Chapter 13
Kanzeon Bosatsu's POV
I can't believe any of it. Any of it. I shook my head as I watched Nataku rose from the viewing pond. He shook his raven mane and proceeded to his throne to sit on it again. He puts his chin on the back of his hand and looked somewhere faraway, his eyes unseeing. Nataku looks really, really devastated about something.
Being the gossip and the ever watchful goddess that I am, I should've been already badgering the newly awakened fighting god for details. But no. The almighty, never-surprised goddess of mercy was beyond surprised. I recollected my bearings as I stood gaping.
I vaguely remember sniffing about the situation Goku was in. Oh bless him. He looks really pitiful on that golden cage, with his wide, golden eyes streaked with fear and tears and his voice breaking when he sounded resolute about having to sacrifice himself in Sanzo's place.
I was really contemplating then, whether I should make an appearance. I could stop Homura and talk some sense into him or help the ikkou and be an accomplice in the killing of the kami. Right when I was making a decision, I heard a loud hissing noise from behind me.
I whirled just in time to see Nataku move his hands from the support of his throne. Goku's voice was then heard as he screamed pathetically for Homura to stop. Then by magic or by reaction to Goku's voice, Nataku raised his chin and I was shocked to see that his eyes regained life.
His eyes looked fierce. He looked angry but then the features of his face softened in sympathy as Goku's voice floated yet again from the viewing pond, this time sobbing quietly. I stared at Nataku for a long time, my mouth probably hanging open. He rose from his throne ever so slowly and jumped right into the viewing pond.
I practically ran to the pond and sank on all fours watching it as closely as possible. Nataku had appeared on Goku's side and was saying something I couldn't hear. His voice was so soft; it was only audible to the two. He flew to Goku's level and touched the metal bars. It melted on contact.
The saru the shouted a quick thanks and flew all the way to the other side of the room to evade Homura's attack. Nataku stared at Goku forlornly for a moment before returning here.
Trying my best to regain composure. I let myself smile in satisfaction. It looks like the glory days of five hundred years ago will be repeated. I sauntered over Nataku, finally regaining sense, thoughts and wits. I stopped directly in front of him and gave him a big welcoming smile.
"I thought I'd never see you looking alive again kid." Nataku blanches from hearing my voice. He looks at me for a long time before I register to him.
"Kanzeon Bosatsu!" He said as he finally recognizes me.
"Took you darn too long, Nataku." He drops his gaze and clenched his fists. I looked at him confused.
"What happened Nataku?" I asked him my voice filled with concern. As I've noticed earlier, he looks devastated after rescuing Goku. I don't know why really. He should be happy that is friend is okay and they'll be reunited in no time.
"He doesn't remember me." Nataku sighed and looks at me imploringly.
"You mean Goku?" I ask him confused. He nodded vigorously.
"Is that his name? Yeah, I guess so." I smiled at him knowingly. Yep. Nataku never learned Goku's name but they were very much attached to each other, you'd think they were brothers separated from birth.
"Yes. That was what Konzen named him. You mean he doesn't remember you?"
"No. He asked me what my name was." He dropped his gaze and looks at his hands.
"His memories were sealed Nataku. Maybe that's why he can't remember you." He shook his head sadly.
"They aren't sealed anymore. I was the one who sealed it remember?" It was my time to nod. Indeed, Nataku used it as a last resort to subdue Goku. He didn't want to kill his friend, but his father, Li Touten, ordered him to do so. To escape his father's wrath and to avoid hurting his friend, Nataku sealed himself in with Goku's memory, thus making every god in heaven happy.
"When was it unsealed?" I ask.
"When you brought them here. When you brought Goku here. He must've gone near me. Because his memories started to react to him. I and his memory are linked, so I started to react to Goku to."
My hand flew to my mouth. So that's explains it. Hearing Goku's voice from the viewing pond has slowly awakened the sleeping god. Really tricky. But I had to ask him one more thing.
"If I hadn't brought them here, and Goku didn't go near you, would hearing his voice would affect you that much?" Nataku shook his head.
