A Mother's Devotion
Title: A Mother's Devotion
Genre: Angst/Family
Disclaimer: I don't own Saiyuki, so there!
Summary: After Ukoku's event came and went, Sanzo-ikkou has yet to face another danger of losing one of their members. A mother's wrath is very terrifying indeed. Set after Reload 9 manga. Non yaoi.
Beta: Warrior Nun
CHAPTER ONE
Brother's Appearance
"Now, what do we have here?" Ukoku mocked quietly, sinister smirk never leaving his face. He set his dark gaze to the tensed Sanzo-ikkou, his lips curved to a winning smirk as he observed his hostage.
Son Goku was floating a few feet above the ground, struggling to get free from the Muten Scripture that wrapped his body from neck to toe.
"Let him go, you bastard." Sanzo hissed, his violet eyes glaring menacingly. Ukoku's smirk just grew wider and as he did so, Goku let out a small yelp as the scripture tightened around his body.
"Goku!" Hakkai yelled in worry.
"Bastard, release him!!" Gojyo growled in anger.
Still smirking, Ukoku made a slight gesture and Goku was pulled closer to him, still bound tightly by the sutra. The dark priest's expression twisted in pleasure as he saw the boy's futile effort to get away. He gripped Goku's jaw, forcing the smaller guy to look at him, as he stroked his hostage's face provocatively.
"Such beautiful and rare eyes," He whispered, brushing some strands of brown hair to get a better view at the deep golden eyes the heretical boy possessed. "Such a shame that they would soon disappear for all eternity but don't worry, you need not worry about your past anymore, Son Goku. Because… they would never exist in the first place."
Goku stared back at him, anger and deviant flamed within his eyes even after the priest threatened him. He could feel the scripture burn where it made direct contact with his skin, but refused to show any signs of pain. He vowed not to give this psycho man pleasure for torturing him; for toying Sanzo and the others.
Meanwhile Sanzo and the others could do nothing but watched the scene played before them with their teeth clenched. Even though he didn't voice it out, Ukoku had a very obvious unspoken message of "If you show any sign of attacking, you may say goodbye to your heresy friend here." With just a flick of his fingers, Ukoku could annihilate Goku's very existence. And it wouldn't take long, remembering the scripture was now covering his body.
Sanzo cursed himself. It was not supposed to be like this. He was the psycho man's actual target. But no, Goku just had to interfere. And now, the boy was in danger of being annihilated instead of him. And worse yet, he couldn't do anything. He remembered being in the same predicament just minutes ago, and it was Goku who saved him. But now this time…
Inhaling deeply, Sanzo finally voiced out.
"Let him go." He demanded quietly, eyes pierced Ukoku's dark ones. "I am the one you want."
Gojyo and Hakkai turned to face the monk, frowning as the same thought entered their mind. "Sanzo, you didn't…"
"You want me. Goku has nothing to do with this. So release him, and take me instead." Sanzo spoke, keeping his gaze at the dark priest firm.
"NO!!" Goku suddenly yelled, startling Sanzo and the others after his long moment of silence... "Don't listen to him, Sanzo! This psycho is targeting you! Stay away from… mmph!!" His words were cut short as Ukoku wrapped the scripture around his mouth, effectively muffling all his protests.
"Mmpph!! Mmf!! Mmmmrgh!!" Goku shook his head violently, attempting to free himself but to no avail. Ukoku watched his useless struggling, amused smirk played on his face.
"Now, now, even a hostage must know how to behave, Son Goku. Didn't Genjyo teach you good manners?" Ukoku smirked wickedly as he once again set his gaze to Sanzo. "It's true that you're my actual target, Genjyo-chan. However, I'm afraid that this catch is just happened to be more interesting." He nudged towards the still-struggling Goku, his smirk grew wider.
"Would you like to see it again?" He adjusted his glasses casually, his dark eyes glowed behind the glasses. "When you once again lose the one important to you. And this time," Ukoku flickered his fingers as the scripture started to glow. "I'll make sure that he won't be revived."
Sanzo and the other stared in horror as the scripture emitted dark aura and started engulfing Goku's body starting from his feet. Goku's eyes widened and he trashed wildly. If it were not for the gag, Sanzo was certain that Goku was screaming in pain. Realizing this as well, Ukoku walked behind his hostage and removed the gag, allowing Goku's scream to fill the forest.
