I'm really happy that everyone's enjoying the story so far! It makes my day to read your reviews, it really does. So thank-you!

Oh, and my first experience with Saiyuki was reading the Manga. In the manga the small white dragon that accompanies the team is named 'Jeep' so therefore that's the name I am used to and use in my writing. His name is Hakuryu in the anime if I've confused anyone.

Enjoy the fifth part!

Chapter 5. Trouble.

Sanzo had preferred Gojyo when he was crying.

"A dog!" Gojyo was shaking so hard from laughter that he had fallen on the floor. "The great Thirty First of China, Genjyo Sanzo is a dog!"

Gojyo had clung and cried for a good ten minutes before he finally let go and then he and Sanzo had shared the wonderful, obligatory, awkward moment men share after they hug without realizing it. Because the touchy-feely moment had ended, and all seemed back to normal for a few moments, Gojyo felt it appropriate to laugh at Sanzo's situation. It was only the right thing to do after all. And laugh he did. For ten minutes.

"Ow!" Gojyo yanked his hand back. "No biting!"

Serves you right. Sanzo flopped completely on the floor. He was tired and wondered when that stupid play was supposed to end. Hakkai and the monkey had been gone for at least two hours now. Stupid water sprite.

"It is so weird hearing your voice in my head." Gojyo fished out a cigarette. Relief didn't begin to describe how he was feeling seeing Sanzo alive and, in some way, well. "I mean, it's freaky. Hearing your voice on a mutt."

It's new to me, too. Sanzo yawned. I wasn't even aware we could talk to each other even after you figured it out.

"Well, personally I'm glad." Gojyo smirked. "Otherwise I think I'd be going crazy without confirmation."

You're crazy anyway. Sanzo snorted. How long is that play that the others went to going to be anyway?

"Few hours." Gojyo sucked on his precious Hi-Lite from his place on the floor. "Then the monkey probably took him to eat, if not the other way around."

That sounds like Goku alright. Always thinking with his damned stomach.

"I'm kinda glad." Gojyo leant against the wall next to Sanzo. "Until you showed up, he wasn't eating anything. Was starting to give me and Hakkai a scare, actually."

So I've heard. Sanzo put his head on his paws. Dumb monkey.

"Anyway, so the deal is you can't turn back to your normal grouchy self until the three of us figure out you're Sanzo, right?" Gojyo absently scratched behind Sanzo's ears. "Well, the other two anyway because I got it already."

Sanzo leaned into the scratching and felt his eyes dropping. That makes one down and yeah, that's the extent of it. And you can't tell them about this, either.

"How come?" Gojyo blew a small trail of smoke from the side of his mouth. He watched Sanzo's eyes level with his and hold his gaze.

Part of the rules. Whether the old hag meant that you can't physically tell them or if there's a consequence for telling, I don't know. She just said they have to do it on their own. Sanzo felt himself falling asleep. This was all Goku's fault for keeping him up all night the past few nights. I'd rather not risk it.

"Right." Gojyo considered this carefully. If he spilled, for all he knew the consequence would be Sanzo trapped as a dog forever or some shit. "Won't say a word then. Man, stuff like this only happens to us, doesn't it? We never catch a break."

That's how life works sometimes. Sanzo muttered. Life's a struggle and then you die right? But we just can't seem to stay dead.

"Ain't that the truth." Gojyo laughed before sobering. "But Sanzo?"

Hmm? Sanzo mumbled. He curled up slightly next to Gojyo, he was warm and Sanzo was tired.

"Go easy on Hakkai a bit for this remembering thing. Maybe give him a few weeks? I'm sure you want to change back, but it really got to him. Having all those reminders of you in one sitting." Gojyo continued petting as he watched Sanzo fall asleep. "He misses you something awful, you know? I don't want to see him break down again. We already cried for you once, and in my case twice."

Alright. Sanzo barely registered what he was agreeing to, but it seemed like the right thing to do at the time.

