Chapter Four: Fair Warning

The first hour or so wasn't all that bad, as far as Homura was concerned. It was a little close in the backseat, but he'd been in worse conditions before. The temperature under the shade of the trees was cool, but comfortable, and there was plenty of sunlight shining through the branches. The path they traveled on was dry, but the jeep didn't kick up nearly as much dust as he'd expected.

He did note that Hakkai had been right in his warning about the road. It was fairly rough. For the most part, he noticed only a steady vibration, and a slight bouncing. Every few minutes, however, the vehicle would jolt and shift violently as the wheels encountered a hole, or a root in the path, and every so often it would encounter a rut, and the whole car would tip slightly sideways.

Still, even with the unevenness of the surface, it wasn't so bad. His natural agility and balance made it possible for him to brace against the bouncing and the shifting. After the first few times, he didn't even have to shift that much in his seat. Gojyo, on the other hand, both seemed to have more trouble with it. Several of the harder bounces caused the red-haired man to curse and grab onto the side of the vehicle.

After the first hour, Goku started getting restless. Homura didn't blame. He wasn't used to sitting so long, and he found himself wanting to stretch his legs. Beside him, Goku was shifting in his seat, making soft noises of frustration. He watched as the youth grimaced and twisted. "Man...it's kinda tight." He looked up at Homura with a sheepish grin as his elbow brushed the War God's side. "Sorry. It's just...I'm kinda used to having more space."

Gojyo snorted. "Well, this was your idea, you stupid monkey. Don't complain." The redhead shifted. "Damn." He moved a foot, and nearly kicked Homura in the knee. "Crap. Could you move over a little?"

"Hey! Wait a minute! It's not like I have much room anyway. Stay inside your own space, you perverted water sprite." Goku glared around Homura's shoulder.

Gojyo glared back. "Well, you're smaller than both of us, so you can afford to have less space."

Goku shifted, almost standing in the seat, and nearly planting his boot on Houmra's hip in the process. "No way! I'm already squished up against the door." He eyed the metal frame sullenly and shoved it with an elbow. Homura twisted back and sideways to avoid Goku's shoulder, and found his elbow pressed up against Gojyo's.

Gojyo made a face and pushed back, none too gently. "Hey. Cut it out, you stupid chimp. I already told you, I'm not making this trip with a War Prince sitting in my lap."

Goku made a face. "Yeah, well it's not like I wanna get squished either, you know."

"Tough." Gojyo made a motion with his hand that Homura couldn't quite interpret. "It was your damn idea, you deal with it."

"Both of you, shut up before I shoot you." There was a low snarl of frustration from the front, and Homura found himself facing the barrel of a small silver gun. He tensed. It didn't matter that his gift of divinity would protect him from getting shot. He really didn't want to try and deal with the bullet at that kind of close range.

Gojyo subsided with a scowl. "Damn monk. It's not like it's you who's getting pinned back here."

Sanzo swiveled in his seat to point the gun at the red-head. "I can make sure you don't have that problem either. I'm sure you won't mind being a little uncomfortable if I shoot your ass, or put a bullet in your skull. Not that it'll kill you, since your head's so damn thick."

Gojyo's scowl deepened. "Damn. Chill out." He fished a carton of cigarettes from a pocket. "Fine. Just give me a damn light, and I'll be quiet." The scowl changed to a smirk. "For at least five minutes."

"It better be a lot longer than that." Sanzo returned the scowl, but he also stowed the gun, then withdrew a small silver lighter and tossed it back. "And don't use up all the gas."

"Bastard." Gojyo caught the lighter, lit the cigarette in his mouth, and took a deep breath. Then he sighed and relaxed into the seat. "Much better."

Goku fidgeted again. "Hey, Sanzo...I'm hungry."

Sanzo made an exasperated noise. "I don't want to hear it. We ate less than three hours ago."

Goku grimaced. "Yeah, but..."

"I don't care. Suck it up, stupid monkey."

Goku scowled. "Ahh, come on! You let Gojyo have a cigarette."

Sanzo made another exasperated noise. "I don't have to stop the car and unpack half our things for Gojyo to have a cigarette. He drew the pistol again, pointing it at Goku. "Now shut up, before I blow a new hole in your gut and sew your mouth shut."

"Ahhh...that is so unfair." Goku flopped back in the seat. One booted foot kicked out restlessly, and caught Homura in the calf.

Homura winced. It hadn't really hurt, but it was an uncomfortable reminder of how tight the space was. "Son Goku, I'll have to ask you to watch your feet."

Goku's expression turned a little sheepish. "Sorry. But I'm hungry, and we've been driving forever."

"Please." Hakkai spoke softly, amusement coloring his tone. "We've barely been on the road for three hours. I would have thought that after this many months, even you would have developed some tolerance for riding in a car, at least for longer than that."

Goku made another face, though it was more irritated than sullen. "I know, but it's a lot more crowded back here. And we had to fit Homura, so we had to move all the snacks and stuff to the back, and I'm..."

"Hungry. We know. Now can it." Gojyo took a last drag and flicked the cigarette butt away. "It's not like the rest of us are having a picnic either. My beer's buried back there too, dumb monkey."

