A/N: Here is the first chapter and I do hope you have enjoyed the last one.

Disclaimer: I do not own Saiyuki...

Feedbacks and critiques are appreciated.

Chapter One

Up high in the mountains, where snow thrives, where the world is harsher then the ones beyond the terrain. All this due to the weather, conditions making it harder for people to live there, but to those who came from the mountain, it was like a rainy day, only colder and the raindrops are frozen.

But to these men, it was an obstacle…

"Hakkai! Are we there yet?" Gojyo shouted over the howling wind, his hands cupping his mouth in order to have his voice heard. They have been walking for hours in this blizzard.

"Hakkai!"

Snow was heavy; they could hardly see or hear each other. So it was essential to shout their heads off, even just to say one word. If they don't get out of this weather soon, they just might turn into human popsicles. Why in the hell they had to come here anyway!?! Oh right…they were supposed to go to some stupid mountain shrine and pick something up from the priest who dwells there and guess who was assigned to go? That's right, all four of them…

Two of his companions were ahead of him, the monk and the brunette, making it a bit difficult to communicate, but fortunately, he was heard. "Almost there!" was his reply, and he could just see the outline of Hakkai through the snow.

"I…can't…walk…anymore…" a groan from behind him came out and there was the sound of something heavy crashing onto the ground, interrupting his thoughts...

"Gojyo…"

Hours of plowing their way throw this snowy obstacle had drained him, legs heavy from pushing their way through the thick layer of snow and he was in dire need of food.

Turning around, he found a monkey playing in the snow, or more like lazing about. Irritated, he walked over to the boy and gently kicked his side.

"Hey, didn't you hear? We're almost there." Great, this means that he was going to be forced to carry this runt. No response came but more groans, annoying him even further.

"Get up! Or else we'll get left behind!" he shouted near his ear. If he was going to have to smash the guy's eardrums to get him moving then he wasn't going to hesitate.

To his surprise, he did, well he got up into a sitting position. His hood fluttering in the wind as his golden eyes started to plead silently to help him. This was what he had been trying to avoid in the first place.

"Carry me! My legs are too heavy!" Goku cried, his hand tugging on the pants of the red-haired man.

"Carry you? Why would I do that?" Crimson eyes narrowed at the sight of this boy being weak in front of him. Just before they entered this area where the storm was taking place, he was all excited to get to their next destination and for what reason? Food, as always. Right now, he wasn't feeling merciful and instead tried to shake off the boy's hold on his leg. "Hurry up! It's going to be dark soon!"

A few meters away from them, Sanzo was watching in annoyance for the two had dared to make them stop and only because someone was tired. Glaring at them with his piercing violet eyes, his hand was already on its way to his gun, planning to shoot them. Any second longer in this gale and there might be some red amidst all this whiteness. So what if Goku was tired? They were almost at the next village, and then he can rest once they get there. The sooner they do this, the faster they can return to the Keiun temple, away from the harshness of storms and wilderness of this mountain.

Great, he needed a cigarette, now. To his dismay, he can't have one at the moment due to the snow. One would be smart enough to know that it would be waste of time to use a lighter with the wind this strong, trying in vain to blow away to-be victims. Abandoning the thought of taking his weapon out, for he just might waste a bullet and miss, he turned around to Hakkai, showing how unpleased he was right now.

Also watching the two who had fallen behind, Hakkai chuckled lightly, as it wasn't the first time that Goku was the first to say that he worn out. Although he can't help but agree silently that they have to quicken their pace if they want to find shelter before night comes. Then there would be lesser chances of finding the town. From afar, faint outlines of houses could be seen.

"Well, looks like we have no choice but to carry him." Hakkai said aloud, although it was hardly heard and it was said to no one in particular, unless the monk was listening for once. Speaking of which, it seems that he was getting tempted to do some shooting practice on the two now struggling men. Fortunately, he decided against it and did his signature glare instead.

