A/N Hello people! How long has it been since I've posted? Well, I don't need to know your answers to realize it's been a heck of a long time! So now, I shall make it up to you by making the most of my free-time during my semester-break. I don't know when I shall post after this, but I just hope that you'll continue supporting me on this one. Well, enough talk. On to the story! o
Disclaimer: I DON'T OWN SAIYUKI!
Time and Time Again
Chapter 5
By: Crimson Devil
It was now June and Spring, bringing new life in her wake; still lingering as it was Nature's way. The students sat back on their seats once they heard the bell and Son Goku was in the teachers' lounge for it was not yet his subject in class 3 of level 2. He sat there with his coffee mug at hand, browsing over the day's newspaper. But even as his eyes wandered over the paper's black print, his mind was elsewhere. "It's already been two weeks since I've had those strange dreams…I haven't another one since then but it still bothers me…damn." Taking a sip from his mug, the soothing liquid and enticing aroma eased his furrowed brows and let an amusing thought creep through his troubled mind. "Oh well, I've learned a lot in the past two months," he smiled to himself. "My class is so different, unusual, complex, interesting…I'm the luckiest teacher! They are so amusing in and out of class, so full of life and energy. Hahaha!"
And indeed this was true. In a span of two months time, he was able to memorize all his students' names and nicknames, gained their respect and their approval to be called by their nicknames. He also learned about their hobbies and interests. An example would be Hiyazaki Matsuo, also known as Tsu, a black-haired boy of middle height and strong arms, was an athlete in archery and had dreams to make himself a master of his sport and set up his own school some day. Another interesting individual was Tsubasa Hiroki, also known as Hiro, was a whiz at anything that concerns virtual reality and fantasy. He has dreams of being a game programmer and inject his own ideas in cyber world. All his students each have their own talent with their own twist. Shindou wrote beautiful poetry, Otaki paints wonderful illustrations, Hiso could bend his body in ways Goku didn't think possible, and Gojyo, be it talent or nature, could make a young lady on the street swoon with one glance and a charming smile! His was, what he believed to be, the happiest bunch of guys that play a role more than just as students in his life, but as friends.
Then, his smile faltered somewhat at this thought. There was one shell that refused to open up to reveal a unique pearl within. Goku didn't know whether he was stubborn or just plain shy, but it always troubled him. Sanzo would always be active academically and perform well in general school activities. But he wouldn't see him with the other boys leisurely hanging out like normal boys do. He wasn't saying that Sanzo wasn't normal, but more like incomplete − broken.
Just then, a gentle hand tapped Goku on the shoulder and snapped him out of his reverie, making him almost spill his coffee. He always was kind of jumpy, especially after the dream occupied his mind almost completely. "Oh I'm so sorry sir Goku," apologized the principal. "Oh, Mrs. Shitaka! It's no trouble at all. It was my fault for not paying attention to my surroundings," he reassured. The prim and proper woman stood before him with a pleasant smile. She had her black hair tied up in a bun, a small streak of gray indicating that she was in her mid or late forties. She was plump though, a good indication of good health. "May I please see you in my office," she asked. "That is, if I'm not disturbing you."
"Oh not at all Mrs. Shitaka," Goku replied with a smile. He returned the newspaper back on the rack, took one last sip of coffee and followed Mrs. Shitaka into her office. Like the lounge, it was air-conditioned but instead of navy blue walls, hers was a soothing peach color with a dash of green indoor plants in two corners of the room. She seated herself on her chair and he sat on the chair opposite her. She looked at Goku for a few moments and smiled saying, "May I please shake your hand, sir Goku?" A little surprised by this remark, he stretched his long arm across the table and shook the principal's hand. "I am so glad you came to our school. You have done so much good to that class of yours. And I understand that you also communicate with the other classes during their breaks. Thank you so much!" Goku looked at her, a puzzled expression on his face. "I know. You might have thought this little meeting of ours to be of a different matter, but I really just wanted to thank you for your services to level 2."
