Gensomaden Saiyuki Fan Fiction ❯ A Simple Kiss ❯ Bloody Claws and Helping Hands ( Chapter 12 )

Title: A Simple Kiss - Chapter 12: Bloody Claws and Helping Hands

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Seiten Taisei slowly turned his head, golden cat eyes skimming over those surrounding him. His laughter escalated into a feral cackle, in anticipation of this opportunity for play. So many playthings! This was going to be fun! The surrounding youkai finally moved, retreating from the murderous creature in their midst. At their movements he tensed, dropping down into a fighting stance, a wild grin splitting his face. And then he disappeared.

Hakkai and Gojyo watched as Seiten Taisei reappeared behind a large group of youkai and started tearing them apart before they had an opportunity to run. Bodies flew in every direction, and the air was filled with the sound of death and mad laughter.

"Shit, Hakkai. What the hell are we gonna do? When he finishes with them he'll come after us again."

Hakkai turned to scan the crowd. As the youkai retreated, he caught of glimpse of white robes and blond hair. "I think I see Sanzo. We need to make sure he's okay. He's the only one who can stop this."

They dashed in the direction Hakkai indicated, dodging fleeing youkai who no longer had any interest in them. At one point Seiten Taisei hurdled over their heads, but he paid them no mind, concentrating on those who were trying to get away.

"Fuck," Gojyo breathed. The blood-soaked carnage made even their worst battles seem mild.

Hakkai did not respond, as he had finally reached Sanzo's side. The blonde was a mess of dirt and blood, and there was no telling at first glance how injured he was. Hakkai was not even sure he was still alive until he felt his pulse. It was strong and even, and he breathed a sigh of relief. "Gojyo, I think he's not badly hurt. Help me turn him over."

The half-breed did as requested, and whistled as Sanzo's torn back came into view. "That's gotta hurt."

Hakkai took a closer look. "It's not that bad, really. They're shallow. From the angle, it looks like it was done carelessly when the scripture was pulled from his shoulders. I can heal them, but I wish we had some water."

Gojyo glanced around, his eyes settling on a small well a little ways behind them. "There's a well over there. I think I can get to it without attracting attention." He began to get up, but paused as Hakkai grabbed his arm.

"Be careful. You know he can't tell friend from foe."

Gojyo grinned grimly. "Aren't I always?" He scanned the area, pinpointing Seiten Taisei's location. Avoiding the ongoing violence, the half-youkai sprinted across the road to the well. Filling the bucket, he parted it from the rope with a quick jerk of the shakujou, and ran back over to his friends.

Hakkai took the bucket with a grateful smile and poured a little water on Sanzo's back. The cold water jerked the monk back to consciousness. "Fuck. Wha… What the hell hit me?" Sanzo sat up and pressed a hand to his head.

"Please hold still, Sanzo. You've got some nasty cuts on your back that will only take a minute to heal." Hakkai placed his hands on the worst gouge and let his ki flow, watching as the skin knit together. Finally closing the last wound, he peered at the lump on the back of Sanzo's head. "You've got a nasty lump here, but it didn't break the skin. You must have a bit of a headache though."

"No shit," Sanzo grumbled. "A little more than a bit." Taking his hand off his head, he searched his shoulders, then the ground around him. "Damn it. Where's the sutra?"

Gojyo was standing behind them, mesmerized by Seiten Taisei cornering the last couple dozen of the vast army that had attacked them. "Umm, well, at the moment, he's got it."

"What?… Who? Why the hell aren't you doing something about it?"

"You're welcome to ask him for it, but I don't think he's in a listening mood."

Sanzo stood up, wobbling slightly, and turned to follow Gojyo's gaze. His mouth tightened as he took in the slaughter in front of him. "Fuck." Seiten Taisei paused in his killing to pick up the sutra from where a dying youkai had dropped it on the ground. Sniffing it curiously, he deemed it unimportant, and tossed it over his shoulder before slashing out again.