"I don't think so." I mentally slapped my forehead. Of course not. I have viewed the ikkou almost everyday and the saru's voice was beyond loud. And Nataku didn't flinch even once.
"But why didn't he remember you?" I asked both Nataku and myself aloud.
"It must've been the hitch of the spell."
"Hitch?"
"The one who casts the sealing of memories will forever be forgotten by the one whose memories were sealed." I paled remarkably. Add the fact that I was already pale.
"What? There must be a way to undo that." I said as I crouched on Nataku's level to give him some comfort. I patted his hand, sympathetically. He wrenched his arms hands away and put them in his face instead.
"I don't know. All that I was told is that that hitch won't occur if the bond was strong."
"But your bond is."
"That's what I thought. But look, he had forgotten all about me!" He looks at me with angry eyes, his fists clasped hard that his knuckles turned white.
"Maybe he hadn't gotten all his memories yet. Give it time Nataku." I smiled at him encouragingly. He drops his head yet again. I heard him mumble, but I can't make any of it.
"He must remember me or else...." Nataku breathed under his breath.
Sanzo's POV
I'm really starting to worry. Goku hadn't awakened for the past three days much less stir from his sleep. I know I shouldn't worry much, since Hakkai assured me that Goku is in fine condition, and that he was just regaining the energy and power he lost.
I held his hand in mine, wishing hard that he wake up soon. It's not until he wakes up and smiles his innocent smile that I'll be assured that he is indeed okay. I know it sounds cheesy but that's what I am feeling right now.
I realized his worth when I thought I was going to die. I started to appreciate him more too. And I vowed to myself that I'll do my very best not to hurt him again. I heard the door opening and I immediately dropped Goku's hands.
"Aww.... Sanzo-sama's still shy." Gojyo sneered as he brought in a tray filled with foods and beer. I scowled at him. Sure, he may have saved my life but I swear I'll kill him if he takes another stab at it.
"Urusei." I mumble as I drop my gaze back to the saru. I was startled when Gojyo talked again.
"Eat. He's going to wake up soon you know? Goku's a tough saru and he's not going to be happy if his keeper is as thin as a bamboo when he wakes up." Gojyo said seriously as he puts the tray down and got himself a chair. He positioned himself beside me. I nodded silently. Not trusting myself to speak.
I grabbed a sandwich and bit into it, not really tasting it. I really didn't feel like eating but it was better than being badgered by the ero kappa. I started to open my mouth to have a conversation when Gojyo perks up and puts his finger on his mouth, signaling me to stay quiet. He motions to Goku.
"Konzen....." He mumbles as turned on his side. Konzen? Isn't that the name Homura used to call me? My forehead knit in confusion as me and Gojyo leans closer to Goku who started to sleep talk again.
"Ten-chan, Ken-ni-chan..." Gojyo looks at me and mouthed the words 'who's that?' I shook my head and glared at him. How was I supposed to know that in the first place? The door opens again and Hakkai comes in a look of surprise n his face.
"Are....? What are you doing?" He asks as he closes the door behind him. Gojyo pulls Hakkai to him and shuts him up. We continued to listen. No words are coming out of Goku's mouth now.
"What was that all about?" Hakkai asks confused.
"Goku was sleep talking and he was calling out for Konzen, Ten-chan and Ken-ni-chan." Gojyo said as he leans back on his chair again. I lit up a cigarette and started to smoke. Let them figure that one out. My head was aching only from worry and another matter like that would only make my headache worse.
"Isn't that the name Homura calls Sanzo?" Hakkai asks us, as he took a third chair and positioned himself beside Gojyo.
"Yup. No mistakes. But who are the other two?" Gojyo thought as he puffed some smoke out.
"Maybe be Ten-chan stands for Tenpou and Ken-ni-chan for Kenren." Gojyo looks at Hakkai like he was mad.
"What?! Is that logical?" Hakkai shrugged.
"I'm just guessing." Suddenly Goku stirred and sat up. In no time I was up and was beside him.
