Chapter 12
Hakkai's POV
And I thought it was all over. I thought gloomily to myself as I watch Goku being sucked in the cage almost identical to ours while Sanzo had barely had enough time to hide in the thickness of the fog.
Beside me, Gojyo was starting to get really irritated. And knowing him, anytime later he'd release some of his temper tantrums. Right on time. I thought to myself morosely as he started to trash talk the crystal ball.
"Fuck you Homura! Can't you fight without cheating?!" He picked up a rock and threw it as hard as he could at the crystal ball. But even before the thrown object made contact, the crystal ball vanished momentarily and when the rock had fully passed it, reappeared again.
"Kuso! Fuckin, cheating bastard!" Gojyo clenched his fists in frustration. I did the same. It was the least I could do to release some frustration as well. Oh, sure I could trash talk like he does, but it has never been my style. I would just sit back and act relaxed, while thinking of a way to undo or remedy the situation.
We were watching silently as Homura slashed at the air again, laughing madly, and narrowly missing Sanzo's head by inches. In the background, Goku was trashing madly at his cage, tired at having tried at least a dozen ways of getting out.
Goku can't do what he did earlier with us. Him, having to let us borrow his power, because the cage will just absorb the concentrated power even before it can reach out far beyond it. He can't also break the metal because it was strong and was especially made for him.
I must've spaced out because when I came to, Gojyo was waving his hand in front of my face.
"Oi, Hakkai?! You okay?" He asks me concerned.
"Of course. I was just thinking. What is it that you were saying?" Gojyo looks at me exasperated. I knew he doesn't like me that way. I mean the way I always tune him out when he's saying something really important.
"I said, shouldn't we try to break in? Look, Sanzo's getting really tired. It'll be only a matter of time...." He looks at me meaningfully. I look at the crystal ball and it focused Sanzo who looks completely worn out. I frowned. We should really get moving then.
"Alright. Let's try smashing the gate." Gojyo brought forth his shaku jou and rammed it as hard as he could at the gate. As his weapon made contact with the gate, it suddenly crumbled and he was thrown backwards with such force he landed solidly on his butt. I ran to his side immediately.
"What the fuck was that?" He asks me grumpily. I look at the gate to find it shining. So Homura had set up a magnetic field. He had planned this perfectly all along. It only shows that Homura had wanted to be alone and undisturbed when this happens. But we are not going to give up.
I stood up and concentrated a large amount of energy in the palm of my hands and released it towards the barrier. I thought I had succeeded when the barrier calmed down and dimmed for a moment. But then it started glowing green and to my surprise, re-released my ki ball into tiny little ones. I barely had the time to evade it and more so in getting Gojyo out of the way.
"The hell!!! Homura let us in!!!" Gojyo yelled as we landed somewhere far away from the magnetic field. We looked at the crystal ball again only to find out that Homura had finally cornered Sanzo. The view shifted to Goku, who was screaming and crying like mad, and from the looks of it, trying to plead a bargain with Homura, as the god turned around and smiled a feral grin at Goku.
But when I saw Goku, a magnificent idea formed in my mind. I gestured at Gojyo frantically.
"I think I know how to help them." I said excitedly at Gojyo who looks excited as well.
"Really?! Let's do it quick, while we still have the time." I took his both of his hands in mine and closed my eyes.
"What are you doing?" He asks me doubtful.
"Trust me. Now, visualize we are in the same room as them. Concentrate all your power there and direct it towards Sanzo."
"What?!" I opened my eyes and looked at him warningly.
"We are going to do what Goku did, okay? It'll be completely useless to give it to Goku. He's completely sealed in the cage. Sanzo is their only chance of survival now." Gojyo contemplated a bit before nodding.
"Okay. Anything for the saru and the monk. But do you think it will work?" He asks me as he started to close his eyes and concentrates.
"I hope so." I replied at him and doing the same. In no time we glowed red and green.
Sanzo's POV
I don't think I could hold on anymore. I'm tired as I've never been and I think I'm all over. I thought as I watch Homura closing the distance between us. I glared at him daring him to go even closer. I know I'm bluffing but it was the least I could do.
