Aaaaand... I'm back! Here comes chapter 4 guys! I can say that the story will pick up its speed from here but not too much ;P hehe... Me and my sadistic nature. Anyway, I hope you're enjoying the story and without further ado, here's Chap 4!
Oh! R&R please! Thank you!
Disclaimer: Saiyuki is own by the great Minekura Kazuya. And the other characters here are from: Cardcaptor Sakura, Midori Days, Fushiigi Yuugi, Arcana Famiglia and Inuyasha.
The sun has reached its highest peak on their second day at the city of QiangLin by the time the group travelling to the West stepped out of their room.
"We skipped lunch yesterday and now breakfast. I'm starving!" Goku complained as they made their way to the dining hall.
"That was the most comfortable sleep we've had in a long while though and that melody played from the flute was so relaxing." Hakkai stated.
"Yeah. That was beautiful and to not think about getting attacked by demons in our sleep is certainly the best." Gojyo chirped.
"How can you easily let your guards down? We still don't know these people. Add the fact that they're very suspicious." Sanzo scolded.
"They are an odd bunch but not suspicious. Besides, Kanzeon Bosatsu is the one who directed us here so it should be fine." the green-eyed reasoned.
"Did you forget that old hag's habit of making us go through hell for her entertainment? Like what happened yesterday?" the monk didn't let up.
"There's no use worrying over it, it's not like we can up and leave without the weapons. Just enjoy the vacation and sip tea all day, old geezer." The redhead teased.
"I just can't wait to have my gun fixed and try it on you, you roach water sprite!" he threatened.
The Hatori brothers are already having their lunch with Midori, Maya, and Nuriko when they reached the dining hall.
"Good day to the four of you. Given that you missed breakfast we take it you all had a good sleep?" Luca greeted.
"Yes! And now I'm ready for food!" Goku said, drooling as he gazed at the feast laid out on the table.
"You're drooling, Goku." Gojyo grinned.
Gareas laughed, "It's good to be energetic at the start of the day."
"Why don't you take a seat? The food will get cold." Raul offered.
They all obliged but quickly noticed that one's missing.
"Ah, how about Kurenai?" Hakkai asked.
"She started working on your weapons and usually, for big jobs like this she spends most of her time at the workshop and rarely comes out until she finishes." Gareas said.
"I feel bad for Kurenai." Goku said and stared at his food
"Don't worry, she's used to this. Plus it's work so it can't be helped." The eldest brother assured, "Just keep eating."
"Okay!" the golden-eyed boy went and gobbled the food on his plate.
The redhead beside him gaped at him, "You sure recover fast."
"Two weeks." Sanzo said suddenly.
"Huh?" everyone around the table stared at him.
"We can wait for two weeks."
Luca took a sip of his tea, "What made you change your mind, Sanzo?" he asked, looking at the monk over his cup of tea.
"The outcome may not be good if we rush it." he answered.
"Sanzo!" Hakkai worried that Sanzo challenging Kurenai's capabilities might provoke the brothers again.
"You're surprisingly kind." The eldest said meaningfully, "But there's no need to worry, she already decided. She wouldn't agree to rush it if it will not produce top-class weapons; she loves what she does too much to make something otherwise." he set his tea on the table, "She's the type that if she doesn't want to, she won't. But if she decides to do it, there's nothing that can stop her. If anything happens, that's her decision." his eyes reflected adoration towards his sister's resolve.
"It seems that Kurenai is very busy, a lot of people were looking for her yesterday." Hakkai said and took a bite of tonkatsu.
And as if a joke, a man peeped in the room, "Excuse me Master Luca, where can I find Lady Kurenai? There are some documents I need her to review."
"She's at the workshop at the moment. Maya, can you please take the documents and just pass it on to her later." Luca ordered.
"Ah, Master Luca, I need to talk with Lady Kurenai about the plans for the upcoming merchants' conference." another woman joined in.
"We can talk later, I'm handling that now." Raul said.
"And could you all please stop interrupting our meal? Tell the rest to come back after lunch. You guys should eat too." Gareas said with a hint of irritation as he chomped down his siumai.
"Our apologies." the two bowed and left flustered.
