Chapter Seven: By Degrees
Author's Note: SPOILERS AHEAD! There is a spoiler ahead which I had based on Saiyuki Reload Episode 15 – Secret Ambition; Premonition. It's about Gyumao, Ni and Gyoukumen Koushu and the real reason behind the demons from Tougenkyou going nuts (That is if you don't know already, it's pretty obvious but in the episode – Kougaiji didn't know the exact reason why they were going nuts). This chapter is pretty long, please be patient. – Anyway, flames will be accepted – but flames gone out of line will be ignored. Reviews are greatly welcomed!
The gigantic doors opened as Sanzo, Hakkai, Gojyo and Goku stood in front of them. Homura smirked as he lead them inside, as soon as he stepped in, torches lit up every dark corner – Goku's eyes widened and his mouth dropped in awe.
''Look at this place!'' he cried as he was surrounded by all kinds of swords, daggers, guns and of the sort. He ran inside and went to the swords, running his hands on them – his eyes still wide from the surprise. ''You – you guys have been collecting this all this time?'' he asked as he turned to Homura.
Homura smirked and looked at the remaining three as he nodded and looked up. ''Aren't you three going to look around?''
Gojyo smirked as he looked at the swords and the guns – he sighed and looked up. None of these weapons were really his thing. He preferred something that he could handle easily and move freely with even when he was fighting. He looked around and shook his head, passing by the guns and the swords. He was about to give up as he shook his head again and sighed, frowning slightly.
''None of these weapons are gonna do – is this your big selection?'' he asked Homura who was standing by the broadswords.
Goku looked up at the bo's and blinked. He seemed rather interested in them as he picked one up and positioned it, moving it as if he were to strike someone down. He looked up and then smiled over at Homura who smirked right back at him and nodded.
''If you want that Son Goku, it's yours.'' He said.
''We can take as many as we want?'' Goku asked.
Homura nodded. ''If you think you need more than one weapon – then you can go on ahead.''
Goku laughed and then picked up another bo, studying it as he was looking for just the right one. Homura watched him carefully as he paused, the smirk on his face disappearing.
/Son Goku. Heretic child born from a rock – His strength and his stamina are something else, his speed is super-human./ Homura smirked again as he leaned back with his eyes closed. /I wonder if you've changed through out the years, Seiten Taisen Son Goku?/
''Son Goku.'' He called again.
''Eh?'' Goku looked up.
Homura smirked as he walked towards one of the corners of the stone walls. He felt for a specific spot before he pushed it open, Goku looked up in awe.
''Suge... Omae wa honto ni suge...''
''Hm.'' He looked at him. ''I could say the same thing for you.'' ''Ah?'' Goku looked at him. ''Anou saa, Homura.''
''Nanda?''
''I really don't remember anything that you're talking about. I think you're hiding something from us.'' He frowned slightly. ''What is it anyway? I really don't like it when people keep secrets from me, that's all. So, if there's something we have to know, you should just tell us.''
Sanzo scowled as he looked up and Hakkai smiled as he sighed. It was just like Goku to say something like that. The boy had a very unusual honest nature that even most grown-ups didn't possess. This kind of behavior somehow made him more perceptive than people years older than him.
''All those weapons that you have your eye on are effective but.'' Homura paused as he reached over to the open part of the wall, he took something out – a red colored staff with golden ends, he tossed it over to Goku who caught it and blinked as he looked up.
''What's this?'' he asked.
''That's the Nyoi Bo. It turns into a cudgel as well if you know how to use it.'' Homura answered him as he nodded. ''That used to be yours.''
''Eh?!'' Goku looked at the bo and blinked once as he held it in his hands. ''It used to be mine? –''
Sanzo scowled and looked at Homura. It did seem like he had all the answers, and he knew exactly what to do at times like this. Though he didn't trust him or Kougaiji for that matter, he'd go along with it. He was already starting to worry about his kids, no matter how hard he tried to hide his anxiety. Hakkai looked over to him as he could tell that he was supressing himself yet again.
''Sanzo?'' he asked.
It took him a few minutes to answer, Hakkai knew it was really bad if it was that way. ''Nanda?''
Hakkai turned to him, his emerald green eyes looking right into his deep violet ones. As if he were trying to say through his glance that he was worried as well and that Sanzo was not alone in all of this. He knew that Sanzo would never admit any sort of panic he felt from the inside, through the worse of times back then – he always kept a calm and neutral expression. But this could have been different.
''We'll get them back, Sanzo.'' He finally said assuringly as he nodded. ''We'll get the kids back.''
Sanzo paused for a few more moments as he knew he understood the glances that Hakkai threw over at him. He scowled, and turned away as he walked over to the left side of the room. Hakkai smiled slightly as he heard his friend's reply.
''You don't have to tell me that, I know we will.'' He said.
Gojyo in the meantime still looked around, he kicked the ground and frowned, as still there was nothing that caught his fancy. He looked up at Homura.
''If you could help the stupid monkey over there, do you think you can help me out over here?''
''Don't call me a monkey, you stinky kappa!''
Homura smirked as he nodded and looked up at Gojyo.
''Go to the right side of the wall, there's another hidden compartment somewhere there, find it and catch whatever comes out.''
Gojyo frowned as he sighed, almost in frustration. But following Homura's instructions – he went to the right side of the wall, and tried to find a part of it, which could be pushed back and opened. He felt through the cold cement for a few moments before he smirked and then backed away, pushing the part of the wall as hard as he could. Finally, it gave way and was pushed aside.
His eyes widened as something fell towards him, he caught it immediately. Making his other three companions look up at him.
''Daijoubu desu ka, Gojyo?'' Hakkai asked as he looked at the redhead.
''Yeah, I'm fine.'' He grumbled before he looked at what he was holding. He noticed that it was a long and gray colored staff, though for something that was kept up for a long time – it didn't rust or neither did the blade seem weak. It had a blade over at the left end and a chain with a curved blade over at the other. He looked up at Homura who smirked at him. ''That's the shakuju.'' He said. ''That used to be yours, too.''
''Ore no?'' Gojyo paused and then smirked as he nodded. ''I like this one, mind if I take it?''
''I wouldn't have given it to you if I minded.''
Homura took something from one of the shelves and tossed it over to Sanzo, who looked up and caught it. He saw the brown pouch and he scowled as he looked back at Homura.
''It's a little present for you, Sanzo.'' Homura said with a nod.
He opened the pouch carefully and saw bullets had filled the whole thing. He looked back at him as he continued to speak.
''That pouch will make sure that those bullets never run out, so always keep it with you.''
Sanzo paused for a few moments before he put the small pouch in his pockets, he looked at Hakkai who was looking around.
''Found anything yet?'' he asked.
Hakkai sighed as he shook his head and looked up. He saw Homura who was looking at him and smiled slightly.
''I'm afraid nothing around here interests me as well, Homura-san.'' He said as he shook his head. ''Perhaps maybe I'll try to fight without weapons instead – that's possible after all, isn't it?''
''You'll also run into the risk of turning into a youkai if you kill a thousand.'' Sanzo answered him and looked around as he sighed, looking back at Hakkai. ''I read about it somewhere, I don't know if it's true around here – but that's how it went in the Chinese legends.''
''You're right.'' Homura said with a nod.
''You mean any of us could turn youkai?'' Goku asked again as he looked up.
Homura paused and nodded. ''But then again, what difference does it make, you knew how that was like back then.''
''That's it. This guy's hiding out on us.'' Gojyo said as he frowned and jerked his thumb over at Homura.
''Cho Hakkai.'' He called again. ''You don't need any weapons.''
''Eh? – '' he looked up at him. ''But you just said I might turn into a youkai...''
Homura shook his head as he looked up. ''You'll know what I'm talking about the next time youkai come to attack. '' he turned away as he glanced back at them.
