(Author's Note: Credits to Shakespeare for the first half of Homura's letter. Oh and as I mentioned before, I think I did at least, Kitsune have the power to read minds. XD Enjoy!)
Memories of a Life Gone By Pt. 17 Betrayal
With the moonlight floating through the windows, she stared up into the ceiling then turned to Gojyo, sleeping by her side. The moonlight shone blue on his face. In the next bed, loudly, Goku snored. A quiet knock came from the door. She stood gently pulling a sheet around her form and padded for the door. As she opened the door, a hotel maid stood outside.
"Anou…" the girl whispered. "Some men stopped by and wanted me to give a letter to you…"
In the bed, a pair of crimson eyes slowly opened and slowly turned toward the door. His body lay still.
"What do these men look like?" Miyuki asked.
"Two are young, a redhead and the other with black hair," she murmured. "The other looks like an old man and wears his hair in a bun with yellow ribbons…"
"Thank you," she whispered, reaching out her hand
She took the letter from the maid's hands and quietly shut the door. With a quiet rustle, she broke the wax seal.
Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once. Of all the wonders that I have yet heard, it seems most strange that men should fear; seeing that death, a necessary end, will come when it will come…
The end is near, Megumi-san… Shall you be a coward and die many times before you go? Or shall you be one of the valiant and die only once? Come to the back of the inn, we will be waiting at the edge of the forest…
Quiet and quick, she shuffled to the window and stared out into the dark night, not noticing the pair of glowing red eyes behind her. Three shadowy figures stood near the tree line. As she turned, the glowing eyes grew shut. Miyuki stared and Gojyo's sleeping form, feeling a hurtful pang in her chest. She threw the blanket aside and threw on a simple nightgown and her robe as she slipped out of the room quietly. Hearing the door shut, Gojyo sat up in bed and moved towards the window.
The late night dew felt cold under her feet as she rushed out to the three figures in the forest. Homura cast a darkly charming smile. Shien and Zenon leaned against a pair of trees, smirking.
"Megumi-san…" He said, using an ancient name that rung familiarly in her ears. "How goes your progress?"
Miyuki smirked.
"They're charismatic, rambunctious, unpredictable… but they're smart," she started, crossing her arms against the cool night wind. "They know never to let their guard down…"
"So you can't get the scripture then?" Shien questioned softly.
"We get attacked practically every night by Kougaiji's servants," Miyuki continued, still smirking. "Some come in quietly, and the others don't… If they can't get it, then how can I? And Sanzo never gives up this scripture to anyone else…"
"And Son Goku?" he questioned again.
"Getting stronger…" she replied.
Homura nodded. Zenon stared up into the window with a moonlit grin on his face.
"Oi, Homura…" he mentioned, making Homura turn up to the window.
A suspicious pair of red, demon eyes glared down at them. Miyuki began to turn. Quick and smooth, Homura's hand caught her cheek and made her turn to him. He cast a quick glance up at the window and began to caress Miyuki's cheek as though he were a lover. Strangely, Miyuki looked up at him.
"Homura… What are you doing?" she asked.
Suddenly, Homura pulled her close into a tight embrace and nuzzled into her hair. The tips of her toes brushed against the cool grass. Entangling his fingers into the dark locks, he looked up into the dark window arrogantly, watching as Gojyo's blood began to boil. She tried to push away, futilely, from the strong embrace. Homura looked into her confused, golden eyes. They shifted to their silver color.
"Shh…" he placed his finger on her lips.
Homura leaned in close; their noses barely touching. Zenon snickered. Passively, Shien continued to watch.
"I've got to go…" he whispered as he let her go from his arms.
Shien, Homura, and Zenon turned and started off into the dark forest, quickly fading away into the moonlight. She turned back to the window. Shadows of the room stared down at her.
Gojyo's eyes grew wide as he watched Homura pull Miyuki into his arms and sweep her off her feet. He glared down as Homura cast him an arrogant smirk and seemingly pressed his lips to hers. That bitch… He thought with a smirk of his own. Watching as the three figures left, he turned away from the window, grabbed his cigarettes, and headed for the door. Drowsily, Goku looked around as Gojyo slammed the door behind him.
