The whole inn was a massive scam to ensnare dumb travelers. It stood on a rocky hill, covered up (poorly) by a large bit of cardboard – the type one can find from refrigerator boxes – those big ones.

It also sported a nice sauna.

COOKED MEAT. Lilin sighed happily while she munched on steamed pork and rice in the middle of the sauna, of all places.

Kougaiji made an exasperated face and closed the door on her, turning to survey his surroundings for the umpteenth time.

"Just what am I doing here?"

"That's what I'd like to know." Dokugakuji crossed his arms and leaned back against a cardboard wall. Behind him, there was the sound of many stage ninjas scurrying to brace the wall in utter silence.

So, really, he heard nothing at all. Stage ninjas are awesome that way.

"Yes, Lord Kougaiji." Yaone tried her best not to pout at her leader in a very un-Yaone-like way. "Are we going to kill the Sanzo team, or what – OW! WHAT THE FU – "

A white dragon had nipped her on the ear. Hakkai, er, Hakuryuu, or… whatever.

"Kyuu." This was a very Hakkai-like statement, what with the tone he was giving. "Kyuuuu."

And he proceeded to wrap himself around Kougaiji's neck.

Yaone: I haven't thought of that one…

… Me, neither. You disturb me.

Yaone: I disturb you?

Kougaiji grimaced, but left the white dragon alone –

Kougaiji: LIKE HELL I'M GOING TO LEAVE IT ALONE! GET THIS THING OFF MY NECK!

Fine, fine. Kougaiji performed an IMPRESSIVE EVASIVE MANEUVER to avoid getting caught in the dragon's tail-wrap –

"Kyuu!"

But Hakkai's better than that.

Kougaiji: I sense a favorite…

Damn straight. But we're going to talk about the other group, now.

Kougaiji: Dammit –

"Y'know, Hakkai's acting kinda like Hakuryuu, Sanzo."

"Really? Hey, the monkey's right!"

"… I really hope that was sarcasm, or I'm going to have to kill you before the chapter ends."

Too late.