Chapter 14: Destiny's destiny

"Sanzooo........"

"Itai nani ga, BAKA!"

"Naa, Sanzo, can we go somewhere interesting? It's so boring sitting here!" Goku pleaded with his huge shining eyes. A mountain (as usual!) of empty plates lay on the table in between him and Sanzo.

"Baka zaru, how can you say you're bored? We are the ones bored, sitting here listening to you chomp the whole morning away!" Gojou shot at him, while taking a puff of his cigarette.

"I'm not like that... yada yada yada yada!"

"What!.... blablabla!"

*Whhack*

Both Gojou and Goku instinctively ducked, thinking it was Sanzo's fan again. Instead, they heard a chair creak and saw Sanzo walking out the door.

"Nee Sanzo! Are you going somewhere?? Watashi mo iku iku!" Goku ran after him happily.

"Naa, what's wrong with that monk? He's been acting weird lately."

"Maybe he's bothered about something. And then again, we won't know until he's willing to tell us. O-cha?" Hakkai held up his cup of tea, smiling. Gojou groaned.

Sanzo stomped on, along the streets. He didn't know where he was going, where he wanted to go, or where the hell he was. He just had to get away from all those incessant noise. Just like incurable migraine.

"Sanzo! Sanzo! Sanzo! Wait up! Wait up, I say! Why are you going so fast?" Goku yelled as he ran behind. With each call, Sanzo picked up his pace until suddenly he stopped so abruptly that Goku bumped headfirst into him.

"Stop following me! Go back!"

"Demo... Sanzooo....I-itai!!" Goku fell to the floor as Sanzo roughly pushed him away. He fell and remained on the floor, stunned.

Sanzo stared a moment, a split second of remorse flooded him. He hardened his heart and turned and walked away resolutely. Goku looked up and stared after the fast disappearing monk, feeling a pain in his heart.

"Doshite..... doshite Sanzo mo.... am I really such a pain in the neck? He... hates me? No... we solved that before.... if not....then...why?"

Sanzo finally slackened his pace after realizing he'd gone far. Why is that stupid monkey so irritating? He whispered to himself angrily. Its his fault! If he didn't disturb me- ie, if he HAD the sense not to disturb me, I wouldn't have pushed him! But what's the use? I've done it. I don't care.

He walked on into a deserted lane and suddenly, slammed his fist against a wall. The first time the great Sanzo ever showed any emotion like that. He punched the wall several times, and finally, he leaned against the wall and slid down, his face in his hands.

Ai.... how can I forgive myself? I couldn't even help you save Natsumi! What use is this stupid gun? It can't do anything at all. He threw his gun with great force at the opposite wall. It fell back with an angry clunk. Not only that... the way I acted towards you... If I showed.... would you be with me now.... or Homura? Homura.... who nearly stole the one person I actually liked, Goku and now, Ai. Homura....

He clenched his fists at the thought of the name. His hand pulled at the sutra on his shoulders and he stared at it. This sutra shows you've got self - control, don't give in to such petty things like that, Sanzo. Remember your Master.

"If the Buddha....... " He recited out loud the only teaching Koumyou had taught him, his eyes squeezed tightly shut in concentration.

"Aww..... WHAT does Daddy like!!" Ai kicked a book in frustration. Homura was by the side, with folded arms staring at the flame. Suddenly Ai shot up.

"I know! Me! Daddy likes me! I got it! He would never show affection for me as a daughter in front of everyone !"

The flame gave a funny gurgle.

I'm so sorry that's not right,
Do not take the question so light!

"Grrr! WHAT the hell then......" Ai walked up and down the room agitatedly. She suddenly paused in front of Homura and grabbed his hands, making a clinking sound. (his shackles are still on!)

babyg: Apparently heretics are recognized by their shackles, therefore no matter how close Homura may be now to Kami-sama he has still got to wear those shackles.

"Homura! Have you any idea???" Homura shook his head.

" You should know more about him. You're his daughter."

At that, Ai released her grip and looked sadly down.

"Daddy's.... not the sociable type. Anyway, I never was his favorite daughter, other than ordering me to train hard for my post, he never was there when I needed him. As a father. But Natsumi... she's different. Daddy likes her." Ai turned sadly. Homura looked surprised at her outburst.

I never thought that they would have worries too. What was I thinking, he thought. He suddenly hugged Ai.

"Don't worry. We'll solve it. Just think harder." Ai looked at him gratefully. A thought suddenly struck her.

"I got it! Mr. Flame, its Natsumi!"

The flame grew bigger and Ai watched hopefully.

Sunset, west, pattering rain,
You are wrong once again!
Two down, one more to go,
Oh we'll see a great show!

"What is wrong with this stupid thing!!!!!" Ai took up a book and angrily threw it at the flame. Burned to ashes in a matter of seconds.

"Calm down, Ai. Think properly. Think back. I'm sure you would have encountered before something where your dad would've told you. Just try."

