Disclaimer: We don't own Saiyuki, Yami no Matsuei or Weiß Kreuz. There are only a few characters in this fic that we can lay claim to. So those are ours. Try and sue us and the only thing that you will get is dryer lint... maybe a leaf or two as well.

Warning: This fic is yaoi, which means lovely man on man action... if that makes you want to heave, then this is not the fic for you (mostly since that is what floats our boats). Send any flames, and they will be spellchecked then used to line my cat's litter pan. Sign the flame, and it accomplishes nothing since one person having a closed mind is not going to stop either party from working on this fic.

Trouble Travels West.
Chapter three.

Just as the van was pulling up near the inn at the next town, a whistling could be heard... as a boulder was dropped on the building in front of them. Once more the brakes are applied, leaving everyone wondering if it had been such a good idea on Watari's behalf to ensure that those things were is such wonderful condition.

Schu had his arms braced against the back of the driver's seat. "Hmmm... good seatbelts... everyone okay in the back?"

Goku shook himself after having all but flown into the back of the passenger's seat. "Itai! What happened?" Sanzo, scowling, pointed to the 'mountain' that had appeared in front of them.

Adjusting his glasses the blond shinigami looked up at the large boulder. "I take it that this is not a good sign..."

"Generally not." Hakkai said calmly. "This usually precludes an attack of some kind."

"Therefore the little girl that had flashed a victory pose and is now running down the side of the boulder is an enemy?" Watari asked mirroring Hakkai's serenity.

The blond priest made a sound of disgust, accompanied by two groans from the back. The brunette sighed. "It's a... delicate situation..."

A few mental calculations are quickly made before the scientist looked back at the blue-eyed gatekeeper. "Nagi, I would rather that girl not land on the van... her present course and speed would break the roof..."

"Hai." Blue eyes, one midnight, the other sapphire, closed as he sat, making sure he was grounded and stable. He let out a calming breath and went very still, as if in deep concentration.

Outside the van they can all hear Lirin bounce off of something and land on the ground. Inside, Nagi winced at the impact against his shield. The girl got up and pointed at Sanzo, who was sitting in the front passenger seat. "Give me those Sutras you old Priest..."

chichink The blond cocked his gun and pointed it at the girl. Hakkai sweat dropped. "Sanzo... you might want to at least open the window. I don't think they will be too happy if you shoot through the glass."

"Tenkou?" Nanjiro said softly, getting up he opened the back of the van and jumped out, looking up into the heavens trying to locate something... it didn't take long for him to spot the dragons flying above them.

"What?" Schuldich climbed out the side, also looking up. "Nanjiro... what's going on?"

The boy pointed up at the dragons... "I think that Tenkou-chan is with them..."

Lirin, distracted momentarily by the other blond in the van, pulls Watari's glasses from his face and started playing with them... much to his annoyance. Offering the girl a caramel managed to get the spectacles back into his possession.

Since everyone moving around basically eliminated the need for the shield, Nagi dropped it and goes to stand beside Nanjiro. "What would she be doing here though?"

/Uh, that's the reason I was sent here specifically... one of a gatekeepers duties is to ensure the safety of all those concerned that are associated with their particular gate./ Nan replied as he slipped his fingers around one of Nagi's hands.

To stop Goku's whining about wanting a caramel as well, Watari handed one over to the golden-eyed child. Then turned his attention to the group of new arrivals. "Why do I get the impression that this is going to be bad?"

"Cause you're intelligent, beautiful." Schu commented as he stepped closer to Watari.

Nagi smiled slightly at the fingers twined with his own. /Can you 'reach' her/

The new dragon that Kougaiji had thought was tame enough, suddenly kicks back... as though something had startled it. Growling slightly, it started trying to shake its harness. "Calm down... if you fight we'll lose lift..." He struggled with the creature, trying to keep them aloft.