"See! You can move! Now get your lazy bottom off the snow!" Gojyo snapped, holding the wrists of the being underneath him. They had ended up wrestling each other and now he had the boy pinned! Now this was going to be easy…or so he thought…

"No! I can't walk anymore! Carry me!" Goku answered back, trying to get the water kappa off him. Then an idea came to him. With his knees he planted them on Gojyo's chest and pushed hard, making him let go and tumble into the snow.

"Bleh!" Goku stuck his tongue out and began to do some sort of victory dance. From out of nowhere, he had energy back, and it was apparent for he was being his usual playful self.

Well, that's what it looked like, but Gojyo couldn't tell as there was some snow obscuring his vision, almost eating it in fact. Alright, now somebody was going to pay. Spitting out the dirty snow, he made to get up when his hand came into contact with something solid and soft…"Hm?" On his knees, he started patting the snow around him and saw that there was something sticking out, something pale. "What's this?"

Using only his index and middle finger, he carefully pulled it out, his eyes squinted to try and see despite the snow falling down. What he saw almost made his heart stop.

"AHHHH!!! A HAND!!!" He had just pulled out a human hand! Quickly he dropped it and scrambled his sorry butt way from the seemingly gruesome scene. Not even bothering to check if there was still something attached it or not, and didn't notice that there wasn't even any sign of blood.

The remaining trio watched in confusion at their mate's sudden reaction. A hand? An eyebrow raised and intrigued by the red-haired demon, Hakkai bravely walked towards the spot where the body part was found. Meanwhile, Goku was taking the pleasure in seeing Gojyo so scared, who is currently clutching the front of his shirt, where his heart was located. His heart racing as he definitely wasn't expecting that!

As for the monk, he just watched as Hakkai began to inspect the ground, careful as to keep his guard up. If it's a victim that had been cut up by a demon then there was no surprise there. It makes sense to them to dispose the body right after.

"Tch…" Annoyed as the Gojyo should have been used to it by now and realize the fact that they have seen more gruesome events. Still, it told them that there is a possibility that demons might be in the area. That is, if there are some who can take on the combination of the freezing cold and presence of wild animals lurking in the depths of the woods.

"Ha-ha! The water sprite got scared!" Goku teased, a finger pointed at his target for the day, the man who just freaked out at the sight of something that wasn't that shocking for him. Somehow though, he was standing on his own two feet, and was hugging his middle for he couldn't stop himself from laughing. Yes, he should be serious as a body was found, but the expression on Gojyo's face was priceless!

Shaking a fist at him, Gojyo started to approach the boy, not caring anymore that they were out in the blistering snow. First he has to teach somebody a lesson.

"If it were you then you would have been surprised as well!" he shouted angrily, grabbing him.

"You're wrong! Unlike you! I'm don't get scared!"

"Shut up monkey boy!"

Both of them had once again started to holler and argue against one another, almost overpowering the sounds of the blizzard. Of course, it wasn't enough.

While those two were getting all hyped up, their chocolate-haired friend is currently on one knee, and had located the hand, plus the body it was attached to. Just from gently holding it, he was able to tell immediately that it was a woman and the faint heat emitting from her told him that she was still alive. Panic coursed through his body as he pulled her out, revealing an unconscious female.

"There's still time…" No time to examine her for any other injuries though, they have to get her out of the wilderness first!

"Gojyo! Goku! Help me! A woman here needs our help!" he called out, sliding his hands under her ribs and knees and lifted her body with little difficulty. Oh dear, her skin was already starting to turn blue. Does this mean that she had been out here for hours? Even so, with this storm going on, it just decreased the temperature, accelerating the freezing process.

Sanzo watched, emotionless, as Hakkai took a complete stranger into his arms. Almost interested to see that somebody had been out here longer than them, but then again, it was none of his business. All he wanted to do was get out of this storm and smoke. From where he was currently standing, his violet gaze began to analyze the person, taking note of the tattered clothes on her and the visible wounds on her arms and legs. Her body scarred so badly and yet not a single blood stain in sight. Hold on, why should he care?. After all, this person is just going to be a nuisance to them soon. With this thought, he turned to the direction of the village, obviously telling them to go already.

