Altered Memories.
A/N: Hi people!! I'm back!! Well first I wanna say thank you to all your reviews. Replies are waaaay down there, right after the story. Secondly; a special thanks to Mabaroshi16 who took the time to Beta read my damn-too-long chapter. ;; Now, time to R&R!!
Disclaimer: Saiyuki belongs to Kazuya Minekura-sensei.
Warnings: This fic contains Y-A-O-I!! So if you don't like it, get out of here!!! But there'll be no lime, I think. It depends.
Pairings: 39 and hint of 58. You know, the usual.
Chapter 2: Part one; Stage II: The nightmare.
Gojyo gripped his seat for fear of being thrown from the jeep. As they took another wild turn he tightened his hold and swore that Hakuryu has never driven this fast before in his life. He looked at his lover, noticing that Hakkai was concentrating with an uncharacteristic scowl and speeding as though their safety was of no importance, as long as they reached the next town.
He then looked in the rear-view mirror, scrutinizing the two figures reflected in it. Sanzo was holding Goku close to him, but Gojyo couldn't tell if Sanzo's face was etched with worry or not, as it was covered by his bangs. He turned his attention to the shape that was lying lifelessly in Sanzo's arms. The sight of Goku's pained face was sad enough, without the added torture of the tears that kept streaming down his cheeks.
Goku was half-way to the jeep when he suddenly stiffened. Gojyo, noticing this, called him a 'saru' again and was surprised when the boy didn't reply. When he looked closer, he realized that Goku's eyes were empty and that he was staring into thin air. Sanzo and Hakkai hadn't noticed anything amiss until they heard Gojyo's voice calling Goku's name.
Seeing no reply, the others started to call him too, but before they could do anything else, Goku's face suddenly scrunched up as if he were in a great deal of pain and he fell slowly to the ground. Sanzo was the first to reach him. He gathered Goku into his arms and pulled him up into a sitting position, all the while still calling Goku's name. The boy opened his eyes slightly, and mumbled something that Gojyo couldn't hear.
Gojyo's heart almost jumped out of its cage as Goku's hand fell lifelessly to the ground. Hakkai and Gojyo were too shocked to do anything, but Sanzo immediately lifted Goku up and sat in the back seat with the boy in his arms. Gojyo would have made a smart remark about the monk being in the back if it weren't for the state Goku was in.
They had been driving for 10 horrifying minutes and Goku's state was getting worse. At first, he had looked fine, but about six minutes ago he had suddenly begun crying and his face looked as if he were in pain. He had curled up into a ball against Sanzo's chest and remained that way. Gojyo was about to ask whether Goku was getting better or not when Sanzo's head shot up.
Gojyo looked at Goku and could see that he was getting even worse than before. He was growing paler by the minute and his skin was beginning to resemble that of a corpse's. He then saw the boy's lip moving, mumbling something. Gojyo carefully leaned closer to hear the words.
"Co—cold.........s-s—so co-cold......."
With that, Sanzo held him tighter. Sanzo didn't care if Goku's circulation was cut off, so long as he didn't disappear. Sanzo knew who was behind this, Homura, and he was trying his best to keep his composure and amazingly managed to do so even though he felt like crying at the sight of Goku in this condition. All he could do now was hope that Hakkai managed to get to a town as fast as he possibly could.
Hold on Goku, just hold on..........
A girl fell down to the floor of a dark room, she was gasping for air as she used her hand to prevent herself from hitting the floor. The cold sweat on her forehead was illuminated by the glowing crystal ball that was situated on an altar near her.
"Are you alright?"
A voice broke her reverie, and she slowly stood, supporting herself by holding on to the altar.
"Hai, Homura-sama."
She straightened up to her full height, even though her face showed that she might pass out anytime. She clapped twice, and the whole room lit up. She was a tall slender woman, with pale ivory skin and an oval face. Her hair was the color of the silver moon and her eyes were the same coloring, only a shade darker. She wore a midnight shade halter dress, with matching arm warmers. Her dress was glittered with white sparkles that made it look like the night sky filled with a million brightly shining stars. But, no matter how much she resembled a human, she was a youkai. She didn't have fangs or clawed nails, but the pointed ears were enough to give her away.
"How did it go?" Homura came out from the corner he had been standing in while the ritual was proceeding. The woman nodded lightly and ran her hand through her hair.