"Eh? Breakfast already?" he questioned to the empty room.
Worriedly wondering about Homura's behavior, she trotted up the stairs. She suddenly stopped, seeing Gojyo smoking outside their door. He shot her a cool, emotionless gaze.
"Gojyo…" she whispered worriedly.
He blew a long gray cloud from his lips.
"Where did you go, Miyuki-chan?" he questioned, calmly.
"Just for a walk, Gojyo," she smiled as best she could and taking a seat next to him. "What are you doing up?"
"I was just about to ask you the same thing, Miyuki-chan… Who did you get a letter from?" He grinned. "A secret lover?"
She stared up at him, slightly shocked.
"Eh?" she laughed, hiding her nervousness. "Where would you get that idea, Gojyo? You know I wouldn't do that?"
Gojyo took a long drag. You wouldn't, eh? He thought with his eyebrows rising and falling skeptically. Well… that certainly doesn't seem to be the case does it? He tossed the cigarette away and pounced on her, pinning her arms above her head. Serious and piercing red eyes blazed into hers.
"Tell it to me straight," He grinned. "Are you working for that bastard Homura?"
She fidgeted. Her flickering eyes seemed to tell the story.
"No…" she gulped. "I'm working with you all… and no one else… How could you think that?"
"Because I saw you sneaking out to talk with him in the forest… Now, are you working for Homura?" He asked again, his eyes still bearing into her.
"No…" she shook her head, panicked.
His eyes turned away as he let out a quiet sigh. He stood and started heading into the room. She followed, feeling a cold, distant air flowing from him.
"Well, goodnight Miyuki," he emotionlessly said, climbing into the bed.
She slipped into the bed next to him, with her heart slowly, worriedly beating in her ears. Gojyo's back faced her. She wrapped an arm around his waist. He remained quiet. Goosebumps prickled her arms, and her hairs stood on end as her heart began to break. A sharp pang stabbed at Gojyo's chest.
She awoke from her restless sleep with the sun shining in her eyes. She wiped the stray tears on her lashes and turned to him. Gojyo stared at the clock on the nightstand, not turning to face her as she woke. He stood and grabbed his cigarettes, walking out without a word. She sat up in bed and stared longingly at the closed hotel room door.
They sat in an awkward silence as the jeep flew through the flowery mountain fields. Grinning, Goku looked over. Miyuki's golden eyes stared downward. They flickered to their silver color.
"Heehee," he snickered. "For once you, perverted kappa, aren't groping Miyuki all day. That's a nice change!"
"Shut it, you stupid monkey… I'm not in the mood," Gojyo glared.
"Trouble in paradise?" Sanzo sarcastically asked, lighting a cigarette. "Ch… Perhaps I'll be able to have a night without being woken up by your obnoxious moaning."
"We were not that loud, Sanzo," Gojyo retorted. "You're just jealous you don't get any during this trip."
He cocked his gun.
"Why you…"
"Now, now!" Hakkai laughed. "Sanzo's only kidding!"
Gojyo turned away, quietly fuming. Goku snickered. She stayed quiet staring at the tops of her black heels. Hakkai caught her downturned gaze in the rearview mirror. Perhaps Sanzo may not have been as sarcastic as they seem to think… He thought, with a small, worried smile.
"Hey! That's my egg roll!" Goku cried.
"Nice try, monkey!" Gojyo grinned. "But I got it first!"
"You all wanna die?!" cried the angry priest.
Hakkai chuckled and soon let out a sigh. Miyuki sighed after him, with her mind racing with thoughts. Should I just quit working for Homura? Should I just confess and let Sanzo blow my brains out on the table? She wondered, letting out another despairing sigh. Hakkai turned to her and smiled.
"Would you like to talk about it, Miyuki-san?" he asked, laughing. "I may not look like it, but I do know a good thing or two about relationships."
She turned away, watching as the other three continued to bicker. Quietly, Hakkai stood, smiling and waiting for her. She followed, leaving the ruckus of the restaurant.
Under the cool shade of the trees, Hakkai and Miyuki strolled down the main, dirt road. Stopping, Hakkai offered her a seat on an empty bench. She sat. He sat.
