Chapter Six: The Chaotic Ground
Author's note: Okay, it might get a little confusing from this point on. I will try my best to make sense the best way I possibly could. Sorry again for the last chapter – I have a feeling I might get bad reviews for that. Anyway, Gensoumaden Saiyuki does not belong to me – Genjo Sanzo, Cho Hakkai, Sha Gojyo and Son Goku are characters created by Kazuya Minekura. But these women and the kids are mine (Oh, except Satoshi and Rie – they belong to a friend of mine, I just borrowed them) My first 'Mary-Sue' fic. Please don't kill me – oh, you know what? Go ahead.
Oh, and if you're wondering where Saneda is – he's still here, not to worry.
Hakkai opened his eyes as he slowly looked up. The mist was gone and there was complete silence – it was still nighttime, he noticed. He tried to get up as he felt a slight throbbing of pain at the side of his head. He moaned softly as he tried to move, he suddenly looked down and saw his wife, Hotaru – still unconscious and resting on him. His eyes slightly widened as he shook her gently.
''Hotaru? Hotaru, wake up.'' He said softly.
Hotaru stirred slightly, as he eyes slowly opened. She blinked, her vision was still blurry from the drugged mist earlier. As soon as it cleared, she saw Hakkai looking at her worriedly as he sighed then in relief and then smiled.
''Yokatta desu ne, anata.'' He said in a calm voice. ''Are you alright?'' he asked.
''Uhm...'' she said as she straightened up. ''I'm fine...'' she looked at him. ''What about you?''
Hakkai nodded. ''Don't worry about me.'' he turned back to call his children to see if they were fine. But as he looked behind him, Satoshi and Rie who were behind them when then last remembered were now gone. His eyes widened again as he looked at her.
''Hotaru – the children! – they're...''
Hotaru was in shock as she was now looking around and noticed that the only people left on the bus were her, Hakkai. Sanzo, Mika, Gojyo, Naomi, Goku and the two who had helped them just now – Kougaiji was unconscious on one of the chairs and Homura was slumped against the wall as it looked like he tried to retaliate earlier. The children were nowhere in sight.
''Everyone! Wake up!'' she called loudly. ''You guys! Get up! Now!''
Sanzo stirred awake as he slowly opened his eyes, he winced immediately as his shoulder was still wounded and now added to this pain was the stinging sensation that his head was hit over and over again on something hard. He slowly sat up and put fingers over to his temple, looking around.
''The hell? –'' he paused as his wife, came to and sat up. She looked around and saw Hotaru and Hakkai as they were looking at them. ''What's going on here?'' he asked.
''Where are the kids, more importantly?'' Mika asked as her brows met and as she looked around.
''That's what we were talking about!'' Hotaru said as she looked at her. ''The kids are gone!''
''Gone? – '' Sanzo trailed off, as he then looked up. ''Anou kisama, Ni Jien Yi da...'' he trailed off roughly. He looked over to Mika who looked ahead, she looked calm but Sanzo knew that she was probably panicking from the inside.
''Are you alright?'' he asked her calmly.
She nodded and looked up. ''Where could he have taken them?''
Before anymore of them could say anything, Gojyo got up and frowned as he held onto the side of his head.
''Ite...'' he said in his usual way. ''Alright, whatever the hell is going on – we have to get that bastard –'' he paused as he looked up. He noticed that everyone was awake, he also couldn't help but see that the children were nowhere in sight. Catching on immediately, he looked at Sanzo and Hakkai.
''He took them, didn't he?'' he asked, almost angrily as the two knew how their friend could get when it was his children on the line. Though he wasn't the most mature or responsible person in the world, Gojyo cared and loved his children dearly and would kill anyone who'd hurt a hair on their heads. ''Where the hell is that bastard?'' he asked.
Naomi soon regained consciousness as she sat up and looked at Gojyo.
''What the hell just happened?'' she asked, feeling a little light headed.
''The kids are gone.'' Gojyo said in a slightly serious and angry voice. ''That bastard, Ni took them.''
''Oh my god.'' Naomi managed to say calmly as she looked up. ''What the hell are we gonna do now?'' she asked.
Goku started to wake up, as he immediately sat up and looked around. ''Are? – '' he blinked and looked up. Seeing Sanzo, he sighed in relief and called. ''Sanzo!''
Sanzo looked up at him and remained quiet, Goku blinked and then realized that something was wrong. He looked around him and then paused. ''The kids are gone!'' he looked up. ''Where are they?!''
Sanzo looked over to Kougaiji and Homura who were now regaining consciousness. He scowled as the two opened their eyes, he wanted answers and he wanted them NOW. It wasn't too good to get him angry, especially if his kids were involved. Even Hakkai was looking at the two sternly, the worst possible scenario's were entering his head as he kept himself calm. He knew that now was not the time to blow up or panic. Even getting angry wasn't the key to doing anything.
Unfortunately for them, they had the corrupt and ill-behaved Genjo Sanzo with them, who didn't have much patience for anything much. And since he didn't care for a lot of things or a lot of people – it's bad to involve the few people he truly did care for. He picked up his gun and started to walk towards the two, ignoring Mika as she clasped his hand trying to calm him down – he gently broke free and kept walking towards the two who were starting to get up.
Kougaiji looked up to find the end of the gun aimed at his face.
''You have ten seconds to answer me straight.'' He said in a rough and stern voice. ''Where the hell did that bastard take my kids?''
Kougaiji frowned back at him and Homura smirked slightly as he looked at Sanzo.
''You can put that gun away, Genjo Sanzo.'' He said calmly. ''We don't want to start anything after all.''
Goku was standing beside Sanzo, frowning at the two as well. ''You'd better tell us where they are! If something happens to them, I'll never forgive you two!''
Hakkai got up as he gently looked at Hotaru and nodded, then walked towards beside Sanzo – Gojyo was frowning as he got up and did the same.
''I'm sorry to be brash like this.'' Hakkai said sternly and coldly as he looked at the two of them. ''I think I would like to know where my children are as well.''
Gojyo frowned at the two of them and looked up. ''You'd better answer, or we will beat the answers out of you.''
