Disclaimer: I do not own Saiyuki... I wish I did but I don't :D Although, Sanzo will be mine! Mwah aha ha ha!

Hey everyone - Right, this chapter is in the new characters point of view, which I thought would be interesting so yeah. Personally I found it really hard to write, so please have mercy on me!! Please, all critisms are welcome and reviews are appreciated lol. Thanks!! xxxxxxxxx

Message for Izawa: Thanks for reviewing - much appreciated lol! I hope it'll be good although the third chapter (which will be in Goku's point of view) is coming along even better than this one and the first chapter lol... so hopefully you'll stick with this story, please :D presents a tray of cookies for you

CHAPTER TWO: NEVER THE BOOK COVER

KYA'S POINT OF VIEW

"You and Gojyo go way back then?" Goku asks, his eyes wide.

Aw, he is so sweet! Okay, I hardly know the little guy, but he is so adorable – I can't see how anyone would want to hurt him! If he wasn't mostly human, I'd take him home as a pet any day! Stuff my goldfish obsession, I'll have a monkey!

"Yep," I reply happily, relaxing on my pale blue sofa. Normally I would prefer to sit alone, being quite independent, but I've forgotten how great company was. "We first met three years ago, at Ozia's Casino. Jesus, I've never seen someone so lucky!" He was good. I mean, okay I too have quite a lucky hand at the cards, but this guy was a legend!

Goku put on a confused expression and started counting on his fingers. Uh? Can he even count? Man, and I thought I was a ditsy sometimes… but it's still sweet.

"He was 19, Goku," the one called Hakkai whispers to him.

Goku smiles at me as if he'd just worked it out for himself – bless him. I look up at Hakkai and smile, which he returns automatically.

Hakkai's a weird one. From what I've gathered, from looks alone – I know, I know, don't judge a book by its cover, but that's how I work, okay?! – he's a quiet, caring type. I can't believe I went through a stage of looking for men like him?! Oh, don't get me wrong, Hakkai's a wonderful person to talk to, and is probably powerful in some way (Gojyo does that unintentionally, you know, hanging out with people with similar strength and power – personally, I think it's because he likes to feel like he's got someone to back him up, which he lacked as a kid), but I grew out of that stage long ago.

Gojyo comes back from the toilet and thumps down onto the sofa opposite me. He gives me a weird look – he knows I've been talking about him. I never knew how he could just know when people are talking about him or even mention his name. Okay, I'm making him sound seriously paranoid, but I know what I mean!

Ha, I remember when he used to lie and say I was talking about him, ever trying to get with me. I know he likes me – he's even told me himself! I like him, but as a friend; nothing more. I don't know if I'm giving off the wrong signals or what, but he's so persistent! I haven't seen him in three years and all he remembers about me is my legs! He's obsessed!

"So what've you been up to these past three years then, Kya?" Gojyo asks, breaking my thoughts.

"Same old, same old," I answered. Well, truth be told, a lot had happened… a lot of weird stuff… "What about you?"

I… I don't know what it is, but something's going on – you know, behind the scenes – but I bet I don't get the full story, if I'm told anything. I don't know if I'm being paranoid or too curious for my own good, that I've finally become a female version of Gojyo… or it's the looks I'm getting from that priest… is that what's putting me on edge?

Oh well. I have to accept it. Why would someone tell me everything after being three years apart? Okay, once upon a time, he would've told me near everything – even things I didn't need to know – but why should he trust me now? He's not to know if I've changed. I suppose I'm not to know if he's changed either, although I highly doubt that, him hating transition at any level. Jesus, I'm reading too far into this!

"Same old, same old," he replied, with a cheeky smile. I raise my eyes. "Hey, you're not sharing anything with me, so why should I?" He raises his hands up into the air.

I shake my head, knowing I'm in the wrong. You know, that's probably one of the most outstanding differences between us: I know when I'm wrong and don't mind to admit it but, he tends to selectively forget certain events, especially when he knows he's wrong. Maybe it's his short attention span – I dunno?! I know I'm wrong. But I also know he wouldn't understand. Some things, my friend, people don't want to share.

I realize that he's still waiting for a come back – damn me! And he thinks he's a retard at times?! "Sorry – I drifted there," I apologize. He continues looking at me with that 'tell me' look, then gives up after a couple of seconds and relaxes into the sofa again. My thoughts take over again.

