Gale-Dragon: I have no excuse for this other than my overactive brain that just can't focus on one story at a time. Urg! Times like these I wish I could make like 4 copies of myself that can be completely devoted to writing these stories. Shikata ga nai, might as well put this out there and see what happens. For those of you who follow me on Tumblr, I will be posting a data sheet of the Reincarnated Saints' Quirks soon, so keep a lookout for that if you are interested in this A/U.
~}I{~
Quirks of the Cosmos. Prologue.
~}I{~
Eyes slowly opened to survey their surroundings. It was blurry, so they blinked to clear it away... But nothing happened… Why was that?
Wait... Why was it quiet? Ah hold on, there is sound... It's just muffled... Why?
What happened to their senses?
The last thing the Gold Saints remember doing was breaking through the Wall of Lamentation in the Underworld so that the Bronze Saints could get through to defeat Hades. Did they get through? Did they defeat Hades?
The Gold Saints knew that the Bronze Saints could handle any challenge, they knew from experience… But… Why was everything so blurry? So muffled? So… Oddly warm?
}{
"Mu sounds like a good name for our son," the voice of a woman clearly said, talking to someone.
Mu was confused, was someone talking to him? Or about him?
'Huh? Am I wrapped in something?' the lilac-haired Saint wondered as he felt a soft, warm cloth encircling his body. Why was that?
He then felt the gentle pressure of being held from all around... Mu found that strange... At least until he managed to focus his vision…
}{
Aldebaran has never met anyone taller than him since he became an adult, so, of course, he freaked out when he saw a pair of giants looming over him with smiles. But all that came out of his mouth was a wailing cry.
One of the giants held him close in a loving manner when one cooed softly, "There, there. Your Mama and Papa are here."
The other then said in a soft caring tone, "Oh! He's got so much energy already."
All Aldebaran could think was, 'What the heck?! Why are they holding me like this and talking like that?!'
}{
Saga stared at the other, also being held in a loving embrace. '{K-Kanon?!}' the Gemini Saint got out through his Cosmo.
Kanon couldn't help but reply in the same tone and the same way, '{Saga?!}'
The two blinked before they asked the other through their Cosmos, '{Why are you a baby?}' They stared at each other for a bit as they realised the implication.
"Our adorable little twins~," the one holding the two cooed happily as she hugged them closer.
}{
Deathmask tried to push away from the person hugging him, but his new body didn't have the corresponding strength to do that.
"Ha ha! Our boy already has so much energy!" With those words spoken, the situation was, in fact, real. Deathmask couldn't help but cry at this.
}{
Aioria tried to look around, but all he ended up doing was nearly flopping to the side, almost. His new father managed to catch him before he did.
His new mother giggled when she said, "He's got so much energy already."
The father agreed when he said as he scooped Aioria into his arms. "He'll be a handful for sure."
}{
Shaka kept calm the entire time his new parents held him close. He's been reincarnated before, so he knew what to expect. Although...
"I know it's a little early to be saying this, but I want our daughter to learn Huiyen Lallong (1)," Shaka's new mother told her husband.
Shaka's new father hugged his love and their child when he said, "And she shall, my sunbeam." He gently rubbed his daughter's head when he added, "Shaka shall have the mind and grace worthy of the warriors of the past."
Shaka couldn't help but think, 'Well... He's not wrong... But...' This was the first time he's been reincarnated as a girl, so that was new...
}{
This was strange to Dohko... Well, he could blame the fact that he's been an old man for the bulk of his nearly 300-year life...
'But given the situation... The best action to take is to wait and learn,' Dohko thought as his new parents set him down for a nap. As the Libra Saint closed his eyes when he thought, 'Then again... It's the only thing I can do as of now...' He opened his eyes to look around the 'baby room' in embarrassment.
'I guess this should be expected...' Dohko thought with a heavy sigh.
}{
Milo opened his eyes when he heard his parents talking, he pretended to still be asleep as he listened to them speak. From what the Scorpio Saint was able to overhear, his new parents' job made them 'Heroes'. Milo kept quiet as he continued to listen to the conversation.
"I know it's too early to worry about this, but I hope that our little Milo will inherit one of our Quirks," His new mother fretted as she filed away some paperwork.
He heard his new father assure his wife, "I'm sure he will, honey, so don't you worry. He'll be a Legacy Hero one day. Just like us and the Ingeniums!"
Milo couldn't help but wonder what a 'Quirk' was and what a Legacy Hero was.
}{
Aioros never thought being a baby would be an advantage. He could quietly gather information without anyone realising it. 'Then again, people seem to believe that babies can't understand what's being said,' the Sagittarius Saint thought as he watched the news with his new parents.
They talked about the recent events and wondered if their plans with their siblings would hold.
Aioros listened as his new mother told his new father, "I hope that our plans stick this time. Sis really wants our babies to meet."
The father hugged his wife and child when he said, "Don't worry, my brother and I will make sure our sons meet this time."
Aioros blinked in confusion as he wondered what his new parents had planned and why the words they used felt weird.
}{
Shura didn't like the fact that he couldn't move the way he wanted and was dependent on his new parents to take care of him, but he didn't have much of a choice...
'Being a baby sucks!' the Capricorn Saint thought bitterly as he moved his head away from the nipple as soon as he was full. It felt worse because he still had all his memories from his past life. Shura didn't look as his new mother fixed her clothing when she told him, "You don't seem to like being breastfed, do you, sweetie?"
