Chapter 3: Past and Present

Standard Disclaimer Applies

"Waaaaahhhh!"

The scream from inside the house came rather suddenly, making Hakkai, who had been standing outside the front door, start abruptly. Shortly following the cry came the tromping of footsteps randomly hitting the floor, although Hakkai was fairly certain whoever was making all that noise was running and jumping, judging from the resounding thumps inside the room. Amusedly, the brunette supposed the neighbors would be complaining about the sounds soon enough, but quieted when a familiar pair of voices floated past the wooden foundation of the house.

"Mou, gimme back my shirt, dumb kappa! I can't believe you!"

Gojyo was obvious miffed when he replied, on account of the tone being used. "Well, then stop bein' such bakasaru and ADMIT it! You've got it BAD for Sanzou, don't ya? Huh?!"

If Goku had been in plain sight, one might have seen the heated flush appear on his visage. "FORGET about Sanzou right now! He's not part of this conversation! Now, gimme my shirt, I can't go out without it!"

"Che! You're startin' to get annoying with all that repetition... 'gimme back my shirt,' this, and, 'stop talking about MY Sanzou-sama,' that...guess you really can't teach a monkey new tricks."

"DAMMIT, I'M SO GONNA KICK YOUR ASS, GOJYO!!"

"Yare yare desu ne..." Hakkai chided happily, grinning as his hand went out to ring the doorbell once more. "They're so lively; even at this time of night...it's almost admirable, really..."

The shouting match was a welcome distraction from his own nervousness, however, so Hakkai could not actually say that he preferred silence or anything of the sort. The mere fact that only yesterday, one week after Gojyo and Goku introduced themselves to him at the Jouryoku Kafe, the redheaded teenager had invited Hakkai to join them at the opening of one of the hottest, newly nightclubs in town, Club Okiri. No matter how much Hakkai had tried to convince the passing Yaone-who had been unexpected listening to only the section of their conversation where Gojyo was trying to convince the overly polite waiter to accompany him-she, later, insisted on congratulating Hakkai upon getting a date.

This was countered with a hasty, extremely embarrassed, 'I'm-afraid-you're-mistaken-because-Gojyo-san-and-I-aren't-like-that,' speech; though Hakkai internally decided that from the look on Yaone's face, the young woman was still unconvinced.

At the moment, however, Hakkai stood in front of the said, 'date's,' home, dressed in a loose, Asian-styled top of a dark green hue, with tight black pants fitted against his slim waist. It may not have been so much because he was, "going out with Gojyo," that had encouraged him to wear such a flamboyant outfit as it was the fact that going to a nightclub meant being dressed for the occasion.

Though my pounding heart seems to suggest otherwise... Such a grimly amusing thought calmed him somewhat, but the wry humor did little to stop the next notion.

Oh, then again, why am I even acting this way in the first place? Gojyo-san is merely a friend of mine who wanted another friend to come with him to a nightclub. I'm sure there're lots of younglings his age who consider the same thing perfectly platonic...

And besides that, I should remember that I'm supposed to be protecting him. Not trying to focus on how handsome and—ahh, and I should –probably- just stop any further thoughts right there... Hakkai suddenly found the front of his boots very interesting, feeling suddenly hot and uncomfortable. Heavens, what am I THINKING? Gojyo-san is another man! A mere child, even! Not only that, but he is a Halfling; not like this one, at all...

No...not like this tainted soul, at all...

"Hakkai!" Goku poked his head out, grinning slightly at the visitor before him. "Sorry about before...Gojyo took my shirt from me and I had to go after him! We woulda answered the door sooner if that erokappa hadn't done that!"

The proclaimed, 'erokappa,' came to the doorway, looking rather unkempt, and whapped the younger male over the head. "Oi, oi! Quit puttin' the blame on me, saru, and invite our guest in, already!"

"'Saru,' ja nai yo!"

"You are SO a little monkey." Smirking, the bump tangled in the boy's russet locks was rubbed by a suddenly affectionate Gojyo, who took notice to Hakkai immediately after. "C'mon in, Hakkai. The place doesn't open 'till eight, so we've still got some time to relax. I'll be in my room gettin' ready, but Goku'll take care of ya."

"H-Hai...I'm sorry for the inconvenience." Remembering his manners after being somewhat surprised by their brotherly display of fondness, Hakkai carefully treaded into the apartment suite, smiling gently. "You both live together?"

"Yup!" Goku squeaked, taking Hakkai's hand and leading the young man to their living area. "Gojyo and I are really good friends, and he's been takin' care of me since my parents died. We're like brothers, almost, even if he is a stupid kappa."

"I heard that," floated the indignant reply from two rooms away.