"Woman?"

Bingo! Looks like the heavens wanted to grace him for the day by making him find the lady. It was him who first discovered her and now he was going to make sure that he gets dibs on her. Forgetting all about Goku he rushed to Hakkai's side and allowed himself to be in charge of carrying her. Pushing away all unnecessary thoughts, he suddenly became serious. It won't do any good if he tries to make a move on a weak woman.

"Huh?" Goku who had been laughing stopped as his brain finally registered what was happening, and it wasn't funny anymore.

Although he was glad that they can go now and they will reach the town in no time. Sensing the tension in the air, he thought that it was best to save the laughs for later, but he was glad that they will get there soon. Turning about to the direction of the town, he saw Sanzo already moving. "Ah! Sanzo wait for me!" he called out, sprinting towards him, snow crunching under his shoes, an arm over his eyes as he tries to see through the heavy rain of snow.

Gingerly shifting her in his arms, as to let her head rest on his shoulder to keep it from dangling back, Gojyo started to run towards the village. Determined to rescue the damsel in distress, with the Hakki closely following him, Goku going after Sanzo who happens to be walking casually ahead of them, he held her tight as to prevent her from falling.

How convenient though, here they were, on their way to do a stupid task given to them from the temple, making them go up this treacherous mountain just to get an item that was supposed to be valuable and the four comes across a casualty. And to add another point to the their lucky chalkboard, the town was just ahead.

Now the blizzard was getting stronger, almost as though it was triggered by them finding the victim. But they don't have to worry that much, just a bit more and they will make it. They were not going to let someone die right in their hands. On the way, Hakkai stole a glance at her clothes and became aware of the fact that he clothes were free of bloodstains. Strange, for she was covered in cuts and bruises. Shaking the thoughts out of his head, he focused his emerald eyes on shelter ahead. Later they can get some answers.

The blond priest had been trotting for a while, as he didn't want to wait any longer and just get this all done and over with! The sound of the men behind sprinting reached his ears, causing him to stop and turn to see that they were playing the role of rescuers and that the womanizer was holding the woman.

"Cheh…they better hurry up…" he grumbled and proceeded in going to the entrance of the village. He wasn't going to wait for them this time. But as expected from the trio, the fact that they had just been entrusted with a person who is in critical condition, all of them caught up.

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"Excuse me!" Hakkai called out in the empty Inn, ringing the bell on the table and looking around frantically for the clerk wasn't around. They did it, all of them had arrived and now they just need to take care of the lady, but they still had to get her warmed up.

Gojyo, who was still carrying the woman, watched uneasily as who knows how much time they have left, even though she wasn't in danger of getting frostbite, they didn't want to take any chances. Now that he wasn't running around anymore, he just realized how light this woman is, despite from the looks of her current age. She seemed to be in her early twenties. When they had found her earlier, they were in too much of a hurry in getting her here that he had failed to see right away the black hair streaming from her head.

What also caught his attention was that her clothes were ruined, but still whole enough to cover most of her body. One thing is for sure though, even though her body was tarnished with afflictions, she's a pretty one. He wonders if she was single. Ack! He really has to stop thinking such nonsense in situations like this. One day, it will just go against him. "But I wonder what the heck happened to her..."

"Huh? Where is everyone?" Goku asked, looking around at the empty room, and brushed away the bits of snow from his shoulders and hair. After entering the village, they had spotted this Inn right away.

Nonchalantly leaning on the wall, Sanzo flicked his lighter open and lit a cigarette. Watching as Hakkai finally caught the attention of a sleepy old man as he inhaled the nicotine and allowed the smoke to waft away after exhaling. Finally, he got what he wanted, so now he will cooperate, when he wants to…

Sleepily rubbing his eyes, the wizened man took his place behind the counter, trying to focus on the new guests.

