King Rat: Our Kingdom
Author's Notes:Here we are again, friends. Hopefully, you know where we are. Unfortunately, if you're just walking in, you should know that this is a sequel to both King Rat and King Rat: No Mercy. If you have not read those stories, then you are shortly going to be lost, because you'll have no idea how our heroes ended up with two kids. But fear not; the stories are on this very account! I know none of you want homework just to read this particular story, but I promise, it'll be worth it.
Speaking of homework, I've been doing mine. (Who would think I'd have to research blue cohosh, geography, Chinese funeral rites, and floriography in the same night?) As the story explicitly involves our heroes returning to Chang'an, I've had to find out what the city was like. Chang'an, at the time of the original Journey to the West, was the Chinese capital. It was the biggest city in China. However, as the actual time period in which Saiyuki takes place is at best anachronistic and at worst completely buggered- seriously, Jeeps and Smith & Wessons in medieval China?- I've decided to take a few liberties with the city itself: rather than the giant city at its height, I've decided to phrase it as a much smaller city. Hopefully, this isn't terribly off-putting for anyone.
This story will have the occasional "suggested track," or music that goes with the scene. Just something to listen to while reading. You can look them up in your preferred music program, pull it up on Youtube, or ignore it. Your call there.
Finally, I have decided to pick up the story directly after the defeat of Gyuumaoh. However, as the original manga has not gotten there yet, nobody knows how it ends. So, rather than trying to fill it in, I'm going to kind of play it by ear and pick up right after they've struck the final blow and it's time to go home.
With that said!
Disclaimer: The characters and original scenario of Gensomaden Saiyuki belong to Kazuya Minekura, may she forgive me my transgressions. I do not profit from their use. All original characters and this scenario belong to me, and I will cut you if you copy them. (Not that I think any of you would do that, but gotta cover my bases.) Please support the author's official work.
Introduction: We All Get What We Want
What is it you most want?
What do I want?
The Demon King has been vanquished. Your journey is over. Your reward awaits, if you wish to accept it.
Reward? You mean you will offer me enlightenment without my finding it.
You have enlightened the world, Genjo Sanzo. What greater reward can the Gods offer?
I would like to return home.
To remain in the lower world?
Yes. There is someone waiting for me here.
And what if they do not choose to remain?
Obviously, you don't know my companions.
Enlightenment? Me? No, surely you jest. Have you seen the tally of my karma? I don't think I have earned it yet, this small favor notwithstanding. No, I'd rather return home. There is someone waiting for me there.
Fuck no! What the hell are you even talkin' about?! Goin' to Heaven- fuck that shit, I got kids! Ain't you seen 'em? They're beautiful! Why would I trade them off for boredom? I'm going home. I'll walk back to China if I have to, I'm going to go to my kids. They're waiting for me.
Return to Heaven? Why would I want that? I have friends here and stuff-
Goku?
… Nataku?
"Ugh, my fucking head." Gojyo was the first to speak. He opened his eyes, blinking, into the sunlight. He only vaguely recognized his surroundings. The last thing he could remember was the depths of a dark temple, surrounded by demons and foul magic. Now, they were near the edge of a forest, in the Jeep, seatbelts off. He looked at his companions. Hakkai was rubbing his eyes, Sanzo's head was tilted back and he was staring upwards, dumb. Goku's head was slumped onto his chest, his body slouched and limp. "So, how do you guys feel?"
"I hurt all over," Sanzo muttered. "You?"
"Sore, but alive. I don't even remember what happened." Gojyo brushed a cold sweat from his brow. "Hakkai?"
"Just fine here," Hakkai reported, a smile returning to his cheeks. "I'm just happy we're alive."
"How about you, Goku?" Gojyo turned to the boy and shook his shoulder. Goku didn't respond; he fell against the side of the car. "Shit- is he-" He put his hand under Goku's nose. "He's breathing!" Gojyo sighed with relief and pulled Goku upright again. Hakkai got out of the car and came around to examine Goku a bit closer. Sanzo turned around; his body was shaking, Gojyo was certain he didn't have the strength to do more.
"He seems to be sleeping, and soundly." Hakkai checked Goku's teeth and gums and pulled one eyelid open. He checked his pulse. "His heartbeat is even, his pupils are dilated, his blood flow is normal. He's in a very deep sleep. It may be unnatural, or supernatural."
"What, for real?" Gojyo frowned. "You think this is some sort of side effect of dealing with Gyuumaoh, or-"
"What's that?" Sanzo pointed to a small scroll of paper clasped in Goku's hand. Hakkai pulled it out and unfurled it. He glanced between the other two, and looked down at it.
"Hey guys," he read aloud, squinting to make out the terrible scrawl. "So, I don't know if this happened to you, but when that big white light explosion thingy happened after we killed the Ox guy, I heard this voice. Turns out, it's someone I knew back before I got down here. I decided to go up there for a little while and find out what happened before and learn what I could. I'm guessing you guys aren't going to come with me, but that's okay. I promise I'll only be gone a little while. Kanzeon Bosatsu said to just leave me somewhere quiet and not to mess with me too much and I'll be okay. See you guys soon."
