A/N: Here's the final chapter for Merging Paths. Sorry it's taken so long, but I hope it was worth the wait. Now onwards to chapter 37!

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Chapter 37: The Ones who Ascended

A grandfather clock ticks away, doing little to ease Daycarthro into a peaceful sleep. He stretches his long legs, trying to find some way to relax his muscles.

The last couple weeks were far too adventurous for him. It all started when he felt a surge of his own essence from the world where Kanzeon Bosatsu oversees. Of course he had to go investigate to make sure something wasn't amiss.

When he arrived in Togenkyo, he came face-to-face with a little white dragon with red-beady eyes-the same dragon he had met when another one of his talismans had gone out of control-Hakuryuu. After a lot of chirpy, Daycarthro came to the conclusion that Sanzo -ikko had somehow activated his lost talisman and had most likely been swept away to Raven's world.

Before he could head back to his world, he sensed one of his lost artifacts. After a long discussion with Hakuryuu, they came to an agreement that they would first look for the item, then he would help Hakuryuu find Hakkai and the rest of his team.

To put it in the most simplest of terms, things did not go that easily, or as Warner would say, "The shit hit the fan."

In the midst of investigating one of his lost artifacts, he lost his staff and had to go toe-to-toe with a power crazed demigod. On a few occasions Hakuryuu saved his life and Daycarthro was sure he wouldn't have been successful without the miniature dragon. After a long-drawn out fight, Daycarthro managed to get the upper hand, retrieving his staff, defeating the demigod and regaining one of his lost artifacts.

When they arrived at Raven's house, they discovered the house was empty, but the bullet holes in the wall, and the massive amount of dishes in the sink indicated that Raven had already found the Sanzo-ikko, either that or Raven was involved in some type of home evasion and they had raided his fridge. Sure enough, when he contacted Raven, the Sanzo-ikko and the Kougaiji-tachi were with them.

An hour after they arrived, the jingling of keys stirs them from their sleep. They wait for the usual loud voices to the enter the home, but the only thing they can hear is the door quietly closing and the swift footsteps of a lone individual.

"Daycarthro, you're back," Serafina greets, setting a large bag on the coffee table.

"Who did you get into a fight with?" Daycarthro asks, motioning to the bruise on her face.

"I got into a minor disagreement, it's nothing you should be concerned about."

"The others should be arriving soon," Daycarthro covered his mouth to hide the long yawn, but he managed to catch the tensing of her shoulders.

"I won't be staying for long. Can you give that bag to Raven when he gets back."

"Ah...sure." With that she leaves the house. "That was odd, Hakuryuu."

"Kyuu?" Hakuryuu replies.

"Exactly. Perhaps she got into a argument with Evan." He rubs his chin, standing up as he paces the floor. "Should I talk to her? Or would that be too noisy?"

"Kyuu kyuu."

"I suppose you're right. I would be better to give her some time alone." Daycarthro stops, eyeing the little white dragon. "Are you sure you wouldn't like to become my familiar? With a few minor enhancement, you could become almost god-like."

"Kyu kyuu kyu."

"I see. They are a rather troublesome bunch. They are lucky to have you around." The god smiles gently. " No hard feelings. I wish you success on your journey."

Bam! Daycarthro whirls around when the door slams open. A young man with tanned-skin glares at him as he stalks towards him.

"Are you Daycarthro?" Kougaiji demands.

The god slowly nods his head, wondering why this man has a deadly aura. He glances behind them seeing Warner, Cassandra , Raven and Evan accompanied by a tall man with black hair, a orange haired girl and a woman with magenta eyes, all three of them obviously not human.

"We're ready to go," Kougaiji says. "Take us back home, now!"

"I have no issue with sending you back now," Daycarthro says. He twirls his staff before slamming the blunt end on the ground. A flash of light cuts through the air, creating a doorway of light. "This should return you to your world."

"Let's go!" Kougaiji announces heading toward the portal. He stops for a moment, turning slightly to Raven. "I would appreciate it if you'd stop involving my subordinates and I in your idiotic disputes."

