Gensomaden Saiyuki Fan Fiction ❯ A Question of Lust ❯ Master And Servant ( Chapter 6 )

Title: A Question Of Lust

 

Author: Traumatic BunnyRabbit

 

Warnings: This story is NC-17 rated because of violence, bad language and sex scenes. And most of all - it's yaoi (man and man pairing). So if you think it will mess up your mind, just don't read it.

 

Disclaimers: I don't own Saiyuki. But I own this piece. And that's something too!

I borrowed all the titles from my favorite Depeche Mode songs. I hope they won't sue me.

Aka and Inuki are mine however.

 

Summary: Hakkai and Gojyo are forced to decide their future. But do they really have a choice or is it just another of Aka's games? Special warning: this chapter contains little bit of Sanzo's charming personality.

 

A\N: Hello again! I'm back! Alive and kicking. Or, should I rather say, kicked. Life's a bitch and it kicked me hard. But I'm all right again. I've got new computer and lots of new ideas. And great beta reader ^__^ Now thanks to Guanyin-kun you have my story in more readable format (whole story - she's also checked and corrected previous chapters.) Chani, you're my angel!

So, read and enjoy!

 

 

6. Master And Servant

 

 

They were leading him through long corridors and narrow stairs, full of this dim, magic light and strange smell, mix of dampness and old dust. He felt cold, stone floor under his bare feet. He felt coldness of metal rings clamping his wrists way too tight. He felt hot, sweaty fingers grabbing his arms, pulling him and pushing in not-so-accidental way. The corridors seemed endless, just like those touches and those words, hissed from time to time right into his ear. Mongrel. Scumbag. Red headed shit. Do you like sucking dicks? Do you like being fucked, half-breed bitch?

 

It was long time since he felt so scared and helpless. All the courage he had left disappeared as soon as he left the dungeon. And Hakkai and his green, reassuring eyes.

 

Yes, thinking of Hakkai was always the best thing he could do. Even if the whole world was crumbling down, Hakkai was always there, solid as a rock, with his soothing smile, understanding eyes and wise words. He was always there and he always would be. And Hakkai needed him; he didn't want him to die, so he even made him swear to stay alive. And that was more than he ever had imagined he could receive from anyone. It was almost like… almost like…

 

“Can't you walk straight, mongrel?” a clawed hand pushed him viciously. He tripped loosing his balance, but then the other guard caught him. Another clawed hand clasped painfully on his shoulder, steadying him as the demon drew himself closer. “Maybe you're too tired to walk straight,” he whispered. “Maybe your sweetheart fucked you too hard last night. Did he, bitch?”

 

He tried to jerk away, gritting his teeth and trying not to cry out in pain as both his guards squeezed his twisted arms. “What, you want to play with us?” the youkai's voice was like a hot wave, almost burning his chilled flesh. “We surely can satisfy your little ass, bitch--”

 

“Stop fooling around, you two,” said the young one, shooting them a glare over his shoulder, “or Master will take care of your satisfaction personally.” Both demons growled quietly, but they eased their grasp. “If he has any marks, you'll be in trouble,” the youngster turned back, his voice emotionless, just like his eyes.

 

“We know that, Inuki. Stop barking already!” snarled the bigger of the youkai and pushed a stunned Gojyo forward, but this time it was just normal, urging push. “Move, half-breed. Master won't be waiting for you the whole day.”

 

***

 

It will be raining today, Hakkai was more than sure. It wasn't only for the grey light that was coming from outside. It wasn't even the wet feeling in the air - the dungeon was too damp itself to feel any change. It was just this weird feeling he always had, some strange compilation of all his five usual senses and this extra one. It was something similar to the dull ache old people felt in their joints. And just like them, he was never wrong.

