Super short chapter, but it's full of cute fluff and if you don't like fluff you have a special 713 word bonus! Enjoy! -And I am such a geek, and if you want to see why – check the chapter number and the title. If I was really on the ball, Chapter 5 would have been Gojyo and I guess technically 8 was sort of Hakkai, but I digress.-
Chapter 9. Goku.
Hakkai! Tell this pipsqueak of yours to lay off! Sanzo tried to shake Jeep off, but the little dragon was relentless. Get off!
No! I like your back! It's comfy. Jeep snuggled in.
Little rodent! Sanzo glared at Hakkai. Get him off.
"My, is Jeep really bugging you so much Sanzo?" Hakkai smiled and sipped his tea.
He's a monster. Sanzo tried nipping at him, but he was in that one spot on the back he couldn't reach. Damn it!
"Don't be silly." Hakkai pat Jeep on the head. "It just means he likes you."
Yeah, it just means I like you. Jeep snickered.
There will be so much retribution when I turn back. Sanzo growled as Hakkai laughed.
"Now, Sanzo." Hakkai poured a bit of tea into a bowl and sat it next to Sanzo. A peace offering if you will. "Be nice to Jeep."
Yes, Sable. Be nice to Jeep.
I am going to kill that little thing after this journey is over. Sanzo lapped up his tea and tried to ignore the bird and its owner.
"I'm surprised you're waiting until after the journey." Hakkai smiled and looked for the book he had placed on the table. This town had a rather nice bookstore with low prices. He had found a bargain on an old collection of fairytales. "I figured a faster death would be more your style."
You act like I enjoy walking over mountains and through forests and deserts. Sanzo licked his lips after finishing off the tea. You should get more of this stuff, it's good.
"I'll see into that, Sanzo." Hakkai turned to the fifth story in his book before hearing a set of footsteps coming down the stairs. "Good morning, Goku."
"Morning Hakkai!" Goku jumped down the last few stairs in one go before rushing over to his friends. They hadn't experienced a single attack in days and it made him happy. "Morning Sable."
Sanzo allowed his head to be pet and ruffled, at the very least getting attention from Goku meant that the dragon would fly off to see Hakkai and bother someone else. Sure enough, Jeep did just that. He leaned into the touch and wagged his tail when Goku hit 'the spot.' Damn that feels good.
Gojyo shook his head as he entered the room. It was the fairly normal scene: Hakkai reads a book with Jeep in his lap while Goku molests the dog. "Having fun?"
Sanzo looked up from the monkey's attentions and glared. I hope you were referring to the monkey.
"Yeah," Goku stood up brightly. "It's gonna' be another good day. I can tell!"
"Right," Gojyo flopped into a chair and reached down to pet Sanzo. "Lazy days are nice, aren't they?"
"I agree." Hakkai sat his book down on a chair. "Why don't we make some lunch then?"
"How did I know the moment I sat down you'd ask us to do something?" Gojyo whined.
"Good timing." Hakkai walked over and grabbed him. "I have shopping to do before hand and you're coming. Besides, it's a lovely day and we could all use some fresh air. Goku please watch the hotel and Sable."
"Sure thing, Hakkai." Goku waved as his elder friend dragged the water sprite out the door. Goku couldn't help but snicker when Gojyo found out Hakkai meant to do all of the shopping right now. That meant the pervy water sprite had to carry all of it. It really was going to be a good day. "So, Sable, what do you want to do?"
Get it through your thick skull I'm Sanzo? Sanzo grumbled. No, that'd be too much to ask.
I don't think he'll ever get it. Jeep flew over and re-snuggled into Sanzo's fur.
"Hey Jeep, you're staying with me today?" Goku smiled and pat Jeep on the head as well. "This is awesome with just the three of us!"
Yeah, a real blast. Sanzo sighed.
"Let's go out and see the town." Goku headed for the door. "The hotel doesn't need watching. It's not like it's going anywhere and we already paid for the rooms."
Sanzo sighed and followed the boy out the door and resigned himself for a day of just him, Goku and the rat with wings. He watched Goku lock the rooms with a spare key Hakkai had given him. Well, it could be worse, he could be playing fetch again.
They were outside and stalking the streets in no time and Sanzo enjoyed the breeze flowing through his fur. This was a nice town, though, really. Sanzo looked about and enjoyed the scenery. He hid his amused smile at Goku reacting to all the food stands; monkey never changed. It was nice seeing Goku happy, though something told Sanzo it was still mostly an act.