"Then you should stop letting yourself get dragged into them," Raven counters, coolly.

"The next time we meet, I'm throwing you into your grave!" Kougaiji snaps, pointing a angry finger at the black-haired young man.

"Why wait for next time, when we can finish this here and now?" Raven replies, glaring at the youkai prince.

"Come on Kou," Dokugakuji says as he wraps an arm around Kougaiji's shoulders. "I think we've done enough fighting for now. Besides, that scrawny body of yours isn't recovered yet." He pokes the youkai prince in the ribs, earning a glare.

"This isn't over with." Kougaiji continues to glare at Raven, knowing Doku is right, but not wanting to admit to it.

"Most likely it is," Raven counters.

"Let it go," Cassandra says, taking Raven's hand. "It was all a misunderstanding."

"Don't forget, once we get back to our world, our truce is over," Doku says, stealing a glance at Raven.

"Come on Lirin," Kougaiji turns to leave, his sister bounding after him. She suddenly comes to a stop, whirling to face Warner.

"It was fun playing with you," Lirin smiles brightly at Warner. "Thank you for saving me," she punches him on the shoulder, knocking him off balance.

"Damn kid," Warner mutters, a gentle smile tilting his lips, but he stops when he sees the death glare Kougaiji is giving him.

"What the hell? She's too young!" Warner snaps.

"Cup size?" Evan asks.

"Triple D!" Warner announces. "No! That's not what I meant!" Warner sputters as a dark aura surrounds Kougaiji.

"Eh? Cup size?" Lirin asks, a puzzled look crossing her face as she looks up at her brother.

"Just get into the portal!"

"Oniichan is mean!" she pouts, before skipping off into the gateway.

"And you!" Kougaiji whirls around to face Warner, flexing his clawed fingers. "Stay away from my sister!"

"Hey! It's not what you think. I only see her as an annoying little sister." Warner steps back, placing Raven between him.

"Annoying?" Kou's left eye begins to twitch.

"Come on Kou," Doku laughs, dragging Kougaiji into the gateway.

Evan continues to laugh, his face turning red from the lack of oxygen. Warner turns to the boy, his face turning red as well.

"You evil bastard!"

"Hahaha!" Evan continues to laugh.

"Stop it, both of you," Raven steps between, not in the mood to deal with their antics.

"You coming Yaone?" Doku asks the woman who seems focused on the front door. She slowly turns around, a sad smile curving her lips.

"I'll be right there." Yaone replies, turning away from the door and making her way toward the dimensional gateway. She comes to a pause when she reaches Cassandra. "Can you tell Hakkai that I said goodbye?"

"Ah, yeah, sure!" Cassandra smiles back. Yaone disappears into the light along with the rest of the Kougaiji-tachi.

Daycarthro slams his staff onto the floor, sealing the path. Now the only thing left if for the Sanzo-ikko to return home.

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The gentle rumbling of the car engine is easily heard over the silence that has fallen over the group in the car. Goku is currently pouting as he gazes out the window. Sanzo has his arms crossed in front of him, a cigarette perched between his lips as he glares at the road. In the meantime, Gojyo is leaning back on the car seat, a cigarette in his mouth, looking like a miniature chimney as a thin trail of smoke rises above his head.

"The last few days were rather relaxing," Hakkai says, perking the ears of his three companions.

"Like hell it was," Sanzo mutters.

"Being attacked by cockroaches is an experience that should never happen to anyone no matter how much of a dick they are," Gojyo replies, brushing his hair back as he sits up. "Raven needs to put a leash on that kid."

"If you stopped making him mad, he wouldn't have to do those things," Goku counters, glaring at Gojyo.

"Both of you need to shut up," Sanzo yells, smacking both of them with his paper fan that he somehow manages to keep with him.

"My, Sanzo, you seem to be in an awful mood," Hakkai smiles as a sweat-drop rolls down his temple.

"If he would have kept his mouth shut, he could have gotten laid," Gojyo grins.

"Laid? Is Sanzo tired?" Goku asks.

