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.
***
As the girls passed the reception desk o their way to the dining room, they noticed the young receptionist, Mihiko. She silently watched them pass, a victorious gleam in her eye, as she nodded politely to Daja – who nodded shyly in return. The other girls let this exchange pass unnoticed, as they bustled into the dining room and headed straight for the table where they saw the Sanzo Ikkou gathered.
"Suki! Hey, Suki! Over here!" Goku yelled, waving one arm excitedly. Suki giggled in reply, raising her arm and waving just as jovially in return. Bella placed two hands on her shoulders and lead her forward, straight armed. Tryst laughed at Bella's amused yet scowling face, while Daja just smiled, and made her way to the table, her eyes locking with Hakkai for a short moment. He smiled at her – a true, genuine smile – and Daja found it a little difficult to breathe. Her face warmed, and she realised she was blushing – the heat practically rolling off her as she sat down between Tryst and Bella.
Hakkai felt his heart leap at Daja's reaction to him, and he wanted nothing more than to sit by her, hold her hand, kiss her cheek... anything to be closer to her. He sighed. Those feelings were all coming back to him in a rush – wanting, needing, touching... kissing. He sighed again – there would not be many chances to do any of that on the road, so he decided to take what chance gave him (as it had always been pretty generous to him, so far). To make every opportunity he had to be with Daja a special one. Hakkai grimaced at this last thought, glad Gojyo was not a mind reader – the Kappa would have said he was acting like a woman - again.
The meals had been ordered and served while everyone chatted and interacted. Bella was glad to see Tryst and Gojyo getting along so well again – Gojyo taking every opportunity to touch her in some small way, and Tryst letting him get almost to his destination, before moving away subtly, playing hard to get. Bella grinned – Yup, that girl was temptation all right – there were already three or four other men in the room watching her antics with interest, as her playful emotions filled the room. Bella was also glad to see Suki and Goku getting along so well. True – they were two of a kind, but they also had a lot of small differences, which had begun to cement their little puppy love tale, into a full blown romance. Bella sighed, worry in her eyes as she watched the two sit as close together as possible – like puppies would – eating their food and talking to each other with mouths full, laughing at their expressions. She would hate to see Suki get hurt, especially since the boy had only his diadem to restrain the demon that howled within him.
Sanzo was watching Bella curiously. The girl was an enigma. She seemed to hold the majority of influence in the group, yet she said barely anything, letting her friends choose their own path, for better or worse. They listened to her every word with great attention, and always took her decisions as law. He shook his head – ridiculous. The girl was merely playing the 'overdramatised' secrecy card, much like that fool Zakuro, and his blown out 'evil laugh'. So why did he, Genjyo Sanzo, the 31st of China, feel like he too had to listen when she spoke?
Noticing the direction of Sanzo's gaze, Daja tapped Hakkai's foot with her own, under the table, and nodded her head towards the obviously 'lost in his own world' monk. Hakkai glanced from Sanzo to Bella and back again, before turning to Daja, a secret smile on his lips, as the two burst into a fit of laughter. Sanzo flicked an annoyed glance towards them, as Bella and the other continued to eat.
A half hour later, they were standing outside, cars packed, and (quite literally) purring to go. They had all climbed in, and were about to head off, when Mihiko came running out to stop beside the cars, panting slightly. Tryst raised an eyebrow as Suki asked "what's wrong?" The older girl placed her hands on her knees and bowed to the two cars. "I wanted to say thank you. Thank you for stopping him. May your journey lead you to nothing but happiness." Sanzo turned his head as everyone either blushed, looked away or yelled out that it was no problem. The cars then skidded off the mark, heading into the setting sun.
***
Five hours and only 200km later (thanks to a certain monkey needing to pee so badly he almost helped to crash the jeep); the groups had made camp in a large grove within a densely packed forest. They shuffled around the small clearing, choosing seats, stretching or watching as Daja helped Hakkai cook dinner. Daja's tinkling laughter drifted across the scene as she watched Hakuryuu and Kit play with each other, swatting playfully and chirping with joy. Hakkai smiled, it was so good to hear her laugh so soon – a sign that the healing process was coming along nicely.
Twenty minutes later, and everyone was digging into hot soup, ramen and dumplings. The aroma of the herbs used drifted towards the trees, where a pair of split golden eyes watched them carefully, before flitting back to the cover of the forest.
"Oh, there was something we had to tell you, too." Suki said to the boys without looking up, her mouth full of ramen. The men (other than Goku, who was just as concerned with eating) looked up curiously, while the girls watched them sheepishly. Bella shot Suki a hot look, which was ignored. Gojyo frowned, "whenever you say it like that, I feel like I have to protect myself." Hakkai laughed emptily as Sanzo glared in response, his eyes coming to rest on Bella. "What is it?" He asked slowly, warily.
