Still Time
By: cool-kitsune
Author's notes: Yet another chapter and another adventure to behold. This chapter will be more wonderful than the prologue. Yep, you heard me or I mean you read it. The last chapter was just a prologue. Anyway, I, cool- kitsune, or more known as Kitsune-chan, will make my entrance in this chapter. I am a ten year old here so don't ask if I act so immature..
PG-13 because of I don't know.. Sanzo and Gojyo will barely make an appearance here but still, the rating stays like this. Kitsune-chan (the 10- year old) won't cuss in this fic. I, the narrator (because this story will be based from nobody's POV.) will cuss a bit. Please excuse me for some of my rudeness in this fic. Sankyu!!!
YAOI. In short, you'll see GokuxSanzo and/or GokuxHakkai. Nope, Gojyo doesn't have anybody here. Poor guy. Hah! Like I care!!
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters from Saiyuki and of course, I don't own Saiyuki. They all belong to Kazuya Minekura-sensei. I own the friendly nun, Homei, Kitsune-chan and some more.
I dedicate this to the enemies I have who will read this fic. I just wanna say, I love you all!!!!!! * sobs * If only you people understand how I feel.. Many people don't even know I feel this sad. So, I make an excuse just like Hakkai. (He's my idol..)
Warning: Look at PG-13. And some OOCs too. Especially for Sanzo, though he won't appear so much in this chapter.
~*~*~*~
Still Time: Chapter I: The Future
The black hole spitted them out to an open field just near a town. Goku fell unconscious for a while. After a few minutes, his eyes opened slightly and he tried to adjust his eyes to his surroundings. (Spitted?)
"This place is not so familiar. But, I know this place. I wonder where that black hole thing dropped us to." He said and looked around. There, he saw Hakuryuu looking worriedly at his master, Hakkai who was lying limply at the ground. "HAKKAI!!!!"
Goku went towards Hakkai and heard a worried 'Kyu' from Hakuryuu. "Hakkai, daijoubu desu ka??" he tried to shake the man but still he did not wake. "What shall I do?" Goku's voice was panicked. He didn't know where he was or where the hell Sanzo and Gojyo were and he didn't know what to do with Hakkai.
He felt weak, really very weak. Besides, he hasn't even eaten yet. Plus, the village was about half a kilometer away. Is he supposed to carry Hakkai that far?? He suddenly sat down and his stomach rumbled. "Are we just going to stand here and die of thirst and hunger, Hakuryuu?? We have to at least try to get to the town. We might get some help. I have a feeling that we can't wait for Hakkai to wake up here and now. But, I don't know if I could make it.. Do I really have to carry him?" Goku looked at Hakuryuu.
Hakuryuu pleaded with his red, jewel-like eyes. "Kyu. Kyu.." It bit some of Goku's clothing and pulled it, trying to persuade him to at least try. Why, will they find out if Hakkai was fine by just standing there?? Will they know where Sanzo and Gojyo were by just standing there?? Will they know where the hell they were by just standing there, waiting to die?!!!! No, I don't think so.
"Yeah, I guess it's worth a try. We can't get anywhere by standing here like this." Goku said and stood up. He slumped Hakkai's arm to his shoulder and walked slowly because Hakkai was heavier than what he thought of. Hakuryuu just flew with him.
"Harahetta.." Goku whined as he walked through a field of flowers. How he wanted to pick one and give it to someone. Or even make a necklace out of them. "Sanzo.. I wonder where you are now.. If only you were here to help me.." He sighed. It was still hot and that added to Goku's burden. (Poor guy..) "Hakuryuu. I don't think I could make it." Goku's body began to shake a little because of his tiredness.
"Kyu!! Kyu!!!" squealed Hakuryuu as he bit Goku's shirt and forced him to go on.
"When are you going to wake up, Hakkai?? Please wake up now.. Onegai!!" Goku tried to talk to him but how in hell's name is he supposed to talk to an unconscious body? He then looked at Hakkai's neck where the needle hit him. It was kind of red and swollen. Even though he was a bit stupid (a bit??), he knew that the drug was powerful to knock Hakkai out. (Good monkey!!)
He reached the town and the first place he saw was an orphanage that was taken care of buy the chapel next to it. (The chapel itself did not take care of the orphanage. What I meant were the people of the chapel..)
Goku knocked weakly at the door, using the last bit of strength left in him. His eyesight blurred and the last thing he saw before passing out was a girl with brown, shoulder-length hair with a fox's ear and a fox's tail.
~*~*~*~
"Ack!" exclaimed the girl more commonly known as Kitsune-chan.(Yes!! The grand entrance of the author!!) She tried to carry and get a hold of the unconscious Goku with another unconscious Hakkai slumped over him. "Eh??" She wondered what that flying thing was and clearly saw (coz she is not stupid) that it was a dragon. "Homei-neechan!!!!!" she yelled and fell to the floor with Goku's face on her shoulder and Hakkai on top of Goku's back.
(Kitsune-chan had a fox's tail and ears and she was wearing a dark blue long-sleeved shirt with the name "K-chan" at the middle and light blue pants with matching red sneakers. She had claws, sharp but small. And she had a tiny fox's nose. Her eyes were light blue and as Goku saw it she had brown, shoulder-length hair.)
A young nun, Homei, came running through the corridors, saying sorry or excuse me every now and then every time she passes through someone or bumps into someone. "What is wrong now, Kitsune-chan?" she asked while panting heavily. She gasped as she saw Kitsune-chan with Goku and Hakkai and a flying dragon.
"This guy just knocked and I answered the door and then he fainted." Kitsune-chan explained as he pointed at Goku. "Do we still have some empty rooms for them to sleep in? I really feel sorry for them." pleaded Kitsune- chan, not minding the heaviness of Goku at all. "But first, please help me get them off me. My whole body hurts already.." She smiled sheepishly.
"Hi, hi.. okay. Let me help you there." Giggled Homei. She got Hakkai off Goku and called another nun to carry Goku. "My, they must be foreigners. I haven't seen them around. Hmm. I'm afraid that we have only one room left. I guess they just have to share the room. But, I'm afraid there is only one bed."
"They could share with me!! My room has three beds!! They could sleep there!!" Kitsune-chan said ever so innocently.
