NEVER LET GO

Disclaimer: I don't own Saiyuki and its hot bishies. I just own the amusement writing this piece.

A/N: There you go guys. Hope this chapter satisfy you all, because I could see everybody going "Kougaiji DEAD??" everywhere ;p The flashback might be a bit confusing, but I'll try to make it up. Also, I'm sorry if this chap might be rushing. I wrote this when I was in the bus, at the docks, on board a ferry, basically everywhere during a hectic voyage to Bali T.T Anyway, hope you guys enjoy this!
And as usual, special thanks for my beta, Peeps17!

Chapter Thirteen

Mirage

"Impossible… you are DEAD!!"

Nii retorted eyes widened in disbelief at the advancing demon prince. Kougaiji just smirked as he took a step closer to the scientist, who took a step back in response.

"There's no way…" he murmured, squinting his dark eyes as if he had no faith in them. "You can't be alive! I killed you all!!" he exclaimed, gaining surprised looks from the Sanzo-ikkou minus Sanzo.

Gojyo and Hakkai immediately cast their eyes upon the demon prince's group, unbelieving at what they had just heard.

"No fucking way…" Gojyo muttered, his crimson eyes blazed with an unreadable emotion as they fell upon his half-brother's. "Dokugakuji… you can't be…"

His words died as the black-haired kappa's eyes pierced his and he noticed truth swirling within those dark depths. There's no denial; only truth.

"Yaone-san…" Emerald eyes locked with orange ones, hoping to find another truth to ease this hurtful one. A single tear was the answer, along with a soft whisper "I'm sorry, Hakkai-san…"

Both Gojyo and Hakkai were speechless. Slowly they turned to face the remaining member of their group; the only one who remained calm accepting the shocking truth.

"You knew about this, didn't you, Sanzo?"

Flashback

"What I'm telling you now might be hard to believe, but you see, we are… dead."

Silence followed the youkai prince's statement. Amethyst eyes narrowed as the blond monk gazed at the serious youkai prince, only to find truth swirling within those fiery eyes of his.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Sanzo hissed, using his you-better-not-be-making-fun-of-me-or-I'll-shove-my-bullet-into-that-silly-head-of-yours tone. Kougaiji just stared back at those challenging eyes, his expression unchanged.

"That means we're no longer alive." He spoke calmly as if stating that one plus one equals two before his tone changed into one of bittenerness, "We have been killed."

Sanzo's frown grew deeper as he finally decided that Kougaiji was too serious to joke around. Letting out a defeated sigh, Sanzo folded his arms in front of his chest and responded. "Well, if it's true that your dead, then how do you explain your existence here and now?"

Kougaiji shifted to a more comfortable position, signaling that this was going to be a long explanation.

"This is Kanzeon Bosatsu's doing." He replied, oblivious to a twitch that found its way upon Sanzo's temple at the mention of the merciful goddess. "Before our souls reached Heaven, we encountered Kanzeon Bosatsu and she offered to revive us temporally to give us a chance to take revenge on the one who took everything away from us." The demon prince closed his eyes, slowly relaxing his previously uneven breathing. "Kannon-sama told us that the traitor is now siding with Toushin Homura Taishi, and seeking to destroy the Sanzo-ikkou—to destroy you. She asked us to do a favor for her in return for this temporary life; we must assist you and fight this person." Sanzo raised his eyes as Kougaiji's fiery eyes met his, and he could sense determination swirling within him. "We accepted it, because our goal is to eliminate this person once and for all. Even though as soon as we deliver our vengeance, our souls will disappear as well."

Silence fell between the two leaders. Kougaiji ended the explanation, letting the information sink into his silent listener. Sanzo gave no comments. So this was the reason why Kougaiji and his group had appeared all of a sudden, giving them a hand, and seemed to know the situation so well. It was once again the old hag's doing.

Still, he knew that Kougaiji and his group were far from weak. Who could possibly possess such strength to eliminate them all?

"Who's the one that killed you?" he asked, lighting up a cigarette to ease his confused mind. Everything was happening to fast for him to follow. He didn't notice the familiar hatred blaze once again in Kougaiji's eyes as the demon prince replied.

