He had no idea how long he had been asleep. He could have gone on sleeping
a bit longer, but someone disturbed him. The monkey's eyes fluttered open.
Everything was blurry but the first thing he saw was something shining,
shining like the sun it seemed. "Sanzo...?" he asked quietly.
Hakuryuu kyuu'ed happily at hearing Goku's voice again. His family was together again, even if a few members had changed a little.
Goku blinked a few times and his vision cleared. "Sanzo? Um... what happened to you..."
Gojyo walked up, "A lot, it would seem. You don't know how long it's been, do you?" He asked, arms folded over his chest.
Goku looked over at the red head. "Gojyo! Your alive!!" Without warning he jumped off his stone bed and hugged the water sprite. "You stupid 'I-wanna- play-hero' water sprite! I thought you got crushed back there." Goku looked up at the sprite and noticed something strange about his friend. "What happened to your scars..."
Gojyo looked down sadly at the kid, "I'm not who you think I am. That guy died, 500 years ago. According to her, I'm his reincarnation."
"And here i thought you didn't believe in that 'Buddhist bullshit'..." Xia quipped.
"I didn't. But it's kind of hard not to when you walk into a room and remember dying there." Gojyo said with a shudder. "Not to mention actually seeing your own remains."
Goku sat down and held his head. He didn't quite know what to make of everything. It was all so strange, he felt that it was just yesterday when the castle was coming crashing down around him and his friends. He heard one get crushed and saw the other shot. He remembered the look of fear on Sanzo's face as he fell. It all just happened...
Hakkai walked out of the shadows, Hakuryuu had reclaimed his traditional spot on the young youkai's shoulder. He knelt next to the young heretic, "Are you okay? I know this must be hard to absorb so quickly."
The monkey looked up and paled at the sight of Hakkai. "Y... you..." He reached out and touched Hakkai's chest. "I saw you die... you got shot. You died in Sanzo's arms..."
Hakkai gave the suffering young man a sad smile, "I wish I was the one you knew. But unfortunately I am only me and I've never been shot, or have died. My name is Cho Hakkai, what is yours?? And by any chance do you know this little one's name?" Hakkai asked, pointing to Hakuryuu. He was trying to distract Goku from his sorrow.
"I'm Goku... that's Hakuryuu, he's your... erm, Hakkai's jeep." He reached up and stroked the small dragon's head. "How long have I been asleep?" Goku asked dropping his arm back down to his lap.
"Houtou castle fell about 500 years ago Goku." Sanzo knelt in front of Goku.
Hakkai smiled, it was odd that they were near the same age, yet Goku acted much younger, "You're quite famous, you know. You even have a book written about you, Goku."
"Not that he likely knows how to read." Gojyo teases.
Hakkai laughed softly, "If he doesn't then I'd be happy to teach him...you as well, Gojyo."
Sanzo giggled at Hakkai's comment.
Goku jumped up. "I do to know how to read you perverted kappa!"
Gojyo frowned, "What's so great about reading anyway? It's not like it actually helps."
Hakkai's eyes widen, "Gojyo? You never did learn how...did you?"
"Not that it matters, but no I didn't. I was too busy trying not to starve or get killed, okay!" He snapped, suddenly both angry and disappointed in himself.
Xia stood up at Gojyo's outburst. "Gojyo.... its not too late to start. Your still alive, you still got plenty of time to learn. Maybe you and Hakkai could work out a trade or something." Sanzo smiled. "I'm pretty sure there are some things you could teach him in return."
Gojyo and Hakkai looked at one another then both men blushed. Gojyo turned away quickly and took a few steps away.
Hakkai laughed nervously, "Aaaaah, I'd be happy to teach Gojyo to read. He doesn't have to do anything in return."
Goku looked at his 'friends'. They were the same but there were differences. Gojyo didn't know how to read, Sanzo was a woman, and only Hakkai seemed the same.
"Ya know, I feel a bit different now. My whole life i thought it was because my parents weren't there. But now I think it was cuz you guys weren't there." Sanzo put her arm around Goku's shoulder. "Maybe we should be going, who knows how long we've been here."
