Chapter 3: Info on the location of the Red-Bean Cake (before it got eaten): Tsuminonai Temple
Gojyo walked through the darker side of the town, looking for a good bar where stupid idiots would take a risk of gambling all their money.
"Maa, I need a good card game to get my mind off this--this body!" Gojyo mumbled miserably. "...cheating always helped me concentrate---"
"Hey, honey!!" someone called to Gojyo from behind.
Gojyo's eyebrow twitched angrily.
/First I get called 'missy' then 'sweetie' then 'cutie' and NOW I get called 'HONEY'/ Gojyo thought. /These guys are gonna get it and gonna get it good!/
"That's it! I'm sick and tired of bein' called cutsy names by you jackass guys with bad pick-up lines! You're all gonna get it!!" Gojyo spun around and instead of seeing a FEW guys, he saw several guys...at least 10 to 13 people.
"Shimatta..." Gojyo gulped and cursed. Usually, he would be thrilled to fight...but...'he' was a WOMAN now and he didn't know how strong his powers were...crap crap crap crap crap.
"Hey, Genjarou-sama, she seems fiesty." one of the guys murmured with a smirk.
Genjarou, the handsome leader with dark blue hair and deep red eyes, looked at the crimson-haired woman closely.
'She' was a very attractive woman...long red hair that reached her waist, sensual crimson eyes, a slender figure and a great tanned complexion.
"It's rude to stare, friend." Gojyo said through 'his' clenched teeth.
"Gomen, but you're quite an eye-catcher, Miss...?" Genjarou attempted to get this 'lady's' name.
"The name's Gojyo---and I'm not really a woman!!" Gojyo snapped.
"Gojyo?" Genjarou looked thoughtful and arched his eyebrow. "...strange name for a woman..."
"I AM NOT A WOMAN!!" was the very loud and very sharp reply.
"...are you a cross-dresser then?" one of the other guys blinked.
A stress mark popped on Gojyo's head, "NO!! HELL NO!!"
/I don't care how strong this woman's body is! I bet I'm still strong than THESE dumbass guys!/ Gojyo thought.
"I'm gonna kick your asses!" Gojyo growled, the setting sun highlighted Gojyo's crimson eyes and hair. "You're gonna pay for bothering the wrong---"
"--lovely lady." Genjarou finished with a mocking smirk.
"I am NOT a lady!!" Gojyo snapped, curling 'his' hands into fists. "I am Sha Gojyo. What's your name, friend?" Gojyo cracked 'his' fists.
"I am Masujou Genjarou," Genjarou introduced. "Leader of the Flying Falcons."
"Naming your gang after food---heh, you guys are going to be roasted by the time I'm done with you all!" Gojyo ran forward.
Goku looked at the ground, trying to block out all the wonderful food scents.
"This sucks," Goku mumbled. "When can we go to the temple and kick the youkai's ass, Sanzo?"
Sanzo, who_ was_ walking beside him had disappeared...
"Sanzo?" Goku looked around. He saw Sanzo talking to a lady, who was selling spring rolls. "Spring rolls..." Goku slightly drooled.
Goku numbly walked forward, trying desperately to ignore the food.
"---such a horrible sight. None of them were found, but it's for certain that they were killed!" the plump woman said.
"All of them?" Sanzo asked.
"Well, yes. That's why no one goes near the Tsuminonai Temple anymore," the plump woman replied. "No one."
"Nani?" Goku looked at Sanzo and the woman.
Sanzo nodded at the woman in thanks and walked off. Goku trailed after Sanzo.
"Ne, Sanzo," Goku said. "What's wrong? What was she talking about? Huh? Huh? Huh?"
"Urusai! I'll explain in a moment, baka!!!!" Sanzo slapped him with his iron-like paper fan.
Goku rubbed his head, "Those hits are getting TOO frequent now, Sanzoooo!"
"The temple where you got that damn red-bean cake was raided by a youkai a few days ago," Sanzo replied in his usual irritable voice. "The Tsuminonai Temple is now 'a place for those who want to die'."
"...but...there were monks..they were still alive when I was there!! ...they---" Goku started.
"Urusai. Let me explain," Sanzo said, glaring. "The temple was raided by a youkai, but the monks were not killed. Instead, they are possessed. All of them."
"The monks? Possessed? A-all of them?" Goku's eyes widened. The monks looked so normal...so happy...but it was all...fake...
"Hai. A youkai is using them--the demon made the monks kill the hunters who had came to pray for a successful hunt." Sanzo said.
"But...I didn't...I didn't smell any blood of any humans when I was there! Are you sure the possessed monks killed other people?" Goku asked, shocked by such news.