Homura smirked slightly and Kougaiji frowned back at the four.
''Where are they?'' Goku asked again. It was obvious that he himself was getting worried. He clenched his fists and looked up at Homura.
The three women were left behind, when Naomi sighed and shook her head. She started to walk towards them, pulling the four boys back.
''Down boys, now all of you – pipe down and sit.''
Naomi wasn't the type to get easily angered or panicked. She was quite a problem solver, actually. Which is probably why Gojyo stayed with her in the first place. Though at drastic times, she was rather sarcastic and could still joke around. Everyone knew that she was worried about the children herself. She crossed her arms and shook her head.
''Okay, being all 'guy' about this matter isn't going to help. You can aim guns at each other all day and we still won't have the kids back.'' She said as she put a hand on her hip. ''Now, let's all calm down, sit and try to figure this out – we could kill each other now right here and now – but we'll never get the kids back, agree?''
Mika and Hotaru walked towards them. Mika looked up at Homura, sternly as she kept calm – but slightly arched an eyebrow.
''Homura-san, you and Kougaiji-san know where they are, don't you?''
''Please, tell us.'' Hotaru said as she sat beside Hakkai. ''I'm getting worried about the kids, even though I know they can handle themselves, I still can't be sure about anything right now. I think we all feel the same way.''
Kougaiji looked at Homura and raised a hand to stop him. Then he looked at the seven people left with them.
''They're in another dimension – this I know for sure.'' He said as he nodded. ''Ni Jien Yi is still working for Gyoukumen Koushu, and I'm sure they took them there because they know would go there yourselves if they had your children.'' He paused. ''Then they'll kill you there – and make sure you won't make it back out here.''
''That's what she wanted in the first place, after all.'' Homura continued.
There was a silent pause, when Goku then looked up.
''Ja! Take us there.'' He said as he nodded.
''Don't you understand?'' Kougaiji said. ''If we take you there, if you stay too long – you may never get back to this world.'' He looked up. ''We have to wait for them to return to this world and fight us.''
''That would take too long!'' the boy reasoned as he frowned again. ''If you take us there, we could travel there and then rescue the kids, then we'll get out.'' He looked up. ''I'm sure we can do it.''
''It's too risky.''
''Then we'll have to take that risk.'' Goku continued. ''We can't wait – Sanzo, Hakkai and Gojyo – Mika-chan, Hotaru-chan and Naomi-chan are going to be too worried.'' He paused. ''I'm worried too – and I really don't want them hurt. They're my only family now – so – we have to find them!''
Kougaiji was about to say something again when Homura who was impressed with the young boy's determination, smirked slightly and looked up.
''We can help you.'' He said. ''But we can't help you through everything – once we get there, you're going to have to fight yourselves. We'll help you get to their new lair – but be strong enough to defend yourselves.''
''Hm.'' Sanzo said as he scowled. ''Don't treat us like cockroaches. We can handle ourselves. Now just get us there.''
Kougaiji paused as he looked at them. They were all quiet and looking at him – it didn't look like any of them were going to change their mind and were bent on going to Gyoukumen Koushu's new lair and getting their kids back. Though he knew it was risky, he agreed with them that they should just go there themselves. It would have given them a chance to subdue Gyoukumen Koushu once again. And this time they would make sure that she would never get out.
He got up and nodded to them as he turned away.
''Fine. Come with me.''
They stepped down on the bus and Kougaiji stood in front of them. He looked back at them and nodded.
''I'm going to open a portal that leads to this world and where they are now. Though it won't be the exact location when we do get there. It will take us a few days and maybe weeks to get to their new lair.''
Mika looked up. ''I thought they stayed in Tenjiku – that's pretty far from Tougenkyou, isn't it?'' she asked.
Kougaiji shook his head. ''After the Gyumao resurrection project was stopped – their lair was destroyed when they fought against Gyumao's minions. So, they have a new lair now – and I've been keeping an eye on their lair making sure no one was doing anything wrong – but they slipped through me somehow.''
[Author's comment: (To Kougaiji) What? Like it's hard?]
He looked ahead again. And closed his eyes for a moment – he started to chant softly, whispering the words as after a few moments, strong winds started to blow – the ground shook slightly. The skies started to mix with a gray as it looked like it was about to rain. Kougaiji continued to chant, gradually getting louder and louder – until finally he stretched out his arms and a white and blue portal formed in front of them. The winds were now blowing wildly – he stopped chanting and then glanced behind him.
''Follow me...'' he said as he started to walk towards the portal. ''Stay close and don't break away from each other as much as possible, traveling through dimensions one could get lost.'' He entered. ''Come on, hurry!''
Homura smirked as he glanced at Sanzo and Mika, before following Kougaiji.
Sanzo looked ahead as he and Mika made their way towards the portal, he stepped in first and clutched on his wife's hand, keeping Kougaiji's instruction in mind. Though he didn't really trust the man, he couldn't afford to lose anyone else with him. He helped her step in and the winds blew even stronger – Hakkai and Hotaru soon followed, Hakkai did even a better job of keeping her close by letting her slightly hold onto him as they stepped into the portal the same time. Gojyo put an arm around Naomi as they made their way next. Goku followed in after them.
As soon as they jumped in, the portal began to close. The winds calming down and the ground still once more – the lights of white and blue were soon gone. And it was almost as if nothing happened.
Eiri awoke as he felt himself thrown away and as he felt his body crash into cold and damp cement. He winced as he had a painful headache and couldn't open his eyes. He heard water dripping into the floor and the scattering of rats in the corners of the room, he moaned softly in pain as his hands started to feel for the ground. His amethyst eyes started to open, he wanted to close them again as right now, he was suffering from a really bad case of vertigo. But he forced them open – he looked around to find himself in a cold and dark cellar, with the walls covered in moss. He choked and coughed as the rancid smell of blood and rotting bodies mixed together filled the air. He almost gagged and covered his mouth and his nose.
''Where the hell am I?'' he asked softly. He looked around as he tried not to choke. He noticed that he was in a cellar – and he saw the cellar in front of him was the same. He frowned and looked up, as he tried to shake the bars. The doors wouldn't open.
