Title: Reign of the Heart

Content: shonen ai/yaoi, AU

Disclaimer: *frantically* I LOST MY LINT!!

Pinku: *holds out lint to her* Here it is…

Lorelei: Oh! Thanks!

Pinku: *sweatdrop*

Lorelei: *clears throat* My one true possession…

Pinku: *sigh* …

~Prologue~

            Sanzo stood, stretching his stiff and weary limbs after much idle use of them. He dared not release his sigh of relief until he was completely certain his duties had come to a close. He glanced at his most trusted advisor, a man his own age, awaiting the signal for his leave. The green eyed man smiled and nodded his head. The other men of court, all older than the two young men, took their leave, or stood and conversed silently with one another. This was always how court meetings went over.

            Sanzo smoothed out his navy tunic, which was, in his opinion, overly elaborate for the purposes it served. However, as the prince, he was expected to put forth the best possible image, or so he was told. He silently turned and left the meeting hall, not even bothering to bid any proper farewell to the men of his court. His smooth and purposeful steps made not a noise on the polished stone floors of the palace. His intriguing violet eyes were set forward, never allowing emotion to cross them, at least while others were there to see it.

            Soft, barely audible footsteps fell in place behind him. Sanzo wouldn't have noticed if he hadn't had been so used to their presence. He stopped, and turned to face his long-time friend. The man he faced was his young advisor, with dark hair and mysterious green eyes, one shielded by an eyeglass for lack of better vision. This was the only man Sanzo had ever really trusted.

            "Hakkai." Sanzo stated softly. The green-eyed man straightened, and then smiled, knowing full well that when court was out of session, Sanzo considered him a simple friend. Which really wasn't so 'simple' at all, and more important to both of them than anything.

            "Sanzo, you look like you haven't slept in ages," Hakkai observed with a tinge of concern. Sanzo frowned, his eyes narrowing ever-so-slightly.

            "It is because I haven't," he replied with some contempt. Hakkai smiled in amusement, and Sanzo glared, though with no intimidation.

            "It does seem that way, doesn't it?" the dark-haired man continued. The two fell into step side-by-side this time, walking down the long empty hallways of the castle. Every once in awhile, they would pass a statue, painting, or a candle display decorating the stone walls. The castle itself was hundreds of years old, lived in by many centuries of generations. Sanzo's own father had passed on when he was of a young age, yet the man had yet to gain the title of king. The law of the land commanded he have a wife before that happened, and lucky for Sanzo, no one had pressed that issue as of late. In all truth, he nearly feared an arranged marriage. Not that he ever showed this fear, for he scarcely showed any emotion, aside from cool, controlled anger and impassiveness. He'd been this way ever since anyone who'd known him could remember.

            Hakkai cast worried glances Sanzo's way every so often as they walked through the corridors, quickly averting his eyes when he thought the blonde was watching him. This continued until Sanzo became irritated.

            "What is it, Hakkai?" he asked gruffly. Hakkai sighed, chewing lightly at his lower lip.

            "Sanzo, I just think that you…you've definitely been pushing yourself too hard these past few weeks…" the brunette trailed off, allowing his eyes to meet Sanzo's as he placed his body in front of the blonde. "It can't be good for you, or anyone else for that matter." He stated firmly. Sanzo's eyes narrowed at him in annoyance, and he brushed past Hakkai coldly. The latter walked after him.

            "That's not your place to judge." Sanzo stated in a low voice. Hakkai frowned as he tried to keep up with his friend.

            "I am a healer, so technically, it is my business. I am also your friend, Sanzo, and I worry about you." His green eyes softened as Sanzo turned to look at him. "And I worry when you don't take care of yourself like you should." He smiled. "What good can you do for the country if you can barely stand, hm?" Sanzo stared at Hakkai for a moment, and then sighed.

            "I suppose you're right. It's just that I've been working on that alliance, and now that it's over, I'll make sure to get some rest." Sanzo promised. Hakkai smiled genuinely.

            "That's good to hear, Sanzo," The blonde prince walked to his bedroom door, moving to let himself inside. Hakkai's eyes widened as he remembered something important. "Ah, Sanzo," he stated quickly, moving towards the prince. He placed a hand on the door blocking Sanzo's passage. Violet eyes narrowed in annoyance.

            "Didn't you just get finished saying how you wanted me to get some rest? What is it that you're doing?" Hakkai smiled nervously.

            "Well, Sanzo, you see, there is something I forgot to mention…" Sanzo raised an eyebrow at his green-eyed advisor, who coughed to cover up his fluster. "It seems that you received a gift today, from our new allies…" Sanzo sighed.

            "If that's all, Hakkai, please move." Sanzo stated dryly. Hakkai stepped aside hesitantly, and Sanzo pushed open the door to his chamber. Candles on the walls served as lights, throwing flickering shadows across the floor. Sanzo's eyes moved from the floor to his bed, widening as they perceived what lay there.

            A boy, no older than eighteen years old, sat innocently on the bed. He wore a plain white tunic, which fell slightly off one shoulder as its size was a little too large for his small frame. He had wide golden eyes, and messy brown locks of hair that fell into those innocent eyes. His pants were rolled up to his knees, exposing the skin of his calves. He stared at Sanzo in nervous curiosity. Sanzo stared straight back at the youth, unable to tear his eyes away. Hakkai nervously rubbed the back of his head.

            "He's you present, Sanzo. His name is Goku."

Author's Note: ^ ^ Hee! My first Saiyuki story! Sorry this part's…well…kinda short…but it is just a prologue. I plan on making longer chapters. Whoo! Anyway, that's it for now. Ja minna!