Gensomaden Saiyuki Fan Fiction ❯ A Simple Kiss ❯ Pain and Revelations ( Chapter 14 )

Title: A Simple Kiss - Chapter 14: Pain and Revelations

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When Goku awoke, it was to a darkness that pressed down on him, filling his body and soul. He gasped, desperately trying to fill his lungs, to dispel the gloom in which he was sunk. Panic flared, bright and hot, searing his flesh. He curled into a ball, shaking uncontrollably, crying soundlessly for someone, anyone, to hear his pain. He could feel the oppressive weight of the chains on his wrists and ankles, every bit as real as the heavy pressure of the diadem on his head. None of it was real, nothing was real, and he was still trapped, caged like the wild animal he was. He pulled against the restraints, but his muscles failed him like everything else had, and he remained ensnared. A keening cry filled the air, his own cry, and the sorrow and longing took his own breath away. Despair broke over him like a wave, and he shrunk away from it, falling off the edge of reality into a downward spiraling madness.

He came to himself after hitting the floor, hard. He lay where he had fallen, breathing heavily, trying to reassure himself that he was not in that prison any longer, that Sanzo had set him free long ago. Finally opening his eyes, he was smothered by the darkness in the room. The despair began to overtake him again, and he struggled to his knees, crawling towards the only source of light he could see. Blinking away the tears that threatened to spill, he made it to the window and pulled himself up, drinking in the sight of the setting moon. Goku laid his head against the cool glass and tried to calm himself. That had been the most frightening thing he'd had to experience in a long time. Finally managing to get a slight grip on his reeling emotions, he turned to look around him… and froze. It was his worst nightmare come true. Lying in their beds in a gross parody of sleep, the bodies of his friends stared back at him with unseeing eyes. Voices sprung up around him, whispering, screaming, taunting, blaming. "You did this. You killed them. Monster! You killed the ones you love!" They started to laugh, filling the room with the noise until it became deafening. He tried to scream, but what came out was a high-pitched laugh, tinted with madness. Tears streamed down his face as he laughed and laughed, as his hair grew, as his nails turned into claws, as his ears lengthened into points, as his vision sharpened into that of a night creature. And still he continued to laugh as the darkness surrounded him, pulling him down.

A sharp blow to the back of his head finally brought him back to reality. His eyes flew open, and while he was still in darkness, it was the normal darkness of very early morning. He seemed to be afloat on a sea of black, unable to adjust his eyes to see beyond the borders of his bed. His head was still throbbing, and he ran a hand over it tentatively. From his position, it seemed that he had hit his head on the wall behind him as he tried to get away from the terrors that haunted him. Forcing himself to stay immobile as his eyes adjusted to the low light from the single window in the room, he strained to see through the gloom. Shadows resolved themselves into shapes, and his breath caught in his throat. He was surrounded by three beds containing the bodies of his friends, just as he had dreamed. A scream threatened to break free as his chest tightened, but he swallowed down his panic. Goku's trembling limbs refused to hold his weight, and he half crawled, half dragged himself to Sanzo's bedside. For a moment he did nothing, too frozen by terror to confirm his greatest fear. After a few choking moments he realized he could no longer feel his own heartbeat. His lungs no longer pumped for air. The body before him breathed deeply in and out while Goku waited for the painful tightening in his own lungs and the world of black that would induct him into the quiet night. As he waited and wondered what to do with the last moments of his life, Sanzo turned towards him in sleep and breathed into him. Finally released from the spell, Goku collapsed fully onto the floor.

He lay there, counting each breath that streamed into his body, returning life to his deadened limbs. Sanzo was okay, he was okay, it had all been a dream. As his breathing began to calm, he took stock of himself. He hurt. Everything was sore, including a stinging sensation on his cheek. Raising a hand, he found a long scratch he didn't remember getting. Seeing his hand close up, he realized it was covered with dried blood. He had not noticed it before, but his whole body was blood-spattered. What was going on? Why was it night? What had happened to fill his dreams with such terror? He tried to recall the last thing he remembered. There was a battle. A huge army of youkai. A woman on a roof. He had been fighting, and Sanzo had fallen. He had panicked, rage filling him, then… nothing. Just his horror-filled dreams. Dread began to choke him again. That was why his limiter felt odd, different somehow. He had become him. Seiten Taisei, the monster always held barely at bay.