"His diadem- where the hell is his diadem?!" Gojyo urgently pointed out. Hakkai only noticed then that Goku's golden diadem was indeed gone.
"I know it cracked when he was fighting Kougaiji, but-" Hakkai sighed. Sanzo slumped down in his seat.
"He won't need it anymore." He murmured, sounding oddly relieved. "That side of him- it may not be an uncontrollable monster anymore."
"Hey, that's kind of awesome!" Gojyo grinned. "And hey, if he does have a friend up there, that's nice for him. Well, now what?"
There was a moment of silence.
"We were successful in our mission," Hakkai deduced, as he walked back around front of the Jeep. "I suppose... our journey is over."
"Yes. It is," Sanzo agreed.
"I... I guess that means... we go home," Gojyo concluded.
They were silent as this sank in.
"YES!" Gojyo launched himself upright, pumping his fists into the air. "We're going home! We can go home! Hakkai- where the hell are we?!" He leaned towards him. "Where are we, how far are we from home- fuck, what day is it?"
"I'm not entirely sure," Hakkai chuckled. "Why is the day important?"
"Because I'm gonna get my boys back! I'm going to see my sons again! And when we get home, we're going to see them again- but they've got to come back on October 14th."
"The day they were taken to Heaven, three days after they were born," Hakkai murmured, then smiled. "Well, why don't we find the nearest town and ask where we are and which way it is to Chang'an?"
"Hell yeah!" Gojyo cheered, and Hakkai chuckled as he took out the compass.
"I'm not sure which direction the nearest town is, but I say we head East."
"Hey." Gojyo looked at Sanzo, who had sat up again and turned around to face him. "Those are our sons."
"R-right." Gojyo grinned nervously. "Our sons."
"Hey." Sanzo leaned closer to him, lowering his volume.
"Yes?" Gojyo leaned in to hear him. Sanzo stared him in the eyes, and suddenly leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. Gojyo gaped. "S-Sanzo-"
"No," Sanzo murmured. Gojyo felt his whole body shiver.
"... Kouryuu." He grinned. Sanzo nodded.
"We'll figure out how to make this work when we get there. But we are going to make this work."
"Damn right!" Gojyo grinned.
"My, my." Hakkai giggled enthusiastically. Gojyo jerked back- he'd forgotten Hakkai was there. Sanzo turned back around, glaring out the window.
"I'm going to take a nap now," he muttered. Gojyo sat back in his seat as well. Hakkai got in and started the car. Gojyo gently shoved Goku's form over towards the side of the Jeep and stretched out.
"Man, it's gonna be awesome when we get home," he chuckled to himself. "Wonder how long it'll take us to get there."
"We were on the road for almost three years, but we did have quite a few delays," Hakkai mused as he drove down a hill. "Still, this looks familiar."
"I dunno, we would kind of be going in the opposite direction, so it shouldn't."
"I'm certain I've been here before," Hakkai replied with a shrug. They drove on further, turning to a road overlooking a valley."I'm sure of it. It looks familiar."
"It is familiar," Sanzo muttered. He shot upright, and Hakkai stopped the Jeep near the edge of the hill. He jumped from the car, weary legs and worn body shaking, and Hakkai and Gojyo followed. Sanzo sighed with what sounded like relief as he surveyed the view over the hill to the valley below. "This..."
"It's home." Gojyo grinned. Below them, they saw the city of Chang'an- the city and its narrow streets, the temple atop a hill, the cottages and fields, the place they had called home for at least the few months before they'd left.
"Well! That was easy!" Hakkai smiled eagerly.
"Thank you," Sanzo murmured under his breath, folding his hands together as though in prayer. "Thank you..."
"Let's get down there!" Gojyo cheered. "We have a life to live!"
And so, where the journey ended, a new adventure began...
PART I: Rats Make Terrible Parents
1: Hey Ho, Let's Go!
Unsure of what else to do with them, Hakkai and Gojyo dropped Sanzo and Goku off at the central temple in town. Hakkai helped to carry Goku inside, and Sanzo limped in on Gojyo's shoulder. The monks in the temple moved out of their way, gaping and gawking and whispering their astonishment in hushed voices. The three who could be aware of it ignored it, even as Sanzo tried to start a conversation.
"Make a list," Sanzo had muttered as Gojyo lay him down on the floor of the temple's dormitory. Most of the monks had followed them in, watching curiously as Gojyo fluffed a pillow under his head, but Gojyo ignored their curious stares.
"List?" He asked as he pulled a blanket over Sanzo's chest. Hakkai lay Goku beside the windowsill and folded his palms in his lap.
"Everything we're gonna need," he murmured. Hakkai knelt down to start healing what injuries Sanzo had remaining, but Sanzo pushed his hands off. "No, I just need to rest and heal."
