~Of Sky and Earth~
Author: Cali-chan! Who has miraculously written the next chapter rather quickly. ^.^*
E-mail: crimson_jaded@yahoo.com or gottabegenki@yahoo.com
Pairings: GojyoxHakkai, SanzoxGoku, KojixIsanagi
Disclaimer: I don't own Gensomaden Saiyuki... some other guy owns 'em. Lucky bastard. But I -do- own Koji and Isanagi. Which make me a lucky bitch. I think.
WARNINGS: As obvious by the pairings above, this is a shonen ai fic. No graphic sex or anything, just subtle hints so your innocence is safe. But still, if you don't like the idea of two gorgeous boys together this isn't the fic for you. ^.~
Chapter 5: ~*~Where the fine line of friendship in drawn~*~
The head monk, Shiroku, was an aged and rather well mannered man. He had earned his place due to his quick wit and undying faith to the Gods, not to mention insatiable charm. Despite his rather weak frame he stood and bowed to acknowledge Sanzou's rank.
"It warms my heart to have met you before I died Sanzou-sama." Shiroku's wrinkly face lit up with a smile. "And I am honored to be able to help you in your most important endeavor."
He turned and caught site of Koji and the other three, eyes lingering on the rest of the Sanzou party. "Youkai, Sanzou-san?" The aged monk scratched his beard. "If they were brought in by you than I have no reason to fear them do I? Please take your seats."
"I trust." He continued as everyone got comfortable. "That these things will be carried out swiftly and without delay?"
Koji nodded. "You can count on it Shiroku-sama. We wish destroy High General Kouchiro at the soonest time possible."
"We may do it now if you wish." Sanzou added.
The old man's clever eyes took in their travel worn state. "Are you sure you are up to it? You all seem tired and I heard one of your friends is unconscious. Surely you want to wait till he awakens."
Sanzou rarely respected others, his standards being rather high, but Shiroku seemed worthy of it. The man thought with his mind and heart equally, a trait he envied. "Perhaps you are right. We will wait till morning."
Goku fidgeted where he sat. "I'm hungry,"
"Of course you are. Poor little monkey only ate a 1 pound of beef breakfast and Isanagi's and Hakkai's share too!" Gojyo put on a fake sympathetic look. "How will you keep your piggy figure?"
"I'm not fat you ero kappa!"
Hakkai tried to pacify them. "Maa maa. That's enough." ^_^
Shiroku burst out into laughter. "What a wild bunch of youngsters you have on your hands Sanzou! I don't pity your job one bit."
Goku and Gojyo looked put out at being called 'youngsters', even more so when Sanzou nodded and agreed. "I try to keep them in line."
"Shiroku-sama! Shiroku-sama!" A young student suddenly burst into the room, tears falling from his wide frightened eyes. The aged monk held out his arms and the child dove into it, clutching his robes as he sobbed. Sanzou looked away, the image bringing back unwanted memories.
"Shiroku-sama!" The boy sobbed. "It's terrible!"
Shiroku rubbed soothing circles on the child's back. "What is it Toru?"
"F-five of them! Five youkai are breaking into the forbidden chambers! They injured everyone!" He rubbed his eyes. "Hiro-san told me to run and tell you!"
Shiroku turned to gaze at the Sanzou party and Koji. "I am too old to help them. Please, Sanzou-sama. Can you-"
"Ya don't even have to ask!" Goku interrupted, hefting his staff.
"We'll help even if you asked us or not." Gojyo smirked. "Cuz we're the cool good guys."
"You not cool! Your a hentai!"
"I dare you to say that again stupid monkey!"
Hakkai reached out and pinched both their ears and proceeded to drag them out the door. "Let's go now before those youkai hurt any others."
Sanzou loaded his gun and headed out after them, a troubled Koji behind him.
~*~*~*
The large cavern-like room was dim, the only source of light coming from a pulsating blue glow. It emanated from the large liquid bubble at top of the curving roof, surrounded by wards of various kinds and strengths. Upon nearing it, Kougaji's party could see a young man at the center, his fiery red hair starkly contrasting to the blue surrounding him.
"That's what they sealed him in? It looks like Jell-O for crying out loud! How can he -not- escape from there?! I'd just swim out!"
"It's not that easy Lirin. That watery substance merely preserves his body. It is that blue stone at the base that keeps him trapped in his mind." Yaone explained.