Moving as quickly as his aching limbs would allow, Goku got to his knees and peered at Sanzo closely. Scratches marred the pale skin, and a darkening bruise covered the visible skin of the man's shoulder. He had done this, he had hurt Sanzo. Shame and disgust threatened to overwhelm him. Wanting to remove the most visible sign of his folly, Goku lightly touched his fingertips to the mark. The monk stirred, but did not awaken, a sure sign of his exhaustion. Sending a slow flow of ki though his hand, Goku watched as the bruise faded, then disappeared from sight. The job finished, he sat back on his heels and watched Sanzo sleep. The man was going to be furious with him for losing control again. All his efforts to get close to him had probably been for naught now. Things had been going so well; this couldn't have happened at a worse time. How could Sanzo view him with anything other than disgust after what he had done?

Goku was filled with remorse. Wishing he could rewrite the events of the day, he stood and made his way to Gojyo's bed. Looking the man over, he did not see anything wrong… until Goku got to his arm. A slash from wrist to elbow, partially healed, stood out as a silent reminder of his transgression. The half-breed was a heavy sleeper, so there was less chance of waking him, but he still made sure not to touch him more than necessary. It took more ki to heal him than he had used for Sanzo, but the damage had been more. The green light reflected off gracefully flowing red hair, turning it a sickly color, reminding him of the death he had dreamed in those crimson eyes. When the wound was healed, he turned to Hakkai. The healer had a cut across his brow that was healed easily enough, and finally Goku stepped back, his despair only slightly lessened by his relief that he had been able to undo some of the damage he had wrought. Closing his eyes for a moment, he found himself back at Sanzo's bed without realizing that he had moved. The man's sleep tonight was not as peaceful as it had been last night, and a faint creasing of his brow bespoke pain from an injury he could not see. He was trying to figure out how he could do something about it when a voice spoke out of the darkness behind him.

"Goku."

He whirled around, scanning the room for the speaker. Gojyo was standing a little ways behind him, flexing his newly healed arm. In the shadows of the room his hair and eyes were black and his skin ghostly, making him look like an apparition from the netherworld. Goku took a step back before he could stop himself.

Gojyo smiled slightly. "You didn't have to do this."

Goku knew what he was talking about, and bitterness colored his voice "I did have to. I caused it."

The redhead waved the statement away. "It wasn't you, we all know that."

Goku refused to be pacified. In a panicked tone, he said, "But it was me! I did this with my own two hands. I hurt you all."

"Shhh! You don't want to wake the others. They need their sleep," Gojyo hissed at him. "We don't need the cranky monk waking up and taking pot shots at us. One friend trying to kill us is enough for me." The joke fell flat in the tension between them and Gojyo sighed. "Don't blame yourself, Goku We don't. Just… try not to let it happen again. This time… we weren't too sure we would get you back."

It was a shocking statement and Goku could only gape at him for a moment. "What… what happened?" His voice wavered with the deep sorrow he felt.

"Goku." Hakkai slipped out of bed and padded over to them. "It's still early. You need to sleep, we all do. Try not to worry about it. We're all fine now, and we'll tell you about it later."

He wanted to argue, but even in the dim light he could plainly see the fatigue on Gojyo's and Hakkai's faces. "I'm sorry I woke you. Go back to bed." When he did not move towards his own, the two hesitated, but he attempted to smile. "Go on, I'm just gonna go clean up." Pulling on his boots, he grabbed his bag and quickly walked out of the room, feeling their eyes on his back.

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Sanzo awoke to the sound of the door closing and his friends talking quietly near his bed.

"Do you think he's okay?" That was Gojyo, concern evident in the man's voice. "I've never seen him so depressed. He's blaming himself even more than he did before." Apparently Goku was upset at what had happened. Not surprising, he always felt guilty after becoming Seiten Taisei.

"There isn't much we can do about it right now. We'll talk to him later, when we are all better rested. Though really, there is only one person who can help this situation." Hakkai this time. Sanzo sighed. He knew what was being implied.

Gojyo was quiet for a moment, then held out his arm. "See this? He healed me. Looks like he got your forehead as well."

Hakkai ran a finger over his brow, where the painful cut had been. "Yes, he did. Atonement for his perceived sins, perhaps?"

"Whatever it is, the look on his face was frightening. He looked ancient, and incredibly sorrowful." The half-breed's voice held its own hint of sadness. "I can't help but feel bad for him. It can't be easy to face the fact that you tried to kill your friends."

