Disclaimer(s) - I don't own Saiyuki or ANY of the Saiyuki Characters nor am I affiliated and therefore I am not making any profit from this story whatsoever. Saiyuki and its characters belong solely to Kazuya Minekura and all other respective creators/owners. I am just a fan. A BIG fan. A HUGE fan. A... well, you get the idea. I don't own anything but the 4 girls' characters in the story.

Before I get started - massive props to the reviews I have been getting! Thank you all so much - if you would like to se more, PLEASE review!!

***

The next dawned grey and overcast as the group collected their belongings and packed the cars in strained silence – all, that is, except Suki and Goku, who had blushed every time their hands brushed, or caught each others gazes across the campsite.

Even though Tryst was still wrapped up in the train wreck that was 'last night', she could still sense the emotions in the air surrounding the youngest two of the group. She chuckled in her mind. Well, she thought, at least SOMETHING good came out of last night.

The girls were packed, and seated in the bug about 2 minutes quicker than the boys. Daja keyed the ignition, and, out of habit, she flicked the switch on her CD player – something she had refused to try this whole time, in case it hurt Kit. Her eyes widened in surprise, as familiar music started blaring out of the surround speakers:

"…It's been one week since you looked at me
Cocked your head to one side and said I'm angry
Five days since you laughed at me saying
Get that together, come back and see me
Three days since the living room
I realized it's all my fault, but couldn't tell you
Yesterday you'd forgiven me
But it'll still be two days till I say I'm sorry…"

The girls gaped in disbelief, though their stunned expressions paled in comparison to the men's'. The four females shock only lasted for a moment longer before they squealed in laughter, the tension from the last 24 hours draining out of their bodies in waves – Tryst could practically see it in the air.

"What IS that?" Sanzo yelled over the reverberating bass and electric guitar riffs, one hand covering his ear, as the other searched wildly for his gun in his voluminous sleeves – that HAD to be a demonic ritual of some kind!

"I believe its music." Hakkai replied casting his gaze over the car and its still hysterical occupants.

"Well, let's get out of range of it, before the local Youkai contingent thinks it's a love ballad, and come running." Sanzo growled, as Hakkai hit the accelerator. "Oh, I dunno – it's kinda catchy." Gojyo said, his amusement at Sanzo's irritation overtaking his dark mood for a moment. His lips twitched slightly, his eye on the monks' ever increasing tick on his 'holy' forehead.

"Yeah, it's cool!" Goku cried, watching as the girls began to sing along, throwing their arms up, and dancing in their seats…

"…Gonna make a break and take a fake,
I'd like a stinkin' achin' shake
I like vanilla, it's the finest of the flavours
Gotta see the show, 'cause then you'll know
The vertigo is gonna grow
Cause it's so dangerous,
you'll have to sign a waiver…"

A strangling noise came from the drivers' seat, as Hakkai gave up all pretence of trying to remain serious, and laughed loudly at the girls, their actions and the strange song with the bizarre lyrics. Gojyo grinned along with Hakkai, as Goku tried his hardest to memorise the speedy words, his lips moving in time. Sanzo ignored everyone, his own thoughts – that the girls were officially insane – playing across his mind. His lips twitched. Amusing, but insane.

***

The cars continued their journey, exiting the forest and entering onto a grassy plain that extended as far as the eye could see. The dense grey clouds that had been threatening to turn their ugly heads west were beginning to grumble menacingly. The knee high grass that the 2 cars drove across swayed mesmerizingly, creating a drifting, dreamlike scene that calmed the nerves of the travellers. Daja turned down the volume on the CD player, letting the whisper of the storm be heard by the other girls.

Suki had fallen asleep on Trysts lap about an hour ago, the familiar music – albeit a mixture of rock, pop, R&B and Hip-hop – pulling her into a deep, dreamless sleep. Tryst had one hand on Suki's head, and the other on her chin, propping up her head as she gazed mindlessly out into the distance – her thoughts drifting along with the wind. Bella had her feet crossed and propped up on the dash, her hands behind her head and her seat adjust back, so she could watch the sky. The big, fluffy white clouds were being eaten by the darker ones, causing them to expand and cover the last remaining scraps of blue. Bella snorted at the similarity – just as their trust had been swallowed, causing this new feeling of anxiety.

