Reflection

Chapter Three: Dues a'in re, Sanzo?

Sanzo growled softly. This was not his day. The Sun Goddess must've truly hated him, as he found himself standing with his back against the wall, glaring down the demon before him. Seiten Taisei was sick, that was easy enough to figure out. But there was something more. He was angry, as though there was someone to blame for his sickness. In his rare moments of strength, Seiten Taisei had stood, cursing and growling in a language Sanzo could not understand. He continually turned to Sanzo, repeating the same phrases over as over as if pleading for him to understand. "Seckoi un'molite gn'hiat so! Seckoi no dues sha! Olien, Sanzo! Olien!"

His brief explosions were followed by exhaustion when the demon's body gave out under him, unable to move. Seiten Taisei had never experienced sickness in the time Sanzo had known him. It was what made his sudden fever so startling. No matter what Sanzo did to try and help the demon, it all proved fruitless. Seiten Taisei's fever was only getting worse. Sanzo had opted to visit the Order's building to pick up his documents. It took longer then expected, as Oliver found the need to stall him. When he did finally get back home, Sanzo had found Seiten Taisei had collapsed in a shivering ball by the door. When he'd attempted to pull the demon back to bed, Seiten Taisei had grabbed him, his claws pinching into Sanzo's arm, drawing blood. In a weak, feverish voice he mumbled, "Sanzo, dues a'in re?"

Sanzo had no idea what the demon had asked him, but he couldn't help but feel a stab of guilt at the absolutely lost look in his eyes. Sanzo had said nothing as he dragged Seiten Taisei back into his corner of a bed, forcing him to swallow some pills and eat something before allowing him to sleep. That was what he needed now.

He'd gotten through some of the documents by the time the First Sun was high in the sky. Sanzo cooked himself lunch, and brought something in from the back for Seiten Taisei. When he went upstairs to bring the demon his lunch, he'd found the demon peacefully asleep. Sanzo had simply left his lunch on the desk, as always, before departing towards the Western Woods to find out exactly what Lirin had been sobbing about the previous day.

He doubted he'd find anything. If anything was there, it was long gone by now.

It had been a pain dealing with the trees. They often liked casting illusions, and Sanzo had seen his master in these woods more times then he liked to think about. The trees didn't seem intent about bothering him today though, which was good. He was in a mood to shoot something and the trees would have to do.

He stumbled about; searching for anything that might prove what Lirin saw was nothing but an illusion. He really wasn't sure why he was here. Sanzo finally concluded that he needed to get out of the house and this was some stupid task that needed to be done. Might as well kill two birds with one stone. It hadn't been long into his search, when his name was called. Before he could say anything a figure suddenly plopped down in front of him. Sanzo was ready to grab his gun before he recognized the form in front of him, and growled. "What do you want, Nataku?"

The dark haired child in front of him shrugged. "Nuthin'," he muttered innocently, before frowning slightly. "Just wondering what you were doing here. Not every day you decide to stroll out into my woods."

Sanzo and Nataku did not have much in common. Hell, most of the time they couldn't stand each other. The only similarity they shared was their hatred for Homura. A few years back when Sanzo had been assigned to take Homura down, Nataku had temporarily joined his side to see the puppet master fall. Despite the fact that they had both teamed up on the dark haired man, he managed to slip through their fingers. A lot of things did that here. Since then the pair found no need to fight, though they would, if needed.

"I'm looking for something," Sanzo snapped. "Or rather, someone. A kid, brown hair, supposedly looks like Seiten Taisei."

Nataku frowned at the news. "And what do I get if I help you?" he asked.

Sanzo scowled. "Don't do this Nataku," he growled, his tone promising pain.

Nataku smiled, shrugging his shoulders. "If there's no reward, then I'm afraid I can't help you. I've got my own problems. Some of the trees say Homura's been hanging around my woods again. I'll have to break his fucking face this time, to make sure he stays out of my territory." Nataku paused, as if thinking of something more. "But, some of the trees have been complaining of two boys that were very, very noisy. I hear one of them has brown hair…"

Sanzo smirked. "You know if they're still around?"

Nataku shrugged, flicking at the dirt under his fingernails. "I hear the Moss got one of them. Not sure which," he gave a wave, turning back towards the trees. "See yah, Sanzo. I have a rat to catch." And then he was gone.

Sanzo sighed, turning on his heel. So, was it really true? Was there really someone looking like Seiten Taisei running around? Sanzo sighed, and began walking again.