''Ch.'' He cursed under his breath. He slumped down for a while and walked to the moist wall – trying to find where he could break the wall down.
Suddenly the cell doors opened again, he frowned as he heard a familiar voice.
''Hey, ease off my back, pal!'' Aki cried as he tried to push the guard's hand away as the guard trying to push him in the cellar. He was thrown in the floor, and he winced and frowned as he looked up.
''Shut up. You don't have room to talk right now.'' the guard said as he snickered. ''You're in Gyoukumen Koushu's lair. You don't have any power or authority around here.''
''Ah?'' Aki looked up. ''What the hell? – That can't be true! – ''
''Aki...'' Eiri trailed off.
''You! – What are you doing here?'' Aki asked.
Eiri looked at him and raised an eyebrow. ''The least they could do was put you in a different cellar. Or make sure you're dead before they throw you here.''
''Hey, don't push your luck pal, you'll be eating my fist in a few.''
Suddenly someone else was thrown towards the prison. They looked up to see someone struggling to get up – their eyes widened as they saw Satoshi trying to get up, a little beat up. He looked up and laughed softly, as he winced and sighed.
''I hope I didn't interrupt this little get together all too sudden... '' he said.
''Sato!'' Aki said as he knelt before him and looked at him. ''Man, you look like shit.''
Satoshi laughed softly as he sighed again. ''Let me take this time to quote Eiri when I say – You think?''
Eiri bent down and studied Satoshi carefully, he asked – almost gently. ''Are you alright?''
Satoshi surprised at his tone looked at him. Eiri's amethyst eyes looking straight into his lime ones – he watched his friend studying him – then suddenly taking his arm as it was bleeding. He shook his head and started to unbutton his left sleeve, he tore off a part and started to gently wrap his wounded arm with it. Satoshi watched as Eiri gently worked over the wound, after tying it. Eiri patted it gently, and sighed as he nodded.
''There. That should stop the bleeding.'' He said, almost calmly. ''But we have to get here if we want to treat those wounds.'' He nodded.
''You –'' Satoshi paused and then stared at Eiri for a few moments. ''Thanks...''
Eiri nodded as he stared back, they were quiet for a few moments more, as Eiri looked calm and neutral – Satoshi still look surprised and flustered at the same time. There was another moment of silence, before Aki frowned and sighed, he cleared his throat loudly.
''Yo, are we going to get out of here or stay and make googly eyes at each other?!''
Eiri and Satoshi snapped out of it as they shook their heads and looked up at Aki who was smirking at him and crossing his arms.
''We have to find a way out of this place and find our sisters.'' Eiri said as he looked up and sighed. He looked at Satoshi as they looked up.
''They must be here somewhere.'' Satoshi said as he looked up. ''We'd better find them in a hurry – something might happen to them.''
They finally arrived, the white and blue portal opened – Kougaiji and Homura were the first to step out. Soon followed by everyone else. Sanzo looked up as they saw they were surrounded by nothing but desert lands – the wind was strong and Mika was still holding his hand as they both looked around them – as soon as everyone was out, the portal closed again.
''Where are we?'' Mika asked as she looked up.
''This is the high desert. '' Kougaiji answered. ''This is where Homura and I have been hiding, watching Gyoukumen Koushu's every move. '' he looked up. ''A few miles away from here is their new lair.''
''What are we doing here?'' Gojyo asked. ''You said we'd go find the kids right now!''
''Calm down, Gojyo.'' Hakkai said as he put a hand on his shoulder. ''I don't think we're ready as of yet.''
Gojyo remained quiet as he frowned. He didn't say anything else, besides a moan of frustration as he lit up his cigarette impatiently. He wasn't usually the one to panic – but by this time he was really worried about his kids. He looked up as Naomi sighed and leaned on his shoulder.
''Come on, Gojyo.'' Mika said. She looked worried, too though she tried her best to stay calm. ''This is hard for all of us. But we have to make sure we're ready – or else if something happens to us before we get there, we're not going to be able to see the kids.'' She shook her head. ''We can leave as soon as tomorrow.''
''You need your weapons, don't you?'' Homura said as he looked up at them. He looked at Sanzo. ''You used your last bullets, you need more. We have it all in here.''
''Have all what there?'' Hotaru asked.
''We have all kinds of weapons here.'' He looked up and then grinned. ''Weapons that used to belong to people we knew.'' He turned around and started to walk towards a cave. ''This way then.''
They all followed him – as they walked through the hole of the cave, it was dark and they could still hear water dripping from the roof. Gojyo frowned as a smell of old moss filled his nostrills, he shook his head and looked up.
''Nice hideaway, you got any air fresheners or something?'' he asked. Naomi nudged him and sighed as she smirked slightly.
''This is just the entrance. We can't afford anything too fancy it'll draw attention.'' Kougaiji said immediately as he looked up. ''Follow me.''
They walked through a hallway of wet stone floors and crooked stone walls, which were covered with moss and cobwebs. After a few moments, Hotaru looked up as she almost slipped, her eyes widened and she gasped loudly. Mika looked up and grabbed her hand – both of them almost losing balance, Naomi sighed and grabbed each of their hands – as she pulled, the more slippery the ground got.
Finally, Gojyo pulled the three women to safer ground as the rocks they stepped on earlier, fell into a dark abyss. ''Where does that thing lead to?'' Hotaru asked as she caught her breath and sighed.
''We have a lot of trespassers here from Gyoukumen Koushu's side. We're the only ones who can get through this place without slipping into any of those holes. They lead to the very core of this hideout, and there's no way out of it – if you end up there, no matter how far you walk, you'll end up where you started.'' Homura said as he walked on.
''Are you girls alright?'' Hakkai asked with worry.
''We're fine.'' Mika answered as he looked ahead, she paused and then looked up. ''You two aren't the only ones here, are you?'' she asked.
Kougaiji and Homura paused as they stopped before what looked like a dead end. They looked at each other before Homura took out a small perfectly round shaped rock from his pocket and put it through a hole of the same shape. Immediately, the ground shook slightly, and the stone rolled aside.