"Goku! You're awake." I said, barely containing my joy. He smiles at me sleepily and puts his head on my lap. Looks like he hasn't gotten enough sleep.
"I've had the most wonderful dream." Goku said dreamily. I stroked his hair and urge him to talk more.
"No, I think it really happened."
"What happened?" Gojyo asks. Goku sat up and looks at each of us knowingly.
"We were together 500 years ago."
"What? You too saru? Do you honestly believe what that hag says?" Gojyo asks him incredously. Goku just smiled deliciously.
"Uhuh. Because I was there. I must've regained my memories!" He declared and we were absolutely shocked.
"How come you have your memories back?" I asked him. Okay. So I believe him. He didn't go berserk while he was Seiten Taisen right? So there couldn't be any other possible explanation besides that.
"I don't know." Goku shakes his head sadly but then smiles brightly again as he hugged each of us in return.
"What the hell was that about?" Gojyo asks as it was his turn to be engulfed in a brotherly hug.
"Nothing. I was just so happy that you all kept your promise to me."
"Promise?" Hakkai smiles at Goku as he was enveloped in a bear hug.
"When you were Konzen, Ten-chan and Ken-ni-chan. You promised me that no matter how long, no matter how hard you'll find me and that we'll be together again." Goku crawled next to me and sat down.
"So it was true? That we were.....?"
"Yes. It was the day before the trial. We knew..... well, you knew that we would be expelled in heaven. And I was crying that I don't want to because we'll be separated down here. But you assured me that we'll be reunited no matter what." His eyes shined with unshed, happy tears.
Hakkai and Gojyo smiled knowingly, before excusing themselves. They said they were bushed and desperately needs some rest. Fuck them. I knew they were just giving me and Goku some personal space. I shook my head. Am I really that predictable?
Goku puts his head on my lap again and starts to sob. My eyes widened in surprise. What did I do this time?
"Oi, Goku? Are you okay?" I ask him uncertainly. His sobs died down before he faces me, his eyes full of concern and love. I flinch. It was the one thing I can't really give him ever. To express my feelings to him well, but I guess he knew it, one way or the other.
"I was so scared."
"Scared?" He nodded.
"I almost lost you twice." He hugs me close and I returned it.
"When you were Konzen..... When you were expelled and you were taken right in front of my eyes.... I was so scared. I thought I'd never see you again. I knew I lost control because when I came to, I was in that cave." So that's the reason his memories were sealed. I thought to myself. He probably became the Seiten Taisen when he lost control. Goku started sobbing again.
"Shhhhh.... I'm here now."
"I know. But I almost lost you again!!! I shouldn't have been sleeping when you sneaked away from me.. then that Kagami would've never got you and god....!" He hiccupped before continuing.
"You were almost killed by Homura because of me. I'm really sorry Sanzo! I vowed that I'd protect you.... but I was a complete failure both times." I lifted his chin and looked at him directly.
"You were not. I am the failure. Both times."
"But...!" I put my finger in his mouth to shut him.
"No. It was true. I was being selfish. I thought I could save you but hurting you. I knew now that it was wrong. I did it in the past up until now. I've done nothing but to give you pain."
"Sanzo...." He looks at me with those innocent, golden eyes again. I feel like drowning into those golden depths. If I were really Konzen, I knew he must've drowned in those golden orbs, enticed by Goku. I know I will be, no matter what the time......
I smiled at him. Genuinely. Teasing.
"You know what saru?"
"What?"
"I guess I'm always stuck with you. Past or present you're always here badgering me." He looks at me pouting.
"I don't know why I put up with you in the first place. You're always whining and hungry and......" Goku drops his gaze to look at his hands. I chuckled as I lifted his chin up to look at his eyes sincerely.
"But I wouldn't want a future without you either."
