A Twist Of Fate: Part Eight: Do not Go Gentle Into Thy Deep Night
Sanzo loaded his gun and looked up. It was two hours before sunrise and he hadn't even slept. He couldn't - all night he could hear Hakkai from the next room and he couldn't bear the pain in his voice. He kept coming back to check on him. He would find Toki and Gojyo there. No one would let Hakkai out of their sight.
Finally, it was about time he got ready. He was going to get the antidote and come back an hour before sunrise. He didn't want anyone else with him. He was fine with this. Ming-Ue was after the evil sutra anyway. He'd be back before they knew about it. He didn't really worry of how many youkai exactly stayed with her - all he knew was. He was going to kill them if they get in his way.
He was about to head for the door as he finished loading his gun.
''You're not thinking of going alone, are you?''
He looked behind him and he saw Toki entering through the window.
''What if I am? Are you going to stop me?''
''No. If you wanted to get yourself killed, I wouldn't care. But I have a score to settle with Ming-Ue, too.''
''No. Don't get in my way.''
Sanzo was about to walk out when Toki walked to him hurriedly and shut the door before he could get out, standing before it.
''You're not going anywhere. Not without me.''
''I said get out of my way.''
''You think you're the only one who wants to get your hands on her?!'' Toki interrupted him, his eyes narrowing into angry slits. ''She killed okasama and otousama. Not to mention she killed my master. Don't act like you're the only one who wants to settle with her.'' he paused. ''And now - she's gotten to Hakkai-san as well. She's good. She read right through me.''
Sanzo paused and then scowled, as he opened the door.
''Fine. But don't get in my way and don't slow me down, got that?''
''Shut-up. I don't need you to tell me.'' ***
As they made their way outside, someone stepped before them.
''Oi. Where the hell do you guys think you're going? You're not planning to sneak off without telling are you?''
They both looked up.
''Gojyo.'' Sanzo looked as Gojyo stepped into the light, cigarette in hand.
''That woman beat me and made fun of me. Don't think I'll be happy without settling the score with her.''
Before they could say anything, Goku jumped off the roof.
''Ore mou iku. You can't leave me behind. I'll beat her up for what she did to Hakkai.''
''Who's going to watch over him?''
''I asked a favor from the daughter of the inn-keeper. She said it was fine since she was already awake.'' Gojyo answered with a grin on his face.
Sanzo and Toki both scowled and started to walk off.
''Ii da ro. Katte ni shiro ---'' they both stopped as they said it at the same time. They glanced at each other momentarily before walking off again.
Gojyo smirked and Goku blinked as they walked off.
''And they wonder why people know immediately that they're related.''
***
They finally got to the forest. They all looked around as it was still foggy and the air was still cold.
''Samui.'' Goku said as he frowned slightly and shivered.
''Damn fog. You think they could have picked a better time?'' Gojyo said as he frowned and clutched on his scythe.
The two siblings were not saying anything. When finally, Toki got impatient.
''Ming-Ue! Show yourself now! Let's get this over with!''
There was no answer for a moment. When finally they heard her laugh, they all looked up and saw her standing on a thick three branch, smirking at them.
''I expected two sutra keepers and I get four guests. Looks like what I did got to more people than I thought.''
''Urusai!'' Sanzo called as he aimed his gun. ''Give the goddamned antidote over and save us the time, Kono yarou.''
Ming-Ue smirked and shook her head. ''You must learn to be a little more patient, Genjo-san. You're setting a bad example for your younger brother.''
''Urusai, Shi-ne!'' Toki yelled back angrily, clutching two daggers. One of them was his black dagger, another one was silver. ''Stop wasting time!''
''Ii yo.'' Ming-Ue said as she finally gave in. ''You have to get through them, first.''
Quick blurs started to run past them. They all backed away as more of them kept running past.
''Hayai!'' Goku said as he blocked one claw with his bo.
Gojyo frowned and maneuvered his scythe. Killing at least three. ''Well, we have an hour after sunrise! Make it quick!''
