DISCLAIMER: Roses are red, epilogues short, Saiyuki ain't mine so don't you retort.
MEMORIES
Omoide
My name is Gojyo, Sha Gojyo. I am eight years old, and am traveling on my own for the first time. See, I packed everything myself. This is a blanket, for cold nights. I have a little food, too. I also brought bandages, 'cause I'm a little clumsy. I have to do a lot of bandaging.
I must have had a mom and dad at some time, but I don't really remember them. I had a brother too, but he's dead. A wild boar savaged them both. I was the only survivor. He was nice, though--kinda irritating, as anikis go, but a nice guy all the same.
This? Oh the plasters on my cheek? It's just a scratch. No, please don't. They just itch a little, is all. I might grow my hair longer to cover them now.
I do not know where I am going, only that I am heading eastwards. My aniki gave me a headband when I was younger. I don't know what the symbol on it reads, so sometimes I wear it with the symbol showing and sometimes I don't. A demon I met tells me the symbol is 'Ki' or 'joy', and it is a sign that the wearer has the protection of the Tougenkyou Demon Union--whatever that is. He said to keep walking east until I came to a town called Hattarei. In this town there are quarters where the T.D.U. takes in orphans and kids. I told him maybe they wouldn't accept me because I was only half a demon, but he just laughed and said 'Kid, they may hate you and scorn you, but they can't turn you away while you have that headband. You have one smart aniki there.'
I don't know if I'm ever going back to where I came from. I don't even know the way. But I know I will not come back until I finally have a place to go.
*
What is my name? I have none. What is my age? I am young, but becoming older by the day. It's not the first time I've travelled alone, and I travel very light. See, just blankets and bandages. I can kill with these hands, I know I can. Yes, this sword is very useful, too.
I came from nothing and left nothing. No, wait, I left behind a little brother. He's really a sweet lad, always so eager to please and such innocence shining in his eyes. No, I don't really miss him. I refuse to let myself do so. He died recently. Savaged by a boar. My family, too.
This red flower? It's just a memory of where I came from and where I've been.
I do not know where I am going; I only have the vague sensation I am headed westwards. I intend on getting as far away from everything as possible. The West is remote and mysterious. That is where I am headed. Passers-by stare at this silly youth who don't know where he's going and walk on. I just shrug and continue.
I don't think I will ever go back to where I came from. Not until I finally have a place to go to.
Not until we both have a place we can finally call home again.