''You should be careful about those youkai.'' He said as he looked up. ''They have a fondness for attacking people you care for.''
Miori and Natsumi were lead to a cellar – worse than the one they were thrown into. The rancid smells were twice as strong and the ground was a blanketed with moss, water and blood. They were sure that bodies had been newly killed were the ones thrown by the area – Miori gagged as she put a hand over her nose and mouth to cover the disgusting scent. Natsumi tried her hardest to keep control as she looked around.
Both of them looked up and gasped as they heard another cry of pain. They looked up at Saneda who only chuckled and waved a hand.
''Ah, looks like they're having fun back there, don't you agree?''
''What are you doing to her?!'' Miori asked as she looked up and frowned, clenching her fists.
''Oh, just what Ming-chan would like to call discipline.'' Saneda stopped walking and turned to them, he smirked and bowed as he gestured to the very end cellar, they heard a stern voice of a young woman.
''I don't care what you're planning to do to me – but...'' she had paused to take a deep breath. ''I won't let you hurt my friends, not a hair on their heads!''
''Rie-chan!'' Natsumi called as he ran towards the cellar. Saneda stepped back and let the two girls run to the cellar and pushing the doors open, both of them looking up. They saw a woman around her late thirties, with her dark brown hair and black eyes – she glared profusely at the young girl on the ground who struggled to get up – her clothes were already slightly tattered as she looked as if she tried her best to avoid the whip that the woman had held.
''Rie-chan!'' Miori ran to her and helped her up. ''Rie-chan! What did they?! –''
She looked up and saw a whip coming her way, she frowned and raised up an arm, catching the whip around her wrist – she winced as she pulled on it.
''What the hell have you been doing to her you hag?!'' she yelled at her.
Saneda looked over to the woman who held the whip and was dressed in gray colored robes.
''Yo, Ming-chan. I told you to take it easy on the little girl and leave a bit for me.'' he snickered. ''Things between her mom and I never really did happen so – I guess I'm gonna have to settle for her.''
''You damned pervert.'' Natsumi spat out as she ran to the two other girls.
''Let's cut to the chase shall we?'' Ming said as she raised an eyebrow and looked at them. ''You girls are the only things we need to get your fathers here. After we're through with them, we don't need you anymore, but we'll kill you anyway.''
''What the hell do you want with them? –'' Natsumi asked.
''They used to be the advisaries sent to Tenjiku ---'' Rie explained as she looked up and winced, she pushed herself off as she sat up and glared silently at Ming. ''Gyoukumen Koushu wants revenge for destroying her plan – and she hasn't given up on it yet either ---''
Natsumi and Miori looked at each other and then looked up.
''You mean? – '' Miori asked as she looked up at her and then back to Saneda. ''Gyumao's still sealed up?''
Saneda nodded as he smirked and looked over at Ming.
''And Gyoukumen Koushu-sama has everything she needs.'' Ming said as she looked up. ''And it's with your parents.'' She shot a glance at Miori. ''With your father.''
''Atashi no –'' Miori stammered, now nervously. ''Tousan wa...'' her brows met again. ''You – you wouldn't dare hurt him! And don't you dare do anything to my mother! –''
Ming smirked slightly as she looked at them. ''That's up for us to decide.'' She sighed. ''Now, we're going to make sure that your parents come here. And I'm sure this is an offer they can't refuse.'' She looked up at the youkai guards that Saneda were with.
Immediately, they moved – two of them grabbed Natsumi by the wrist and pulled her away from the two – and another two started to drag Miori and Rie away from each other.
''Beat them until they don't have a single drop of blood left in them – and then tell me when you're through –''
Saneda suddenly laughed and shook his head, his laughter became louder and louder. Ming looked at him and frowned, she cracked the whip on the ground and shot a threatening glare at him.
''What's so funny?'' she asked.
''No style as usual, Ming-chan!'' Saneda said as he shook his head and sighed. ''If you really want to push buttons, then make sure you push the right ones. '' he looked up at the youkai guards who held Natsumi.
''You two – take another one with you and have your fun.'' He said as he smirked. ''You know what I mean of course, don't you?''
Natsumi glared at him as she was able to elbow one of the youkai and then step on the other one's foot. She frowned and clenched her fists as she attacked Saneda.
''I've just had about enough of your bullshit!'' she yelled as she glared at him. ''I'd rather die than have scumbags like you get their hands on me!''
Saneda smirked as he avoided her punches, Natsumi's eyes were already narrowed as if she were ready to kill him with a blow. She tried to spin and kick his face, but he had grabbed a hold of her ankle and yanked it as hard as he could. Natsumi cried out in surprise as she fell to the ground. She looked up angrily as she tried to push herself up.
But instead, she felt a thin and sharp edge sink into the side of her neck. She tried to move her arms and tried to get up, but soon she felt her arms and her legs shaking – her vision was doubling as she saw Saneda walking towards her. He grinned as he knelt before her and reached out a hand by the side of her neck, he pulled something off – and he had shown her a small dart with a kind of yellow liquid at the end of the small needle. He threw it aside and patted her hand.
''There, now you can relax – all nice and easy --- warm and tingly.'' He snickered and nodded to the three-youkai guards that had her from the beginning. They started to drag her away as he laughed and waved at her.
''Have fun.''
He looked over to Miori and Rie who were being held still and he grinned and nodded as he walked towards them.
''As for you two – it's time for detention – with Ming-chan and I.''
There were beautifully crafted red doors, which opened the moment they stepped in front of it. Homura had told them that they were going to where the women were picking weapons of their own. Since Gojyo said he wanted to see it, and Hakkai wanted to see if his wife was adjusting just fine. The former fighting god was kind enough to take them there, he told them that later night he was sure that youkai were coming to attack them and make sure they were dead before they could even get to their children.
They looked up as there were torches, which already lit since there were people in the room before them. Kougaiji was standing by the side of the room, leaning on the wall. He looked up as he saw Homura and the four boys behind him. He didn't say anything more, instead – he gestured them to come inside. Homura nodded back and glanced at the four before walking right in. Sanzo scowled as he stepped in and looked up to see another archive of swords, guns and other weapons. The selection seemed bigger than the one they had been brought to. Goku already had his Nyoi Bo, Gojyo with his shakuju and Sanzo with his shourenjuu. Hakkai was still busy trying to figure out what his weapon could have been.
They looked up and saw the three women who were still busy looking around. Naomi frowned as she passed by the section of guns, she wasn't much of the gun person. Nor did she fancy swords, Hotaru immediately walked over to the section of the spears where she could have found something easily, but was deciding exactly which one to pick. Mika looked up at the other weapons, she didn't seem like she was interested in any of them.
''Still no luck, huh?'' Gojyo asked as he looked up.
Mika sighed and shook her head. ''I don't think it's easy considering I ever had to pick a weapon for anything before.'' She looked up and took a dagger from one of the shelves. ''I've never needed one, anyway.''
''Well, just think. We're doing this for the children.'' Hotaru said as she shook her head and looked up. She saw Goku and Gojyo holding their weapons, the worried look on her face worsened as she saw Hakkai with no weapons.
''Anata, why aren't you holding any weapons?'' she asked.
Hakkai sighed as he smiled and looked up. ''Homura-san said that I didn't need it – he said I would find out soon enough.'' Of course, he didn't mention that Homura said he would find out during the next youkai attack. Satoshi and Rie were just taken away, she didn't really need this.
Hotaru looked up at Homura who nodded. ''Are you sure about this.''
''Trust him on this.'' Kougaiji said as he glanced at her. ''He knows what's he's talking about. He remembers.'' He looked over at Mika who looked at him.
''We still don't understand half of this.'' Mika said, now sternly as she glanced at Kougaiji and crossed her arms. ''Why would Gyoukumen Koushu waste her time on this?''