They started to appear in proper form, Goku jumped up and aimed his bo. He had stabbed at least four of them as he kicked them back and they made their way towards him again. Gojyo kept moving his scythe around, the sickle cutting through them like butter. Sanzo kept shooting the demons coming his way as they laughed and attempted to kill him and take the sutra.
Toki stabbed another one as he approached. He was just standing there, not even moving. His blade running through them as they got nearer. He looked up as one jumped off a branch, trying to attack Sanzo from behind. He rushed over and stopped the blade from stabbing through his back. Sanzo whirled around and was surprised as he saw Toki fighting the youkai back.
''I can handle this myself.'' Sanzo said covering up the surprised emotion he felt.
''Baka!'' Toki yelled as he pushed the demon back. ''You could learn to watch your back!'' he avoided the dagger the demon had the first time, but he wasn't so lucky the second time. He felt the blade wound across his side, moving away - he winced as blood started to fall to the ground. He looked up glaring at the smiling demon who's dagger was bloodied with his blood.
''Toki!'' Goku called
''I'm fine! Stop losing concentration!'' Toki called back as he avoided the dagger again, wincing as he did. He heard gunshots as more demons approached them. He looked over to his side and saw three demons heading towards him. He glanced at the one before him, trying to see if there was anyway he could finish them both off.
He heard gunshots and the three approaching him started to fade off. He avoided the blade again and kicked the demon back, stabbing him and then looking up as he disappeared.
''I can handle this myself.'' He told Sanzo who was reloading his gun.
''Then you can at least learn to watch your back.'' Sanzo said, repeating Toki's words, he looked ahead and ignored Toki looking at him.
''Thanks.''
''Thank me later.''
''Sanzo! Toki!'' Gojyo called as he jumped out of the way. ''Finish Ming-Ue and let Goku and I handle these guys! Hurry!''
Toki looked up as Ming-Ue smirked and started to jump off from one branch to another. He immediately ran after her.
''Matte!'' he called angrily.
Sanzo followed along, running up beside his sibling. They watched her as she tried to get away, Sanzo shot through the branch she was standing on, she started to fall on the ground but landed on her feet. She turned to them and sighed.
''You're not going to leave me alone, I see.'' She said, shaking her head.
''Give us the antidote.'' Sanzo scowled as he aimed his gun.
''You can't take it without a price. '' she said. ''Hand over the sutra.''
''Kotowaru.''
''Fine.'' Ming-Ue said shrugging. ''Then we'll have to fight.'' She looked at them, her expression suddenly turned serious. ''But make no mistake, there's no way of getting out of this once alive!''
''Satori.'' Toki called softly.
''Nanda?'' Sanzo asked, not taking his eyes off her.
''Look at the earrings she's wearing.''
They glanced at the silver and black earrings that she wore.
''A limiter?'' Sanzo asked.
''Looks like you've found me out.'' Ming-Ue said as she smirked.
''But you're already in youkai form, how is that possible?''
''This doesn't exactly conceal my appearances. Why would I want to do that.'' She laughed and paused. ''But It does control my strength. Because I save all my energy for the last battle.''
As she took both earrings off, her eyes closed tightly and she gave out a sharp, ear-shattering shriek, as a bright light surrounded her. Sanzo and Toki both covered their ears as her shriek resounded all through out. Finally when the light faded off, they looked at her and saw her smirking at them.
''Now, come and try to kill me.''
Toki clutched his dagger and started to run towards her, he jumped up and aimed his dagger. Ming-Ue only laughed and kicked him back, sending him flying back - crashing on thr ground and sliding back, the dust blinded Sanzo for a moment and he felt her prescence nearby. He started to shoot around him, when his gun was suddenly kicked away from him. And as he looked up, he was punched across the face and kicked back, landing on Toki as he tried to get up.
The dust cleared and they saw Ming-Ue, laughing loudly and maniacally as she stood a few steps before them.
Both of them got up and readied themselves as she smirked and looked at them.
''I must say, I'm having a hell of a time playing with you, two. Too bad this is the last time I ever get to do that.''
''Stop talking and fight!'' Toki said as he attacked her again.
''Yamero, Toki!'' Sanzo called as he clutched his gun again.