Goku smiled at the bright sunshine shining down on him and his animal friends as they walked down the streets. If he really put his mind to it, he could imagine that it really was Sanzo pouring all that light down on them from the sun. He had to have gone up to Heaven, there was no way they'd make him go to the other place. Well, Goku could keep telling himself that, but in the end it really didn't matter where they sent him. Goku had made up his mind long ago when he died he was going to the same place as Sanzo, no matter where it was. He was fairly certain Hakkai and Gojyo felt the same way. In the end, being separated from each other was the worst possible torture Goku could think of.
Sable stopped beside him and Goku looked down to see what caught his and Jeep's attention. He couldn't stop the huge grin from covering his face. There sitting directly in front of Sanzo was a pretty little poodle. Pink bow and all, properly trimmed and she was sniffing Sable. "Found a girlfriend, Sable?"
Sanzo immediately shot his head up when Goku started talking. It wasn't his fault this dog came over and started talking to him. Don't be absurd, she's asking for directions.
The female dog laughed a bit. Wouldn't it be nice if they could hear us? Thanks for the help though.
"Ah, better luck next time, Sable." The poodle ran off when a fellow dog owner started calling for her. Goku checked his pockets. "Come on Sable, let's go get something to eat. I've got some money I won off of Gojyo in cards."
Sanzo followed Goku absently as he hunted out a food din. Jeep was doing something on his back, but he didn't bother finding out what exactly it was. If the pricks were any indication, he was trying to make a nest out of his back again. Watch it, those claws hurt.
Sorry. Jeep finished up the touches of his little Sanzo Bed. The bandana pulled in just the right angle made a nice little sheet. Night.
"Ah, Jeep really does sleeping on you, doesn't he?" Goku smiled and handed Sable a meat bun. "Every time I see him with you he's making a nest out of your fur. It's kind of cute."
Sanzo grabbed the offered meat bun and started in on it. He must be losing his touch, he didn't even notice Goku leave to go get it. It was delicious whatever the case, and it made Sanzo wonder why he never ate more of these when he was human. Once the meal was devoured, Sanzo lapped up the last bits hanging around his mouth and waited for Goku to finish eating. But instead of that, Goku picked up his bags and merely patted his leg. The sign to follow.
Goku walked for a bit until he found a little open clearing. Under a tree was a bench and a little garden filled with various wildflowers. It was perfect. "Let's go sit over there."
Sanzo noted that Goku opted to sit directly under the tree in the flower bed instead of on the bench. Sanzo shook his head and fell down next to the boy into a comfortable position. Jeep's resistance to being woken from movement still impressed him. The flowers smelled nice and Goku was stroking him. Sanzo smiled and laid down fully and enjoyed the peaceful moment.
"Know something, Sable." Goku leaned his head back and looked up through the leaves. The light filtered through and created almost a kaleidoscope effect. It was beautiful. "I always wanted to do this with Sanzo."
Sanzo kept his eyes shut but listened anyway, something told him he should remember this conversation later. He let the soothing stroking of Goku's hand and the odd softness of his voice lull him into a peaceful state.
"Back when we were at the temple, he was always working and stuck indoors. I tried to get him to come out and sit with me in the trees, well, I wouldn't make him climb the tree, just sit beneath it, and enjoy the weather. He was always busy though." Goku continued to stroke Sable. This was comfortable, and the heretic felt he could stay like this for hours.
"But that was okay, I'm not dumb. I knew he had work and couldn't lay about all day, but sometimes I just felt like he wanted to, or he needed it.
"Maybe, I'm just crazy. Or I was just lonely without him around and selfishly wanted his attention. Can you imagine? I was jealous of paperwork. He really was all I had until we met Hakkai and Gojyo. And now, I really love you too, Sable. But, I just miss him so damn much."
Sanzo felt the tears hitting his back and couldn't remain in his peaceful lull; that was selfish, even for him. He got up and licked Goku's cheeks, got a leg up from his lap to reach better. There was something stirring inside of him that urged him foreword and nuzzling the boy. Just something about Goku relapsing into this melancholy state again hit him hard in the gut.
"Hey, down. Down!" Goku laughed a bit and rubbed the tears away. "Thanks. Want to know what I think?"
Sanzo stepped down a bit but still stayed half-way in Goku's lap. He barked and tried to get Goku to continue with what he was saying. He stopped moving when Goku cupped his face with his hands. They were still damp from the crying, but there were no more signs of it on his face.