"I had heard Lord Sanzo has returned!" An urgent voice shouted from the door. Gojyo briefly glanced up at the man who entered. The red and black of his otherwise plain-looking robe denoted him as being more than a monk; his long dark hair, braided neatly down his back, indicative of higher status. He didn't look particularly old or particularly young, perhaps a few years older than either Gojyo or Hakkai, but he had a strange, mature air about him. Gojyo felt a chill run through his system- something about the man's appearance struck a bad nerve with him. Still, the nobleman entered and leaned over Sanzo, frantically gesticulating. "High Priest Sanzo, the news has spread like wildfire- youkai everywhere are coming to their senses- How are you back from India-"
"It's a very long story," Sanzo sighed, closing his eyes. "I'm still injured. Please give me a few hours to rest and I'll explain to everyone." The nobleman looked taken aback.
"Y-yes- of course-" He turned to look around the room. "Everyone out!"
"Who the hell do you think you are?" Gojyo growled, then asked under his breath, "'Ey, Sanzo, who is this jackass?"
"I have no idea, but he looks important. Good night." Sanzo rolled over, and Gojyo got to his feet. The nobleman surveyed Gojyo and Hakkai with suspicious eyes.
"You must be Lord Sanzo's bodyguards. Erm, I am Lord Akio of the West Palace." He cleared his throat as he took them in, eyeing Gojyo suspiciously. "I suppose I ascended to this position while you were away, which is why you don't know of me; I'm the Emperor's liaison to the Shaanxi province, and I stay at this temple when I'm visiting. Can you explain anything?"
"Like he said. Long story." Gojyo tried to read Lord Akio's features, but for some reason, his stomach was turning over. "Look, we're gonna disturb him. We're leaving. He'll talk to you when he's awake." Gojyo moved for the door, but Akio held out his hand to Hakkai.
"What in the world happened?" He asked with a frown. "And what is wrong with Lord Sanzo's ward?"
"We had to fight off Gyuumaoh's forces with all our might," Hakkai explained, as Gojyo anxiously shuffled his feet and glanced at the door. "High Priest Sanzo may have received some internal injuries, but I was able to somewhat patch him up before we were spirited off homeward. When we awoke, ten kilometers from the city limits, Goku was unconscious, with a written message to leave his body be. I can only assume he's been taken to Heaven for some reason, but intends to return."
"By the gods," Akio murmured, awestruck. "Taken to Heaven."
"Now, if you please. We are weary too, and we don't sleep here," Hakkai added with a coy smile. "Come along." He took hold of Gojyo's sleeve, and left the lord and the monks there.
In the car again, Gojyo stared out the window as Hakkai started the car again. "My, my, I don't think I ever met the previous Lord of this region. He must be traveling about in an effort to quell any issues that remain between the youkai and humans. You didn't seem to like him, though."
"Gonna need two of everything," Gojyo muttered.
"Beg pardon?"
"Two of everything. Sanzo said to make a list." Gojyo grinned. Hakkai glanced at him curiously, then smiled in return.
"Well, perhaps one cradle. They'll prefer to sleep together."
"We need clothes. Uh. What do babies wear, anyway? Diapers, yeah, but-"
"Pajamas, mostly. They get cold so easily. We'll need warm socks and lots of hats."
"And we need bottles, and formula. We're gonna need a mountain of that shit!" Gojyo leaned back in his seat, gazing happily heavenward.
"Oh, but there's more to consider. Our little house will have to be child-proof. Blocks on the windows, locks on the lower cabinets- anything hazardous will have to be secured. Sooner than we can imagine, they'll be crawling about and getting into everything they can."
Hakkai and Gojyo talked the entire ride out of the city into the suburbs, listing everything they thought they might even remotely need for the children. "... A mobile. One of them cute things for them to look at," Gojyo added as they turned onto their street.
"Yes, I'd like to decorate whatever room we make into a nursery with bright colors so their little minds will be interested. We'll need paint." Hakkai paused as he pulled the car to a stop near the house. "Hm. White, for starters. Our house was white, wasn't it? And we're going to need new windows..."
"Eh?" Gojyo looked at the house, and gaped. "Oh, son of a bitch!" Hakkai and Gojyo jumped out to survey their vandalized house. All of the windows had been smashed in, the door kicked in. The outside walls had been coated with graffiti, unrepeatable swearwords and slurs directed at them.
"Murderers," Hakkai read with a small sigh. "I suppose the local youkai have been displeased with our actions."
"We can't afford any of this," Gojyo moaned, covering his head. "I bet there ain't a damn thing of value left inside. Not to mention three years worth of rain damage!"
"Calm down, it's not so bad," Hakkai reassured him and patted his shoulder. "Look." He approached the stoop and picked up an envelope. "It seems that at least a few of our neighbors left donations so we could rebuild. There will probably be more in the next few weeks."
"It ain't gonna be enough. How can we fix our whole house and set up for the kids on our budget?"
"We'll do as we did before." Hakkai smiled. "I'll take some bounty hunting jobs. You-"
"I ain't gonna gamble," Gojyo muttered. "I usually lose more than I win, and my record's gotten worse over the years. I'll go with you, as much as I can. I know I can't keep going once the boys come home, but as long as I can, I will."
"And then?"
"I'll figure something out. Shit," Gojyo groaned. "Who knew the hard part would be coming home?"
"Well, you know what they say. You can never come home again."