Goku merely snorted rather chivalrously, and went on. "We've always been hangin' out together, even when we were kids...my mom and his mom were friends in high school, too, and even after graduating, they were still really close. When they got married, they kept in close contact by phone, and my mom would sometimes get visits from her."

"Then, when I turned five, the visits kinda stopped altogether. I'd used to call Gojyo, and he'd sometimes leave the phone kinda scared soundin'. Like someone was comin' after him or somethin'. A whole lot of time went by 'till I really got to see him again; 'bout eight or nine years, I think...and when I did, he was a completely different person."

There was a slightly wistful, solemn glint on Goku's gold orbs as he continued his tale, though the unperceptive listener may not have realized it. Hakkai was, of course, more aware than the rest, so for him, it became blatantly obvious; from the moment it sparked, to the moment it stayed.

"When we were little, Gojyo was a real polite, nice kid. Sorta like the way you are, Hakkai. But after we separated, he kinda got into some bad shit...he started getting into the wrong crowd...went to sleazy bars every night that didn't really care that he was smokin' and drinkin', even though he was technically only a teenager. That was the kinda run-down village we used to live in..."

"But, eventually, he straightened out...although I really don't know why, even now. Hehe! And even though he still has yet to give up the smokes, Gojyo's really a great guy." Goku smiled at Hakkai, honest admiration evident in his expression. "I mean, he earned money all by himself to get a place here in Tokyo...and after my parents passed away, Gojyo took me into custody of his own free will, once he turned 18! And we've been here together ever since. That's, like, the coolest ever, isn't it!?"

Hakkai's renewed, equally appreciative gaze upheld and supported with his next words. "Yes...Gojyo-san is a rather amazing person, and I can see why from what you've said about him."

"Yeah!" Goku nodded enthusiastically. "He's sorta a foul-mouthed, laid-back guy, but always reliable! Yup, that's Gojyo for ya!"

A familiar set of footsteps went padding across the ground, with a similarly recognizable baritone voice speaking up. "Hey, Goku...you're not boring 'Kai with your whole life story, are you? I'm not sure if he wants to hear all that..."

"Don't worry about it! I already finished, and for your information, Hakkai DID listen to me! All the way through!"

"Ch'! I'm surprised he could stand that annoying voice of yours for so long."

"WHAT WAS THAT, EROKAPPA?!"

The argument went on, but Hakkai barely was listening. His train of thoughts and clear view of vision could only be focused on what the redhead was wearing--or, better put, how what he wore affected Hakkai. A dark blue tank top hardly could be considered unorthodox, and though it did expose some of the taller male's midriff, the flesh was muscled and tanned. It took much of Hakkai's self-control to keep from staring alone...

Though even that proved to be a futile effort, as Goku asked his next question in a rather mischievous tone.

"Ne, Hakkai...what're you starin' at Gojyo like that for? What was it? The tight pants or the shirt?"

"Shut up, saru. Quit teasin' him." Gojyo slapped the boy upside the head, as he watched the older brunette start blushing furiously. "He can stare if he wants."

I can't believe I was STARING just now...he must think of me to be such a strange one... "S-Sumimasen, Gojyo-san..." Still clearly embarrassed, Hakkai made a stubborn effort to smile it off. Unfortunately, such a nervous grin came out so sheepish it proved as little of a shield against the accusations.

Augh...God, he looks so CUTE when he's all embarrassed... "Like I said, doesn't matter to me if you wanna stare." Gojyo looked away as well, less out of awkwardness, really, and more out of the truth that he did not want to face such an expression yet again. "Do whatever you want."

As for Goku, the boy was left exasperatedly glancing back at forth at the two blushing males, rolling his eyes both internally and physically. Jeez, they're both so hopeless! It's OBVIOUS they like each other, so what's with the whole playin' hard-to-get thing?!

Man, adults are just too hard to understand!

By the time the threesome reached Club Okiri and actually got inside, the line they had just come was all the way down the street. Goku was oblivious to this, singing rather inarticulately under his breath about the club; Gojyo seemed quite relieved over their small victory of getting in before the crunch began; and Hakkai was smiling, as usual, although this smile could be considered a bit more sincere from the looks of it.

"Shit, this place really DOES get crowded after ten...and it's a Friday, so that's probably got somethin' to do with that." Gojyo sauntered toward an empty lounging couch located on the left side of the room, and because the pounding bass was far too vociferous for even his voice to be heard over it, the redhead motioned for his friends to, 'follow me.' Hakkai immediately pulled the unaware Goku along by the arm—in which, while the boy did protest, trusted Hakkai enough to let the older one pull him along for the ride.

This isn't anything close to real trouble
The land and sky were moving for us
I want those exciting days to come back...

