Authoress here.
I have a habit of not finishing stories and then proceeding to start new ones on the same exact anime topic.
That said...
START CHAPTER
Nakoruru was a business town – this was evident as soon as the Sanzo party rumbled into it in their jeep, agape at their surroundings. While still primitive in some respects, this town was very advanced in others. A consistent trade route kept money flowing through the pockets of the villagers, and thus they had been spared the poverty that struck down their neighbors.
As with all business-based civilizations, there was corruption. Nakoruru was notorious for its unique crime problems. Making a deal with the rampant demons spared their town, an action veiled far beyond the reach of human eyes.
Woman strolled aimlessly down the streets, giggling with their friends as they perused the goods for sale in the market. Children darted to and fro, chasing each other and any other thing that struck their fancy.
The only things alluring to the fact that there were problems abound were the armed soldiers positioned along the roadside. They watched the newcomers through suspicious but polite eyes, some raising a hand to wave and others gripping their weapons in a firm warning.
As Hakkai parked the jeep on the curb, he turned to his companions to evaluate their expressions. "What do you think?"
Gojyo's crimson eyes followed a woman for a moment before flittering back to Hakkai. "I didn't believe it at first, but the rumors must have been true. This place didn't get attacked and everyone around them did. The demons are taking bribes from somebody here."
It was at that moment that a middle-aged man of either a respectable or questionable nature, possibly both, took notice of them.
Atsumo Saturo was his name, a man feared by many and respected by substantially more. He was of medium height and a somewhat stout build. His chestnut hair, flecked with gray at the temples, implied that he was somewhere between forty and fifty years old. The scars on his hands showed that he had been through enough to account for double that time. He was a powerful man in the criminal world of Nakoruru.
His eyes strayed to the obvious markings of a Sanzo priest, Gojyo's red hair, and the power limiters on Hakkai and Goku before his face broke into a smile that was somehow more unsettling than it would have been if he had frowned.
Beckoning the four men around him to follow, the man approached them. "I believe I am correct in my assumption of your identities, travelers?"
"Assuming you've assumed correctly, yes," Sanzo replied coolly.
A chuckle escaped his thin lips. He held out a weathered hand to Sanzo, whom he had correctly assumed to be the leader. "Atsumo Saturo. I have a business proposition for you."
Sanzo's eyes narrowed, and he did not shake the offered hand. "And what would that be?"
"I'd prefer we discuss this in a more hospitable environment," he replied, calmly ignoring the tone in which Sanzo had replied. Sweeping his outstretched arm towards a nearby restaurant, he continued, "You look hungry. Perhaps we could have lunch while we chat?"
Gojyo, who had until this point been silently listening, replied, "It couldn't hurt to get some grub, I guess."
"I'm hungry!"
Hakkai smiled almost apologetically. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to agree with them on this one. Lunch does sound good."
Sanzo turned back to Saturo, a frown etched upon his face. "Fine. We'll talk, but I'm not making any promises."
"That's perfectly fine," Saturo replied, ultimately knowing that the battle was already won.
"Father, I...Oh. I'm sorry, I wasn't aware you had company."
"Yumi, dear! I told you not to wander out without protection!"
Yumi frowned at her father. Twenty-one and reasonably attractive, she wished desperately to escape from under his wing and live her own life. She raised a hand to twirl a piece of dark, glossy hair that had slipped from the elegant knot on the back of her head and fallen in front of her eyes.
Her eyes were her favorite feature. Naturally violet, they were not only an identifying characteristic that proved her identity. They lead the opposite sex to find her mysterious and exotic, an enchanting woman seated on a high pedestal far above the mortal race.
"This is my daughter Yumi," Saturo said unnecessarily to the group clustered beside him. "Since you're here, join us for lunch." By the wording it would seem like it was a suggestion at best, but his tone was that of an order.
Yumi opened her mouth in protest, but closed it firmly again and nodded. Perhaps this could luncheon could be to her benefit.
They all proceeded to enter the restaurant, and as if recognizing him as a threat, the waitresses dropped what they were doing and practically tripped over each other in their efforts to seat him and his attendants.
It was then, more than before, that the whole of the Sanzo party realized that this man was high up in the mafia of Nakoruru.
Their orders placed, silence fell across the table.
Yumi's hands lay idle upon the table. Occasionally, she cast a glance towards a member of the Sanzo party. Most of the time spent sitting in silence, she stared into the depths of her water glass.
"So then...to business. I wish to employ you to transport my daughter to the West. It's growing unsafe here, and I fear for her safety."
Yumi snapped to attention, her amethyst eyes fluttering from her father to the priest before him. Exactly what she desired, and her fool of a father had presented it to her!
"No thanks," Sanzo replied coldly. "We're not delivery boys."
"I don't think she'd be safe with us anyway," Hakkai added lightly.
"It wouldn't be for free, of course. I'd be paying you," Saturo wheedled, ignoring Hakkai and concentrating his efforts upon Sanzo, whom he deemed to have the final say in the matter. "How much will it cost for you to take her there and provide protection along the way?"
Sanzo replied calmly and without a change in expression, "We're not doing it."
"Please do consider it for a moment before you make your decision."
"It's already been made," Gojyo replied, taking a swig of the unidentifiable but obviously alcoholic drink before him. "No thanks. But thanks for lunch anyway."
It was at this point that Yumi interjected, choosing her words carefully. "I believe I may have something in my possession that could sway your favor."
"And that would be...?" Gojyo asked this question, his odd eyes landing upon hers.
