A/N: Well here we are again…the beginning of another chapter of "Yori vs. Hikari"! I wish I had more time to write this story as it was REAL easy to write like five chapters in three months straight. I wasn't drawing or working on other art related things, just writing. I decided to update since I can, and I'm doing this for my own entertainment.

I stopped updating for a while because some of my readers take writing fanfic too seriously! I'm not a novelist! I write fan fictions for a hobby! I'm simply ignoring the reviewers that clearly tried to get a rise out of me.

Disclaimer: don't own anything Saiyuki related, only Yun, some villains and where this story is going!

Yori vs. Hikari

~ Chapter 12 ~

"Man, where should we begin, and when?" Yun asked herself and Sora as she looked at the woman.

"What type of world do you two come from for starters." Sanzo asked as he took a drag of his cigarette.

"Not a bad idea." Yun said nodding.

Since Sora wasn't there at the point when the Merciful Goddess said they could go home at the end of their mission-she looked at her friend. Yun just shook her head, but piped in, "You're explaining my burden to them…" Sora just nodded.

"Quit stalling…girly." Sanzo snapped, still in pain from Kami's attack, and this info.

"Well, let's say the world we come from, is more advanced in technology in what I've seen…for starters-" Yun drew a picture of a couple of things from their world/time and then turned the paper to the guys. "First, we have cell phones that allow people to talk to one another like they're face to face, and they could be on two different parts of the world. Second, as a form of entertainment we have a television that shows people and colorful pictures in motion,"

"Almost like a talking box, but you have moving pictures to go with it." Sora added as the men look confused. "Thanks." Yun whispered, smiling at her friend.

"Oh, and my personal favorite invention, is the camera!" Yun smiled as she pointed to her sketch of a digital camera. "This item allows you to take pictures of people instantly. A lot quicker than an artist can draw someone or something. For example, if I wanted a group picture of the four of you…I would ask that you all huddle close together, and I just press a button and your image would be caught instantly on film, or a memory card."

The two women both went on other things from their world for awhile, answering the guys questions about other topics that they didn't quite understand. The two also added that the main species was humans, no demons, or dragons of the sort-only in myths or story tales. It sounded like their world was very peaceful from this world, no wonder the two took pleasure in certain things. When they asked how nice it must be living in such peace, the two shook their heads. They may have not been in constant danger, but that was because of where they lived. Man is greedy, and they explained that war and other hell broke loose for hundreds, centuries over time.

Goku still couldn't believe the two weren't from their world, as some of this info just went over his head. Yun ruffled the boy's hair as she knew trying to wrap their world's view and way of life, was a bit hard for someone like Goku.

"Since you couldn't exactly do what we're doing, what did you two for a living?" Hakkai asked.

"I'm a pretty well known novelist." Sora stated.

"Concept artist for a major company." Yun said.

"Why didn't you tell us from the very beginning, you weren't from here?!" Sanzo snapped already tired of all the other information the two shared.

"We really weren't sure where we were at the time, as we were just magically whisked here! Since we seemed to blend into this world well, sometimes you don't want to get into more trouble than you're in when you state that you're not originally from here! And the Merciful Goddess didn't explain shit until we were traveling with you all! Going from a life where all I had to do was go to work, and go home-pretty nice…Suddenly, being picked to help people you hardly know in another strange world without warning!" Yun snapped back, tired of the man glaring daggers at her. "So, sorry I didn't tell you sooner! But then again, you don't really trust right away do you?! No! I was just trying to get this mission over with, so I could move forward! Do the same thing if you were in my shoes, right Sanzo?" Yun asked coldly before leaving the room.

No one spoke for a few minutes, as the silence was so heavy they could feel it on their shoulders. Gojyo decided to break it by simply asking Sora about how marriage was in her world.

"So, did you or do you have someone picked for you to protect and share a life with?" Gojyo asked.

"Heh, women have more of an option in some places…arranged marriages are common but, not practiced as much these days. Yun and I have the freedom to get to know someone, live with them, and if it works out…" Sora trailed off for a moment. "they eventually get hitched."

"What's this burden, that you stated earlier?" Sanzo asked.