'Of course, Not! It's freaking awkward!' Shura thought as he squirmed, wanting to be put down.
His new father couldn't help but say, "Well... It is almost time to switch to formula... And maybe some baby foods..."
As his new mother had to agree, Shura felt relieved that he didn't have to put up with this embarrassing way of being fed for much longer.
}{
'Is this allowed?' Camus wondered as he watched the interrogation through the one-way mirror as his new uncle held him in his arms.
Why was the Aquarius Saint in the police station?
Because his new mother worked there... As the #1 interrogator...
Camus felt his new uncle hug him tighter as they watched the man his new mother was interrogating broke down and confess to whatever crime he did. From what the Aquarius Saint learned... His new mother had a 'Quirk' called 'Polygraph', which allows her to tell if someone is lying or not... Handy for law enforcement interrogations...
Camus's new mother was Tsukauchi Makoto and his new uncle was her younger brother, Tsukauchi Naomasa (2).
Makoto happily took her son from her brother as she thanked him. Naomasa waved a hand when he told his sister that it wasn't a problem. Makoto kissed her baby's brow as the Tsukauchis headed back to the office area of the police department. The little family were greeted by the officers that were there.
All these officers were either big, tall, buff, scary, stern, or any combination of those who were happily cooing at the baby in the interrogator's arm.
Camus couldn't help but think, 'I am serious... How is bringing a baby to this kind of workplace allowed?' He honestly didn't like all this attention…
}{
Aphrodite couldn't wait to get his mobility back. He didn't like being treated like, well, a baby!
As the new mother secured him in his high chair, his new mama placed the food on the table. Aphrodite was a little confused as to how he had two mothers, but it didn't take too long before he found the answer to that... Not that the Pisces Saint thought it was bad, it just surprised him. Besides, they were good, loving parents!
'I just wish I got my memories of my past life After growing out of the baby phase!' Aphrodite thought as his new mothers made all these embarrassing baby coos to get him to eat his mushy food. The Pisces Saint was quick to open his mouth to be fed, but only to stop his new mothers from making those weird noises!
"Aw, our little bud really likes the food you made!" Aphrodite's mother cooed happily as she pulled the baby spoon out of his mouth.
"I'm glad he does. Organic is the best way to go," Aphrodite's mama said in a mellow joy.
The Pisces Saint swallowed what he had when he thought, 'Well... It's not bad... But the texture is too mushy and I wish both of you would stop with the ridiculous sounds when you do this!'
~}I{~
Baby Kanon crawled over to the older twin when he sent through their Cosmo, '{I wonder if the others are in the same predicament we are?}
As the younger twin plopped next to him, Baby Saga replied through their Cosmos, '{Maybe... I would hope, but...}' He sighed when he added, '{That would mean that they're going to be suffering through all this baby thing we are.}
Baby Kanon couldn't help but agree. The younger looked at the older's blue onesie and then looked at the matching one she was wearing, except it was pink. Baby Kanon couldn't help but send through their Cosmos, '{I hope I'm not going to be the only 'girl' among you...}'
Baby Saga glanced at his now sister when he sent through their Cosmos, '{I'm sure you won't be... Hopefully...}'
}{
Aioros and Aioria couldn't help but stare at their respective parents from the playpen they were placed in.
On the bright side, the two were reborn as relatives again. Cousins, by all technicality...
But the downside…
Baby Aioria couldn't help but send through their Cosmos as he watched his parents happily chat with his aunt and uncle, '{Unh... Brother... Are you seeing what I'm seeing?}'
Baby Aioros nodded as he watched the adults and replied, '{Yeah... I am...}'
There, in front of the Leo and Sagittarius saints were a pair of identical adult males and a pair of identical adult women... Both sets of twins were wearing almost the similar coloured clothing and styles...
Baby Aioros couldn't help but say through their Cosmos with a twitch of his brow, '{By Athena... This is going to be a challenge!}'
Baby Aioria nodded in bewilderment before he sent through their Cosmos, '{Yeah... Uh... Do you remember the clothing your parents were wearing?}'
The two could already see the unwanted confusion this was going to have... And how often it would happen...
}I{
Deathmask stewed as his 'parents' drove them to these 'family friends' for a 'play date' with their son... The Cancer Saint thought bitterly, 'I can't believe I have to suffer through this crap!' He fiddled with the belt to the booster seat he was strapped into when he also thought, 'And like hell I'm going to be all buddy-buddy with an actual baby!' Deathmask reluctantly chewed on the pacifier in his mouth, not the least bit happy to be in this horrid situation.
The Cancer Saint's 'father' glanced in the rearview mirror with a smile when he said, "Oh? Someone's eager to meet their new friend."
'No, I'm not!' Deathmask thought with a scowl, or as much of a scowl as he could with a pacifier in his mouth.
The Cancer Saint's 'mother' giggled when she said happily, "I can't blame him. I'm excited to see them again and meet their adorable baby too."
Deathmask let out a low growl, or tried to, when he thought bitterly, 'Like hell, I'm letting some brat drool all over me!' He wanted this crap to be over quickly so he could get back to trying to get his mobility back as quickly as possible.
Soon enough, the little family arrived at a rather... Flowery and plant-covered house. Deathmask couldn't help but think that Aphrodite would like a place like this before they entered.
Two women greeted the Cancer Saint and his parents. One of them happily cooed at the baby in her friend's arms when she said, "Aw! Is this little Makoto?"
