Disclaimer: I own nothing of Saiyuki.
In the past month the Sanzo-ikkou had made great progress. They won every attack in a few minutes and had no distractions. This wasn't what they wanted.
In the last month, everything about them had changed. While their outward appearance was the same, if an observer came closer, they would feel the electric current running through them, exterminating everything in its path. They all were at their wits end with each other.
Gojyo was now riding in the front passenger seat. It was deemed safer that way since only Sanzo could get close to the Seitan with out it attacking him. Gojyo was no better. Anytime the Seitan would open its mouth, Gojyo had the strong urge to shut him up for good. Sometimes he would try to act on it, but Hakkai and, surprisingly, Sanzo was always there between them, so Gojyo brooded in the front seat while Sanzo was forced to endure the Seitan.
By this time Sanzo was now openly disdaining the Seitan, which Gojyo was sure caused him no end of torment, but he liked seeing the holy monk being tormented. Its what the bastard deserves. Looking in the rearview mirror, Gojyo could see Sanzo trying to sit as far away from the monster as possible but the little shit just wouldn't stop touching him, like Sanzo was his property. Sickening.
Sanzo himself was close to trying to gut the little bastard, but wide golden eyes filled his mind and he couldn't. Where the fuck are you? When I find you you're going to be so fuckin' sorry bakasaru… come back… Inwardly he cringed at that thought, but lately that last one had started to repeat in his head, a low level mantra starting to rise and broaden.
Nails dug in his arms, drawing blood. Sanzo hissed. "I can sense it, you know, when you're calling out," the demon snarled at him.
"I wasn't calling anyone." Literally, he was, but also not. Not out loud at least.
"Don't give me that bullshit! Why the fuck wont you get the little human out of your head? He's a little piece of shit-" Sanzo grabbed the wrist that had captured his arm.
"Don't you fucking dare talk about him that way," Sanzo's voice was low and dangerous.
"Believe me, Sanzo. You don't dare want to fight on me with this. Remember you're mine!"
Sanzo ripped the offending appendage away. "I don't belong to anything! I'll fight as much as I god damn want to! If you ever talk about Goku or think of harming him, you'll have no place to run from me. I can defeat you quite easily and you know that, so if I were you I would leave both him and me the fuck alone."
The slitted eyes narrowed. "Do you know what you're saying? I can destroy the whole world, you and your precious pet along with it in a matter of seconds. If I were you, I would reconsider your words and actions. Stop trying to refuse me. It'll only end up the same way as it does every other time."
Sanzo stared at the Seitan for awhile, seemingly debating in his mind. But whatever it was never was made known for Sanzo chose to remain quiet.
But Hakkai knew. He could practically hear Sanzo screaming it out but for the safety of everyone chose to endure more nights of torment. Gojyo glanced over at Hakkai, questions burning in the gaze. He'll have to explain later to him, that what was said to Goku, was a lie and didn't want to be uttered. What isn't said to the Seitan is the truth, but doesn't dare make itself known in fear of incurring the monster's wrath.
Its not you who I want.
Goku was already loved among the village. Not only did he do an excellent job at restoring houses and buildings, but he had proven himself to be among the best at defending the city. About a week after he had arrived, at his first shift of volunteering to watch for danger, there was an youkai attack. Fortunate he spotted the creatures just in time so the village was fully armed and prepared. Goku, quickly came up with battle plans that were flawless against the enemy and his fighting skills were above the average human's. Already he had made superhero status in the town, and it never seemed to change him. He was as nice and kind as ever.
Goku himself still felt a little out of sorts. He sat high on Kyo's rooftop, to think everything out. Its been over a month since I've gotten here. I made a place for myself, friends, family , Yumi… I feel as if…I could stay here forever. Its like a dream come true. Maybe this is my new home… but… the calling is getting louder, more insistent…
"Goku!" Goku looked over to see Yumi climbing a ladder onto the roof. "here, I brought you some extra meat buns that didn't sell today."
"Sankyuu!"
As Goku tore into the meat buns, he regarded Yumi carefully. He had told her everything, eventually and still she accepted him without an inch of distrust. Even when he said he had been in love with a guy and a demon. She was completely unlike Sanzo. Relaxed, hardworking, fun, and instead of surrounding in sunlight, she let him bask in the lunar glow. She fit the night, the hair blending in, her eyes shining as stars, and her skin glowed in the moonlight. She seemed as if to be an ethereal being… the moon.
"You know," Goku snapped to attention at her murmur, "at night everything seems perfect. Dreams soar high above we fly among them, surrounded its wings, the moon lighting our path… and we, and I believe the earth, feels as if we finally made it to nirvana…" Her chocolate eyes turned to him and Goku couldn't find in himself the strength to resist.
He leaned forward and slowly molded his lips over hers and believed that he finally had flown high, and that nothing could compare. To her. Yumi.
After what seemed forever, he lifted up his head and looked at her. Yumi smiled and he couldn't help but smile in return.
"Why don't you try to sell the meat buns tomorrow?"
"Because we only like to sell the freshest product we can. Why give customers second rate when first rate is better?"
"Don't you have to trade a lot for it though? You have to give so much to obtain the best only to through it out in a flash." Goku didn't understand.
"Yes, its true that to create something that lasts and people will never stop talking about until the end of time, you do have to give a lot, but in the end, the product in return gives so much more back. Its always more satisfying that way. You cant force it to be or do something its not, but work with it and to keep it from falling apart to create something worthwhile. And we never throw it out; we find someone who will love and appreciate it. " Goku felt like he finally started to understand. "Meat buns are difficult that way you know?" Yumi gazed at him with a sad, understanding look in her eyes.
Yeah… Did I throw something out that could have been saved? Sanzo… my sun…
"The thing about the night is…"
"Huh?"
"… that day comes after. Reality comes back in and the dreams we had flown with fade to a memory and then are soon forgotten. And we learn that the moonlight, is actually the reflection of the sun. While its beautiful, the moon and night never compare to the sun and day, for that is what people truly dream for. That is what gives them substance and life. Everyone would wither and die without it. We would die without the warmth of the sun and we learn that the nirvana we found the night before, is the poor imitation of true nirvana." Yumi turned to Goku with a small smile. "It is time to find the truth, Son Goku. To find the sun. Nirvana can only be found when reality is finally better than your dreams."
Goku smiled in return. He leaned close and whispered, "To keep the memory of the moon…" and kissed her one last time. He then stood with finality. "I'm sorry, but he's calling me. I can hear him. He needs…"
Yumi stood up beside him. "The sun always needs his earth, for who else can he shine upon? If no one is there, then there is no reason to keep shining. Go find your sun that you told me about so often. There is a poor imitation of his earth there and both of you know it and its killing all three. You need to go now."
"Goodbye Yumi. Tell everyone…"
"That you went in search of nirvana. Goodbye."
And with that, Goku jumped down onto the porch below to quickly pack his things.