Sanzo looked up and saw that the place they were in was now totally different. It was almost as if they were inside a tower. The floor was glossy marble and the room they entered was dark – the floor was carpeted and there were different carpets that hung on the wall. They walked in and Kougaiji stopped to look at them.
''You'll be staying here for as long as you can.'' He paused. ''Until we help you get your kids back. We'll have to help you get ready for what's out there, too.''
''How do you plan on doing that?'' Sanzo asked as he raised eyebrow.
''Like we said before – you're running out of bullets.'' Homura said as he looked up and smirked slightly. ''Are you coming with me?'' he said as he turned to the other direction and started to walk off.
Sanzo scowled and was about to say anything else – when Hakkai smiled and looked at him. ''Maa, maa Sanzo.'' He said as he nodded. ''Come on, he's the one who really knows where we are.''
''Heh. Come on, Sanzo-sama.'' Gojyo said as he smirked. ''Lighten up a little bit.'' He looked up. ''This guy could be our only way out.''
''Besides, he seems nice enough to help us.'' Goku said as he blinked and nodded.
Sanzo scowled and started to walk after Homura. ''Hm.'' He said as he turned to Mika as looked at her, she smiled back gently and nodded.
''Come with me for a while.'' Kougaiji said. ''We'll have to get you ready.''
Sanzo stopped for a moment and then approached Mika, he took her hand for a moment – and then looked at her, his face expression calm.
''Mika, I need to talk to you about something.''
''Eh?'' she looked up and noticed him. ''You sound serious.''
He looked up and then shook his head. ''Later on.'' He said as he looked at her for a moment, before turning away. He followed Homura as he walked on further.
Hakkai sighed and looked over at Hotaru who kissed his cheek and smiled as she nodded. ''Go on.'' She walked to Mika's side and nodded. ''Homura-san might be waiting.''
''Be careful.'' He said as he smiled before turning away.
Gojyo looked up and winked at Naomi who smirked and winked right back.
''Don't go anywhere without me.'' Gojyo said as he waved a hand and walked with the other two boys.
''Isn't that supposed to be my line?'' she asked with a laugh before she turned to join the other two girls.
Miori looked up as she tried to yank her hand free.
''Hanase, kono kisama!'' she yelled as she kicked the guard on the foot as hard as she could, she pushed another one back and kicked him from the front as another guard held her back with both hands, she elbowed him and tried to break free, but was pulled by the hair towards one of the higher dungeons.
''You little bitch!'' one of them called as he yanked on her hair harder. She winced and tried to break free but winced again as he pulled on her hair again.
''I said let go of – '' she was cut off as a blade was pressed against her neck.
''Listen here, you little brat.'' He said as he pressed the blade even harder. ''Nothing will happen to you if you shut up and do whatever we say.''
''I'd rather kill you...'' Miori spat out as she struggled again to break free.
The blade had already wounded her neck slightly when they heard more footsteps heading towards them – two more guards held had Natsumi with them, she had her hands tied up behind her back and there was dirt on her face, her clothes were crumpled as if she were in a struggle as she then snickered sarcastically at the guard who held her by the hands.
''You know, it's a real good idea to let go of me right about now.'' she said in a low voice.
''Or what? You little slut...'' he guard put his hand on her thigh – Miori's eyes widened as she struggled to get away.
''You bastard! Don't touch her! –''
Natsumi smirked and raised her foot, stomping right between his legs. He yelped in pain as he dropped Natsumi on the ground who immediately swiped her feet, making the one holding Miori drop her and the blade he was holding. Miori fell to the ground and she immediately pulled Natsumi to a safe side. Miori had picked up the knife used on her and aimed it towards them.
''We're not afraid to kill every single one of you bastards.'' She said as she glared at them. ''We'll do it – so don't dare say we're little brats who don't have it in us...''
''Well, maybe something will change your minds.'' A voice said as he looked up.
They looked up to see a young man with brown hair and eyes – he snickered as he pushed his glasses up. He looked at them as he walked towards them and sighed as he smirked.
''So, here you are – the daughters of the three members of the Sanzo- ikkou...'' he said as he looked at them. ''Genjo Miori and Sha Natsumi.'' He bowed politely, with a palm over his heart. ''Yoroshiku...''
''Who the hell are you? Some freakshow?'' Natsumi asked as she caught her breath.
''My name is Saneda. I'm one of Genjo-sensei's collegues over at the University.'' He smirked again and looked up. ''But I guess my cover is blown, you know now what I was in it for all along.''
''What do you want with us?'' Miori asked.
''I'm sorry you had to be caught across the crossfire.'' He said with a sigh as he ran a hand through his hair and smirked. ''We don't really mean to hurt you – though we will – if we need to.''
''You don't scare me...'' Miori snapped.
''Hou, we've got quite a young lady here, you've got your father's glare.'' He approached her, he put a hand on her chin. ''But your mother's eyes.''
''Don't touch me!'' Miori moved away and aimed the knife at him.
''Heh. Warui ne, Saneda-san.'' Natsumi said as she smirked sarcastically. ''My friend here doesn't exactly go for guys like you. You're way out of her me league – and mine...''
Saneda laughed and shook his head as he then smirked. ''Sou desu ka?'' his brows met as he smirked malliciously at them. ''Then maybe I have someone else in mind!''
They suddenly heard a familiar cry of pain – both of them gasped as they looked up.
''Rie-chan!'' Miori called.
''Kisama...'' Natsumi glared at him now. ''Where the hell did you take her?''
''She's having fun with Ming-chan – the little girl put up quite a fight. She knocked down all the guards when they tried to throw their weapons towards her when they scared her.''
Natsumi and Miori exchanged glances. ''You must be wondering how she did that...'' he looked up. ''If you must know there are a lot of things you don't know about your parents.'' He said as he drew near them and smirked. ''And yourselves.''
They remained quiet as they looked up.
''If you behave like good little girls, you can come and see her.'' Saneda said as he turned away and started to walk off. He glanced back at them. ''Well?''
Natsumi stood up on her own and dusted herself off, Miori took her hand as they walked past the guards which brought them there. Saneda smirked as he lead the way.
''Right this way, ladies.''