 

It will be raining. And he would be all alone. They took Gojyo away and somehow he was sure they wouldn't bring him back. That damned sixth sense! What was the use of having it if he even couldn't do anything to save his friend?! Well, there is something you actually can do, said this annoying inner voice that sounded almost like Aka's. Hakkai frowned painfully and tried to clear his mind, but he couldn't. He just couldn't forget those words Aka had said yesterday. And he couldn't forget the painful way his body had betrayed him.

 

He was ready to endure all the pain and humiliation, but he really didn't expect caresses. And that was the only way he could name the things Aka did to him. And although he despised all that was happening, his body answered the sorcerer's advances. Just admit that you like it, Aka was saying. You are just like the other demons, you can't deny it. You're a slave of your own desire.

 

Hakkai wrapped his arms around himself as tightly as he could. How he missed Gojyo's presence right now! It would be so good to feel his warm body, just touch him, look at him, hear his voice, just like the other night, when he was able to banish all the nightmares. With him, all the pleasure was good and pure. Hakkai sighed, almost smiling. Gojyo gave him something beautiful, something he didn't have since Kanan died, and he didn't want to waste it.

 

But still, there was Aka and his dirty games. Hakkai tightened his jaw, fighting the wave of nausea. Aka. His touching hands, his cold eyes, his painful words. You love him, he said. You don't want him to suffer, do you, he asked. I find you more interesting than him, so if you satisfy my needs I will leave him alone, he said. If you satisfy me…

 

The sound of an unlocking door snapped Hakkai from his musing hell. For one, short moment he hoped that he would hear more footsteps, that he would see Gojyo's red head, but it was only this young demon, Aka's personal assistant. His lap dog, thought Hakkai bitterly. The boy was alone and carrying a steaming bowl and a pot with fresh water.

 

“Thank you very much, Inuki,” said Hakkai as soon as the youkai put the food inside the cage. The boy slowly lifted his head and looked him in the eyes, obviously surprised by the kind tone of Hakkai's voice. The brunette smiled his usual, polite smile, more from the habit than from some inner need, but he was rewarded by shy and weak, but obviously honest smile. “You're welcome,” said the boy and now it was Hakkai's turn to almost gasp in surprise. The boy's voice didn't sound like he had expected. It wasn't high or quiet and muffled. It was very nice, warm voice, slightly lower than Hakkai's own, just as it didn't belong to someone so young, small and fragile. “Do you need anything else?” the boy asked, still smiling. “I can't provide you much, but--”

 

“No, thank you,” Hakkai felt his own smile becoming more honest. “But if you have any idea where my friend is right now…” The boy's smile faded away. “Yes, I know where he is,” he said quietly.

 

Hakkai slowly stood up and came closer to the bars, clutched at the blanket wrapped around his arms like it was some kind of life vest. “He won't come back, will he?” it was more a statement than a question. Inuki only nodded. “But he's safe,” he added immediately. “Master Aka won't let the others hurt him. At least as long as he finds him interesting.”

 

Hakkai tightened his jaw once again. He couldn't find any hint of compassion in the silky voice. The young demon seemed completely oblivious of their suffering and although he didn't look like his sick master, one could tell that appearances can be deceiving. So even though it probably would be wiser to remain silent, that inner voice urged Hakkai to dig a little deeper. “And how long do you think his interest will last?” he asked.

 

“I don't know,” Inuki shrugged carelessly. “He never had a half-breed before, so it can take a while. And in your case…” the boy started to chew his lower lip and looked at Hakkai from head to toe. “I think you don't have to worry about yourself either,” he said finally. “Under those bruises you look good. You're slim and pale - Master likes it. And you have green eyes. That's his favorite. It's the main reason he still keeps me, anyway.”

 

Green eyes, what a nice kink indeed. As Sanzo would say, now I'm really fucked up, thought Hakkai bitterly. He used many dirty words lately, so many that the blond monk would be probably proud of him if he only knew. Hakkai looked at the boy once again, this time more carefully, and indeed, demon's eyes were bright green, just like his own. And then it finally came home to him. “What do you mean: he keeps you?” he asked, feeling little confused. “I thought you're his personal assistant or something.”

