Yay for writing in spurts, right? Well, here's chapter two and thanks everyone for reading! Yay for doggy!Sanzo.

Chapter 2. Adjusting.

"Hakkai," Gojyo covered his face with the top of his jacket. "That mutt stinks."

"He does seem to need a bath." Hakkai wrinkled his nose slightly while watching the dog from the rearview mirror. They had been driving for a few hours now and the dog had woken up. It was cute watching Goku pet it while it slept, but now that it was up and moving the unique smell it acquired was set free by the moving air. He was thankful that the dog was behind him, he shuttered to think how bad it smelt up close.

"It's not that bad." Goku pat the dog and watched as it desperately tried to stay still in the bumping vehicle. He laughed when it yelped and squirmed in the seat with every little jolt. It reminded him of those toy dogs that sit on the dash board and bob their heads.

Sanzo was not having fun riding in the jeep. His balance was all off kilter and his smaller size shoved him around more than usual thanks to Hakkai's unique brand of driving. His head had smacked the side of the seats more times then he wanted to remember. He couldn't stop the yelp when a particularly nasty bump sent him off the seat and into the foot well. I am going to kill Hakkai.

"Watch it," Goku steadied the dog by putting it between his knees and holding onto the scruff of his neck. "There, that's better."

Sanzo was feeling the mortification of the situation in full force and wanted to smack them all. He wanted his gun and fan back and would personally strangle the hag if those items weren't returned with his body. But despite that want, unfortunately, the group would take compassion on an injured, starving mutt, not a feral canine. He once again forced himself to swallow his pride and sit quietly. Hopefully they would reach a town soon and he could get clean and eat something decent. He let out a curse when they hit another bump and hit his head on the seat, again.

"I still don't know why we're dragging the dog along with us." Gojyo blew smoke in the dog's face.

"Please don't, Gojyo." Hakkai admonished. "It's not healthy for the dog."

No, please do! Sanzo inhaled the little bits of smoke and was reminded again of how much he missed smoking. He licked his lips absently before beginning to pant. Even with the breezes it was a tad hot and it really sucked having a new body but still suffering from nicotine cravings. It just wasn't fair. Ow! Watch it!

"Oh, sorry doggy." Goku pulled his leg back. Another bump caused him to near squish the dog. "Hey, what do you guys think we should call him? He doesn't seem like a 'doggy' type of dog to me."

Damn straight. Sanzo huffed. And if you call me 'fluffy' I will kill you next chance I get.

"Don't you dare name it!" Gojyo turned around. "Name it and you'll want to keep it!"

"I agree," Hakkai ran a hand through his hair. "We really should drop it off somewhere once we get it clean and fed. Best not to get too attached, Goku."

Shit. Sanzo began to see a flaw in his brilliant plan. He hadn't counted on this because he was sure once they picked him up that they'd keep him! They wanted to keep that stupid cat a while ago, didn't they? So why on earth couldn't they keep a dog? The thought pissed him off and before he knew it he had barked at Hakkai.

Goku laughed. "I don't think he likes that idea, Hakkai."

"Tough luck." Gojyo turned back to his seat. "We're dumping the dog first chance we get."

If Sanzo wasn't sure that he'd get kicked out of the jeep he would have bitten that damned water sprite. So instead he merely leaned his head on Goku's knee and tried to think of a way to make this whole mess work. He couldn't even start to try and reveal himself if they didn't even want to keep him. That meant more playing nice and Sanzo wasn't sure how much of this acting he could keep up. Eventually he was going to snap and it would cost him, or give them a big tip off. He wasn't sure which would happen first at this point.

Goku watched the dog settle itself between his legs and couldn't help but smile a little bit. He couldn't explain why, but he really liked this dog. It made him feel safe for some reason and the feeling was very familiar. His shoulders slumped when his thoughts turned to Sanzo. While petting the dog he replayed the scene in his head yet again: Sanzo falling, Gojyo's chain breaking, all the blood and his own voice screaming. He wasn't fast enough, wasn't able to get to him in time and now he was dead. Somewhere inside Goku always knew it could happen, but he never really imagined Sanzo would be gone. It was just that unspoken bond that Sanzo would always be there.