But Toki kept attacking - Ming-Ue laughed again and tried to kick him back, he avoided her foot and moved his dagger sideways, she avoided it but got wounded herself. She winced as he jumped back, still clutching his dagger.
''I'm glad you were able to catch up with me.'' she said as she smirked. ''But I'm afraid this is the end of it all.'' She started to run towards him, looking like a blur. Toki got ready.
A quick flash ran by as he shut his eyes tightly. But after a few moments, he opened them again. As he didn't feel anything.
''Nanda? -''
His eyes widened as he saw Sanzo keeping himself up with both his hands, on the ground - it looked like he was cut all over and blood started to flow from the wounds on his skin. He winced and tried to get up.
''Satori!'' Toki called as he knelt down and tried to help him up. ''Why the hell did you do that?!'' he asked, yelling at him almost angrily. ''It's not like you! Why the hell would you do something like that?!''
Sanzo winced and started to get up, still clutching his gun. ''Even I don't understand it - why the hell are you asking me?'' he asked wincing.
She laughed again as she faced them. ''How touching. But I'm afraid, my playtime has come to an end.'' She jumped up and took out her daggers. ''Shi-ne!''
***
''Now, this is what I call interesting.'' Kanzeon said as she smirked and leaned back.
''Kairo-chan looks like he's pretty beat. Then again, so does Konzen.'' Yui- Li continued as she sat by her aunt's side. ''Ne, Kanzeon-sama. do you know what's going to happen?'' she asked as she blinked.
''Even I don't know everything, Yui.'' Kanzeon answered. ''They're going to have to find answers, themselves.''
''Ja. you don't know if they'll be able to travel together?''
''Analyze it, Yui-Li.'' Kanzeon continued as she looked down. ''What do you think is bound to happen? Even though you don't know the outcome. You'll understand it just by looking at it.''
Kanzeon smirked as she leaned back and looked up.
''Just like five-hundred-years ago.''
''Kanzeon-sama.'' Yui-Li looked back down and smiled. ''I know that Kairo and Konzen were the ones who always hung out. When mostly brothers wouldn't get alone.'' she laughed and sighed. ''Then again, they were the only ones up here who spoke each other's language. If Dha-Shi-Zhi-sama could see this now. I don't know what she'd say!''
She laughed and sighed. ''Just like five-hundred years ago.''
***
''Kairo-sama!''
''Doushita? Urusen da yo!''
''You have to come quickly!''
''It's your brother, Konzen-sama!''
''What about him?''
''You must stop him! He. Kenren Taisho and Tenpou Gensui are fighting against Nataku Taishi-sama, if they lose - they'll be sent down no doubt!''
''Konzen, you idiot!''
''Kairo-sama! Wait for us!''
Konzen! Why didn't you call me?!
I don't need to be treated like a child who everyone keeps everything from!
I don't need to be protected!
***
Sanzo landed on the ground as Toki got up, wincing. He himself was wounded all over, he clutched his shoulder and his black dagger as the silver one was cut in half by Ming-Ue's bare hands.
''Hand over the sutra!'' Ming-Ue demanded as she winced due to her own wounds.
Sanzo started to get up, wincing but aiming his gun.
''Kotowaru da!'' he said as he pulled the trigger.
''Ii da! Shi-ne!'' Ming-Ue let out another ear piercing shriek as she attacked. ''This is the last strike! Another force that hits you both and you'll be crushed to pieces!''
''We could die.'' Toki whispered as Ming-Ue still attacked. ''One more hit and we'll be dead.''
''That's why we have to make it count.'' He looked up. ''I'll stop her movement.''
''She'll avoid, it jump off and then kick you back again. If you hit anymore trees, you'll be dead!'' Toki reasoned with him.
''Baka! That's when you come.''
He looked at his older brother. ''When she avoids it. You attack her from behind, understand me?'' he said. ''Make sure you get her.'' he winced and looked up. ''Now go! Before she suspects anything!''
''Satori!''
''GO!''
Toki nodded and jumped off, landing on a tree branch, but Ming-Ue who was angry was no longer paying attention to notice. Sanzo put his hands in prayer position and started to chant. Toki got his dagger ready. Ming-Ue jumped up, aiming her daggers.