Sora nervously smiled, hoping the priest had forgotten about that topic, but looking at the man she could see he wanted to know badly. "I can't really go into too much detail as it's really not my place to tell you about Yun, but since I've known her…she was always by herself, knowing she was different from others. We got along right away…like her and I were meant to know one another." She smiled as she thought about those memories. "I don't know the full details as to why I help carry Yun's burden, but let's say…it's too much for one person to carry alone. I've grown to care about her like a sister, and I'm not gonna abandon her when she really needed someone, and still does, more than she likes to believe." She paused collecting her thoughts before continuing. "Heh, but yeah I know she carries it strongly, and if you really want to know the truth Sanzo, you have to ask her, not me." She ended with a warm smile.

Hakkai asked about another topic and judging by how Sora's eyes gleamed with excitement, she easily could discuss about it. After she was done explaining, Gojyo asked about another subject, following Hakkai's example. As the woman started talking about transportation, the red head eyed the priest with a certain look.

I get it, the two are from a different world. Why does it have to be complicated! I didn't sign up for this kind of crap. She never intended to get attached, and now that she has the option of going home…who could blame her? Damn it. Sanzo signed rubbing the bridge of his nose.

"Man, go and apologize to her! That's all she's asking for!" Gojyo stated with a bite to his tone.

Sanzo got up with a little trouble, but he pushed it back as he's been through much worst. He wasn't feeling to good as he realized that she really didn't think to high of him, but do anything for Goku, Hakkai, and Sora…damn it! Why did I have to be struck with a lust spell?! I wouldn't be caring about her like this, wouldn't want to know about her soo desperately. Hope the Merciful Goddess can do something about this spell…no, probably enjoying my damn misery too much to do anything about this. He thought as he made his way outside.

Yun was standing right outside the inn, and he stopped in his tracks. He took a moment to really look at her, as she still was unaware of his presence. He could already tell from her personality she was very strong-willed, but as he looked at her physically he could see that she was strong in body as well. How she held herself even now, she wasn't weak. As he continued to drink her appearance in, he could see where the water sprite was trying to get her to like him. The afternoon light gleamed off her hair just right that he wondered how soft it would feel to run his hands through. He noticed that she styled it in a braid, and ended just before her butt.

I wonder how long it would be undone. Sanzo shook his head at the thought before it went even further. He left that territory as he really had no business going there ever. At times he could see why he liked her as she treated him like a man, and nothing more just as he wanted. Where the hell do I begin to say sorry to this woman? My mind is a dangerous place when I start to think about emotions, oh what the hell… He thought as he took a step forward, alerting Yun that she wasn't alone.

She smiled smartly at him, still mad at him. When he didn't say anything she crossed her arms over her chest, knowing the man wasn't going to apologize, but ask more about her personally. He took a moment to look around and since there wasn't really anyone around but the two of them, he sighed and then started approaching her. She had a confused look upon her face at this, and he smirked as she didn't know what he was gonna do. Before she could get to far, he gently grabbed one of her wrists and then pulled her closer out of the afternoon light, and more in the shadows. He pulled her into a one arm hug, and whispered into her ear.

"I'm sorry."

Since he didn't let go right away, she took the time to just enjoy his gesture. She learned over time that it was hard for the man to do such things. Being mindful of his wounds she then gently wrapped her arms around the man's waist. He gasped never expecting her to do such a thing, and accept his apology soo easily. She really was simple, just as Goku stated before. She pulled away first as a thought dawned on her.

Is he still under the influence of the lust spell?

As she still thought about the topic, she realized that she maybe right. He just has more control than before. Granted she didn't know why she had such an attraction to the man herself, but she knew it was better to just to keep it simple and not even try as she wasn't even from this world to begin with. Best to stay as comrades in arms, or friends as she couldn't have another relationship, since most of the time they crumple before they really even begin. With that decision made, she just smiled up at Sanzo, and he smiled back, but it was very small.

"I guess you want to know about the burden, huh?" Yun asked as she got comfortable in an outdoor chair. When Sanzo just nodded, she sighed. "I would get comfortable if I were you, it's going to be a long story." He pulled up a chair and then lit a cigarette. She smiled and then proceeded to explain her life story. Talked about how she was with her parents, how her bond with her mother was a special one that most mothers and daughters don't have. From what he was hearing he could guess that she was very close to Sora and her mother by how the two women came up a lot in her story. When she spoke of a school and whatnot, he stopped her there. She explained the school system to him, and he simply nodded and she continued. She skipped over how college went and straight to how she got her job and whatnot, he placed a hand on her shoulder stopping her.

