Fatherhood Chapter 7

Wovism stood at the edge of the hillside, reserving his strength for the coming battle. At last, his revenge was going to be fulfilled, right in the depths of the 'Wolf Demon Forest', his birth land that had nourished him like his fathers before him and their fathers before them. He knew every soil, blade of glass, tree and rock, their spirits and their names. They spoke to him in ancient language, a tongue too profound for humans to comprehend. What the ignorant humans did not know, they would obliterate. Out of this, the humans 'created' their champion – Sanzos, priests bestowed by the gods with the power to subdue demons with their Sutras. The smutty gods! Who were they to pass judgment on them? Who were they to presume their superiority because they lived above the clouds? To complete their claim as supreme rules over living creatures, they manipulate human to do their work. Men like Genjo Sanzo, their immolation.

He had heard stories of the young man who made quite a professional in slaying his demon kinsmen. When his scouts reported to him of his arrival, Wovism had no intention to fight against him. There was no need of his clan to embark themselves on the hunt of a killer under priestly robes. A moribund breed they were and Wovism was burden with the task to keep their clan alive. Sorrowfully, his only son, Wolgism, a young and highly spirited wolf cub, insisted to hunt the Sanzo based on the legendary fable of becoming an immortal by devouring his flesh.

Immorality. This term was misused in hundreds of tales, woven by fantasy over the centuries. Listen to me, my son. Wovism said firmly. The reality of the fable is that Sanzo's flesh only extends one's lifespan but his life is as fragile as a flickering candle in the Wind of Death. Our instincts should always be alert for wolf traps and shotgun bullets, much less a Sanzo…

However, like all reckless youths, Wolgism and his gang did not heed his words and proceeded on. With their tracking skills and killer intuition, they managed to pin down the Sanzo and nearly tore him apart. Victory was coming upon them. Wovism smiled bitterly. An illusion for all wolf demon cubs like Wolgism. The gods wouldn't allow their human killing puppet to die before his time. A rider came. A woman, he was told. She came to his aid and shot down some of the young cubs. The Sanzo escaped with her. Wolgism was injured in the crossfire. Nevertheless, Wolgism was alive. That was all that mattered.

Hot heavy air puffed out through his nostrils. The defeat hurt Wolgism's pride and ego as the second in line for the Leader of the Wolf Demons Clan. Defeat is the building block of Success. He told his young son. Sullen, Wolgism disregarded him and sulked in his corner. Wovism shook his head at his behaviour. He turned to his faithful right hand, Wobsolk and ordered him to trace down the Sanzo and find out more about his female rescuer. If he was not mistaken, monks don't usually associate themselves with women. Yet, Genjo Sanzo was a young man. Young men always fall for Women.

Morning came and the yellow green grasses were pooled by the sun's brilliance. Wovism was warming his bones as he waited for Wobsolk's return. Most of his nocturnal kinsmen hate the sun but he loved it, to be able to see the sun means his existence in serenity. Softly, he walked back into his cavern and peered in. He sees Wolgism, curled into a fur ball, motionless as the rock. Peace quieted his mind. After Womiram's death, Wolgism was his sole reason to live on and carry his duties as Leader for his Clan. Watching him grow on the soils of his ancestors gave him the gratification of a father. His parental task would soon be over when Wolgism passed his initiation rite to adulthood. For now, he would allow him and his friends to wander the Forest every now and then for their red flesh faces stood out contrastingly in their green surroundings and would alarm the humans. As soon they reach adulthood, they would be able to conceal themselves, tricking the humans to think they were really normal wolves.

Resting upon the warm baked stones, Wobsolk finally returned with his report. The woman had taken Sanzo to an inn where he was treated of his injuries. He stayed for a while and left before dawn. Wovism was fairly impassive about the report. Perhaps, he had worried too much about the woman. After all, what are possibilities could a mere woman could be towards Genjo Sanzo? Then, an enormous source of dharma power hit through his demon soul, the essence of its energy was distinctively recognizable. The bronze sky unpredictably burst into hues of amethyst and blinding white light, followed by the high-pitched howlings that shook the stoned ground beneath his paws.

Anxious, Wovism ran back to the cavern to wake Wolgism. To his worst nightmare, Wolgism was not there. Instead, it was a worthless heap of cheap wolf fur that humans were so fond of using them as bed rugs. Wobsolk came in and reported that there were more of those furs in the other caves. Upon hearing this, Wovism ran all to the place where the dreadful light was seen. Though the twists and turns, he ran and ran until he succumbed upon a charred parched area. Losing his nerves, he bent down and sniffed the area, hoping against hope to the actuality of the outcome. At that moment, he smelt a scent he had knew all of his life, the very smell that gave life a new meaning.

Heartbroken, he lifted his head and gave a lamenting howl.

