*** Authors Note: I have finished a picture of what Rayla looks like in her normal form. I will complete some other pictures soon but this one was requested so here you go! art/Rayla-Saiyuki-OC-382399504?ga_submit_new=10%253A1372790283 ***** Let me know how I did ****
Re-cap
The group invited themselves into Gojyo's house now that their target had already run off and Rayla was currently getting the cold shoulder from Sanzo, Gojyo was curious as to why she didn't attack his temporary companion, "So his name's Cho Gonou...? That name really doesn't fit him."
"And your telling me, he never told you anything?"
"That's what I've been saying all along, I don't know why you haven't been listening to me and another thing..." They all looked at Goku who was stuffing his face, "I don't see why I'm responsible for feeding your pet, Your really pushing your luck."
Goku turned around with a nearly empty bowl but a very happy face, "Hey this is really good! Can I finish it, Can I?"
"Are you trying to eat me out of house and home, you stupid monkey!"
"I'm not a monkey, my name's Goku you degenerate!"
"Well, I think stupid monkey is the most accurate!"
"He did go about five hundred years without eating, so his bosy must be trying to make up for it." Sanzo commented ignoring them all.
Goyjo was annoyed and confused, "What's up with that?"
"You certainly are excentric, why did you take him in if you knew it would cause problems for you?"
"That's a very good question, I'm not sure I know the answer..."
"Hey Sanzo!" Goku called out, "Is he really a bad guy?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Well Ray-Ray didn't attack with you told her too and for some reason he just didn't seem like a bad guy to me."
Rayla lowered her head as Sanzo lit a smoke, "Murder doesn't nessisarily mean evil, right? The world being what it is a lot of people out there that deserve to die, don't they? But those who decide to take it upon themselves have to be prepared if others trying to kill them as well and that's what they call the law of Karma, my friend. That's why good or bad, the only ones left standing will be the ones that have the strongest will to survive. " Sanzo's words weren't meant to just her but she could feel he meant what he said.
Gojyo smiled and leaned on Sanzo's shoulder while chuckling, "Will to live huh? To bad your a monk!"
"And what is that supposed to mean?"
Goku interrupted before he could answer, "So where does that leave us?" Goku looked at Rayla and Sanzo, "What are we going to do now? Do we just let him go?"
"Listen, I may not like it but this is still my assigned mission even if it is a pain in the ass..."
"I'm afraid your wasting your time." Sanzo looked at Gojyo, "I don't know what kind of unfinished business he has but what ever it is, he's going to do it and then he'll probably die." Rayla's head snapped in the direction of Gojyo, "That's just the kind of guy he is."
"If that's true..." Sanzo looked at Rayla, "That's even more reason to find him. My instructions are to capture Cho Gonou and bring him back to the Palace of the Setting Sun alive, I can't have him dying at his own convienience. Sorry to bother you."
Sanzo, Goku and Rayla started for the door to leave and continue their task, "Hey!" Gojyo called out to them, "Count me in!"
Chapter 16 - Be there an Ode to the Living
Rayla's thoughts (past and present)
Someone else's thoughts
"Talking"
Past Memory
** Disclaimer *** I do not own the Saiyuki characters or stortline**
It was nightfall still but the moon was high in the sky and lite the way as an owl hooted in the distance, Sanzo lead the group with Rayla and Goku close behind while Gojyo trailed behind them. Sanzo had protested about Gojyo accompanyig them, "Hey Ray-Ray?" Goku whispers to her suddenly.
"Hm?"
"Is that guy still following us?"
Rayla didn't have to turn around to know that he was, "Yes, Goku-kun."
"Just ignore him and keep walking." Sanzo snapped at them both not wanting to ackowledge another who disobeyed what he said.
"But Sanzo-"
Sanzo was already in a bad mood about Rayla's stunt earlier, "Would you just shut up and keep walking." Sanzo snapped at him. He couldn't shake the feeling, Rayla had never really disobeyed him before. There was times with Goku but this time it felt different to him, as if she had drift away from him... out of his reach.
Goku pouted but didn't argue with the already crabby monk, "Okay."
Rayla couldn't stop herself from turning and looking at the man following them... I didn't think I would meet another... Another like my father... She thought to herself. Her memories and old scars hurt when she thought of her past, looking at his hair and eyes made her think of one thing... Blood.
She hadn't noticed but she had slowed down his pace and noticed he too was in deep thought, "You are a half-breed... Your red eyes and hair reveal it."
"What's your point?" He nearly snapped at her already sensitive about the subject.
Rayla was hardly fazed how ever as she started to walk a head of him once more, "It reminds me of my father..." She whispered as she walked by him.
