Disclaimer: I own nothing of importance.

Chapter 5

The snow glistened in the sunlight filtering through the trees. One heavy boot came down, the white powder crunching as it was compacted under the foot. His breath misted in the chilly air, the unusual amount of exertion causing him to breathe a bit heavier than normal. Pulling one foot out of the deep snow, he took another step, cursing their slow progress. He glanced over his shoulder, making sure his companion was still with him. Goku was following the gunman, hopping from one deep footprint to another. He looked up, meeting Sanzo's eyes and grinned. At least one of us is enjoying himself, the blonde thought, annoyed as he continued forging a path. Although the youth's boundless energy was irritating to the winded priest, it was better than listening to the saru's complaints.

The sun was high in the sky, warming them a little as they passed through the scattered pools of light. Sanzo glanced up, making sure they were still heading the right way. He paused when he noticed the sound behind him had stopped. Turning, he looked at the boy, noting his slightly tense posture as his head was cocked to the side, as if listening to something. "What is it?" he asked, knowing Goku had most likely picked up on something he could not.

"It sounds like a howl," the golden-eyed boy said. "It's pretty far away, though."

The blonde cursed, picking up his pace as he started walking again. "Come on, Goku."

The saru hurried to catch up. "Sanzo? What's wrong?" he asked.

"I think the wolves picked up our trail."

"What? What are you talking about?"

"It wasn't an accident when you were pushed over the cliff. An assassin is controlling a pack of wolves and using them to do his bidding," the gunman explained, not slowing down. "I had hoped he'd either died in the blizzard or that we'd make it back to town without incident, but apparently that's not going to happen."

"What's the big deal?" the boy asked, easily keeping up with the blonde. "Can't we just kill them and get it over with?"

"No."

"How come? It never made any difference to you before," the saru pointed out.

"If demons, or humans for that matter, try to kill me, then I will take them out without any hesitation. The wolves aren't doing this of their own violation, Goku. It would be pointless killing and that is not something I condone, nor something that I will tolerate," the priest stated, looking at the boy over his shoulder. "Only the demon dies."

"Alright, if you say so."

Having stemmed the boy's questions for the moment, Sanzo reached into the folds of his robes, pulling out several pieces of paper. He moved his right hand in front of himself, the slips of paper held between the first two fingers, which were pointing up. His pace slowed as he began chanting softly, concentrating fiercely on the talismans. If he didn't create them now, he knew he wouldn't get another chance.

His eyes seemed to refocus on his surroundings as he finished chanting, feeling the power infuse itself into the paper. He blinked, changing his course slightly to avoid hitting a tree he had unknowingly been walking towards. He kept the talismans in his hand, ready to use at a moment's notice. "Goku, let me know when the wolves get close," he instructed.

"If you don't want to kill them, don't you think we should hide or something?" the saru replied.

Sanzo almost snorted. "Being dogs, they have a very keen sense of smell, so that isn't really a viable option. Unless you want to climb a tree," he said. He internally groaned as the golden-eyed boy seemed to seriously consider the suggestion. "Just tell me when you can hear them and what direction they're coming from."

They continued walking in silence, the priest periodically checking his course against the sun's position. It was several more minutes before the short boy spoke again.

"Hey-- I think I can hear them!" Goku said, turning his head towards the trees on either side of him. "It sounds like they're coming from several different directions. I can't tell which one is the closest."

The priest swore under his breath. So, he's going to surround us and attack from all sides. All that's left now is to choose where the fight will take place, he thought. He studied the terrain ahead of him, as well as that on either side. Not much of a difference where we do it here, and I doubt we'll be able to reach a better place before they catch up with us.

"Hey, Sanzo-- there's a wolf up there, hiding behind that tree," Goku said, pointing. "And another one over there-- he's crouching down in the bushes, see?"

The blonde couldn't see the creatures from that distance, but didn't bother explaining that to the chimp. Here it is, then, he thought, stopping.

The brunette dropped the backpack he was carrying on the ground and held out his hand, the nyoi-bou materializing out of thin air. He grasped the staff, holding it in a ready position, his back pressing against Sanzo's. "Three more wolves now-- one right in front of me and I can hear one coming up in front of you. The other one is up on your left. But, why aren't they attacking?"