 

“Why did you think so?” now it was Inuki's turn to look confused. “Maybe he likes to keep me close and he trusts me with some tasks, but I'm just his dog, like the others.”

 

“But you are his favorite, aren't you?” asked Hakkai. For one moment he was afraid that youkai may get angry or - even worse - boastful, but the boy just turned away with those emerald eyes and slightly bowed head. “It would be great, if I was,” his whisper was so silent, that Hakkai almost missed it.

 

A strange statement made in very strange way, thought Hakkai. Is it so hard for him to believe that he's someone's favorite? But before the brunette could ask another question, Inuki straightened himself and tightened his muscles, just like he had said something inappropriate and now was giving himself some kind of mental slap. “Since you don't need anything, I'll be going,” he said and turned to leave.

 

“Wait a moment!” Hakkai leapt to the bars as quick as he could. “Please, tell me, where is Gojyo?” Inuki stopped, but he didn't turn around or even looked at the brunette. “I told you, he'll be safe,” he said quietly. “When Master finishes talking to him I'll take him to a separate room. He'll be all right.” And with those words young demon walked away.

 

Hakkai rested his head against cold iron and closed his eyes. He'll be all right. Yeah, sure. After Aka's filthy treatment nobody, including him, would never be all right again.

 

`If you satisfy my needs I won't have to go to him.'

 

Hakkai felt tears gathering behind his lids. It was so unfair! Gojyo didn't deserve to suffer like that! And it was all his fault. If it wasn't for him, Aka would never have captured Gojyo. If they weren't lovers, it would be only Hakkai that Aka took interest in. If it only… “Merciful Goddess, don't let him break down,” he whispered in cracked voice, “Don't take him away from me, `cause I won't be able to live without him. I can't lose him, I can't lose my love, not again. Please, Merciful Goddess…”

 

One hot tear trickled down his cheek, then another, and another. He let them flow, because it was the last time for him to cry. From now on, he would be stronger than ever, he had to be, for Gojyo's sake. He would do anything to keep that black bastard away from him.

 

This time he would save his beloved one.

 

***

 

So there he was, sitting on his heels on a fucking plushy carpet, in front of this fucking overstuffed armchair and this fucking black sicko, who was sitting there, with elegantly crossed legs and crystal glass in his right hand. Glass was full of red wine - or something that looked like red wine - and he was rolling the glass on both sides and looking at the sparkling liquid like it was the most interesting thing in the whole world.

 

And perhaps it was. At least it looks far better than me, thought Gojyo. He was half naked, his jeans were stained with blood and mud and Gods knew what else. He hadn't had a proper bath in ages and he even couldn't remember when was the last time he combed his hair with something more than his own fingers. He had to look like shit, which was really a good thing. Maybe this sicko would loose all interest he had ever had in him.

 

Another good thing was, that Aka hadn't spared him a single glance since they brought him to this room. He only had spoken to that Inuki boy, telling him to go and feed `Green-eyed' and then wait outside. Since then he was paying all his attention to his drink.

 

Gojyo shot a few quick glances around the room, but he saw nothing but an ordinary library or perhaps study. Lots of books, big mahogany desk, big windows… Right, windows. First chance to look at the world outside his prison. But if he ever dreamed about recognizing the place, he would be rather disappointed. Because all he could see was green tree branches. The castle was somewhere in woods, that's all he could be sure about. Oh, and the weather was rather gloomy. It would be raining…

 

“Did you have a good time last night?” The question was so sudden that it took Gojyo a while to fully understand those words were actually spoken to him. “Yeah, it was great!” he snarled immediately, turning his whole attention back to the sorcerer. “Cold and wet rat hole like this is a great place to spend the night. And the dinner was even better.”

 

“But all that didn't affect your big mouth as I can see,” Aka took small sip of his drink and then looked Gojyo straight in the eyes. The redhead endured his cold gaze. He was still scared more than a little, but he was also angry. Every time he looked at the dark man, every time he heard his soft voice speaking with false gentleness, he automatically saw Hakkai's bruised body and felt his own humiliation.

