Chapter 4 - Blood Red
Disclaimer ** I don't know the Saiyuki storyline or the characters**
It was mid day with sun high in sky, Rayla wished she could just enjoy the sunlight but their bickering never ended. Some how it seemed to feel normal to her but even she could use a break from the constant arguing.
"Gojyo you son of a bitch! You cheated!" Goku complained.
Gojyo wasn't fazed, "The more stupid they are the more they try to blame it on somebody else."
Goku ground his teeth, "Oh ya, well answer me this fat head! How do you get four ace's three times in a row! How? how? by cheating that's how!"
Hakkai was smiling as he drove but it was obvious to Ray that Sanzo would be snapping at them very shortly. For a monk he has little to no patience, She thought as she sat behind Hakkai.
"Look don't blame me because your stupid!"
Sanzo put his head down, "God I wish the 3 of us could do this alone!"
"That's it I'm kicking your ass!"
Hakkai continued to smile, "Ahhh but then it wouldn't be nearly as much fun."
She shook her head, "Not what I consider fun..." Sanzo nodded his head in agreement.
The vehicle shook, then hit a bump and sent them into the air, off a cliff and into the water. They landed in the water as Hakuryuu flouted down slowly with his wings open wide. Goku surfaced first holding Rayla, "Holy shit that's cold. You alright Ray-Ray?" she nodded her head before Goku got mad, "Look dragon, next time watch where your going will ya!"
Splashing caught their attention, they found Gojyo flinging his arms and splashing in the water saying he was going to drown.
"Help, I'm gonna drown!"
"Wow, Take a look at you."
"Don't just stand there, help me assholes!"
"I've never seen you act this way, i had no idea." Goku mocks him without shame.
Gojyo stops his insistent flailing, "Oh I'm just like this all the time... in the bed."
"In the bed eh?" Sanzo asks behind them clearly annoyed, "You mean... like a water bed." He grabs both Gojyo and Goku by the head and shoving them into the water once again.
"Sanzo, leave him be." Rayla growled before grabbing Goku but left Gojyo at the mercy of Sanzo.
A women's laughter caught of their attention making then stop and look up, "Oh gosh, I'm so sorry. It's just that it's been a long time since I've seen grown men acting like little boys. I see you play the mediator between them" she said still giggling and looking a Rayla as she nodded her head solemnly.
The women was tall with a blonde ponytail at the back of her head, hers clothing was that of a simple villager, she had stunning blue eyes but even Rayla thought she was a beautiful women.
"You idiots damage my reputation daily!" Sanzo grumbled.
The kind women offered them her hospitality, "Your soaking wet, You can come dry off at my place. I've got food, hot tea and more importantly for you, I've got towels."
The women's home was small but cozy, Rayla looked outside completely in love with serenity in the place. The clothes hung on the line to dry out, she felt weird borrowing the women's clothing but knew it would only be for a short time.
She smiled at Rayla before turning to find the boys walking in, "Wow. They fit just perfectly"
"Yes, Thank you." Hakkai said politely.
Goku pointed at Rayla, "Ya thanks a lot. Hope you let me keep them. Ray-Ray that so doesn't suit you."
A vein popped out slightly, "It's still easy for me to kill you even in a dress and you can't keep them Goku." she growled making the young women giggle again, "You do look beautiful none the less."
The comment made Rayla blush, with a huff she went back to looking at the scenery, "No really, it's actually nice to see someone wearing them again." She tried to look happy but the pain was still in her face.
Rayla knew Sanzo was thinking something simliar by look on his face.
"Oh alright enough talk" Instructs an elderly women as she walked into the room.
The blonde was happily surprised, "Oh thank you! It looks great."
"Please sit down and eat before everything gets cold" The older women urged to them.
Rayla still stood by the window in the corner of the room observing, she preferred less talk unless it was a matter to deal with Goku. The others were her concern as well but they seem to grasp the world far better than Goku.
"NO WAY! Auntie you know how to cook!" Goku praised with stars in his eyes from the food, Rayla brushed off the comment. She had the distinct feeling it was going to happen and be said often.
The old women was grateful, "Why, Thank you!"
"No, thank you!" with that Goku dove right into the food, "Goku at least sit down..." Rayla nagged him slightly embarrassed by his behavior.
"Ya put it on the plate first ya pig!" Gojyo adds as the other 3 stand behind him.
Hakkai tried to change the subject, "Thank you so much for your hospitality."
The blonde giggled at Goku, "Hey shit head what about the rest of us!"
"Their not my friends, I only know Rayla, I just want that to go on record" Sanzo denies but earned a strange look from Rayla for his comment.
After Goku stuffed his face, they all gathered around the table with cups of tea, "I'm so glad all of you are here." The old women says.