"Yes, may I help you?" A question that was always asked first, even if it was quite obvious on what was happening right now. Forgive this man, for he has retired early for they hardly have guests at this time. Fully awake now, he cast brief glances at them one by one, his eyes lingering on the woman in the red-headed man's arm longer. Nothing needed to be said; he already knew what to do and gave a curt nod to Hakkai before turning to the back door. "Hey! Get the first aid kit!"

Inside the room, the voice of a child replying was heard and all of them stared as the innkeeper took one of the keys from the wall. "Come on, I'll lead you lot to your rooms." He said, stepping up to the foot of the stairs.

Relief washed over the monocled man, as for sure that they can save her now. How lucky for them that this man is an experienced one. Being able to stay calm and took the initiative to already start helping them. He turned to the three and said, his calm expression replacing the worried one, "Let's go and get warmed up."

"Right," All the panic and tension gone, he took the honor of walking ahead of them with the patient in his muscular arms. Finally, she was going to get patched and maybe, he just might be rewarded for saving her. After all, it was him who found her and if he hadn't, then she would have died. Gojyo looked down at her as she started to stir, and realized that her body was twitching in pain. Must mean that her body wasn't numb anymore and now the pain was apparent.

"It's alright, you're in good hands…" he murmured to her, his lips tugged into a small smile as they arrived at the second floor.

"So…" The clerk broke the silence between them, leading them down the hallway to the rooms. "What happened?" A question referring to the injured one.

Beside him happens to be Cho Hakkai who had been planning to discuss on the room arrangements as someone would have to stay with her while she recovers and stay here, safe from the snowy storm outside. But the aged man beat him to it, starting the little question game. A bit startled he was, but quickly got over it as he started to elaborate this short story. Quite simple actually, they just happened to be at the right place at the right time, finding her moments before freezing entirely.

His eyebrows went up after being told that they just happened to find her. For him this was a surprise, because the stranger wasn't in good shape at all. Also, there was something else, but he will mention it to them, after they get some rest.

Behind the group, is the cranky Genjo Sanzo, who had already finished his cigarette and was gazing at the heavy rain of snow with no interest or whatsoever. At least it wasn't rain, even though both are only different in terms of form. His eyes flickered over to the two in front, conversing with one another when he should be sitting in the corner, enjoying his smokes and basking in the warmth of an open fire.

Any longer he was going have to give them a piece of his mind for delaying, but he wasn't in the mood to shout and so kept quiet but let out a sound telling them that he was getting impatient now. Too bad though, for it was drowned out by an even louder one that came from the fourth member of the group.

Pausing in the middle of the corridor, all of them turned to Goku, who had stopped and was now holding onto his growling stomach. The sound came again. No doubt about it, he was hungry…

"Hakkai…I need food…" he whimpered, his eyes begging them to feed right now.

"Huh?" The old man titled his head a bit at the boy, slightly confuse but then suddenly started to laugh. How amusing, if they had told him sooner than he could have already gotten the food ready.

Stifling his laughs with his hand, he flashed a kind smile to them, "Pardon me, but I will get some food for all of you right away once you all have settled down." At those words, he walked up to one of the rooms and opened it, gesturing them to come forward.

"Two or three of you can stay here. I'll have another room prepared for the rest of you."

The mention of food made Goku shout in glee, for not only they were out of the snow, but now he can fill up his stomach. Eager to eat, he bounded past them and entered the room.

"Really…I swear that he has a stomach for a brain…" mumbled Gojyo, side stepping into the room as to avoid hurting the lady.

Hakkai and Sanzo followed suit, all silent but nonetheless glad to have finally arrived at a place that's dry and warm. Entering the room, they saw that there were two beds, beside each other with a small table in between, a bigger table at the corner complete with four chairs and top it all off, a fireplace situated on one side of the wall. Cozy indeed the atmosphere is as the old man started a fire and added some extra wood.

