Chapter 8
Sanzo's POV
Take that, you stupid prick!! It serves you right in taking my Goku away from me. And if you ever lay another stinking hand on him, I swear I'll make this incident look like a field trip. After having said that to myself in victory rush, I jumped down from the ledge and into the welcomed, solid ground. I don't give a crap that the damned ledge might be three stories up. I have the skills and the guts to do just that. And dammit!!! I just wanted to stretch my aching legs and arms.
Now if only I can say that to Homura's face – I know it will be more gratifying. I sighed at the helplessness of being unable to express myself properly in the fighting god's presence. Don't you think that being able to throw it in his face that my genius had left him completely ticked and paranoid fun?! Oh well, some things just don't go your way.
After stretching my hands and arms, I proceeded to lightly stamp my foot to the ground to let the blood start flowing again. Man!! I didn't know that climbing and maintaining that position in the wall could be more strenuous than fighting a ton of youkai!! I sighed to myself as I reached for my cigarettes only to find them gone. Then I remembered that I left them sitting quite nicely in Hakuryu's dashboard. Damn!!
I growled as I start trudging at the nearest brush of plants. I think that it isn't wise to let Goku know that I'm around here. Sure, he might think that I've come to save him and that would be a plus for me, right?! I mean I've beaten the crap out of Homura – the fighting god Homura – and have also brought home the trophy. But then I've no experience in such things and I might whack him with the harisen in the head instead of being all happy about his 'escape'. And besides I didn't bring Hakkai and Gojyo here so I really don't have much of a room to create excuses should I need them.
On the other hand, Goku is unpredictable. Once in a while the saru does show a spark of brilliance and he might figure out about the green-eyed monster in me. He might be happy to find out that I've 'some' affection for him – even though I act otherwise – but then he might not. I'm not really sure if the affection he's showing me is out of respect or out of something else. But he might also connect the dots and find out that I'm the one who did show 'the-entertaining-side-of-fighting-god-Homura' and the Hakkai incident and the Kougaiji incident and whatever other incidents he had left out.
He might – and I stress the might – be happy with what I did to Homura and maybe possibly Kougaiji but he might not forgive me for doing that to Hakkai. I growled to myself in a sudden fit of jealousy. Damn, Hakkai!! Grrr… If really didn't need you in this journey, I would've… I stopped that train of thought, because if the idea has suddenly appealed to me, I might take action.
Anyway, speaking of stupid Hakkai, I just had this gut feeling that Goku would be sore with me if he finds out about that little, 'somewhat' dirty trick with Hakkai. He adores the man like an older brother he never had. So okay, sue me!! Goku might love Hakkai only like a brother, but hell!! Give me some credit here with the thoughts!! As we all know almost all love affairs start with friendship - what if Goku suddenly decided that he just didn't love Hakkai like brother, what if he develops something else?! What if…?!
Yes, the what ifs. You might think that I'm being paranoid. And yes, I know I will never know if the situation doesn't present itself but I don't take baseless risks. All is calculated here in the master's mind. I tapped the side of my head in emphasis.
I took a deep breath and peeked outside my haven of a brush of plants and saw that Goku had already made it outside the castle. I frowned when I noticed the gleeful expression in his face darkened for awhile. What could the saru be thinking?! I ask myself as Goku started to make his way to the direction where we last camped. But I had to wonder why his steps are so damn heavy. Something must've upset him. I suddenly realize.
My ears and nose steamed at the thought of the saru getting all upset. Have I missed something in the proceedings inside Homura's dungeon? I asked myself as I thought of all the things I did.
First I rigged Goku's chains by installing the world's littlest voltage control gadget on it. I did so by finding the exact same location outside the castle where the chains are located and threw as hard as I could the pin-like gadget on it - effectively tapping the metal of the chain from behind [1]. This would of course protect Goku from advances by the fighting god. Once the chains were touched from the perimeter outside it will release a good measure of voltage. So that was covered, Goku's current mood had probably no connection with that. I said to myself as I assessed that part in the proceedings.
