Ch. 2
An Interesting Complication
Hold nothing.
If you meet Buddha, kill him.
If you meet the Patriarchs, kill them.
Free of all, bound by nothing…
You live your life simply as it is.
-Sanzo, book 4
Gojyo growled in irritation as the monk made plans to go see this stupid gate thing outside the city the next day. Dammit, they had a mission, didn't they? What did this gate have to do with stopping the minus wave or getting the sutras? Not a damn thing as far as he could tell. So they got to spend another night in this small city. Damn. They hadn't seen a good-sized city for months now, and the inn they were staying at, though the finest in the town, left much to be desired. Oh, fuck it. He wasn't going to spend another night being annoyed by Goku, ignored by Sanzo (when not being threatened with death), and losing at cards to Hakkai. This was a city, so there had to be a gambling house with normal, beatable humans. He was going.
"Don't get killed, pervert!" said a chipper Goku.
"Don't worry, stupid monkey, I think I can take care of myself," replied Gojyo as he left the inn, ignoring Sanzo's cold glare and Hakkai's concerned look.
And so he found himself wandering alone in the market when the foreigners came. Number one giveaway that they were foreign were the cars they rode in, a line of shiny black vehicles that were parked out of the city. The second giveaway was the strange clothes they wore, clearly some kind of uniform. The third was the way they marched in like they thought they were in a parade. He found his gaze drawn to the front of the party, where a handsome black-haired man led the way without hesitation followed closely by three damn fine-looking blondes. Being the womanizer that he was, his eyes found the woman first, but the boy (it was a boy, right?) with the long blonde hair next to her was just as pretty. He'd happily tumble either. Then again, recent experience had taught him that blondes were more trouble than they were worth. Oh, well, maybe he would worry about them tomorrow. Or Sanzo would. Whatever. Right now he had a gambling house to find.
The redhead quickly found just such an establishment and went about the business of becoming a wealthy man, at least until he spent his new funds. He hadn't had this kind of fun in far too long. Sure, Sanzo was going to be pissed that he spent most of the night here (and he did intend to spend most of the night here), especially after the foreigners showed up, but what the hell. He was enjoying separating fools from their money and being fawned over by the local—well, he wasn't sure yet if they were actually whores or just sluts. There was nothing like the smoky, smarmy, sleazy atmosphere of a good bar. After a few hours, he decided to take a break. Wait and see if some new fools came in, fools with money left, because he'd pretty much cleaned out the place. So he drank and entertained the ladies for a while, and sure enough, the fools he'd played wandered out, tails between legs, while new money wandered in. He was considering forgetting about gambling and taking a "lady" or two upstairs when a glint of gold caught his eye.
Well, damn, if it wasn't the foreign boy with the long hair. The hair was no longer in its business-like braid, but was now pulled into a sloppy ponytail, bangs falling messily around his face and hair slipping out. Looking closer, Gojyo realized that the boy was older than he originally, maybe sixteen—hmm, maybe not too young. Even prettier close up, too. He really stood out in the smoky, beer-stinking bar gambling house. Even without his uniform, he looked cleaner and more put together than any of the sloppy drunks, gamblers, and loose women in the place. He looked hotter, too, in his fitted black pants and sleeveless black shirt that had material thin enough to cling to his slim torso enticingly, even though it was a little loose on him. He wore a strange, thick metal cuff decorated with a strange symbol—a snake upon a cross—on his right wrist. His startling gold eyes took in the room without the slightest hint of fear, even though he'd caught the attention of pretty much everyone in the room. Gold like Goku's eyes—but cat-like with an almond shape rather than Goku's roundness. Gojyo decided to sit back and watch for a bit.
It was fun to watch the boy work the room. He didn't flatter, didn't act like a fool, didn't get friendly with the others. He simply sat down at a gambling table with dignity and a game started around him. People were drawn by his good looks, and the idiots obviously assumed because he was young he was an easy target. The fools soon learned to regret this. In short order the boy had a pile of money in front of him and a drunk in his face.
