Saiyuki: Check Mate (Saiyuki Fan-fiction)

Chapter 17

  It had been 2 weeks from when the traumatic episode with Ganah had happened. The Sanzo party seemed to be back to their normal selves. All of our wounds had healed and everyone's energy was back at full force. "Gimme back my meat bun, you stupid water sprite!" Yelled the starving monkey. We had been on the road for a long 8 hours, and surprisingly, Goku had managed to save a single meat bun for this exact occasion. The red haired cockroach didn't' seem to care. For all he knew, he was just as hungry as the monkey and that meat bun looked like it would calm his rumbling stomach for at least another hour. "What's the magic word?" The Kappa smirked at him, with his head held back, and the meat bun dangling above his mouth. The monkey tried to snatch the meat bun away from Gojyo, but he held his hand on Goku's forehead, keeping him just out of reach. Goku pouted at the water sprite, nearly begging him with his pleading eyes and mumbled a whiny "Pleeeaaaseeee?" He seemed to be exaggerating his condition. It sounded as if he were weak, with little energy from the lack of food, but we all knew he was just being the silly Goku we all know and love. The kappa pretended to think for a moment, but then thought to himself, "Naaahh." And dropped it in his mouth, instantly chewing on the glorified meat bun. A look of pleasure crossed the kappa's face. Goku's face grew a dark, beet red, and steam fled from the monkey's ears. "Gojyo!!! You ate my damn meat bun!!!" The monkey instantly started punching the kappa, feeling no remorse. That was his meat bun, and he demanded some sort of compensation. The kappa couldn't help but laugh to himself. "Well that's just too bad, now isn't it? The meat buns gone now! Tough break!" He sat back in his seat, and lit his cigarette. "Now, now, Goku! Not to worry!" assured the green eyed man. A smile glossed over his face, as he tried to ease the mood before Sanzo pulled out his gun. "The next town is only about 30 minutes from now! We'll get you plenty of fresh, hot, steamy meat buns!" The monkey repeated after Hakkai, "Fresh... Hot... Steamy... Meat buns?!?!" Hakkai nodded, "Yep that's right! An entire platter, just for you!" The monkey fainted In the back seat, fantasizing about all the meat buns being shoved into his food craving jaws, causing drool to begin easing its way out from the corner of his meat bun deprived mouth. "Thank god." Mumbled the water sprite. "I'm so ready to take a nice, hot shower!" He laughed to himself, already feeling the hot water hit his skin. Hakkai smiled to himself, hoping that this would keep the two troublesome boys occupied until they got to the Inn.
I glanced at Sanzo; He was being fairly quiet. He hadn't really spoke ever since we left the café from the previous town. His arms were crossed with his eyes closed. His gentle, blond hair was flapping in the breeze, just above the back of his seat. I rested my cheek in the cup of my hand, with my elbow setting on my knee. My glance turned into a stare, my eyes, lost in his lovely pale skin. The moonlight gave his skin an unusual glow that made me feel warm inside. It brought back a memory of when we were in the tower with Ganah. When I returned with the scripture. That look he gave me. I'll never forget it. Whether it was towards me or the scripture—I don't care—Regardless... It was beautiful. He looked so vulnerable, like he needed the scripture to hug him tightly and to never let go. Gosh, I wish he felt that way about me. I could be his scripture, and rest atop his shoulders, always, protect him, give him the sense of safety. "We're here!" Goku's bright voice interrupted my train of thought. He hopped out the jeep and stretched his legs. I yawned, exhaustedly, giving my hand to Gojyo, as he gestured to help me out of the Jeep. I mumbled a thanks to Gojyo and walked beside Sanzo. "Hey..." my throat tensed up, the nerves all over my body were pulsing, and my tongue went instantly dry, making the word sound scratchy and quiet. It took all of my will power to keep up with his walking pace, because my feet wanted to stand still and frozen. The monk gave out a deep sigh, as a response, hitting me like daggers. I don't get it. We've been around each other for a long while, and during the heat of battle, we talk just fine, but during the down moments... It feels like I'm talking to him for the very first time. My lips were heavy to the point where I couldn't move them to form words. I could tell Sanzo was getting annoyed. "What is it?" mumbled the monk. I hesitated for a moment, but then forced myself to speak. "Do you... hate me?" I asked, dryly. The monk seemed shocked by my question, and choked on his words. "Hate you? What makes you think that?" He smirked and shook his head, while grabbing a cigarette from his pocket. "If I hated you, I would've given you the boot after we resolved that situation with your sister." He was right. I told them that the soul purpose of me joining them was because I needed help with finding my sister, and all of that was finished and resolved. If he really couldn't stand my existence, why would I still be here? I smiled with the wave of relief that hit me. "Well it's just that... You always seem so cold hearted and aggravated when you speak with me..." I could hear Goku and Gojyo giggling from behind me. The monk instantly pulled out his banishing gun and aimed it at the cockroach, and without hesitation, he shoots two bullets at him. "What the hell's so funny?" He grunts at the kappa; the sprite barely dodges them. "You idiot!" He barks back, "What ever happened to asking the questions first?! You could've killed me!" The monk grips his hand gun even tighter, still waiting for an answer. "Heh heh! It's nothing!" the kappa said, with a pleading look. "Nothing my ass!" Goku giggles even louder than before. "Gojyo said that it looks like the grumpy old monk found his grumpy wife!" Silence breaks out into the air, causing me to tense up with shock. Gojyo is now shaking with intimidation and fear. The monks head sinks down until he's looking at the ground. I looked up at him, just barely seeing him attempt to hide back a light blush. I turn away from the party with my hands covering my mouth. I could feel my face burning hot. "Gojyo!" I yelled, highly embarrassed. The monk giggled to underneath his breath. "You damn water sprite!" 3 rapid gunshots were heard, all aimed at the kappa.