Gensomaden Saiyuki Fan Fiction ❯ Fire And Earth ❯ Chapter One ( Chapter 1 )

FIRE AND EARTH
By Rory V. Pascual
Original Version © April 14, 1991; Saiyuki Version © 2005


AUTHOR'S NOTES: Oh, the things you unearth when looking for important documents! I found this little story hidden away in one of my old filing cabinets. Originally, this was my submission to join author Mercedes Lackey's club "Queen's Own" (Yes, I made it into the club) way, way back in 1991. This is probably my first ever fanfic. Unfortunately, since there were no computers at that time, this story was entirely typewritten so I don't have any diskettes of this lying around.

Anyway, I just couldn't resist incorporating the Saiyuki characters into this story, so here it is. I'll be alternating this story with "Marionette". This story is finished actually. The only thing that will be time-consuming about this is the actual encoding.

To those of you who are unfamiliar with Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar books, they focus on knights with supernatural powers known as Heralds. No one can just become a Herald. They need to be Chosen by a special creature in the shape of a white horse with sapphire eyes, known as Companions. Much like the guys in Saiyuki, Heralds battle evil monsters, demons, and mages in order to protect the kingdom of Valdemar. It's a damned good read to be honest with you, especially her "Last Herald-Mage Trilogy" which is yaoi.

I hope you enjoy this little yarn I'm writing. I know someone in particular will be very happy to read this. Right, Christal?!

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CHAPTER ONE

"Gojyo! Gojyo!" Herald-trainee Son Goku called out to the figure walking swiftly towards the gate.

"Blast!" Sha Gojyo muttered under his breath as he continued to walk on, moving faster, pretending not hear him. Don't you dare follow me, Goku! he thought as the gate loomed closer. Don't you dare!

But to his chagrin, he felt a small hand grab his arm, and he whirled to give the youngest Herald-trainee in Valdemar's Herald Collegium a smoldering glare.

"Where are you going?" Goku inquired sweetly, ignoring that fierce scowl.

"Out!" Gojyo answered impatiently. "Isn't it obvious? And I'm not bringing you along, you silly monkey! The last time we went out together, you cleaned out the restaurant of all their food, including my purse of its meager coins to pay for everything that you've eaten!"

He was about to leave when Goku took his hand again. Stomping his feet in exasperation, Gojyo cried, "What do you want from me?"

"Aren't you forgetting we're supposed to meet our new Herald-trainer today?" the Herald-trainee asked persistently.

"No, I haven't forgotten," Gojyo reassured him. "That's why I'm leaving in the first place. I don't want to meet him. I'm not interested."

Goku gave his friend an accusing look. Noting the amused stares of the Guards at the gate, he switched to Mindspeech. :You promised me you wouldn't cause any trouble today. And you're smoking again!: He quickly snatched the cigarette from the redhead's lips.

:So I did,: answered Gojyo in amusement. :That's why it's best that I leave. There won't be any trouble if I'm not around.:

:Nonsense!: the Herald-trainee declared. :Come on, Gojyo! You owe me this one!:

Seeing the pleading look in his eyes, Gojyo groaned in abject surrender. He could never win when Goku used those golden puppy eyes at him. "Oh, all right! But if I get scolded again, don't tell me I didn't warn you!"

Goku whooped happily and ran back into the palace with a grumbling, reluctant Gojyo trudging right behind him. Gojyo didn't want to meet this new Herald-trainer. For him, he or she was just one among a long list of Heralds out to give him a bad time. The last one sure made life a living hell out of him. It took a lot of effort to convince Herald Jehane to ask for a reassignment. In the end, the Herald gave in, especially when Gojyo set fire to her Companion's tail. Since that time, the Heralds avoided their group of trainees like the plague. Even their Companions dreaded to be with them if they knew their Chosen was assigned to train the group of the "Mad Companion's Tail Torcher." All in all, Gojyo found it hilarious. The less the Heralds and the Companions thought of him the better.

Their little group was given the Work Room located in the most stable part of the palace. Made of stone and sparsely furnished, the entire chamber was spacious, allowing enough elbow and legroom for sparring sessions and to contain the Gifts of the Trainees. This room was particularly used to contain Wild Talent, especially Firestarting.

Wild talent… thought Gojyo, a wide grin forming on his face as he lit another cigarette as they entered the Work Room. So I need to be contained, huh? In here, maybe. But I can't vouch for my Gift being contained outside.

The two friends saw that a stern blond Herald, who was slightly shorter than the redhead, was addressing their group. He was obviously their new trainer. The Herald had his back to them. Kougaiji stood in line at the third row, eyeing Gojyo with a look of self-satisfaction on his face.

:What are you grinning at, Elf Boy?: asked Gojyo in irritation, referring to the boy's elfin ears. :Do you want me to freeze that look on your face?:

:I'd like to see you do that,: dared Kougaiji, pursing his lips in the direction of the Herald, :but I don't think you have the guts!:

Gojyo was about to utter a vile retort when Goku stepped forward and saluted. "Herald-trainee Son Goku, sir. I'm sorry I'm late. I had to call fellow Herald-trainee Sha Gojyo from the library." Goku elbowed Gojyo lightly who grudgingly saluted.

