RATING: PG (strong language)
CH 2 BACKGROUND: A month has passed since Hakkai and Sanzo have started conversing on-line. Since then, they have revealed certain personal information of themselves including the names of people in each of their life. (Gojyo, Goku, Kanzeon). However, they have decided to remain with their abbreviated alias. (Jade, Shin).
DISCLAIMER: I don't own Saiyuki manga, anime or any of its characters. Minekura Kazuya is the owner of all great things that is Saiyuki.
--Sanzo's remarks in BOLD
--Sanzo's thoughts in ::xxx
JadeYoukai38(Hakkai)
Shinuka83 (Sanzo)
A YOUKAI AND A JADED MONK
By: Nekozuki1776
PART 2
A MONTH LATER . . .
-JadeYoukai38
-Shinuka83
Hello Shin. How are you doing this evening.
Ok I guess.
Something seems to be on your mind. Anything you would like to discuss?
Just had a long day. Had to attend a meeting with the saru's teacher.
Oh my, but I thought Goku was a good student.
That wasn't the problem. According to his teacher, some of the senior kids at the high school ganged up on him.
Oh no, and Goku is only in 8th grade. I hope that he wasn't hurt.
Nah. . . Not seriously at least. I would have noticed before if he had gotten bruised or worse. And anyway, I didn't invest many hours a week training him in martial arts and self defense techniques for nothing. He's a tough scrapper. He doesn't get knocked down that easily. Only I get to do that to him.
(chuckle) You're right. You've always said that he was skilled in fighting.
He's not bad. I'm impressed with how quickly he picks up the techniques. I hate to admit it but he'll probably surpass me in another few years. : (
Ah. I see that you are at last making use of the emoticons that Goku has been teaching you.
Ch. It was annoying. So many symbols. I can't believe how much he knows. I mean, what the hell does "emoticons" mean anyway?
I believe that it is an abbreviated word stemming from the word, "emotional icons." Emoticons are ASCII glyphs originally designed to show an emotional state in plain text messages. (1)
Figures the walking encyclopedia would have the definition on standby. . .
Thank you. I'll take that as a compliment. :-) So there are a lot of emoticons to learn, ne?
It's overwhelming the amount of stuff that's out there. He said that he uses it all the time when he does that instant messaging stuff. The frown was the only one I could remember though.
You mean CHOSE to remember. It is rather fitting though.
Ch.
Ahaha. But you have to admit, there are other emoticons that can help express your feelings.
Why? I don't wink, cry, get surprised or any of that crap. And you smile enough for the both of us. Believe me, the scowl aka do-you-want-to die is all I need to know.
Hai, hai. :-) But you're right about one thing though Shin. Children really do have to endure so much more theses days than when we were in school.
What are you 75? You sound like an old man.
Ah. Maybe. But I am simply stating the facts. Children do face more problems these days: peer pressure, higher expectations, and stress. As a result, it makes them susceptible to breakdowns. One never knows who is just around the corner ready to break you-- like the bullies that are picking on Goku.
Yeah. It really pisses me off. Makes me want to take names and kick some ass.
Goku wouldn't appreciate you fighting his fight.
Don't you think I know that? But a group of older guys picking on one kid. That's one of the worst kinds of evil.
You're right. That is the lowest of the low.
There's one guy in particular, an upperclassman named Homura, that really pisses me off. I think he's strong, maybe even stronger than Goku.
He must be the leader of this notorious group.
Yeah. I just don't know what to do.
I think all that you can do Shin, is to continue to instill good values in him, train him, and of course, keep on guiding him in the supportive way that you have been. You know that Goku won't stand for any interference on this matter. Just think how we were when we were his age—teenagers on the cusp of being young men, trying to prove ourselves.
From the things you told me about him, he's already faced and conquered many physical and emotional battles to get to where he is today. I think he has been able to overcome these obstacles due to your guidance. Just let him know you'll be there for him for support when the time comes. Believe me, he recognizes and appreciates your presence a lot more than you think.
::There he goes again, giving me the sense of comfort I need. Saying all the right things:: Sanzo was finally starting to admit this jade eyed conversation partner was slowly and inexplicably becoming an important part in his life. During the last six weeks, they had fallen into a comfortable once a week chatting pattern in their on-line relationship. There were no limits to what they discussed; everything from Chinese Legends, politics, history, family members, hobbies, friends, likes, and dislikes. No topic seemed off limits.
Sanzo was amazed by the trust and comfort level they shared. It was hard for someone like him with a clouded past to accept this at first but his stoic sense of logic was slowly ebbing away to his growing need to continue and nurture this relationship.
You really have an answer for everything don't you?