"Sanzo?" Gojyo smashed his cigarette out onto the ground. Sanzo had fallen asleep on him. Well, that was okay. Gojyo absently continued petting his friend, it was weird to think about petting Sanzo, but it felt good to have that contact anyway. He could feel Sanzo breathing under his hand in the slow rise and fall of his chest and it was comforting. This was weird as hell, but he was real and very much alive. "Sleep tight, monk."

When Hakkai and Goku returned from the show they came across a very alien encounter. Gojyo was asleep sitting against the wall with his hand sitting gently wrapped around Sable's chest. Apparently the two had fallen asleep together during a petting session. Hakkai smiled at the adorable sight and was tempted to just leave the two there. However, he knew Gojyo would be complaining about his back in the morning and Goku would probably want to sleep with Sable.

"I'm glad they took this time to get along." Goku smiled, too. "I was starting to think Gojyo really hated the dog."

"I'm sure he was just giving us a hard time since we were fawning over it so much." Hakkai smiled and put a finger to his own lips. "You know how vain he is, he was probably upset about being ignored. But now we know his little secret, don't we, Goku?"

"Yeah." Goku bounced over and tapped Gojyo in the head. "Time to wake up, ya' pervert water sprite."

"What?" Gojyo mumbled and yawned. "I fall asleep?"

"Yes, and so did Sable apparently." Hakkai paused over the dog. "Poor thing must be exhausted to not have woken up yet."

Gojyo watched Hakkai pat the dog before gently shaking it. He watched Sanzo wake with a start and stare up at Hakkai.

Crap, fell asleep. Sanzo looked up at Hakkai's smiling face and tried to go back to sleep. I'm too old for this.

Gojyo tried to hold in the laughter, but he couldn't help it. It truly was a new experience when you knew what the animal was actually thinking. He was going to have to work on keeping his reactions to Sanzo to a minimum. "Ah, just leave him there Hakkai. He's fine."

"I guess. I just assumed he'd want to keep sleeping with Goku like he has been."

Good gods, no! Sanzo shuttered. There's only so much of being a pillow I can take! Gojyo!

Gojyo blinked as Sanzo yelped at him. It suddenly occurred to him that he had become the new errand boy for the mighty monk. His prize for figuring it out first. Joy oh joy. But, that meant he only had to help when he was needed or until one of the others figured it out. Sleeping with the monkey wasn't hurting him a bit. Gojyo snickered. "Of course he does. You're absolutely right, Goku take your pet to bed."

I am going to kill you. Sanzo gave the most threatening glare he thought possible as Goku came to get him.

"Let's go to bed, Sable." Goku yawned. "I'm beat."

Sanzo sighed and followed Goku to the room next door and prepared for a rough night. He briefly picked up on Hakkai starting a conversation with Gojyo but he really couldn't care at the moment. He just wanted to sleep. He snuck a look at Goku climbing into bed and patting the sheets for him to jump up. A short leap and he was settled and briefly tried to get an hour of sleep before Goku claimed him as a pillow.

"Why is there broken glass in the trash can, Gojyo?" In the other room, Hakkai had spotted the small pieces of glass in the corner and found the rest in the bin. "It looks like it used to be the vase on my dresser."

"Lost my temper on the dog." Gojyo shrugged. No point in lying about it, and it might be a chance to find some excuse for suddenly being nicer to the dog. "Don't give me that look, I didn't hit it."

"I should hope not, Gojyo." Hakkai sighed. "But in any case, please don't do it again. You might scare the dog or make it run away and that would crush Goku. Now if you'll please, I think I'm going to turn in as well."

"Good to hear. And if it makes you feel better I felt guilty afterwards, mutt's not so bad when you get to know it." Gojyo smiled and picked himself off the floor to head to his and the monkey's room. "We just needed some 'get to know you time.' Came to an understanding the two of us, while you were out getting cultured. But any way, night, Hakkai."