But inside my heart was thumping madly against my ribs and I could vaguely hear Goku crying. I feel like crying myself. If this is the end of me, the only thing I regretted is not being able to say sorry to the saru for all the trouble I've caused him. He's been all that I could ever wish for. I closed my eyes as Homura stopped in front of me his sword poised for kill.
"Homura stop!" Goku pleaded as he clutched the bars of his cage tightly. Homura dropped his sword and turned to him.
"And why would I do that?" He asks chillingly as he steps closer to the cage. I felt somewhat relieved. At least I could catch my breath now and I could play tag with him again later. Goku sniffed and looked resolute.
"I'd do whatever you want. Just release him." He looks at me and the merest trace of a smile was seen in the features of his face. I looked at him disbelievingly and I could hear my heart explode with different emotions. I'm very happy that he really loves me, despite the fact that I've hurt him so many times. I also felt angry at him, because of his martyrdom. But I guess I would've done the same thing. I knew I did.
"Really? Whatever it is that I want you'll give it to me?" Homura asks as he fingers Goku's hands through the metal bars. Goku nodded.
"What if I tell you I want his life." He pointed towards me. Goku shook his head madly.
"Anything but that! Anything!" Homura shakes his head sadly.
"I'm sorry, love. But I can't. I want him dead more than ever. Besides with him out of the way.... You'll be forever mine." He stroked Goku's cheek before turning back on me.
"This is for us, Son Goku! Watch the downfall of your beloved Konzen!" He charged at me full speed with his sword swinging madly in the air. I closed my eyes and waited for the contact. It would be useless to evade it and to run. I only survived then because he was out for fun. Now he was dead serious.
"What the hell.....?" Homura yelled suddenly as he pulled back. I opened my eyes and gasped. In front of me, a barrier of red and green were set up. It looked pretty strong as it hold up the attack of Homura.
"What is that? You really are desperate to live, aren't you Konzen?" He asks me scathingly as he looks at the barrier calculatingly.
"No matter, I could break that." He dropped his sword and started to concentrate his power in his hands. Then to my surprise, a mere ghost of Hakkai appeared beside me.
"Hakkai?!" I whispered as I tried to touch him. Naturally my hand went through him.
"Nice trick eh? Enough talk. What do you think we should do? Me and Gojyo can't keep this up forever. Think of a way to kill that kami with one blow. We will give you all of our powers to do so." I looked at him. Didn't Goku just do that? And I thought I was in a bunch of useless fools. I happened to touch my robes and I felt something in it. I pulled it out.
It was my spirit ascending gun. An idea popped in my head. I think it is possible. If a gun can be ascended to exterminate youkais then it would also be possible to do the same with a kami. I think it's worth a try.
"Hakkai, stop putting up the barrier. Concentrate all your powers instead on my gun." Hakkai nodded gravely.
"Don't ever miss the target Sanzo." He said as he disappears. I nodded as I stood up. I concentrated all my remaining powers into my gun. I became vaguely aware that I glowed purple, while my gun was a swirl of red, green and purple. Homura watched me disbelievingly.
"You think you can win with all of your cheap, little tricks?" I just glared at him, all the while my gun gaining strength. Homura growled angrily. He unleashed his ki ball. I just stood tall; all the concentrated powers will be wasted if I try to use it to evade his attack. Instead I will delay until the last possible minute, if I have to die; I swear I'll bring him with me. I vowed to myself as I watched the ki ball coming closer and closer.
Goku's POV
"Sanzo!" I yelled madly as Homura released his powers. I can't believe him. He really looks intent on bringing Homura down with him. I rattled the bars. If I weren't only caged! I would've killed Homura long ago.
I sank to my knees not wanting to witness anymore of this spectacle. Big, fat tears welled in my eyes. I can't even protect the one I love the most. I'm useless.
"Hey...." I was startled to hear a friendly voice. I'm sure I've heard it somewhere as it was so familiar. I looked up in time to see a boy about my age, hovering above my cage. He had long, black hair toed up in a bun with tendrils of it hanging in his face; he also had golden eyes like mine.