Hakkai nodded, "I may have a reputation among youkai but there are still those who may decide to attack anyway and this would be a very dangerous location for a fight."
Gojyo turned back, "Getting back up is going to be the hard part."
"Yes, I'm afraid so. Gojyo and I can at least grab the rope if we stretched, but it seems that Sanzo and Goku won't be able to reach it at all." Hakkai noted, absentmindedly stroking the dragon's neck.
"How about one of you guys go first, preferably Gojyo..." Sanzo leaned to Hakkai and whispered, "I don't want him looking up my robes..." She straightened back up. "The first one can play look out while the other gives me and Goku a boost! How bout it?"
Hakkai chuckled, "So it would seem I will be going last then." He cupped his hands and looked at Gojyo, "Grab the rope with one hand and I'll boost you up so you can get a better grip."
Gojyo nodded and snagged the rope with his left hand and placed a foot in Hakkai's hands. "On three, Hakkai."
The green-eyed demon focused himself and waited for Gojyo to reach three. After the word left the half-breed's lips, Hakkai's body surged into action. The demon grunted loudly as he launched the redhead nearly three feet up, thanks in part to Gojyo leaping at the same time. The two souls still working well together even after 500 years of separation.
Goku stood with the other two and watched the half-breed scurry on up the rope. He wasn't quite sure what to make of everything. He stuck his hands into his pockets and remembered something. "Um, Sanzo..."
Xia turned her gaze from Gojyo to Goku. "Yes?"
"Maybe, um... Since your Sanzo's reincarnation or something... you can use this." He pulled out a small pistol from his pocket. He remembered finding it after he fell, since he couldn't find a way out he kept it. It was all he had left of Sanzo.
Xia took the gun in her hand. The weight was a comfort in her hand. She knew it was the one from her dream.
Gojyo called down that he had made it.
"Hakuryuu? Could you please fly up and watch Gojyo's back? He'll have to help Sanzo up so he'll be distracted." Hakkai asked.
Hakuryuu nodded and flew up and out of the hole, his observant eyes searching the darkness for any would be attackers.
"Sanzo? If you're ready, I can lift you up to the rope. Just hold on tightly and Gojyo will pull you up." Hakkai said, stretching his arms slightly.
"Ok." Sanzo put the gun away, it was a guilty comfort to have it. She thanked Goku and went over to Hakkai. "I'm ready." She stood where the rope was.
Hakkai bent down and wrapped his arms around her knees then looked up to see if she was ready.
With a small nod, Hakkai lifted the young woman up and she quickly grabbed the rope. Once she got her grip and situated Xia called up to Gojyo. "Go ahead!"
Gojyo easily began hauling on the rope, raising the monk from the dark pit. He grabbed her wrist as it came into view, "Welcome back, Beautiful." The redhead said after pulling her back onto solid ground. He tossed the rope back down into the pit for the next person.
Hakuryuu took a perch on Xia's shoulder. He had grown closer to the soul of the former god after the death of their friends. He spent 50 years with Genjo Sanzo as the one of the only two living beings the monk would allow near him after they walked away from the castle that claimed the lives of all of their friends.
Xia stroked the small creature's head. He was adorable and she had seen nothing like him ever.
Hakkai looked at Goku, "Do you need a boost, Goku?" He asked.
"Nah I'm alright." He forced a smile and did a standing jump to grab the rope. Like a monkey he climbed up to Gojyo and Sanzo.
Gojyo held out his hand to help the smaller man over the edge.
Hakkai's eyes focused on the rope as he took a deep breath before taking a few running steps to aid his jump. He grabbed the rope and swiftly climbed it, thankful to finally be able to leave the exceptionally creepy ruin.
"Glad you could join us." Xia said with a giggle. Hakuryuu nuzzled the female Sanzo's cheek and tickled her.
Goku looked around trying to get his bearings. He looked back and swallowed. "Think we could not go that way..."
Sanzo's face dropped when she saw Goku's face. "I think there was a side path a few feet back."
"That may be for the best. Hopefully the exit will still be clear after so long." Hakkai said with his usual smile.
Hakuryuu abandoned the monk's shoulder in favor of the person he cared for the most. His tail wrapped around the green-eyed demon's neck as if afraid Hakkai would disappear if the dragon wasn't in constant contact with the man.