"Yeah tired of being a vir-" Gojyo's words are cut off when Sanzo's fan knocks him upside the head. "Son of a-You crazy bastard! That hurt!" Gojyo groans. He touches the side of his head, feeling a dampness there. And I'm bleeding?!" Gojyo gawks. "Is it bad Hakkai?" He asks, pulling his hair back to show the wound.

"Paper cut?" Hakkai says, a strained smile curving his lips.

"You?!" Gojyo makes a grab for Sanzo, but stops when he finds himself staring down at the barrel of a Smith & Wesson.

"You what?" The glare from the monk is enough to stop Gojyo in his track, even if the gun was not currently pointed at him, ready to go.

"We're here," Hakkai announces, the group suddenly quiets down.

The group remains silent as they enter the house, knowing this was going to be the last time they entered these doorways. Sure enough, standing in the living room is Daycarthro himself, with none other than Hakuryuu perched on his shoulder. The second the small dragon seems them, he glides over to them, taking his spot on Hakkai's shoulder as he nuzzles his neck.

"Hakuryuu!" Hakkai laughs, rubbing his pet's head. "I'm so glad you're safe."

"I'm sorry Hakuryuu, I'll never forget about you again," Goku cries, earning a sweat-drop from the white dragon.

"Hey, man, does that mean you actually forgot about him?" Gojyo asks, his eyebrow twitching. Goku suddenly laughs, his face turning bright red. "Damn, you forget anything that doesn't involve food."

"Sorry to interrupt, but we got these for you," Raven announces, waving towards the packages resting on the coffee table.

"What's this?" Gojyo asks, eyeing the four packages on the table.

"It's a gift from us," Raven says, sitting down on the couch. "This is a token of our gratitude. If Warner and Evan hadn't been screwing around, none of this would have happened." Evan and Warner flinch at their names. "Even though it was partially your fault you got brought here..."

Sanzo grunts at the statement, knowing it is directed at him.

"Thank you for helping us out."

"It's not like we had a choice," Sanzo replies, ripping the paper off the parcel, realizing it is some type of clothing.

"I hope you like them."

Sanzo unfolds the garment, realizing they look exactly like his traditional Sanzo garment, but instead it is a pure white.

"They are suppose to be white, right?" Raven asks, not sure if his clothing was actually supposed to be the yellowish white that his previous ones were.

"Yes." He holds the robe up to the light, noting how light and soft the cloth is.

"I asked Serafina to find someone from her world to make them. She said they used the same fabric that they use for a Royal Guard's uniform, so it won't discolor and you can easily get the...bloodstains out of it."

"How cute, Sanzo has a matching outfit like hers," Gojyo slams his hand on Sanzo shoulder.

"Get your hand off me before I break it," Sanzo mutters, slapping his hand away.

"Ah, the quality is very good," Hakkai says, holding out his green shirt.

"She said something about yours taking the most time to make because of the color and the detail."

"Please tell her thank you," Hakkai flashes a smile.

"Too long," Goku says, holding the faded blue jeans in front of him.

"Ah, perhaps I can cut a few inches off of them," Hakkai says thoughtfully.

"Don't worry, you'll grow into them," Gojyo laughs, ruffling the boy's brown hair.

"Yeah, I'll be taller than you so I can squash you like a cockroach," Goku yells, smacking his hand away.

"Heh, you'll never be taller than me chibi monkey." Gojyo picks up his package, unwrapping it. "Eh?" Gojyo scrunches his brow as he unfolds a plain, white tank top and a pair of black pants. He looks from his clothes then to Sanzo's, Hakkai's and Goku's.

"Haha, plain clothes for a plain kappa," Goku laughs.

"Why did I get shafted?"

"I hate to break it to you, but you weren't wearing the sexist outfit," Warner says, shaking his head. "Come on, rider pants? They made your butt look huge and your legs short."

"You're really an ass," Gojyo snaps, smacking the blond upside the head. "I'll be freezing my ass off. We're supposed to be hitting some mountain ranges soon."