"The youkai probably made the monks eat the hunters' bodies," Sanzo said. "that is why there is no trace of blood."
Goku's face paled and blanched as he imagined holy human monks gouging themselves on other human bodies as food...
"No way...No way! Why didn't the youkai eat the humans himself?" Goku asked.
"This youkai seems familiar to me...I heard about that demon before." Sanzo said, looking up at the dusk sky.
He continued, "This youkai uses psychological warfare, most likely. So when the monks are no longer possessed, they will realize that they had committed cannibalism--the act of eating a fellow human being--and the monks will kill themselves because of deep self-hatred."
"Psychological warfare?! How does the youkai benefit from that??!" Goku asked, outraged that such a twisted-minded youkai was alive.
"The youkai I heard of was called Akusai-Janen... A high-classed demon, probably. A youkai genius for evil with a wicked, twisted sense of humor," Sanzo said with a tight, bitter smirk. "I think you'll enjoy killing this one, Goku."
Goku nodded with a confident smirk, "Yeah!!" suddenly his stomach growled loudly. "Sanzoooo...let's kill Aku--um, whatever his name is--noooow...I'm starving." tear-streams sprung from his eyes.
Sanzo sighed, "Baka-saru."
"I wish I didn't eat that red-bean cake---but, Sanzo, I have a question..." Goku mumured.
"What is it?" Sanzo asked.
"If this youkai guy is so evil...then why did he give me the red-bean cake? And why did he let all these good things happen?" Goku asked as he lifted the sleeping Tori-chan to his eye level. Tori-chan was sleeping peacefully on Goku's palm.
Sanzo looked at Goku staring at Tori-chan with such happiness in his gold eyes.
"This red-bean cake took away my taste for food---but it gave me back Tori-chan at least." Goku remarked, smiling at Tori-chan.
/That's what I find so...unusual.../ Sanzo thought.
/These 'miracles' take something away, but give something back...Hakuryuu lost his powers, but is human. Hakkai is with Kanan again...but what did he lose? And Gojyo...he lost his identity of being a man, but what did he gain?/
"Ne, Sanzo!" Goku made Sanzo snap out of thought.
"What?" he asked irritably.
"Do you think we're in trouble for eating the cake?" Goku asked.
"A YOUKAI gave you that red-bean cake," Sanzo remarked simply. "...Of course, you're all screwed."
"So much for comfort..." Goku grumbled.
Suddenly the small hairs on the back of Sanzo's neck raised up, sending a chill down his back.
Sanzo spun around, seeing no one but villagers...
"...ne, Sanzo...what's wrong?" Goku asked.
/Akusai-Janen...I KNOW there's more about him...I just forgot about it...what else did I hear...?/ Sanzo thought, his lips tightening in thought, his violet eyes narrowing.
Hakkai and Kanan sat next to each other on the bench, Hakuryuu fell asleep on Hakkai, its head resting on Hakkai's lap.
"You were always good with children, Gonou." Kanan murmured, looking at Hakkai fondly, then at Hakuryuu as she softly stroked the dragon-boy's white hair.
"Well, that was the skills needed to be a teacher," Hakkai smiled, remembering his classroom, his students... "Demo...that is in the past now."
Kanan nodded slightly, still looking at Hakuryuu as she stroked his soft white hair. Hakkai looked at her, seeing her calm expression almost made him relive his past before all the tragic memories took place...
"...you know, I always wanted children of my own," Kanan remarked softly. "if I had a daughter, I would have named her Akioku. If I had a son, I would have named him Akikounei."
(Pronunciations: Ak-ee-oh-koo (Akioku) Ak-ee-koh-neh (Akikounei))
"Why those names?" Hakkai asked curiously, noticing that they both contained 'aki' the word for 'autumn'.
Kanan closed her eyes and smiled, "...those names mean 'autumn remembrance' and 'autumn tranquility'," Kanan answered. "...autumn is my favorite time of the year. And during that season, it was the first time I met you." she opened her eyes, gazing at Hakkai lovingly.
"Ah, yes...Hakkai smiled, remembering the first time she had come up to him...
Flashback
Gonou's emerald eyes turned toward the figure that walked up to him. He stopped raking the mutli-colored leaves and looked at her.
"Gonou-san," Kanan smiled. "...it's getting cold, isn't it?"
Gonou passively shrugged and continued to rake the leaves. He was never quite the social type. She just smiled and held out her hand, holding her own dark green scarf toward him.
Gonou stopped and just blinked at her offer.
"...it will be unfortunate if you get a cold or fever," Kanan slightly blushed pink, but managed to keep her calm smile. "so please borrow my scarf. You need it more than I do."