 

“I wasn't talking about your accommodation's impressions,” Aka took another sip from his glass. “I was asking if the sex was satisfying.” Gojyo narrowed his eyes. How did he know? He was only human, he couldn't smell it for sure. Last night he and Hakkai cleaned themselves rather precisely using one of the spare blankets and the rest of their drinking water. He could still smell the musky scent on his own skin though, and he was sure his guards were able to sense it as well, but it was way too little for any human, sorcerer or not. So, the conclusion was quite simple - he heard them, or saw them somehow. Or both.

 

“I see you are one of those gentlemen who doesn't like to talk about their love life,” Aka obviously didn't expect any answer from him. “All right then, let's talk about something else,” he said, smiling lightly. “Let's talk about things we have in common.” At that Gojyo just couldn't help but smirk. “And what do we have in common, huh?” he asked. “A name, for example,” the dark man answered.

 

Gojyo stopped smiling instantly. “Really, I can't see anything similar here,” he said. “Then let me explain,” Aka swung his glass once again. Ruby liquid sparkled within crystal glass with thousand small sparks. “The word `aka' has couple of meanings, it depends only on the way you write it down. The most popular meaning is `red'. Of course, I prefer more interesting one, like `scarlet' for example. Don't you think it suits me?”

 

“First, my name is Sha Gojyo, not `Red',” Gojyo smiled wryly. “And if you want something that suits you, write your name with a character that means `bloody'.”[1]

 

“Still barking, aren't we?” Aka's smile hadn't changed a bit, but his eyes became even more cold and lifeless than before and suddenly Gojyo felt like he's been looking into two deep, black holes at the end of a shot-gun barrel, pointed right at his stupid head. “I think you could use another lesson, but, unfortunately, I'm not in the mood right now,” said the sorcerer. “And besides, there's no guarantee that any lesson will be enough for you. So maybe I should just focus on Green-eyed? He's such a promising student.”

 

Gojyo gritted his teeth. Words like `Don't you dare to touch him' and `Touch me and I'll kill you' were fighting on the tip of his tongue to slip outside, but he managed to swallow them all eventually. Don't let him provoke you, not like this, he kept telling himself, over and over again, looking straight into those black hollow eyes.

 

“Yes, that will be a good idea,” Aka leaned forward smiling a little wider. “Because now I know Green-eyed was really enjoying my treatment. It turned him on so much that he actually made you fuck him, right?”

 

Suddenly all words were forgotten and there was only a growl, a primal sound somewhere at the back of his throat, and a sudden urge to make this smiling bastard suffer. Next moment Gojyo found himself lying on the floor, with face pushed forcefully against that thick carpet and those two burly youkai guards lying all over him, keeping him still. He couldn't move, he couldn't even breathe. What a fool, he told himself. Did you really want to attack him like this?

 

“Did you really want to hurt me?” Aka's voice was coming from somewhere above him. “You are as brave as stupid, pet. Lift him up, boys.” Rough, clawed hands grabbed him and, with few strong moves, they made him sit in the same position as before. “I'm not your pet, fucker,” Gojyo just couldn't keep those words to himself. He felt a dull ache almost in every part of his body and he was scared, really scared, but it wouldn't be first time his big mouth caused him trouble, would it?

 

Aka was again watching his wine, with light smile still wandering upon his lips. He didn't look like he was angry, he rather seemed amused. “You really making me wonder if I'm not wasting my time with you,” he mused aloud. “Maybe I should just give you to my dogs? They can be good teachers as well. Of course, you had noticed,” Aka looked at him again, cocking his head on one side, “that they hate your kind? If I only let them, they will kill you. Eventually. But before that they'll make you wish you've never been born.”

