Ack, this is harder to write than I originally thought. It's all that lack of dialogue. Anyway, here's the next bit! I hope you like it and thanks for reading and reviewing. Hopefully things will work out better in the next chapter.

Chapter 2

As far as days went, Hakkai was sure that today could have gone better. The group had spent more time than they should have in the strange room looking for a switch or trigger or something to reverse whatever spell had been cast, but their efforts were futile. Hakkai himself had searched every inch of that room and found nothing. To be blunt, the demon hadn't even been able to find the original switches that had turned off the lights and activated the mechanism in the first place. Considering the entire thing turned on automatically when Hakkai lit his chii, this seemed to make sense. Frustrating as it was, though, Hakkai could take comfort in the fact he was not the only one who came up short in their search for a cure.

Sanzo was unable to see anything and therefore could not point out or look for anything. Hakkai would have described objects to him, but he could not speak and nor could he write anything down on paper for him to read. Gojyo or Goku could have read it for him, but Hakkai doubted their coordination skills outside of a battle. Not to mention they had no paper or writing utensil to use in the first place. Therefore, Sanzo spent his time sitting in place and twitching his fingers on the stone floor occasionally and swallowing. Hakkai could tell that he was holding back a comment of some sort; whether it was for comfort or frustration he couldn't tell. Either way, the monk was grumpy from being more or less completely useless.

Gojyo, well; he was quieter than usual from his inability to hear. His random comments went unanswered for the most part because someone was either too angry to reply, unable to reply or too worried about a certain priest to have properly replied. Eventually Gojyo stopped mumbling altogether and started looking around the room. His searching efforts proved as futile as Sanzo's in the end. For starters, he didn't know what he was doing or what he was looking for. And if he asked a question, not that Gojyo would mind you, it's not like he could hear the answer. So he angrily smoked a cigarette while kicking the stone monkey statue every so often. It put him in a situation much like the monk on the floor.

Goku tried his hardest to find any sort of clue, but also came up empty handed. Again, Hakkai saw that coming. Despite his efforts lifting the floor stones and looking behind wall panels, the boy kept looking back at Sanzo every few minutes to have been any help searching. Poor boy was worried sick but too scared to actually go over and talk to him. The first time Sanzo had slapped him was still stinging in more places than one. That left Hakkai to be the only competent one to search the room and he couldn't find anything. That room was as big a mystery when they left as when they first ventured into the dank cave.

Needless to say, the four headed back to camp with low spirits. Gojyo pouted during the entire walk, which didn't surprise Hakkai in the least. Actually, it was Sanzo's behavior that shocked him. The monk had allowed Goku to lead him while they walked. The younger member of their team let his master use his shoulder as a crutch. Hakkai was impressed Sanzo's pride let him accept the help, but then again, Sanzo did fall about three times flat on his face tripping over stones before grabbing onto the monkey's shoulder. Hakkai supposed even Sanzo's pride had a sense of self preservation.

The demon rubbed his eyes with his forefingers before lifting his cup of tea for a sip. At the moment, Sanzo and Gojyo were sleeping. They didn't have much else to do all things considered and he could see their two forms curled up into their individual blankets on the soft dirt. Gojyo's hands were covering his ears in some futile attempt to blame his deafness on a temporary physical matter than the current unexplainable situation. Sanzo looked the same way he always did while he slept; if one ignored the pained expression that spoke of bad dreams. Hakkai turned the little cup in his hands as he stared at the chipped edges. The fire was crackling softly and the flames dancing. He supposed of all the senses he could have lost, speech was the least debilitating.

Goku, however, was still in the cave. He had snuck back in some short time ago after their two companions went to sleep from frustration or apathy; whichever it might have been. Hakkai was sure he was trying to find that one little clue that they had missed, but Hakkai doubted the lad found anything useful. Goku probably felt guilty. The green-eyed demon knew that feeling very well. Hakkai finished off the last of his tea and set the cup down on the little stack of dishes from dinner. He'd wash them later. It's not like anyone would have noticed them even if their senses were in tact.

One thing did bother Hakkai, in a way. He hated to let those thoughts linger on his mind, but he still felt the bitterness creep up behind him to pounce. Goku was the only one to come from the room unscathed, but then again he was also the only one to not have been latched to the floor like a sacrifice. But there was also the forth monkey to consider. Was Goku not affected by 'Do no Evil' because the forth monkey ran the mechanism, or because death or becoming completely paralyzed was too harsh a release for 'those who want peace?' It was puzzling and driving Hakkai insane. However, he couldn't appease those thoughts for much longer; it only gave him a headache. The important thing, is to concentrate on how to deal with the cards they'd been dealt for the moment.