After a moment of awkward silence, Gonou took the scarf.
"...thank you." Gonou said quietly, a streak of pink crossed his cheeks and he instantly lowered his head. He turned away and began to work again.
Kanan simply smiled.
End of Flashback
"There are too many beautiful memories I remember in autumn...and you were always so calm...you made me feel so at ease..." she leaned her head against his shoulder lightly.
Hakkai smiled...those days seemed centuries and centuries ago...of course, that was another life...didn't Cho Gonou die? And wasn't Cho Hakkai reborn?
Since Kanan was alive again...Hakkai began to question himself...
"Gonou," Kanan whispered.
Hakkai looked at her, seeing her whole body tense and her eyes fill with fear.
"What is it? Something the matter?" he asked quickly.
Kanan's eyes widened, staring out into the tall trees of the forest they sat in front of.
Suddenly Hakuryuu snapped up from its sleeping form.
"Hakkai-sama!" Hakuryuu exclaimed.
"Nani? What's the matter with you two?" Hakkai asked, looking into the forest.
Suddenly a sharp, burning pain attacked his ear. He clutched his ear and fell off the bench. He fell to the ground on his knees and let out a surprised yelp when the pain grew more in a split second.
Pain circulating into his head, into his brain. Pain pain pain!!!
"Gonou!!" Kanan exclaimed with full, utter concern, kneeling next to him.
Hakuryuu stood in front of his master, his red eyes slightly glowed with the setting sun.
"Stay away!!" Hakuryuu spread his short arms out, protecting Hakkai with his body.
"Heh heh heh...silly, silly little dragon." a smooth, snake-like voice murmured.
The tree leaves wavered back and forth among the trees.
Hakkai slowly stood up, one eye shut tight from the pain. His vision was blurry and focused in and out. He couldn't see the demon behind the trees...so he'd have to blast the trees out of the way!
"Careful...Haku..ryuu..." Hakkai murmured painfully.
Hakuryuu slowly moved out the way.
Hakkai called upon his powers...gathering it in his hands and---
Shh-zzzz!
Hakkai's ki instantly disappeared.
"...what..happened..?!" Hakkai's eyes widened. The pain was too much for him to bear and he fell to the ground again, clutching his ear.
"Cho Hakkai, I gave you your lover back---I had to take something back in return," explained the voice silkily. "I suggest you don't rely on your powers." the voice laughed, echoing through the leaves.
Hakuryuu scanned the trees, his teeth clenched. How dare this demon laugh at his master!!
Hakkai tried to stand up again.
"Gonou!" Kanan grabbed Hakkai from behind, her slender arms around his waist as she supported him.
"...why...why are...you...doing this? What...do you want?!" Hakkai asked.
"Now...if I tell you that...I won't be interesting as I am now!" the voice laughed.
Suddenly one of Hakkai's youkai limiters popped off. Hakkai's eyes widened, his stomach twisted into a knot.
If he got rid of his youkai limiters as he is now in this pained, vulnerable state...he would lose complete control of himself!
He pulled himself away from Kanan, stepping away from Hakuryuu and her.
/Cho-kun, stop resisting/ the voice thought, mocking the brown-haired youkai. /if you release your limiters, you will be free of this pain!/
/...if I release the limiters.../ Hakkai thought back, images of Kanan and Hakuryuu's bodies torn to shreds passed his mind. /...I'll never forgive myself!!!/
/Heh heh heh...exactly./ the voice said with a delightful hiss.
"...iie!!" Hakkai held onto his ear with both his hands now.
"Stop! Stop it!! Stop it right now!!!" Hakuryuu yelled at the trees.
Hakkai let out a yell of pain, his brain feeling twisted and squeezed...he shut his jaw together, his whole body shaking as he attempted not to yell.
"Gonou..." Kanan's eyes filled with tears, seeing her love in such pain. "...forgive me." she reached forward and grabbed Hakuryuu's dagger from his belt.
"K-Kanan! What are you---?!" Hakuryuu exclaimed but was cut off when Kanan raised the dagger and thrust it downward, striking Hakkai on the back of his neck.
Hakkai felt a dull pain attack him and collaspsed onto the ground...the world turned back in an instant.
"Hakkai-sama!!!!!"
Standing in front of a pile of unconscious, swirly-eyed gangsters, Gojyo patted 'his' hands together, as if wiping off dirt.
"Those guys were nothing!" Gojyo exclaimed, laughing. Gojyo looked at his clenched fists.