The wish bracelet I threw into the winter ocean
Disappeared without making a sound
The breakwaters are glowing red this evening, go go! (go go...go go...)

The music was upbeat, wildly addictive, even, with its strong female vocals and somewhat lyrical tone. Hakkai mused lightly that he had heard this song play on Jouryoku Kafe's radio one day during the week, though he could not be certain. Whatever it was, he could quietly, just barely, hear Goku mouthing off the lyrics precisely as they were being sung, only in a tenor pitch. Hakkai decided the boy's voice was quite well-developed for someone so young, as silently admired his talent.

Upon reaching the sofa Gojyo had long already sat down upon and saved for the other two, Goku plopped onto the cushions and shut his eyes. "Nyaa! These pillows are velvet-y..."

Hakkai placed himself near Gojyo, and let Goku thrash about happily on his side. "So they are, Goku! And the actual sofa is well-made as well...Gojyo-san, those passes weren't expensive, were they...?"

Before allowing the young man to administer his chiding, Gojyo patted the brunette's shoulder in assurance. "Hey, don't worry about price right now, okay? We're gonna have a good time tonight, so forget about everything else c'ept that, got it?"

The contented grin crept upon Hakkai's face before he could even stop it, jade spheres reflecting that very emotion. "...Of course. I understand."

Hakkai, startled, stared into the jostling, dancing crowd to peer at a recognizable blonde head. "Is that...?"

Noting his friend's odd behavior, Gojyo leaned against the young man's shoulder, gently rubbing it. "Hnn? Who'd you see?"

Still wide-eyed, (and unaware to their close contact, obviously, as the effect of something like that would have long ago mortified him), Hakkai turned to the rather confused redhead. "I think that...I just saw Sanzou out there on the dance floor."

"Say WHAT!?" As the smaller man predicted, Gojyo's reaction was one of pure astonishment. "What's that femme stiff doin' in a place like this?!"

But Hakkai, on the inside and facially, was just as confused as his companion. "I wish I could tell you...but I'm afraid that's beyond my scope."

As the oldest male of the group approached, Hakkai immediately stood up after taking a quick assessment of Sanzou's expression. Granted that the blonde wasn't exactly a cheerful person—but that facial feature of a hard-set scowl plainly meant something had gone terribly wrong. As to what it was—well, Hakkai decided, it appears that much I'll have to ask him to find out.

"I'll only be a moment, Gojyo-san." Hakkai smiled at the Halfling who was now sitting rather awkwardly, (as Goku had begun to try and take up his side of the couch now), and gazing up at Hakkai interestedly.

"There somethin' up?" His voice spoke concern.

Hakkai's seemingly carefree grin faded; a rare action for him, Gojyo already knew, even though their association had only lasted for about one week thus far. "...It appears that way." Without another word, Hakkai trotted over to the disgruntled Sanzou, who was attempting rather unsuccessfully to detach himself from the growing crowd.

No hesitation occurred as Hakkai pulled his old friend and work partner from the hypothetical sea of humans, and though the music was still playing loud, the audible profanities uttered were obviously from Sanzou's rage. "Are you alright, Sanzou?"

"Fucking idiots...the whole bloody lot of them." Sanzou muttered irately. "Listen, you; I came here for you, so you'd BETTER be goddamn grateful, got it?"

It seemed Sanzou had already long lost his temper ages ago, though it wasn't even remotely funny to Hakkai this time once he caught wind of the way his comrade was speaking. "Sanzou...what's wrong? You sound terribly aggravated, and even you expression said that to be before we started speaking."

Shit...well, it's not like I've got any roundabout way of putting it...might as well lay it all out there for him, plain as can be...

"Chin Yii Sou killed another batch of fifty humans and demons. I heard on the news that it was some anonymous murderer, but I think even THEY know who it is. It was all him; the crosses on their chests; the centipedes everywhere at the crime; and the cryptic letter again about, 'wanting his revenge on the one who killed my father.' No other perverted psycho would do all that coincidentally all at the same time."

Hakkai's face couldn't even express the complete feel of his devastation, and Sanzou, though no mind reader, knew that much. There were few ways to get the man to listen to him; but the easiest tactic for Sanzou was a good verbal smack to the head. Considering he didn't have a tray handy, it certainly would be the most convenient one, as well.

"...Listen, you, don't start getting all fucking self-sacrificial on me! That bastard's twisted; none of the murders were your fault, you hear?"

"But it WAS, Sanzou..." Unbidden, the words came as a near whisper toward the other agent. And whether he heard Hakkai or not did not seem to matter; the brunette still went on in his talk. "He's killing innocents because I'm the one he wants. It wasn't my blade that spilled their blood...but the blame and the guilt still rests in my heart."

