Got the chapter out a little early just for Nimblnymph, because she rocks. Enjoy & sorry it's a bit short!

Chapter 7: Truth

"It's been almost two weeks."

"Two weeks from what?"

Kouryuu rolled his eyes and huffed. For someone who was so smart, Hakkai could be really dense. He shoved a lock of blonde hair out of his eyes before Kouryuu kicked a rock away from the cooking fire. "Two weeks since you kidnapped me!"

Hakkai started setting the dishes into his pack after a rather large breakfast. They had camped the night before and were due out on the road anytime now. Even without their leader screaming at them, they were still on a deadline. But it was probably more to Hakkai's knack for falling into habit that they pressed onward so dedicatedly than anything. At the very least, Hakkai didn't have to worry about five in the morning starts. "Ah yes, I'm aware of how long you've been with us. Are you sure you got enough to eat before I put this away?"

Kouryuu rolled his eyes. "Yes, I ate the whole plate and washed my hands. But really, aren't we going back to the temple soon? Master Sanzo's going to be back any day now!"

"Ah well," Hakkai paused with his dishes. He had feared this conversation was going to come up sooner or later. Hakkai let out a quick breath to even out his composure before continuing with his packing. "We have to let him worry for a few days at least, first. If he isn't aware you're really missing he won't give into demands, will he?"

Kouryuu huffed and shuffled his feet. He didn't want to admit it, but he was really starting to miss Master. Kouryuu had been patient the past two weeks because he knew he wouldn't get to see Master Sanzo anyway and these guys were okay, but he was still a little homesick. "I know that, but it'll take us at least a week to get back to the temple won't it? We've been traveling away from it for two!"

Hakkai was really starting to despise that Sanzo was so bright. Eight year olds weren't supposed to be this aware of their situations and mostly do as they're told. Hakkai couldn't remember if it had been this hard when he dealt with the other school children, but then again: this was Sanzo. Sanzo was just a walking exception to every rule and it was starting to dig under Hakkai's skin. Not to mention it was making excuses harder and harder to come up with that were believable. He tied the end of the bag and stood to brush off his legs. "You really don't have to worry, we do have this part planned."

"Like you did when you first grabbed me?"

"That's a rather low blow for a priest."

"Acolyte."

"It's still the same." Hakkai chuckled and sat the bag in a corner next to some other equipment. He surveyed the campsite for a moment to see what he still had to put away. "Even if you're in training."

"Well, whoever said I was a good one?" Kouryuu smirked and crossed his arms. Hakkai had this knowing look on his face, like he knew what Kouryuu was going to say next. The boy simply nodded and continued his little speech. "They're all a bunch of hypocrites anyway, so why can't I be one, too?"

"That's a rather profound statement for an eight year old." Hakkai smiled to himself. It was fun to see those bits of Sanzo filter through. Kouryuu had his differences yes, but there were still some traits that were one hundred percent Sanzo. The smug little smirk on his face for starters, couldn't have been mistaken for someone elses.

Kouryuu blushed a little and shifted his gaze away from those pretty green eyes. He'd been caught. "I heard Master say it once when he was smoking his pipe again when he wasn't supposed to."

"Well, children do learn from their elders." Hakkai pat Sanzo on the head and was a little relieved. If he had really thought of that on his own, Hakkai would have been concerned about Sanzo's mental health even more so than usual. "How is your arm doing by the way?"

The child stopped and pulled up his sleeve to reveal a small discoloration just below the shoulder, but otherwise it looked fine. Kouryuu poked it in the center. "It doesn't hurt anymore at all. It hasn't since you healed it the day after it happened."

"I'm just sorry I couldn't fix it all the way." Hakkai sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Too many tiny blood vessels to repair."

"It's okay." Kouryuu moved his arm back and forth. "It's good as new."

"That's good to hear. I was afraid I might have actually hurt you." Hakkai smiled softly and continued putting things away. Jeep hovered around about the two of them as they worked. "Now, why don't you help me clean up so we can get going to the next town?"

