A/N: Sorry for the long delay. I was forced to put my writer side to 'sleep' due to my hectic schedule in school. Don't be confused by the sudden shift in the POVs. You might have gotten used to me always using the 1st POV. I myself don't know why I suddenly shifted it in the 1st part of this chapter. But, I don't want to edit it anymore because, damn it, I'm tired of editing and proofreading. I've had enough of those with our group's thesis to do the same here thank you very much. Besides, it's not like you can't understand the flow of ideas right? I'll just edit it after I've placed my horrific experience with the thesis behind.

Standard Disclaimers Apply

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Chapter 3

"Unexpected Developments"

            Footsteps pounded on the smooth tiles as he raced through the corridors, barely pausing for breath as he turned at a corner. His heart thundered in his ears. His chest constricted from the lack of oxygen as he panted heavily. But he could not stop. Not yet. Not until he reached his goal. Not until he accomplished his mission. He simply could not afford to stop. The urgency of the matter would not allow him to do so. Yet even with these thoughts running through his head, his body demanded that he give in to the exhaustion. He felt his muscles practically screaming in protest over the exertion. His lungs begging for him to take at least a short break. Nevertheless, he held on adamantly. His vision began to darken and the world spun around him wildly, but he was not to be deterred. When it seemed that his lungs would give up on him, he finally reached his destination. Without much thought, he unceremoniously slammed the doors wide open and rushed inside, his eyes darting around the room until it landed on the person sitting quite passively on a large throne-like chair, so absorbed in her thoughts that she was completely oblivious to his presence.

            "Kanzoen-sama! Kanzoen-sama!" His cry seemed to have done the trick as an unusual pair of violet eyes landed on him. A thin elegant brow arched sharply, conveying without words her bewilderment over his frantic calls.


            "Forgive me for my rudeness Kanzoen-sama. I'm afraid we have a problem that needs your immediate attention."

            "Jiroushin!" came the harsh reply, almost like a rebuke, but the words that followed were said in a softer tone, as if to atone for her uncalled for reaction. It hinted at a sense of weariness...of desperation...and even a bit of exasperation. She was tired of playing this game. This game called life and death. And it showed in her voice. "I know."

            He couldn't mask the surprise that came over him as he heard her reply. "But how can that be? He can't be alive. We took great pains to ensure he would never be reincarnated again for a thousand of years at least. Did you–?"

            But his question was cut off with a sharp look from his mistress. "I had nothing to do with this. Don't throw unfounded accusations Jiroushin."

            Chastised, he bowed his head in apology. "Forgive my impudence. My worry has clouded my sense of judgment."

            His explanation was waved off however with a dismal shake of her hand, and he was relieved. Though he meant what he said earlier – Kanzoen Bosatsu was known for her manipulative ways – he did feel bad for saying it out loud. He knew what she was going through. He had his share of those emotions as well. Yet he also knew that no one could surpass the pain that his mistress must be feeling. He looked on with sad eyes at the forlorn figure sitting on the chair, and he felt his heart fill with pity. But such as it was, things like these couldn't be helped. No one had ever considered something like this to happen. They all thought they had buried it all behind them once and for all. Only to have that illusion of peace shattered.

            He took that moment of silence to ask the question that had been weighing on his mind heavily ever since he first caught wind of the situation. "What are we going to do now Kanzoen-sama?"

            Silence ensued. For a second he thought that she wasn't going to answer. But that assumption was swiftly dismissed when her husky deep voice broke in. "What else is there to do? We have to kill him by any means necessary. And we need to do it quietly. We can't have Goku learning about this. He can't find out that his sun has come back from the dead."

            She rose gracefully from her seat and the expression she wore was carefully neutral that if he didn't know how personal the matter was he would've thought that she hadn't had a care. But he knew and that was what made it all the more painful to see. But there was nothing he can do. There was nothing anybody can do. Fate can be so cruel sometimes. Resigned he replied, "Wakarimashita."

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            Rain continued to pour unrelentlessly, much to my annoyance. I had somewhere I needed to be and the rain only served to hinder my plans. I reclined on my bed, lifting my eyes to the heavens, watching as a thick mass of dark clouds continued to swirl, as if mocking me in my current predicament. I scowled at it, willing it to go away with my murderous glare. But when it seemed to me it wasn't going anywhere soon, I turned my eyes instead to the screen of my PC, its light flickering against the harsh shadows that occupied the room. A viscous sense of foreboding hung in the atmosphere, so tangible I could almost reach out and touch it. Yet this feeling of unease was countered by an incessant tug at the back of my mind. Very much like the one felt by the Sanzo in my dreams that got him searching for that 'saru' in the first place. I briefly entertained the idea that perhaps this was some sort of re-enactment to that scene. Which was quite absurd since I sincerely doubt any of my dreams were real. Even if they were, there was definitely no way in this world anybody is going to get me to climb up a mountain just to rescue a gauntly little boy who was noisy as hell, and with an appetite that was going to get me bankrupt in two weeks time. Even with the rate of prosperity the business company I inherited from my parents is enjoying, I doubt it'll stand up long against his stomach. So it was not for that reason that I had to be out. I have a small 'business' to take care of that had nothing to do with rescuing a baka saru, but had everything to do with putting to rest the questions that had been pestering me for years. The sooner I get this done, the better.

