Disclaimer: Do not own anybody in Saiyuki! All characters are from Kazuya Minekura… except Shiey…
Author's note: Hey guys! I'm sorry I took so long to update! Well, how'd you like the previous chapter? Hope you liked it… I'd just like to thank everybody out there who have been reviewing and for some of the suggestions… Thank you! ) Please read and review! Thanks!
Chapter 18: Crimson Stains
Shiey awoke to a new and beautiful morning in Tenkai. She looked beside her and saw Nataku, still asleep. They were in her room and Nataku was lying beside her, curled like a cat. She smiled and got up, taking care not to wake him. It's been a week since she first got here. She sat by the window as she recalled the four guys she left in the world below. She quite missed them and she wanted to go back already, but a part of her kept on insisting that she should stay here with Nataku. If only she could bring Nataku with her, but she knew she couldn't. The day before, she asked Kanzeon about it, but the goddess replied saying that if Nataku did that, he would forever be cursed to a mortal life. Shiey didn't want that… She loved her brother, Nataku, as much as she loved Sanzo as a brother. She smiled and decided to stay here for a few more days or maybe a week more. She knew that the four could manage without her, like they always did in the past.
She was surprised when she saw that Nataku was up. "How was your sleep?" she asked, smiling. "Good. You?" he asked in return. "Great." Replied Shiey. "Are you thinking about them again?" Nataku asked, grinning. Shiey looked at him, surprised, then she smiled, "Yeah. I miss them." "I have an idea! Let's go to Kanzeon and ask her if we can see them." Nataku thought. "Okay, let's go!" Shiey said as she grabbed Nataku by the arm and they ran to Kanzeon's quarters.
"Kanzeon, may we see them?" Shiey asked in anticipation. "Sure." The goddess smirked. And in a second, the lilies in the pond parted and the image of Sanzo, Goku, Hakkai and Gojyo eating breakfast came into view. Nataku smiled, glad to see Goku again. Shiey, on the other hand, smiled as well, seeing that they were doing pretty fine. "Are those people Konzen, Tenpo and Kenren?" Nataku asked, pointing at the three older men. "Yes." Shiey replied. "Ohh." Remarked Nataku as he stood beside Shiey, watching their friends.
"Yes! Breakfast at last!" Goku yelled. "Shut up, you chibi chimp! It's so early in the morning!" Goyjo yelled in annoyance. "Well, someone got up on the wrong side of the bed today. And besides, you're also yelling!" Goku protested. "What do you care! I can yell whenever I want!" Gojyo said. "Why? Just 'coz you're a dried out kappa doesn't mean you have the freedom to yell." Goku remarked. "I can yell because I'm an adult, bonehead! You're just a kid!" Gojyo pointed out. "What did you say? I can wipe you out anytime I want to!" Goku insisted. "Bring it on!" Gojyo replied, raising his arm up in the air. "Will you two just SHUT THE HELL UP!" Sanzo yelled, shooting two bullets in the air. "Well, it's shaping up to be another lively day, isn't it?" Hakkai remarked, chuckling while his companions were bickering. Then, he fell silent and found himself thinking of Shiey. He smiled, "Shiey, I hope you're doing fine." He thought as he dug into his food once more.
"Do they always bicker like that?" Nataku asked, sweat dropping. "I'm afraid so…" Shiey replied. "Well, I'm glad to see they're doing fine." Shiey remarked. "I wouldn't be so sure if I were you." Kanzeon muttered. "What?" Shiey asked. "Noting! Nothing at all!" Kanzeon covered up. "Come on Shiey, let's go to the garden." Nataku invited as he and Shiey walked to one of the gardens. Kanzeon sighed as the pond showed another image of Homura and his men moving out of Konran tower.
"I enjoyed having you with me this past week." Nataku remarked. "Yeah, me too." Shiey agreed. Shiey couldn't disagree. They went around heaven, talking about how life used to be back then. The times when they would just laze around, bored out of their wits. The times when they had fun under the sun, just telling each other scary stories that made them jump, even in daylight. And not once did they mention about what happened to Reija back then and why Nataku sealed himself… no, that was never brought up again.