"Do we really have to move around so much?" Kouryuu stooped down to pick up the pot Hakkai had been using. He struggled with it just a little, but shifted it into the crook of his arm for a better grip. "It's not like you guys seem to be that wanted. No one ever says anything or tries to catch you, well, other than demons."

"That's because we move around too much for anyone to really be on our tail." Hakkai hummed as he set all the supplies together. He'd have Gojyo and Goku load Jeep whenever they returned from their little scouting adventure. Hakkai checked around for anything he had left behind unpacked while keeping an eye for his two missing companions.

Seemingly reading his mind, Kouryuu looked off towards the deeper part of the woods and sighed. "Wonder if Goku found those apples he was smelling earlier."

"I'm sure if Goku smelled apples, that they're out there somewhere."

Kouryuu sat his pot down next to Hakkai's things. Jeep poked his head out from behind a bag and cooed sweetly. Kouryuu caved in and pet the little dragon softly on the head between the two horns. Jeep flapped his wings a bit and shifted to get Kouryuu to scratch between his wings. "I'm surprised he got Gojyo to go with him."

"I am too." Hakkai figured it had something to do with teasing, but knowing Gojyo there was probably a woman involved or he wouldn't have followed. That water sprite was as good at finding women as Goku was at finding food. The demon turned his heads towards the bushes when he heard a rather loud rustling. Seemed the others were back already.

"Hey!" Goku grinned bursting through the trees. He tripped a little on a stick that branched out from the bushes, but quickly regained his balance. He could barely contain his glee on what they found. "We're back!"

Kouryuu looked up at Goku who was holding a large bag in front of him. "Did you find your apples?"

"Better!" Goku chuckled to himself and caught his breath. He had run the whole way back after getting his find. Sanzo was going to be so stoked at what they got! "I found apple pies!"

"Apple pies?" Hakkai stared at Goku and looked down at the now open bag. There indeed sat four crisp pies all neatly wrapped in individual containers. They even had little ribbons holding the cases together and looked like they came from a store. The only problem was Goku didn't have any money. "Where on earth did you find those?"

"From this lovely lady." Gojyo smirked as he held a hand to help his new acquaintance over the stick that had tripped Goku. He at least, was gentlemen enough to wait for a lady. Gojyo tilted his head to brush his hair out of the way. "Her name is Mulin and her father owns a bakery. Mulin, the guy with the monocle is Hakkai and the kid's Kouryuu."

Mulin smiled pleasantly and brushed some of her hair behind an ear. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise." Hakkai bowed a little and gave Gojyo a look. He should know better than to bring his interests back to camp. "May I ask how you met the other two?"

Mulin blushed and fiddled with the other side of her black hair falling out of her bun. "I was having a little trouble with a demon caller, so to speak, and Mr. Gojyo saved me. I was so grateful I just had to reward him with something. And, Goku was so enthusiastic about how our bakery smelled…"

"So she gave us pie!" Goku interrupted. He should have waited, but he was just so happy! Hakkai's an awesome cook and all, but he never makes pastries. "And it smells really good, too!"

"Well, I'm glad my friends could have been of assistance." Hakkai nodded and looked down at Sanzo who was staring again. Hakkai followed his gaze to the young lady and nearly laughed. "It's rude to stare, Kouryuu."

"What?" Kouryuu blushed and looked away quickly. It wasn't his fault he wasn't used to seeing women around. "Sorry."

"Aren't you just the cutest little girl." Mulin ducked down onto her knees to get a better look at the blonde in front of her. She had the prettiest violet eyes and golden hair, made Mulin a little jealous. "And all dressed up like a boy. How sweet, and you know what? I was a little tomboy when I was your age, too."

Goku and Gojyo burst out laughing as Kouryuu's face turned beat red. He held in the growl as the other two mocked him. Why did everyone think he was a girl? "I'm a boy!"

Mulin blinked and took another look at the flushed and angry face. It was practically formed into a pout and she couldn't help but laugh. "Ah, I'm so sorry. My mistake."

