Author's note: Hi! I revised the fic. To tensaispira, please tell me if you
like this version better. I realized I forgot one important element of the
gaiden, and that it was Nataku who imprisoned Goku. So, i revised the fic.
This is the PROLOGUE. It's still gaiden. For those who are not familiar
with gaiden, here's a brief: kenren=gojyo, tenpou=hakkai, konzen=sanzo, and
goku=goku. Gaiden involves the previous life of the Sanzo-ikkou 500 years
ago in Heaven.
This is my speculation on the events 500 years ago. Of course, I don't own Gensomaden Saiyuki nor Saiyuki Gaiden. :- I hope you enjoy the fic, and I'd appreciate reviews. It would only take a few seconds to review! Let me know what you think of this :-
PROLOGUE
The present: Dreaming of the Past
Nataku sat on his throne, unmoving as always, a statue seated on gold and ivory contrasted sharply against the gentle undulations of the water lilies in the pond before him.
He sat as always, an active consciousness housed inside an immobile shell. The gods in heaven thought he was dead. Only the Goddess of Mercy knew this was not so, and it was only the two of them who shared this secret.
Kanzeon Bosatsu had visited earlier, telling him how Heaven was preparing yet once more for a possible war. Rumor has it, she said, that renegade gods were planning something terrible. "The details are very vague," she told him, "but if it were true, I think it will be very exciting, ne Nataku?"
The news triggered an avalanche of memories.. He silently sat there, recalling the tragic events of 500 years ago, filled with blood and madness, anguish and betrayal, confusion and fear, and all the possible permutations one could form with these.
It was a dark day in Heaven. Everyone was gathered at the public trial of Kenren Taisho, charged for conspiring to rebel against Heaven. Indicted as co-conspirator was Tenpou Gensui who was still at large.
The prosecution had damning evidence against Kenren, such as written detailed plans on invasion and assassination supposedly signed by him. Yet Kenren insisted it was all a frame-up. "You realize that without any clear and convincing evidence, you allegations cannot be considered, Kenren Taisho?" God asked.
"Evidence, whatever. All I know is that I'm innocent. I've never had any ambition to rule this boring Heaven, not unlike some people I know here," Kenren arrogantly replied. At this, a low murmur arose in the hall.
"Hey! Watch your language, you boor!" shouted one of God's retainers.
"Order! Order in the court!" God ordered. "What right have you to say that without evidence?" he reprimanded Kenren. "The evidence against you is clear and convincing. You, on the other hand, have absolutely no evidence to support your claims. We will not have any of your lies anymore." God banged his gavel. "Kenren Taisho, it is therefore the decision of this court to....."
"STOP!!!" came the shout from the back of the hall. Heads turned to see Tenpou darting past the startled guards. He kneeled before God, who ordered him to stand. The hall resonated with murmurs and whispers.
"Tenpou!!" Kenren exclaimed, astonished.
"What do you think you're doing!?" God angrily asked.
Tenpou straightened up, chin held high, and said, "Most honorable God, I move to delay the proceedings against the accused Kenren Taisho, as I have uncovered evidence to support his case."
The whispers and murmurs grew louder.
"Impossible!!" Li Touten shouted. "Guards, seize him! He's one of the accused too!!" The guards moved to arrest Tenpou but stopped when God held up a hand. He turned back to Tenpou. "This is interesting. You have been hunted for last three days, being a co-accused in this case. Yet you chose to present yourself with the risk of arrest." God closed his eyes, silent for a moment. When he opened them, he said, "Very well. We will hear you out, on the condition that if this merely a ruse to save Kenren, you will both be banished from Heaven. We cannot have a false delay in such an important proceeding."
The hall suddenly fell silent at God's proclamation. Everyone held their breath to see if Tenpou would accept the heavy terms imposed by God. The silence hung thick and oppressive in the air, and the seconds slowly ticked by. Finally, head still held high, Tenpou answered, "As you wish, your Honor."
