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Relax and Hang On -- Again	By : cupnjava Category: Gensomaden Saiyuki > General Views: 20723 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Gensomaden Saiyuki, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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Relax and Hang on VI: “You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry”

[or]

Because I feel so cheated about episode 47.

1000+ hits!!! Thank you all so very much!!!

Summary: Anyone wanna take bets on if those cuffs are coming off? There is a section where my main goal was to flush out the word “graphic”. I really just need to get this out of my system.

I did a lot of research to get this right. Slowing down and manipulating video and audio to catch the glimpses of what was needed. I had to extrapolate from patterns, but I hope I did get everything right. I hope this meets expectations. My beta audience cheered me on with “bleehs” and “ewws”. I hope you feel the same way.

My research did uncover two manga scans of Hakkai in demon form. If you want them , they have been uploaded to the yahoo group “Hakkai_Love”. I’ll see ya there, maybe?

This chapter should come with a musical warning.

It is under the musical influence of:

“Tubular Bells” (LOTS of it) -- it is the theme from the Exorcist.

Kenny Loggins , “Highway to the Danger Zone”

Disturbed

Korn

and

Linkin Park.

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It was bound to happen. Things had been too quietly lately. The assassins were bound to catch up with them and catch up with them -- they did.
The defensive and offensive posturing positioned the four travelers in a nasty spot. Behind them, the edge of a cliff. In front of them, the five remaining assassins.
“Goddamn it. I am so sick of this shit.” ,Sanzo grumbled as he reloaded his weapon.
Hakkai sighed, “These look like Homura’s work.” He threw a chi ball and a demi-god dodged. He missed and slightly winced.
A bullet hit the ground mere millimeters from Gojyo’s foot.
Gojyo rolled his eyes as he swung his weapon, “Is the ink on that chakra even dry? I’m getting sick of these little, wimpy ….” He tried to find a word.
Goku laughed, “Godlets?”
Gojyo laughed as the chain recoiled, “Yeah Goku. Godlets. Good one.”
“Phraseology and linguistics can wait for a better time, don’t you agree?” Hakkai spoke between his gentle chuckles. Hakkai was working triple duty. Offense, defense and trying to keep a healthy distance away from Sanzo. This was getting thin; this was pushing on even his seemingly endless patience. He’d failed to noticed that Sanzo hadn’t done anything…said anything…or even implied anything since the comment this morning.
“Yeah, this is serious.“ Goku wasn’t sure what Hakkai had said, but figured agreeing with Hakkai was always safe. Goku swung his nyoi-bo around him and jumped up in the air.

Thirty minutes earlier:

The large demon turned “godlet” held the binoculars to his face, “Here they come.”
“We’re supposed to get the scripture, right?”
“Yep.” He said without moving the binoculars.
“So, that means we go after the priest, right?”
“Yep.”
“That’s the one in the robes, right?”
The large demi-god dropped the binoculars, rolled his eyes and sighed, “Are you stupid or something?”
The smaller demi-god looked down at his feet. “No, I just think it makes sense.”
“Which is why it CAN’T be the one in the robes. We‘re you born a dumb-ass or did you go to school for it? How do you manage to breathe?”
“Well, if I’m so stupid explain it to me.”
“Ok. If you were carrying around a scripture that everyone wanted and was willing to kill you for…would you just put it around your shoulders where someone could just snatch it off?”
“Well, no.” And, you shouldn’t end a sentence with a preposition.

“Would you let the priest that has the scripture look like a priest?” This demi-god just knew Homura was going to promote him for figuring out the Sanzo party all by himself.
“No.” The smaller demi-god’s voice grew smaller and smaller with each no. He realized his own logic was deeply flawed.
“So, what we need to do is not fall for their trick. We go for the one that looks nothing like a priest.” This was so obvious. The Sanzo party was feigning with the robed man and wanted people to target him. Hell, he was probably their strongest fighter. After all, wouldn’t you want to funnel your attackers to your strongest fighter?
The smaller demon narrowed his eyes as he thought about the description of the Sanzo party. “We go for the short, brown-haired one. That’s the priest.” He was proud of himself.
“You are too fucking stupid to live, do you know that?” He wiped his hands down his face. “No, that is not the priest. He’s way too young to be a priest. Anyway, who would trust a scripture like that with someone that small?” He had no clue what the scripture was “like”, but if Homura wanted it -- it had to be important.
“Oh, then….that means the taller, short-haired one.” Priests have to shave their heads, right? And so, he would grow out his hair as he tried to conceal his identity, but he hasn’t had that much time to grow it… so the priest had to be that one. He was proud again.
“I’m going to kill you to preserve the species. No goddamn it! We go for the one that looks the LEAST like a priest. We go for the tall one with the red hair. The long red hair and lots of exposed skin. God damn! That is the opposite of priest. He’s the one with the scripture. Shit…fuck.”
“But, he bares the mark of a taboo birth. A mongrel child can’t be a priest.” The pride was gone and utter confusion filled the void.
The larger demi-god ran his blade through the smaller one’s neck. He had too. He simply had to kill him. He couldn’t allow that stupidity free in the world . Hadn’t that waste of divinity ever heard of HAIR DYE? Shit!
He gathered the rest of his group and laid out the plan. It was a nice and simple plan. It had to work.

[End explanatory flashback]
Goku flew high up in the air and sailed down at an extreme rate of speed. He ran his nyoi-bo vertically through the weak demi-god as he landed. The brass pommel on his staff landed hard after slicing through the pathetic excuse for an opponent.
The ground cracked.
The rocks rolled.
The cliff-edge gave way.
The four heroes went tumbling ass over tin cups…all the way down.
As he traveled through the air, Sanzo fired his weapon and yelled, “Stupid Monkey!” He wondered if he could swing the fan without losing it.
Hakkai tried to cushion the landing with chi, but that was no good. They hit the ground…hard. They fell amidst rock and rubble.
The dust finally settled and Hakkai blinked open his eyes. Using the position of the sun as reference, he figured about two hours had passed, at least. He tested his arms and fingers. They were in working order. He pushed a rock off his legs and did an assessment of his body. There was a small internal ache that gave him a smile, but everything else was fine. He stood, coughed lightly and brushed himself off.
He saw a corner of Goku’s cape and pulled the rocks off him. The man-child blinked and did his own damage assessment. He was fine.
They saw a piece of Sanzo’s robe and pulled the rocks. The priest was out. Out like a broken light in an abandoned warehouse. Hakkai tentatively checked the priest wondering how this contact would be misinterpreted if the acid-breathed monk woke up at the wrong time. Hakkai mentally noted that: he had been hanging around Gojyo too much. However, luck was still with him. Sanzo had no noticeable wounds. Nothing seemed broken just a good solid jar to the head.
Hakkai turned around looking for the crimson topped Don Juan. He kept turning. He whipped his head from side to side. “Gojyo?” His voice heightened with panic, “Gojyo?! Gojyo!”
Goku looked around. “Gojyo! Sprite, where are you?”
Sanzo cursed as he rubbed the back of his head. “So much for fucking distance today.”
“Over there!” Hakkai exclaimed as he pointed. The two others looked at the packed dirt around them and saw what looked like drag marks and footprints. Without a second thought, Hakkai began to follow the trail.
The trail led them to a cave entrance. The three exchanged a brief glance as they entered the darkness. Dirt floors changed to marble as they walked into the depths. Wall torches meagerly lit the way.
Hakkai plucked one off the wall.
They heard a yell echo through the cave. There was no mistake…that was most definitely Gojyo.
They took off running and followed the sound.
The crack of a whip sliced the air.
They turned.
A smug, evil cackle was heard.
Sanzo kicked open a door.
They stepped into the moderately lit cavern and Hakkai dropped the torch.
Gojyo was chained the to the wall nearly stripped of all his clothes. His boxers were the only things protecting his tan skin from the relentless attentions of the whip and the fists of this captors.
One of the demi-gods grabbed a fistful of hair and yanked, “Give us the scripture, Priest.”
“I don’t have it! Shit, where would it be --- up my ass?” Gojyo’s chest was striped with wet, crimson lashes. His face wore darkening marks on his cheek bones. His lip was busted and blood ran down his cheek. One eye was swollen nearly shut. His legs were wet and bleeding from scrape marks and whip marks.
A demi-god cocked his arm and planted a punch in Gojyo’s ribs.
Gojyo offered a wet cough. He saw his band of brothers blearily, “You’re gonna pay for doing this to a holy man.” Kenren thought this was way too familiar. He was too protective for his own good…in both lives.
Sanzo’s stomach twisted in knots as he saw what Gojyo was willing to take for the mission…for him. He drew his gun and pulled the trigger.
The bullet traveled halfway to it’s target and stopped. It fell impuissant to the floor.