"Who are you?" I ask him. He was smiling all the while I've seen him, but a shadow crossed his face when I asked him. He recovered quickly though.
"It doesn't matter. All that matters is I'm here to help you." He said as he flies lower to my level. He touched the metal bars of my cage and it melted on contact.
"Thank you so much! I won't forget you." I said quickly as I practically flew to Sanzo side.
Before disappearing the boy murmured; "But you already did."
Sanzo's POV
The ki ball is coming closer now, and now is the time to aim. I thought to myself as calmly as possible. Now all I am aware of is me, my gun and Homura. I aimed at his chest and fired. The bullet seems like it was three as a swirl of colors accompany it. It twirled and launched itself right at Homura's chest. I hit him. I really did. But then..... I blacked out as I heard Homura cried out loud and as the ki ball made contact with my outstretched hands.
"NOOOOOOOOOOO!" Homura yelled as he slumped to the ground coughing up blood.
Goku's POV
I reached just in time. I placed myself in front of Sanzo and called forth my nyoibo. I twirled it around like mad and the force of it acted like a barrier. I fell to my knees completely used.
I placed my hand on Sanzo's who fainted from exhaustion.
"We made it, Sanzo. We made it." I told him as a smile formed on my face. Homura sputtered on the ground before us.
"Why? Why did you win? I had the purpose.... I had everything...."
"You may have everything, but we have each other and that's what made us stronger than you are." I looked at Sanzo and at the crystal ball to smile at Hakkai and Gojyo. Yes, I have them. I thought to myself happily.
"But how come you picked Konzen over me? I'd given you everything. Why didn't you love me back? All I ever asked was for you to love me too. And Konzen has done nothing to deserve you. He's done nothing but to hurt you." He looks at me meaningfully. I stood up to look at his pitying form. At the ground, clutching his chest pathetically, his blood a halo around his body.
"You know what?"
"What?"
"You don't ask for love, Homura. You must win it. You may have had the chance, but then......." I looked at Sanzo lovingly as Homura finally turned to ashes.
"My heart is taken." I smiled as a heavy weight was finally lifted of my shoulders. Homura is gone forever and I won't have to worry about him anymore. My smiled widened as the place crumbled to ashes. Outside I could see Hakkai and Gojyo running towards us in the storm of ashes.
"Saru!!!! You're okay!!!" Gojyo yelled us he leapt towards me and engulfed me in a hug. He jumped back.
"Are you safe? You're still a youkai." He wrinkled his nose as he steps back. I smiled.
"Of course ero kappa!"
"Hahahaha. I guess he is Gojyo." Hakkai laughed as he hugged me in return.
"You were great Goku."
"And so were you." I said to Hakkai as well. I looked at Sanzo.
"Could you....?" I looked at Hakkai pleadingly.
"Sure." He leaned down and started to heal Sanzo. Gojyo meanwhile draped his arms around my shoulders.
"Saru, how come you still have your memories?"
"I don't know." I answered him quite truthfully as I bounded towards Sanzo who was waking up.
"Sanzo! You alright! I was so worried." I said as I hugged him tightly.
"Ouch. I'm still sore Goku." I released my hold and smiled on him. He looks at me like something was worng.
"You look awful." Sanzo said as he took my form.
"What?" I ask him confused as he sighs as he fingers his sutra.
"I mean, my work is not finished yet. I liked you the way you are, really." My heart overflowed with joy as he chanted and put back my diadem. I vaguely heard Gojyo and Hakkai snickering in the background as I let myself be engulfed in a long, dreamless sleep.
t.b.c
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N:
Yey! Homura's dead too! Hehehehe..... ^____^
And I want to thank all those who reviewed too!
Chris/Star-chan/Gokugurl/M-i- hehehehe.... The Nataku situation will be cleared on the last chapter and on the sequel of this one!!! *slaps forehead* I've thought far ahead haven't I? *shakes head*
YuiKoshiro- really? You think so? Thanks.... ^____^
Shinta- sorry about that one. Must've slipped by me. No matter, I've reloaded that chap again to replace it to nephew instead. Hehehe.. I didn't really meant to imply that he was a girl, *blushes* really!
Sorry again for my big-time booboo.....