"No, it can't be. One of us should go talk to him. I don't like the idea of him being alone right now."

That was his cue. Sitting up, Sanzo scowled at the two. "Damn it, is it really too much to ask to get a decent night's sleep?" He swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stood. The youkai and half-youkai looked at him expectantly. "Fine, I'll go talk to the monkey. Go back to bed before you collapse." The tiredness was evident on both their faces, and Hakkai was swaying where he stood. Pausing just a moment to grab his cigarettes and lighter, Sanzo strode towards the door, resisting the urge to slam it behind him.

Sanzo scanned the hallway, not finding Goku in sight. Sighing again, he walked towards the kitchen. Maybe the young man had decided he was hungry, though it was not likely. He just did not have anywhere else to start looking. Passing a window, a familiar silhouette made him pause. Goku was sitting outside on a small bench, his shoulders slumped and his head hung low, the picture of misery. Even Sanzo's heart was wrenched by the sight. Despite his desire to share the conclusions he had come to last night with the young youkai, Sanzo knew this was not the time. Goku needed comfort, something he was not familiar with giving, and it was with uneasy steps that he walked outside and laid his hand on the earth child's shoulder.

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Goku had found the closest bathroom down the hall, but did not go inside. As much as he wanted to wash the blood away, he needed time to think, away from the cuts on Sanzo's skin and the visible exhaustion overpowering his friends. Exhaustion that he had caused. Glancing out a window, he saw a small bench on the front patio. The front door was unlocked, so he made his way outside and sat down, setting his bag on the ground beside him. His mind was in turmoil, his emotions eating away at his self-control. Despite Gojyo's and Hakkai's kind words, he felt guilty for causing them pain. If only he had not lost control, if only he had not panicked at seeing Sanzo fall, if only… the regrets rushed through his mind. He was nothing but a monster, a danger to those he cared most about. They were on this journey to stop the resurrection of a monster who could destroy the world, and one of their group was as much of a monster. He did not deserve their concern and care. Sanzo never should have brought him down from his mountain prison. There was a reason he had been chained there for 500 years, and while he still did not know what it was, he was beginning to have an inkling of what might have occurred. He was so caught up in his grief that he didn't hear the door open and the footsteps approach him. It was not until a hand descended on his shoulder that he realized he was no longer alone. Whipping around, he looked into the face of the one person he was most afraid to see: his keeper, his sun, the man he loved.

The monk sat down beside him and lit a cigarette, saying nothing, but there was no hostility in his movements. The silence stretched between them until Goku could not take it anymore. "Sanzo, I-"

Sanzo cut him off. "What are you doing up?"

It was an unexpected question, and Goku blinked before answering. "I… needed some fresh air."

"Ch'. So you woke us all up because you needed fresh air?"

"Sorry." Goku looked down at the hands twisting in his lap. Yet another thing he had done wrong. "I didn't mean to wake you up."

"Look at me." Unable to resist the tone, Goku did as commanded. Sanzo's voice was harsh, his face expressionless, but there was compassion in his violet eyes. It surprised him even through his depression. "Are you sure that's the only reason you are up and wandering around?"

This was not at all the way he had expected the conversation to go. The fan was nowhere in sight, and Sanzo had not yelled at him yet. This only served to shake him even more. He did not deserve to be treated like a fellow human being. "Yes… No… I don't know." The bruise on Sanzo's shoulder still hung in his mind's eye, chilling his blood. He did not know what to say.

Sanzo pinned him with a direct gaze. "You wouldn't be feeling guilty about what happened, would you?"

Goku finally wrenched his eyes away, directing them back towards the shaking hands in his lap. "Shouldn't I? Isn't that a normal emotion for someone who tries to slaughter his friends?" His self-loathing was a tangible presence between them.

"Stop. It's over and nothing you can do will change it. Don't dwell on it like an idiot."

That was hardly fair, considering who had said it and his brooding in the rain. Goku scowled up at the monk. "That's rich coming from you." As soon as the words came out of his mouth, he waited for the blow, wanting the physical reminder of his emotional pain.

Instead of anger, amusement flickered through Sanzo's eyes. Trapped in his haze of resentment and bitterness, Goku was stunned at the monk's good mood despite what had happened. He wondered what had brought about the uncharacteristic attitude. Sanzo coughed to cover his momentary slip, and scowled at Goku. "We aren't talking about me, we're talking about you. Quit evading the subject."