Just then, Nataku lay down on the grass, his head on Shiey's legs. "What happened? Why is your other eye gold, not brown like it used to be?" Nataku asked. Shiey looked away for a moment then explained. "When I was a kid, my stepfather abandoned me in a forest. That's where I spent my days while growing up. I knew nothing of love or joy. It did not exist in my world back then. Just a few months back, before Hakkai and the others found me, a group of demons attacked me and one of them cast a curse on me saying that if the inscription reaches it's completion, I will turn into a demon." Shiey declared, showing him the inscription on her left arm. "Rotten demons… I swear I'll kill them…" Nataku said, making a face. "It's okay. If that didn't happen, I would never have met Sanzo and the others. See, everything happens for a reason." Shiey informed.
She was surprised to find that Nataku sat up and frowned, "You're leaving pretty soon, right?" he said. Shiey looked at him and found no words to answer his question. "When you go back below, can you take me with you?" Nataku asked, hope in his golden eyes. Shiey looked away, "I'd love to…" she started. "Really!" Nataku exclaimed. "But…" she continued. "Kanzeon said that if you descend to the world below, you would turn mortal… I don't want that to happen." Shiey answered. Nataku looked at her, he saw the sadness in her eyes… the worry of losing someone close to her… He knew that look, for five hundred years ago, that look was in his eyes when Shiey was about to kill herself. But she didn't even thought of what he might feel when she left. He smiled and said, "Just promise me that you'll visit again if you find time…" Shiey looked at him surprisingly and hugged him, "I promise…" she said as tears escaped from her eyes. Nataku pulled away and said, "What're all the tears for? Don't worry, you still have three days left here." Nataku said. Shiey just smiled and hugged him tighter.
"Boss, why are going to attack Sanzo and the others if the girl isn't with them?" Zenon asked. "That's the point, Zenon. That's less things to think about in our case." Homura said. "And since we know that when Shiey sees that her brother is wounded by us, she'll come looking for us and then we'll take the chance and grab her." Shien added. "I have just one more question." Zenon said. "Yes?" Shien asked. "Where exactly is Shiey?"
Sanzo and company drove westward once more after finishing their lunch. "Sanzo," Goku started. "No." Sanzo replied curtly. "I haven't even said what I want to yet!" Goku whined. "Well, you always say the same thing over and over again, dork!" Gojyo teased. "Say that again!" Goku said. "SHUT UP BEFORE I SHOOT YOUR HEADS OFF!" Sanzo yelled before the fight grew worse. Gojyo and Goku backed down. "So, Sanzo, when is Shiey coming back?" Goku asked. "If I'm correct, the old hag should've returned her by now." Sanzo answered. "Ohh…" Goku remarked. "What's it like in heaven?" Goku asked, not knowing his remark fell on deaf ears. "I'm hungry…" Goku remarked. "SHUT UP!" Sanzo and Gojyo yelled in unison.
"Shiey…" Nataku said. "Yeah?" Shiey asked. "Do you still know how to play the flute?" Nataku asked. "Flute?" she asked queerly. "Yeah. This." Nataku said, holding out a flute in his hands. Shiey took it and examined it. "I'm not sure I remember." Shiey concluded. "Just give it another try." Nataku insisted. "Sure." Shiey smiled and started, but when she blew on it, no sound came out. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Nataku laughed hysterically. Shiey just sweat dropped. "How come before you knew how and now you don't?" Nataku said. "Well, let me see… it's been FIVE HUNDRED YEARS since I last played it." Shiey said sarcastically. "Okay, I promise I won't laugh anymore. Give it one last try." Nataku replied. "Okay." Shiey answered. This time, when she blew on it, a beautiful, melodious and elegant sound spilled forth. It was like 'Reija' had possessed her because her fingers seemed to be moving on their own. Nataku sat in awe as he listened to the enchanting music that was being played. All of a sudden, the scenery changed. The garden with cherry blossom trees and a clear, blue pond was nowhere in sight. The scene of a beautiful prairie had replaced it with flowers in bloom. In the distance was the mountainside and the sound of rushing water filled the air, together with the song of the birds. "It's beautiful…" Nataku remarked. Shiey just sat there, playing the flute with both her eyes closed. When the song ended, the garden was there once again. Nataku shook himself awake and remarked, "You still have it in you… you're still an illusionist." Shiey just smiled and ruffled his raven black hair. She never expected for the scene to change. Nonetheless did she expect to play something that good.