Hakkai's POV
And I thought it was all over. I thought gloomily to myself as I watch Goku being sucked in the cage almost identical to ours while Sanzo had barely had enough time to hide in the thickness of the fog.
Beside me, Gojyo was starting to get really irritated. And knowing him, anytime later he'd release some of his temper tantrums. Right on time. I thought to myself morosely as he started to trash talk the crystal ball.
"Fuck you Homura! Can't you fight without cheating?!" He picked up a rock and threw it as hard as he could at the crystal ball. But even before the thrown object made contact, the crystal ball vanished momentarily and when the rock had fully passed it, reappeared again.
"Kuso! Fuckin, cheating bastard!" Gojyo clenched his fists in frustration. I did the same. It was the least I could do to release some frustration as well. Oh, sure I could trash talk like he does, but it has never been my style. I would just sit back and act relaxed, while thinking of a way to undo or remedy the situation.
We were watching silently as Homura slashed at the air again, laughing madly, and narrowly missing Sanzo's head by inches. In the background, Goku was trashing madly at his cage, tired at having tried at least a dozen ways of getting out.
Goku can't do what he did earlier with us. Him, having to let us borrow his power, because the cage will just absorb the concentrated power even before it can reach out far beyond it. He can't also break the metal because it was strong and was especially made for him.
I must've spaced out because when I came to, Gojyo was waving his hand in front of my face.
"Oi, Hakkai?! You okay?" He asks me concerned.
"Of course. I was just thinking. What is it that you were saying?" Gojyo looks at me exasperated. I knew he doesn't like me that way. I mean the way I always tune him out when he's saying something really important.
"I said, shouldn't we try to break in? Look, Sanzo's getting really tired. It'll be only a matter of time...." He looks at me meaningfully. I look at the crystal ball and it focused Sanzo who looks completely worn out. I frowned. We should really get moving then.
"Alright. Let's try smashing the gate." Gojyo brought forth his shaku jou and rammed it as hard as he could at the gate. As his weapon made contact with the gate, it suddenly crumbled and he was thrown backwards with such force he landed solidly on his butt. I ran to his side immediately.
"What the fuck was that?" He asks me grumpily. I look at the gate to find it shining. So Homura had set up a magnetic field. He had planned this perfectly all along. It only shows that Homura had wanted to be alone and undisturbed when this happens. But we are not going to give up.
I stood up and concentrated a large amount of energy in the palm of my hands and released it towards the barrier. I thought I had succeeded when the barrier calmed down and dimmed for a moment. But then it started glowing green and to my surprise, re-released my ki ball into tiny little ones. I barely had the time to evade it and more so in getting Gojyo out of the way.
"The hell!!! Homura let us in!!!" Gojyo yelled as we landed somewhere far away from the magnetic field. We looked at the crystal ball again only to find out that Homura had finally cornered Sanzo. The view shifted to Goku, who was screaming and crying like mad, and from the looks of it, trying to plead a bargain with Homura, as the god turned around and smiled a feral grin at Goku.
But when I saw Goku, a magnificent idea formed in my mind. I gestured at Gojyo frantically.
"I think I know how to help them." I said excitedly at Gojyo who looks excited as well.
"Really?! Let's do it quick, while we still have the time." I took his both of his hands in mine and closed my eyes.
"What are you doing?" He asks me doubtful.
"Trust me. Now, visualize we are in the same room as them. Concentrate all your power there and direct it towards Sanzo."
"What?!" I opened my eyes and looked at him warningly.
"We are going to do what Goku did, okay? It'll be completely useless to give it to Goku. He's completely sealed in the cage. Sanzo is their only chance of survival now." Gojyo contemplated a bit before nodding.
"Okay. Anything for the saru and the monk. But do you think it will work?" He asks me as he started to close his eyes and concentrates.
"I hope so." I replied at him and doing the same. In no time we glowed red and green.
Sanzo's POV
I don't think I could hold on anymore. I'm tired as I've never been and I think I'm all over. I thought as I watch Homura closing the distance between us. I glared at him daring him to go even closer. I know I'm bluffing but it was the least I could do.