/My power...I'm not strong as I used to be when I was a guy, but...I'm so much faster! I'm 10 times faster than I usually am! And my defense has skyrocketted through the roof!/ Gojyo thought. /...this woman's body...it seems to have more advantages than when I was a man.../
Clap...clap...clap...
Gojyo shifted his eyes to the side, looking over 'his' shoulder slightly.
"Well done," Leader Genjarou clapped his hands lazily with a smug smirk. "but don't be celebrating just yet. You still have to face ME."
"Heh," Gojyo spun around, long crimson hair flared behind 'him'. "You're going to be a piece of cake!" a smug smirk played itself on Gojyo's face.
"Oh? Well, let's make a little bet, Gojyo-san," Genjarou said. "if _I_ lose, I'll let you go with all the money I have. Okay?"
"Sure," Gojyo agreed. "I could always use pocket money. Heh. And IF _you_ win, which I doubt you will, what do you want?"
"If _I_ win, YOU have to be my wife."
Gojyo's face faultered and 'he' almost collapsed into the ground.
"WHAT?! ME?! YOUR WIFE?!?!"
"Do you agree? Or are you, heh, too scared and weak to stand against me?" Genjarou asked.
Gojyo narrowed 'his' eyes, "SCARED?! Oh, no, you didn't just say that! WEAK?!!? I don't care if you're human, you're DEAD!" Gojyo stood in a fighting stance. "I accept your dumbass deal! Let's go!"
Genjarou summoned a weapon and a long scythe appeared in his hand. He held the long pole, lightly planting it into the ground. "Where's your weapon?"
Gojyo summoned his shaku jou, 'his' own weapon...but...
"Ack!" the weapon in Gojyo's hands was too heavy and fell to the ground, Gojyo quickly let go, staring at it. "How the hell is it so damn heavy???"
/...since I'm not that strong as a woman---I can't even lift my own weapon?!! THIS SUCKS!/ Gojyo thought, a sweat-drop rolled down his head. "Shimatta."
"DAMN RED-BEAN CAKE! I'M GOING TO GET YOU FOR THIS, BAKA-SARU!!!!!!!" Gojyo yelled.
Goku sneezed, "Achoooo!" he rubbed his nose. "Hmm...must have been the dirt."
"...damn red bean cake?" Genjarou arched his eyebrow. /What kind of chick is she?/
"Yeah, yeah, okay, use your weapon if you want, I'm still gonna kick your little, human ass, let's go!" Gojyo exclaimed, his fists ready to pound.
"Well, just to tell you, I'm not human, but I am human...in a way." Genjarou walked over to pipe against the wall of a building.
"Huh?" Gojyo arched an eyebrow.
Genjarou ripped the pipe out of the wall, water sprayed all over him.
"...I know you need a bath, but you didn't have to take it NOW." Gojyo said.
But...Gojyo's eyes narrowed when Genjarou stepped away from the spraying water...
...Genjarou's hair...
Genjarou's crimson hair and eyes seemed to glow with the setting-sun behind him. Genjarou's dark blue hair...was just dye!
"You're a half-breed..." Gojyo growled. /Crap./
"You are, too, that's why I like ya so much. Just because you're a girl, don't think I'll take it easy on you." Genjarou smirked.
"I'm NOT a female---god, damn it all...why do I even bother?" Gojyo growled, massaging his temples. He was begininng to understand what annoying suffering Sanzo goes through each day...
"You should be pleased to be my bride-to-be, honey." Genjarou smirked, setting himself into a fighting stance, his weapon ready to strike.
"Heh. Sorry if I seem to be less than enthusiastic." Gojyo said sarcastically with a tight smirk.
/I might not be as strong as this guy...but I _should_ be faster...but...I didn't expect him to be half-youkai! How will this body manage?!/ Gojyo thought, glaring at Genjarou.
Suddenly he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up, a cold chill ran down his spine. Gojyo turned around, seeing no one...
"I swore..." Gojyo murmured. He turned back around, seeing the battle had begun without him...
...Genjarou was very close, his scythe gleamed red-orange with the sun...
/Kuso!/ Gojyo cursed as 'his' eyes widened and 'his' teeth clenched together...having no room apart to counterattack, this didn't look too great...
**Author's note: Well, at least, you all know that my little villian is Akusai-Janen---OR IS IT?! Maybe the Red-Bean Cake is manipulating this youkai!!! Mwahahahaha!! .... ....ano... ....
.... ...to be honest, I don't know where this story will lead since all these ideas are poppin' into my head...but I hope you all enjoyed the story so far! ^_^; Please forgive my silliness and wackiness...well, Wacky Dragon is my alias, hence, you have to expect my immaturity. Hehehe!