Goku made a rude noise. "It's not like you actually need beer, stupid kappa. Besides, Hakkai said you oughta drink less."

"Yeah, well, according to Sanzo, it's not possible for you to actually starve to death, either, you dumb chimp. So we're in the same boat." Gojyo smirked.

Homura suppressed the urge to sigh. He was beginning to see what Sanzo meant by his words that morning. He shifted in the seat again, straightening his back and trying to ignore the growing restlessness he felt. "If the two of you wouldn't mind, I happen to be sitting between you, and this is getting rather irritating." He glanced at the front seat. "Perhaps you wouldn't mind stopping, so we can change positions. If these two insist on arguing, then I'd prefer not to be in the middle."

"What? Sit next to Gojyo. No way." Goku made a face.

Gojyo's nose wrinkled. "For once, I think I agree with the monkey. That's the smartest thing he's said all morning."

"Hey!" Goku craned his neck to stare at the other man. "You take that back, you stupid cockroach."

A low growl erupted from the front seat, and Sanzo turned around. "All of you, shut up." The gun was out again, pointing at Goku. "You. We aren't stopping for another two hours, and you'll survive until then. In the meantime, take a nap or something." The gun shifted, to point at Gojyo. "You've had your damn cigarette, and you've still got my lighter. Put up and shut up. I'm sure you can find something mildly amusing to think about. And don't complain about the space. I've seen you sit at smaller poker tables without a problem."

Gojyo snorted. "Poker tables are a hell of a lot more interesting than the back of a jeep."

"Deal with it." Sanzo shifted his gun to point at Homura. "And you. You volunteered to sit in the middle, so suck it up. I'm pretty sure a War Prince can handle being in the middle of petty squabbling. And if you can't, too damn bad. Get a side seat next time."

Homura felt a smirk curl one corner of his mouth. "You don't honestly think I consider that gun any kind of threat, do you, Konzen? You know you can't harm me with it."

Sanzo growled again. "My name is Sanzo, not Konzen. Get it through your skull. And just because I can't shoot you, doesn't mean I can't hit you."

That sounded interesting. "And what, exactly, were you planning on hitting me with? The back of a jeep is a little too cramped for fistfights, don't you think?" Besides, while he'd be the first to admit that Sanzo was a worthy adversary, he wasn't in Goku's class. Of the four companions, he was the only one who was fully human.

Sanzo snorted and tucked the gun away, before turning back around. "Maybe. But keep pushing your luck, and you'll find out just what I'm capable of."

"Sounds interesting." He thought of adding another jibe, seeing how far he could push the man, but he didn't like fighting in close quarters. If he was going to start a fight, he wanted enough room to move properly. He settled back.

They drove in silence for half an hour, then Goku spoke. "Sanzo...I'm bored."

Homura thought he could hear the monk's teeth grinding. "Then take a nap."

Goku scowled. "But I can't sleep. I'm hungry. My stomach's growling, and I can't sleep when I'm starving like this."

"You aren't starving. We both know that's not possible. Just shut up."

"Ah, come on, Sanzo." Goku made a face. "I mean, can't we at least stop for a snack? Just a little one. It's not like it'll take more than five minutes."

"Yes it will. Because you'll want to eat, and Hakkai will want to stretch his legs and feed Hakuryuu, and Gojyo will want to have a smoke and a drink, and then we'll waste an hour off the road, and it won't make any difference, because you'll start whining again two hours later."

Goku scowled. "It's not like it'd really take that long."

Sanzo's voice was a low growl. "Shut up."

Homura shifted in his seat. He wasn't precisely uncomfortable, but it had been a long time since he'd been stuck in such close quarters. He edged his leg into a slightly more comfortable position. It didn't help much. It felt like his foot might be falling asleep. "You know, Konzen, perhaps a little stop to stretch our legs wouldn't be such a bad idea."

"Yes it would. The more we stop, the longer we take, and the longer this little road trip lasts. Besides, if we stop too often, we won't make town tonight. After all the fuss we've been through, I want to sleep in a bed tonight, and eat something that wasn't thrown together over a fire."

Hakkai made a soft noise. "I do hope that's not meant to be an insult to my cooking."

"No. But we're kind of limited in what we can make over a campfire, even with you around. And sometimes, I'd really prefer something else. Besides, we've been on the road for days, and we only had basic rations after our last stop. For some reason, we had to leave in a bit of a hurry." There was a wealth of pointed irony coloring his tone.

Hakkai chuckled. "You do have a point. I didn't exactly have the time or energy to go grocery shopping after that fight we had."

Homura found a laugh rising in the back of his own throat. "You're saying that your current lack of food is my fault?"

"Exactly." Sanzo shot a glare over his shoulder at him, then turned back around. "So, since it's your fault we're running out of food, it's also your fault Goku's whining so much. Which means the least you can do is sit back and shut up, until we get to the next town."

He found the accusation somewhat amusing, but knew there was probably a grain of truth in it. He had attacked the four of them. He had stolen the Scripture, and beat the daylights out of the monk. He had threatened to destroy heaven and earth, making it rather vital for them to come after him. He sighed and leaned back. "As you wish, Konzen."