As usual, none of this impressed the priest as his violet eyes scanned the room, it didn't matter as long as it was a place to sleep and he is able to smoke freely. Not even bothering to thank the man, he went straight to the table, away from them and sat down. Shrugging off the now slightly drenched cloak, he took out another cigarette and lit it.

"Alright then, let's see if she's still in danger or not…" He then approached Gojyo who was setting her down gently on the extra bed.

Since they had found shelter and help, he was calm at first that nothing could go wrong now, but after looking closely at her, he had mistaken. The smile on his face was wiped away as it registered that her injuries weren't minor, but not major either. Still, she had been obviously attacked and had barely escaped. Even her clothes say so, torn in various places.

"Oh my…it's a miracle that she's still alive…" he whispered, taking her small wrist into his hands, and checked her pulse. Good, it wasn't getting weaker and her body was warming up now.

"Um...Hakkai?"

"Hai?"

"Who's going to…you know? Put bandages on her and all that?" Don't blame him for bringing this up, he wasn't being a pervert, just using the noodle called his brain. All of them were guys and well, she's a woman, so of course they couldn't do it, so he though that it was best to point it out before they forget.

Due to the awkwardness right now, thanks to the fact that they were now completely aware of that little detail, all of them had become silent, even Sanzo diverted his attention away from the window. While Goku, being the youngest and innocent, in various ways, just blinked, puzzled as he hasn't quite grasped that idea yet. Took him a few more seconds before finally getting the clue.

"Ah! That's right! But Hakkai…" The teenage boy laid his eyes on the man who was usually in charge of the medical department in their group.

For a long time now, it has been Hakkai who had been taking care of their injuries, with his ki and mother-like behavior. As they all know, there are places in life where they are forbidden to enter, without the consent needed. Even though Hakkai may seem like a motherly figure, he still can't do it….

"Excuse me…I have the first aid kit now…" a small timid voice broke the silence, having all of them focus on the little boy standing in the doorway. Surprised at the sudden switch of spotlight, he held out the box in his hands and said nervously, "Here, everything that you need is inside…"

"Perfect timing, Jing." Getting off his knees, he turned to his son and smiled at the men. "If you like, I can ask my wife to take care of changing her."

"What a relief…" Hakkai turned away from the woman, and then became aware of the fact that because of the snow, it had melted and now their clothes were getting drenched.

"Wait here, I'll go and call her. While she's tending to the lady, you all can take a hot bath and freshen up." He told them, before leaving them all in alone with his son, whom was still standing there with the kit in his hands. Realizing that he was just standing there gawking at them, he blushed madly and walked up to Hakkai, giving him the white box.

"Here, I'm going to help father…"

Before he could get the chance to thank the child, he had already bolted out of the room. Alright, now that was interesting. A little boy scared of them, or maybe he was just shy. Putting that aside, he turned to the three. First, there is something important that they have to settle.

"Okay, who gets the first bath?"

Of course, usually being the first is the best, but it's also a competition..

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"Ahh…I feel much better now…" Gojyo told himself, walking back to the room while drying his hair with the towel. Dressed in a loose shirt and a pair of comfy pants, he felt great! The hot bath did the trick, after hours of trekking in the snow. His muscles may still be aching in some places but other than that, he was relaxed now.

"Oh yeah…the old man's wife should be done now…" Grinning wolfishly, he entered the room, excited to see if the woman was awake or not, but was met with Hakkai's calm but somewhat serious smile.

"Gojyo, you do know that we don't even know anything about her yet?"

Slightly astounded by this man's deduction that he had been planning to make his move on her, he took a step back but quickly recovered. "Of course, but what makes you say that?" Gojyo asked, innocently, and stepped around Hakkai, smiling sheepishly. "Geeze…it's like this man can read my mind…"

Hands behind his back, Hakkai watched in mere amusement as Gojyo pretended to be not guilty for her personal thoughts. Earlier, they had decided that the order of those who would take a bath is the order of those who entered the room. The first being the last. This to everybody's surprise was Sanzo's privilege to the hot water as he had been the last to step into the room. Thus, Gojyo being the last to wash up.