Hakkai put a hand on Sanzo's shoulder and squeezed just a little. That temper looked like something they'd seen before, too. "Don't take it so hard, you do look a little bit like a girl."

"No one at the temple made that mistake."

"Isn't that because they don't allow women at those things?" Gojyo reached into his jacket for a cigarette. He hadn't had his fix this morning yet and it was starting to bug him a bit. "Which is a shame, by the way."

"I guess." Kouryuu huffed. "I don't really think about it."

"Well," Mulin smiled and reached over to Goku's bag to pull out a warm pie. "How about you take the pie as my apology?"

Kouryuu took the plate slowly and looked down at it. He smiled just a little as he felt the warmth seep through the plate. "Thank-you. I can't remember the last time I had a pie!"

"Then I'm glad I could be of service, little man." Mulin stood and brushed off the base of her skirt. "Thank-you again, but I really need to get back home now."

"Aw, can't stay for just a bit longer?" Gojyo winked. "We could get to know each other a bit better."

"I'll have to pass," Mulin giggled and ignored her face flushing. "There are children present."

"Yeah, stop being such a pervert." Goku snickered.

"Shut the hell up, monkey!" Gojyo growled.

"Just calling the facts!"

"Then you need to get your head checked you damn ape!"

"Um, she already left." Kouryuu pointed to the vacant spot between the two griping idiots. "Can I eat this now? Or should I wait, Hakkai?"

"We can have the pie now. It won't be good if it gets cold." Hakkai chuckled as Goku stuck his tongue out and Gojyo groaned about losing another girl. It was all for the best anyway, Sanzo didn't need to be around that type of thing. "So why don't we eat?"

The trip westward was distracted for a few moments as the quartet dug into individual apple pies. Hakkai studied the taste and wondered if he could try to make a pie the next time he found a kitchen. It seemed to be a big hit with the others, especially Sanzo. Speaking, Sanzo was staring at him for some reason. "Is there a problem, Kouryuu?"

"No," Kouryuu took another bite of pie. "I just noticed your earrings. How come you always wear them?"

Gojyo and Goku looked over to their friend as he stared down at Sanzo. Gojyo narrowed his eyes a little and wondered how Hakkai would handle this question. He would either outright lie about it, or tell the truth, or at least some semblance of truth. It was hard to tell with Hakkai and just what he'd do. Gojyo lit another cigarette and just waited for the wave to pass.

"Force of habit, I suppose." Hakkai bit down on his fork. That was all he was going to say on the matter.

"Okay." Kouryuu mumbled and took the last bite of his pie. If Hakkai didn't want to answer, that was okay.

"Alright, we're all done, right?" Hakkai stood and clapped his hands. He felt it would be best to drive attentions to other things. Such as driving. "Let's be on our way."

The others nodded and followed the self-appointed leader in Sanzo's authoritative absence. They did their best to ignore the suddenly dreary mood as they boarded Jeep.

"Sanzo asleep?" Gojyo plopped down beside his roommate sitting in a chair. They had found a charming cabin along their way and were currently making use of its lodgings.

"Yes," Hakkai put down the book he had borrowed from their host for the evening. A lovely story about a fishermen and a woodsmen arguing which is better: the land or the sea. Hakkai was sure the conclusion would be something along the lines of the two sides supporting each other in harmony each using their strengths to support the others' weakness, but he read on anyway. "Went to bed with Goku about an hour ago."

"You going to tell him?" No point in beating around the bush. That was the philosophy of Sha Gojyo. "About your earrings and why you wear them all the time?"

"Not if I can help it." Hakkai tapped the desk with his finger. This conversation had become tiring already. Hadn't they had one like this before? Hakkai couldn't really bring himself to remember. "He doesn't need to know and it will only complicate matters."

"Can't see how," Gojyo fumbled for a smoke. "You just gotta' tell him you're a demon, not how you became one."

"Sanzo's curious by nature." Hakkai stood and stretched a bit. Gojyo took his seat in the chair. "I'm sure he'd get around to asking about it on his own. I'd rather not deal with it at all."

