The last chapter and end of the line for A Dog's Life. Thank-you so much for reading, and don't forget the epilogue!

Chapter 15. The End.

The group had been traveling since the early morning and were making it down the roads with ease. They had been lucky enough to avoid any assassins or Kougaiji's demons in the past day and could enjoy the beautiful scenery. The sun was shining, the sky was blue and clear, and the screaming and cursing could be heard for miles around as Goku and Gojyo squabbled in the back seat. They didn't stop until Jeep started to slow down and Goku's attention was immediately taken away by a new view.

"This is an awesome campsite, Hakkai!" Goku shouted as they neared the clearing. Camping meant that he could get something to eat and he knew Hakkai had bought beef at the last stop. And with all that space him and Sable could really get a good game of tag going. "We usually never find spots as good as this!"

"That is true, Goku." The demon parked Jeep in the side of the clearing and watched Goku jump out over the door. He smiled as Goku circled the perimeter and took in all of the surroundings. "Normally we have to clear brush and such things."

"Bout time we got a break from work." Gojyo complained. Even if they hadn't been fighting demons, they still had the worst luck. At their last campsite they had spent four hours clearing trees, branches and all sorts of crap out of the only flat space in the area. "Hey, stop playing around over there and help with the packs!"

"Sure," Goku wandered back to the Jeep and opened the door for Sable. "Come on. We'll go play fetch after we're done since we've got so much room!"

Sable stepped down from the door, but he wasn't feeling much like playing. He was feeling rather under the weather. He found it odd that he'd still be feeling the effects of the strain when he was in his rightful place of control. Despite this, he worked up enough energy to wag his tail and keep a happy face. The last thing he wanted to do was pull Goku's mood down to his level. The kid was finally acting really, truly happy, and he didn't want to lose that.

The camp site had been set up in little over an hour and Gojyo worked to get a good fire going. "It's going to be a good night."

Hakkai watched Sable out of the corner of his eyes. Goku had tried to get a game of fetch going, but Sable seemed sluggish today. Normally the dog had enough energy to match the boy and wear him out.

"Hey, Hakkai." Gojyo waved an arm in front of the man's face. "You there?"

"Oh, yes." Hakkai smiled and scratched his head. "Just got a lot on my mind."

"Well keep your mind focused, we don't need you zoning out." Gojyo grinned. "Who else would feed us?"

"Yes, heaven forbid I let you starve to death."

"Starve?" Goku looked horrified. "You wouldn't do that, right?"

"Listen to entire conversations, monkey." Gojyo smacked the brat upside the head. "He just said he wouldn't let that happen."

"Oh," Goku let out a huge breath. "That's good."

"Speaking, what would you like?" Hakkai kept his eyes on the dog. He had already settled himself down next to the fire and looked like he was falling asleep.

"Um, stew!" Goku thought for a moment before answering again. "And pork, and meat buns, and, and, did you guys hear that?"

"I don't think that last one's a food item." Gojyo checked his jacket for his lighter, he knew it was in here somewhere.

"Shut up!" Goku tuned his ears towards the noise. "I know I hear something."

"Where is it coming from, Goku?" Hakkai stood up and walked towards the boy.

"Over there." Goku pointed off towards a bush that looked as if it had been walked through recently. "I'm going to go check it out."

"Gojyo, please go with him." Hakkai smiled at his friend. Goku had already long run off through the trees.

"Why me?" Gojyo found his lighter in the wrong pocket. He must have forgotten to put it up correctly or something. He looked back at Hakkai. "Fine, fine. I'm going."

Hakkai smiled as he watched Gojyo trail off after Goku at a much more sedated pace. Whatever the problem was, they could handle it. But for now, something else was bothering him and Hakkai found himself walking towards Sable.

What do you want? Sable looked up at Hakkai as he approached and wondered what on earth the man could want. I don't think I did anything wrong.

"Sable, are you alright?" Normally, Hakkai didn't concern himself with Sable's well being when the dog was in control. Mostly because it was rare he saw him at all, but lately both Sable and Sanzo had been rather, downcast might be a good way to put it, lately. It had become worrisome.

No, I'm not. Sable shivered. I'm cold and my head hurts.