"Well, at least we don't have to fight him for it," Gojyo quipped.

Sanzo shot him a narrow-eyed look. "Want to tell me what the hell's going on?"

Hakkai stepped in to provide an explanation. "During the battle we all got separated, then you fell, and Goku must have seen it. When he couldn't get to you, he panicked. We tried to calm him down, but we couldn't get near him, and he was beyond listening. His limiter broke."

"Damn monkey," Sanzo muttered. "So now I've got to fix things again. I'm getting really tired of having to do this."

"Hell, at least you can do it. But he's not our only problem. Check out the roof." The other two followed Gojyo's gaze up to the cat youkai's perch, a look of pure horror on her face, the fur on her tail standing on end. "Doesn't look like she expected this turn of events."

"Not that we did either," Hakkai said quietly. "What should we do about her?"

"Who gives a fuck about her?" Sanzo snarled. "If she comes down here, she's dead. If he doesn't get to her, we will."

"We should at least let the last thing she sees be a handsome face." Ignoring Sanzo's disgusted reaction and Hakkai's non-committal one, Gojyo glanced over to see Seiten Taisei gleefully stalking the last five quivering youkai. Guesstimating that he had a few minutes before that deadly gaze turned towards them, he cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled up at the woman. "Hey, beautiful. Why don't you come down here and say hello?"

She tore her eyes away from the bloody remains of her army to growl at him. "How dare you call me that! I'll kill you for that."

"What's wrong with women these days? Can't take a simple compliment," Gojyo muttered under his breath, as he readied his shakujou.

The female youkai jumped down from the roof, landing lightly and pulling a long, studded whip from her belt. She strode towards Gojyo, but stopped abruptly as Seiten Taisei appeared in front of her. Fear crossed her face as she stared at him. He stared right back, narrowed cat's eyes shining with startling intelligence as a feral grin crossed his face. The spattered blood that covered every inch of his body made his already formidable appearance even more fearsome. The woman backed up slightly, then stopped. Resignation showed in her eyes, replaced quickly by determination and anger. "You," she hissed. "What the hell are you?" She lashed out at him with her whip, striking him across the face, whipping his head to the side.

Seiten Taisei did not even try to dodge the attack. He turned his head back to look at her, and dipped a finger in the blood now trickling down his cheek. He brought it to his mouth and licked it clean with a satisfied grin.

"Fucking hell." Gojyo could not hold back the gasp. At the sound, Seiten Taisei whipped around, pinning the three with his eyes.

"Dumbass kappa," Sanzo whispered.

They stood frozen under that gaze, hypnotized by the golden eyes they knew so well, but which now held a wildness that definitely did not belong to Goku. With his attention distracted from her, the cat youkai took the opportunity to strike again, but her whip cracked on empty air. Seiten Taisei appeared behind her, foot whipping out to knock her to the ground. He did not advance, allowing her to rise to her feet and face him again. She struck out at him again, and was knocked down a second time by a blow so rapid it was nearly invisible. He backed off this time, circling her in a wide arc, keeping just out of range of her whip.

"He's fucking playing with her," Gojyo muttered.

"Keep your god damned mouth shut!" Sanzo hissed.

The youkai turned in a circle, keeping her eyes trained on her attacker and her whip ready. Seiten Taisei paused for a second, then held out his hand in a gesture Gojyo, Hakkai, and Sanzo all recognized. Nyoi-bou appeared in his hand, already crackling with wild green energy.

Hakkai paled. "Oh no."

Sanzo turned slowly to meet his eyes. "You mean he can use ki in this form?"

"I… I wouldn't have said so before, but it looks like it."

Sanzo turned back around. "Shit."