But he wasn't. Goku looked down at the dog and realized it had the same color fur as Sanzo's hair and he nearly began crying again. Sanzo was really gone and he was never coming back. Things would never be the same and Goku felt a wave of loneliness wash over him. Goku would have given anything to be hit upside the head again and be called a stupid monkey by his master's gruff voice. He rubbed his eyes furiously and willed it away. He'd be strong just like he promised.

The stupid monkey was breaking down and that didn't sit well with Sanzo. Somewhere deep in his heart he knew what the cause was and it ticked him off to no end. The stupid brat wasn't supposed to be sad. He should be loud and annoying and eating. Stupid monkey.

"Hey," Goku cracked a smile when he realized the dog had licked his hand. It was now staring at him intently and wagging its tail. "You don't want me to be sad either, do you?"

Sanzo was thankful for his newly enhanced hearing or he never would have heard that whisper pretending to be speech. He jumped up a bit to rest his front legs on Goku's lap and settled his head down on them.

Goku rubbed the dog behind the ears and stared at its golden hair peaking through the dirt and was once again reminded of Sanzo. But he didn't let it get to him this time because it wouldn't be fair to the dog. It's not his fault he has the same hair as Sanzo. Thinking about the dog and Sanzo sent Goku into another thought direction. They were going to clean the dog, feed it and then dump it all by itself! That didn't sit well with Goku at all and it made him clench his free fist. "We're not getting rid of the dog."

"Excuse me?" Gojyo piped up from the front seat. "I'm pretty sure I didn't hear what you just said."

"I said," Goku crossed his arms. "We're not leaving it all by itself. We're keeping it."

"Goku, are you sure?" Hakkai looked up from his seat. "A dog is a lot of responsibility."

"I'm sure." Goku rubbed the dog's face.

"I take it there's no arguing at all with you then." Hakkai cracked a small smile and waved at Gojyo to just let it be.

"Nope. We're definitely keeping it." Goku continued scratching the dog's face. "And that means that you need a name."

That had worked better than he thought. Sanzo blinked and tolerated the rub down his face was receiving. He put all four of his legs back onto the floor so he could sit up better. Actually, it almost seemed too easy, but why should Sanzo complain about his one shot of good luck? Though, the thought of them giving him a new name was giving him a bad feeling. Better not be anything stupid.

"How about, um, Goldie?" Goku jumped a little at the growl. He giggled a bit at the glare. "Guess not."

Right, now try again. Sanzo yawned against his will. Stupid dog body.

"What about 'stupid?'" Gojyo was rewarded with a smack in the arm from Hakkai that jolted him enough to knock his cigarette out of the jeep. Hakkai's eyes were screaming "be supportive."

"He's a Golden Retriever, so what about Hunter?" Hakkai changed his face immediately and smiled at Goku.

"Maybe." Goku watched the dog turn his head away and huff. "I don't think he likes it."

"It's just a dumb dog," Gojyo yawned and expressed his boredom with this topic physically by slipping into his seat. Hakkai's warning be damned because he was just too tired for this nonsense. "Just name it and it'll live with it."

Like hell. Sanzo wondered if he'd get a chance to attack Gojyo when they were alone. Maybe if he played Mr. Nice Guy with Goku and Hakkai they'd never believe the water sprite's accusations. His clear bias for hating the dog sure wouldn't help his arguments any. He nearly snickered at the thought of biting Gojyo through the pants and watching him jump a foot in the air.

Goku watched the dog's face turn into an odd smirk, but he assumed he was just seeing things. While scratching the dog's ears, Goku got a serious look on his face. He watched the dog look up at him and really studied them. "I'm going to call you Sable, because of your eyes."

Could be worse. Sanzo tilted his head and settled on the floor for a nap. Could have named me 'sunnie' or some nonsense.

