Chapter 7
The group was once again on the road when a sudden explosion rocked the jeep and they found themselves sprawled unceremoniously on the ground. A white haired demon stood on top of a nearby boulder, laughing down at them.
"Sanzo party, hand over the scripture."
Gojyo and Goku rolled their eyes before jumping into the group of youkai. Hakkai and Sanzo stood with their backs to each other and started taking out demons while Iyame leapt up onto an outcropping of rocks so she had a higher view of the fight and could fire arrows easily.
Sanzo ducked and ran from a small group of youkai that went after him. He got two of them with his last bullets and ducked behind a tree to reload. He finished and stepped out from behind the tree only to get caught by the claws of the last demon. He shot him and looked down to see blood flowing freely from his sides. Damn. He looked around and saw he was a distance from the others before shrugging and continuing to shoot demons as they came at him. The world started to darken and blur at the edges but he willed himself to stand and keep fighting. He shot a few more demons in quick succession before the world tilted dangerously.
Suddenly, he got slammed in the back so hard he nearly lost his balance. He spun around to face his attacker only to see Iyame grin at him. He snarled, "What the fuck do you think you're doing?"
"I could have shot you instead. Quite complaining." she replied flatly before shooting a youkai that was sneaking up behind him.
He snarled incoherently and returned to the fight. A quick glance down showed he was no longer bleeding, though his robes were covered with blood. He made his way over to the others as they finished off the last of the demons. Even the cats had gotten in on the fight. Sanzo turned his attention to the leader, "Where did you get such a large force?"
"I serve Lord Kougaiji." he replied smugly.
"Not anymore." Sanzo replied before shooting him.
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They made it into town and Iyame volunteered to do the shopping so Hakkai could rest. "I think you have a touch of something, Hakkai. Get some rest so it doesn't take hold."
He finally relented and agreed to let her do the shopping. They made a list and Iyame stepped to the door with the admonishment to keep it down so Hakkai could rest. Goku and Gojyo stopped bickering long enough to nod at her before returning to their argument.
"Pick me up some smokes and a lighter while you're out." Sanzo demanded.
"Already on the list." she replied before closing the door behind her.
Goku returned his attention to Gojyo and continued their argument before suddenly getting thwacked on the head with the fan. "Shut up! If you two want to make noise, go outside."
Gojyo sniffed and lit a cigarette, "I'm going to find some more attractive company."
"Just be quiet." Sanzo snarled.
Goku looked between them for a moment before deciding he'd rather hang out with Iyame and headed out the door to find her. He had no trouble being around her as long as he didn't have to touch her. Every time he did he started thinking thoughts he was certain would get him into trouble. He wandered around town checking out restaurants and stalls and stopped as one stall in particular caught his attention. He glanced around as he heard the stall owner inhale sharply and grinned when he saw Dana looking down at him. "Hi, Dana. Don't worry, she won't hurt you."
The salesman remained tense while the tiger butted Goku's shoulder before looking at the items in the stall then turning her attention to the monkey questioningly. "I thought Iyame might like something."
They looked over the selection and Goku pointed out possible choices for Dana to consider. She kept shaking her head and sniffing the dolls. Goku finally frowned at her, "Dana, she's too old for a doll."
He frowned when the tiger looked at him like he was an idiot and returned her attention to the dolls, then the small selection of stuffed baby animals, and then him. "She wants a baby animal?"
She continued for a few minutes and he sighed in frustration, "Why don't you just tell me what you mean? You and Iyame have whole conversations."
They stared into each other's eyes for several moments before Goku clearly heard something in his mind, Baby. He frowned and looked around before returning his gaze to the tiger, "Well?"
Again, he heard it. Baby. "Is that you saying baby?"
Dana butted his shoulder again and yawned.
"She wants a baby?" he asked as unease permeated his being. "That's not gonna happen anytime soon."
Dana glared at him before returning her attention to the stall and the jewelry display. He pointed out a couple of items before a necklace in another case caught his eye. It had a black velvet ribbon and dangling from the middle was a small silver fan with a red flower on it. "That's pretty. It reminds me of the picture of us in heaven on Sanzo's fan. Do you think she'd like it?"
Dana butted his shoulder again and he turned to the vendor. "I want that one."