The youkai swung her whip in a circle over her head, snapping it occasionally, trying to keep Seiten Taisei at bay. He just watched her, head cocked at a curious angle, eyes following the path of the whip as it swung around. Never taking his eyes off her, he swung Nyoi-bou behind him, striking the edge of the closest building. It exploded outward, dust and debris flying through the air. Hakkai threw up a barrier, deflecting the debris, but the dust rolled into them, making them all cough and swipe at their suddenly teary eyes. When the air cleared, Seiten Taisei was gone. As they looked around cautiously, a scream brought their attention back to the cat youkai. She did not even have time to raise her whip. They watched in horror as Seiten Taisei landed on the woman, knocking her on her back, and began clawing at her chest and face, blood gushing up in bright red streams. He laughed as he worked, a laugh that sent shivers down the listeners' spines. She struggled once, twice, then lay still. Finally finished with his toy, Seiten Taisei stood up from her body and licked the blood off his arm. Slowly turning, he pinned Gojyo with his gaze.

"And then there were three," Hakkai breathed.

"Hakkai, Gojyo, distract him, but stay as far away as you can. I've got to get close enough to seal him." Sanzo took a step forward.

Seiten Taisei's eyes locked onto him, and he grinned a slow, malicious grin. He took a step towards Sanzo, then another, and then he was in motion, running towards them. Gojyo whipped out his crescent blade, intent on wrapping the chain around the quickly approaching demon, but it was easily evaded, and he was on them, launching a kick at Gojyo's head. The foot connected, snapping the half-breed's head back and knocking him into the wall.

"Gojyo!" Hakkai turned towards his fallen friend.

"Hakkai, watch out!" Sanzo yelled.

Hakkai whipped around and raised a barrier from which Seiten Taisei bounced back. The earth demon slid to a stop a few meters away, looking slightly surprised, but then he grinned again, a wild intelligence burning in his eyes. He summoned Nyoi-bou, and the staff glowed even brighter than before. Throwing himself at Hakkai, he cut through the barrier with Nyoi-bou, and whipped the staff around to smash into the healer's head. Only his quick reflexes saved Hakkai's life as he threw himself to the side, the staff whistling a bare inch above his head. Seiten Taisei banished the staff, reaching out to slash at Hakkai, and this time the man wasn't fast enough to evade the attack. Hakkai let out a pained scream as sharp claws drew down his abdomen, fresh blood rushing to the surface. Seiten Taisei raised his hand for another swipe, but paused as a bullet pierced the air near his head. Slowly looking up, he glared at the one who dared to shoot at him.

"That's right, you stupid monkey," Sanzo said under his breath, "It's me you want to attack."

Getting to his feet, Seiten Taisei slowly started to circle the monk.

"That's not going to work on me," Sanzo stated calmly. "I'm not as stupid as she was."

Seeming to understand, the wild demon stopped and cocked his head, looking at Sanzo with curiosity. He suddenly took off in the opposite direction, and aimed a punch at Sanzo's midsection. The blonde easily dodged the blow by stepping to the side, and reached out a hand for Seiten Taisei's forehead. But there was no one there, and Sanzo whipped around only to be knocked to the ground by a hard kick to his side. Fuck, he's testing me, seeing what I can do. Struggling to regain the breath that had been knocked out of him, Sanzo watched as Seiten Taisei turned away from him, again stalking Gojyo, who was just coming back from unconsciousness.

"Leave him alone, Goku, please!" Hakkai pleaded. He was ignored by this creature who was not Goku, and closed his eyes to prepare himself for what he had to do. Powering up a ki blast, he regulated it so it would not do too much damage, then he fired it at the demon, hitting him square in the back. Seiten Taisei hit the ground, but was up in a flash, growling with the first sign of anger they had seen him show. He leapt towards Hakkai, but was caught in the air as the chain of Gojyo's shakujou wrapped around his body. He howled in anger and ripped the chain to pieces with a mighty thrust of his powerful arms. Hakkai took a moment to breathe, trying to ignore the bleeding wounds on his stomach. I didn't even slow him down. If anything, I made him angry. He's even more powerful than the last time we faced him.