"Why's that?"
"Because it'll never be the same twice." Hakkai smiled wisely, and Gojyo finally broke a grin as well.
"Well, let's go. We better get started now."
Six months after they arrived home, Sanzo had realized just how much and how little had changed. In spite of his new "heroic" status, most of which he was fortunately protected from by his solitude in the temple, he was still not forced into reading sutras, nor leading prayers or directing temple business. After his recovery, he briefly got in touch with Hakkai, who informed them about their living situation and explained that he and Gojyo were back to work immediately. Sanzo tried to arrange for some charity through the monks, and while very little came back, Hakkai passed on the word that both were grateful. He had seen Gojyo only a few times in the six months since their return, and they had precious little time to talk and none of it in private.
"There's been a shitload of crime between the youkai and humans, goin' both ways," Gojyo had explained in a mutter as the two took in a cigarette together three months after their return. "Humans are pissed about everything the youkai did while they were berserk, and now they're peaceful again, the humans've all nutted up and decided to take revenge. Youkai, who are trying to rebuild their lives, are retaliating because they weren't responsible for what they did and they resent taking the blame for it. Doubt you've heard about it up on your hill here-"
"I have no influence over them. They would not listen even if I were to protest, on either side," Sanzo groused, turning away from Gojyo's accusing glower. Gojyo snorted and sucked in a smoke ring.
"Either way, me an' Hakkai have been turning 'em in both ways for the bounties. Biggest one out there, though, might be of interest." He yanked a crumpled bounty listing with a blurry photograph of a familiar youkai's face. "He was sighted near the India border two months ago."
"So, Kougaiji survived. He was as much as victim as any of them anyway." Sanzo rubbed his forehead as Gojyo stubbed his cigarette.
"We finally got the last floor replaced. If we haul in tonight's mark, we'll be starting towards buying shit for the boys."
"Here." Sanzo yanked his Three Aspects card from his pocket, but Gojyo held his wrist.
"Ain't takin' that money. It ain't mine to spend."
"But it's mine. I want it for the boys. You have not let me contribute anything." Sanzo scowled. "Are you still sleeping on the floor?"
"Kou, we were given that for the mission. Mission's over. What if they take it back and make you pay them back?"
"Stubborn ass- take it!" Sanzo shoved it at him again, but Gojyo dodged back, grinning.
"Kiss me and I'll buy Eiji a pair of socks on it."
"Blanket."
"Socks and a hat."
"Blanket," Sanzo reiterated fiercely, and Gojyo snickered into his hand.
"Fine. Blanket." Gojyo turned his cheek, and Sanzo brushed his lips against it briefly, before pulling back and adding:
"One for you, too. You're looking pale, and I can tell you haven't been sleeping."
"That wasn't part of the deal!" Gojyo protested, but Sanzo pressed one finger to his lips.
"I'll give you an even better reward next time."
"I'm down." Gojyo smirked and pocketed the card.
Sanzo couldn't help but be disappointed that the next time he'd seen Hakkai, the card was in his pocket with a note from Gojyo thanking him for its use. He'd been assured in a discreet whisper that the nursery was coming along well, and that money was coming easier than ever. This was no reassurance to Hakkai, however:
"Gojyo knows he may not be able to work for a few months after the boys return, so he is making efforts to save while he can. He has cut back on cigarettes, though this is not entirely his doing." Hakkai smiled wryly. "I am certain the boys will appreciate if he smokes outside of the house, so I am making some efforts to prepare him to wait between nicotine doses." It was only now Sanzo noticed the bite marks on Hakkai's arm. Hakkai followed his gaze. "Yes, it's going exactly as well as you'd expect."
He had only seen Gojyo once since then, and it was in passing. He had been on a walk through the temple's gardens, and spotted the two over the fence leaving a store on the street with paper bags filled with groceries. He strolled a bit closer to the fence and watched them load the bags into the back seat. Gojyo turned towards him and waved, bearing a big, childish grin, and he turned away, feeling his cheeks flush. When he looked back again, they were gone. He felt a twinge of guilt, but he couldn't bring himself to do any more than that. And yet, guilt roiled him.
'How many times,' he wondered to himself, 'did I wish for time alone? And now that I am finally alone, I am not content but bored.' He glanced across his writing desk, which he'd brought into his private dormitory for the expressed purpose of keeping himself entertained, and perused the vague scribblings of his attempt to recall the journey on paper. It was going poorly, and he'd turned more wasted paper into origami than he could count. He also had spent more time than he could enumerate gazing at a wrinkled old photograph that he'd kept in his pants pocket for nearly two years, but even that made him feel only more lonesome. Unable to see his companions, he now had all the time one could ask for to read the newspaper and take care of what business he had, but it felt hollow. He was sure he knew why, as well. He turned around to the window behind him, to Goku's still form laid out on the sill. Hakkai and Gojyo were away, living their lives, but Goku had not stirred once in six months.