"I think Sanzo sent you to keep me company." Goku fingered Sable's ears. "To keep all of us company. And I think that you're doing a great job."
Sanzo didn't really know what to think to a statement like that. He had no time to react to Goku's sudden embrace, either. He sighed and leaned into the hug. Off a bit from where I need you to be, but close enough.
Somewhere during all the commotion, Jeep had fallen off in between and was now wide awake and watching the pair intently with his little red eyes. Cute.
"Okay!" Goku pushed Sable back a bit. "Enough of this mushy stuff. We're squishing my meat buns."
Sanzo laughed inside of his head when Goku pulled up the bag that had been sitting between them. It was indeed squished and covered in fur. He barked and wagged his tail automatically when Goku stood up and brushed off his pants.
"I'm sure Hakkai's done shopping by now, let's go back to the inn and see what he made for lunch!"
Sanzo smiled and grabbed Jeep by the neck with his teeth while the dragon was still cooing over the previous scene. At the indignant squawk from being caught, he flung the little critter on his back.
What's with the sudden generosity? Jeep readjusted himself to be more comfortable.
I'm in a good mood. Sanzo smiled and trotted after the now practically skipping Goku. Don't expect it to be habit.
Never. Jeep laughed.
"Come on guys! Let's go!"
"How's my favorite puppy doing today?"
What the hell do you want you old hag? Sanzo growled out. It was four in the morning and he had been yanked by the scruff off of the bed and out a window only to come face to face with the so called Merciful Goddess. Things weren't bad enough that Gojyo and Hakkai had kept him up late trying to figure out a plan to clue in Goku, but now what little sleep he was being allowed was taken away! Some merciful goddess she was, the old hag.
"Just checking up on you," The Goddess smiled. "It's been two weeks since Hakkai figured it out and you're still no closer to your goal."
Did you come here just to remind me of that? Sanzo started pawing at the dirt to make a little hole. He had an urge to bury the stick next to him for some reason. It was calling to him and screaming Bury me! Bury me!
"Actually, I came to address the problem that you're experiencing right now." The Merciful Goddess squatted down in front of her nephew. "I'm sure you've noticed."
Sanzo stopped in mid-dig and realized he was doing it again. Are you responsible for this whole dog instinct nonsense!
The Goddess sighed and pat him on the head. "I didn't intend for this part, you know. It was something that slipped through in the deal, the other gods you know."
What are you talking about?
"They thought I was too nice with this little deal." She continued petting. "You were reincarnated with your entire old consciousness and that is something unheard of in the system."
Get to the point. Sanzo stared her down, he really didn't like where this was going.
"Having you reborn with your entire set of memories is something that technically goes against the rules. I bent quite a few actually just to make you old enough to do anything. Can you imagine trying to track down this little ragtag team of misfits as a newborn pup?"
The idea made Sanzo shiver. So, what did those other idiot gods do?
"They fixed it. Your deal still holds true, however there is a catch now." The Goddess smiled softly. "Eventually, you'll be the dog you were born into. You'll be what you should have been before I meddled in your reincarnation. I'm sure you've noticed it getting worse as the weeks have past, am I wrong?"
Now that you mention it. Sanzo shook his head. So what does this mean?
"Just as I said, since you clearly are in denial, I'll say it again. In a few months you'll be a dog completely, Sanzo." The Merciful Goddess stood. "You have less time than I thought."
What happens when I change entirely? Other than acting like a dog and not being myself?
"The only one you'll be able to talk to will be Jeep, and you won't remember being Sanzo." She turned to face Sanzo and stared at the shape of her shadow from the moonlight. A bird indeed, freedom to fly but not far enough to completely avoid the idiocy of the Heavens. "Your chances of convincing Goku that you're Sanzo after that, well, I'm sure you know that much. How can he know that you're you, when you don't even know yourself?"
Can I warn Hakkai and Gojyo about this? Sanzo stared at the ground and processed what he was learning.
"Might as well, it's not like they can tell Goku anyway."
What was the catch with that rule, anyway?
"Your contract would be null and void." The Merciful Goddess smiled at him. "And that still stands, Sanzo. And they can physically tell, they're just not allowed. Remember that."
Fine, not a problem. Sanzo huffed.
"Sorry I couldn't be more help."
I didn't ask for it, you old hag.
"At least your spirits are still up." She smiled. "Hope to see you as yourself soon, nephew. It's no fun otherwise."