"So?" Hakkai asked, with his effervescent smile on his lips. "Would you care to explain what seems to have occurred between you and Gojyo during the night?"
Guiltily, she stared down at the dirt.
"Something happened that shouldn't have…" she whispered. "He saw something that shouldn't have been seen… And now I don't know what to do…"
He stared at her.
"Well, I won't push the issue if you decide to keep quiet, Miyuki-san," he said. "But it certainly sounds as though you have quite the tough decision on your hands, ne?"
He placed his hands on the back of his head and looked up into the clear blue sky. White birds flew over head. Idle thoughts drifted back to a seemingly far away and painful time. Her face drifted through the sparse clouds floating in the sky.
"I know I don't look like it, but I know what you're going through," he consoled, with a small, serene smile. "It's always hard to make important decisions in a relationship isn't it?"
She nodded.
"If I may…" He began. "Let me tell you a story…"
3 Years Earlier
He dropped a few coins into the vendor's hand with a grin on his face. The vendor counted his coins and looked up to the young man.
"Ne… Gonou-san…" the vendor began, shyly. "I've wanted to ask you; do you mind if I take Kanan out this weekend? I'm sure I could show her a real nice time."
"We'll see… I'll make sure to ask her for you," Gonou replied with a strained smile.
Coldly, he turned away from the fruit stand and started on his way home. The other townspeople stared at him as he walked past. They cast blatant glances at each other.
"That's the boy I was telling you about! The one who's sleeping with his own sister!" whispered an old woman enthusiastically.
"The school teacher?" another woman replied, shocked. "How disgraceful! I can only imagine what those kids are learning with him around!"
Gonou sighed. Must we go through this everyday? He thought, sad and annoyed. Maybe I just oughta… His thoughts started considering their difficult options. He continued to walk through the crowds, trying to ignore the disdaining murmurs. His mind weighed both heavy possibilities carefully on the long walk home.
As he walked, eventually, he came to a small cottage on the edge of the beaten path in the forest. He looked at his nervous hands as he inserted the key into the lock. I'll do it! He thought, determined as he felt his heart start to break. It'll be for the best! … Right? Yes… It would be best if we weren't lovers anymore… Pain stabbed at his chest as he opened up the door. He stopped.
"Welcome back, Gonou!" Kanan's cheery voice greeted. "I've got lunch prepared."
A large smile lit her face as she looked proudly from the large meal spread on the table to Gonou's cool, green eyes. Gonou melted at the sight of her smile. Doubt and confusion flooded his thoughts. He stared at her, seemingly amazed. She walked over and took the heavy bag of groceries from his arms.
"Don't just stand there, silly!" She laughed, taking the bag to the counter. "Start eating!"
"Kanan, we have to talk," He started, gloomily as she took her seat across from him.
"What about, Gonou?" she asked as she scooped out a thick stew onto her rice.
She looked up at him with her wide smile and bright green eyes. His breath caught.
"I… think… we shouldn't be lovers anymore…" He forced himself to say.
Wide eyes stared up at him as the smile erased itself from her face. Her chopsticks fell from her hands. Kanan lowered her head. But after all this time… Have I done something wrong? She wondered. Kanan placed a hand on her chest as though she were trying to stop her heart from being ripped out.
"Why?" she croaked, with tears on her lashes. "What did I do wrong?"
She wheezed and sputtered trying to keep the tears from spilling on her face. Gonou gasped and rushed to her side.
"You did nothing wrong, Kanan," he soothed, feeling the sharp pangs in his heart grow sharper with her tears. "But the others in the village… They just think…"
"I don't care about them! I care about you!" She snapped.
Desperately, she took his long fingered, elegant hands into hers, with her tears falling freely. Kanan placed tear stained kisses on his palms. Gonou stared at her and suddenly pulled her into his arms. His heart cried out with pain. He kissed her temple.
"I'm sorry," he murmured, smiling sadly. "I was wrong. You're right. What should it matter to them? I have you, and that's all that matters."
I can do anything for you. I can become anyone for you. If, you should only ask me to.
