Gold Saints, but when it came to simple things...
"I have to believe that he knows better." Sisyphus stated. "We should head back to Sanctuary before he knows we are here."
"In that case, I wonder if a litter of kittens will arrive in Sanctuary soon." the former Scorpio teased with a grin.
Sisyphus merely grabbed Kardia's arm and began to lead him away from the area.
The entire walk back to Sanctuary, Sisyphus had to constantly stop himself from turning around and running back to the village. Kardia's teasing was starting to get to him and he was fearful that it may come true.
The archer decided that he should speak with Shion to see if he could ease his mind. Perhaps even Shaka and Asmita could help him meditate to ease his nerves.
The walk up the stairs through the temples felt so much longer than it normally did but he and Kardia managed to get to the palace before the sun had completely gone down.
The building was quiet like it normally was but the throne room seemed to have life in it. Sisyphus spotted Shion in the room along with Asmita and Degel.
"Hello Sisyphus, Kardia." Shion greeted and the two knelt to their friend and pope. "You're arrival is most timely, Sisyphus."
"Oh?" he asked as he stood.
"I just recieved a notice from the leader of the village closest to Sanctuary. It concerns your nephew."
Sisyphus felt himself freeze at Shion's words.
Was it possible that Kardia's teasing had actually taken place and much earlier than they realized? What if the notice was from the father of one of those girls and now Sisyphus was called upon to arrange a wedding?
"Sorry I'm late." a voice brought Sisyphus out of his thoughts. He turned and spotted Regulus hurrying over.
His normal large smile present and his eyes shinning. Traits that had become favorable in the Sanctuary and Sisyphus wondered if he would have to crush those things if he heard his fears come to light.
The teen knelt to Shion before standing and smiling at the others.
"Regulus, I'm glad you could be here to hear this." Shion said and opened the scroll.
Sisyphus was sure that his heart was going to escape from his chest.
"The village leader wanted to invite all of us to the new building that was built in dedication to Athena. He wanted to help show the appretiation of Regulus helping to build it these last few days since some of the men of the village had fallen ill. Regulus also helped to gather healing herbs from a forest that the villagers are cautious to go to. Thanks to him gathering the herbs, the ill villagers have quickly recovered."
Shion lowered the scroll and looked over to Regulus.
"You've done excellent work, Regulus."
Regulus merely chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Wait, that's it?!" Kardia asked looking a little disappointed. "He's been sneaking off to help build a new temple?"
"Yes," Shion answered, somewhat confused at the former Scorpio's behavior.
Kardia huffed and crossed his arms.
"And here I believed it was to arrange a wedding with one of those girls he was courting."
"WHAT?!" Regulus exclaimed, his young face expressing embarrassment while turning red from the emotion he was showing.
"Face it kitten," Kardia replied as he continued to smirk. "The signs were pointing to you being involved with a woman and we were somewhat right."
Regulus faced his uncle who had a hand to his chest and looked to be both amused and ashamed. But he looked more relieved than anything. Like a great weight had been lifted from within him.
"You thought this as well?!" he questioned.
"I did." Sisyphus answered with a weak smile. "I'm sorry, Regulus."
"I can't believe all of you thought this." the teen exclaimed and crossed his arms. "I may be young but I'm not an idiot and I do happen to know more than any of you think I do."
"You're right, Regulus." Asmita said with an amused smile. "We did believe something without true confirmation and allowed a little demon's whisper to make us believe this more."
"Who are you calling a demon?" Kardia scoffed.
"The point being, we assumed things before getting to know from you. Our behavior was not befitting of former Gold Saints of Athena. We apologize." Degel said and bowed to the young teen then elbowing Kardia.
"Yeah, I'm sorry too." the former Scorpio said with a bow of his own.
Regulus waited until the others were done with their apologies before looking straight at them again.
"Fine, I accept." he muttered.
"But who were those girls you were with?" Kardia asked.
"They're the granddaughters of the village doctor." Regulus answered. "When I brought back the herbs from the forest, they helped make the medicine to give to everyone who was sick. They invited me to dinner to show their thanks for going to a place that no one in the village dared to go to."
Sisyphus smiled as Regulus continued to explain how he became part of the involvment in helping build a new dedication to their goddess.
He couldn't believe that he suspected such things of his nephew and allowed Kardia's teasing to deepen his fears.
Regulus was right. He may be young but he was wiser and smarter than any of them gave him credit for.
Shion lightly chuckled at the situation before him.
He did admit that there were times when he too thought that Regulus was sometimes in over his head but, just as the Bronze Saints had done, Regulus had proved them all wrong.
Still, the former Aries saint couldn't wait to tell Dohko about this.