Act 19
Festival Town
The entrance of the town opened and greeted them with a wide welcoming mouth. The town was remarkably big, compared to the one that they were in before, this one was huge. it had plenty of inns and restaurants and merchant shops, tailor shops, cobblers and much more. The streets were lined with cobble stone, and stone fences running around the edges of this wide spread town. It seemed that the farther west they ventured, the more the scene changes. They are seeing more stone buildings and roofs, more colored and patterned clothing more exotic food. The smell delicious cooking wafted through the air to greet them
The Sanzo party stopped in their jeep the at the entrance of the town, "FOOD! Is food here?" Goku, who was asleep not only seconds ago has now sprang up like a jack-in-a-box, eyes wide searching for what his nose had picked up, even in his sleep. The sudden cry made the other three sleeping members of the group to rise.
WHACK!
Sanzo's paper fan went flying in air and hit Goku over the head, making him tear a little. "Settle down, Bakazaru!" Sanzo, no doubt was angry at being jolted awake to cries of food.
"Finally!"Gojyo stretched out his arms and rested them behind his head. "Can't wait to get some sake and cold beer and maybe some wo-" he stopped suddenly when his eyes found the slightly stirring figure of Ayane asleep his lap and his sentence was left unfinished as he lit a cigarette.
Hakkai noted this from the rear view mirror but said nothing. "Yes, we are finally here," Hakkai chirped. Took them another three hours, but yes they were all finally here.
"Oh man, oh man, do ya' guys smell that? Oooo that smells yummy!" Goku practically wagging his tongue in excitement was almost bouncing p and down in the back of the jeep and he was right as well, even at the entrance, they can see various food stalls selling all sorts of local delicacies lining both side of the stoned cobbled path before them situated slightly to the left and on the right was another path that led to what seemed a more domestic side of the town.
Goyjo let out a long low whistle, "Check ot the size of this place," he said impressed as he let his eyes scan the vicinity.
"Yeah, according to the guide book this is the biggest town in this area, it's the main port where most produce are exported to other towns, so it's a popular place for travelers and merchants," Hakkai stated with a smile. On their way here they did come across fields after fields of crops and rice paddies. This was indeed a luxurious town.
"I don't care. Let's get an inn already before its' booked," Sanzo mumbled.
"Don't worry Sanzo, there are plenty of inns here, i'm sure they can't all the be booked," he laughed politely as he slowly rolled the jeep into town to find them an inn for the night.
"I want eat that...and that... and that too... ooo that one lover there looks delicious!" Goku was gingerly hanging off the side of the jeep taking into his list of what he wanted as their jeep passed all the food stalls. "Oi, can it, monkey! You're embarrassing us!" Gojyo kicked Goku butt slightly which almost tipped him over the jeep. "Hey, what was that for ya, stupid fuckin' cockroach!" Goku turned around heatedly after balancing himself. "Who're you're callin' an embarrassment! Your face is an embarrassment!"
"My face?!" Gojyo scowled, getting angry. "My face?! Why, you bratty little shit! ," Gojyo was deflecting Goku's little mock punches easily. "Chicks would kill to kiss this face, mmkay," he retorted to the teen.
"Ech', who wants to kiss a pervert face like yours, you slimy pervy water sprite cockroach!"
Townspeople had started gather and point and ooh and ahhh at their green iron jeep, for the sight of vehicles are most definitely are a rare sight here.
Sanzo let out an exasperated sigh and buried his face in one hand, letting his blonde hair fall over his face, as the bickering continued in the backseat. "What? No paper fan?" Hakkai laughed rang like tinkling bells in air as they rolled on.
A little while later
"Who was it that said there were plenty of rooms to spare?" Sanzo snarled a dooming look at at Hakkai.
"Heh heh heh...my bad..." Hakkai looked a little flustered as the fourth inn they went to were fully booked and was informed by the lady that all the inns in town are packed to the brim for the next three days.
"I'm very sorry for the inconvenience. You see, what with the festival tonight, travelers from all across the land has gathered for our full moon celebration." the clerk behind the desk smiled apologetically.
Sanzo looked thunderous next to the slightly nervous Hakkai.
"Aww man.. i don't wanna sleep outside tonight. I wanna see the festival too, Sanzo," a disappointed Goku muttered with a droopy face.
"There is however another establishment, but the price might be a little fetching," the lady clerk started.
"Price is not a problem to us," Sanzo quickly declared. In moments like these, he was more than happy to abuse the gold Annex holly card that he was entrusted with.