If they were to be attacked by demons at the moment, the Sanzo Party would be at a serious disadvantage. Sanzo's gun would be useless in the chaos of the fighting if he couldn't see his targets. Hakkai was sure the man's hearing was well tuned, but he neither had practice to test it out nor could they afford the consequences should he fail. Hakkai stood up from his seat in front of the fire to gather his own bedroll. He'd prepare for bed before dragging Goku to sleep. At least Goku would be fine in a fight, and Hakkai was sure to carry his own weight as well. At least he didn't have to worry about shouting warnings; Sanzo wouldn't know where to look and Gojyo couldn't hear him anyway. Speaking, Hakkai was unsure how Gojyo's fighting would be affected; it depended on how much he needed to hear his chain as he fought with the Shakujou.

To be safe, Hakkai considered their group to be down to two effective fighters and decided to call it a night.

Goku sat in the middle of the large room and stared up at the monkey mural matted on the wall. It stared down at him with that same unnerving smile as it lorded over the other three statues that mimicked the afflictions his friends suffered. They no longer glowed and the chains that had captured his friend's ankles sat motionless on the stone floor. They sparkled once in a while when the light in the room would shift and flicker. The young monkey king, however, kept his eyes trained on the big one that looked hungry. The leader.

He wanted to smash the thing into oblivion.

At first, Goku had been confused about what was going on. Then he had just been scared for Sanzo as he watched the man stumble and fall. Something just seemed to break inside of the boy watching the most important person in his life struggling. Following that, Goku was hurt when his attempts to help were met with a slap and harsh words. He chose to block some of them from his mind; Sanzo was just frustrated. Relief came shortly after when Sanzo's nose started bleeding from tripping into the Buddha statue. Not because Sanzo was hurt, of course, but because he finally took Goku's shoulder to keep from falling down. But, now that Sanzo was asleep and safe at camp with Hakkai and Gojyo, Goku was just angry.

He didn't know how to fix Sanzo and that monkey just kept smiling. It didn't bring peace to anyone! They hadn't even asked it for help! He was angry at it for hurting his friends and he was angry at it for scaring him. The image of Sanzo's milky eyes was burned into his own retinas and they gave Goku shivers. He was glad the monk couldn't see him, or he'd notice that Goku was making every effort to not look the man in the face. Sanzo's new eyes were just too creepy. There was an eerie quality about them now; and it just wasn't just about the pale milky color they had turned. They were empty; almost like he had no eyes at all. Like little moons that couldn't muster enough light.

But more importantly, Goku was angry at himself. If he hadn't been curious and explored the caves than none of this would have happened. The water sprite was right when he said it was all the monkey's fault in the cave. Goku tightened his hands into fists as he came close to growling in frustration. Not only was it his fault, but he couldn't do anything about it. And Sanzo wouldn't hit him for it either. Sure, Sanzo was being even more mean than usual, but he hadn't accused Goku for this mess at all! Goku wanted Sanzo to smack him and call him stupid and admonish him. That way he could feel a bit better, but it didn't look like that was going to happen any time soon. That just meant Goku would have to try extra hard to make everything better. No matter what.

He wasn't sure just what he could do for the others, but he'd try his best. He'd make sure to watch Sanzo's feet and keep him from falling. He'd open his ears so he could ear things that Gojyo couldn't. And he'd have to help Hakkai out with his voice. Somehow. Goku held his head in his hands as his brain throbbed. This whole mess was too sudden and too complicated. Even if Goku was determined, Sanzo's harsh words and rejection earlier drained him. He knew that he needed to help, but the specifics were lost on him. How do you help people who refuse help on a daily basis?

Goku turned around in his seat when he heard a soft tapping on the rock wall. Hakkai had been hitting the wall with a small stone to get his attention. The older demon started motioning with his hand for Goku to head over and the monkey sighed. He didn't need to be told that it was time to go back to camp. The brunette dragged himself up from the ground and started heading towards the exit where the other brunette was waiting. Usually Hakkai's smile would make him feel better, but the older demon was using his fake smile today. Goku tried not to sigh. "I'm coming."