"No, Kitsune-chan. But, it was really nice of you to offer." Homei replied.
"Homei-san, I think the room these people will be using has two beds." The other nun, Yang Ming told her.
"Oh, that's great, Yang Ming-neechan!!" Kitsune-chan said over cheerfully. But, she can't help but wonder what happened to the both of them. And, what was that golden thing on Goku's head. She was excited to ask them and to make friends with them. And she wondered what happened to Hakkai's neck (the place where he got hit by the needle) and she wanted to ask why it was red and swollen.
"I guess we are here. Now, K-chan (another nickname), I want you to keep quiet while these men take a rest, okay??" said Yang Ming.
"Un!! I promise, Yang Ming-neechan!!! I'll just wait quietly." Kitsune-chan said while raising her right hand as a sign of her pledge.
The two nuns lay Hakkai and Goku on separate beds and put a blanket over them. Homei sighed. "They should be fine then. I'll go get them something to eat so that when they wake up, they can eat." She then looked at Kitsune- chan and said, "Are you going with us??"
"Umm, iie. I'm gonna wait for them to wake up." She answered.
"Okay," Homei left with Yang Ming and gently closed the door.
"Kyu, kyu!!" Hakuryuu said and fell a sleep on Hakkai's side.
"Hmmm. I wonder where they came from. They don't look like any people I know now." wondered Kitsune-chan. "I can't wait until they wake up!! I'm gonna ask them a lot of questions!!" Her tail swished back and forth due to her excitement. Her ears twitched as she heard Goku groan.
"Sanzo. hold my hand.." he grumbled.
"Sanzo?? Who's that?"
"NO!!" Goku woke up with a jolt and ended up sitting on the bed. He was sweating heavily and panting. He then looked around and realized he was now in a room. He then saw Kitsune-chan.
"Waii!! You're finally awake!!" cheered Kitsune-chan.
"Eh? Where am I???" asked Goku.
"You're in an orphanage. You fainted after you knocked on the door. I answered the door and you fell on me. And I called Homei-neechan, the nun and she helped carry you here to this room. Anyway, I'm Kitsune-chan. I was an orphan left here and I do not know where I came from.. Homei-neechan raised me up and here I am. And you are??"
"I-I'm Goku. Nice to meet you." He answered and his stomach rumbled. "Harahetta. do you have any food?"
"It's coming up. Homei-neechan is preparing it right now. Anyway, are you sure you're okay? You still might need some rest."
"No. I just need some food."
"What happened anyway?"
"What?"
"What happened? Why did you faint?? Tell me the whole story." After she said that, Homei came in with food on a tray.
"Oh, so finally you are awake.. Here are some food." She put the food on the table.
"MESHI!!!!!" Goku exclaimed happily and gobbled up all the food in less than a minute and the two stood there, dumbfounded. "SANKYU!!"
"Homei-neechan, please stay and listen to Goku-chan's story. Please!" pleaded Kitsune-chan.
"Okay, if you insist." Homei sat down on a stool and listened intently to Goku.
"Well, it goes like this.. There are four of us: Me, Son Goku, Genjo Sanzo, he's not here right now, Sha Gojyo, he also isn't here and Cho Hakkai, my other companion." He started and sighed.
"Please continue, Goku-kun." Said Homei.
"Un. We were traveling in a desert and it was so hot. Sanzo was sleeping and Gojyo was teasing me. Hakkai was driving. Then suddenly, this needle hit Hakkai's neck and knocked him out. The jeep was out of control. A-a black hole then came out and sucked us all in.. We were separated.. and.. and.." It hurt him to recall being separated from Sanzo and he just couldn't stop himself from crying helplessly. "And. we got here. I didn't know what to do and where we were.. Sanzo isn't here to help us.. I don't know what to do without him!!" He sobbed and buried his face into his hands.
"Don't cry, Goku-chan." Kitsune-chan patted Goku's shoulder trying to make him feel better.
"Sanzo?? Genjo Sanzo?? The legendary monk who stopped Gyumao?? Oh my!! This is serious!! You are trapped here at the future of the old Togenkyo.. I'll try my best to help you!" Homei said.
"Me too!!!!!!!" said Kitsune-chan with determination. "So don't cry and I'll help you!! You won't be that alone!! Why, you're with me and Homei- neechan and Hakkai-niichan right?"
"Hakkai! How-how is he?!" Goku asked worriedly.
"He's still unconscious. Well, thank you for telling us your story, Goku- kun. I must go back to the other nuns." Homei left the room silently.
"There must be a possibility that Sanzo-san and Gojyo-san are here too you know! We must search fro them!" declared Kitsune-chan.
"Un!! We will!! But Hakkai." Goku looked at Hakkai's pale face and looked down. "Hakkai's not yet well.. I'm really worried."
"Don't worry, I'm sure he'll get well!!!"
"Okay. Sanzo, Gojyo, where are you now?"
Kitsune-chan then asked Goku, "What's that thing on your head?"
"Oh, it's my limiter. I'm a youkai you know. I must wear this to keep my humanity for I am uncontrollable when I take it off." He explained.
"Thanks. Don't worry, Goku-chan, Hakkai-niichan will get well. Something tells me that he's strong enough to endure all the pain."
"You are right there, Kitsune-chan. He always endures all the pain he feels and he doesn't care for himself much and pays full attention to us, because he is our friend. He often calms down Sanzo and Gojyo and me. He acts as my big brother and he is real nice. He seldom gets mad and he could control his temper. He smiles all the time. He makes me happy when I'm sad. He talks to me whenever I am lonely. He cooks for me when I am hungry. And I hope he wouldn't come any better than this."
"Wow. He's really a nice guy huh?? I bet many people like him for that."
"Yep, I like him very much.. so does Sanzo and Gojyo. Our group wouldn't be complete without him!" I know I like him a lot more than I expected.. but I don't know. Thought he.
Kitsune-chan smiled. She knew Goku liked Hakkai very much. Though she hasn't even talked to Hakkai yet, she is beginning to like him.
"Arigatou, Goku-chan. That's all I need to know. If you need anything, call me at the next room to your right. Bye." Kitsune-chan left the room as silently as she could to respect Hakkai who was till sleeping.