For days and nights, Wovism mourned for his son, refusing to eat, drink or sleep. His soul was crushed to the point of despair, beyond repair. There was no will to live, no reason to believe in Chance. His heart was aching with angst at the everlasting loss of their young. Now, the old were left to linger. Was it their time to go? To be forgotten or degraded into children myths and folklores? Never! He said to himself. If Death had decided the end of the Wolf Demon Clan, then Wovism would make sure that it would be a glorious end.

Unleashing Revenge and Hatred in him to give him strength, Wovism set out a new law to his surviving brothers, kill every human who entered the Forest, spare no one, including women and children. To avenge Wolgism, Wovism had to rouse their bloodlust in them, to encourage their taste for human flesh and blood, to breed the ruthlessness and malicious in them. Surely their inhuman inimical activities should draw Genjo Sanzo back to the Forest and there, Wovism would settle his score for once and for all. An eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth.

One day, during their daily hunt, Wovism & his brothers came across two women & a child. Both were hailing them with shotgun bullets while they were protecting the child. Wovism was watching his brothers evading the bullets, jumping back and forth. He was bored with their feckless defense. Eventually, his brothers would rip them to pieces. For Wovism, he was close in perfecting the technique of slaying human in the slowest and most tormenting way. To rip their juicy flesh layer by layer while their half dead bodies writhed in their last rugged mouthfuls of air, struggling for a futile miracle to happen was the highlight of the kill. Usually, Wovism let the female humans died quickly by snapping their tender necks. It was the men he wanted them to suffer. Men like Genjo Sanzo!

Wobsolk stood next to him, observing the fight. His bushy brows knitted together. Wovism, the woman with chestnut hair... I have seen her before. She was the one who rescued Genjo Sanzo…

A mere woman like her? Wovism scoffed. Female humans hardly put up a fight. Are you sure?

You know me since we were cubs. I never made a mistake!

Well then, if she is the one. Wovism drawn up to his full length, his jaws spilt into a smile. Then, she will die as punishment for allying with Genjo Sanzo!

Roaring, Wovism raced down and lunched towards the chestnut haired woman. Her companion saw him coming and pushed her out of the way, allowing herself to trampled upon. The other wolf demons took the given opportunity and pinned her flat to the ground. Terrified, the younger woman shot pointlessly at Wovism who kept coming closer and closer, ready for the kill.

Breathless & rigid with fear, the woman clutched her child tightly. Wovism's scarlet hue eyes took pleasure at her shaking body. Moving upwards, he noticed her child, sleeping peacefully in her arms; unaware of the danger he was in. Puzzled & intrigued, Wovism stepped nearer to study the human child whose features were much like his mother save the blond hair. As he sniffed the human child, there was a disturbing presence tugging in the depths of his mind. Beneath the innocence, his sixth sense was telling him the child was dangerous.

Wobsolk, you once told me she took Genjo Sanzo to the inn and stayed with till he left. How many hours was she with him?

Roughly 8 hours or so, why do you ask?

Without answering, Wovism gave an ear-piercing howl. The woman somehow snapped out of her paralysis and began to run. Wobsolk was about to pursuit when Wovism stopped him.

No, Wobsolk. Let them go. They will bring to us Genjo Sanzo.

What do you mean? Wobsolk scowled. I do not understand.

The woman is more than Genjo Sanzo's clandestine lover. She is the mother of Genjo Sanzo's son.

You can't be serious! A monk wouldn't dare to break his vows…

If he can kill, Wovism interrupted fiercely. Then, mating with a woman shouldn't be difficult for him. Enough Wobsolk! Follow this woman and report to me as soon as Genjo Sanzo set his feet upon this soil.

It shall be done. What about the old hag?

Deal with her as we do with the male humans. Let her screams signal the opening of the imminent.

And that day had finally come.

Hakkai, Gojyo & Goku hid within the thick canopy of the trees, pressing against the branches as they kept watch for the wolf demons. From their stand, they could see house's chimney puffing out smoke and the emptiness of the front yard. Sooner or later, the wolf demons would come. By the time they realized the deception, Sanzo & Azami would be safely in the next town.

When they showed up, Hakkai found them more like mutated wolves with increased abilities of an average wolf. Big and menacing with their size twice than normal wolves, their broad shoulders and flat wedge-shaped heads with demon ears and double razor-like teeth. Their bodies and legs were fashioned for fighting and long distance running. Beneath the rich blackish fur, Hakkai guessed strongly that their hides were too tough and thick to let daggers to sink in.

They were circling the entire area, trying to track them down. A few were waiting and watching, just like they were doing. Although they could not see them, they should be able to sense their presence. Hakkai frowned in thought, deciding what to do next. He could slip away & catch up with Sanzo but he knew Sanzo detested the idea of running away from youkais. So did he. It might be better for them to decrease the number of wolf demons as much as possible. One could never be sure that there could be more wolf demons than they expected.