"Well, when you guys were not here, even the meals are not an exception when they need to talk to her." Nuriko informed.
"She indulged them way too much." Luca complained then took a sip of tea.
"On the other hand, if she doesn't entertain them, nothing will be done." the head attendant pointed out.
Raul revisited the topic that Hakkai started, "Well back to your concern Hakkai, to put it simply, she is responsible for everything your eyes can see in this village."
"Huh?" They wondered.
Gareas grinned, "You need specifics huh? From the stalls, taverns, restaurants, bars and inns, to the educational and medical institutions, as well as the festivals and events and of course the maintenance and protection of the environment and wildlife, all of these fall under her domain." he listed, "Oh, add the maintaining the barrier to that list.
"Uwaaah..." the four guests were dumbfounded.
"She's handling quite a lot." Hakkai said in awe.
"I can't keep up." Goku said with his eyes rolling.
"Isn't that too much for her? I mean, there's four of you, why didn't you take some of the responsibilities?" Gojyo asked.
"And it seems one of you has too much time in his hands." Sanzo said, taking a hit at Gareas.
"Now, now. We already agreed on a truce right?" the latter said playfully.
"I never said yes to that." the monk snapped.
"Tch. Mr. High and mighty." the knife wielder rolled his eyes.
"The three of us are in-charge of security. The security of the citizens, the tourists entering and leaving the city, and the goods going to and from the city. We also train the soldiers." Raul told them.
"From a few years ago 'til just recently, the three of us are seldom home because there are instances that we have to be part of the escort team as well. That's why we're not able to be very hands-on with the city's economy." Gareas added.
"We feel really bad that she has so much on her plate but our responsibilities also takes us away from the city quite a lot." Luca said with guilt.
"Kurenai always has a lot of food on her plate but it seems she can finish them all." Goku said innocently, which earned a jab on the head from Gojyo.
"That's not how it is, stupid monkey!" The redhead snapped.
"That hurts! What then huh?!" Goku barked.
"Well it is true in a way." Raul said, "No matter how many or how heavy the responsibilities are, she's able to accomplish them. We have to admit that the whole city depends on her brains and abilities to prosper. Basically, without her, the city will crumble."
"Men who sell themselves short are annoying." Sanzo commented with irritation.
"Sanzo!" Hakkai called out.
"You kept not just your own city's citizens but even the tourists safe. You protect lives and prevent chaos. We can all agree that you have an equally important job. I'm sure that's what your sister will say." the monk preached, shocking the people on the table.
After recovering from shock, the brothers smiled in relief, "Well that's true." Luca said.
"This is the first time I can actually say that you're a monk!" Gareas teased.
Sanzo threw him a death glare and chuckles echoed on the table.
"Well, we're currently in transition now and are starting to take over her responsibilities, dividing it among the three of us and so far, it's going smoothly." Raul said.
"With that in mind, how about I give you guys a tour of the town so you can have a look around?" the youngest brother offered which they are a bit hesitant to accept given his mischievous track record.
They were hesitant to accept his offer.
"Don't worry, Gareas isn't a bad guy even though he's quite a handful." the second son tried to convince them.
"And also, neither Raul nor I can accompany you since we're quite busy with work and Kurenai's upcoming party. So, good-for-nothing Gareas is the only one slacking off." Luca said.
"That's not the way to convince them!" Gareas growled.
"Well then, we'll take the offer." Hakkai accepted with a smile.
As agreed, they went on a stroll around town after lunch. The streets are full of life lined with shops full of tourists checking out and purchasing items from the very hospitable local merchants. The residents are also a picture of vibrancy as friends and families cheerfully interact with each other. It was a display of Kurenai's effective management of the town and of course the brothers' efforts in keeping the town peaceful.
The trip also made them experience a different side to Gareas seeing how well he got along with the townspeople, not acting like a high and mighty ruler keeping his subjects at arm's length but a charming leader who humbly interacts with them and seems to even be friends with a lot of them. His mischievous behavior really can't be helped though as he and Gojyo eventually partnered up at hitting on women which of course, got to Sanzo's nerves.
Getting back to the palace, they spent the rest of the day doing their own thing once again. Enjoying the time of leisure and relaxation they rarely get during their mission. But noticeably, they never saw Kurenai the rest of the day or even the day after.