The hall erupted into noise again. Li Touten stood up and raised his fist. "This is outrageous!!" he shouted at God. "Why do we have to believe a criminal like him? We have enough evidence to convict the both of them right here and now!!"
"Enough!" God boomed. "Justice is goal of this trial, and part of justice is the assurance that everyone has a fair trial. That is why we will consider his evidence. The trial will resume two days from now." With that, God banged his gavel and dismissed the court.
"Impossible!" Li Touten stormed out of the hall, Nataku following at his heel.
An hour later, all hell broke loose.
Kenren was talking to Tenpou in the visitor's lounge, under the watchful eye of a guard standing at the doorway.
"It's Li Touten, right?" Kenren asked in a low voice. "Yeah. It was obviously a frame-up. I found these in his room." Tenpou handed Kenren a thick sheaf of paper.
Kenren examined these and nodded. As he handed them back to Tenpou, he stared intently into the other man's eyes. "I fear for you, Tenpou. You shouldn't have contradicted them. I hear they're pretty determined. Now you've become another problem to them, and god knows what they're going to do to you," Kenren said.
Tenpou smiled. "Don't worry about me. I can take care of myself. I just couldn't allow anything to happen to you." He said, placing his hand over Kenren's.
"But that was extremely sweet of you, you know, risking yourself for me....."Kenren squeezed the other man's hand.
This tender moment was interrupted by urgent clanging of the gong. The guard, startled, drew his sword and rushed out of the lounge. Kenren and Tenpou looked at each other, eyes wide.
"Isn't that the alarm?" Kenren asked.
Tenpou nodded. "Yes. That hasn't been rung for centuries." They looked out the window, and this is what they saw.
Thousands upon thousands of soldiers led by Nataku Taishi were marching from the south towards the palace, swords help up high. The vanguard carried the red flag of rebellion. The southern contingent was soon joined by another battalion from the east. People were fleeing in mad confusion, and as Kenren and Tenpou watched in shock they saw a soldier roughly push a woman aside. The woman fell, and she was trampled by the onrush of soldiers.
"Oh my god," Tenpou gasped.
"Shit, this is it," Kenren said, eyes twinkling in mischief. "Time to kick Li Touten's sorry ass."
Tenpou and Kenren rushed out of the lounge. The palace was in chaos. Guards were hurrying to seal the gates. Residents of the palace fled into their rooms and hid there. The two were unnoticed in the commotion, and they ran outside to help the guards. Kenren did not realize that Tenpou was gone from his side as he rushed outside the gates.
Konzen was slouched in his chair, finishing his paperwork when he heard the gong sound. He sat up, startled. "The alarm! But what...?" He looked out the window and saw the vanguard march past, carrying red flags. Behind them were thousands upon thousands of soldiers.
"Shit! Damn Li Touten!" he hissed.
His first thought was Goku. He looked at the corner where the boy was usually playing. The corner was empty. Then he remembered Goku telling him that he was going to ask "Ten-chan" to bring him to the market.
And just where would Tenpou be?
Of course, with Kenren.
...And where would the two be?
In the royal palace, where the massive army was headed.
Konzen felt the color drain from his face.
"Goku!!!" he screamed, running out the door.
Nataku fought exceptionally well, as is to be expected from the God of War. At the initial onslaught at the palace gates he slew the heavily equipped palace guard in one fell swoop. Instant victory would have been his if not for the timely arrival of Goujun's army. And Nataku knew he met his worthy opponent when he came face to face with the heretic wielding the fiery sword.
Kenren was fighting as he had never fought before, sadistic rage burning through his veins. Kenren was relieved that Goujun's army had already arrived and were fighting alongside the exhausted palace guard. Though outnumbered, Goujun's soldiers were more skilled in the art of combat than the enemy. "We may have a chance," Kenren thought to himself.
Kenren easily disposed of three soldiers who simultaneously attacked him. Breathing hard, he grinned. He was actually enjoying himself!