Deathmask wished his parents had given him a different name.
The other woman happily chirped, "Oh! I'm sure he'll get along great with our adorable little Morio~."
'Yeah right,' Deathmask thought sarcastically as his parents brought him into the flowery house. His mother placed him in the playpen with the other baby. Deathmask was about to glare at the other in the playpen when he recognised the familiar Cosmo. And apparently, the other baby did the same with him.
Aphrodite blinked when he saw and felt the familiar Cosmo. '{Deathmask?!}' He sent through his Cosmo to the other in disbelief.
'{Aphrodite?!}' Deathmask retorted back through their Cosmos in shock.
The Cancer Saint's mother happily told her baby, "Now, Makoto, go play with Morio."
The moment the woman walked away, Aphrodite immediately went to tease the other through their Cosmo, '{Hahaha! They named you Makoto! That's hilariously adorable!}
Deathmask quickly retorted through their Cosmo with red cheeks, '{Oh, shut up! Not like the name Morio suits you any better!}'
The two sets of parents happily and blissfully thought that their children were getting along already.
}I{
Aldebaran had more or less gotten settled in his... Well, new predicament... He didn't LIKE it, but he's getting by well enough. Aldebaran let out a breath as he 'Played' with his toys, waiting for the arrival of his aunt and uncle with his cousin.
Apparently, the Taurus Saint's father and his uncle are brothers... And they wanted their children to meet. However…
Aldebaran glanced at the clock when he thought, 'If what I overheard from Papa is true, then... My cousin is roughly the same age I currently am...' He sighed wondering how he could hope to pretend to get along with an actual baby...
There was a knock at the door, snapping the Taurus Saint out of his thoughts.
Aldebaran's mother went to answer it. He heard her happily welcoming her brother-in-law and his wife. She also happily cooed, "Aw, is this little Shura? My, aren't you looking your best ~."
Aldebaran's attention perked up at the familiar name. He didn't want to get his hopes up, but... The thought of being able to find another Gold Saint so early was too great of a temptational idea, even if it was probably unlikely.
It didn't take long before the Taurus Saint's aunt and uncle came over, and he recognised the Cosmo coming from the other baby. In joy, Aldebaran happily sent through their Cosmos, '{Shura!}'
The Capricorn Saint was quick to respond in the same emotion through their Cosmos, '{Al! I can't believe it!}'
Both babies were babbling happily to their parents. "Oh? That was quick," Shura's mother commented with a smile when she saw her nephew-in-law crawling over to her baby.
"Can't say I'm surprised," Aldebaran's mother said as her husband came into the room with tea and snacks.
As the parents got comfortable and chatted, the Gold Saints 'caught up' with each other.
'{Seriously, Al? What are the odds of us being reborn as cousins?}' Shura sent through their Cosmos with a toothless smile, patting the other on the shoulder.
'{I don't know, and I honestly don't care! I'm just glad that I'm not the only one going through this,}' Aldebaran replied through their Cosmos as he ruffled the other's hair, a little clumsily.
Shura smiled and nodded in agreement.
That was when Aldebaran finally noticed what the Capricorn Saint was wearing. A pink, flower-patterned dressy shirt with matching bottoms. The Taurus Saint blinked in confusion when he asked the other through their Cosmos, '{Uh... Shura... Why did your parents... Dress you in that pink get-up?}'
Shura shrugged when she replied casually through their Cosmos, '{Oh, I was reincarnated as a girl. No big deal, but my parents seem to like dressing me up in these types of outfits.}'
Aldebaran did not know how to respond to that... Revelation...
~}I{~
As time ticked by, the Gold Saints quietly learned more and more about their new world. More about Quirks and how they are integrated into everyday life.
It somewhat baffled them just how much they were able to find out without any of the adults noticing...
Then again, they still have their memories from their Past Lives and are more aware of these things... None of them will ever underestimate how much a baby can learn in the future.
~}I{~
Camus wearily stared at the nearby police officer who just so happened to be standing near the colourful building his mother was taking him into, watching the both of them. The Aquarius Saint was three now, old enough to attend kindergarten. And in all honesty, he was glad to go. If Camus wasn't at home with one of his parents, he was either at the police station or the grocery store. Kindergarten might not be the Aquarius Saint's first choice, but at least he wasn't going to be surrounded by a hoard of adults fussing over him! Though he wasn't sure if a bunch of noisy little kids would be any better…
Camus's mother kissed him on the brow before leaving him with one of the kindergarten workers and heading back to work.
As the kindergarten staff brought the Aquarius Saint in with the rest of the little kids, Camus noticed a few adults peeking in through the windows. He could guess from their states, they were the parents of the other kids. Camus glanced at the kindergarten worker to see if they noticed. From the expression he saw, the Aquarius Saint figured that this was a normal 'first day of kindergarten' event. Camus then noticed the familiar face of the officer he saw on the way in... And his mother...
'She might as well have just brought me to the Police Station like she normally does if she's going to hover like that...' Camus thought as the kindergarten worker placed him down near the toys. He didn't care much for these, so he looked around for something else to do to occupy his time. Camus spotted a little reading corner that was void of kids but one, and it was quieter! The Aquarius Saint carefully stood up and walked over to the corner.
The Aquarius Saint plopped down next to the shelf and looked at the colourful spines of the books to see if there were any he could read that wasn't too infantile. There were only a few, much to his dismay.