"Bye. I'll see you then." Goku waved.
"Ah, matte. Would you want some new clothes?? I'll get some for you."
"Ah, you really don't need to."
"It's my pleasure." She ran towards another room, which contained different kind of clothes and grabbed some for Goku and Hakkai. "Here. You could dress up now and I'll just leave Hakkai-niichan's here okay? Umm. I'm sure it's your size.." (Don't ask me how she knew what Goku's size is or Hakkai's..) She left the room and went to her room.
"Sankyu!" Goku took off his old clothes and put it to the bag that did belong to them. (Sorry, forgot to mention it.. ) He then dressed up with the fresh new clothes. It was a sleeveless shirt that was light blue and the pants were dark blue. He then wore some red sneakers.
~*~*~*~
Night fell and Kitsune-chan called Goku for dinner. Hakkai still was unconscious. (If you paid attention to the prologue, you'll see there the drug can knock out a normal human FOR A FEW DAYS but it will only affect Hakkai for a day or so.)
Goku ran through the stairs excitedly. And sat beside Kitsune-chan at the dining room. A lot of food were served and Goku ate A LOT. Which didn't surprise Homei and Kitsune-chan but it did surprise the other occupants.
"Ah, I'm full!!" Goku said finally and went up the stairs with Kitsune- chan. They reached the door to their rooms and Goku said, "Oyasumi nasai, Kitsune-chan."
"Oyasumi, Goku-chan!! I hope Hakkai-niichan gets well tomorrow!"
"Sankyu!" Goku entered his room in unison with Kitsune-chan.
Goku sighed. Boy, how he missed Sanzo's constant threatening and Gojyo's constant teasing. He lay on the bed and got under the covers. It only took a second for him to sleep completely. A second was all it took.
~*~*~*~
The next day, the sun rose early and hit Goku's face. He groaned and refused to open his eyes but the sun's rays were too powerful and affected him so much so he had to open his eyes. He rose up and sat on his bed to be greeted by a friendly "Ohayou."
He looked at his side and saw Hakkai awake and sitting on the bed, a smile plastered on his face. "Ohayou, Goku." He repeated.
"HAKKAI!! You're awake!!" Goku rose up from his bed and hugged Hakkai. "I was so worried!! I thought you'd never wake up!! Are you okay now??" Streams of tears fell down Goku's eyes. Despite his tears, he was still smiling widely.
"Eh, it seems that you expect little from me, Goku." Said Hakkai as he hugged Goku back.
"No! It's not that!! I was just worried.. and, and you didn't come to join us in dinner and the food was so delicious and, and.." Goku smiled and wiped away all the tears.
"I appreciate your care Goku. Arigatou. Well, where are we? I've been looking around this room while seated for a while." Hakkai asked.
"We're in the future of Togenkyo. I carried you here while you were unconscious. Hakuryuu was also so worried!! I'm so glad that you're okay!!" Goku hugged him again.
Hakkai smiled, a true smile. "Thanks.. thanks for carrying me from that far. I owe you one, Goku."
Goku separated from Hakkai's arms and said gloomily, "I-I didn't see Sanzo or Gojyo around. I wonder where they are. I'm worried about them too.."
"Yeah, I guess we have to look for them. But, if they aren't here.. in the future.." Hakkai's smile faded.
"What'll happen then?" asked Goku worriedly.
"I don't know, Goku. I'm afraid, I don't know." He then looked at the door, which suddenly opened with Homei and Kitsune-chan coming in.
"Ah, by the way, she's Kitsune-chan!!" Goku pointed at Kitsune-chan. (duh) "And that's Homei-neechan."
"Domo arigatou gozaimasu, Homei-san, Kitsune-chan." Hakkai bowed down a little as a sign of thanks. "Ore wa, Cho Hakkai desu. Nice to meet you all."
"It's nice to meet you too, Hakkai-san." Homei smiled at him.
"Hakkai-niichan, yes, could I call you like that?" asked Kitsune-chan.
"Hai." He answered.
"Anyway, breakfast is ready downstairs. If you would like to umm.. eat with us." Homei invited.
"It's okay. I'll just change."
"Oh, please, let us provide you some privacy." Homei pulled Goku and Kitsune-chan by their shirts and went out.
"Domo." Hakkai took off his clothes and got the pants ready at the table. He put his old clothing into the bag. He looked at the wound on his abdomen. He sighed and remembered his childhood days when he used to stay in an orphanage. He got his monocle, which was on the table and wore it. He also got the clothes ready for him. He wore first the long-sleeved shirt and put on the sleeveless one just like Goku's. He went out of the room and went down the stairs to join the others for breakfast.
Goku saved a seat for him right next to him. "Here Hakkai, please sit beside me."
"Domo, Goku." Hakkai smiled his usual smile and sat down in between Goku and Kitsune-chan. "Kyu!!~!" Hakkai heard flapping of wings going down the stairs. "Kyu~!~!"
"Hakuryuu!!" Hakkai said joyfully. Hakuryuu perched on his shoulder and stroked Hakkai's cheek with its head. Hakkai stroked its back in return. "Kyu!!" Hakuryuu was overjoyed to know that its master was okay!! (Me too!!)
They were soon almost finished eating when Goku's chopsticks caught the dumping which Kitsune-chan's chopsticks was on to. "Oi!!! The dumpling's mine!!" Kitsune-chan said with a frown.
"IIE! It's mine!!!" Goku glared at her.
"I got it first!!! It's mine!!! GRRRRR!!!"
"Nu-uh!! It's not yours!"
"Maa, maa.." said Hakkai.
"HARAHETTA YO!!" Goku yelled. All the other people at the dining room sweat dropped.
"As if you're the only one! Greedy saru!!! Beh!"
Goku expected a gunshot or a paper fan hitting his head, but instead, he felt a hand on his shoulder. "Eh?"
"Goku, it's better if you share, right?" Hakkai smiled at him, a persuading smile.
"But. I'm still hungry, Hakkai.." Goku said, puppy-eyed.
"Sanzo wouldn't like this if he was here."
"Sanzo.. un.. it's yours, Kitsune-chan.." Goku let go of the dumpling.
"Heh, heh!! Sankyu!" Kitsune-chan was about to get the dumpling when Hakuryuu suddenly ate it. "KYU~!~!" exclaimed Hakuryuu happily.