Thank you for reading and please review!**
Gojyo walked through the darker side of the town, looking for a good bar where stupid idiots would take a risk of gambling all their money.
"Maa, I need a good card game to get my mind off this--this body!" Gojyo mumbled miserably. "...cheating always helped me concentrate---"
"Hey, honey!!" someone called to Gojyo from behind.
Gojyo's eyebrow twitched angrily.
/First I get called 'missy' then 'sweetie' then 'cutie' and NOW I get called 'HONEY'/ Gojyo thought. /These guys are gonna get it and gonna get it good!/
"That's it! I'm sick and tired of bein' called cutsy names by you jackass guys with bad pick-up lines! You're all gonna get it!!" Gojyo spun around and instead of seeing a FEW guys, he saw several guys...at least 10 to 13 people.
"Shimatta..." Gojyo gulped and cursed. Usually, he would be thrilled to fight...but...'he' was a WOMAN now and he didn't know how strong his powers were...crap crap crap crap crap.
"Hey, Genjarou-sama, she seems fiesty." one of the guys murmured with a smirk.
Genjarou, the handsome leader with dark blue hair and deep red eyes, looked at the crimson-haired woman closely.
'She' was a very attractive woman...long red hair that reached her waist, sensual crimson eyes, a slender figure and a great tanned complexion.
"It's rude to stare, friend." Gojyo said through 'his' clenched teeth.
"Gomen, but you're quite an eye-catcher, Miss...?" Genjarou attempted to get this 'lady's' name.
"The name's Gojyo---and I'm not really a woman!!" Gojyo snapped.
"Gojyo?" Genjarou looked thoughtful and arched his eyebrow. "...strange name for a woman..."
"I AM NOT A WOMAN!!" was the very loud and very sharp reply.
"...are you a cross-dresser then?" one of the other guys blinked.
A stress mark popped on Gojyo's head, "NO!! HELL NO!!"
/I don't care how strong this woman's body is! I bet I'm still strong than THESE dumbass guys!/ Gojyo thought.
"I'm gonna kick your asses!" Gojyo growled, the setting sun highlighted Gojyo's crimson eyes and hair. "You're gonna pay for bothering the wrong---"
"--lovely lady." Genjarou finished with a mocking smirk.
"I am NOT a lady!!" Gojyo snapped, curling 'his' hands into fists. "I am Sha Gojyo. What's your name, friend?" Gojyo cracked 'his' fists.
"I am Masujou Genjarou," Genjarou introduced. "Leader of the Flying Falcons."
"Naming your gang after food---heh, you guys are going to be roasted by the time I'm done with you all!" Gojyo ran forward.
Goku looked at the ground, trying to block out all the wonderful food scents.
"This sucks," Goku mumbled. "When can we go to the temple and kick the youkai's ass, Sanzo?"
Sanzo, who_ was_ walking beside him had disappeared...
"Sanzo?" Goku looked around. He saw Sanzo talking to a lady, who was selling spring rolls. "Spring rolls..." Goku slightly drooled.
Goku numbly walked forward, trying desperately to ignore the food.
"---such a horrible sight. None of them were found, but it's for certain that they were killed!" the plump woman said.
"All of them?" Sanzo asked.
"Well, yes. That's why no one goes near the Tsuminonai Temple anymore," the plump woman replied. "No one."
"Nani?" Goku looked at Sanzo and the woman.
Sanzo nodded at the woman in thanks and walked off. Goku trailed after Sanzo.
"Ne, Sanzo," Goku said. "What's wrong? What was she talking about? Huh? Huh? Huh?"
"Urusai! I'll explain in a moment, baka!!!!" Sanzo slapped him with his iron-like paper fan.
Goku rubbed his head, "Those hits are getting TOO frequent now, Sanzoooo!"
"The temple where you got that damn red-bean cake was raided by a youkai a few days ago," Sanzo replied in his usual irritable voice. "The Tsuminonai Temple is now 'a place for those who want to die'."
"...but...there were monks..they were still alive when I was there!! ...they---" Goku started.
"Urusai. Let me explain," Sanzo said, glaring. "The temple was raided by a youkai, but the monks were not killed. Instead, they are possessed. All of them."
"The monks? Possessed? A-all of them?" Goku's eyes widened. The monks looked so normal...so happy...but it was all...fake...
"Hai. A youkai is using them--the demon made the monks kill the hunters who had came to pray for a successful hunt." Sanzo said.
"But...I didn't...I didn't smell any blood of any humans when I was there! Are you sure the possessed monks killed other people?" Goku asked, shocked by such news.