Kougaiji shot a frown back at her as he looked up calmly and walked past her. ''Gyoukumen Koushu is lazy, and she wouldn't do anything she knows she won't get anything out of.'' He looked up. ''This is different – for mainly one reason. The only sure reason that she's doing this is because –'' he paused and looked at Mika, who after a few moments – looked surprised.
''Masaka ne...'' she looked up.
''Sou da.'' Kougaiji said with a nod. ''Gyumao, my father is still waiting to be resurrected. And Gyoukumen Koushu isn't going to stop until she has the only thing she needs.'' He looked at Sanzo. ''The Maten Kyoumon.''
Sanzo looked at him. ''Maten Kyoumon? What the hell are you talking about, I don't /have/ the Maten Kyoumon – how could I have it? I don't even stay in the temple anymore.''
''It can't be mistaken.'' Kougaiji said as he looked at him. ''Ni is sure that you have it, and his sources can never be mistaken.'' Goku was quiet for a few moments as he paused and looked up. Before he could say anything – Kougaiji looked up again.
''That's why they took your kids in the first place, and if you don't hand over the sutra – they will kill your children.''
Hotaru gasped as she looked up worriedly, Naomi frowned and bit her lip – Mika looked aside as she tried her best to remain calm.
''What is this Gyumao guy about anyway?'' Gojyo asked.
''I heard from the legend that he was a great bull demon who ruled over Tenjiku and that was it.'' Hakkai said. ''I don't really know much about it. ''
Sanzo paused before he looked up at Kougaiji. ''Correct me if I'm wrong.'' He remained calm as he continued. ''When he was still sealed in – youkai and humans could live together in peace. Until his resurrection project started, then the youkai started to lose control.'' He looked at Kougaiji. ''But the real cause was done by Gyoukumen Koushu and Ni – not Gyumao himself.'' He remained silent for a little while. ''It was because Ni did something to your subordinates.''
Kougaiji paused and then clenched his fists, his brows met as he nodded.
''Ni was the one who brain washed my suboridinates and the other youkai. That's why they lost control.'' He looked up. ''What's more is – we're not even sure if Gyoukumen Koushu isn't being used as a puppet.''
''It looks like there's more to this game than it sounds.'' Hakkai said, the smile on his face now gone as he looked slightly serious. He looked up at Kougaiji. ''What happens then when they get the sutra?''
''Gyumao takes over again, the city might become overrun by youkai.'' Kougaiji answered. ''Who knows that that fox woman is up to? Or Ni, Saneda or Ming.''
''Saneda...'' Sanzo trailed off as he scowled. ''I knew he was in here somewhere...'' he looked up at Kougaiji. He started running a list of chances when Saneda might have been hiding somewhere. He figured his was probably in the restaurant that night making sure things were going as planned.
Goku approached Mika and tugged at her sleeve. She looked up at Goku who was looking at her.
''Nani yo, Goku?'' she asked almost gently.
''Before I left the temple...'' Goku said as he started fumbling with his pockets. ''Sanzo's father gave me something. He said that he knew Sanzo would never come home – and that he doesn't really want to see any of his family members. But – ojichan said it was about time that this happened.''
''About time that what happened?'' she asked again.
Goku took out a parchment, which was rolled up in a scroll and showed it to Mika. ''He said that it was time that Sanzo kept this.'' He paused. ''I thought maybe that this was the sutra that Kougaiji was talking about – I guess I forgot all about it.''
Mika took the scripture from him and looked up at Sanzo, she started to walk towards him.
''Sanzo...'' she trailed off as he looked at her, she gave him the rolled up parchment and nodded. ''This must be yours.''
He took the scroll from her and rolled it open. ''This is the – Maten Kyoumon.'' He said as he studied it carefully. He noticed the writing and read through them before looking at Mika. ''Where did you get this?''
Mika gestured over to Goku. ''He said your father wanted you to have it.''
Homura and Kougaiji looked at each other before Kougaiji walked over to Sanzo and extended a hand.
''Let me keep it.'' He said calmly.
Sanzo scowled as he shook his head and pocketed it himself, he looked at Kougaiji and raised an eyebrow.
''I'll keep it myself.'' He said. Kougaiji should have known better – Sanzo didn't really trust anyone with anything that he owned. He knew that the only place that it could be safe was in his own hands.
Kougaiji looked at him as he insisted one more time. ''It would be better off with us if we kept it – Gyoukumen Koushu won't pay much attention to us since you're here.''
''Kougaiji...'' Homura said as he raised up a hand and shook his head as he smirked. ''It's alright. Sanzo knows what he's doing and I think he's capable enough of handling the sutra himself.''
There was a long reluctant pause with the former Tenjiku prince. Who looked around and then at Sanzo who was scowling at him as he held the sutra. Then he looked at Homura who smirked back at him.
''After all, you weren't able to get your hands on it even once.'' Homura shot what seemed like an insult over to Kougaiji who's eyes narrowed at his companion. Homura ignored his threatening glance with a single snicker as he nodded to Sanzo.
''It's alright. Keep it by yourself then.'' He said with a nod.
Mika looked at Homura and nodded. ''Thank you, Homura-san. I'm glad you have faith in Sanzo's capabilities.'' She paused. ''Like I do.''
He looked at Mika and then smiled slightly as he nodded. ''Of course, I wouldn't say what I don't mean.''
''Well, I'm not about to let this guy kill my kids.'' Naomi said with a serious tone in her voice, she paused and stopped as she picked up an ax with a long staff and with sharp double edge blade. She held it with both hands and nodded as she looked up. ''I'm taking this one.''
Gojyo smirked and nodded. ''You sure you can handle that?''
''Hm. Do I look like Little Miss Mary-Sue to you?'' she asked as she put a hand on her hip.
Hotaru was now panicking in the inside. She kept thinking about where her kids could be, questions came entering her mind. Where could they be? What were those people doing to them? Were they alright? She shook her head and sighed, taking a deep breath. This wasn't the time to panic and she knew that. She had to be calm, and she had to stay like that – or else she'd never get anything done. She nodded as she looked around – she suddenly noticed a tall staff with a spear blade over at the edge. She walked over to it and picked it up with both hands, she looked over at Kougaiji.
''This one looks like it's been used way too many times.'' She said as she looked up at him. ''It looks kind of old compared to the other ones around here.''
She suddenly saw the expression on Kougaiji's face slowly change. She blinked as her bright green eyes stared at him carefully. His eyes stared at the weapon she was holding – his brows slightly met – but at the same time his own eyes were slightly softening as if he had remembered something he really didn't want to. He clenched his fists before he looked away and calmly talked as he walked to the door.
Hotaru noticed the seeming pain in his eyes before he looked up.
''It belonged to someone I used to know...'' he said, trailing off almost quietly.
''Eh?''
''She was a subordinate – but she's not here anymore.'' His tone sounded morose. He looked ahead and for a minute his mind was somewhere else, he didn't say anything. But Hotaru noted that there regret written all over his expression, a certain sadness that she knew he kept but wouldn't rather bring up.
''Kougaiji...'' she trailed off as she looked up.
''Just pick a weapon...'' he said as the doors opened for him. ''They'll be here by sundown, I'm sure of it.''
And they watched as he walked off. Homura leaned back and closed his eyes. Obviously, he knew who Kougaiji was talking about.
''I won't use this...'' Hotaru said as she put the spear back into it's place.
''Looks like it was a girl.'' Gojyo said as he looked up and sighed.
''It sometimes always is.'' Hakkai said as he sighed. ''She seem to be something else to Kougaiji-san.''
Hotaru bit her lip as she knew she had some fault in it. Maybe she shouldn't have said anything – now it had obviously triggered a painful memory, and that was the last thing she meant to do. She had to apologize, she felt really bad about it and she had to let him know.