"Eh, sumimasen, Kitsune-chan, but it seems that Hakuryuu was hungry." Apologized Hakkai. He got Hakuryuu off the table and petted it.
"Eh.. but it's okay! Hakuryuu is so kawaii!!!" Kitsune-chan wagged her tail a bit.
"Cool!! I wish I had a tail!" said Goku.
"Jealous??" Kitsune-chan clutched her tail. "Eh, just joking, Goku-chan!!"
"So," Hakkai stood up and continued, "shall we go look for Sanzo and Gojyo?" He then bowed down before the nuns. "Arigatou gozaimasu. We shall go now."
"Bye-bye!!" Goku stood up and headed towards the door. "Ike, Hakkai!"
"Hai, hai." Hakkai followed, with Hakuryuu still perched on his shoulder.
"Let me go with you guys!!" Kitsune-chan stood up. "I'll just go with them, bye-bye!" she ran towards Hakkai and Goku.
"Itterashai!" Homei waved back at them.
Hakkai went out with Goku and Kitsune-chan and started asking around. "Did you see a blond monk?" "Did you see a red haired guy?" Those were the usual questions they asked.
"Sumimasen, but did you see a monk and a red-haired guy pass by?" Hakkai asked politely.
"Gomen, I didn't. Why are you looking for them anyway?" answered the guy Hakkai asked.
"Err, we are traveling companions and we got separated."
"Oh. Good luck in finding them then."
"Arigatou."
"Did you see a violent droopy-eyed monk and a red-haired ero-kappa around these parts?" asked Goku.
"Eh? What in hell's name are you babbling about, gaki?" replied a gangster.
"He's just asking if you've seen his friends around these parts! Why do you have to be so mean?" Kitsune-chan growled figuratively and literally.
"You kids want a fight?" asked another gangster.
"You'll be sorry you ever met me you dumbass!!" yelled Goku and got ready to let out his Nyoibou.
"What did you say?! That's it kid! You've said enough!!" the gangster got ready to punch Goku but was stopped when someone grabbed his shoulder.
"My, my, such violence. Don't you know you could get sued if you continue what you are doing? Surely you wouldn't like to have a case such as child abuse." Said Hakkai seriously and tightened his grip on the guy's shoulder. "Now, please leave them alone." His eyes narrowed.
"Hakkai! You don't have to do that!! I can handle that bully by myself." Protested Goku.
"Surely we can handle this in a more peaceful way. Now answer Goku's question." Hakkai loosened his grip of the man's shoulder.
"ITTAI! I DIDN'T SEE HIM!! DAMMIT!!" the gangster got ready to punch Hakkai but..
"NYOIBOU!!!!!!" exclaimed Goku and struck the guy with his Nyoibou as lightly as he could. (He doesn't want anybody dying..)
"ITTAI!!" the two gangsters ran away. "You'll pay for that, the two of you!!!"
"Yahoo!!!! We did it!!!!" Goku jumped around.
"That was really brave of you guys!" Kitsune-chan said with her cheeks in the color of bright pink.
"But, we could've resorted to other peaceful methods. Oh well.. that's settled." Hakkai sighed.
"So, Hakkai, any good news?" Goku asked worriedly.
"I'm sorry, Goku. Apparently, I have none." Hakkai saw the disappointed look on Goku's face and said again, "Sorry, Goku. I'll try my best."
"Daijoubu, Hakkai. I haven't found anything about them either. Should we try again?" asked Goku.
"Yeah, we can't get anywhere by stopping now. But, there is a very little possibility for them to be here. May I ask, Goku. What happened when we were sucked into the black hole?"
"I.. I.. I called out to Sanzo to hold my hand, but he couldn't. And then, he and Gojyo went through another path."
"...." There was silence for a while and Hakkai didn't reply to what Goku said for what he was thinking right now might hurt the little saru so much.
"Hakkai.. where do you think they are now?"
"Hakkai-niichan, please answer Goku-chan's question.." pleaded Kitsune-chan in behalf of Goku.
"Well, since they went past a different path, I don't think they are here with us in the future. I'm sorry to let you know this, Goku."
"What?! Y-you mean, we won't be able to see them here? I-it can't be!! T- they must be here!!" Goku slumped over Hakkai's chest and cried. "T-they must be here."
"Gomen nasai, Goku.." Hakkai stroked Goku's back to relieve him.
"Hakkai, I miss them so much..."
"Goku-chan.. please don't cry.. y-you're making me cry too!!" Tears began to form in her eyes.
"I will find a way Goku. Please wait until then." Hakkai bent down and wiped Goku's tears. "I promise, okay? Now, don't cry anymore and I'll treat you to some meat buns."
"Thanks, Hakkai. You don't need to spend money right now. Let's just go back." Goku smiled a bit.
"Great idea, Goku-chan!!! Ike, ike!!!" Kitsune-chan got a hold of Hakkai and Goku's arms and pulled them so that they would follow.
"Hai, hai." Hakkai smiled his usual-ever-so-special-Hakkai-smile.
Suddenly, a feeling struck Goku and told him as long as he was with Hakkai, he wouldn't need anybody else. He blushed at the thought. What is this weird feeling?? He finds himself asking it to himself. Does he have a.. * dan, dan, dan!!! *
"Hakkai." Goku whispered and looked at Hakkai's constantly smiling face and blushed. Indeed, he finally agreed to the feeling, he wouldn't need anybody else when with him. He smiled.
To be continued..
~*~*~*~
Kitsune-chan: There has been a few hints of GokuxHakkai here. Waiiii!!! I'm feeling so happy!!!
Goku: Hakkai.. and Sanzo.. what is this feeling?
Hakkai: What did you say, Goku?
Goku: * blushes * Uhh, iie, betsuni, Hakkai.
Kitsune-chan: * smiles widely *
Hakkai: Don't worry, Goku. I'll try my best in finding them.
Goku: Err, you umm... oh never mind!!
Kitsune-chan: Ja ne, minna-chan!! I'll see you all in Chapter II!!!! Please read and review!! Oh! By the way, correction, in the prologue, it was "mizu" not misu. Gomen! My mistake!! Bye-bye!!