"You cheated, you little bastard! No way you could have won fair!" shouted the drunk, pulling his fist back for a punch.
Gojyo's first instinct was to intervene. The kid was so little, he looked like he'd break from the punch. But it was not necessary—the punch never landed. Instead the drunk go a boot to the face fromthe irate little blonde. It was a while before the drunk got up again. After that, the kid won his earnings in peace. Dumbasses kept going and losing their money to the kid, each thinking that they'd somehow do better than the other poor losers. The kid was good. But he wasn't a professional card shark, and he was lucky that Gojyo was the only professional in the place. It didn't take Gojyo long to realize that the kid was counting cards. Still, it was impressive. It was damn hard to count cards in poker. Kid must be smart.
When the kid began scooping up his winnings, leaving behind cowed, broken men, Gojyo realized that he'd spent the last half of his evening just watching the kid. Hmm, interesting. Not many people could catch his interest for so long without him even being aware. Hakkai had when he'd stumbled into Gojyo's life with his pretty face and kill-me-please eyes. Sanzo had with his blonde beauty and fuck-you attitude (dammit!). Goku, even, with his childish mind and ruthless bloodthirst. Now this kid, too, with his pretty hair and face, his fearlessness and audacity. Not to mention his bodyguard. Gojyo had seen the man slip in not long after the boy and fade into the background. Another blonde, but his hair was short and spiky, and not nearly as eye-catching as the boy's. He was tallish and in shape and dressed similar to the boy, though his pants were the same navy as the uniforms they had worn earlier—probably what they all wore underneath those uniforms. Despite his slouching and the cigarettes constantly dangling from his lips (man smoked more than Sanzo!), something about the man screamed military. He hid it well, but kept a watchful eye on the boy. Gojyo wondered whether the kid knew about his bodyguard? As the kid finished gathering his winnings and headed toward the bar, Gojyo decided to introduce himself.
"Do you have clean water?" Ed asked doubtfully, sitting next to Havoc. Did the idiot really think that newspaper hid him?
"That wasn't very polite," said an amused voice right behind his left ear. Ed jumped a little then frowned. He hadn't heard the man approach. He looked over his shoulder to see who had gotten so close to him without him knowing and why his voice was familiar. He didn't know the man—must be as tall as Al, but with long red hair and red eyes. And people said Ed's eyes were weird. The thin but muscular redhead wore a tank-top and strange tan colored pants that puffed out up top but were tight on his calves, tucked into brown leather hiking boots. His blood-red hair was allowed to flow loose and messy to his shoulders, and he had two strange-looking scars on his cheek. What caught Ed's attention most, however, was the way he stood. He was slouching, standing comfortably, but with a kind of wary readiness to his limbs that only a fighting man and a damn good one could achieve. When Ed looked more closely at the man he realized why his voice sounded familiar. It wasn't the voice, per say, but the tone of voice. The same tone that damn colonel-no, general-used. This man's voice was even deeper than Mustang's, and smooth where Mustang's was slightly rough (husky, sexy), but the tone was the same as was the infuriating smirk.
"You're good, kid, but how would you like a pro to show you the ropes?" asked the man, smirk widening.
Reigning in his anger, Ed replied "I don't need a tutor—and I don't need a bodyguard, either," he added, turning to Havoc and ripping his paper out of his hands. He ignored the amused chuckle of the redhead.
"General's orders, boss. No one goes off by themselves," replied Havoc with aplomb. He knew Ed too well to be easily intimidated, unfortunately.
"But I don't need…"
"I know you don't, that's why I volunteered to stick close to you. Less work for me, I just have to stay where I can see you. Plus, you always know how to find the fun places" grinned Havoc.