"The youkai probably made the monks eat the hunters' bodies," Sanzo said. "that is why there is no trace of blood."
Goku's face paled and blanched as he imagined holy human monks gouging themselves on other human bodies as food...
"No way...No way! Why didn't the youkai eat the humans himself?" Goku asked.
"This youkai seems familiar to me...I heard about that demon before." Sanzo said, looking up at the dusk sky.
He continued, "This youkai uses psychological warfare, most likely. So when the monks are no longer possessed, they will realize that they had committed cannibalism--the act of eating a fellow human being--and the monks will kill themselves because of deep self-hatred."
"Psychological warfare?! How does the youkai benefit from that??!" Goku asked, outraged that such a twisted-minded youkai was alive.
"The youkai I heard of was called Akusai-Janen... A high-classed demon, probably. A youkai genius for evil with a wicked, twisted sense of humor," Sanzo said with a tight, bitter smirk. "I think you'll enjoy killing this one, Goku."
Goku nodded with a confident smirk, "Yeah!!" suddenly his stomach growled loudly. "Sanzoooo...let's kill Aku--um, whatever his name is--noooow...I'm starving." tear-streams sprung from his eyes.
Sanzo sighed, "Baka-saru."
"I wish I didn't eat that red-bean cake---but, Sanzo, I have a question..." Goku mumured.
"What is it?" Sanzo asked.
"If this youkai guy is so evil...then why did he give me the red-bean cake? And why did he let all these good things happen?" Goku asked as he lifted the sleeping Tori-chan to his eye level. Tori-chan was sleeping peacefully on Goku's palm.
Sanzo looked at Goku staring at Tori-chan with such happiness in his gold eyes.
"This red-bean cake took away my taste for food---but it gave me back Tori-chan at least." Goku remarked, smiling at Tori-chan.
/That's what I find so...unusual.../ Sanzo thought.
/These 'miracles' take something away, but give something back...Hakuryuu lost his powers, but is human. Hakkai is with Kanan again...but what did he lose? And Gojyo...he lost his identity of being a man, but what did he gain?/
"Ne, Sanzo!" Goku made Sanzo snap out of thought.
"What?" he asked irritably.
"Do you think we're in trouble for eating the cake?" Goku asked.
"A YOUKAI gave you that red-bean cake," Sanzo remarked simply. "...Of course, you're all screwed."
"So much for comfort..." Goku grumbled.
Suddenly the small hairs on the back of Sanzo's neck raised up, sending a chill down his back.
Sanzo spun around, seeing no one but villagers...
"...ne, Sanzo...what's wrong?" Goku asked.
/Akusai-Janen...I KNOW there's more about him...I just forgot about it...what else did I hear...?/ Sanzo thought, his lips tightening in thought, his violet eyes narrowing.
Hakkai and Kanan sat next to each other on the bench, Hakuryuu fell asleep on Hakkai, its head resting on Hakkai's lap.
"You were always good with children, Gonou." Kanan murmured, looking at Hakkai fondly, then at Hakuryuu as she softly stroked the dragon-boy's white hair.
"Well, that was the skills needed to be a teacher," Hakkai smiled, remembering his classroom, his students... "Demo...that is in the past now."
Kanan nodded slightly, still looking at Hakuryuu as she stroked his soft white hair. Hakkai looked at her, seeing her calm expression almost made him relive his past before all the tragic memories took place...
"...you know, I always wanted children of my own," Kanan remarked softly. "if I had a daughter, I would have named her Akioku. If I had a son, I would have named him Akikounei."
(Pronunciations: Ak-ee-oh-koo (Akioku) Ak-ee-koh-neh (Akikounei))
"Why those names?" Hakkai asked curiously, noticing that they both contained 'aki' the word for 'autumn'.
Kanan closed her eyes and smiled, "...those names mean 'autumn remembrance' and 'autumn tranquility'," Kanan answered. "...autumn is my favorite time of the year. And during that season, it was the first time I met you." she opened her eyes, gazing at Hakkai lovingly.
"Ah, yes...Hakkai smiled, remembering the first time she had come up to him...
Flashback
Gonou's emerald eyes turned toward the figure that walked up to him. He stopped raking the mutli-colored leaves and looked at her.
"Gonou-san," Kanan smiled. "...it's getting cold, isn't it?"
Gonou passively shrugged and continued to rake the leaves. He was never quite the social type. She just smiled and held out her hand, holding her own dark green scarf toward him.
Gonou stopped and just blinked at her offer.
"...it will be unfortunate if you get a cold or fever," Kanan slightly blushed pink, but managed to keep her calm smile. "so please borrow my scarf. You need it more than I do."
