Sequestering Sustenance

Kami-sama must have been watching over the group, for and hour later they had arrived at a small village. They pulled in front of a small inn. Sanzo got out of the jeep and without a word headed into the inn.

"Irasshaimase," came a chipper voice from behind the counter. A girl with long blonde hair and amber eyes smiled at Sanzo. "How may I help you?"

Sanzo was very tired, and the girl's happy mood just worsened his bad one. He held his composure though. "I need four rooms." He said simply.

The girl looked at the registry, then frowned. "Gomen Nasai. We only have two rooms left. Would that still be all right?"

Sanzo sighed angrily. He hated sharing rooms, but he knew that he couldn't be picky right now. Goku needed treatment and they all needed to get out of the desert for a while. He nodded and handed over his credit card, "Yea. We'll take them."

"It's a good thing you came in when you did," she said as she charged him for the two rooms. "The sun will be setting a in a few hours. It get's really cold at night around here. It's good to have roof over your head." She handed him back the card. "Enjoy your stay."

Sanzo nodded and headed outside.


While Sanzo was taking care of the rooms, Hakkai checked Goku and was happy to feel that his fever had subsided a little bit.

Gojyo took a few sips of the river water that was left in the canteen. He shook his head, "It's good that we found this water, but the sweetness if just a bit too much."

Hakkai picked up the canteen that was on Sanzo's seat. It was about three-fourth's full. Hakkai, who had not drunk much on the whole trek through the hot desert, downed almost the whole canteen in just a few gulps, leaving just a few sips left. "Hai. Demo. . ." he took a few breaths. "Any water is good water." He smiled at Gojyo.

Sanzo walked back to the jeep. "We have to double up on rooms again." He sounded annoyed. "Gojyo, you're with Goku."

Gojyo sighed, "How come I always have to baby sit the brat?" he complained.

Sanzo threw him a glare, "Because I can't stand you during the day. Do you really think you'd survive to see the sun rise?"

Gojyo bared his teeth, "Yea right! Like YOU could kill me! I'd kick your unholy ass all the way to Gyuumaou's door step."

Sanzo pulled out his gun, but wasn't able to pull the trigger before a cloud of white smoke enveloped all four of them. When the smoke cleared Hakkai, Gojyo and Goku were all on the ground. The three men looked at a sweating, panting Hakuryu who was a few feet away from them. Hakkai ran to his pet, and picked him up slowly. "Hakuryu, daijoubu desu ka?"

"Kyuu. . ." Hakuryu answered weakly. Hakkai picked up the canteen he had been drinking from and allowed the dragon to finish off the rest of the water, which was just enough for his petite form.

Gojyo cradled Goku, who was sleeping not too peacefully. Gojyo tried to wake him, but he wouldn't come to. "Hakkai. We might have a problem here."

Hakkai walked over to them, still holding Hakuryu, who was also dozing off. "It's all right. His fever is down, and he had a lot of water. We'll just have to watch him closely until he wakes up."

Sanzo grabbed one of the packs, and Hakkai slung the other one on his shoulders. "Let's go all ready." Sanzo said, heading into the inn.


After a few hours had passed and they had all eaten their fill, Hakkai checked on Goku who was sleeping on the bed in Gojyo and his room. He hadn't woken up once, not even when the food was brought in. Hakkai yawned and stood from Goku's bed side. "He'll be fine. I think we all should get some rest though. Today was very taxing."

Gojyo stretched out his back, suddenly feeling very tired. "Yea, I guess your right." He sat in a chair that had been placed in the room. "I'll watch the monkey for a little bit though."

"He shouldn't give you too much trouble." Hakkai nodded. "Get some rest Gojyo. We'll see you in the morning."

Gojyo nodded, stifling a yawn himself. "Aa. 'Night."

Sanzo looked at Goku from the doorway then retreated to his and Hakkai's room without a word. He didn't know why, but it was getting harder and harder for him to keep his eyes open. He knew that heat and travel could take a lot out of you, but this was almost too much. He shrugged as he sat on one of the beds, 'I'm just glad that sweet water taste is outta my mouth.' He sighed and went for a cigarette, but before he could light it, he dozed off.

Hakkai watched Hakuryu doze off on the other bed in the room. He stroked the dragon from neck to wing tip, but the little dragon didn't even stir. "We really pushed him hard today. No wonder he's out like this. Ne, Sanzo. . ." Hakkai looked up only to see that the blonde monk had fallen asleep while leaning on the wall. The cigarette fell to his lap. Hakkai watched Sanzo for a long moment, noting how peaceful he looked when he was asleep. He smiled and laid the monk under the covers. "Sleep well, my friend." He turned off the light, and fell asleep almost immediately after hitting the pillow. He didn't say it, but halfway through dinner a great wave of exhaustion had wracked his body and senses. It took all he had just to stay awake until now.


Well, that's chapter 2. How am I doing? Do you like it so far?
I hope you'll keep reading, cause it only get's better from here on. I promise you that.
Lot's of drama in the next few chapters.

PS. I own nothing. This is purely fanmade! Thank you.