"It was successful. The first stage of the spell has been easily completed…. almost." She said as she wiped the sweat off of her forehead. Homura arched his eyebrow in amusement.
"Almost?"
"Hai, it seems that the target is stronger than I could ever have imagined." She said as she closed the altar and started to clean up. "You were right; this target is different, stronger." She noted with awe in her voice.
"That's why I want him." He said as he smirked. "When will the second stage of the spell take place?"
"Soon. You did do what I asked you, didn't you?"
"Yes, it is implanted in him. But I don't understand why it was important."
"That 'it' is what I need to infiltrate his mind and weaken his body and heart."
Again, Homura arched his eyebrow at the statement. "Weaken his mind and body?" The girl nodded and faced him. "Yes, if these two are not weakened, the spell won't work." She said matter of factly.
"Why?"
"You shall see."
Sleep, sleep my child,
Deep into your brief death,
Leave your shell,
And go to the land,
To see again,
What it seem shall never past.
Goku slowly drifted in and out of consciousness as those words played continuously inside his head. He just listened to it repeating itself, but then, to his surprise, it continued on;
Sleep, sleep my child,
Deep into your brief death,
Leave your shell,
And go to the land,
To see again,
What it seem shall never past.
The land of the memories,
Is where we go every night,
To be haunted by the past,
To feel again,
Sorrow and delight.
After the last line faded, the voice finally stopped, giving Goku time to think.
"Where am I?"
He opened his eyes and saw nothing but darkness surrounding him. He rubbed his eyes and opened them again, still nothing. He looked around for his companions. When he didn't see them, he started walking, hoping to find them in this vast field of darkness.
"Hey, minna!! Where are you guys!!?"
Fear started to creep into his body as he began to run. Though he was moving slowly at first, soon he was going faster and faster, spurred onward by his desperation.
"Sanzo! Hakkai! Gojyo!! Where are you!!??"
He ran and ran, but he found no one. After what seemed an eternity, Goku finally stopped. He fell to his knees, panting. Goku looked around again and still saw no one. He could feel all those years alone in the cave building up in him, threatening to overcome him.
"Minna........where......"
Goku could sense the tears welling up in his eyes, threatening to flow down his cheeks. He wiped them away before they could fall, knowing that he had to be strong. He got up and started walking again, hoping against hope that they might be somewhere.
"Sanzo........Where are you?"
He stopped again and tried to look through the darkness surrounding him. He remembered when he was in the cave at night, when the sky was starless. It was almost this dark.
If this was deep underground,
I wouldn't have desired for the sun........
The moment he remembered those words, tears once again threatened to fall. He tried to hold back the tears but it was futile; one drop finally ran down his cheeks. He wiped that single tear away, but more came in its place.
Everything was getting colder and colder by the minute. In no time, it was so cold that Goku wonder, if he could see; could he see his breath coming out of his mouth? The silent and cold reminded him of the time he was imprisoned in Mount Gogyo.
And when it snows..........
All of the sudden, his surroundings turned white; as white as snow. He fell to his knees in surprise at the familiar place, and his eyes opened wide as a few bars appeared right in front of him. "No....." As if that weren't surprising enough; chains appeared where they used to be three years ago before Sanzo had come and saved him.
"Ha-Hakkai!! Gojyo!!" Goku was now afraid; afraid of the loneliness that used to haunt him day and night. "Sa-Sanzo....SANZO!!!! W—where are you!!??" Even more tears fell as the deafening silence of the past haunted him.
And when it snows......
Goku tried to run, but the chains held him back. He managed to reach the bars in hope that it was a mirage, fooling him. But the moment his fingers touched the cold bars, he knew it wasn't an illusion. "S-San—Sanzo...... where are you?"
And when it snows.......one hears......absolutely nothing.....
...............a deafening, absolute silence...............
He held the bars with both of his hands and slid down to his knees. He lifted up his head to see only endless white surrounding his prison. "Sanzo.........Where.....?" He knew no matter how much he asked; there would be no answer.
............a deafening, absolute silence..........
He looked as far as he could see and tried to listen to any sound that he might have missed.......but nothing......nothing could be seen or heard.........only the endless white and the unsettling silence.
""Co—cold.........s-s—so co-cold......."