He placed a kiss on her lips as a smile finally shined through her tears. Gonou felt weak all over. You make me so weak, Kanan, he thought, smiling. He held her as the last of her tears began to stain his shoulder.
Present
"It was one of the hardest decisions I ever made," Hakkai concluded. "And if I had stuck with it, it would've been the biggest mistake of my life…"
"And after that?" Miyuki questioned.
"After that… Hyakugan Mao's attendants came into town…" he trailed off, feeling the scar sear with heat in his stomach.
Hakkai stared down at his hands. You have such beautiful hands… Her words rang through his head. Miyuki nodded. He pasted a forged smile on his face.
"But the point is; we all make hard decisions in relationships, Miyuki-san," he began. "And you have to think over it hard and carefully. For if you make the wrong one, you'll probably regret it…"
He looked up into the clear sky again and watched her face fade from the clouds.
"I don't know about you, Miyuki-san, but I'm not up for living a life with regrets," he finished.
She nodded. Hakkai stood and looked down on her with a waiting smile. Standing, Miyuki followed him back.
They sat quietly during the rest of the meal, trying to partake of what was left of the food. Sanzo smoked.
"Don't you ever leave me alone with these idiots ever again," he sneered to Hakkai.
Hakkai laughed. Miyuki stared up at Gojyo with a longing, golden stare.
"So what's an adjunct of the Homura army doing down here?" Gojyo asked suspiciously as he sipped his beer.
Miyuki looked up at Zenon nervously. Zenon smirked.
"I just like to come down here and take a walk from time to time," He bantered.
"Weren't you saying something about a scripture earlier?"
"You probably heard me wrong I have no idea," Zenon smirked. "What are you guys doing here? Isn't kinda rare for the happy foursome to be acting separately?"
He cast a glance at Miyuki. Cautiously, she watched Gojyo's reaction.
"But then again, I guess I should save five shouldn't I?"
A sinister grin lit Zenon's face as the words tumbled from his lips.
"It's not like we're together because we want to be…" Gojyo retorted casting glances between Zenon and Miyuki.
"We've found a wounded man on our way into town," Miyuki explained. "His caravan must've been attacked…"
"Hakkai and Sanzo said they'll catch up after taking that critically wounded man to a doctor," Gojyo continued. "They'll probably get to this village by tomorrow."
"My name his Shunei, thank you for what you did today," a small boy with dark hair said.
My kid would be about his age, if he were still alive, Zenon thought as he said his final words of good night to the small boy.
Gojyo watched through a window as Zenon sparred with the small inn boy. Miyuki watched, standing behind him. Goku stirred in his bed.
"What the heck? It's so noisy so early in the morning!" Goku whined.
"It's already noon, you stupid monkey," Gojyo chided.
"Really? I missed eating breakfast!" he yelped.
"I never knew he liked kids…"
Neither did I… She thought. Goku gave him a questioning look.
"Nothing! Lets go eat lunch!"
"Hai!" Goku called out excitedly.
"Are you sure she's one of them?" asked the old woman, worriedly as she nervously weighed the knife in her hand.
She peered out from the kitchen and watched as Miyuki walked away from the table. Goku and Gojyo followed after her.
"That's what Ikaku-sama says…" gulped the old man as they crept down the hall. "We have to kill her and the other who works for Homura if we want to live…"
The old woman nodded and followed her husband.
Miyuki's large ears twitched at the sound of a nervous, far away conversation as she walked. She listened. So they'll come to kill me, huh? She thought as she stood and quietly made her way inside her bedroom door.
At the sound of a knock, she slowly opened the door. The scent of adrenaline and fear stung her nose.
"What's wrong, Miyuki?" Gojyo asked, distantly as he strained to hear the murmurs down the hall.
The scent wafted to his nose. It's good to be part demon, he thought with a grin. A knife went flying for Miyuki's chest as her hands dug her claws into the old woman's wrist. Gojyo and Goku rushed over and tackled the old woman and old man to the ground.
"What are you doing?!" Goku screamed. "How could you! You gave us such good food!"