 

Gojyo felt his two guards are moving slightly behind his back. It was just a rustle of clothes, just the quiet creak of leather, just one deeper intake of breath, full of excitement and anticipation. He could almost smell this strange, heavy scent of the two youkai's lust. Perhaps it was just lust for blood. Or, perhaps, for something more as well.

 

“So, how's that sound to you, Red?” Aka took his last sip of the wine and put the glass on the nearby table. “You'll have some fun with my dogs while I'll have mine, with our beautiful Green-eyed.”

 

“Leave him alone,” Gojyo was glad he was still able to speak although his throat felt like it was full of shattered glass. He thought his words sounded so pathetic right now.

 

“Leave him?” Aka raised one of his eyebrows, just like he was surprised by that idea. “And why would I want to do that? Why would I leave such a great pet alone? Unless…” he went silent for a moment and narrowed his eyes. “Unless you have something to offer as a replacement. Yourself, for example…”

 

Suddenly Gojyo felt very, very weak. He slowly lowered his head, hiding himself behind the crimson curtain of his hair. He had lost. He had lost long before he had entered this room. He had lost two days ago, when he let Aka see what was going on between Hakkai and him. This whole conversation was just a game, something Aka did to entertain himself. Because he had known, from the very beginning, that Gojyo would do anything for just a mere promise of keeping Hakkai safe.

 

“Finally you're starting to behave like a sensible doggie,” Gojyo heard the gentle rustle of clothes as Aka stood up from his seat and slowly approached him. He felt a hand in his hair, gently brushing long tresses away from his face, massaging his scalp, caressing him and urging his face up. He didn't want to feel it, he didn't want to think of what he knew would probably come next. Everything inside him was twisted in tight, cold knots; he was hardly able to breathe but he knew he had to speak once again.

 

“You'll leave him alone if I…” It was supposed to be a question, but he didn't have the courage to end that sentence in a proper way. He was just too afraid Aka would say `no'.

 

“Well, Red, I'm only human,” the sorcerer smiled at him, slowly stroking his jaw. “I don't have your demonic stamina, so usually one lover at time is enough for me. If it is a good lover, of course.”

 

Gojyo closed his eyes once again. I can do it, he thought, as Aka's hand continued its caresses. Something inside him started crumbling down, spinning in endless whirls faster and faster, taking him down, deeper and deeper into darkness full of a strange thumping noise. It was his heart beating, loud as thunder, fast like falling rocks. There was nothing more than that sound, and the voice. “Open your mouth,” it said, and he obeyed. He couldn't do anything else. He felt something warm and soft yet hard, pressing on his lips and sliding inside, brushing over his tongue, filling his whole mouth with its presence.

 

No more, please, he wanted to yell, but he couldn't. His mouth was full of that thing, and it was going further, right down his throat, choking him and making him gag. He tried to jerk away, but strong fingers clenched over his jaw while another hand grabbed his hair in tight grasp. “Take it all, bitch,” said the voice and that awful thing pushed itself even more inside, hitting painfully the back of his throat. Then, for a short moment, it pulled away and let him take one shallow breath before it thrust again.

 

He tried to focus just on breathing and he managed to inhale and exhale in short gaps between those thrusts. The thing was working within his mouth in steady, quick rhythm and he was really glad that it was not hitting his throat anymore. The pain in his jaw could be bearable, the pain on his scalp, where the hand was pulling at his hair rhythmically wasn't so bad after all. The voice making strange, guttural noises could be ignored. Everything could be ignored, if it wasn't for one thought that was rolling around his consciousness like perfect, round ball.

 

It's a rape. He's raping you. That's how it feels to be raped. It's a rape.

 

That was harsh reality. The thing in his mouth was a hard dick. Aka was fucking his mouth, moaning and grunting like some animal. It was rape and he was the victim. His whole being started to scream in protest and his body tried to escape once again. It was just a reflex, but it was so strong that he couldn't keep it under control. So he started to struggle with all the strength he had left, he tried to scream, to jerk away, but Aka's hands only strengthened their grasp within his hair, almost pulling them out. White flash of pain made him cry out, but even that sound was muffled by that disgusting intruder.