Seiten Taisei landed on his feet like a cat, crouching on the ground, then launched himself at Sanzo, who was striding towards him with hand outstretched. The movement caught the monk by surprise, and they both fell as the earth spirit barreled into him. Having a demonic Goku sitting on top of him trying to claw his heart out was not Sanzo's idea of a good time, and he struggled against the legs locking him down as he tried to get a hand up to Seiten Taisei's forehead. Keeping the clawing hands at bay was all he could manage, and he snapped his head back, looking for the others. "Gojyo, Hakkai, the sutra!"

Instantly understanding, they both struggled to their feet and sprinted across the clearing towards the discarded sutra. Gojyo reached it first, and dashed back to where Sanzo lay under Seiten Taisei. "Just throw the damn thing!" Sanzo yelled. Gojyo looked at him in confusion, but did as requested. Closing his eyes and clearing his mind, Sanzo recited the words he needed to activate the magic lying dormant in the flying parchment. It burst open as it flew through the air, tendrils reaching out and wrapping around the enraged demon's limbs, lifting him off Sanzo. He let out a howl of fury, and struggled against his bonds, but they held. Sanzo laid a shaky hand on Seiten Taisei's forehead, glad to see the golden glow of divine power. The limiter appeared, wrapping itself tightly around the demon's head, and Sanzo let out a relieved breath. It was over. Letting the sutra go and sliding it around his shoulders, he raised his arms, expecting an unconscious Goku to fall into them.

Seiten Taisei swayed as his features began to revert to Goku's under the limiter. But rather than passing out, the boy backed away, still-clawed hands on his head, and squeezed his eyes shut against the pain. Sanzo lowered his arms as he realized something was wrong. There was a cracking noise, and the monk watched in horror as the limiter broke in half and fell to the ground. Despair gripped him as Seiten Taisei again took Goku's place, clearly enraged at the pain inflicted on him.

Gojyo and Hakkai raced to Sanzo, grabbing his arms and yanking him off the ground as they tried to put some distance between themselves and the furious earth spirit. "What the hell? Why didn't it work?" Gojyo asked between panting breaths.

"Fuck, I don't know! He must be too powerful with the ki." Sanzo was having trouble keeping the panic away.

Hakkai looked at both of them apologetically. "I'm so sorry, I didn't know-"

Sanzo cut him off. "Quit blaming yourself. He wasn't supposed to let this happen again."

Gojyo was taken aback. "So this is Goku's fault? He only went nuts 'cause he was worried about you!"

"So it's my fault the dumbass ape can't control himself? Did I tell him to start killing everyone?" Sanzo lashed back at Gojyo.

"Is that what you'll tell him when he wakes up after this? It's not bad enough for him to know he hurt all of us, but it's all his fault too?"

Sanzo had to restrain himself from swinging at the angry half-youkai. "If we live through this, I'm going to beat it into his head that losing control doesn't help anything!"

"Stop it, both of you!" Hakkai's raised voice cut into their argument. "This isn't helping us or him." Getting himself under control, he continued. "What do we do now?"

There was silence. Gojyo shrugged. "Try it again?"

Sanzo began to retort, but one look at Hakkai's face made him shut up. Keeping a tight reign on his wildly oscillating emotions, he said, "If I can bind him again, I'll try a second time."

"Where is he, anyway?" asked Gojyo, a hint of fear in his voice.

Sanzo looked around, but saw no sign of the demon. "Fuck."

Suddenly the building behind them blew out, the shockwave knocking them all to the ground. Seiten Taisei emerged from the rubble, laughing maniacally as he whipped Nyoi-bou over his head. Sanzo rolled to the right as the staff hit the ground where his head had been. Large cracks appeared in the ground from the force of the impact. The staff swung again, and though he avoided the main thrust, it still struck him a glancing blow to the shoulder. A pop resounded in his ears, and pain washed over him from what could only be a dislocated shoulder. Cradling his wounded arm and bleeding from multiple cuts inflicted by the flying debris, the monk stood up.