Money changed hands and Goku realized he'd need to convince Sanzo to stop somewhere for a few days so he could work and get a little extra money for himself. Of course, the monk didn't need to know that part. Just that they should have a little break and rest for Hakuryuu.
Once done, he walked with Dana until Virya caught up with them. He and the male tiger eyed each other suspiciously for a moment before turning their attention to other things. Goku always got the distinct impression the tiger wasn't especially fond of him but had no idea why. "Do you know where Iyame's shopping?"
Virya looked at him imperiously for a moment before turning left at the next intersection. He and Dana followed him until Goku caught sight of her walking past a bar. She is beautiful. It was always the same. Whenever he saw her, he wanted to sweep her up in his arms and keep her safe from everyone. He heard a very low rumble from Virya and glanced at him. The tiger's eyes were fixed on Iyame and the man that had stepped out of the bar and over to her. Goku couldn't quite make out what they were saying over the babble of voices but when the man leaned close to her he felt his insides twist with jealousy. It was a new feeling and he didn't much like it. Something primal within him rose up and he wanted to rip the other man's throat out for daring to get that close to her.
Shocked, Goku shook the thoughts off and watched as she held up a single finger. She spoke and the man hurried off, looking pale and uneasy. He hurried over to her, "What just happened?"
"Nothing." she replied easily with a bright smile for him.
"Then why did he look so upset?"
"He made an offer and didn't like my counter."
"What counter?"
"That he go away before something he holds dear is removed from his possession."
He frowned, "What the heck does that mean?"
"That he tried to pick her up and she threatened to make part of him rot and fall off." Gojyo replied as he stepped out of the bar and draped an arm around her shoulders, ignoring Goku's twitch as he did so. "I was watching in case he tried to make trouble."
"Thank you, Taisho." she replied before realizing her error, "I'm sorry. Gojyo. You're the hardest to remember because I used your name the most. We were such good friends." Her grin widened, "Sometimes I want to buy a black jacket and slacks so you'll look like you're supposed to."
"It's all right, pretty lady. Now, are you finished with the shopping yet?" he responded easily.
Goku mentally shook himself. It was bugging him way too much. He knew there wasn't anything between Iyame and the kappa. He just couldn't help himself. If there was a girl in the vicinity he had to flirt with her. He reached out and twined his fingers with Iyame's before he could stop himself. She looked at him in surprise before smiling shyly.
"Are you guys hungry?" she asked happily.
Goku couldn't help but smile at her as he tugged them down the street, "Yeah. There's a meatbun stall right over here that smells delicious."
Iyame ordered several meatbuns and distributed them between the people and tigers and they all sat in the shade of a tree to eat them. When Gojyo and Goku tried to sneak more out of the bag and started fighting she rolled her eyes at the pair and got out of the way. "Why do you two spend so much time fighting over food? Neither of you appear to be starved."
They stopped fighting long enough to shrug before going back to bickering.
Goku felt her watching them for a few more minutes before she cleared her throat. "There's something I have been meaning to speak with you two about."
They two stopped bickering again to look at her curiously. "It's about our rooms. I have noticed that Hakkai and I spend all of our time in town shopping and cleaning up after the three of you. We would appreciate it if you would clean up after yourselves from now on."
Goku looked at her in surprise. "I'm not messy."
Her brows lifted in response to that, "You do not agree?"
He shook his head, "I'm not the slob. It's Gojyo. He leaves cigarette butts and ashes everywhere. Even in cups I'm still drinking out of."
Gojyo made a sound of outrage and smacked Goku in the head, "I'm not the messy one. It's you, you stupid monkey."
Iyame glared at them, "Would you like me to list everything I picked up last time and who it belonged to? I know exactly who the mess makers are and what messes they make."
"It's not me." Goku continued to argue.
He watched as her glare deepened and she starting listing all kinds of stuff and who it belonged to, including her and Hakkai's stuff. Their list was shorter together than his own or Gojyo's or Sanzo's.
Once she stopped Gojyo grinned up at her, "So why aren't you bugging the monk too?"
A sneaky look entered her eyes as she answered, "First I have to take care of you two because then he will not be able to argue at all."
"Does Hakkai know you're having this little talk with us?"
"No, but I'm sure he will appreciate the results."
"And if there are no results?"
"You will not enjoy that very much."
The two exchanged nervous looks at her tone before nodding cautiously. "We'll see what we can do."