"Did something bad happen, wasn't Sora there?" he asked quietly.

"I don't want to talk about it…" she whispered not looking at him.

He smirked knowing this is where her story gets depressing and to her burden, maybe. He decided since she shared, he may get her to share more if he spoke about himself for a little while. He started with how he was found in the river and raised by his master. He wasn't sure why he decided to talk about himself, when he really didn't do this type of thing. But, when he was around her, he found himself doing a lot of things that he normally didn't want to do. He still blames the lust spell since that's where it all seemed to start. She urged him to continue as she seemed to be enjoying his company and his story. He rolled his eyes and spoke more of how he trained and became the man he is today, but when he got on the topic of his master dying to protect him, he couldn't find the words to continue. He smiled to himself, realizing he couldn't bring himself to speak about his master's passing. He heard her sigh deeply, which he proceeded to looked at her wondering what was on her mind at the moment.

"Guess we don't like talking about ourselves, huh?" She asked as she looked at the ground. He smirked to her question as she was right, who knew that you could have a few things in common when you just simply take the time to get to know someone.

After the group had a nice day's worth of rest, they made they're way to the next town. Though, when they arrived it was more like a city, and it seemed a festival was happening. The city was in the middle of their celebration of the summer harvest. After a successful harvest they have a week long festival that features all sorts of fun and games, contests as well.

The two women smiled, this is what the group needed after what they been through. As they looked to the guys of the group, they were just as thrilled well expect Sanzo, as he always looked unhappy.

"They have a eating contest, can I Sanzo? Please?!" Goku asked as he pointed to the booth.

"I'll keep an eye on him, Sanzo." Yun stated as she took hold of the boy's hand.

"Yeah, we'll cheer him on!" Sora piped in as she took hold of his other hand.

Sanzo nodded and muttered "Do whatever, just stay together."

The three nodded and made their way to sign Goku up. He won hands down, and the prize was a free pass to any of the game booths. Hakkai and Gojyo came by after the contest, after getting a place at the local inn. Hakkai just won a card game, and got a couple of free passes as well.

"We should so stay until the end of the festival! They have a dance on the last day, be fun to let loose, right?" Gojyo stated to the four.

They all nodded but then Yun piped in, "We may like to do that, but what about Sanzo? I know he wouldn't want to spend more than a day in one location."

"Maybe," Gojyo started rubbing his chin. "You could convince him, Yun. I mean the guy seems to have a soft spot when it comes to you."

"Really? I-I guess I could. Besides you guys are still-we're all still recovering from our last battle." Yun stated to herself more, as she made her way to the inn.

While she was walking towards the inn, she saw the man at a meat bun stand. She smiled, and approached him.

"Stocking up to keep Goku and Lirin happy, when they start to get on your nerves?" She asked as she stood beside him.

"Maybe." Was Sanzo's reply. "Where the others?"

"Enjoying the festival activities. Are your wounds healing up well?"

He nodded as he looked at her. "What do you want?"

"Since everyone is still recovering from our last battle, they were hoping to stay for the rest of the festival?" She ended looking up at him.

"Fine, just make sure the others don't go overboard with the activities." He stated with a sigh. Gojyo probably set her up to ask, because I won't say no to her. Damn. He thought with slight annoyance.

As the days continued the group enjoyed themselves to the fullest. Not only was the festival fun, but the city provided some nice shops too. Yun and Sora decided it be best to use their gold cards as well, to at least restock on some their leisure items, sketch paper, pens, journal, and pencils. As they were happy having more of said items, and thought of anything else they needed. Goku went with the two as they were the only ones going out for good reasons, and fun ones as well. As they passed a women's clothing shop, they paused and the two looked at each other. Goku decided it be best to head back to the inn, before getting wrapped up in girl stuff.

"Do you want to try some stuff on, just for the fun of it?" Sora asked.

Yun nodded, "Even though it be cool to have a nice outfit for that dance. Though we probably be only wearing it once."

They both shrugged and went in, since they really haven't been in one in a long time. As they were walking in, Gojyo just happened to be passing by. The man decided to sneak in and see what they try on. At first they just picked up extra undergarments and extra pairs on their normal wear, one outfit Yun tried on made the man drool. It really made her look like a goddess, but it wasn't really practical for their journey. Even Sora tried on something that had him ogling too.