His eyes widened suddenly before muttering, "I am such an asshole..." He starts to run to catch up with her and Goku, "Hey wait up!" He calls out as he smacks Goku on the back of the head.
Gojyo continues to run a head but gave a quick wink to Rayla before running off with Goku chasing him "Bastard, Get back here!"
"Idiots." Sanzo grumbles stopping for a moment.
Rayla stops beside him with a sigh, "At least it's a play friend for Goku."
"Not. Funny."
Rayla didn't get the chance to reply when a sudden demonic aura hit them all, "So much... Hatred but I sense sadness too... " Rayla muttered quietly to herself. She felt torn, it was obvious Gojyo had felt something as well but Rayla felt like she couldn't leave Sanzo and Goku... Not after what she had done earlier.
"What is it?" Sanzo questions noticing that Rayla had also reacted to something, yet she chose not to say anything.
Gojyo seemed to brush it off as well how ever his uneasiness was clear, "Nothing." At least I hope it was nothing. He thought to himself.
Sanzo eyed them both for a moment before continuing to walk in the direction they had been before. Goku looked hesitantly at Rayla before running to catch up with the monk, "Sanzo, Are you sure this is the right direction?"
"I think I can make a fairly educated guess as to where Cho Gonou is headed. I'm betting Yakougan Maoh's place."
"Yakougan Moah?"
"It's where Cho Gonou committed his mass murder."
When Sanzo spoke those words, Rayla couldn't stop her own flash backs... So he is like me then... Perhaps more than I thought but his eyes... They were the same taunting pain that I had in my own eyes. Back before I had met Sanzo... I too had committed a mass murder, Only to be saved by the Merciful Goddess and Sanzo...
"Hey!" Gojyo's voice made Rayla snap out of her thoughts, "So what'll happen to him, if you catch him?" He asked Sanzo.
"You seem quite devoted to him."
"I did go through all that trouble of saving his life you know. It would be such a waste to let him die."
Sanzo closed his eyes for a moment, "I don't know how Cho Gonou will be dealt with either, My superiors have full control over that." Rayla's fists tightened ever so slightly, Goku noticed this time.
"Hey! A high ranking monk like yourself should know what I am from the color of my hair and eyes alone, your female companion knew almost instantly."
"Your a half-breed. Born between the unholy union of demon and man, it is said their children have crimson eyes and hair." Sanzo looked at Rayla for a split second but she still felt his gaze. Her secret was darker than the one Gojyo thought he was holding.
"Eyes the color of blood, He said he found penitence in these eyes. Even Rayla noticed the instant she saw me." Gojyo thought about his own past and his mother, "I won't let you kill him even if this is just my vanity, I won't let you kill him."
Gojyo was in Sanzo's face by this point and Ray couldn't stop the twitch of her figures, ready to grab her blades. Sanzo noticed this, "This is so stupid." He said as he turned his back to Gojyo.
"Excuse me?!"
"What are you getting out of this?" Gojyo's eyes widened, "I don't care how you were conceived do you seriously believe the only red thing in the entire world is blood? If you do, then you might as well just shave your head right now, I know a temple you can join." His sarcasm was thick at the end but most of his words were true.
Gojyo held his hands up in a surrender type of manner, "I believe I'll pass." He said in a serious and uninterested tone.
Gojyo suddenly had a pained expression, Rayla noticed Goku had grabbed a chunk of Gojyo's hair and pulled it in a downward yank, "What are you doing, you stupid monkey? That hurts!"
"Aww..." Goku looked disappointed as he suddenly looked at Rayla with a pout, "Ray-Ray, his hair IS cold after all."
A small smile and sweat drop appeared on Rayla's face, "What?" Gojyo asks looking at them both.
Goku then looked at Gojyo with a child like smile, "Your hair is so red, I thought you'd be burning up but it's not hot at all."
Gojyo suddenly remembered Sanzo's earlier words, I let my hair grow long and now I'm trying to save someone who needs me but the one who really wants to be saved... is me.
Rayla and Goku both narrowed thier eyes and stiffened, "What's wrong Goku? Rayla?" Sanzo asked not sensing what they did.
"I smell blood." Goku muttered at the same time Rayla informed them, "There is a massive blood thirsty aura not far."
"Which Direction?" Sanzo demanded now all of them were on high alert.
Goku took a sniff of the air, "Let's see... This way! Come on."
Rayla was already running ahead of them following the aura's she felt, her worry was beyond high for someone she barely knew yet she couldn't help but feel like they were connected somehow. I just pray that we make it in time... Before anything happens to him...