By: cool-kitsune
Author's notes: Yet another chapter and another adventure to behold. This chapter will be more wonderful than the prologue. Yep, you heard me or I mean you read it. The last chapter was just a prologue. Anyway, I, cool- kitsune, or more known as Kitsune-chan, will make my entrance in this chapter. I am a ten year old here so don't ask if I act so immature..
PG-13 because of I don't know.. Sanzo and Gojyo will barely make an appearance here but still, the rating stays like this. Kitsune-chan (the 10- year old) won't cuss in this fic. I, the narrator (because this story will be based from nobody's POV.) will cuss a bit. Please excuse me for some of my rudeness in this fic. Sankyu!!!
YAOI. In short, you'll see GokuxSanzo and/or GokuxHakkai. Nope, Gojyo doesn't have anybody here. Poor guy. Hah! Like I care!!
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters from Saiyuki and of course, I don't own Saiyuki. They all belong to Kazuya Minekura-sensei. I own the friendly nun, Homei, Kitsune-chan and some more.
I dedicate this to the enemies I have who will read this fic. I just wanna say, I love you all!!!!!! * sobs * If only you people understand how I feel.. Many people don't even know I feel this sad. So, I make an excuse just like Hakkai. (He's my idol..)
Warning: Look at PG-13. And some OOCs too. Especially for Sanzo, though he won't appear so much in this chapter.
~*~*~*~
Still Time: Chapter I: The Future
The black hole spitted them out to an open field just near a town. Goku fell unconscious for a while. After a few minutes, his eyes opened slightly and he tried to adjust his eyes to his surroundings. (Spitted?)
"This place is not so familiar. But, I know this place. I wonder where that black hole thing dropped us to." He said and looked around. There, he saw Hakuryuu looking worriedly at his master, Hakkai who was lying limply at the ground. "HAKKAI!!!!"
Goku went towards Hakkai and heard a worried 'Kyu' from Hakuryuu. "Hakkai, daijoubu desu ka??" he tried to shake the man but still he did not wake. "What shall I do?" Goku's voice was panicked. He didn't know where he was or where the hell Sanzo and Gojyo were and he didn't know what to do with Hakkai.
He felt weak, really very weak. Besides, he hasn't even eaten yet. Plus, the village was about half a kilometer away. Is he supposed to carry Hakkai that far?? He suddenly sat down and his stomach rumbled. "Are we just going to stand here and die of thirst and hunger, Hakuryuu?? We have to at least try to get to the town. We might get some help. I have a feeling that we can't wait for Hakkai to wake up here and now. But, I don't know if I could make it.. Do I really have to carry him?" Goku looked at Hakuryuu.
Hakuryuu pleaded with his red, jewel-like eyes. "Kyu. Kyu.." It bit some of Goku's clothing and pulled it, trying to persuade him to at least try. Why, will they find out if Hakkai was fine by just standing there?? Will they know where Sanzo and Gojyo were by just standing there?? Will they know where the hell they were by just standing there, waiting to die?!!!! No, I don't think so.
"Yeah, I guess it's worth a try. We can't get anywhere by standing here like this." Goku said and stood up. He slumped Hakkai's arm to his shoulder and walked slowly because Hakkai was heavier than what he thought of. Hakuryuu just flew with him.
"Harahetta.." Goku whined as he walked through a field of flowers. How he wanted to pick one and give it to someone. Or even make a necklace out of them. "Sanzo.. I wonder where you are now.. If only you were here to help me.." He sighed. It was still hot and that added to Goku's burden. (Poor guy..) "Hakuryuu. I don't think I could make it." Goku's body began to shake a little because of his tiredness.
"Kyu!! Kyu!!!" squealed Hakuryuu as he bit Goku's shirt and forced him to go on.
"When are you going to wake up, Hakkai?? Please wake up now.. Onegai!!" Goku tried to talk to him but how in hell's name is he supposed to talk to an unconscious body? He then looked at Hakkai's neck where the needle hit him. It was kind of red and swollen. Even though he was a bit stupid (a bit??), he knew that the drug was powerful to knock Hakkai out. (Good monkey!!)
He reached the town and the first place he saw was an orphanage that was taken care of buy the chapel next to it. (The chapel itself did not take care of the orphanage. What I meant were the people of the chapel..)
Goku knocked weakly at the door, using the last bit of strength left in him. His eyesight blurred and the last thing he saw before passing out was a girl with brown, shoulder-length hair with a fox's ear and a fox's tail.
~*~*~*~
"Ack!" exclaimed the girl more commonly known as Kitsune-chan.(Yes!! The grand entrance of the author!!) She tried to carry and get a hold of the unconscious Goku with another unconscious Hakkai slumped over him. "Eh??" She wondered what that flying thing was and clearly saw (coz she is not stupid) that it was a dragon. "Homei-neechan!!!!!" she yelled and fell to the floor with Goku's face on her shoulder and Hakkai on top of Goku's back.
(Kitsune-chan had a fox's tail and ears and she was wearing a dark blue long-sleeved shirt with the name "K-chan" at the middle and light blue pants with matching red sneakers. She had claws, sharp but small. And she had a tiny fox's nose. Her eyes were light blue and as Goku saw it she had brown, shoulder-length hair.)
A young nun, Homei, came running through the corridors, saying sorry or excuse me every now and then every time she passes through someone or bumps into someone. "What is wrong now, Kitsune-chan?" she asked while panting heavily. She gasped as she saw Kitsune-chan with Goku and Hakkai and a flying dragon.
"This guy just knocked and I answered the door and then he fainted." Kitsune-chan explained as he pointed at Goku. "Do we still have some empty rooms for them to sleep in? I really feel sorry for them." pleaded Kitsune- chan, not minding the heaviness of Goku at all. "But first, please help me get them off me. My whole body hurts already.." She smiled sheepishly.
"Hi, hi.. okay. Let me help you there." Giggled Homei. She got Hakkai off Goku and called another nun to carry Goku. "My, they must be foreigners. I haven't seen them around. Hmm. I'm afraid that we have only one room left. I guess they just have to share the room. But, I'm afraid there is only one bed."
"They could share with me!! My room has three beds!! They could sleep there!!" Kitsune-chan said ever so innocently.