"And don't call me that. I swear...how stupid do you have to be, to not be able to remember my name. Honestly, it's not like there are that many Sanzo's wandering around."

He couldn't help the smirk that rose to his lips, or the words. "I remember your name quite well, Konzen Douji. Perhaps it's you who have forgotten."

Sanzo snarled, then before he could quite react, the younger man turned. He saw the stiff paper fan in the monk's hand, but there wasn't any room to move out of the way. In any case, he couldn't quite believe what was happening until the fan smacked him cleanly across the face. It wasn't really all that painful, but it did sting a bit, like getting slapped hard, and it certainly startled him. "What on earth..."

"I told you. Just because I can't shoot you doesn't mean I can't do anything. Now stop saying stupid things." He saw the smirk on Sanzo's face as the young man turned and replaced the fan in his robes.

Homura frowned, then rubbed the side of his face thoughtfully. "You pack quite a strike with that weapon of yours. I take it you've had practice."

Sanzo snorted. "Those idiots beside you are good for something."

"I resent that." Gojyo frowned. "Stupid violent monk. How the hell you ever made Sanzo..."

"I suggest you not finish that, unless you want the same." Sanzo glared over his shoulder. "And remember, you I can shoot."

"Got it." Gojyo raised a hand in surrender.

"Well I don't get it." Goku grumbled. "I thought Homura had a good idea. Why can't we stop?"

"Because it's not time. Now be quiet, unless you want to get smacked as well."

"Geez. Okay, okay." Goku settled back. "Man you're grouchy sometimes." He cut off as Sanzo turned to glare at him.

The vehicle lapsed into silence. Homura stretched one leg out as far as he could, then rubbed his jaw thoughtfully. It didn't even really sting any more, but he had to admit, he hadn't been expecting it. Of all the weapons he'd ever encountered, a paper fan wasn't one of them. Even recovering from his injuries, he should have been able to avoid it, or at least block it, but he hadn't expected the monk to use a fan as a weapon. Or, if he was honest, to be able to hit that hard, while at such an awkward angle.

A small smile curved his mouth. It looked like things would be more interesting than he'd originally thought.

An hour later, they reached the edge of the forest. Hakkai pulled over. "This looks like a good stop to rest. We might as well take our lunch in the shade."

"Well, it's about damn time." Gojyo clambered out and stretched. "Finally." He stretched again, then flipped a cigarette into his mouth and lit it. "I'm gonna see if I can locate some water."

"Fine." Sanzo settled to one side. "Give me back my lighter."

"Sure." Gojyo flipped the lighter to the monk, then strode off into the trees. "I'll give a shout if I see anything."

Goku was stretching, bouncing on his toes. "Man, that feels good. I didn't think it'd be so cramped." He stretched a few more times, then made his way to where Hakkai was pulling out parcels. "So, what's for lunch, huh, Hakkai?"

Hakkai grinned. "Well, we don't actually have much, so it's mostly rice and dried meat I'm afraid. And if we want to make it into town early enough to do any chores or buy supplies, then I don't want to do much cooking. So I think I'll just put a pot on for rice and a kettle on for tea."

"Fine." Sanzo took a slow drag on his own cigarette. "If the kappa shouts, we can send the monkey to got get some extra water and bring it back."

Homura watched the proceedings. "Should I be doing anything to help?"

Hakkai shook his head. "Fixing lunch is really kind of a one man operation, especially with the supplies we have at the moment. If you want to do something, you can try to think of ways to make the afternoon drive a little less tense." he smiled. "So far, we haven't had much luck, but you're welcome to try anything that comes to mind."

Homura nodded. "And your jeep?"

Hakkai shook his head. "I fed him pretty well this morning and last night, so Hakuryuu is okay with staying a jeep until we get into town."

"And he won't mind if I rearrange things?"

"Probably not. If he squeaks though, be sure to back off."

"As you wish." Homura frowned, then turned back to the vehicle.

It only took him a few minutes to make inventory. A small food cooler, blankets, knapsacks for carrying, if the jeep was unavailable. A tightly rolled up tent. The camp dishes, which he handed over to Hakkai, and some cookware, in addition to what Hakkai was using over the fire. There was a supply of food, down to virtually nothing, and water bottles, plus a few cans of beer and two more packs of cigarettes.

He started by rolling the leftover cooking utensils into one of the knapsacks, then folding it in a blanket, then leaning against the resultant mass. The cookware was all metal, so he wasn't concerned with breaking it, and the fabric muffled the edges enough to be comfortable. Or, at least, no more uncomfortable than many circumstances he'd been in.

"Lunch is ready." Hakkai's voice interrupted his movements. He looked up to find that Gojyo and Goku were both there, Gojyo with a dripping water bottle. The scent of green tea and rice filled the area.

Gojyo grinned at him. "Trade you a water bottle for a beer."

"Done." Homura returned the smile, then tossed one of the cans over, catching the bottle Gojyo threw at him. The water was cold. It tasted slightly of earth and grass, but not enough for him to mind.

They ate lunch slouched against the trees, Goku taking the cooking pot as he had for breakfast. It wasn't much, but it was still well made, and satisfying. Halfway through, Hakkai looked over the rim of his bowl. "You look like you thought of something."