"Here, I want you to have something." Nataku said as he took something from his robes and slowly placed it on Shiey's palm. Shiey opened her hand and saw a beautiful purple gem, shining brightly in the sunlight. "I-it's beautiful…" she said. "Thank you." Shiey replied, hugging Nataku. "Don't mention it." He replied, hugging his sister. "Anything for you…" he remarked.
They spent the entire afternoon in the garden, enjoying each other's company. "So Shiey, did that necklace come from Hakkai?" Nataku asked, pointing at the necklace dangling from Shiey's neck. "Uh-huh." Shiey replied. "So, he loves you just like five hundred years ago, huh?" Nataku assumed. "Yeah, what a coincidence, right?" she said. "No, I think it's called fate." Nataku declared. "And what about that clip?" Nataku asked once more. "It's from Sanzo." Answered Shiey. "Your brother in earth?" he asked. "Yup." She replied. Nataku was quiet for a while, then finally spoke, "So, do you love him more than you love me?" "No, of course not. I love you just as much as I love him." Shiey answered. Nataku smiled, "I love you, Shiey." He said. "And I love you too, squirt." She replied, putting arm around him.
They sat by the flowering trees as they watched the sun set. Hues of red, yellow and orange filled the sky. "It's been such a long time since I last saw the sunset." Nataku informed. Shiey just smiled, recalling what Sanzo said to them once, "As long as you're alive, there'll be plenty of sunsets for you to watch." Shiey rephrased. "You're right." Nataku said as he leaned his head on Shiey's shoulder. "Just promise me you'll stay alive, okay?" Nataku said, looking at Shiey. "Of course, I'll promise. Just as long as you promise me too." She promised as she raised one of her hands up. "I promise." Nataku replied, smiling. Upon this, they made a pinky promise. Then laughed after, remembering that they used to do that back then. "Promise me that you'll play the flute as well." Nataku remarked. Shiey thought for a while, and thinking that it could be a benefit for her, she agreed. "And I promise that I'll keep this safe no matter what." Shiey answered, holding the beautiful purple gem in her hand. Nataku smiled, knowing that she would keep her promises. "So, three more days and you go back to earth right?" Nataku asked. "Yup." Shiey replied. "I'll miss you… Take care of yourself, 'kay?" Nataku declared. "I'll take care of myself, don't worry. And I promise I'll find time to visit if I can." She said crossing her heart. "Okay. I'll hold you to it." Nataku said holding her hands in his.
"Oh, I forgot to ask you to promise me one more thing." Nataku remarked. "Anything. What is it?" Shiey asked. "Promise me that if you see me die… promise me you won't cry, no matter what." Nataku remarked, his expression far from joking. "W-what? Why? You're not going to die anytime soon, right?" Shiey concluded. "Its just that, last night I had a disturbing dream." Nataku declared. "What dream?" Shiey questioned. "I saw an image in my dream… The image was of a boy and a girl. The girl was on the ground, bruises all over her body. And someone was about to kill her. But the boy immediately blocked the hit and ended up being hit himself. He fell into the girl's arms, blood rushing from his wound in the chest area. The girl started crying and panicking, murmuring something that everything would be okay and that they would treat his deep wound. It ended there…" Nataku narrated. "What does it have to do with you dying?" Shiey asked. "They boy in my dream was me… and the girl…was you." Nataku answered. "You? M-me?" Shiey asked. Nataku nodded in agreement. "Shiey," Nataku said, approaching the place where Shiey was currently sitting. "Promise me… Promise me you won't cry if I die. Tell me that what happened in my dream about you crying is a mistake. Promise me that even if I die, you'll move on. Promise me." Nataku said, his golden eyes looking at Shiey's eyes. Shiey stared in awe for a while. She hasn't seen any kind of eyes like Nataku's before. Even Goku's eyes were different from his. Then, she snapped back to reality and smiled forcefully. "I-I'll do my best. I promise you." Shiey promised as she now smiled… a real smile. "Good." Nataku remarked.