''MAKAI TENJOU!!!'' Sanzo's voice echoed through out. Ming-Ue moved back, avoiding the sutra's and laughing as she kept heading towards him, she threw out small granades, scattering them everywhere. Explosions and fires started around them, immediately spreading out. Toki jumped up, aimed his dagger and before Ming-Ue could move back, the dagger sunk through her back, both of them cried out as they landed on the ground.
Ming-Ue winced as she glanced behind him, the dagger sinking deeper and deeper into her.
''The antidote. where is it?'' Toki asked angrily, hurrying it up as the flames were spreading.
''B-Baka.'' Ming-Ue said wincing. ''You can't get it as long as you keep me alive.'' She smirked as she winced. Toki dug the dagger in even deeper. ''Give it over.''
Toki's blue eyes suddenly widened as he felt a sharp blade sink in his stomach, he winced but kept the blade in her and kept Ming-Ue still.
''I-I'm still taking you with me to hell.'' she said as she winced again. ''D-Don't you see? -''
''Toki!'' Sanzo called out as he ran towards them, his eyes slightly wide as he saw the blood flowing out of him.
''I-I am the antidote.'' she cried out painfully. ''You've lived a - brutal life, Amida-san - '' her eyes started to close. ''It's finally ended - '' she cried out and started to vanish as the dagger slid through her. Dust started to rain on him, Toki winced and gathered a whole handful. As Sanzo finally knelt before him, he took his hand and put the dust in.
''T-Take it. That should be enough.'' He said as he winced.
''Toki - Omae.''
''Ii - Ii da! J-Just go! The sun's been up for thirty minutes now - You have a-another thirty. Go! D-Don't let Hakkai die!''
Just then Gojyo and Goku came running to them.
''TOKI!'' Goku called as he saw him on the ground, Gojyo was surprised to see the fires spreading, the whole forest was now on fire.
''Oi. Shikari!'' Gojyo said as he stood before him.
''S-Stop wasting time!'' Toki said as he cried out. ''I'll only slow you down! Go to - Go to Hakkai now! GO ON!''
''Demo - Toki -'' Goku stammered. ''We're friends aren't we?! We can't leave you behind!''
''GO! You IDIOTS!''
Sanzo slowly looked up. Taking out a brown pouch from his pocket, he put the dust in. He threw it at Gojyo who caught it.
''Run to Hakuryu. wait for me there.''
Gojyo paused and then nodded, dragging Goku with him. ''Iku sou Baka saru!''
''But Toki! - TOKI -''
''Ii kara! Hakkai's going to die! Let's hurry!''
Sanzo looked back at Toki who lay on the ground, his younger brother weakly put his bloodied hand on Sanzo's. He looked up at him and smirked.
''I guess I was able to do what - I said my purpose was.''
''Aa.''
''Tell Hakkai-san that I'm sorry - I didn't get to meet him again -''
Sanzo nodded and slowly started to get up.
''Aa.'' He paused. ''Toki. are you..''
''Go and leave me here.'' Toki said breathing heavily and closing his eyes. ''I'll slow you down.''
Sanzo slowly started to walk away when he stopped and looked back at Toki who was still lying there.
''I-If you don't take care of Hakkai. I'm going to kill you.'' he winced and took another deep breath. ''O-Onisan.''
''Aa?'' Sanzo found himself answering.
''I - I really am. happy. that I met you.''
Sanzo paused for a moment and nodded.
''So am I, Toki.'' He said. ''So am I.''
he started to run as the whole forest was now in flames. He stopped and looked back at Toki who was just lying there, his voice weakening as he called out.
''Be strong, Onisan! Stronger than I ever was!''
He was about to turn away and keep running when he looked back. He felt this sharp feeling go through him. He didn't want to leave Toki behind. He had to come. They had just met and he found himself caring. He started to run back when he stopped as a tree, which was burning blocked his way. He looked up and stared at it for a moment. Clenching his fists as he started to run off, leaving the flames, leaving his brother, leaving his past behind within it.