TSUZUKU
Author's note: Okay, it might get a little confusing from this point on. I will try my best to make sense the best way I possibly could. Sorry again for the last chapter – I have a feeling I might get bad reviews for that. Anyway, Gensoumaden Saiyuki does not belong to me – Genjo Sanzo, Cho Hakkai, Sha Gojyo and Son Goku are characters created by Kazuya Minekura. But these women and the kids are mine (Oh, except Satoshi and Rie – they belong to a friend of mine, I just borrowed them) My first 'Mary-Sue' fic. Please don't kill me – oh, you know what? Go ahead.
Oh, and if you're wondering where Saneda is – he's still here, not to worry.
Hakkai opened his eyes as he slowly looked up. The mist was gone and there was complete silence – it was still nighttime, he noticed. He tried to get up as he felt a slight throbbing of pain at the side of his head. He moaned softly as he tried to move, he suddenly looked down and saw his wife, Hotaru – still unconscious and resting on him. His eyes slightly widened as he shook her gently.
''Hotaru? Hotaru, wake up.'' He said softly.
Hotaru stirred slightly, as he eyes slowly opened. She blinked, her vision was still blurry from the drugged mist earlier. As soon as it cleared, she saw Hakkai looking at her worriedly as he sighed then in relief and then smiled.
''Yokatta desu ne, anata.'' He said in a calm voice. ''Are you alright?'' he asked.
''Uhm...'' she said as she straightened up. ''I'm fine...'' she looked at him. ''What about you?''
Hakkai nodded. ''Don't worry about me.'' he turned back to call his children to see if they were fine. But as he looked behind him, Satoshi and Rie who were behind them when then last remembered were now gone. His eyes widened again as he looked at her.
''Hotaru – the children! – they're...''
Hotaru was in shock as she was now looking around and noticed that the only people left on the bus were her, Hakkai. Sanzo, Mika, Gojyo, Naomi, Goku and the two who had helped them just now – Kougaiji was unconscious on one of the chairs and Homura was slumped against the wall as it looked like he tried to retaliate earlier. The children were nowhere in sight.
''Everyone! Wake up!'' she called loudly. ''You guys! Get up! Now!''
Sanzo stirred awake as he slowly opened his eyes, he winced immediately as his shoulder was still wounded and now added to this pain was the stinging sensation that his head was hit over and over again on something hard. He slowly sat up and put fingers over to his temple, looking around.
''The hell? –'' he paused as his wife, came to and sat up. She looked around and saw Hotaru and Hakkai as they were looking at them. ''What's going on here?'' he asked.
''Where are the kids, more importantly?'' Mika asked as her brows met and as she looked around.
''That's what we were talking about!'' Hotaru said as she looked at her. ''The kids are gone!''
''Gone? – '' Sanzo trailed off, as he then looked up. ''Anou kisama, Ni Jien Yi da...'' he trailed off roughly. He looked over to Mika who looked ahead, she looked calm but Sanzo knew that she was probably panicking from the inside.
''Are you alright?'' he asked her calmly.
She nodded and looked up. ''Where could he have taken them?''
Before anymore of them could say anything, Gojyo got up and frowned as he held onto the side of his head.
''Ite...'' he said in his usual way. ''Alright, whatever the hell is going on – we have to get that bastard –'' he paused as he looked up. He noticed that everyone was awake, he also couldn't help but see that the children were nowhere in sight. Catching on immediately, he looked at Sanzo and Hakkai.
''He took them, didn't he?'' he asked, almost angrily as the two knew how their friend could get when it was his children on the line. Though he wasn't the most mature or responsible person in the world, Gojyo cared and loved his children dearly and would kill anyone who'd hurt a hair on their heads. ''Where the hell is that bastard?'' he asked.
Naomi soon regained consciousness as she sat up and looked at Gojyo.
''What the hell just happened?'' she asked, feeling a little light headed.
''The kids are gone.'' Gojyo said in a slightly serious and angry voice. ''That bastard, Ni took them.''
''Oh my god.'' Naomi managed to say calmly as she looked up. ''What the hell are we gonna do now?'' she asked.
Goku started to wake up, as he immediately sat up and looked around. ''Are? – '' he blinked and looked up. Seeing Sanzo, he sighed in relief and called. ''Sanzo!''
Sanzo looked up at him and remained quiet, Goku blinked and then realized that something was wrong. He looked around him and then paused. ''The kids are gone!'' he looked up. ''Where are they?!''
Sanzo looked over to Kougaiji and Homura who were now regaining consciousness. He scowled as the two opened their eyes, he wanted answers and he wanted them NOW. It wasn't too good to get him angry, especially if his kids were involved. Even Hakkai was looking at the two sternly, the worst possible scenario's were entering his head as he kept himself calm. He knew that now was not the time to blow up or panic. Even getting angry wasn't the key to doing anything.
Unfortunately for them, they had the corrupt and ill-behaved Genjo Sanzo with them, who didn't have much patience for anything much. And since he didn't care for a lot of things or a lot of people – it's bad to involve the few people he truly did care for. He picked up his gun and started to walk towards the two, ignoring Mika as she clasped his hand trying to calm him down – he gently broke free and kept walking towards the two who were starting to get up.
Kougaiji looked up to find the end of the gun aimed at his face.
''You have ten seconds to answer me straight.'' He said in a rough and stern voice. ''Where the hell did that bastard take my kids?''
Kougaiji frowned back at him and Homura smirked slightly as he looked at Sanzo.
''You can put that gun away, Genjo Sanzo.'' He said calmly. ''We don't want to start anything after all.''
Goku was standing beside Sanzo, frowning at the two as well. ''You'd better tell us where they are! If something happens to them, I'll never forgive you two!''
Hakkai got up as he gently looked at Hotaru and nodded, then walked towards beside Sanzo – Gojyo was frowning as he got up and did the same.
''I'm sorry to be brash like this.'' Hakkai said sternly and coldly as he looked at the two of them. ''I think I would like to know where my children are as well.''
Gojyo frowned at the two of them and looked up. ''You'd better answer, or we will beat the answers out of you.''