"Why?" Goku asks with a meat bun in his mouth.
The women looked seldom, "It's nice to see Shunrai smile again. She's been alone for so long now." The men looked out the window to see her putting up the laundry and taking some down. Rayla was holding the basket looking slightly bored but even she was secretly listening to learn the women's story.
"Really? She even got Ray-Ray doing it." Goku points out.
The women bowed her head, "Such a sweet soul, She was in love once a long time ago. "
"Really?" Gojyo asks his interest peaked.
"He was a demon. About a year ago, a change came over him just like it did all the others but he left before he became like the others. Angry. Hungry. Shunrai still looks off hoping he will come back someday. She goes down to the river to wash once a week like a ritual, cleaning clothes that haven't been worn in months. I believe she wakes everyday thinking 'this is the day he will return'."
Gojyo's face went off in the distance, No doubt thinking lecherous thoughts...
"Don't even think about it!" Sanzo demands knowing Gojyo.
Hakkai placed a hand over his chest, "And these clothes they belonged to him didn't they?"
"Well their certainly not mine are they." She answered with sarcasm but a warm smile.
Goku holds out the clothes, "I wish I had someone who would do this for me every week..."
"Rayla does that for you, stupid monkey." Gojyo points accusingly at him.
He wore a bashful face and puts a hand behind his head, "Oh ya!"
"These things must mean a great deal to her, I'm a little surprised she would let us wear them." Sanzo states.
She smiled, "I'm sure it's just a way to thank you perhaps for giving her something to smile about for once. Oh my heavens it might just be the fact that each of you are just as every bit of handsome as her boyfriend was. Jein was a very good looking man you know!"
That name caught not only Rayla's attention but Gojyo's as well, "What's up? You know him?" Goku asks picking up on his reaction.
"It's a common name. Probably not." Gojyo says brushing it off as he got up from the table.
Goku watched him go, still skeptical, "A common name? He's full of shit! What's going on? What's he hiding?"
Hakkai smiled at Goku with a 'hmmm' only earning an annoyed Goku, "Don't patronize me, I don't have any secrets... well not big ones anyway."
"Everyone has secrets, Goku. It's a way of life to keep the things you hold dear to your heart. It goes for people, as well as memories." Rayla says to him walking into the room.
Goku pouted making her smile, "So you keep secrets from me Ray-Ray?"
"I have no need to worry about such things when I have you, Goku." She answered earning a few looks.
The old women whispered to Hakkai, "Mother and child?" Hakkai shook his head 'no' but the irk mark was still there on Ray's black head.
"Let's not talk about this anymore." Goku suggested his cheeks slightly pink. She nodded her head and left the room.
Evening came as the last of the sun's ray's began to once again hide away behind the hills, only four them were in a single room but Rayla knew where Gojyo was. She only hoped he behaved himself.
"Okay, I give. I can't take it anymore, who is this Jein guy?" Goku asks holding his pillow to his chest.
Hakkai looked up from his book, "Relax will ya? It's not like Gojyo is keeping it a secret but even though it's not a big secret exactly I wouldn't bring it up if I were you, my friend. Jein is Gojyo's half brother."
"Goku, some memories people prefer to keep close to their hearts. Allow him to come to you if he so chooses." Rayla said places a hand on his shoulder.
Later that evening Rayla, Hakkai and Gojyo re learned that once Goku has something in his head, he doesn't let it go.
"Okay now I got it! Gojyo's mother is human and Jein's mother is a demon right? " He declares the obvious point of them being 'Half brothers'.
Sanzo looked like a mixture of boredom and concern, "Yes, Jein is Gojyo's older brother and a full blooded demon because his father was also a demon. Your not all that good at genealogy are ya?"
"Gojyo didn't have it easy, not as a kid. All because he was born of a mixed parentage, from a father who's a demon a human mother." Hakkai explained.
Goku was confused, "Why?"
"Because most people believe a child born from both demon and man will bring nothing but misfortune and pain."
"That sucks!" Goku states.
Rayla sighed, It was hard for him but it also made him who is. She didn't know how to explain something like that Goku.
Gojyo had already walked into the room and placed a hand on Goku's head, "It does but you know what Hakkai didn't tell, That it's true. Ya, I'm gonna bring ya pain!"
With that he grabbed Goku into a head lock and the bullying between the two began, Ray shook her head at them before her purple eyes met red ones. Eyes filled with gratitude for not speaking of the other detail, she felt a little sad for him inside but knew he would be okay... for now.
"Hey knock it of you freak!" Goku complained.
It was bright and beautiful morning, everyone had gained a good nights rest except for maybe Gojyo. Rayla was outside with Shunrai, "My god are those guys going to sleep all day?"