 

“Yes bitch, moan for me,” Aka's voice was trembling, his moves began to loose its rhythm. “I know you like it so don't hold back.”

 

And Gojyo didn't. He couldn't, even if he wanted to. The hard dick filled his whole mouth and throat again, moving with short, raspy moves, taking away his breath and choking him so he could only whine quietly with pain, disgust and humiliation, just like a puppy, like a dog, because that's what he was anyway. He was a dog, but he would never bark again, not in this man's presence, because he's the master, the one and only… Oh, dear gods, make it stop, make it be over already!

 

And suddenly it was over for real. He heard a last passionate cry, felt something warm filling his throat and then everything went still. He swallowed - another reflex he couldn't control - and then it came to him what exactly was that warm thing.

 

The same moment Aka decided to release him. He let go of his hair, so Gojyo could finally collapse, hiding his head between his knees, his body shuddering violently with dry heaving. “Good boy, Red,” Aka's silky voice came from above. “Not bad as for the first time. You seem to have something to offer, after all.”

 

Gojyo managed to calm his breath, he even managed to gain control over his lurching stomach. Part of him wanted to scream in rage, to jump at that bastard again, never mind the consequences, but the other part had already given up. “And you're not as stupid as I thought,” Aka crouched beside him and touched his head again. Gojyo flinched, but didn't move away.

 

“Look at me, Red,” said that commanding voice and Gojyo couldn't resist. He slowly lifted his head and looked right into two deep black holes. “I don't know how people had treated you so far, but you have way too much pride for a mongrel,” Aka smiled lightly and stroked Gojyo's hair. “You have to know your place, Red. Here, I - human - am the superior. Then, there are my dogs, youkai of all sorts. Then there's a large empty gap, and after that it's you.”

 

Gojyo heard low, grunting sound from behind. Those two bastards, his so-called guards. They were laughing. Silently, just under their breath, just at the verge of hearing, but still, they were laughing.

 

“You're such a mess, Red,” Aka made wry face. “You should clean yourself before you start to look like my dog.” Cold, slender fingers slid down to Gojyo's cheek. “And you know what? I like those two,” he said, caressing twin scars with the tip of his thumb. “They destroyed perfection of your beauty, and that's good. Because mongrels don't deserve to be beautiful.”

 

Now the two demons were laughing openly.

 

Aka let go of his face and went away, saying to take him away, and so they did. They grabbed him under his arms and half dragged him, half lead to the door, still laughing, but he didn't care any more.

 

The only thing he could think of was Hakkai's green eyes. And how he probably would never look into them again.

 

***

 

Three days. Three fucking, bloody days and they don't know any single bloody thing! Sanzo was furious beyond belief, but he was also starting to get worried. He had been sure that it was another cunning plan that was supposed to deprive him of the sutra; their enemies had tried it before. So why the hell wasn't anybody coming to him with some fucking ultimatum, like `we have your friends so give us the sutra or we'll kill them'?

 

Sanzo growled quietly and lit another cigarette. He was smoking way too much, he knew that; his throat was dry and sore, his mouth full of an awful bitter taste, but he didn't give a damn. He hadn't been thinking about his health for quite a while unless it was about being hurt in a fight. But there was a great difference between worrying about getting lung cancer and thinking how to survive the next day without loosing his life. And how to complete this fucking mission. Which, he was sure, was rather impossible without those two fools, who had let themselves get caught so easily.

 

I'll find them, he thought angrily, and then I'll beat the living shit out of both of them for causing me so much trouble. He growled again, shifting himself on the hard, wooden chair. Three fucking days! Nobody even tried to contact him, and there wasn't any trace, any hints left behind that could lead him into the enemy's hideout, not even one fucking clue! Just like the capturers didn't care if Sanzo tried to find them and rescue his men.