"Let's get out of here. This place is getting to me." Gojyo said, heading toward the side exit that Hakkai and his previous incarnations never lived to see.
Hakuryuu hovered just out side the hole in wall as his owner climbed out. The small dragon kyuu'ed and took his place on the young man's shoulder as he helped Sanzo out.
"Thanks Hakkai." She stood a couple feet away to allow the other two to get out.
Next Goku crawled out of the hole. "Hey Sanzo..." Goku asked walking over to the female monk. "I was thinking... um, could you maybe chant the sutra for them?" he said it in a whisper, he was unsure if the monk had the same temper as his friend from long ago.
Hakkai placed a gentle hand on the young heretic's shoulder, "I think that is an excellent idea." He looked at Sanzo, "It would give him a chance to mourn."
Hakuryuu kyuu'ed softly, reaching out with his neck to touch his nose to Goku's cheek.
Gojyo was still quiet, having the others learn about his weakness was a major blow to the kappa's ego. Not only that but there was the strange surge that went through him at Sanzo's payment suggestion for Hakkai's reading lessons. It seemed oddly appealing in a somewhat sexual way.
Though before Gojyo reminded him he said "That shit won't soothe anything."
Sanzo lit a cig and looked at the monkey. "We know what happened to their soul's Goku. But if it will make you feel better fine." She finished off her smoke and found a piece of wall to sit on to perform the chant. Xia took out a crown and placed it upon her head and began.
Gojyo leaned against a chunk of masonry. He didn't really have anything worth mourning. His mother was happy to die and in a sick way, he was happy to see her go.
Hakkai's smile faded as he took a quick moment to remember the faces of his family. He hoped they had been given a proper funeral. The former human never returned to his childhood home, out of fear that the youkai that had taken him, had decided that his family would be a perfect addition to their menu.
Goku closed his eyes as he listened. He missed his former friends but felt the sorrow rise off his shoulders. He had another set of friends, they shared similarities with his past friends but they were not the same. He was glad to have his friends back in some way.
Xia focused on the chant. It wasn't long until she finished up. As she opened her eyes the setting sun shone on the three men. The way it caught them was breath taking.
Hakkai walked up to Goku, "I thought I heard you call Hakuryuu a jeep? Perhaps you could clarify that for me?"
Before Goku could say anything, Hakuryuu kyuu'ed and flew off of Hakkai's shoulder. He transformed into his jeep form.
"AH! You didn't mean his name was Jeep! You meant that he WAS a jeep!" Hakkai laughed, clapping his hands at his new pet's revealed trick.
Goku snapped out of his trance, still thinking of the chant. "Yeah, he practically brought us all the way here."
"Ah! I see! I truly hope that he doesn't mind letting us drive him back to town." Hakkai said with a real smile on his face.
Hakuryuu rolled closer and kyuu'ed.
Gojyo threw an arm around the handsome demon, "Well, I think you have your answer, Hakkai."
The younger man blushed slightly, "Aaah, yes it seems so."
Xia looked at the Jeep that came out of no where. "You are one interesting little dragon." She ran her hand over the Jeep's frame.
Goku came over and climbed into his regular back passengers side seat and looked at the others.
Hakkai smiled, "Ladies first." He said, offering his hand to help her into whichever seat she wanted.
She naturally chose the passengers seat. "Nice ride you got Hakkai. Know how to drive i hope..."
He took his seat as Gojyo jumped into the back with Goku. "I've seen it done." Hakkai said with a mischievous smile and a devilish glint in his eyes as he hit the accelerator, keeping one hand on the shifter and the other on the steering wheel.
"We're going to die." Gojyo said, ruby eyes wide.
Goku sat in his seat like nothing special was going on. "You think this is bad... I just hope he's better than he was when I knew him."
Xia agreed with Gojyo. She clung to the jeep out of fear of being bumped out of the vehicle. "Now Hakkai... are you actually in control or is the dragon?"
Hakkai tilted his head up to think, when suddenly Gojyo's hands grabbed his head and forced it down, "EYES ON THE FUCKING ROAD!!!"