Rayla had been running as fast as she could when she could suddenly feel it, the feeling of no hope. Her blood nearly ran cold as she saw the scene before her, Cho Gonou was facing one of the only remaining clan members about to rip out his own eye.
"Stop it!" Both her and Goku cried out, Goku jumped onto his face wrapping his legs around his neck to try and stop him while Rayla instantly grabbed into his hand he was using. All three of them were knocked to the ground, Cho Gonou was stunned by both their outburst and their actions.
Rayla and Goku bombarded him with questions looking at his face, "Your eye!" Goku said.
"Is your eye okay?" Rayla asked with worry written all over her face.
Cho Gonou was to stunned to look, Goku and Rayla looked at each other and smiled before tuning their attention back to him, "WHAT ON EARTH WERE YOU THINKING?" They yelled at him together.
"Huh?"
"There's absolutely nothing wrong with your eyes!" Goku said to him completely missing the point causing Rayla to have a small sweat drop.
Sanzo walked up behind them offering her a hand up, "I hear you think red is the color of penitence penitence to what? The gods?" Rayla accepted his hand and stood as he continued to speak to Cho Gonou, "The Gods do not save people. You alone are responsible for saving your own life. You could kill yourself..." A face flashed through Cho Gonou's mind, "If you want to escape that way. Killing yourself will not accomplish anything though but there are some things you can still do while your still alive."
His last words caused everyone to think about their own lives with serious expressions, " Who the hell are you? These your friends?"
"No." Gojyo said easily not far behind the bird demon, "If you want to kill him, well then you go right ahead but I should warn you that... Those who take it upon themselves to kill others , have to be prepared to have others try to kill them in return."
Rayla stood just to the other side of Gojyo and also behind the demon, "That's what they call the law of consequences." Rayla looked at Gojyo who was surprised she knew what he was talking about and about to say, "It was the same cranky old monk who once told me that."
"Don't you mess with my head!" The demon roared suddenly at Gojyo and Rayla before crying out and charged at Cho Gonou.
His eyes were cold as he lifted Sanzo's gun and fired off a round, the revolver smoked from the barrel causing silence.
"These demons can be such bird brains."
Rayla looked at Sanzo, "Worst. Pun. Ever." She stated earning a glare and a nod from Goku in agreement.
Gonou stood as Gojyo walked over to him, "Can you walk?"
"I can manage."
Sanzo suddenly reached over and grabbed his gun back, "Hey." Gonou froze as did Rayla, "You are going, right?"
"Huh?'
Sanzo lazily held up his gun, "Yakougan Maoh's Castle?"
"Here." Goku held out a pocket watch before he could even answer Sanzo's question, "It's yours isn't it?"
His smile was sweet which cause Gonou to almost smile till Sanzo caught all their attention again, "Let's go."
Sanzo began to walk away, slightly dragging a stunned and annoyed Rayla. Gonou bowed his head to the monks back, "Sir, I am in your debt." Goku was dumbfounded as was Gojyo.
The made it out of the forest and onto a large clearing, it was obvious they were getting close to the castle. Rayla wanted to ask about his past the whole time they had been walking but Sanzo had almost seemed to make sure she stayed to close to either him or Goku. In the end it was probably better that way, I suppose everyone's past is their own secret and their own life. Perhaps maybe one day... He will tell me..., If nothing happens before that. Rayla thought to herself concerned about what could happen when she and Sanzo brought him back to the Temple.
"Oh my god..." Cho Gonou muttered as they saw the destruction of the castle.
Rayla couldn't help but wonder about the mess she to had left behind, only she never went back...
"This was Yakougan Maoh's castle, it's been torched by someone. Just a couple of days ago... I doubt anyone survived."
Cho Gonou suddenly fell to his knee's, Rayla hesitated for a moment but walked forward and away from Sanzo, who didn't stop her this time. She stopped right beside the now kneeling Cho Gonou, "I see... Yet again. I wasn't able to save her." He spoke to himself not even noticing her presence but she could feel his pain.
"Hey." Gojyo muttered walking to Sanzo's side, "Chant the sutra for her, Ya dumb monk."
He snorted arrogantly, "I doubt a chant would sooth his conscious any."
"That stuff isn't really being logical you know?"
Sanzo gave a huff before sitting on his behind on the ground and crossing his legs. He grabbed his head piece from his robes, "I don't chant sutra's for the dead you got that?"