"I'm not," Goku cried. "How can I help but feel guilty? I hurt you, I hurt all of you. Again… I lost control, and I could have killed you." His voice dropped to a whisper as he contemplated his still blood-spattered hands and clothing. "Blood, your blood, Sanzo, is still on my hands." The whisper trailed into silence as despair washed over him.

"We all have more blood on our hands than we're comfortable with. But you didn't kill us, and we all survived."

He watched warily as Sanzo stood up, looming in front of him. Expecting a whack, he screwed his eyes shut and braced himself. What came was not the fan, but a comforting hand twining itself into his hair. His eyes flew open and he looked up in shock at the blonde. Sanzo was looking down at him with concern on his face. It was almost more than he could bear.

"Goku, nothing I can say will make you feel better. Only you can do that. But know that we don't blame you. I don't blame you. We're just glad to have you back with us."

Gojyo had said the same thing, but it was more reassuring to hear it from Sanzo. The darkness enveloping him receded for a moment, and Goku gave his caretaker a tentative smile. An answering smile appeared on Sanzo's face for just a moment, then disappeared, but the hand on his head remained. Keeping his eyes trained on the monk, Goku saw something he could not identify flash through the violet eyes, and he felt the hand slide down to caress his cheek lightly. The fingertips lingered for a second, then were gone, and Sanzo turned away from him. Despite the ghostly warmth that still lingered on his cheek, he felt the acrimony close over him again.

"Come on saru, we can still get a couple more hours of sleep. Hakkai has insisted that we stay in town another day, so we get to sleep in, and I for one am going to take advantage of that."

"Sanzo…"

The man paused in his forward movement, but did not turn to face him. Goku stood and addressed his comments to Sanzo's back. "Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why are you treating me like this? Like I… deserve your care?"

Sanzo turned then, surprise evident on his face. "What?"

"I'm a monster. I want nothing more than to protect you, but instead I become a… a thing that tries to take your life. And Gojyo's and Hakkai's… I nearly destroy our mission…Why are you treating me like I deserve to stay with you?"

The blonde frowned, displeasure making the violet eyes spark with anger. "Is that what you think? That you're a monster?"

"Just answer the damn question!" He could not control the emotions running rampant through him.

Sanzo strode forward and whipped out the fan, striking him smartly over the head. "Don't think so highly of yourself that you could end my life," he hissed. "I fully intend to live to be an old man, and when I do die, it won't be at your hands."

"I saw it! I saw the bruise on your shoulder. I did that! If that blow had landed on your head, you would be dead now."

Sanzo looked like he wanted to hit him again, but refrained. Sighing quietly, his eyes softened. "Goku, you aren't a monster. Would a monster have healed the very wounds he'd inflicted?"

Goku had no answer to the query, and turned away. He wanted to run from the comfort Sanzo was offering, unable to accept it, but he had to know. "You still haven't answered my question."

"I'm treating you like you deserve to stay because you do. What happened yesterday doesn't change all the good that you've done. You are still needed on this journey, no matter what you might think. We need your strength. I need your strength. I… want you to stay with me."

Whatever it was that he had expected Sanzo to say, that was not it. Goku whirled around, gaping at his keeper, at a loss for words. When he finally found his voice, it was barely a whispered stutter. "Are… are you serious?… After what I did?"

"When do I say things I don't mean?" The monk looked slightly uncomfortable at his confession, unaccustomed as he was to being so honest about his feelings. "I told you, what happened yesterday changes nothing. You are still you." He looked like he wanted to add something more to his statement, but didn't.

Goku stepped closer to him, scrutinizing every line in Sanzo's face, every facet of his eyes. "You… really… want me to stay?"

Sanzo looked him square in the eye and said softly, "Yes."

His breath caught in his throat. "But why? Aren't you afraid the same thing will happen again, and you won't be able to stop me?"

Sanzo sighed and looked away. "We were barely able to stop you this time. The first limiter I put on you broke again almost immediately. You were too powerful. And then you deflected the power of the sutra. I was prepared to shoot you, to end your life before you could end anyone else's." The monk paused, and they locked eyes.

"Why didn't you?" Goku breathed.

"I would have, had Gojyo not reminded me that the Goddess of Mercy had limited you before. I asked for her help, and together we were finally able to limit you. The power you now contain because of your ki abilities is beyond my ability to control, Goku. So yes, the thought is troublesome, but I'm not going to let it rule my actions. And you shouldn't either."