He he he! snickered Gojyo inwardly as a mischievous schemes crossed his mind. I bet you won't stay long, Herald!

"That's quite all right, boy," the Herald acknowledged Goku's greeting in an all too familiar voice that made Gojyo's skin crawl. "There's no need for you to cover up for this kappa. I've known him for the entire twenty-two years of his life and, not once, have I seen him enter a library."

NO! he thought in rising panic. It can't be! Not him! To all you gods up there! My loving benefactress, Kanzeon Bosatsu-sama! Please don't let it be him!

Then, the Herald turned to face them and Gojyo's heart sank through a hole in the floor.

"SANZO!" he exclaimed in disbelief, his voice coming out as a pitiful squeak.

"It's HERALD Sanzo to you, Herald-trainee Gojyo," Sanzo replied, an evil grin quirking up the corners of his tightly set mouth as he took the cigarette from Gojyo's mouth and pressed it between his own lips. "I've heard a lot about you. You seem to be pretty…infamous…among the Heralds. After this briefing, I'd like to have a little word with you."

"Yes, sir," said Gojyo in absolute misery, as he glared at that smoking blond demon, before going into the line with Goku. Looking at the ceiling, he grumbled, "And I called you my loving benefactors! Traitors!"

Noting the dark scowl on Gojyo's face, Goku nudged him and asked, "What's wrong with you? You look as if the Havens fell right on your head. You know Herald Sanzo?"

"Why shouldn't I know him?" Gojyo answered dejectedly. "He's my oldest brother!"

Hearing this, Goku stopped. "Your brother?" With a sorrowful shake of his head, he muttered, "You're in big trouble!"

~~~~~

Gojyo was pacing nervously outside Sanzo's quarters. His brother still occupied the same chamber found near the barracks of the Guard.

Why? Why? he thought in misery. Why, oh, why did it have to be Sanzo?

From inside, Sanzo Mindcalled, :If you don't come in here, you'll never find out why. And wipe your boots on the foot mat before coming in. I don't want you tracking dirt in here:

Swiftly, Gojyo opened the door and stormed inside, leaving dirty footprints on the floor. His brother was seated comfortably in an armchair near the fireplace. There was a cup of tea on the table beside him and an ashtray. A thin wisp of smoke rose from the burning end of the cigarette laid on it.

"Take a seat, Kappa," he invited, using Gojyo's pet name, waving a hand to the empty chair before him.

Gojyo cringed, hearing that name. "How many times do I have to tell you never to call me that?"

As his baby brother sat down, Sanzo smiled, a rarity for the stern Herald. "Humor me just this once, Kappa! You should've seen the look on your face when you saw it was I, your loving brother, as your new trainer. And that voice… 'Sanzo'!" he said in the exact same tone Gojyo used that morning. Giggling, he added, "I thought someone had stepped on a mouse!"

"Very funny!" Gojyo mumbled resentfully, his lips pursed in a pout. "Ha ha ha!"

"Come now, Gojyo!" Sanzo chided him. "For once, you're amusing! As far as I can tell, all you've been giving our parents and me is a major headache!"

"If I'm giving you a major headache," Gojyo began, grumbling, "what are you doing in my unit?"

"It's not my idea," he said with a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders. "The Heralds won't come within a short distance of your group. They ordered me to take over because your unit was getting left behind on account of your antics."

"The Heralds were getting on my nerves," the Herald-trainee explained. "They're always picking on me."

"Why shouldn't they?" his brother said sharply. "You're undisciplined! You always skip classes, and you always talk back to your superiors!"

"And what are you going to do about it? Smack me with that oversized fan of yours?"

Sanzo's features softened in the flickering flames. "What's wrong, Gojyo? Something's bothering you, I can tell."

Somehow, it disturbed him to see the change in his older brother's expression. "If I told you about it," Gojyo replied with a sigh, "you wouldn't understand."

"Try me," Sanzo reassured him.

Gojyo shook his head. "I'm afraid I can't. Maybe someday, but not now."

At these words, Sanzo breathed in deeply, rubbing the bridge of his nose between his two fingers. "I guess I'm partly to blame for this distance between us. I'm sorry if I hadn't been much of a brother for you, Gojyo. Jien has done more in that area than I have." He gave his baby brother a meaningful look. "I think this reassignment is a blessing in disguise, a perfect opportunity for us to get reacquainted. Please give me a chance, Gojyo. I'm still your brother and I want to help you if I can."

Gojyo fidgeted nervously, not used to this display of affection from him. "I'll keep that in mind. For now, I do hope you'll try to understand me as well. There are a lot of things you don't know and…I don't want you to get disappointed in me."

"I'll try," said Sanzo truthfully. "It's hard to be your trainer. Here, in my quarters, you're my brother, but out there, I'm still your superior officer. I won't do you any special favors just because you're my baby brother."

Standing, Gojyo grinned at him. "And I'm not expecting you to. However, don't expect me to do you any special favors as well. If you get on my bad side, I won't hesitate to set your rump on fire. After all, I have a rep to maintain."

"Do that and I'll see that you get stripped of your powers!" Sanzo warned him. "I'm serious!"

Seeing the look on his face, Gojyo burst out laughing. "I was only kidding! You know I wouldn't do that to you, my dear, sweet, loving brother of mine!"

"Get out of here!" cried Sanzo in mixed exasperation and amusement, throwing a pillow at him, which Gojyo caught easily. "I know you very well what you think of me! I couldn't be 'dear brother' to you, much more 'sweet and loving'!"

Winking, Gojyo said mischievously, "Goes to show how little you think of yourself!"

Sanzo was about to stand but Gojyo threw pillow hard at his face and scooted towards the door. Opening the door, he gave his brother a quick wave and ran giggling into the hallway.

"I think I have a big headache coming on!" the Herald moaned ruefully as he sagged into his chair.

An amused Mindvoice replied, :You can say that again!:

:Kappa!: cried Sanzo in surprise. However, Gojyo's link slowly faded, leaving only a twinkling trace of laughter behind it.