Not really. As a former teacher and a person who often takes care of his roommate who is a bit of a child at heart himself, I can truly relate.
Gojyo? I'll bet that kappa is always giving you a headache.
Oh he's not bad at all. He might be a bit immature at times but no one is more loyal, friendly or has a bigger heart than Gojyo.
(Folds his arms in irritation and takes a deep drag of his cigarette.) ::Damn it. How can I be jealous over a womanizing ero-kappa like him?::
But no one is as sweet and insightful as you are Shin.
(Coughing and gasping sounds amidst the second drag) Takes a paranoid survey of the monitor, desk and the CPU for any hidden surveillance device.
Ch. What the hell are you talking about?
Oh nothing. ;-)
::Damn it, why does he always catch me off guard? Change topic now!.::
So what's the ero-kappa been up to anyway? How is his catch of the month? Or should I say week?
Your latter statement was more accurate this time around. This lady seemed somewhat promising, and I think even Gojyo had a glint of hope. But she made a tragic mistake.
What? Did she mess up on the tea ceremony?
: - ) No. She commented on his hair and eye color.
So?
You see, Gojyo has a bit a complex about his features. His father once had an affair with a woman who had red hair and amber eyes. Gojyo was the product of that affair. Not so long after he was born, his mother died and a few months later, so did his father. After their deaths, he lived with his stepmother and half brother.
Although his half-brother, Jien treated him kindly, his stepmother hated him with a passion and treated him horribly. His relatives on her side also mistreated him and only paid attention to Jien. His features were a constant reminder of his father's infidelity so every time she saw him she went crazy and abused him physically and emotionally.
One day, she went berserk and was about to stab him with a butcher knife when his brother came home. Tragically, Jien ended up killing his mother in the process of protecting him and they haven't been the same since. Since then, Gojyo has had a complex about his features--feelings of insecurity, sadness, and lots of guilt.
But this girl he's been dating couldn't have known anything about his past yet, right? What did she say that made him break up with her?
She made an offhand remark that when reflected off the light, his amber eyes and hair looked like flowing blood. She almost seemed scared by it. He hated that because he was thinking the exact same thing. Even worse, he thinks the color is a constant reminder of the blood he sinfully spilled for the sake of his existence.
Ch. Why does he have to be so affected? He should know it's not his fault.
True. But you have to admit that's a lot of a past for someone to go through. To be persecuted and ostracized by those around you. I think this might even be worse than not having a family at all. The only true sentiment that Gojyo has ever experienced in his life was the love of his half-brother and even that was short-lived due to the tragic incident.
You and I both have had a trying history but you have to admit, Gojyo has probably had it worse. Even today, he can't see red without flinching. He's gotten better over the years I've known him and it's more subtle now, but I still notice it. Visual association connected to one's feelings--happy or tragic, is a very powerful and persuasive thing.
Which now brings me to the explanation of his abhorrence towards his physical features. Not many people have dark red hair and amber eyes which do have undertones of blood—especially when reflected against the light. It doesn't help that the symbols of his guilt are continually staring him in the face every time he looks in the mirror. Ironically, I think he keeps his hair long on purpose as a continuing punishment for what he thinks he caused. Unfortunately, that's not something that a short haired brunette like me without his kind of a past can relate to.
::So he's a green eyed brunette? Interesting . . . :: Yeah. I see what you mean. . .
It's an association problem.
What? ::Stop fantasizing what he looks like damn it, and get back into the dialogue!!::
Gojyo continually associates the color red to blood, which reminds him of his sins and thus brings him sadness.
You should tell him to get off his self effacing guilt train and have him shave his hair and get colored contacts.
Now you know that's just a temporary band-aid to the real issue at hand.
I know. I know. Just wishing that problems could go away as easily as this so that you wouldn't have to see him suffer so much.
I appreciate your concern but I just feel helpless at times.
There might be something you can say that might help him. Emotionally at least.
What is it?
That there are a hell of a lot more things out there in the world that are red than just blood.
0…0
You know what I mean. Apples, fire, cranberry juice. . . (A/N: ?!?? Sorry Sanzo. . .)
Hmm. What a simple yet a potentially effective solution. You know, you really are more intuitive than you give yourself credit for. Are you sure you weren't a monk or wise sage in your previous life?
(blushing furiously, fumbles for another change of topic) Do you have one?
Pardon?
You know, a visual reference that brings back a powerful memory from your past? A happy memory I mean.
Why yes. I do have one. But to tell you about it, I would have to give you a background story. Is that ok?
Sure, why not?
But first I have to ask you. Have you ever heard of Easter?
It's a Christian holiday but I don't know much else.
