This fic is fast approaching the station and it's been quite a ride. One more chapter to go and it's all going to come to an end. I just want to thank-you all again for reading and taking the time to review. It really has made me feel like this has been a successful run. I hope that you stay with me to the end!
Chapter 14. Downhill.
I have got one killer of a headache. "That so?" Gojyo sat back and nursed a beer at the bar table. Hakkai and Goku were out shopping so that left him with the least it was a mutt he knew.
Yes, that's so. Sanzo paused. Can dogs take aspirin?
"You know, I'm not really sure."
Then give me a sip of that beer.
"Hakkai said no liquor." Gojyo yawned. "Something about it not affecting your body the same way.
God dammit. Sanzo squinted and shook his head a bit.
"That must be one doozie of a migraine if you're admitting something hurts." Gojyo kicked back from the table and headed back towards his room. Sanzo trotted along beside him.
Shut up. Sanzo wasn't sure when the headaches had started, but he knew they only happened when it was his turn in the body. His first assumption was it was Sable's doing, but he could feel the mutt moaning himself in the back of his mind. That meant they were both in pain, so it had to be something else causing it. When are they getting back?
"Should be any minute now. They only went out for cigs and a few supplies." Gojyo had to hit the side of the door with his shoulder when it refused to budge. "Stupid door."
Sanzo felt better once they had gotten into the room. The pain seemed to come and go for short bursts, but he had a feeling it would be back soon enough. For now, Sanzo decided to enjoy his brief time of relief. The priest jumped up onto the bed across from where Gojyo had settled himself. A nap would do him some good before the others got back.
Gojyo watched Sanzo curl up into a ball and close his eyes. He dropped onto his back and stretched out and thought about the things that had been happening. Gojyo didn't want to admit he was worried, but both Sanzo and Sable had been complaining about pain, directly or indirectly. He had talked to Hakkai about it earlier, but they couldn't come to a conclusion. Gojyo rolled over and looked out the window, smiled when he saw Goku skipping up to the steps of the hotel. The best thing to do, Hakkai had said, was to wait and see.
It was good that Goku had turned near back to his old self, as he munched happily on a meat bun from his bag. Hakkai grinned to himself as he tried to save Sable a bun and fought Jeep when he dove for a treat. "Don't eat too much, Goku."
"I know!" Goku turned and shoved the last bit of meat down his throat. "You're making dinner tonight and I gotta' save room."
"That's right." Hakkai nodded to the inn keep before continuing to follow Goku. "Why don't you go see what Sable and Gojyo are up to?"
"Right!" Goku sprinted happily down the hall to see two of his favorite people. He smiled at the sight of Sable asleep on the bed. "How long has he been asleep?"
Gojyo didn't bother to turn over, but mumbled through his pillow anyway. "Bout ten minutes."
"Oh." Goku decided it best to let the dog sleep. He had been acting sluggish lately, and really tired. "Hey, Jeep. Don't wake him up."
"I agree." Hakkai smiled as he entered the room. Jeep had flown ahead and was full prepared to nip at Sanzo. Sanzo had been rather exhausted lately, so this nap was good for him.
However, instead of napping, Sanzo found himself back face to face with his head-mate. This dark room was actually starting to creep him out a bit. Not to mention the floating clouds annoying, there was no way his head was that flakey.
"Don't worry, I'm not switching." Sable spoke quietly. "I just wanted to ask you something."
"It better not be a stupid question."
"Or you'll have to kill me, right?"
"Don't get cheeky, bastard."
"Let me guess, the headache put you in that mood?" Sable wanted to make sure that his serious tone was getting across. This was a matter they couldn't ignore.
"You're feeling it too I take it?" Sanzo took a seat in the murk when he realized this conversation might take a while. "It's a pain in the ass."
"I only feel it when I'm back here." Sable laid down and let his gaze drift to Sanzo's crossed legs. "And you only feel it when you're out there."
"Get to your point."
"This split is taking its toll on our soul."