So alone...........
"Please.......please don't leave me........" Goku said with a cracked voice as he slowly lowered his head, hiding his eyes behind his brown locks, though they failed to mask the tears that flowed ever increasingly down his cheeks.
I'm so alone........
He let go of the bars and slowly retreated to where he used to sit when he was trapped for 500 years; as far as possible from the bars.........far from the deadly white.
I'm so alone........
He brought his knees to his chest and hugged them as close as he could, to preserve whatever heat that was left in him.
I wish........
At that moment he remembered what he had told Sanzo when he asked why he was afraid of snow.
I wish....I could talk to somebody.........anybody.........
But..........
He looked around again, still seeing nothing, and a thought came..........I might never see anyone anymore.........never see Sanzo again..... At that thought, he quietly closed his eyes and cried silently.
But.......I don't even have a name to call out to...........
..........nobody hears me........
Goku couldn't think of anything else at that moment, only about Sanzo, and how he might never see him again. Memories of Sanzo came one by one in his head; Sanzo being angry at him and telling him to get ready the first day the journey started,
All I have is the mesmerizing white......that surrounds me....
In a world......where only I exist.............
Sanzo shooting his gun into the air to make him and Gojyo stop fighting, Sanzo looking pale as the scorpion's poison surged through his body, Sanzo almost dying, trying to save him from Rikudou; all this came rushing through his head, but they did nothing to calm him down, only made him feel much worse.
In a world.........where only I exist.............
.......I could only remember how......terrifying it was.........
Out of all the memories, one memory was clearest and most recent; Sanzo patting his head and explaining that he didn't need a servant next to him and that he was in a bad mood not because of him, but because of the rain. Goku smiled wryly at this memory that was made after he was kidnapped by Homura. Goku hissed with surprised and quickly looked at the source.
The cold snow had reached where he was and one of his feet was the first to get hit by it. Not wanting frostbite, he quickly lifted his foot. He moved to massage his foot, just in case he was getting frostbites, but stopped midway when he saw his foot print on the snow. His mildly surprised face quickly returned to solemn.
My footprint will always be on its own........
Not being able to take it anymore, he took a deep breath and shouted with all his might.
"SANZO!!! PLEASE, PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME HERE!! PLEASE!!!!!"
His throat was raw from screaming, and, after receiving no reply, he dejectedly returned to his earlier silent state and resumed crying.
"Don't leave me here........onegai........don't leave me...........Sanzo....."
"Goku........"
Goku was startled at the sound of his name, but didn't lift his face; fearing that he had just imagined it.
"Goku. I'm here..."
Goku was sure this time that someone was calling his name and knew very well whose voice it was; "Sanzo?" Goku slowly lifted his head and was about to see who it was when a white and warm light emitted brightly from his prison's entrance.
"The sun....."
Because of the light blinding him, he quickly shut his eyes tightly. He kept his eyes shut, but could feel the warmth engulfing him, making him feel safe and secure, no longer alone. He slowly relaxed and stopped crying, and slowly a smile made its way to his face.
After who knew how long, he finally opened his eyes and quickly shut them again as the light blinded him. But this light was different; it was less bright than the previous one. He tried again, his eyes slowly adjusting to the light, and realized that he was in a bed. Without getting up, he looked around and saw that he was in a room. Well, at least he thought so, his eyes were only half-open, the room was quite dark and the only light there was coming from his bedside table lamp.
"Sanzo?" His voice barely escaped his throat in the form of a harsh whisper, but that's all he could manage at the moment. He tried to move his right hand but he realized that someone was holding it. His eyes trailed down to the hands that were holding his and saw......."Sanzo?" Sanzo was sleeping with his head on the side of the bed while kneeling on the floor. He tried calling to him but he couldn't get his voice above a soft whisper. So, he tried squeezing Sanzo's hand as hard as he could, and seconds later the said man stirred.
Sanzo slowly opened his eyes to reveal the beautiful amethyst orbs. He blinked his eyes for a while before raising his head. "Goku?" The boy was surprised to hear Sanzo's voice. It was full of worry, concern and.......something that Goku couldn't figure out. He felt so tired, all he could manage was a meek smile and a weak "Hi..."