"Camus?" a childish voice spoke up in shock.
The Aquarius saint blinked before he turned towards where he heard his name. To Camus's shock, the other kid sitting next to the bookshelf was the one who called him.
The other boy had short rusty red hair with indigo highlights and lowlights, deep indigo-blue eyes, and wore Scorpion-themed clothing. He was clutching a thicker book in his little hands as he stared at the Aquarius Saint.
Sure, he looked different, but Camus recognised the familiar Cosmo that always warmed his heart. "Milo!" the black-haired boy got out in shock before crawling over to the other.
Milo reached out towards the other as he got closer. When they were close enough, they pressed their palms together. '{By Athena! Camus, I'm glad we found each other!}' Milo sent happily through their Cosmos.
Camus scooted closer to the other as he sent through their Cosmos in more of a controlled tone, '{As am I, Milo.}' The Aquarius Saint knew his joy was bleeding through his Cosmo and into the other. Camus took note of Scorpio Saint's new appearance when he sent through their Cosmos, '{You look different... Not in a bad way...}'
Milo held up the book when he sent through their Cosmos, '{Yeah, it'll take a while to get used to, but I'm still me.}'
Camus leaned close to the other when he sent through their Cosmos, '{So I've noticed... And I'm glad.}'
As the two toddlers pretended to read the book about a friendly clown trying to bring colours back to her world, the kindergarten staff and their respective parents watched them in confusion.
~}I{~
A four-year-old Mu was levitating the spinning tools. The Aries Saint was careful with his telekinetics, making sure he didn't break or damage anything. 'Hm... This feels different from my previous powers,' Mu thought as he teleported a crocheting needle from one table to another.
Mu folded his arms as he gently placed everything back in its place as he thought about all this. From what his parents talked about when they saw him doing what he did earlier but on a smaller scale, this would be his 'Quirk' rather than his natural telekinesis... He thinks... Maybe.
A minute later, Mu's parents took him to the paediatrician to get a better examination of his 'Quirk'.
}{
The doctor was nice, but the tests were too easy for the Aries Saint. Then again... He had a lot more experience than the typical 4-year-old with this kind of thing, but he made sure to hide that particular fact by doing just the minimum to pass these tests so as not to draw any unneeded suspicions. And luckily for Mu, he was allowed to name his 'Quirk'...
"Aries' Crystal Telekinesis," Mu stated, having a feeling that his Cosmo was involved in this Quirk's development.
}{
"Taurus' Energy Shield," Aldebaran said with a small smile, feeling the familiar power.
}{
Saga and Kanon jinxed, "Gemini's Power Bond." They had no other name to choose if this was their 'Quirk'.
}{
Deathmask smirked as he stared at the object in his hands, "Cancer's Phobia Mask!"
}{
Aioros smiled at what he saw when he said, "Sagittarius' Psychic Arrow!"
Aioria beamed when he quickly added, "And mine's Leo's Lightspeed Strike!"
}{
Shaka gazed at the whisps of light flowing around her when she whispered, "Virgo's Golden Aura." A cat happily played with one of the whisps that happened to float by.
}{
Dohko rubbed the back of his neck when he sheepishly replied, "Uh...Can we call it 'Libra's Weapon Arsenal'? Please?"
}{
Milo stared at his 'Quirk' when he said without thinking, "Scorpio's Venomous Sting..." He almost missed his parents' happy cheers at this.
"Oh! This is the second-best news today!" Milo's mother exclaimed in joy.
Both Milo and his father paused when they got out at the same time, "Second?"
}{
Shura quickly apologised for the unintentional damage and explained. "I'm still trying to control my Capricorn's Cutting Blade!"
}{
Tsukauchi Makoto looked at her son when she asked with a raised brow, paperwork already in hand," Are you sure you want to call your Quirk 'Aquarius' Icy Frost'?"
Camus nodded sternly. His now icy turquoise hair gleamed in the light.
}{
Aphrodite cheered happily at all the flowers surrounding him when he got out, "Yippy! My Pisces' Thorny Flowers works beautifully!"
~}I{~
4-and-a-half-year-old Milo carefully held the infant bundled in the bright blue blanket with a smile. He felt the familiar Cosmo and knew who this baby was long before his parents told him.
"Congratulations, Milo, you are now a big brother!" the Scorpio's father said happily.
Milo gently hugged the infant with a nuzzle when he said softly with that smile still on his face, "It's great to finally meet you, Ikki."
To the parents, it was the perfect first meeting between a child and their new younger siblings, but within the communications of their Cosmos was a different story…
'{Oh, you've got to be freaking kidding me!}' the now infant Ikki sheathed in annoyance through their Cosmos. The reincarnated Phoenix Saint couldn't help but snap at the Scorpio Saint through their Cosmos, '{What in Athena's name is wrong with the Cosmos to make me your younger brother?! Or any Gold Saints?!}'
Milo kissed his new brother's forehead when he retorted through their Cosmos, '{Don't know and don't care, but you're going to have to get used to calling me Milo-niichan~}'.
Baby Ikki begrudgingly admitted that the older Saint was right.
~}I{~
Saga and Kanon were being fitted for their new school uniform for when they start the first grade next year. It wasn't unpleasant, but...
Their parents were taking way too many pictures of them than needed...