"I'm surprise they didn't just kill him instead of sealing him." Jein held Isanagi tight by the arm. It wasn't that they feared the youth would try to escape. It was just in case the Sanzou party came in and tried to grab him.
"They couldn't kill him. Sealing was the best they could do since his body would just keep healing when hurt." Kougaji took a step forward and looked up to catch sight of the sealing stone. It was high above, imbedded next to the sleeping general. "Only an elemental youkai can kill another. That means either Isanagi or Goku."
Lirin bounced over to his side. "Let's wake him up now! Before those party poopers come here!"
"We are here!"
The entire Sanzou party plus Koji appeared.
"Let the chibi go!" Gojyo swung his weapon threateningly, nearly severing Goku's head The gold eyed boy was furious, but not as angry as Sanzou was.
"Stop swinging that thing around when we're in a small room you goddamn youkai!! You'll end up killing us as well!"
Jien groaned in frustration. "Gojyo..." Hakkai shared his pained expression. The person both of them loved could be an idiot at times.
Kougaji tightened his grip on the orb in his hands and turned to Isanagi. "Destroy the seal."
Isanagi nodded, and as Jein released him, flew up to where his fellow High General was kept. His pale hands hovered of the seal, power gathering on his little fingers.
"Nagi! Don't!" Goku shouted. His friend didn't appear to hear and started to hammer at the stone with the energy gathered in his fingertips.
Sanzou turned to Koji, an anger on his face. "You said we could trust him!"
"We could. I just didn't say whether you could trust me."
Sanzou's eyes widened as he realized the meaning in the other monk's words. "What have you done..."
"Isanagi's under their complete control, as we planned from the beginning. That orb Kougaji's holding will keep him there." Koji's expression was deadly calm, hiding the intense pain he felt so well that even Sanzou's sharp eye didn't see it. "Destroy it and you'll destroy their control."
The blond monk scowled. "Betrayal merits death Koji, I will have to carry out your sentence myself since I am currently in command." His purple eyes looked away. "But I have more important matters to deal with first."
Goku had been listening. "So the orb is doing it huh?" He smirked. "I'll just have to break it then!" He ran, staff ready in his hands.
"I will not permit you to do so!" Yaone moved to intercept, only to have Hakkai stand in front of her, a small smile on his lips.
"Hello Yaone-san. It is us again isn't it?"
"Out of my way Hakkai-san!"
Before Jein could even think of getting in Goku's way Gojyo decided the matter for him, brandishing his weapon as he walked closer. "Hey ~nii-chan~." The red head grinned winningly, earning one in return as well. Jein laughed pleasantly. "Just like old times, huh little bro? Have at ya!" They clashed, the only ones really enjoying the fight.
Goku finally reached Kougaji and swiped his staff at the orb. But the older youkai was a fast and a seasoned fighter, dodging it fluidly and letting Lirin step forward to take his place. He frowned as he moved back, hating to let his sister fight but having no choice in the matter. If the orb shattered they would lose whatever hold they had on Isanagi, which meant losing control over Kouchiro as well.
"I'm -so- going ta kick yer sorry ass so hard Goku!"
"It'll take seconds to whoop yours Lirin! Get outta my way!"
"Say that again monkey boy! Yer asking for it!"
Sanzou tightened his grip on his gun. He watched as Isanagi's powers started to crack the seal, the tips of the boys fingers turning red as the wards burned his soft skin. They didn't have the minutes it would take Goku to get rid of the brat. It was all up to him. Aiming carefully at the orb, Sanzou risked everything on one shot. The sound of the gun being fired startled everyone.
Yaone suddenly leaped in front of it, the bullet lodging itself in her shoulder. Kougaji gave a strangled cry and reached out for her, dropping the orb which proceeded to roll away into the corner.
Above them there was a sound of shattering glass.
Koji fell to his knee's, the image of Isanagi reached out to the other demon within imbedding itself into his mind. "We're too late."
~*~*~*
Kouchiro felt it. The warm familiar aura that tasted of mint and cool breezes. Isanagi was near.
"Move." It was him alright, that sweet lilting voice that brought back memories of the past war. He had been there, at the side of the silver angel. The pale spirit who cried after every battle, covered in the enemies blood. Kouchiro found that he could indeed move, and move he did.