Her thoughts were rattled as she saw a red velvet box on one of the top shelves. She slowly reached over and held it with both hands, she ran one over the smooth surface of the container, and then placed it on a table – before opening it.
''What's that?'' Naomi asked as she looked over, Mika soon peered behind her shoulder as well.
''I don't know.'' Hotaru blinked once as she saw two curved blades, picking one up – she studied it carefully.
''Be careful with that.'' She finally heard Sanzo say.
They looked over him and he stared back at them as he nodded once and sighed. ''If you press the handle a little harder, you'll see what I mean.'' He said as he gestured for them to do it.
Hotaru pressed the blade harder, when the blade suddenly spread out into several more – the three women were surprised as it now formed a metallic fan, made up of the linked blades which had multiplied from earlier.
''I'll take it!'' she said slightly smiling. Hakkai laughed softly as he was behind them, he sighed as he looked over to Hotaru.
''Good choice.'' Homura said as he then looked at Mika. ''You're the only one who hasn't picked anything.''
Mika smiled slightly as she looked up and stared around. ''You'll have to be patient with me.'' she said as she sighed. ''I'm particular when it comes to picking things I have to use.'' She looked over to Sanzo who smirked slightly before lighting up a cigarette as he was probably acknowledging the truth in what she said.
''But you don't really need a weapon... do you?'' Homura asked as he looked at her.
She froze as she looked over to the spears, before she closed her eyes and glanced back at him.
''What are you getting at?'' she asked, her dark rose lips forming into a slight frown.
''When you were still in the restaurant – the youkai was about to attack your daughter – you stepped in and protected her, but you had to use something you've been keeping and you've practiced in a while, or else you would have been both killed.''
''Ah, sou ne.'' Mika looked over to him and crossed her arms as she smirked slightly and raised and eyebrow as she looked at him. ''You've certainly got your ways to prove your point, Homura-san.'' Her voice remained calm and slightly strict, as she looked up at him.
''I'm right though aren't, I?'' he asked again.
''There is no escaping you, is there?'' Mika asked as she sighed and looked up. Sanzo was scowling as he puffed out another smoke, he hated Homura's method of squeezing answers out of someone by annoying them. But he wasn't about to step in and stop him from doing it to his wife, because he knew that she could dish out whatever he was trying to pull.
''Yes, you're right. I probably don't need them – but I'll take weapons anyway.'' She said as she went over to the swords. ''I've got telekinetic abilities – and I've been practicing them ever since I was young. It ran in the family, there were hardly any boys in the bloodline – and every female member of the family had a special ability – mine happen to be that. ''
''Why didn't you tell us?'' Hotaru asked as she looked over to Mika.
''I didn't think it would matter until now.'' Mika said as she looked up. ''There was no point in telling you.''
''Then Miori might have gotten something from you. '' Goku said as he looked up.
''Probably, but whatever it is, we haven't waken it up yet.'' Mika answered. ''It's up to her to do that.''
She passed by the swords where she stopped to see a sword which was not so long – it was only half the size of a japanese sword, the hilt was straight and was entricately designed. The blade was slightly curved as she could see from the shape of the sheathe. She picked it up with both hands and gently, slowly pulled the sword out of the sheathe, revealing a glimmering sharp curved blade.
''You might want to be careful with that – that sword is one of the most dangerous weapons around here – it's one of the most effective – but also one of the most dangerous.'' Homura paused. ''One wrong move and you can kill yourself with it, it can cut through a whole brick wall if you can handle it – it can cut through almost anything.''
''Sou ne...'' Mika said as she took it by her side.
''You're taking – that?'' Naomi asked as she raised an eyebrow.
''Eh.'' She smiled slightly and glanced over at Naomi. ''Why do you find that so hard to believe?''
''You just never seemed like the sword type of person to me.'' Naomi answered again with a shrug. ''Well, Homura. We've got what we needed.''
''Good. Now you wait.'' Homura said. ''Your rooms are ready – and you've got clothes in the cabinets in the room. Pick whatever you want and we'll wait there.'' He turned away to walk out the door. ''If anyone needs me, I'll be out. You can ask questions later.''
And he turned around to leave, Sanzo watched him as he leaned back.
''Damn it!'' Aki said as he slumped down the floor, sitting position – he sighed and looked up at the wall and the bars. ''There's absolutely no breaking through these things.'' He looked up at Eiri who was scowling and Satoshi who sighed as he looked around, trying to find a weak wall somewhere – or any other methods of escape they could use.
''What do we do now, pretty boy?'' Aki asked Eiri, who shot a glare back at him with one eyebrow raised. ''Since you're the one with the bright ideas all the time, tell us what the hell we do now?''
''First of all, you stop calling me pretty boy or you'll be eating my fist in a few minutes.'' Eiri threatened in a low voice.
''Oh? I'd like to see you try.'' Aki said as he rolled up a sleeve already. ''Droopy eyed pretty boy, you like that better?''
''How about if you see just how much you want your lights knocked out of you?''
''Why you! –''
Satoshi stepped in between as he sighed and looked at them. ''I think we've got enough youkai trying to kill us – we don't need each other to threaten to do the same, now do we?'' he asked in a sarcastic tone.
The two glanced at him and then backed away from each other. Satoshi sighed in relief as he nodded and looked up. ''Tonikaku wa – '' he paused. ''We still have to find someway out of here, our sisters could be hurt.''
''Natsumi can handle herself, I'm sure of that – but I guess you're right.'' Aki glanced over to Eiri who was staring off outside the cellar they were in. He knew that he was thinking about his sister Miori and where she could be – or what's worse, what they could be doing to her. Though he and his sister didn't get along all the time – Eiri always made sure that he watched over her and didn't really want her hurt, though they exchanged physical abuse most of the time at home. He cared for his sister and she cared for him as well, in her own little way.
Eiri walked over to the wall and leaned back over at the left side as he sighed and looked up. ''Aa. If only we can find a weak spot over at the wall, there's always one.''
''Well, maybe not on this one.'' Satoshi said as she looked up. ''Or maybe they put it in a place where it won't be so obvious.''
''You could be right.'' Eiri's hand pushed against the small corner of the left side of the wall to push himself up from the wall he was leaning on. When suddenly the wall he had been resting on slid open, Eiri's amethyst eyes widened as he fell into the hole – Satoshi's eyes widened as he rushed over and saw nothing but darkness and his friend falling into the dark abyss.
''EIRI!'' Satoshi called as he paused, his heart racing as he heard a loud thud on the ground. His eyes widened and he felt his hand shaking – he looked behind him, Aki was just as surprised as he was.
''Looks like he found it...''Aki said as he whistled and looked up.
''Come on, Aki! We have to follow him!'' Satoshi said. ''He could be hurt!''
''Nah... I kinda like it this way.'' Aki said jokingly. ''Can't we just leave him there?''
''Aki!'' Satoshi sounded panicked. And he knew that was bad, since usually Satoshi was so calm about everything. Even in the direst situations. The look on his face also told Aki that this was no joke to him and he was genuinely worried about Eiri.
He sighed and waved a hand. ''Alright, alright. Sheesh – don't worry so much – he's fine. I'm sure.''
Satoshi looked up and sighed. ''I hope so.'' He jumped into the hole without hesitation – Aki stood there for a while before he snickered, shook his head and sighed as he walked to the hole.
''Man, those guys – if I wasn't so smart – I probably wouldn't know where these guys are headed...'' he shook his head with an all knowing smirk before he jumped into the hole, following Satoshi.
TSUZUKU
translations:
Tonikaku – Anyway
Sou ne – words used to agree with something. It could mean 'yes' or 'you're right.'
Maten Kyoumon – (every Saiyuki fan knows this) Evil Sutra
Author's Note: You probably know who that subodinate Kou was talking about was – Yaone fans or Kougaiji/Yaone fans, hope you guys don't kill me. But if you must then go ahead It's a free country after all Keep reading, I hope!