It was a few hours later and still Sanzo was empty handed. He hated these trees. It was like wandering through an endless maze. The Moss had already tried to capture him twice in this monotonous walk, but he'd luckily been able to get out of it. But now he had bits of moss and some fucked up goop stuck to his boots. He really needed something to shoot. "¡Hola, Señor bueno!" With an irritated quirk of the brow, Sanzo turned, finding a squirrel seated on a nearby rock. Fuck. He hated squirrels. They never left you alone when they wanted you to buy something. The squirrel then turned towards its bag, pulling out a pack of crappy 'squirrel-branded' cigarettes. "¿Puedo interestarle en la compra estos cigarillos?"

"Piss off tiny, I'm not interested." With that, Sanzo turned to head back towards the entrance of the damned forest. Fuck this, he was going home.

The squirrel puffed up at him. "¡Tu eres un hombre antipatico!" it cried, before turning and scurrying from sight.

When Sanzo heard a scream, he froze, glancing around. It was only when the scream stopped did he bother to look above him. He cursed loudly at a form falling towards him. Having nothing else to do, he held out his arms, catching the body before tumbling to the ground. Sanzo cursed repeatedly, glad whoever he caught was small. Sitting up, he cursed. The brown haired boy in his arms appeared to have fainted during the fall. Unlike Seiten Taisei's the boy's hair was clipped, barely brushing the back of his neck, and he looked much more human then Seiten Taisei. Then again, that was expected. Aside from the differences, Sanzo finally realized why someone would mistake this boy for the blood thirsty demon in his house. Sanzo wondered idly if the boy had golden eyes as well. As the realization of the situation began to sink in, Sanzo cursed.

"Fuck, now I have two of them to feed."

---

It was a while before Hakkai had returned from said meeting. Gojyo, after smoking through his entire pack, had gone out to find some sort of entertainment. After memorizing where Hakkai's tent was, he headed out to look around. He was slightly saddened by what he saw. It seemed like everywhere he went people were suspicious or injured or both. It looked as though someone had gone on a rampage through the place, injuring and killing almost everyone. There were people out on the street, sick. Those that were able bodied had weapons. Some were training, others were going about daily jobs, or attempting to help the sick. It made Gojyo's chest tight.

He pursed his lips when he heard a child's crying. Turning, he found a young woman with violet hair cradling a baby in her arms. She looked frantic and absolutely heartbroken. "What do you mean I have to wait another few days?" the woman cried, looking absolutely distraught. "What happened to the medicine we got from Capital City's supply tank?"

"Sorry Yaone," the man replied awkwardly. "But there was none. The medicine supply was very low there, and what we did get has already been used."

The woman sighed softly. "All right. Thank you." Gojyo watched as the young woman turned, meeting with a red haired man. The husband, Gojyo reasoned. He watched as the two of them disappeared down the road.

"Now you see what the Order has reduced us to?" Gojyo gave out an undignified yelp, turning to find Hakkai standing behind him. The brunet gave a warm smile and a wave, as if to say, 'hi there.'

"Fuck Hakkai, don't sneak up on me like that," Gojyo snapped, before the pair turned, walking down the street. Gojyo could only absorb the suffering around him, wishing there was something he could do. "Damnit man, this is horrible."

"We have limited supplies. The Order thinks they can starve us to death," Hakkai sighed, glancing up and down the streets. "With the Eclipse coming, they may very well be right." He paused, as if waiting for Gojyo to speak. When he didn't say anything, Hakkai went on. "We used to be pretty well off. But a few weeks ago it leaked out where we were hiding. Our entire camp was destroyed, and our food supply was depleted. This is what's left. We do have food, but we were saving it for the Eclipse. I'm afraid if we break it out too quickly then we won't last long after the Eclipse has settled in." Hakkai let out a soft laugh. "So much for a Rebellion, eh?"

Gojyo shrugged. "I've seen worse," he muttered, before turning to the side. He frowned as he spotted two children running around, playing. They were covered in mud and looked far too thin for his liking. "But… I want to help." Hakkai looked up in surprise. "I don't like children dying, Hakkai, it's not my style. So, I'll help. In whatever way I can."

Hakkai smiled softly. "Thank you, Gojyo."

Gojyo just grinned.

"Ah! I've been looking for you, Hakkai." Blinking, the brunet looked up in time to see a dark haired man drop in front of them. He was clothed in a light purple robe, with mismatched eyes and a smile that caused immediate anger to spark within Gojyo's chest.