Second, the farting noises. I had to admit that that was the easiest stunt I had pulled with Homura. And I had to thank Gojyo for that ability to make stupendous farting noises. The stupid kappa's antics had finally proven to be of use. Anyway, Goku couldn't be upset with that situation unless Homura really farted and it smelled mighty vicious. So that couldn't be it.
Third would be the green bubbles. That was by far the trickiest one. Thankfully I had perfect vision and aim so shooting the green powdered ball con soap into the pitcher was a breeze. The only real problem was the timing. That Homura is not called a god for no reason. He performs minor miracles such as calling a pitcher of water out of thin air. It is vital that once it appeared in the fog the soap-ball had to be put in since it needed the time blend in with the water.
So as soon I saw that the air thickened around the table top I aimed and prayed that the area I will be aiming will be the mouth of the pitcher and not its handle. Thankfully the other gods were on my side and I shoot the heaven sent ball in. So as the fog thickened and went out the ball had already dissolved in the water without him knowing. And thankfully enough he drank it. The only snag in the plan was that I wasn't counting on Homura giving Goku some of that water.
I had to take a risk in knocking the glass out of Homura's hand. I really can't reach for my gun in the back pocket at the time so I reached for the next best possible thing. Yup, the spider. Well, duh!! The little bugger presented itself when he just appeared at my elbow!!
It's a lucky streak though. I never imagined that the fighting god was so afraid of the bug. And it didn't register to me at that time that the spider was unnaturally large, which of course was a lucky bonus. So I hit two birds with one stone. I managed to knock the glass down and managed to give Homura quite a scare. And that took up the lapse the ball-soap needed. That concoction of a ball needed to be partially digested before it starts working its charm.
The froth came at just the right moment. And damn, it almost choked him!!! If only his two sidekicks hadn't appeared on the right time. And yeah, Homura getting all tangled in his own chains is a bonus too!! It's really quite entertaining seeing Homura like a human pretzel. Made me almost feel that I'm in a circus.
Oh well, back on topic, Goku also didn't appear hurt or in pain or in whatever negative position at that particular moment. I scrunched my forehead in thought. No I never missed anything in the dungeons so…
Steam billowed once again from my ears when I realized that whatever made Goku upset was when he was getting his way out of the castle. Could Homura one-upped me?!! I asked myself angrily. I stood up and stretched my legs and then broke into a run to make it to the destination faster than Goku. What did you expect?! Me going back to extract revenge right away?!
Well, let's just say I'm going to give Homura a shred of doubt. I'm going to find out first if he truly is the one who hurt my Goku and if he had - then there will be hell to pay. And if he isn't then I'll just say good riddance. And besides folks, even a genius like myself needed some good ole planning to extract the perfect revenge. I could probably make up something but I really don't like taking mediocre actions.
I sped up and put all my remaining energy into running. I really need to be there before Goku or he might suspect!!!
Hakkai's POV
"Man, I can't believe the gall of Sanzo!! That buozo has certainly got the guts!!" Gojyo rambled along as we made haste towards our camping site. We didn't exactly have the luxury to hang around till Sanzo finishes with his elaborate tricks. As soon as we gathered that the green bubbles and the spider stunt would be his finale we had left the area in a jiffy.
And man, if I respected the buozo when I got to know him, now after seeing him in action I came to the conclusion that I have to revere him. Of course I know that he was cunning and he was all that equipped in the brain… But to think of him as a genius?! Nah. It never crossed my mind. And you know I have to give him the biggest credit when I fell into his artful traps.
Damn. Now that thought made me shiver again. I really have got to stop thinking about my unfortunate crossing with Sanzo's 'boundary line' on Goku. I've gotten over with the phobia, yes, but every time I had to relive that moment of torture – that moment of total helplessness, I get jumpy all over again. And I can't let that happen, I mean to be entrapped with my own demons again, because the doctor I came to see said that I may develop some sort of heart failure due to stress and over paranoia. If I did I would be a liability to this team and I can't let that happen, ever!!
"Oi, Hakkai?! Are you listening to me? I asked you if maybe we can use Hakuryu…" I heard Gojyo broke into my gloomy thoughts. I snapped up and tried to smile in vain. But because of that mighty deep thinking back there, I failed. Gojyo noticed this and frowned.