Homura smirked slightly and Kougaiji frowned back at the four.
''Where are they?'' Goku asked again. It was obvious that he himself was getting worried. He clenched his fists and looked up at Homura.
The three women were left behind, when Naomi sighed and shook her head. She started to walk towards them, pulling the four boys back.
''Down boys, now all of you – pipe down and sit.''
Naomi wasn't the type to get easily angered or panicked. She was quite a problem solver, actually. Which is probably why Gojyo stayed with her in the first place. Though at drastic times, she was rather sarcastic and could still joke around. Everyone knew that she was worried about the children herself. She crossed her arms and shook her head.
''Okay, being all 'guy' about this matter isn't going to help. You can aim guns at each other all day and we still won't have the kids back.'' She said as she put a hand on her hip. ''Now, let's all calm down, sit and try to figure this out – we could kill each other now right here and now – but we'll never get the kids back, agree?''
Mika and Hotaru walked towards them. Mika looked up at Homura, sternly as she kept calm – but slightly arched an eyebrow.
''Homura-san, you and Kougaiji-san know where they are, don't you?''
''Please, tell us.'' Hotaru said as she sat beside Hakkai. ''I'm getting worried about the kids, even though I know they can handle themselves, I still can't be sure about anything right now. I think we all feel the same way.''
Kougaiji looked at Homura and raised a hand to stop him. Then he looked at the seven people left with them.
''They're in another dimension – this I know for sure.'' He said as he nodded. ''Ni Jien Yi is still working for Gyoukumen Koushu, and I'm sure they took them there because they know would go there yourselves if they had your children.'' He paused. ''Then they'll kill you there – and make sure you won't make it back out here.''
''That's what she wanted in the first place, after all.'' Homura continued.
There was a silent pause, when Goku then looked up.
''Ja! Take us there.'' He said as he nodded.
''Don't you understand?'' Kougaiji said. ''If we take you there, if you stay too long – you may never get back to this world.'' He looked up. ''We have to wait for them to return to this world and fight us.''
''That would take too long!'' the boy reasoned as he frowned again. ''If you take us there, we could travel there and then rescue the kids, then we'll get out.'' He looked up. ''I'm sure we can do it.''
''It's too risky.''
''Then we'll have to take that risk.'' Goku continued. ''We can't wait – Sanzo, Hakkai and Gojyo – Mika-chan, Hotaru-chan and Naomi-chan are going to be too worried.'' He paused. ''I'm worried too – and I really don't want them hurt. They're my only family now – so – we have to find them!''
Kougaiji was about to say something again when Homura who was impressed with the young boy's determination, smirked slightly and looked up.
''We can help you.'' He said. ''But we can't help you through everything – once we get there, you're going to have to fight yourselves. We'll help you get to their new lair – but be strong enough to defend yourselves.''
''Hm.'' Sanzo said as he scowled. ''Don't treat us like cockroaches. We can handle ourselves. Now just get us there.''
Kougaiji paused as he looked at them. They were all quiet and looking at him – it didn't look like any of them were going to change their mind and were bent on going to Gyoukumen Koushu's new lair and getting their kids back. Though he knew it was risky, he agreed with them that they should just go there themselves. It would have given them a chance to subdue Gyoukumen Koushu once again. And this time they would make sure that she would never get out.
He got up and nodded to them as he turned away.
''Fine. Come with me.''
They stepped down on the bus and Kougaiji stood in front of them. He looked back at them and nodded.
''I'm going to open a portal that leads to this world and where they are now. Though it won't be the exact location when we do get there. It will take us a few days and maybe weeks to get to their new lair.''
Mika looked up. ''I thought they stayed in Tenjiku – that's pretty far from Tougenkyou, isn't it?'' she asked.
Kougaiji shook his head. ''After the Gyumao resurrection project was stopped – their lair was destroyed when they fought against Gyumao's minions. So, they have a new lair now – and I've been keeping an eye on their lair making sure no one was doing anything wrong – but they slipped through me somehow.''
[Author's comment: (To Kougaiji) What? Like it's hard?]
He looked ahead again. And closed his eyes for a moment – he started to chant softly, whispering the words as after a few moments, strong winds started to blow – the ground shook slightly. The skies started to mix with a gray as it looked like it was about to rain. Kougaiji continued to chant, gradually getting louder and louder – until finally he stretched out his arms and a white and blue portal formed in front of them. The winds were now blowing wildly – he stopped chanting and then glanced behind him.
''Follow me...'' he said as he started to walk towards the portal. ''Stay close and don't break away from each other as much as possible, traveling through dimensions one could get lost.'' He entered. ''Come on, hurry!''
Homura smirked as he glanced at Sanzo and Mika, before following Kougaiji.
Sanzo looked ahead as he and Mika made their way towards the portal, he stepped in first and clutched on his wife's hand, keeping Kougaiji's instruction in mind. Though he didn't really trust the man, he couldn't afford to lose anyone else with him. He helped her step in and the winds blew even stronger – Hakkai and Hotaru soon followed, Hakkai did even a better job of keeping her close by letting her slightly hold onto him as they stepped into the portal the same time. Gojyo put an arm around Naomi as they made their way next. Goku followed in after them.
As soon as they jumped in, the portal began to close. The winds calming down and the ground still once more – the lights of white and blue were soon gone. And it was almost as if nothing happened.
Eiri awoke as he felt himself thrown away and as he felt his body crash into cold and damp cement. He winced as he had a painful headache and couldn't open his eyes. He heard water dripping into the floor and the scattering of rats in the corners of the room, he moaned softly in pain as his hands started to feel for the ground. His amethyst eyes started to open, he wanted to close them again as right now, he was suffering from a really bad case of vertigo. But he forced them open – he looked around to find himself in a cold and dark cellar, with the walls covered in moss. He choked and coughed as the rancid smell of blood and rotting bodies mixed together filled the air. He almost gagged and covered his mouth and his nose.
''Where the hell am I?'' he asked softly. He looked around as he tried not to choke. He noticed that he was in a cellar – and he saw the cellar in front of him was the same. He frowned and looked up, as he tried to shake the bars. The doors wouldn't open.