"I'm glad you and Sable are getting along now, it means a lot to both me and Goku. Thanks, by the way." Hakkai smiled. "The play really was pleasant. Good way to get your mind off of things."

"No problem, Hakkai." Gojyo threw the remainder of his cigarette in the trash bin with the vase and headed out to the hallway.

Gojyo whistled slightly as he opened the door to his room. He snickered slightly as he stripped down and climbed into his own bed. Goku was already dead out and Sanzo was being used as a stuffed animal. "I wish I had a camera."

I am so going to murder you. Sanzo struggled but Goku's grip was too tight.

"Aw, but Sable is such a good doggie to keep Goku company." Gojyo shrugged under the blankets. He had made up his mind to enjoy this low point for the monk. After all, if he's alive and well, than he's more than open for jabs. "Night, pup."

Slowly. Sanzo felt the sign that Goku was going to turn over. He tensed and timed his movements so he'd jump that moment the arms went slack from tossing and turning. Shaking himself off he hopped off onto the ground. So very slowly will I kill you.

"Right." Gojyo was half-asleep already and just rolled over to his side. "You just try it puppy."

Tomorrow. Sanzo yawned. He took one last peak behind him to make sure that Goku hadn't woken up from the sudden lack of dog in his bed before heading towards the door. There was only one place where he knew it would be quiet and hug free. I need sleep.

Hakkai had just finished cleaning up the bits Gojyo had missed when his door creaked open. Before he could respond he was met with a surprise as Sable strut through the door and leaped up on his bed next to Jeep. Hakkai stared at the dog for a moment before shaking his head and shutting the door to his room.

Move over, dragon. Sanzo curled up at the end of the bed as Hakkai returned to the end of the bed.

"Sable?" The dog yawned and cracked his eyes open to send a look that clearly stated 'I'm not moving.' Hakkai chuckled. "Tired of Goku's sleeping habits? Well, I guess it's okay if you stay in here tonight."

Sanzo huffed and closed his eyes again as he felt the bed shift. Hakkai wasn't laying down, but he sat close and stroked his fur. He could feel Jeep shift to get into his owner's lap and was calmed be the quiet atmosphere and acceptance. It wasn't an alien thought, but he rarely admitted to himself just how calming it was to be with his comrades. They had kept him company on many a lonely night, whether he asked for the attention or not. He willed Hakkai's hand to scratch just at the base of the neck and briefly wondered if all these dog urges would go away when he turned back. That would be a sight: The Great Genjyo Sanzo asking to be pet. He huffed and pushed the thought out of his head and smothered it. Not a chance. Oh! That's the spot.

"I should apologize to you." Hakkai felt the fur through his fingertips and smiled at Jeep's soft breathing. Hakkai felt warm with the little bundle in his lap and the bigger bundle heating his legs. "I haven't been kind today and it hasn't been your fault at all."

If it's what I think you're apologizing for, than that isn't necessarily true. Sanzo thought to himself. He curled up tighter around himself and felt himself fading into sleep. Hakkai's soft voice was doing wonders for his sleep patterns.

"It's not your fault if I keep seeing Sanzo in your actions." Hakkai sighed. "Ah well, at least you don't know what I'm talking about. Oh, asleep are you?"

Hakkai smiled at the sleeping dog as it started twitching in its sleep. He hoped the dog's dreams were pleasant, whatever it was dogs dreamed about. And dragons too for that matter, he thought on the side as he shifted Jeep's position to place him next to Sable. He doubted he'd get sleep but he laid down beside his two furred friends and let his head sit next to Sable and Jeep. He thought it was silly, but for a few moments he hoped that dreams were contagious. He couldn't stop himself when he rolled on his side and used Sable's chest as a pillow. All that mattered was it was warm, and he felt safe.

It had to be pink. Sanzo felt the twitch as Hakkai held up his newest purchase. Sanzo should have known the man was up to no good when he left him and Jeep at the hotel when he went shopping. Sure, his excuse when he came back was 'you two needed your sleep' but Sanzo knew better. There was no way in hell he was wearing that shit. Apparently Hakkai disagreed with him when he grabbed his collar to hold him still as he tied. Sanzo remind himself to strangle the dragon later. Shut up with the laughing! You too, cockroach!