~TSUZUKU~
Sanzo loaded his gun and looked up. It was two hours before sunrise and he hadn't even slept. He couldn't - all night he could hear Hakkai from the next room and he couldn't bear the pain in his voice. He kept coming back to check on him. He would find Toki and Gojyo there. No one would let Hakkai out of their sight.
Finally, it was about time he got ready. He was going to get the antidote and come back an hour before sunrise. He didn't want anyone else with him. He was fine with this. Ming-Ue was after the evil sutra anyway. He'd be back before they knew about it. He didn't really worry of how many youkai exactly stayed with her - all he knew was. He was going to kill them if they get in his way.
He was about to head for the door as he finished loading his gun.
''You're not thinking of going alone, are you?''
He looked behind him and he saw Toki entering through the window.
''What if I am? Are you going to stop me?''
''No. If you wanted to get yourself killed, I wouldn't care. But I have a score to settle with Ming-Ue, too.''
''No. Don't get in my way.''
Sanzo was about to walk out when Toki walked to him hurriedly and shut the door before he could get out, standing before it.
''You're not going anywhere. Not without me.''
''I said get out of my way.''
''You think you're the only one who wants to get your hands on her?!'' Toki interrupted him, his eyes narrowing into angry slits. ''She killed okasama and otousama. Not to mention she killed my master. Don't act like you're the only one who wants to settle with her.'' he paused. ''And now - she's gotten to Hakkai-san as well. She's good. She read right through me.''
Sanzo paused and then scowled, as he opened the door.
''Fine. But don't get in my way and don't slow me down, got that?''
''Shut-up. I don't need you to tell me.'' ***
As they made their way outside, someone stepped before them.
''Oi. Where the hell do you guys think you're going? You're not planning to sneak off without telling are you?''
They both looked up.
''Gojyo.'' Sanzo looked as Gojyo stepped into the light, cigarette in hand.
''That woman beat me and made fun of me. Don't think I'll be happy without settling the score with her.''
Before they could say anything, Goku jumped off the roof.
''Ore mou iku. You can't leave me behind. I'll beat her up for what she did to Hakkai.''
''Who's going to watch over him?''
''I asked a favor from the daughter of the inn-keeper. She said it was fine since she was already awake.'' Gojyo answered with a grin on his face.
Sanzo and Toki both scowled and started to walk off.
''Ii da ro. Katte ni shiro ---'' they both stopped as they said it at the same time. They glanced at each other momentarily before walking off again.
Gojyo smirked and Goku blinked as they walked off.
''And they wonder why people know immediately that they're related.''
***
They finally got to the forest. They all looked around as it was still foggy and the air was still cold.
''Samui.'' Goku said as he frowned slightly and shivered.
''Damn fog. You think they could have picked a better time?'' Gojyo said as he frowned and clutched on his scythe.
The two siblings were not saying anything. When finally, Toki got impatient.
''Ming-Ue! Show yourself now! Let's get this over with!''
There was no answer for a moment. When finally they heard her laugh, they all looked up and saw her standing on a thick three branch, smirking at them.
''I expected two sutra keepers and I get four guests. Looks like what I did got to more people than I thought.''
''Urusai!'' Sanzo called as he aimed his gun. ''Give the goddamned antidote over and save us the time, Kono yarou.''
Ming-Ue smirked and shook her head. ''You must learn to be a little more patient, Genjo-san. You're setting a bad example for your younger brother.''
''Urusai, Shi-ne!'' Toki yelled back angrily, clutching two daggers. One of them was his black dagger, another one was silver. ''Stop wasting time!''
''Ii yo.'' Ming-Ue said as she finally gave in. ''You have to get through them, first.''
Quick blurs started to run past them. They all backed away as more of them kept running past.
''Hayai!'' Goku said as he blocked one claw with his bo.
Gojyo frowned and maneuvered his scythe. Killing at least three. ''Well, we have an hour after sunrise! Make it quick!''