"That traitor had us deceived. He blew up the castle, killing us all. It seems that he once he found a better side to join; he decided to eliminate his old company. He introduced himself to us as a human scientist, proposing to aid us with my father's resurrection. But we found out that the human we acknowledged as Dr. Nii Jenyi is actually a heretical priest, whose real name is… Ukoku Sanzo-houshi."

A chilly silence followed the truth, as the cigarette fell onto the floor.

End Flashback

Sanzo opened his eyes, letting the memory slip back into his mind. His cold amethyst eyes pierced the scientist's dark ones, which were covered in fear.

With fear and denial within his eyes, Nii pointed shaky fingers to the still demon prince.

"What kind of trick are you playing against me, youkai?! I'm sure that I've killed you with my own hands! I saw the Houtou Castle fall with my own eyes! I witnessed you dying in front of my presence!"

Kougaiji's expression remained unchanging as he slowly raised his hand.

"Indeed. And now we're going to thank you for that courtesy."

With that, flashes of fire explosion erupted from his clawed hand, towards the astonished scientist, who barely dodged it.

Keeping his eyes on Kougaiji's fiery ones, Nii's expression slowly returned to his cocky one.

"I see…" he cupped his chin, and Kougaiji could see understanding slowly creeping its way into the man's crazy brain. "It really is impressive to see you somehow back from the dead, prince Kougaiji. But still, it doesn't change the fact that you have died. Your existence, I believe, is nothing more than a temporary prolonging of the Sanzo-ikkou's inevitable destruction." He smirked in satisfaction as he noticed Kougaiji's expression change. He had certainly hit the vital point.

Yes… Nothing more…

"They will not die." Kougaiji stated calmly, his eyes blazing as he to a step forward so that he was now siding with Sanzo. "But you will, sick creature." Pure loathing, hatred and disgust filling his voice.

Nii's expression twisted at the words. "Don't ever dream you'll be able to kill me, lowly ghosts," he spat, "but I'll make you die once again!"

There was a starburst of light as the room exploded.

"There's a great disturbance in the east wing hall, Zenon-sama." The attendant reported tremblingly to his patched-eyed master, who barely gave any attention to him.

Zenon gave no reply. His mind was focused on the brown haired boy, lying unconscious on the bed. The boy looked even worse as the night fell. He squirmed, his face paled, his body heated. He tried to say something, but successful in nothing but releasing a croaked voice. Zenon clenched his unpatched eye shut. Even though he wasn't as close to the boy as Homura, he couldn't bear seeing such a fragile being suffer so much, but this attendant seemed not to notice and continued with his damn long reports, which was starting to piss Zenon off.

"It is said that they've destroyed the east hall completely. And also that…"

That did it. Letting out a frustrated growl, Zenon grabbed his attendant by the collar and shouted, "Cut it out, will ya!! You have Homura and Shien out there, so go and bother them instead! My job is to stay here, because if anything happens to this kid Homura will undoubtedly skin me alive! Got it?!"

"Y-Yes, Zenon-sama! But…" The frightened attendant swallowed hard before stubbornly continuing, "But… it's a really important report… it is said that Dr. Nii Jenyi himself is dealing with the intruders…"

"What was that??" The statement got Zenon's attention at last. His unpatched eye pierced the soldier, demanding for more explanation. "Nii Jenyi is facing the Sanzo-ikkou? What does he have to do with them?? Why didn't you tell me sooner??"

The attendant trembled under the sudden bombardment.

"My apologies sir… we… we have no idea… We only received a report that Dr. Nii requested permission to take care of the intruders all by himself… And he asked us to make sure Homura-sama and the others head to the main hall, where he will keep the enemy at bay. That's all of our report. Your orders please, Zenon-sama."

Zenon let the moment pass unanswered, a deep frown marring his features as he folded his arms, thinking hard.

That human… what exactly is he playing at? Facing the Sanzo-ikkou all by himself… They're still a handful to handle even without Son Goku by their side. Homura will surely freak out if he finds out… Wait… Homura!