 

No, it's impossible, he told himself, as he turned another page of newspaper he only pretended to be reading. It can't be some private business. Hakkai had no more powerful enemies, and if Gojyo had managed to make a few, they certainly wouldn't be able to send against him that little fucking army. Because it was an army. When he and Goku came running to that clearing they encountered at least twenty demons, but it was just a back guard, used for keeping them busy while the rest of them - and it was a really great crowd - got away. With Hakkai and Gojyo.

 

The only thing they found after the fight was some of Hakkai's clothes and some of his blood splattered on the grass. But Goku wasn't able to trace him anywhere. It was just like they'd disappeared somehow. Back then, Sanzo was almost sure it was all Kougaiji and his henchmen's doing. They'd got that annoying manner of disappearing in thin air. But then he dismissed the idea. Kougaiji preferred an open fight rather than some dirty tricks. And even if he captured somebody from Sanzo's party instead of trying to beat him `fair and square', he would certainly demand some kind of duel after that. But so far Sanzo hadn't gotten any massage.

 

So it had to be some other sorcerer's work. Some powerful youkai sorcerer with small army of angry demons. One might think that it wouldn't be too difficult to find someone like that. But people in this town weren't very helpful. Nobody knew anything about youkai. Well, they knew about them going mad and all, but they told him also that there never were many demons in this area. And those who used to live here had killed each other at the very beginning of this madness, and since then, thanks Gods, the town hadn't any problems with them. Large group of demons hiding out in our woods? With all the respect, you have to be mistaken. We would have noticed something for sure.

 

His cigarette was finished and Sanzo absently reached for another one. But the crumpled package that laid on the table was empty. He sighed heavily, folding the useless newspaper and looked at Goku, who sat quietly on the other side of the table. He frowned slightly at the sulky expression on the boy's face. It wasn't like Goku to sit in silence and have a sad face. And, what was more disturbing, his meal looked like it was barely touched.

 

“Hey, Goku, what the hell's wrong with you?” Sanzo frowned even more at the sound of his own voice, which appeared to be raspy like sand paper. Too many cigarettes, he thought and cleared his throat. Goku only looked at him absently, petting Hakuryuu nestled on his lap. “I'm all right,” he said quietly. “Just… not hungry.”

 

At that Sanzo almost gasped. He couldn't even remember when was the last time he heard those words coming from Goku. Hell, he wasn't even sure if he ever heard them at all! “You're… not hungry?” he repeated carefully. “Are you sick?” Indeed, Goku didn't look quite healthy. He was pale, with deep blue circles under his eyes and he seemed somehow smaller or thinner or… just like somebody sucked out all his vitality.

 

“No, I'm not sick. I guess…” Goku shrugged lightly. “I'm just… worried.” Then he lifted his gaze and looked Sanzo straight in the eyes. It was just for a while, but it was enough for the monk to feel even more uncomfortable than before. Because he saw again that sad, lonely boy, looking at him from behind the bars of his prison cave. There wasn't any hope in those big golden eyes, only a slight trace of amazement, just like he was wondering if it was another of the gods' cruel jokes.

 

Sanzo took a deeper intake of breath, just like he was getting ready for making longer statement, but then only exhaled slowly. He couldn't think of anything to say, anything positive enough to make Goku's eyes sparkling again. Tch, like I care, he tried to think, but the bitter truth was he did care. It hurt him to look into Goku's eyes right now. It hurt to sit and do nothing and growing more anxious every single hour. “You have to eat,” he said, trying to sound rough, as usual. “If you won't, you'll grow weak and…”

 

Sanzo's voice trailed off. He wanted to say something like `you have to be strong now, when there's only two of us left', but he simply couldn't. It would be like admitting to the whole world that he gave up on Gojyo and Hakkai. And most of all, it would be like admitting it to Goku. And kill the last little tiny bit of hope the boy could still have somewhere deep inside.