It's been three days since they arrived in town and it proved to have not a speck of flaw; well that perception is about to change that night when they decided to visit one of the town's bars for drinks.
"Hey stupid monkey! We just ate dinner a while ago!" Gojyo nagged the little monkey who's busy gorging down snacks.
"Leave me alone you red cockroach!" Goku yelled, spewing food out of his mouth making Sanzo hit him with his harisen.
"Don't spit it out!"
"Hey, Lady Kurenai's birthday is coming up, they're starting the preparations for the celebration." they overheard one of the women from the group behind them say.
"Don't call her 'lady'! They're making such a big fuss about her every year! Makes me sick!" the snide comment made their eyebrows furrow yet they were intrigued and continued to listen.
"She's such an attention seeker!" another woman hissed.
"Just because she has a nice face, she thinks she can get anything!"
"So this is why Kurenai is not very keen on having a grand party huh?" Gojyo whispered.
Just like that, Goku's had enough and slammed both hands on the table, "Hey! Why are you talking about Kurenai that way?! Isn't she the one taking care of this city?!"
"Who the hell are you brat?! Don't eavesdrop on your elders!" one of the women stood and barked at Goku.
"Your voices are awfully loud for us not to hear and your distasteful conversation ruined my appetite." the redhead said in disgust while waving his hand holding a lit cigarette.
"Your high-pitched voices offend my ears, what inelegant women." the monk harshly criticized.
"Who the hell are you guys anyway?" the rest of the women stood up as well but were stunned when they got a closer look at what they were dealing with, They're so handsome! They thought.
"Oh we're just travelers." Hakkai answered with a smile but a shadow of disfavor also showed on his face.
Dazed by the men's handsome faces, another of the women spoke as if she didn't hear anything, "Why don't you seat with us?" she invited.
"I'm not going to stoop to your level to even sit with you." the monk refused fiercely.
"What did you say?!" she hissed.
She was stopped by her companion, "Wait! They know the lady of the palace, they must be the guests that arrived a few days ago. We'll get in trouble if the Masters find out about this." they backed down at the realization, "Let's just go." and the women scurried out of the bar.
"Seems like this town isn't as perfect as we thought." Hakkai stated.
Sanzo lit a cigarette, "Hmph! You're dreaming if you think there's anything perfect in this world. Let's go, I'm sleepy."
It's the Sanzo Party's fourth day at the city...
"Good Morning!" Kurenai greeted them happily. They were headed back to their room after having breakfast when they ran into the blacksmith, who seem to be waiting for them as she leaned on one of the pillars while cooling herself with her gold fan. Clad in a camouflage, unbuttoned shirt tied at the waist over a tight, black tank top hugging the curves of her body while showing a bit of the skin below her navel. She paired it with khaki cargo pants and a pair of working boots. Her hair is pulled up in a high ponytail and a blue bandana wrapped around her head, her headphones hung on her neck along with her working goggles. There are smudges of dirt on her face and arms and yet, she didn't look any less beautiful.
A certain monk is facing a dilemma at the situation, he can't figure it out but Sanzo found himself captivated by the woman's appearance and he can't look away. How can a woman in rugged clothes and covered in dirt look so damn ho- What the hell?! That's not right! I'm not the damn pervy water sprite!
Gojyo whistled, "Whew! You really make rugged look hot!" For a moment there he thought somebody read his mind but when he got back to his senses, it was just Gojyo's usual pass at women and he kicked himself mentally for thinking the same way.
She smiled sarcastically, "Just because my brothers are not here, doesn't mean you can have your way, bro with antennae."
Hakkai and Goku fought to suppress their laughter.
"You really like calling me weird names. That's so not cute at all!" the redhead answered back.
She chuckled, "I'd hate for you to think that I'm cute. Playboys with too much pheromones aren't my cup of tea so just letting you know."
Gojyo shrugged his shoulder, "Your loss." Sanzo, Goku, and Hakkai stared at the two, despite how Kurenai has been turning down Gojyo's advances, there's no animosity between their verbal exchange. On the contrary, they both seem to be enjoying it.
"It's been a while Kurenai, taking a break?" Hakkai asked.