Homura nodded. "I have. If we roll the dishes in the spare blankets, then they won't rattle as much. That should make it much more comfortable for someone to ride in back. And if there's no objections, we could put some of the food supplies up front with Son Goku and Gojyo."

Gojyo frowned. "Wait a second. I'm all for putting someone in back, but why do we have to move the food?"

"I like it. Then I could get a snack whenever I wanted. And you wouldn't have to listen to me complain as much." Goku grinned.

"Yeah, but then we'd have no supplies left, after an hour." Gojyo made a face.

Hakkai smirked. "It's true, we would have to keep Goku from eating all our food, but you could also have your beer up front, you know."

Gojyo brightened. "I hadn't thought of that."

Sanzo snorted. "That's because thinking never was your strong suit." He set aside his empty bowl, then lit a cigarette. "The idea makes sense. But who are we putting in the back?"

Homura shrugged. "It's my idea. I don't mind testing it. Besides...I prefer to sit somewhere I can stretch my legs a little further. I'm not exactly fond of cramped spaces."

Gojyo blinked. "I had no idea. You're telling me the Prince of War has a weakness?" A smirk lit his face. "You aren't claustrophobic, are you?"

Homura returned the smirk with a cold grin of his own. "Not the way you're thinking, no." He had no intention of elaborating. For a brief moment, the vision of the stone cell he'd grown up in, and the room they'd held him in for 'amusement' flashed before his eyes. He shoved the images back down. "I'm simply far more used to moving about."

"Speaking of moving, if everyone's finished lunch, then Gojyo and Goku can do the dishes, and we'll get back on the road." Hakkai grinned.

Gojyo scowled. "Wait a minute. We did the dishes this morning."

"I know. But Homura and I have to finish re-packing the jeep." Hakkai smiled. "And Sanzo's going to pay for our room and board and supplies this evening. So...that just leaves you two."

"Of all the..." Gojyo scowled, then bent to snatch up the dishes. "All right, but next time, someone else can do them." He dumped the dishes into Goku's pot. "Come on, monkey, might as well get this over with."

Hakkai watched the pair leave. "That reminds me, I'll have to buy another set of dishes while we're in town. It's really kind of unsanitary for Goku to keep eating out of the pot like that." he turned back to the waiting vehicle. "But that will have to wait. Do you think we have enough blankets to pack everything in?"

Homura cast a critical eye over the pile. "If we use the sacks and the tent as well, then I think so."

They finished packing what was there just as Goku and Gojyo came back with the dishes. Hakkai dried them off with a towel, then they were stowed as well. Within half an hour, they were back on the road.

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The afternoon drive was much more comfortable. Despite occasionally being bumped into the dishes, Homura found the back end far more comfortable than riding cramped between the other two. He couldn't quite stretch his legs completely out, but he did have more room. And leaning against the piles of cloth wrapped dishes was more comfortable than other situations he'd been in. He even managed, with the warmth of the sun shining on his face, to relax and doze. He roused slightly, to hear Goku say, "I'm hungry."

"Fine. There's some dried fruit there. Give me some of the peaches, and we'll call it even." Gojyo's voice, and Goku's halfhearted response sent him back into slumber.

He roused some time later to Goku shaking his shoulder. "Hey, Homura, it's a town. We're almost there. Come on, wake up!"

He jerked upright, sleep vanishing from his mind within a second. Battle trained reflexes had him tensing up, but the recognizable voice, like Zenon and Shien's, kept him from drawing his blade. He turned and looked forward.

It wasn't quite dusk, though the sun was low in the sky before them. Against the glare, he saw buildings, gathered together. "That's our destination for this evening?"

"Yep." Hakkai spoke from the front. "We'll stop there and buy supplies, and a new map." He held up a sheet of paper. "I'm afraid this one is almost done. At least as far as roads are concerned."

Homura nodded. "I see. Where were you planning on staying?"

"We'll find an inn when we get there. Sanzo and Hakuryuu are both really good at that."

Homura nodded, then pulled himself the rest of the way into a sitting position and stretched his stiff shoulders. He felt well rested, for the first time in a long time, and surprisingly, just a bit hungry. He stretched again, then turned his eyes forward. He'd seen plenty of towns before, but he'd never driven into one. Walked, sometimes. Teleported, fairly frequently. But for the most part, he usually simply stayed away, skirting the edges, watching from a distance.

Slowly, the town drew closer. By the time they were close enough to see individual buildings, they encountered other people. Most of them looked to be traders, or farmers, making their way out of town as the sun set. All of them gave the vehicle plenty of room to maneuver. Hakkai, for his part, slowed down considerably, and Homura heard him murmuring polite words of pardon as they drove past the pedestrians.

The streets within the town were hard packed dirt, not much narrower than the main road. Lanterns hung around the sides, on buildings or strung between them, and here and there men were going about, preparing to light them. The buildings themselves were mostly square, wood and stone, but mostly stone. Some had porches, most didn't. Down one street, he saw a large, open market, though some of the stalls were clearly closing for the evening.

