Gensomaden Saiyuki Fan Fiction ❯ A Simple Kiss ❯ Meatbuns and Ki Blasts ( Chapter 8 )

Title: A Simple Kiss - Chapter 8: Meatbuns and Ki Blasts

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When Hakkai awoke, Sanzo was already up, his belongings packed and set on his bed. He wondered what had woken him until he heard banging on the door across the hall. Sanzo's voice filtered through the door.

"Get the fuck up! We leave in 10 minutes. Whoever isn't ready gets left behind."

Someone in the room must have protested, because he continued a few seconds later.

"I said we're leaving! You want food, eat in the jeep."

Ignoring further protests, Sanzo stormed back across the hall and threw open the door. Hakkai smiled at him "Good morning."

The monk's eyes narrowed as he grabbed his bag. "I'll be downstairs. Get those idiots going or I'm going to walk west. Alone."

Hakkai shook his head at Sanzo's retreating back. He had thought their talk last night might make a difference, but apparently it had not. The man was in just as bad a mood this morning as he had been the last two days. But maybe his interactions with Goku would be a little less hostile today. Hakkai brightened at the thought. If Gojyo had had any luck talking with Goku, maybe the drive would be missing the tension that had characterized everything the two did recently. He could hope, couldn't he?

In a cheery mood, he quickly dressed and packed his stuff. Checking to make sure the room was empty, he crossed the hall to knock at the other door. "Goku, Gojyo, are you up?"

"Yeah, Hakkai, come on in," came Gojyo's reply.

When he entered the room he was surprised to see that both were dressed and packing their things, though neither looked like they had slept much. Goku kept rubbing his bloodshot eyes, and Gojyo couldn't seem to stop running a hand through his hair. They both smiled at his entrance, and he was relieved to see that Goku seemed much more relaxed. The talk must have gone well.

"Ready? Sanzo is impatient this morning." Hakkai didn't miss the faint shadow that crossed Goku's face, but it disappeared quickly.

"When is he not?" Gojyo muttered, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Damn cranky monk."

Hakkai laughed. "Yes, well, let's not give him another reason to gripe, shall we?"

Goku hopped up and shouldered his bag. "Hakkai, we grabbed some extra food last night, so we should have plenty for breakfast. Maybe lunch as well. When will we get to the next town?"

"Well, we'll be going through a small town around lunchtime, so we can buy supplies there. But after that, there won't be another town until tomorrow evening."

Gojyo groaned. "So we get to spend another night in the damn forest."

"Now, now, Gojyo. It's not that bad. At least the weather is good. And the town we'll hit tomorrow is pretty big, so we should have our pick of inns. And restaurants," Hakkai added on Goku's behalf.

Goku grinned. "Great!"

They left the room and headed downstairs. Sanzo was waiting for them, glaring. "Took you long enough," he muttered.

Hakkai just smiled at him, and they all walked outside and got into the jeep.

* * * * * *

As soon as they hit the open road, Goku and Gojyo dug into the packages they had picked up last night. Hakkai watched in the rearview mirror as they squabbled over the fruit and cheese, relieved to hear them arguing again. After taking what they wanted, Gojyo leaned over the front seat and handed Hakkai an apple.

"Here ya go. What else do you want? We have cheese and rolls."

"Just some bread."

"Sure. Let me know when you're ready for it."

Hakkai bit into the juicy apple, enjoying the crisp flavor. "What a beautiful morning."

Sanzo glowered, but any negative comments the monk might have made were silenced when Goku leaned forward and extended a peach to him. "Hey Sanzo, here. Do you want a roll?"

Sanzo looked towards Hakkai again, and their eyes met. Hakkai silently goaded Sanzo to remember their conversation and his confession the previous night. He didn't really think it would work, so was pleasantly surprised when the blonde said, "No, thanks, this is enough." Though he growled the comment, it was definitely the least hostile thing he had said in awhile.

The two in the backseat exchanged startled looks. They had obviously expected some sort of sarcastic comment, not this… politeness. After looking at each other, they turned in unison to stare at Sanzo.

This proved to be Sanzo's undoing. "What the hell are you two looking at?" he snarled.

They continued to stare at him until he whipped around and smacked them both with his fan. Cries of "Owwww" and "Damn it!" made Hakkai smile to himself. Seemed like things were at least partly back to normal.