Hakkai blinked owlishly, "I'm sorry. Actually it's a little bit of both, right, Hakuryuu??"
The jeep chirped an agreement.
Hakuryuu kyuu'ed happily at hearing Goku's voice again. His family was together again, even if a few members had changed a little.
Goku blinked a few times and his vision cleared. "Sanzo? Um... what happened to you..."
Gojyo walked up, "A lot, it would seem. You don't know how long it's been, do you?" He asked, arms folded over his chest.
Goku looked over at the red head. "Gojyo! Your alive!!" Without warning he jumped off his stone bed and hugged the water sprite. "You stupid 'I-wanna- play-hero' water sprite! I thought you got crushed back there." Goku looked up at the sprite and noticed something strange about his friend. "What happened to your scars..."
Gojyo looked down sadly at the kid, "I'm not who you think I am. That guy died, 500 years ago. According to her, I'm his reincarnation."
"And here i thought you didn't believe in that 'Buddhist bullshit'..." Xia quipped.
"I didn't. But it's kind of hard not to when you walk into a room and remember dying there." Gojyo said with a shudder. "Not to mention actually seeing your own remains."
Goku sat down and held his head. He didn't quite know what to make of everything. It was all so strange, he felt that it was just yesterday when the castle was coming crashing down around him and his friends. He heard one get crushed and saw the other shot. He remembered the look of fear on Sanzo's face as he fell. It all just happened...
Hakkai walked out of the shadows, Hakuryuu had reclaimed his traditional spot on the young youkai's shoulder. He knelt next to the young heretic, "Are you okay? I know this must be hard to absorb so quickly."
The monkey looked up and paled at the sight of Hakkai. "Y... you..." He reached out and touched Hakkai's chest. "I saw you die... you got shot. You died in Sanzo's arms..."
Hakkai gave the suffering young man a sad smile, "I wish I was the one you knew. But unfortunately I am only me and I've never been shot, or have died. My name is Cho Hakkai, what is yours?? And by any chance do you know this little one's name?" Hakkai asked, pointing to Hakuryuu. He was trying to distract Goku from his sorrow.
"I'm Goku... that's Hakuryuu, he's your... erm, Hakkai's jeep." He reached up and stroked the small dragon's head. "How long have I been asleep?" Goku asked dropping his arm back down to his lap.
"Houtou castle fell about 500 years ago Goku." Sanzo knelt in front of Goku.
Hakkai smiled, it was odd that they were near the same age, yet Goku acted much younger, "You're quite famous, you know. You even have a book written about you, Goku."
"Not that he likely knows how to read." Gojyo teases.
Hakkai laughed softly, "If he doesn't then I'd be happy to teach him...you as well, Gojyo."
Sanzo giggled at Hakkai's comment.
Goku jumped up. "I do to know how to read you perverted kappa!"
Gojyo frowned, "What's so great about reading anyway? It's not like it actually helps."
Hakkai's eyes widen, "Gojyo? You never did learn how...did you?"
"Not that it matters, but no I didn't. I was too busy trying not to starve or get killed, okay!" He snapped, suddenly both angry and disappointed in himself.
Xia stood up at Gojyo's outburst. "Gojyo.... its not too late to start. Your still alive, you still got plenty of time to learn. Maybe you and Hakkai could work out a trade or something." Sanzo smiled. "I'm pretty sure there are some things you could teach him in return."
Gojyo and Hakkai looked at one another then both men blushed. Gojyo turned away quickly and took a few steps away.
Hakkai laughed nervously, "Aaaaah, I'd be happy to teach Gojyo to read. He doesn't have to do anything in return."
Goku looked at his 'friends'. They were the same but there were differences. Gojyo didn't know how to read, Sanzo was a woman, and only Hakkai seemed the same.
"Ya know, I feel a bit different now. My whole life i thought it was because my parents weren't there. But now I think it was cuz you guys weren't there." Sanzo put her arm around Goku's shoulder. "Maybe we should be going, who knows how long we've been here."
Hakkai nodded, "I may have a reputation among youkai but there are still those who may decide to attack anyway and this would be a very dangerous location for a fight."
Gojyo turned back, "Getting back up is going to be the hard part."