"Listen...Hakkai..." Sanzou was not, and never had been, one for sympathetic comforting. He obviously wasn't about to start now.

"No...for as long as that man is alive and slaughtering people, my old name still exists. Until the curse is lifted...if it ever is..."

"...Until that day, I am still Cho Gonou...a murderer."

Joonie: I appreciate the compliment very much, Joonie-san. :D Honestly, I had hoped that a story like this, which I have not yet seen the likes of on , would be interesting to people. I'm glad to at least have someone who thinks this is unique. Yes, romance and action fans will enjoy this story, I'm sure, as long as they can stand shonen-ai. Although I plainly stated it in the summary to make sure my readers were okay with it in the first place. :) Stick around, Joonie-san! There's more good things where that came from, and I will try my very hardest to make this story a success. Sankyuu for the review! –Gives you Pocky-

Silver on the Tree: Squeak! Hai, Hakkai angst works nicely, but it's only because I love him so much that I'm doing that. (And boy, did I sound twisted there or what? XD) Seriously, though, I really don't want to put him through any more than he absolutely HAS to, (Kami only knows the poor guy's been through enough already...), but for the purposes of the character motif Minekura-san created for him—a smiling youth with a dark past—I must keep with mainly the same background as the original series. It's my style, I'm afraid. So many people have already said they liked my title!
-Blushes- Thank you, Silver-san! Umm...but, quite honestly, the title was really something I worked hard on to match this story's plotline. So it's nice that people think it's well-apt. As for Hakkai and Sanzou being agents...well, spies in an AU fic is a rather overused tactic, I know—but for the sake of the action/adventure genre in this story, I plan on keeping them that way. :P Besides, Sanzou and Hakkai are the only two people I know from the Sanzou-ikkou that I could see as plausible work partners. They have a deep understanding with one another. Sankyuu for the review! –Gives you a Hakkai plushie-

Yuki-chu: Yuki-san, you're back to review again! That's great! –Dances with Gojyo and Goku for fun, too- Goku is one of my favorites; he's just so cute. I can't resist those HUGE, gold eyes. 00 BAKASARU! XD Yesh, I'm weird; I know. And yes, Chin Yii Sou is here again. I read Saiyuki manga volume 4 recently, and I love the dark aura he gives off. Some villains are so cool. But I also wanted him here as a central person because he's the first major antagonist I wanted these characters to face up against. Next is Homura, the fan-proclaimed Goku-lover. XD No, seriously; I find that funny, though slightly off-kilter. A twisted sort of unrequited romance would be interesting in the sequel to this story which will feature him, I guess. Yes, I'm planning and sequel; and, yes, I suppose the above comments means I agree with the pairing. Gojyo x Hakkai is my bigger favorite, though. Don't worry; nothing's happening to anybody...yet. :) The Sanzou-tachi still have to get a bit closer before the impending danger arrives, and I want some more psychological angst and pain before the REAL blood starts to spill. –Cackles maniacally and cocks the guns- I'm really not morbid, though, believe me. XD Sankyuu for the review, Yuki-san, and I hope to see you next chapter, too! –Gives you Gojyo and Goku plushies-

FluffysBijin05: Hey, you should DEFINETELY get the next DVD volume! I highly recommend it! You'll like the growing bond the Sanzou-ikkou will start to develop, I'm sure; and as for your favorite characters, (Gojyo and Hakkai, right?), they start to have their own little episodes of sorts towards the third and fourth DVDs. I have seen the first and second seasons of the show so far, and own them all, too. I'm so proud of my collection. Plus, re-watching episodes of anime is always fun, right? Your sisters like it?! Aw, you're so lucky to have someone to watch it with you! My sister's younger than me, and she's 8, and with such a short attention span, I can't get her to sit through anything! Let alone a show that she really wouldn't understand, anyway. :P Hai, Hakkai is such a sweetie, and I love him, too, but I too have such a soft spot for all the characters of the Sanzou-ikkou. I just can't choose! And don't worry about not understanding the story after only watching 5 episodes. You'll be just fine; I'm the type of person who, in her fics, explains even the things you know after watching the series. That's just the way I am. Pocky is a Japanese snack, biscuit sticks covered three-quarters of the way down with different flavored toppings. They're absolutely delicious, and you can usually find them at oriental stores or at certain specialty stores, like Suncoast. Sankyuu for the review! –Gives you Hakkai and Gojyo plushies-

Sorry for the long chapter and review replies again, but I hoped to clear up some things before we go on to our next installment of JK. Hope everyone's enjoying the story so far, and please stay tuned for next chapter!

You may review if you so graciously feel inclined to. But only if. Really. I won't force you to.