He swam out of the blue liquid around him, the blurry silver figure in front of him spurring him on. He wanted, no -needed- to see the child that eluded him in his dreams. His comrade and secret love.
"Isanagi..." He whispered as he emerged, as the child's arms encircled around him, white wings covering them both. Kouchiro rested his head on the smaller demon's head, frowning slightly. Something was wrong. The Isanagi he knew would never allow this. He would blush and stammer at a mere affectionate word or touch, an innocent shy thing.
Kouchiro closed his eyes and reached out with his senses to search for the problem. He immediately discovered something linking directly to Isanagi's mind, a very small object. He opened his all black eyes and peered to the corner of the room. There, an orb. Another youth was already running towards it.
Kouchiro's heart froze as he realized who it was. /HIM/. Anger burned as he threw himself away from Isanagi's arms and landed on his feet. The demon was merely a red blur as he moved, snatching the orb right as the tips of Goku's finger's touched it.
Kouchiro rolled a few feet away and stood swiftly, black eyes narrowing as he clutched the orb in his dark tanned hands. His unruly spiky hair whipped about him as he snarled, fangs bared. "It's you! Why are you here?" Kouchiro eyes widened and his grip on the orb tightened. "You've come to try to take Isanagi away with you again haven't you? Like you tried to do before!"
Goku tried to hit him with his staff. "What the hell are you talking about?!"
Kouchiro dodged it without much effort, like fire dancing in the breeze. "Stop pretending not to know! You were the one who tempted Nagi into that trap! On the day he was sealed he told me he quit and was going to see you!"
Goku stumbled, memories suddenly flashing before his eyes. He fell to his knee's and clutched his head, the pain causing him to double over.
//An silent battlefield stretched out as far as the small child's eyes could see. The entire city was gone. Not a single building was left standing. Goku felt tears threaten his eyes. So much pain and death.
A lone figure stood right in the center, long silver hair whipping in wind. Goku moved closer, curiosity getting the better of him. Suddenly wind whipped his hair into his eyes, and when he opens them again the stranger is by his side. Goku found that it was only a child. The other's boy's crimson eyes were wide in panicked fear as he pressed a blue blade of ki on his neck.
Goku ignored the weapon, reaching out with hesitant fingers to touch the smaller boys cheeks as he saw the numerous gashes on the pale white skin. "You're hurt."
Red eyes suddenly turn blue as the other boy is caught by surprise. Then the silver haired youth suddenly stumbles and falls, the loss of blood overcoming him. Goku kneels by his side. Then without hesitating picked the small body up.//
Sanzou's heart stopped as Goku started to scream, the high pitched voice filling the entire room. He moved, white robes rippling, as he ran to the boy's side.
// The warm morning sun shone into the small cavern. Two small youkai were snugly fit inside, one sitting up while the other was asleep in a mound of blankets. Goku had been caring for the boy for the days he had been unconscious.
Golden eyes brightened as the child began to stir. One silver lashed eye cracked open, both suddenly widening as they caught sight of the stranger in the room with him. Goku reached out to touch his hair. "Good morning."
The boy flinched at the touch, clutching the blankets around him. "Who are you? Wh-where am I?"
"I'm Goku! This is my house!" A tiny fanged grin brightened his face. "I've been taking care of you for three days already. You were really hurt." This time when Goku tried to touch the boy's cheeks the child didn't flinch away. "What's your name?"
"Isanagi." Blue eyes softened as he reached out to touch the other youkai's fingers on his cheek. "Thank you for taking care of me."
"No problem!" Goku leaped up. "Now that your better, you wanna play?"
Isanagi looked confused. "Play? What do you mean?"
"You know! Tag, hide and seek, leap frog." Isanagi's expression was confused. "... You've never played in your life Nagi?"
"No..."
"Now's a good time to learn!"
"But... I have to get back to my army."
"If your talking about the whole bunch of youkai they're doing fine!" Goku grabbed his hand. "You can do that later! C'mon! Please?"
Blue eyes tilted into a smile. "Okay."//
"Goku!" Sanzou shook the small youth roughly. "Get a hold of yourself!" This time Goku did quiet down, golden eyes vacantly staring off into the distance.
//"Nagi!"
"Nii-chan!" Nagi looked surprised to see him. He had been quietly reading in the forest, taking a break from the hectic army preparation he had been making. He quickly put the large novel away, standing up and dusting the grass stains on his immaculate white pants. "What are you doing here."