"Well if that is the case, i'll point you to the direction of the the place," she offered.
"That would be helpful, thank you," Sanzo replied stately and started for the door, followed by the other two and stepped outside where the jeep was parked, a smoking Gojyo and a still-asleep-Ayane still on his lap.
"You just follow this road and make a left up ahead then you will come to see a turning to the right, it's a rather small path but it leads to the hotel," the short stoutly lady pointed off in the distance.
"Thank you, we appreciate the help," Hakkai bowed slightly and went back in the jeep.
"Yes! I cant wait to see this festival tonight! I bet ya' there's gonna be all kinds of food!" Goku jumped easily onto the back of the jeep.
"Change the record, monkey," Sanzo snapped at his mention of food again.
"Nnngh? Festival?" Gojyo lazily turned to his younger companion.
"A full moon festival apparently," Hakkai started the engine.
"Alright! Booze on Master Sanzo tonight!" Gojyo grinned as he inhaled his cigarette and let out the smoke into the air. Gojyo noticed the banners that were strewn above them in a mixture of colors which explained the lively activity of this town.
"Like hell i will," Sanzo grumbled.
"Ooo can we have Shabu Shabu tonight?" Goku pipe up when the jeep passed by a *Shabu Shabu restaurant.
"Oh c'mon, ya' broody monk, I know that when it comes to drinks, ya' cant refuse," Gojyo laughed slightly. "It's the one thing we can agree on." He gave a little teasing wink at the blonde man in the passenger seat, which made Sanzo's trigger finger twitch dangerously.
"I suppose it is about time, we let loose a little, don't you agree, Sanzo? Some fine Sake and wine wouldn't be too bad, eh? I'd even say we deserve the spoils once in a while, haha," Hakkai chimed in, looking a lot lighter than he has in days.
"Ooo, what about that one?" He pointed at a bbq restaurant. "Sanzo, can we have *Yakiniku, i want some meat grillin', pleeeasse!" Goku was whining when they reached the turn to the right that heads up to the inn. unlike the scene they left before, It was a small dusty barren path that reached far into up a little hill.
"Are ya' sure this was the way, Hakkai," Sanzo asked looking skeptical, blatantly ignoring Goku begging for more food.
"I'm most definitely sure. There are no other right turnings and if we headed straight on, it's just the towns' neighborhood," Hakkai looked a bit quizzical but pushed the jeep on over the small hill.
But then suddenly, their eyes were greeted by a most spectacular view that stretched before their eyes. It was lavish alright. A large compound that was situated within its own stone wall gates that rose high and decorated ornately to welcome the rich. Inside was a traditional Chinese mansion design with sweeping curvature roofs with green dragons statue adorning the tops of every one, high vertical columns and a big lake can be seen even from the outside with a octagonal gazebo structure in the middle of it with an adjoining bridge that led back into the mansion. Cranes can be seen serenely flocked along the side of rich flower and aquatic plants in the lake. It was so majestic and fit for even kings.
"Oh, fuck me hard, i think we've hit jack pot,guys" Gojyo snickered in the back. Goku's mouth hung open in amazement.
"The *Sanbutsushin is gonna have a field day on this," Gojyo laughed hard, slamming his hand onto the side of the jeep to which Harkruyu protested with a high chirp.
"Who cares, it's not my money," Sanzo replied coolly as he lit a cigarette.
"If Sanzo agrees," Hakkai had a devious smile on his face as they neared the compound's gates. "Who am i to decline."
"We're stayin' here?" Goku awed and wide eyed as they started to get out of the jeep. Food temporarily forgotten. "Whoah...Sanzo, it is really nice! Is it really ok if we stay here?"
"Yeah, i don't see why the hell not," Sanzo replied gruffly.
Hakkai noticed as he stepped out that Gojyo had his head lowered to Ayane's, his red hair fell and shielded his face as he whispered something to her.
Somehow that made Hakkai's heart a little worried. He felt the same pang he did the night in other town. But he decided to focus his eyes on the large decorated wooden gate infront of them instead.
Within minutes, Gojyo had successfully risen the sleeping girl and was helping her down from the jeep. She still looked a bit dazed but steady as Gojyo supported her to the main gate.
"Oh hey, Miss Ayane, you're awake now. Man, you sleep a lot," Goku uttered tactlessly with a wide smile.
"Goku!" Hakkai snapped gently. "It's okay, we understand."