Man, these women are practical, but they're not gonna even bother with a nice outfit for the dance?! Hmm, maybe I can convince the sales people to help them. He thought as he put that plan into motion.

The two had their fun, and decided that it was time they leaved. When two sales ladies came to them with some festival outfits, they politely declined, as they felt it would be a waste. The sales ladies insisted the two at least try the dresses on. As the two came out in the dresses, the sales ladies smiled and said they looked beautiful in the outfits.

"Could we rent these? We're traveling and the business we do…these outfits would just be ruined." Sora stated as she was the first out.

"Not a problem, but if you change your minds, just let us know."

Sora nodded, as Yun came out. Then they made their way back to the inn. Gojyo wasn't seen, but he knew he'd probably be questioned later. Those two looked soo lovely, that you would never believe they fight demons. The man thought as he smiled to himself.

Sora and Yun came across a design your own kite booth, and the two had at it. Once it was sunset, it was time to fly their kites. The two women enjoyed themselves greatly with one another. As the two passed by a flower booth, Yun picked out a couple of lilies and daisies, making a small bouquet, and handing it to Sora.

"Thanks Yun, this day has been soo awesome! I can't remember the last time I've had this much fun!" Sora said with a smile.

"Exactly, that's why we needed a day like this!" Yun stated a hand on her hip.

When they made their way back to the inn, the guys were there. Since the women wanted to spend more time with one another, Sanzo allowed them to bunk together this time around. Hakkai knocked on the door frame as their door was open.

"So, what did you ladies do today?" He asked as he leaned on the door frame.

"We just did major girl time!" Yun stated with a smile. When the man looked confused, she continued. "Spent time with one another, doing stuff that only girls would be interested in doing."

Hakkai smiled and sighed glad to hear they enjoyed themselves, since tomorrow was the last day of the festival. He excused himself before they pulled out their outfits for the dance. He made his way to his room.

"If you wanted to know how their day was, how about next time you just ask them, Sanzo?" The brunette asked as he took a seat in a chair.

"Do I really ask how someone's day went?" Sanzo stated looking at the other man.

"No you don't, but lately you've been acting different." Hakkai stated with a chuckle and smile.

"So, okay yeah I have. Not like she'll-" He stopped himself from continuing. The priest crushed his cigarette in annoyance. "I thought you had a thing going on with Sora?"

"Ah, but we're not talking about me, Sanzo. This just proves that even you, can have feelings. Or is this still because of the lust spell? I really doubt Okajimia-san would tolerate your behavior if you were going on basic urges. She was pretty shaken back then. Why are you denying yourself of feeling? I understand your pain, Sanzo, but sometimes you have to let go of the past in order to continue forward. She does care about you like the rest of us, sure…but she probably doesn't know if it's you or the spell that's talking. I would keep an eye on her, if I wanted to be closer than just friends."

Sanzo glared at Hakkai, and muttered "Why bother? She has a chance to go home in the end…she made it clear that she rather go back home, than stay here. She was being nice when she was speaking with me, as friends do for one another. I've come to see that with her, she likes to keep things simple."

"See! Right there, you found how she likes to handle issues. No buying her a gift to makeup, just simply apologizing. That's a step to getting closer, my friend. And you did it yourself, instead of having one of us go and talk with her." Hakkai chuckled and added. "Maybe you can change her mind by the end of this journey to stay. People can change with a little bit of time."

The priest simply glared at the brunette, knowing deep down that the male was right. Oh, how he hated it when his comrade was right when it came to topics like these. He knew that the water sprite had a shot with her as well, because she cared about everyone in the group. He shook his head and then crushed his cigarette in annoyance as he witnessed Gojyo working his charm on Yun.

"Here Yun, a rose for you." Gojyo said as he handed her a single red rose.

"Thanks Gojyo, it's lovely." She said with a warm smile on her lips taking a whiff of the flower.

The kappa had charm and knew how to speak to women. The priest found doing that was a waste of time, but now he found himself wanting to grab her attention without scaring the woman off. He clenched his hand into a fist instead of reaching for his banishing gun, as he witnessed the kappa putting an arm around Yun's shoulders, and she was smiling. Oh, he was itching to shoot the kappa, but reframed as he knew there was going to be belly dancers on the last day, and he had a feeling there was gonna be a game booth he'd be good at.