"I'm still not seeing a point."
Sable huffed. "We can't stay split in two like this forever. One of us has to merge back into the subconscious."
"Then there is no conversation, is there?" Sanzo stood. "Neither of us will back down."
"You read my mind." Sable sighed and stood again. "So we do nothing."
"Exactly, and it's just a headache anyway." Sanzo smirked. "Those morons out there cause those all on their own."
"Just for you." Sable rather enjoyed their company. It was warm, and there was a bond there that he felt comforting. Even if he hadn't forged it, he could feel it in his gut. This was a group meant to be together. "Have fun out there. My turn's coming tomorrow."
"Do what you want."
Sanzo woke up in the dog body, headache back full force and splitting his head in two. Sanzo ignored it and looked beside him to see a monkey curled up in a ball. Apparently, time moved a bit faster in the back of his head than it did when he was awake and conscious. It was well past midnight if the sleeping state of his companions was anything to go by. He decided a walk might do him some good, so Sanzo jumped down from the bed softly and walked out of the room. He didn't notice the gold eyes opening behind him.
His feet found their way outside and into the street before he realized it. It was a cool quiet night and the breeze was soft. It felt good as it flowed through his fur and calmed his soul. Some of the things Sable had said he had taken to heart. The split was having a toll on his soul, what did that mean? If one of them didn't give up, did that mean they would both disappear? Or would one automatically swallow the other through force. Sanzo hated feeling this confused and what was worse – he couldn't think over a cigarette and beer. Stupid paws.
"Sable?"
Sanzo turned to face Goku standing behind him, rubbing his eyes dozily. The kid was still in his pajamas and looked to have stumbled into his boots. Sanzo walked over to a bench and jumped up on it, expecting Goku to follow quietly behind.
"We sit like this a lot, don't we?" Goku smiled and leaned back onto the wall. "Couldn't sleep?
"Well, I guess that's obvious. And it's not like you could have answered." Goku chuckled to himself. "Though, sometimes I think that you can. Kinda dumb, huh?"
Sanzo listened quietly as Goku's voice seemed to sooth his headache. That in itself seemed like a miracle, since the majority of the time it was that voice that was ruining his day.
"It's nice talking to you, though. You listen, and only answer when it's appropriate. Much like someone else I know.
"Sanzo listened too, he did. I know he said I was annoying, and hit me, but he listened to every word I said. He'd deny it to an inch of his life if he had to, but I knew he listened.
"I know he did. To every word." Goku smiled and pet the dog beside him. "Just like you do."
Sanzo watched the dust moving on the street in the wind. If only to himself, he could admit that this felt nice. Just sitting and listening to Goku speak quietly was something he never thought he'd find relaxing. And for once, he couldn't blame it on Sable's influences.
"I still miss him. I thought I was better, but I still feel it. And here I am telling you all about it, again."
Sanzo felt the hand still on his back and start to tremble a little. He kept himself quiet and pushed himself a little closer to the boy in a tiny shift. Genjyo Sanzo wasn't heartless after all, despite what he'd want others to believe.
"The stars are really pretty."
At the sudden change in subject Sanzo pulled his head up to look at the boy again. Goku's head was locked on the sky and his hands were reaching towards those very stars. He stood abruptly and the action moved Sanzo to stand and look up as well.
"I used to be up there." Goku dropped his hands to his side and looked down at his companion. "I don't remember, but I was. I did something horrible up there that got me locked in a cave to be alone for 500 years.
"But you know what?" Goku smiled. "Even if I remembered what I did. And knew how awful it really was, I know I'd do it all over again if I got a chance to start things over. No matter what it was, I'd do it again."
This little bit of information made Sanzo laugh a little to himself. He had a good guess why that fact stood as it did. Stupid Monkey.
"Because if I didn't, I'd never have met Sanzo and Gojyo and Hakkai and Jeep." Goku turned to smile. "Or you."
Sanzo snorted. It was time to go back to sleep as he'd had enough of this sentimental jumble without booze.