She raised her hand with a coffee tumbler and smiled. It seems aside from having a big sweet tooth, she's also a big coffee drinker, "Yeah, just recharging for a bit."
Recharging this early? Did she work through the night? Hakkai thought.
"So, how have you guys been? I was actually looking for you, have you guys had breakfast?" out of the blue, she pulled out a rope and measured it by arms' length.
"Yes! Why? Are we eating again?" Goku asked which Sanzo's vein throbbed.
"Nope. I'm sure you guys must be getting bored by now, with doing nothing and all." she tied the rope, forming a big circle while the men watched with curiosity, "And you seem to be gaining weight." She added
"What did you say?!" Sanzo and Gojyo growled at her.
"Well then, LET'S GO!" she captured the guys with the rope and ran, dragging them with her. She then threw them on the carriage outside the palace and drove the carriage on full speed and took them on a rough ride.
"AHHHH!"
"HEY! What do you think you're doing?!" Sanzo shouted.
"What?! I can't hear you! The music's still playing!"
"Do you really know how to drive these things?!" Gojyo asked.
"Please go a little slower, Kurenai!" Hakkai pleaded.
A few moments and a lot of prayers later, they reached the city's main gate.
Kurenai released them from the rope and they hopped off the carriage. To everyone's surprise Sanzo hit her with his fan, "What the hell are you doing you crazy tomboy!" he growled.
"Sanzo!" Hakkai called out as he, Goku, and Gojyo watched the scene with wide eyes.
"She's the first woman Sanzo hit with his fan." Gojyo muttered.
"Yeah." Goku agreed.
They stood frozen in shock and it seems even Sanzo was surprised by his own actions.
"Lady Kurenai!" the soldiers hurriedly ran to Kurenai who had her hands on her head.
Her shoulders started to shake, "Sanzo! Apologize! Hitting a woman like that!" Goku scolded.
Sanzo got flustered, "She's the one who-!"
"Ahahahahaha!" Kurenai's laughter suddenly roared much to their surprise, "Seems like I scared you Master Sanzo." she teased as she stood up.
Sanzo blushed, surprising his companions, "What do you mean scared huh?! You unruly woman! Can't you bring us here in a normal manner?" he yelled at her.
"Will you come if I asked you nicely then?! Hmm?! Lazy-ass monk!" she growled back
The three watched in amusement, "Okay, let's all take a breath before there's more damage." Hakkai calmed the two down.
Kurenai sighed, "I'm sorry for bringing you here by force, I just don't have much time as I have a ton of work to attend to." the gates slowly opened behind her, "I actually have a favor to ask..."
"TA-DA!" Kurenai shouted with her arms in the air as the gates opened completely.
Outside the barrier gathered a large group of youkai.
Clearly, Sanzo wasn't thrilled at the sight as once again he hit her with his fan, "Hey! Don't make a habit of that!" the lady complained while rubbing her head.
"Are you out of your mind?! You want us to fight them?" the monk growled.
"Why not? You're used to these things right? And it's you they want. Look!" she pointed.
"Hey! Sanzo party! Stop hiding and give us the scripture!"
Goku got pissed, "Who's hiding huh?!"
"Kurenai, they can't get through the barrier right?" Hakkai confirmed.
"Well no. But this is the first time that a big number of youkai gathered here so the people are a little uneasy."
"But they don't have their weapons Kurenai." Hakkai reminded.
Gojyo smirked, "Let's go, Goku! Hand-to-hand combat is a good exercise."
"Yeah! Those demons will not stand a chance!" the young demon cheered.
"Oh no! There's no hand-to-hand combat." Kurenai took out a suitcase containing weapons inside it; she gave one to each of the three, "Here, they are the weapons I had in store. They're not exactly the same as your weapons but it can be helpful. Well then, do your best!"
"And how about you hmm?" Sanzo asked.
Kurenai looked at him, "Me?" she smiled playfully, "Oh, don't be sad, I'll be watching you guys fight."
"Like hell I want you to watch." the monk hissed. The other three chuckled at her retort, which earned them except Hakkai a jab on the head.
"I know. Just kidding. I won't be of any help to you guys anyway so I'll be here outside the ring."