"I think he likes that one." Hakkai laughed a little despite the inner nagging at naming a golden dog after something that usually refers to black fur. It was amazing how much having that dog around could lighten everyone's mood. You never would have guessed they were all as good as the living dead a day ago. And even Gojyo's new grumpy mood was an improvement from his brooding. "We should be reaching the next town in about twenty minutes."

"About time, I'm hungry and I want to sleep in a bed." Gojyo sat up a tad to lean on the dashboard. "And just 'cause you're feeling better, monkey, doesn't mean you get to steal my food."

"Shut up you cockroach!"

Sanzo yelped when Goku stepped on him. The brat had jumped up so quickly from his seat that he had forgotten that he was on the floor. He jumped on the seat and did his best to glare at Goku. Watch it!

"Sorry, Sable." Goku giggled at the glare. "We'll make sure to give you all of Gojyo's portions since he's being such a jerk!"

"No way in hell!" Gojyo turned to shove Goku's head down into the seat.

Sanzo moved out of the way when the fight started and couldn't help but snicker quietly to himself. He never realized how much he'd missed their arguments, and he wasn't the only one. Hakkai was smiling in the front seat as well watching both the antics of his two friends and the clearly smug dog. It felt nice, and Hakkai was grateful for the feeling. He laughed when the two finally became exhausted and fell into their seats with a plop. That taste of normality was something they all needed to feel.

"We're here." Hakkai announced pulling to a stop on a road near the local inn. "Everyone out."

"Finally." Gojyo jumped out of the jeep and waited for Goku to follow. The dog jumped down out of the car and gave a shake sending dirt everywhere. Including on his black pants. "Stupid mutt."

Goku just laughed. "Serves you right."

"Yeah right! I'm telling you now that damned mutt is going to be nothing but trouble."

"He's perfectly well behaved, you're just being mean!" Goku got down on the ground to give it a big hug. "You're such a good boy. Yes you are! Aren't you!"

Sanzo felt he was going to be sick if this cuddly-wuddly act of Goku's didn't come to an end and quickly. That and the boy squeezed much too tightly.

"Keep hugging the dog like that and you're going to stink just as bad, monkey." Gojyo laughed. "Oh wait! You already do!"

"Shut up you stupid water sprite!"

"I just hope Jeep doesn't get jealous of the new comer." Hakkai commented as the little dragon flew up to his shoulder after transforming back. It was time for a change of topic anyway. Jeep chirped cutely when Hakkai stroked its head.

"Like Sable could replace Jeep!" Goku pat them both on the head. "I bet they'll be the very best of friends."

About as much as we were before. Sanzo rolled his eyes and took a seat. No point in standing until they went somewhere. This whole thing is turning out to be such a pain. I wish they'd hurry up so I can get something to eat and a bath.

You're cranky as always.

Sanzo looked up immediately at Hakkai's shoulder and just stared. He couldn't have heard that. No way.

Jeep snickered to himself and flew down off Hakkai's shoulder to sit next to Sanzo. He nuzzled his head into Sanzo's arm with a chirp. Hakkai laughed and said something about letting the pets get to know each other while they checked in to the hotel. Once they were alone, Jeep began to speak in Sanzo's head again. Yes way. Animals can talk to each other, the humans and demons just can't hear it.

Holy shit. Sanzo just stared. I knew you were smarter than you looked.

Yes, your paranoia is justified for once, Sanzo. Jeep laughed again and put on a bright smile. Though, it is nice to have someone I can talk back to. There's only so much listening a dragon can take!

Sanzo nearly nodded, also knowing the annoyance of constantly listening (thanks to the monkey), before he stopped. Wait, how did you know it was me?

I'm not stupid, and I can feel it. I guess I just sort of know it's you, the same way I know the rest of you. Jeep yawned. Though, I am curious how you pulled this off.

I feel like I've lost my mind to think I'm having a conversation with the pet dragon. Sanzo grumbled. But I guess anything's possible when you've been turned into a dog.