"Yes, I'm afraid so. Gojyo and I can at least grab the rope if we stretched, but it seems that Sanzo and Goku won't be able to reach it at all." Hakkai noted, absentmindedly stroking the dragon's neck.
"How about one of you guys go first, preferably Gojyo..." Sanzo leaned to Hakkai and whispered, "I don't want him looking up my robes..." She straightened back up. "The first one can play look out while the other gives me and Goku a boost! How bout it?"
Hakkai chuckled, "So it would seem I will be going last then." He cupped his hands and looked at Gojyo, "Grab the rope with one hand and I'll boost you up so you can get a better grip."
Gojyo nodded and snagged the rope with his left hand and placed a foot in Hakkai's hands. "On three, Hakkai."
The green-eyed demon focused himself and waited for Gojyo to reach three. After the word left the half-breed's lips, Hakkai's body surged into action. The demon grunted loudly as he launched the redhead nearly three feet up, thanks in part to Gojyo leaping at the same time. The two souls still working well together even after 500 years of separation.
Goku stood with the other two and watched the half-breed scurry on up the rope. He wasn't quite sure what to make of everything. He stuck his hands into his pockets and remembered something. "Um, Sanzo..."
Xia turned her gaze from Gojyo to Goku. "Yes?"
"Maybe, um... Since your Sanzo's reincarnation or something... you can use this." He pulled out a small pistol from his pocket. He remembered finding it after he fell, since he couldn't find a way out he kept it. It was all he had left of Sanzo.
Xia took the gun in her hand. The weight was a comfort in her hand. She knew it was the one from her dream.
Gojyo called down that he had made it.
"Hakuryuu? Could you please fly up and watch Gojyo's back? He'll have to help Sanzo up so he'll be distracted." Hakkai asked.
Hakuryuu nodded and flew up and out of the hole, his observant eyes searching the darkness for any would be attackers.
"Sanzo? If you're ready, I can lift you up to the rope. Just hold on tightly and Gojyo will pull you up." Hakkai said, stretching his arms slightly.
"Ok." Sanzo put the gun away, it was a guilty comfort to have it. She thanked Goku and went over to Hakkai. "I'm ready." She stood where the rope was.
Hakkai bent down and wrapped his arms around her knees then looked up to see if she was ready.
With a small nod, Hakkai lifted the young woman up and she quickly grabbed the rope. Once she got her grip and situated Xia called up to Gojyo. "Go ahead!"
Gojyo easily began hauling on the rope, raising the monk from the dark pit. He grabbed her wrist as it came into view, "Welcome back, Beautiful." The redhead said after pulling her back onto solid ground. He tossed the rope back down into the pit for the next person.
Hakuryuu took a perch on Xia's shoulder. He had grown closer to the soul of the former god after the death of their friends. He spent 50 years with Genjo Sanzo as the one of the only two living beings the monk would allow near him after they walked away from the castle that claimed the lives of all of their friends.
Xia stroked the small creature's head. He was adorable and she had seen nothing like him ever.
Hakkai looked at Goku, "Do you need a boost, Goku?" He asked.
"Nah I'm alright." He forced a smile and did a standing jump to grab the rope. Like a monkey he climbed up to Gojyo and Sanzo.
Gojyo held out his hand to help the smaller man over the edge.
Hakkai's eyes focused on the rope as he took a deep breath before taking a few running steps to aid his jump. He grabbed the rope and swiftly climbed it, thankful to finally be able to leave the exceptionally creepy ruin.
"Glad you could join us." Xia said with a giggle. Hakuryuu nuzzled the female Sanzo's cheek and tickled her.
Goku looked around trying to get his bearings. He looked back and swallowed. "Think we could not go that way..."
Sanzo's face dropped when she saw Goku's face. "I think there was a side path a few feet back."
"That may be for the best. Hopefully the exit will still be clear after so long." Hakkai said with his usual smile.
Hakuryuu abandoned the monk's shoulder in favor of the person he cared for the most. His tail wrapped around the green-eyed demon's neck as if afraid Hakkai would disappear if the dragon wasn't in constant contact with the man.