"Mama... Papa... Can you stop..." Kanon asked in embarrassment as she tugged her yellow school hat over her eyes to stop herself from watching their parents act this way. Her shoulder-length blueish-blonde hair swayed when she moved.
Saga's brows twitched in annoyance when he stated bitterly with his blue eyes narrowed, "You both are acting dumb..." Of course, he wanted to use a stronger word, but he had to keep his tongue in the range a near 5-year-old would use.
The parents paid no mind as they continued to take pictures of their son and daughter in their matching uniforms. Well, matching except for the shorts and skirt.
'{This better not be a reoccurring thing,}' Saga sent his twin through their Cosmos in annoyance.
Kanon couldn't help but agree when she sent through their Cosmos, '{How can they be so energetic about these minor things? Wait, don't answer that.}'
}I{
If there was one activity in kindergarten that Milo and Camus didn't expect to enjoy so much, Nap time would not have made that list. Yet, here they are, close to the tail end of their stay at this 'Experience' and they both agreed that the mandatory quiet time was a much-needed break from the noise of the kids all day. It also allowed them to communicate without others finding it peculiar.
'{My new brother will be born any day now,}' Camus told the Scorpio through their Cosmos as they pretended to sleep. The Aquarius Saint then sent, '{I already know it's Hyouga.}'
Per usual, the two Gold Saints chose to 'nap' next to each other. Always set their little mini futons next to the reading corner and usually away from the other kids.
Milo cracked an indigo-blue eye open to look at the other when he replied through their Cosmos, '{If this is anything like Ikki... Then I can assume that you felt his Cosmo coming from your mother's womb.}'
Camus also cracked an eye open to look at the Scorpio with his pure icy turquoise eyes, which matched his pure icy turquoise hair, when he sent through their Cosmos, '{Yes... I may not know why the Phoenix Saint is now your brother, but I can only hope that Hyouga being my younger sibling is Athena's will, somehow...}'
Both closed their eyes when they heard the soft footsteps of one of the kindergarten staff walking by to check to make sure everyone was napping.
Milo couldn't help but reply to the other through their Cosmo, '{Maybe... I know Ikki isn't thrilled with this situation, but at least he knows he's not alone in this ordeal.}' He patiently waited for the attendant to move away before cracking an eye open again to look at the Aquarius Saint.
Camus opened an eye when he sent through their Cosmos, '{That is true.}'
The Gold Saints' attention was then on the kindergarten attendants whispering in range of the two about them. All softly voicing their concerns about the duo and their unwillingness to be apart from one another as well as them not being interested in being friends with the other kids.
}I{ A Few Months Later }I{
5-year-old Dohko carefully hugged the little bundle of life close to his chest with a small, soft smile as his parents talked over him and his infant brother. Both were understandably worried about their newborn, more specifically, the fact that he wouldn't be able to see. The Libra Saint felt relieved and happy to have his precious student back into his life, as his new younger brother. But he needed to quell his parents' worries.
Dohko looked up at his parents when he said, "Mum, Dad, Sharyuu's going to be fine. I'm sure he'll be able to adapt, and all we need to do is make sure he knows his family supports him." His short brown hair had a slight wave to it and his black eyes gleamed happily in the light.
'{Roshi...}' the reincarnated Dragon Saint sent through their Cosmos with admiration. He managed to grip his teacher's pinky with his tiny, little right hand when he felt it.
Dohko held the new infant close when he sent through their Cosmo, '{That's Dohko-niichan now, Sharyuu.}' Gently nuzzling his new little brother's brow, which soothed their parents greatly.
}I{ A Few Months Later }I{
Aioria held the bundle with his new little brother carefully in his arms with a smile as Aioros sat next to him. '{Is this how you felt when you held me in our last life?}' The Leo Saint asked his (technically) cousin through their Cosmos as he shifted the little life in his arms. His short blondish-brown hair fell over his blue eyes as he stared at his new little brother.
The Sagittarius Saint tickled the baby's cheek when he sent, '{Yeah, you were just as small. However, I have to wonder about the odds of you being Aioria's little brother in this life, Seiya.}' Just like his (technical) cousin, he had the same hair and eye colour with the only difference being that his hair was a little longer and needed to be held back by a headband.
The reincarnated Pegasus Saint wiggled slightly under the blanket he was wrapped in when he sent the brothers through their Cosmos, '{Yeah, I don't know that either… I also don't know the odds of you two being reborn as brothers again.}'
'{Technically cousins in this life,}' the Leo and Sagittarius Saint sent through their Cosmos at the same time.
Baby Seiya blinked at the older Saints in confusion when he sent through their Cosmos, '{Cousins? Technically? What do you mean? You two still look like siblings.}'
Aioros noticed his parents coming their way when he sent the others through their Cosmos, '{Looks like you're going to see what we mean soon enough.}'
This didn't alleviate Seiya's confusion in the slightest.
}I{
"Oi! Hurry up or I'm leavin' witout yah!" a 6-year-old Deathmask hollered from the kitchen of Aphrodite's home with an aggravated expression.
Aphrodite's mother handed the raven-haired first-grader an oatmeal cookie when she said, "Now, now, Makoto, no need to shout. Morio is just watering the flowers in his room."
Deathmask pouted as he took the offered treat when he stated in annoyance, "Does he have'ta do it every morning? Dey're not gonna dry out if he does it every twee days or so..." He took a bite of the cookie.
Aphrodite's mum giggled when she said with a smile, "Oh, Makoto, different flowers need different things in different amounts."