"Goku," Hakkai says kindly, but with a strict tone. "What did I tell you to say if you wanted something?"

I turn to look at the boy sitting cross-legged on the white carpet, his hand reaching into the red biscuit tin I laid on the coffee table earlier. Goku retracts his hand like a naughty school child being caught trying to escape from school grounds.

Goku put a finger to his chin, as if deep in thought, then burst into a smile when he remembered: "Can I have another biscuit please, Kya?" Goku recites.

I turn to him with a smile. "Go ahead," I reply, opening the tin top. "Have as many as you want." Goku's golden eyes light up as if it were Christmas. Whoa, this kid gets excited too easily! It's too weird – I'd know, I know Gojyo – but it's still sweet though.

"The magic words he's been longing to hear," Hakkai jokes with a smile. I laugh.

Suddenly, Goku shoves a whole blueberry muffin into his mouth. I stare at him half in wonder, half in shock. Okay, I take back what I said about Gojyo being the weirdest guy I know – this tops it any day! Goku chews and swallows then goes to grab a handful of assorted biscuits. Jesus, that boy can eat – either that or he hasn't eaten in days!

"What's happened to Suzako?" Gojyo asks, changing the subject suddenly.

I look up. He looks deadly serious. I catch the priest – Sanzo, I think his name is – move slightly, in the corner of my left eye. The movement was so slight, I'm not even sure that he did move at all…

I sigh and think my words through before saying them. "The youkai." They don't look surprised – mind you, I didn't expect them to be. Gojyo waves his hands, as if to ask me to elaborate. "They just went completely crazy – it ruined the city. At first, we were all told to stay at home and, if we had to go out, to go out in groups and that the problem was only temporary… but things just worsened."

"Like?" Gojyo asked, more interested than I think I've ever seen him before.

"There were fights, but nothing serious, you know." He nodded. "A few weeks went by and then things started becoming dangerous." I shifted uneasily on the sofa. "Knifings, fires, destruction… okay, that doesn't sound so unusual for a city, but this was becoming normal in just a week!" I blink and take a sigh, trying to control my emotions. Okay, calm down. Get it out of your system. "There were killings, Gojyo."

"On what scale?" Sanzo asked, his face passive. I turn to him.

I look into his amethyst purple eyes – is that concern I see, hidden behind the thick shield he places on himself to keep others away, to keep himself safe from people knowing his secrets? It's just a guess. A guess that I've made while trying to control my emotions… but my guesses are normally along the lines of the truth, they always have been… He blinks suddenly and I'm brought back to reality. I look at him again – he doesn't look any different.

I sigh and rub my face with my hands. "…It's almost impossible to tell unless it's someone you know personally." I continue. I look to the ceiling nervously. "Luckily, I get out a bit, so I know a bit more than the average citizen."

"Why so impossible? Surely there's news coverage?" Hakkai asks, his voice full of concern. His voice echoes in my mind… He sounds so similar to my uncle.

"People are kidnapped, snatched suddenly when you least expect it," I answer, my voice thick. "Signals went down a couple of months back – no television, no radio, no phone… luckily, most people have mobiles – the masts are in Losiv city." I shake my head again. "But people only have a few friends round here – you know, rich stay with the rich; middle-class with middle-class. So, unless it's someone who contacts you often, no one would know any better…"

"How come you were outside then?" Goku pipes up, his mouth full. Sanzo and Gojyo hit him at the exact same time, bringing a smile to my face. "Oww!"

"No, its all right guys," I say quickly. I see them calm, although I think Sanzo had already. "Things have calmed a bit and attacks usually happen at night or at sunset."

"Man, it sounds like a bad horror movie," Gojyo says, putting a hand to his face. He's dead right, you know.

I don't think I've seen him so thoughtful and serious before. I smile, but I don't mean it. He can tell; I just know he can. His eyes watch me closely.

"So everything's changed round here. People tend to keep to themselves and only socialize with their families or very trusted friends. Stalls are set up during the morning and stay open for the locals until three in the afternoon – if they stay any later they'd be putting themselves at risk." Gojyo nods, in understanding. "I go out because I… I just hate sitting around doing nothing." I hope they can't see through this lie – I don't exactly have much pride in myself right now.

