A/N: Okay, this chappy was a bit late because of some inevitable pre-college thingies to do. Yeah unending medical check-ups (gives me the hunch they really want to find out if a prospective student is human or not. yeah as if chains pop out of my hand every now and then or can eat anything in sight….). I really want to go back to high school!!!!!!!!! Okay before I make up my mind to make a deal with Goku (I'll be needing him to eat the premises of the college), I better start with this fic to get my mind of that thing they call college. Hope you like this…. Please don't kill me for not updating for a while. This is for all of you!!!!!!
Jen-chan: Thanks for the review!!!!!!!!
Koinu-Chan: Hey, thanks a lot for the review!!!!!! And sorry 'bout the idea I didn't mean it. Gomen.
Ethereal-tenshi: Thanks for the advice, really made me realize I was going way too fast!!!!!!!!!!
Katie: Hehehehe, I think Gojyo got your message, he's letting Sanzo alone now. ^_~
Lirin-Chan: Thanks a lot for the review and for this and A Twist from Fate. Glad you liked it. And thanks for adding AtfF as one of your fave stories!!!!!!!
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The next morning, Hakkai checked Sanzo's room. He heaved a deep sigh of relief when he saw no disturbances and when everything looked normal. However, Sanzo's still in shock after what happened and is currently crouching where they left him before. He closed the door and slowly made his way to his room. Minutes after, the rays of the sun finally nudged Goku from his slumber and made the lids of his eyes flutter open. Not knowing what happened, the boy tried to get up but experienced pain when some of his bruises were unintentionally hit. Still puzzled, he looked around and saw Sanzo sitting at the far side of the room his face hidden from view. Goku made his way to the blonde and gently prodded him.
"Sanzo… San~zo." He said prodding the monk.
"Sanzo Harahetta!!!!!" he said raising his voice.
Still there was no answer. Goku decided to part the hair that blocks Sanzo's face. He caught the miserable expression left on the monk's face while he sleeps. Wondering if he's alright, Goku again tried to woke him up.
"Sanzo, Homura just popped out of nowhere and grabbed your sutra." He joked, no answer.
"Ne, Hakuryuu blew up this morning and we don't have transportation." Again, another failed attempt.
Getting tired of trying, he went outside and knocked Hakkai's room. There's no answer so he tried Gojyo's door. Luckily, the kappa just woke up and opened the door. He let the boy in and tossed an apple to him.
"Ne, what happened to me. I remembered sleeping and some dreams and when I woke up this morning there are bruises all over me." Gojyo looked at him before telling him the whole thing.
Goku was silent as Gojyo narrated his story and was shocked when he learned of its effect on Sanzo. When Hakkai arrived, Goku thanked him for healing his wounds and for taking care of him. And now that Goku's recovering, there's only one problem left before they try to solve the big mystery of Goku's attacker. Sanzo's condition. The day went on with no accidents and they were very much relieved. When the night's deep enough, they all decided to turn in and have some rest. Goku opened the door and looked inside. There, at the exact same spot where he left him, sat Sanzo, the same as before. He heaved a deep sigh before covering his face with his blanket.
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"Found him yet?" Homura asked, Shien shook his head.
"He's really good at hiding. But nevertheless, we're going to find him. We'll start by tailing Konzen and the others. If he's after Goku, He'll never keep his eyes from them." Homura smirked.
"But if he plans to kill Goku…." Zenon said uncertainly.
"We'll be able to catch him before it happens. And who knows, if Konzen will be after him, I can finish my work faster. Kill the two people I loathe most."
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Another morning sun rose from the east. For others it's just another ordinary day but not for someone sitting in his own world of oblivion. Sanzo at last felt the hot rays of the sun touch his cheek and slowly drew him from his state. He slowly opened his eyes and saw Goku lying asleep in his bed. He strode towards it and watched the boy thinking that Goku's still unconscious. Moments later, Goku's eyes opened and the blurred features of the monk slowly came into sight.
"Sanzo?" the boy asked still squinting.
"Sanzo, you're okay now!!!! You terrified us sitting there doing nothing for a long time!" he continued knowing sitting up.
"Are you feeling okay now?" was the casual question. Goku nodded.
