Jivra stormed into her room, slamming the door with an almighty bang. Pacing furiously, she caught a glimpse of her face in the mirror – it was dead calm. As still as the air in the room. She sighed, knowing she had practiced long and hard to control her emotions – at least externally. But that didn't stop her from being frustrated beyond reason.

How dare that pitiful excuse for a half-breed lay hands on her? What was his name? Sass? Kite? Scythe! That was it. Scythe – she'd remember that name – she needed to, so she could exact justice on that ass. A gentle knock echoed out. "C'mon in Ax, it's alright." Jivra said wearily. She was in no mood for company, but she couldn't turn Ax away if she tried. She was her chosen 'sister' – her companion. Her best friend. And they knew more about each other than anyone else.

"Jiv – I just wanted to say… that is… I mean…" She stumbled over the words, not quite sure what to say, "I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you." Yes. That sounded right. Jivra Smiled crookedly at her friend, her frustration dying away at that huge emerald gaze that showed so much love for her. "It's no problem – I'm not mad at you for not being there. Not at all." She paused, and a half joking/half serious tone entered her voice, "But what was with leaving me alone with that monk?" She scrutinized Ax carefully, watching the small, self-conscious grin and the way her eyes avoided Jivra's gaze. "Oh… well, I guess I just forgot when I wandered off to do some shopping."

Jivra snorted. Shopping – my ass, she was shopping! She could read that self-satisfied glance in the dark!

"Anyway – I wanna tell the guys about this. It looks like someone might be trailing us now, and they deserve a warning. Besides that, Gojyo or Sanzo might actually know this guy." It was unlikely, but it was worth a try. Straightening her clothes, and brushing off the dust, she strode to the door and held it open for her friend, a small smile on her lips as she passed an elegant bow – much as a court gentlemen would hold the door of a carriage for a lady. Ax giggled and curtsied (which looked strange without the billowing dress – but she pulled it wonderfully) and took Jivra's offered arm. Together, they left the room and meandered down to the dining room below, laughing and chatting as though nothing had changed.

Sanzo had spent the afternoon alone in his room. He had considered what Gojyo said – an unusual past time, as he rarely took anything the kappa said seriously. But something in his words stuck in his thoughts. He was right. He needed to keep the girls around. She was a living Sutra, and as a Sanzo priest it was his job to care for and protect the Sutra's. He raised his eyes to the roof, as though praying – if only it were easier – if only the Sutra was on a piece of parchment instead of residing in a woman. And not just any woman – THIS woman. This incomprehensible, mysterious, bold woman.

He took a long drag on his cigarette – it was clear to him now that he had to keep a closer eye on her. No more letting her wander off on her own. No more night time vigils and walks alone. He would have to keep up his guard. Because if anyone else ever found out about her 'gift'… there would be trouble. And if she died, there was no way to determine that the sutra wouldn't die too – and return to heaven to reside there. He grunted as he realized the sun was setting – it was time for dinner. At least he could get the news and find out how Hakkai had kept the monkey out of trouble for the whole day. Fixing his robes, and adjusting them just so, the blonde headed man stubbed his cigarette and exited his room, almost stepping on Gojyo.

"Hey! Watch it, man!" The Kappa said loudly, stumbling back a bit so he could avoid the inevitable fan smack. "Well maybe if you used those antennae of yours to sense when you're in someone's way, this kind of thing wouldn't happen." The monk's cutting remark had the Kappa spluttering and scowling, and with a satisfied grin, he strode past and headed to the dining room, the redhead following with a muttered curse.

Finding an empty seat and ordering a beer was first on Sanzo's list of priorities. The last was running smack into the woman he had just been thinking about as he came to the dining area. Funny how fate works such things…

"Argh! Watch it, blondie!" Jivra snarled, trying to disentangle herself from his billowing sleeves. Her hips were pressed against him, as she leaned back in effort to get free. Sanzo stayed still, a murderous glare on his face, "Why is everyone determined to run into me today?" He snarled, whipping around to leave just as Jivra got free, causing her to stagger back into Ax, only her catlike grace saving her from falling on her arse. She hissed and followed after him, determined to give him a piece of her mind.

It was at that point that a small hurricane hit Sanzo in his midsection, causing him to stagger slightly. The priest felt his rage boil over as he stared down at the young baka who had barreled into him unknowingly. "Uh… hi Sanzo! Is it time to eat yet?" His expectant face turned fearful as the mighty fan of doom descended without warning.