"Ch' " Sanzo snorted bitterly but said nothing as he puffed on his smokes.
"So how do we get in to this place, i need a shower," Sanzo gazed at the heavy set carved wooden door that towered before them.
"Helllooooo?" Goku cried loudly.
"Goku, i highly doubt that whoever runs this place can hear us from here," Hakkai stated with a small laugh.
"Let's just camp out, I'm getting tired of waitin', " the impatient monk started to head back towards the jeep.
"How about that thing-a-ma-jig in the corner there,"Gojyo piped up.
"It seems to be a bell, try pulling on it," Ayane soft voice spoke, Hakkai's eyes followed where Gojyo was pointing, and there it was, a golden medium sized bell was hidden behind a large leaf of the plant infront of it. Hakkai went up to it and pulled on the slightly weathered looking string attached to it. It clanged loud and deep. And within two minutes the thick heavy doors started to groan, opening inwards revealing the garden path that led up to the steps to the oriental luxury mansion.
"Hey cool!" Goku exclaimed as he darted into it. "I bet ya' the food here must be out of this world!"
"Is that all ya' ever think about, monkey? Food?" Gojyo, still holding on to Ayane called out after the running figure of Goku. Sanzo rolled his eyes and followed Hakkai in.
"Nice place isn't it, Sanzo," Hakkai said to blonde priest next to him as he admired the rich greenery and flowers and birds that surrounded the area and to his left in distance the view of the lake was clearly visible, it was as if they had strolled onto a chinese masterful painting. It was breathtaking. He also noticed two men were now starting to close the doors behind them, that explained why they had to ring a loud bell, the compound was so big, it made more sense than to stand guard there all the time. Especially now that it was almost the end of spring.
"Don't come across fancy digs like this often," Sanzo agreed sullenly, noting its excellence, it could have rivaled the temple in Chang'an, better even. "No doubt the money comes from the exports and travelers that come through to here. A town like this should be susceptible to demonic attacks."
"I'm sure they have their measures, otherwise it wont thrive as well as it did."
As they went up the steps that led inside the resort, Hakkai paused to glance over his shoulders to see if Gojyo needed any help with Ayane but from what he saw, a feeling told him to let them alone for now and so he he did, instead he held his arm out to the little white dragon that was flying his way. Hakruyu perched on Hakkai's shoulder and it greeted him by rubbing its' face on his master's and letting out an affectionate chirp, Hakkai returned the gesture with long stroke down his neck as they followed Sanzo and Goku.
Gojyo had his head low to Ayane's, his left hand supported her weight by her waist while his right hand was in pocket. His head hung low to hers and it looked like they were exchanging a low, almost whispered, but heated conversation.
Sanzo noticed this as well, from the corner of his eyes but decided not too care, though he had uneasy feeling about this.
Once they were inside, they were greeted with marble floors and decorated expensive vases with lots flowers blooming richly atop of it and bonzai trees on pedestials. Ornate carvings ran across the beams above on the high ceilings.
"Welcome, guests!" A man in a floral patterned silk kimono greeted them, bowing respectfully. "We are honored to have been chanced a visit by a great Sanzo priest! We have heard stories of your travels." the man bowed once Sanzo approached him, noting Sanzo's attire which bears the traditional Sanzo priest uniform with his Maten sutra draped over each shoulder and his small red chakra on his forehead, a true sign and heir to a Sanzo tittle. Sanzo's face indifferent as he muttered an automated thank you.
"We need five rooms for the night," Sanzo stated without looking at the man.
"I would be most glad to give them to you, Master Sanzo, But," Sanzo's hopes and every one else fell slightly at what the man was about to say. "..but I'm afraid i only have two rooms available. My deep apologies, Master Sanzo," he bowed again. "This town is well known for their Full Moon celebration and we have dignified guests that has traveled far to this humble resort."
"Hey, we came pretty damn far too, y'know," Goku piped up, irritated. Hakkai placed his hand on Goku's shoulder, quieting him as he smiled a dashingly charming smile. "We appreciate your apology, sir, we understand your policy and i do hate to have you to ask your guests to cancel their stay but, i assure you, we are looking to only find shelter for one night as we set on our journey west tomorrow. Since this is the first inn we have stumbled on," Hakkai lied expertly. "I am sure we can use our gold Annex card at the other inns in town." Hakkai, the ever smooth negotiator stated coolly with a cunning smile.
