Sanzo felt as though the pit had dropped out of his stomach. The saru lay on the bed, his torso securely wrapped in white bandages. His breathing was soft but, erratic. His skin was pale and cold as death. His bangs were stuck to his forehead with perspiration.
Wait a minute, his.... forehead?!
Only now did Sanzo notice that Goku's power limiter was gone. But, against his better judgment, he asked the withered old woman no questions. He trusted Hakkai's decision.
"I've done all I can do for him, at the moment. All we can do is wait. I will take my leave now. But first," the ancient healer produced a small velvet purse from within her kimono, "these herbs will help ease the pain, but use them sparingly." She warned and took her leave.
Sanzo stood watching the saru for a long moment. This was his fault...all his fault. Why hadn't he paid more attention...then he wouldn't have needed saving in the first place. Where was that damn goddess when they actually needed her!?
Sanzo moved to sit on the edge Goku's bed. The small movement disturbed the saru's slumber. He emitted a small painful moan as he forced his eye lids open. A blurry face came into view.
"S... Sanzo?" He asked; his voice hoarse and weak.
"Yes Goku. I'm here."
"Sanzo w...why is it so hot? My body feels like it's burning and freezing at the same time."
"Your very very sick, Goku. Do you remember being injured?"
Goku gave a small nod, his pain glazed gold eye never leaving Sanzo's gaze.
Suddenly Goku cried out. A wave pained ran through Goku's body. Sanzo watched helplessly as Goku lay withering, fingers grasping the sheets so tightly they tore, jaw clenched, his back arched against the pain.
"S...S...SANZO!" the child cried
What Sanzo did next surprised even hi. He took the Saru in his arms, hushing him with soft gentle words.
"It's alright Goku. The pain will pass. I promise."
Goku lay in Sanzo's arms, one hand grasping the monks robes, the other shielding his wound. He tried to pull his breathing back under control. Some how, with Sanzo here with him he wasn't as afraid as he had been with Hakkai and that woman.
There came a small knock at the door that pulled Sanzo out of his stupor.
"Come In."
A small blond head pop in. it was the innkeepers daughter.
"Umm... well sir, I came to see if I could...um...get anything for you?" She asked nervously.
"thirsty" whimpered in Sanzo's ear.
"Yes, could you make some tea and bring some more towels and a bowl of cool water."
The girl nodded and was gone, fetching what she'd been sent for. Sanzo lay back down and stood, removing his robes. Through half lidded eyes Goku watched him, terrified that the monk would leave him. Sanzo knelt near the bed and pushed Goku's bangs from his face, felling the warmth that radiated off the young man's body. Goku was fading quickly.
"How do you feel Goku? Is there any thing I can do for you?"
"ssoo...hot" came the pained reply.
As if by fate the inn keeper's daughter returned that very second.
"Here are the things you asked for sir. Anything else?"
"No. Thank you." The girl gave a small nod and left.
Sanzo took a fresh towel wet it the cool water. He ran it along Goku's face, neck, and chest to cool him. As he looked out the window he could see the sun just peaking over the horizon. He had feeling this would be a long day ahead of him.
"Please you two, hurry and find that flower."