She looked back at her rider... and snorts. Water dragons don't have to depend on a lift, she just flies... like her niisan. Without warning she dove... headed straight for the ground, spiraling in her rapid descent.

Nagi clutched at Nan's hand. "Oh gods... she's falling!"

From the yank on her reins the young dragon stopped her descent... but remained hovering in mid-air, straightening out she looked back at Kougaiji and let a little steam stream out at the panicked youkai. 1

The redhead on the dragon was looking rather wild-eyed. Nagi relaxed his death grip a little. "He doesn't look too confident up there... does he?"

Finally, it looked like she might be following Kougaiji's lead when she started to head once more toward the van... and Lirin. The only problem being, that Kougaiji is aware that she isn't using the wind currents like other dragons. A ripple runs through the scaled body beneath him, and it dawns on the youkai that his current ride has also changed size...

This wasn't going according to plan... he might even have to just release her. Kou would much rather do that, then struggle to return her to the castle, and have to turn her over to Ni. Finally, much to Kougaiji's relief, the dragon landed on the boulder that his sister threw. Curling around the top, it leaned down and affectionately nuzzled Lirin with its snout.

The young girl squealed happily and pet the dragon. "Niichan... she likes me!"

Nanjiro stepped into view. "Tenkou..." The rest of what he said was incomprehensible to human or youkai ears... it finally dawns on the others that the boy was speaking in the dragon's tongue itself. 2 Tenkou yawned then, everyone assumed that she replied to the boy... and gave a shake to her entire body.

Nagi watched curiously. "Nan... what did you two say?"

Nanjiro ignored Nagi for the time being, but turned his attention to Kougaiji. "Why is it that you have Tenkou KaiOu?"

The redhead looked at the blue-haired shinigami in confusion. "What are you talking about human?"

"The water dragon... Tenkou KaiOu. How is it that someone even dares to saddle her?" Red marks started to appear on the boy's cheeks in irritation.

"She was given to me to train... I do not know how Nii acquired her."

"You're an ass... you know that, don't you?"

Their guests were trying not to laugh... well, Hakkai and Sanzo weren't laughing; Gojyo and Goku didn't have their restraint. The redhead's eyes narrowed. "Do you have any idea who I am!"

"Not a clue... and I really don't care." The gate keeper replies. "But I do know that I've definitely seen scarier things than you... and they have better hair."3

"My father is GyuMaOh! I am Kougaiji... and my hair is fine!"

"Great... so your dad is an Ox King... big deal."

"I don't have time to trade insults with puny humans. Lirin... come on, we're leaving."4

Nan gave a smile... reminiscent of a smirk. "You made one mistake today... I've seen your face, and I know your name... I'll always know where you are."

"Lirin... now!" Kougaiji reached a hand for her as she jumped up on the rock. He pulled her onto the saddle in front of him.

"If anything happens to the KaiOu... not even the Ox that has been sealed for centuries will be able to save you." Nan issued as a final warning to the youkai.

The youkai didn't bother to respond, just urged the dragon, gently, into the sky.5 Everyone on the ground tried not to laugh when Tenkou decided to do a spiraling loop as she left. Nagi shook his head. "Nanjiro... why is the daughter of one of the four guardians here?"

"Because she's been missing for a week?" Climbing back up into the van, the blue haired boy looked at the questioning glance that he got from Hakkai, and ignored the fact that Goku and Gojyo are still laughing.

Nagi paled. "Oh no... that's... not good." /Sohryu must be having a fit.../

/He is... especially since if he comes over here himself it would throw off the balance of power too much. Hence, the reason that I'm here./ Returning the glance from Hakkai, the teen responded to the question in those eyes. "Yes, that was dragon I was speaking... and no, I can't speak to Hakuryuu since he is a different species than the one I'm used to dealing with."

Hakkai looked slightly disappointed, but then he nodded. "That's makes sense. Ah well... we communicate well enough, ne, Hakuryuu?"

"Kyuuuu!"