"Greetings, Sanzo party." Homura greeted as he, together with his men, appeared before Sanzo and the others. "Well, you're early. What do you want?" Goku asked, standing up. "Seeing that there's one less thing to think about, we're here to take the sutra." Homura explained. "For the hundredth time…NO." Sanzo replied. "Then I guess we'll have to take it by force." Homura remarked, smirking. "Shien, Zenon." He said. "On it." The two men said in unison. Zenon fought with Goyjo, Shien with Hakkai, and of course, Homura with Goku. Sanzo stood by a tree as he watched the event take place.
"Shiey, you want to take another quick look at your friends before going to bed?" Nataku asked. "Sure, thanks for understanding, Nataku." She said, smiling warmly at him. They walked together to Kanzeon's quarters, hand in hand.
"Kanzeon, we were wondering if we could see what's happening to our friends." Nataku remarked. "Things don't look good." The goddess replied. "What!" Shiey exclaimed, rushing over to the pond to take a look. Her eyes widened and she clamped her hands over her mouth. "What's wrong?" Nataku asked, rushing to his sister. "I-its horrible." Shiey remarked, observing what she saw. Homura and his men were fighting with Sanzo and the others. And unfortunately, three men were already on the ground. Goku, Gojyo and Hakkai. They were bruised up pretty badly and had cuts that were raw and bleeding all over their body. "Homura! Shien! Zenon!" Nataku yelled. "Are they the bad guys? What are they doing!" "Homura wants to create a new world, Nataku. In order to do that, he has to take the sutra that every Sanzo carries." Kanzeon explained. Shiey had begun crying. It was too cruel. She had to do something to save Sanzo. Better yet, do something to stop this. "Kanzeon, may you take me to the world below?" Shiey asked, looking at the goddess. "Well, I can. Why don't you ask your brother?" Kanzeon pointed out. Shiey looked at Nataku. The tears continued trickling down her cheeks. Nataku looked at her, sadness in his eyes. He didn't want to see his sister like this. And he knew there was only one way to stop this… "Go and save your friends." He said with a smile on his face. Shiey looked at him in confusion. "I'll support you all the way." He remarked. "Nataku…" she said. "Hurry, they need your help." He answered. Shiey smiled and said, "Thank you." Then a white fog enveloped her and she disappeared.
"Hand over the sutra, Sanzo." Homura forced. "You already know my answer to that." Sanzo remarked. "Fine, you die." Zenon remarked. He fired his gun while Shien held sanzo still with his whips. Bullets buried into Sanzo's skin as he cringed in pain. He fell to the ground, his robes torn due to the bullets and Homura's sword slashes. "B-bastard…" Sanzo remarked before passing out. Homura grinned as he walked toward Sanzo.
"Hold it right there, Homura." A familiar voice came. Homura, Zenon and Shien looked behind them and saw Shiey standing there. "Where were you? Too bad you weren't able to see the torture we've inflicted on your friends." Homura grinned. "It's none of your business, where I've been. And if you mean to ask if I saw the torture you did inflict upon my friends, don't worry, I did. And I'm here to repay the debt." Shiey responded, taking out the flute from her pocket. Zenon and Shien moved aside, "This is your fight." They said as they made way. Homura looked at Shiey, surprised that she drew out a flute. "Don't tell me you're planning to use your illusion charms on me. Don't waste your energy. That kind of technique doesn't work on me." Homura said. Shiey closed her eyes, "Nataku, please guide me." She said as she began playing her flute. She played a beautiful melody as she closed her eyes. The scenery changed from a forest to the seaside. Shiey, who still had her eyes closed, thought it was working on Homura. When she opened her eyes to see, she was shocked to feel Homura's sword slash her. She fell to the ground as her flute rolled to the side. "I told you, that technique doesn't work on me." Homura repeated. Shiey gasped in pain and she stood up once more and prepared for battle. "I'm ready." Shiey remarked, wiping a trail of blood from her mouth. Homura grinned as he started his battle with Shiey.
Nataku watched as Homura attacked Shiey non-stop. He controlled that voice inside him that told him to go down there and help Shiey. But this fight had to stop now. Shiey was weak and tired. She couldn't block Homura's attacks. Her illusion technique was useless against him, so now she only used close combat. And she wasn't very good at it. "Kanzeon," Nataku finally blurted out. "Shiey will probably just suffer a few broken bones from this and a few bruises here and there. But who knows what would happen if you helped her now? Chaos could ensue if you go down there. And don't forget, she told you she wants you to stay here. If you really love your sister, you have to bear the pain of seeing her getting hurt…" the goddess advised. Nataku stared at her in surprise. "Don't worry… I'm bearing it too." She added. Nataku looked away and his gaze once more rested at the image in the pond.