Hakkai's face brightened considerably when he spotted the man. "Ah! Homura! I've been expecting you. You bring good news, I hope?"

Homura smiled softly. "News, but I wouldn't call it good." Hakkai's smile faded slightly. "Somehow, Capital City has found out about your next attack on the supply tanks. They've reinforced guard to at least ten times. You won't be able to get in."

Hakkai frowned lightly. "Is there any possible way?"

Homura shook his head. "No. I'm afraid there isn't," his smile suddenly took a mischievous turn. "All though, I do believe Seiten Taisei…"

"No!" Hakkai snapped. "We will not release Seiten Taisei. It's too risky."

Homura shrugged. "Suit yourself." His eyes then trailed over to Gojyo, and a mock frown lit up his features. "I am sorry to hear about your loss."

"What loss?" Gojyo snapped, a little too harshly.

"Your friend… what was his name?" Homura tapped his chin, as though trying to remember. "Gonou… Goko... Go…"

"Goku?" Gojyo finally shot out, annoyed at the man's teasing.

Homura smiled, nodding. "That's it! Goku." His smile faded and the mock frown returned. "He took an awful tumble from a tree branch. Must've been at least ten stories up. I'm afraid he's dead now. Tata!" Homura gave a wave, before disappearing.

"Hey, wait!" Gojyo cried, flipping around and trying to find out what had happened to the man. But he was gone. Disappeared in a flash. "Fuck." Without a second thought, he charged back towards the forest.

Hakkai grabbed his arm. "What do you think you're doing?"

"What am I doing?" Gojyo snapped. "I'm going to look for Goku, that's what! Now let go of me!"

Hakkai's grip only tightened. "You'll get lost in there long before you manage to find him," he snapped, causing Gojyo to flinch. "Look, I'm sorry for your loss, Gojyo, but there's nothing you can do."

Gojyo couldn't explain the sorrow that built up in his chest. Turning his head away, he hated the tears that stung the back of his eyes. Was Goku… was Goku really dead? Closing his eyes, he tried to flush the image of his golden eyes friend from his mind, but it only came back stronger then before. Ripping his arm away, he quickly began walking away. He didn't care where he was going; he just needed to get away.

Hakkai seemed to understand. He didn't follow him.

---

As Goku began to regain consciousness, the smell of cooking meat caught his attention. Hunger fully pushed him from his sleep-ridden state, and he sat up. As he blinked away his exhaustion, he found himself lying on a lumpy couch, in a dusty old living room that looked like it had never been used. There really wasn't much in the room. An old coffee table and a bookshelf with only a few titles. Goku yawned, rising to his feet. He couldn't help but wonder who's house he was in. Hadn't he been in the forest not long ago? How did he get here?

Cautiously, he rose to his feet. Despite his suspicious surroundings, the scent of cooking meat drew him towards the kitchen. He was starving. Hell, being cautious and suspicious and all that took energy. And right now he needed something in his stomach.

Slowly, he headed into the kitchen, eyeing his surroundings as he did so. There really wasn't much around. Just a simple stove, cupboards and a table off in the corner. Though there was an absolutely beautiful blond man cooking. Goku's jaw almost dropped at the sight of him. He was clothed in black pants that were slightly faded at the knees and the hem. He wore what looked like a Chinese style shirt that had been cut off at the sleeves, which left Goku open to his bare arms and shoulders. His skin looked almost porcelain. It was beautiful. Goku had to shake his head when he realized he was staring. Suddenly nervous, he stepped into the kitchen. The sound of his footfalls alerted the man, as he turned to face him. Goku almost gasped at the sight of beautiful violet eyes peered at him under a mask of annoyance. "So, you're awake," the man noted dryly, turning back to the stove. "I assume you're hungry. Dinner's almost ready."

Goku couldn't stop the grin that stretched across his face. "Thanks, I'm starving," he was about to turn to head towards the table, but stopped himself. Curiosity was eating away at him. He wanted to know the man's name. So, he stuck out his hand, watching the blond eye it wearily. "My name's Goku," he said, grinning. "And you are…?"

"Sanzo." The man replied, denying him his handshake. "Now sit down and don't make a fuss. I'm almost done."

Goku frowned at the man's rudeness, but none the less turned to head back towards the table. Only a moment later was a plate placed in front of him. It was covered with strange strips of meat flavored in some type of sauce, and steamed vegetables topped in the same sauce. It looked delicious. He could only stare blankly at the chopsticks Sanzo had placed with his meal. This world ate with chopsticks? Seriously? "Uh… do you have a fork I could use?" Goku asked. He didn't want to be rude, but he had no idea how to use chopsticks.