"See that you do. We should return. I'm worried about Hakkai."
"Is something wrong with him?" Goku asked.
"I believe he is weary. This has not been an easy journey for any of you. Perhaps your newfound neatness will help him feel better."
Knowing when they were boxed in the two got to their feet, "Maybe we should go back so we can start cleaning."
"That is an excellent idea."
"Iyame?"
"Yes, Goku?"
"Do you think you could convince Sanzo to stay a few days so Hakkai can rest?"
"I will try." She glanced at the sky. "We should get moving. It's going to rain."
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It was raining and Sanzo was brooding. The rest knew enough to stay clear but Iyame wanted to know what was troubling him. She went into the room and settled herself in a nearby chair while he sat on the bed and stared out the window at the rain. He ignored her for a time but eventually got annoyed by her not leaving and glared at her.
She allowed him to glare at her for a moment before speaking. "What is it about the rain that troubles you so, Kazuki?"
"Don't call me that."
"It is your name. Why should it not be used?"
"It's not my name."
"Then what is?"
"Sanzo."
"No, that is your title. What is your name?"
He gave her a dark look before replying, "Koryuu."
She tilted her head thoughtfully for a long moment before nodding, "Very well. Koryuu, what about the rain troubles you so?"
"Why should I tell you?"
"Perhaps because you know it is neither wise nor healthy to allow yourself to become so upset by something you have no control."
"And why would I confide in you instead of one of the others?"
"Perhaps I can help ease your suffering where they cannot."
"Can you bring the long dead to life?"
"Not literally, but if you speak of them it brings them back for a time. Tell me a story."
"No. Leave me alone."
"Please? I'll begin it for you. Once there was a boy who accepted the rain for what it was and found neither joy nor sorrow in it. He was only a baby, after all, and rain meant nothing to him either way as long as his parents or nanny kept him dry. His family was not rich, but his father owned a thriving business with his uncle. Things went well for several years and the baby grew into a healthy and well-loved little boy.
"One day, Uncle fell into debt with a terrible man and decided the only way to get out of it was to give him the business he and Father had worked so hard to grow. Naturally, Father was against the idea and Uncle lashed out at him in rage and desperation when he said no. Father fell against his desk and his head hit the corner. Sadly, he did not survive the injury. Uncle looked down at what he had done as Mother walked in to see what the commotion was. Uncle panicked and tried to push her out of the room before she could see. She tripped and fell down the stairs, not surviving her injuries either.
"The boy heard Mother's cry and ran to see what happened. He tried to wake her up and did not see Uncle's approach until he had been swept up into Uncle's embrace. He cried and tried to explain that Mother wouldn't wake up. Uncle told him everything would be all right and started walking. The next thing the boy knew he was sailing through the air and landed in the river with a cold splash. He traveled down the river for an unknown amount of time before someone heard his voice and rescued him." she paused for a moment and looked him in the eye, "How am I doing so far?"
Sanzo's eyes were locked onto her and he took a moment to gather his thoughts. "Where was the nanny when this was happening?"
"She had gone a few towns over to pick up a special order gift Father had ordered. By the time she got back and saw what happened, it was too late to fix. Instead, she found Uncle and made him tell her a story."
"Did he survive?"
She shrugged, "Technically. There are fates worse than death and she had no problem employing them for harming her family. What happened to the boy next?"
Sanzo sighed, "He was found by Koumyo Sanzo Houshi and taken to Kinzan Temple where Master raised him until he died."
It was Iyame's turn to stare at him, "Koumyo Sanzo raised you?"
"Yes."
Iyame tilted her head as she studied him thoughtfully, "I heard it was raining when he passed . . . and that his successor was there when it happened."
Sanzo's eyes told her everything she needed to know about that and she reached out and placed a soft hand on his for a brief moment.
"I am sorry that you had to see such a thing, but I believe Koumyo would want you to embrace the beauty of the rain rather than dwell on harmful memories. He would also prefer you remember his life and not his death."
"How would you know?"
"I lived in the temple for a few months. I was very ill and he came across us one day. He showed no fear of Dana and Virya and was permitted to examine me. They brought me to the temple and nursed me back to health. I stayed for a while and we spoke often. He was a very wise man."
"Why did you leave?"
"I had to find Goku, but found you instead."