Growling, Ed turned to leave, forgetting about his water and ignoring the redhead, who was still chuckling, damn him. He also ignored Havoc, who gave up trying to be incognito and just walked beside him. He knew Havoc had been lying about picking him because he was an easy assignment—he was in one of the worst parts of the city and looked like an easy target. This late at night on his own, it wouldn't be a surprise if he were jumped. And, while he could still fight well enough, one hard punch and he was down for the count and he had agreed not to use alchemy cavalierly. Havoc's presence alone made it less likely that he would be attacked. Better Havoc than Al, who would have been fretting over his gambling and likely would have broken bones over some of the propositions Ed had received that night. Damn perverts were everywhere. But still, it rankled to have a babysitter. No use taking it out on Havoc, though. He might would have four years ago, but had grown up since then. Plus, the comment Mustang had made about controlling his temper still stung.
He was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn't notice that they were being followed for a few minutes. A quick glance to his right showed that Havoc had noticed. They were in a narrow street with lots of dark alleys between the poorly constructed wooden buildings. They had left the street of gambling establishments, whorehouses, and bars, and all of the buildings were closed up and locked at this time of night. Who knew where those alleys led or what was down them. Still, at least the street was deserted. If he had to use alchemy, only Havoc and their pursuer would see him. Turning, he was surprised to see that it was none other than the redhead from the bar.
"What the hell do you want? Why are you following me?" demanded Ed suspiciously. He could see out of the corner of his eye Havoc casually reaching into his pocket where a gun was probably hidden.
"Don't flatter yourself kid. You're cute, but not that cute," Gojyo lied (the kid was that cute if Gojyo had any taste for forcing others, but he didn't), "I'm just headed back to my hotel. Same place your groups staying at, I bet. The only decent sized inn in town."
"Hmf," was Ed's only reply before he smartly turned and continued on towards the hotel. That damned redhead was chuckling again, reminding him of Mustang more than ever. Why did men like them seem to find his anger amusing?
As he walked beside the two blondes toward the hotel, Gojyo couldn't help find the kid kind of funny. He was as easy to rile up as Sanzo, but he hadn't pulled a gun yet. And he was a good deal cuter than Sanzo—not prettier, necessarily, but cuter. Kind of like a kitten, growling its cute little growl and batting its little claws around. He chuckled again at the imagery.
Damn, Ed thought as he felt a sudden wave of exhaustion sweep over him. He'd gotten used to becoming suddenly tired over the last few years, but apparently he'd overdone it today. Damn, he reiterated, Mustang's gonna gloat and Al's gonna freak if I don't make it back alright. He was grudgingly glad that Havoc was there. The man wouldn't do or say anything unless it was necessary, and if it became necessary he could take care of Ed. Ed gritted his teeth, determined that it not come to that. The rest of the trip was kind of a blur as he concentrated on walking without stumbling. He hoped that the rooming situation had been worked out because he was going to bed as soon as he got to the hotel. He ignored the strange looks the redhead gave him and was truly grateful that Havoc pretended not to notice.
When he reached the hotel the noticed Mustang and Armstrong right away in the common room, sitting and talking with three other men, Hawkeye and Al sitting watchful close by. Al looked up and, seeing Ed, quietly left the table and switched placed with Havoc. The annoying redhead went straight to the table Mustang and the strangers were at and pulled up a seat. He was welcomed with a warm smile from the dark-haired stranger and a sharp glare from the blonde in weird robes.
"Brother, you look tired. Where have you been? I'll take you up to your room. You shouldn't run off!" Al couldn't seem to decide whether he wanted to scold Ed or mother him—so he did both at the same time.
Ed just sighed wearily, letting Al lead him up the rickety stares to a small room. Al was worried when Ed let him just manipulate him like a doll or small child, changing him into the loose cotton pants and tee he slept in. Ed didn't even notice that the small room had two beds and three suitcases—the inn was too small for everyone to get their own room. Ed and Al would be sharing with Hawkeye who, of course, got her own bed. The brothers would share the other. It wouldn't be a problem for them, they were used to sharing, but it would be awkward with Hawkeye. They didn't usually room with girls (gulp). But Ed was too tired for that to be a problem tonight. He would go to bed as soon as Al could force him to eat supper and sleep like the dead until the following morning. As usual when Ed had worn himself out, Al would wait until the last possible moment to wake his brother up.