Finally, Hakkai pulled up in front of a large building. "This looks like it." The sign bore a standard symbol for food and drink, and was certainly big enough to provide lodging. "Homura, why don't you and Gojyo and Goku go find a table in the dining area, while Sanzo and I ask about the rooms?"

Homura blinked as both of the others jumped out without a word, then he disembarked. It appeared to be a prearranged system, because Goku took the bags out without a word, and Gojyo shouldered the other equipment. He tossed a couple of bags to Homura, as well as his jacket. "Here. Might as well make yourself useful."

He nodded, shouldered the bags without complaint. They weren't empty, but they were still lighter by far than the shackles he'd once worn. Suddenly, he felt a little unsure. He'd never stayed at an inn in his life, much less ordered food at one. He paused.

"Hey come on. We have to hurry if we wanna get a good table." Goku came back and grabbed his wrist, pulling him forward. His natural balance and reflexes kept him from staggering like a drunken idiot, but he was still surprised. He stared at the younger man. "Son Goku..."

"It's not like we don't know you've probably never been in here before. I mean, you were never with Shien and that other guy, right? That's why Hakkai told you to come with us. Gojyo and I always get to find a table and start ordering. You can read a menu, right?"

He didn't know whether to be insulted, or amused, and finally settled for amused. "Yes. I do know how to read."

"Well, that makes it easier then. You start with a drink, and maybe an appetizer, and then when Sanzo and Hakkai get here, we can all order the rest of dinner." Goku grinned. "You know, the further west we go, the more the food changes. I'm kinda looking forward to it. Even if they don't serve meat buns, or ramen, or whatever. Though it would be nice if we could get some of the stuff from home. Hakkai's a really good cook, but he can't make everything."

Bemused, Homura let Goku drag him into a large room, filled with tables and chairs and people. Gojyo waved at them from a large table over to one side. "Yo. Over here." He smirked as they settled into the chairs. "I was beginning to think you'd gotten lost, following this stupid monkey."

"Hey. You're the one who's likely to get him lost." Goku snarled over the table.

"Well, I found the dining room first, didn't I? So then...what do you want to drink?" He tossed Homura a menu.

Homura flicked it open, his eyes going over the list of beverages. There were several kinds of beer, a few wines, water, juice and milk. There was also tea, including one he recognized as Shien's favorite, but he'd never gotten used to drinking it. "I think I'll stick to water."

Gojyo made a face. "Between you and me, that might not be the best idea. City water's a lot different from the great outdoors, you know."

Homura blinked. "I suppose you have a recommendation, then?"

Gojyo grinned. "Well, this far west, the quality of the sake is anyone's guess, but between you and me, I took a look, and their beer selection isn't really all that bad."

Homura found an answering smile curling one corner of his mouth. "I thought Hakkai warned me away from alcohol."

"Actually, a little probably wouldn't hurt you. It's over-drinking, like these two here, that I'd warn you against." Hakkai and Sanzo settled into the remaining two seats. "Though really, in your condition, I'd probably recommend wine over beer. But either way..."

He considered. In Heaven, people drank water, or sake, or wine. He suppressed a shudder, and a sneer of disgust. "I think I'll try the beer, if you don't mind."

Hakkai shrugged. "Suit yourself. Just don't get drunk, okay?"

He nodded. "I think I can avoid that." He glanced back at the menu. "Any particular recommendations?"

"Yeah." Gojyo lifted his hand and snapped his fingers, and a waiter came over. "Hey. We're ready to order drinks." He pointed to a name on the menu. "Three of these here. Two for me, and one for him." He jerked his thumb in Homura's direction.

The waiter nodded, took the rest of their drink orders. Tea for Sanzo and Hakkai, and milk for Goku. "Are you ready to place the rest of your order?"

Hakkai smiled, a touch sheepishly. "Actually, could you give us a moment? My friend and I got here a little later."

"Yes sir." The waiter nodded, then took off for the kitchen.

Homura looked at the menu. "So now what? We just order whatever we like? Surely you have a budget?"

Gojyo smirked. "If we had a budget, the monkey'd starve."

One corner of Sanzo's mouth turned up in a rare smile. "Money's not a problem." He fished in a sleeve, and produced a golden card. "We'll just charge everything to this." The card disappeared back inside his robes.

"Handy." Homura looked back at the menu in his hand. He had no idea what everything even was.

A soft cough broke him out of his thoughts, and he looked up to see Hakkai staring at him, a smile on his face. "You know, if you're having trouble deciding, Goku usually orders just about one of everything on the menu, anywhere we go. You could just double his order. Then you could sample a lot of different things, to find out what you like. We'll probably eat the leftover's pretty quickly, so it's not like it's a waste."

Sanzo made a soft noise. "Actually, we might as well do that anyway." He set the menu down.

Hakkai considered. "You do have a point."

"No kidding." Gojyo tossed his own menu down. "So, what's the room situation this time?"

"We got lucky." Sanzo took a drag on his cigarette. "Three rooms. One for me, one for Hakkai and Gojyo, and one for Goku and Homura."

Homura blinked. "Interesting choice of assignments."

Sanzo obviously caught the unspoken question and challenge in his voice. "I hate being disturbed after I go to bed, and these idiots snore. Besides, Gojyo and Hakkai are used to rooming together, and you and Goku seem to tolerate each other."