"Hmph, finally awake?" Sanzo grunted as Goku smiled sheepishly in return. Sanzo was glad that the room was dark, or Goku would have seen him smile. He never felt so relieved to see Goku awake after what just happened.
FLASHBACK
They finally reached an inn after half an hour of, horrifying, driving. Seeing the state Goku was in, the manager quickly set up a room for them. Hakkai swiftly tried to do anything he could to help. In minutes, Goku was on the bed with blankets covering him, and Hakkai put a slightly wet towel on his forehead after wiping off beads of sweats. Hakkai had quit trying to wipe away the tears since they wouldn't stop falling.
"There. This is the only thing I can do right now." Hakkai sighed as he stood up and wiped off some sweat from his own forehead. Sanzo looked at Goku from across the room, and, from there, he could see that the boy was still crying. Sanzo quickly looked away since he couldn't bear to watch the state Goku was in. Even though he looked away, he could nevertheless imagine the condition Goku was in now, as he could still hear the sound of sobbing and whimpering coming from the boy.
"Wonder what's wrong with him?" Gojyo finally asked, breaking the tension in the room. "How should I know?!" Sanzo shoot back a little too harshly.
"Whoa! Sanzo, back off. I know you're frustrated about this, but don't take it out on me." Gojyo retorted with both of his hands held up in defense. Hakkai just put away the stuff and sat down on the available chair next to Gojyo.
"Ma, ma you guys. Now is not the time to fight." Hakkai placated as he looked dangerously at both of them. They, noticing the menacing aura, calmed down reluctantly. Everything was quiet as everyone cooled down; no sound could be heard except Goku's whimpering voice.
"Could Homura have done this?" Hakkai asked when he thought that everyone was ready for a talk. "Who else?" Sanzo shot back. Hakkai just chuckled. "Well, it's not helping if you keep up like this." He kept on smiling but Sanzo could tell that Hakkai was angry.
"Remember this morning?" Gojyo questioned thoughtfully, breaking the tension between Hakkai and Sanzo. "You said Homura was held out his hand towards Goku as if he were trying to do something, right?" Sanzo just nodded and Gojyo continued on. "It could be something he did while you were asleep."
"It looks like you've got brain after all, ero kappa." Sanzo said as he smirked at the red-headed man. Gojyo wasn't very angry at that remark, which might be the closest thing to a compliment Sanzo had ever given him. Plus, he was too worried about Goku to fight with Sanzo now.
"But one thing still bothers me. Homura could have kidnapped Goku if he wanted to, considering Sanzo was already knocked out by the sleeping gas; but why did he let that opportunity get away?" Hakkai posed as his features turned serious. Gojyo just shrugged as he ran a hand through his long red hair, while Sanzo lit up a cigarette and took one, long drag.
"I don't know what that fucking Kami is thinking," Sanzo stopped to take another drag and continued; "but one thing's for sure; he has something else in mind." Sanzo finished as he looked at the other two. The momentary silence was broken by Hakkai's chuckle.
"Well, it looks like we have to be on our guard." Hakkai glanced at his lover not for agreement, but for reassurance. "Yeah, of course." They both looked to Sanzo for his agreement, but he just shrugged and turned away.
"Ch', do what you want."
With that, they decided to take turns staying up watching. Hakkai was about to leave to order dinner when he heard a familiar voice shouting.
"SANZO!!!"
They turned around and saw Goku shaking violently and continuing to scream. "PLEASE, PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME HERE!! PLEASE!!!!!" They immediately went next to him, but by that time, Goku had stopped screaming, though he kept mumbling as he lay down on his side and curled up into a ball. "Don't leave me here........" The sound of Goku's whimpering voice pleading was heart wrenching for all of them, most especially Sanzo.
Hakkai, having already assessed the situation, ushered Gojyo and himself out of the door, leaving Sanzo alone to deal with this. Gojyo was reluctant to leave the room, while Sanzo appreciated Hakkai's consideration and know-how. He knew he couldn't help Goku openly with them around, especially Gojyo.
"Onegai..........don't leave me...........Sanzo....."
He couldn't stand to hear Goku's voice in that much pain anymore; he quickly kneeled next to the bed and took Goku's right hand. "Goku......" He looked at Goku to see any reaction, but saw none. Sanzo close the distance between his lips and Goku's right ear. "Goku, I'm here....." With those words, Sanzo lifted his head and saw Goku's face finally relax. He didn't say anything more but kept on holding Goku's hand until he fell asleep.