 

But then Goku suddenly shifted in his seat, straightening himself and narrowing his eyes, which weren't sad any more. “Sanzo,” he said in low, strained voice. “Look.” The monk slowly turned his head and looked over his shoulder. There was a tall man standing in the entrance and searching the room with careful gaze. With mop of messy dark hair and average clothes, he looked just like any other customer, but Sanzo new better. He could recognize youkai even if it didn't have pointed ears, clawed fingers and tattoo-like birth marks. And even if he couldn't, he certainly would recognize that strong, square jaw and exotic-shaped eyes. In his human form, Gojyo's older brother looked exactly like him. Minus all the crimson.

 

“At last,” muttered Sanzo, feeling slightly relieved, but the same time enraged like hell. So, it was Kougaiji after all. So, The Noble Prince wasn't so noble. But at least Sanzo knew how to deal with it. Apparently his burning, violet eyes caught the attention of prince's bodyguard, because he flinched suddenly and turned towards their table with one sharp move. His face twitched slightly as he took a few quick steps, coming closer. “You did recognize me,” he said quietly.

 

“That wasn't so hard,” Sanzo just couldn't believe those words actually came through his clenched teeth. “What do you want?”

 

“Is my brother with you?” Dokugakuji still kept his voice low, but something in it was urgent, something that sounded like real concern.

 

“Don't test my patience, fucker,” Sanzo growled just under his breath, half-consciously reaching for his gun. “Just say what you want to--”

 

“Tell me, is he with you? Is he all right?” the youkai sounded now even more persistent. He leaned forward, bringing himself closer to Sanzo, but still keeping his distance. Now the concern was not only in his voice, but also becoming visible on his frowning face. Nice acting, thought the monk, but before he could make any comment, he heard another voice.

 

“Stop it.” That was Goku. He was still sitting there, his whole body strained, eyes narrowed, grasping the little furry dragon tightly, as if for support. “You know exactly where he and Hakkai are, so stop acting like that. Just tell us what we have to do to get them back.”

 

It didn't sound like Goku at all. It didn't sound like little monkey boy. It sounded so mature, that Sanzo's jaw almost dropped. Dokugakuji bit his lip anxiously. “So I am too late,” he sighed and reached for the nearby free chair. He sat heavily, lowering his head. “It wasn't us,” he said then. “We didn't capture them. I mean, Kougaiji has nothing to do with it.”

 

“Hasn't he?” Sanzo clenched his fists trying to remain calm. “And maybe you gonna tell me that he sent you here to help?” The brunette slowly lifted his gaze.

 

“He even doesn't know I'm here. And I don't want to help you. I want to help my brother.”

 

Well, that's it, thought Sanzo as his hand shot forward and grabbed Doku's shirt. The monk stood up dragging the youkai to his feet and pulling him close enough to stick the gun's barrel right in his stomach. “You think we believe that bullshit?” he asked, or rather growled.

 

“I can't make you believe me,” Doku remained limp in Sanzo's grasp. He didn't try to break free, he didn't even try to look away. “You can kill me if you want, but first let me tell you what I know.”

 

“Eee… Sanzo, I think we can hear him out,” said Goku quietly. “And… don't make a mess, all right?” The monk wanted to tell his usual `shut up, monkey' thing, but then it came to him. The room was suspiciously quiet. Out of the corner of his eye he could see that people in the next table were staring at him, and probably they weren't the only ones.

 

“All right, show's over,” he grumbled, pushing Doku away and hiding his gun. “Ok, speak,” he said. “But don't make me regret that decision.”

 

***

 

To be continued

 

[1] According to my little Japanese translator, word `aka' means `scarlet, red, bloody'. Of course, kanji is the same for all those meanings, but it's my world, so I can bend the rules a little. I apologize to all language purists, who may feel offended with my carelessness. But it's my story! ;p

 

 

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to check a few more alternate meanings of 'aka' some which are eerily appropriate....go to

 

 

http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~jwb/cgi-bin/wwwjdic.cgi? 1E

 

 

it's a wonderful dictionary I found to be wonderful tool.

chani