It's not that weird. Jeep climbed up onto Sanzo's back. I'd imagine you'd enjoy the company as well?

As much as I'd hate to admit. Sanzo grumbled. And what do you think you're doing?

Sanzo would never let me ride on his shoulder, but Sable has to be a good doggy and get along with the dragon or he gets the boot. After all, you're the newbie and Hakkai would never ditch me. Jeep set his head on top of Sanzo's. Am I right?

I knew you were an evil little thing behind all those cute little whines. Sanzo huffed and got up to follow the path the others took towards the hotel. The building looked a little old and the tiles were falling off the sides, but anything was better than nothing.

Guilty as charged. Jeep snickered. I do hang out with Hakkai all the time and we all know he's nothing like how he acts.

That's true. Sanzo stopped at the door and wondered if the place was pet friendly. That bath was sounding really nice, as was that bed Gojyo was talking about earlier.

Now start talking, why are you a dog? Jeep made an attempt to turn Sanzo's back into a comfy little nest of fur while he chatted.

Hey, watch it up there! Your claws hurt and it's a long story. Sanzo waited quietly outside of the inn door. One of those fools was bound to come out and get them at some point. But since those idiots don't seem to be coming back anytime soon, it looks like we've got time.

And time they had. Sanzo had explained the entire situation in great detail and answered questions before the door opened back up again and Goku appeared with a couple plates of food. He set them down in front of the two animals. "Sorry Sable and Jeep, but the hotel doesn't allow pets. I brought you the scraps from dinner though! And it looks like you two are getting along! I think Hakkai will be happy to know that. As for Gojyo, I don't think he cares but that's his own problem."

Sanzo stared at the food and decided that despite it being scraps, when he considered it was the monkey eating, he should be grateful there was anything left over at all. He munched a bit off food off the plate and briefly realized that if he did get turned back to normal he'd never live this down for the rest of his life. It almost made him want to finish the mission as a dog. Maybe he could take down Gyumaoh in this form easier, after all, who'd suspect the dog?

"However, the innkeeper said I could give you a bath in the stream behind the inn!" Goku smiled. "So when you're done eating we can get you all clean!"

Sanzo shuddered at the thought of all that cold water, but not much he could do about it. He was slightly startled when Jeep leaned over his side to steal food from the plate. He refrained himself from growling.

"I'm glad you two get along." Goku sat down next to the two as they finished eating. "I don't think Hakkai would let you stay, Sable, if you didn't get along with Jeep."

Told you so.

Oh shut up you rat with wings. Sanzo licked the last bit of food off the plate before Jeep could get to it.

"Wow, you finished that up quickly, didn't you?" Goku pat him on the head and stood up. Walking towards the alley he slapped his leg. "Come on, Sable. Let's go get cleaned up."

Sanzo sighed and started to follow Goku. The boy was talking but Sanzo tuned him out, it was probably all the same rambling he'd heard before. Why are you still here?

It's comfy. Jeep grinned and held on tight to Sanzo's back.

Whatever. Sanzo grinned. I hope you get soaking wet.

"Here we are!" Goku stopped at the stream and pulled a small bottle of dog shampoo out of his pocket. "The innkeeper gave me this when I said how dirty you were. It's kind of weird for someone who doesn't allow pets in his inn to have dog shampoo, don't you think?"

Sanzo stared at the monkey. Did he ever shut up? He watched Goku get undressed and jumped into the water in just his boxers. "Come on, Sable. Get in the water and I'll scrub you down."

Sanzo was suddenly mortified by the thought and realized he was never going to live any part of this experience down. If the Goddess truly was merciful then she'd make them forget this ever happened. When he jumped into the water and felt the cold water rush him he decided he wouldn't be that lucky. At least Jeep didn't have time to get off his back first. Sanzo snickered as the wet little dragon swam over to the shore and shook itself off. He'd never seen those red little eyes so pissed. The look made him smile inside and Jeep merely turned his head away in a sulk.