All of them had gathered in the room, just when the kind old plump lady was finishing up. While they were taking their bath, she gave the poor girl a sponge bath and treated her wounds. During this process, she couldn't help but notice the way the woman was sleeping, not even wincing when she applied medicine on her wounds. Even though there are people who are heavy sleepers, they would still be able to experience the pain.

Could it be due to fatigue? But how on earth did she end up near their village? The journey from the bottom of the mountain to this place is exceedingly long.

A miracle this is though, for them to find her just in time. Any longer out there in this kind of weather and would have been frozen to death.

Seeing that the last man was done, she closed the first aid kit and straightened herself. "Well, I'm done now." She announced and was about to take her leave when she noticed that they would like to ask some questions. "Yes?"

"Anou…how are her wounds?" Hakkai asked anxiously, leaving Goku to helping himself to the food that had been brought to their room.

"Don't worry," she replied reassuringly, then glanced back at the sleeping woman."Nothing serious at all. No broken bones, no fractures and no signs of internal bleeding and such. And those cuts aren't that serious, but she will have to get a lot of rest if she wants those bruises to go away." A kind smile graced her lips as she elaborated to Hakkai.

Right now, her arms, neck and most of her torso were covered in white bandages. While bandaging her, she had noticed that the wounds seemed to have come from some kind of weapon, possibly a whip. It's best that when she wakes up, she tells them herself as to be sure. No use in jumping to conclusions. "Oh, before I forget. I noticed that she didn't have any belongings so I had no choice but to use some of your clothes." To prove this, she pointed at the bag where she had gotten the clothes from.

"Huh? That bag…" Immediately some of the color of his face had drained away as he knows very well who owns that bag. What were they to do? Amazing though, that he hasn't noticed yet that his personal space had just been invaded and he was right there! "Looks like Sanzo will be in a bad mood later on…"

Speaking of which, he seemed to be absorbed with the storm raging outside to notice, apparently contented in staying where he was at the moment. Seated on the chair that was positioned right beside the window, an ashtray on the sill with a cup of tea and smoking away. Eventually, he will realize that a total stranger was using some of his clothes.

"Is it alright? I don't have any clothes to fit her though…" Her concerned voice made him remember that she was still there.

Not wanting to offend her or anything, Hakkai nodded, telling her that he was alright with this. "No, it's alright. We'll take care of it." Truth is, there was nothing they can do as definitely they couldn't just leave her like that with only bandages covering her.

She was relieved by this and gave them a short bow before exiting the room, leaving all of them in peace.

"Hey! Stop hogging all the food!" Gojyo snapped, pulling Goku into a headlock as to prevent him from devouring everything. "I haven't even eaten any of those dumplings yet!"

Mouth full of food, Goku began clawing at the arms wrapped around his neck. "Get off! It's because you're too slow!" he said with difficulty. Somehow able to loosen Gojyo's grip, he swallowed and let out a sigh. "Ahh….that was delicious…" Satisfied, a dreamy smile came to his face, patting his slightly bloated stomach.

"Baka! You eat too much!" he spat out, before letting go. Now that the monkey boy was finally full, the three of them can eat. Leaning back, he took a long drag from his cigarette. Exhaling out the smoke, he inclined his head towards the brunette. "Hey, how is she doing anyway?"

Likewise, it was time to relax, so he walked over to join the red-haired smoker for dinner and started to tell him what he was told about her current condition.