''Ch.'' He cursed under his breath. He slumped down for a while and walked to the moist wall – trying to find where he could break the wall down.
Suddenly the cell doors opened again, he frowned as he heard a familiar voice.
''Hey, ease off my back, pal!'' Aki cried as he tried to push the guard's hand away as the guard trying to push him in the cellar. He was thrown in the floor, and he winced and frowned as he looked up.
''Shut up. You don't have room to talk right now.'' the guard said as he snickered. ''You're in Gyoukumen Koushu's lair. You don't have any power or authority around here.''
''Ah?'' Aki looked up. ''What the hell? – That can't be true! – ''
''Aki...'' Eiri trailed off.
''You! – What are you doing here?'' Aki asked.
Eiri looked at him and raised an eyebrow. ''The least they could do was put you in a different cellar. Or make sure you're dead before they throw you here.''
''Hey, don't push your luck pal, you'll be eating my fist in a few.''
Suddenly someone else was thrown towards the prison. They looked up to see someone struggling to get up – their eyes widened as they saw Satoshi trying to get up, a little beat up. He looked up and laughed softly, as he winced and sighed.
''I hope I didn't interrupt this little get together all too sudden... '' he said.
''Sato!'' Aki said as he knelt before him and looked at him. ''Man, you look like shit.''
Satoshi laughed softly as he sighed again. ''Let me take this time to quote Eiri when I say – You think?''
Eiri bent down and studied Satoshi carefully, he asked – almost gently. ''Are you alright?''
Satoshi surprised at his tone looked at him. Eiri's amethyst eyes looking straight into his lime ones – he watched his friend studying him – then suddenly taking his arm as it was bleeding. He shook his head and started to unbutton his left sleeve, he tore off a part and started to gently wrap his wounded arm with it. Satoshi watched as Eiri gently worked over the wound, after tying it. Eiri patted it gently, and sighed as he nodded.
''There. That should stop the bleeding.'' He said, almost calmly. ''But we have to get here if we want to treat those wounds.'' He nodded.
''You –'' Satoshi paused and then stared at Eiri for a few moments. ''Thanks...''
Eiri nodded as he stared back, they were quiet for a few moments more, as Eiri looked calm and neutral – Satoshi still look surprised and flustered at the same time. There was another moment of silence, before Aki frowned and sighed, he cleared his throat loudly.
''Yo, are we going to get out of here or stay and make googly eyes at each other?!''
Eiri and Satoshi snapped out of it as they shook their heads and looked up at Aki who was smirking at him and crossing his arms.
''We have to find a way out of this place and find our sisters.'' Eiri said as he looked up and sighed. He looked at Satoshi as they looked up.
''They must be here somewhere.'' Satoshi said as he looked up. ''We'd better find them in a hurry – something might happen to them.''
They finally arrived, the white and blue portal opened – Kougaiji and Homura were the first to step out. Soon followed by everyone else. Sanzo looked up as they saw they were surrounded by nothing but desert lands – the wind was strong and Mika was still holding his hand as they both looked around them – as soon as everyone was out, the portal closed again.
''Where are we?'' Mika asked as she looked up.
''This is the high desert. '' Kougaiji answered. ''This is where Homura and I have been hiding, watching Gyoukumen Koushu's every move. '' he looked up. ''A few miles away from here is their new lair.''
''What are we doing here?'' Gojyo asked. ''You said we'd go find the kids right now!''
''Calm down, Gojyo.'' Hakkai said as he put a hand on his shoulder. ''I don't think we're ready as of yet.''
Gojyo remained quiet as he frowned. He didn't say anything else, besides a moan of frustration as he lit up his cigarette impatiently. He wasn't usually the one to panic – but by this time he was really worried about his kids. He looked up as Naomi sighed and leaned on his shoulder.
''Come on, Gojyo.'' Mika said. She looked worried, too though she tried her best to stay calm. ''This is hard for all of us. But we have to make sure we're ready – or else if something happens to us before we get there, we're not going to be able to see the kids.'' She shook her head. ''We can leave as soon as tomorrow.''
''You need your weapons, don't you?'' Homura said as he looked up at them. He looked at Sanzo. ''You used your last bullets, you need more. We have it all in here.''
''Have all what there?'' Hotaru asked.
''We have all kinds of weapons here.'' He looked up and then grinned. ''Weapons that used to belong to people we knew.'' He turned around and started to walk towards a cave. ''This way then.''
They all followed him – as they walked through the hole of the cave, it was dark and they could still hear water dripping from the roof. Gojyo frowned as a smell of old moss filled his nostrills, he shook his head and looked up.
''Nice hideaway, you got any air fresheners or something?'' he asked. Naomi nudged him and sighed as she smirked slightly.
''This is just the entrance. We can't afford anything too fancy it'll draw attention.'' Kougaiji said immediately as he looked up. ''Follow me.''
They walked through a hallway of wet stone floors and crooked stone walls, which were covered with moss and cobwebs. After a few moments, Hotaru looked up as she almost slipped, her eyes widened and she gasped loudly. Mika looked up and grabbed her hand – both of them almost losing balance, Naomi sighed and grabbed each of their hands – as she pulled, the more slippery the ground got.
Finally, Gojyo pulled the three women to safer ground as the rocks they stepped on earlier, fell into a dark abyss. ''Where does that thing lead to?'' Hotaru asked as she caught her breath and sighed.
''We have a lot of trespassers here from Gyoukumen Koushu's side. We're the only ones who can get through this place without slipping into any of those holes. They lead to the very core of this hideout, and there's no way out of it – if you end up there, no matter how far you walk, you'll end up where you started.'' Homura said as he walked on.
''Are you girls alright?'' Hakkai asked with worry.
''We're fine.'' Mika answered as he looked ahead, she paused and then looked up. ''You two aren't the only ones here, are you?'' she asked.
Kougaiji and Homura paused as they stopped before what looked like a dead end. They looked at each other before Homura took out a small perfectly round shaped rock from his pocket and put it through a hole of the same shape. Immediately, the ground shook slightly, and the stone rolled aside.