" Recall..... huh?"

****************************************FLASHBACK********************************

"Nee, oba-chan, come and play with us won't you?" A small Natsumi sat on her father's lap, pulling his robe playfully. Ai looked, a few distance away hopefully.

"Run along now, apple of my eye, I am too busy to play. Find someone else, okay?" Kami-sama answered, ruffling the little girl's brown curls.

She pouted. " But its no fun. Ai and me have been playing the whole day and we found out what was missing. YOU! Nee, come on, oba-chan!"

"Ai... with you, playing the whole day?" Kami-sama shot a glance at Ai. Ai looked down guiltily.

"Oba-chan! Since you're so busy, I'll make something for you! What will it be, what will it be???"

" Whatever you like, little angel, I'll like it too. Be sure it has some quality though."

" Okay! Ja!" Natsumi jumped off and ran pulling Ai along with her.

"Matte! Ai, please stay. I want to have a word with you."

"Hai." Ai let go of Natsumi's hand and bowed. Natsumi ran out side excitedly after shouting, " Don't be long! We'll do this together!"

"Ai. I have heard from some of the officials that you have been neglecting your training. Instead, you've been running around playing."

"I'm sorry. You see, daddy, Natsumi was so insistent that-" Ai tried to explain but was cut off by Kami-sama's booming voice.

"Enough! Don't blame Natsumi. You will do your training at longer intervals, and I do not want to hear of anymore slacking. If such a thing happens again, you'll be punished, whether or not you are my daughter."

"Hai. But what if Natsumi..."

"Help her do whatever she wants today. But from next time onwards, don't leave your training and play. Talk is all very well, for I know you are the closest to Natsumi. Take care of her." The 'or else' unspoken but understood.

"As you wish."

A day later. Kami sat inside the 'conference' room, with some of his officials when suddenly there was a torrent of knocks on the door. The door flew open and Natsumi flew in, carrying a huge box.

"Daddy! I made a birthday cake! Try it try it! Since your birthday's tomorrow!" Kami-sama took the box that she held out to him. He opened it, and a bright flash of gold met his eyes. The officials around gasped in amazement. Suddenly, golden hearts floated out of the box. Natsumi clapped happily.

"Isn't it wonderful, Daddy?? It's called the 'Golden Paradise'."

"Yes, it is. Oh this is my most favourite present of all!" He set the cake down and held out his arms, which Natsumi jumped in eagerly.

"You made it all by yourself, Natsumi?" He suddenly asked.

"Eh? Ie ! Ai nee-chan helped me! There she came in with me.....a-re??? Nee-chan?" Natsumi turned and saw no one.

"Its okay. Saa, lets enjoy this cake ne?"

"Hai!"

The commotion inside the room was deafening. Ai stood outside, leaning against the wall. I don't belong in that happy group. With that last thought, she choked back her tears and ran.

************************************ENDFLASHBACK********************************

Homura hugged Ai tightly. So, she's been through that too. I never thought... she had such a cheery disposition whenever I met her. I never knew.

Ai wiped her tears. She suddenly remembered. That's right! She stood out firmly and confidently in front the flame.

"I have my answer. It is the 'Golden Paradise.'"

The flame gave a weak gurgle.

I have done my best,
Now I'll be put to rest.

As the flame slowly died, something shot out and Ai managed to catch it.

"The circle! Yatta! Homura!"

"That's great! Iku zo, before someone comes now."

They rushed out and ran all the way to where Destiny was. This time, the heavy door opened easily. Destiny was there, floating ten feet in the air. She heard them and turned her whole body eagerly.

"Did you get it?" Her voice, sounded excited.

"Yes yes! Here! What do I do??"

Ai went through all the chanting and everything, doing as Destiny ordered her. Finally as she did the final step, light started shooting out everywhere from within the circle. It was so blinding that Ai and Homura had to shut their eyes. After a moment, they opened them again.

"Destiny...??!?!??"

For now, in the circle, stood a girl about the same height as Ai, with long light bluish-green hair, held in place with a white ribbon, slung over one shoulder. Her outfit was that of pure white, a halter-neck, with an asymmetrical skirt that reached her thighs. In her hand, she held an unusual shaped sword, which she now slung over her back. Her intense gray eyes twinkled mischievously.

"Saa! Thank you so much! Its time for me to go! I'll grant your wish when I come back!" Destiny waved.

"Matte kudasai! Where are you going? Don't lie to us, okay?!"

"I'm a goddess of my word." With that she disappeared with a puff of smoke.

Ai and Homura stared after her strangely.

babyg: Oh god! Destiny's loose! What's she gonna do now that she's free? Is she really gonna grant Ai's wish? Or is she going to wreak havoc down below? Poor Sanzo.... but he's in for a great surprise! Check it out in Chapter 15: Recall the Past
Okay see ya and thanks for reading!