"Hey, Hakkai. Don't tell me you're thinking about your turn with Sanzo's wrath?! Please koi, stop. You wouldn't want to be…"
"Yes I know. I just can't help it after that spectacle we saw. And don't worry I'm fine now." I said in a soothing manner to alleviate Gojyo's concern.
Ah yes, Gojyo. Now he might be an insensitive jerk at times but he has all good intentions at heart. He's my own true anchor when the need calls. As long as he's there by my side assuring me that Sanzo will never lay another jealous hand on me again, I can fight the overwhelming fear and keep my phobia at the bay.
Gojyo nodded once to show that he understands and believes that I'm over reminiscing. He looked over at me thoroughly for one more time before admitting to himself that I'm going to be fine before breaking into a grin.
"So like I asked Hakkai… Could we use Hakuryu now? My feet are getting all cramped up from all the walking." Gojyo said as he tried to smile charmingly at me. I roll my eyes. Same ole technique. I grumble to myself. And I have to admit even if it's the same ole trick I fall into it like every other time.
"I think so. We have a good head start with both Sanzo and Goku. I don't think they will notice." I finally said after a short deliberation with me.
"Hakuryu, ready for a drive?" I ask my loyal pet who was currently lounging on my shoulder. With a delighted chirp, he hopped off and transformed into his jeep form. Gojyo and I climbed right in. He sat on the passenger's seat since its resident 'owner' wasn't around.
"Ah. Now this is the life. Do you think Sanzo would go for the back seat?" Gojyo asked me as he stretched his legs. I looked at him with one eyebrow raised. It's like he's asking me if pigs fly. He nodded grimly getting the message.
"Yeah, I don't think so too. Just wishful thinking I guess." We didn't talk much after that. But that's okay. We're comfortable with each other just like this. There's no need for communication at certain times, we just understand and enjoy the silence. Huh? Didn't think that even the 'ero kappa' likes the quiet even every once in a while? Well, I kind of asked him about that once. I get curious too, you know. But all he said was that it was all to keep the 'image'. He might be insinuating something more or that's it but he won't elaborate. I let it drop.
"Hey where here! Good, we're the first ones to arrive." Gojyo announced as I stepped the brakes. He jumped down from the jeep to reach for his cigarettes in the back pocket. He lit it up and took a deep puff. He looked around.
"Hmm, I wonder if Sanzo and Goku would arrive together…?" He suddenly asked me.
"Well, it depends on Sanzo's reasoning." I say.
"What do you mean?"
"If he isn't paranoid then he'd be arriving here with Goku. If he is I'll say they'd be arriving separately."
"Why do you say that?" Gojyo asks me as he threw the butt of the cigarette a long distance away.
"If he's thinking along the lines of the possibility of Goku figuring out his connection with the incident with Homura then surely he wouldn't want to be found out there. He would presumably want to outrun Goku into arriving here in our camping spot."
"And you say he'll be arriving here with Goku if he isn't paranoid, why?"
"Well, if he's confident that Goku won't be able to make the connection then what's the problem with showing up to 'rescue' him?"
"Yeah, that's plausible… Hey, wait, do you hear that?" Gojyo asks me as I notice him strain his ears. I listened cautiously for awhile before hearing the sweep of the grass and the pitter patter of footsteps, obviously at a run. After awhile the footsteps merely turned into a glide, then into a casual walk. I grinned at Gojyo.
"Looks like Sanzo's on his way."
"Yup, and from the 'hears' of it he wants to arrive with dignity." He said in a low voice, barely suppressing himself from chuckling out loud. With a look of delight in his face he raised his arms up in a wave.
"Sanzo!! You're back!! Where's the chibi saru?" Gojyo asks Sanzo who appeared at the back of a tree looking collected and dignified. Not even a strand of hair out of place. Wow. I wonder how he does it. He's like a real good actor. Sanzo huffed indignantly.
"I got there and he's already out."
"What do you mean he's already out?" I ask him, me a perfect picture of concern. I hope.
"Homura's already released him." Sanzo shortly replied.