They made good time, and reached their destination by 10am. As it was a little early for lunch, though Goku didn't think so, they spent some time wandering through the general store. It wasn't large, but it had most of what they would need for the next day and a half. Hakkai was busy figuring out exactly how much rice they would need when Gojyo came up behind him. "Hey, Hakkai, we almost done here?"

Hakkai glanced at what he had already picked up. "Not quite. Still have a few things I need to get. Where are Goku and Sanzo?"

"The saru is drooling over the meatbuns, and the monk said he was going out for a cigarette."

Looking up, he saw that Gojyo's description was correct. Goku's tongue was hanging out of his mouth as he stared at rows upon rows of meatbuns. Hakkai stifled a chuckle. "Good, can you help me with this?"

Gojyo held out a hand. "Sure, lay it on me." His easy acceptance changed into reluctance when Hakkai laid their choices in his arms. "Damn, Hakkai, it's only a day and a half. Do we really need all this?"

Hakkai didn't look away from the shelf he was perusing. "Do you really want to deal with Goku if we run out of food?"

A pained look crossed the half-breed's face. "Good point. Grab some more of that, why don't you?"

Laughing as he picked up two bottles of spices, Hakkai glanced at Goku to make sure he was still there. He lowered his voice so it wouldn't carry to the young man. "I take it the talk went well?"

Gojyo had been reading the back of a box of crackers, but at this he snapped his attention back to Hakkai. "Yeah, it did. Can't you tell?"

They both looked back towards Goku. Hakkai nodded. "He has seemed much more upbeat today. And he's reacted very positively to Sanzo all morning. Almost like his normal self."

"Speaking of the monk," Gojyo murmured, "What the hell did you say to him? He was actually polite earlier."

"I just reminded him how important we are to each other."

Gojyo looked skeptical. "And that's all?"

Hakkai looked him square in the eye for a few seconds, and finally Gojyo backed off. "Fine, fine. I know, he'd kill us if you told me."

"That's right. Besides, there is no telling if it did any good or not. Only time will tell." He broke off then, as Goku trotted over to them.

"Hakkai, can we get some meatbuns? Huh? Please."

Hakkai couldn't help but laugh. "Sure, Goku. Decide what you want and I'll be over as soon as I finish here." He smiled at the boy's retreating back.

Hakkai turned to see Gojyo watching Goku as well. In a voice pitched for Hakkai alone, he murmured, "He really loves that stupid monk with all his heart, can you believe it?" Turning to search Hakkai's face, he added, "Think Sanzo loves him back?"

Hakkai paused for a moment, not wanting to betray Sanzo's confidence. Finally he settled on saying, "I think so, but only time will tell." Gojyo shot him a disgruntled look, but he just smiled. It was true, after all.

The three trooped out of the store to find Sanzo sitting on the steps, smoking. Basking in the morning sun, he had stripped his robes down to his waist. Hakkai thought he looked more peaceful than he had in days. Gojyo set his packages down beside Sanzo and sat down as well, drawing out a cigarette and lighting it. Surprisingly, Sanzo didn't hurry them on their way. Instead he moved slightly to make room for Hakkai or Goku to sit down as well. Hakkai glanced at Goku, but the boy shook his head, gesturing for him to take the seat. Hakkai gazed out at the town as he settled himself comfortably. Movement out of the corner of his eye caught his attention, and he turned his head slightly to see Goku step tentatively up behind the seated monk. He extended a cautious hand and laid it gently on the man's shoulder. Hakkai saw Sanzo stiffen slightly, an uncertain look sweeping across his face. Then just as swiftly it was gone, and he relaxed under the younger man's touch. Hakkai could see that Gojyo was also watching the pair. A slow smile crept across the half-breed's face as Sanzo relaxed. Hakkai couldn't repress his own smile at the hope shining in Goku's eyes.

All too soon the moment was disrupted by the sound of a rumbling stomach, though to all their surprise it came from Gojyo, not Goku. They grabbed their belongings and headed off to lunch. The meal was a peaceful affair, all four of them still affected by the contented mood that had come over them outside the general store. They chatted amiably about nothing in particular, and even Sanzo laughed at one of Gojyo's jokes.

Finally Sanzo stood up and waved his credit card at the waitress. "We've wasted enough time. Let's get going." They headed out and hopped into the jeep, heading off into the noonday sun.