"Even if she made a jab at me earlier, I still like her guts when it comes to the stinking monk." Gojyo said.
Sanzo aimed the gun at him, "You want me to wipe that smile off your face?" the monk is getting increasingly bothered by Kurenai. He doesn't feel any malice from her, rather, she makes him flustered, and she manages to shake his resolve and he hates it.
Gojyo broke a sweat, "Hehe... Not to me Sanzo, you need it more for those bastards out there." he pointed his lips towards the barrier.
"It may be that Kurenai wants to give us some kind of assurance about her fixing your weapons. So? Let's try it?" Hakkai asked.
"There's your answer, Hakkai." Gojyo pointed at Goku who is already running towards the barrier, "Let's go stinking monk and burn those fats—" Sanzo fired at him before he can finish.
"Hmmm. This will do." Sanzo said nonchalantly and headed towards the barrier as he reloads.
"Don't use me for target practice you bastard!" he grudgingly followed Sanzo as Hakkai followed behind with a laugh.
Kurenai followed them with her eyes, Let's see what you got.
Goku is first in action, "Wow! This is just like nyoi bou! It extends and turns into nunchucks! Can't wait for nyoi bou to be fixed!" Kurenai gave him something similar to his weapon except that it's black in color and it has silver balls at the end.
"I'm glad that we had some break from fighting this lot but this exercise feels good too!" Gojyo declared. Kurenai gave him a double guan dao, the one with silver hilt has a chain that can extend endlessly and he can control where it goes, while the one with the gold hilt stays in place.
"Exercise?! Don't underestimate us!" a youkai charged towards him.
"How can I not underestimate you?" he wielded his weapon and the youkai was easily defeated, "When you're all talk!"
"Seems the two are enjoying Kurenai's weapon samples, how about you San— eh?" Hakkai stopped mid-sentence when he saw Sanzo easily using the gun and not even missing a single target. "Well, that settles it; we came to the right place." he declared.
After a while...
"Gah!" the sound of the last demon's lifeless body hitting the ground.
Kurenai smirked, "Not bad." she commented as the guys stood in the middle of the dead bodies of demons.
The soldiers who watched beside Kurenai had their mouths open, "Whoa..." one of them said in awe.
Clap clap, "Okay guys! Let's head back!" Kurenai called them over.
"What is she doing calling us like we're birds."Sanzo grumbled as they walked back.
"Well now you know how we feel! Treating us every day like animals." Gojyo nagged.
"Well, that's because you behave like animals!" the monk growled back.
Then they heard Goku's stomach grumbling, "Now I'm really hungry from all that fighting." he complained. "C'mon guys! Let's get something to eat in town!" Kurenai called out from where she sat with the coachman on the carriage.
"Really?! Let's go!" Goku hurried to the carriage and called out to the three who were left behind, "Sanzo! Gojyo! Hakkai! Hurry up! I wanna eat!"
"Shut up! You stomach-brained monkey!" Sanzo yelled.
"I have to say, I'm impressed with you guys. Taking out that big group in a matter of minutes, you're crazy strong." she praised as they finally rode towards the town.
"Did you see me Kurenai? I took out most of them!" Goku bragged.
Gojyo grinded his head, "What are you bragging about? I obviously beat more than you."
"What's that?!" Goku snapped back.
"You two stop fighting!" Sanzo scolded, "There's no point when I'm the one who killed the most."
"Oh no... I didn't keep track of those I defeated." Hakkai said.
"Seriously? Having a competition on who killed more? With a priest bragging about his kill of all things!" Kurenai looked back at them with disbelief, then unable to hold her act, she chuckled, "Quite the fun bunch aren't you?"
"You know, sometimes I think you're quite messed up in the head." Gojyo observed.
She just chuckled, "Yeah, that's me, I'm crazy." Then she sat to face the road, "The journey that you're taking has been tough and it will be tougher. Moving forward without losing focus on who you are and what your goal is, charging into danger despite all the pain, fear, and doubt. You guys are on the right track." She commented.
Sanzo was taken aback by the comment because it sounded a lot like his Master's teaching; muichimotsu. This woman... It's like she knows everything. He thought as he stared intensely at her back, her black hair softly dancing in the wind.