"Whew I thought she was going to scold me, maybe cut my paycheck or something!" he thought as he released an inward sigh of relief. "Well, it was my pleasure," he replied with a sheepish smile. "I expected a lot from you knowing of your own record and I am certainly pleased. Just for that, I am giving you a raise." Dumbfounded, Goku stared at her with a look that read 'No way!' "I see that you are surprised sir Goku," she chuckled as she rummaged for the envelope in her drawer. "I sure am Mrs. Shitaka. Thank you!" He stood up and took a low bow. She stood up as well with the envelope in her hand and bowed in turn. "No, thank YOU." She handed the envelope to him and accepted it gratefully. He was about to step out of the office until an idea told him to turn around.
"Uhm…Mrs. Shitaka?"
"Yes, sir Goku?"
"Would it be too much of me to ask a request of you," he inquired in a calm voice. "I will try to be of service," was the reply. "Well, you see…"
The bell rang for lunch period and hordes of boys streamed through the cafeteria's double doors. Gojyo came in with his hands in his pockets. He went over to the line of students and took a tray that was later placed with food: ramen, some dimsum, century eggs and a soda. He searched through the mass of white polo shirts and ties for a place to sit. After some time, he noticed Genjo Sanzo enter the cafeteria and take his place at a solitary table. "Sheesh…that guy has some issues. I know that I've got no business in his life or whatever, but it's just so annoying having to see a face as sour as that everyday in school!"
Then, his gaze was averted to a certain brunette with green eyes. Hakkai too was sitting alone in a table not too far from Sanzo's. He was especially worried for the freshman and his injuries. Not so much on the physical ones, but also the ones inside. About two weeks ago, he saved him from a crook who attempted to mug him, even kill him for no particular reason. And since then, he kept a watchful eye on Hakkai. Now that he mentioned it, even before the incident in the alley, the freshman said something about being bullied by the juniors and some seniors. Without really noticing, he tried to keep close whenever he can help it.
He walked up to his table and sat across from him. Hakkai, startled, looked up to see a tanned face with crimson hair tied in a loose ponytail. "Ah, Gojyo-sempai! Why −?" Gojyo put a finger in front of the brunette's face, signaling him to stop. He held it there for a few more moments and started eating. After just staring at the red-head for a while, he just smiled and continued eating. Gojyo, in the middle of slurping his noodles, asked Hakkai, "So, how's your arm?" Hakkai's right hand deftly touched his bandaged left arm under the long-sleeved polo. "It's doing a lot better, Gojyo-sempai. I think I'll be able to remove the bandage by the end of the week," was his timid reply. Gojyo slurped more till the last noodle was devoured and all the soup gone. Taking his chopsticks, he picked off a dimsum and popped it into his mouth. "That's good to hear," he replied in between chewing. Hakkai gave a small chuckle. "You'd better be careful Gojyo-cempai. You might choke if you talk while your mouth is full."
Just then, three boys from level 3 stepped toward their table. With a harsh tug on the collar, the leader brought Hakkai an inch off of his seat. "Hey there Cho-kun. Where's my money," he asked sneeringly. Gojyo raised his eyes to see Hakkai struggling to break free from the other boy's grasp, his glasses tilted slightly. "I didn't bring enough money with me today Aki-san," he stammered. Aki raised an eyebrow and looked over his shoulder to his two lackeys. "Did'ya hear that boys? 'Not enough money' he says." The two sneered and laughed menacingly. "Well then, we'll just have to take what 'ya got then, won't we?" At this point, Gojyo stood up. "Leave him alone," he said in a serious tone. Aki abruptly let go of Hakkai's collar and confronted his red-head rival. "Say what? You're nothing but a sophomore," Gojyo took a step closer and looked him straight in the eye and repeated what he had said: "Leave. Him. Alone." At this point a lot of the students were watching the confrontation and were all silent. Feeling the pressure of their stares, and more of Gojyo's flickering one, he made a hasty retreat, saying nothing more to Gojyo than a couple of glares and a 'tch'.
"Hmph…asshole."He looked down to see Hakkai looking back up at him with a smile that said all he wanted to say that moment. "Hey, don't sweat it," he said, ruffling the brown locks of hair. Taking a look around, he saw Sanzo and another being seated across from him at the table. He took his tray and looked back at Hakkai. "C'mon. I'll introduce you to a couple of guys that'll be glad to meet 'ya. Well, at least one of 'em."
A/N Whoo! How was it? I'll be looking forward to your reviews. Looks like Gojyo's gonna get Hakkai to meet Sanzo and Goku. What'll happen when their paths cross once more? Watch out for the next chapter guys! Thanks for the support!