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It was early when they finally stopped to rest, but they were all hungry and tired. The drive hadn't been bad, just long. After working quickly to set up camp, Hakkai brought out the makings of their dinner. Goku came up to him as he was working and began to help. Hakkai gave him a grateful smile.

"Hakkai, after dinner can we work on ki techniques again?" The boy was grinning with eagerness.

"Sure, Goku, that sounds fine."

"Great!" With even more energy than before, the young man threw himself into getting dinner ready.

With Goku's help, it didn't take long to make their meal, and they enjoyed it together. After a quick cleanup, Goku and Hakkai retreated to the far side of the clearing, leaving Gojyo and Sanzo sitting underneath a tree smoking and talking quietly. They sat down facing each other and began their training as they always did, with meditation to clear their minds. Hakkai didn't really need the time to gather his ki, and he had found that Goku was powerful enough not to need it either, but they did it anyway to relax from the pressures of the day's journey. Goku was impatient tonight, so it didn't take long for the boy to hop up and start stretching. Letting Goku set the pace for the evening, Hakkai got up and joined him. As soon as they were warmed up, Hakkai asked Goku what he wanted to do tonight.

"Let's spar!" was the boy's cheerful response.

Hakkai glanced over at Gojyo and Sanzo, who were paying them no mind. This would be the first time they had sparred in front of their companions, at Goku's request, and he wanted to make sure they were far enough back. "Okay, but let's start out light."

They dropped into fighting stances and eyed each other warily, balls of ki forming in both their hands. Hakkai struck first with a light shot that he slowly tossed towards Goku. It deflected harmlessly off the shield that Goku had raised. Hakkai opened his mouth to praise his quick reaction when Goku moved. Hakkai barely had time to raise his own shield before not one, but two powerful ki balls careened into it. The impact slid him backwards in the dirt and lit the entire clearing. Keeping his shield up, he called out, "Goku, I said light!"

"Sorry, Hakkai. But that was light!" Goku spread his palms to show he wasn't attacking as he approached Hakkai.

"You've got to be kidding me." A voice broke in. "There's no way that was a light shot!"

Hakkai turned to see Gojyo and Sanzo standing behind him, the bright flash having attracted them.

Goku stepped backwards until he reached the edge of the clearing. "If you want, I'll show you a harder shot," he said with a grin. The ki ball forming in his hands was the brightest one Hakkai had ever seen. Goku readied it, but didn't throw it. "Ready, Hakkai?"

'I do believe he's showing off,' thought Hakkai. He raised both hands to form his thickest shield around the three of them and braced himself against the ground. He wasn't actually worried that Goku would break through the shield, but he didn't want to chance being pushed over either. Hakkai gave a swift nod, indicating that he was ready, amazed that Goku had been holding that much ki for that long.

If possible, the ball grew brighter as Goku launched it in a graceful arc. It wasn't fast, but Hakkai could feel the huge amount of energy coming from it. Apparently Gojyo could as well, since he grabbed Sanzo, yanking him to his knees. "Get down!" the half-breed yelled.

Grateful for Gojyo's actions, Hakkai had just enough time to kneel before the energy smashed into his shield. He had never absorbed a blow that powerful, and with his limiters in place, didn't have the ability to release that much energy himself. If he hadn't already been on his knees, he would have ended up there. The energy crackled and snapped, throwing sparks in every direction. It didn't die upon impact, but instead spread out, quickly nearing the outer edges of his shield. He spread the shield out farther, but that weakened the middle. He could feel the heat on his hands, and he began to worry.

Then suddenly Goku was there. Hakkai had not even seen him move, but now he was standing behind him. Goku laid a hand on his shoulder and let his ki flow into Hakkai. It was as though a floodgate opened inside of Hakkai, and he gasped as an enormous amount of energy flowed through him. The shield he had been struggling to hold just a second ago snapped into place, completely surrounding them. It was so strong it warped their view outside. With the stronger shield in place, it didn't take long for the outside energy to dissipate, and finally Goku dropped his hand and the shield collapsed. As soon as Goku released him, Hakkai tipped forward.

Gojyo caught him as he fell, and Hakkai shot him a grateful smile. He dropped into a sitting position, feeling a stinging in his hands as he placed them on the ground. He raised his palms and looked at them. They were red and blistered, though he didn't know if it was from the energy of the thrown ki ball or the energy that Goku had pushed through him.