Seiten Taisei had disappeared again, and Hakkai and Gojyo were gingerly picking themselves up off the ground. Hakkai had blood streaming down his head from a gash on his forehead, and Gojyo had his hand clamped over a cut across his cheek. A howl filled the air, and they all dropped into defensive stances. Hakkai was the first to be hit. Nyoi-boi came out of nowhere and slammed into the back of his legs, knocking him forward. He heard Gojyo scream his name, and then blacked out as he hit his head upon a rock.

"Damn it, you fucking monkey!" Gojyo sprang forward, swinging his blade with as much force as he could. For a second it seemed like it would hit Seiten Taisei in the chest, and terror gripped at the half-breed's heart. He twisted the hilt, deflecting the shot to the side. He had almost… he could have killed him. Killed Goku! The chain slipped back into its chamber, and Gojyo realized that Seiten Taisei had disappeared again. He saw movement to his right, and spun the shakujou to deflect a blow. None came, and he realized he had been tricked as soon as he felt the sharp pain in his left arm. Blood streamed from a deep slice that stretched from his elbow to his wrist. Peering at it in shock, he could see bone. Willing himself not to faint, he looked up to see Seiten Taisei waiting a few feet from him, grinning that maddening grin. "You fucking bastard!" With every word his voice rang out louder, and he ran at the demon. Seiten Taisei watched him come, then dodged to the side at the last moment, twisting Nyoi-bou around in an arc that smacked Gojyo right across the shoulder blades. He slammed into the ground, the breath crushed from his lungs.

Sanzo glared at his companions. Fat lot of good they had done. Seiten Taisei eyed him with barely restrained glee, mockery in his smile. Sanzo felt rage building inside himself, displacing his worry and despair. How dare this… creature force him into this position? Force him to fight for his life, risking all their lives as they tried to avoid killing it. This demon had ripped Goku away from them, from him, and now toyed with them. The monk centered his rage inside himself and chanted, holding Goku's face in his memory as he concentrated. He was the only one that could save them all, and he would succeed. Throwing out his uninjured arm, he sent the sutra spiraling towards Seiten Taisei.

The powerful earth demon laughed and charged Nyoi-bou. Holding the staff out in front of himself, he spun it in a fast circle, creating a whirling shield of ki. The sutra struck the shield and sparks flew, stinging Sanzo's skin where they touched him. The sutra rebounded from the supercharged ki, recoiling itself back around Sanzo's shoulders. The man looked down at his most powerful weapon and sunk to his knees. That was it, his final chance. He had failed. There were no more options that could bring this to a happy ending. There was only one way to end this confrontation now.

Sanzo fingered his Smith and Wesson. Was he really going to do this? Could he? Did he have any choice? Flipping off the safety, he cocked the gun and took aim at the monster confronting him, watching him curiously, toying with him like a cat with an exhausted mouse. He was thwarted by Gojyo's hand clamping down on his own, preventing him from pulling the trigger. "Damn it, Gojyo! Let go!"

"You fucking cold-blooded bastard! No matter what he is right now, that's still Goku! He loves you! How can you so carelessly shoot him?" Gojyo was flushed with anger.

"He'll kill us when he tires of this game. Are you willing to trade your life - all our lives - for his?"

"Then do something about it! Find a way to fix this!" Yelling now, Gojyo leaned in close.

"I've already tried! It didn't work; he's too powerful now. We don't have any other choices!" He yelled back at the half-breed, exhausted beyond his limits, and filled with despair at what he was trying to do.

"Then get someone to help! She limited him before, the Goddess. Find a way to make her help again!"

At the suggestion, Sanzo paused, considering. She probably could help, if he could figure out how to call her. Unwilling to entertain false hope, his voice went cold. "Even if I knew how to ask her - which I don't - what makes you think she would help us? The gods help no one."

"She's done it before! Damn it, your selfish pride is either going to kill him or get us killed!" Gojyo gestured with a sharp nod towards Seiten Taisei, never letting go of Sanzo's gun hand. "Could you live with yourself if that happens?"