For years, he was locked up in darkness and void. Nothing was there. The only thing that kept him alive was the thought of Reija returning one day. That she would bring the light once again to his world, give a hand for him to reach, and guide him out from oblivion. Thinking of nothing else rather than Reija's smile. Reminiscing everything they did together, of how happy they once were. Remembering nothing except what he and Reija used to do to show they cared for one another. And now that he finally saw her again, he was just going to watch her die… all over again? No way. Kanzeon looked at him, "You know," she started. Nataku looked her way. "What I said a while ago was just my opinion. But you do know the consequences that can take place if you go down there." She remarked. "I don't care… All I'm thinking about now… is her and how I can protect her smile. I don't want to see her in pain… better yet, die again." He replied. "I think I understand." Kanzeon said, then a white fog emerged and enveloped Nataku. "Good luck, kid." The goddess said.
Shiey was on the ground. Her clothes torn badly and raw and deep cuts were displayed everywhere. Her breathing was heavy and ragged. One thing was etched in her mind: she had to keep her promise to Nataku. She had to stay alive. She had to keep her promise that she would visit Nataku again someday. She had to keep her promises to her beloved brother. She stood up once more, but her knees betrayed her. Her body was too tired to take anymore of this. She collapsed back to the ground. "Tired?" Homura asked. Shiey looked at him, anger in her eyes. "Say good-bye… to everything in the world." Homura remarked as he ran towards Shiey, his sword held high in the air, ready to take the victim's life.
Blood… Blood was everywhere…
"For years, all I saw was oblivion… A world of darkness and void. I'm stuck inside this place…no way out. There was no escape. I was locked in my feelings, full of anger and hatred towards the people who looked at me as none other than a killing puppet. Only one thing kept me alive: the thought that you would return someday. The vision of your smile as you ran towards me. The sight of you holding a hand out to guide me out of my misery and show and fill my world once again of happiness. The thought of your smile. The sight of your eyes filled with joy and life and showed nothing of pain or strife. The smell of your hair. The feeling of your love. Remembering nothing except the warmth of your touch and what you looked like, my beloved sister. I miss you. Why did you kill yourself? Did you not think of what I would feel if you left? You were the only one who showered me with love. Who made me feel important. You gave me affection. You were the one I'd run to every time I fall. And I was there whenever you needed someone to laugh with, to cry with and just someone who will see you as you. Your love was all I needed. As long as you were there, I'd be okay. Nothing can compare to you. Nothing… You don't need to be strong… Just stay by my side forever and I'll protect you… I'll protect your smile."
Shiey felt something heavy drop onto her lap. She opened her eyes and saw none other than Nataku. He took the hit for her. Her hands were covered with blood. Nataku had a deep wound in his chest area, where his heart was located. "Nataku… Nataku!" Shiey yelled. Nataku just lay there breathing heavily. Shiey stood up and looked at Homura who was also surprised that it was not Shiey that he hit… but Nataku. "You… arrogant bastard!" Shiey yelled as she ran to him. Homura disappeared even before Shiey was about to hit him. Shiey landed on the ground and looked behind her. Homura and his minions were gone.