But inside my heart was thumping madly against my ribs and I could vaguely hear Goku crying. I feel like crying myself. If this is the end of me, the only thing I regretted is not being able to say sorry to the saru for all the trouble I've caused him. He's been all that I could ever wish for. I closed my eyes as Homura stopped in front of me his sword poised for kill.
"Homura stop!" Goku pleaded as he clutched the bars of his cage tightly. Homura dropped his sword and turned to him.
"And why would I do that?" He asks chillingly as he steps closer to the cage. I felt somewhat relieved. At least I could catch my breath now and I could play tag with him again later. Goku sniffed and looked resolute.
"I'd do whatever you want. Just release him." He looks at me and the merest trace of a smile was seen in the features of his face. I looked at him disbelievingly and I could hear my heart explode with different emotions. I'm very happy that he really loves me, despite the fact that I've hurt him so many times. I also felt angry at him, because of his martyrdom. But I guess I would've done the same thing. I knew I did.
"Really? Whatever it is that I want you'll give it to me?" Homura asks as he fingers Goku's hands through the metal bars. Goku nodded.
"What if I tell you I want his life." He pointed towards me. Goku shook his head madly.
"Anything but that! Anything!" Homura shakes his head sadly.
"I'm sorry, love. But I can't. I want him dead more than ever. Besides with him out of the way.... You'll be forever mine." He stroked Goku's cheek before turning back on me.
"This is for us, Son Goku! Watch the downfall of your beloved Konzen!" He charged at me full speed with his sword swinging madly in the air. I closed my eyes and waited for the contact. It would be useless to evade it and to run. I only survived then because he was out for fun. Now he was dead serious.
"What the hell.....?" Homura yelled suddenly as he pulled back. I opened my eyes and gasped. In front of me, a barrier of red and green were set up. It looked pretty strong as it hold up the attack of Homura.
"What is that? You really are desperate to live, aren't you Konzen?" He asks me scathingly as he looks at the barrier calculatingly.
"No matter, I could break that." He dropped his sword and started to concentrate his power in his hands. Then to my surprise, a mere ghost of Hakkai appeared beside me.
"Hakkai?!" I whispered as I tried to touch him. Naturally my hand went through him.
"Nice trick eh? Enough talk. What do you think we should do? Me and Gojyo can't keep this up forever. Think of a way to kill that kami with one blow. We will give you all of our powers to do so." I looked at him. Didn't Goku just do that? And I thought I was in a bunch of useless fools. I happened to touch my robes and I felt something in it. I pulled it out.
It was my spirit ascending gun. An idea popped in my head. I think it is possible. If a gun can be ascended to exterminate youkais then it would also be possible to do the same with a kami. I think it's worth a try.
"Hakkai, stop putting up the barrier. Concentrate all your powers instead on my gun." Hakkai nodded gravely.
"Don't ever miss the target Sanzo." He said as he disappears. I nodded as I stood up. I concentrated all my remaining powers into my gun. I became vaguely aware that I glowed purple, while my gun was a swirl of red, green and purple. Homura watched me disbelievingly.
"You think you can win with all of your cheap, little tricks?" I just glared at him, all the while my gun gaining strength. Homura growled angrily. He unleashed his ki ball. I just stood tall; all the concentrated powers will be wasted if I try to use it to evade his attack. Instead I will delay until the last possible minute, if I have to die; I swear I'll bring him with me. I vowed to myself as I watched the ki ball coming closer and closer.
Goku's POV
"Sanzo!" I yelled madly as Homura released his powers. I can't believe him. He really looks intent on bringing Homura down with him. I rattled the bars. If I weren't only caged! I would've killed Homura long ago.
I sank to my knees not wanting to witness anymore of this spectacle. Big, fat tears welled in my eyes. I can't even protect the one I love the most. I'm useless.
"Hey...." I was startled to hear a friendly voice. I'm sure I've heard it somewhere as it was so familiar. I looked up in time to see a boy about my age, hovering above my cage. He had long, black hair toed up in a bun with tendrils of it hanging in his face; he also had golden eyes like mine.