Goku took another step, narrowing the distance between them. In his current state of mind, he was prone to doubt the man's words, but there was no room for questions in Sanzo's expression. "So what are you saying?" He did not know why he was pressing, but all of a sudden the monk's answer was more important than anything.

"That I want you with me." Sanzo's voice was low, and he was looking more uncomfortable with each word he spoke.

"How?" Goku whispered the word and took another step.

Sanzo hesitated for an instant, as if unsure how much to say. "In all ways."

Before Goku could respond, Sanzo leaned forward and captured his lips. It was in the action more than the words that Goku got his answer. Maintaining the kiss, Sanzo wound an arm around his hips, pulling him forward. The movement off-balanced him slightly, and he placed a hand on the monk's chest to steady himself. Deciding he liked feeling the heartbeat under his palm, Goku left it there, and laid his other hand on Sanzo's cheek, running it back to tangle in the soft golden hair. Sanzo's lips offered not just respite from his misery, but more, so much more. Withdrawing slightly, he paused just a moment to ask, "You're sure?"

The reply was whispered against his lips. "I'm sure." The words hung in the air as Goku took the comfort and compassion that was being extended to him. They remained there, caught up in their wordless communication, until the necessity to breathe broke them apart. Goku laid his head on Sanzo's shoulder, ghosting a kiss against his neck. The monk tightened the grasp around his waist and ran his free hand up Goku's spine, holding him close. In all their passionate moments, Sanzo had never just held him, and Goku felt his heart swelling with love for the man. "Why?" he breathed into Sanzo's skin.

The reply was quiet, with just a hint of belligerence. "Because I almost lost you. Isn't that enough?"

It was. It was all he needed.

The sound of the inn's door opening broke the silence, and they moved apart, though Sanzo reached out and laid a hand on the younger man's arm to keep him from going far. Hakkai stood on the porch, turned slightly away from them as if to protect their privacy.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but I wanted to make sure everything was okay."

"We're fine," Sanzo answered for them both.

"That's good to hear. I… noticed you out here, and took the liberty of renting another room for our use. I'll just leave the key." Hakkai laid a key on the small bench they had been sitting on earlier and left them alone.

His pain temporarily relieved by the monk's revelations, Goku smiled tentatively up at Sanzo. The man squeezed his arm gently and led him over to the bench, grabbing the key as Goku picked up his bag. The younger man hung back for a moment, uncertainty making him hesitate. At his lack of movement, Sanzo looked back. "Come on. Come back to bed."

Goku looked deep into his eyes, and was reassured by what he found there. Nodding slightly in answer, he followed Sanzo into the inn.

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A/N: Whew, another chapter finished! Holy cow, I can't believe how quickly we are jumping up in reviews! Over 275 reviews already! You guys are just amazing! Hands out yummy double chocolate chip cookies I made myself You all make every word I write worth it!

Stitcher2ficcer, it's always so much fun to work with you!

Akiko Koishii: Thanks for the warm words! Your story has an interesting plot, I'm looking forward to seeing more.

sweetxkare: Thank you! I hope this was quick enough for you! (I couldn't help myself, I wanted to post this chapter early!)

KazeShinai: I'm glad you liked 13, I hope you liked this one as well.

Pervasive Threnody: You're right, Goku does need a little comfort, and Sanzo is willing to provide. Isn't he sweet?

dream-eater-is-hungry: Yeah, Sanzo is taken, but by Goku! Goku will be pissed if you try to take his man away! But yeah, Sanzo is sexy and drop dead gorgeous! Yaone shouldn't be surprised about Kougaiji though, doesn't she know about him and Doku? So if Sanzo is number 1 on your list, and Kougaiji is on there, then who is the third?

Lord J: No, I haven't seen you review before, but I'm glad you are now! I understand about the beginning, I'm not that happy with it either, but I'm glad you like the rest of it!

Silver on the Tree: You are so sweet! I really appreciate what you said about keeping Sanzo in character despite the slightly sappy circumstances. Hope Sanzo didn't hurt you too badly!

Eclipse45: Everyone keeps trying to steal Sanzo from Goku! Better watch out, he's going to get really angry! I'm glad you liked the Sanzo wet footprints image, that was my favorite! I find it sooo sexy! You're right, Goku does need a hug! Good thing he has Sanzo there!

Huh: You do a dance when I update? That's funny! I'm glad it makes you happy though! Yeah, getting this many reviews is awesome, it just confirms to me how great my reviewers are!