Deathmask let out a humph before he retorted, "He can still skip a day or two." He's more or less gotten used to the two women, and while he wasn't going to admit it out loud, they were nice to him despite his... Personality... Same with his 'New Parents'... 'They're light-years better than the set I had in my last life,' Deathmask thought bitterly as he finished the cookie.
Aphrodite practically skipped in with a happy hum. His hair had changed colours due to his Quirk and was now a menagerie of pastels with random strands of the three primary colours mixed in. His opal pink eyes glittered in joy as he greeted his mothers.
Deathmask rolled his opal black eyes when he snapped, "Good, you're here, now let's go!" He ignored the fact that the Pisces Saint was wearing the pink variant of their Elementary school's 1st-grade uniform, already used to that skit.
The two 'children' were seen off by the two women, but they were also quick to remind them that if either family got a call from the school about them not showing up, neither child would be getting their weekly rewards.
"We know!" Both Deathmask and Aphrodite retorted before they headed in the direction of their school.
After a minute or so of walking, Aphrodite glanced to the side when he sent the other through their Cosmos, {Deathmask... Do you think that... That we're being punished or rewarded?}'
The Cancer Saint glanced at the other when he retorted through their Cosmos, '{You're going to have to elaborate on that, Dite.}' Deathmask caught a glimpse at their reflection in the store windows and memories of how they looked in their last life came to the forefront. The contrast of how they looked now only stood out more. Deathmask held a strand of his pitch-black hair into view with tiny fingers that still threw the Cancer Saint off. He was used to white strands in his peripheral vision, not black.
Aphrodite grips the straps of his school pack when he sends through their Cosmos, '{This life... Our Powers... Our... Our parents... Do you think this is a punishment or a reward?}'
Deathmask scoffed in annoyance when he retorted through their Cosmos as they continued to walk, '{If this were a punishment, you'd be an ugly-arse brat and I'd be back in some slum trying to get by...}' He glanced at the other when he asked, '{Why the hell would you think all this is some kind of punishment?}'
They stopped at a crosswalk when Aphrodite sent the other through their Cosmos, '{It's... It's too perfect for us...}'
Deathmask understood what his friend was implying when he retorted through their Cosmos bitterly, '{Then let's make sure we keep it. This time around, we're not going to let anyone take our happiness away!}'
Aphrodite timidly took the other's hand as the light for the crosswalk changed, signalling that it was safe to walk. As they continued on their path, the Pisces Saint sent through their Cosmos, '{Can... Can we keep each other in check? To help ensure that?}'
"Do you even have'ta ask that?" Deathmask retorted as they arrived at their destination. Aphrodite stared at the other with his wide pink eyes before he smiled.
They had each other in their last life, and they'll make sure they'll keep each other in this life.
}I{
Aldebaran and Shura knew it would be hard to pretend to be interested in all these 'Childish Programs', but for the love of them, the vast majority of these 'childish things' were just! Just! Just so hard for them to take an interest in!
They were all too brightly coloured, too excitable, too loud, and, of course, too childish! But these weren't the only things that also deterred the Taurus and Capricorn saints from liking the 'childish programs'...
}{
'{Let's back away quietly and hopefully they won't notice,}' Aldebaran sent the Capricorn Saint through their Cosmos as he slowly moved away from the other kids.
'{No need to tell me twice,}' Shura replied through their Cosmos as she followed her cousin's lead.
Both carefully and slowly backed away from the two groups of 5-year-olds ready to fight. Luckily for them, the kids were too engrossed in their little war to notice the two slipping away.
When the little Gold Saints sat at the crafts table at the other end of the room, Shura whispered to her cousin, "Seweously, why are dey even arguing? Both shows are neawly identical... Right?"
Aldebaran whispered back cautiously, "I don't know, I haven't been able to watch an episode of eider show all da way twew... But I tink day have da same pwemous..."
The two glanced at each other as they quietly agreed that a lot of the media for the kindergarten range was mostly a copy-paste of one another.
That was when the unnecessary battle ensued, and the only ones spared of the expected punishment for causing such an event were the Taurus and Capricorn Saints.
}I{
The 6-year-old Milo kept that smile on his face even though the now 2-year-old Ikki was glaring daggers at him. The younger was protectively clutching the blue blanket that held a newborn baby.
Their father worriedly vocalised, "Uh... Ikki... Please let Milo hold Shun... He's his little brother too..."
'{I didn't think you'd have this much of a brother-complex, Ikki-chan,}' Milo sent the Phoenix Saint through their Cosmos as he kept the smile up for their parents.
'{I do not!}' Ikki retorted through their Cosmos with that glare. He then added, '{Shun is MY little brother!}'
Milo's smile twitched when he corrected through their Cosmos, '{OUR little brother, Ikki-chan.}'
The reincarnated Andromeda Saint couldn't help but send through their Cosmos in embarrassment, '{Ikki-nii... Please Stop...}'
}{
6-year-old Camus sat on a simple yet comfortable couch with an 18-month-old Hyouga in his lap as they watched an action-filled yet educational cartoon playing on the telly. The older Tsukauchi sibling hugged the younger close when he sent through their Cosmo, '{This is still rather childish, but it's better than some of the others...}'
Hyouga nodded when he replied through their Cosmos, '{True, and it's also fun to watch!}' He clapped his hands when the main characters of the show solved the puzzle.