"Maybe you should let Sanzo out. That way you could take a rest?" Hakkai sat himself down next to the dog and felt his head. He seemed a tad warm, but that could be because they were sitting so close to the fire. "You have been out near constantly since we were at that last inn. You could be making yourself sick."

Sable turned towards the man standing next to him. He wanted to believe the concern was genuine, but the whole thing stank of a plot to get their Sanzo back. The thought that he truly wasn't wanted around didn't help his already melancholy mood. However, he still answered Hakkai's question truthfully. It hurts worse when I go back there. I don't like it.

"Well, that does seem normal. I wouldn't think most people enjoy pain." Hakkai picked up a stick and poked at the fire. Hakkai paused. "I wonder why things are that way. It seems rather unfair, doesn't it?"

I think so, too. Sable sighed. But, you can talk to Sanzo if you want. Apparently my company isn't good enough.

"Sable."

Too late, Hakkai. Sanzo shook his head. He switched already.

"I do believe I was misunderstood." Hakkai sighed a bit.

How so? Sanzo yawned a bit and tired to ignore the developing migraine.

"It's not that I dislike Sable, exactly." Hakkai considered his wording. "I just can't replace someone with someone else that easily. It's a bit hard to take in two of you."

It's his problem if he doesn't get the message.

"Ah, maybe."

Get over it, what were you two talking about, anyway? I wasn't listening.

"He said it hurt to go to the back of your head." The demon's tone was serious. "Is it the same for you?"

No, actually. Sanzo winced and shook his head out a little. His vision was getting cloudy again and a headache was starting to crawl up the base of his neck full force. It hurts when I come out here. Damn, it's more of a pain than you bastards.

This information sunk in while Hakkai and Sanzo sat quietly together. Hakkai abandoned his stick. There was something important about this pain they were both feeling, but Hakkai wasn't quite sure what this meant for the situation. "Does this mean you're letting him back out again?"

No. Sanzo growled. Of course not, a little pain isn't going to stop me from seeing you morons.

"I'd be careful, Sanzo."

And why is that? Sanzo turned to look at his friend. And stop looking so smug.

"One would almost think you cared about us." Hakkai smiled. "Enough to miss us even?"

You really are a bastard.

"Do you know any reason at all why this is happening to the two of you?" Hakkai decided to get back on track. Sanzo was starting to sound like a record, but then again, most of his friends tended to sound like that. "Did he say anything about it in private? I know he's not exactly open with us about these things."

Something about our soul getting strained because we're forcing it to act as two separate identities. Sanzo shrugged. Can't be more specific than that.

"I shutter to think that the only solution is giving one of you up to get it back down to one. And considering it only hurts when you're out and in control, that probably means that you're the one that might disappear. Pain is an indicator that something's wrong, isn't it?"

Shut up, Hakkai. Sanzo growled. What Hakkai said had made sense, but he refused to believe it. There was no way in hell he was giving up. Not when he had this chance to make things right. Just drop it and go back to your fire.

Hakkai forced a chuckle, but was prevented from answering back to the moody dog. Goku and Gojyo were coming quickly from what he could tell. That either meant they were being chased or Goku had something fun to tell them. Hakkai stood and walked towards the direction of breaking leaves and trees. "Find anything?"

Gojyo was the first to break into the clearing. "Yeah, about ten demons having a traveler barbeque about a mile back."

"We took care of them good, though!" Goku shouted happily with his Niyou-bo leaning on his shoulder. He took care to keep his surprise out of sight. Hakkai was going to be really excited when he saw what they brought!

"Then why the rush to get back so quickly?" Hakkai returned to the back to sit with Sanzo. He had a feeling this would be a rather long story. And he couldn't help but smile a bit at Goku's attempt to hide something behind his back.

"Because the monkey got something he wanted to show you." Gojyo searched his pockets for a cigarette before plopping down on the other side of Sanzo. He could tell it wasn't the mutt by the eyes. For some reason, Sanzo's violet eyes were more distinct now when he was in control.

"I'm not a monkey!" Goku yelled before sitting down together with his friends. "But yeah! Look at this!"

"Are those pistachios?" Hakkai looked at the rather large bag of nuts Goku had pulled from their inventive hiding spot.