They started to appear in proper form, Goku jumped up and aimed his bo. He had stabbed at least four of them as he kicked them back and they made their way towards him again. Gojyo kept moving his scythe around, the sickle cutting through them like butter. Sanzo kept shooting the demons coming his way as they laughed and attempted to kill him and take the sutra.
Toki stabbed another one as he approached. He was just standing there, not even moving. His blade running through them as they got nearer. He looked up as one jumped off a branch, trying to attack Sanzo from behind. He rushed over and stopped the blade from stabbing through his back. Sanzo whirled around and was surprised as he saw Toki fighting the youkai back.
''I can handle this myself.'' Sanzo said covering up the surprised emotion he felt.
''Baka!'' Toki yelled as he pushed the demon back. ''You could learn to watch your back!'' he avoided the dagger the demon had the first time, but he wasn't so lucky the second time. He felt the blade wound across his side, moving away - he winced as blood started to fall to the ground. He looked up glaring at the smiling demon who's dagger was bloodied with his blood.
''Toki!'' Goku called
''I'm fine! Stop losing concentration!'' Toki called back as he avoided the dagger again, wincing as he did. He heard gunshots as more demons approached them. He looked over to his side and saw three demons heading towards him. He glanced at the one before him, trying to see if there was anyway he could finish them both off.
He heard gunshots and the three approaching him started to fade off. He avoided the blade again and kicked the demon back, stabbing him and then looking up as he disappeared.
''I can handle this myself.'' He told Sanzo who was reloading his gun.
''Then you can at least learn to watch your back.'' Sanzo said, repeating Toki's words, he looked ahead and ignored Toki looking at him.
''Thanks.''
''Thank me later.''
''Sanzo! Toki!'' Gojyo called as he jumped out of the way. ''Finish Ming-Ue and let Goku and I handle these guys! Hurry!''
Toki looked up as Ming-Ue smirked and started to jump off from one branch to another. He immediately ran after her.
''Matte!'' he called angrily.
Sanzo followed along, running up beside his sibling. They watched her as she tried to get away, Sanzo shot through the branch she was standing on, she started to fall on the ground but landed on her feet. She turned to them and sighed.
''You're not going to leave me alone, I see.'' She said, shaking her head.
''Give us the antidote.'' Sanzo scowled as he aimed his gun.
''You can't take it without a price. '' she said. ''Hand over the sutra.''
''Kotowaru.''
''Fine.'' Ming-Ue said shrugging. ''Then we'll have to fight.'' She looked at them, her expression suddenly turned serious. ''But make no mistake, there's no way of getting out of this once alive!''
''Satori.'' Toki called softly.
''Nanda?'' Sanzo asked, not taking his eyes off her.
''Look at the earrings she's wearing.''
They glanced at the silver and black earrings that she wore.
''A limiter?'' Sanzo asked.
''Looks like you've found me out.'' Ming-Ue said as she smirked.
''But you're already in youkai form, how is that possible?''
''This doesn't exactly conceal my appearances. Why would I want to do that.'' She laughed and paused. ''But It does control my strength. Because I save all my energy for the last battle.''
As she took both earrings off, her eyes closed tightly and she gave out a sharp, ear-shattering shriek, as a bright light surrounded her. Sanzo and Toki both covered their ears as her shriek resounded all through out. Finally when the light faded off, they looked at her and saw her smirking at them.
''Now, come and try to kill me.''
Toki clutched his dagger and started to run towards her, he jumped up and aimed his dagger. Ming-Ue only laughed and kicked him back, sending him flying back - crashing on thr ground and sliding back, the dust blinded Sanzo for a moment and he felt her prescence nearby. He started to shoot around him, when his gun was suddenly kicked away from him. And as he looked up, he was punched across the face and kicked back, landing on Toki as he tried to get up.
The dust cleared and they saw Ming-Ue, laughing loudly and maniacally as she stood a few steps before them.
Both of them got up and readied themselves as she smirked and looked at them.
''I must say, I'm having a hell of a time playing with you, two. Too bad this is the last time I ever get to do that.''
''Stop talking and fight!'' Toki said as he attacked her again.
''Yamero, Toki!'' Sanzo called as he clutched his gun again.