She sighed again, "That they might. Say the word and I will get them up."
Shunrai giggled, "That's quite alright, you care a great deal for them do you not?"
"W... What? N.. n... no. I was told to go along with them, I also have debt to pay." She quickly denied earning more giggles.
"I'm glad they have you to look after them." She said thoughtfully and Rayla stared at the far away look she had in her blue eyes.
An elderly man walking by stopped, a basket on his back, "Well Shunrai! Good morning."
"Oh hello and Good morning to you too! Oh if your looking for my Aunt she's around back." She replied kindly.
The old nodded and started to walk, "Oh Thank you."
Talk between her Aunt and the old man caught her attention and Rayla paused long enough to hear about a silver haired man. Shunrai looked as if someone had slapped her, she suddenly dropped the basket and ran off.
"Shunrai!" her called after her.
Rayla began to follow the women, "Wake the other fools, I will follow her."
"Shunrai, this is dangerous. At least allow me to offer you protection." Rayla tried to convince the women who continued to run.
Her blonde hair flew behind her as she continued saying 'It's him, it has to be him'
She continued to push forward only to pause to quickly catch her breath, "Shunrai, calm yourself I will help you." Rayla tried to convince her but the young women continued to push forward. Ray could only keep close and hope the guys would hurry.
Finally she collapsed to her knees, Rayla stopped beside her and while putting a hand on her shoulder, "Shunrai, rest a bit and then we can continue to search."
"Oh god, please don't let it be you Jein, please." she muttered to herself until a rustling caught both their attention.
"Jein?" she asked slightly concerned.
Demons slowly started to pull out of the bush, Ray ground her teeth. "Shunrai, stay behind me." she instructed.
One demon instantly charged, Shunrai screamed as Rayla pulled out both Katana's and sliced down and in with both killing and ending that one. That scream would have caught their attention for sure she thought.
"Damn, I hate when they make noise. That one might be problem." One demon complain, he had spiked maroon hair with pale blue eyes and a mark between his eyes.
Another with short curly hair and green eyes felt otherwise, "I don't know man, I kind of like it."
"Take it easy guys your going to scare her." The last one said. He looked like the leader, a silver haired and gold eyed demon.
Rayla's glare deepened, "Touch her and you will die by my blade. I suggest you find your fun else where."
"What did you just say?" The silver haired said she he went to charge at Rayla, Shunrai screamed for help. Dark figures shifted through the forest and Ray instantly recognized them, two boots flew out, one hitting the back of the demon and the other on the front of his head.
It was Goku and Gojyo. the demon fell to the ground and Hakkai clapped his hands, "Well done, We couldn't have done better had we done it ourselves and believe me we wanted too."
Sanzo nodded his head as he stood beside Hakkai, "Bullshit." Rayla muttered. Goku came up to her, " Are you okay Ray-Ray?"
"Shunrai seemed to have caught your attention before I could fully deal with the problem myself." She replied.
Shunrai's voice caught her attention, "You have people who would miss you if you died protecting me." she muttered.
Gojyo went to her, "Shunrai, are you alright."
"I am, Rayla stayed by my side plus you and your friends came to my rescue." She informed him.
Goku got mad and raised his fist to the remaining demons, "Okay she's fine, I still say these weasels what they tried to do to her and Ray-Ray."
"Oh is that right?" Silver hair asked holding one side of his face, "Then tell me, who are you to think that you can make me pay."
Another idiot asking for trouble, Ray thought shaking her head. "So you don't know? You don't know who we are or why we came here?" Hakkai asked silver.
"Somehow I don't think they were sent by Kougaiji." Sanzo adds.
"Who care's who sent them, they still need to be taught some manners." Gojyo suggests.
"Amen!" Goku agreed.
Ray shook her head again, "Just get to it already. Lazy men..." She complained, finally getting a small smile from Shunrai thought it didn't last.
The 3 demons all demanded that was it before silver claimed that they group of six was nothing but food. Hakkai chuckled with a hand behind his head, "It's very flattering guys but were not interested." Gojyo told them with sarcasm.
"Hey, why are we still talking to these assholes?" Goku asked obviously intent on killing them.
Shunrai stepped forward with hope in her eyes, "No wait! Haven't you seen him. I'm looking for someone, his name is Jein. He has silver hair just like you!"
"What do I look like a freaking information service? I don't know! I've never seen anyone with my hair color anywhere of it's any of your business." The demon claimed holding his hands out obviously annoyed.
The look of hope quickly died in her eyes and she began to fall, Rayla caught her and slowly lowered her to the ground, "Thank you." She said.
"Shunrai are you okay?" Goku asks coming over to the two women.