Daja turned her head towards her friend, the crisp, cool wind beginning to whip her hair about her head as the storm grew. Bella's eyes were completely hidden, but it was the derisive, almost condescending smile on her lips that caught Daja's attention. Bella very rarely let out an unprompted emotion – though, she was still your average young woman, laughing with her friends, being silly when she wanted to be – but always more restrained. Her restraint never broke the mood however, and it was one of the reasons why Suki was still the flamboyant little go getter she still was – she had never been restrained by Bella's mood. It was for this reason that Daja quirked an eyebrow expectantly in Bella's direction, knowing the blonde was aware enough to catch it without an explanation.

"I was just thinking," she said quietly, her voice nearly lost over the whistling – almost howling – wind.

"About what?" Daja queried her face blank as she readied herself for one of Bella's usual blunt answers, or cryptic questions. The girl was a contradiction that way – Daja always felt like she was on the edge of cliff, her parachute only 50% sure, whenever she spoke with Bella on a deep level. But, hell, that's what made her such an interesting person to talk to!

"About last night."

Daja's hands gripped the steering wheel tighter, causing Kit to chirp in worry. Daja relaxed, "sorry Kit." She mumbled, earning her a reassuring purr from the engine. She faced forward, answering Bella in her own quiet tone, "Yeah. I… was thinking about it too. Do you think we did the right thing? Telling them like that? I mean, they could have gone their whole lives without knowing – and here we come, spouting out how everything they are is just fake in our world. I mean, how would WE feel to learn that our whole lives are just some story, or not even REAL in some strange way." She bit her lip, worry on every line off her face.

"I think we did the right thing." Bella said slowly. "Had we lied, or said we had known some other way, we would no doubt encounter some serious karmic debt when they DID find out the truth." Her legs uncrossed, and recrossed the other way as she continued to watch the swallowing clouds. "I think we are here to help them – not to worry about whether or not they like us – not matter how much that may hurt." It was unclear whether the hesitation in Bella's voice was directed at Daja, or herself. Silence followed this statement, as Daja's eyes burned with unshed tears.

"Oh for GODS sake – cheer up! Stop being so freakin' EMO! That's supposed to be MY specialty, in case you've forgotten!" Trysts voice exploded from the back seat, making Daja jump in surprise. Bella simply rolled her head back, eying the tall girl behind the driver's seat with a single raised eyebrow. Trysts eyes were hidden behind here sunnies as she leaned between the front seats, surprisingly, Suki still asleep in her lap. The girl had been ignoring the conversation until the emotions saturating the air had forced her to join in.

"It's nasty!" She cried suddenly, "I hate how last night turned out too, but – quite honestly – I don't think it could have happened any other way. It was hurtful and ugly – but it was true!" She breathed heavily second, her passion being absorbed by the other two. "Things will go back to how they were – they have to if we are going to do this thing." Tryst paused for a moment, her gaze passing between the two very different girls.

Daja took a deep breath and nodded, her head clearing as her anxiety disappeared. Bella eyed Tryst in question. "Did you do that?" she said suddenly. "Do what?" Daja asked, clearly lost by Trysts 'innocent' expression. Bella laughed, delighted at the trick Tryst had just pulled:

"She changed the emotions in the air!" Bella exclaimed, her excitement finally waking the seemingly comatose Suki. Tryst whistled innocently, eyes to the sky.

"What? How? When?" Daja asked, her curiosity piqued, yet for some reason, she did not feel annoyed by her changed emotions. Bella laughed again as Suki yawned monstrously. "I ... just... pushed." Tryst said with a shrug. "Pushed what?" Suki asked before yawning again. "Er... I dunno – I just wanted everything to feel calm, like it was before, so I just... pushed the emotions away – the anxiety made me feel all itchy." She shuddered slightly to emphasise her feelings. Bella chuckled – so their powers were finally starting to develop further. Good, they would need them soon enough, she was sure.

Suki hiccupped suddenly. "I'm huuuuuungry!" The girls all sat back with a laugh as Daja turned the music back up and continued to follow the jeep towards a large dark splotch in the distance.