I can't help myself as the horrific images from my memory flick into my minds eye, in such grave detail, such disgusting detail… this is why I don't trust people sometimes; I know, kinda a different subject, but still! I have youkai friends which have completely changed – it taught me to never trust anyone fully, even if I've known them, like Gojyo, for years upon years.

I shake my head, bringing me back again. Man, I have gone mental! I can't keep drifting off like that or else they're gonna think I'm a complete nut case! And I don't even know them that well! For Christ's sake, Kya, get a bloody grip with yourself! I look up – Gojyo looks really concerned. Damn it, I hate pity sometimes… but it's kinda nice, when I think about it a little.

Gojyo gets up and sits next to me, putting a muscled arm around me, pulling me close so I could cry into his shoulder if I wanted. I want to cry, but I can't. Life's too short to get upset about the past… or the future… It's as if he's blocking me from everyone, protecting me from looking and feeling weak, like I've done him so many times before. I have to love Gojyo sometimes.

After a moment, the priest stands up, getting all of our attentions. "It's hard, but I need to know more. I need to know what we're dealing with." I feel Gojyo tense, ready to argue. At first, I thought his statement was as inconsiderate as he said it but, I think, I can sense concern. Gojyo opens his mouth to say something.

I quickly answer him – better to give him as much truth as possible: "Killings, as I've said, have calmed a little now, but now the western side of Suzako is completely a no-go zone – that's where the streets are literally crawling with youkai." I take a hesitant breath. "The worst part of all this is that, well, people started leaving Suzako and the, um, youkai have all exits and paths out of the city covered… at one point there was a barrier of bodies around the city!"

Gojyo starts to stroke my long, grey hair – he has such a tender side to him. Some people don't ever see it. Gojyo doesn't see it though – probably deliberate because it shows weakness, in his view. But it's kinda reassuring to know someone's there. I suppose he's never experienced that, cos of his past… who am I to judge? It's not like there's many people there for me! Ha. That's probably why we get on so well!

I pull away as I notice the sad look painted over Goku's face – it looks like he's the one that's gonna cry! He shakes his head and rubs his face – bless.

"It's okay to cry. Grieving openly shows strength of heart," Hakkai says kindly. I smile briefly. He's right.

"I grew up in this city, for Christ's' sake, and it's got its problems I'll admit, but I hate seeing all this shit!" I say angrily.

"The world is not kind," Sanzo says, getting our attentions again. He walks to the open window and lights a cigarette. "Accepting it can be hard."

Gojyo tenses again. "Can't you leave it out?!" he shouts, jumping up and waving his arms at the priest angrily.

"Gojyo," I say, not wanting a fight. "Leave it-"

"No, Kya, he's being a complete asshole!" he retorts. I roll my eyes. There you go: old Gojyo springing to life before me again. He's got such a short fuse on him, little things just annoy him. I thought I was bad, getting angry, getting frustrated but, when compared to him, I look like an angel! "Can't you be even a little bit compassionate?!"

Sanzo takes a puff and watches the smoke swirl out of the window. "Apparently not," he replies, in a bored tone. Gojyo makes a frustrated noise and marches over to the priest and starts shouting at him further, even though Sanzo, I can tell, is ignoring most of his words, pissing him off further.

"What have I done?!" I ask myself out loud, a smile forming on my lips. Gojyo's funny when he's angry!

"Trust me, this isn't any of your doing," Hakkai says, sighing as if this happens on a regular basis. "They're always like this."

"Yey! Dinner and a show!" Goku pipes up, clapping his hands together. I have to laugh at that. In the long run, he's right: this has been quite a day – I've even had time to meet an old friend, meet new ones, freak myself out, almost cry and laugh my ass off! Jesus, it's like a fuckin' soap opera!

I snap back to reality. "Speaking of dinner… you guys are more than welcome to stay here for dinner if you wish," I say, addressing everyone. Okay, probably only Hakkai is listening to me and, more likely, Goku, beings it involves food. I feel so rude see, making this meeting all about myself – I've only just met these guys and I'm being selfish!

Immediately, Hakkai answers me: "That would be great, thank you." I expected him to answer me, it's kinda predictable – don't give me that look, he's like the perfect older brother! He listens, he's polite, and he's kind… "I can help out, if you'd like?" Okay, I didn't see that coming. Hmm, he's a cook as well? Cool.