"Suit yourself." Gojyo yawned a bit. "So what are we going to do when he realizes we're not heading back to any temple?"

"I'm not sure." Hakkai sighed and smiled softly as he pulled his over shirt over his shoulders. He glanced at the doorway that held the room the two children were staying in. The door was cracked slightly and Hakkai could hear them both breathing. "I'm sure he'll try to get away again."

"And then we're the bad guys all over again." Gojyo moaned and slunk back into the seat. The thought of chasing Sanzo down again made him a little aggravated. "That kid's going to hate us if we actually force him to stay. Which is what we'd have to do."

"We don't even have a good reason if we're not ransoming him." Hakkai rubbed his temple. "What on earth would we need a little boy for?"

"Don't finish that thought." Gojyo made a disgusted face. "He already thinks I'm a pervert as it is."

"You must be if that's the first conclusion you jumped to." Hakkai laughed.

"Shut up. You're worse than the monkey."

"Speaking," Hakkai paused. "I wonder how Goku will handle things when it comes to that."

"What do you mean?"

"I doubt Sanzo will have much love for us at that point." Hakkai paused. "He'll be hurt and probably take his frustration out on us. Sanzo picks on Goku all the time, but we all know it's not sincere."

"Yeah?" Gojyo had a feeling he knew where this was going, but waited for Hakkai to continue anyway.

"How do you think Goku would feel if Sanzo truly hated him?"

"Pretty damn lousy." Yeah, it had gone in the direction Gojyo feared. This just sucked. "He'll be all depressed."

"Much like we are now."

"Can't do much about it until we get there though."

"That may be so, but for now, it's time for me to retire as well."

"Night." Gojyo savored his last few puffs from his cigarette. He could see the train getting ready to crash any minute. He hoped they handled it well without too much trouble.

"Lady Koushuu," Nii drawled as he ran fingers down her flush back. He was always marveled at how porcelain white it always was under his touch. "You're rather happy today."

"I heard something rather interesting about the Sanzo party today." Dr. Nii thought he could keep secrets. She wasn't the mistress of Gyumaoh for nothing.

"Is that so?" The scientist chuckled into the crook of her neck, listened for her heavy breath. "And who told you?"

"I have my own sources." The lady shifted so he could reach her shoulder blades. He was quite talented when he put his mind to it. "You're not the only one who can bug a landscape."

"My Lady is full of surprises." Nii licked his lips. "So tell me what it is you heard?"

"A certain Sanzo Priest is now an eight year old little boy, yes?"

Nii stiffened and pushed them both forward into the soft covers. He ignored her claws digging into his arm, nothing a gauze and disinfectant wouldn't cure. "And if that's true?"

"I know you do things your own way." Koushuu watched the blood drip down his arms. Licked if off of her nails. "But never forget your first priority."

"Making you moan?"

"Reviving my beloved Gyumaoh." She brushed her hair out of her face and turned her body to face the other man and look straight into his eyes. She ran a clawed nail down his cheek. "That should be your only project and so I expect you to take advantage of this situation instead of playing with him. You're not a cat, as much as you pretend to be."

"Don't worry." Nii took this opportunity to attack behind the dip of her ear. She tasted like strawberries. She must have been using that flavored bath she forced him to make. "We'll both get what we want when I'm done."

"I had better get what I want." The mistress gripped his hair and yanked. "That's why I hired you."

"But that's not why we're here now, is it?" Nii chuckled and looked up at his precious companion. He had been enjoying a fun show for the past few minutes, despite having his long floppy ears covering part of the view. "Have no worries. I am a genius."

"So you are, but get it done."

"Of course."

And Nii knew just how he would do it. Things would fall into place very shortly, and then the Sanzo party would really have something fun on their hands. The glee he felt could almost make him forget where he was and who he was with. He winced as she once again raked her claws down her back. Apparently his Lady wanted his mind on other things at the moment. His next project would involve nail clippers and handcuffs.