END OF FLASHBACK
I must have slept at least what? Three hours?
Sanzo thought as he looked outside the window. Before he had fallen asleep, it was dusk. Now it was night. "Sanzo?" Sanzo was startled at the sound of a raspy voice calling him.
"Nani?" He asked with his usual tone.
"Wh—where are—"
"They're getting us some dinner." Only then he realized that he was still holding onto Goku's hand. He quickly let go and walked towards the door; missing the hurt look on Goku's face. Sanzo once again was glad for the darkness, or else Goku would have seen that he was blushing.
Even though the room was not light enough to discern facial features, there was enough that Goku could tell that Sanzo was leaving the room. Still a little shaken up by his dream, he called after Sanzo.
"W-wait!! Don't l-l—leave me here!!"
Sanzo glared at him while opening the door. "Grow up. I'm just getting Hakkai." With that, he walked out; leaving the poor boy behind. Goku felt that someone had just taken out his heart and stabbed it. He didn't want to see Sanzo leaving him like that, never.
Being stubborn, he tried to get up. But it seemed that his body was too tired to follow his commands and he couldn't. He tried again and finally managed to sit up on the bed; with the help of the bed post. He held onto the bed post until he felt he could stand up, but his legs were shaking so badly that Goku was surprised that they held his weight. He tried to let go, but the moment he did, his body threatened to fall. So he immediately replaced his hands on it. He looked around the room to find it moving around, swirling, making him queasy.
After a few seconds, he was determined to let go and did. At first he could stand properly and the first few steps were successful, but when got to the center of the room he collapsed. With a loud "THUD!!" he landed on the floor, gasping for air as if he has been running for a mile non-stop.
He looked at the door, wanting so much to follow Sanzo. He couldn't be left behind if he could keep up, but if he couldn't even follow Sanzo out of a room; how would he catch up if Sanzo really left him behind? Before he could ponder this thought, the door was opened hastily and the scuttling of someone's feet could be heard heading towards him.
"Goku!! What are you doing!!? You should be staying in bed." With that, Hakkai took one of Goku's hands and swung it over his shoulders. "Sa—Sanzo...." Hakkai was surprised to hear the cracked voice of Goku. "He's outside. He needed some fresh air." Hakkai put him on the bed and waited for Goku to lie down properly. But seeing the uneven breathing and flushed, pale face, he decided to lay Goku down himself.
"Hakkai...."
"Now Goku, let me do a check up on you then you can talk." Knowing that he could not win over Hakkai, Goku stayed quiet the whole time, which wasn't long. Hakkai took the bandages off his forehead. "There! Now what do you want to say?" The happy face came back and smiled at Goku.
"Hara—hetta..."
Hakkai just smiled at those usual words that he never got tired of hearing. "Well, I asked Gojyo to bring up some food for you; so don't you worry." Hakkai was relieved to see the bright smile Goku gave him. "Arigatou..."
Hakkai smiled widely and continued, "But it's going to take a while, so until then, I want you to rest. Got it?" The boy nodded in response and slowly closed his eyes. In no time, the boy was sound asleep.
Hakkai sighed and exited the room, only to find Sanzo leaning on the wall next to the door. Hakkai looked at him and slowly opened his mouth. "You're right; there is a scar between his eyes."
Seeing no response from the other man, he resumed speaking; "maybe it's because he hit his head on that sharp corner in the last inn we visited." But the other man thought differently.
"Hope so." With that Sanzo went in his and Goku's room while Hakkai went to find Gojyo. When Sanzo closed the door, the other occupant of the room stirred. "Sanzo?"
Sanzo didn't reply immediately, but went to Goku's bed and sat down in the chair next to it. Goku tried to sit up but couldn't and Sanzo told him to be still. "Daijobu?" Asked Goku; seeing the worried face of his sun.
"I'm fine." Before they could talk any more, there was a knock at the door. Without waiting for a response, the door was opened and the other two of the ikkou came in.