Author's Note: SPOILERS AHEAD! There is a spoiler ahead which I had based on Saiyuki Reload Episode 15 – Secret Ambition; Premonition. It's about Gyumao, Ni and Gyoukumen Koushu and the real reason behind the demons from Tougenkyou going nuts (That is if you don't know already, it's pretty obvious but in the episode – Kougaiji didn't know the exact reason why they were going nuts). This chapter is pretty long, please be patient. – Anyway, flames will be accepted – but flames gone out of line will be ignored. Reviews are greatly welcomed!
The gigantic doors opened as Sanzo, Hakkai, Gojyo and Goku stood in front of them. Homura smirked as he lead them inside, as soon as he stepped in, torches lit up every dark corner – Goku's eyes widened and his mouth dropped in awe.
''Look at this place!'' he cried as he was surrounded by all kinds of swords, daggers, guns and of the sort. He ran inside and went to the swords, running his hands on them – his eyes still wide from the surprise. ''You – you guys have been collecting this all this time?'' he asked as he turned to Homura.
Homura smirked and looked at the remaining three as he nodded and looked up. ''Aren't you three going to look around?''
Gojyo smirked as he looked at the swords and the guns – he sighed and looked up. None of these weapons were really his thing. He preferred something that he could handle easily and move freely with even when he was fighting. He looked around and shook his head, passing by the guns and the swords. He was about to give up as he shook his head again and sighed, frowning slightly.
''None of these weapons are gonna do – is this your big selection?'' he asked Homura who was standing by the broadswords.
Goku looked up at the bo's and blinked. He seemed rather interested in them as he picked one up and positioned it, moving it as if he were to strike someone down. He looked up and then smiled over at Homura who smirked right back at him and nodded.
''If you want that Son Goku, it's yours.'' He said.
''We can take as many as we want?'' Goku asked.
Homura nodded. ''If you think you need more than one weapon – then you can go on ahead.''
Goku laughed and then picked up another bo, studying it as he was looking for just the right one. Homura watched him carefully as he paused, the smirk on his face disappearing.
/Son Goku. Heretic child born from a rock – His strength and his stamina are something else, his speed is super-human./ Homura smirked again as he leaned back with his eyes closed. /I wonder if you've changed through out the years, Seiten Taisen Son Goku?/
''Son Goku.'' He called again.
''Eh?'' Goku looked up.
Homura smirked as he walked towards one of the corners of the stone walls. He felt for a specific spot before he pushed it open, Goku looked up in awe.
''Suge... Omae wa honto ni suge...''
''Hm.'' He looked at him. ''I could say the same thing for you.'' ''Ah?'' Goku looked at him. ''Anou saa, Homura.''
''Nanda?''
''I really don't remember anything that you're talking about. I think you're hiding something from us.'' He frowned slightly. ''What is it anyway? I really don't like it when people keep secrets from me, that's all. So, if there's something we have to know, you should just tell us.''
Sanzo scowled as he looked up and Hakkai smiled as he sighed. It was just like Goku to say something like that. The boy had a very unusual honest nature that even most grown-ups didn't possess. This kind of behavior somehow made him more perceptive than people years older than him.
''All those weapons that you have your eye on are effective but.'' Homura paused as he reached over to the open part of the wall, he took something out – a red colored staff with golden ends, he tossed it over to Goku who caught it and blinked as he looked up.
''What's this?'' he asked.
''That's the Nyoi Bo. It turns into a cudgel as well if you know how to use it.'' Homura answered him as he nodded. ''That used to be yours.''
''Eh?!'' Goku looked at the bo and blinked once as he held it in his hands. ''It used to be mine? –''
Sanzo scowled and looked at Homura. It did seem like he had all the answers, and he knew exactly what to do at times like this. Though he didn't trust him or Kougaiji for that matter, he'd go along with it. He was already starting to worry about his kids, no matter how hard he tried to hide his anxiety. Hakkai looked over to him as he could tell that he was supressing himself yet again.
''Sanzo?'' he asked.
It took him a few minutes to answer, Hakkai knew it was really bad if it was that way. ''Nanda?''
Hakkai turned to him, his emerald green eyes looking right into his deep violet ones. As if he were trying to say through his glance that he was worried as well and that Sanzo was not alone in all of this. He knew that Sanzo would never admit any sort of panic he felt from the inside, through the worse of times back then – he always kept a calm and neutral expression. But this could have been different.
''We'll get them back, Sanzo.'' He finally said assuringly as he nodded. ''We'll get the kids back.''
Sanzo paused for a few more moments as he knew he understood the glances that Hakkai threw over at him. He scowled, and turned away as he walked over to the left side of the room. Hakkai smiled slightly as he heard his friend's reply.
''You don't have to tell me that, I know we will.'' He said.
Gojyo in the meantime still looked around, he kicked the ground and frowned, as still there was nothing that caught his fancy. He looked up at Homura.
''If you could help the stupid monkey over there, do you think you can help me out over here?''
''Don't call me a monkey, you stinky kappa!''
Homura smirked as he nodded and looked up at Gojyo.
''Go to the right side of the wall, there's another hidden compartment somewhere there, find it and catch whatever comes out.''
Gojyo frowned as he sighed, almost in frustration. But following Homura's instructions – he went to the right side of the wall, and tried to find a part of it, which could be pushed back and opened. He felt through the cold cement for a few moments before he smirked and then backed away, pushing the part of the wall as hard as he could. Finally, it gave way and was pushed aside.
His eyes widened as something fell towards him, he caught it immediately. Making his other three companions look up at him.
''Daijoubu desu ka, Gojyo?'' Hakkai asked as he looked at the redhead.
''Yeah, I'm fine.'' He grumbled before he looked at what he was holding. He noticed that it was a long and gray colored staff, though for something that was kept up for a long time – it didn't rust or neither did the blade seem weak. It had a blade over at the left end and a chain with a curved blade over at the other. He looked up at Homura who smirked at him. ''That's the shakuju.'' He said. ''That used to be yours, too.''
''Ore no?'' Gojyo paused and then smirked as he nodded. ''I like this one, mind if I take it?''
''I wouldn't have given it to you if I minded.''
Homura took something from one of the shelves and tossed it over to Sanzo, who looked up and caught it. He saw the brown pouch and he scowled as he looked back at Homura.
''It's a little present for you, Sanzo.'' Homura said with a nod.
He opened the pouch carefully and saw bullets had filled the whole thing. He looked back at him as he continued to speak.
''That pouch will make sure that those bullets never run out, so always keep it with you.''
Sanzo paused for a few moments before he put the small pouch in his pockets, he looked at Hakkai who was looking around.
''Found anything yet?'' he asked.
Hakkai sighed as he shook his head and looked up. He saw Homura who was looking at him and smiled slightly.
''I'm afraid nothing around here interests me as well, Homura-san.'' He said as he shook his head. ''Perhaps maybe I'll try to fight without weapons instead – that's possible after all, isn't it?''
''You'll also run into the risk of turning into a youkai if you kill a thousand.'' Sanzo answered him and looked around as he sighed, looking back at Hakkai. ''I read about it somewhere, I don't know if it's true around here – but that's how it went in the Chinese legends.''
''You're right.'' Homura said with a nod.
''You mean any of us could turn youkai?'' Goku asked again as he looked up.
Homura paused and nodded. ''But then again, what difference does it make, you knew how that was like back then.''
''That's it. This guy's hiding out on us.'' Gojyo said as he frowned and jerked his thumb over at Homura.
''Cho Hakkai.'' He called again. ''You don't need any weapons.''
''Eh? – '' he looked up at him. ''But you just said I might turn into a youkai...''
Homura shook his head as he looked up. ''You'll know what I'm talking about the next time youkai come to attack. '' he turned away as he glanced back at them.