But Toki kept attacking - Ming-Ue laughed again and tried to kick him back, he avoided her foot and moved his dagger sideways, she avoided it but got wounded herself. She winced as he jumped back, still clutching his dagger.
''I'm glad you were able to catch up with me.'' she said as she smirked. ''But I'm afraid this is the end of it all.'' She started to run towards him, looking like a blur. Toki got ready.
A quick flash ran by as he shut his eyes tightly. But after a few moments, he opened them again. As he didn't feel anything.
''Nanda? -''
His eyes widened as he saw Sanzo keeping himself up with both his hands, on the ground - it looked like he was cut all over and blood started to flow from the wounds on his skin. He winced and tried to get up.
''Satori!'' Toki called as he knelt down and tried to help him up. ''Why the hell did you do that?!'' he asked, yelling at him almost angrily. ''It's not like you! Why the hell would you do something like that?!''
Sanzo winced and started to get up, still clutching his gun. ''Even I don't understand it - why the hell are you asking me?'' he asked wincing.
She laughed again as she faced them. ''How touching. But I'm afraid, my playtime has come to an end.'' She jumped up and took out her daggers. ''Shi-ne!''
***
''Now, this is what I call interesting.'' Kanzeon said as she smirked and leaned back.
''Kairo-chan looks like he's pretty beat. Then again, so does Konzen.'' Yui- Li continued as she sat by her aunt's side. ''Ne, Kanzeon-sama. do you know what's going to happen?'' she asked as she blinked.
''Even I don't know everything, Yui.'' Kanzeon answered. ''They're going to have to find answers, themselves.''
''Ja. you don't know if they'll be able to travel together?''
''Analyze it, Yui-Li.'' Kanzeon continued as she looked down. ''What do you think is bound to happen? Even though you don't know the outcome. You'll understand it just by looking at it.''
Kanzeon smirked as she leaned back and looked up.
''Just like five-hundred-years ago.''
''Kanzeon-sama.'' Yui-Li looked back down and smiled. ''I know that Kairo and Konzen were the ones who always hung out. When mostly brothers wouldn't get alone.'' she laughed and sighed. ''Then again, they were the only ones up here who spoke each other's language. If Dha-Shi-Zhi-sama could see this now. I don't know what she'd say!''
She laughed and sighed. ''Just like five-hundred years ago.''
***
''Kairo-sama!''
''Doushita? Urusen da yo!''
''You have to come quickly!''
''It's your brother, Konzen-sama!''
''What about him?''
''You must stop him! He. Kenren Taisho and Tenpou Gensui are fighting against Nataku Taishi-sama, if they lose - they'll be sent down no doubt!''
''Konzen, you idiot!''
''Kairo-sama! Wait for us!''
Konzen! Why didn't you call me?!
I don't need to be treated like a child who everyone keeps everything from!
I don't need to be protected!
***
Sanzo landed on the ground as Toki got up, wincing. He himself was wounded all over, he clutched his shoulder and his black dagger as the silver one was cut in half by Ming-Ue's bare hands.
''Hand over the sutra!'' Ming-Ue demanded as she winced due to her own wounds.
Sanzo started to get up, wincing but aiming his gun.
''Kotowaru da!'' he said as he pulled the trigger.
''Ii da! Shi-ne!'' Ming-Ue let out another ear piercing shriek as she attacked. ''This is the last strike! Another force that hits you both and you'll be crushed to pieces!''
''We could die.'' Toki whispered as Ming-Ue still attacked. ''One more hit and we'll be dead.''
''That's why we have to make it count.'' He looked up. ''I'll stop her movement.''
''She'll avoid, it jump off and then kick you back again. If you hit anymore trees, you'll be dead!'' Toki reasoned with him.
''Baka! That's when you come.''
He looked at his older brother. ''When she avoids it. You attack her from behind, understand me?'' he said. ''Make sure you get her.'' he winced and looked up. ''Now go! Before she suspects anything!''
''Satori!''
''GO!''
Toki nodded and jumped off, landing on a tree branch, but Ming-Ue who was angry was no longer paying attention to notice. Sanzo put his hands in prayer position and started to chant. Toki got his dagger ready. Ming-Ue jumped up, aiming her daggers.