"Let's play!"
Goku grinned as Nagi looked pained. "Again? We just played yesterday!"
"I know! But I saw this really cool looking cave nearby! I want to explore it with you."
"Nii-chan, I-"
"ISANAGI!!! Where are you?!"
The two young youkais stiffened. Goku quickly ran and hid nearby, golden eyes peering through the branches as he waited for whomever called Isanagi to appear. He hated that voice, and he hated the one who owned it more.
A young boy, a little older than Nagi and Goku, stepped into the clearing. Long unruly and spiky red hair swished by his waist as he walked closer, his all black eyes narrowing. "Where have you been? You have stuff to do! You know I'm not good with paperwork and brainy stuff so you have to do mine!"
"Gomenasai Kouchiro-san."
The tanned youth sniffed. "Yeah, of course you are. Now c'mon!" As they started to walk away he suddenly grabbed Isanagi's small wrists, putting them to his lips. "Or maybe we can have a little fun here hmmm?" He held the smaller boy close, mouth hovering dangerously near to Nagi's own.
That was all it needed for Goku to burst. In a flurry of quick movement he dashed into the clearing and snatched Isanagi clear out of the other youkai's arms. Then he half-dragged half-carried him out of there, not stopping their swift pace until they reached the field near Goku's home.
"Are you crazy nii-chan?!" Isanagi looked absolutely horrified.
"No. But that Kouchiro guy is." Again he flashed his winning grin. "Now we can play!"
Isanagi suddenly wrapped his thin arms around him., drawing Goku into a hug. "Thank you."
"No problem! I -am- you nii-chan after all."
Then laughing gaily, as only children can, the both of them ran off to the nearby caves.//
Goku's voice was so soft Sanzou had to strain to hear it. "I.. I remember."
Sanzou frowned. "Goku..."
//"Nii-chan..."
"You can stay with me! That way we can play whenever we want! And my best buddy Nataku wants to meet you too!"
Goku watched the boy hesitate, as if frightened to even hope. He quickly pulled his friend into a tight hug, grinning as the smaller boy pressed closer, hungry for affection.
"Get your stuff and come back here tomorrow okay?"
The smile the younger boy gave him then was the brightest he had ever seen. Goku decided he liked to make his friend smile like that.
"Hai."
"Promise?"
"Promise!"
The next day Goku waited. And waited. He waited till the sun set and till it was dark, only leaving when the sun came up again.
Goku learned the next day that the High General Isanagi had been caught and sealed. And in the midst of rejoicing, a single golden eyed boy mourned.//
"Isanagi... I finally remember you." Goku's eyes lifted up to where his friend still hovered in the air, eyes vacant and clearly not registering anything that happened around him. "I remember..."
"Isanagi, come here." Kouchiro ordered, having the winged youkai under control with the orb he held. The silver youth landed lightly on his toes beside him, complaint as the other youkai pulled him close.
Goku pulled away from Sanzou's tight hold and struggled to stand, using his nyoibo to help. The monk watched, violet eyes narrowing as he saw the pain that stained his young friends face. It didn't suit him, this sadness. Goku was meant to always smile.
"Don't touch him Kouchiro!" Goku furious voice echoed off the walls.
"Hoo~o? I won't let you take him away from me again Goku. I'll kill you first." Tiny canine's appeared as the fire youkai smiled cruelly. "And you don't have Nataku to protect you now, do you? And besides, look at what I have." He held up the orb.
"Isanagi will do whatever I tell him too. Even if it means killing you."
~TBC~
Author's Notes:
This fic is evil! Evil I tell you! I was just supposed to kill Kouchiro and end it with a big battle but this story has a life of it's own! Kouchiro fought to remain alive and mess up with Goku's head. ^.^*
Well, next chapter will have -lots- of angst. There's also some KouchiroxIsanagi bits, just a little heavy kissing and nothing graphic. Sanzou faces his affections for Goku and (horrors of horrors) character death! I'm trying to finish it soon so you guys don't get bored with it. ^_~
... and if you didn't figure it out by now Kouchiro's the youkai of fire. ^O^-Wai! I'm sorry for all the original characters.... Kouchiro the last one! I promise! ;_;
Saa, that's all for now! Jaa ne!