"Fair enough. Though I would have thought you'd want Goku with you." He couldn't help challenging the other man, letting one eyebrow rise quizzically.

Sanzo snorted. "Goku's a big boy, he can sleep by himself. Besides...I trust him, and anyway, I have no doubt that if he needs something, he'll come banging at my door, regardless of what hour it is."

Goku grinned. "Yeah. It's okay. Besides..." He shot Homura a mischievous smile. "You're traveling with us now, right? So it's not like you're gonna steal me away or anything."

Homura met the golden eyes for a moment, then chuckled and inclined his head, conceding the point. "I suppose you're correct."

The waiter brought their drinks a moment later, and they placed their orders. If the waiter was surprised by the amount of food requested, he didn't show it. Instead, he took the order, then turned back to the kitchen. Homura studied the dark beverage in the glass before him, then raised it cautiously and took a sip. It was strong, and a touch bitter, but not unpleasant. It went down his throat better than most wines he'd had occasion to drink, though he had to admit, it might have been the company. He took another drink, then set the glass back down. "Quite...satisfactory."

Gojyo smirked. "Told you so." He drained half his glass, then set it down. "So, what's the game plan?"

Hakkai shrugged. "Well, it's a little later than I planned, so I don't think I'll be able to get our supplies tonight. I'll have to go to the market tomorrow. I'll need to make a list."

Sanzo snorted. "We're out of practically everything. Don't forget my cigarettes."

Hakkai shook his head. "I won't. But we also need to buy dishes and blankets and everything for Homura."

Homura blinked. "I don't really need all that much."

Hakkai grinned. "Well, be that as it may, I'd still prefer to get a full kit for you. After all, you're supposed to be living like a human, and not putting too much stress on you body. And anyway, god or not, I'm sure dishes make eating a bit easier, and you can use your blanket as part of your seat while we're driving."

"That is true." He nodded.

Hakkai sighed. "With everything we need to pick up, I'd really like to stay in town a couple days, to stock up properly. And I think we could all still use a bit of a rest."

Sanzo scowled around his cigarette. "I don't like wasting time." He sighed. "But you do have a point. The last week's been pretty rough on all of us, and we are running low on a lot of things, including rest. We'll do better in the long run if we take a day or two." He glanced up. "Not to mention, it's a good time to acquaint our new traveling buddy with how we handle things." His scowl deepened, then he stubbed out the cigarette in the ashtray. "Fine, I'll tell the inn-keeper after dinner that we're staying a few extra days."

Homura found a laugh rising from his throat again. "No need to stay on my account."

"Shut up." Sanzo glared at him over the rim of his tea mug. "You're as good an excuse as any."

He might have replied, but then a group of waiters descended on their table, laden with plates. Conversation ended as the five of them began helping themselves to their dinner.

It was, perhaps, the strangest dinner he'd ever been to. Goku alone ate more than the rest of them combined. If he hadn't been watching, he wouldn't have believed how much food he could pack into that smaller body. He and Gojyo frequently wound up arguing over the last bite of something, to be separated by Hakkai, or the threat of Sanzo's pistol.

For himself, Homura stayed out of the way, helping himself to the plates that were nearest to him at the time. There was plenty of everything there. He didn't care for all the dishes, but there were enough of them that he did like to leave him feeling comfortably full. He'd seen grand feasts in Heaven, but rarely attended one, and he doubted even they had this much variety. There was a plate of seasoned meat that he particularly enjoyed, and some different kinds of rice that he found fascinating. Remembering Hakkai's warning about a balanced diet, he also tried several kids of vegetables, and found several to his liking, as well as a couple different fruits. By the time they reached dessert, he was too full to be hungry, though he did try a small piece of chocolate. The sweetness of it startled him, but it wasn't unpleasant.

Finally, they were all full. Hakkai requested containers, to take the remainder of food up to their rooms, and Sanzo ordered the staff to put it on his tab.

Homura blinked, unfamiliar with the phrase. Sanzo caught his look of incomprehension. "It means I'll pay everything at once, when we leave, instead of making them run my card every single time we get a meal."

"I see. It's a sensible system."

"Yeah." Sanzo stood, stretched. "It's not that late, but I suggest we all turn in."

Gojyo rose too. "Suits me. If we're staying for a couple days, I can hit the bars and see to the ladies later." He smirked.

"Whatever. Just don't get in trouble. And remember, you have to help Hakkai with groceries tomorrow." Sanzo sighed.

Gojyo flipped his hand in a relaxed gesture. "Whatever. Hakkai, you got our room key?" The other young man smiled and held up a key. "Great. I'm for bed. You coming?"

Hakkai rose from his seat. "I think so. I have to let Hakuryuu in, too." The two men left the room.

Homura blinked as Goku's hand settled across his shoulder. "We should probably go to our rooms too. You look kinda tired."

"I suppose I am." In spite of the nap he'd taken earlier, and the previous few days spent unconscious, he felt weary. Not physically, but mentally, trying to adjust to the way his life had changed, even in just the past 24 hours. He'd expected to die, after all. And the thought of living as a human, instead of a War Prince...just the sheer amount of information he'd received, riding with Sanzo's group for a single day, had been staggering.