~OWARI
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A/N: There! Finished. Sorry if the ending sounded so hasty...... I was kind of in a hurry... ^___^
Anyway, thanks to all those who read and followed this fic! I hope you enjoyed reading it. ^____^
Kanzeon Bosatsu's POV
I can't believe any of it. Any of it. I shook my head as I watched Nataku rose from the viewing pond. He shook his raven mane and proceeded to his throne to sit on it again. He puts his chin on the back of his hand and looked somewhere faraway, his eyes unseeing. Nataku looks really, really devastated about something.
Being the gossip and the ever watchful goddess that I am, I should've been already badgering the newly awakened fighting god for details. But no. The almighty, never-surprised goddess of mercy was beyond surprised. I recollected my bearings as I stood gaping.
I vaguely remember sniffing about the situation Goku was in. Oh bless him. He looks really pitiful on that golden cage, with his wide, golden eyes streaked with fear and tears and his voice breaking when he sounded resolute about having to sacrifice himself in Sanzo's place.
I was really contemplating then, whether I should make an appearance. I could stop Homura and talk some sense into him or help the ikkou and be an accomplice in the killing of the kami. Right when I was making a decision, I heard a loud hissing noise from behind me.
I whirled just in time to see Nataku move his hands from the support of his throne. Goku's voice was then heard as he screamed pathetically for Homura to stop. Then by magic or by reaction to Goku's voice, Nataku raised his chin and I was shocked to see that his eyes regained life.
His eyes looked fierce. He looked angry but then the features of his face softened in sympathy as Goku's voice floated yet again from the viewing pond, this time sobbing quietly. I stared at Nataku for a long time, my mouth probably hanging open. He rose from his throne ever so slowly and jumped right into the viewing pond.
I practically ran to the pond and sank on all fours watching it as closely as possible. Nataku had appeared on Goku's side and was saying something I couldn't hear. His voice was so soft; it was only audible to the two. He flew to Goku's level and touched the metal bars. It melted on contact.
The saru the shouted a quick thanks and flew all the way to the other side of the room to evade Homura's attack. Nataku stared at Goku forlornly for a moment before returning here.
Trying my best to regain composure. I let myself smile in satisfaction. It looks like the glory days of five hundred years ago will be repeated. I sauntered over Nataku, finally regaining sense, thoughts and wits. I stopped directly in front of him and gave him a big welcoming smile.
"I thought I'd never see you looking alive again kid." Nataku blanches from hearing my voice. He looks at me for a long time before I register to him.
"Kanzeon Bosatsu!" He said as he finally recognizes me.
"Took you darn too long, Nataku." He drops his gaze and clenched his fists. I looked at him confused.
"What happened Nataku?" I asked him my voice filled with concern. As I've noticed earlier, he looks devastated after rescuing Goku. I don't know why really. He should be happy that is friend is okay and they'll be reunited in no time.
"He doesn't remember me." Nataku sighed and looks at me imploringly.
"You mean Goku?" I ask him confused. He nodded vigorously.
"Is that his name? Yeah, I guess so." I smiled at him knowingly. Yep. Nataku never learned Goku's name but they were very much attached to each other, you'd think they were brothers separated from birth.
"Yes. That was what Konzen named him. You mean he doesn't remember you?"
"No. He asked me what my name was." He dropped his gaze and looks at his hands.
"His memories were sealed Nataku. Maybe that's why he can't remember you." He shook his head sadly.
"They aren't sealed anymore. I was the one who sealed it remember?" It was my time to nod. Indeed, Nataku used it as a last resort to subdue Goku. He didn't want to kill his friend, but his father, Li Touten, ordered him to do so. To escape his father's wrath and to avoid hurting his friend, Nataku sealed himself in with Goku's memory, thus making every god in heaven happy.
"When was it unsealed?" I ask.
"When you brought them here. When you brought Goku here. He must've gone near me. Because his memories started to react to him. I and his memory are linked, so I started to react to Goku to."
My hand flew to my mouth. So that's explains it. Hearing Goku's voice from the viewing pond has slowly awakened the sleeping god. Really tricky. But I had to ask him one more thing.
"If I hadn't brought them here, and Goku didn't go near you, would hearing his voice would affect you that much?" Nataku shook his head.