"Hakkai, are you okay?" A tentative voice broke into his thoughts. He raised his head to see Goku standing before him, looking at him worriedly.

"I'm okay, Goku. Just not used to… channeling that much energy." His voice sounded shaky.

Goku frowned. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you. I just thought… it looked like you needed help."

"It's fine, Goku. You didn't know. I don't think any of us realize how much power you really possess." Hakkai wondered something. "That ki ball, and the energy you used to help me with the shield. That wasn't everything you had, was it?"

Goku shuffled his feet and looked away. "No," he said quietly.

"Give me an estimate. About how much power did you put into that shot?"

"I'm not really sure. Maybe half? I don't know how to judge. But I didn't feel anywhere near tapped out."

Hakkai blinked at him, and he could see Gojyo gaping as well. Sanzo just looked at their younger companion. Only half? If he had powered up fully, they would all be dead. His shield wouldn't have lasted a second against that much power.

Goku grew noticeably uncomfortable under the combined gaze of his three friends. He dropped to his knees in front of Hakkai and fixed his eyes on his hands. "Hakkai, let me help you."

Hakkai let him take his hands, and watched as the flesh healed under Goku's touch. He hadn't taught him healing. If he was able to do something like this, what else was he capable of? The green glow faded slowly and he removed his hands from Goku's to stare at them in wonder. He could have healed a burn of that degree, but not that quickly. Hakkai smiled at Goku, and was relieved to see the uncertain look on the boy's face change to a returning smile. "Thank you, Goku. It feels much better now."

Goku's face broke out into a grin. "You're welcome. Let me get you some water." He rushed off towards their supplies, his friends continuing to watch him.

"You really okay, Hakkai?" asked Gojyo quietly, concern evident in his voice.

"Yes, I'm fine. Just tired. That was… incredible. It was like suddenly having a waterfall flowing through my whole body. I've never felt anything like it. But when it stopped… it was like a sudden drain." Hakkai shook his head in amazement. "To think that was only part of his power… I had no idea."

Gojyo nodded in agreement. "None of us did. How could we? He's never used his energy like that."

Sanzo finally spoke up. "Can he control that much energy?" The monk sounded curious, but apprehensive as well.

"He's done really well so far. I don't know what would happen if he tried to use his full force, though. I don't think he could handle it right now." Hakkai thought about it for a minute before continuing. "I have an idea. Let's try a test." Goku came up to him then, a glass of water in hand. Hakkai took it and drank gratefully. "Goku, I want you to try something for me."

The young man cocked his head and looked quizzically at him. "Okay"

"Call Nyoi-bou for me."

Goku stepped back and stretched out his hand. "Nyoi-bou!" The staff appeared in his hands in a flash.

"I want you to try channeling some ki into it. Not too much now, no more than what you used to form the blast."

"Okay." The boy took another step back and closed his eyes. A green glow lit his hands, then transferred onto the staff. It glowed brightly for a second, then died down as he stabilized the level of power. "Now what?"

Hakkai glanced around them. "See that rock over there? I want you to hit it, but just lightly."

Goku glanced at Sanzo, looking for reassurance that this random act of destruction was okay. Sanzo nodded at him, and Goku walked over to the rock.

"Just tap it." Hakkai called after him.

Goku reached out with Nyoi-bou and tapped the tip of it on the rock… which suddenly exploded into dust. Goku dropped the shield he had raised the instant the rock exploded in front of him, and turned to Hakkai. "Wow! That was cool!"

Hakkai laughed. "That was pretty neat." He glanced around them, looking for something else to use for testing, but was brought back to Goku when he saw light flashing out of the corner of his eye. Goku had started twirling the glowing staff, and it was creating green circles in the darkening sky. He rotated it faster and faster, and the light started to fluctuate, pulsing as it spun. Hakkai was entranced by the lights, but the fluctuations worried him. Was Goku losing control? "Goku," he called.

"Yeah, Hakkai?" Goku didn't glance away from the staff in his hands, tossing it up in the air and catching it again with greater agility than they had ever seen him use.

"That's… Wow." Gojyo commented breathlessly from behind him.

"Hakkai," Sanzo said, his voice tight. "This isn't a good idea."