The old woman and old man looked up at the three of them. Ashamed, they shot each other worried looks as Gojyo's shakujo and Goku's staff positioned themselves threateningly close to their faces.
"Shunei! Shunei!" Zenon cried as he cradled the small boy in his arms. "I told you not to die!"
The small boy stared up at him with a sad and pleading look in his eyes. Miyuki watched the display, feeling oddly empathetic. Who would've thought…? She said inwardly. The small boy's thoughts suddenly flooded her head. I wonder if I'll meet your son when I go to the world beyond. I'll make sure to be friends with him. Please forgive me, Zenon… The boy's hand dropped to his side as his thoughts grew quiet. Hopefully, she smiled and looked up into the puffy cloud filled sky. I'm sure you'll meet him… Don't worry.
"It's time," Homura's gentlemanly smile lit his face. "Let's go."
Gasping quietly, she stared up at Homura, Shien, and Zenon as they suddenly appeared before them in the marketplace.
"Don't rush in your decision, Konzen," Homura said smoothly.
"I've been wanting to tell you something for a long time," Sanzo sneered.
"What is it?"
"Your slow going attitude makes me wanna puke."
Homura's charmingly demented smile continued to light his face. He reached his hand.
"Now won't you come back with me?" He asked, looking past the others.
"I said I'm not coming with you, you bastard!" Goku cried.
"He's not talking to you…" Her voice suddenly called out. "… He's talking to me…"
The other turned back to her and stared. The click of a cocking gun resounded in her ears as she walked forward. As Gojyo's heart ripped from his chest, he sent a pain filled glare in her direction. Goku's eyes went wide.
"But why?! We trusted you!" He yelled. "How could you!?"
She smiled a small smile. I've heard that before… She thought as she remembered the night in Homura's lair.
"I knew it…" Sanzo sneered, aiming the gun at her head. "This must've been that old hag's sick tricks!"
"Is… this your decision, Miyuki-san?" Hakkai asked as he placed a hand on Sanzo's arm restraining it. "Don't, Sanzo. We don't want to cause damage to the town."
She turned to him. Her gold eyes looked up to his green ones, oddly serene. She blinked, revealing her silver pair.
"To be honest, I'm not sure what my decision is," she began. "All I know is that I just want to get away for a little while…"
She turned back to Gojyo. His mouth twisted into a sad and angry sneer. His thoughts spoke to her in wild, angry, and confused tongues. She turned away, feeling as though she walked with heavy chains around her ankles. Her heavy hand placed itself in Homura's outstretched palm as he suddenly pulled her into his arms. Inwardly, Homura laughed at Gojyo's reaction. Arrogantly, Gojyo turned away as the three of them suddenly disappeared into thin air. Her gold eyes grew wide as she watched Gojyo's expression. What he had seen on that night suddenly, finally clicked. She struggled against his grip.Homura, you bastard!
Hakkai, Sanzo, and Goku watched as she disappeared into the night air, kicking, pushing, and screaming against Homura's strong grip.
"Wait! Let me go! Gojyo I'm sorry!" she cried, watching as her plea fell on seemingly unhearing ears.
Memories of a Life Gone By: Romancing the Memories pt. 16 Primal Instincts
The scent of blood wafted to her nose, making her mouth water. Around her, the smallest sounds amplified a hundredfold. Her ears twitched eagerly at the wheezing of the dying around them as something primal awoke in her unconscious. In Goku's eyes, the primal lust shined, acknowledging her unsaid challenge.
"Yes… Yes…" A pain filled voice wheezed behind her. "I knew it, Megumi. You would never betray me. I knew you would prove useful to me one day…"
She turned to find Li Touten grinning madly as blood gushed from his empty eye socket. She snorted and turned away, disgusted.
"Oh… Isn't this showy?" Kanzeon Bosatsu grinned as she suddenly appeared in the doorway, leaning. "Cut it out, jeeze. If you guys fight that chibi, well even if I didn't tell you, you knew that."
Kenren, Tenpou, and Konzen turned to her. Cautiously, Megumi looked at the doorway through the corners of her eyes.
"And it's probably even stupider for her to try!" Kanzeon mocked. "Her power is no match for his, if it hasn't already been made obvious!"