"Ok! Who's hungry?" Said Gojyo cheerfully while Hakkai pulled the table from the middle of the room and set it up next to Goku so he didn't have to get off the bed. Together they set up dinner while Sanzo just read his paper. After everything was ready, Hakkai helped Goku to sit up on his bed so he could eat. Sanzo put down his paper and they all ate their dinner with only a small argument coming from Gojyo and Goku. The fight wasn't very noisy considering Goku got a coughing fit every time he tried to shout.
Dinner went well; Goku ate quite a lot, even though he wasn't feeling very well. Hakkai decided to take the first watch and stayed at the entrance of Sanzo and Goku's room. As he stood watch, the people inside weren't quite asleep yet either.
Sanzo was about to fall asleep when a voice called him. "Sanzo...."
"What?"
"Ano.......can you sleep here with me?" Sanzo was startled at the request and could feel his face heating up. "Na—nani!?"
"I'm afraid to be alone......." The pleading voice was soft and barely audible, but Sanzo could hear it. "You're old enough to sleep on your own." With that, Sanzo lay down and got ready to sleep, since his turn to watch was in 5 hours. But, to tell the truth, he wanted very much to sleep next to Goku, but Sanzo knew that he wouldn't be able to control himself if he and Goku were alone. Who could? With that sexy, lithe body; anyone could lose control.
But, Sanzo didn't see the hurt looked on Goku's face when his request was rejected. Tears were threatening to fall and he managed to suppress them, but not without letting out a sob involuntarily. "Oh....well.....um....ok." Goku silently lay down and turned his body to face the wall. After he was sure that Sanzo was asleep, he let one tear go down his cheek.
He hates me.........
Sanzo did hear the sniff coming from the boy and at that moment, guilt hit him, HARD. He was about to get up and go to him when Goku said; "Oh.....well.....um....ok." Sanzo heard the sound of sheets shuffling underneath the boy. Sanzo just lay back down to wait for sleep to overtake him.
He hates me.......
Those three words surprised him. He slowly turned his head towards Goku; only to see that the boy was facing the wall and his shoulders were shaking. Sanzo berated himself; he was supposed to help him, not hurt him. Sighing silently, Sanzo got up and went slowly towards Goku.
"Oi, saru." Sanzo's voice seemed to startle the boy. Slowly, he turned around to face Sanzo. They did nothing but look into each other eyes. Sanzo could see tears streaming non-stop down the boy's cheeks. Goku quickly tried to wipe it all off when he noticed Sanzo could see them. There were a few minutes of nothing but silence which was finally broken by Sanzo's sigh.
"Move over." Sanzo said with indifference in his voice.
"Sanzo?"
"You want me here or what?" Sanzo snapped, annoyed. He wished that Goku would just get it over with because his face was getting hotter and even though the room was dark, Sanzo could guess that he himself was blushing. He waited for a minute longer but Goku was too surprised to move. Seeing no reaction, Sanzo quickly turned around to return to his bed.
"Fine, do what you want."
The moment Sanzo said those words; he could hear the sound of sheets shuffling from behind him. He turned around to find Goku trying to move so Sanzo could sleep next to him.
Goku tried to move quickly so Sanzo wouldn't get angry, but his body was too weak for that. He could tell that Sanzo was getting more irritated by the second. His guesses were confirmed when Sanzo sighed and said; "You're very annoying." The moment Sanzo finished those words; Goku could feel hands being placed swiftly under his knees and his back.
"Wahh!"
Goku screamed lightly and clamped his eyes shut as he was lifted by Sanzo. When he felt his body being softly placed back on the bed, he slowly opened his eyes and was surprised to see Sanzo lying down next to him when he should have guessed he would be… "San—"
"Shut up and go to sleep."
Hearing the stern order, Goku quickly closed his eyes and tried his best not to annoy. He could feel Sanzo moving, probably trying to get comfortable. Goku opened his eyes slightly and was surprised to see Sanzo's face right in front of him. He could feel his heart beating faster and his face heating up.
What's wrong with me?
Goku tried to calm his heart down, afraid that Sanzo could hear its beating. After god knew how long, he still couldn't sleep. For a while, Goku just looked at Sanzo, trying to find any flaw that might be there. But as he suspected, there were none. Sanzo was perfect in every way. Well, at least to him he was.
Goku was about to raise his hand and touch Sanzo's face, to make sure that he wasn't dreaming, but stopped abruptly when he noticed movement coming from the said man, and quickly put back his hand where it belonged. Goku closed his eyes, pretending to be asleep and hoped Sanzo didn't notice that he was still awake, but was surprised greatly when a hand was placed across his waist.