His mouth hung open.
Hakkai surveyed the scene. He noticed four demi-gods kneeling on the ground with their arms ridged and palms out.
Goku conjured his staff and swung it. The forward motion stopped at the same point Sanzo’s bullet did. The staff flew back and inertia carried Goku off the floor. He slammed into the wall behind him and bounced on the floor. He staggered to his feet.
The large demi-god dropped his arm and the whip crossed Gojyo’s midsection.
Hakkai threw a ball of chi. He noticed a small clear wave ripple from the point of contact. “A force field.”
The large “godlet” eerily laughed, “Come to watch your friend?” The whip flew.
Gojyo tried to just take it. He had an audience now. He had to be tough. He had to be the older brother. He had to be strong. He had to scream.
Emerald eyes flashed to jade, “You’re making me angry.”
Tenpou turned to face Hakkai. Hakkai faced Tenpou.
Hakkai knew he could do it. He knew he could get through that wall. He just had to try harder. He pulled chi from the earth, drew it up through his toes, and pushed it from his hands. His whole body took on a numinous yellow-white hue as his attack left him. The force field waved, but held fast.
Tenpou raised an eyebrow, “Well?”
The large demi-god bellowed as he waved his hand. A flail was brought forth. The chain clanked and the spiked ball twinkled.
Hakkai’s upper lipped curled over his teeth, “You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry.”
The large demi-god grabbed the grip of the flail and swung the ball in a small circle. “What can you do human?” He swung the flail and blood splattered from Gojyo’s mouth.
Hakkai bellowed, “LEAVE THE ROOM!”
Hakkai looked at Tenpou and held his hand out. Without a word, Tenpou gave Hakkai the key.
He-that-is-too-frightening-to-be-named screamed as the chains released and gave him the freedom of movement he yearned. He clawed his way to Hakkai and gripped the scared should-be-human’s shoulder. He demanded in a low rumbling voice, “Name me.”
Hakkai looked at his denied self and said one word, “Sanguinans.”
Tenpou gloomily nodded Blood Thirsty.

Sanguinans turned toward the outside world. His chains rattled behind him…sliding across the floor of Hakkai’s soul with his movements.
The chains…ever present…ever chasing.

CLINK……….… CLINK…..…… CLINK

Sanzo’s eyes widened and his face went pale as he heard the clink of Hakkai’s ear cuffs. He grabbed Goku by the collar and pulled him from the room. He slammed the door behind him.
“What the hell, Sanzo?” Goku whined. Disappointed that he was shoved out of a good fight -- fighting for a good reason was what Goku lived for. Well, that and His Sun.
Sanzo lit a cigarette, “You don’t want to see that.”
“See what?” Goku had been too busy trying to find an in with an opponent and didn’t notice Hakkai.
“Hakkai in his true ---” Sanzo’s words were drowned out by a deep rumbling yell on the other side of the door.
Hakkai’s head whipped back and his hands curled into fists.
Gojyo blinked. He barely muttered, “No…Hakkai….no.” He struggled to keep conscious.
Jade tendrils shot from the black pupils of Hakkai’s eyes. The deep, dark green fingered it’s way across and through emerald.

Jade overpowered Emerald.

Hakkai felt a gentle tug transform to a harsh pull on his fingers as his nails changed into long, hard, sharp points. He felt the tendons in his hand strain under his skin and nearly twist the thin bones as his fingers stretched and his palms elongated. A sharp pull on his ears quickly switched to striking, streaking pain as his ears shifted to points. Blood trickled down his cheeks. The skin on his face tightened and burned as his eyes angled and pointed. He felt his gums split as his canines elongated and pushed his other teeth to the side. The tinge of salt permeated his mouth --- it tasted good. He cried out and reddish spittle trailed between his jaws.
The thorny vine that trapped him to his past and pricked him when he tried to leave, pushed it’s way to the surface of his skin. Beginning at the jagged edges of his scar, searing heat twisted and turned around his waist, arms and hands. A tendril of heat wrapped its way up his jugular, over his jaw bone, above one eye, down between his eyes, down one side of his nose, across his cheek and back down his neck. The vine…the vine felt like a hot needle sliding between his flesh and skin. Oh-- the pain…the excruciating pain.

They were here….he could smell them.

Sanguinans tilted his head. His vision blurred. His eyes stung with sweat. His ears rung. His hands ached…ached for flesh. He drew his claws back and swiped at the invisible wall. His hands bounced off the barrier. He could smell the fleshlings, but he couldn’t reach his target. This frustrated him. This angered him. He pulled at his cloth binds and Hakkai used his alienated form as a chi turbo charge. A green shirt fell in shreds to the black marble floor.
Yellow streaks shot from Sanguinans and the force field shattered. He lumbered toward the stench of them. A smell…a bitter…a melancholy smell that called to him. A smell that beckoned him. A smell that haunted and hunted him.
He followed the aroma of fear and drew his hand back. He saw a shadowy shape in front of him and grabbed for it. He felt soft resistance and then a sudden release. Wet warmth engulfed his hands as he dove into the yelling shadow in front of him. The smell of blood was strong now. This was good. As his hand continued its morbid trajectory he felt something hard against his fingers and something wet and warm pulsated against his forearm. The pulsations stopped. He formed a fist and whipped his arm back. There was no more fear hiding in this one.
Entrails from the spent demi-god emerged from the cavity made by the invading arm. Blood splattered a “vined” lightly tanned chest. No longer identifiable organs fell to the ground with a wet “slooch“. Centrifugal force pushed blood into the air and it clung to the ceiling.
Gojyo had no problems keeping conscious now. He did, however, have problems keeping his breakfast down. He barely managed to keep his meal with him.

Goku looked up at Sanzo, “Uh.. Sanzo.”

“No Goku, we have to be here in case they try to escape.” Did the monkey want to fight that badly?

Sanguinans smelled something behind him. He turned his head, not even breathing hard, and found the figure that dared approach him. He blocked a futile attack with a swipe of his hand and felt skin, blood and flesh build up under his nails. He felt his fingernails slightly lift. His hand felt heavy. He shook his hand and clumps of red flung from his fingertips. He let the wet warmth stay on his chin. That figure was still there. He stretched his fingers out and pushed the shadow away. He felt a soft nudge against his palm. His thumb bumped against wet hardness then wet softness. His index finger and ring finger curved over something round and felt slight resistance before the his talons pierced something wet. He felt liquid squirt from around his fingers and run down his arm. He continued pushing his stalker until his fingertips breached something wet, warm and bumpy. The shadow fell.
His hand felt heavy again. He flung his hand and released it of its coating.
Gojyo saw two deflated eyeballs fly from Hakkai’s mutated hand and gray matter splattered on the ground. He turned his head and swallowed his breakfast back down.

“Sanzo?”

“Now, isn’t the time for eating, either.” Sanzo cringed.

The origin of fear had shifted. Something was on the move. With his shoulders hunched , and his arms limply hanging he turned his feet and focused on the fear.

He smelled the acidic tinge of urine as he loped toward the shadow. He stretched his arm out to grab it…to grab the fear.
His fingers felt ridges and slid to soft spots between the bumps. His claws found the path of least resistance. His palm hit something sold and hard. He shoved. The barrier shattered. His nails cut through an undulating wet spongy material and his fingers closed around a warm, wet, pulsating object. He bent his wrist and tried to retreat his arm. His fingers pulsated and twitched. He didn’t like that; he was in control now. Forces acting upon him kept him from his control … kept him from his intentions -- he couldn‘t have that. He closed a fist to stop the movement not from him.
Blood squirted and flew from the fist as the heart was crushed beneath talons and fingers. The large demi-god fell.
The useless organ fell from the fist as Sanguinans looked for other sources of fear.
Something sharp hit his arm. He pulled at it and felt something snap in his hands. A bubble and then a streak of warmth ran from the where the sharpness was.
The arrow fell impotent and broken to the ground. It found its target, but was useless the entire time.
The smell of fear grew stronger still. The aroma of his own blood mixed with that of others pushed him … egged him on. A pink tongue grazed white pointed teeth as he saw a distant shadow move. The fear was strong in this one. It pulled at him. It called to him. He answered.
His nails hooked something cloth. He tried to shake his talons free and something wrapped around his leg. He twisted his arm, something had him. Something was restraining him. He couldn’t be restrained. Not yet. He wasn’t done. He wanted to search…search for the fear. He jerked his arm up and heard a haunting series of cracks. It was music to his ears. The cloth ripped and his hand was free. He turned trying to find the source of the fear.
The demi-god laid defenseless at Hakkai’s feet. His shirt got trapped around the demonic hand. Now, he had no where to go and no way to move as his back was broken ten times over.
Sanguinans could smell the fear plainly, but he couldn’t find it. This frustrated him. This made him angry. Something tugged at his feet. Something was trying to restrain him again. “Not yet!” He bellowed as he kicked his foot trying to get whatever was near him away. His shoe pushed at something soft and then it went away. He stomped toward the next target. He nearly stumbled.
The broken demi-god flew through the air with Hakkai’s kick. His last vision was the bottom of Hakkai’s shoe. His head burst and brain, blood and hair exploded in a circle where his thoughts once were.
Gojyo tried to turn his head. He was too late. He saw it. He did manage to miss himself when he lost control of his meal. He spat trying to get the bile from his mouth.

The hair on the back of Sanguinans’s neck stood on end. He whipped around. Something bright was coming for him. He held his hands up and without effort chi flew from his hands. He heard a loud yell and the heightened sense of fear re-focused.

He turned toward the fear and smelled something else…something that smelled acidic, but he couldn’t identify it. He’d follow the fear and go for curiosity next.
He sniffed the air as he found the trembling lump that exuded fear. He reached out for it. Trying to grab the fear. He owned fear. Fear was his and his alone. No one else deserved his fear. He didn’t share. He clawed and clamored to bring his fear back to him. He couldn’t have some entity stealing his fear. His hands quickly grew heavy. He flung and flailed his arms trying to lighten his load. He had to gather his fear quickly before it went away. His fear, his precious fear. He dropped to his knees, he knew his fear was here somewhere. He had to get to It. He had to find it. He would just keep searching and searching….digging and digging until he found it. Wet warmth smacked against his skin and ran down his arms. Finally, he had all his fear --- from this one. For there was no more aroma of fear with this one.
Gojyo offered an unproductive retch as he saw the demi-god literally get ripped to shreds. Entrails and whole body parts flung from around Hakkai’s back. Pieces of organs flung up and stuck to ceiling. Sections of intestines wrapped quickly around Hakkai’s arm and flew to the side -- spinning in the air until they splattered to the floor.
Hair, teeth and eyeballs bounced and skidded across the floor.