"Kanzeon Bosatsu…" Tenpou murmured at her loud outburst.
"How is it reckless? More than that, Goku's…" Konzen snorted.
"Is there a way to get the power limiter back the way it was?" Tenpou questioned.
The effeminate god smirked as she walked out to into the middle of the room. Megumi backed away and headed for the door. In deadly curiosity, Goku turned to her, feeling her increasing power flowing into the room.
"Humph! A way? I say we can only settle things. Come on chibi, lets live quickly!" Kanzeon challenged.
Konzen's eyes grew wide at her words. Goku leapt into the air, rushing for the pale skin on Kanzeon's throat.
"Stop!" Konzen cried as Kanzeon sent Goku flying into the wall with a simple flick of her arm.
Goku rushed in again.
"Energetic little one isn't he?" She grinned as she grabbed his wrist and slammed his small body into the ground. "Don't think me bad, Seiten Taisei."
He fell unconscious. I say we can only settle things, the words rung in Konzen's head. She raised her hand with her long, sharp nails preparing to strike. The others' eyes grew wide.
"Stop it, you old hag!" Konzen cried as she rushed in and clamped her hand in his.
His right fist flew into Kanzeon's face. The older god grinned and sent her foot flying into his stomach. Shocked and surprised, Kenren, Megumi, and Tenpou stared. Konzen wheezed.
"He's in for it…" Kenren commented, flatly.
"Humph! Raising your hand against me! You have good courage, Konzen Douji. Now don't regret it," She replied, casually flipping her hair behind her shoulder.
A serene smile lit her face as Konzen's eyes grew wide at her words. Can you become that little chibi's sun? Her voice asked his thoughts. No, his thoughts replied as Goku's words began to ring in his head. Cool! It's sparkling!
Actually, his inner thoughts began. The sun is…
"Yea… I won't regret it," he smiled in that awkwardly handsome way he could only do.
He pulled the boy close, carefully cradling his head. A loud maniacal laughter broke the oddly serene moment.
"You nitwit!" Li Touten screamed. "Since you have protected that child, it is the same as treason! For those who have become enemies of Heaven, we reserve a special death penalty just for you! When you're rotting you'll regret it, Konzen Douji!"
The remaining soldiers of the army pulled out their weapons and took offensive stances. Tenpou and Kenren encircled Konzen, holding out their weapons brazenly and protectively. Megumi watched her animal eyes flickering in between their silver and golden color. Li Touten's devilish snicker continued on behind her.
"Is that so?" Kenren asked, grinning. "What do you think Tenpou Gensui- dono? I'm just another fool that doesn't comprehend…"
"Tenpou… Kenren…" Konzen stared up shocked.
"'If we're all fools, then there's no loss in dancing.' So they say," Tenpou quipped.
"What's that?" Kenren grinned. "That's the first time I've ever heard that one."
"It's a famous aphorism from the world below… Konzen can you run if you carry Goku?" Tenpou asked.
"Don't make fun of me," Konzen smirked.
"You're running away! Where will you run to!? Our heavenly army will chase you anywhere and end your lives! Megumi! Get them! Kill them all!" He commanded.
Angry silver eyes stared up at three rebellious gods. The sword in Kenren's hand quivered for a brief moment. She wouldn't… He thought as he glared at Li Touten. She turned on her heels and started walking calmly to Li Touten's side. Kenren's eyes grew wide. Might she have been working for Li Touten after all this time? Tenpou wondered as he cocked the pistol in his hand. Megumi stared down at him with her wild golden eyes. Suddenly, she snatched him off the ground wrapping her fingers in a death grip on his throat. Glaring, Li Touten wheezed as drops of his blood ran down her fingers.
"What are you doing?!" He wheezed. "Kill them! I said kill them!"
"I've been far too nice for far too long," She retorted in a deadly and languidly speaking tone.
He stared in her blood lusting eyes. His mouth twisted into a sneer. Hers twisted into a curious grin.