"Well, before you take this the wrong way, know that none of us actually planned this, and it was a complete accident – nothing but coincidence." Daja said quickly, hoping to dull Bella's blunt words.
"I saw Kougaiji last night." The words rolled off the blonde's tongue, barely getting out before a gun barrel was pointed straight at her nose. "You what?" Sanzo growled, flicking off the safety of the pistol. Bella took a deep breath; she was taking a risk, yet again. "Put that gun away before you hurt someone, you rock headed monk. I said I saw him, last night, in the rain. I don't know what he was doing there, and I did not plan to see him there. So put that thing away, before I make you put it away." Her patience snapped towards the end, her eye showing vividly through her fringe as she glared back at him. The tension stretched, the others not daring to breathe as the two blondes tried to stare each other down.
Click. Sanzo put the safety back on his gun and returned it to its home in his sleeve. "Whatever." He said, ripping his eyes away from hers as he resettled in his seat by the fire. Gojyo whistled softly, eyes wide, Goku stopped eating, noodles hanging from his lips in shock. Hakkai and the girls merely hid their smiles as Bella shook her head and proceeded to tell the boys the full extent of her midnight meeting.
"Just one question," Gojyo said as Bella finished her tale, "what were you doing out in the rain at that time of night, anyway?" Everyone, even the girls turned their eyes to her, expectantly. Bella gulped, and sat straighter, crossing her arms as she shook her head. "Nah-ah – that's MY business. If I wanna go out, whatever the time – do I have to have permission?"
"No – but a reason might be nice." Gojyo replied, smirking. Tryst giggled, earning her a scorching look from the irate blonde woman. "I just like storms, alright? I love the rain. I love thunder, lightning, wind – all of it. That's why." She huffed. There her secret was out, everyone knew, she hoped they were happy. She snuck a look at Sanzo, who regarded her warily, like a wild animal. In fact, each of the boys were looking at her strangely. Bella cast a glance at the girls, who shrugged, they didn't care. So why...? Ah. Of course. The rain. She had said she loved the rain. Each of the young men had their own problem with the rain – all to do with their pasts. She sighed. One more thing to distance herself in particular from the Sanzo Ikkou.
Goku looked a Bella curiously, "You got really cool eyes." He said unexpectedly. Daja choked, Tryst snorted and Suki covered her mouth to stop her laughter. Goku was confused – what was funny? He hadn't actually paid attention to Bella's eyes – he was far more interested in Suki's. The only real reason he paid any attention to Bella, was the fact that A: He knew she could fight and kill, but he STILL didn't know what kind of weapon she used, B: She was Suki's cousin, and most importantly, C: She seemed to have this strange effect on Sanzo – who seemed to trust, and distrust her at the same time. The monkey was still confused – why were they laughing?
Bella feigned ignorance, swatting the monkeys comment aside with a wave of her hand. However, in reality, she was flattered. Cool. He had said her eyes were cool. Strange. Weird. Peculiar. Ugly. Disfigured. Irritating. Creepy. Evil. They were the usual words that were used to describe her eyes. She smiled shyly so the monkey couldn't see how happy he had made her. Cool. Her eyes were.... cool.
Suki was still cracking up over Goku's expression – classic! She expected the magic fan to pop up at any moment and crack him over the head, but nothing doing. "Don't worry about it, Goku. It's a personal joke – you wouldn't get it." She giggled again as the monkey shrugged, and continued to eat. Though Suki was obviously amused more at Goku than anything he had said, Daja and Tryst were simply laughing to fight their panic. They cast a sharp look at each other, then to Bella, who seemed to be pleased, rather than mad. They both heaved out a sigh, glad the blonde muse wasn't upset at Goku's blunt statement.
Bella had always been protective. Protective of her privacy, her life, Suki especially. And of course – her face. Anytime she received any kind of comment on her features, she took it negatively, responding angrily and quietly, which always scared the shit out of people far more than her strange coloured eyes. The first time Daja and Tryst had mentioned it to Isabella, (who was at that time still named Kim); they had received a cold glare from the girl, coupled with a quick reply from Suki: "Bella doesn't like talking about her looks much." Suki seemed more protective than scared, sitting closer to Bella, and placing a hand over hers. The two girls nodded, accepting her as she was, which was the pivotal point of turning their relationship from just all being good friends, to being as close as sisters.