“Sanzo, would you listen to me!” Goku yelled.

“What is it?” Sanzo resigned himself to listening or being pestered to death.

Something “splooted” against the door and a pool of crimson seeped from under the door.

The beckoning aroma of fear had greatly diminished now. There was only a little left and it was near that other smell. That acidic, bile-like smell. He turned toward the smell and lumbered to it.
This freedom felt good. This freedom was what he ached for…this was the peace he tried to find. This is the only kind of action that can cure blood-lust. This is the only kind of meal that can quench blood-thirst. This felt great! This felt like home.
Hakkai panicked. No! Not home. Not home!

Sanguinans hovered near the still figure before him. The smell of blood was strong with this one, but the fear was weak. Maybe this one had more fear…more of his fear, but that bile smell was hiding it? Maybe this one was the one stealing his fear? He had to find his fear. He was going to have to dig deep for these babies. He had to save his baby…he had to gather his children. He had to reclaim his other half. He needed his …he needed his…. He drew his arm back.
Hakkai screamed, “That’s GOJYO!”
Tenpou ran to grab the chain and tugged with all his might. “Kenren!”
Hakkai scrambled to pull on the chain.
Swarms of people flew from the dark recesses of Hakkai’s mind. All calling to Gojyo by their own names for him. These were people even Tenpou didn’t know. They all pulled on the chains. Trying to reel in Sanguinans. All pulling. All screaming. All failing.

“Isn’t Gojyo in there? With Hakkai?” Goku couldn’t believe Sanzo didn’t realize this. “And isn’t he in chains? Unable to defend himself?”
Sanzo felt the blood leave his face.

Gojyo looked into the jade cat’s eyes that looked at him from behind a blood splattered face. Gojyo offered a weak smile. So this is it. This is how I’m going to die. At least it was a friend.

Sanguinans couldn’t move his arm. Someone was restraining him again. Something prevented him from moving. He’d use his chi. He didn’t like to use the chi. It felt alien to him. He had to gather his loved ones with his hands. He had to touch them…he had to feel them. Getting them home was the important part. He’d use whatever means was necessary to get his baby and his other half. Whatever means was necessary. A large ball of yellow-white chi formed in his hand.
Gojyo tried one last ditch effort at self preservation. If this didn’t work --- he just hoped it was quick and relatively painless. “Emerald.” Crimson probed at dark jade. Crimson grazed emerald’s soul. “Just relax and hang on, I‘ll get you through this .”
The chain went taunt.
Sanguinans dropped to his knees. Gojyo wondered what the hell he was going to do with a horny demon. He may have just made the situation worse. Is it possible to get fucked to death? If it was possible, that was most definitely they way Gojyo wanted to be taken out.

Only by what could be described as an unseen act of God….
“A-hem…that’s Goddess -- mostly, ” Long dark-brown hair danced over a white dress.
Only by what could be described as an unseen act of Goddess…an act of mercy…did a soft, electric-blue glow form around Hakkai’s ear.
Yellow chi morphed to green. Lips touched. Tongues danced together.
Sanzo whipped the door open.
Goku yelled. “Oh GROSS! They’re kissing!”
The fan flew.
Goku whined as he rubbed his head, “It’s just weird when they do it.”
Sanzo took a few steps and bent down. He picked up Hakkai’s monocle and wiped it off -- using Goku’s cape.
Goku cocked his head to the side, gave a sarcastic half smile and looked at Sanzo, “That’s just foul.” He snatched his cape around himself and out of Sanzo‘s hand.
Gojyo and Hakkai became engulfed in the huge ball of green chi. All of Gojyo’s wounds began to seal and heal. Hakkai collapsed. His ear-cuffs twinkled in the light as he fell into Gojyo’s lap. Sanguinans still didn’t have all that he’d lost. He cursed his chains.
Hakkai kept that key. He’d be much more careful next time. No! There would not be a next time. No! Could be really deny himself forever? He couldn’t…. he wouldn’t risk sacrificing his friends to Sanguinans. He wanted to swear there would not be next time. He wanted to promise everyone those cuffs would never come off again. He knew that would be a promise he probably would not be able to keep.
His head hurt.
His body screamed.
He felt the lacerations in his skin move and pucker as he twisted. His eyes fluttered open as he tried to get to his feet. He froze. He scanned the room.
Something red, wet and sticky fell from the ceiling and landed at Sanzo’s feet with a nauseating splat. It had just enough distance as to not soil his robes. Sanzo’s lip twitched. Sanzo thought, Gojyo’s plan most definitely didn’t suck.
Hakkai tried to take in the red sea around him. He took the monocle from Sanzo and he adjusted it on his face. He saw the scattered pieces and remains of his foes. He saw the mixture of coagulating blood on the floor, walls, ceiling and himself. Something unidentifiable, red, and sticky fell from his bangs. Did I do this? He fell right --the fuck-- over. Straight back. Deadpan. His eyes didn’t flutter. He didn’t shift his arms to protect himself. He didn’t bend his knees. He just fell over. His head hit the hard marble floor and an ominous crack echoed. A pool of crimson began to form beneath dark brown hair.
Goku took in his surroundings and felt his stomach try to cinch. He barely muttered, “Is this how it is after….after me?”
Sanzo softly shook his head, “No. With you it is worse.”
Goku promised himself he’d never take off his headband -- ever again. If he couldn’t win with his senses intact, then he didn’t deserve to win.
Sanzo raised his gun and pointed it at Gojyo.
Gojyo’s eyes grew wide, “What the fuck, Monk? It’s not my fault they captured me. I was knocked out. After what I‘ve been through -- ya know. Fuck ya. Fuck ya hard. Fucking shoot me. Just do it.”
Sanzo humph’ed and pulled the trigger. “Don’t tempt me.” He fired another shot. “Do you have a key to those?”
Gojyo felt his wrists jerk as Sanzo’s bullet broke the metal binds. Gojyo rubbed his wrists and slowly stood. “I spoke out of line, sorry.”
Sanzo pushed the gun back into his robes, “Did you?”
The fan flew.
Gojyo rubbed his head, “What the hell? I just got healed.”
Goku spoke softly, “Uh…guys….”
Sanzo glowered at Gojyo, “I said don’t tempt me, Sprite.”
“Ya know…you are a prick,” Gojyo snatched his clothes from where they were thrown by the demi-gods. He didn’t know how or when he got undressed. He regained consciousness in the chains, but he spied them earlier.
“Uh…guys…” Goku tried desperately to break up the spat.
“And you’re a jerk.” Violet narrowed.
“At least I’m not an ass.” Crimson glared as he pulled the blue always unbuttoned button-up over his shoulders.
“That’s debatable.” Violet went smug.
“Look!” Goku yelled, “If you are done flirting, would you mind listening to me for one brief moment?”
The two “adults” looked at the “youth” of the group. They‘d just been called down and they knew it. “What?” They inquired simultaneously and angrily.
Goku sighed, “Hakkai isn’t moving.”
Gojyo dropped to his knees beside Hakkai. Sanzo knelt trying to see if Hakkai’s chest was moving -- Hakkai was indeed not moving. Gojyo put an ear to Hakkai’s chest and tried to feel for a pulse. He tried to do it just like he saw Hakkai do it too many times to the persnickety blonde. He closed his eyes to just focus on hearing and feeling. His head pressed against Hakkai’s cut and blood spattered chest.
Gojyo muttered, “He’s breathing, barely. We need to get him attention…quick.”
Sanzo stood and looked for Hakuryuu. “Where’s Hakuryuu?”
Gojyo and Goku looked at each other as if the other was the one on Hakuryuu watch.
Gojyo shrugged, “I don’t know. I usually don’t keep up with small animals while I’m being interrogated.” He wasn’t trying to pick a fight. He was trying to distance himself from the situation the only way he knew how. Goddamnit, if he were to actually think about how badly Hakkai was hurt…then…then he’d just lose it. He’d just break down and lose it. Too late, he thought about it. He felt himself begin to break. He gritted his teeth as he slid a hand under his friend and lover’s knees. He cradled Hakkai’s head with his hand and blood ran between his fingers. “I don’t know.” He slid his arm across Hakkai’s shoulders, keeping the wet head in the crook of his elbow.
Goku shook his head slightly as he tried to jar his memory, “I don’t remember seeing him since we were attacked and Hakkai told him to fly to safety.”
Sanzo mumbled, “Well, he’s not down here.” They headed for the door and rapidly made their way to the surface.
As they stepped into the scarlet hues of sunset, a screech was heard over head. A small white dragon swooped down toward them.
Gojyo looked at Hakuryuu as Hakuryuu cooed at Hakkai. A small snout nudged a limp hand. Red eyes pleaded with crimson.
At least that is how it appeared on the outside.
Hakuryuu had been spending this time trying to follow the sporadic scent trail of this separated charges. Why Hakkai commanded him away during most battles, he never understood. He could hold his own. Sure, he looked like a small fragile dragon, but he was still a dragon. He had talons and he knew how to use them. He also commanded fire, but did these four idiots give him the opportunity to showcase his skills? No…they did not. It was always “Hakuryuu this isn’t safe for you.” Or, “Give me a moment here would you?” Or, some other thinly guised insult. All of them meant the same thing to Hakuryuu all of them said ‘You are small ;therefore, you must be weak.’ He wasn’t weak. He came from a long line of warrior dragons….one day he’d prove his worth to them. One day he’d be on top. One day they will come to know the power of White Dragon. The power of the Western Seas Clan, but…for that day to come…he had to find them.
Tenpou commanded and he obeyed. No questions. No doubt. No trepidation. His Marshal spoke and that was law. He’d fly away, but they never left his sight. Except this time. He turned to fly and next thing he knows there is a loud crash. He raced back to the last place he last saw them and picked up the scent. The ground work was easy, almost below his superb tracking skills. The abrupt stop baffled him, then he noticed the rubble. Rubble like that has only one cause…Goku.
He swooped down and began to investigate the rubble. There were three trails from the rubble. Three trails and three different time stamps. Gojyo and some odd demon-like smells went one direction. Hakkai, Sanzo and Goku went the same direction. The last scent trail ,also the oldest, went in a second direction. He figured the four could play solider a bit while he made use of his military expertise. He followed the lone trail.
That trail led him to an average sized encampment that edged up to the mountain face. His aerial reconnaissance allow him to quickly deduce that these people were connected to whomever his people were after inside that cave. Targets of opportunity were locked and loaded.
He swooped through the air, nimbly dodging arrows, spears and various other legitimate and makeshift projectile weapons. Sanzo’s sporadic gunfire was good training. He dive-bombed a few people and snagged the odd snack. He was in his element now. He wheeled, turned and twisted. The targets that weren’t running or ducking were experiencing the sweet cessation of essential bodily functions. He let out a battle cry as a good number of volatiles achieved ambient temperature. In his reveling, he did not notice nor ponder the implications of the fact that he just wiped out a few gods. Even Hakuryuu did not know the deep power of White Dragon.