"No, Kitsune-chan. But, it was really nice of you to offer." Homei replied.
"Homei-san, I think the room these people will be using has two beds." The other nun, Yang Ming told her.
"Oh, that's great, Yang Ming-neechan!!" Kitsune-chan said over cheerfully. But, she can't help but wonder what happened to the both of them. And, what was that golden thing on Goku's head. She was excited to ask them and to make friends with them. And she wondered what happened to Hakkai's neck (the place where he got hit by the needle) and she wanted to ask why it was red and swollen.
"I guess we are here. Now, K-chan (another nickname), I want you to keep quiet while these men take a rest, okay??" said Yang Ming.
"Un!! I promise, Yang Ming-neechan!!! I'll just wait quietly." Kitsune-chan said while raising her right hand as a sign of her pledge.
The two nuns lay Hakkai and Goku on separate beds and put a blanket over them. Homei sighed. "They should be fine then. I'll go get them something to eat so that when they wake up, they can eat." She then looked at Kitsune- chan and said, "Are you going with us??"
"Umm, iie. I'm gonna wait for them to wake up." She answered.
"Okay," Homei left with Yang Ming and gently closed the door.
"Kyu, kyu!!" Hakuryuu said and fell a sleep on Hakkai's side.
"Hmmm. I wonder where they came from. They don't look like any people I know now." wondered Kitsune-chan. "I can't wait until they wake up!! I'm gonna ask them a lot of questions!!" Her tail swished back and forth due to her excitement. Her ears twitched as she heard Goku groan.
"Sanzo. hold my hand.." he grumbled.
"Sanzo?? Who's that?"
"NO!!" Goku woke up with a jolt and ended up sitting on the bed. He was sweating heavily and panting. He then looked around and realized he was now in a room. He then saw Kitsune-chan.
"Waii!! You're finally awake!!" cheered Kitsune-chan.
"Eh? Where am I???" asked Goku.
"You're in an orphanage. You fainted after you knocked on the door. I answered the door and you fell on me. And I called Homei-neechan, the nun and she helped carry you here to this room. Anyway, I'm Kitsune-chan. I was an orphan left here and I do not know where I came from.. Homei-neechan raised me up and here I am. And you are??"
"I-I'm Goku. Nice to meet you." He answered and his stomach rumbled. "Harahetta. do you have any food?"
"It's coming up. Homei-neechan is preparing it right now. Anyway, are you sure you're okay? You still might need some rest."
"No. I just need some food."
"What happened anyway?"
"What?"
"What happened? Why did you faint?? Tell me the whole story." After she said that, Homei came in with food on a tray.
"Oh, so finally you are awake.. Here are some food." She put the food on the table.
"MESHI!!!!!" Goku exclaimed happily and gobbled up all the food in less than a minute and the two stood there, dumbfounded. "SANKYU!!"
"Homei-neechan, please stay and listen to Goku-chan's story. Please!" pleaded Kitsune-chan.
"Okay, if you insist." Homei sat down on a stool and listened intently to Goku.
"Well, it goes like this.. There are four of us: Me, Son Goku, Genjo Sanzo, he's not here right now, Sha Gojyo, he also isn't here and Cho Hakkai, my other companion." He started and sighed.
"Please continue, Goku-kun." Said Homei.
"Un. We were traveling in a desert and it was so hot. Sanzo was sleeping and Gojyo was teasing me. Hakkai was driving. Then suddenly, this needle hit Hakkai's neck and knocked him out. The jeep was out of control. A-a black hole then came out and sucked us all in.. We were separated.. and.. and.." It hurt him to recall being separated from Sanzo and he just couldn't stop himself from crying helplessly. "And. we got here. I didn't know what to do and where we were.. Sanzo isn't here to help us.. I don't know what to do without him!!" He sobbed and buried his face into his hands.
"Don't cry, Goku-chan." Kitsune-chan patted Goku's shoulder trying to make him feel better.
"Sanzo?? Genjo Sanzo?? The legendary monk who stopped Gyumao?? Oh my!! This is serious!! You are trapped here at the future of the old Togenkyo.. I'll try my best to help you!" Homei said.
"Me too!!!!!!!" said Kitsune-chan with determination. "So don't cry and I'll help you!! You won't be that alone!! Why, you're with me and Homei- neechan and Hakkai-niichan right?"
"Hakkai! How-how is he?!" Goku asked worriedly.
"He's still unconscious. Well, thank you for telling us your story, Goku- kun. I must go back to the other nuns." Homei left the room silently.
"There must be a possibility that Sanzo-san and Gojyo-san are here too you know! We must search fro them!" declared Kitsune-chan.
"Un!! We will!! But Hakkai." Goku looked at Hakkai's pale face and looked down. "Hakkai's not yet well.. I'm really worried."
"Don't worry, I'm sure he'll get well!!!"
"Okay. Sanzo, Gojyo, where are you now?"
Kitsune-chan then asked Goku, "What's that thing on your head?"
"Oh, it's my limiter. I'm a youkai you know. I must wear this to keep my humanity for I am uncontrollable when I take it off." He explained.
"Thanks. Don't worry, Goku-chan, Hakkai-niichan will get well. Something tells me that he's strong enough to endure all the pain."
"You are right there, Kitsune-chan. He always endures all the pain he feels and he doesn't care for himself much and pays full attention to us, because he is our friend. He often calms down Sanzo and Gojyo and me. He acts as my big brother and he is real nice. He seldom gets mad and he could control his temper. He smiles all the time. He makes me happy when I'm sad. He talks to me whenever I am lonely. He cooks for me when I am hungry. And I hope he wouldn't come any better than this."
"Wow. He's really a nice guy huh?? I bet many people like him for that."
"Yep, I like him very much.. so does Sanzo and Gojyo. Our group wouldn't be complete without him!" I know I like him a lot more than I expected.. but I don't know. Thought he.
Kitsune-chan smiled. She knew Goku liked Hakkai very much. Though she hasn't even talked to Hakkai yet, she is beginning to like him.
"Arigatou, Goku-chan. That's all I need to know. If you need anything, call me at the next room to your right. Bye." Kitsune-chan left the room as silently as she could to respect Hakkai who was till sleeping.