"G-gold Annex card, you say?" the man stuttered a little as Sanzo held up the glinting gold card in two fingers while his gaze was focused out onto the terrace that led out onto to the lake. "One moment, if you will, Master Sanzo," the man bowed and excused himself. "I will return swiftly."
"Master Sanzo, here, don't like to be kept waiting," Gojyo sneered wickedly to the man, the silver eyed girl on his arm watching all this tentatively.
"Yeah, and Master Sanzo's pretty hungry as well," Goku added with the same devilish grin.
"Yes, sirs," the man repeatedly bowed as he moved nervously but hastily away to disappear behind a concealed door behind the large concierge welcoming desk.
"Hahahaha, nice one Hakkai!" Goku exclaimed slapping Hakkai on the back. "We've got 'im this time."
"No one could ever say no to Master Sanzo-houshisama, eh?" Gojyo teased in a sing song voice that he reserved just for irking Sanzo.
"Or rather, they can't say no to the Gold Annex card," Hakkai corrected coyly.
"I don't know what you're all so happy about, we still don't know if we we're gettin' five rooms," Sanzo, being Sanzo let his cigarette drop to the marble floor and crushed it with his boot with a disapproving look from Hakkai.
"Oh shit, yeah," Goku's voice fell. "..but..but i'm hungry, what are we gonna do if we don't get rooms," he whined, looking very worried as though he was going to die if he didn't get his meal.
"The hell if I know. I'm taking mine and the girl can take the other." Sanzo stated, one eye closed whilst picking his ear.
"And what about us then, hey?" Gojyo snapped angrily.
"Y'all can sleep outside for all I care," Sanzo said as he examined his fingernails now, ignoring Gojyo's angry curses and insults which included the usual lines of 'cheapskate tight ass, stinkin' monk' and so on.
Just as Hakkai was about to calm Gojyo down, the man in the Kimono has returned. Everyone paused to look at him. "Master Sanzo," he bowed deeply.
"Yeah, yeah, get it over with already," Sanzo said getting impatient.
"Yes sir, We have managed to acquire three rooms, your greatness, I am afraid this is the best that we can offer. But to show you our deep regrets, we are offering you one of the grand suites and it will be free of charge and we will prepare you a grand dinner as our offer of regret. Please i hope you will be able to accept our generous offer," the man bowed deeply.
A little sneer pulled the corner of Sanzo's lips, "We'll take it," he handed the man the gold card and he took it gingerly with both hands. "Oh how delightful, thank you Master Sanzo, thank you, we hope you will enjoy your stay. We have a hot spring in the back of our resort as well, any assistance please do not hesitate to call me," he bowed again. "Renna here, will show you gentlemen and lady to your rooms."
Goku had a wide grin on his face and as he passed the man in the kimono he stuck his tongue out at him. Hakkai was feeling very victorious in his negotiation, it may not be five rooms but three were more than enough. Anything is better than camping out.
"Check out that guy, 'Thank you Master Sanzo, please do not hesitate to call me, Master Sanzo, o' your great and holly one'," Goyjo mock imitated the guy in a comical way and threw his head back and laughed hard.
"Yeah! He bowed so low his nose practically touched the ground! You know what that means, don' cha' "Goku snickered and even Hakkai was having a hard time hiding his giggles behind his hand, his eyes smiling with his laughter as the three men said in unison with a straight face, "He doesn't know you very well." Then they all burst out laughing again, Ayane was trying to hide a little smile that she, despite herself, cant help forming.
If that affected their blonde priest, it didn't show, as Sanzo walked on ahead as if he had heard nothing.
"Well, you can't deny the perks that comes with Sanzo's title, so maybe we shouldn't be so brash," the ever cool headed and considerate Hakkai said with a smile and a finger up.
Moments later Sanzo spoke. "I'm taking the suite," he declared simply.
"Why you-," Gojyo started angrily. "Why the hell should you get the nicest room, ya' stinkin' bastard!" Gojyo snapped at Sanzo's back.
"I'm payin' for it," came Sanzo's bored reply.
"That room's free ya', half wit, and yer not payin' for shit, the three floatin' heads are," Gojyo angrily replied. "If anyone should get that room, it should be Hakkai. Since he got us that extra bit!"
"It's quite alright, Gojyo, i don't mind anything," Hakkai laughed politely. "Although i must say that hot spring does sound very appealing," he smiled earnestly, whilst petting Hakruyu and even Sanzo nodded in agreement.