As if that wasn't enough, Sanzo was pulling him closer until he could feel the heat coming from the said man. He calmed down and relaxed, knowing this was none other than Sanzo holding him. Every time he breathed in, he could smell the scent of tobacco and liquor. Goku smiled at the familiar scent as one memory played in his head.
Three years ago, the first few days after he was released by Sanzo, he kept on having dreams where he was left behind by someone who resembled Sanzo a lot. Every time he had those dreams, he would wake up crying non-stop. At first, he thought Sanzo didn't know about it until one night, Sanzo came to his room after he woke up crying from that nightmare.
He was surprised to see Sanzo in his room and was even more surprised when Sanzo hugged him on the bed and tried to calm him down. He cried to his heart's content and Sanzo wasn't even mad at him for staining his clothes. After a while, he finally calmed down and the cries were reduced to sobbing. And then, he noticed that Sanzo smelled of tobacco and liquor, just like now.
Since that time, every time he had a nightmare, he always went to Sanzo's room; feeling relieved to see that the man was still there. Though Sanzo was annoyed by these late night visits, he never pushed him away. Slowly, the nightmares stopped bothering him and so the late night visits ceased as well. Goku never realized it before but, he missed the warmth and comfort only Sanzo could give to him
Now Goku knew that he could sleep in peace. Even though those nightmares were going to come back, Sanzo was next to him. With that thought, he slowly closed his eyes and drifted to sleep. Not knowing how wrong he would be............
The girl smiled wickedly as she watched Sanzo and Goku sleep in her crystal ball.
Good. They're asleep.
She was about to say something when she stopped abruptly and looked closely at her crystal ball. She smiled in amusement as she realized it. "Well, well. It looks like one of them is still awake."
"Who is?"
"Homura-sama!! I thought you were asleep." The girl turned around to see her master. Homura just blinked and smiled out of amusement.
"You have an amazing ability, and yet you can't sense me?" Homura asked as he got closer. "My senses are not that good. I hardly practice my martial arts movements as I am more partial to magic and sorcery." The girl replied with dignity and pride laced in her voice. "Ah, is that so?" Homura had reached the crystal ball and was peering into it.
"Is that them?" His amused voice abruptly changed to stern. This made her a little nervous but she nodded nonetheless. "I was about to start the second stage, when I realized that Genjo Sanzo was still awake." With that, Homura burned with jealousy and glared at both of them.
Yes, Homura did want Goku to build his new world, but slowly, he had begun to want Goku for himself. He didn't know whether it was lust or love, but he did know that he wanted Goku to be his and his alone. Homura could see the reason why he was attracted to Goku; minus the hand on his waist, the boy had a perfect body. A lithe and sexy body, trim waist, nice legs, a slender neck and shoulder, beautiful golden orbs and lips that looked very sweet to kiss. He was tempted to keep Goku when he tried to convince Goku to be on his side, but dismissed the idea so Goku could make his own choice.
Homura took a long breath and stood up straight again. "Well, continue on with the plan." Even though he wasn't looking at her, she immediately stood in front of the crystal ball.
"Before I start, who does Goku trust the most?" She inquired as she hovered her hands slightly over the crystal ball. "The Sanzo. Why? Does it have anything to do with the third stage?" Homura asked as he retreated to his usual corner for the ritual.
"Hai, we need him to lose faith in his friends so it can be easier to do the final stage." Slowly, a sickly green light emitted from the crystal ball.
"How is that?"
Can't.......brea.....breathe.......
Goku opened his eyes and saw the reason for his thoughts, someone was strangling him. "Ack! Wh—who are you?" he choked out the words forcefully and tried his best to stay alive. He couldn't see who it was but he was sure that the person was smirking at him. He looked around and noticed that he was still in the room and it was dark. He glanced to his side and saw that Sanzo was gone. Of course he was; if he were still here, he would have shot whoever it was trying to kill him. Now he was more worried that maybe Sanzo was hurt first by this person.
Where are Hakkai and Gojyo?
"G—get off—me!!" He ordered as he struggled to get the person to let go by swinging his legs around and thrashing wildly. But the weakened condition he was in didn't help as the person didn't flinch against his actions. Goku got an idea and stretched out his hand and pushed the bedside table. The table and lamp fell with a loud crash.