The young men relaxed at Suki's laugh, each of them going back to their usual relaxing evening activities. Gojyo and Goku played poker against Suki and Tryst, who were taking them to town for everything they had. Hakkai and Daja cleaned up the area, airing clothes, setting bedding in the tents, and talking together quietly. Sanzo sat by the fire, smoking, his gaze off into the distance as he waited until it was time to hit the hay. Bella was flat on her back a little bit further away, arms behind her head and legs crossed as she watched the stars dance across the velvet sky. She sighed, things are just so much more... peaceful and... Comfortable... out here, she thought.
The night wore on, and the groups each went to their tents, Gojyo making a few last ditch efforts to get in with Tryst and Daja. "Aw, c'mon – you could get cold! And besides, you took all my money! I think I should make sure you hide it correctly, what, with sleeping out in the woods and all." Tryst laughed at his antics, shoving him playfully, Daja just rolled her eyes, knowing Hakkai would stop the Kappa before he got too serious. Gojyo caught Trysts arm suddenly, a slightly more serious gleam in his always laughing eyes. "How about just a goodnight kiss then?" He asked, his voice deepening into a heated whisper. Tryst just smiled.
"Sure." She said happily, much to the water sprites excitement. "But, you have to close your eyes." She waggled her finger at him playfully, inviting him to join in her fun. He would join in anything if it got him a kiss from the girl! Shutting his eyes, he stood completely motionless, waiting for lip contact, and the moment he could show the girl how well he really could kiss. He didn't actually plan to let her go, so he hoped she was ready....
A cold wet nose touched his, before soft hair, and a rough tongue brushed against his lips. His eyes flew open in shock, and the first thing he saw was... Kit? That damned cat of theirs! Tryst was holding up the small animal so it could give the redhead a little lick. Gojyo howled and sputtered, wiping his mouth furiously as Daja, Goku, Trsyt, Suki and Hakkai all cracked up laughing.
"What the hell, woman?" He yelled, the back of his hand still rubbing against his lips. Tryst looked at him innocently, even having the gall to flutter her eyelashes slightly. "Well, you asked for a goodnight kiss. So, Kit gave you one." Goku guffawed in laughter, "you stupid pervert! I knew you'd get done sooner or later! I just didn't think it would be by a cat!" Gojyo growled at the monkey, "That's not exactly the kind of pussy I'm used to kissing, ok?"
Sanzo scoffed in disgust from his seat by the fire and immediately got up and headed to his tent. "Goku, you've got first watch." Was all he said, before he disappeared inside. Bella simply ignored everyone, continuing to watch the sky. Everyone began to settle down after a few more vulgar remarks from Gojyo, and they eventually drifted off to their tents. Bella was left alone with Goku, whose turn it was to keep first watch. She shifted in the leaves, making herself more comfortable as her mind drifted lazily, lost between heaven and the stars.
Goku sat quietly, his eyes scanning the trees as he settled in for his watch. Bella eventually headed to bed, and Gojyo swapped with Goku about two hours after that and was then succeeded by Hakkai. Sanzo was the last one to take the watch, preferring the rising sun to the late night vigil. He sat in silence, smoking and thinking – as was his penchant.
A shift in the leaves had him reaching for his gun. What was that? He thought, tensing. A rabbit came hopping out from one of the bushes, twitching its nose as it sat on its haunches and considered the monk. Sanzo sighed, sweat dropping as he lowered his gun. He sat back down, relaxing against a tree as he returned to his contemplations. Barely a second had passed before the sword came flying out of the undergrowth, impaling itself into the ground between the monk's feet with a loud THUD.
Sanzo froze, trying to identify where the sword had come from. It quivered slightly, the hilt swaying back and forth from the force of the impact. The monk stayed completely silent, utilizing all his senses to locate his attacker. A thudding sound came from the direction of the girls' tents, and he slapped a hand to his head as he saw Suki clumsily climbed out of her tent. His frustration faded, however, when he saw her straighten, glaive in hand, as she looked at him fiercely. Before he could say another word, she dashed off into the bushes, in the direction of the thrown sword. Sanzo gaped; the girl was still in her pyjamas! What the hell was she thinking, running into danger like that? He surged forward, coming to a sudden halt when he realized the sword stuck into the ground between his legs had transfixed his robes to the ground. He growled, focusing more closely on the well made sword.
The plain leather holster spoke of long use, the blade still sharp enough to cut, and the blue gem at the base was as large as Sanzo's eye. The blade, though, was solid gold. It shimmered eerily in the morning light, the dew refusing to settle on its tang, as though the mist itself would be cut. Such an unusual sword, He thought.
The scuffling sounds in the brush tor him back to reality, as he pulled the sword out and stood, throwing it to the side uncaringly. A howl rose from the distance, coming from the opposite direction of where Suki had run off to. Wolves? Here? Sanzo thought surprised. He channelled his attention back to the immediate issue of the young girl who was obviously fighting his as yet unknown attacker. Sanzo was surprised everyone was still asleep through all the noise.