"Hey, where are you going?" Goku laughed as Sable headed back towards the inn. He followed of course, with a little bounce in his step. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you got jealous when I talked about Sanzo."
Sanzo decided booze would be very, very nice right about now. This conversation had gotten very depressing.
"You really don't have to worry." Goku stopped walking. "I love you as much as I did him, you know."
Sanzo turned to the boy and saw the small quiet smile. The smile that was hiding something, or knew something he didn't want to share. Sanzo shook his head and sighed; it was only fair. He'd give the monkey his time.
As Sanzo kept walking, he didn't get the chance to hear the quiet whisper Goku added on to the end.
"Just the same."
Welcome back.
What do you want, you little rat? Sanzo stared as Jeep poked at him.
Just to talk. Jeep had been waiting patiently for his turn with Sanzo just like everyone else. You were Sable when we left this morning, and then you went off with Goku.
It's three in the morning, we just got back. Sanzo mumbled. And I don't like you.
Jeep bit his ear. Stop lying for once and wake up.
Sanzo shook himself awake and stood up to look at the serious little dragon. Fine, since I am apparently responsible for everyone's problems, what's wrong?
Let's go outside! Jeep jumped off the bed and glided towards the window. He pried it open with his muzzle and took to flight. He hovered a bit outside the window to make sure Sanzo was following.
Damned dragon. Sanzo huffed. This had better not be some sappy speech or talk. I've had enough of that damned shit to last me three lifetimes.
No, just your normal teasing. Jeep glided down to sit on Sanzo's back. Remember the first time I did this?
Regretfully. Sanzo scowled. Now get off.
Things are coming to an end aren't they? Jeep smiled.
What makes you think that? Sanzo paused as he felt the throbbing start crawling up his back. He wondered if it was the same pain as before, or just Jeep's claws.
Instinct. Jeep smiled a bit. Go that way.
Sanzo couldn't for the life of him figure out why he was listening to this dragon. He must have really cracked his head on something. Or maybe the pain was keeping him from thinking straight. Instinct, huh?
Trust an animal's intuition, since your own is split from you. Jeep fluttered a bit before resettled down in Sanzo's fur. Sable's not the same you know.
What the hell are you talking about? Sanzo took a turn when Jeep gave a tug on his ear.
To sit on. It doesn't feel the same, but it does. It's weird. The little dragon chirped when they'd reached their destination. But that's not important, we're here.
A temple? Sanzo looked up at the vacant courtyard. Why the hell would I want to come here?
I saw it when we drove into town. Jeep flew up and into the yard. I know you're not the most religious monk in the world, but you are a monk.
I think you've cracked your head. Sanzo took a few steps onto the supposedly holy ground. A reason for why the dragon would want him here wasn't coming to mind. What am I going to do? Bark to them?
Jeep laughed. No, no. I meant I thought you could clear your head. It's quiet and should feel like home, right?
Home? Sanzo walked to peach tree and watched the wind blow the leaves. The temple was never home. Though, sometimes it could almost feel like it.
Jeep watched Sanzo closely and followed his gaze to the tree. He smiled a bit and flew up to sit in the branches. But let me guess, something important is missing here?
Well, if Sanzo was honest, he'd admit truth to that statement. The temple was only home when those important people were there. Whether it be his beloved Master, or a monkey. What do you think you're doing? And why did we have this trip so early in the morning?
Jeep laughed. I told you. This is the only chance I get to see you and tease. Sable's no fun because I think he likes the attention.
I'm skinning you when this journey is over.
Then I've got plenty of time to play, don't I? Jeep smiled. It's not ending any time soon.
Shut the hell up. Sanzo shouted into the trees. Hey! Watch it!
Jeep laughed when the peach missed Sanzo's head. Aw, I missed. I'll send another!
Hey! That was the entire branch! Stop messing with the offerings!
Jeep snipped off another branch with a few ripe peaches. I thought you didn't like her, anyway?