The minutes ticked by and the trio was growing impatient with the wolf demons' bizarre movements. In and out of the house, they go, round and round, once, twice and several times. They ought to know that Sanzo was all long gone before them. Instead, they were repeating their actions over and over. They were losing time that they did not have to give.

"What are the wolf demons doing?" Gojyo grunted. "Going in circles! Don't they get dizzy?"

"Plus, I can't smell their scent," Goku nodded. "Azami said that they are noisome creatures."

"That is strange," Hakkai agreed. "Like they are soulless apparitions…" Cold realization flooded through him. "Oh no… They have tricked us!"

"What?" Gojyo asked, knowing the look wasn't a good sign. Hakkai jumped down from his hiding place. Gojyo & Goku followed. "Hakkai?"

"Hakuryu! Transform now!" Hakkai shouted at his pet dragon. "I'll explain on the way. Right now, we have to get to Sanzo. He's in danger!" As soon the trio climbed into the jeep, Hakkai stepped onto the accelerator. Gojyo & Goku hanged on to their seats for their dear lives.

"How could I be so stupid?" He spins the steering wheel. "The wolf demons anticipated a trap from us and in turn, they made a trap for us. They used images to deceive us into believing they were there. In fact, they aren't. They have gotten by us and on their way to Sanzo & Azami!" Cursing at himself. "How could I be so careless?"

"Don't blame yourself," Gojyo said. "We didn't know that they are able to do that."

"Whether we know or not, we shouldn't be fooled by them so easily!" Hakkai retorted angrily. Driven by fear for Sanzo, Azami & their son and anger at himself, he pressed the accelerator harder.

Under the cloak of invisibility and the guidance of the forest spirits, Wovism tracked them down to the high road. Crouching low to the earth, he moved towards them like a snake. With his sharp ears, he could hear the Sanzo & his woman talking to each other. They were arguing.

"Genjo. Please," the woman lashed. "Enough of this roundabout. Permit me to say what you don't want to say. After the wolf demons, you will continue your mission to the West and never come back. You don't want to be with me. You don't want others to know about our son. Fine! I can live with that!"

"That's not true!" The Sanzo protested.

"Then, what is it? I don't understand what's holding you back and why you are talking in circles."

"Put yourself in my shoes. One day, you bumped into an ex-love & she's having your son…"

"Ex-love? Is that what you think of me? Ex-love? A one night's stand? Juiko's right. I do know nothing about you!"

"You unreasonable woman! Do you want me to say broken promises that would hurt you even more? Do you want me to let you down twice or triple times more than I did to you last time?"

"If you can't break the news, Genjo. Then tell me to my face because what you don't want to say is written all over your face in black and white!"

Their argument made Wovism sick in the stomach. Mature in body but immature are their thoughts. How typical of human beings. Irresponsible. He couldn't stand the absurdity of their quarrel.

I'm torn between my heart & my mind and it's driving me crazy! Either way, it's going to hurt both of us and our son will be victim of it. I don't know which decision is the best..."

Wovism had enough of their nonsensical conversation. This woman had more influence on the Sanzo than he had assumed. She was weakening him into a softie, contaminating his killer instincts about her son. Where was the sanctimonious Sanzo who murdered his son? Where was the famous demon slaughterer? The satisfaction of killing the cold-blooded slayer would not be denied from him!

Then, allow me to make the decision for you, Genjo Sanzo! Wovism interrupted, removing his invisibility. The Sanzo & his woman were shocked to see him standing so close to them. Getting bolder, he took a paw forward and continued.

Genjo Sanzo, the gods have been gracious in letting me to live to see the murderer of my son. Don't be startled, humans. For I, Wovism can also speak in the tongue of men. I can see the edginess in you, the questions swirling in your mind right now. Why couldn't you detect me? Do you know why monks have vows of celibacy? Laughing haughtily. Men are easily succumbed to women and you are no exception. Involve yourself with women and your emotions will cloud your perception & all reasoning becomes illogical. You are losing your composure & it sickens me! The murderer of my son is not a pitiful whining brat! He is ruthless, relentless & heartless! He does not have regrets! Neither he has second thoughts about anything! He doesn't know the meaning of loving, protecting or sharing his life with others! His path is to be a killing puppet for the gods. Solitude is all he has! Killing is all he knows!

Locking his red eyes onto the woman. Are you aware of the risks you are taking as his woman, the mother of his son? He snarled. Much as you desires him to stay with you like some fairy tale ending. Guess what? In this land, there are no happy endings especially for those who associated with Sanzos!