Suddenly, the bushes parted, and a blurred black figure streaked out, whipping past Sanzo as it collected the sword and flashed back into the trees at the other side of the clearing. Suki burst out right after it, glaive held in both hands as she puffed heavily, out of breathe. The figure had disappeared, but Sanzo still kept his gun aimed into the trees. Suki's fighting stance didn't waver for the next ten minutes, as the two of them waited for the next attack.
Finally, Sanzo lowered his gun, the opponent obviously having decided to withdraw. He heard more howling in the distance, this time closer. He turned to the short young woman behind him and regarded her with raised brows and a slight smile. She stood glaring into the trees where the attacker had disappeared, her glaive was held low, like a broom, and there were dirt smears across her cheeks and a trickle of blood coming from her mouth. The girl had fought hard, her eyes sparkling with inner fire in the dawn glow.
"How did you know to come out here?" Sanzo asked suddenly, knocking Suki off balance with the question.
"Well, I… uh…" She stuttered, looking at him nervously. Sanzo's eyebrows twitched together. "I… kinda…had a dream about it" she mumbled, staring at the ground. The monk jerked back – had a dream? That was odd. She came out here to do battle from dream? Suki hunched her shoulders protectively, as though she expected him to strike her. Sanzo placed a hand on her shoulder, causing her to flinch slightly.
"Well good work. If you have any more dreams like that, be sure to tell me too, ok?" His voice was not warm or caring; it was precise, approving and husky, as usual. Suki straightened, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Thanks, Sanzo!" She grinned at him, her pearly whites reminding him more of the wolves he'd heard earlier than anything else. She winced as her cut lip pulled slightly. "I should go tidy up, or Bella will skin me for getting into fight again." She bustled off towards the nearby stream, not waiting for his answer.
Sanzo leaned his head back as he listened to the sounds of the forest waking up, along with its sleeping occupants in the tents. He shaded his eyes against the bright sun, as his ears picked up the sounds of wolves howling, now moving further west. He frowned as he noticed Hakkai walking towards hi from one of the tents. It was going to be another beautiful day.
***
The Youkai had gritted her teeth in frustration, her anger rolling off in waves. How? How had they known she was coming? She was untraceable! That was her calling card! And now that small girl had seen her! Dammit! She squatted on the tree branch, holding her left arm gingerly. The girls had managed to bruise her with the butt of her staff-thing. Bruised by a brat, how humiliating.
The sun had risen over the trees, illuminating her eyes into pools of molten gold. She would retreat for now. Lady Gyokumen did not need to know about this failure, not that she could be reached anyway with the barrier now in place. She sighed, she would have to try for her second attack later in the day, perhaps when the sun was setting, that way they would not see her coming.
Mind made up, she stood confidently, holding onto the tree trunk as the branch shuddered suddenly. Looking out to the edge of the tree, she saw his lithe form standing, watching her from beneath his bangs. Kougaiji. The demon prince. Her prince. "Prince Kougaiji!" She squeaked, dropping to a knee on the awkwardly swaying branch. "To what do I owe the pleasure, my lord?" She enquired, her eyes drifting past the strange red stone at his chest, and up to his hidden face.
"What are you doing here, guard?" He enquired softly, his tone, though bland, had a trace of hidden malice, as it always did. She eyed him in question, as though it should have been obvious. "Carrying out the orders of Lady Gyokumen Koshou, my Lord." She replied nervously. The prince had a reputation for doing the unexpected, and for hating his step-mother with a single minded ferocity.
Kougaiji grimaced, here was yet another comrade sent out on a futile mission by his idiot 'mother'. Did she still not understand that it was impossible for one to kill them alone, even of that one be of the elite personal guard? "I do not want to see you here again, Lieutenant," pinning her correctly by the small silver badge attached to her right shoulder, "you will only be a hindrance to me should you get in the way of my mission. And I do not tolerate mistakes from someone of your class." The youkai trembled before him, not in fear, as was expected – but in rage. How dare he assume she was incompetent? She was a Lieutenant in the personal guard of the Youkai royal family!
"Yes, your highness." She whispered, the heat in her voice masked by the whipping flames that surrounded him as he disappeared from the tree branch. She took a deep breath, calming her nerves as she plotted her next move. So, the prince thought she couldn't handle it? Thought she was just some two bit royal guard who couldn't swat a fly? She'd show him. She'd show everyone! Standing tall, she leapt off through the trees, a vicious gleam in her eyes and a malicious smile on her lips. She'd show them all! She was Misa! Youkai Fukutaisho of the Royal Guard, and she would kill every last member of the Sanzo Ikkou!
***
END CHAPTER 12