Camus couldn't prevent a small smile from crossing his lips. He looked up when he heard footsteps to see a towering man with some decent muscles, blonde hair with two strands hanging in front of his face, somewhat piercing blue eyes, wore a somewhat tight white shirt that did little to hide the muscles underneath with a pair of well-worn blue jeans, and grey socks walking into the basic and simple living room with a tray of snacks and refreshments.
The towering man smiled at the two children when he placed the tray on the coffee table and said, "You two really enjoy that show, don't you?"
Camus nodded when he said calmly, "Yes, it's a lot more fun and you learn practical things you can use in real life."
The towering man let out a weary chuckle as he handed the toddler the sippy cup and the small cup to the 1st-grader. Both took the offered items. Little Hyouga was quick to take a drink as Camus thanked the man before taking a sip of the water. The towering man took his own glass as he sat on the couch next to the children when he commented about the show, "I have to admit, it's well written."
Little Hyouga giggled when Camus said, "For it to be both educational and fun, it would have to be. Right? Toshi-Oji?"
Yagi Toshinori couldn't help but wonder about one of his best friend's oldest child, but agreed as he patted him on the head when he stated, "You are oddly mature for your age, Camus-kun."
"I guess..." The Aquarius Saint muttered as they continued to watch the cartoon.
'{No offence, Master, but you might need to pull back on the 'maturity' a bit,}' Hyouga sent through their Cosmos as he took another gulp from his sippy cup.
Camus had to agree on that, but not without retorting that his little brother needed to start calling him 'Camus-niichan' through their Cosmos.
}I{
6-year-olds Saga and Kanon walked through their school's hallway to find their 2nd-grade classroom. Both were wearing their matching school uniforms. Well, matching except for the knee-length shorts and skirt.
Kanon huffed when she said bitterly, "I swear! If one more idiot tries to flip my skirt!" as they walked past the first-grade classrooms. Her hair was a little longer now, just past her shoulders.
Saga nodded in agreement when he stated as he looked at the classroom sighs, "And you'd be more than validated." He glanced at his sister when he added, "Though, try to keep the collateral damage to a minimum." Saga's hair matched his twin in colour and length.
Kanon shrugged when she said, "I'll try, but only on my end."
Sage mumbled a "Fair," before they found their assigned classroom. The older twin opened the door to class 2-B and walked in with the younger twin. Both paused when they noticed that the only other person in the classroom was emitting a familiar Cosmo.
Dohko looked up from his book when he felt the two Gemini Cosmos, surprised to see the duo in his classroom. The Libra Saint couldn't help but get out in both confusion and shock, "Kanon?! Saga?!"
"Master Dohko?!" The Twins responded in the same confused and surprised tone.
The Libra Saint couldn't help but state sternly, "It's just Dohko. We're the same age now."
The Semi-Identical Twins couldn't help but glance at each other in uncertainty. They couldn't help but feel more than a little weirded out that the much, much older Saint was now their age.
Dohko could understand his fellow Saints' uneasiness, but that still didn't mean that he liked their responses. That was when the Libra Saint noticed the uniforms that the duo were wearing. Dohko pointed at the younger twin when he asked in confusion, "How come Kanon is wearing the girl's school uniform?"
Kanon's response was flat when she stated flatly, "Because I was reincarnated as a girl."
Saga couldn't suppress his laughter the moment he saw the Libra Saint's utterly baffled expression at the answer.
~}I{~
A swipe of a spear knocked a shield out of place, causing the holder to fall backwards.
An 8-year-old girl with waist-long golden hair that was tied back in a low braid, wearing a saree that had alternating gradients of pink and yellow paired with black palazzo pants, had on a white long-sleeved shirt under the saree, wore a golden bangle on her left wrist that had a rather intricate design with blue-coloured gemstone embedded in it, her tanned skin glistened with a thin coating of sweat, black shoes that blended in well with her slacks, and she held a spear in her right hand and a small shield in her left.
A clap got everyone's attention. "Very good," the instructor for the Huiyen Lallong class stated professionally as his students quickly moved to stand at attention. The instructor gave a nod of approval when he said, "You all have improved since you started." He glanced at the only girl of the group when he added with a small smile, "Some more than others, but that seems to be expected." He panned over all his current students.
The girl was half the age of the others in the group.
The instructor then announced that the day's lesson was over after everyone put away the equipment, of course.
The girl quickly placed the spear and shield in their proper places before she hurried towards the waiting area where an 8-year-old boy was standing.
The boy had straight black hair that gleamed lilac under the light that reached his elbows and was loosely tied back with a white ribbon, had emerald green eyes, wore a simple khaki-coloured shirt with matching black slacks, black shoes, and wore a gold bangle on his left wrist that was identical to the one the girl was wearing.
The two 8-year-olds smiled at each other before they pressed their left palms together.
The boy then said softly, "Shall we head home, Shaka?"
The girl, Shaka, nodded when she replied, "Mother and Auntie did tell us to return when we have finished our tasks, Mu."
The boy, Mu, smiled as the pair made their way out.
One of the other students glared at the raven-haired boy when he scoffed, "I can't believe that kid was able to complete the Dowry Challenge (3) while everyone else couldn't even make a dent."
Another student quickly responded, "Get over it. Despite how that Mu kid looks, he's pretty strong."