"Not at all," Warner says, wagging a finger. "Since I'm such an awesome friend, I got you this expensive leather jacket." He whips out the jacket.

"It's like a girl giving a present to her boyfriend," Evan notes loud enough for Goku to hear, who snickers in response.

"And look," Warner throws on the brown leather jacket. "You're look sexy enough with the jacket on then-bam!" He whips it off, flexing his biceps. "Say hello to these fine guns."

"Fine, fine, I'll take it if you promise not to do that again." Gojyo snatches the jacket from Warner's hands, slipping it on. "Besides, it looks better on me." He flashes Warner a toothy grin.

"As soon as you change, I'll take you back," Daycarthro announces, sitting back down on the couch.

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Sanzo walks down the quiet hallway, coming to a stop in front of Serafina's room. The door is wide open and her bed is neatly made as if no one has slept in it for a while. Was he expecting her to be there, waiting for him to say goodbye? He wasn't going to see her again. His last memory of her would be of her with a thin-line of blood trailing from the corner of her mouth and a declaration that she would never show her face to him again. He hadn't realized at the time that that would be the last time they would see each other.

"Stupid..." Sanzo mutters, gliding past her room and into his. He freezes in place when he sees a package lying on his desk. He slowly approaches it, noticing a piece of paper resting on top of it.

I hope this will protect you, the note reads, no signature is present, but he knows it's from her.

Sera... With one finger he pulls the tie, unsealing the fabric. It drapes open, revealing a breastplate similar to the one he had before. He raps his knuckles against the wood, noting the unusual sound it makes. Enchanted, probably.

He strips his clothes off, before slipping his new robe on. Light, he realizes, raising his arms. He places a hand on his chest, clenching the fabric. Just like hers...He pushes the thought back, picking up the breastplate and strapping it on. Even the armor feels as light as a feather.

His eyes widen when he sees something else hidden in the package. He pushes another flap, revealing a pair of black boots.

"You almost have everything you need." Serafina looked down at his sandaled-foot. Without asking she grabbed his ankle, while running her other hand down his foot.

"What are you doing?" Sanzo asked, swatting her hand away.

"How do you feel about boots?"

"Boots?" Sanzo repeated.

"It's kind of dangerous for you to be fighting with sandals. I know someone who lost their toes from a stray knife. The knife went straight through the bone." She tapped her finger against her boot. "These were specially made for combat. The leather is ten times harder than normal leather while also remaining very flexible."

"Why do you care so much?" He asked, tapping the ashes off the end of his cigarette.

"Must be the same reason why it annoys you when I don't act like myself."

"I don't like you, if that's what you are implying," Sanzo countered.

"Good," she replied, leaning back on the wall so she was staring up at the sky. Soft white clouds littered with specks of silver floated past them in a sky of milky blue. In the warm sunlight her hair seemed to shine a light red and her eyes almost looked peaceful...

It felt so long ago when they had sat together under the cool blue sky waiting for the others. Since back then...

"Stupid woman," Sanzo smirks, before slipping the boots onto his feet. They are surprisingly comfortable. "At least she did something right."

After getting dressed, he swiftly walks back to the living room, for some reason his body feeling lighter than ever. This was probably the last time he would walk down this hallway and instead he would continue his journey to put an end to the chaos that had engulfed Togenkyo.

"Are you ready?" Daycarthro asks, stretching his arms over his head. A flash of light emits from the orb on his hand, materializing into his sacred staff.

"Let's go!" Sanzo announces. Even though they are from two different worlds, he's sure that someday they will meet again.

A blast of light cut through the air, making a path to their world.

"Evan!" Goku cries, wrapping the demon child in a vice-like grip.

"No-no! Not again!" Evan gasps, trying to break free from Goku. "If you don't let go, I'll never visit you!" Goku lets go, a wide-grin brightening his face.

"Don't forget you promised!" Goku laughs.

"Wha?" Evan sputters.

"I think some of your evilness has rubbed off on him," Gojyo sweat-drops.

"With him and Sanzo I'm sure Goku will turn into a very corrupt person," Warner mutters.