The priest held his right arm across his chest, ready to throw the talismans as soon as any of the wolves showed themselves. "They are probably waiting for the other wolves to catch up or, more likely, their master," he stated, his eyes warily scanning the snow-covered forest.

"Very good, Priest Sanzo," a slightly winded voice called out.

The gunman's head jerked to the right, trying to find the demon hidden there. It sounds like he ran all the way here. His fatigue may cause him to make a mistake. If I can take him out, the wolves will be released from his control and we can continue on our way. If I can just find him… "Why don't you stop hiding like a coward and face us?" he called out tauntingly.

The voice laughed long and loud, as if the priest had told a very funny joke. Movement from the corner of his eye caught the blonde's attention and he turned his head to the left, trying to find its source. There was nothing there. His head snapped back to the right as the demon started talking again.

"Come out and face you, you say? Your marksmanship, as well as your banishing gun is well known among the youkai. No, I think it is safer if I keep myself from becoming a target before the battle has even begun, wouldn't you agree? I think the game is much more enjoyable if you have to get past my wolves before you can get to me," he said.

"Sanzo, look out!"

The blonde turned at Goku's shout, the warning coming a little too late. The nyoi-bou caught the animal in the chest, but not before the wolf's teeth bit through the talismans and sank into the priest's left arm. The creature started spasming as the holy power clashed with the youki controlling the animal, its jaws reflexively clamping down harder on the gunman's upper arm. The black energy raced along the nyoi-bou still touching the canine's chest. The golden-eyed boy cried out at the unexpected pain, the purifying energy dissolving his weapon as it sent him flying through the air.

"Goku!" Sanzo yelled, trying to look over his shoulder at the boy's unexpected shout. The wolf still latched onto his arm fell to the ground, taking him with it. Clenching his teeth against the agony in his arm, he quickly finished the chant, activating the talismans now stuck in the wolf's mouth and freeing the animal of demonic control. He pried the jaws apart as soon as the creature fell limp, carefully removing his mangled arm. Clutching the injured limb, he rose to his feet, glancing behind him to check on the boy.

Goku was lying on the ground several feet away. He sat up, wincing as he put his hands to his temples. "Ow, my head! What was that?" he asked, his fingers massaging his scalp through his hair. "I've got a killer migraine!"

The blonde released the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. There were seven powerful purifying talismans. He's lucky the worst he has is a headache, he thought, resisting the smile that was tugging at the corners of his lips. His gaze dropped back down to the wolf at his feet. But now, I'm out of talismans.

The demon started laughing again as Goku pulled himself to his feet and resumed his position at the priest's back. "You almost took out your pet monkey while trying to save these animals from my control, didn't you? You need to be more careful, Priest Sanzo," the voice said, tauntingly. "But, I suppose that won't be a problem anymore, will it? So, you should be able to take on multiple opponents…"

The remaining four wolves came racing towards them from all sides. Sanzo cursed under his breath, calculating how to hold the creatures at bay without a weapon. He sensed Goku step away from him to engage the rabid animals on his side. I don't think I can rely on Goku to watch my back-- he bounces all over the place during a fight, the priest thought.

The closer of the two wolves jumped at him, its front paws catching him full in the chest. He let its momentum knock him to the ground, using his feet to launch the animal over him and into a tree, stunning it. He rolled back to his feet as the second wolf lunged at him, four paws scrambling in the snow as he moved out of the way. The creature regained its footing and came at him again. He managed to grab the wolf's snout, his fingers curling inside its mouth between its teeth. The animal snarled and growled, trying in vain to bite his fingers and shaking its head in an effort to free itself, but Sanzo held fast. He pulled his weapon from his robes, hitting the butt of the gun hard on the wolf's skull. The creature collapsed in a boneless heap.

The priest looked up, seeing the demon standing out in the open, watching them. Seizing the opportunity, he raised his gun. A gray blur was all the warning he had as a wolf tackled him from the side, teeth gnawing fervently on his lower right arm. He vaguely registered that his gun was no longer in his hand as he tried to free his arm from the raging animal.

"Sanzo!"