Sanzo looked up and saw that the place they were in was now totally different. It was almost as if they were inside a tower. The floor was glossy marble and the room they entered was dark – the floor was carpeted and there were different carpets that hung on the wall. They walked in and Kougaiji stopped to look at them.
''You'll be staying here for as long as you can.'' He paused. ''Until we help you get your kids back. We'll have to help you get ready for what's out there, too.''
''How do you plan on doing that?'' Sanzo asked as he raised eyebrow.
''Like we said before – you're running out of bullets.'' Homura said as he looked up and smirked slightly. ''Are you coming with me?'' he said as he turned to the other direction and started to walk off.
Sanzo scowled and was about to say anything else – when Hakkai smiled and looked at him. ''Maa, maa Sanzo.'' He said as he nodded. ''Come on, he's the one who really knows where we are.''
''Heh. Come on, Sanzo-sama.'' Gojyo said as he smirked. ''Lighten up a little bit.'' He looked up. ''This guy could be our only way out.''
''Besides, he seems nice enough to help us.'' Goku said as he blinked and nodded.
Sanzo scowled and started to walk after Homura. ''Hm.'' He said as he turned to Mika as looked at her, she smiled back gently and nodded.
''Come with me for a while.'' Kougaiji said. ''We'll have to get you ready.''
Sanzo stopped for a moment and then approached Mika, he took her hand for a moment – and then looked at her, his face expression calm.
''Mika, I need to talk to you about something.''
''Eh?'' she looked up and noticed him. ''You sound serious.''
He looked up and then shook his head. ''Later on.'' He said as he looked at her for a moment, before turning away. He followed Homura as he walked on further.
Hakkai sighed and looked over at Hotaru who kissed his cheek and smiled as she nodded. ''Go on.'' She walked to Mika's side and nodded. ''Homura-san might be waiting.''
''Be careful.'' He said as he smiled before turning away.
Gojyo looked up and winked at Naomi who smirked and winked right back.
''Don't go anywhere without me.'' Gojyo said as he waved a hand and walked with the other two boys.
''Isn't that supposed to be my line?'' she asked with a laugh before she turned to join the other two girls.
Miori looked up as she tried to yank her hand free.
''Hanase, kono kisama!'' she yelled as she kicked the guard on the foot as hard as she could, she pushed another one back and kicked him from the front as another guard held her back with both hands, she elbowed him and tried to break free, but was pulled by the hair towards one of the higher dungeons.
''You little bitch!'' one of them called as he yanked on her hair harder. She winced and tried to break free but winced again as he pulled on her hair again.
''I said let go of – '' she was cut off as a blade was pressed against her neck.
''Listen here, you little brat.'' He said as he pressed the blade even harder. ''Nothing will happen to you if you shut up and do whatever we say.''
''I'd rather kill you...'' Miori spat out as she struggled again to break free.
The blade had already wounded her neck slightly when they heard more footsteps heading towards them – two more guards held had Natsumi with them, she had her hands tied up behind her back and there was dirt on her face, her clothes were crumpled as if she were in a struggle as she then snickered sarcastically at the guard who held her by the hands.
''You know, it's a real good idea to let go of me right about now.'' she said in a low voice.
''Or what? You little slut...'' he guard put his hand on her thigh – Miori's eyes widened as she struggled to get away.
''You bastard! Don't touch her! –''
Natsumi smirked and raised her foot, stomping right between his legs. He yelped in pain as he dropped Natsumi on the ground who immediately swiped her feet, making the one holding Miori drop her and the blade he was holding. Miori fell to the ground and she immediately pulled Natsumi to a safe side. Miori had picked up the knife used on her and aimed it towards them.
''We're not afraid to kill every single one of you bastards.'' She said as she glared at them. ''We'll do it – so don't dare say we're little brats who don't have it in us...''
''Well, maybe something will change your minds.'' A voice said as he looked up.
They looked up to see a young man with brown hair and eyes – he snickered as he pushed his glasses up. He looked at them as he walked towards them and sighed as he smirked.
''So, here you are – the daughters of the three members of the Sanzo- ikkou...'' he said as he looked at them. ''Genjo Miori and Sha Natsumi.'' He bowed politely, with a palm over his heart. ''Yoroshiku...''
''Who the hell are you? Some freakshow?'' Natsumi asked as she caught her breath.
''My name is Saneda. I'm one of Genjo-sensei's collegues over at the University.'' He smirked again and looked up. ''But I guess my cover is blown, you know now what I was in it for all along.''
''What do you want with us?'' Miori asked.
''I'm sorry you had to be caught across the crossfire.'' He said with a sigh as he ran a hand through his hair and smirked. ''We don't really mean to hurt you – though we will – if we need to.''
''You don't scare me...'' Miori snapped.
''Hou, we've got quite a young lady here, you've got your father's glare.'' He approached her, he put a hand on her chin. ''But your mother's eyes.''
''Don't touch me!'' Miori moved away and aimed the knife at him.
''Heh. Warui ne, Saneda-san.'' Natsumi said as she smirked sarcastically. ''My friend here doesn't exactly go for guys like you. You're way out of her me league – and mine...''
Saneda laughed and shook his head as he then smirked. ''Sou desu ka?'' his brows met as he smirked malliciously at them. ''Then maybe I have someone else in mind!''
They suddenly heard a familiar cry of pain – both of them gasped as they looked up.
''Rie-chan!'' Miori called.
''Kisama...'' Natsumi glared at him now. ''Where the hell did you take her?''
''She's having fun with Ming-chan – the little girl put up quite a fight. She knocked down all the guards when they tried to throw their weapons towards her when they scared her.''
Natsumi and Miori exchanged glances. ''You must be wondering how she did that...'' he looked up. ''If you must know there are a lot of things you don't know about your parents.'' He said as he drew near them and smirked. ''And yourselves.''
They remained quiet as they looked up.
''If you behave like good little girls, you can come and see her.'' Saneda said as he turned away and started to walk off. He glanced back at them. ''Well?''
Natsumi stood up on her own and dusted herself off, Miori took her hand as they walked past the guards which brought them there. Saneda smirked as he lead the way.
''Right this way, ladies.''
TSUZUKU