He figured his charges were done playing defender of the world and decided to head back. He chuckled as he raced back to the cave entrance, that was one encampment that was missing a slew of tents and personnel. It was magnificent to be back in the thick of things. He sang cadence as he flew. He figured their HQ , communications and munitions tent were sufficiently in flames. His Marshal would be proud, if only his Marshal knew he was the Marshal. Sigh.
Commendations and medals meant nothing to Gojun. Honor and pride, however, were mission critical. Personal pride and the honor of good works were tantamount to clan-pride. Clan Honor.
He saw the crimson hair of Gojyo emerged from the cave and knew his sense of timing was still on point. As he glided toward heaven’s troublemakers he noticed Hakkai. He also noticed that Hakkai was shirtless and covered in blood. The others were relatively clean. Four men went to fight. One is injured, the others clean. This shit was NOT going to happen again. He was not going to sit idly by as Hakkai became the new cannon fodder. Someone was going to answer for this. Could they not protect the Marshal for one apparently brief battle?
Fire flickered from behind his eyes as he swooped down to them. Someone was going to die. What the hell happened, General?!

He hovered near Gojyo and nudged Hakkai’s hand. I demand your debrief right now!

Gojyo looked at the diminutive hovering figure, “Hakuryuu,”
Hakuryuu knew this was serious, Kenren didn’t call him ‘parrot‘.
Gojyo continued, “I don’t know if you can understand us, but please try.”
Kenren used the word ’please’, oh this was getting worse.
“Hakkai’s been hurt --bad. We need to get him to help.”
Hakuryuu looked at Hakkai. Hakkai wasn’t simply hurt, and he was beyond injured. The Marshal was wounded.
In a numinous light, Hakuryuu transformed into the jeep. Gojyo sat in the back cradling Hakkai. Sanzo and Goku sat in the front. Sanzo looked at the various controls in front of him. He’d seen Hakkai do this for more hours than he cared to ponder. He could do this. He looked at the long gear shift, the short gear shift and the three pedals. There were all sorts of levers and switches on the steering column. What the fuck do they all the do? Where the hell is “go”? Preferably “go really fucking fast.”

Sanzo didn’t have the chance to test a single switch before Hakuryuu screeched. The three men jerked back and whipped forward. They were speeding toward what they hoped was a close town.
An explosion was heard behind them. The mountain began to shake and rocks fell. Hakuryuu peeped a victory cry as he knew that munitions tent just went off. That encampment was no more.
Gojyo stroked his thumb across Hakkai’s cheek. His fingers traced the various wounds and lacerations across Hakkai’s body. He gingerly touched Hakkai’s fingers. He looked at the now rounded and delicately manicured nails. Something didn’t look right. Something was off. He looked at Hakkai’s face. Something was odd there too. He pieced it together, “Faster Sanzo! He’s turning blue!”
Sanzo was again denied technological curiosity as the Hakuryuu kicked it to high gear.
Goku looked at his two alert companions, “Do we even know where we’re going?”
Sanzo pointed forward, “That way.”
Goku rolled his eyes, “Do we know where ‘that way’ is?”
Sanzo nodded, “West.”
Goku pushed his hand into his forehead, he nearly wished for ‘Never mind, Goku’.
Gojyo looked up as the stars began to emerge from their cloaking blue cover. Where was one of those conveniently placed gifts of heaven now?
Jiroshin looked over at the Merciful Goddess, “My lady, you help them during sex, but not now?”
She sighed, “They’ll be fine. They’re the heroes of this little saga. That’s the way these things work.”
“If they are the heroes, who are the bad guys?”
She curled her bottom lip between her teeth. Even she wasn’t sure what the answer to that question was. “Maybe, I should do something.”
Finally, they hit some semblance of road. Hakuryuu peeled out. The engine whined as the RPM’s threatened to redline. He was a rugged trekking vehicle not a performance racer, but he‘d make this work -- even if it killed him. The Marshal was going to live, damn it!. With speed that didn’t register on the speedometer (if Sanzo would have known where to look to notice), a town came into view on the horizon.
Tires screeched on cobblestone streets as they came to a halt. Hakuryuu stopped at the first building that seemed to have life on the inside.
Sanzo jumped from the jeep.
Goku popped out of his seat and helped Gojyo get Hakkai out.
Gojyo resettled his cradle carry on Hakkai and began to walk toward the building.
Goku grabbed all their packs. He patted the hood of the jeep and whispered, “Good Dragon.”
Hakuryuu transformed with his honor intact. He hovered near Sanzo.
Sanzo whipped open the door and bellowed, “We need a doctor!”
It isn’t everyday that one has a Sanzo priest, a short, tanned, caped-adolescent, a half-breed, a small white dragon, and some bleeding and broken guy walk into one’s bar. This grabbed the attention of all. The crowd hushed. Glasses clanked softly on tables. Chopsticks clicked on porcelain.
Every inn had a front desk clerk. Every bar had a bartender. Every bar also had the obnoxious drunk.
A man staggered slightly as he bellowed, “This ain’t a clinic!”
Sanzo whipped his gun out and cold, icy, violet eyes traveled down his arm, over the sights of the gun and through the drunk bastard, “This ain’t a request. Someone with medical training… here …right fucking now.” He spoke with calm command that dropped the room temperature.
The bartender grabbed a young patron by the shoulder and that young man ran off into the street. The bartender looked at the robed man, “On the way.”
Sanzo dropped his gun.
The front desk clerk walked up to Goku. The blonde had a gun and apparently a temper. The half-breed had way too much blood on him to be safe; he was also holding a figure that smelled real bad and was more wet than dry. She figured now would not be a good time to inform them, they didn’t allow animals. “Let me get you to a room while we wait.”
Goku nodded. They followed her through the hallways of the inn and she opened a door. The room had one queen-sized sleigh bed and a small settee area.
Gojyo laid Hakkai on the bed. Without looking over his shoulder, he spoke, “Bowl, warm water, sponge and towels.” As he scanned Hakkai’s limp and bloody form laying on the bed, the thought this felt too familiar. His mind flashed back to the pitiful figure he met all those years back. The figure that had he called Emerald just to keep from having to refer to him as “That Guy”. The figure he’d gotten to know and care for . The figure that became his friend and now his lover. He dropped to his knees and squeezed his eyes shut to hold off burning tears.
The desk clerk returned with the items. She eyed Hakkai as she handed them to Gojyo. “What happened? He looks like an animal got to him.”
Gojyo softly replied, “An animal did get to him.”
She closed the door behind her.
Gojyo sat the items on the night stand and asked the others to help him get Hakkai out of his blood soak clothes.
The lacerations moved and twisted as they tried to be gentle getting him undressed. The jagged edges bent and puckered revealing glistening flesh. Fresh blood seeped from the wounds…a sickening blood… a blood that went pale as the red blood cells grew thin in his system and platelets tried to operate the body.
Gojyo rang the sponge out in the water and began to wipe Hakkai’s face clean.
Sanzo scanned Hakkai. “I’m surprised they even got one hit in.”
Gojyo sighed as he rinsed the sponge, “They didn’t. These are all self inflicted.”
“What?” Goku’s mouth hung open.
Sanzo’s eyes narrowed.
Gojyo wiped at Hakkai’s arm, “I thought they tagged him with and arrow, but he seemed to sense it coming. He grabbed it just before it broke the skin and his thumb gouged his arm.” The sponge revealed a deep round puncture wound. The tan skin surrounded red flesh that changed to pale pink that hinted at blue as the depth of the puncture was visually probed. Gojyo wrung the sponge in now crimson water as he moved to Hakkai’s chest. “He tore at his shirt and this happened.” The claw marks shifted as Hakkai’s skin seemed several sizes too big. “And you saw the head wound happen.”
Gojyo shook his head as he looked at Hakkai’s clean-as-it-was-going-to-get chest. He gently pulled the sheet over the broken man. He folded a towel and placed it under Hakkai’s head. At least the blood had tapered-off.
Gojyo sighed as Hakuryuu curled up beside Hakkai’s head and shoulders.
Gojyo shrugged, “Ya know, there is something I just don’t get.” He tried to wipe the blood from himself.
Sanzo lit a cigarette, “What’s that?”
Gojyo lit a cigarette, “It didn’t seem like he was fighting. It was like he was looking for something and those guys were just in his way. Killing seemed like a means to an end. He was mumbling. Most of it I couldn’t make out. I did catch, ‘home’, ‘not here’, ‘baby’, and ‘half’.
Sanzo and Gojyo watched Hakkai hoping to see some kind of movement from him.
Sanzo shrugged, “I don’t understand all of it, but do I really have to explain to you who he was seeking?”
Gojyo’s head dipped forward, “Who…not what, yeah. I get it now. I guess when he falls in love it really is forever.”
Sanzo took a drag from his cigarette, “Do you really think you can handle---”
The door opened, “Well, if it isn’t The Great Genjyo Sanzo.” The female voice interrupted him.
Sanzo turned around. He knew that sarcastic, arrogant, smug voice. He saw the orange-red haired, green-eyed, freckle-faced woman that time seemed to have forgotten. “The monkey isn’t the one that is hurt. What the hell are you doing here?”
She stepped into the room. “Nice to see you again too. You’ve been hit in the damn head, that would be a dragon not a monkey. And, I’m all this town has. By the looks of it you need someone. Someone real fucking bad. So you can suck it up or suck off. I give a shit.”
“Fuck you”, was all that Sanzo said as he sat down in a chair.
She chuckled, “Already have done. Several times.”
Gojyo bit his lips as he knew that had to have been one nasty break-up. If Hakkai wasn’t in such serious condition he would have used this.
Sanzo stabbed his cigarette out in the ashtray, “No encore needed.”
Goku walked up to the familiar woman, “Nice to see you again, Tano.”
She smiled, “Good to see you too. I see he hasn’t killed you, yet.”
Goku chuckled. “What are you doing this far west?”
“I set up a clinic --”
Gojyo sighed, “I hate to break up this happy little reunion, but,” he used both hands to motion toward Hakkai ,”the hurt guy.”
She leaned over Hakkai and without batting an eyelash she whipped the sheet off. “Good lord.” She looked over her shoulder at Sanzo, “Freakiness get out hand?”
Gojyo grabbed her shoulder, “Look, we’ll both get him later. Focus on the dying guy now, ok?” It wasn’t like Gojyo to pass on any opportunity to irritate the monk, especially when he had such high caliber ammunition fall in his lap, but Hakkai was hurt and needed at attention --- damn it. “Shooting” at Sanzo could wait.
Tano chuckled, “I am. Oh, you mean the hurt guy. Ok.”
She lifted Hakkai’s eyelids and curled her hands around his skull. “Got a head injury.” She spoke so matter-of-factly it was as if she was asking for light for a cigarette.
Gojyo rolled his eyes, “No, shit huh?”
“Lacerations….puncture wound. Yeah…he’s pretty well fucked up.”
Gojyo gritted his teeth, “Nice. Would that be your expert medical opinion?”
She whipped her head, “Look buster! I don’t have any human size equipment. I’m think ---”
Gojyo yelped, “What? Human-sized equipment? What the hell are you?”
“A veterinarian.” She spoke calmly.
Gojyo shook a fist toward the sky, “What the fuck!”
The Merciful Goddess shook a fist back ,”It was the best I could do with short notice! Suck my dick, Kenren!”
Jiroshin paled, “My…lady… the things you say.”
She sighed, “Oh grow a pair, Jiroshin.”
Tano continued, “I’m thinking he has a concussion and I can’t believe you let him go to sleep.” She glared at Sanzo.
The blonde growled, “He knocked himself out on the floor.”
Gojyo waved his hand to break the battling gazes, “It bled…a lot.”
She shrugged, “Head wounds bleed…a lot. Now, we just need to bandage him up and try to get him some fluids. If pale pink shit comes out of his ears, nose or eyes we have a serious problem.” You won’t need me anymore. She put her fingers around Hakkai’s head. “There doesn’t seem to be any indication of serious swelling.”
“Great, just great. Fan-damn-tastic. Now, we‘re on the look out for ‘pink shit‘. Damn ‘C’ minus doctor.”
She snapped her head toward Gojyo, “Would you rather me use words like intracranial pressure or potential brain edema or ---”
“No, no…break it down for me.”
“He’s cut and he’s unconscious.”
“Step it up for me.”
“He’s got a concussion. He shouldn’t be allowed to sleep.”
“He won’t wake up.”
“We bandage him and wait. Keep an eye on his respiration and hope his brain doesn’t swell too much. Is that enough medical fucking terminology for you?”
Gojyo walked over to the table and pressed his cigarette out. Tano sent Goku out to get cool water and a fresh clean sponge.
Gojyo and Tano bandaged Hakkai and wrapped him in the sheets on the bed. The weather was warm enough, that sheets alone should be fine… at least that’s what the freaking ‘C’ minus doctor assured Gojyo.
Goku returned with the items and Tano gingerly dripped some water into Hakkai’s mouth.
Gojyo sat down on the floor and leaned his back against Hakkai’s bed. Goku sat in a chair.
Tano walked over and picked up Sanzo’s cigarettes, “Same nasty-ass brand I see. I swear you never change.” She fished one out and lit it.
Sanzo rolled his eyes. Just like old times.