~huggles~
Cali-chan
Author: Cali-chan! Who has miraculously written the next chapter rather quickly. ^.^*
E-mail: crimson_jaded@yahoo.com or gottabegenki@yahoo.com
Pairings: GojyoxHakkai, SanzoxGoku, KojixIsanagi
Disclaimer: I don't own Gensomaden Saiyuki... some other guy owns 'em. Lucky bastard. But I -do- own Koji and Isanagi. Which make me a lucky bitch. I think.
WARNINGS: As obvious by the pairings above, this is a shonen ai fic. No graphic sex or anything, just subtle hints so your innocence is safe. But still, if you don't like the idea of two gorgeous boys together this isn't the fic for you. ^.~
Chapter 5: ~*~Where the fine line of friendship in drawn~*~
The head monk, Shiroku, was an aged and rather well mannered man. He had earned his place due to his quick wit and undying faith to the Gods, not to mention insatiable charm. Despite his rather weak frame he stood and bowed to acknowledge Sanzou's rank.
"It warms my heart to have met you before I died Sanzou-sama." Shiroku's wrinkly face lit up with a smile. "And I am honored to be able to help you in your most important endeavor."
He turned and caught site of Koji and the other three, eyes lingering on the rest of the Sanzou party. "Youkai, Sanzou-san?" The aged monk scratched his beard. "If they were brought in by you than I have no reason to fear them do I? Please take your seats."
"I trust." He continued as everyone got comfortable. "That these things will be carried out swiftly and without delay?"
Koji nodded. "You can count on it Shiroku-sama. We wish destroy High General Kouchiro at the soonest time possible."
"We may do it now if you wish." Sanzou added.
The old man's clever eyes took in their travel worn state. "Are you sure you are up to it? You all seem tired and I heard one of your friends is unconscious. Surely you want to wait till he awakens."
Sanzou rarely respected others, his standards being rather high, but Shiroku seemed worthy of it. The man thought with his mind and heart equally, a trait he envied. "Perhaps you are right. We will wait till morning."
Goku fidgeted where he sat. "I'm hungry,"
"Of course you are. Poor little monkey only ate a 1 pound of beef breakfast and Isanagi's and Hakkai's share too!" Gojyo put on a fake sympathetic look. "How will you keep your piggy figure?"
"I'm not fat you ero kappa!"
Hakkai tried to pacify them. "Maa maa. That's enough." ^_^
Shiroku burst out into laughter. "What a wild bunch of youngsters you have on your hands Sanzou! I don't pity your job one bit."
Goku and Gojyo looked put out at being called 'youngsters', even more so when Sanzou nodded and agreed. "I try to keep them in line."
"Shiroku-sama! Shiroku-sama!" A young student suddenly burst into the room, tears falling from his wide frightened eyes. The aged monk held out his arms and the child dove into it, clutching his robes as he sobbed. Sanzou looked away, the image bringing back unwanted memories.
"Shiroku-sama!" The boy sobbed. "It's terrible!"
Shiroku rubbed soothing circles on the child's back. "What is it Toru?"
"F-five of them! Five youkai are breaking into the forbidden chambers! They injured everyone!" He rubbed his eyes. "Hiro-san told me to run and tell you!"
Shiroku turned to gaze at the Sanzou party and Koji. "I am too old to help them. Please, Sanzou-sama. Can you-"
"Ya don't even have to ask!" Goku interrupted, hefting his staff.
"We'll help even if you asked us or not." Gojyo smirked. "Cuz we're the cool good guys."
"You not cool! Your a hentai!"
"I dare you to say that again stupid monkey!"
Hakkai reached out and pinched both their ears and proceeded to drag them out the door. "Let's go now before those youkai hurt any others."
Sanzou loaded his gun and headed out after them, a troubled Koji behind him.
~*~*~*
The large cavern-like room was dim, the only source of light coming from a pulsating blue glow. It emanated from the large liquid bubble at top of the curving roof, surrounded by wards of various kinds and strengths. Upon nearing it, Kougaji's party could see a young man at the center, his fiery red hair starkly contrasting to the blue surrounding him.
"That's what they sealed him in? It looks like Jell-O for crying out loud! How can he -not- escape from there?! I'd just swim out!"
"It's not that easy Lirin. That watery substance merely preserves his body. It is that blue stone at the base that keeps him trapped in his mind." Yaone explained.