Turning his head with superb speed, Zenon grabbed the attendant by his shoulders and pressed his face to the soldier's in dangerously close distance.

"Does Homura know about this?" he pressed, his eye blazing.

"N-No sir…" the attendant trembled at the sudden hostility.

"Then move your ass and tell him!" Zenon roared, making the soldier scramble over his feet, muttering quick apologies, and ran away, intending to get away from the mad orange-head as fast as possible. Sighing, Zenon backed away to his spot besides Goku's bed, only to find the boy had regained consciousness.

"Kid?!" He yelled, eyes widened as he saw Goku blink and stir his body, groaning. "You're not supposed to wake up yet! Homura will…"

"Homura… has anything happened to him?" Goku croaked out, granting him a coughing fit. Zenon immediately rushed to his aid.

"Baka! Don't push yourself too hard. Homura's fine. He's just out for a moment finishing Sanzo and the others…"

"Genjo… Sanzo…?" Golden eyes widened, unreadable emotions flashed within them. What was that… fear, confusion, recognition… longing?

"Must… find… Genjo Sanzo…" Breathing heavily Goku tried to get up from his bed, hissing as he clutched his head, trembling slightly, and started to cough again.

"You're in no condition to see him! You look like you're about to pass out anytime! Get the hell back to your bed!" Zenon scolded in panic before fully realizing the boy's previous statement.

This kid… he's looking for Sanzo…?

"Must… go…" Goku tremblingly reached the bed post for support as he lifted his body and stood, panting from the effort. "I must… Genjo Sanzo… Homura… in danger…" He blinked his eyes, attempting to return their focus. His breath was ragged and uneven, and Zenon could tell that he was still suffering the fever.

"Listen, kid. It's Homura's order that we should stay here. If we don't I'll be the one who will have to endure pain after this. So you better stay or… Oi kid, are you listening??" Zenon grabbed Goku by the arm, who had made half his way towards the door. He winced at the heat radiating from it. "Get the hell back to your bed or…"

"Let go."

Zenon looked stunned as the boy turned his head and pierced him with his golden gaze. But it was different from his usual innocent expression. Those previously innocent orbs changed into demonical ones.

"Let me go." Goku repeated, and this time Zenon could see a crack form upon the silver limiter around the boy's head. He unconsciously slackened his grip, allowing the smaller boy to continue on his way. He was still in a trance before he realized that the boy had already gone.

"Shit!!" He cursed as he charged, attempting to catch the sick boy, hoping it wouldn't cost too much. He remembered the crack upon the silver limiter, and a shudder ran down his spine.

Shit shit shit… Wish Homura get his ass back here soon enough before I fall prey to that monster...

"You're all going to die!!" Nii bellowed as he threw explosions over and over again, destroying the already crumbling hall. However he was consumed in great fury, allowing his targets to escape his dulled acceleration.

"Finally you show us your true madness, Nii." Kougaiji mocked, evading the blast, letting the wall behind him suffer the damage instead. "Do you still think you'll be able to dispose us with your current state? Pathetic."

"Shut your fucking mouth, damn youkai!!" The raged scientist yelled, sending more explosions which they easily evade. Eyes narrowed, the scientist grabbed something underneath his lab coat, muttering something under his breath as he stared hatefully at the demon prince. "You're going to regret of looking down upon me, the great Ukoku Sanzo! Prepare to learn fear from my tremendous power!" His dark eyes blazed as he raised his hand, revealing a scroll radiating dark aura.

"The Muten Scripture!" Sanzo hissed, concern coloring his usually collected voice.

I have a bad feeling about this…

A crazy smirk wound its way upon the scientist as he raised the sacred scripture, ready to release its power.

"Tozasareta kioku no..."

"Cut it out, Nii Jenyi!"

Nii stopped, irritated at the sudden interfere. Sanzo narrowed his eyes, as he recognized the intruder.

"I'm afraid that there's no need to wreck my tower more than you've done, Dr. Nii."

The cold voice hissed, mismatched eyes glowed as the source of the voice stepped closer, allowing himself and his silent comrade to be exposed to the audience.