Nothing. There was nothing to indicate he was any less than a very realistic doll. His chest rose and fell minute to minute oh-so-slightly, but his eyes were closed, his mouth was closed, and he made absolutely no noise. Though he was unobtrusive, almost a non-presence, Sanzo found his eyes often drifting back towards him as he tried to work on his travel journal. He watched him breathe, each gradual inhale and exhale in measured succession, then crossed the room to study his face. His hair had grown, and though he now had some of the Seiten Taisei's sharper features, Sanzo could still imagine his boyish smile on his round cheeks. He sat beside Goku, his shoulder beside his head.
"I never thought I would miss the sound of your voice," he murmured. Goku did not respond; he couldn't, after all, he wasn't there, Sanzo reasoned. Still, he spoke to him. "You may have been a fly buzzing in my ear, but the silence without you is deafening. Tomorrow is the day, you know. October 14th." He paused, realizing how refreshing it was to speak his thoughts. "Your little cousins should return. Can you believe two years have passed? I hope you can join us. I'm certain Hakkai will arrange for some cake of some variety. I... I hope I am able to join them, too." He smoothed back Goku's hair from his forehead. "I don't know how I'm going to make this work. I feel compelled to remain here, but I wish to be elsewhere. Your instincts would drive me the right direction, I trust that." He considered Goku briefly. "Hmph. Imagine that." He got to his feet and left in search of some other activity, not even noticing that Goku's chest had begun to rise and fall a little faster.
Gojyo lay back on the mat-covered floor of what used to be his bedroom in his and Hakkai's cottage, took a deep, calming breath, and sighed contently. It was no longer his bedroom, and he couldn't be happier. It was painted bright, pale blue now, with lemon-yellow stripes on the wall with the window; any and all magazines that had not been damaged by the rain that had poured in his previously-broken window had been discarded, and all of his fold-out pinups were gone; his bed had been moved away from the window to the corner, with a sturdy crib in its place. Gojyo had selected a purple blanket and paid for it on Sanzo's card, though he still considered exchanging it for something more boyish. Hakkai had painted some large, smiling bumblebees on one wall (to Gojyo's objection, as "Those motherfuckers sting, I don't want the kids thinking they're friendly.") The other wall had a dresser with baby clothes loaded in one half and Gojyo's things in the other. The top of the dresser was cleared and lined with a rubber mat as a changing table. Beside the dresser were crates of baby supplies, loaded with diapers and bottles. It may not have looked like much, but the work that couldn't be seen was much more.
They had replaced every single floor in the house, every window; they'd replastered every wall. Every hole in the roof had been patched. All furniture and appliances left in the house had been refurbished if possible and replaced as necessary, from their stove to Hakkai's futon in the living room. This had taken six solid months of work nearly day and night, day in and day out, out searching for marks and in tearing up floorboards and molding carpet. Gojyo had slept on the floor for four of those months, what little he had slept. And yet, he was on the floor again now, staring at the ceiling with a wide grin on his face. Hakkai peered in from the hallway to the main room, wiping his brow and accidentally smearing paint in his hair in the same motion.
"Are you alright?" He asked with a knowing smile.
"I'm finished." Gojyo closed his eyes, grinning from ear to ear. "I'm so happy I could puke."
"I wouldn't if I were you."
"Hey, that's why I got the cheap tatami mats. The boys can do whatever the hell they want on them 'til they know better, and then I'll get some nice flooring." Gojyo smirked proudly. "But it's done. We're finally ready. And tomorrow, I'm gonna be a dad again."
"Let's just hope it's nothing like the first time." Hakkai leaned against the wall with a sly gleam in his eye, and Gojyo laughed.
"What, you mean screaming and bleeding? Yeah, I could do without that." He folded his hands under his head.
"So, I suppose you'll want to hit the sack early tonight, as you won't be sleeping very much for the next eighteen-plus years or so."
"Pfft! Are you kidding?!" Gojyo rolled up to a sit and jumped to his feet. "How can I sleep when my kids are on their way! Hell, I don't even know where they're coming from or who's gonna bring 'em! I better get out there and start looking now!"
"Right now?" Hakkai frowned.
"Hell yeah!" Gojyo grinned. "It's almost tomorrow anyway. I'll walk this whole city 'til I find 'em!" He brushed past Hakkai, half-stumbling to the front door in his eagerness. "You can come if you want!"
"Oh, no, I think I'll come find you tomorrow morning. You'll probably need a ride home." Hakkai giggled and went back to work cleaning the living area.
"Sure, whatever." Gojyo yanked his boots on. "Dad's on his way, guys!" He threw the door open and rushed out into the night, headlong towards happiness.
(Suggested Track: "Ho Hey," by The Lumineers)
Sanzo was aware that there was someone else in his dormitory when his mind emerged from the fog of sleep, and he was also aware that they were very close to him. Very, very close to him. He reached for his gun and slid back out of his mat, pointing it at the spot just above where his head had been. He froze, thumb still on the hammer as he stared at Goku, who was knelt over where he'd been sleeping.