"Yeah!" Goku smiled and opened up the bag and giggled at the load he'd received. "The travelers were really grateful so they gave us some of their merchandise!"

Gojyo fell to his side and leaned on an elbow before smirking. "They gave us some meat too, but the monkey already ate it all."

"I can't help it!" Goku pouted. "I was hungry you stupid water sprite!"

"That still doesn't mean you could hog it all to yourself!"

"Hey! I saved the pistachios didn't I?"

"Only because it took too long to eat them." Gojyo rolled over and faced away from them. It was too easy to get the monkey going. "Though, I am surprised you didn't eat them shells and all."

"I'm not that dumb!" Goku shouted. "And stop looking away!"

"I don't have any reason to pay attention to a dumb animal."

"You're the animal you jerk!"

Sanzo watched Goku tackle the pervert of the group, which in turn sent the pistachios flying in the air and all over the ground, and smiled a little to himself. Hakkai chuckled quietly beside him and, he assumed out of habit, started petting him. Sanzo probably should have done something to stop the man, but he didn't feel like moving. It hurt to much to move. He glanced at the Jeep, still in car form and headlights blazing, and wondered if Hakkai would be petting the dragon instead of him if it was in its furry state. Getting pet was a small price to pay if he could stay here with everyone. Sanzo damned Hakkai for always being right. The wind blew through the trees a little bit, and Sanzo felt the headache worsen.

It felt like spikes ramming themselves into his head and Sanzo clamped his eyes shut. He could take this, a little pain like this was nothing compared to what he'd already been through. He'd already died by having a hole blasted through his chest for goodness sake! As if to counter his reluctance, the pain multiplied and he yelped when the pain boiled to the surfaces of ever nerve in little bolts. It was like popcorn going off in his veins and releasing shrapnel with ever pop. Sanzo knew the body was convulsing when he felt Hakkai try and hold him still. He could hear Gojyo and Goku shouting as well, but it was blocked and muffled.

When the nausea started acting at his gut, he felt the pull for a switch, but it was different somehow. Sanzo blacked out for a moment, but found himself awake again in that cloudy, dark place from before. The air was thick and he was finding it difficult to breathe. Sable was standing on shaky legs in front of him.

"It hurts." The pain was unbearable. Sable felt numb, cold and overheated all at once. It was overloading his senses and he couldn't stand this overwhelming darkness anymore. Sable needed this pain to stop, to go away and his only hope was Sanzo. "Doesn't it hurt for you, too?"

Sanzo could still feel a nagging pain throughout his nerves, but it was better than what it had been. He could only imagine what was happening to Sable; the dog was visibly shuddering. "On the outside."

"Why?" Sable's front paw gave out on him and he struggled to stay up on three legs as he stared at the man before him. He didn't look affected by this at all. "Why is this happening? And why only me?"

"It's not only you." Sanzo watched the dog before him. If the shivering and sudden collapse was any indication, the dog was feeling the same as him just a moment ago. "I felt it, too. If you're me like you claim, you should be able to handle it."

"Then why are you here?" Sable shouted. He tried desperately to get to his feet, but failed. "Why did you run from the pain and come here? Just to mock me?"

Sanzo walked straight for the mutt and made sure they were looking eye to eye. "I did not run from anything, you yanked me here."

"I did no such thing." Sable would not back down. "I did nothing."

"Then what the hell did?"

Sable!

"What was that?" Sanzo looked up towards the sky. He could have sworn he heard a voice echoing. It sounded like the monkey.

Why isn't he waking up, Hakkai?

"If I had to guess," Sable bit out. He tried to stand again, but failed. It was so frustrating that he could cry, but dogs don't cry. And neither do men. "It's the others trying to wake us up. No one's in control right now."

I don't know Goku, calm down.

"Then let me back up there, then. I can take it."

But, what if he stops breathing or something!

"Why would you want to, even if you could take it? It must, it hurts doesn't it?"

Chill monkey, I'm sure the mutt's fine. Just let Hakkai look!

"It doesn't matter how much it hurts."

But he's not moving! And nothing's working!

"You think so much of yourself, that you can really handle it? Keep it hidden so they don't notice, don't worry? Are you that damned strong?"

Goku, please calm down. Getting upset won't help the situation.

"I know I can."

How can you be calm! Let me go!