"All right! A little shampoo on the fur and we'll get you spotless. At least the water is shallow enough you can stand in it." Goku lathered the suds into the fur and mercilessly scrubbed the dirt from the dog. "Wow! You've got dirt everywhere, don't you?"

After a while, Sanzo realized this wasn't so bad. All the scrubbing was like a massage and was starting to feel pretty good. He blamed it on the fact he was a dog and cursed his tail for wagging and his body for leaning into the scrubbing. It didn't take long but he was finally free of that cursed dirt and the constantly moving water rinsed him off nicely. He followed Goku out of the water and shook off the loose water, aiming for both Goku and Jeep of course.

Goku couldn't help but laugh at the spray of water aimed at him. "Okay! I get it! Knock it off, Sable."

Sanzo sat down on the ground and shivered a bit when the wind blew. Being wet was a pain and he couldn't explain for the life of him why he wanted to go roll in the dirt. He had just gotten clean for goodness sake! He nearly growled when Jeep settled itself onto his back again. I sure hope you don't plan on making this a habit.

Of course I do. Jeep yawned. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm taking a nap.

Goku smiled at the sight of Jeep snuggling into Sable's long fur and gave a little yawn himself. He watched the sun disappear over the horizon and headed back towards the inn. "You guys can stay out here in the back courtyard, okay?"

Sanzo stared as Goku went inside the inn and his only thought involved No way in hell am I sleeping outside soaking wet. As soon as the door shut Sanzo took off and circled the building looking for any way inside. After a quick perimeter check he realized his best bet would be to sneak in through a window. The challenge would be finding one that was open or cracked enough he could nudge it. He waited for the sun to set completely before he put his plans into full action and searched for an opening a second time. Eventually he located his target and used his teeth to drag over a box to use as a step. A fluid jump, that managed not to even wake Jeep, and he was on the box and looking in the window.

After making sure no one would see him, and that no one was in the room, Sanzo pawed at the tiny space where the two windows met. It took quite a bit of effort but one well placed nail at the window opened it just enough for him to squeeze through. He ended up landing on the bed but that was okay because he was clean. He snuck towards the door and jumped to paw the door open and was lucky it was a pull handle instead of a knob. Jeep was gripping hard enough in his sleep to not be budged and Sanzo briefly wondered how on earth he did that. At least it didn't hurt as much as it did the first time he climbed up. A quick peak in the hall revealed no one to be around.

In the hallway he sniffed the ground trying to pick up his comrades' scent. There were some benefits to being a dog he decided. Better hearing and a sense of smell had it's uses. He growled to himself when he realized his other three companions had these traits anyway from being demons. Sanzo shoved the thoughts to the back of his mind before he got sidetracked. He eventually picked up on the monkey's trail and followed it to a room at the end of the hall. He jumped up and repeated his earlier action to open the door and sneak inside. To his luck, Gojyo was already dead asleep in one bed, and Goku was sitting upright in his staring at him. He apparently woke him up when he opened the door. He could have sworn Goku was a heavy sleeper. Hakkai must have gotten a room to himself.

"Sable? How did you get in here?" Goku jumped up to meet the dog and closed the door. "I guess you were lonely."

Sanzo yawned against his will and wished Goku would just go back to sleep. He was tired.

"I guess you can sleep in here for now, but we'll have to sneak you out in the morning." Goku climbed into bed and jumped when the dog joined him. "No, you can't sleep in the bed, Sable."

Oh yes I am, monkey. Sable stared him down and curled up at the end of the bed. Jeep still snuggly in place. This dog wasn't budging.

Goku smiled as the dog drifted off to sleep; one night in bed wouldn't hurt anything. Goku snuggled down into the blanket and realized what a difference having another large body in the bed made. Even if the dog was still damp from the bath, it was still warm and he felt safe. "Night, Sable."

Night you stupid monkey. Sanzo mumbled before he drifted off into his own little world of dreams.