"What was that?' Sanzo asks, shooting a glare at the blond.

"Take care of yourselves," Raven says, raising his hand.

"Ah, Hakkai," Cassandra suddenly says, grabbing Hakkai's hand. "Um, Yaone wanted me to tell you good-bye."

"Did she?' Hakkai replies, a dazzling smile etched on his face.

"What the...?" Gojyo mutters, shielding his eyes.

"Thank you very much. It was a pleasure seeing you again." Hakkai continues to smile, earning terrified looks from everyone in the room, including Sanzo.

"Let's go!" Sanzo finally says, not liking how bright Hakkai's smile has become.

"Oh and Sanzo," Evan says, appearing beside the monk. "You don't have to worry about Sera, I'll take good care of her for you," the boy announces, a mischievous glint entering his eyes as he pushes Sanzo into the gateway.

"You bast-" his words are cut off as he disappears into the light.

"See ya!" Goku laughs, following him along with Gojyo and Hakkai.

"You still owe me a drink," Gojyo winks at Warner as he disappears into the light. And with that the path way to another world closes.

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They should be gone by now, Serafina thinks as she looks up at the sky. She managed to avoid him till he was completely gone.

I should have never have done that to him. A image of Sanzo flashes through her mind after she kissed him. She had expected anger would paint his face when he so violently knocked her away, but when she looked up at him in place of anger was...fear.

It was stupid of me to think I would get a simple rejection. Selfishly throwing my feelings at him so I can let him go. He should have shot me.

She rubs the back of her neck, wondering if he saw the gift she had left for him in his room. It took a week to for her guardian to create the breastplate, making it both light-weight and sturdy to withstand the powerful youkai he would no doubt face in his journey.

I should have said sorry in person, she reminds herself. But she wasn't sure if she could keep her composure in front of him and she didn't think could stand him looking at her with disgust. It's better this way...

She whirls around, a hint of a essence close to her.

What the hell is he up to? She wonders, continuing to look in the direction where the essence is coming from. Her head tilts to the side, wondering why he hasn't shown himself yet or even moved.

Best thing to do is leave before he decides to harass me. She turns on her heel about to take a step forward, but she stops, looking back. He still hasn't move and...Damn it!

She breaks into a run, heading in the direction of the essence. The closer she gets the more she notices about the essence and hot it feels weaker than usual. The overgrown brush parts and she can finally see him.

A robe that was white is now smeared with red and in some sections melted. A head of silver hair is tilted forward and she wonders if he might be sleeping. His broad shoulders stiffen and she can make out a bloody splotch on his side.

"They did a number on you, didn't they, Eclipse?" She asks, staying a good ten feet away from him.

"You came running to me," Eclipse whispers, not bothering to open his eyes. "I knew if I stayed here long enough, you would show up."

"How stupid are you? Do you plan to bleed to death? I'm not going to help you just because you come running to me!"

"You'll help me, won't you Malay? I did undo the curse on your comrade. If I hadn't done that, I would not have been injured this badly."

Her teeth grit as she glares at him. What an infuriating man! But he did help Goku and if she doesn't do something, it was likely he would bleed to death. If he was a normal human and not part demon he would have bled to death already.

"As payment I'll tend to your wounds, but that's it."

"I seemed to have been betrayed by my underlings."

"Have you now?" She drops her sack, digging for the first-aid kit. "I doubt it means much to you."

"It doesn't, but I let my target get away." He sweeps his long silver hair out of his face, his gold and silver eyes peering into hers. "Help me track them down."

"I'll only help you with your wounds, and that's it."

"That's a shame. He'll...be a strong one."

"Who?"

"Zev...He'll come for you and the Hybrid." He tilts his head at her, his one gold eye focusing on her. "Sanzo...A smothering hatred was directed at him. Another comrade of yours I presume."

"Not at all." She can feel her heart begin to race at the mention of his name. "He's someone we met in passing."

"That's good. He won't be alive for much longer." His head tilts forward as he falls unconscious.