"Bye. I'll see you then." Goku waved.
"Ah, matte. Would you want some new clothes?? I'll get some for you."
"Ah, you really don't need to."
"It's my pleasure." She ran towards another room, which contained different kind of clothes and grabbed some for Goku and Hakkai. "Here. You could dress up now and I'll just leave Hakkai-niichan's here okay? Umm. I'm sure it's your size.." (Don't ask me how she knew what Goku's size is or Hakkai's..) She left the room and went to her room.
"Sankyu!" Goku took off his old clothes and put it to the bag that did belong to them. (Sorry, forgot to mention it.. ) He then dressed up with the fresh new clothes. It was a sleeveless shirt that was light blue and the pants were dark blue. He then wore some red sneakers.
~*~*~*~
Night fell and Kitsune-chan called Goku for dinner. Hakkai still was unconscious. (If you paid attention to the prologue, you'll see there the drug can knock out a normal human FOR A FEW DAYS but it will only affect Hakkai for a day or so.)
Goku ran through the stairs excitedly. And sat beside Kitsune-chan at the dining room. A lot of food were served and Goku ate A LOT. Which didn't surprise Homei and Kitsune-chan but it did surprise the other occupants.
"Ah, I'm full!!" Goku said finally and went up the stairs with Kitsune- chan. They reached the door to their rooms and Goku said, "Oyasumi nasai, Kitsune-chan."
"Oyasumi, Goku-chan!! I hope Hakkai-niichan gets well tomorrow!"
"Sankyu!" Goku entered his room in unison with Kitsune-chan.
Goku sighed. Boy, how he missed Sanzo's constant threatening and Gojyo's constant teasing. He lay on the bed and got under the covers. It only took a second for him to sleep completely. A second was all it took.
~*~*~*~
The next day, the sun rose early and hit Goku's face. He groaned and refused to open his eyes but the sun's rays were too powerful and affected him so much so he had to open his eyes. He rose up and sat on his bed to be greeted by a friendly "Ohayou."
He looked at his side and saw Hakkai awake and sitting on the bed, a smile plastered on his face. "Ohayou, Goku." He repeated.
"HAKKAI!! You're awake!!" Goku rose up from his bed and hugged Hakkai. "I was so worried!! I thought you'd never wake up!! Are you okay now??" Streams of tears fell down Goku's eyes. Despite his tears, he was still smiling widely.
"Eh, it seems that you expect little from me, Goku." Said Hakkai as he hugged Goku back.
"No! It's not that!! I was just worried.. and, and you didn't come to join us in dinner and the food was so delicious and, and.." Goku smiled and wiped away all the tears.
"I appreciate your care Goku. Arigatou. Well, where are we? I've been looking around this room while seated for a while." Hakkai asked.
"We're in the future of Togenkyo. I carried you here while you were unconscious. Hakuryuu was also so worried!! I'm so glad that you're okay!!" Goku hugged him again.
Hakkai smiled, a true smile. "Thanks.. thanks for carrying me from that far. I owe you one, Goku."
Goku separated from Hakkai's arms and said gloomily, "I-I didn't see Sanzo or Gojyo around. I wonder where they are. I'm worried about them too.."
"Yeah, I guess we have to look for them. But, if they aren't here.. in the future.." Hakkai's smile faded.
"What'll happen then?" asked Goku worriedly.
"I don't know, Goku. I'm afraid, I don't know." He then looked at the door, which suddenly opened with Homei and Kitsune-chan coming in.
"Ah, by the way, she's Kitsune-chan!!" Goku pointed at Kitsune-chan. (duh) "And that's Homei-neechan."
"Domo arigatou gozaimasu, Homei-san, Kitsune-chan." Hakkai bowed down a little as a sign of thanks. "Ore wa, Cho Hakkai desu. Nice to meet you all."
"It's nice to meet you too, Hakkai-san." Homei smiled at him.
"Hakkai-niichan, yes, could I call you like that?" asked Kitsune-chan.
"Hai." He answered.
"Anyway, breakfast is ready downstairs. If you would like to umm.. eat with us." Homei invited.
"It's okay. I'll just change."
"Oh, please, let us provide you some privacy." Homei pulled Goku and Kitsune-chan by their shirts and went out.
"Domo." Hakkai took off his clothes and got the pants ready at the table. He put his old clothing into the bag. He looked at the wound on his abdomen. He sighed and remembered his childhood days when he used to stay in an orphanage. He got his monocle, which was on the table and wore it. He also got the clothes ready for him. He wore first the long-sleeved shirt and put on the sleeveless one just like Goku's. He went out of the room and went down the stairs to join the others for breakfast.
Goku saved a seat for him right next to him. "Here Hakkai, please sit beside me."
"Domo, Goku." Hakkai smiled his usual smile and sat down in between Goku and Kitsune-chan. "Kyu!!~!" Hakkai heard flapping of wings going down the stairs. "Kyu~!~!"
"Hakuryuu!!" Hakkai said joyfully. Hakuryuu perched on his shoulder and stroked Hakkai's cheek with its head. Hakkai stroked its back in return. "Kyu!!" Hakuryuu was overjoyed to know that its master was okay!! (Me too!!)
They were soon almost finished eating when Goku's chopsticks caught the dumping which Kitsune-chan's chopsticks was on to. "Oi!!! The dumpling's mine!!" Kitsune-chan said with a frown.
"IIE! It's mine!!!" Goku glared at her.
"I got it first!!! It's mine!!! GRRRRR!!!"
"Nu-uh!! It's not yours!"
"Maa, maa.." said Hakkai.
"HARAHETTA YO!!" Goku yelled. All the other people at the dining room sweat dropped.
"As if you're the only one! Greedy saru!!! Beh!"
Goku expected a gunshot or a paper fan hitting his head, but instead, he felt a hand on his shoulder. "Eh?"
"Goku, it's better if you share, right?" Hakkai smiled at him, a persuading smile.
"But. I'm still hungry, Hakkai.." Goku said, puppy-eyed.
"Sanzo wouldn't like this if he was here."
"Sanzo.. un.. it's yours, Kitsune-chan.." Goku let go of the dumpling.
"Heh, heh!! Sankyu!" Kitsune-chan was about to get the dumpling when Hakuryuu suddenly ate it. "KYU~!~!" exclaimed Hakuryuu happily.