"There's a legend in the Lower World that states if I eat a Sanzo I'll become immortal and forever young," She continued as she seemed to pull his face close. "But thanks to you, I've already become that… I wonder what might happen, if a demon should consume the flesh of a God…"
"You wouldn't dare…" He wheezed as her grip tightened.
"Try me," she challenged as she flung him into the crowd and casually walked over to Kenren's side.
A large smile plastered itself on Kenren's face.
"Well… I say we break out the battle cries because we're all running away…" he grinned as the soldiers came charging in."To someplace you can't come to!"
Cries of pain rang through the Great Hall as the wounded fell to the ground with the clanging of swords, the ripping of claws through flesh, and the cacophony of gunshots.
"KILL EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM! KILL THEM ALL!" Li Touten roared with fury.
Panicked, Gojun began to push through the charging soldiers.
"Stop it! Stop it, Kenren Taisho, Tenpou Gensui!" he futilely commanded.
Hearing his voice, Tenpou turned and clashed swords with them as the soldiers around them fell. A swift, slippered foot struck Gojun in his gut. Quickly, Tenpou restrained Gojun and pressed his sword to the dragon's white, scaly throat. The muzzle of the pistol rested threateningly against his back.
"Go-Gojun-sama!" the soldiers panicked.
"Tenpou Gensui…" Gojun sneered.
"Sorry about this. Habitual practice of the bad guy, you know. Now then, won't you open up a path for us?"
Footsteps thundered outside his door while frantic voices called out. From where he lay, Homura looked up.
"Hurry!" one cried. "The Jade Emperor is in danger! We have to help!"
Quickly, he walked to the door and threw it open.
"What's going on?" he called out to a rushing guard.
"Tenpou Gensui, Kenren Taisho, Konzen Douji, and two itan have gone against the Emperor! One's unconscious, but the itan woman and the others have taken Gojun of the Western Seas hostage!"
Itan woman? Kenren? He thought, as he suddenly remembered the brief encounter from months ago.
"Tell me, where have they gone?" He asked.
"I think they're headed for the Western Armies' barracks, Sir."
Homura rushed off ignoring the confused and concerned cries of the guard.
Panting, he fell to the ground, trying to shield the heavy child in his arms from the rough stones on the path.
"Konzen!" Megumi cried as she rushed over.
"Oi!" Kenren chided as he tried to pull Goku from Konzen's arms. "Let me take him."
"If I can barely carry him, what makes you think you can?" Konzen retorted, still holding the child protectively.
"This is pointless! Just give it up already!" Gojun cried, annoyed.
"Now, now," Tenpou warned, pressing the muzzle to his back and bringing the sword closer to his throat. "We are all a bit tired and cranky from all that running. Perhaps we should rest a bit…"
"Yea," Kenren agreed, grinning, as he pulled the sake bottle from his belt. "There's no one around these parts of the Emperor's gardens anyway."
Tenpou, Megumi, and Konzen nodded. Cradling Goku in his arms, Konzen brushed the clammy, blood soaked locks away from the sleeping boy's face. He pressed a hand to the warming forehead and worried. Megumi looked over.
"Is he all right?" She asked.
"He's getting warm," he sighed, as Megumi walked over and pressed her fingers on the boy's throat.
She moved over to a small lotus pond and scooped the fresh water into her hand. Careful fingers pried open his lips and let the slow flow of water flow into his gums and onto sharp fangs. She pressed her wet, cool hand onto his hot forehead.
"Dare I say it? We need to stop this…" she said.
"The power of the Seiten Taisei might be starting to take a toll on his body," Tenpou thought aloud. "We'll get him back to my library and figure out something there."
Konzen groaned as he tried to stand.
"What of Konzen? He's too tired, and it's hard for the rest of us to take Goku as it is," she said again.
Her ears twitched at the clocking of shoes on the stones.
"I'll take him. He shouldn't be that hard for me," a voice called out, making them turn.
"You…" Megumi trailed off.
"You know him?" Konzen asked suspiciously.
"We had a small altercation…" she replied. "He's another heretic…"
"Apparently… Well, welcome aboard. Grab the kid and let's go. We don't want to waste time here," Kenren said, curtly.
Homura nodded and took the small boy in his arms. The group rushed back to the barracks.