Trouble- The Problem at Hand

"That bastard… he WILL pay," Sanzo growled.

"Why the hell did you let him take our only source of money?" Gojyo demanded angrily.

"Shut up or I'll put a bullet in your head."

"So you're the Sanzo party?" A woman asked.

"If you are, then leave this place at once!" A man shouted.

Many of the other villagers began shouting at them to leave as well. "Everyone please stop!" Karin said over the shouts.

"Wow, this has to be the first time people actually wanted us to leave," Gojyo remarked.

"Somehow, I don't find it all that surprising," Hakkai said darkly.

"But why would they hate US?" Goku asked sadly.

Meanwhile the vines around Ran had withered and she got up brushing herself off. Looking up, she saw her father walking up to her. "Dad, I--" She began.

"I don't want to hear it, Ran," he told her, his face was very serious. "You disobeyed me. Your actions were irresponsible and childish."

"But I can't just sit back and watch him do this again and again. It's because of him that Nee-chan is gone along with the other woman. I can't take this sitting down anymore," Ran shouted back both her hands in fists. "I can take him dad I know I can…I just need a little mor…"

"That's enough Ran," Tetsuo said slowly cutting her off. "He's a demon and you're a human…there isn't anything you can do about it." Ran was about to argue some more but he cut through her words again disappointment dripping off of every syllable, "I don't want to hear another word about it. If you try that again you may get yourself killed as well as put the entire village at risk."

Ran looked at him her determination dying with the look in his eyes. Then she lowered her head and stared at the ground fighting back the tears of frustration waiting to burst. "Mom would have fought him," she muttered.

Tetsuo tensed visibly. "I'm going back home…I want you there when you finish cleaning up your mess here," Tetsuo continued before turning on his heel and walking away.

The villagers continued surrounding the Sanzo party. "Why are you protecting them, Karin? These people are nothing but trouble for our village," a man said.

"These people did nothing wrong," Karin protested. "You have no reason to treat them this way." It was clear that Karin's words… or maybe just even her voice, were the only things keeping the villagers from running the party out of town.

"Alright, break it up, all of you!" Yuzuna's voice said as she moved her way easily through the crowd.

"Lady Yuzuna, these people…" one villager began.

"Yes they're the Sanzo party…so what? If they feel so inclined to stay then they can stay. It doesn't matter if they do or not as long as they don't interfere in our life at least. Plus, if they left right now I doubt they'd be able to leave the valley alive," Yuzuna told the villagers.

"You're probably right since they were already caught by his poison once," a man said with a laugh.

"I guess we really don't have anything to worry about, these guys aren't as strong as they're supposed to be," another one added.

"What did you say?" Gojyo demanded angrily.

"We could totally kick that guy's--" Goku began.

"Shut up both of you!" Sanzo yelled hitting them both with the fan.

Yuzuna coughed a little and Karin looked at her aunt worried. "Auntie," she began but Yuzuna brushed her aside.

"I'm fine. Now, all of you, get back to your jobs," Yuzuna commanded and the crowd quickly dispersed. Then she turned to the Sanzo party. "You four, come with me. Karin, I want you to close up the shop for today and come back to the inn. Ran, wipe the dirt off your face and help Karin." Nobody felt too inclined to argue so they all did as they were told.

Ran helped Karin out in silence and couldn't even bring herself to meet her eyes. "Um…are you okay Ran?" Karin asked once they finished closing up shop.

"Yeah," Ran muttered not looking at her.

When the two girls made it back to the inn, the four boys were seated around a table while Yuzuna was cooking. "About time you two got here," Yuzuna said in disapproval.

"Wari, Auntie," they apologized together.

"Well don't just stand there like a couple of idiots, sit down."

Once the two girls were sat, Sanzo spoke up. "Are you going to tell us what the hell is going on with this town?"

"Of course I'm going to explain it…why else do you think I told you to come here," Yuzuna replied harshly.

"It's none of their business Auntie. It's not like they could do anything about it even if they did know," Ran cut in suddenly.

"After Kusuma took this man's money it became their business," Yuzuna told her making her fall silent. "Anyway Kusuma is the name of that demon you just met and he's the reason there are only two young women left."

"What the heck does the guy want with women?" Gojyo asked in confusion.

"No one is entirely sure," Yuzuna explained. "But every month for six months he's been taking the females from this village. At first he took several, then the numbers became fewer with each visit until he took away the girl you saw earlier."

"But why would you let him do that?" Goku asked in disbelief.

"It's for the prosperity of the village, isn't it?" Sanzo guessed.

"Looks like you have more than just a pretty face working for you, blondie," Yuzuna said with a mirthless smile. "That's exactly it."