Leaving the monk and his charge, the two women and Gojyo waved to Hakkai, who was sitting at a table at the far end of the room, and sauntered over to join him. The company sat and ate, eventually being joined by their other two (slightly bruised) members. Once the meal was done, Hakkai cleared his throat and politely and succinctly advised Sanzo and Gojyo of the mornings events from his point of view. Ax took over at one point and began spilling her tale. It was then up to Jivra to describe her assailant, as she had seen him alone, and had spoken to him more.

"He had wings? What? Like an angel?" Gojyo asked, his curiosity overtaking his natural urge to fondle Ax's leg when she lost concentration. "No, more like a giant , silvery… bat." Ax replied – confusion in her words.

"But he said he wasn't a vampire. So you don't recognize him?" Sanzo asked, his question directed at the crimson haired woman. Ax turned steely eyes to Sanzo, "No – and if I did, he wouldn't be walking this earth right now." Sanzo nodded, content that there was no immediate connection he should be concerned about. But he did feel validated – he knew that sooner or later trouble would come. Jivra was a living beacon of holy power – the sutra's energy flowed from her even now. Those who actually knew why were all within their group… but somehow… this guy…

"He said something to Goku too – seemed to have him spooked." Jivra mentioned, eyes travelling to the smallest member of their group. Goku looked up, confused. "What do you mean?" He asked.

"Well, you went all quiet, and calm - "

"Which is weird." Piped Gojyo

" – and you seemed to only focus on him alone – "

"Which is really weird." Gojyo again.

"And you didn't even try to fight him, or call in your weapon."

"Which is just freakin' strange – ARGH!"

That time, Sanzo smacked him over the head with the harisen – shutting him up. Jivra looked at Sanzo, a grin in her eyes – he glanced back, humor dancing in his gaze. Then they realized who they were each looking at, and turned away quickly, hoping no one noticed.

"Do you remember what he said to you, Goku?" Hakkai asked, his gaze serious. The monkey looked at him in confusion and replied, "Well sort of, I don't remember the words, but I remember what it felt like. It was Like I'd met him before – like I KNOW I've met him before… but I was really young. Smaller than when Sanzo found me. I don't remember where we were, but there was a lot of light, and someone laughing. I think… I think it was from before I was put in the dark place." His words echoed in the dull room.

"That's impossible." Gojyo said woodenly. "If you knew that guy from all the way back then… that would make him centuries old – probably even older than you!" Jivra nodded, "But that just makes him even more dangerous. We should keep our wits about us when we get on the road tomorrow." Everyone nodded and left the table, heading back to their rooms to pack and get back on the road in the morning. Walking last through the corridor, Jivra was startled when a hand snaked out, grasped her by the arm and pulled her into a room. Gasping in shock, she whirled to face… Sanzo. He closed the door gently as she started berating him.

"Just what the hell, Monk? What the big idea, huh?" Her arm hurt and she was already on edge from earlier – his little 'surprise attack' certainly didn't help. She glared at him as he crossed his arms and took a step closer to her, invading her personal space. Her eyes widened as he leaned down close to her, his violet eye shadowed. 'Why is my heart beating so fast?' She thought, panic in her throat. He opened his mouth, and she felt the bottom drop out of her stomach…

"Just what THE HELL did you think you were doing, running off into a deserted part of town like that?" His roar echoed in the small room. Jivra reeled back, shock ripping through her as the furious monk exploded in front of her. "Are you INSANE? You're carrying something irreplaceable inside you, and you just decide to stroll through an unknown territory? Gods, woman! Where have you put your commonsense? Did it all escape with the damn dragon? I mean yo-"

SMACK.

Jivra lowered her now stinging hand, furious eyes holding back the tears she never realized she was carrying. Sanzo's face was pointing toward the left hand side of the room, his hair covering his eyes and his cheek turning a bright red color.

"Maybe… if you hadn't been such an ass, maybe I wouldn't have felt the need to be alone. Maybe, if you cared a bit less about the Sutra, and a bit more about me you could have followed, and been there for me when I actually might have needed you." She felt a tear escape her eyes and flee down her cheek. She angrily rubbed her arm across her face and turned, grasping the handle to leave the room. A strong callused palm on her shoulder stopped her.

"Jivra… wait."

His voice was quiet, and as she turned, she saw his eyes plead with her to stay. She turned from him and shook her head, running from the room as fast as she could. Confused, anguished emotions ran through her head, making her feel sick and giddy at the same time. Reaching her door, she burst into the room and flung herself on the bed, ignoring Ax's startled cry. Burying her face in her pillow, Jivra breathed heavily, not allowing another tears to escape as she fell into a fitful and dreamless sleep.

End Chapter 4…