Hakkai smiled softly and pat the boy on the back as he exited through the tunnel. He was thankful Goku was coming without a fuss, but he had been in that cave for a few hours now. Surly even Goku would have given up and come to reason by then. Someone needed to be sensible during this mess; facts were facts. The Sanzo Party had adjustments to make; there was no telling how long they'd be stuck with these new complications.

The walk back to camp was quiet; for once, Hakkai missed the noise.

"I'm sorry sir, I can't help you."

Hakkai frowned deeply and wrote an 'It's quite alright' on a sheet of paper in a quick scrawl. It was almost insane how close they had been to the next town. It almost made Hakkai angry considering they could have spent the night at an inn instead of camping out, but it couldn't be helped now. Hakkai nodded to the store clerk and headed out to find Gojyo. The man had wandered off somewhere, probably to look for a bar for a drink. That actually sounded really good about now. As Hakkai left the store, Jeep wandered over to sit on his shoulder. He pet the little dragon affectionately before walking down the street.

To be blunt, the demon was starting to get frustrated. Despite now being able to communicate with a pen and pad of paper he had purchased, the townsfolk were little to no help at all. No one had heard nor seen the cave and temple that was barely two miles from their town. In fact, the idea of staying at an inn tonight seemed to be the only relief of the day. Though, getting upset about things wasn't going to get him anywhere. Therefore, Hakkai put his efforts into finding his companion so that they could go pick up Sanzo and Goku from camp.

Thankfully, Gojyo was easy to find; he was in the bar two inches from the bookstore where Hakkai had been questioning the owner. He almost laughed when he saw Gojyo at the bar sipping a beer. Things were routine enough in a bar for Gojyo to order a drink and have no problems even without his hearing. Granted, that wasn't the humorous bit – the lady saying 'Excuse me?' at Gojyo's back and being ignored, however, was quite a bit. Hakkai snickered as he walked over to the woman while writing something quickly on his pad. He tapped the young lady on the shoulder and held it up for her to read.

"He's deaf?" The young brunette gasped cutely and held her hand to her cheek. She looked at the man with the red hair again who was now waving his mug at the bartender for a refill. "No wonder he was ignoring me. And to think I thought I did something wrong."

What did you need, Miss? Hakkai wrote on his pad; the way he was going through sheets he'd have to buy about six or seven more of these. Not to mention he'd have to exercise his hand more; all this writing was starting to cramp his hand. Maybe he could learn to just write less.

"Oh, I'm trying to get signatures for a petition. I was just about to tap him on the shoulder."

Hakkai chuckled at the woman's bright smile. This was the first time he'd noticed her clipboard resting in the hand on her thigh. Hakkai continued his writing conversation with the young lady while Gojyo remained oblivious at the bar. You're quite persistent. It seems you'd been saying 'Excuse me' for some time, yes?

"It's a good cause." The young lady held out the clip board and pen. Maybe she could get his signature instead. "We're trying to save an school house they're trying to tear down. It's been up for over fifty years! It's a historic building and all it needs is a little refurbishing to have classes again."

How nice. Hakkai set his pad under his arm to quickly sign the document. He always did have a soft spot for schools. It was probably the teacher in him. I'll sign for the both of us.

"Thank-you!" The girl bowed quickly before heading out the door. Hakkai laughed to himself and smiled. Gojyo would never forgive him if he knew a girl that cute had been standing behind him the entire time without him noticing. He just wouldn't tell him then. Hakkai instead, tapped Gojyo on the shoulder.

"Oh, Hakkai. When'd you get here?" Gojyo swiveled in his seat. He had been reflecting on the group's situation at the bar for a while now. He was just grateful that the bartender understood his request for a beer and throwing money on the table. Though, Gojyo was still down from not joining in on any of the poker games. It'd been a while since he'd played, but taking on suckers required witty banter. The water sprite needed to learn how to lip read or some shit, and now, that bastard Hakkai looked way too amused by something. The redhead took another sip from his beer. An amused Hakkai never meant good things.

Just a moment ago.

Gojyo was also never going to get used to that stupid pad. He had to squint at Hakkai's handwriting and it meant he had to actually think about what he was reading. Plus, reading it was never the same as hearing him say it in that oh too polite voice of his. Granted, it was still amazing how he made the pad equally annoying as that voice. "How went the questioning?"

Bad. No one knows anything. Did you find the inn?

"Yeah, it's across the street."