Sanzo looked at him for some time and upon the realization that he's not dreaming and Goku's safe from harm, threw his arms around the boy and held him tight. Goku, with blood rushing to his face did not know what to do or say, seconds later, Sanzo loosened his grip and questioned the boy.
"When did you wake up?"
"Yesterday. I saw you sitting there and I tried to wake you up but failed. So I went to look for Hakkai who went out and ended up with Gojyo who told me everything." He narrated, the flush still on his cheeks
"Did he tell you about your attacker?" Goku nodded.
"Yes. The truth is, I always see him in my dreams ever since we left that spooky town. Good thing my dreams are not troubled by the time I was unconscious." Goku said smiling.
"You were sleepwalking that night. Can you remember your dream?"
"Well, I saw him again and he's coaxing me to follow him. I fought myself but when I heard the bells, I felt numb and just followed his bidding. When I was in front of him, I somehow snapped out of it and saw his eyes. I was about to run when he caught my arm and pulled me. And that's all I can remember."
"His eyes, you said you saw his eyes, what are they like?" Sanzo asked with a firm tone.
"They're blood red." Just then the door opened and red eyes and hair appeared. Goku's attention was turned to the door.
"Waaaaahhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Goku exclaimed throwing a bowl to the opened door. Sanzo looked at the door in confusion.
"What the hell is that for?!?!?" Gojyo asked
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That afternoon, the four decided to get back to the road. The usual bickering of Gojyo and Goku can never be avoided so as the loud thump of Sanzo's harisen or the gunshots. They know they have another foe to worry about but the day is so bright and cheerful it slipped out of their minds. He does his move once the sun's disappearing or when it's dark. He will never show up now. No, it's a pleasant and perfect day, pleasant because Goku's wounds are healed and Sanzo's in his usual corrupt self again. And it's perfect, perfect for them to meet their adversary.
"Get the hell off me Saru!!!!" Gojyo bellowed when the boy stood on his shoulders in order to reach for a fruit from a high branch.
"There, I missed it. If you just stood still you stupid ero-kappa!"
"Do I look like a chair or a ladder saru????"
"No, you look like a COCKROACH!!!!!" Goku shouted and dodged from the redhead's grasp. Sanzo took out his harisen and made a powerful swing that landed on both Goku and Gojyo's heads.
"Maa, stop it guys." Hakkai said smiling at them.
The road seemed endless but it's not a case for the four. They kept on doing their best for the rest of the ride. Hakkai minding the road, Goku and Gojyo teasing each other every thirty seconds, and Sanzo getting pissed off every thirty seconds. It is as if there are no threats on Goku, it's like any other day for the Sanzo-ikkou. There are loads of hours more before the sun sets, there will be time. Besides, they have decided to watch the boy closely. They'll be ready for that cloaked guy, they'll be ready when he comes. And come he did.
"What's that?!?!" Goku asked, as a shiver ran down his spine.
"What?" Sanzo asked frantically.
"Bells. I can hear them again. It's the same one every time." The boy said his face getting pale.
"Damn he's here." Sanzo observed gripping his gun.
Hakkai stopped Hakuryuu and the four strained their eyes and ears for any sign of movement. There's none. No bells no red eyes, just the road. Goku knew perfectly well that his attacker is now here, ready to strike soon. But he'll be ready this time. Again bells sounded.
"There it is again. Heard it?"
"I can't hear anything." Hakkai remarked.
"Same here."
"Sanzo, how bout you?" the blonde shook his head.
"Only Goku hears it. It's a definite sign that he's here right now and the only one who can hear him is his target." Goku's face became paler.
"We meet at last Sanzo-ikkou." Came a voice from seemingly everywhere.
"Dare da?" Sanzo called looking around.
"Does it matter? My only purpose is that heretic and not you."
A thick mist surrounded them as bells sounded clearly, now for everyone to hear. A figure emerged from the mist in front of them carrying a staff with bells in his hands. The four tried to take a better look but with a mist like that, it's quite impossible.
"Itai!!!!" Goku cried falling to his knees.
"Goku!!!!!" Sanzo turned to look at the boy's bleeding arm.
"Hakkai his wound quick!" The brunette dashed towards Goku but was thrown aside by something.
"What kind of crap is this?" Gojyo exclaimed helping Hakkai to his feet.