~~~~~

Kenren lay still, sticking close to the two boulders he was hiding behind. The Companion grinned in contentment, noting that the tall grass helped conceal him as well.

Let's see you find me now, you old bag of bones! he snickered slyly. Maybe I could be free of your nagging just this once!

The Companion quietly contemplated his smooth camouflage when a butterfly landed on his nose. Kenren looked at it, his sapphire eyes crossed, in disdain. The insect was flapping its wings and rubbing its legs, sending powdery pollen falling into his nostrils. The Companion twitched his nose, trying to get rid of it.

Shoo, fly! Don't bother me! he sang in his mind, feeling a tickle going up his nose. Shoo, fly! Don't bother me! 'Coz I'm hiding from somebody!

:A HA!: a sharp Mindvoice declared above him.

In his surprise, and unable to hold himself any longer, Kenren let out a loud sneeze. He felt his eyes watering and he sniffled pathetically. The butterfly flew around him furiously before going off. With a snort, the Companion stood up and turned to face Goujun. The older Companion pranced towards him, nudging his neck teasingly.

:And what were you doing just now?: Goujun asked, one eye widening in suspicion.

Kenren looked at him sorely. :Well, I wasn't enjoying the scenery, that's for sure!:

The Companion was about to speak but Kenren shook his head and started to walk away. :Can't you leave me alone, Goujun? Just this once? All I ask is a little peace and quiet!:

:Not until you hear what I have to say,: the older Companion insisted, following patiently.

:I know what you're going to say,: Kenren argued, flicking his ears angrily as he walked even faster. :"Kenren, it's been a very long time. Except for the younglings, only you haven't Chosen. How long do you intend to wait, when there is one worthy to be Chosen?": The young Companion whirled to face Goujun abruptly. :Isn't that what you're going to say?: As the elder Companion fell silent, Kenren started to walk away again.

Twitching his tail uncomfortably, he said, :Well, more or less.: Impatiently, he bit Kenren's tail and pulled him back. :What's wrong with you? Everyone's complaining about your behavior!:

:You're the only one complaining, Goujun,: Kenren growled.

:Don't put all the blame on me! Why don't you Choose?: asked Goujun insistently. :If you'll Choose, we won't get on your nerves!:

:Why should I Choose?: the young Companion argued, gritting his teeth in frustration. :The only one left who hasn't been Chosen is the "Mad Tail Torcher." I may be stubborn but I'm not stupid!"

:Come now, Kenren,: Goujun chided him. :Herald-trainee Gojyo is not that bad.:

Kenren cocked an eyebrow up in surprise. :Really? Tell that to Companion Nehra whose tail was torched. Besides…: he began wickedly. :I don't think your Chosen has anything good to say about him, and he is his older brother.:

:Well, what about Companion Yaone?: argued Goujun, undaunted. :Her Chosen is Gojyo's brother too.:

:You know Yaone has been gone for months now,: Kenren reminded him. :Even if she was here, the only thing she tells me are stories of her travels and, of course, her Chosen, Herald Jien. The way she talks about Jien, you'd think she was in love with him.:

:Of course she loves him!: the elder Companion declared. :Jien's her Chosen and even he loves her just the same.:

Kenren wagged his tongue in disgust. :You're a bunch of sentimental fools! But let me see you with your tails on fire! I wonder how you'd feel!:

:But Kenren…,: Goujun was about to argue. However, Kenren gave him a sharp glare.

:Leave me alone!: the Companion declared bluntly and galloped off. Goujun could only look after him and sigh dejectedly.

* * * * * * * * * *


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