"I don't think so." I mentally slapped my forehead. Of course not. I have viewed the ikkou almost everyday and the saru's voice was beyond loud. And Nataku didn't flinch even once.
"But why didn't he remember you?" I asked both Nataku and myself aloud.
"It must've been the hitch of the spell."
"Hitch?"
"The one who casts the sealing of memories will forever be forgotten by the one whose memories were sealed." I paled remarkably. Add the fact that I was already pale.
"What? There must be a way to undo that." I said as I crouched on Nataku's level to give him some comfort. I patted his hand, sympathetically. He wrenched his arms hands away and put them in his face instead.
"I don't know. All that I was told is that that hitch won't occur if the bond was strong."
"But your bond is."
"That's what I thought. But look, he had forgotten all about me!" He looks at me with angry eyes, his fists clasped hard that his knuckles turned white.
"Maybe he hadn't gotten all his memories yet. Give it time Nataku." I smiled at him encouragingly. He drops his head yet again. I heard him mumble, but I can't make any of it.
"He must remember me or else...." Nataku breathed under his breath.
Sanzo's POV
I'm really starting to worry. Goku hadn't awakened for the past three days much less stir from his sleep. I know I shouldn't worry much, since Hakkai assured me that Goku is in fine condition, and that he was just regaining the energy and power he lost.
I held his hand in mine, wishing hard that he wake up soon. It's not until he wakes up and smiles his innocent smile that I'll be assured that he is indeed okay. I know it sounds cheesy but that's what I am feeling right now.
I realized his worth when I thought I was going to die. I started to appreciate him more too. And I vowed to myself that I'll do my very best not to hurt him again. I heard the door opening and I immediately dropped Goku's hands.
"Aww.... Sanzo-sama's still shy." Gojyo sneered as he brought in a tray filled with foods and beer. I scowled at him. Sure, he may have saved my life but I swear I'll kill him if he takes another stab at it.
"Urusei." I mumble as I drop my gaze back to the saru. I was startled when Gojyo talked again.
"Eat. He's going to wake up soon you know? Goku's a tough saru and he's not going to be happy if his keeper is as thin as a bamboo when he wakes up." Gojyo said seriously as he puts the tray down and got himself a chair. He positioned himself beside me. I nodded silently. Not trusting myself to speak.
I grabbed a sandwich and bit into it, not really tasting it. I really didn't feel like eating but it was better than being badgered by the ero kappa. I started to open my mouth to have a conversation when Gojyo perks up and puts his finger on his mouth, signaling me to stay quiet. He motions to Goku.
"Konzen....." He mumbles as turned on his side. Konzen? Isn't that the name Homura used to call me? My forehead knit in confusion as me and Gojyo leans closer to Goku who started to sleep talk again.
"Ten-chan, Ken-ni-chan..." Gojyo looks at me and mouthed the words 'who's that?' I shook my head and glared at him. How was I supposed to know that in the first place? The door opens again and Hakkai comes in a look of surprise n his face.
"Are....? What are you doing?" He asks as he closes the door behind him. Gojyo pulls Hakkai to him and shuts him up. We continued to listen. No words are coming out of Goku's mouth now.
"What was that all about?" Hakkai asks confused.
"Goku was sleep talking and he was calling out for Konzen, Ten-chan and Ken-ni-chan." Gojyo said as he leans back on his chair again. I lit up a cigarette and started to smoke. Let them figure that one out. My head was aching only from worry and another matter like that would only make my headache worse.
"Isn't that the name Homura calls Sanzo?" Hakkai asks us, as he took a third chair and positioned himself beside Gojyo.
"Yup. No mistakes. But who are the other two?" Gojyo thought as he puffed some smoke out.
"Maybe be Ten-chan stands for Tenpou and Ken-ni-chan for Kenren." Gojyo looks at Hakkai like he was mad.
"What?! Is that logical?" Hakkai shrugged.
"I'm just guessing." Suddenly Goku stirred and sat up. In no time I was up and was beside him.