"Yeah. I kinda am too." Goku grinned. "Hey, Sanzo, can I have the room key?"

Sanzo sighed, then rose from his seat. "I might as well come with you."

The three of them made their way to a set of stairs, then up, to a set of hallways lined with doors. Sanzo led them to one, clicked it open with the key, and handed it off. "Here. Don't lose this." He frowned. "Actually...you'd probably better hold this." He held out the key to Homura.

Homura blinked, then took it slowly from the monk, only just then realizing how tense he'd been. He never liked having someone else hold the keys to his freedom. He held out his hand, and Sanzo dropped the key into it. "I'll take good care of it."

"See that you do. Room keys aren't exactly easy or cheap to replace." The monk gave him a long look, then strode to a room two doors down, opened it, and shut the door behind him.

Goku took his hand and pulled him inside. "Come on."

Inside were two beds, to the left and right, a small table, a desk with a lamp, and a tiny alcove to wash up in. Goku grinned. "Not bad. So, you want left or right?"

"Left, I think." Homura frowned, then stepped forward, swinging the jacket he'd taken earlier from the back of the car over the bed. I'm not likely to have nightmares, in a place such as this, but it's better to be sure. Sleeping on the left, he'd be slightly less likely to destroy a wall if a nightmare took him. "Son Goku."

"Yeah?" Goku looked up from where he was bouncing contentedly on the bed.

"If we're to be rooming together...I'll have to ask that you not disturb me during the night. No matter what the reason. Even if I should happen to wake you." He felt his shoulders tense. He didn't want to explain it to the youth, but...

Goku shrugged. "Okay." Homura blinked, surprised by the easy acceptance, and Goku grinned at him. "Hey, everybody in this group has weird dreams sometimes. Sanzo, Gojyo, Hakkai and I already have that agreement. If it gets real bad, I'll just throw a pillow at you." The smile widened, and he held one up. "And you can do the same for me."

He nodded, then settled gingerly on the bed. He was used to a thin pallet on the floor, or a slightly thicker one, from his quarters as the War Prince.

The bed was soft, welcoming, the sheets smooth and clean and comfortable. He rose again long enough to fold back the blanket, and kick off his shoes. Then he went to the washroom, rinsing himself off with the cool water he found there. Then he returned to the bedroom. Goku was already stretched out, eyes closed, breathing deep and even. Homura smiled, then settled back, reclining carefully on his own mattress. The mattress gave, welcoming him, and the pillow was one of the softest he'd ever felt, folding gently around his head and shoulders. He pulled the blankets up, wondering if he could even sleep in such softness. Then, in spite of all his concerns, his eyes closed.

He woke some hours later, uncertain as to what had roused him. Something was making his instincts tingle, his nerves on edge. He sat up, shifting the covers aside.

It was dark outside, the moon shining brightly. He stared at it for a moment, wondering why that should seem important, then realized. The moon seemed a little too bright, to him. Even as he thought it, he felt a familiar tingle of power in the air, a wordless summons directed at him alone.

He smiled grimly, then opened the door softly, gratified that Goku didn't even twitch. He shut the door even more quietly behind him, then strode soft-footed down the stairs, out to the courtyard in back.

A woman stood waiting for him, outlined in the glow of the moonlight. Long dark hair spilled over her shoulders, pulled back away from her face. Her body was covered in a sheer dress, just barely solid enough to not be indecent, and certainly somewhat provocative. She smiled as he entered the open space. "War Prince Homura."

He returned the smile, though there was no warmth in it. "Kanzeon Bosatsu. Or should I call you the Merciful Goddess, since you're here?"

The smile became a smirk. "Whichever you like. You know, you caused quite a stir, up in Heaven."

"They are fortunate I didn't destroy it entirely." Homura felt his shoulders tensing. "Although, I'm a little surprised. I would have thought they'd send assassins much sooner. Or is that your function?" His smile became bitter, and edged. "After all, you should be familiar with that task."

"Oh, keep your sword sheathed." Kanzeon shook her head, flipping her hair back out of her face with a smirk. "I'm not here for that." The smirk widened. "After all, Konzen would have a fit if I killed you now. That nephew of mine still has quite a temper on him."

"So he does." Homura felt himself relax just a fraction. "So then, what brings you here?"

"A fair warning." She tilted her head. "Heaven isn't too pleased about your survival, you know. After all, the Sanzo party was supposed to kill you, not just stop your plans. However...my nephew went and put those things on you." She stepped forward, then lifted one of his hands, tracing the golden wrist guard that adorned it. "Quite a nice bit of work, for a mere mortal. Konzen hasn't lost his touch, even after 500 years trapped in reincarnation."

He fought the urge to pull away. But even so, he sensed no malice in the figure before him. "Indeed. And what have these to do with Heaven's decision regarding my life?"

"Like Goku's diadem, they form a compact, between you and my nephew. And unlike those shackles of yours, it's not a contract that's as easily broken. If Konzen wants, he can shut you down further even than Nataku. Because unlike those shackles of yours, which were pure force, these can only be placed if the spirit of the wearer has some accord with that of the one placing the bonds." She smiled at him. "Understand?"