"Man, what about that grand dinner?" Goku joined, eyes shimmering with joy. "I bet its going to be beautiful," Goku sighed with both his hands clasped under his chin in pure joy.
Gojyo rolled his eyes at Goku. "Hey! Don't roll your eyes at me, you pervert! All you do is hit on every girl you see," Goku started. But when Hakkai heard this, it made him remember that as Gojyo passed the girl that was showing their rooms, he hardly even blinked her way, much less glanced at her and somehow that worried Hakkai even more.
"You're just jealous 'cause i've got game," Gojyo flashed one his devilish striking smile at Goku which made the boy even more mad. Ayane rolled her eyes and slightly shook her head from somewhere near Gojyo's chest as she was caught literally in the middle of two bickering men.
"Ya' lechy pervert! Pervert pervert pervert!" Goku cried.
"Oii, stop callin' me that, people are startin' to look at me funny, now quit it, ya' stupid monkey!" Gojyo tried to hit Goku with his free hand but struggled a little since he was propping up Ayane.
"That's cause you're a-" a whack on the head was delivered by Sanzo on Goku's face then the fan proceeded to hit the side of Gojyo's head, the side farthest away from the girl on his arms. Goyjo stumbled a little whilst rubbing his mane of wine colored hair.
"Behave yourselves, idiots! Or the two of you are sleeping outside! And that means no dinner for you, ya' stupid damn monkey!" Sanzo snapped and stormed back to the front of the line. Hakkai sighed a little and apologized to shocked Renna, the girl that was leading them.
"Ok, ok, I'll behave. I'm sorry Sanzo, i'll behave just pleeaease don't take dinner away," Goku was by Sanzo's side now, eyes wide trying to reign in a little sympathy.
"Just shut up," the monk sighed.
"Sorry," Gojyo muttered softly to Ayane with a little sheepish smile."You okay?"
"Yeah. I think i'm starting to get used to it," she returned the smile and gripped a little tighter onto the back of Gojyo's brown leather jacket and Gojyo slightly tightened the arm around her waist, a big smile on his face.
They finally reached the suite's room, it was a large room, almost as large as a small house. Now that they thought about it, one room would've been more than enough. "Any assholes that disturb me and I put a bullet in their head," Sanzo lit a cigarette and stepped inside, Goku followed him, whining about wanting to share.
The girl gestured for the other three to follow her, and they did. Their rooms were led down the end of the corridor and turned to the left onto another long open corridor that overlooked the serene lake. "We may not have the biggest room, but," Gojyo whistled, "Check out this view. Totally worth it just for this, eh, Hakkai?" Gojyo commented with a glance at his green eyed friend.
"Indeed. It is breathtaking isn't it, feels so different from what we are used to," he smiled at Gojyo, referring to the small teeny tiny house that they used share back in the very far east now before they set out on this journey. Hakruyu was happy as well, as he flew to air and flew far into the lake, skimming the surface and flying around willow and sakura trees then coming back to Hakkai, chirping excitedly.
"Yeah," Gojyo muttered and stared out onto the scenery, understanding exactly what Hakkai meant.
"Well these two rooms are available for you all, please enjoy your stay and visit," the girl, Renna bowed deeply and started to away after Hakkai thanked her.
The three of them stood there for a moment.
"Well, shall we take this one then, Gojyo?" Hakkai gestured to the door on the left.
Gojyo exchanged a look with Ayane and uttered an uncertain, "Yeah, sure, whatever, man. I'll, uhm just, drop Ayane in her room and then i'll check in with ya'," Gojyo waved Hakkai off first with a smile.
Somehow Hakkai had a feeling that Gojyo won't be spending the night in their room at all. But Hakkai cleared his mind, determined to unwind for the festival tonight.
Athor's Note; *Shabu Shabu is a type of japanese hot pot dish cooked on the table where meat and veggies is boiled in water mixed with soya sauce and sugar. *Yakiniku is a japanese type bbq of eatery place where you grill your own portions of meat on a grill in the middle of the table over coals or electrical griddles. And *Sake is japanese rice wine, pronounced 'sah-kay'. *Sanbutsushin is the 'Three Buddha Aspect" that appointed Sanzo to the mission to go west and they were ones responsible for all the expenses by giving Sanzo the holly Gold Annex card. They are literally three giant floating heads, they are gods in heaven but only the image of their heads are projected to earth.
Hope this helps. Next chapter coming up. Drama between Gojyo and Ayane ensues... heh heh. Stay tuned and thanks for readin'