Hakkai explained it the young man, "She's okay Goku, it's just been to much for her. She'll be alright just need to take her home."
"Ya that sounds like a plan to me. I say we get the hell outta here." Gojyo agreed. Rayla gently picked Shunrai up and carried her bridal style as Gojyo and Goku went on her let, Hakkai and Sanzo on her right.
"Her Aunt must be worried we need to get back." Hakkai told them.
Goku couldn't argue that fact, "Ya, I'll bet."
The silver haired demon behind them yelled at them, "Hey, you think you can just walk away like that! Were not so easy to ignore you know! Especially you head band, you should stay! Maybe you'd like to hear about a half breed me and my friends heard about! It's a guy with red hair and eyes who looks a lot like you!" At that instant Gojyo's face turn to pure anger.
"You listening to me? Ha! I wonder if your a true red head... down below I mean! Why don't you come show us!" That is just disgusting, Idiot's have really asked for it this time! Rayla thought as Gojyo stopped walking. Hakkai and Sanzo moved infront of Gojyo as he turned to face them. Rayla stopped behind Gojyo still holding Shunrai.
Sanzo tried to warn them at least, "Oh I wouldn't go there if I were you."
"They should mind their own business." Hakkai suggests holding a ball of chi.
Goku stepped between them blocking Gojyo from the demons view, "Ya, let's teach these guys some manners."
The demons looked startled making Gojyo laugh, "Ah don;t worry about it, Goku. I'm flattered... huh?" Gojyo's attention was grabbed as he stared at the unconscious form of Shunrai.
The silver demon got angry, "That's it I'm tired of your attitude Redhead! Now were gonna waste you like we did those humans yesterday!"
The angry Gojyo felt instantly returned as the demon bragged, "You spilled blood?"
The three demons charged forward, "Yes and we'll spill more!"
"So ya wanna see if the carpet matches the drapes so ya?" His metal staff extends and the chain lashes out killing all of them in one hit.
The sickle and chain go back to the staff as Gojyo raises his head, "Sorry guys, only the best looking girls get to find that out."
"I hate to admit but now even I wanna know..." Rayla grumbled as she started to walk away form them leaving every single one of them open mouthe, hanging in the forest.
It wasn't long before they got out of the woods and back to her Aunt's home, she was now resting in a bed and they were getting ready to leave while the sun was still in the sky, "Please won't you stay until she wakes up?" The Aunt tried to persuade them.
"Unfortunately we can't. We have a job to do." Sanzo declined bluntly.
Rayla nudged his ribs annoyed making him grunt and glare, "Please offer our apologies and gratitude but we do have a job to do and are very grateful for your help and hospitality." Ray apologized and bowed.
The old women put both her hands on each side of her face, "You are such a sweet girl, Thank you for every you did for my Shunrai. Please take of these boys, I feel they may need you."
"Not likely." Sanzo argued earning a heated glare after the Aunt released her.
Hakkai smiled, "We are happy we met you both and we do thank you greatly. I'm just glad we were able to help."
"Ya and your food was awesome!" Goku agreed, Rayla folded her arms around her breasts annoyed, "I am never going to make another thing for you!"
"Wait Ray-Ray your cooking always the best! I'm sorry!" Goku complained and begged.
Gojyo shook his head but still had a smirk, "Idiots, You Niece is really great and hit to boot. How could we have said 'no'? We have things we have to set right and make things they used to be. Just tell her Jein will come back one day."
The Aunt smiled and nodded her head, they said their goodbyes before once again they headed out west, wondering who else they might meet along the way and other challenges of their hearts they might have to face.
The sky was red and they were finally back driving, Hakkai had Rayla sitting behind Sanzo, "So the guys Shunrai likes isn't your brother, did I get that right?"
"That's right, my brother doesn't have silver hair. There's another missed opportunity.?" Gojyo answered.
Goku was confused, "Come again?"
"She's not my sister-in-law, we could've had some fun!" Gojyo smirked his arms behind his head.
Rayla shook her head, "God, you never fail to disappoint me you know that?" Hakkai said.
"I have to agree." Ray put in.
"You know you two, I hope I never do!"
Sanzo cut into the conversation, "We got a job to do tell Hakuryuu to step on it."
Hakkai smiled and did just as he asked when Gojyo decided to bring something up, "So Ray, what was you said back in the forest?"
"Yes even I'd like to confirm what I heard..." Hakkai pushed as well.
All of them at Rayla waiting for an answer, she was sitting up with her eyes closed and gave a deep sigh.
"Ray-Ray?" Goku asked.
Sanzo poked her cheek before putting his head down in annoyance, "She's asleep..."
"WHAT! BULLSHIT!" Gojyo yelled into the setting sun.