''You should be careful about those youkai.'' He said as he looked up. ''They have a fondness for attacking people you care for.''
Miori and Natsumi were lead to a cellar – worse than the one they were thrown into. The rancid smells were twice as strong and the ground was a blanketed with moss, water and blood. They were sure that bodies had been newly killed were the ones thrown by the area – Miori gagged as she put a hand over her nose and mouth to cover the disgusting scent. Natsumi tried her hardest to keep control as she looked around.
Both of them looked up and gasped as they heard another cry of pain. They looked up at Saneda who only chuckled and waved a hand.
''Ah, looks like they're having fun back there, don't you agree?''
''What are you doing to her?!'' Miori asked as she looked up and frowned, clenching her fists.
''Oh, just what Ming-chan would like to call discipline.'' Saneda stopped walking and turned to them, he smirked and bowed as he gestured to the very end cellar, they heard a stern voice of a young woman.
''I don't care what you're planning to do to me – but...'' she had paused to take a deep breath. ''I won't let you hurt my friends, not a hair on their heads!''
''Rie-chan!'' Natsumi called as he ran towards the cellar. Saneda stepped back and let the two girls run to the cellar and pushing the doors open, both of them looking up. They saw a woman around her late thirties, with her dark brown hair and black eyes – she glared profusely at the young girl on the ground who struggled to get up – her clothes were already slightly tattered as she looked as if she tried her best to avoid the whip that the woman had held.
''Rie-chan!'' Miori ran to her and helped her up. ''Rie-chan! What did they?! –''
She looked up and saw a whip coming her way, she frowned and raised up an arm, catching the whip around her wrist – she winced as she pulled on it.
''What the hell have you been doing to her you hag?!'' she yelled at her.
Saneda looked over to the woman who held the whip and was dressed in gray colored robes.
''Yo, Ming-chan. I told you to take it easy on the little girl and leave a bit for me.'' he snickered. ''Things between her mom and I never really did happen so – I guess I'm gonna have to settle for her.''
''You damned pervert.'' Natsumi spat out as she ran to the two other girls.
''Let's cut to the chase shall we?'' Ming said as she raised an eyebrow and looked at them. ''You girls are the only things we need to get your fathers here. After we're through with them, we don't need you anymore, but we'll kill you anyway.''
''What the hell do you want with them? –'' Natsumi asked.
''They used to be the advisaries sent to Tenjiku ---'' Rie explained as she looked up and winced, she pushed herself off as she sat up and glared silently at Ming. ''Gyoukumen Koushu wants revenge for destroying her plan – and she hasn't given up on it yet either ---''
Natsumi and Miori looked at each other and then looked up.
''You mean? – '' Miori asked as she looked up at her and then back to Saneda. ''Gyumao's still sealed up?''
Saneda nodded as he smirked and looked over at Ming.
''And Gyoukumen Koushu-sama has everything she needs.'' Ming said as she looked up. ''And it's with your parents.'' She shot a glance at Miori. ''With your father.''
''Atashi no –'' Miori stammered, now nervously. ''Tousan wa...'' her brows met again. ''You – you wouldn't dare hurt him! And don't you dare do anything to my mother! –''
Ming smirked slightly as she looked at them. ''That's up for us to decide.'' She sighed. ''Now, we're going to make sure that your parents come here. And I'm sure this is an offer they can't refuse.'' She looked up at the youkai guards that Saneda were with.
Immediately, they moved – two of them grabbed Natsumi by the wrist and pulled her away from the two – and another two started to drag Miori and Rie away from each other.
''Beat them until they don't have a single drop of blood left in them – and then tell me when you're through –''
Saneda suddenly laughed and shook his head, his laughter became louder and louder. Ming looked at him and frowned, she cracked the whip on the ground and shot a threatening glare at him.
''What's so funny?'' she asked.
''No style as usual, Ming-chan!'' Saneda said as he shook his head and sighed. ''If you really want to push buttons, then make sure you push the right ones. '' he looked up at the youkai guards who held Natsumi.
''You two – take another one with you and have your fun.'' He said as he smirked. ''You know what I mean of course, don't you?''
Natsumi glared at him as she was able to elbow one of the youkai and then step on the other one's foot. She frowned and clenched her fists as she attacked Saneda.
''I've just had about enough of your bullshit!'' she yelled as she glared at him. ''I'd rather die than have scumbags like you get their hands on me!''
Saneda smirked as he avoided her punches, Natsumi's eyes were already narrowed as if she were ready to kill him with a blow. She tried to spin and kick his face, but he had grabbed a hold of her ankle and yanked it as hard as he could. Natsumi cried out in surprise as she fell to the ground. She looked up angrily as she tried to push herself up.
But instead, she felt a thin and sharp edge sink into the side of her neck. She tried to move her arms and tried to get up, but soon she felt her arms and her legs shaking – her vision was doubling as she saw Saneda walking towards her. He grinned as he knelt before her and reached out a hand by the side of her neck, he pulled something off – and he had shown her a small dart with a kind of yellow liquid at the end of the small needle. He threw it aside and patted her hand.
''There, now you can relax – all nice and easy --- warm and tingly.'' He snickered and nodded to the three-youkai guards that had her from the beginning. They started to drag her away as he laughed and waved at her.
''Have fun.''
He looked over to Miori and Rie who were being held still and he grinned and nodded as he walked towards them.
''As for you two – it's time for detention – with Ming-chan and I.''
There were beautifully crafted red doors, which opened the moment they stepped in front of it. Homura had told them that they were going to where the women were picking weapons of their own. Since Gojyo said he wanted to see it, and Hakkai wanted to see if his wife was adjusting just fine. The former fighting god was kind enough to take them there, he told them that later night he was sure that youkai were coming to attack them and make sure they were dead before they could even get to their children.
They looked up as there were torches, which already lit since there were people in the room before them. Kougaiji was standing by the side of the room, leaning on the wall. He looked up as he saw Homura and the four boys behind him. He didn't say anything more, instead – he gestured them to come inside. Homura nodded back and glanced at the four before walking right in. Sanzo scowled as he stepped in and looked up to see another archive of swords, guns and other weapons. The selection seemed bigger than the one they had been brought to. Goku already had his Nyoi Bo, Gojyo with his shakuju and Sanzo with his shourenjuu. Hakkai was still busy trying to figure out what his weapon could have been.
They looked up and saw the three women who were still busy looking around. Naomi frowned as she passed by the section of guns, she wasn't much of the gun person. Nor did she fancy swords, Hotaru immediately walked over to the section of the spears where she could have found something easily, but was deciding exactly which one to pick. Mika looked up at the other weapons, she didn't seem like she was interested in any of them.
''Still no luck, huh?'' Gojyo asked as he looked up.
Mika sighed and shook her head. ''I don't think it's easy considering I ever had to pick a weapon for anything before.'' She looked up and took a dagger from one of the shelves. ''I've never needed one, anyway.''
''Well, just think. We're doing this for the children.'' Hotaru said as she shook her head and looked up. She saw Goku and Gojyo holding their weapons, the worried look on her face worsened as she saw Hakkai with no weapons.
''Anata, why aren't you holding any weapons?'' she asked.
Hakkai sighed as he smiled and looked up. ''Homura-san said that I didn't need it – he said I would find out soon enough.'' Of course, he didn't mention that Homura said he would find out during the next youkai attack. Satoshi and Rie were just taken away, she didn't really need this.
Hotaru looked up at Homura who nodded. ''Are you sure about this.''
''Trust him on this.'' Kougaiji said as he glanced at her. ''He knows what's he's talking about. He remembers.'' He looked over at Mika who looked at him.
''We still don't understand half of this.'' Mika said, now sternly as she glanced at Kougaiji and crossed her arms. ''Why would Gyoukumen Koushu waste her time on this?''