She walked towards Nataku and kneeled beside him. "Nataku…" she whispered, tears stinging her eyes and trailing down her cheeks. She was surprised when she felt movement. She looked at Nataku. "Nataku…" she remarked. Nataku wiped her tears. "You promised me you wouldn't cry." He said. Shiey just cried even more. Just then, she noticed that his diamond-shaped chakra was gone. "You're chakra's gone. Why did you come here? Now you're human." She lectured. "I couldn't bear to lose you one more time." Nataku explained. "I made a vow to myself that I would protect you as long as I'm alive." He said, almost in a whisper. "But you broke a promise… you said you'd take care of yourself…" Shiey insisted. "But I did it… so that… I could protect you." Nataku answered, in between breaths. "You promised me you wouldn't cry…if I died. You promised…" Nataku reminded. "Ssshhh… don't talk anymore. Please… I know you'll make it through this. You'll be fine." Shiey convinced. Suddenly, it was like time stopped. Everything in the world vanished. It was just Shiey and Nataku. Tears clouded her vision as she looked at her brother, lying on the ground, on the verge of death. "It's okay, Shiey. At least…I fulfilled my promise to protect you." Nataku answered. "But you broke the promise that you said earlier… that you would take care of yourself." Shiey reiterated. "That doesn't matter now… At least…I got to see you…one last time… I'll never… leave you… Take care… of yourself." Nataku whispered. He then reached to touch Shiey's face. Shiey took hold of his hand and held it tightly. "I love you…" Nataku said. "I loved you, too." Shiey replied. And then he breathed his last. Those were his last words. His last request was for Shiey to take care of herself. "Nataku… Please wake up." Shiey cried and cried more. "I know you're just asleep. Now please, open your eyes. I'm here. Nothing can harm you anymore…" Shiey tried to convince herself that it was true. But the sight in front of her was far too unbearable. "Nataku!" she screamed. Nataku was gone forever. She took her flute and placed it on one of his cold hands. "I'm sorry Nataku… I'm breaking a promise. But I'm doing it so that you can hear the sound of my flute forever…" Shiey whispered as she kissed Nataku's forehead. The young boy lay there, motionless. But what was surprising was, even in the brink of death… he managed to smile… for his sister.
"I'm sorry…" came a voice. Shiey looked beside her and saw Kanzeon. "Kanzeon!" she exclaimed, hugging the goddess. "Don't cry. It's over… There's nothing else we can do except hope that he's happy." Kanzeon replied. "What happens now?" she asked. "I'll take him back to heaven and we'll arrange a proper burial." Kanzeon said. Shiey looked at her brother one last time. "You know, he said he wanted to protect your smile no matter what. He wanted to protect you as long as he had blood in his veins. He said that… He wishes for nothing but your happiness." Kanzeon remarked. "But Kanzeon, how can I be happy with what just happened? I can't just smile and laugh it off." Shiey replied. "Time can heal wounds, Shiey. You must find a way… to fulfill your brother's wish…" Kanzeon said as she took the boy and vanished.
Shiey fell to the ground. No more tears were coming out. They dried out. She knew that no matter what, she had to keep her promises to her dear brother. She approached her friends as Hakuryu perched on her shoulder. "Kyu!" the dragon mewed. Shiey closed her eyes and a bright light appeared. Then… they vanished.
"I'm happy. The visions I had came true. You led me out of my misery and showered my world once again with your unconditional love. I saw your smile one last time… and I'm happy that I did. My pain and suffering has ceased, and I now look to a brighter tomorrow. You were calling out to me as you smiled the smile I loved seeing. I was no longer trapped inside the void I was fond to be in those many years ago. I changed because of you… Sadness no longer resides in my heart because I know that everything will be okay. The feeling of belonging and being loved by you is enough for me to stay alive."
"I made a vow to protect you. Now until the end of time, be by your side to chase away your fears. All I long for is your happiness. All I long for is your beautiful smile… that's all I need. As long as I have you, everything will be okay. But life has its twists and turns. It's beginnings and its end will come unexpectedly. And now that I have protected you with my life, I know I have fulfilled my mission of making you safe and secure. It's a pity that I couldn't stay with you any longer. All those years in darkness made me realize something…that you are my one and true light. You were the light that will always be there to guide me when I couldn't find my way. My beloved sister, please take care of yourself. That is all I'm asking of you. Love people endlessly and show them how much you mean to them. I'm glad that I saw you once again, although even in a short period of time. I know you will keep your promises… I know you can pull through this and beat the odds no matter what. I believe in you… Until now, this is all I can say. But always remember that I have never left you. I may not be there with you physically, but my soul and my presence will forever be with you as you walk along the dusty road of life. I'll always be there when you need me. Just look inside your heart and I'll be there. Your sound and your song will always remain inside me. And your smile will forever be carved into my memory… Now and until the end of time… I love you."
Author's note: Hey guys! I swear this chapter made me teary eyed and reminded me about things I cherish in my life! How was it? Hope you guys liked it! Not too dramatic, right? I hope so! Well, please review! Thanks a lot! Watch out for chapter 19, okay? Bye!