"Sure."

"What we avin?" Goku asks, suddenly getting excited again. "Can we have chicken? Oh, no, what about noodles with chicken? What about ramen?" I laugh at his weird enthusiasm. "No, no, wait! Can we have lemons?" I cock my head to one side in confusion.

"Lemons?" He nods like a little child who knows little or no words. "Okay…" Right, either this is something he eats because he was brought up with it or something, or he's very, very confused or he – heaven help him – doesn't know what one is…

"Oh God, not the lemons again!" Gojyo sighs in frustration, his attention being turned back to the main group of us. I look at him as if in explanation. "He swore to me earlier that people eat lemons on their own, and then he tried one and realized why people don't do exactly that."

I smile in, well, disbelief. Goku looks about sixteen or eighteen – it's hard to tell because of his height – but, um, oh I dunno! I thought he'd know better than biting into a raw lemon! This one's too weird and too cute! The complete opposite to Hakkai, in my view. You know, the little brother figure… not like I'd know, being the youngest of my family, or what's left of it!

"I want lemons," Goku insists, crossing his arms in a huff.

Gojyo looks angry again. I stand up quickly, pulling his attention towards me instead… okay, I definitely would have it beings I've got my hand on his shoulder – Jesus, I forgot how tall he was!

"Don't worry, Gojyo, I have a small lemon in the fridge he can have with the meal, me and Hakkai are making." He continues giving me a random look then, giving Goku a look, he raises his hands up, giving up on him. Good. I clap my hands together, happy that the subject had moved on so quickly. "Shall we get started then, Hakkai?"

Steam swirled up into the air, as if following an invisible line. I walk over to the cooker and turn down the boiling sauce I'd made, with a click. I turn around, ready to start chopping up some herbs and vegetables to mix in it, while it slowly cools; I half jump as I almost crash into Hakkai, who's standing close beside me, holding the wooden chopping board covered with chopped vegetables.

He smiles broadly. "Sorry," he apologizes. I step to the left, out of the way.

The three ear cuffs reflect a dim light from the bright kitchen lights above. Looks are deceiving! I would've never guessed he'd be youkai… mind you, I did sense him as soon as I met up with Gojyo again. Maybe it's hereditary? Meh, like it's any of my business.

"No, it's me, I get carried away when I enjoy myself," I correct him, smiling. "How did you know what-?"

"Oh, I read ahead in your cookery book," he replied happily, moving forward and picking up a knife. "And, I've made this dish before, although yours is looking much better than mine ever did." I laugh with him.

I watch him slide the shiny knife along the board, pushing the chopped vegetables and herbs off and into the bubbling, blood-red sauce.

"This is an old recipe, but it was my uncle that taught me a few tricks," I tell him.

It feels so good having someone to cook with – it sounds really odd, I know, but no one's ever cooked with me before. I love it! And, from the expression and body language I'm picking up on from him, he's pretty happy and at ease too. I smile.

I turn around to face my marble-topped counter. I move the bowl of salad I'd made earlier in front of me, and drizzled it with soy sauce.

"Does everyone, other than Gojyo, like tomatoes?" I ask loudly, so the rest of the group can hear me in the living area – I know the kitchen, dining room and living room are all connected, but still. Hey, the various bubbling foods and sauces are loud!

Sanzo doesn't answer me, he just continues reading the paper in the corner of the room, away from everyone. Okay, and I thought I was unsociable at times – Jesus, I can see why Gojyo finds it hard to get along with him.

Goku looks up and blinks at me smiling. "I love tomatoes! I want them! I want them!" he sings, jumping up and down randomly. Hakkai coughs loudly. Goku stops jumping and stands straight, with an apologetic face. "I want them, please." I smile at him and nod, in a way telling him he's all right, and then he starts jumping around all over the place again in excitement.

I catch Hakkai rolling his eyes, in the corner of my eye, then continue turning over the chicken fillets in the pan. As I turn back to Hakkai, I say quietly: "What about the priest?"

"Sanzo? Wouldn't know," he replies, turning the hot-plate down by half. He grabs a handful of herbs and starts sprinkling the chicken fillets with it. "I've never asked."