Kougaiji shot a frown back at her as he looked up calmly and walked past her. ''Gyoukumen Koushu is lazy, and she wouldn't do anything she knows she won't get anything out of.'' He looked up. ''This is different – for mainly one reason. The only sure reason that she's doing this is because –'' he paused and looked at Mika, who after a few moments – looked surprised.
''Masaka ne...'' she looked up.
''Sou da.'' Kougaiji said with a nod. ''Gyumao, my father is still waiting to be resurrected. And Gyoukumen Koushu isn't going to stop until she has the only thing she needs.'' He looked at Sanzo. ''The Maten Kyoumon.''
Sanzo looked at him. ''Maten Kyoumon? What the hell are you talking about, I don't /have/ the Maten Kyoumon – how could I have it? I don't even stay in the temple anymore.''
''It can't be mistaken.'' Kougaiji said as he looked at him. ''Ni is sure that you have it, and his sources can never be mistaken.'' Goku was quiet for a few moments as he paused and looked up. Before he could say anything – Kougaiji looked up again.
''That's why they took your kids in the first place, and if you don't hand over the sutra – they will kill your children.''
Hotaru gasped as she looked up worriedly, Naomi frowned and bit her lip – Mika looked aside as she tried her best to remain calm.
''What is this Gyumao guy about anyway?'' Gojyo asked.
''I heard from the legend that he was a great bull demon who ruled over Tenjiku and that was it.'' Hakkai said. ''I don't really know much about it. ''
Sanzo paused before he looked up at Kougaiji. ''Correct me if I'm wrong.'' He remained calm as he continued. ''When he was still sealed in – youkai and humans could live together in peace. Until his resurrection project started, then the youkai started to lose control.'' He looked at Kougaiji. ''But the real cause was done by Gyoukumen Koushu and Ni – not Gyumao himself.'' He remained silent for a little while. ''It was because Ni did something to your subordinates.''
Kougaiji paused and then clenched his fists, his brows met as he nodded.
''Ni was the one who brain washed my suboridinates and the other youkai. That's why they lost control.'' He looked up. ''What's more is – we're not even sure if Gyoukumen Koushu isn't being used as a puppet.''
''It looks like there's more to this game than it sounds.'' Hakkai said, the smile on his face now gone as he looked slightly serious. He looked up at Kougaiji. ''What happens then when they get the sutra?''
''Gyumao takes over again, the city might become overrun by youkai.'' Kougaiji answered. ''Who knows that that fox woman is up to? Or Ni, Saneda or Ming.''
''Saneda...'' Sanzo trailed off as he scowled. ''I knew he was in here somewhere...'' he looked up at Kougaiji. He started running a list of chances when Saneda might have been hiding somewhere. He figured his was probably in the restaurant that night making sure things were going as planned.
Goku approached Mika and tugged at her sleeve. She looked up at Goku who was looking at her.
''Nani yo, Goku?'' she asked almost gently.
''Before I left the temple...'' Goku said as he started fumbling with his pockets. ''Sanzo's father gave me something. He said that he knew Sanzo would never come home – and that he doesn't really want to see any of his family members. But – ojichan said it was about time that this happened.''
''About time that what happened?'' she asked again.
Goku took out a parchment, which was rolled up in a scroll and showed it to Mika. ''He said that it was time that Sanzo kept this.'' He paused. ''I thought maybe that this was the sutra that Kougaiji was talking about – I guess I forgot all about it.''
Mika took the scripture from him and looked up at Sanzo, she started to walk towards him.
''Sanzo...'' she trailed off as he looked at her, she gave him the rolled up parchment and nodded. ''This must be yours.''
He took the scroll from her and rolled it open. ''This is the – Maten Kyoumon.'' He said as he studied it carefully. He noticed the writing and read through them before looking at Mika. ''Where did you get this?''
Mika gestured over to Goku. ''He said your father wanted you to have it.''
Homura and Kougaiji looked at each other before Kougaiji walked over to Sanzo and extended a hand.
''Let me keep it.'' He said calmly.
Sanzo scowled as he shook his head and pocketed it himself, he looked at Kougaiji and raised an eyebrow.
''I'll keep it myself.'' He said. Kougaiji should have known better – Sanzo didn't really trust anyone with anything that he owned. He knew that the only place that it could be safe was in his own hands.
Kougaiji looked at him as he insisted one more time. ''It would be better off with us if we kept it – Gyoukumen Koushu won't pay much attention to us since you're here.''
''Kougaiji...'' Homura said as he raised up a hand and shook his head as he smirked. ''It's alright. Sanzo knows what he's doing and I think he's capable enough of handling the sutra himself.''
There was a long reluctant pause with the former Tenjiku prince. Who looked around and then at Sanzo who was scowling at him as he held the sutra. Then he looked at Homura who smirked back at him.
''After all, you weren't able to get your hands on it even once.'' Homura shot what seemed like an insult over to Kougaiji who's eyes narrowed at his companion. Homura ignored his threatening glance with a single snicker as he nodded to Sanzo.
''It's alright. Keep it by yourself then.'' He said with a nod.
Mika looked at Homura and nodded. ''Thank you, Homura-san. I'm glad you have faith in Sanzo's capabilities.'' She paused. ''Like I do.''
He looked at Mika and then smiled slightly as he nodded. ''Of course, I wouldn't say what I don't mean.''
''Well, I'm not about to let this guy kill my kids.'' Naomi said with a serious tone in her voice, she paused and stopped as she picked up an ax with a long staff and with sharp double edge blade. She held it with both hands and nodded as she looked up. ''I'm taking this one.''
Gojyo smirked and nodded. ''You sure you can handle that?''
''Hm. Do I look like Little Miss Mary-Sue to you?'' she asked as she put a hand on her hip.
Hotaru was now panicking in the inside. She kept thinking about where her kids could be, questions came entering her mind. Where could they be? What were those people doing to them? Were they alright? She shook her head and sighed, taking a deep breath. This wasn't the time to panic and she knew that. She had to be calm, and she had to stay like that – or else she'd never get anything done. She nodded as she looked around – she suddenly noticed a tall staff with a spear blade over at the edge. She walked over to it and picked it up with both hands, she looked over at Kougaiji.
''This one looks like it's been used way too many times.'' She said as she looked up at him. ''It looks kind of old compared to the other ones around here.''
She suddenly saw the expression on Kougaiji's face slowly change. She blinked as her bright green eyes stared at him carefully. His eyes stared at the weapon she was holding – his brows slightly met – but at the same time his own eyes were slightly softening as if he had remembered something he really didn't want to. He clenched his fists before he looked away and calmly talked as he walked to the door.
Hotaru noticed the seeming pain in his eyes before he looked up.
''It belonged to someone I used to know...'' he said, trailing off almost quietly.
''Eh?''
''She was a subordinate – but she's not here anymore.'' His tone sounded morose. He looked ahead and for a minute his mind was somewhere else, he didn't say anything. But Hotaru noted that there regret written all over his expression, a certain sadness that she knew he kept but wouldn't rather bring up.
''Kougaiji...'' she trailed off as she looked up.
''Just pick a weapon...'' he said as the doors opened for him. ''They'll be here by sundown, I'm sure of it.''
And they watched as he walked off. Homura leaned back and closed his eyes. Obviously, he knew who Kougaiji was talking about.
''I won't use this...'' Hotaru said as she put the spear back into it's place.
''Looks like it was a girl.'' Gojyo said as he looked up and sighed.
''It sometimes always is.'' Hakkai said as he sighed. ''She seem to be something else to Kougaiji-san.''
Hotaru bit her lip as she knew she had some fault in it. Maybe she shouldn't have said anything – now it had obviously triggered a painful memory, and that was the last thing she meant to do. She had to apologize, she felt really bad about it and she had to let him know.
Her thoughts were rattled as she saw a red velvet box on one of the top shelves. She slowly reached over and held it with both hands, she ran one over the smooth surface of the container, and then placed it on a table – before opening it.