Hakkai agreed. The staff was starting to pulse faster, and the glow and the pulsing had spread to include Goku's hands and arms. "Goku, I think you should stop now."

The young man started to argue, but a glance at Sanzo's face shut him up. He threw Nyoi-bou in the air one last time, and then sent it away as it was tumbling down towards him. He took two steps towards Hakkai, and with a surprised look, sank to his knees. "Oh," he said, then passed out.

It was exactly what Hakkai had suspected might happen, but he had thought he was the only one to realize it. Apparently Sanzo had come to the same conclusion, and before Goku hit the ground, he was crouched beside him, an arm around his shoulders. "Stupid monkey."

Gojyo helped Hakkai stand up, still a little shaky on his own feet. The redhead kept a steadying hand under his elbow as he made his way over to Sanzo. The monk scooped Goku into his arms and stood up. "Sanzo," Hakkai said, "he's just tired himself out. He isn't used to using that much ki."

"Not surprising," the blonde growled, "with that little show he was putting on."

"Be patient with him," Hakkai pleaded, "He's learning what he can do. He's apt to overdo it at first. I did too when I learned how to use my ki. It takes practice to know when to quit."

Sanzo said nothing, but when he turned and walked away, Goku still cradled in his arms, it looked to Hakkai as if he took extra care not to jostle his burden.

Gojyo squeezed his elbow to get his attention, and Hakkai turned his head to look at him. "Come on, it's time for bed for you too. Goku isn't the only one that needs to rest after that."

Hakkai smiled. "You're right," he admitted. "I'm going to sleep well tonight. Make sure you wake me up to watch though. You should probably take first watch and let me take the second. We don't want Sanzo up all night again."

Gojyo nodded and they headed towards their waiting beds.

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A/N:

You guys are the best reviewers! So many people enjoying this, I just love you all! *hugs everyone within reach*

Thanks, Stitcher2Ficcer, for your incredible enthusiasm.

p3c: Thanks! Don't worry; he's around here… somewhere. I think he's napping.

Bleedformeee: You're funny! I wouldn't let Sanzo hear you say his angst is hilarious, he'd probably be rather pissed.

stitcher2ficcer: You're the best!

Pervasive Threnody: Now, now, a week isn't that long. Here's your weekly fix. Hope it satisfies the craving.

mabaroshi16: He wanted to tell his side of things, and you don't argue with Sanzo if you value your life!

Callie: He hides them better than Goku does, but they're still there. It was fun bringing them to light.

Chibisanzo: Hakkai may act passive sometimes, but he can be pushy when he wants to. Makes him fun to write.

Rinslet: Thanks!

ethereal-tenshi: He is, isn't he? I just love him.

Nozomi Anshin: I'm trying hard to keep him IC, especially within the bounds of the development that has already occurred. Let me know if you think I'm failing at that.

dragon keeper: *hides behind sofa* Was this soon enough?

Genjo Sanzo 1: Thanks! Don't worry, this will continue.

Me-Nuriko: Sorry if ff.net was giving you fits. It sucks when that happens. I'm glad you are enjoying this.

Yuki Kurai: I'm happy you like it!

ChibiLoner: I appreciate everyone that takes the time to review, so I like to take the time to respond. I haven't finished writing the whole story yet, but the repeating scenes shouldn't happen again, so don't worry about it.

Genki-Saru: Sorry to leave you in suspense. Glad you like it.

Eclipse45: I want to give him a hug too! I think Goku might be jealous though.

Quirk: Welcome, and thanks for the compliment. I try to post every weekend, so keep an eye out around that time.

Bakasaru Boi: Poor Gojyo! Don't abuse him too badly, I need him for later chapters!

Mitsko: Don't worry, you aren't rushing me. I appreciate the compliment. I'm glad you think it's original, as I've tried hard to make it so.

Forsaken^On3: These boys just don't do anything without a little angst thrown in, but hopefully this chapter was a good break from it. The next one will be just as much fun!

Gallatica: Yum, chocolates! Ohh, caramel centers, my favorite! I'm glad your computer cooperated enough to let you read at least a few more chapters. It always makes me smile when a writer of such great 39 fics thinks mine is worth reading! Goku using ki was an idea I borrowed and expanded on from stitcher2ficcer's 'Awakenings', and I've been having a lot of fun with it.