***

They reached the next town at twilight, the heavy clouds following close behind them. Bella smiled, she loved storms, and always managed to find herself outside during the heaviest rain – it was her little secret, even the girls didn't know where she went at those times. There was something about the soft pattering of the rain and the deep thrum of thunder that always managed to calm her soul. Watching the other girls eye the clouds in worry, she knew they didn't share her feelings. She cut a glance at the now slowing jeep – the men each had their own issue with the rain…

The two vehicles headed towards the closest inn, hoping to beat the rain that was threatening to fall at any moment. They parked at the front of a two storey, well maintained establishment and disembarked quickly, stretching cramped legs before heading straight inside. Daja whistled for Kit as Hakkai called out to Hakuryuu – they looked at each other, amused for a moment, before Hakkai turned swiftly to go inside. Daja sighed - this was going to be s a looong night. They all entered the inn together heading straight for the reception desk, Hakuryuu and Kit disappearing into the shadows as they were usually doing.

"Four singles please, Miss." Hakkai said to the young receptionist as soon as he reached the desk.

The girls smiled back, checking the register. She frowned, "I'm sorry sir, there seems to be a problem."

"What is it?" Sanzo growled, coming up from behind Hakkai.

"Well," the attendant swallowed nervously, then continued on in a stronger voice, "There are only five rooms left tonight – 1 triple, a double and a single. Which would you like, as the larger rooms are slightly more –"

"We'll take the single and the 2 double." Sanzo interrupted, "I'm not going to share with any of you guys when I finally have the chance of a room to myself."

"Uhh… and what about us?" Tryst asked in annoyance, her arms crossed over her chest.

"What do I care? Figure that out yourselves." Sanzo replied nastily as he took the single room key and headed for the stairs. "Hey Sanzo! Wait up!" Goku yelled, running after the uncaring monk.

"Why that arrogant, unholy, droopy eyed, balding son of a… Gaarh!" Tryst finished with a frustrated snort.

"He's still coming to terms with last night." Hakkai said softly as he finished filling in the register with a practiced hand – Tryst lowered her hands, her features turning sheepish. Hakkai flicked his eyes to Daja, "As are we all." A sad light shone from his green orbs. She lowered her head, her own eyes filling with shame at the reminder.

"Hey there," a familiar voice said suddenly, "Do you mind telling me your name, sweet thing?"

Gojyo was at the desk with the receptionists hand to his lips, as she blushed at his closeness. " Uhh.. Sure – it's Mihiko."

"Oooh, Mihiko," Gojyo continued, ignoring the growing cold, "cute name for a cute girl – are you doing anything later? I don't mind waiting up…" The girl began to shiver, her eyes not on Gojyo, but on the tall brunette at the back of the room. The woman's' eyes were solid black, staring straight at the man who still held Mihiko's hand. Her hair was flared slightly, almost like hackles, and her hands were grasping at something on either side of her shorts. The icy cold was coming from her.

Mihiko got the message – she quickly dropped Gojyo's hand like a hot brick, handing him the keys with an abrupt "Enjoy you stay, sir." Her tone almost bordering fearful, as she left through a back door. Gojyo got the feeling of being thrown into a lake of icy black water. He turned, his gaze falling on a pair on ebony eyes that stared at him with vengeance and… hurt? He glared back at Tryst, his anger at last night still smouldering in his eyes. "Pfft… whatever – c'mon, Hakkai. You take the double with the monkey, I'll take the spare." He grabbed a key and stalked up the stairs without waiting for a reply.

Hakkai sighed in frustration - why were they all such hotheads? He picked up the remaining key as Hakuryuu flew out from the shadows to land on his shoulder. "Shall we retire as well, Hakuryuu?" The softly spoken man enquired gently, petting his faithful companion. The small white dragon cheeped in reply and rubbed its head against the man's hand. Hakkai walked to the stairs, flicking an indecipherable glance over his shoulder at Daja, before ascending.

The girls remained silent, all previous moods deserting them. A loud roll of thunder suddenly boomed overhead – and as though the weather had heard their silent tears, the skies opened up and the rain came cascading down. Bella's single visible eye sparkled in anticipation of being out in the rain later that night, after everyone was asleep. She walked forward to the desk, rapping sharply on the polished wood.

A portly man walked out – obviously a manager of some kind, seeing as how Tryst had terrified the receptionist into invisibility- and looked over the female party in surprise. His watery eyes opened slightly in – these girls didn't seem that intimidating - in fact, they were kinda cute – he leered at Daja, then grinned – plenty of time for that later.

"How may I help you, ladies?" He asked, wiping back his oily hair with an even greasier palm.

"We'll take the last triple you have, seeing as there isn't anything else." Bella stated flatly, her instincts beginning to quiver slightly at the man's presence. She crinkled her nose – he smelled like cheap wine.