The sun slowly rose as Cho Gonou looked up from the pocket watch he was carrying, They listened as the sun almost seemed to light up Sanzo from behind. Despite his rude personality and snarly comments... He truly does remind me of an angel... She thought back to when she first saw his face, she had thought the same back then as well. His words were always harsh but the odd action he made towards made her feel safe, wanted and sometimes even cared about. He was never open with any kind of feelings unless they were to try and push others away but she knew that about him and still chose to stay by side despite that. The simple fact that he allowed her by his side everyday was more than enough to make her happy and it was that feeling that confused her yet caused to keep in shadow none the less.
No matter how much pain she had felt in this lifetime, there were the good memories as well and it was all of those memories, the good and the bad, that reminded her everyday that she was alive. It was Sanzo that taught her that, Rayla now valued not only her own life but that of Sanzo's, Goku's and maybe more now. Rayla vowed to protect all of them and never choose one over the other. Their ideals and goals weren't all the same but they all had the respect of one another, perhaps that was enough.
Sanzo spoke in a voice so loud and so clear, that is dispelled any and all doubts and it seemed, for a moment, it was like we could all see again. As we gathered around this golden, luminous light.
Rayla and Sanzo had taken Cho Gonou to the Temple of the Setting Sun to see the Three Aspects, they now stood outside the Temple as a monk tried to clap irons onto their guest.
"What is this?" Sanzo asked in a cold and deadly tone.
Both Rayla and Cho Gonou had a slightly amused smile on their faces as the monk froze in obvious fear of the notoriously crabby monk, "It's alright, please put them on me."
Rayla was nervous but back off just as did Sanzo to allow them to put Cho Gonou in shackles they started to walk away with him before he suddenly stopped and looked back at Rayla, "I didn't get to say this before but thank you." Her violet eyes widened, "When you looked at me, I could tell you shared pain similar to my own. Your very presence seemed to help... knowing there was someone else... like me."
With that he left a stunned and surprised Rayla as he walked away, Sanzo looked at Rayla, "Wait outside, This shouldn't be to long." She nodded and watched as Sanzo to left. Leaving her to her thoughts, something Rayla really hated.
Happy. Thrilled. Those were some words to describe how Rayla felt at the moment as she stood with Goku and Sanzo waited for their new friends, weather Sanzo wanted to admit it or not. Cho Gonou was no more, by all records and accounts he is deemed dead... How ever their friend still lived. He went by the newly found name of Cho Hakkai.
"I'll be damned! It's been awhile." Goku said surprised by their visit.
He smiled at them and Rayla smiled back happy to see Hakkai at least, "I'm afraid I was delayed."
"I'm glad your here none the less." Rayla said to him.
Goku had a sudden outburst, "What the hell happened to your hair? You look like a pirate."
"You look like a chimp." Gojyo comments back with a bandanna around his head and holds out a paper bag, "Here have a few."
Goku hungrily takes it, "Oh thank you, Apples! Fantastic!" Goku says as he rummages through the bag and Gojyo walks past Rayla and over to Sanzo who is sitting at his desk.
"Dumb Monk. What's the big idea? You said he died." Gojyo complained at Sanzo.
Rayla glared at her companion, "Sanzo!" She said in a sharp tone of disapproval.
He ignored her, "What are you talking about?"
"What do you mean, what am I talking about?" Gojyo demands with a clear irk mark on his brow.
Sanzo points a finger at his temple, "Buddhism forbids taking a life, he may be a criminal but you didn't actually think we would kill him did you? Just use your head!"
"I... should... kill... you..." Gojyo muttered trying to resist the urge to punch Sanzo. Rayla had a sweat drop roll down her face watching them while Goku stuffed his face and Hakkai smiled fondly at them.
Goku suddenly swallowed and looked at the man standing next to Rayla, "So they did let you free, huh?"
"A-huh. Though it wouldn't have happened without Mr. Sanzo's full support, he was nice enough to intercede with the hearing to allow me to discard the name of Cho Gonou and start a new life."
"Well then, should I call you from now on?"
"Hakkai. It's Cho Hakkai."
Goku tried it out, "Cho... Hakkai." He suddenly smiled, "Yeah! Yeah! That one fits you much better than the old one did."
"You think so?" Hakkai chuckled warmly.
Rayla looked at him, "I agree with Goku. Nice to meet you... Hakkai."
Gojyo also snickered, "Sure that's not to much for you monkey brain to remember?"
"I can to remember! It's Hakkai! Hakkai! Hakkai! Hakkai! Hakkai! Hakkai! Hakkai! Hakkai! Hakkai!" Goku continued to yell the name at Gojyo as Sanzo, Rayla and Hakkai watched them.
"You know, I think Goku is on to something. A few more times and he might have it down." He smiled with his index finger raised.
Sanzo was hesitant to ask, "How many?"