"Now, isn't this exciting. Tenpou?" he shouted glancing over his shoulder at Tenpou. However he was not there. Panic froze his heart. Kenren whirled completely around and barely missed the sharp edge of a sword swung at him. He delivered a swift kick to the soldier's belly, knocking him down. "Tenpou!!!!" he screamed, rushing back to the palace.
Li Touten and Tenpou were in the palace courtyard, engaged in a desperate skirmish for the sword. Although Tenpou was more adept at fighting, Li Touten had the advantage of size and weight over the other man. Holding on to the sword, Li Touten gave Tenpou a hard shove. Tenpou stumbled backward, and Li Touten punched him hard in the jaw. Bloodied, bruised and exhausted, Tenpou fell to the ground. Li Touten planted one foot on his chest, sword poised over Tenpou's heart.
"Damn you, Tenpou. I almost had it made. You had to interfere." Li Touten raised the sword. "Now you die, sonofabitch!"
The blade of death never made contact as a barreling ball of gold and brown flung Li Touten off Tenpou.
Konzen made it into the courtyard by passing through the restricted area of the palace annexed to Kanzeon Bosatsu's quarters. Although the palace gates were now sealed, quite a number of the enemy soldiers had managed to slip through but were being subdued by the palace guard. His eyes frantically scanned the area and at the far end of the courtyard he saw Goku collide with Li Touten.
The impact flung Li Touten several meters away. His head hit the ground, and he felt his skull crack. A screech of pain issued from his lips. His vision wavered dizzily and his side throbbed with pain. Nonetheless he staggered to his feet and blearily saw a small boy kneeling over Tenpou, shaking the man awake. Grinning crazily, he stumbled toward them.
"Ten-chan!! Ten-chan!!" Goku cried, eyes threatening to spill tears. "Wake up, Ten-chan!!" Hands suddenly grabbed him from behind and whirled him around. "Goku!!" Konzen yelled. "Are you all right?!" he asked.
Goku pointed to Tenpou. "Ten-chan doesn't want to wake up. Please wake him up Konzen, please," the boy pleaded, a tear rolling down his cheek.
Konzen put his fingers to Tenpou's neck. "There's a pulse but it's very weak. That figures. He's lost a lot of blood," Konzen thought, noticing that the right sleeve of Tenpou's coat was soaked with blood. He tore off a piece of his own robe and was tying a tourniquet around Tenpou's arm when he heard Goku cry out. He turned to see Li Touten holding a grenade in his hand, the pin pulled halfway out.
"Tsk tsk," Li Touten said in a mocking voice. "What do you think you're doing. Konzen Douji? You're on his side too, eh?" Konzen eyed the grenade. "Tread carefully. You don't know what he's going to do," Konzen thought. "You're wounded badly, Li Touten. Why don't we stop this now? Let me help you," Konzen offered, imperceptibly edging towards the crazed man.
"I think we're too far into this game for me to stop now." He coughed, blood trickling from his lips. Goku whimpered.
"I think it's not too late to help you," Konzen said, edging closer to the man. "If I get close enough, I can grab the grenade," he thought.
"What makes you think I want your help?" Li Touten said menacingly.
"It appears as if your side IS losing. Look," Konzen pointed outside the gates where the remnants of the rebels were either fleeing or falling under the swift counterattack of the loyal troops. "There's no point in continuing this. But you can still be redeemed."
"I'm perfectly happy to die for my cause." He held the grenade high and Konzen froze. "And if I can't win, I'd rather die than surrender."
Konzen's eyes widened and he took a step back as he saw Li Touten pull the pin out all the way.
Konzen turned and ran to Goku, flinging himself at the boy, and the world exploded into flame.
"FATHER!!!" Nataku shrieked as he saw the courtyard engulfed in flames. Mental anguish heightened the physical pain he suffered from Homura's sword, and he blacked out.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" Kenren wailed in horror, helplessly watching the tragedy unfold before his eyes. He had reached the palace gates just in time to see Li Touten pull the pin of the grenade. His hands shook the bars of the locked gates.
Tenpou.
Konzen.