Sanzo watched the goddess disappear and sobered himself. He knew that this whole thing wouldn't remain to be as easy as it had been going. Sanzo growled at himself for being thankful Hakkai and Gojyo picked up so quickly. Though he'd never admit it out loud, he was going to need as much help as he could get if he kept falling like this.
Sanzo jumped back inside through the window he'd been yanked out of. He'd deal with it tomorrow, right now though, he needed sleep.
Bonus Clip:
For nimblnymph, because it spawned from one of her reviews. Enjoy this little tag-on! But, just to reiterate: this is an extra aka not actually part of the story, think of it as an out-take.
"Gojyo!" Hakkai shouted. He had tried everything but he just couldn't get a response, it was starting to scare him greatly. "Come quick!"
"What is it Hakkai?" Gojyo came rushing into the room. "Something happen?"
"It's Sanzo!" Hakkai had to grab Sanzo's collar to keep him from leaving the room. He watched the dog wag its tail and lick Hakkai's hand, tongue lolling out of its mouth. "I think it happened!"
Gojyo looked down at the dog, Sanzo didn't seem to be paying attention to either of them. It was almost like he didn't understand what was going on. Oh, shit. "You're not serious!"
"Yes!" Hakkai looked down at Sanzo mournfully. "He's completely turned into Sable as we feared."
"Hey, Sanzo." Gojyo snapped his fingers. "Come on, respond! Do the creepy talk in my head thing."
Sanzo-Sable merely yawned and looked up at the two cheerfully.
"It's no use, Gojyo. Even Jeep says he's not responding." Hakkai fell to his knees. "It's just not fair, after all this time and effort!"
"Hey guys, what are you…why the hell is the dog Sanzo! Sable was Sanzo this whole time?" Goku finished his entrance with a surprised shout upon seeing the dog.
Hakkai and Gojyo blinked in unison followed by a "huh?"
Poof!
Before them all stood Sanzo dressed in full Sanzo gear and Maten Sutra magically returned to his shoulders. He looked at everyone in turn and smiled.
"Sanzo!" Goku ran towards the man and tackled him in a hug. "Sanzo?"
Sanzo merely got up on his knees and put his hands in front of him as if he was begging for a scrap. He barked, or at least attempted to bark. It came out more like a "Ruff!" Afterwards he started panting and his tongue hung out of his mouth.
"I think I like him better this way." Gojyo smiled and pulled out a Hi-Lite. "Good boy, sit."
Sanzo did indeed sit and the Hi-lite was quickly thrown out of his mouth when Hakkai hit him on the head with the frying pan from nowhere. "We'll have none of that. We went through everything to get Sanzo back and by some freak event Goku figures it out after he turns into a dog. Oh no, we're not having this at all."
"Hakkai, what are you doing?" Goku kicked the unconscious Gojyo away from Sanzo who was now grabbing at Goku's cape and whining. He was giving those "pet me" eyes that Sable was so fond of. "Put the frying pan down, Hakkai."
"Oh no, I can't do that Goku." Hakkai stalked foreword, monocle gleaming in the light shimmering in from the room. "I'm going to have normal Sanzo and our state of normalacy back if it kills him. Again."
"Run Sanzo! Run!" Goku tried shooing at Sanzo. The man refused to move and merely got down on all fours and shook his rump. "Oh! Ack!"
"Oh, I missed." Hakkai smiled as Goku jumped out of the way. "But now my target is clear, thank-you for moving Goku. Do forgive me, Sanzo."
The clang of the pot hitting Sanzo's head could be heard three buildings down from the motel.
"You killed him!" Goku shouted and shook Hakkai. "You killed him again! What was that for?"
"Don't be silly, Goku." Hakkai chuckled and kicked Sanzo in the side. "Time to wake up Sanzo. You have to yell, curse and shoot as us now or I just won't feel secure with my comfort zone."
"Ug," Sanzo sat up and held his head. "What was that?"
"Sanzo! You're back!" Goku hugged Sanzo around the neck.
Hakkai chuckled and kicked Gojyo in the head until he started mumbling about stupid monks and monkeys. "Sanzo's back."
"Perfect." Gojyo drew himself off the floor and looked over at the priest being strangled. "So we're whole again?"
"Yes. We're finally a family again." Hakkai smiled and hid the pan back inside of his bag. Who knows when he'd need it again? Hell, if Sanzo can have a fan, than Hakkai can have a pan.
"Hey, enough of that emotional crap." Sanzo started scratching. "Why am I so itchy?"
"Hakkai, what are these little black things jumping around?" Goku poked at one that came out of Sanzo's hair.
"Those would be fleas."