"I'm surprise they didn't just kill him instead of sealing him." Jein held Isanagi tight by the arm. It wasn't that they feared the youth would try to escape. It was just in case the Sanzou party came in and tried to grab him.
"They couldn't kill him. Sealing was the best they could do since his body would just keep healing when hurt." Kougaji took a step forward and looked up to catch sight of the sealing stone. It was high above, imbedded next to the sleeping general. "Only an elemental youkai can kill another. That means either Isanagi or Goku."
Lirin bounced over to his side. "Let's wake him up now! Before those party poopers come here!"
"We are here!"
The entire Sanzou party plus Koji appeared.
"Let the chibi go!" Gojyo swung his weapon threateningly, nearly severing Goku's head The gold eyed boy was furious, but not as angry as Sanzou was.
"Stop swinging that thing around when we're in a small room you goddamn youkai!! You'll end up killing us as well!"
Jien groaned in frustration. "Gojyo..." Hakkai shared his pained expression. The person both of them loved could be an idiot at times.
Kougaji tightened his grip on the orb in his hands and turned to Isanagi. "Destroy the seal."
Isanagi nodded, and as Jein released him, flew up to where his fellow High General was kept. His pale hands hovered of the seal, power gathering on his little fingers.
"Nagi! Don't!" Goku shouted. His friend didn't appear to hear and started to hammer at the stone with the energy gathered in his fingertips.
Sanzou turned to Koji, an anger on his face. "You said we could trust him!"
"We could. I just didn't say whether you could trust me."
Sanzou's eyes widened as he realized the meaning in the other monk's words. "What have you done..."
"Isanagi's under their complete control, as we planned from the beginning. That orb Kougaji's holding will keep him there." Koji's expression was deadly calm, hiding the intense pain he felt so well that even Sanzou's sharp eye didn't see it. "Destroy it and you'll destroy their control."
The blond monk scowled. "Betrayal merits death Koji, I will have to carry out your sentence myself since I am currently in command." His purple eyes looked away. "But I have more important matters to deal with first."
Goku had been listening. "So the orb is doing it huh?" He smirked. "I'll just have to break it then!" He ran, staff ready in his hands.
"I will not permit you to do so!" Yaone moved to intercept, only to have Hakkai stand in front of her, a small smile on his lips.
"Hello Yaone-san. It is us again isn't it?"
"Out of my way Hakkai-san!"
Before Jein could even think of getting in Goku's way Gojyo decided the matter for him, brandishing his weapon as he walked closer. "Hey ~nii-chan~." The red head grinned winningly, earning one in return as well. Jein laughed pleasantly. "Just like old times, huh little bro? Have at ya!" They clashed, the only ones really enjoying the fight.
Goku finally reached Kougaji and swiped his staff at the orb. But the older youkai was a fast and a seasoned fighter, dodging it fluidly and letting Lirin step forward to take his place. He frowned as he moved back, hating to let his sister fight but having no choice in the matter. If the orb shattered they would lose whatever hold they had on Isanagi, which meant losing control over Kouchiro as well.
"I'm -so- going ta kick yer sorry ass so hard Goku!"
"It'll take seconds to whoop yours Lirin! Get outta my way!"
"Say that again monkey boy! Yer asking for it!"
Sanzou tightened his grip on his gun. He watched as Isanagi's powers started to crack the seal, the tips of the boys fingers turning red as the wards burned his soft skin. They didn't have the minutes it would take Goku to get rid of the brat. It was all up to him. Aiming carefully at the orb, Sanzou risked everything on one shot. The sound of the gun being fired startled everyone.
Yaone suddenly leaped in front of it, the bullet lodging itself in her shoulder. Kougaji gave a strangled cry and reached out for her, dropping the orb which proceeded to roll away into the corner.
Above them there was a sound of shattering glass.
Koji fell to his knee's, the image of Isanagi reached out to the other demon within imbedding itself into his mind. "We're too late."
~*~*~*
Kouchiro felt it. The warm familiar aura that tasted of mint and cool breezes. Isanagi was near.
"Move." It was him alright, that sweet lilting voice that brought back memories of the past war. He had been there, at the side of the silver angel. The pale spirit who cried after every battle, covered in the enemies blood. Kouchiro found that he could indeed move, and move he did.