"It's so cute!" Goku ducked down in front of Sable after Hakkai had finished. "Sable really looks good with it on!"

"It's something." Gojyo couldn't help snickering. Oh, would the monk be hearing about this for years to come.

"It was on sale and I just had to get it!" Hakkai dropped down and vigorously rubbed Sable's fur. "And it does suit him so well."

A pink bandana does suit. Jeep snickered.

Sanzo was beyond humiliated as he caught his reflection in the hotel mirror. Hakkai had purchased him a bandana that was pink with floral print and had laced edges to wear around his neck and over the collar. He could live with a bandana, but did it have to be pink? He started plotting how to get the thing off before he caught Hakkai's eyes. The guilt that he refused to admit existed started weighing down on him.

"I hope Sable likes it, too." Hakkai smiled and rubbed the dog's head one final time. "It's an apology for being so rough with him the other day."

Sanzo sighed. It wouldn't kill him to wear the thing for a few days. He scratched the back of his ear with his hind leg. Stupid reflexes.

"I'm sure he loves it, Hakkai." Gojyo drawled.

You're making a tab of death, water sprite. Sanzo held back the physical growl. He watched Gojyo chuckle and was tempted to just go over and bite him.

"Something funny, Gojyo?" Hakkai turned over his shoulder.

"Nah," Gojyo stopped. He'd been caught reacting to Sanzo, this whole secret thing was going to be harder than he thought. "Was just thinking how our favorite monk would've reacted. It is pink, and the dog is a boy."

"Ah," Hakkai stood. "He would disapprove, wouldn't he?"

"I don't think Sanzo would care enough." Goku's cheerful demeanor from seeing Sable in a new outfit was dropping at the thoughts of Sanzo. He started stroking the dog, for some reason it worked wonders to calm him down. He almost felt a little guilty from getting so much comfort from the animal.

"Ah ha ha," Hakkai cleared his throat. "I think he'd be more angry with our dropping moods. Why don't we get some lunch to go and get back on the road, then?"

"Yeah!" Goku shot up off the floor. "We can eat and then Sable can show off his new bandana!"

What are you looking at? Sanzo stared as Jeep flew off of Hakkai's shoulders to sit next to him.

Mr. Fashionable. What else? Jeep snickered and turned his head when the others headed out the door.

I bet you're just jealous that Hakkai never got you anything cute to wear. Sanzo smirked.

Jeep squawked and ruffled his fur in defense. As if.

"Come on Sable! Food!" Goku ushered the pet over with an energetic hand.

The distraction seemed enough to make Jeep ignore the previous conversation just fine. Sanzo growled when he felt Jeep grip onto his leg and climb up onto his back. By this point in time Sanzo had learned there was no point in even bothering to argue. The stupid dragon was determined to turn him into a transportation vehicle. He smothered the part of his brain that said it was karma.

Once they'd gotten outside however, Jeep was forced to transform and Sanzo took his rightful place up front next to Hakkai. He smirked at Gojyo knowing there was no way he could argue his way into the front seat now. Sanzo felt the engine start and the wind start flowing through his fur. He resisted the urge to stick his head out the side of the car. He refused to give in and forced himself to face Hakkai in the seat just to make sure. The last thing he needed was to fall out or some nonsense.

"How far is it to the next town, anyway, Hakkai?" Gojyo stretched out best he could in the back without hitting Goku. It was a bit hard though with his long legs. He made note to make sure he found a good excuse to get the dog out of the front while he could. Once Sanzo was human again than Gojyo had no chance of ever getting shotgun again.

"A few days, we'll be camping out tonight." Hakkai hummed as he checked his friends in the mirror.

"Aw! I hate camping." Goku sat in the back and sulked. Camping meant there was no food readily available.