For a few seconds she looks at him in disbelief. If what Eclipse said was true, then Zev would rise again and most likely target Sanzo. As it was Sanzo and her could barely handle the demon in his normal form, but in his new form she was sure he would be even stronger.

"I won't let him lay a hand on you," she declares, clenching her right hand. With a flick of her hand, the tree beside her crashes to the ground. She would be stronger the next time they meet. She would be damn if she let another soul be put in harm because of her...

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A trail of dust follows the green jeep as it speeds down the long stretch of desert.

"Move over, baka saru," Gojyo growls as he shoves Goku back.

"You're taking up half the space!" Goku pushes Gojyo back

"I got longer legs than you," Gojyo snaps as he stands up in the jeep, kicking Goku's leg.

"Shut the hell up!" Sanzo yells, kicking Gojyo's backside.

"My ass!" Gojyo groans, holding his rump. "What the hell are those shoes made of?!"

"Heh," Sanzo snorts, realizing the boots are steel-toed. Not bad at all...

"Ah, I just realized we could have asked Daycarthro to drop us off at our destination," Hakkai suddenly says, earning blank looks.

"You mean, we could have been there already!" Goku sputters, grabbing Hakkai's shoulders.

"Figures, only a group of idiots would make this trip," Sanzo mutters.

"Eh, you didn't think of it either, Sanzo-sama!" Gojyo snaps, still clutching his sore behind.

"Oy, keep talking and I'll put a quick end to your journey," Sanzo announces, flashing his gun.

"Ahaha, some things never change."

"Hey, Hakkai, how far did you get with Yaone?" Gojyo asks, deciding to change the subject.

"A true gentlemen never discusses such matters," Hakkai flashes a smile, earning startled looks from Gojyo and Sanzo.

"You really are something else," Gojyo says, his eyebrow twitching.

"Che, less talking and more driving," Sanzo grumbles.

"Looks like Hakkai managed to beat you in more than one way, eh Sanzo-sama?" Gojyo nudges Sanzo forward.

"Huh, were they playing a game?" Goku asks. "How did Hakkai beat you?" Goku asks Sanzo , a puzzled look on his youthful face.

"Uru-Urusai!" Sanzo yells, his face turning bright red.

Gunshots echo off in the distance as the jeep disappears off into the sunset leading them to more obstacles and fateful encounters. And as always they will rise above their enemies just as the sun rises in the east...

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A/N: Thank you to everyone that stuck with me all these years. I apologize that I took so long to complete this. I guess I became more self-conscious about it and found myself second guessing myself.

Regarding the next fan fic, a few chapters ago I asked if anyone had any preference about which story they would want to see next. I didn't get much of a response and it was pretty much either one. So seeing how long it took me to finish this one, and knowing it will take at least a year to finish the next in the series, I decided that I will do both stories.

The next fic you will be seeing will be "The Fallen Ones," that will be the one taking place shortly after this one. The other one, I haven't come up with a definite title, but it will be a Alternate Universe after the Sanzo crew stops the resurrection and deals with their reincarnations. It will be darker than the other ones and have a few on the Daycarthro characters in it, but they won't be the main focus. The idea has been in my head for the past few years, and I really want to write both of them. There won't be a set schedule for them, I'll post them whenever I finish a chapter. I hope you guys will continue to stick with me and hopefully I can entertain you with my fics.

I want to thank curiouzkatt, Starfool, PAC, GoldenEyedYoukai, Kikki, Ali, Rook, OABoo, Kurtain, Sumitra, iceblitz, virgo-princess93, Ruby25, narmire, omi, SwitchVale, Raque, BlueJadeAL, kiriarauthmatar. harunekonya, Thowra, Fogwolf, swtrkgalditress, bakaneko, Tanit, Max, chubby sanzo, Triple X, MystiquePixie, Hit n Run, Quist, Precious One, jinxydragon, Azure Phantom, SD, rocky-road7, and vermillian for all your support through this fic.

I do apologize for how long it took me to finish it and I hope I will do better with my updates for the new fic. Like last time, please send a review to let me know who read this to the end. What did you think? Are you ready for a continuation?

Till next time!