She sat down in one of the two remaining chairs.
Sanzo glared at her, “Aren’t you going to leave?”
She shook her head, “Not with someone in this condition. You‘ll drown him trying to get him fluids”
Violet narrowed.
She grinned, “Go ahead try to deny it. Even you have to admit, I’m a good doctor.”
Sanzo looked over at Hakkai. “Whatever.” He couldn’t deny it. He couldn’t come close to denying it. He knew Tano’s history.
Tano wasn’t formally educated, beyond the typical general education. She was orphaned shortly after birth and was taken in by a highly respected veterinarian. She began her apprenticeship before she could walk. She was a veterinarian in her own right before she was old enough to drink.
Gojyo chuckled, “So, what happened?”
Tano raised an eyebrow, “Between us?”
Goku cringed and tried to wave Gojyo off the subject.
Gojyo saw Goku and ignored him. “Yeah, between you two.”
Tano huffed, “He’s an asshole.”

Sanzo sneered, “She’s a bitch.”
Gojyo laughed as they spoke simultaneously.
Goku spoke through his teeth, “I swear, you two are giving me a cerebral hemorrhage.“
The three “adults” paled briefly as the advanced words effortlessly slipped from between Goku’s teeth. None of them thought the man-child capable of such concepts. Little did they know or appreciate the fact that Goku was ever alert and ever learning. The sudden appearance of intelligence had the intended effect. Goku smiled smugly as he manipulated the adults into not fighting. With a soft sigh and brief resignation he looked over at Tano, “Is he gonna be ok?”
Tano smiled and patted one of Goku’s hands, “Yeah, he’ll be fine. His body needs to rest to focus on healing.”
Gojyo took a drag from his cigarette, “How long were you together?”
Tano and Sanzo spoke simultaneously, “Too fucking long.”
Goku clapped his fingers together near his lips.
Tano decided to change the subject, “So, what did happen? And why is he the only one hurt?” She eyed Sanzo. “I would go back to my freakiness theory, but it wouldn’t quite work out this way would it?”
“Shut the fuck up, woman.”
Tano chuckled as she turned her head.
Hakuryuu lifted his head and eyed the humans. He wanted to know the answer to this too.
Gojyo shrugged, he figured mentioning the whole demon thing would be a little much. “We got separated and he got ambushed.”
She raised an eyebrow. She recalled Sanzo’s earlier comment. “ Knocked himself out on the floor? And, those are self inflicted wounds. What really happened?”
Sanzo curled his lip, “I don’t think it is any of your damn business.”
“Look prick!” She pointed her finger at Sanzo. “I see the ear-cuffs and I’ve known about the headband. I know he’s a half-breed and I know you don’t much care for your own kind. So, what … the hell … happened?”
“Fine!” Sanzo relayed the story.
Gojyo filled in where Sanzo couldn’t.
She nodded. “Ok then. Yeah Goku, he’ll be fine. I’m willing to bet he didn’t knock himself out on the floor. Not for this long at least. He’s probably sleeping off the … errr….transformation.”
“Well, at least I would be. My, isn‘t it lively in here.”
Everyone whipped their heads around as Hakkai’s soft words drifted through the room.
Goku bounced out of his chair. “You’re awake!”
Gojyo turned around and rested on his knees.
Hakkai was out again.
Tano smiled. “He’s struggling to wake up.” She nodded her head sharply, “Expect that.”
She had no idea how hard Hakkai was struggling to get back to the present. To grab consciousness. The last thing he remembered seeing was a bloody Gojyo and a sea of crimson and body parts. He had to know how far his rage went. Consciousness kept slipping from his fingers.
Goku was the only one in the room that could relate to what Hakkai was going through. He bent down and whispered something to Hakkai. He patted Hakkai’s shoulder softly and stood. He looked around the room. “We should let him rest.”
Tano nodded. “Yep. I’m not so concerned about the concussion now that someone has told me the truth.”
Tano, Sanzo and Goku headed for the door. Goku looked over his shoulder, “I’m sure you can take care of him.”
The three left the room.
Sanzo, Goku and Tano walked down the hallway in silence. The two men peeled off toward the dining hall and Tano stopped at the front desk.
Sanzo and Goku sat down at a table. Sanzo looked up at Goku, “After you eat, I want you to check on Hakkai and Gojyo.”
Goku nodded. He didn’t question. He knew Tano and Sanzo had unfinished business. “Sure Sanzo. Do you want me to come back and let you know anything?”
“Only if it is bad news.” Sanzo lit a cigarette.
Goku nodded as he waved for a waitress.
Tano turned from the front desk and began to walk toward the table. She scanned the room and saw the gawking from the other patrons. Apparently, they were still shocked from the presence of such an unorthodox Sanzo priest. As she passed a table, she turned her head and locked eyes with a man. “If you stare , he will shoot you.”
His head jerked as if he couldn’t break eye contact fast enough. His hair whipped around his face as his field of vision was filled with nothing but his plate.
Tano softly chuckled.
As she walked Sanzo began to take in her timeless appearance. It seemed as if he saw her last just yesterday. She was still the same grounded, earthy,