A red staff forcefully connected with his attacker, sending the wolf flying. The animal almost took his arm with it before the limb was ripped out of its mouth. The blonde swore softly as he clutched the bloody gashes, his eyes scanning the trampled snow for any sign of his gun. Goku stood in front of him protectively, waiting for the demon to make his move.

"It seems that my wolves were no match for you after all," the youkai commented lightly. "Although, it was rather entertaining."

"You want some entertainment? Why don't you come down here and fight me yourself? I'm more than capable of taking you on!" the saru called out, challengingly.

"Oh, I've no doubt about that," the demon replied, "which is why I've taken the liberty of bringing more playmates for you to play with."

Goku raised his head, looking around the forest. Several more wolves had arrived, running to attack the duo. "Not more wolves," the boy complained, bringing his staff up. "How many of these things do you have under your control, anyway?"

Not seeing the weapon, Sanzo leaned forward a little, bowing his head as he cradled his arm to his body, as if it pained him greatly. When he was sure the demon couldn't see his mouth, he began chanting softly.

"I wouldn't worry about that, if I were you. I'd be more concerned about what you're going to do when the four wolves you just took out start waking up. I think some of them are already coming around," the youkai stated as the wolf Sanzo had thrown into the tree rose a little unsteadily to its feet. Its eyes locked onto its prey and it leapt forward, teeth bared as it lunged towards the priest's unprotected back.

"Makai Tenjyo!"

The sutra snaked out in all directions, faster than the eye could follow. The wolves howled as they were caught in its grasp, biting at the scripture to try and free themselves. The demon cursed loudly as he was bound, unable to escape. "No!" he cried, struggling uselessly against the Maten Sutra's powers. "It can't be!"

"Goku."

"Huh?" The boy turned, looking at the kneeling priest over his shoulder. Sanzo didn't reply, but the brunette smiled, getting the message loud and clear. "Alright, you're mine!" he cried, raising the nyoi-bou as he ran towards the demon. The staff pierced his heart, the youkai's scream fading as he was banished.

The sutra withdrew, dropping the now unconscious wolves to the ground as it rolled itself back into a scroll, forming in the priest's outstretched hand. He set the scripture aside, carefully removing his cloak and shrugging out of the top half of his robes to better treat his injuries.

Goku retrieved the travel pack from where it had fallen, pulling out the ointment and bandages. He carefully took Sanzo's arm and began cleaning the gashes, expecting a rebuke from the older man. The blonde remained silent, allowing the golden-eyed boy to tend to his injuries.

After the saru had finished wrapping his arms, the priest pulled his robes back over his shoulders, replacing the sutra on them before putting his cloak back on. He dug around in the snow looking for his gun while Goku shouldered the pack. Finding the silver weapon, he put it back in his robes, rising to his feet. Looking up at the sun, he determined which direction he needed to be heading in and set off. "Goku, keep an ear out for any of these wolves following us. I'm not sure how long they'll be out. It could be one large pack, but my guess is that this is at least two separate packs, which means there will be a fight over their territory. However, it will be tempting for them to come after us," he said.

"Huh? If they're busy fighting each other, why would they want to come after us?" the boy asked.

"Because I've left a tempting trail for them to follow," the priest explained, pointing towards the crimson stains on the snow. "They will see that and think that it's from a wounded animal. It won't be hard for them to track the blood on me and I don't like surprise attacks."

"Oh. Okay," the saru said. The wind had picked up, blowing from behind as it to help push them on. He stopped, sniffing the air as a very familiar smell caught his attention.

Sanzo halted as well. "What is it?" he asked.

"Something smells…good…" Goku said, starting to wander back the way they had come. A familiar click stopped him in his tracks.

"If you even think about wandering off, I'm going to save myself the trouble of having to find you again by putting a bullet in your skull right now," the monk stated.

"But, I'm starving!"

"You ate everything I brought, which was about half the kitchen, earlier. You can wait until we reach the town. So, start walking."

"But, Sanzo--"

"Now, Goku."

Dejectedly, the boy did as he was told, turning and trudging resignedly after the priest. He cast one last longing look over his shoulder, wishing he could find the source of the aroma. Meat buns…

. . .