"I understand that there is quite a high price placed upon Tenchi-kaigen sutras from Sanzo priests. I just so happen to have come upon one recently." Yumi's pretty mouth curved into a satisfied smile when she noticed how fast she had caused the table to become silent.
Her father couldn't help but chuckle. His daughter had inherited his gift for aggressive negotiations, that was for certain.
"If you expect us to believe that load of bullshit, lady, you're wrong," Goku scoffed, cramming a roll into his mouth. Through the pastry he added, "How the hell would you get your hands on one of them anyway?"
"Monkey boy's got a point," Gojyo admitted with a shrug.
Yumi's eyes grew flinty as she looked from Goku to Gojyo, but her mouth remained smiling. As good of an actress as she was, no matter hard she tried she could not disguise the emotions expressed in her eyes. "I was traveling through the desert when I saw the edge poking from the sand. Upon further examination, I found this."
Upon emphasizing the last word, Yumi drew from the bosom of her kimono an undeniably real sutra. She allowed them to stare at it, mouths agape, for only a moment before stowing it back in its hiding place in the silken folds of her gown.
"You have no right," Sanzo seethed, "to hold that sutra. As a Sanzo priest, I demand that you return it to me right fucking now."
Yumi laughed lightly. "Such words from a saintly man. I have never been one for religion, and thus your holy title is naught but a name to me. I understand money, however. I know of a demon that would willingly empty his pockets for this scroll. So make it more desirable for me to go your way. I desire an escape from all this violence and such, and you desire this scroll. Put two and two together, Sanzo. I trust you will get four."
Gojyo raised an eyebrow. The original pangs of attraction were upon him already; she was a rather pretty woman, but something about her cold nature drew him ever closer. Curiosity caused him to wonder if he could win her over. Someone so callous did not seem the ideal candidate to bestow his heart upon, but then again, Gojyo was not one to back down from a challenge. He would just have to come at this from a different angle than he was used to.
Sanzo, meanwhile, had apparently replied with something rude. Gojyo had been far too spaced out to hear the remark, but he snapped back to reality with an uncomfortable bump as Saturo stood up, slamming the palm of his hand onto the tabletop.
"Don't you dare speak to my daughter that way, you-"
"Father, you sound like a fool," Yumi snarled. "I can fight my own battles now. I don't need help from you."
Silence followed her remark as Saturo took several deep breaths. A moment passed before he sank slowly back into his chair. "I apologize. I...forgot myself."
"See to it that it does not happen again, Father, lest you embarrass yourself once more," Yumi replied smoothly.
Goku felt a shiver run down his spine. This woman was a scary example of what happened to the only children of a crime lord – they not only became spoiled, but they were also skilled at being rude articulately.
Her father, surprisingly enough, let his eyes drift to his drink. He was an insecure father who longed for his daughter's love and respect. He had let himself become a doormat for her emotions long ago, and she knew it.
Even so, he had kept her under his wing through constant supervision and escorts. He had never allowed her an official boyfriend, and had her followed not matter where she went. Just letting out of his sight to escape the danger of being killed or kidnapped for ransom was odd for him.
"What do you think, Priest Sanzo?" Yumi asked, her violet eyes upon him. The expression on her face was mildly amused, for she knew she had him in a trap. He wanted the scroll, and she wanted to leave home. The deal was as good as done.
Sanzo crossed his arms. "Fine, but only because I want the scroll."
"I accept your purely business terms...but keep in mind that I will not give you the scroll unless you take me to exactly where I want to be."
"And just where would that be?" Hakkai asked politely.
Yumi smiled as she shrugged. "I haven't decided yet. I'll know once I arrive, I suppose."
"Great. Now we've got a monkey and a bitchy chick on board."
Yumi's beautiful eyes glimmered. "It's been a pleasure doing business with you. When did you intend on leaving?"
"Shortly after arriving," Gojyo responded with a grin. "So get your shit packed and let's get going."
"Fine," Yumi replied, batting her eyelashes at the half-demon. "I'll be waiting when you leave the restaurant."
True to her word, when they had finished their meal they exited to find Yumi leaning casually against the outside wall. She had changed from her silken kimono into a tight violet tank top and a pair of baggy, black cargo pants. Even though the pants were men's wear, it was obvious that Yumi knew how to dress to draw attention to herself. It did not look like she was carrying any weapons, but she had no less than three daggers on her person at all times, and this was no different.
"Hello there, boys. I trust you had a nice lunch?"
They nodded half-heartedly, remembering that they would have to transport a spoiled rotten girl hundreds of miles across the desert.
"Say goodbye to your personal space," Goku muttered, sighing and casting his eyes downward.
"Goodbye," Gojyo replied quietly.
Yumi watched their mouths carefully while they muttered to one another, reading their lips. It took all her self-control not to snap a retort back at them. Maybe it would be best if she didn't let them in on all of her talents just yet.
On the same note, she'd let them handle the first few demons that attacked, just to see what they were capable of.
They watched as Yumi said goodbye to her father, and Gojyo smirked at the expression on her face when her father hugged her and delivered a kiss to each cheek. She was rather cold and impersonal about her goodbye to her father, and did not look back at him as she walked away.
Hakkai raised an eyebrow at Gojyo. The kappa shrugged in reply.
The five of them clambered into the jeep, and drove off moments later.
"Well...this is gonna be fun."
"Shove it, Goku," snarled the now annoyed Priest Sanzo.
END CHAPTER
I tried sushi tonight at dinner, and my brother didn't tell me until after it was in my mouth that I was eating octopus. It really didn't taste all that good. Kind of like a cross between an eraser and a mushroom.
Authoress frolicking casually in the other direction.