"That might be the least of our worries." Hakkai slowed Jeep to a stop. "It seems we finally have company."

"Just peachy." Gojyo stared at the crowd of demons gathered on the road in front of Jeep. They were about twenty yards off, maybe thirty or so. Nothing major, but they had been out of practice. "You'd seriously think they'd just leave us alone by now."

"Sanzo Party! Hand over the Maten Scripture!"

All three of the remaining Sanzo party's gazes narrowed into slits at the statement so carelessly thrown around. The forth member of the team just growled and bared teeth while bracing himself on the dashboard.

"Oh, I'm sorry. There's no Sanzo anymore is there?" The demon laughed and a rumble of snickers followed behind him. "Which means you don't need that scripture any…"

"Nice one, Hakkai!"

Ignoring Goku's outburst, Gojyo stared at the massive hole in the formation of demons. Hakkai's chi blasts could really pack a wallop when you weren't expecting one. "Bastards. Come on Goku!"

"Sable, stay." Hakkai ordered before joining Gojyo and Goku in a little demon cleanup. He was on the remaining demons in a heartbeat and felt the rush of decimating them one at a time. The guilt at feeling pleasure from making them suffer was ignored.

Gojyo tried to get the fighting over with quickly, but it was clear this was Hakkai's fight. He'd already taken out at least five or six with the first blast and he'd been hammering them since he got out of the Jeep. He sliced one over the back of his shoulder and checked on Goku. The monkey wasn't even trying and just hit the ones that came towards him. This would be over and done with soon enough.

Sanzo sat in his seat and took time to ponder the situation. What was he supposed to do in a fight? It's not like he could use the scripture or his gun in his current state. He could resort to biting and scratching, he was a big dog after all, but they were demons and outranked him just a tad. He tried not to sulk when he realized he was pretty much useless unless it was one on one. He'd have to figure out someway to remedy this situation. He refused to be weak, even as a dog, but for now he stayed put in the Jeep to stay out of the way. His friends had it covered anyway.

On the bright side of things, he had confirmation that one of his friends did indeed carry the Maten Scripture with them if Kougaiji's assassins didn't have it. That was a comforting thought to rest on his chest as he watched his friends make quick work of the demons. The attacking hoard was quickly a pile of corpses and Sanzo watched as they walked back and piled into Jeep. The mood was somber and faces were serious, he had a feeling it was going to be a very quiet drive.

Hakkai started the motor and put his foot to the gas before brooding internally. The outright nerve of those demons was unforgivable. The rage was still boiling inside of him and he couldn't help but feel they still got off too easy. It was beyond cruel to bring up Sanzo's death like that so soon after it had happened. It was still an open wound and they were picking at just to make sure it was still bleeding. Exploiting a weakness was something he'd done himself, but that was uncalled for. He forced himself to calm down before his anger over took him and before he knew it, he was petting Sable. He looked down at his hand that was rubbing behind the dog's ears. He didn't even remember reaching out for the animal. The sight of the dog leaning into the touch calmed him down faster than he could believe and Hakkai found himself relaxing. He shouldn't let the cruel words of idiots get to him. If he lost control than others depending on him would suffer and he refused to let that happen.

Goku curled up into the side of the seat and watched Sable breathing in the front seat. He still felt the sting of such a cruel reminder that Sanzo was dead. He wasn't even in the mood to really fight after the words were said, but there wasn't much he could do about it now. If the dog could be relaxed after that though, than so could he. Sable just made him feel better inside, like he belonged in the group and with them somehow. He smiled when he realized Sable was making Hakkai feel better, too.

Gojyo watched Hakkai as he pet Sanzo. He had already caught Goku calming down after watching the dog himself. It was amazing how the monk could have that type of an effect on everyone without even doing anything. Well, at least now it made sense how 'Sable' could keep Hakkai company and get the monkey to eat and go to bed before. He smirked and lit the cigarette hanging from his lips. Sanzo really was Sanzo, and that's all there was to it.