Hakkai sat down on a rock, his shoulders hunched against the wind as he pulled small bundle from his bag. He carefully unwrapped the last meat bun he had brought with him, taking a bite of it. It's still warm he thought, tearing off a piece of it and feeding it to Hakuryuu, who was huddled inside his cloak. It didn't take long to finish the snack and he was soon on his way again. How long has it been? he wondered, staring down at the tracks in the snow. It couldn't have been more than ten minutes since I heard that wolf howl. I wonder if these tracks are from him or another wolf? In any case, it seems they were in a hurry to get somewhere. If this was one of the wolves under that demon's control, and Sanzo was indeed the target, I just hope I'm not too late, he thought, moving as fast as he dared through the deep snow.

The wind pushed him from behind, urging him forward even as it filled in the tracks he was following. He hurried through the deep drift, the sun steadily sinking lower in the afternoon sky as he continued pursuing the only lead he had found all day. His foot caught on an unseen branch and he stumbled, managing to catch himself before he landed in the snow. The dragon chirped in protest as the brunette almost dropped him.

"I'm sorry, my friend," Hakkai apologized, smiling at the small creature. "I must be getting tired." He looked up, the smile falling from his face as he realized the tracks had completely disappeared. He squinted, staring hard at the white powder, trying to see the line of vague imprints he had been following thus far, but there was nothing. Just a smooth, blindingly white coat that extended out in all directions. He sighed, leaning up against a tree. "Well, this is problematic," he stated, not really directing his words to anyone.

The demon looked behind him, studying his still visible trail through the snow. "He seemed to be headed in a straight line, for the most part. I guess I'll just have to keep going and hope I find where he went," he decided, pushing himself off the tree. He looked up at the sun, noting the direction he was heading in and continuing on.

He walked for another hour or so, periodically correcting his course as he strayed in one direction or another. His eyes continually scanned the area around him, finding nothing but an undisturbed forest. He sighed as he walked past a large rock, sitting on it and taking a break. He pulled his cloak more tightly about him as the wind buffeted him, pulling at his clothing. "Two days of searching and still nothing to show for it. Things aren't looking too good right now for those two," he muttered, closing his eyes against the harsh white landscape. He felt the dragon struggling against his chest, trying to get free. "Hakuryuu?" he asked, letting the small creature out of his cloak.

The dragon raised his head, sniffing the air. He leapt off of Hakkai's lap, flapping his wings to rise into the air. "Kyuu!"

"What is it, boy?" the brunette asked, rising to his feet. "Do you smell something?"

"Kyuu!" The white animal nodded its head, flying a little ways away and waiting for its master to come.

The demon followed closely behind, noting that they were almost going back the way they had come, veering a little off to the left. I must have walked right past it without realizing, the brunette thought, increasing his pace. I didn't hear anything, so it must have been over before we passed by. Hopefully, there will be some clues left that I can follow.

They didn't travel for more than a few minutes when the dragon stopped, hovering over a lump in the snow. The demon knelt down, gently brushing the powder aside to reveal soft white fur. He dug the creature out, relieved that it seemed to be asleep. His hand paused, however, when he neared the animal's muzzle. He picked up the wolf's head, turning it to get a better look at the papers sticking out of the side of its mouth. Talismans, he confirmed, noting the teeth piercing the multiple slips of paper, as well as the reddish-brownish stains covering them.

Sanzo was here, he thought, rising to his feet. He had several more talismans, but it seems that this wolf attacked before he was able to use them. And Sanzo was injured. His sharp gaze scanned the area, looking for any other lumps that would signal another wolf, or perhaps something a little larger. Although the wind was doing an admirable job of covering it up, it was obvious that the snow had been trampled down, presumably where the struggle had taken place. However, no other odd lumps in the snow were visible.

Kneeling back at the unconscious wolf's side, he studied the blood on the talismans. It looks to be a couple hours old, he thought, running possible scenarios through his mind. It didn't look good. "Sanzo!" he yelled suddenly, startling the dragon on his shoulder. "Goku!"

Joy and relief surged through his body when he heard an answering call, spinning around towards the direction it had come from. He looked up the hill, his heart sinking as a familiar head of red hair came into view, as the kappa hurried down the slippery slope towards him.

Gojyo slowed as he neared Hakkai, getting a better look. "Oh, it's just you," he said, disappointment evident in his voice as he shoved his hands back in his pockets.