''MAKAI TENJOU!!!'' Sanzo's voice echoed through out. Ming-Ue moved back, avoiding the sutra's and laughing as she kept heading towards him, she threw out small granades, scattering them everywhere. Explosions and fires started around them, immediately spreading out. Toki jumped up, aimed his dagger and before Ming-Ue could move back, the dagger sunk through her back, both of them cried out as they landed on the ground.
Ming-Ue winced as she glanced behind him, the dagger sinking deeper and deeper into her.
''The antidote. where is it?'' Toki asked angrily, hurrying it up as the flames were spreading.
''B-Baka.'' Ming-Ue said wincing. ''You can't get it as long as you keep me alive.'' She smirked as she winced. Toki dug the dagger in even deeper. ''Give it over.''
Toki's blue eyes suddenly widened as he felt a sharp blade sink in his stomach, he winced but kept the blade in her and kept Ming-Ue still.
''I-I'm still taking you with me to hell.'' she said as she winced again. ''D-Don't you see? -''
''Toki!'' Sanzo called out as he ran towards them, his eyes slightly wide as he saw the blood flowing out of him.
''I-I am the antidote.'' she cried out painfully. ''You've lived a - brutal life, Amida-san - '' her eyes started to close. ''It's finally ended - '' she cried out and started to vanish as the dagger slid through her. Dust started to rain on him, Toki winced and gathered a whole handful. As Sanzo finally knelt before him, he took his hand and put the dust in.
''T-Take it. That should be enough.'' He said as he winced.
''Toki - Omae.''
''Ii - Ii da! J-Just go! The sun's been up for thirty minutes now - You have a-another thirty. Go! D-Don't let Hakkai die!''
Just then Gojyo and Goku came running to them.
''TOKI!'' Goku called as he saw him on the ground, Gojyo was surprised to see the fires spreading, the whole forest was now on fire.
''Oi. Shikari!'' Gojyo said as he stood before him.
''S-Stop wasting time!'' Toki said as he cried out. ''I'll only slow you down! Go to - Go to Hakkai now! GO ON!''
''Demo - Toki -'' Goku stammered. ''We're friends aren't we?! We can't leave you behind!''
''GO! You IDIOTS!''
Sanzo slowly looked up. Taking out a brown pouch from his pocket, he put the dust in. He threw it at Gojyo who caught it.
''Run to Hakuryu. wait for me there.''
Gojyo paused and then nodded, dragging Goku with him. ''Iku sou Baka saru!''
''But Toki! - TOKI -''
''Ii kara! Hakkai's going to die! Let's hurry!''
Sanzo looked back at Toki who lay on the ground, his younger brother weakly put his bloodied hand on Sanzo's. He looked up at him and smirked.
''I guess I was able to do what - I said my purpose was.''
''Aa.''
''Tell Hakkai-san that I'm sorry - I didn't get to meet him again -''
Sanzo nodded and slowly started to get up.
''Aa.'' He paused. ''Toki. are you..''
''Go and leave me here.'' Toki said breathing heavily and closing his eyes. ''I'll slow you down.''
Sanzo slowly started to walk away when he stopped and looked back at Toki who was still lying there.
''I-If you don't take care of Hakkai. I'm going to kill you.'' he winced and took another deep breath. ''O-Onisan.''
''Aa?'' Sanzo found himself answering.
''I - I really am. happy. that I met you.''
Sanzo paused for a moment and nodded.
''So am I, Toki.'' He said. ''So am I.''
he started to run as the whole forest was now in flames. He stopped and looked back at Toki who was just lying there, his voice weakening as he called out.
''Be strong, Onisan! Stronger than I ever was!''
He was about to turn away and keep running when he looked back. He felt this sharp feeling go through him. He didn't want to leave Toki behind. He had to come. They had just met and he found himself caring. He started to run back when he stopped as a tree, which was burning blocked his way. He looked up and stared at it for a moment. Clenching his fists as he started to run off, leaving the flames, leaving his brother, leaving his past behind within it.
~TSUZUKU~