"Goku! You're awake." I said, barely containing my joy. He smiles at me sleepily and puts his head on my lap. Looks like he hasn't gotten enough sleep.
"I've had the most wonderful dream." Goku said dreamily. I stroked his hair and urge him to talk more.
"No, I think it really happened."
"What happened?" Gojyo asks. Goku sat up and looks at each of us knowingly.
"We were together 500 years ago."
"What? You too saru? Do you honestly believe what that hag says?" Gojyo asks him incredously. Goku just smiled deliciously.
"Uhuh. Because I was there. I must've regained my memories!" He declared and we were absolutely shocked.
"How come you have your memories back?" I asked him. Okay. So I believe him. He didn't go berserk while he was Seiten Taisen right? So there couldn't be any other possible explanation besides that.
"I don't know." Goku shakes his head sadly but then smiles brightly again as he hugged each of us in return.
"What the hell was that about?" Gojyo asks as it was his turn to be engulfed in a brotherly hug.
"Nothing. I was just so happy that you all kept your promise to me."
"Promise?" Hakkai smiles at Goku as he was enveloped in a bear hug.
"When you were Konzen, Ten-chan and Ken-ni-chan. You promised me that no matter how long, no matter how hard you'll find me and that we'll be together again." Goku crawled next to me and sat down.
"So it was true? That we were.....?"
"Yes. It was the day before the trial. We knew..... well, you knew that we would be expelled in heaven. And I was crying that I don't want to because we'll be separated down here. But you assured me that we'll be reunited no matter what." His eyes shined with unshed, happy tears.
Hakkai and Gojyo smiled knowingly, before excusing themselves. They said they were bushed and desperately needs some rest. Fuck them. I knew they were just giving me and Goku some personal space. I shook my head. Am I really that predictable?
Goku puts his head on my lap again and starts to sob. My eyes widened in surprise. What did I do this time?
"Oi, Goku? Are you okay?" I ask him uncertainly. His sobs died down before he faces me, his eyes full of concern and love. I flinch. It was the one thing I can't really give him ever. To express my feelings to him well, but I guess he knew it, one way or the other.
"I was so scared."
"Scared?" He nodded.
"I almost lost you twice." He hugs me close and I returned it.
"When you were Konzen..... When you were expelled and you were taken right in front of my eyes.... I was so scared. I thought I'd never see you again. I knew I lost control because when I came to, I was in that cave." So that's the reason his memories were sealed. I thought to myself. He probably became the Seiten Taisen when he lost control. Goku started sobbing again.
"Shhhhh.... I'm here now."
"I know. But I almost lost you again!!! I shouldn't have been sleeping when you sneaked away from me.. then that Kagami would've never got you and god....!" He hiccupped before continuing.
"You were almost killed by Homura because of me. I'm really sorry Sanzo! I vowed that I'd protect you.... but I was a complete failure both times." I lifted his chin and looked at him directly.
"You were not. I am the failure. Both times."
"But...!" I put my finger in his mouth to shut him.
"No. It was true. I was being selfish. I thought I could save you but hurting you. I knew now that it was wrong. I did it in the past up until now. I've done nothing but to give you pain."
"Sanzo...." He looks at me with those innocent, golden eyes again. I feel like drowning into those golden depths. If I were really Konzen, I knew he must've drowned in those golden orbs, enticed by Goku. I know I will be, no matter what the time......
I smiled at him. Genuinely. Teasing.
"You know what saru?"
"What?"
"I guess I'm always stuck with you. Past or present you're always here badgering me." He looks at me pouting.
"I don't know why I put up with you in the first place. You're always whining and hungry and......" Goku drops his gaze to look at his hands. I chuckled as I lifted his chin up to look at his eyes sincerely.
"But I wouldn't want a future without you either."
~OWARI
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A/N: There! Finished. Sorry if the ending sounded so hasty...... I was kind of in a hurry... ^___^
Anyway, thanks to all those who read and followed this fic! I hope you enjoyed reading it. ^____^