"Show yoursrelf you coward!!!" the blonde challenged.
Sanzo and Gojyo are bust looking around them as Hakkai closed the boy's wound. After some time, bells sounded again and they all felt a strong gust of wind blew past them tossing them in different directions. The four struggled to get up but invisible hands knocked them out to the ground.
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"At last, the time to end your life." The man said drawing near to where Goku is.
"Not so fast, we still have a score to settle right?" a voice behind him sounded.
"Homura." His voice sounded surprised but it has a hint of amusement too.
"We can have a deal if you like, I get the sutra and the boy, while you, get the other three." The other one laughed.
"I won't trust you a bit youbastard." He snapped.
Sanzo stirred and looked around. He heard voices but is having a hard time seeing through the mist. He stood up and followed the trail of the voices. There he saw Goku, lying unconscious under a tree and nest to him stood his attacker having a conversation with another person. He squinted and was able to recognize the fighting god. Clenchig his fists, he silently made his way near the two and waited for the opportune time to attack.
"If you agree with me, I'll forget all the problems you caused." A sly smile appeared on the fighting god's lips.
"Just get me the boy and the sutra, then you're free."
"I know you well enough Homura. All your words are trash." Sanzo quietly agreed.
"My goal is this bearer of bad luck and get rid of it. He doesn't deserve to live."
Sanzo hearing the words, quickly gripped his gun and fired it. Homura, knowing Sanzo's around disappeared while Sanzo did not stop shooting. The figure fell limp and the mist slowly disappeared. Minutes later, all four of them gathered around their captive ready to find out his identity. Sanzo, pulled of the cloak and the man's face and nature was revealed. He has a mass of untidy raven black hair, gaunt face the color of chalk, and long ugly scars that marred his face. He wears a priest's robe that surprised the Sanzo-ikkou and holds a staff with rings that made sounds like those of a bell when waved, tightly in his palm. Clearly he's a monk. They decided to keep him as a prisoner that they will interrogate as soon as he wakes up. They tied him up and throughout their journey, Sanzo and Gojyo watched over him. They found a suitable shack to spend the night where they tied their still knocked out captive in a secure pole while they keep a close watch on him. Midnight came, darkness ruled and the moon's behind the clouds. The Sanzo-ikkou are now asleep though their guards are up and are ready for any surprise. The man opened his eyes that revealed blood red pools that gleamed in a sinister way. He looked from side to side knowing that this is the time to make the perfect escape. Mumbling words to himself, he broke free from the ropes but still did not stand up. He knew that if he did just that, One or more will strike him. But he has another plan.
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"You and your friends are foolish to think you have me at your mercy." He started.
"You think so?" Goku asked unabashed. Laughter echoed.
"Don't feel so secured little one, even with your friends you can't fend me. I have a mission and I will finish it."
"Don't be so sure, I can kill you swiftly." Goku smirked.
"Yeah?"
He waved his staff and Goku felt stiff, the phantom monk walked to him and with an evil smile spoke clearly.
"When I get my hands on you, I'll let you suffer greatly before I end your life!" With this, Goku felt himself fall through the darkness.
Goku stood up drenched with sweat. He didn't like his dream at all, he looked around to where their prisoner stayed and his face went pale. Running towards his friends, he woke them up one by one and pointed to the empty corner where their prisoner was last seen. There's nothing, only the cords that they used to tie him. They did not hear anything for if they did, they could've attacked him. The monk disappeared right under their noses and no one could tell his whereabouts. They searched the surroundings for any sign but in vain. Goku, recalling his dream now clearly hears his attacker's last words:
"When you wake up to find me gone, rest assured that the next time you see me, it will be the start of your nightmares. And don't forget to watch your back, because I'm just here, watching every move you make." A shiver ran down his spine as they drive away heavy hearted. The wind's howling and his blood froze when he heard something the wind whispered in his ear.
"By the way, I'll see you in your dreams."
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At looooooooooong laaaaaaaaasssssssst!!!!!!!!!! Took me over a week to finish this!! My appointment with my dentist to have my teeth treated surely wiped all fanfic ideas in my mind (not to mention no internet for a week waaahhhh!!!!) Oh well, please tell me what you think of this.