Goku.
Gone.
"Let me in!! Let me in!!" he shouted. But no one heard him.
And as he stood there, weeping bitter tears, he never noticed the enemy's dagger descending rapidly towards his neck.
-end, prologue- -copyright blinkie 2002-
This is my speculation on the events 500 years ago. Of course, I don't own Gensomaden Saiyuki nor Saiyuki Gaiden. :- I hope you enjoy the fic, and I'd appreciate reviews. It would only take a few seconds to review! Let me know what you think of this :-
PROLOGUE
The present: Dreaming of the Past
Nataku sat on his throne, unmoving as always, a statue seated on gold and ivory contrasted sharply against the gentle undulations of the water lilies in the pond before him.
He sat as always, an active consciousness housed inside an immobile shell. The gods in heaven thought he was dead. Only the Goddess of Mercy knew this was not so, and it was only the two of them who shared this secret.
Kanzeon Bosatsu had visited earlier, telling him how Heaven was preparing yet once more for a possible war. Rumor has it, she said, that renegade gods were planning something terrible. "The details are very vague," she told him, "but if it were true, I think it will be very exciting, ne Nataku?"
The news triggered an avalanche of memories.. He silently sat there, recalling the tragic events of 500 years ago, filled with blood and madness, anguish and betrayal, confusion and fear, and all the possible permutations one could form with these.
It was a dark day in Heaven. Everyone was gathered at the public trial of Kenren Taisho, charged for conspiring to rebel against Heaven. Indicted as co-conspirator was Tenpou Gensui who was still at large.
The prosecution had damning evidence against Kenren, such as written detailed plans on invasion and assassination supposedly signed by him. Yet Kenren insisted it was all a frame-up. "You realize that without any clear and convincing evidence, you allegations cannot be considered, Kenren Taisho?" God asked.
"Evidence, whatever. All I know is that I'm innocent. I've never had any ambition to rule this boring Heaven, not unlike some people I know here," Kenren arrogantly replied. At this, a low murmur arose in the hall.
"Hey! Watch your language, you boor!" shouted one of God's retainers.
"Order! Order in the court!" God ordered. "What right have you to say that without evidence?" he reprimanded Kenren. "The evidence against you is clear and convincing. You, on the other hand, have absolutely no evidence to support your claims. We will not have any of your lies anymore." God banged his gavel. "Kenren Taisho, it is therefore the decision of this court to....."
"STOP!!!" came the shout from the back of the hall. Heads turned to see Tenpou darting past the startled guards. He kneeled before God, who ordered him to stand. The hall resonated with murmurs and whispers.
"Tenpou!!" Kenren exclaimed, astonished.
"What do you think you're doing!?" God angrily asked.
Tenpou straightened up, chin held high, and said, "Most honorable God, I move to delay the proceedings against the accused Kenren Taisho, as I have uncovered evidence to support his case."
The whispers and murmurs grew louder.
"Impossible!!" Li Touten shouted. "Guards, seize him! He's one of the accused too!!" The guards moved to arrest Tenpou but stopped when God held up a hand. He turned back to Tenpou. "This is interesting. You have been hunted for last three days, being a co-accused in this case. Yet you chose to present yourself with the risk of arrest." God closed his eyes, silent for a moment. When he opened them, he said, "Very well. We will hear you out, on the condition that if this merely a ruse to save Kenren, you will both be banished from Heaven. We cannot have a false delay in such an important proceeding."
The hall suddenly fell silent at God's proclamation. Everyone held their breath to see if Tenpou would accept the heavy terms imposed by God. The silence hung thick and oppressive in the air, and the seconds slowly ticked by. Finally, head still held high, Tenpou answered, "As you wish, your Honor."
The hall erupted into noise again. Li Touten stood up and raised his fist. "This is outrageous!!" he shouted at God. "Why do we have to believe a criminal like him? We have enough evidence to convict the both of them right here and now!!"