"Toushin Homura Taishi. What are you doing here?" Kougaiji snapped, uncharacteristic tension within his voice.

Homura narrowed his eyes as he took a step closer. "Isn't it a bit ridiculous asking what am I doing in my own tower, Prince Kougaiji?" He replied sarcastically.

Kougaiji was about to snap back when Sanzo suddenly interfered, keeping Homura's attention focused on him.

"Where is he?" The monk growled.

"Where's who?" Homura asked quietly, placing his slightly amused smirk.

CLICK!

Losing his patience, Sanzo released the safety lock on his shoureijuu and pointed it to the War God. "Don't play dumb. Give my monkey back and I'll spare your worthless life."

The smirk slipped off Homura's face for a brief moment as he stood there, challenging Sanzo's eyes as he spoke.

"You have no right to possess him. He doesn't want you anymore. You will only cause him pain and suffering."

"Look who's talking, asshole." Sanzo hissed back without taking his eyes off the War God. "Now get your filthy hands off him before I blew your sick brain out."

Homura let out a small amused laugh as he stepped closer, "When will you learn that your bullets will never work against me?"

This time, it's Sanzo's turn to reveal a smirk.

"Don't get too cocky. I'll let you know that there's a good reason why we took three days before coming to this silly tower of yours, dumbass."

Homura's eyes narrowed, but just for brief moment. Soon enough, his cocky smirk re-appeared as he stepped face to face with Sanzo, signaling Shien to step away.

"Very well. We shall see who is the predator and who is the prey, Genjo Sanzo."

Homura drew his famous flaming sword, letting the elegant blade ignite from the decorated handle. Sanzo could see the War God's firm muscles ripping beneath his thick robe. He was ready.

Kougaiji and the others seemed to understand too. "What about choosing another place to be your burial, Nii?" The demon prince suggested, keeping his eyes both on the scientist and the tensed Sanzo-Homura staring contest. "As we can see, we have another show here. Ours can be held in different place."

Nii stared at Kougaiji for a brief moment before his expression suddenly changed, and he let out an amused chuckle.

"I'm afraid I can't do that. I want to see the show myself. Besides…" he flipped his hand to one of the remaining entrance, "I can see that the show is going to be heating up pretty soon…" His smirked.

"Homu…ra? Are you okay?"

The voice snapped everybody's attention. Both Homura and Sanzo ended their glaring contest to stare at the panting figure by whatever remained of the hall entrance.

"Goku…?" Hakkai voiced softly, his green eyes widened. "You…"

"Goku-san, you're not supposed to leave your bed!" Shien suddenly spoke, his teal eyes openeded in concern. "Please stay away from this. Zenon is supposed to take care of you…"

As if answering the demand, Zenon came running and stopped by the boy, breathing heavily.

"My bad… this kid freaked me out…" he panted.

Homura just keep his gaze on the boy and as he did so, he could see that Goku's cheeks were still flushed and his breathing was still ragged. He hadn't fully recovered yet. He opened his mouth to say something when he felt a pressure behind his head.

"What the fuck have you done to him, you bastard?!" Sanzo hissed in fury, pressing his gun against Homura's head. The Toushin gave no reply. His smirk grew as he let out a faint whisper.

"He will never choose you anymore…"

"Homura! What do you think you're doing, Genjo Sanzo?? Get the hell away from Homura!"

The voice snapped Sanzo's mind. The voice, though still croaked, was filled with anger, the voice which used to be filled with adoration and sweet intonation. Now, the voice had betrayed him. He had prepared for this, but still…

At the background, one crazy scientist stood, enjoying the display of friendship and betrayal as if watching a chessboard. His smirk never wavered as he licked his lips, basking in the aura of hatred spreading within the room.

I've got hold of all the cards… Victory is mine.

A/N: Phew. Hope I didn't rush thinbgs too much. By the way, the spell Nii/Ukoku used is actually lyric from Shounen Onmyouji anime ;p Anyway hope you'll enjoy this piece. It's almost done now. Goku had showed up, and the next chap will be (hopefully) filled with action, angst, more blood, more truth! Thanks for staying with me this far. Hope to see you in the next chap!