"Well, I just did and he just ignored me," I tell him, opening the cupboard next to me and getting out the chili powder and a spoon from a draw. I unscrewed the pots' top and dip the spoon in it and then sprinkling it on the bubbling red sauce from before.

I just hate antisocial people! Okay, I prefer working independently but I love company too; this one's got no reason to act this way – he's got three other guys with him, for Christ's Sake – I can see why he's so annoying now… he doesn't do what people expect of him, it's like he's got his own league! "Well either he's very antisocial or has a serious hearing impediment," I retort sarcastically, stirring the sauce in the pan.

Hakkai just smiles and continues stirring the noodles. "That's Sanzo for you, don't let him get to you," he advises in a kind, knowing tone. I give him a look. "It's your choice, but consider your options: either ignore him and adapt to his style, or become a female version of Gojyo."

I cannot believe he just said that! Oh brilliant! I can't help but laugh with him – it was so unexpected and so funny, truth be told, so true. I can see why he seems so innocent now. Looks are damn deceiving!

"As much as I hate to become the ultimate annoyance, that priest needs help socializing!" I say. Hakkai laughs, turning back to the cooker.

There's a laugh and a voice suddenly says: "The ultimate annoyance, eh?" I jump in surprise – Jesus! I'm usually brilliant at predicting people! I turn around and see Gojyo leaning on the counter with his elbows from the other side, his cheeky face between his hands. "You guys are so mean to me sometimes." He puts on an upset face.

"Gojyo, you can't do cute…" I tell him. I walk over and take the cigarette from his mouth and flick it into the bin. "…with a cigarette in your mouth." He smiles at me mischievously. "And with those wandering eyes." I slap him round the head. He continues looking at me with that cheekiness.

I knew I should have never have worn this outfit – why didn't I change once I brought them back?! Argh! Wearing a low-cut, grey, fitted t-shirt is not the best way to meet someone like Gojyo in – you know exactly where they're gonna look! Damn me for havin a stupid D-cup! Okay, I'm not really big; I'm only just a D, probably a C if I worked out a little more than I do, but still! I look down for a moment. Man and I'm wearing stupid skinny leg jeans and all – why did I have to dress to show off my assets today?! Jesus!

"However much you hurt me baby, I'm never going to give up," he says in a sexy tone.

I roll my eyes. "Jesus Gojyo! And I thought that perhaps these couple of years apart might have straightened out your hormones!" I hear Hakkai snigger behind me and I catch Goku smiling broadly on the sofa at me.

"You can't stop what God intended," he replies, trying to be hurt.

I lean on the other side of the counter, looking right into his eyes. "I thought you didn't believe in any God?" I say, kinda rhetorically, in a sexy tone. I'm playing his game now.

"Meh." He shrugs his shoulders. The timer on the side sang a shrill note. I suddenly push Gojyo off the counter – unfortunately, he wasn't expecting that, thus making him fall to the floor with a 'thud'. "Ouch!" I ignored him as he jumped up and gave me an evil as he trudged over to the dining table.

I turn around and turn off the cooker and, with Hakkai by my side, we start putting our feast onto an assortment of plates and deep bowls, then taking them to the dining table two at a time.

Goku, as I'd planned, was already sitting at the table, his hungry eyes watching the table slowly fill up. It kinda reminds me a bit of when I was really young, sitting with my older brothers at the table, waiting for the whatever treat my uncle had made for us… his food always tasted good, it wasn't fair.

Ha! I remember when my uncle let me make him some cookies when I was seven and, well, they completely fucked up! I have no idea what I did to them; they just turned out all rock hard and slimy! My uncle never lied to me though, not once. He told me straight that I was a little 'off' in my baking, but he didn't mock me or make me feel stupid, he just made me redo it and, this time round, taught me every step as I did it, watching me and advising me. You know what, whatever magic he put on me that day, done the trick – my cooking's so much better now!

"Ooh! It all looks so good! I don't know where to start!" Goku cheered, a smile lighting his face. "I want a piece of everything!" I smile and place some noodles onto my plate.

"Well eat up then, my friend, I don't have much room for leftovers," I tell him. You would've thought Christmas had come early by his facial expression!