Yes you're right, It is a Christian holiday celebrated on a Sunday that fall during the month of March or April during the spring season each year. In my orphaned days, I attended church every Sunday including the holidays such as Christmas and Easter. I was never a devoutly religious person by nature even back then with the sisters' influence, but I never failed to miss the Easter mass. For some reason, this service has always been very special to me. But it has taken a significant place in my heart especially over the last few years.
What do you mean?
This holiday is to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. To me, it also marks a very personal point in my life. I remember that it was around Easter three years ago when I was released from prison after serving time for the crimes I committed. I went to church the following weekend to attend the Easter mass and I distinctly remember how the church was adorned with bright gold and white runners and the priest dressed in his purple robe that he traditionally wore during the Easter service.
In the sermon that day, he discussed the importance of the physical and spiritual significance in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He added that we should mark this point as a symbolic "resurrection" for all of us—a rebirth of our faith and other aspects of our lives. Christ died for our sins and offered us a chance at a new life to lead through the path of repentance. It was one of the most cathartic moments in my life. And now, every time I see something colored in a combination of gold and purple, it reminds me of the beautiful decorated cathedral during Easter and the things I learned that wonderful day.
0…0
That's quite an experience. It must have really helped you deal with your inner turmoil.
It was a big step that played a major factor in my road to penance. I am still in the process of dealing with my issues but this association gives me a constant reminder that everyone, no matter how small of a window, has an opportunity for penance and redemption. . . I'm sorry to go on and on like this. I'm dominating this conversation. I hope I'm not boring you.
You're not. But I was just wondering. . . are yellow and purple the traditional Easter colors?
Well mostly, yes. On a more secular level, you might have seen Easter baskets, chocolates, candies, plush bunny and chick figures in those colors during the holidays. Why?
A few years ago, I remember Goku once bringing home a big wicker basket filled with lots of that stuff in those colors. He got it from his "girlfriend", Lirin, an exchange student who went to school with him. She took a liking to him and gave him that basket.
That suspiciously sounds like a very well stocked Easter basket to me. Did you get to enjoy some of the goodies?
Hell no. I don't like any of that junk food. Anyway, the saru ate all of it. I remember he was wired like you wouldn't believe afterwards.
Most likely the result of excess sugar consumption.
It took me hours to bring him down and when I did, he just collapsed.
Ahaha. It must have been an amusing sight.
Ch. Makes me want to shoot the baka-zaru just thinking about the trouble he put me through that night.
So it's safe to assume that the Easter basket would be slotted as a BAD visual association for you?
Hell yeah.
But seriously, I apologize for monopolizing our dialogue today. I feel like I'm the only one who benefited from our chat this evening. Since we're almost out of time, we can discuss your life-changing experience or a visual association next week.
But I already told you.
Now, now. I am not so foolish to believe that the Easter basket has had such an impact in your life. There are other sensory associations you know (audio, smell, tactile). Ponder on it more and something will come up. The floor belongs to you next week.
Ch. Whatever. Anyway I benefited too.
Oh?
You gave me advice on Goku's situation and I learned more about you today. Your favorite holiday, your favorite colors, etc. ::and you hair color.::
Nonetheless, I must stick by my ruling Shin, to make next week the holy man's enlightenment hour.
Do you want to die?
No. But a purification ritual doesn't sound bad. . .
Ch.
Ahaha. I had a great time tonight. Thank you and good night, Shin.
::Don't let him go yet. Say it. JUST SAY IT! :: HeyJade?
Yes?
Violet.
Pardon?
The color of my eyes are violet.
The purple-eyed blond basked in his next 10-seconds of glory almost hearing the emerald eyed brunette's sharp intake of his breath and the clattering of his tea cup.
Good night, Jade.
::(Smirk) So there. ::
-TBC-
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
(1) – courtesy of www. cknow. com.
A/N: Sorry for the limited and somewhat dated versions of my emoticon usage. I know there are many more varieties out there but I apparently lacked a few points because the emoticons I originally had in my story failed to download.
In essence, I am offering you a feeble excuse for my lack of software and downloading know-how. Maybe the fates are telling me to back off, stick to the old-school and shun the latter generations of emoticons. Or maybe I am simply a victim of sloth and circumstance.
But what can you expect from someone who believes that Word, Excel and the toaster (not the mini toaster-oven, the actual vertically operated appliance whose sole purpose in its existence is to toast sliced bread or bagels) are the greatest technological advancements in this day and age. So there. - nekozuki
Arigato to all the readers!
Thank you especially to Sariyuki, Keruril222, floridasandman, and kazuha, for the very kind reviews on the first chapter when it was a oneshot. You were the 1st set of reviewers EVER in my history here at FF. Although the reviews got lost, they were very much appreciated and an inspiration to continue this story.