low-maintenance woman he knew. Her red-orange hair was tied loosely at the nape of her neck. Her bangs flopped over her eyebrows. Her clothes hung loosely over her shapely athletic, but almost boyish figure. She wore a loose fitting white lab coat and a green t-shirt. Her pants were woven kaki with large loose cuffs just above ankles. Her feet sockless -- as always -- even in the winter. Her sensible clogs were caked with mud. Her nails were cut short and smoothly rounded. She wore no make-up. She possessed a sensible, natural, girl-next-door beauty. She carried a black bag in one hand and a pack thrown over one shoulder.
She smiled softly as she handed a key to Goku. “Here ya go.”
Goku smiled.
She pushed another key in her pocket.
Sanzo lifted an eyebrow briefly, “You’re staying here tonight?”
She nodded as she sat down, “Yep, the clinic is covered. Your friend needs me close.”
Sanzo looked at the glowing ember on his cigarette. He knew this was bad. If Tano wanted to stay close, then Hakkai’s condition was worse than she was letting on. He knew her clinic couldn’t be that far from here and if that short distance was too far…this was bad. He looked up at her, “How bad is it?”
Tano cut her eyes quickly toward Goku and back at Sanzo, “He’ll be fine. I’m just taking what is probably a needless precaution.”
Sanzo’s eyes narrowed slightly. Bullshit. You never take needless precautions.

A drunk staggered toward their table. Goku sweated. Sanzo gritted his teeth. Tano tried to ignore the social intruder. “Heya therrree prwetty lady.”
Tano sighed. “So Goku, what are you going to eat?”
“Hey…woman. I’m tawlking to you.”
Goku shrugged, “What would you recommend?”
“Surely, you want more than the company of a child and monk tonight.”
Tano smiled at Goku, “For you anything would work.”
“Look bitch.” He grabbed her shoulder. “I’m tawlking to you.”
Tano snatched his forearm and twisted. She stood up and began walking him backwards. “Look you little boy wrapped in a man’s body. You really don’t want to fuck with me.” She continued to shove him backwards. “You can’t possibly handle me.” She pushed him down in a chair. “You’d just lay there and bleed.” She turned sharply and walked back to the table. She jerked her head over her shoulder, “And, he’s a priest get it fucking right.”
Sanzo hmphed. Yes, just like old times. He looked at Tano as she sat back down. “The villagers here have not yet learned.”
She shrugged, “I guess not.”
Goku placed his order. Sanzo and Tano ordered coffee.
They waited in silence for their food to come. Sanzo’s mind drifted back and over his memories with her.
He knew her from a less stressful time in his life. He’d finished with the explosive venting over Master Sanzo’s death. He was functioning on sustained, barely controlled, anger , resentment, bitterness, and self-betrayal.
He’d been summoned to some piddly little temple and there he waited for word from the Three Aspects. They’d call him, but they’d call him for bullshit errands. Errands he despised. Errands that kept him from his real responsibility. Errands that wasted his fucking time. However, on one of these errands he met a special veterinarian.
He began to look forward to the errands, they became his excuse to leave the temple. As time wore on he began to create the need for his own errands. Eventually, he would just up and leave the temple with no excuses or reasons to anyone. The monks there had learned not to pester him with too many questions.
Tano.
Tano accepted him for what he was and who he was. She never asked, “What kind of priest … “ She never probed too deeply or asked him too many questions. She just accepted his presence and his attentions or un-attentions whatever the case may be. She never had any expectations of him or for him. She never had some ideal that he felt he had to live up to. She just was. And, she just let him be. When he entered her house, his robes were clothing --- not the visual reminder of the burden of being “Sanzo”.
Sometimes he’d stay with her for just a few days, once he stayed with her for a whole month. Sometimes Goku would tag along and sometimes Sanzo would ask him to stay at the temple.
She gave spitefulness as good as she got and he liked that. He liked her vim and vigor. She saw through his hardened exterior and seemed to just know him. She saw the man underneath that exterior. The man that so desperately wanted love and acceptance, but only got sneers and rejection thrown in his face. A man so washed with hurt that he’d begun to believe he didn’t deserve that wanted love and acceptance. A man that hid within so deeply that he didn’t even bother trying anymore. This man. … the man that was hidden within the man was the man she touched. Two people have touched that man…Tano and Goku. They touched Sanzo in their own unique ways…two ends of a spectrum.
Any outsider would have thought the two were on the verge of going to blows. That was them. That was simply they way they were and how they did things. Goku gave up figuring out this twisted little relationship a long time ago. He just let it be and accepted that they were they.
She never called upon him at the temple, she always let him come to her. Come to her he did. When he would need her or desire her company he would reach out to her. Many times, he’d head out of the temple not knowing what he was seeking and he’d find himself at her door without thinking about it. Time was, he’d find his way to her no longer than every three weeks. She was always there. She’d rearrange her life to have time with him. More often than not, they’d just sit on her back porch and share drinks, smokes and stars. As their relationship transitioned into ‘comfortable’ he began to open up to her. She never belittled him for his needs or sexual expression. She never once made him feel ashamed or “less”. Oddly enough, he didn’t have to verbally express most of his needs and desires…she just knew. He often wanted to ask her how she knew him so well, but he figured he already knew that. For she was similar to him. Two remnants cut from opposite ends of the cloth.
They’d fallen into a routine of sorts. This sporadic routine, that only they seemed to understand, went on for longer than either could truly recall. The time with her and the time away form her was variable, but the dichotomy was there. Always there…until one fateful day when the Three Aspects sent him on a very special mission.
Warmth through ceramic brought Sanzo out of memory lane and back onto the freeway of reality. He heard an empty plate clank onto another empty plate and eyed a very satisfied Goku.
Tano smiled at Sanzo, “That’s going to get cold.”
Sanzo blinked at his untouched coffee and shrugged as he took a sip. “Suppose so.”
Goku stood from the table, “I’m gonna check on them, now.”
Sanzo nodded.
Tano waited for Goku to be out of ear shot and leaned over her cup. “So, what did happen?”
Sanzo wrinkled his eyebrows, “With Hakkai?”
“No, with us.”
He took a drink of coffee and fished out a cigarette, “I was given a task.”
She nodded slowly, “I figured that was you.”
Sanzo lifted an eyebrow.
“I’d heard rumors of a quote unquote renegade priest and a group of followers.”
“You think I’m renegade?”
“No, I think you are you. If that doesn’t match someone else’s artificial template they feel the need to press upon you then --- fuck em.
Sanzo nodded, “Exactly.”
“It’s not that easy though, is it?”
Sanzo darted his eyes around the room, “Do we have to talk about this here?”
“No, I’ve got a room.”
They stood from the table and made their way out of the dining hall. They entered an empty hallway and she roughly grabbed his wrist. He jerked it from her. That was all she needed. It was on.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Goku knocked tentatively against Hakkai and Gojyo’s door.
Gojyo had laid down on the bed next to Hakkai trying to stare life into the bandaged man. Gojyo lifted his head as the knock sank in. He stood up and walked toward the door. “What?”
Goku looked up at him. “Sanzo wanted me to check on you.”
“Bullshit.”
“No, really.”
“I still say bullshit, but he’s fine.” I’m not.

“No change?”
“No change.”
Goku blinked slowly and spoke softly, “Why don’t you let me keep an eye on him for a bit. I’m sure you want to get something to eat. ”
“No, I’m not hungry.”
Goku sighed. “Maybe, you’d want to take a shower?”
Gojyo looked down at himself. The sponge-bath , of sorts, got the bulk of the nauseating mixture of Hakkai and demi-god blood off him, but his skin was still tinged. His fingernails held on to remnants of crimson and his clothing held on to visual reminders of what should be memory when Hakkai woke up. When he woke up damn it, because he was going to wake up. “No, I’m fine.” He’s was going to be right in that room, in that bed, on that pillow, with this arm over that waist and these eyes on those green ones, when Hakkai woke up.
Goku softly pleaded, “Gojyo…please.”
Gojyo knitted his eyebrows as he realized the man-child for some reason wanted time alone with Hakkai. “Ok, but --” It wasn’t like Goku to press about anything other than food or fighting. There was a seriousness to those golden eyes that touched something in Gojyo. Hakkai surely wasn’t going to be awake anytime soon….hmmmm.
“If he were so much as hitch his breath, I’ll come running to you.”
“To Tano then to me.”
“Sure.”
Gojyo grabbed a spare set of clothing and headed off to the showers.
Goku sat cross-legged down on the bed at Hakkai’s waist. He leaned over and laid on his side. He propped his head up on his fist and re-stated his sentence from earlier. “Never mind, Hakkai.” He sighed as he eyed the sheeted bandaged friend. “I’ve got things covered. You can count on me. You rest and heal. I’ll take care of everything. I’ll protect everyone. You focus on you.”
Hakuryuu softly peeped in agreement.
Hakkai’s breath seemed to deepen.
Goku laid in silence listening to the rhythmic breaths from Hakkai. He waited for Gojyo to return.
Hakkai focused on Hakkai.

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The Merciful Goddess yawned in a most unlady like way.

Note: Sanguinans -- Latin -- Blood Thirsty.
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****Reviewer Feedback****
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Hakuryuu 2004-08-28
XD Fantastic. Absolutely Fantastic. You've definately pushed the bar again - and I love it. I get so wrapped up in reading your fics that I forget its fic-dom and start thinking otherwise. Absolutely amazing.