"Goku." He put his gun down. Goku slowly lifted his head to stare at Sanzo again, golden, catlike eyes glinting in the near-dawn morning light. Incredulous, Sanzo pinched his upper arm. It stung, and he was certain it was no dream. He couldn't think of anything to say to him, but it seemed it wasn't necessary as Goku held his hand out. Sanzo flinched and grabbed at his gun again, but Goku quickly slapped it from his grip and held his hand out again, shaking his palm insistently. "You are not trying to attack me. You... want me to take your hand." He scowled, but Goku snapped his arm forward and grabbed Sanzo's wrist. "Let go!" He snapped, but Goku yanked Sanzo to a stand and began to pull him out of his bedroom and out through the temple yard.
"Lord Sanzo?" Sanzo heard Lord Akio from the temple's main sanctuary, and turned to him. Lord Akio was already fully dressed and holding a rosary. "The boy- he's alive?!"
"I'm certain I told you as much," Sanzo murmured, trying to dig his heels in as Goku continued to drag. "Unfortunately, it seems he wants me elsewhere, and he's in no mood for persuasion to the contrary."
"That beast- let him go!" Akio rushed forward, pulling a small knife from his sash, but Sanzo stayed his wrist.
"No, I trust him. If I had to guess, I'd say he's being directed by a higher power." Sanzo glanced at Goku, who had stopped walking and instead started tugging on his sleeve. "Let him do what he must, I can take care of myself."
"But Lord Sanzo-" Akio tried to protest, but Sanzo began to walk alongside Goku, letting him lead. Akio watched him go mutely, and reentered the sanctuary, offering only, "May the Gods forgive him, whatever that beast may lead him to do."
Goku led Sanzo into the still-waking town, down the main street lined with storefronts, turning down a few small side streets and out into a market. Sanzo was certain it was far too early for any of them to be open, but he saw that one stand was already loaded with bright red apples, and a merchant with his or her face obscured by a scarf waited behind the table. Goku led him directly to the stand, and pointed. Sanzo stared between the apples, the merchant, and Goku. He nudged Goku and glowered expectantly at him.
"Two, please," Goku finally said. The merchant smiled- Sanzo could see her smooth, plump lips- and knelt below the counter. Sanzo peered over as Goku released his wrist, but the merchant was gone. Instead, he saw a basket covered with a towel. He vaulted the table and shifted the towel to find the two naked infants curled within.
"Two, please, indeed," Sanzo muttered, and he took the basket up. Goku chuckled from the other side of the table, and Sanzo briefly glared at him before examining the children. He didn't need to. He recognized Yohei's thin blonde hair, his slender nose. He recognized Eiji's bright red curls and wide eyes. He couldn't help feel relief when he spotted a worn bandanna around Yohei's waist. "So, you're here. Welcome back." Eiji gazed up at him, blinking slowly, and Sanzo noticed his fist was closed. He gently tucked his index finger into it, and discovered something inside. Eiji opened his hand, and revealed the bullet inside. "You kept this too? I don't need it anymore, you know." He carefully walked back around the stand to rejoin Goku. "I suppose I should thank you."
"Eh? For what?" Goku snapped to attention and glanced around in confusion. "Did I do something?"
"Did you ask Kanzeon Bosatsu to meet us here?"
"Kan-who?" Goku frowned, then noticed the basket and gasped with glee. "Lookit the babies!"
"Isn't that High Priest Sanzo?" Sanzo tore his gaze from the babies to see that a few street sweepers and a housewife had gathered at the entrance to the market. Sanzo quickly pursed his lips.
"I found these infants. Does anyone know who might have lost them?"
"Doesn't matter!" Goku declared proudly. "Finders, keepers! They're ours now!"
"I don't remember seeing anyone come past here," one of the street sweepers offered.
"Fine. If anyone has lost a set of twins, tell them what he said." Sanzo nodded towards Goku, then made his way out of the market. Goku glanced back once, to the completely empty stalls now only haunted by the faintest scent of flowers and apples, then jogged alongside Sanzo.
"So, where's Daddy?" He asked. Sanzo shrugged, but only a moment later, his question was answered:
"Oi, Sanzo!" Sanzo turned when he heard Gojyo call from down the road. Gojyo, still dressed in his paint-stained work clothes, rushed towards him. He stopped half a meter away from him, hands on his knees as he caught his breath, then looked up with a grin. "I... I searched all night! And you found 'em!"
"I did," Sanzo affirmed. "Let's return to the temple."
"W-wait- you can't raise 'em there. That wouldn't be fair to them! You can't just make 'em monks-" Sanzo seemed to ignore him and walked past. Gojyo groaned. "You jackass, wait for me!" He followed Sanzo and Goku back up the hill towards the temple.
Sanzo, Goku, and Gojyo were greeted by several of the monks, who were loitering outside of the main sanctuary under a gingko tree, with Lord Akio at their center.
"-There he is now!" Akio promptly approached Sanzo. "Priest Sanzo, where did you-" he noticed the basket tucked under Sanzo's arm. "Where... did you find that baby?"
"There are two here, if you'll notice. Goku led me to them." He looked down at the children as well, and gently smoothed Eiji's hair back from his face. "It seems that the Goddess has sent me two in need."
"Aren't they cute?" Goku interjected happily.