After a moment of awkward silence, Gonou took the scarf.
"...thank you." Gonou said quietly, a streak of pink crossed his cheeks and he instantly lowered his head. He turned away and began to work again.
Kanan simply smiled.
End of Flashback
"There are too many beautiful memories I remember in autumn...and you were always so calm...you made me feel so at ease..." she leaned her head against his shoulder lightly.
Hakkai smiled...those days seemed centuries and centuries ago...of course, that was another life...didn't Cho Gonou die? And wasn't Cho Hakkai reborn?
Since Kanan was alive again...Hakkai began to question himself...
"Gonou," Kanan whispered.
Hakkai looked at her, seeing her whole body tense and her eyes fill with fear.
"What is it? Something the matter?" he asked quickly.
Kanan's eyes widened, staring out into the tall trees of the forest they sat in front of.
Suddenly Hakuryuu snapped up from its sleeping form.
"Hakkai-sama!" Hakuryuu exclaimed.
"Nani? What's the matter with you two?" Hakkai asked, looking into the forest.
Suddenly a sharp, burning pain attacked his ear. He clutched his ear and fell off the bench. He fell to the ground on his knees and let out a surprised yelp when the pain grew more in a split second.
Pain circulating into his head, into his brain. Pain pain pain!!!
"Gonou!!" Kanan exclaimed with full, utter concern, kneeling next to him.
Hakuryuu stood in front of his master, his red eyes slightly glowed with the setting sun.
"Stay away!!" Hakuryuu spread his short arms out, protecting Hakkai with his body.
"Heh heh heh...silly, silly little dragon." a smooth, snake-like voice murmured.
The tree leaves wavered back and forth among the trees.
Hakkai slowly stood up, one eye shut tight from the pain. His vision was blurry and focused in and out. He couldn't see the demon behind the trees...so he'd have to blast the trees out of the way!
"Careful...Haku..ryuu..." Hakkai murmured painfully.
Hakuryuu slowly moved out the way.
Hakkai called upon his powers...gathering it in his hands and---
Shh-zzzz!
Hakkai's ki instantly disappeared.
"...what..happened..?!" Hakkai's eyes widened. The pain was too much for him to bear and he fell to the ground again, clutching his ear.
"Cho Hakkai, I gave you your lover back---I had to take something back in return," explained the voice silkily. "I suggest you don't rely on your powers." the voice laughed, echoing through the leaves.
Hakuryuu scanned the trees, his teeth clenched. How dare this demon laugh at his master!!
Hakkai tried to stand up again.
"Gonou!" Kanan grabbed Hakkai from behind, her slender arms around his waist as she supported him.
"...why...why are...you...doing this? What...do you want?!" Hakkai asked.
"Now...if I tell you that...I won't be interesting as I am now!" the voice laughed.
Suddenly one of Hakkai's youkai limiters popped off. Hakkai's eyes widened, his stomach twisted into a knot.
If he got rid of his youkai limiters as he is now in this pained, vulnerable state...he would lose complete control of himself!
He pulled himself away from Kanan, stepping away from Hakuryuu and her.
/Cho-kun, stop resisting/ the voice thought, mocking the brown-haired youkai. /if you release your limiters, you will be free of this pain!/
/...if I release the limiters.../ Hakkai thought back, images of Kanan and Hakuryuu's bodies torn to shreds passed his mind. /...I'll never forgive myself!!!/
/Heh heh heh...exactly./ the voice said with a delightful hiss.
"...iie!!" Hakkai held onto his ear with both his hands now.
"Stop! Stop it!! Stop it right now!!!" Hakuryuu yelled at the trees.
Hakkai let out a yell of pain, his brain feeling twisted and squeezed...he shut his jaw together, his whole body shaking as he attempted not to yell.
"Gonou..." Kanan's eyes filled with tears, seeing her love in such pain. "...forgive me." she reached forward and grabbed Hakuryuu's dagger from his belt.
"K-Kanan! What are you---?!" Hakuryuu exclaimed but was cut off when Kanan raised the dagger and thrust it downward, striking Hakkai on the back of his neck.
Hakkai felt a dull pain attack him and collaspsed onto the ground...the world turned back in an instant.
"Hakkai-sama!!!!!"
Standing in front of a pile of unconscious, swirly-eyed gangsters, Gojyo patted 'his' hands together, as if wiping off dirt.
"Those guys were nothing!" Gojyo exclaimed, laughing. Gojyo looked at his clenched fists.