Th.....that should.....get their....attention.....
He held on as long as he could, despite the fact that he could barely breathe; but Hakkai and Gojyo still hadn't arrived yet. He tried to focus his eyes to see who his attacker was, before he could though, the attacker opened his mouth and said:
"Shine, kono bakasaru."
Goku's eyes widened in shocked when he heard the voice. And as if his energy had left him, his left hand slowly fell down to his side while the other was still struggling mildly with all the little energy he still have.
Masaka...........
Goku couldn't, no, WOULDN'T believe his ears and tried again to see who it was. At the same time, he tried to listen to the voice to make sure that he wasn't wrong. "Wh—who are you!!?"
"Who else? Kono baka."
At the same moment, his vision finally cleared. What he saw made him wish that he was blind and deaf as well. He didn't want to believe this, he wouldn't believe it.
"S—sanzo....?"
To be continued........
A/N: Wahhh! Finally done! Wohooo! ;;; For two months without internet, I finally finish this!(and chap. three too.) Anyway.... thanks for those who reviewed and here's my reply!!
Crimson1: Thanks for the compliment. Really? I thought someone had done this before. Hm......oh well. Anyway, here's a Sanzo keychain for you.
MissyIrene: It's a great story?! Oo ::Glomps:: Sankyuu!! For that; I give you a Hakkai keychain with Hakuryuu on his shoulder.
Ranechi: Well, sankyuu! I hope this chapter reaches your expectation! And as a reward for your patience; A Gaiden Goku keychain!!
Mabaroshi16: Ahhh! Mabo-san!! ::glomps:: Sankyuu soooooo much for helping me!! Here's a chibi Sanzo-while-pointing-his-gun and (since you're my beta.) a chibi kougaiji-and-chibi-Goku keychain!!
Koinu-chan: Thank you!! And peace back to you! I hope you love this chapter as much as the last! Here's a Gojyo keychain!!
Gallatica: Tica-chan!!! ::glomps:: Huh? A typo? Where? ::scan the last chapter:: I can't find it...... I'll check it again later. Anyway, sankyuu for reviewing. And one more thing, can you e-mail your address again? I forgot to save it last time. ;;; Gomen ne. Here's a Goku-and-Sanzo keychain!!
Alanime: Hi girl!! Here is a Nataku keychain. And, as a plus; A RO keychain!! How is RO anyway? Anyway, more angst on the way!! This story will be filled with more angst than action. Hehe. Sorry Goku.
Goku: Oiii! How come I'm always the target?
Me: Because you're my favorite character. And those who are my favorites either suffer in my fic. Hahaha. But I still love you, so don't worry.
Goku: ::mumbling:: I'm still worry.
Am1-13th: Ami-chan!! You're back!! ::hugs:: Really? Sankyuu!! Here's a Goku-and-Nataku keychain for you!! How is FLL? Please update it soon!!
Kyaroru-chan: Thank you for the compliment!! Here's a Konzen keychain! About Sanzo's dream....well, this fic IS based on my experience. I did have a dream where I was murdered and when I woke up the moment I was stabbed, I could feel an aching pain where I was stabbed. And when I checked; I could see a new long shape bruise!! Scary, don't you think? Anyway, in this fic, a spell was cast on Sanzo. So, you know the drill. Based on my simple research about dreams. Dreams are fascinating, don't you think? If you figure out something from this note, please keep it to yourself first. Anyway, thanks for the review!
Etherel light: Sankyuu! I love it too! Here's a Hakkai-and-Tenpou keychain for you!!
Eiri Izz: Hii!! I know!! It was 25 pages when I wrote it. This one too. And, nothing is wrong with you, we both are having the toughest moment of our live if you know what I mean. Sankyuu for the compliments!! Here is a Sanzo keychain!!
Ashura Akuma: Yes, I know I am. Am I more meanie now that I left that cliffie up there? Haha. Anyway, thanks for the review!! Here is a Kenren keychain!!
A/N: There. All 13 reviews replied. Please review for this chapter and I'll give you some brownies. Not that I don't want to give you keychains, just that I'm broke. --;; Now, please tell me what you think! Just press that small purple down there....