"Let's get out of here. This place is getting to me." Gojyo said, heading toward the side exit that Hakkai and his previous incarnations never lived to see.
Hakuryuu hovered just out side the hole in wall as his owner climbed out. The small dragon kyuu'ed and took his place on the young man's shoulder as he helped Sanzo out.
"Thanks Hakkai." She stood a couple feet away to allow the other two to get out.
Next Goku crawled out of the hole. "Hey Sanzo..." Goku asked walking over to the female monk. "I was thinking... um, could you maybe chant the sutra for them?" he said it in a whisper, he was unsure if the monk had the same temper as his friend from long ago.
Hakkai placed a gentle hand on the young heretic's shoulder, "I think that is an excellent idea." He looked at Sanzo, "It would give him a chance to mourn."
Hakuryuu kyuu'ed softly, reaching out with his neck to touch his nose to Goku's cheek.
Gojyo was still quiet, having the others learn about his weakness was a major blow to the kappa's ego. Not only that but there was the strange surge that went through him at Sanzo's payment suggestion for Hakkai's reading lessons. It seemed oddly appealing in a somewhat sexual way.
Though before Gojyo reminded him he said "That shit won't soothe anything."
Sanzo lit a cig and looked at the monkey. "We know what happened to their soul's Goku. But if it will make you feel better fine." She finished off her smoke and found a piece of wall to sit on to perform the chant. Xia took out a crown and placed it upon her head and began.
Gojyo leaned against a chunk of masonry. He didn't really have anything worth mourning. His mother was happy to die and in a sick way, he was happy to see her go.
Hakkai's smile faded as he took a quick moment to remember the faces of his family. He hoped they had been given a proper funeral. The former human never returned to his childhood home, out of fear that the youkai that had taken him, had decided that his family would be a perfect addition to their menu.
Goku closed his eyes as he listened. He missed his former friends but felt the sorrow rise off his shoulders. He had another set of friends, they shared similarities with his past friends but they were not the same. He was glad to have his friends back in some way.
Xia focused on the chant. It wasn't long until she finished up. As she opened her eyes the setting sun shone on the three men. The way it caught them was breath taking.
Hakkai walked up to Goku, "I thought I heard you call Hakuryuu a jeep? Perhaps you could clarify that for me?"
Before Goku could say anything, Hakuryuu kyuu'ed and flew off of Hakkai's shoulder. He transformed into his jeep form.
"AH! You didn't mean his name was Jeep! You meant that he WAS a jeep!" Hakkai laughed, clapping his hands at his new pet's revealed trick.
Goku snapped out of his trance, still thinking of the chant. "Yeah, he practically brought us all the way here."
"Ah! I see! I truly hope that he doesn't mind letting us drive him back to town." Hakkai said with a real smile on his face.
Hakuryuu rolled closer and kyuu'ed.
Gojyo threw an arm around the handsome demon, "Well, I think you have your answer, Hakkai."
The younger man blushed slightly, "Aaah, yes it seems so."
Xia looked at the Jeep that came out of no where. "You are one interesting little dragon." She ran her hand over the Jeep's frame.
Goku came over and climbed into his regular back passengers side seat and looked at the others.
Hakkai smiled, "Ladies first." He said, offering his hand to help her into whichever seat she wanted.
She naturally chose the passengers seat. "Nice ride you got Hakkai. Know how to drive i hope..."
He took his seat as Gojyo jumped into the back with Goku. "I've seen it done." Hakkai said with a mischievous smile and a devilish glint in his eyes as he hit the accelerator, keeping one hand on the shifter and the other on the steering wheel.
"We're going to die." Gojyo said, ruby eyes wide.
Goku sat in his seat like nothing special was going on. "You think this is bad... I just hope he's better than he was when I knew him."
Xia agreed with Gojyo. She clung to the jeep out of fear of being bumped out of the vehicle. "Now Hakkai... are you actually in control or is the dragon?"
Hakkai tilted his head up to think, when suddenly Gojyo's hands grabbed his head and forced it down, "EYES ON THE FUCKING ROAD!!!"
Hakkai blinked owlishly, "I'm sorry. Actually it's a little bit of both, right, Hakuryuu??"
The jeep chirped an agreement.