"Of course." The man replied, reaching under the desk for the key and placing it on the counter. He paused for a moment, as though considering something. "I probably should advise, ladies, that there IS another single room, however, it is attached through a separate interconnecting door to one of the double rooms that has just been rented for the night. The reason my associate did not mention it is that it is still unmade from a previous guest. If you would be willing to wait, I could give you the key after dinner."

"That sound's fine." Tryst said, walking forward and supplying the ATM card for payment. The girls took the key for the triple room and headed upstairs, Bella taking the rear as she cast a last suspicious glance at the manager, who was busy with a group of newcomers. Shaking her head, she shrugged her uneasiness away and followed after her friends.

***

Sanzo stalked into his room like a predatory cat, slamming the door in the Goku's face. "Hey! Sanzo! Where am I supposed to sleep? Are you OK?" He asked belatedly. "I'm fine." Sanzo said form behind the door, beginning to calm down now that he was in his own space for the first time in days. "Go bother Gojyo – he'll get you something to eat." Sanzo waited until he heard Goku's excited "Whoop!" and reply of "OK! See you at dinner!" before heading to the single bed and lying down for a quick nap. His thoughts were all over the place, and he would need his wits about him at dinner.

***

Goku bounded around the corner, meeting up with Gojyo as he was entering his room. "Hey! Gojyo! Sanzo said…"

"Shuttup you Bakasaru!" Gojyo interrupted, crimson eyes flashing in anger. The monkey skidded to a halt in front of the kappa and looked at him with confused hurt. "What's YOUR problem, you stupid water sprite? Hey, are you hungry? Sanzo said we could go get food!!" Gojyo's anger evaporated in the face of the incorrigible chimp – he wasn't angry with him, he was angry because… well… because of the lies. It had all been a lie – he was sure of that now. Tryst had said just the right things to him to crack – things only someone who had an intimate knowledge of his life could possibly know. It was HER he was angry with. HER he felt betrayed by. HER that he had very nearly felt something more than just the regular blind lust for. And it was HER that made him feel… for just a small moment … almost miniscule in the length of his lifespan… that there was hope for the two of them – and he wanted it -back. He decided - he wanted it back. Like a man out in a freezing blizzard looking in a window to a warmly lit home – he craved it, that hope.

He sighed again, then grinned at Goku, "Alright monkey – I'm fine – let's go eat." "Hoo YEAAAH!" the monkey cried, punching the air in joy. The two companions left, amicably arguing about who was going to eat more.

***

Hakkai entered his room quietly, checking every corner as his eyes looked for foes. Securing an unknown area had become second nature to him throughout their journey, and he was never fully at ease until he had checked said area thoroughly. His eyes took in everything: the 2 closely situated single beds. The nightstand. The dresser with the white porcelain washbasin on top. The 2 seater table by the window. The door to the single shower bathroom. And then there was the second door.

Hakkai checked it's lock, as it was obviously a door to another room. He paused in his examination, then placed a Chi lock around the door – a little something he had been practicing, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to test it. Running one more glance over the now secure room, Hakkai turned and exited, locking iy securely and leaving Hakuryuu on his own to get a few hours of well deserved rest. Time to get supplies – he hoped something was open this late.

***

The girls entered their suite, which comprised of 3 single beds, a 4 seater table, a large bathroom with a shower and separate bathtub, and a box seat window overlooking the inn entrance. The girls let out groans as they dropped their bags and fell into the nearest seat at the table. A long comfortable silence drifted through the room, letting the girls become accustomed to finally being indoors, and out of the car.

"How long until they start trusting us again?" Tryst asked suddenly, her head lolling back, eyes on the roof.

"I think we've seen the results of that already." Daja mumbled as she leaned on crossed arms.

"Goku seems OK." Bella stated bluntly, her frank tone and amused gaze apparently on Suki, who blushed.

"Yeah…well... seeing as how he helped me… stop crying…." She paused as Daja lifted her gaze to look at her curiously. Tryst brought her head back up as she looked directly at Suki. She smirked. "Something haaapened…" The tall muse crooned wickedly.

"He kissed me." Suki said quickly, a smile on her lips as she blushed furiously. Tryst cackled gleefully. Daja's hands flew to her mouth. Isabella just smiled.