Meanwhile, the monk was deep in thought as for some reason there was something about this woman that won't stop bothering him, even though this is the first time he has laid his eyes on her. As though there was more than that meets the eye. Stubbing his cigarette he tore his eyes away from the window to the unconscious woman. What's this? There was something familiar about the shirt she was wearing…

No wonder, it was his shirt…

"Why…Why is she wearing my shirt?" he asked in a deadly tone, a vein bulging out, and his hand already crushing the used white stick in his hand. It was bad enough that they had to take her in, but wearing his clothes? His violet eyes already flashing hints of his rising temper, he glared at the two men. "Answer me…"

On cue came the appearance of the sweat drop on top of each head of the two. If they were lucky enough, they would be able to somehow calm him down in order to prevent him from trying to shoot their heads off. Quickly Hakkai went over to the angered priest, waving his hands defensively.

"Ah, Sanzo please just let it pass for now. When we found her she didn't have any of her things, and of course we had to do something to keep her warm, aside from the fire and the blankets. Once she wakes up-"

"Urusai!" Sanzo's face hardened, as it was too late now for she was already wearing it. His eyes traveled over to her once again, taking note of which one she had on right now. It was the white long-sleeved shirt that had buttons at the front. Great, it just happened to be the one that he had grown to wearing often. "Tch…I knew it…she's just a burden to us all…" Although in reality, he was saying that she is, to him.

The two men relaxed, as the monk didn't even take out his gun and threaten to shoot them. Shoulders slumping down as he was relieved, Hakkai took his seat beside Gojyo, and poured himself a cup of the herbal tea.

"Just make sure it's washed right after." Sanzo quickly added, scowling at them for he wasn't going to let them think that he was being easy on them tonight, and eyes full of doubt that it would change the fact that someone wore his shirt. Unclenching his hand, he let the crushed cigarette fall onto the ashtray and just reached for another. Eyebrows furrowed, his mind started to wonder as he was getting curious as to why up until now she hasn't woken up yet. Once she does, he was going to make her regret wearing his shirt…

Startled by Sanzo's extra words, Hakkai and Gojyo stiffened. Luckily for the brunette, he was just about to take a sip of the hot drink, and he could have choked at the monk's voice. Once they were sure that the angry blond wasn't going to fire another set of words at them, they returned to the food.

"Grumpy old monk…" Gojyo rolled his eyes, making sure that it went unnoticed and began picking at his food. Why if it had been his shirt, he wouldn't care at all, especially if a person of the opposite of the gender is wearing it. Now this blondie was getting too touchy with his possessions. Well, he was going to let this pass now, just thinking about the monk was ruining his appetite…

Goku, who had been watching them and silently reacting to Sanzo's temper, kept on staring at his two roommates. Until finally, he just had to let it out, "Ne, who's going to sleep here?" A finger on his chin, he looked at them curiously, blinking at them.

Another detail that they had forgotten…

Setting his drink down, Hakkai gave him a good-natured smile and replied, "Well, I'm not sure but I think I will stay with her as to keep an eye on her."

"Then I stay with her as well!" Gojyo grinned widely, but was given a punch by Goku, almost making him fall head-first into his food. Rubbing the sore spot on his head, he whipped around to face Goku, who had a knowing smile on his face. "What did you do that for!?!"

"You just want to get close to her" he pointed an accusing finger at the perverted water sprite. "Pervert!"

"Keep your mouth shut!"

THWACK! THWACK!

Sanzo has had enough with their bickering and slapped them on the heads with his paper fan, and yelled, "URUSAI!" Both began to cower in fear, for they knew what was to come next, and that was the revolver.

"I can't stand being with any of you two, so I'm going to sleep here." His eyes gleaming as he spoke, telling them indirectly that they had no choice or they would have to face the wrath of his banishing gun. Anyway, it wasn't uncommon for him to be bunking with Hakkai, the only man who doesn't anger him, not as often as these two nitwits does.

Gojyo and Goku swallowed the lump in their throats, nodding wordlessly in agreement and immediately busied themselves in preparing for bed. "Hmph." Without another word, he retreated back to his spot beside the window, leisurely enjoying his cigarettes. Now as that was settled, all that's left is to get some answers from the woman, once she is free from this slumber of hers.