Everyone is smiling. I feel so much better now. These guys are great! Okay, Gojyo's always going to have a hormone problem, but still, he's cool. It's the priest that I'm concerned about – he's scarcely spoken five words since we've met and his steely stare makes me feel uncomfortable. It's as if he knows something about me and he's the one uncomfortable with my company.

The meal is was so enjoyable, that there were hardly any leftovers to store in the fridge. That's thanks to Goku, I think. He must have a bottomless pit for a stomach or something?! Personally, I'm not that fond of food, I just enjoy making it. Weird, I know, but that's how I work.

Goku lays back in his chair, his stomach big and full. "I love food," he says plainly. Well, I can see that! "I'm stuffed!"

"You wait, he'll be hungry in five minutes," Gojyo tells me, raising his eyes at the little monkey – oh man, now he's got me saying that! At least he's sweet…

"Will not! Will not!" he shouts, sticking his tongue out.

"Whatever monkey," he says, messing up his hair, making him try and slap him away. The shiny crown type thing on his head reflected a dim light onto the table. I wonder if that's some sort of limiter? Funny, he doesn't seem youkai, but I can sense it loud and clear – normally, I can tell but sense alone. Meh, he's almost cuter with the limiter! "I could bet on you and win every time!"

Goku keeps trying to push him away and stop him messing up his hair. "Get off me you stupid kappa!" Hakkai and I smile as they start bitch slapping each other. Ah, the days where 'stupid kappa' was my come back to him every time he'd tried it on. God, he has not changed a bit – in looks and personality!

Suddenly, Sanzo pulls out a gun from his white robes and points it at the fighting pair. They gingerly move away from each other. Their expressions reflect the sudden change in events, which have me, naturally, in stitches!

"I'm trying to think," Sanzo says angrily, putting his gun back inside his robes. Jesus! The control a gun has on people! Mind you, I couldn't survive without my gun and, to make recent matters worse, Gojyo, as I know from experience, always seems to bring trouble, not intentionally, but trouble anyway. Well, on the bright side, at least I'll be able to defend myself if trouble does come unexpectedly, even though I usually look for it!

I quietly stand outside Gojyo's room, my breathing quiet but fast, in anticipation. I inch the door open a crack, so I can see into it. My eyes adjust to the darker side of the house. I spy the silhouette of Gojyo's sleeping form, his chest rising and falling in perfect rhythm. He looks so peaceful…

A rustle just outside the bedroom window makes his ears twitch, but he doesn't wake up. I stare outside, keeping close to the door, so I can't be seen. Another rustle. My heart's beating faster in waiting. Gojyo turns onto his back, sprawling out across the bed, as his sleep is disturbed by another rustle.

The window, which I stupidly forgot to lock, is slowly and quietly pulled open. An ice-cold breeze blows through the room, rushing out of the bedroom door, chilling my face. I stay pressed against the door, listening intently. The window is fully open now and a dark figure slowly, yet oddly gracefully, climbs into the room.

They stand there, watching Gojyo. Seconds pass. A minute passes. What are they waiting for? I stay where I am – I can place a person in a room by hearing alone but this time, luckily for me, I can smell youkai. I know there's going to be trouble.

I turn and watch through the door crack. My eyes widen as I spot a sharp object in their hands, illuminated by the moonlight – a dagger. A dagger already covered with dark blood stains on its tip. I will not let Gojyo become another victim… they move over to the edge of the bed and stand over him, ever watching him… they lift the dagger above him…

Bang.

Gojyo sits up with a start, his eyes wide and back tense. I turn on the light, instantly calming him. He stares at me with those fantastic crimson eyes, then follows my extended arm (gun in hand), across the room to the floor where a person lies dead and bleeding. He gets up as I lower my gun and bends down next to the youkai.

I hear running footsteps behind me.

"What the hell is happening?!" Sanzo asks, bursting into the room, gun raised.

He looks at me and then at Gojyo kneeling next to a dead youkai on the floor, and lowers his weapon. His gaze returns back to me until Hakkai and Goku come running into the room, seconds later, both of them looking around wildly and confusedly.

"We heard a gun shot and-" Hakkai started. He looks down at the youkai. "Oh."

"Is he dead?" Goku asks, rubbing his tired eyes like a small child.

"No, Goku, he's completely dandy," Gojyo replies sarcastically, giving him a look. He gets up and turns to me. "Although he would be, if Kya hadn't have shot him." I smile in recognition. "What on earth happened anyway?"