...Lets see if I can remember all of this.

1) That dirty conversation was awesome. Absolutely awesome. I almost died laughing. That is so much fun to do... and to see Hakkai get a kick out of it too XD man that kid needs to loosen up like that a lot more.

2) Which brings me to my second point. I liked your theory about his childhood... I know that's been theorized with Sanzo as well, but this shed a whole new light on things.

3) Which brings me to three - where do you find scanlations or manga scans + translations? I'd LOVE to get my hands on some Gaiden... I must admit, that's the one thing I'm really unfamiliar with. Since it's far easier for me to get the anime (or so I thought) I've just been basing it off of that and reading the books as they come along... but perhaps its time to change that. (If you've read the liner notes for the second book, it refers to Gojyo and Sanzo as being "bad friends"... which happens to be the name of their image song XD) So I don't really know a lot about Gaiden, how everything happened, or how Hakkai met up with Hakuryuu, but I'd loooooove to find out. Gaiden is awesome. Tenpou is god. (Which, coincidentally, he is ^^).

4) ohhh the bitchy hakkai... the best example of that is in the ep where Gojyo helps out that little girl... and Sanzo and Hakkai have the conversation, and Hakkai bets Gojyo ditched Goku for some girl... and Sanzo disagrees and POOF there's Goku and Hakkai just TURNS TO SANZO with this SMILE on his face... my goodness it's the funniest thing ever. There's also a Hakkai ep in Gunlock that shows just how awesome he is.

5) Reading into the lines is fun. Please continue to do so. It's made for interesting conversation. :)

6) Oh yeah... Sanzo, admit anything??? XD hilarious. But I see your point, and I agree totally. And eight inches... that's funny. and even funnier that it's eight... like Hakkai.

7) Totally unrelated (but not really) but there's a reload gunlock ep with a girl who reminded me SO MUCH of Scarlet (right? That's her name, isn't it? From Of Her Nature?) I was just bowled over and had to tell you.

and finally 8) Sorry for depressing you so much with my fic ^^() I'll send you another one (it might be a little un-understandable, cuz it's kindof a friend-insertion fic for, well, a friend) lol but it has to do with Hakkai... in a rather comedic situation. Hopefully that'll make up for it. ^^()

Please please please keep up writing. Your work is amazing and I can't wait to read more. 10k props to you!!!

Hakuryuu-

When I write, I try to emulate the style of the anime. I am glad that I’m doing it well enough for you to believe my “fic-dom”. That lets me know that I am sticking to the spirit of the show and that my characterizations are believable. Thank you for the high compliment.
1) I’m elated to learn the humor carried. I’m pretty nervous about humor. I must have an odd sense of humor, because I often laugh at movies when no one else laughs, I also laugh in life when --well, it seems I laugh alone. It seems some things strike me as rather funny when others don’t see the humor. I’m glad this was NOT one of those times. I remember thinking --- if the humor carries it will be great, if not it is going to be extremely lame.
2) First let me ask, am I the only one that sees Linchei’s story as Hakkai’s? That whole episode seemed to me to be parallelism at its hidden finest. I’ve put a lot of thought into why Hakkai was so quiet and withdrawn as a child. Given the whole of the enigma we love --named Hakkai -- this just seemed to make sense. Makes sense about Sanzo, too.
3) I’d be more than happy to exchange goodies with you (or anyone else reading this). Drop me an e-mail at Saiyuki_Fan_Fic@yahoo.com. But, you have to promise to tell me how you are getting your hands on the anime --- from what country do you hail? I’ve only got G. Saiyku DVD’s.
How Hakkai got Hakuryuu -- that is in a novel. It is out of print. I’m not sure if it is considered canon. I believe there were two (or was it three) Saiyuki novels -- all out of print. None published in English. I’ve tried like the dickens to get my paws on them. I don’t know why -- I can’t read Japanese. However, there is a lady that has taken it upon herself to translate it and post it. I think she might be on this board -- I could be wrong. Anyways, I send you the link…just drop me an e-mail.
4) Bitchy Hakkai is so much fun -- smug Hakkai is delicious too. You can just tell when he knows he’s right. The other three don’t see it until later, but good o’le Hakkai knew it. He’s such a grand character. So very complex.
5) Encouraging my addiction? Whew…..you know not what you ask. Speaking of reading into things. Am I alone or does Sanzo seem just a little too comfortable when he’s in chains?
6) You got that? Yippie! I figured you would. You read the cultural background notes. Good fan! You get …umm I don’t know what, yet. For you….from here on out in any fic I write whenever I use the word eight it is for you. No matter the situation, when I use eight -- you’ll know I thought of you.
7) Scarlet -- Gojyo’s chick. Yeah, she was a lot of fun. Can ya tell I don’t go for the “Oh, I need a big strong man to come save me” chicks? I like my fic women to be the type that choose to have male company not need male company. I like for them to be able to stand on their own feet. I get sick of women being portrayed as weak. However, there is nothing wrong with an occasional good damsel in distress story -- when done right. We have power in our sexuality, once we learn to use it -- we can rule the freakin world. Men are so easy to manipulate. Great, now I’m sounding like Gojyo. Sheesh
I’ve heard great things about Reload and Gunlock, I can’t wait to get my hands on them.
8) Your fic stuck to me the whole day -- no--- it was longer than one day. It was AWESOME! As I said, I couldn’t pry my eyes from the screen. You got under my skin, honey. I don’t think you’ve left yet. Bravo -- wow. Wow.

If others are reading this, you have to read “Truth Behind the Smile.” Read it when it is dark and preferably raining. It will stick to you like glue in cat fur.
You made me break my “rule”. I try not to read any fan fics while I am writing one. I learned that lesson -- the hard way. I’ve rewrote an entire chapter one time because of three words in another fic. I’m absolutely paranoid about accidentally stealing someone’s idea. I’m afraid the fic will influence mine. But… you wrote it. It was a darkfic and this one isn’t. I’m really glad I read it.
Thank you for taking time give me regular feedback, I really do appreciate it. You keep writing too. I’m looking out for more work by you.
Cupnjava c[~]~~~*sip*

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ShiroiFuji 2004-08-28

From your stories, I knew you were an awesome writer. Writing lemons really is an art. To put in a plot, to make these actions believable as the character's - it takes attention to detail.

And you're good at it. Not just the lemons of course, though I must admit I completely adore those. But the jokes...oh Christ, when they had that giggle fit I was right there with them. I am never going to be able to hear the phrase "relax and hang on" without a good laugh.

But it's more than just the story even. The warning you wrote at the begining showed you did care about your readers, as did the note at the end. And that shows something about you as a person, not as a writer.

I hope I can enjoy many more of your works, and whenever you finally leave this behind you - for life does slowly change us all - I hope that as you continue on, you stay as wonderful as you are.

ShiroFuji-- Oh my….*blush* what kind, kind words. I have to ask, do I know you by another name? “From your stories….” Cause, if I do know you IRL, then it isn’t fair. This is where I go to express what I simply cannot elsewhere. I’m hiding here, behind my fics, behind my screen…. It’s not allowed. I’m like really paranoid now. Paranoid in a loving way. *wink*
I’m glad you like my lemons and the humor. Whew. I was really nervous about the humor -- aww shoot. I’m really nervous about everything in this fic. Sanzo’s persona, the lemons, the humor, the -- everything. I’m so glad to know you have been entertained and that you have enjoyed my fic. I sincerely hope, my work never disappoints.
I do care about my readers…not just what they think of my fics, but my readers as people…. as persons. I get the rare e-mail from people and I really do care. If there is a delay in getting back to you -- I’m thinking about what I want to say. If there is too much of a delay please ask me if I got the e-mail. I don’t want anyone to feel ignored.
I care about what is going on in someone’s life. I care about the issues and difficulties in their lives. I know that rape victims and victims of child molestation are a mixed bunch. Some find it too difficult to remember -- even or especially in fics. I know some find healing in reading such. Some find healing in writing. And, some berate themselves for finding the fics arousing.
If I can offer one message to any and all reading this.
Never --ever-- berate yourself for your sexuality.
Never -- ever-- beat yourself up for liking kink or even aggressive sexuality.
Vanilla sexuality is normal -- too. Vanilla is not “less than” any other type.
There is beauty and pleasure in the whole spectrum. I do encourage you to know, acknowledge and deal with predatory issues…sexual violence is sexual violence not sexuality. Know the difference.
Sometimes, I think Saiyuki fans are more “damaged” than the characters. That might be why we are so extreme so…hardcore. This show speaks to all of us for a reason. Maybe we’re a little Hakkai. Maybe, a little Gojyo, Sanzo or Goku….maybe a mixture of all of them. Some of us carry a bit of Homura and Kou in us…maybe more than we want to acknowledge. Or maybe we don’t carry enough of all them within us.
Maybe, I just need some serious freaking help.
Life without Saiyuki…errrckk! You mean one day, I’ll “grow” out of this. Snerk! Say it ain’t so. Must go to the happy place…must go to the happy place….must go…
Yes, we all go through phases. However, this show has effected me like none other. That’s saying a lot seeing how I was a diehard Star Trek fan --- everyone knows how freaking hardcore Star Trek fans are. Keyword...was…could that be foreshadowing? Hmmm, hopefully not for a long time.
Yep…I really need help. There has to be some kind of 12 step program out there.
Thank you for your wonderful, kind, soft words. You seem like a really nice person too. Wow…who would have known people can get close via a net connection?
Cupnjava c[~]~~~*sip*

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Addictedtomarbles 2004-08-28
You updated! Hooray and this one was just as good. There are some fics out there that always have Hakkai just lying down for everybody and it was good that you twisted it around so he got his "revenge" so to speak and Sanzo's ass needed kicking. Also that if stuff happened in Hakkai's childhood you didn't let it distract from the actual story. I also liked the multiple personality thing and that you dealt with it in a light-hearted way. As someone who has problems with such things it was a refreshing to see it dealt with so lightheartedly rather than wallowing in the very bottom of the pit of angst.
Please put the addendum on, I'd love to hear how Tenpou and Kenren broke a bookshelf and everything.