He roared, signaling his brothers to appear. They did in myriad numbers, surrounding the Sanzo & his woman. The Sanzo cursed, held out his gun and fired.

Wovism ducked and launched forward so rapidly that the Sanzo was unable to defend himself in time. Swiftly, he sank his fangs into the tender flesh of the Sanzo's neck, puncturing the veins and tasting hot blood in pleasure. He could feel the Sanzo vomiting, gasping sharply. With his claws, Wovism slashed him across the chest, digging out strips of flesh and cloth. His brothers joined him, each of them taking in a share of the kill. The woman screamed and shot them with her shotgun. A bullet whizzed past his shoulder, skinning off his fur. A few hit his brothers. Enraged, he ordered Wobsolk to deal with her.

Still clutching him like a shackle, Wovism dragged the Sanzo in the forest. The Sanzo was writhing in his grasp, struggling to break free. Wovism smirked. There were enough sharp twigs and granites to peel his skin his back off. Reaching the hilltop, Wovism deliberately rubbed the bleeding Sanzo against the jagged stonewalls of abandoned caves. The Sanzo gagged as his wounds deepened, spewing more blood. Flinging him like a rag doll, Wovism threw him onto the jagged stonewalls very heartlessly that its impact created a den in the walls. Picking him up, Wovism tossed him down the hillside. Seeing the Sanzo rolling down helplessly, knocking against the protruding rocks of the green sea excited Wovism, heightening him to ecstasy.

Running down, Wovism took his time to reach the crumpled heap. He turned the Sanzo over on his back. The Sanzo was gasping irregularly, his clothes were tattered and blood was leaking out from his mouth, nostrils and ears. Purple and red blood vessels dangled from the open wounds. Bending down, he took a bite. The meat was very tender and was melting in his mouth.

Wovism heard the threatening click of a trigger. Jumping back, he barely evaded a flying bullet. The tree behind him split in splinters. Wovism smacked his lips The Sanzo was still alive and fighting to stay conscious, his hand was shaking under the immense pressure of his injures.

You are strong, Genjo Sanzo but unfit to be my archenemy! I was expecting more from you. Wovism walked nonchalantly towards the firing bullets. You can't even aim properly in your condition. Give it up and die like a dog you are. Slipping past the flying bullets, he bit the Sanzo's hand, crunching his fingers. The gun fell onto a grass patch. Seizing the Sanzo, Wovism used all his strength and threw him off the hillside. He stood over the edge with contentment in avenging Wogism's death, for rock spikes lay at the bottom of the hill, as numerous as the spikes of a hedgehog…

Silence hovered over Hakkai, Gojyo & Goku. It was raining outside, the drops pattered softly on the moonlit soil, streaking it with the colours of shadows. Thunder roared and lightening flashed among the dark rumbling clouds. Goku was crying in a corner, holding a handgun tightly to his chest.

"Sanzo… Sanzo…" he sobbed.

"SANZO!!!!" Goku yelled. His golden eyes searched frantically over the blood soaked furrowed ground, disarrayed with dirt and bullet shells. The surrounding brushes and young trees were either trampled or broken during the heat of the fight, smeared in black sticky splotches. Goku rubbed his finger against it and licked. He spit it out immediately. It was sun-dried blood. Human blood. Then, he saw a blood stained handgun lying among the grass.

"Sanzo! Azami! " Hakkai called out, fighting his way through the tentacles of the vines and granite infested soil. With each step the blood trail led, the fear worsened in him. It was clearly seen who was the winner. Up he went the hillside, following the bloodstains on the walls and the green grasses. Down he went, increasing his pace. Then, he heard Hakuryu's cry. He looked up and saw the white dragon circling over an area. He hurried over, unprepared for the gruesome horror that awaited him.

At the basement, Gojyo placed a bunch of flowers upon a coffin, cursing eternal condemnation in Hades for the wolf demons. For as long he shall live, he would never forgive them.

It didn't take long for him to find Azami. She was like a newly bosomed flower that has been crushed and tore into shreds. Claw and bite marks patterned themselves on the bare skin, merely covered by stripped remnants of her clothes. Tangled locks of chestnut hair tumbled about her half-eaten face. Her remaining dull acorn eye stared at the sky silently, pleading for vengeance.

Hakkai stared blankly at the rain pouring heavily, washing away the blood and dirt. By dawn, nobody would know the atrocities the wolf demons had committed. By dawn, the cemetery may have two new tombstones in its keep.

Then, a disturbing question was resonating in his mind.

What was done with the boy?

To Be Continued


Apologizes for the late update!!! Finally thrashed up the writer's block in me...

Thank you, meethzoonk, coolpriss, Kuroi Neko-kun for your suggestions for Sanzo' son's name!!! Will be considering them though GeneWeiß hopes to find a name that is meaningful for Sanzo..