When Ed got this tired, eating was a chore. Everything was unappetizing enough to border on nauseating, but if he didn't eat he would be sick in the morning. He managed to choke down some bread and meat before falling back on the bed and entering slumber. He felt Al gently arrange him in a comfortable position and cover him with the blanket. A small smile appeared on his half-asleep face. Al really was such a good brother. Ed's last thought as he sank blissfully into sleep was a wish that he not have any nightmares that night.
Gojyo was a little worried about the kid. About halfway to the hotel he realized that the fight had gone right out of the feisty blonde and he seemed tired. When they'd entered the brightly lit common room of the hotel, he'd seen how pale the kid was. He'd been pale before, but a healthy pale with a hint of golden tan and a bit of pink in his cheeks and lips. Now he was ashen with dark circles under his eyes. But someone soon came to collect the kid—the other blonde guy in the trio he'd noticed earlier today. Despite the height difference and the different shapes of their eyes—round versus almond—there was a clear resemblance between the two boys. The taller boy efficiently rounded up the tired kid and began fussing and scolding all at once.
Gojyo smiled to himself at the sound as he headed over to the table where his friends sat—as well as the handsome dark-haired man he'd seen leading the foreigners earlier. He must not have watched long enough. Sitting at the same table was a huge—huge—man, mostly bald but for a curl of blond on his forehead and a big handlebar mustache on his lip. The man sported merry blue eyes, a cheerful grin, and enough muscles to shame a bull. Both men wore the same navy uniforms as earlier, and the dark-haired man was speaking seriously with Sanzo.
As reached the table he was given the expected glare from Sanzo as well as a warm smile from Hakkai. He pulled up a chair, noticing a speculative look from the dark-haired man.
"General Mustang, General Armstrong, this is Gojyo, another member of our party. Gojyo, this is Generals Mustang and Armstrong. They're from the land through the gate, and they've come to try to fix the problem," said Hakkai, catching Gojyo up on the conversation he'd missed. Sanzo, as usual, simply ignored him after a dirty look.
"Yo," he said simply, grinning his trademark half-smile.
From Mustang he received a reserved "Hello" in return, but Armstrong turned on him with intimidating cheer, grabbing his hand in a handshake and sparkling with happiness.
"Wonderful to meet you!" effused the giant, muscle-bound bundle of happiness.
"Yeah," replied a stunned Gojyo, ignored Sanzo's smirk.
After a few minutes of handshaking, the table returned to the earlier conversation. Gojyo noticed that Goku was sitting in the corner behind the table, slumped in his chair fast asleep. His mouth was wide open, and he was drooling just a little bit, Gojyo noted with amusement.
"So, you think that these people in the west, the ones you're after, may have opened the gates? Well, if that's the case, we'll join you on your trip west," said Mustang after a few minutes.
"No," said Sanzo without hesitation. "We have a job to do, we don't need a bunch of foreigners slowing us down."
"We've got our own cars. We'll just follow you. If we start to slow you down, just leave us. I don't think that will be a problem, though," Mustang replied smoothly, not at all perturbed by Sanzo's rudeness.
Sanzo narrowed his eyes. He didn't like to be back-talked. But he could hardly tell this man that he was not allowed to go west. So Sanzo would probably just hope that the foreigners fell behind quickly.
"Fine—tomorrow we're planning on getting our own look at this gate, though. You should come with us and tell us what you know about it."
Gojyo felt his eyes widen in shock. Wow. Not only did Sanzo not put a bullet hole in this guy, he was suggesting working together with him, if only temporarily. Well, well, though Gojyo, this is gonna be an interesting complication.
Climax: I'm so glad you like the story so far! I'll try to update regularly. I really appreciate your feedback!
So far Climax is the only one to review-so if you like my story so far, please let me know! Constructive criticism is welcome. Warning-its going to get darker in the next chapter. Oh, and, just so you know Hughes is ALIVE in this universe-I like him too much to have him die. He just couldn't come on the trip and leave Gracia and Elysia behind. You might see him later, though. Anyways, thanks for reading!