"If we die, I won't have to," Sanzo retorted. "And when- if - he comes back to himself, how do you think he'd feel, knowing he killed us all? And maybe others after us!" I can't let him suffer like that.

"I'd rather die trying to save him - or take him out with us - than kill him in cold blood." Gojyo was quiet now, determination in his voice.

Sanzo faltered in the face of Gojyo's conviction. He did not want to kill Goku, not after everything that had happened between them, everything that was still unresolved. But what can I do? I've tried everything I know. I can only save him from the pain of being alone again.

"Do something, Sanzo. Do it now, before it's too late." With that, the half-breed left him to go to Hakkai's side. Sanzo was relieved to see that the healer was finally sitting up, a hand on his head, but at least conscious now.

Sanzo stared down at the gun in his hand. Was there another choice? He looked up at Seiten Taisei. The earth demon stood still, studying them. He seemed fascinated by his prey's actions, wasting time and arguing in the face of imminent death. The golden eyes watched Sanzo warily, waiting for his next move. Despite their wildness, there was an age-old wisdom in them, and he was reminded of the look Goku had given him the night before. If he did this, if he shot and killed Seiten Taisei, he would never see that look again. Would he be able to live with himself, knowing what he had lost? Knowing that he had failed Goku? I am not strong. He had said that once before. And Hakkai had reminded him that though it was true, it did not mean that he was weak either. Sanzo glanced at Gojyo helping Hakkai to his feet. No, he was not strong, not by himself, but he was strong in his friends, and they strong in him. I need them, he admitted to himself, and they need me. Goku needs me. They need me to do what I can to make this come out right.

Sanzo stood up, and felt his spirit inexplicably lightened. He knew what he had to do. Striding towards the bruised and battered pair, he barked orders at them. "Distract him. I only need a few moments."

Gojyo lifted his head to look at the monk. "What are you going to do?"

"Just do it!" he growled.

The healer and the fighter glanced at each other, then separated. They circled around Seiten Taisei, and he tensed, grinning cheerfully to see his prey back in motion.

Sanzo turned his back to the group and sat cross-legged on the ground. He had no idea how to do this, but he had to try, for all their sakes. Taking a deep breath to take himself away from his physical pain, he turned inward and sent a prayer to the highest levels of heaven. "Goddess of Mercy, help me… please."

There was a sudden flash of light, and the Goddess of Mercy herself stood in front of him, her attendant behind her as usual. "My dear Konzen, all you had to do was ask. And so nicely put too, I might add." Sanzo scowled at her choice of address, and she grinned at him. "Oh yes, I keep forgetting… You are Genjo Sanzo now. Sorry." Her tone implied that she was not sorry at all. "So what do we have here? Problems with the little monkey? You guys really have made quite the mess of this situation."

"Are you going to help us or not?" Sanzo ground out from between clenched teeth. The old hag always managed to irritate him.

"Well, since you did ask so nicely, I guess I can lend a hand." She sauntered over towards Gojyo and Hakkai, who were using ki blasts and the shakujou to keep Seiten Taisei in a limited area. He was dodging their attacks with ease, occasionally swiping at them with his claws. They both sported new cuts, and Gojyo was stumbling from blood loss. Seiten Taisei was laughing as if he found the game incredibly amusing, but cut off immediately at the sight of the Goddess. He stared at her with puzzlement on his face. "Trying to remember where you've seen me before, little monkey?" Kanzeon asked the demon.

He lowered his head and peered up at her from underneath his chocolate bangs. Grinning suddenly, he lunged in her direction. "Uh uh. I don't think so," she said, waving a finger at him like he was an unruly child. The powerful earth demon froze in his tracks, and started to backpedal, a look on his face that Sanzo thought he would never see: fear. "Hold him still." Kanzeon yelled to Gojyo and Hakkai, and they rushed to do as she commanded.

Turning to Sanzo, she beckoned him with a finger. "Come on Konzen… sorry. Sanzo. It's time to do your stuff." He scowled at her but did as requested.

