Pitter-patter. Splash.

The rain fell heavily on the earth, almost as heavily as Sanzo's memories fell on his mind.

The rain.Damn.

He watched a lone drop trickle its way down the glass window as he lit another cigarette. Maybe if he smoked enough, the gods might bless him with severe lung cancer and he'd die within the year. And with his life would go these accursed memories.

But…. Did he really want them all to go?

Did he- did he really want to forget all about Koumyou?

Would that be a betrayal?

Would he be betraying himself if he didn't allow himself the peace of mind he preached others must strive to attain?

HEY, RIVER RAT!

The voice echoed in Sanzo's mind as clearly as it had when it was first spoken.

RIVER RAT! WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING?

YOU'RE JUST A WORTHLESS, FILTHY RIVER-RAT! I WARNED MASTER SANZO THAT HE SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN RID YOU ALL THOSE YREARS AGO!

Kouryuu walked forward steadily, ignoring the insults and curses thrown at him in favour of the rain pounding the temple roof.

YOU ORPHAN BRAT! DON'T YOU IGNORE US! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, THE MERCIFUL GODDESS' NEPHEW OR SOMETHING?

YOU'RE JUST A PUNK! YOU'RE GONNA BECOME A TEMPLE SERVANT AND SERVE US FOREVER, SO STOP ACTING LIKE YOU'RE A MEMBER OF THE ARISTOCRACY!

JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN FIGHT WELL, DO YOU THINK YOU CAN BE SUPERIOR TO US? YOU'RE A MONSTER! YOU'VE CAST A SPELL ON SANZO-SAMA! THAT'S WHY HE'S SO BESOTTED WITH YOU! I TELL YOU, LING, IT'S NOT NATURAL! THE BRAT'S A YOUKAI FOR SURE! LOOK AT HIS EYES!

Kouryuu closed his eyes and dearly wished he could clap his hands to his ears without seeming to pay the taunting monks the attention they desired. His hands were halfway to his ears when Ling's reply made him stop in his tracks. To his horror, his eyes started going wet. A sob rose in his throat, but he choked it down and ran towards the Temple pond.

HEY GUYS, LOOK, THE RIVER RAT'S RETURNING TO THE WATER! OI, BRAT, DON'T MUCK UP THE POND, YA HEAR?

Kouryuu ran outside blindly and stood at the edge of the temple pond, shivering. Not from the rain that pounded his small figure, but from the worst insult they could have possibly tossed at him. The rain drops traced his hair and moved down his face. He didn't bother to wash them away. The rain was his shield at the moment, hiding his tears amongst the tears of the sky.

Author's note: this is a multi chapter fic about sanzo and its set in gensomaden during episode 39

( Ame: rain). Please review and tell me if u like it! Reviews encourage me to update sooner!