"Is that so? Do you really believe that?"

Get a grip you stupid monkey! Listen to Hakkai.

"If I can't, than I don't deserve my second chance."

No! I won't! Not when he, not when he.

"But what about my first chance?"

When he what, Goku?

"It's not your turn yet."

Yeah, what are you crying about?

"Then so be it."

Because, because.

Sable looked up at the man one last time as he turned his back towards him. A light started falling around him like a heavenly aura made just for him. Somewhere, Sable found peace knowing that they shared a soul and that this light would one day be his alone. But for now, he let that light bring him peace. It passed over him briefly, and took the pain with it. Sable knew, he knew he had lost this fight. Sanzo had been right, it really wasn't his turn yet. He shut his eyes and smiled. He would just have to wait. "Take care of them, okay?"

Because it's just like when Sanzo died!

Sanzo turned his head up to the shining light filtering down through the darkness. This was his opening, his rebirth. "I will."

I won't lose Sanzo again!

Sanzo gulped greedily at the air that filled his pounding lungs and clutched at the dirt with his hands in front of him. His chest pounded up and down from the sudden shock of being thrown back into consciousness. He could feel dirt under his knees and assumed the jolt sent him to all fours. His blonde hair fell into his eyes and he waved his head slightly to move it out of the way. Wait, he clutched at the dirt with his hands and felt it under his knees.

"Sanzo?"

The priest's breath stopped cold as he heard that trembling voice. He tilted his head up to meet watery golden eyes and a heavy breath. Goku was on his knees, crying and struggling to breathe. "Hey, monkey."

"Sanzo!" Goku sobbed. "Sanzo, Sanzo, Sanzo!"

Sanzo allowed the boy to clutch to his neck and just sob. It was his turn to cry, and it was only fair to let him hold on just like the others. The hot tears splashed down his back as the boy chanted his name and pulled him upward into the embrace and onto his knees. Sanzo did however, let out an undignified yelp when the boy pushed and re-tackled the man to push them both over. Sanzo found himself flat on his back with a crying monkey still clinging like a vice grip around his neck. "Oi, I get it already. That hurts."

Goku refused to relinquish his grip. "Is this real?"

Sanzo sighed and put a hand to the boy's head and pet it gently. This was the last time he was going to answer that question. "Yes, it's real you idiot."

"Not an idiot." Goku buried his face farther into the man's shoulder. He took a deep shuttering breath and let it out, breathed in the man beneath him. "I knew. I knew it was you."

"Is that so?" Sanzo wanted a cigarette and some booze. It was an odd thought to have at the moment, but it seemed appropriate considering what Goku just said.

"From the beginning." Goku's tears started to still and his breathing returned to a regular pace as he continued quietly. "From the moment we hit you with Jeep. I knew. It just had to be you."

"If you knew, then why didn't you say anything?" Sanzo wanted a good answer for that. "You could have saved us a lot of trouble."

Goku shook his head in Sanzo's shoulder and held on tighter. "You'll be mad."

"I'm not angry, Goku." Sanzo should have been, but holding Goku right now and feeling the emotions pouring from him left him without the energy to be angry.

"I didn't want to believe it." Goku clung even tighter yet. "I didn't want Sable to be you."

Sanzo tilted his head until it rested against Goku's. Of course, you had to believe before change could happen, right? Just knowing wasn't good enough. "And why is that?"

"I wanted to be stronger." The smaller demon shifted until he could see Sanzo's face. "I was afraid."

"Of what?"

"Being right. Losing you again. I knew it was you, but I tried so hard to make myself believe you were the dog." Goku started laughing and reburied his face in the man's chest. "Isn't that stupid? I didn't think I could go through it twice. So I didn't want it to be you."

"You are an idiot." Sanzo smiled. "But then again, we're all idiots. Now get off me, you're heavy."

Sanzo could feel the small burst of laughter into his chest at those words. There, that was enough of this crying nonsense. He swore on his sutra if any of these idiots cried again he'd shoot them in the legs until they had a real reason to cry. And then he'd do it again just for good measure.

"Oi, oi. Get a room you two."

"My, Sanzo, would you, um, why don't I get you a blanket or something?"