/My power...I'm not strong as I used to be when I was a guy, but...I'm so much faster! I'm 10 times faster than I usually am! And my defense has skyrocketted through the roof!/ Gojyo thought. /...this woman's body...it seems to have more advantages than when I was a man.../
Clap...clap...clap...
Gojyo shifted his eyes to the side, looking over 'his' shoulder slightly.
"Well done," Leader Genjarou clapped his hands lazily with a smug smirk. "but don't be celebrating just yet. You still have to face ME."
"Heh," Gojyo spun around, long crimson hair flared behind 'him'. "You're going to be a piece of cake!" a smug smirk played itself on Gojyo's face.
"Oh? Well, let's make a little bet, Gojyo-san," Genjarou said. "if _I_ lose, I'll let you go with all the money I have. Okay?"
"Sure," Gojyo agreed. "I could always use pocket money. Heh. And IF _you_ win, which I doubt you will, what do you want?"
"If _I_ win, YOU have to be my wife."
Gojyo's face faultered and 'he' almost collapsed into the ground.
"WHAT?! ME?! YOUR WIFE?!?!"
"Do you agree? Or are you, heh, too scared and weak to stand against me?" Genjarou asked.
Gojyo narrowed 'his' eyes, "SCARED?! Oh, no, you didn't just say that! WEAK?!!? I don't care if you're human, you're DEAD!" Gojyo stood in a fighting stance. "I accept your dumbass deal! Let's go!"
Genjarou summoned a weapon and a long scythe appeared in his hand. He held the long pole, lightly planting it into the ground. "Where's your weapon?"
Gojyo summoned his shaku jou, 'his' own weapon...but...
"Ack!" the weapon in Gojyo's hands was too heavy and fell to the ground, Gojyo quickly let go, staring at it. "How the hell is it so damn heavy???"
/...since I'm not that strong as a woman---I can't even lift my own weapon?!! THIS SUCKS!/ Gojyo thought, a sweat-drop rolled down his head. "Shimatta."
"DAMN RED-BEAN CAKE! I'M GOING TO GET YOU FOR THIS, BAKA-SARU!!!!!!!" Gojyo yelled.
Goku sneezed, "Achoooo!" he rubbed his nose. "Hmm...must have been the dirt."
"...damn red bean cake?" Genjarou arched his eyebrow. /What kind of chick is she?/
"Yeah, yeah, okay, use your weapon if you want, I'm still gonna kick your little, human ass, let's go!" Gojyo exclaimed, his fists ready to pound.
"Well, just to tell you, I'm not human, but I am human...in a way." Genjarou walked over to pipe against the wall of a building.
"Huh?" Gojyo arched an eyebrow.
Genjarou ripped the pipe out of the wall, water sprayed all over him.
"...I know you need a bath, but you didn't have to take it NOW." Gojyo said.
But...Gojyo's eyes narrowed when Genjarou stepped away from the spraying water...
...Genjarou's hair...
Genjarou's crimson hair and eyes seemed to glow with the setting-sun behind him. Genjarou's dark blue hair...was just dye!
"You're a half-breed..." Gojyo growled. /Crap./
"You are, too, that's why I like ya so much. Just because you're a girl, don't think I'll take it easy on you." Genjarou smirked.
"I'm NOT a female---god, damn it all...why do I even bother?" Gojyo growled, massaging his temples. He was begininng to understand what annoying suffering Sanzo goes through each day...
"You should be pleased to be my bride-to-be, honey." Genjarou smirked, setting himself into a fighting stance, his weapon ready to strike.
"Heh. Sorry if I seem to be less than enthusiastic." Gojyo said sarcastically with a tight smirk.
/I might not be as strong as this guy...but I _should_ be faster...but...I didn't expect him to be half-youkai! How will this body manage?!/ Gojyo thought, glaring at Genjarou.
Suddenly he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up, a cold chill ran down his spine. Gojyo turned around, seeing no one...
"I swore..." Gojyo murmured. He turned back around, seeing the battle had begun without him...
...Genjarou was very close, his scythe gleamed red-orange with the sun...
/Kuso!/ Gojyo cursed as 'his' eyes widened and 'his' teeth clenched together...having no room apart to counterattack, this didn't look too great...
**Author's note: Well, at least, you all know that my little villian is Akusai-Janen---OR IS IT?! Maybe the Red-Bean Cake is manipulating this youkai!!! Mwahahahaha!! .... ....ano... ....
.... ...to be honest, I don't know where this story will lead since all these ideas are poppin' into my head...but I hope you all enjoyed the story so far! ^_^; Please forgive my silliness and wackiness...well, Wacky Dragon is my alias, hence, you have to expect my immaturity. Hehehe!
Thank you for reading and please review!**