Sanzo smoked quietly for several minutes before speaking quietly, "I remember you."
She tilted her head in curiosity, "What do you remember?"
"The song you sing when you paint your fans."
She gave a half smile, "I would sing you to sleep with that song."
"I know. It was annoying. Still is."
"Of course. I'm glad it was Koumyo that found you." she replied as she stood and brushed her fingers through his hair. "We should stay a few days so Hakkai can rest. I'm very worried about him."
"Fine." Sanzo glared at her retreating back for a moment before returning his attention to the window and the rain. The sound of her humming drifted through the open door and his glare deepened.
Later that afternoon Goku grinned as he hooked the necklace around Iyame's neck. "Thank you for making sure we'll be here for a few days."
She smiled at the pendant before brushing a kiss across his cheek. "What will you do while we're here?"
He shrugged, "I don't know. I'm sure I'll find something to entertain myself. What about you?"
"Same as usual. Sell fans and heal people."
"It was really nice for the shop owner to let us have our rooms for free. Does that happen a lot?"
She nodded, "In the places I visit often."
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Iyame was working on her fans when Goku wandered over to watch. He saw a stack of loose paper with sketches on them and considered them for a moment before looking at Iyame, "Is it okay if I look at these?"
"Of course, Goku." she replied with a quick smile before returning to her task.
He picked up the stack and started to slowly flip through them. Some were landscapes, nice but nothing he didn't see every day, others were people he didn't know and didn't look too interesting. About halfway through the stack he came across a sketch of himself, arms flung out in sleep and a pleased expression on his face. Another showed him bathing naked in a lake with an inviting expression he was certain he'd never had. It was very potent and sexual and made him blush to look at it.
"Iyame, where did you see that?" he stuttered.
She glanced over at the picture then at him, "I imagine that's how you'll look at me one day when you're more comfortable with our relationship."
"But, it's like – I mean – Just . . . sheesh."
She glanced up at his face and smiled, "One day, you'll think differently about it. Keep looking, you're bound to find some you like."
Goku returned his attention to the stack of papers and kept flipping through them. There were so many of him that it made him blush to think how much time she spent thinking about him and his body. He paused now and then as he saw pictures of his friends – Hakkai reading a book with Hakuryuu perched on his shoulder, Gojyo smiling charmingly at what could only be a pretty girl just outside the picture frame, Sanzo always looking pissed off about something. The last sketch caught his attention and held it for long minutes before he realized Iyame was sitting there watching him.
"What's this one?"
It showed Sanzo sitting on the floor with Goku sitting facing him. Sanzo was bent over him and holding onto him with a level of desperation Goku was certain the monk had never shown him.
"That was the happy ending to a very bad day." she replied quietly.
"What happened? He looks so worried and relieved and I look like I don't really understand why."
"Well, when we got to heaven you would explore a lot while I studied with Hakkai. You didn't mind learning, but you could only study for so long in a day and then you had to be out and about. You found your way to the Jade Emperor's chambers once and accidentally knocked over a very powerful relic. He was, as you can imagine, outraged that Douji's new pet had destroyed something so powerful and was in his chambers without permission. He was going to banish you from heaven, but keep me up there to punish you further.
"We were in the plaza outside his office, it was sunny and the air smelled of flowers. I tried to run to you but Taisho grabbed hold of me and wouldn't let go. Douji and Gensui were trying to talk the Emperor into not banishing you or letting me go with you if he did but he wouldn't listen. I was screaming and crying and almost a dozen guards were holding you down so you couldn't get to me either. Finally, when plants started dying and people started collapsing Merciful Goddess arrived and smoothed things over.
"I was crying so hard that Taisho had cradled me against his chest so for a few moments I lost track of what was going on. When I looked back you were sitting there in front of Douji and he was holding onto you like he would never let go. Gensui walked over and told us that Goku would be permitted to stay and they walked me over to you two. I struggled out of Taisho's arms and wrapped them around you from the other side, crying because I was so glad we would be able to stay together without my needing to harm anyone."
"Jeez, monkey, only you wouldn't even be able to behave yourself in heaven." Gojyo joked from behind them.
Goku looked up to see that the others were seated around them and had been listening to the story. Sanzo looked more annoyed than usual and Goku guessed it was because Iyame had told everyone that he had worried about him in public.