            Having made up my mind, I wasted no time in heading towards the computer, shutting it off, instantly deleting the files that were displayed on the monitor. I had no more need for it. This little excursion of mine will finally put everything to rest. I grabbed my keys, donned my coat, and left without a backward glance, shutting the door firmly behind me.

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            I watched in unabashed glee as the break in the clouds widened. The tiny trickle of light transforming into a large ray shinning brightly on the ground I stepped on, chasing away the angry black clouds that dominated the skies just minutes ago. I held my breath in eager anticipation for that beautiful treasure to bestow its radiant glow once more upon the soft, sunshine-starved earth. When at last it showed its face, strutting arrogantly up in the skies, I couldn't prevent the bubble of laughter escaping my throat. I turned to my companion, intent on letting him partake in my joy. "Look Goku! The rain has stopped. The sun is-"

            The words died before they left my mouth as I regarded the solemn expression on his face. His bangs fell over his eyes, hiding them from view, but the thin line of his lips gave him away. It took me second before it hit me. My eyes widened in realization and I had to kick myself mentally for my stupidity.

            "Gomen, Goku. I wasn't thinking," which was a really good interpretation to what I have been doing.

            He only shook his head in reply and lifted his head to smile at me. "It's okay. Don't worry about it."

            But those words did nothing to alleviate my concern. Though there was nothing on his face to indicate how my callous words affected him, I knew I had hurt him deeply. Sun meant Sanzo, and Sanzo meant a barrelful of painful memories resurfacing. True I never intended to hurt him. I wanted to protect him from the grim realities that made up his past. But how could I if I kept hurting him like this?

            A light weight on my shoulder interrupted me in my brooding and I found myself staring miserably at him. He cocked his head to one side in silent wonder at the expression I wore. Then, as if reading my mind, a sad smile appeared on his lips.

            "Nataku, gomen nasai." and I was enfolded in his arms. I didn't understand what he was apologizing for. After all, didn't I hurt him and not the other way around? But I did not object to his warm embrace. And for the moment, I was satisfied to stay in his arms, preferring to revel in the soothing feeling of contentment that washed over me than to worry over such trivial matters.

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            "Nataku, gomen nasai." I felt ashamed that it was all that I could tell him after everything I've put him through. I felt I should say more, but nothing came to mind so I just drew him close to me in a tight hug. Yet he seemed content with my actions and I was glad.

            Moments later, he pulled away from me leaving me wandering wildly what I had done wrong this time. Was I being too familiar? Maybe I shouldn't have hugged him. Maybe I should've have left it just that. Or maybe he wanted me to thank him too. Dozens of 'maybes' swam inside my head as I considered each possibility. But I was spared from deciding which one to take as he whispered under his breath, casting all my doubts away. "People are staring at us."

            True enough, when I looked around people were staring at us. Some wore hostile looks on their faces, while the others, mostly the girls of the younger generation, had a dreamy look. My brows furrowed and I could almost visualize question marks appearing on top of my head. Why was everybody looking at us like that?

            "Stupid yoai fans."

            I heard Nataku muttering darkly, yet keeping his voice so low I barely caught it. That's when everything clicked. So they were staring because they mistook us for lovers! I thought with a big smile, finally understanding what was wrong. It took a while before the words sunk into my mind, but when it did, I felt my face turning into different shades of red.

            He must've noticed my discomfort, cause the next thing I knew, he dragging me off somewhere far, far away from the crowd, both us running.

– TBC –

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A/N 2: It seems that I have unwittingly placed a block on my reviews prohibiting anyone not listed as a member of fanfiction.net from dropping messages. Rest assured however that I have seen to the matter. I trust that with this taken care of, you won't leave without making a review 1st anymore. Constructive criticisms are appreciated. Also, as embarrassing as it may seem, I found out that I made a few grammatical as well as typographical errors in chapters 1 and 2. I managed to revise some of it but have decided to leave the others as is because, like I said, I'm too lazy right now. Besides, I don't think it's that obvious anyway…I hope. ^^;

To Mikarra: Yo! I know you're probably wondering by now when Hakkai and Gojyo are supposed to come in. Unfortunately, I don't know myself. ^^; Who knows maybe they'll make an appearance in chapter 4. Take note, emphasize on 'maybe'.