"A thousand?"
Rayla gave a deep sigh at the answer, I feel a headache coming on..."
Hakkai chuckled and Sanzo sighed as well, "So... what do you have planned for your new life?"
"Gojyo and I get along alright, so I though I might room with him for a little while... besides the poor guy can't even remember what day they come to pick up the trash. He'd be absolutely hopeless without me."
"Reminds me of two people I know..." Rayla muttered.
Sanzo glared at her slightly, "You try living with a chimp!"
"It's funny... I sought death for so long but now there's nothing more valuable to me than life." Goku suddenly jumped onto his back calling his name at the same time.
"I just got your new name memorized... so you better not change it."
Rayla chuckled slightly at his silliness, "Well done, Goku."
"Haha. Alright." Hakkai agreed looking at the two as Gojyo walked over as well.
They all looked at one another, "So is this hair cut supposed to be a way of putting your past behind you?" Sanzo asks Gojyo.
"Not really. I'm probably just the same as him engaged in a fetal struggle."
"Life is basically your fetal struggle until you die anyway." Gojyo stared at Sanzo causing him to look up, "Problem?"
"Does the look suit me?"
"Anything is better than that nasty long hair, Rayla can only pull that look off." He muttered.
Gojyo suddenly smirked, "Then it's settled, I'll grow it out again." He states as he walked away with his hands behind his head, "Shouldn't take to long."
Sanzo stood with a clear irk mark on his head, "Are you trying to pick a fight?"
"Alright!" Gojyo calls out as he throws his arms around both Goku's and Hakkai's necks, "What do you say we all go eat?"
"All right!" Goku called out beyond excited, "You said it! Food! Food!"
"Will you shut it? Your so noisy!" Sanzo complained looking at Rayla.
She shrugged, "He is a growing boy."
"Can we go Sanzo, Ray-Ray?"
"Don't you think?" He demanded, "There's no way that..." His voice fell flat when he saw them all wearing innocent smiles, he sighed then looked at Rayla. She gave a small smile and nodded her head still standing by his side.
He sighed on more time, "You better be treating."
All five of them stepped through the doors into the pure and warm sunshine as both Hakkai and Rayla gave a peaceful and content sigh, "What beautiful weather!" Hakkai mentioned as Rayla nodded in agreement.
"Perfect day for a field trip eh?" Gojyo comments.
Hakkai agreed, "There you go! Let's make it a picnic!" He suggests looking at Rayla warmly.
"Sanzo? Are the Banana's for snack time?" Goku asks always thinking about his stomach.
Rayla held up a bag, "I'm already prepared for you Goku." He hoots and hollers causing Sanzo to be annoyed.
"Will you shut up. I wouldn't go on a trip with you fools if you paid me. I can just barely tolerate Rayla but not you idiots." Sanzo grumbles at them. She was surprised but his words but was still touched. It stuff like that, that let's me know that in the end... he really does care about me in some way or another.
Present Time
The rain had stopped and Hakkaryru was transformed and they were once again driving with the dun high in the sky. Rayla was between Hakkai who was driving and Sanzo who was also in the front while Goku and Gojyo were in the back as usual. That was over three years ago... and were still driving... all together. Rayla thought staring at them all and thinking back on her memories and past.
"It;s much easier to rest now that the rain has let up, eh Sanzo?" Hakkai commented on the same thing all of them were thinking.
Sanzo was in denial as usual, "What makes you think I would? Your the ones who get uneasy every time it's raining."
Hakkai chuckles and Rayla shakes her head, "Yes. That's true."
"So tell me..." Goku demands butting his head between Rayla and Sanzo pushing Rayla into Hakkai. He gently held her causing her to blush as she used her bangs to cover her face hoping he wouldn't notice, "Why do you guys hate rain so much? Is there something you three aren't telling me? Huh? Come one! I want to know! What is it? What is it?"
Here it comes! Rayla thought and moved slightly as Sanzo snapped and hit Goku hard with the old man fan, "Shut up!"
"Ow!"
"Sit down and shut up!" Gojyo tells him, "Your not old enough to understand."
"What are you talking about?"
"Se i told ya!"
The idiots all began to fight and argue, Rayla sighed but looked up at Hakkai with a smile, I guess were an odd bunch but the way we live works for us and this way we value the life we are given and protect it... with everything we have.
*** I am ssssssssssssssooooooooooooooo sorry this took so long! You guys are so loyal for waiting for so long and I promise the next wont take nearly as long! I apologize for errors, I will go through and fix them I was just in a rush to get this out to you guys! I'm so sorry again, I hope you like the new chapter!***