"Who would abandon such a handsome boy?" Akio wondered, frowning at Yohei. Gojyo clenched his fists, then stuffed them in his pockets.
"They both called out for help, they shall both receive it. However, my companion has brought to my attention that it would be unfair to keep them here, as that would limit their options in life." He promptly held the basket out to Gojyo. "Since it was your idea, you take them."
"E-eh?!" Gojyo instinctively jumped back, until he remembered that he wanted them. But he did realize what Sanzo was doing: making a cover story. He quickly began to play along. "Fine, whatever. We have the space. But you better come h-"
"As they were sent to me, they are my responsibility, and I will assist you as much as I can." He turned back towards the others. "You will have to forgive me, as I may have to split my time between here and there." Gojyo recognized the serene look his his eyes, and spotted the brief flicker of a smile on his face. "After all, I am now their father." Gojyo took the basket from him.
"Fine, let's get going."
"I came back here for a reason," Sanzo chided. "I was interrupted. Wait here." He pivoted on his heel and walked towards the dormitory, and Gojyo took the opportunity to examine the babies. He counted each finger and toe, traced their lips and noses. Akio, however, found it more opportune to examine him.
"Why on earth would Lord Sanzo trust the likes of you with a human infant?"
"My roommate's good with kids," Gojyo muttered. He didn't like the way Akio was staring at him. He glared up at him, and added, "And after three years on the road together, if he didn't trust me, he couldn't trust anyone. 'Sides, sounds better than leaving either kid with an asshole like you."
"How dare you, you impudent-" Akio moved towards Gojyo, but Goku jumped in front of him.
"Hey, don't hurt him, he's holding babies!" Goku glanced over his shoulder. "Gojyo, he looks important, try and be nice!" He quickly insisted, and Gojyo scoffed.
"Whatever. I don't like Kings or Lords or whatever." He turned away. "Especially those who don't like hanyou."
"Forgive me if your race is less than trustworthy; after all, half of your blood is tainted. As is half of that child's." Akio scowled at him. "Whether or not Lord Sanzo trusts you does not affect that your race is counted among demons. Your scourge does not belong among humans!" The monks near Akio looked away uncomfortably, until one of the younger monks timidly suggested:
"The youkai never meant to do any wrong. And the hanyou never did anything."
"One drop of youkai blood is as good as guilty," Akio grumbled, glowering at the monk. The young man inched back, as the monks around him tried to shield him from Akio's wrath-filled glare. Sanzo returned, now with his sutra around his shoulders.
"Shall we? I think I see our ride coming down the road." Sanzo nodded towards the main street at the bottom of the hill, and Goku and Gojyo followed him down the path, all the while casting eyes over their shoulders. Gojyo stuck his tongue out at Akio as the lord and the monks vanished from view.
"Man, that is the second time I've met that guy, and he just rubs me the wrong way." Gojyo muttered.
"Oh, Lord Akio? He seems to be at the temple frequently, but I have not spoken to him very much." Sanzo shrugged. "It seems he's a representative of the Emperor. I'm not interested in government."
"I don't like him. He was insulting Eiji." Gojyo protectively tucked the towel down over Eiji and Yohei's shoulders. Yohei was still soundly asleep, and Eiji was squinting at the rising sun.
"Was he?" Sanzo frowned. "I see. He's one of those. Let him be, then; we have no reason to associate with him."
"I hope you're right," Gojyo muttered as they reached the bottom of the path. Hakkai pulled Hakuryu to a stop only a few meters away.
"My my, it seems the gang's all here." Hakkai beamed.
"Good timing." Gojyo grinned at him. "It's like you know these things."
"Everyone in the Jeep!" Goku cheered, and pounced on the front seat. Hakkai looked him over.
"You haven't changed a bit, have you?"
"Me? Why would I change?" Goku cocked his head, his longer hair drifting across his shoulders. Hakkai laughed.
"Oh, no reason. And how are the children?"
"You tell me." Gojyo put the basket on Goku's lap as he vaulted his way into the back seat. Hakkai examined them and smiled.
"Just exactly as I remember them."
"Good." Gojyo took the basket back and held it tight as Sanzo got in the car. Hakkai put the car in motion, and Gojyo braced them against the gentle shuddering of the engine under them. Sanzo leaned his head against Gojyo's shoulder to watch them.
"I won't lie," Sanzo murmured in a low voice. "This is as content as I've been in more than six months."
"It's been like two years for me," Gojyo chuckled. "I don't think I've been really, totally happy since the last time I saw them."
"That's just because this is the way things should be. This is how things belong." Sanzo's lips touched Gojyo's cheek for the first time in what felt like ages.
"Yeah." Gojyo beamed. "Exactly like this." He kept one hand on the basket and tucked the other into Sanzo's in the middle seat. The babies seemed to ignore them, sleeping blissfully on in the glow of the rightness of the universe.
"Here we are." Hakkai parked in front of the house, and Sanzo got out first. Gojyo passed the basket before getting out himself. Goku followed them, and Hakkai opened the door to let the 'proud' parents in. Sanzo didn't even pay attention to the redecoration, even as Goku did and Hakkai began to explain to him what had happened. Gojyo and Sanzo instead proceeded to the nursery. Sanzo began to examine everything, opening each drawer as Gojyo folded the blanket in the crib back.