"It's good to see you too, Gojyo," the brunette replied, only the faintest hint of sarcasm coloring his voice.

"Sorry, man," the water sprite apologized, running one hand through his crimson locks. "It's just, ya know. I thought I had finally found them. It's been a long day."

"I know exactly how you feel, my friend," Hakkai said, sympathetically. "But, I have, at least, found evidence that Sanzo was alive and here a couple hours ago." He gestured for the redhead to come over to the wolf, lifting its head to show him the talismans.

"Several of those things stuck inside its mouth? His aim has gotten really lousy," Gojyo stated.

"I believe he was taken by surprise. Once it adheres, the talisman can't be taken off and used on another creature. If Sanzo was holding all of his talismans in one hand, I believe this would have left him virtually defenseless. And I don't think the demon would have given him time to create more," the brunette stated, solemnly.

"You're not suggesting he's dead, are you? 'Cuz I'm gonna be really ticked off if I wasted my day searching for a dead guy," the redhead said.

Hakkai smiled, easily seeing the underlying meaning of the callous words. "I'm not sure. I think the sound of a gunshot would have carried far enough for us to hear it and there would be more than just the one wolf here. On the other hand, if Sanzo is indeed dead, I do not see the demon taking his body, and it is not here, either. So, either Sanzo managed to escape on his own or the demon has taken him prisoner." He looked up at the sky. "We don't have much daylight left before we have to head back to the town. I say we comb this area and try to find any indication of where he might have gone. Hakuryuu, see if you can find anything from the air."

The dragon chirped in acknowledgement, taking flight. The redhead sighed, looking around. "It's like looking for a needle in a haystack. And a white haystack, at that," he complained, rubbing his eyes. "That stupid priest is such a pain."

"At least we've narrowed down the area to be searched," the brunette stated.

Gojyo snorted. "Injured or not, I'm still gonna beat the crap out of him when we find him."

. . .

"Alright!" Goku cried, pumping his fist in the air. "We found it!"

Sanzo followed a little more slowly behind the exuberant youth as they entered the town. We made better time than I thought we would, he thought, noting that there was at least an hour or two before the sun would set.

"Sanzo! I found a restaurant!" the golden-eyed boy exclaimed, running back to the priest. "It's right up around the corner! Can we go? Please? You said we could eat when we got back to the town! Can we go? Can we go? I'm starving! Please? Can we go? I'm so hungry I could--"

The priest's fingers twitched, longing to strike the monkey with his paper fan. "Shut up!" he snapped. "I've had to listen to you whine all day and I'm sick of it!"

The short brunette flinched, waiting for a blow that never came. He opened one eye, peering cautiously at the older man. "Sanzo…?" he asked, confusion coloring his tone.

"Tch. We're heading back to the inn first. You can get something to eat there," he stated, continuing down the street.

Goku kept pace with the blonde, looking at him strangely. I don't get it. Why didn't he hit me with his paper fan? I was sure he was going to, but… He looked away, understanding dawning on him. "The wounds on your arms are hurting you, aren't they?" he asked solemnly, the previous childish excitement gone.

The monk snorted. "What do you think?" he asked sarcastically. I'm lucky I'm not missing chunks of flesh, especially with how the second wolf was ripped off my arm.

He led the boy to the inn, kicking his boots against the doorframe to get as much snow off of them as possible before stepping inside. The innkeeper looked up when the door opened.

"You're back!" he said, startled by the blonde's presence.

"Are our rooms still available?" Sanzo asked, ignoring the shocked expression on the man's face.

"What? Oh, yes! Yes, of course!" he hastened to assure the monk. His eyes wandered to the closed door behind them. "But, where are your other two companions? They went out to search for you this morning. Did they not find you?"

"Nope."

"Oh. Well, I'm sure they'll return once it starts getting dark," he said encouragingly.

The priest nodded curtly, walking past the innkeeper. Goku followed behind him, not even giving the dining room a second glance. The gunman raised an eyebrow but didn't comment, climbing the staircase to the second floor. He walked past several doors, stopping at his room. "You're room is three doors down on the left, Goku," he told the boy.