On the way back to what Kougaiji would consider 'home'... Tenkou continued doing her spirals through the air... and generally scaring the crap out of him with her high flying antics. Lirin on the other hand was laughing and generally enjoying herself. Kou clenched the safety straps even tighter. This was crazy!

In the distance the youkai can see a much larger dragon looming... one that he would guess isn't tame by any stretch of the imagination. From the looks of it, it would be a black dragon... and those were always bad news, more so when they are full grown as he suspects that one might be.

The loopy dragon that he is on, continued its forward progress while going through more stunts... being encouraged by the squeals and laughter of Lirin. He tried to get his dragon's attention. This was not good... they couldn't fight with an adult black... they were notoriously aggressive. They must have wandered into its territory with their less then straight flight path.

It took a few tries, but the youkai finally managed to get the young dragon's attention. Hanging suspended in mid-air, she looked back at him... completely unaware of the large black that was now headed towards them.

"Dive... look out!" He knew it was there... he knew they were in serious trouble.

Rippling through the air, Tenkou headed straight towards that big meanie... she might not be able to get as big as her daddy, or her big brother... but shoot! She isn't about to let something that wimpy push her around!

"NO... NO... not at it!" There was no way he could jump off at this height. And with having to hold onto Lirin, he couldn't use his magic either.

The dragon snorted as she acknowledged the fact that she heard Kougaiji, but continued her head on attack on the other dragon. Opening her mouth, a great burst of white hot steam issued forth, causing the black to back off, roaring in pain. Tenkou stood her ground, knowing that Rikugou once said something about things that are hurt acting in weird ways... and while she doesn't want to go back to that creepy place, it's where Kou-chan and Lirin-chan's family was... so that's where they have to go.

The black hissed, red eyes narrowing. It had been irritated before, now it was just pissed.

Oh poo poo... Rounding, she perched on a steep mountain, digging her claws into the side of the earth. I am KaiOu... no bully is going to hurt me. A great roar is bellowed as she lets her size increase to that of the black... which luckily wasn't even half of what her big brother could do.

The straps that secured the saddles were made of very tough, flexible material. They were designed to stretch a bit... But the amazing growth that their dragon was showing was well beyond what the straps could handle. They snapped, sending Kougaiji and Lirin tumbling off the dragon's back... A claw slammed into the side of the mountain to stop their tumble... effectively pinning the two youkai in place... and trapping the dragon on the mountain. Another jet of steam was sent hurtling towards the black.

The black screamed, having taken the steam full in the face. It shook its head from side to side, trying to escape the burning pain. It lashed out blindly with a set of claws...

Ducking, the claws slashed harmlessly over her head... but it's enough to anger the young dragoness. Summoning up more power, Tenkou did what she's only seen her dad and niisan do on a few occasions, she pulled the lightning down from the heavens and attacked with those complimenting her natural steam.

The black dragon shrieked... then abruptly started to falteringly wing away, whimpering. It sounded more like an injured child now than an enraged dragon.

Still trembling, Tenkou looked under her claw at the two she caught there.

Kougaiji was crouched over his sister, trying to shield her as best he could with his own body. When he felt the claw lift... he raised his head to look up at the dragon. Lirin squirmed out from underneath her brother.

With some dismay, the young dragon realized that she is still not large enough to speak... Instead Tenkou chirps at the two.

Lirin smiled. "Hana... you did so good... what a great dragon you are!" The young girl gushed and pet the large creature's snout. Kougaiji was a little slower getting to his feet.

"You okay Lirin, Tenkou?"

Slowly, Tenkou returned to a more reasonable size and lapped Lirin's cheek.

Later that evening, much to their dismay, the travelers found that the Inn that Lirin had destroyed was in fact the only one in the town. Thus they were reduced to camping. A quiet location was found on the outskirts of the town, and the large tent was set up... with Watari warning Schuldich once more that they really didn't need any comments about the Roman Empire...