"Who are you?" I ask him. He was smiling all the while I've seen him, but a shadow crossed his face when I asked him. He recovered quickly though.
"It doesn't matter. All that matters is I'm here to help you." He said as he flies lower to my level. He touched the metal bars of my cage and it melted on contact.
"Thank you so much! I won't forget you." I said quickly as I practically flew to Sanzo side.
Before disappearing the boy murmured; "But you already did."
Sanzo's POV
The ki ball is coming closer now, and now is the time to aim. I thought to myself as calmly as possible. Now all I am aware of is me, my gun and Homura. I aimed at his chest and fired. The bullet seems like it was three as a swirl of colors accompany it. It twirled and launched itself right at Homura's chest. I hit him. I really did. But then..... I blacked out as I heard Homura cried out loud and as the ki ball made contact with my outstretched hands.
"NOOOOOOOOOOO!" Homura yelled as he slumped to the ground coughing up blood.
Goku's POV
I reached just in time. I placed myself in front of Sanzo and called forth my nyoibo. I twirled it around like mad and the force of it acted like a barrier. I fell to my knees completely used.
I placed my hand on Sanzo's who fainted from exhaustion.
"We made it, Sanzo. We made it." I told him as a smile formed on my face. Homura sputtered on the ground before us.
"Why? Why did you win? I had the purpose.... I had everything...."
"You may have everything, but we have each other and that's what made us stronger than you are." I looked at Sanzo and at the crystal ball to smile at Hakkai and Gojyo. Yes, I have them. I thought to myself happily.
"But how come you picked Konzen over me? I'd given you everything. Why didn't you love me back? All I ever asked was for you to love me too. And Konzen has done nothing to deserve you. He's done nothing but to hurt you." He looks at me meaningfully. I stood up to look at his pitying form. At the ground, clutching his chest pathetically, his blood a halo around his body.
"You know what?"
"What?"
"You don't ask for love, Homura. You must win it. You may have had the chance, but then......." I looked at Sanzo lovingly as Homura finally turned to ashes.
"My heart is taken." I smiled as a heavy weight was finally lifted of my shoulders. Homura is gone forever and I won't have to worry about him anymore. My smiled widened as the place crumbled to ashes. Outside I could see Hakkai and Gojyo running towards us in the storm of ashes.
"Saru!!!! You're okay!!!" Gojyo yelled us he leapt towards me and engulfed me in a hug. He jumped back.
"Are you safe? You're still a youkai." He wrinkled his nose as he steps back. I smiled.
"Of course ero kappa!"
"Hahahaha. I guess he is Gojyo." Hakkai laughed as he hugged me in return.
"You were great Goku."
"And so were you." I said to Hakkai as well. I looked at Sanzo.
"Could you....?" I looked at Hakkai pleadingly.
"Sure." He leaned down and started to heal Sanzo. Gojyo meanwhile draped his arms around my shoulders.
"Saru, how come you still have your memories?"
"I don't know." I answered him quite truthfully as I bounded towards Sanzo who was waking up.
"Sanzo! You alright! I was so worried." I said as I hugged him tightly.
"Ouch. I'm still sore Goku." I released my hold and smiled on him. He looks at me like something was worng.
"You look awful." Sanzo said as he took my form.
"What?" I ask him confused as he sighs as he fingers his sutra.
"I mean, my work is not finished yet. I liked you the way you are, really." My heart overflowed with joy as he chanted and put back my diadem. I vaguely heard Gojyo and Hakkai snickering in the background as I let myself be engulfed in a long, dreamless sleep.
t.b.c
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N:
Yey! Homura's dead too! Hehehehe..... ^____^
And I want to thank all those who reviewed too!
Chris/Star-chan/Gokugurl/M-i- hehehehe.... The Nataku situation will be cleared on the last chapter and on the sequel of this one!!! *slaps forehead* I've thought far ahead haven't I? *shakes head*
YuiKoshiro- really? You think so? Thanks.... ^____^
Shinta- sorry about that one. Must've slipped by me. No matter, I've reloaded that chap again to replace it to nephew instead. Hehehe.. I didn't really meant to imply that he was a girl, *blushes* really!
Sorry again for my big-time booboo.....