"OK – Spill the beans! Every. Filthy. DETAIL." Tryst accentuated by thumping her fist on the table as she spoke. Suki explained her 'ordeal' in as many words as she could, speaking so fast that they had to keep making her repeat herself, seeing as she sounded like she was speaking Chinese. When she had finished, she received squeals from Daja, who threw her arms around her in a massive glomp, a brilliant smile and a clap from Bella and advice from Tryst, for any possible future 'encounters'. Suki grinned at that. She liked the idea of future 'encounters' with Goku, preferably sooner rather than later…

"So what about you?" Daja asked Tryst as the banter died down over Suki. "Any progress on 'The taming of the Kappa'?" She made it sound like a dirty movie, complete with sound effects from Suki and a delighted laugh from Bella.

Tryst made a face and reached over to 'strangle' Suki and her (too realistic) sound effects. The others laughed as the younger girl pulled a Bart Simpson and submitted to the choking. Trysts hands fell away as her face fell. "No." She said sadly, her disappointment obvious. "Since last night, I've received nothing but contempt – if anything, 'The Gojyo Mission' is turning into 'Mission Impossible'." She sighed, her heart hurt, and her eyes took on a stony grey colour. Daja reached across the table and placed a hand over Trysts'. She took a deep breath as she prepared herself for the joint reaction she was about to get.

"We all know the truth about them – and about each other. Perhaps…well…. Maybe it's time to tell them about us?" Daja said softly, but firmly. She winced as Tryst tore her hand away, her eyes searing Daja in anger. "What are you talking about?" She said, her voice rising in pitch, the fear in her voice obvious. "I don't want to." Suki said in a small, trembling voice." It's got NOTHING to do with them." Bella growled, sounding more like a feral animal that a human. Daja looked at them, taking in their fear, hurt and anger, along with her own grief, and sighed.

"You're probably right," she said softly, "But don't you think they are feeling exactly what you felt just now? The difference is – WE have a choice of sharing with them. WE have the chance to regain their trust, and - unlike them - not having lost it in the first place." She watched them all as they calmed at her words, knowing she was not trying to pressure them into revealing their haunted, and haunting pasts. "I think it is something we must consider – that while we know everything about them, that doesn't mean they should trust us automatically – as we have already seen. However, they were trusting US blindly, which takes far more courage than we may have realised. We all watched them. We all know the issues they have with trust, friendship and truth, and yet they are still letting us follow without knowing anything about our pasts. Does that make us weaker than them? Or does that actually make us liars?" She finished her lecture with a firm stare at each of them.

The girls each took her words to heart, bowing theirs heads, looking at the ceiling or staring back at her depending on their personalities. Daja fell silent, allowing them to come to their own decisions... she had already made hers. A few moments later there came a loud grumbling growl from the direction of Suki's stomach. The tension in the room eased as Tryst took a deep breath, and threw an annoyed, yet amused look at Suki. Bella huffed, in laughter and Daja smiled.

"You little bear! Don't you ever feel anything besides hunger?" Tryst joked. Suki pouted, "Yes! It's just that I feel hungry NOW!" The girls all laughed, relaxing again as they got up and spread throughout the room.

"So... who's getting the single room?" Suki asked as she concentrated on airing out her yellow t-shirt, and pulling out her pink pyjamas. The other three exchanged pained expressions. Getting the room key meant going to dinner. Going to dinner meant facing the boys. Provided they did all that, it also meant sleeping alone, in a strange place. None of these things were remotely enticing right at the moment.

Bella sighed, getting the beat on the other two, "Well, I can't let Suki sleep all alone, so we will have to stay here." Suki looked up with a surprised glance, but wisely kept her mouth shut after seeing Bella's stiff shoulders. Tryst butted in next, "Uh, yeah, and I ... need to.... uhh..." She looked around quickly, then grabbed a pair of panties off the bed, ".. need to wash my underwear, and that single won't have a decent sized sink for all my stuff...soo..."

Daja sighed, looks like it was up to her, still, she tried one last time, "What about dinner?" She asked, catching Suki's eye with a raised brow. The young girl's reaction was expected: "Really? Dinner? Food! Yay! Really? Bella! Can I go? Can I? Huh?!" Tryst giggled at Suki's expectant expression in Bella's direction. Bella had a hand to her face the moment Daja had said the word 'dinner'. "Gaah! I don't care! Just as long as your back here when Daja is ready to go to bed, OK?" Suki practically levitated in excitement – she was going to see Goku again!

"What about you two?" Daja asked as she grabbed Suki's arm and headed for the door. "Oh, we'll be fine." She gave a coded look to Bella, who smiled in return, "We've got our own little 'project' to work on..."