Chibisanzo: You're right about Goku, he isn't exactly happy with himself. And I'm not telling about the ending, you'll have to wait and see!

Me-Nuriko: I'm glad you liked Sanzo, and I've really enjoyed talking with you! I hope we can keep it up even after this is over!

Zek Majiri: Thanks for the compliment on Sanzo, I worked really hard on him. I liked your blurb, it was interesting, and I'm curious on what you are going to do with it.

SuGaR aNiMe FrEak: Gojyo is so naughty! Ran, you were wise to drop the gun, Sanzo can be scary!

goku-the-saru: I'm glad to see you got an account, welcome to ff.net! You should write something, preferably something SanzoxGoku! <hehe> I'm glad you are still liking my story!

Anne: Thanks, I'm glad you are liking this so much! I hope this was soon enough for you! Thanks for the compliment on my grammar, it's something that bothers me as well. A story has to have an incredibly good plot for me to overlook bad grammar.

Mitsko: Yeah, a tree, it's pretty funny. I just downloaded Gunlock 9, but I haven't watched it yet. I wish I could speak Japanese, it would make watching the raws make more sense!

Shelley: Thanks for the compliment on Sanzo! I love it when people tell me I'm doing a good job with him, I just love him so much! I would love to see the pics if you want to scan them in. Just send them to the email on my profile. I want to see them in wedding dresses!

Chibi Wingzero: Don't worry about reviewing before, I'm glad you are now. Sanzo has come around slowly, it's nice to see that things are working out for them!

Dragon Keeper: Thank you for the cookies, what kind are they? I like cookies! I don't have a sister, I'd love to have you as mine! You got your wish, Goku woke up, but it wasn't pleasant for him. So here is your early chapter, I hope you liked it!

musegurl18: LOL! Yeah, I guess it was kind of sentimental. My story is addictive? O.O I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not! I really appreciate the compliment on my characterizations though, I've tried really hard. No, I don't think anyone has told me I make them fall in love along with the characters, but I'm glad to hear it! It means I'm doing my job. One of the reasons I wanted to write this was to share my love of the SanzoxGoku pairing with everyone, and your comments make it seem like I'm achieving that. Thank you!

bleedformeee: You say you can't tell me enough, but I can't hear it enough! I want to know that people are still loving what I'm writing! Have a great time at FanimeCon! Did you get your cosplay outfit done? I can't wait to hear about it!

Shiomi: Glad you reviewed, I always like to know who's been following me on this journey. Glad you liked the chapter, hope this one is up to snuff.

Nikki: Sorry, Goku didn't wake up in Sanzo's arms, but I hope the rest of the chapter made up for it. I put the poor guy through quite a bit of angst at the beginning, didn't I? Poor Goku!

Sussi: Not telling on the chapter thing, but we are getting close. Thanks for the compliment on my writing!

Crimson1: Yeah, I agree, it is about time Sanzo figures it out! I'm glad you like this, anything else on your plate? I'm going into withdrawal now that 'Don't Speak' is done.

Phoe-chan: O.O I'm not sure I've had anyone tell me my chapters were too long before! Most of the time you hear complaints that chapters are too short. I'm happy I made you squee, that's fun! That's quite the compliment, there are a lot of really good authors on ff.net, I don't really think I compare to the likes of SF, Gallatica, Stitcher2ficcer, and many others.

Kaida: I'm sorry you have had a rough time, but I'm glad my story could do its part in cheering you up. It's really nice to hear that I can affect someone that much. I've certainly been affected myself by some of the best stories, but this is the first time I've been told that mine did it. I do love these guys, and I'm glad it comes through in my writing. Your review really made me smile.

Forsaken^On3: Well, things are winding down, so they do get kind of peaceful. I presume you are talking about the end of the desert arc, when Sanzo collapses on the sand with his hand on Goku's head. Or maybe 49, when he sits down with Goku in his arms after limiting him? I love both of those scenes, they are so sweet! How can anyone watch those and still not think these guys belong together?

Amelia Glitter: Another reader coming out of stealth mode! Welcome, I'm glad to hear you are enjoying this. I'm always pleased to be told I'm keeping them in character, it's difficult, but something I work hard at. I hope you liked this chapter.

pratz: Ch.13 is very introspective for Sanzo, but he does think a lot! He's got to be thinking about something during all that time he does nothing but smoke and stare out the window! I'm glad you liked that last paragraph, I like it too!