Later on that day, the group knew they had to make this day count as it was the last day of the festival. In the evening, it was just as exciting. Gojyo enjoyed getting to know one of the belly dancers, which didn't surprise the group. Yun and Sora took their time getting ready for the main event. Goku, Hakkai, and Sanzo waited on them, wondering what was taking soo long. They came out, and the three guys were speechless. The two women smiled, glad their prepping was worth it.

"You guys look awesome!" Goku stated with a grin and blush.

"Thanks, Goku." The two said with a smile.

"Complete knockouts, for sure!" Hakkai stated with a smile, a slight blush dusting his cheeks as he looked at the two.

Yun looked at the priest, wondering if he was going to say anything, but shook her head knowing that he didn't do stuff like that. She walked right pass him and then stated "Maybe I'll see how Gojyo reacts to my outfit." She didn't know why she said that, but found that the comment affected the priest. She smiled to herself and proceeded to walk ahead of the group, just simply wanting to enjoy the last remaining hours of the festival.

Sanzo glared at the brunette as he couldn't really use his banishing gun at the moment. Women, how they can be soo confusing as what they wanted at times. Did she really just say that comment to make his blood boil in anger? Granted the woman looked beautiful regardless, but why did she want a compliment when Goku and Hakkai had already done that? Did she not notice that he was looking at her the whole time? He just shook his head in annoyance and decided to catch up with her, as he still had time.

As Sora walked with Hakkai and Goku, though she kept to her thoughts, looking at herself she was glad to dress up. It was a black and white modest cut dress that had a pretty flower design on the bottom coming to her knees, leaving her legs exposed where she wore black sandals. She felt extra pretty tonight. She couldn't help but be a little jealous of Yun, as she really looked like a goddess in her dress. Her friend's outfit was a black top that stopped before her stomach, leaving that flesh exposed, and the flowing blue/white skirt covered her sandal clad feet. The glittering shall that she draped around her arms just finished the outfit. Sora just shook her head, getting bad thoughts out of her head. She was at a festival to enjoy herself, not down herself with jealously.

As Sanzo walked around he saw couples, and just focused on finding Yun. He smirked as he found her playing a shoot range game. He frowned as she seemed to be having difficulty. As he looked more closely he noticed that the game was rigged. Once it was game over he approached. He placed a hand on her shoulder and whispered "My turn."

The game keeper just smiled smugly, knowing the man couldn't hit the marks. The priest pulled out his banishing gun, and one after another, he hit all the targets. The game keeper wasn't as smug, and looked up at the man. Sanzo grabbed the man's collar and snapped quietly "Next time don't rig the game." He then pointed to the flower hair comb, finding that was what Yun was trying to win. He snatched the hair comb from the keeper's hand and let go of the man's collar. He then so gently, placed the comb in her hair, making her outfit look complete. She was confused but, she quickly smiled at him for his efforts.

He took hold of her hand, not wanting her to get separated from him in the crowds. Slight blush dusted his cheeks as he realized that he was holding her hand, and she hadn't pulled away either. He looked around, and when he found somewhere they could sit, he walked towards it. They proceeded to sit down on an empty bench, and that's when she thanked him.

"Thank you very much for winning this comb, Sanzo! No one has ever won something for me!" She ended giving him a quick hug. He gasped at her hug, thrown off guard as he wasn't expecting her to do that. "Oh, are your wounds still not completely healed?!" She panicked pulling away quickly.

He inwardly frowned at losing her warmth. He shook his head no and muttered "You just surprised me, is all."

"Good, wouldn't want you to be further injured." She stated with a small smile.

As the two looked at each other, they found that they couldn't look away. As they got lost in each others eyes, they were slowly leaning towards one another, like magnets. Yun snapped out of it, and got up walking away ashamed of herself for almost doing something stupid. Sanzo was just as shocked, but hurt more.

Guess this is what it feels like to be rejected.

Author's notes: And that my dear readers is the end of this chapter! I've come to just simply add better elements to certain parts that I feel I can write better! Like how I added the lust spell! I decided to add that back in, since it can add some spice to this story, and confuse Yun into thinking that it's influencing Sanzo still. I know it's far from being perfect, but I'm still just doing this because it's fun, I know how I want this story to go, and finish! Also, I typed up this chapter for DragonGamer0713 since she really likes my stories, even though I'm not a grammar pro!