"Huh?! Homura releasing a hostage? That's unheard of..."
"I checked the perimeter of the castle. They weren't keeping Goku in and the three were inside, meaning the Goku had escaped or he's been released." Sanzo tersely cut off Gojyo's remark. Gojyo just shrugged and I continued to opt looking worried.
"If so where is Goku? You don't suppose he lost his way?" I vaguely heard a 'shit' in Sanzo's general direction. Ooops, I didn't mean to alert him. I'm not really supposing that Goku had lost his way, I'm merely trying to keep up my role in this act. I look at Sanzo to ease his worries but I looked up at him and he looked bored and indifferent. Maybe I imagined it?
Ah, but maybe I didn't. Goku's really terrified of being alone and he might be distracted when returning here at the camp. Sanzo knows that fact. And let's just say that the paths here looked all more or less the same for a little guy like him.
"Gojyo look for him." Sanzo suddenly ordered Gojyo as I notice that the impassive mask he usually wears has weakened down into a mildly worried look. But you really have to squint really, really hard to notice.
"What?! Do you realize how big this forest is?! And I'm searching for him alone? Why don't you go and…"
"I'm back!!" Goku announced as he appeared from a bend. We all turned to look at the source of the voice and as one we rejoiced at the sight. Let's just say that the almighty Son Goku is the baby in the group.
"What took you so long?" Sanzo abruptly asked Goku who was currently being hugged by an overly enthusiastic Gojyo. It might not show but Gojyo treats Goku as a younger brother and he loves him dearly. Goku's brows furrowed deep in confusion when he saw the look of mild irritation on Sanzo's face.
"Huh? What do you mean Sanzo… I was captured…" He stammered as he tried to explain. How could Goku explain if he couldn't fathom the connection of Sanzo's question?
"I went in after you but you were already gone." Ah, bravo Sanzo. That really makes your excuse with us plausible. I really have to commend your cunning in justifying your lies. Not to mention that you finally made a step in the direction to reveal your true feelings to Goku.
"You went after me?" Is it just me or Goku sounded thrilled? Nah. You know me – as the emotions expert in the group, of course I would know that indeed he sounded thrilled!! It's plain knowledge that Goku is smitten with Sanzo. And predictably the only one who doesn't realize that fact is Sanzo himself. If he only knew that his jealousy is baseless.
"Of course." Sanzo said without much enthusiasm. But of course to Goku it means a lot and to show his appreciation, Goku threw himself into Sanzo's arms to give him a big hug. I think Sanzo was surprised and he was at a loss on what to do. I can see that he was torn between whacking Goku with his harisen or to return the said hug. Indecision coming into play, he decided to gently coax Goku out of the embrace.
"Wow, Sanzo I didn't know you care for me!!" Goku squealed as the harisen made its appearance. If only Sanzo would just show his true feelings then he wouldn't need all those elaborate tricks. I sigh to myself and briefly wondered if it's a prerequisite to have difficulty in expressing one's emotions when you want to become a monk.
"What was that for?!" Goku predictably says as he nurses his sore head. Still, he was in an ecstatic mood since Sanzo had come to save him. No amount of beating would dampen Goku's spirit after knowing that his keeper cared for him.
"Baka saru." I see we are getting back to normal as Sanzo said that signature endearment of his. I shook my head at their antics. They would really make such a cute couple should the time come. I made my way towards Hakuryu to pat its hood. It kyue'd softly.
I looked at Gojyo to find out how well he was receiving all this drama. To my surprise he has a far away look in his eyes and that his hand was absently rubbing at his chin. I knew that posture. And to anyone else who might know about this Gojyo they would be warned – because it could only mean one thing. Gojyo's in a planning state and he's serious about it. I could only conclude that he would turn the tables on Sanzo come his turn.
t.b.c
A/N:
[1] – I watched this technique in Ripley's Believe it or not. The guy, I think he was an assassin of some kind (or some other… I can't quite recall), uses needles as his weapon. In the demonstration he penetrated a very thick glass of a wall by just throwing the needles with his bare hands… It's just so cool I had to put it in!!
Reviews are much appreciated!!