"Enough!" God boomed. "Justice is goal of this trial, and part of justice is the assurance that everyone has a fair trial. That is why we will consider his evidence. The trial will resume two days from now." With that, God banged his gavel and dismissed the court.
"Impossible!" Li Touten stormed out of the hall, Nataku following at his heel.
An hour later, all hell broke loose.
Kenren was talking to Tenpou in the visitor's lounge, under the watchful eye of a guard standing at the doorway.
"It's Li Touten, right?" Kenren asked in a low voice. "Yeah. It was obviously a frame-up. I found these in his room." Tenpou handed Kenren a thick sheaf of paper.
Kenren examined these and nodded. As he handed them back to Tenpou, he stared intently into the other man's eyes. "I fear for you, Tenpou. You shouldn't have contradicted them. I hear they're pretty determined. Now you've become another problem to them, and god knows what they're going to do to you," Kenren said.
Tenpou smiled. "Don't worry about me. I can take care of myself. I just couldn't allow anything to happen to you." He said, placing his hand over Kenren's.
"But that was extremely sweet of you, you know, risking yourself for me....."Kenren squeezed the other man's hand.
This tender moment was interrupted by urgent clanging of the gong. The guard, startled, drew his sword and rushed out of the lounge. Kenren and Tenpou looked at each other, eyes wide.
"Isn't that the alarm?" Kenren asked.
Tenpou nodded. "Yes. That hasn't been rung for centuries." They looked out the window, and this is what they saw.
Thousands upon thousands of soldiers led by Nataku Taishi were marching from the south towards the palace, swords help up high. The vanguard carried the red flag of rebellion. The southern contingent was soon joined by another battalion from the east. People were fleeing in mad confusion, and as Kenren and Tenpou watched in shock they saw a soldier roughly push a woman aside. The woman fell, and she was trampled by the onrush of soldiers.
"Oh my god," Tenpou gasped.
"Shit, this is it," Kenren said, eyes twinkling in mischief. "Time to kick Li Touten's sorry ass."
Tenpou and Kenren rushed out of the lounge. The palace was in chaos. Guards were hurrying to seal the gates. Residents of the palace fled into their rooms and hid there. The two were unnoticed in the commotion, and they ran outside to help the guards. Kenren did not realize that Tenpou was gone from his side as he rushed outside the gates.
Konzen was slouched in his chair, finishing his paperwork when he heard the gong sound. He sat up, startled. "The alarm! But what...?" He looked out the window and saw the vanguard march past, carrying red flags. Behind them were thousands upon thousands of soldiers.
"Shit! Damn Li Touten!" he hissed.
His first thought was Goku. He looked at the corner where the boy was usually playing. The corner was empty. Then he remembered Goku telling him that he was going to ask "Ten-chan" to bring him to the market.
And just where would Tenpou be?
Of course, with Kenren.
...And where would the two be?
In the royal palace, where the massive army was headed.
Konzen felt the color drain from his face.
"Goku!!!" he screamed, running out the door.
Nataku fought exceptionally well, as is to be expected from the God of War. At the initial onslaught at the palace gates he slew the heavily equipped palace guard in one fell swoop. Instant victory would have been his if not for the timely arrival of Goujun's army. And Nataku knew he met his worthy opponent when he came face to face with the heretic wielding the fiery sword.
Kenren was fighting as he had never fought before, sadistic rage burning through his veins. Kenren was relieved that Goujun's army had already arrived and were fighting alongside the exhausted palace guard. Though outnumbered, Goujun's soldiers were more skilled in the art of combat than the enemy. "We may have a chance," Kenren thought to himself.
Kenren easily disposed of three soldiers who simultaneously attacked him. Breathing hard, he grinned. He was actually enjoying himself!
"Now, isn't this exciting. Tenpou?" he shouted glancing over his shoulder at Tenpou. However he was not there. Panic froze his heart. Kenren whirled completely around and barely missed the sharp edge of a sword swung at him. He delivered a swift kick to the soldier's belly, knocking him down. "Tenpou!!!!" he screamed, rushing back to the palace.