"AAAH!! AAAAH!! AAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"
The scream was heart-wrenching and filled with pain. Ukoku watched with growing satisfaction as the aura reached Goku's thighs, revealing his darkened and dead-looking legs and feet. The golden eyes slowly losing their brightness, as Goku continued to scream until his voice was sore.
"Interesting…" the dark priest muttered, insanity wound upon his face.
"YOU BASTARD!!" Gojyo thundered, his face red in anger as he threw his chained sickle to the crazy priest. Ukoku did nothing but stare at the weapon, insanity still coloring his features, as the shakujo suddenly scattered into pieces.
Gojyo fell forward, startled at the sudden momentum of losing his weapon.
"Gojyo! Are you alright?" Hakkai ran to his companion's side, utterly worried. Gojyo stared at his shattered weapon, eyes widened in disbelief.
"No fucking way…" He muttered, before lifting his head and saw Sanzo pointing his gun at Ukoku, his features twisted in great fury.
"Sanzo, don't…!"
BANG!!
The lone gunshot rang within the forest, silencing incessant voices of few insects and birds in that area. Sanzo froze; his hand that was holding the Smith-and-Wesson trembled. Gojyo and Hakkai stared speechless. Ukoku's smirk never wavered. Effortlessly, he shoved Goku from in front of him, having used him as a human shield. Sanzo's eyes widened as he saw blood leaking out from Goku's left side where his bullet had pierced him.
Goku had no longer screaming. His eyes were now dull as the aura had consumed half of his body. His head fell limp, unconscious, now held only by the scripture binding him.
"Goku!!" Hakkai yelled, his fists clenched so tight until he could feel his nails dig into his palms. "Please hold on!!"
"You fucking coward!!" Gojyo roared, angry crimson eyes loathed the smirking priest. "How dare you use him as a shield!!"
Ukoku, obviously enjoying the look on Sanzo-ikkou's face, just eyed the unconscious boy with eyes sparkling new interest, as he softly stroking the wound, staining his fingers red. "Perfect aim as usual, Genjyo." He whispered as he licked the blood menacingly. "Too bad that you missed the vital point. I thought you would prefer to end his suffering instead of letting him with this slow and painful death?"
Sanzo didn't reply. He stared at the blood gushing out from Goku's body. The wound he caused.
"You… bastard…" he clenched his teeth, but restrained himself from shooting. What if Ukoku really makes him to aim for Goku's heart this time?
"It's almost there," Ukoku suddenly muttered, staring with interest as the dark aura had reached Goku's chest, slowly creeping up his neck. "Just a few more seconds, then Son Goku would disappear for eternity…" His smirk grew as the aura engulfed Goku's mouth and nose, making its steady way to his closed eyes.
"Make sure you watch him, Genjyo." Ukoku's voice echoed both in the silent forest and in Sanzo's ears. "Watch, until he completely disappears…"
That reached whatever limit Sanzo had. "STOP IT!!"
What happened next was too fast for all of them to follow, even for Ukoku. The heretical priest blinked once, unable to hide his surprise as his scripture fell empty onto the forest floor, having lost its captive. He turned slowly and saw a lean figure kneel on the ground, holding Goku's limp body. Demonic ears peeked through strands of silver-white hair. The figure slowly stood, cradling Goku who was still unconscious in his arms as he did so.
"I hope you knew better than interrupting one's errand, youkai-san there." Ukoku had gained his composure enough to comment as his Muten Scripture slowly rolled back unto his shoulders.
"I am no youkai." The figure replied, his voice was deep and somehow had a strange echo within the air. "And neither human, nor a god." He slowly turned, revealing ivory white skin and slitted golden eyes framed by silver-white hair. There was a kanji 'wind' on his forehead, barely concealed by his long bangs.
"My name is Torino Kazeyo, and I am here to get my brother, Son Goku."
-to be continued…
Sneak Peek to the next chapter: Brother's Decision
"What the fuck…!"
"Please stop it, Gojyo. You should've realized that it's not wise to pick up fight with him."
"Shit, Hakkai… he's gonna release the Seiten Taisei!!"