Deciding that it was pointless to try to hide it after the shield that morning... Nagi used his powers to help move things and set up the campsite. He simply stood off to the side and watched the floating items through narrowed eyes.

Clearing out an area for a fire, Nanjiro began to build the blaze up so that they could cook their meal. Off to the side Watari worked on his computer while Sanzo, Hakkai, Gojyo and Goku played a round of mahjong. Schuldich was doing his usual... trying to avoid anything remotely resembling work. He wasn't too happy when Nagi knocked him on the head with the bucket for water. He was smart enough to take the unsubtle hint and went off toward the stream. Nagi walked over to the table and sat down with a sigh.

When it came time for the meal to actually be prepared, Watari donned the apron that Schuldich had given him last year for Christmas as a joke... only to find that the blond would and did use it on a regular basis, not that the scientist didn't look appealing in the pink ruffles complete with a large oversized bow in back. Schu returned from the stream... and got roped into being Watari's assistant. Nagi was idly watching the mahjong game while petting Hakuryuu who was happy for the attention. The blond took his time, carefully making the pasta from scratch, and then while that was cooking over the open fire he started on the sauce. Every so often he rubbed his temple, trying to stave off a minor headache. The proper ingredients and preparation utensils are handed over to Schuldich for the man to make the salad...

The redhead grabbed Watari's arm. When the blond looked up questioningly, Schu stared at his eyes. /what's going on/

/What do you mean by that/

/your eyes... they're doing that freaky thing again.../

The blond blinked a few times as he absorbed the truth of what Schuldich just told him. His pupils widen slightly in an attempt to return to normal, but don't regain their proper shape, and eventually went back to the slitted form that they had, the only difference being that they are now slightly oval, rather than the customary straight line. /Are they back to normal yet/

/no... crap... this isn't good is it? what do you want to do/

/Oh... I should have realized something like this would happen... the seals aren't as strong here./ The blond worried as he checked out his reflection in the nearest reflective object, which happened to be one of the pots that they brought along. /Just say that I'm not feeling well and went to lie down... I'll try to make the seal stronger during the night.../

/should I tell Nan and Nags/ He rubbed the blonde's back... as if trying to soothe an ache.

Watari wrapped his arms around Schuldich and let his head rest on the German's shoulder. A moment or two pass with them standing like that. /Nan-kun has his own problems... and Nagi worries so much about him... they don't need to know./

/if you're sure... i'll make your excuses... go lay down, I'll come in later./ Then shifted to verbal speech. "Go rest, you don't look good, I'll finish dinner."

Slowly the blond shinigami nodded. Rising to the balls of his feet, he gave Schuldich a kiss on the cheek, "hei... gomen..." and disappeared into the tent.

Nagi looked over from the table. "What's wrong with Watari?"

"He has a headache. I told him to go lie down." Schu fibbed working to finish their meal.

Kougaiji was actually surprised when they finally get back to the castle... the dragon didn't do anything else odd, as if it knew that the straps on the saddle had been snapped. This dragon was by far, one of the most intelligent that he had ever had to train. It was almost scary actually.

A long yawn can be heard from the creature shortly before it nudged him in the side... tickling him somewhat.

"Yes... I'm sure you are tired, we'll get you some food and then you can rest. Lirin, will you take her to the dragon stable and make sure she gets what she needs?"

Before the Lirin can get the dragon to the stables, she found herself with a Hakuryuu-sized 'Hana' dragon up on her shoulders... purring. The girl looked delighted. "Niichan... see, isn't she smart? Now she can go everywhere with me!"

Yeah yeah... here are the side notes that were pulled from the fic. We just have to make them... they're too funny not to! LOL

1
tenkou: i don need any lift thingie...

2
nan: nah... i don't know that much about dragons... not at all...

3
nan: Sohryu is damn scary.

4
nan/PUNY HUMAN THIS/ knocks kougaiji out

5
nan: and i just kicked yo ass verbally... woo hoo!