The first gripped the shield he was holding when he scowled and growled out, "He looks like a wimp to me." He then flung the shield right at the black-and-lilac-haired boy, much to the shock and dismay of the other students. Before anyone could give a warning, the shield was already too close to the 8-year-old boy.
Suddenly, the shield froze in mid-air. A glow of shimmering, crystallised aura of lilac was now surrounding the item.
The students were paralysed in shock at what they saw.
Mu paused in his walking with Shaka before he looked over his right shoulder, glaring at the students as if saying, 'Did you try to do something?'
The older teenage boys couldn't suppress a shudder of fear at the uncharacteristic look in those green eyes.
"Mu?" Shaka questioned when she realised that the other wasn't walking with her.
Mu quietly moved the shield with his Telekinetic Quirk towards the rack where they were stored when he turned his attention to the golden-haired girl and said in his usual calm and polite tone, "Sorry, Shaka, I thought I saw something." He made sure to move the shield to keep it out of the other kid's sight as it smoothly slid back into place. Mu jogged slightly to catch up to his betrothed, leaving the stunned students behind.
Soon the two reincarnated Gold Saints walked through a busy bizarre within the heart of India as they headed home.
}I{
At a park, a 9-year-old Camus sat on a park bench with a 9-year-old Milo, watching their younger siblings 'playing' together. The Aquarius Saint slowly and gently leaned closer to the Scorpio Saint, resting his head on the other's shoulder. Milo's finger lovingly entwined with Camus', who readily returned the gesture as his red nails gleamed in the sunlight.
A 5-year-old Ikki, a 4-year-old Hyouga, and a 3-year-old Shun watched their older siblings from where they were when the middle boy sent through their Cosmos, '{Looks like they're together.}'
The youngest couldn't help but send through their Cosmos, '{Didn't you mention they were a couple in our previous life?}'
Hyouga shook his head when he replied through their Cosmos, '{No, I talked about how close they were, but they weren't lovers... At least not from what I've seen or noticed.}'
Ikki had to state through their Cosmos, '{Ah, so you expected them to hook up eventually too, huh?}' The Phoenix Saint glanced at the older two when he sent the two through their Cosmos, '{I figured Milo would've danced around his feelings for Camus for a few more years before acting on them.}'
Hyouga slumped when he sent through their Cosmos, '{I love my master, but he does not have the best record expressing his real feelings… I figured that he wouldn't do anything until Milo made the first move…}'
After hearing this, Shun sent through their Cosmos, '{If that's the case, then it's no wonder we thought it would've taken longer for them to pair up.}'
Both Ikki and Hyouga nodded at these.
'{I'm sorry, what do you mean by 'Dancing around'? Ikki-chan?}' Milo sent the younger Saints through their cosmos in an oddly pleasant but menacing tone.
Camus was next to state through their Cosmos, '{I had my reasons for acting the way I did in our last life. And it's Camus-niichan now, Hyouga.}' He sounded more stern than the Scorpio Saint.
Ikki, Hyouga, and Shun froze when they heard their older siblings' voices through their Cosmos. They slowly turned to see both Milo and Camus giving them a stern look. It completely slipped the three younger Saints' minds that the older Saints could 'listen in' on their cosmic conversation if they were close enough.
~}I{~
A 10-year-old Midoriya Izuku wrote down all these little tidbits of information that he noticed about a couple of Heroes over the past week in one of the many notebooks he had. The greenette couldn't help but smile as he looked at the computer screen with a news article about the latest Hero Poll.
Izuku glanced at the wall colander with a date circled in red with the words 'New Year at Aldera' written inside that day. The smile faded from the greenette's face, remembering how last year turned out...
Izuku hoped that things would be different this new school year.
~}I{~
To be continued.
~}I{~
1) Huiyen Lallong is a traditional Meitei martial art form. It is one of the Indian martial arts, originating from Manipur. In the Meitei language, Huiyen means war while Lallong or Lanlong can mean net, knowledge or art. Huiyen Langlon consists of two main subforms: Thang-Ta (armed combat) and Sarit Sarak (unarmed fighting). The primary weapons of Huiyen Lallong are the Thang (sword) and Ta (spear). The spear can be used in its non-missile form while up close, or thrown from afar. Other weapons include the shield and the axe. Unarmed combat incorporates hand strikes, kicks, and grappling (Mukna). Because of Manipur's cultural similarity and geographical proximity with Myanmar, huyen langlon is closely related to Burmese bando and banshay.
2) Yeah, doing an age-swap with the Tsukauchis for plot reasons. Toshinori is friends with both of them in this A/U.
3) In India, Dowry is called Dahez in Hindi, and Jahez in Arabic among the Islamic Community (derived from Islamic jahez-e-fatimi). In far eastern parts of India, dowry is called Aaunnpot. Dowry is a payment of cash or gifts from the bride's family to the bridegroom's family upon arranged marriage. It may include cash, jewellery, electrical appliances, furniture, bedding, crockery, utensils, car and other household items that help the newlyweds set up their home.
I've made some changes to this custom for this story. Since Quirks are the most desired thing in the Age of Quirks, they've taken priority in the vast majority of the cultures around the world. Putting that on the forefront, the Dowry will go to the family of whoever has the "Desired Quirk". However, since some families might not have access to traditional items for Dowries, they try to show their worth to the prospective partners through different/non-financial means. Thus came the concept of the 'Dowry Challenge". The 'Challenge' part is put in place by the family of the Desired Quirk and can be just about any type of trial/challenge.
~}I{~