Sanzo pushed himself up to a sitting position, with a little difficulty considering the monkey was still on top of him. This in turn pushed Goku into a sitting position in his lap and caused him to grab Sanzo's chest for balance. Sanzo's very naked chest. He could feel his face turning bright red as he realized that he was also sitting in a very naked lap. "Ah, Sanzo."

"I need a cigarette and booze to deal with this shit." Sanzo pushed Goku off his lap, stood and strutted in his natural glory towards Gojyo.

"What do you think you're doin', doggie boy?" Gojyo backed up a few steps. He was glad to have the monk back and all, but what the heck was he doing?

"I'll even settle for one of these pieces of shit." Sanzo smirked and thrust his hand into Gojyo's jacket. He used his free hand to fight the man off when he started to struggle and complain, but eventually he found what he was looking for. He stopped his groping to pull out a lighter and package of Hi-Lites. "Oh stop being such a baby."

"The hell!" Gojyo screeched. "What the heck was that you balding monk?"

"My, my." Hakkai chuckled while carrying over an extra blanket. "You don't seem phased at all about your current state of dress, do you?"

"Hakkai, I just spent the last few months naked. A few more hours won't mean a damn thing." Sanzo lit the cigarette and inhaled deeply. He held the smoke in his mouth before exhaling slowly. "Gods above, I missed that."

"You owe me another pack!" Gojyo shouted. "No! Make that a whole box and a few lighters, just for the grief you caused over the past few months!"

"Go to hell." Sanzo inhaled again and blew the smoke in Gojyo's face. "And your cigarettes taste like shit."

"Don't worry, Sanzo." Hakkai laughed a bit. "We can buy both you and Gojyo your own preferred brands once we get to town."

"Good." Sanzo smiled.

"Ungrateful monk." Gojyo matched the smile. It was good to have things back to normal, as much fun as things had been. "What would you do without us?"

Goku pushed himself up from the ground and dusted a bit of the dirt off his pants. He walked a few paces before stopping a few steps behind the blonde haired monk. "I'm glad you're back, Sanzo."

"I was only gone for a week you brat." Sanzo smirked.

"Right." Goku laughed. "It's so good that everything's back to normal."

"Oh, Jeep." Hakkai laughed along with the others when the small dragon flew over to their esteemed leader and started cooing on his shoulder. "He seems happy as well to have you back to normal."

"Get the hell off my shoulder." Sanzo shoved the dragon off his shoulders and promptly ignored the marks the claws made. "I said get off!"

Jeep retaliated by sitting directly on the man's head. He folded his wings and curled into a little ball in the center of the man's hair. Jeep of course continued to chirp happily.

"I can't understand a thing you're saying any more, so shut the hell up." Sanzo cursed at the finished cigarette, but didn't bother to light another. "Don't think that'll be a habit."

Jeep just smiled and snickered to himself. He knew exactly what an idle threat that was, if the time they'd spent together was any indication.

"Okay, I've had enough of nature boy over there." Gojyo grabbed his cigarette pack and made a show of turning to face his back to Sanzo. He turned around quickly to recapture the lighter he had forgotten. "Stop touching my things and get some freaking pants on."

"Feeling awkward Gojyo?" Hakkai smiled. "It's nothing you haven't seen before."

"I know that!" Gojyo smirked. "It's just all this touchy feely nonsense going on with a naked man. Creeping me out."

"Pervert water sprite."

"What did you call me monkey!" Gojyo launched himself at the brat.

"I just called it like it is!" Goku laughed as the red head chased him. Things were finally back to normal, and it felt good.

"I'll get you for that! Just you wait!" Gojyo captured the boy in a headlock. "Say uncle!"

"Never!"

In the meantime, a brunette and blonde had a quiet conversation, underneath the cooing of a small dragon of course.

"It's good to have you back to normal, Sanzo." Hakkai chuckled as Goku hit the dirt to avoid a tackle from Gojyo.

"Enough of this crap." Sanzo crossed his arms. "I've heard enough of it already. In friggin' stereo."

"Whatever you say."

Sanzo smirked. "Hey, pervert water sprite!"

"What is it you old balding monk? Can't you see I'm busy with the brat?" Gojyo looked up from his second headlock on the laughing teenager thrashing on the ground.

"Scratch my back."