He entered his room, taking off his cloak and tossing it over the back of a chair. Untying his obi, he let the blanket fall to the floor, replacing the black belt around his waist to secure his robes. He moved over to the table, sinking into one of the chairs wearily. He flinched slightly as one hand fished around in his robes, the movement pulling at the wounds. Pulling out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter, he lit one up, inhaling the smoke into his lungs and holding it there for a few seconds before releasing it.

He sat there for several minutes, simply enjoying the silence. When he had finished his cigarette, he stubbed it out in the ashtray, his gaze lingering on the bandages covering his arms. I probably need to clean those gashes more thoroughly. It's painful enough without infection setting in, he thought, slipping his arms out of his robe and letting the material fall to his waist. He moved his right hand over, picking at the material to loosen the knot. It was pulled tight. He continued working at it, trying to get it loose with just one hand, but it was no use. Giving up on the first, he tried to untie the bandage on his other arm, getting similar results. He finally gave up, opting to have another cigarette while mentally cursing Goku's knots. There was no way he was going to ask for help.

He was half-way through the next cigarette when there was a knock on his door. "What is it?" he asked, not bothering to get up.

The door opened and Goku walked in, closing it behind him. He had a bowl of water with a jar and a roll of bandages. "I know I didn't do a good job of cleaning the gashes on your arms earlier," he said, setting the items on the table. "So, I'm gonna do that now."

"Do whatever you want," Sanzo said as the boy pulled a chair nearer him and sat down, carefully picking up one of the wrapped arms. The priest scowled as Goku's fingers easily undid the knot and removed the bandages.

The golden-eyed boy held the arm like it was made of glass, cleaning the wounds as carefully as he could. The blonde almost snorted at the sight of Goku focused so intently on something that didn't involve food or fighting. The monk feigned indifference, but watched intently, just to make sure he wouldn't have to go back and do it over. He had to admit, however, that the saru was going a good job. His hands were surprisingly gentle as he wiped the cloth along the gashes, wringing it out in the warm water he had brought. It was almost unnerving to see Goku concentrating so intently, not letting anything distract him from his self-appointed task.

When the boy had finished rewrapping the first arm, he scooted his chair around to the other side, giving the same care and attention to the second arm.

"I thought Hakkai was supposed to be the nursemaid around here," Sanzo remarked dryly as Goku spread the ointment liberally over the wounds.

"What?" was the reply, golden eyes blinking confusedly.

"Nevermind," the blonde said, rolling his eyes.

Goku shrugged, picking up a roll of bandages and carefully winding the cloth around Sanzo's arm. "I just wanted to help, that's all."

"Don't expect a 'thank you' from me."

The boy shook his head, tying a knot to keep bandages in place. "No, I'm happy to do it," he said, the corners of his lips lifting in a small smile.

"Whatever."

. . .

Hakkai opened the door, stepping inside the warm building. He opened his cloak, letting Hakuryuu fly up and perch on his shoulder instead. Gojyo came in behind him, stomping his feet outside before stepping in. "All day, climbing stupid mountains in the snow," he griped, following the brunette to the fireplace in the dining hall. "And we still aren't any closer to finding them than we were before."

The demon remained silent, stretching his hands out towards the flames to warm them. The firelight was reflected in his eyes as he stared at the blaze, dispiriting thoughts occupying his mind. He didn't look up as the dragon left his shoulder, assuming he was too close to the heat for the small creature's comfort.

"I don't know, Hakkai," the redhead continued, his voice becoming somber. "It's been two days. Tomorrow will make three. I think he was probably right about Goku, but Sanzo's only human. And, if he got lost out there, on top of being injured…" He kept his gaze on the dancing flames, not wanting to look at his friend as he voiced his concerns. "I just don't see how he could make it through this time."

"Don't be so quick to put me in my grave," a sarcastic voice called from across the room. "I don't appreciate it."

Two heads snapped towards the voice, eyes wide with disbelief. Sitting at a table in the corner, a cigarette dangling from his lips as he read the newspaper, was Sanzo. Across from him, energetically waving a fork with a piece of chicken on it, was Goku. Hakuryuu was perched on the back of the chair next to him, picking food from the numerous plates covering the table.