As he approached the struggling earth demon, he looked over his shoulder. "You know this didn't work before."

"Ahh, but you didn't have a goddess helping you before, did you?" Jiroshin let out a sigh from behind her.

Feeling foolish, Sanzo put his hand on Seiten Taisei's forehead. The divine power lit his hand, and a limiter started to appear. The demon let out a scream of outrage and struggled even harder. "This isn't work-" Sanzo was suddenly cut off by a hand on his shoulder, and a surge of power flowed through him and into the limiter. Over the rush of power, he heard a distinctly feminine voice speaking in his head. "You see, Konzen, all you had to do was admit you needed help. You can't make this journey on your own; you have to learn to rely on those that care about you. Especially this one. He's far more important than you realize. Take good care of him; he needs your light."

The voice faded from his mind as the hand lifted from his shoulder. Sanzo opened his eyes to see Seiten Taisei's features shift into those of his charge, and he opened his arms to catch him as he fell, ignoring the pain from his injured shoulder. This time the limiter stayed in place, and Goku rested quietly in his embrace. Sinking to the ground, he pulled Goku to him, exhaustion and relief making him weak-kneed. Gojyo and Hakkai sank to the ground as well, their extensive injuries weighing heavily on them.

The Merciful Goddess wiggled her fingers at them. "Well, now that that's done, I must be going. There isn't anything here you guys can't handle together." She turned away from them, and as she and Jiroshin began to fade from sight, she glanced back at Sanzo, and he again heard her voice in his head. "Don't forget what you've learned here, Konzen." She was gone in a twinkle, leaving behind her three exhausted and wounded young men and one sleeping earth child, all sitting in a street littered with bodies and running with blood.

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A/N:

Wow, oh wow. ACEN was just the best! I can't believe how much fun I had. I got to meet three of my wonderful reviewers, Mei Yanohi, Iapetus, and Pervasive Threnrody. It was so much fun to talk to you all. And I got to see Greg Ayers (Goku's VA) and Vic Mignogna (Kougaiji's VA) and I got their autographs! Not to mention I bought both Salty Dog art books and the Backgammon Remix art book. Which, by the way, if you don't have them, you need them! So many wonderful pictures of the guys! Vic is really hot, and he whispered a few of Kougaiji's lines in my ear, which was just wonderful. But the best part was meeting Greg. He sounds exactly like Goku (I mean all the time, not just when he's doing the voice), and he's really funny, not to mention cute! I actually got him to say "I love you, Sanzo", which had me squealing all day long. All in all it was a great weekend.

I know I'm posting this early, but I just wanted to pass it on in celebration of the great fun I had at ACEN, and the fact that I finally got the job I've wanted for two years now. It means a move back up north, but I can't wait. Don't worry, moving won't affect my posting schedule, I'll just go to the local library if I have to. Though getting a DSL connection is a major priority, right after getting electricity!

So while I was gone, we broke 200 reviews! I can't believe how many people are loving what I'm doing with this story! You guys really make my day! I get so excited when I see reviews in my inbox. When this is done I've got a couple more story ideas; I can't help it, I'm addicted to your great reviews! Hmmmm... let's see, I'm running out of dessert ideas. I know we've already had cake, but how about my favorite, hot fudge pudding cake? hands out cake and hugs to all the great reviewers and readers

Stitcher2Ficcer, you are my inspiration.

ChibiLoner: I am so Saiyuki obsessed, I just can't help it! I keep track of when each DVD comes out and rush out to buy it. I have to have another dose of our beautiful boys!

Koinu-Chan : Thanks! I love being on people's fav list, it makes me so happy that people are enjoying my story that much!

Katie: I had so much fun writing Seiten Taisei for ch. 11 and 12. I hope you liked him here!

Bleedformeee: You can tell me that over and over again, I always love hearing it! Yeah, I'm a meanie, but I didn't make you wait too long this time! Fanimecon sounds like fun, let me know how it goes!

Shades Of Hades : I hope you liked the rest. I'm happy to have you along!