"More like everyone's afraid to fight back, cause he just might poison the entire village," Ran cut in again being sarcastic.

"Ever since he came our village has flourished and we no longer have to rely on trade. However, we're isolated here so it's almost impossible for anyone to leave…or come in, in one piece," Karin explained from her seat.

"Yes and that gentleman is pretty much it," Yuzuna said handing out drinks to the men.

"So you want us to help you weed the garden," Sanzo presumed.

"Essentially," Yuzuna said with a nod. "Since that demon took your only source of money away, I'm willing to let you all stay here for as long as you need. In exchange, all I ask is that you get rid of that guy."

"Aren't you afraid he'll be upset you're betraying him?" Sanzo asked.

"I'm more afraid of losing my only living relative."

"You let him take away all these women and you only now decide to take action?"

"Circumstances were different, then."

"You mean we showed up."

"Exactly."

"Damn narcissist."

"And proud of it."

There was a scraping noise as Ran stood up pushing her chair out. "We don't need their help. We're plenty capable of taking care of him ourselves," she muttered darkly. "It would be best for all of us if the four of you just hit the road."

"Ran," Yuzuna started.

"I really don't care what you guys decide to do…I'm going home." With that she marched outside slamming the door behind her.

"What's with her?" Goku asked.

"Ran's had a hard time trusting people," Karin told them all with a sigh.

"And you're too trusting," Yuzuna told her niece and Karin flushed. "Anyway, do we have a deal or what blondie?"

"Like hell we--"

"Sanzo, if I may," Hakkai interjected.

"Shut up, Hakkai."

"These women possibly saved our lives. Do you really want to live with that kind of debt on your shoulders?"

There was a long period of silence before Sanzo stood up. "Make no mistake. I'm not staying for your precious little village, I'm doing it because I have a personal score to settle with that demon."

Yuzuna smirked. "The deed outweighs the intention."

"Well now that that's settled let's all go for a drink. You did say that you'd treat us once we were better right sweetheart?" Gojyo said standing up and stretching.

"thwack, You'll keep a civil tongue in your head when speaking with my niece you got that," Yuzuna said smashing her fist into Gojyo's head.

"Wow, that was a good shot lady…I like her," Goku laughed.

"Well then, miss Karin, if you would lead the way," Hakkai said politely with a small bow.

Karin nodded and led the way to the tavern where she worked. "Just have a seat and I'll be with you in a moment," she told them before disappearing to the back.

"This is nice, a hot woman and free liquor. Life couldn't get any better…unless I had a smoke as well," Gojyo exclaimed leaning against his chair.

"Hey Sanzo can we get something to eat, I'm hungry?" Goku complained holding his stomach.

"You're always hungry stupid monkey," Gojyo smirked.

"Who are you calling a monkey, you stupid water sprite?" Goku shouted standing up quickly.

"You of course," Gojyo retorted placing his hand on Goku's head and pressing down.

"Lay off man!" Goku said trying to swat his hand away.

Hakkai looked up when he saw Karin approaching the table with three mugs and a bag. "Here you are," she said setting down the drinks. "We really do appreciate your generosity," Hakkai said smiling up at her.

A stain of pink rose in her cheeks and she smiled in return. "No problem. It's nice having visitors after so long."

"Hey Karin, does this place serve food?" Goku asked.

"What would you like?" Karin asked him. Goku began listing off all of the things he wanted being interrupted only by Sanzo's fan. "I'll get to work on that. By the way, you guys forgot these." She placed the bag on the table before walking off to put in the orders. "Just holler if you need anything."

Gojyo opened the bag and happily pulled out one of the cigarettes that Karin had made before hand. "Yep, the end to a perfect day."

They stayed at the tavern for several hours as they ate, drank, and smoked to their content. Every once in awhile Gojyo would make a comment about Karin's looks and try to find out where she was sleeping. He only stopped after he got a look from Hakkai that clearly said he should if he wanted to live.

As the night was winding down and the tavern started to empty Hakkai asked, "So Sanzo any idea's on how to track that demon?"

"I'm working on it," Sanzo hissed.

"In other words he doesn't know," Gojyo stated taking a swig of his beer.

"Why don't you repeat that last statement," Sanzo dared as he cocked his banishing gun and pointed it at Gojyo's head.

"What statement? I didn't say anything," Gojyo said putting his hands up and backing away slightly.

"Man, that was so good," Goku sighed patting his tummy. "I think I'm ready for a good lie down."

"So am I, but I'd rather it be with a female," Gojyo exhaled with disappointment.