Li Touten and Tenpou were in the palace courtyard, engaged in a desperate skirmish for the sword. Although Tenpou was more adept at fighting, Li Touten had the advantage of size and weight over the other man. Holding on to the sword, Li Touten gave Tenpou a hard shove. Tenpou stumbled backward, and Li Touten punched him hard in the jaw. Bloodied, bruised and exhausted, Tenpou fell to the ground. Li Touten planted one foot on his chest, sword poised over Tenpou's heart.
"Damn you, Tenpou. I almost had it made. You had to interfere." Li Touten raised the sword. "Now you die, sonofabitch!"
The blade of death never made contact as a barreling ball of gold and brown flung Li Touten off Tenpou.
Konzen made it into the courtyard by passing through the restricted area of the palace annexed to Kanzeon Bosatsu's quarters. Although the palace gates were now sealed, quite a number of the enemy soldiers had managed to slip through but were being subdued by the palace guard. His eyes frantically scanned the area and at the far end of the courtyard he saw Goku collide with Li Touten.
The impact flung Li Touten several meters away. His head hit the ground, and he felt his skull crack. A screech of pain issued from his lips. His vision wavered dizzily and his side throbbed with pain. Nonetheless he staggered to his feet and blearily saw a small boy kneeling over Tenpou, shaking the man awake. Grinning crazily, he stumbled toward them.
"Ten-chan!! Ten-chan!!" Goku cried, eyes threatening to spill tears. "Wake up, Ten-chan!!" Hands suddenly grabbed him from behind and whirled him around. "Goku!!" Konzen yelled. "Are you all right?!" he asked.
Goku pointed to Tenpou. "Ten-chan doesn't want to wake up. Please wake him up Konzen, please," the boy pleaded, a tear rolling down his cheek.
Konzen put his fingers to Tenpou's neck. "There's a pulse but it's very weak. That figures. He's lost a lot of blood," Konzen thought, noticing that the right sleeve of Tenpou's coat was soaked with blood. He tore off a piece of his own robe and was tying a tourniquet around Tenpou's arm when he heard Goku cry out. He turned to see Li Touten holding a grenade in his hand, the pin pulled halfway out.
"Tsk tsk," Li Touten said in a mocking voice. "What do you think you're doing. Konzen Douji? You're on his side too, eh?" Konzen eyed the grenade. "Tread carefully. You don't know what he's going to do," Konzen thought. "You're wounded badly, Li Touten. Why don't we stop this now? Let me help you," Konzen offered, imperceptibly edging towards the crazed man.
"I think we're too far into this game for me to stop now." He coughed, blood trickling from his lips. Goku whimpered.
"I think it's not too late to help you," Konzen said, edging closer to the man. "If I get close enough, I can grab the grenade," he thought.
"What makes you think I want your help?" Li Touten said menacingly.
"It appears as if your side IS losing. Look," Konzen pointed outside the gates where the remnants of the rebels were either fleeing or falling under the swift counterattack of the loyal troops. "There's no point in continuing this. But you can still be redeemed."
"I'm perfectly happy to die for my cause." He held the grenade high and Konzen froze. "And if I can't win, I'd rather die than surrender."
Konzen's eyes widened and he took a step back as he saw Li Touten pull the pin out all the way.
Konzen turned and ran to Goku, flinging himself at the boy, and the world exploded into flame.
"FATHER!!!" Nataku shrieked as he saw the courtyard engulfed in flames. Mental anguish heightened the physical pain he suffered from Homura's sword, and he blacked out.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" Kenren wailed in horror, helplessly watching the tragedy unfold before his eyes. He had reached the palace gates just in time to see Li Touten pull the pin of the grenade. His hands shook the bars of the locked gates.
Tenpou.
Konzen.
Goku.
Gone.
"Let me in!! Let me in!!" he shouted. But no one heard him.
And as he stood there, weeping bitter tears, he never noticed the enemy's dagger descending rapidly towards his neck.
-end, prologue- -copyright blinkie 2002-