Sanzo glared at him. "No." Then he returned to his own meal.

Goku shrugged, before deciding that they couldn't be that hard to use. After studying the way Sanzo used them, Goku attempted to operate the strange sticks in a similar manner. It ended horribly so Goku opted for stabbing the damn meat and pulling it into his mouth. Dinner seemed to go by quickly and silently, and when it was over Sanzo returned to the counter, pulling all the leftover meat onto a plate. It looked about enough to feed about six people. Why did he cook so much? "Where are you going?" Goku pressed, rising to his feet and following the man towards the stairs.

"I have one more mouth to feed," Sanzo answered.

Goku frowned. "So, you have a kid or something?"

Sanzo laughed. It was a bitter, almost sarcastic laughter. "Yeah, he's one big kid all right."

They headed up the stairs and down the hall. Goku stared at the door in awe. It was covered in seals, with a giant lock that kept the door sealed shut. Sanzo thrust the plate into his hands as he yanked the lock open. He stood for a moment, before grabbing the plate and frowning. "Are you sure you want to follow me in here? Seiten Taisei doesn't like unfamiliar faces."

Seiten Taisei? Was the thing everyone was confusing him with beyond that door? With newfound resolve, Goku nodded. He wanted to meet this thing, if only to satisfy his own curiosity. "Yes. I'm sure."

Sanzo snorted. "All right. Don't blame me if he takes one of your limbs off."

Then, slowly, Sanzo opened the door, and quickly stepped inside. Goku followed his lead, before the door was shut behind him. Goku stared at the room in awe, slightly stunned at the mess. He watched Sanzo approach the sideways bookshelf, first placing the plate on the desk. He leaned over, pressing his hand towards the demon's forehead. Then he heard a soft mumble. Goku stepped forwards to hear better. "Sanzo… Seckoi so. Seckoi so. Sanzo, Kuinoi ma re'thu. A'in euntipi Sanzo... seckoi... shadow… my shadow. Sanzo, you traitor, you brought my shadow… Don't touch me, Sanzo, you traitor…"

Slowly, Goku stepped up next to Sanzo, peering over the edge. His breath caught. He swore he was looking into a living reflection. The demon that lay bedridden looked almost exactly like him, save for his hair was much longer and his eyes took on a more demonic appeal. Seiten Taisei appeared to be struggling with a sickness, as sweat cloaked his brow, and his body shook with cold. Slowly, hazy golden eyes flickered over to him and the demon grit his teeth. "Bastard…." He hissed.

"What did I do?" Goku snapped before he could stop himself.

Sanzo's eyes snapped over to his, slightly wide and shocked. "You can understand him?" he asked.

Goku frowned slightly. "Of course. He's speaking English."

"Quick!" Sanzo exclaimed as Seiten Taisei began to murmur delusional way. "What's he saying?"

"… Seckoi…. Oli Dun'lane. Seckoi so… Seckoi… Dosa? Dosa, Seckoi? Seckoi no dues sha… Dosa uin Seckoi dues re? Olien, Sanzo, dues en Seckoi na. Wiun, dues ka. Olien, Sanzo, Olien. Dues ka…. Euntipi, Sanzo. Dosa oi Sanzo er'thin eunti? Olien, euntipi, dues ka…."

Goku licked his lips as the demon's mumbles became too incoherent to hear. Slowly, he began to relay the message. "Shadow… You bastard… my Shadow, shadow… Why? Why Shadow? My shadow is killing me… Why does my shadow kill me? Please, Sanzo, kill my shadow. No, kill me. Please, Sanzo, please. Kill me… Traitor Sanzo. Why does Sanzo betray me? Please, traitor, kill me…"

Goku turned his eyes back up to Sanzo, to find the man's eyes swimming with some thing he couldn't name. "We need to talk," he said simply, before turning from the room.

Goku cast one last glance at Seiten Taisei, before turning to follow.


A/N: I love this chapter. A lot of SanzoGoku interaction, but then again, it is my favorite parring. (smiles devilishly) Anyway, there is more GojyoHakkai action to come, I promise. I'm trying my best, I swear! And more Seiten Taisei action as well. Because I love him so. Though I must say that I love Seiten Taisei in this chapter. He feels like the emo kid who's always left behind. I can't wait to incorperate him a little more into the storyline.

And Homura's such an ass, don't you think? (giggles) C&C appriciated.