Dreameater: I'm really glad you are still liking this! I look forward to your funny reviews!

Saiyuki G.H.S.G: You're so cute! Here you go, as requested.

Me-Nuriko: I'm glad I surprised you! I just couldn't end the story that quickly. And boy, I have really enjoyed writing the fighting. I wasn't sure at first if I could do it very well, but it's just been so much fun, and I've had great reactions to it. <hehe> No, Seiten Taisei isn't much fun for any of them, and he did quite a number on them here. I'm so mean to them!

Forsaken^On3: I have really grown to like Seiten Taisei as well, he's just cool! Don't worry, you'll get your SanzoxGoku moments!

Nikki: Seiten Taisei is just so powerful here, I think I scared myself! I'm so tempted to do more with him in another storyline, he's so awesome. And such a cutie as well!

Zek Majiri: I think you will be saying poor all of them after this chapter! They all need hugs now.

SuGaR aNiMe FrEaK: You give her sugar because it makes her even funnier! I always look forward to seeing what you are going to say next.

Phoe-chan: As a huge SanzoxGoku fanatic, I welcome you to the club! I'm glad you like this, I've had so much fun writing it. I love Goku this way, he is cool, isn't he?

SD: Peeing in your pants? I didn't think it was that good! Hope this update was quick enough for you!

Huh: Wow, your incredible compliments made me blush! Knowing that I'm making you love the characters even more makes me so happy! I love these guys, and I love this pairing, and I really wanted to share that with everyone.

Mitsko: Gunlock is just awesome, so many great shots of our boys, and the Kougaiji barcode episodes are to die for. He's such a hottie!

Iamzuul: Yeah, the first chapter is kind of odd, but I'm glad you like it now! I've worked really hard to keep everyone in character, and I love it when people tell me I'm succeeding. Hakkai and Gojyo are such great friends, aren't they?

Eclipse45: I love getting your reviews! They are always so long and interesting. 'Awakenings' is just fantastic, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'll pass along your compliments. This story can't go on forever (though I'm going to miss it a lot when it's done!), but I felt they needed some more time to understand themselves and their feelings, especially Sanzo. Which of course gives me more time to get into Sanzo's head, and I love that! Only two more DVD's to go and then we have to wait forever for Reload. cries I find the wait agonizing as well, I'm glad I'm not the only one. Thanks for the snacks, they were great! I need all that caffeine to keep me up and writing! And popcorn is always appreciated!

Pervasive Threnody: It was nice to get to talk to you, I wish we could have had a longer conversation as well. It was very hectic, I don't think I ever stopped running from place to place! I wanted to buy some new manga, but stuck to the art books instead. Had to make a choice, and I really wanted Greg and Vic to sign the art books. Did you get to hear them talk? They are both so funny!

dragon keeper: Yeah, I am a meanie. Sorry! You didn't have to wait long though, and I can't wait to hear what you have to say about this chappie. I love cherry pie, thanks!

KazeShinai: Glad you liked it! I think that one reason some people don't like the SanzoxGoku pairing is because they think Goku is too young, but I really don't agree with that. Even if you ignore the 500 years he was locked away, he's still 18, and that's old enough in any state! He can act young, but so can Gojyo, and you don't hear people saying he's too young to be with Hakkai! I think Goku is more mature than the guys give him credit for, and that's the way I like to write him.

Iapetus: It was so much fun getting to chat with you, and thanks for showing me where they were selling those art books! I hope you had as much fun as I did.

Mei Yanohi: Man, did we have a good time or what? It was so nice to get to chat about Saiyuki in person, you let me ramble on about all those little things that spring to mind when I watch the series. Did you get Greg's autograph? Did you really ask him to say what you mentioned? I want to hear all about it. You owe me a review for this chapter, I want to hear what you think! I went and read your GojyoxSanzo ficlet, and I loved it, it was just as good as the SanzoxGoku one. You should write more, you are just as talented with words are you are with the pencil.