"Maybe this stay will teach you the value of abstinence," Sanzo remarked as he drained his mug.

"Like you're one to talk you damn monk," Gojyo shot back as they all stood up. That is… everyone except for Hakkai. "Huh? Aren't you coming?"

"I figured I'd stay and escort Karin home. After all, I don't think our wonderful hostess would be too happy if her niece went missing," Hakkai replied smiling.

"You're probably right about that," Gojyo said with a smirk. "Maybe I should make sure she gets home safely."

"If you did that she'd kick us out for sure," Hakkai said with a little humor.

"Oh come on I'm not about to take advantage of a naïve girl after something like this happened," Gojyo replied defensively.

"You're right you'd rather do it when she's crying on your shoulder," Sanzo muttered as he left. "I really don't care what you do but I'm going back."

"Wait for me, Sanzo!" Goku called running out after him.

"Alright Hakkai, I'm in a generous mood tonight so I'll let you have this one," Gojyo told him with the heir of someone who was performing a truly noble gesture. "Now you can't say I'm not a philanthropic type of guy. But just so you know, you owe me one."

"Go ahead and put it on my tab," Hakkai replied smiling.

The three of them left and when they reached the inn Gojyo decided to get some of his left over energy out by taking a look around the village. Meanwhile Hakkai got up to see if Karin needed any help with the clean up so he went to the kitchen.

When he entered he saw that she was washing dishes but she didn't seem to notice that he had walked in. So with a smile he gently placed a hand on her shoulder to let her know he was there.

Karin felt a warm hand on her shoulder and she was so surprised she nearly jump five feet in the air. Then she gave a gasp of pain and looked down to see the dish water beginning to steadily turn red.

Karin pulled her hand out of the sink to see a deep gash across her palm where the knife had cut her. She started feeling a little dizzy as the sight and smell of it began to overwhelm her and she stumbled backwards only to be caught by the same warm hands that had startled her.

"Are you alright?" Hakkai asked her, his voice suddenly filled with worry.

"I'm fine, it's just a scratch," Karin lied as she tried to maneuver around him in order to get some sort of wrapping without bleeding all over the place.

Hakkai, however, took a hold of her hand and examined it and Karin blushed slightly at the contact. "That looks like more than just a scratch. If you let me, I should be able to close it."

She shook her head. "No, really, you don't have to trouble yourself."

"Please, it's the least I can do since I'm the one who caused it," he said seriously as he looked at her with emerald eyes.

Karin said nothing but found she could not refuse his request and conceded with a nod. She watched as he held her hand gently with his left while his right hovered inches over her bleeding palm. Her eyes widened as his hands began to glow and Karin felt tingling warmth spread through her hand and the pain ebbed away and the cut slowly closed.

"How did you do that?" She asked him once he was finished.

"It's called Qigong," Hakkai explained, letting go of her hand. "It's a technique that allows me to use my energy to attack or to heal. It comes in handy every now and then."

Karin looked up at him. "Could you teach me?"

Hakkai stared at her before letting out a nervous laugh. "I'm not sure if fighting would be suitable for you."

"Please," she insisted, her eyes wide and imploring. "I want to learn how to fight."

"Why would a woman with such a kind heart, who can't stand the sight of blood nor bear the thought of hurting others, possibly want to learn such a skill?" Hakkai asked her softly.

Karin stared down at the floor. "I'm sick of being helpless. I want to be able to protect others instead of having to hide behind everyone else. But no one else will take me as a pupil. That's why… right now, you're my one hope."

"I'm sorry," Hakkai told her genuinely. "But I think it would be best if you left the fighting to others. You won't have to worry. I'll protect you."

Karin looked back down. "I don't want to be protected," she whispered. "Especially not by you."

Hakkai was taken aback by her sudden statement and stood speechless for a few minutes. "Are you quite sure that you don't want protection?" he finally asked after getting a hold of himself.

"Yes," Karin replied unwaveringly.

"I see… Then I won't worry about it…but I still don't think it's right for me to teach you to fight."

"I need to finish my work," she said quietly, turning away from him.

"Do you want any help?"

"I'm fine, I know how to clean. I'll be done in a little while, so there's no need for you to wait up."

"I don't mind," he said softly.

Her shoulders slumped in defeat. "Then please wait outside."

Hakkai felt a twinge of guilt at the sadness in her voice and wanted to put a hand on her shoulder to comfort her but stopped himself. "I'm sorry… if I hurt you," Hakkai said before leaving the kitchen.

"Me too," she whispered before going back to washing dishes.

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CM: Aw, sadness! Well, next time, see if Gojyo has any better luck! Mehehe… ;P