"...And $20 says this has something to do with your powers...?" Daja said, more of a statement than a question. Tryst just grinned, a strange look in her eye as the muscles around her face twitched strangely...

"Alright! Alright! We're going! I'll see you all at breakfast in the morning, OK? We'll do our best to try to patch things up with the boys for now.... bye...." Daja called as she dragged Suki out the door, letting it close behind her.

Bella waited until she was sure they were gone, then turned to Tryst with a grin, "Alright – so.... show me Daja...."

***

Sanzo had woken to the sounds of crickets, indicating it was later than he would have liked, and that there would be no food left in the kitchens due to the ravenous monkey. He reached for his cigarettes, lighting one as he dressed back into his robes and slipped out the dor, heading straight for the downstairs dining room.

He reached the bottom of the stairs and strode over to the table where Gojyo , Goku, Hakkai, Suki and Daja talking quietly. He frowned at the extra company; though, out of all of them, he supposed that Daja was the least annoying. He gritted his teeth – but that little one... she was a pain – too similar to the monkey for his tastes. He slid into a free seat as the waiter came to take their order.

Daja looked at him warily, then turned back to an avidly listening Hakkai, ".. so as I was saying, it's called an 'aeroplane', and it flies incredibly long distances with anything between 10 and 200 passengers..." Hakkai seemed enthralled at the idea of a metal tube being able to travel as anything more than a pipe. Goku and Suki were playing 'rock, paper, scissors' to pass the time, slapping each others' hands playfully, their flirting so obvious it was painful. Sanzo growled lowly at this – he didn't like to see the monkey in this mood – it was unpredictable. And if there was one thing Sanzo hated, it was when the monkey became unpredictable.

Gojyo turned to the monk; he looked calm considering he had spent 2 hours alone with the monkey. "What did you get up to while I was babysitting your pet saru?" Gojyo asked with a puff of smoke.

"I recovered some lost sleep from travelling with things that otherwise keep me awake." Said Sanzo grumpily, sipping his beer as he scanned the room. "What do you mean, 'things that otherwise keep you awake'?" Gojyo enquired, his smirk widening, "you wouldn't be having naughty dreams, would you? Oh, Holy Ma..."

CLICK.

"Do you have a death wish? Finish that sentence, and I'll put you to sleep for good, you bastard." Gojyo gulped, sweat dropping. Sanzo grunted, returning his gun to his sleeve. The other four at the table had completely missed this most recent death threat, too involved in each others games or anecdotes. "I don't trust them yet." Sanzo murmured to Gojyo, who looked at him seriously.

"I know what you mean... but I have to disagree." Sanzo glanced at him sharply as Gojyo continued. "I may not like that they know so much about us – especially HOW they know so much – but its not like we can punish them for that, can we?" Sanzo's eyes widened; Gojyo was rarely this philosophical – he must have really been thinking over this. Either that, or he was spending waaay to much time with Hakkai. "I accept that they are muses – we've seen proof of that – and the car? Not to mention all those other gadgets? That had to be Kanzeon's intervention. Their story and explanations are just too far fetched NOT to be true, if that makes sense." Gojyo paused, letting Sanzo absorb his words in silence. "For my own reasons, I personally have decided to extend a little bit of faith – Hakkai and Goku are willing to try also. We won't ask you to do what comes unnaturally," he grinned at this, while Sanzo frowned, "but I would ask Gojyo Sensei's class for the day – tomorrow, we'll discuss primitive mating habits..."

THWACK.

***

Their meals had been served and half consumed, when the inn manager walked up to the group and bowed politely, before handing Daja a key. "There you are, miss," He said, "the room has been made, and the door to the interconnecting room locked. Are you the guest staying in there this evening?" He asked politely, glancing questioningly at Suki. Hakkai watched this exchange carefully, not liking where the mans eyes were lingering. "Yes, thank you." Daja replied.

"Lovely – well, I hope you enjoy your stay tonight, Miss." He concluded, and walked, back to the front desk. He certainly is polite, Daja thought to herself.

The meal ended soon after, Goku yawning monstrously as everyone got up from their seats and headed for the stairs – Gojyo being the only one to stay back for a few rounds of poker.

Sanzo entered his room without a word, lock clicking as he shut the door. Goku stumbled in through a door, falling asleep on the first bed he came to. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to him, he was now in Gojyo's room, not Hakkai's. Hakkai shrugged at his good luck, knowing nothing Gojyo would do could get the monkey to wake up and change rooms. He and Daja headed further down the corridor in silence, until they came to their doors – right next to each other!