Ah, well we should head back now and pick up Sanzo and Goku. Hakkai licked his lips when Gojyo grimaced before pouting.

"Do we really have to? The monk's just going to be cranky as hell."

Yes.

"Damn it." Gojyo frowned as he stared at the pad. There was something creepy about Hakkai drawing smiley faces at the end of his sentences. Especially when they matched the one on his own face. "Just let me finish my beer first." Gojyo was going to need it.

"I'm blind, not invalid!" Sanzo smacked Goku's grabbing hands away from him. He couldn't see them, but he was getting better at hitting them. The first few attempts he had missed and merely fell forward from the force. Readjusting his balance from the sudden lack of depth perception was becoming a total pain in his side. But not nearly as much as the monkey's hands that had become even more grabby than usual. "Stop it!"

"I'm just trying to help you up, Sanzo!" Goku huffed as he watched Sanzo grope the air for a tree or something to brace himself with. It would be so much easier if he just took Goku's hand! Sanzo was cooperating just fine yesterday, even if just for a little bit, so what was wrong with doing the same now? "You're going to hurt yourself."

"Shut up." Sanzo felt rough tree bark under his fingers and pressed his palm flat upon the surface to hold his wait as he stood up. He took his hand back from the tree and rubbed off some of the loose bark that clung to his dry skin. It was still weird adjusting to the total darkness around him. And if that wasn't bad enough, it was far too quiet. "What happened to Hakkai and the other idiot? I can't hear them."

Goku huffed and kept his eyes level on Sanzo's chin and mouth. Any higher and he'd be looking at them. "Hakkai went to scout out where we were and look for people close by since that cave looks like an old shrine. Gojyo went with him."

"And they left me here, because?" Sanzo growled and could feel his fingers tightening in the fist that formed of its own accord.

"You were asleep."

"That so." Sanzo snorted and reached back for that tree he had used earlier. Once he located it, he leant up against it and stuck his hands in his pockets. He needed a cigarette. Sanzo didn't believe for one minute that Hakkai just let him sleep in; he didn't bring him because they thought he was useless without his eyes. Sanzo pulled out a cigarette and put it to his lips automatically; he didn't need to see to smoke. Though, after all of his falls yesterday, Sanzo was starting to believe himself that maybe Hakkai had good reason to believe he was no better than an invalid. Sanzo inhaled deeply on his cigarette as the anger flooded his system.

"Yes. Hakkai said he didn't want to wake up you. Something about you not sleeping well."

"Which just means he didn't sleep at all last night, the bastard."

"He's just worried about you."

"He should worry about himself and the water sprite. I'll be fine."

Goku frowned and sat in the dirt. "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"But you were falling down so much yesterday-"

"Shut up." Sanzo pulled his cigarette away from his mouth and held it against his thigh. He could smell the smoke in the air and it was strangely comforting.

"But you were! What if you really hurt yourself?"

Sanzo's breaths were shallow. The monkey was starting to step into dangerous territory. Sanzo didn't have time to deal with this shit right now. "I told you I'm fine."

"You don't look fine."

"Like that has ever mattered." Sanzo snorted and rubbed his face with his free hand. It felt the same to him; how much worse could it look than usual? There was nothing wrong with him other than this blasted blindness. "I said I'm fine so I'm fine. Drop it."

"You're lying." Goku growled.

"Excuse me?"

"It's just what I think." Goku shut his mouth and looked at the ground. He wanted to shout out that he could sense that Sanzo was nervous. That he could hear his heart beating faster and his breaths were short. But he didn't say anything; it would just make things worse in the long run.

"Well, keep your thoughts to yourse-shit!"

"Sanzo?" Goku looked up at the expletive and stared as Sanzo sucked on his finger close to the knuckle. That was normally where he held his cigarette. Sure enough, on the ground was a smoldering butt; Sanzo had let his cigarette eat away to the hilt. It had burnt Sanzo's hand and those golden eyes could see the red mark next to his knuckle. Goku smashed out the remainder of the flame with his thumb; barely hurt Goku at all.

"Don't say a word." Sanzo snarled. He didn't need to see the monkey to know he was looking at him with accusing eyes. Those stupid golden eyes; they'd never leave his mind.

Goku sighed and stood up. He really wished that Hakkai and Gojyo would get back soon. Normally he liked spending time alone with Sanzo, but right now the atmosphere was smothering. He tried to ignore it when Sanzo lit up another cigarette.