"Eh, sumimasen, Kitsune-chan, but it seems that Hakuryuu was hungry." Apologized Hakkai. He got Hakuryuu off the table and petted it.
"Eh.. but it's okay! Hakuryuu is so kawaii!!!" Kitsune-chan wagged her tail a bit.
"Cool!! I wish I had a tail!" said Goku.
"Jealous??" Kitsune-chan clutched her tail. "Eh, just joking, Goku-chan!!"
"So," Hakkai stood up and continued, "shall we go look for Sanzo and Gojyo?" He then bowed down before the nuns. "Arigatou gozaimasu. We shall go now."
"Bye-bye!!" Goku stood up and headed towards the door. "Ike, Hakkai!"
"Hai, hai." Hakkai followed, with Hakuryuu still perched on his shoulder.
"Let me go with you guys!!" Kitsune-chan stood up. "I'll just go with them, bye-bye!" she ran towards Hakkai and Goku.
"Itterashai!" Homei waved back at them.
Hakkai went out with Goku and Kitsune-chan and started asking around. "Did you see a blond monk?" "Did you see a red haired guy?" Those were the usual questions they asked.
"Sumimasen, but did you see a monk and a red-haired guy pass by?" Hakkai asked politely.
"Gomen, I didn't. Why are you looking for them anyway?" answered the guy Hakkai asked.
"Err, we are traveling companions and we got separated."
"Oh. Good luck in finding them then."
"Arigatou."
"Did you see a violent droopy-eyed monk and a red-haired ero-kappa around these parts?" asked Goku.
"Eh? What in hell's name are you babbling about, gaki?" replied a gangster.
"He's just asking if you've seen his friends around these parts! Why do you have to be so mean?" Kitsune-chan growled figuratively and literally.
"You kids want a fight?" asked another gangster.
"You'll be sorry you ever met me you dumbass!!" yelled Goku and got ready to let out his Nyoibou.
"What did you say?! That's it kid! You've said enough!!" the gangster got ready to punch Goku but was stopped when someone grabbed his shoulder.
"My, my, such violence. Don't you know you could get sued if you continue what you are doing? Surely you wouldn't like to have a case such as child abuse." Said Hakkai seriously and tightened his grip on the guy's shoulder. "Now, please leave them alone." His eyes narrowed.
"Hakkai! You don't have to do that!! I can handle that bully by myself." Protested Goku.
"Surely we can handle this in a more peaceful way. Now answer Goku's question." Hakkai loosened his grip of the man's shoulder.
"ITTAI! I DIDN'T SEE HIM!! DAMMIT!!" the gangster got ready to punch Hakkai but..
"NYOIBOU!!!!!!" exclaimed Goku and struck the guy with his Nyoibou as lightly as he could. (He doesn't want anybody dying..)
"ITTAI!!" the two gangsters ran away. "You'll pay for that, the two of you!!!"
"Yahoo!!!! We did it!!!!" Goku jumped around.
"That was really brave of you guys!" Kitsune-chan said with her cheeks in the color of bright pink.
"But, we could've resorted to other peaceful methods. Oh well.. that's settled." Hakkai sighed.
"So, Hakkai, any good news?" Goku asked worriedly.
"I'm sorry, Goku. Apparently, I have none." Hakkai saw the disappointed look on Goku's face and said again, "Sorry, Goku. I'll try my best."
"Daijoubu, Hakkai. I haven't found anything about them either. Should we try again?" asked Goku.
"Yeah, we can't get anywhere by stopping now. But, there is a very little possibility for them to be here. May I ask, Goku. What happened when we were sucked into the black hole?"
"I.. I.. I called out to Sanzo to hold my hand, but he couldn't. And then, he and Gojyo went through another path."
"...." There was silence for a while and Hakkai didn't reply to what Goku said for what he was thinking right now might hurt the little saru so much.
"Hakkai.. where do you think they are now?"
"Hakkai-niichan, please answer Goku-chan's question.." pleaded Kitsune-chan in behalf of Goku.
"Well, since they went past a different path, I don't think they are here with us in the future. I'm sorry to let you know this, Goku."
"What?! Y-you mean, we won't be able to see them here? I-it can't be!! T- they must be here!!" Goku slumped over Hakkai's chest and cried. "T-they must be here."
"Gomen nasai, Goku.." Hakkai stroked Goku's back to relieve him.
"Hakkai, I miss them so much..."
"Goku-chan.. please don't cry.. y-you're making me cry too!!" Tears began to form in her eyes.
"I will find a way Goku. Please wait until then." Hakkai bent down and wiped Goku's tears. "I promise, okay? Now, don't cry anymore and I'll treat you to some meat buns."
"Thanks, Hakkai. You don't need to spend money right now. Let's just go back." Goku smiled a bit.
"Great idea, Goku-chan!!! Ike, ike!!!" Kitsune-chan got a hold of Hakkai and Goku's arms and pulled them so that they would follow.
"Hai, hai." Hakkai smiled his usual-ever-so-special-Hakkai-smile.
Suddenly, a feeling struck Goku and told him as long as he was with Hakkai, he wouldn't need anybody else. He blushed at the thought. What is this weird feeling?? He finds himself asking it to himself. Does he have a.. * dan, dan, dan!!! *
"Hakkai." Goku whispered and looked at Hakkai's constantly smiling face and blushed. Indeed, he finally agreed to the feeling, he wouldn't need anybody else when with him. He smiled.
To be continued..
~*~*~*~
Kitsune-chan: There has been a few hints of GokuxHakkai here. Waiiii!!! I'm feeling so happy!!!
Goku: Hakkai.. and Sanzo.. what is this feeling?
Hakkai: What did you say, Goku?
Goku: * blushes * Uhh, iie, betsuni, Hakkai.
Kitsune-chan: * smiles widely *
Hakkai: Don't worry, Goku. I'll try my best in finding them.
Goku: Err, you umm... oh never mind!!
Kitsune-chan: Ja ne, minna-chan!! I'll see you all in Chapter II!!!! Please read and review!! Oh! By the way, correction, in the prologue, it was "mizu" not misu. Gomen! My mistake!! Bye-bye!!