Holds out cookie of encouragement

Addictomarbles- Thank you for providing me so much encouragement and feedback.
I don’t see Hakkai just “laying down” for anyone. Sure he is accommodating, sure he’s polite and giving and caring and etc etc. But, I think he has his limits. I think it takes a special kind of person… a special kind of relationship to get him away from the searing pain of Kanan. Maybe it is the yaoi whispers in the show, but I see Gojyo as that person….their relationship as that kind of relationship. Not, that I don’t enjoy other pairings. I just don’t know if I am the one to write those parings.
I read other fics and the authors see things a bit differently and sometimes the same as I do. I do not think they are “wrong” or that I am “right”. We are different or similar. I can see their perspective and I enjoy the fics.
I also see Hakkai as a top … a dom. I see him like a storm in the distance. On the outside looming quietness. On the inside…all sorts of activity -- some good -- some bad. I should state that I really enjoy a good hard thunder storm. Maybe that’s why I live in a hurricane area? Hmmmm. Yeah Isabel kicked my butt, but nothing that couldn’t be fixed ---for the most part. Witnessing the beauty of nature is worth it. (We go camping, I had all my camping gear and we organized a neighborhood “feed”. I fed my neighbors. We had a “cook it and eat it before it goes bad” cook out. I helped people… brings tears to my eyes now. It’s amazing what a good cup of java can do when the flood waters leave a void. I wouldn’t leave here for the world.)
Multiple-personality disorder. I held the belief that it was always bad. Always horrible for the longest time. Then, one day , a few years ago, I was talking to a fellow student before class. Her mother has MPD, she told me that some personalities were not pleasant. Some where “ho-hum” and one…one was a child. She told me that she would never tell her mother, but she liked it --occasionally -- when the child would come out. The child was fun. The child had a great sense of humor. They would play together and they made more play-doh “dinners” than she cared to count. She wouldn’t tell her mother, because she knew how much her mother just wanted to be herself. She loved her mother dearly … no matter what.
As a family, they pulled together to help make it work -- “Dad“ left a long time ago. I hope her mother has managed to absorb some of those. I do hope that her mother never lost the hope, love, and playfulness of the child -- even if she did absorb the personality. I don’t want her to be fractured, I just want her to be happy.
That was when I realized that it didn’t always have to bad. The personalities weren’t always trying to kill people or do other horrible things -- like Hollywood would have us believe. Sometimes, the personalities just wanted to play with play-doh.
I think Hakkai is like that, but inverted. Gonou is NOT the happy one no matter how we cut it. Tenpou -- well -- Tenpou is Tenpou. I totally see him with play-doh.
I hope you get whatever help you want or need. I hope your life is pleasant as you deal with these issues. I hope you find love and peace.

I hope you have play-doh.
Cupnjava c[~]~~~ *sip*

**Ooooh a chocolate chip cookie -- yumm yumm my favorite. I’ll do my best to write the addendum.***
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Hakuryuu 2004-08-28
I knew I forgot a few things!!! One, I LOVED your transitions... they were amazing! And I'm just a bit curious (I'm sure you'll explain in the next one, but just to make sure...) what *exactly* happened between Sanzo/Goku? And... umumum... oh yes. I love Kanzeon Bosatsu. You did an excellent portrayal. :) Fantastic!!!!

Hakuryuu --- How do I love thee, let me count the ways. I worked on my transitions. Hopefully, I can keep up the improvement. I wouldn’t have thought about it without your input. Thanks a lot.
The Goku X Sanzo thang. See, that’s me not playing fair. That’s me dangling a carrot. One of my beta-readers jumped on me. “Give us that carrot!” Giggle. It will get explained -- if they tell me.
Seriously, all of the conversations between them have been carefully worded to be taken two different ways. I want to the reader wanting at this point. Yes, even the “bottom-boy” conversation.
Innocent -- perspective: bottom-boy leads to sub. Sub leads to subservient. Subservient leads to servant. Which Sanzo has stated twice and of course the famous, “I never wanted you to be my servant” line. Giggle.
Not G-rated: bottom-boy -- well, I’m sure you can figure that one out on your own. Snicker.
Yes, yes, I know. I’m playing dirty. I’m glad to know it is working. Did anyone else hear that stereotypical evil laugh?
Hey, Hakuryuu, in the next chapter --- can ya scream on cue? Trust me, you’ll know the cue.
I’m glad you like Kanzeon Bosatsu’s persona…she’s so much fun. She’s got it going on and she knows it. I guess on many levels it is all about her huh? Gotta love a powerful, strong woman character. Of course, what do you expect from a person with a dick using menstrual cramps as an excuse out of a speech. Hahahahaha. Wait a minute was that in Gaiden? Or Gensomaden? Shit…I hope that isn’t a spoiler…well we know she ducked out of the speech in the Anime. Whew.
C’mere ya cute dragon lettme give ya a hug.
Cupnjava c[~]~~~*sip*

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Flamingolo 2004-08-29
I really liked the latest chapter of this...I thought you did a nice job with the certain artistic liberties you took ^_^ They added a lot to the ficcie, and hell, who DOESN'T enjoy a little angst? Once again, you churn out one of the hottest lemons I've ever read *fans 'self*. I think they make such an impact because they are so original; it shows that you go to great lengths to avoid writing a cliched sex scene, and gods do I appreciate that! Excellent, excellent job. I can't wait for more. Really I can't. I'm wasting away as we speak ^_^ Keep up the great work.

Flamingolo-- I try not to get bogged down in the angst -- in this fic. I’m trying to keep this one light with an almost satire feel. Ya want angst .. “Of Her Nature” was slam full of angst. I think that is why this one is so light. Once you take Sanzo through a mental break down -- you’re all “angsted” out for a bit.
However, it is Saiyuki -- it HAS to have angst. And yes, who doesn’t like a little angst….yes indeed.
The lemonade. That is I think the hardest part about this much lemonade in one fic especially when using the same pairing. I want each lemon to be different. I want each to show a different aspect of the characters and peel off a unique layer of their relationship. It is getting difficult. I do not like redundancy. … at least not much of it. Let’s face it, sex with a guy -- any guy-- on a basic level is essentially in - out - in--out ---spit.
Sexuality is a spectrum , yes. There are all sorts of forms of sexual expression, yes. I’m sure there are forms of sexual expression of which I have not even heard. I’m trying to push my creativity. I’m trying to make each lemon in an of itself. I tried to get a lemon in each chapter -- didn’t work for this one. Blood soaked floors, and body parts dripping from the ceiling just doesn’t offer the right mood for me. A comatose partner just isn’t fun…so no lemon here. Hopefully, the story has enough substance beyond the lemons to keep my readers with me.
Thank you for recognizing the difficulties around unique lemons.
Please don’t waste away…I’ll share my cookie -- and my java.
Cupnjava c[~]~~~*sip*

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Pegunicent 2004-08-30
I love Gojyo. The way you write hims is exactly how I always saw him in the manga. I especially love the lines 'what he wants, we give'. not many people can write Gojyo's character with the kind of insight that you do. He manages to stay the irrisponsible older brother, but at the same time he's the gentle understanding lover.
Hakkai is just as well written of course, but I thought since everyone told you that, you already knew. Hakkai and Gojyo belong together for more than just their pasts and their friendship though. They have an inate understanding of eachother that is expressed all over the manga, and that you have managed to portray quite well in your writing. Plus the sex is hot, but that is secondary to me. Still hot though. Can't wait to read the next installment.

Pegunicent -- People are not going to believe the this and the next chapter were written before reading your review. I’m totally with you on this.
Gojyo and Hakkai have a deep level of understand with each other. So deep that words are not even the efficient means of communicating. They tell each other more with an eyebrow than we could ever know. I think that is why this paring is so popular. It just seems to fit. Even taking sex out of the picture, Gojyo’s looking for love and acceptance -- and a brotherly relationship. Hakkai’s trying to find a place he’s needed, wanted , accepted and someone to pal around with. Both rejecting themselves for various reasons. Both hurt. Both physically and emotionally scarred. Both with senses of humor and both willing to use insults as terms of endearment. Goodness … yes, they understand each other. They both want to see happiness in others -- even at serious personal expense. Not necessarily healthy, but great anime.
Goku and Sanzo have a similar thang -- it gets more explained in Gaiden. I’m not saying anymore…don’t want to spoil a powerful moment. It’s not in the Gaiden manga books yet. It is still in the Zero-Sum stuff. Even without the pictures --- whoa!
Gojyo is a great character. To be honest, after reading the translations of his songs, I think he is the most mentally unstable of all them. I think he has the deepest issues. He keeps it all inside. He’s …well….I have a hard time listening to the songs now. Gojyo is a mental masochist … even if he doesn’t show it. I’d love to have some “official” info on his father.
Thank you for reviewing, I really appreciate your insight. Thank you.

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To all reviewers --

Thank you all for all of your words. Thank you for reading and thank you for being you. We all have quirks and foibles. We will not always agree. I appreciate hearing it all. I appreciate the “you need to work on” and the “that was great”. I cannot tell you how much you have helped me as a writer and as a person. I hope you have seen improvement in my writing.
I hope you have seen improvement in your lives -- not that my words would have any influence on that.
I hope you have play-doh, chocolate, and java.
Cupnjava c[~]~~~*sip*
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Relax and Hang On -- Again