I don't. But that's not the point. Sanzo stared at the branch at his feet and sniffed it. There had to be at least five or six peaches on it. You've had your fun, now knock it off. I'm going back.
Jeep flew down and landed in between the monk's shoulder blades. Aren't you taking them with you?
Why would I do that?
Jeep nipped at his ears again. Take a guess.
Sanzo stopped and laughed. You're a real bastard.
Jeep smiled when Sanzo walked back and grabbed the branch with the most fruit in his mouth. He sat contently and quietly nestled in his fur as they walked back to the inn. A few jumps and they were inside and he flew off to snuggle with Hakkai. Just before he closed his eyes, Jeep watched Sanzo drag the branch to Goku's pillow and leave it there. He snickered at the sight of fallen leaves littering the bed, and peaches sprawled around. The dragon closed his eyes and dreamed of orchards and sun.
Sanzo yawned and curled up at the foot of the bed. The last thing he saw before falling asleep was a single peach breaking off from the branch and roll down next to Goku's hand. The boy clutched it and rolled over to stuff his face in the branches. Sanzo couldn't help but be amused.
Sable was finding time to be reflective as he sat next to Goku in the Jeep. Sanzo might want the front seat like a lifeline, but this dog preferred a little company other than Hakkai. The man was nice and cooked well, but he was creepy sometimes. He wasn't sure if Hakkai and Gojyo were aware, but both Sanzo and Sable could hear what was going on in the back when the other was in control.
Which meant Sable heard every word last night during Sanzo and Goku's little one AM chat. And it left a bad feeling in his gut. Goku's excitement about the peaches from nowhere didn't help much with that feeling either. Jeep's talk with Sanzo last night worried him, a dragon had better intuition than a dog. That scared him, too.
"How far until the next town, Hakkai?" It was Gojyo who asked for a change.
"Not for another two or three days, Gojyo." Hakkai let out a breath. "We'll be camping for the next week if we don't make it over that mountain by tonight, though."
"Wonderful." Gojyo sulked. "Another week without beautiful women and only men to look at. Don't get me wrong, 'Kai, you're pretty, but just not my type."
"But I thought I was the only man you'd ever brought to your bed?"
"You're never letting me live that one down, are you?"
"Nope." Hakkai chuckled. Gojyo and Goku weren't the only ones who were allowed to tease others. "Not when you give me such fun material to play with."
"That was from over four years ago!"
"All the better to keep it going, don't you think?"
"Bastard."
"I believe that's you."
"Oh, that was low."
"But true."
"Do I have to break you two up?"
"Shut it monkey." Gojyo laughed despite himself. It was rare when him and Hakkai got into a scuffle, even if it was a small one. Or at least when there were people to see them. "But still, not looking foreword to camping again."
"It shouldn't be too bad, it's not like we don't do it all the time, anyway."
Sable couldn't help but smile at the scene before him, nagging feeling in the gut or not. The banter of the others was always relaxing, but some part of him wished that he could be in on the banter instead of merely being an observer. He licked his lips and propped his paws on the side of the door to hang his head over the side. With the wind blowing through his fur and friends beside him, he could almost forget his fragile existence.
"Sable, be careful." Hakkai looked up in the rearview mirror.
"Yeah, with the way Hakkai drives you'll get thrown out." Gojyo added.
"The pervert's right, you know." Goku tugged a bit on Sable's collar. "You should stay down a little."
"Oh dear, have you all turned against me?" Hakkai smiled. "So unfair. I guess that just means I'll have to work harder as your driver."
Sable knew that tone of voice very well. Your turn!
What? Sanzo felt himself in the body again, but felt the tug twice and slammed into the back seat. Hakkai had just slammed down the accelerator. Shit!
"Please hold on everyone, I'm accelerating." Hakkai laughed this time. He loved doing that.
"I hate it when you do that!" Gojyo clung to the side of the door with his left and the dash with his right. No wonder the monk sat up front, better grip on the car! "Shit! We almost hit that tree!"
Hakkai just chuckled.