He swam out of the blue liquid around him, the blurry silver figure in front of him spurring him on. He wanted, no -needed- to see the child that eluded him in his dreams. His comrade and secret love.
"Isanagi..." He whispered as he emerged, as the child's arms encircled around him, white wings covering them both. Kouchiro rested his head on the smaller demon's head, frowning slightly. Something was wrong. The Isanagi he knew would never allow this. He would blush and stammer at a mere affectionate word or touch, an innocent shy thing.
Kouchiro closed his eyes and reached out with his senses to search for the problem. He immediately discovered something linking directly to Isanagi's mind, a very small object. He opened his all black eyes and peered to the corner of the room. There, an orb. Another youth was already running towards it.
Kouchiro's heart froze as he realized who it was. /HIM/. Anger burned as he threw himself away from Isanagi's arms and landed on his feet. The demon was merely a red blur as he moved, snatching the orb right as the tips of Goku's finger's touched it.
Kouchiro rolled a few feet away and stood swiftly, black eyes narrowing as he clutched the orb in his dark tanned hands. His unruly spiky hair whipped about him as he snarled, fangs bared. "It's you! Why are you here?" Kouchiro eyes widened and his grip on the orb tightened. "You've come to try to take Isanagi away with you again haven't you? Like you tried to do before!"
Goku tried to hit him with his staff. "What the hell are you talking about?!"
Kouchiro dodged it without much effort, like fire dancing in the breeze. "Stop pretending not to know! You were the one who tempted Nagi into that trap! On the day he was sealed he told me he quit and was going to see you!"
Goku stumbled, memories suddenly flashing before his eyes. He fell to his knee's and clutched his head, the pain causing him to double over.
//An silent battlefield stretched out as far as the small child's eyes could see. The entire city was gone. Not a single building was left standing. Goku felt tears threaten his eyes. So much pain and death.
A lone figure stood right in the center, long silver hair whipping in wind. Goku moved closer, curiosity getting the better of him. Suddenly wind whipped his hair into his eyes, and when he opens them again the stranger is by his side. Goku found that it was only a child. The other's boy's crimson eyes were wide in panicked fear as he pressed a blue blade of ki on his neck.
Goku ignored the weapon, reaching out with hesitant fingers to touch the smaller boys cheeks as he saw the numerous gashes on the pale white skin. "You're hurt."
Red eyes suddenly turn blue as the other boy is caught by surprise. Then the silver haired youth suddenly stumbles and falls, the loss of blood overcoming him. Goku kneels by his side. Then without hesitating picked the small body up.//
Sanzou's heart stopped as Goku started to scream, the high pitched voice filling the entire room. He moved, white robes rippling, as he ran to the boy's side.
// The warm morning sun shone into the small cavern. Two small youkai were snugly fit inside, one sitting up while the other was asleep in a mound of blankets. Goku had been caring for the boy for the days he had been unconscious.
Golden eyes brightened as the child began to stir. One silver lashed eye cracked open, both suddenly widening as they caught sight of the stranger in the room with him. Goku reached out to touch his hair. "Good morning."
The boy flinched at the touch, clutching the blankets around him. "Who are you? Wh-where am I?"
"I'm Goku! This is my house!" A tiny fanged grin brightened his face. "I've been taking care of you for three days already. You were really hurt." This time when Goku tried to touch the boy's cheeks the child didn't flinch away. "What's your name?"
"Isanagi." Blue eyes softened as he reached out to touch the other youkai's fingers on his cheek. "Thank you for taking care of me."
"No problem!" Goku leaped up. "Now that your better, you wanna play?"
Isanagi looked confused. "Play? What do you mean?"
"You know! Tag, hide and seek, leap frog." Isanagi's expression was confused. "... You've never played in your life Nagi?"
"No..."
"Now's a good time to learn!"
"But... I have to get back to my army."
"If your talking about the whole bunch of youkai they're doing fine!" Goku grabbed his hand. "You can do that later! C'mon! Please?"
Blue eyes tilted into a smile. "Okay."//
"Goku!" Sanzou shook the small youth roughly. "Get a hold of yourself!" This time Goku did quiet down, golden eyes vacantly staring off into the distance.
//"Nagi!"
"Nii-chan!" Nagi looked surprised to see him. He had been quietly reading in the forest, taking a break from the hectic army preparation he had been making. He quickly put the large novel away, standing up and dusting the grass stains on his immaculate white pants. "What are you doing here."