"Something wrong?"
"I'm learning where everything is. When I need it, I will know," Sanzo muttered. Gojyo shrugged, and lay both babies down on the changing pad.
"Man, lucky they didn't have to mess themselves or nothin' on the ride here," he remarked with a grin and broke open a box of diapers and some pins. He frowned at it. "Huh." Sanzo cocked his brow and looked over at him. "You remember how to put one'a these things on?"
"Hakkai taught me. Let me see." He opened the diaper and wrapped it around Eiji. It was on and fastened before Gojyo could even blink. "Easy."
"Gonna have to learn how you do that." Gojyo tried to imitate, very slowly opening it up and placing it under Yohei. He brought the front around and pinned the tabs in place. "There-"
"Too loose. It'll leak." Sanzo unfastened it, adjusted the pins, and refastened it. Gojyo sulked.
"I would'a figured it out."
"They're probably not hungry." Sanzo gently picked Yohei up, one hand on his bottom and one on his head, his arms cradling his body. "If they are exactly as they were when we last saw them, then they only just ate."
"That's right. Last thing we did was feed 'em." Gojyo took out a onesie and dressed Yohei, carefully fastening each snap. Sanzo switched Yohei with Eiji so Gojyo could dress him as well. "I guess they'll let us know when they're hungry again."
"Every three hours, bare minimum. Diapers, every two," Sanzo muttered. Gojyo chuckled, and Sanzo looked away. "Hakkai drilled it into me. And both numbers are void when they start to cry."
"Well, duh. They cry when they're hungry or wet."
"But also when they're lonely or bored. Like lapdogs without fur." Sanzo took another look around the nursery and started to rock Yohei against his chest. "Why are there giant wasps on the wall?"
"Honeybees. Hakkai said the stripes were 'stimulating' or some shit."
"They're terrifying," said Sanzo.
"You're kiddin', right?" Gojyo laughed. Sanzo glared at him, clearly indicating his lack of sarcasm. "Bees are jerks, but they ain't scary. Besides, I don't think they can even see it yet."
"We can adjust as we go. For now, what do we do?" Sanzo looked Yohei over, and he yawned, gummy red mouth wide open.
"They look tired to me. They were sleeping in the car, maybe they want to sleep a little while. We can play with 'em when they're awake." Gojyo carefully transferred Eiji from the mat to the crib, laying him down. Sanzo followed suit with Yohei, and Gojyo pulled the blanket over them. Yohei was asleep again as his head hit the mattress, but Eiji was still blinking up at them. Sanzo leaned close, his lips beside his ear, and Gojyo could only catch the faintest whisper of the words he was saying:
"You are my sunshine... only sunshine... happy... skies... gray..." Gojyo grinned as he saw Eiji's eyes close, and he began to hum along. Sanzo stopped singing when Eiji breathed evenly, and stood upright.
"I've started to really like that song," Gojyo chuckled. Sanzo 'harrumphed' under his breath, and turned towards Gojyo.
"You look exhausted already."
"I've been up since yesterday. Spent most of last night looking for the boys. If they're gonna sleep, I'm gonna sleep. You wanna take a nap with me?" Gojyo grinned at him, but Sanzo shook his head.
"I'd rather watch them, in case they wake. But do as you will." Gojyo shrugged, kicked his shoes off at the end of the bed, and flopped onto the mattress. He didn't fall asleep immediately, though. He could see, just under his eyelids, as Sanzo carefully took a mobile from inside his sleeve. It was made of paper origami swans and frogs, most of which was covered in scribbled-out script. He carefully hung it over the crib, glancing between the infants and the mobile as the gentle draft from the window moved the swans. He edged the crib half a meter away from the window, and finally knelt down next to the twins, watching the pair of them at rest. Gojyo didn't start to fall asleep until he heard Sanzo start humming again.
To him, this felt like a happy family should.
End Notes: Everyone with me now: d'awwwwww.
As I mentioned in the end notes for King Rat: No Mercy, this is going to be a story on a somewhat larger scale. While the events of King Rat were spread out over about eleven months, and the events of King Rat: No Mercy in a week, this story will be covering multiple years. In addition, this will be a story in three parts. The first part will chiefly detail the first few years of Yohei and Eiji's lives, and Gojyo's and Sanzo's still-developing relationship.
As you might have noticed, this chapter is a little longer than my usual. With this kind of story, I'm actually having trouble finding good places to stop. But because of the additional length, and the fact that I'm in school and my classes are a lot more time-consuming this semester, I will be breaking pattern and update every other week rather than every week. If this should change, I will let you know, and if school should disrupt me so much I can't finish the chapter when it's due... then I apologize in advance and will post the chapter as soon as humanly possible.
I also apologize for any grammatical errors, as I tend to have trouble focusing when I'm editing- let me know about them and I'll fix them as soon as possible!
So, what did you think? What do you want to see? What questions would you like answered? Review and let me know!
Until next time! (Also- Happy Valentine's Day!)