"I heard someone outside an hour ago, so I decided to watch him beings they had no intention of leaving," I tell them, rhythmically tapping my gun against my belt. "For some reason, they had an excessive interest in you, Gojyo."

"God knows why," Sanzo said under his breath. "Waste of skin…"

"Hey! I heard that idiot priest!" Gojyo argued, shaking a fist at him.

I shake my head, ignoring him, as I watch Hakkai walk over to the dead body. "Sanzo does hold a good question though: why?" he says slowly, looking at the damage. "It's not like youkai to wait to kill their victim…"

"This is why it's so dangerous round here now; it's almost as if they've evolved," I say, rubbing my tired eyes.

"Yeah, into murderous freaks," Gojyo finishes.

"Who think way more than usual," Hakkai continues.

There's a clank as the empty shells fall from Sanzo's gun and hit the floor, and he reloads loudly. God that determined look in his eyes is sending millions of danger signals down my spine!

"Affected youkai do not think," Sanzo mutters angrily. "They're being controlled… how annoying."

Suddenly, he lifts his gun arm and fires towards the open window. There's an almighty swoosh as the bullet flies straight across the room and through the gap with amazing ease. Thump. He lowers his gun.

We crowd round the window, all staring wildly. "Okay…" Gojyo says slowly. "Why didn't I see that coming?!" My thoughts exactly! How on earth did he sense or see another youkai?! Mind you, all I can sense is these three here and the dead one… Damn me!

"You were talking too much," Sanzo replies simply.

"What?! You were the one talking last, damn it!" he argues back. Sanzo breezes past him, ignoring his comments. "Stupid, idiotic, piss-weak…"

There's another rustle. This time I'm the one to raise my gun. Everyone automatically silences and listens. Sanzo turns and stares out the window, then points the gun towards the window again. His finger's on the trigger.

"No, wait," I say quietly, lowering my gun and then placing my hand lightly on his.

He stares at me angrily, but doesn't say anything as he listens intently. The rustling stops momentarily and, once again, there's silence. There's an all round sigh of relief as we watch the ginger, furry tail of a cat, dance past the window. Sanzo shakes me off and holsters his gun and crosses his arms moodily.

"You can't just aim out the window like that," I tell him, shaking my head.

"It's my gun, I can aim wherever I like."

I can't believe this priest! Hakkai shakes his head as if telling me to leave it and move on – they might be used to his arrogance and shit, but I'm not! Stupid, stupid man! Gojyo looks straight at me, probably knowing my argumentative side, his eyes telling me to go back to bed and forget it… How can he stand this, of all people!

I walk up to the open window and shut it loudly, turning the key to lock it. "It's almost pitch black outside, you could've shot an innocent person walking by!"

"A person? At this hour?"

I think a moment as I figure the time… okay, hardly anyone I know would be innocently walking about at this time, but still! Arrogant prick… He smirks and starts walking out the room.

"I'm pretty certain that you were bloody sure it wasn't a youkai, so why still aim to kill?!" I retort as he leaves. He stops. He knows all eyes are on his back. I stare at him, hoping for him to enlighten the matter. Nothing. He continues on his way again.

"Forget it, hun," Gojyo comforts.

I shrug him off. "Good night everyone." I can hear them muttering quietly behind me. Let them.

I ignore them and walk out of the room, into my own, my mind buzzing with thoughts and feelings. That priest's ignorance will be his bloody downfall, I'll grant you! You know, I have no idea why I'm so uptight about this… ah! That priest! Damn him!

Okay, calm; I can't get distracted by this. Concentrate…

Sitting on my bed, I calmly wait until the others have all gone back to their rooms and turned out their lights – the last thing I want is to be caught and have to come up with some awful lie… I hate lying, full stop.

I wait an extra five minutes or so, just to make sure, and then I get up and walk quietly out of my room. Padding along the soft floor, I make it to the front door successfully. I turn and make sure all is well and safe, then make my exit through the front door, locking it behind me. As I step out and breathe in the cold, fresh air – carefully avoiding the empty booze bottles outside on the path – I walk away from 'home'.

I reload my gleaming gun.

I look at my distorted reflection on its silver barrel.

I lick my lips.

"Let's hunt youkai."