"Let's play!"
Goku grinned as Nagi looked pained. "Again? We just played yesterday!"
"I know! But I saw this really cool looking cave nearby! I want to explore it with you."
"Nii-chan, I-"
"ISANAGI!!! Where are you?!"
The two young youkais stiffened. Goku quickly ran and hid nearby, golden eyes peering through the branches as he waited for whomever called Isanagi to appear. He hated that voice, and he hated the one who owned it more.
A young boy, a little older than Nagi and Goku, stepped into the clearing. Long unruly and spiky red hair swished by his waist as he walked closer, his all black eyes narrowing. "Where have you been? You have stuff to do! You know I'm not good with paperwork and brainy stuff so you have to do mine!"
"Gomenasai Kouchiro-san."
The tanned youth sniffed. "Yeah, of course you are. Now c'mon!" As they started to walk away he suddenly grabbed Isanagi's small wrists, putting them to his lips. "Or maybe we can have a little fun here hmmm?" He held the smaller boy close, mouth hovering dangerously near to Nagi's own.
That was all it needed for Goku to burst. In a flurry of quick movement he dashed into the clearing and snatched Isanagi clear out of the other youkai's arms. Then he half-dragged half-carried him out of there, not stopping their swift pace until they reached the field near Goku's home.
"Are you crazy nii-chan?!" Isanagi looked absolutely horrified.
"No. But that Kouchiro guy is." Again he flashed his winning grin. "Now we can play!"
Isanagi suddenly wrapped his thin arms around him., drawing Goku into a hug. "Thank you."
"No problem! I -am- you nii-chan after all."
Then laughing gaily, as only children can, the both of them ran off to the nearby caves.//
Goku's voice was so soft Sanzou had to strain to hear it. "I.. I remember."
Sanzou frowned. "Goku..."
//"Nii-chan..."
"You can stay with me! That way we can play whenever we want! And my best buddy Nataku wants to meet you too!"
Goku watched the boy hesitate, as if frightened to even hope. He quickly pulled his friend into a tight hug, grinning as the smaller boy pressed closer, hungry for affection.
"Get your stuff and come back here tomorrow okay?"
The smile the younger boy gave him then was the brightest he had ever seen. Goku decided he liked to make his friend smile like that.
"Hai."
"Promise?"
"Promise!"
The next day Goku waited. And waited. He waited till the sun set and till it was dark, only leaving when the sun came up again.
Goku learned the next day that the High General Isanagi had been caught and sealed. And in the midst of rejoicing, a single golden eyed boy mourned.//
"Isanagi... I finally remember you." Goku's eyes lifted up to where his friend still hovered in the air, eyes vacant and clearly not registering anything that happened around him. "I remember..."
"Isanagi, come here." Kouchiro ordered, having the winged youkai under control with the orb he held. The silver youth landed lightly on his toes beside him, complaint as the other youkai pulled him close.
Goku pulled away from Sanzou's tight hold and struggled to stand, using his nyoibo to help. The monk watched, violet eyes narrowing as he saw the pain that stained his young friends face. It didn't suit him, this sadness. Goku was meant to always smile.
"Don't touch him Kouchiro!" Goku furious voice echoed off the walls.
"Hoo~o? I won't let you take him away from me again Goku. I'll kill you first." Tiny canine's appeared as the fire youkai smiled cruelly. "And you don't have Nataku to protect you now, do you? And besides, look at what I have." He held up the orb.
"Isanagi will do whatever I tell him too. Even if it means killing you."
~TBC~
Author's Notes:
This fic is evil! Evil I tell you! I was just supposed to kill Kouchiro and end it with a big battle but this story has a life of it's own! Kouchiro fought to remain alive and mess up with Goku's head. ^.^*
Well, next chapter will have -lots- of angst. There's also some KouchiroxIsanagi bits, just a little heavy kissing and nothing graphic. Sanzou faces his affections for Goku and (horrors of horrors) character death! I'm trying to finish it soon so you guys don't get bored with it. ^_~
... and if you didn't figure it out by now Kouchiro's the youkai of fire. ^O^-Wai! I'm sorry for all the original characters.... Kouchiro the last one! I promise! ;_;
Saa, that's all for now! Jaa ne!
~huggles~
Cali-chan