''What's that?'' Naomi asked as she looked over, Mika soon peered behind her shoulder as well.
''I don't know.'' Hotaru blinked once as she saw two curved blades, picking one up – she studied it carefully.
''Be careful with that.'' She finally heard Sanzo say.
They looked over him and he stared back at them as he nodded once and sighed. ''If you press the handle a little harder, you'll see what I mean.'' He said as he gestured for them to do it.
Hotaru pressed the blade harder, when the blade suddenly spread out into several more – the three women were surprised as it now formed a metallic fan, made up of the linked blades which had multiplied from earlier.
''I'll take it!'' she said slightly smiling. Hakkai laughed softly as he was behind them, he sighed as he looked over to Hotaru.
''Good choice.'' Homura said as he then looked at Mika. ''You're the only one who hasn't picked anything.''
Mika smiled slightly as she looked up and stared around. ''You'll have to be patient with me.'' she said as she sighed. ''I'm particular when it comes to picking things I have to use.'' She looked over to Sanzo who smirked slightly before lighting up a cigarette as he was probably acknowledging the truth in what she said.
''But you don't really need a weapon... do you?'' Homura asked as he looked at her.
She froze as she looked over to the spears, before she closed her eyes and glanced back at him.
''What are you getting at?'' she asked, her dark rose lips forming into a slight frown.
''When you were still in the restaurant – the youkai was about to attack your daughter – you stepped in and protected her, but you had to use something you've been keeping and you've practiced in a while, or else you would have been both killed.''
''Ah, sou ne.'' Mika looked over to him and crossed her arms as she smirked slightly and raised and eyebrow as she looked at him. ''You've certainly got your ways to prove your point, Homura-san.'' Her voice remained calm and slightly strict, as she looked up at him.
''I'm right though aren't, I?'' he asked again.
''There is no escaping you, is there?'' Mika asked as she sighed and looked up. Sanzo was scowling as he puffed out another smoke, he hated Homura's method of squeezing answers out of someone by annoying them. But he wasn't about to step in and stop him from doing it to his wife, because he knew that she could dish out whatever he was trying to pull.
''Yes, you're right. I probably don't need them – but I'll take weapons anyway.'' She said as she went over to the swords. ''I've got telekinetic abilities – and I've been practicing them ever since I was young. It ran in the family, there were hardly any boys in the bloodline – and every female member of the family had a special ability – mine happen to be that. ''
''Why didn't you tell us?'' Hotaru asked as she looked over to Mika.
''I didn't think it would matter until now.'' Mika said as she looked up. ''There was no point in telling you.''
''Then Miori might have gotten something from you. '' Goku said as he looked up.
''Probably, but whatever it is, we haven't waken it up yet.'' Mika answered. ''It's up to her to do that.''
She passed by the swords where she stopped to see a sword which was not so long – it was only half the size of a japanese sword, the hilt was straight and was entricately designed. The blade was slightly curved as she could see from the shape of the sheathe. She picked it up with both hands and gently, slowly pulled the sword out of the sheathe, revealing a glimmering sharp curved blade.
''You might want to be careful with that – that sword is one of the most dangerous weapons around here – it's one of the most effective – but also one of the most dangerous.'' Homura paused. ''One wrong move and you can kill yourself with it, it can cut through a whole brick wall if you can handle it – it can cut through almost anything.''
''Sou ne...'' Mika said as she took it by her side.
''You're taking – that?'' Naomi asked as she raised an eyebrow.
''Eh.'' She smiled slightly and glanced over at Naomi. ''Why do you find that so hard to believe?''
''You just never seemed like the sword type of person to me.'' Naomi answered again with a shrug. ''Well, Homura. We've got what we needed.''
''Good. Now you wait.'' Homura said. ''Your rooms are ready – and you've got clothes in the cabinets in the room. Pick whatever you want and we'll wait there.'' He turned away to walk out the door. ''If anyone needs me, I'll be out. You can ask questions later.''
And he turned around to leave, Sanzo watched him as he leaned back.
''Damn it!'' Aki said as he slumped down the floor, sitting position – he sighed and looked up at the wall and the bars. ''There's absolutely no breaking through these things.'' He looked up at Eiri who was scowling and Satoshi who sighed as he looked around, trying to find a weak wall somewhere – or any other methods of escape they could use.
''What do we do now, pretty boy?'' Aki asked Eiri, who shot a glare back at him with one eyebrow raised. ''Since you're the one with the bright ideas all the time, tell us what the hell we do now?''
''First of all, you stop calling me pretty boy or you'll be eating my fist in a few minutes.'' Eiri threatened in a low voice.
''Oh? I'd like to see you try.'' Aki said as he rolled up a sleeve already. ''Droopy eyed pretty boy, you like that better?''
''How about if you see just how much you want your lights knocked out of you?''
''Why you! –''
Satoshi stepped in between as he sighed and looked at them. ''I think we've got enough youkai trying to kill us – we don't need each other to threaten to do the same, now do we?'' he asked in a sarcastic tone.
The two glanced at him and then backed away from each other. Satoshi sighed in relief as he nodded and looked up. ''Tonikaku wa – '' he paused. ''We still have to find someway out of here, our sisters could be hurt.''
''Natsumi can handle herself, I'm sure of that – but I guess you're right.'' Aki glanced over to Eiri who was staring off outside the cellar they were in. He knew that he was thinking about his sister Miori and where she could be – or what's worse, what they could be doing to her. Though he and his sister didn't get along all the time – Eiri always made sure that he watched over her and didn't really want her hurt, though they exchanged physical abuse most of the time at home. He cared for his sister and she cared for him as well, in her own little way.
Eiri walked over to the wall and leaned back over at the left side as he sighed and looked up. ''Aa. If only we can find a weak spot over at the wall, there's always one.''
''Well, maybe not on this one.'' Satoshi said as she looked up. ''Or maybe they put it in a place where it won't be so obvious.''
''You could be right.'' Eiri's hand pushed against the small corner of the left side of the wall to push himself up from the wall he was leaning on. When suddenly the wall he had been resting on slid open, Eiri's amethyst eyes widened as he fell into the hole – Satoshi's eyes widened as he rushed over and saw nothing but darkness and his friend falling into the dark abyss.
''EIRI!'' Satoshi called as he paused, his heart racing as he heard a loud thud on the ground. His eyes widened and he felt his hand shaking – he looked behind him, Aki was just as surprised as he was.
''Looks like he found it...''Aki said as he whistled and looked up.
''Come on, Aki! We have to follow him!'' Satoshi said. ''He could be hurt!''
''Nah... I kinda like it this way.'' Aki said jokingly. ''Can't we just leave him there?''
''Aki!'' Satoshi sounded panicked. And he knew that was bad, since usually Satoshi was so calm about everything. Even in the direst situations. The look on his face also told Aki that this was no joke to him and he was genuinely worried about Eiri.
He sighed and waved a hand. ''Alright, alright. Sheesh – don't worry so much – he's fine. I'm sure.''
Satoshi looked up and sighed. ''I hope so.'' He jumped into the hole without hesitation – Aki stood there for a while before he snickered, shook his head and sighed as he walked to the hole.
''Man, those guys – if I wasn't so smart – I probably wouldn't know where these guys are headed...'' he shook his head with an all knowing smirk before he jumped into the hole, following Satoshi.
TSUZUKU
translations:
Tonikaku – Anyway
Sou ne – words used to agree with something. It could mean 'yes' or 'you're right.'
Maten Kyoumon – (every Saiyuki fan knows this) Evil Sutra
Author's Note: You probably know who that subodinate Kou was talking about was – Yaone fans or Kougaiji/Yaone fans, hope you guys don't kill me. But if you must then go ahead It's a free country after all Keep reading, I hope!