"I do." He felt his stomach churning.

Kanzeon must have seen his distress, because she reached up to tap him lightly on the face. "Stop fretting. You of all people ought to know, Konzen Douji isn't like that. For starters, in this incarnation, I doubt he even knows he has the power to subvert your will like that. But even if he did...if all these years watching Goku, both as Konzen and Sanzo, haven't tempted him, then I doubt you'll do so either. It's simply not his nature."

That was true. It had been one of the things he admired in both Sanzo and Konzen. That unswerving principle. He might be violent, and rude, but he had never forced another to his side, or to obey him. Even when they'd been competing for Goku's loyalty, he'd let the youth make his own choice. Sanzo's dedication to that principle had been one of the reasons he'd ultimately lost. The churning in his gut subsided. "You didn't come all this way just to tell me that."

"No. I've come to give you a bit of a warning. Right now, Heaven deems you're too weak to be much of a threat. They're also waiting to see what Konzen will do with you. After all, I'm sure you know what some of them think of you."

He did, and an entirely familiar sickness rose up inside him, making his hands shake before he pushed it away.

She noticed his reaction, and nodded. "Exactly. They'd think it the height of entertainment, if your rebellion cost you even what freedom you had, and made you subject to a human at that. And if it's Konzen who tries to break your spirit, well, the irony would be rather interesting, wouldn't it?" There was a wealth of sarcasm in her tone.

"You've just said he won't." He swallowed hard, fighting the rage in him that wanted to lash out, to stalk upstairs and attack the monk in his bed and demand his freedom.

"And he won't. Heaven may not realize it yet, but with Konzen restraining you, you're as free as you could ever hope to be. And you and I both know...you can take those off if you really wish. Just as Son Goku can remove his diadem. But I wouldn't advise it. Remove those shackles, and you'll tell all of Heaven the truth." She scowled at him.

"I take it you have a recommendation?" He forced the anger back another notch.

"That I do." She smirked again. "Enjoy this while it lasts. Eventually, even the idiots up there will realize that Konzen has no intention of binding you. And when that happens, they'll send someone after you, and likely the others as well. But for right now, you have a reprieve, and I suggest you make the most of it."

He nodded. "I've entered a bit of a bargain, with Son Goku. He asked me to travel with them for three months, as a human. After that...he and I will engage in combat again."

The grin turned wry. "I almost envy you, Homura. I confess, they're rather entertaining to watch, even from my seat in Heaven. You'll actually get to be a party to this little game they play." She shrugged. "I've no idea if your luck will hold that long, but you might as well take them up on it."

"I already have." He held up his hands.

"Then, as I said, enjoy it while it lasts. I'll cover for you as long as I can, but do be sure to be on your guard. After all that trouble, it would be rather dull if all this ended too quickly." The smirk widened. "Take care of yourself, War Prince. And do tell my nephew I said hello. And try to have a little fun while you're down here."

He nodded, uncertain of what else he could possibly say. Kanzeon smiled and blew him a kiss as she stepped back into the center of the moonlight. "Well then, I'd better go." She smirked at him one last time, then faded into the light.

Homura waited until the last sparkles disappeared, then turned and made his way back into the building, his mind going over everything she'd told him. With these bracelets, Konzen might be able to control me, in a way no other ever has. And yet...it's apparently by my own will. Why? But he knew the answer to that. Of all the men he'd ever known, in Heaven or Earth, Konzen Douji, now Sanzo, was one of the most honorable, and honest of them. He, Tenpou, Kenrin...in heaven, they'd been perhaps the only people he ever admired. And Kanzeon was right. There was no sign of his holding, or abusing his power over Goku. He sighed.

Heaven was waiting to see what happened. It was enough to dampen his spirits. Kanzeon was right. Even as oblivious as they were, eventually someone would notice the truth, that he'd joined these men as a comrade, not a slave. Ah well. Perhaps they'll wait until my three months are up. After that, Son Goku will kill me, and there won't be any problems left. Still, if they came before then...

He sighed again, shoved the door to his room open, and slid inside, then settled on the bed. There's no point in worrying about it. They'll either come, or they won't. It wasn't very comforting, but it was truth, and one he'd long ago learned to live with. He rolled his shoulders, releasing the last of the tension in them, then settled back into the mattress and the pillows. Despite his concerns, he was asleep in minutes.

Author's Note: So...A long wait for an update, but I hope somewhat worth it. I got writers block. Apparently, a War Prince is a stubborn character to write!With any luck, he'll be more reasonable now.

So...how does everyone like Homura's first day traveling with the gang? There is a lot of Goku/Goyjo arguing in this one, but then...is there an anime episode where they don't argue? Let me know what you think.

About Homura's re-packing the jeep: he is a soldier, and Heaven does sometimes send campaigns to Earth, or against each other. He might not need much in the way of supplies, but he's likely familiar with them. If nothing else, there's always weapons transport.

It's kind of a delicate balance here, between Homura's natural state and attitude, and the fact that he's wandered into a world and a way of life he's rather unfamiliar with. Let me know how I did.