"Sanzo! Goku!" Hakkai exclaimed, hurrying towards them. "You're alright!"

"You sound surprised," the priest stated, taking off his glasses as he looked at the tall brunette balefully. "I thought you were smarter than that stupid kappa."

"Well, given the circumstances, you can hardly blame us for being worried," the emerald-eyed man replied, smiling broadly as he took as seat next to the gunman. "Especially after we found the wolf that appeared to have tried to eat your talismans."

"Hmph. I don't recall asking you to 'come save me,' " he monk replied. "It was your choice to waste your time."

Gojyo plopped down into the chair next to Goku. "See? Didn't I tell you that'd be exactly what he'd say?" the redhead asked, grinning at the demon.

"Indeed, you did," Hakkai agreed.

The monk snorted, going back to reading his paper.

Unable to get a rise out of the blonde, Gojyo turned his head towards an easier target. "It was nice of you to order for all of us," he said, snatching a dumpling off the saru's plate, sticking it in his mouth.

"That was mine, you stupid water sprite!" Goku yelled, glaring angrily at redhead. "Get your own!"

"Don't be so stingy," the half-demon replied, licking his fingers. "After all, the reason I didn't get dinner was because I was out looking for you."

"So?! I didn't eat for three days! I got dibs!"

"Well, that's not my fault. If you weren't so clumsy, you wouldn't have fallen over the cliff, now would you?"

"I didn't fall! I was pushed! Hey, give that back!"

"Too slow, monkey."

"Stop calling me that, you stupid cockroach!"

Sanzo's grip tightened on the newspaper, his fingers threatening to rip the flimsy paper. He stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray, using a little more force than was necessary. Pulling out his gun, he fired off one shot between Goku and Gojyo, both of which froze. "If you two can't eat quietly, I'm going to silence you both for good!"

"But, Sanzo--"

"Shut up and eat. Gojyo, order your own and leave Goku's alone."

"Oh, a couple days out in the woods and now the monk is protective of his monkey," the redhead said teasingly.

The hammer was pulled back on the Smith & Wesson, clicking as another bullet was loaded into the chamber. "I'm gone for a couple days and the stupid kappa seems to have lost all survival instincts," he said mockingly, directing his words to Hakkai as he aimed the gun between the water sprite's eyes. "Perhaps I should just put him out of his misery right now."

Gojyo quickly scooted his chair back, standing and walking away from the table. "Nah, I think I'll go order something to eat. I wouldn't want all of the beautiful women in the world to mourn because of my untimely death at the hands of a trigger-happy monk," he said, ducking out of the room before Sanzo could make him a moving target.

"Tch." The blonde put his gun away, picking up a cup of tea at his elbow and taking a drink. He noticed Hakkai staring at the bandages clearly visible on his arms.

"So, that was your blood on the talismans," the tall brunette said.

The priest saw no reason to state the obvious, opting to light another cigarette instead.

"We didn't find a lot of blood on the ground around the wolf, but I'm still relieved that you weren't injured too badly," he continued. "I'll see what I can do about healing your wounds after dinner."

"Hmph."

"By the way, Sanzo," Hakkai started, looking intently at the monk, "why did you leave on your own, not only in the middle of the night, but during a blizzard, as well?" he asked.

"I had a screaming headache," the priest replied. Goku paused, fork half-way raised to his mouth. His eyes met the monk's gaze and he smiled. The gunman rolled his eyes in annoyance. "And I decided to take a walk to clear my head."

Hakkai blinked, obviously not expecting that response. "And…you just happened to run into Goku along the way?"

"Yep."

"I see," he replied, his gaze wandering to the boy seated across from them. "I guess, there was no reason to worry, then."

Goku finished the last of the food, sitting back in his chair. "Man, I'm stuffed. That meal was awesome!" he exclaimed, grinning.

"Good. Now, go to bed. We're leaving early in the morning," the priest said, rising to his feet.

Hakkai watched the boy follow Sanzo across the room both heading upstairs. He smiled, relieved that the group was together again and not much worse for the wear. "No," he repeated, stroking Hakuryuu's neck as the dragon landed on his shoulder, "there was no reason to worry at all."

. . .

The End

If you would like a response to your review, please sign in before reviewing or leave an email address. Thank you.