"Oh!" Daja said surprised. "The interconnecting room the manager was talking about must be yours!" She blustered, then entered quickly without saying another word. Hakkai entered his own room with a chuckle, enjoying Daja's flustered embarrassment. His smile fell. Kanan used to get the same way, he thought, she would blush and do something to distract from her embarrassment – like sing or cook. He wondered how she'd feel knowing he was beginning to feel so strongly for someone new. He smiled. He had, over the past few years, learnt to come to terms with his past. Kanan would probably want him to be happy, no matter what that meant.

Content, he performed his night time ritual and went to bed, Hakuryuu landing on his chest with a slight "cheep!" and falling asleep to Hakkai's petting. Hakkai dosed off listening to the light purring of his faithful companion.

***

Daja had entered her room, locking the door behind her, to find it little more than a walk in closet. In fact, she was sure that's what it used to be. There was a narrow bed, no window, and a small bedside table. She sighed – well at least it was better than the floor. She fell into bed, fully clothed, after removing her needle holsters from her thighs and biceps. Daja closed her eyes, wondering on Kit's whereabouts, knowing the little feline was probably off annoying Sanzo as she was wont to do. Daja yawned and turned over on her side, sleep overtaking her. "As long as she doesn't get shot." She mumbled sleepily, the sound drifting away as she began dreaming about Youkai, and a green eyed warrior…

***

Gojyo finished up downstairs, calculating his winnings at around 8000 yen. Not bad. It would have been MUCH better if Hakkai had chosen to stick around. He scowled – the man was a living, breathing four leaf clover! Gojyo eventually got to his room, opening the door to a loud snoring noise.

"Oh, HEEELL no!" He said slowly, what the hell was the monkey doing in his room? Knowing there was no waking Goku once he was asleep, Gojyo made a frustrated noise as he got into his own bed, vowing revenge on Hakkai.

***

Lumao, the inn manager was careful. He was methodical. He was precise. He had been playing his little game for 6 months now with no mishaps. He chuckled to himself as he palmed the master key and walked out to the reception desk, finding Mihiko alone. Perfect. He stepped behind her, holding the knife to her spine. She stiffened instantly.

"I'm going up now," he whispered in her ear, "remember – not a word. If anyone asks, I am out buying supplies for breakfast. And if you should fail in that... welll..." She shuddered as his lips pressed against the back of her neck, "… I'll make all these girls seem like practice compared to what I'll do to you."

He relished her fear, his arousal growing as she trembled in front of him. It had always been like that. Knowing she would keep silent, due to her own fear and instincts of self preservation, he backed away, heading silently up the stairs. He tiptoed with practiced grace to the door he wanted, and fitted the key to the lock, turning it on oiled tumblers.

It was genius really, converting this old cupboard into his own private 'playroom'. He personally had installed the door, at the same time fitting sound the sound proofing stuffing into the four small walls. NO one ever guessed what went on in here, even if there was someone staying next door. He smirked, he particularly liked THIS one, her being so unique – and as such, he would have to be particularly careful about disposing of her.

He opened the door in silence, leaning in the gap to see her sleeping form. He leered, 'Daja' they had called her. A fitting name – as pretty as her face… and the rest of her, he was sure!

Suddenly, a black object streaked between his legs and into the room. Lumao cursed silently. "Fucking cat!" He thought – he hadn't notices it with them when the little whores checked in.

He entered the room fully, aware that the cat was now a new obstacle in the room to avoid. He closed the door with click, and locked it once more. No one would be getting in, or out now. He headed towards the narrow bed, his movements precise and sure in the absolute darkness. He stood over Daja's sleeping form, unable to see her, though absolutely sure of her position. He grinned in the darkness, allowing his own black personality to overtake him.

He carefully pulled down the blanket, exposing Daja's still fully dressed form. He crept one leg onto the bed, and in a swift move, straddled the sleeping Muse. She awoke with a start, panic in her throat as a greasy hand covered her mouth.

"Shhh…." An oily voice slid out of the darkness above her "Quiet my little pet – don't struggle, or I'll be forced to end your pathetic little life all the sooner." Daja's eyes widened and she stilled as she felt the edge of the knife cutting against her neck, emphasising his point…

To be continued…

END CHAPTER 9