A/N: This is a sequel to journey to the past. If you haven't read that, I
suggest you read at least the last few chaps so this can make sense. ^____^
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PROLOGUE
It was the most beautiful place I'd ever laid eyes on. With its vast area of greens, adorned wonderfully with wild flowers of different bright colors and a beautiful back drop of a sparkling, blue waterfall, I simply call it paradise.
I breathed in the fresh air and drowned myself in the melodious chirping of the birds that can be heard from the branches of a large mahogany tree, situated in the middle of 'paradise'.
Sunlight just broke from the clouds and everything was then tinged golden. A shadow formed on my face at the mere thought of golden. It was these golden eyes that brought me the pain and burden, which I never wanted and couldn't escape.
But then, being in this place soothes my soul and brings my mind peace. I could lay forever in the shade of the tree, watching the formation of the clouds or just stare at the birds soaring free in the sky. I've always wished that I was free.
I guess I am, in this place alone. I could do whatever I want, whenever I want. You know why? Because I had this 'paradise' all to myself. It was owing to the fact that this area was surrounded with barren lands and a rumored band of youkais are supposed to roam in those places.
I've always wanted to share this view to someone else. To someone special. I thought I wouldn't have the chance to do so. Not until he came. He came into my life just when I needed a friend. Even just one.
It was so cool that the friend I found was in many ways so similar to me. We both have golden eyes for one and we both love to have fun and mischief. Because we are heretics we have that strong bond that holds us together. We sympathize each other.
He may not look like it, but he does. Unconsciously. He is so damn innocent that he doesn't know what he is doing. And I appreciate him for that. I don't think I could stand a friend who acts like a preacher. I already have one at home. And such a nasty one too. My own father.
I heard a pitter-patter of footsteps coming near me, so I tilt my head that way. My friend was running around chasing something I couldn't see. He was so happy and carefree that it brought smile to my lips. He waves my way and smiles brightly.
I really envy him. He being that way, all happy and innocent, when all he had gone through were nothing but troubles and mishaps. He was treated like trash the very moment he had set foot on Heaven and he doesn't even notice it. Being treated cruelty by giving him chains. I shook my head. Why is heretics treated that way?
Had we ever done anything to their safety? Had we ever threatened them in anyway? I'm sure I haven't and so does he. In fact I've been saving their butts all the time. Having me as the killing puppet makes them all cozy and comfortable in boring Heaven because I'm doing all their jobs.
Being used by my own father to claim supreme control in Heaven is even worse. Every time he looks at me, I feel shivers down my spine. It was as if his eyes have some predatory glimpse, that I don't know what for. I shook my head and lay on the soft grass under the shade of my favorite tree.
I closed my eyes and to try and think some more. I was cut abrupt when I heard a thud beside me.
"Nataku! I thought we're going to play?" He pouted as he looked at me imploringly. I laughed and sat up straight.
"Well, I did say that but you left me to explore once we got here!" I said to him teasingly.
"I can't help it! Your secret place is so....sugoi!"
"You think so?" I ask him excitedly. I thought so. I knew he would like this place as much as I did.
"Yes! I've never seen anything like this. How did you find this place, Nataku?" I creased my forehead in concentration. It was so long ago that I found this place. I've been coming to this 'paradise' since I can remember. I really can't remember clearly anymore. So I said the most possible reason I could think of.
"I just stumbled across it! Yeah! I did." His eyes widened in delight.
"Honto? Sugoi... you must've been in lots of places then." I nodded. When I have the time I go and wander to all the places my feet could take me to. Not to mention the trips I have to do for Heaven.
"How about you? Have you gone to lots of different places?" I asked him. A shadow formed on his face and I almost regretted asking it.
"Not really. I have always been on Mt. Kaka. You know the place where I was born. Demo, even if I haven't gone to many places, I have met lots of wonderful people down there. They were all kind and smiling."
"Really? I wish I could've been there." I said absently. All my life I've only seen the bored faces of the gods in Heaven. I've never seen a friendly face either. The faces I've seen were out of fear, respect or to some disgust.
"Yeah." He said sadly but then he brightened up and gave me one of his smiles. That made me smile too. I guess I have seen a friendly face after all.
"You know what Nataku? I bet Konzen would like this place." He commented as he looked at the water.
"Konzen? Konzen Douji? Is he your keeper?" I ask him. I've heard of that man. He's the nephew of the infamous Kanzeon Bosatsu.
"Yes! And I bet he'll like you too." That made me doubt. As far as I remember, I've never encountered any god who had a liberal mind about us heretics. They're all uptight and stingy.
"What made you say that?"
"Because he's nice. He treats me well, too. Unlike the others who kept looking down on me."
"Really? Then maybe we could show him this place as well. As long as you thought he's nice and everything."
"He is! I promise! And yeah, Ten-chan and Ken-ni-chan too! They are Konzen's friends and they're nice too!" Who the heck are they?
"Who's Ten-chan and Ken-ni-chan?"
"You don't know them? Wait.... I know that Ten-chan's a Marshall and Ken-ni-chan's a General of some army." I could feel my jaw drop from the surprise. Those military men? They have minds of their own? Well, okay. I've heard from my father that there are some uprisings and doubts in the army. It just didn't cross my mind that such talented men are standing up. Usually they are just suckers to the supreme ruler.
"Tenpou Gensui and Kenren Taisho?" I ask him flabbergasted. He nodded happily.
"Uhuh. I guess those are their real names!"
"Do you think they'll like me as well?" I ask him uncertainly.
"Of course! I heard from them that they are displeased about the idea of you being a killing puppet. Whatever that means." I smiled. There are some people who are concerned about me after all.
"Okay. Then I'd like to invite them as well!"
"Yosh! Then we'll have picnic here too! I'll ask Konzen to bring lots and lots of food!"
"That's sounds great!"
"You think so?" He asks his eyes shining. I nodded.
"Yay! Once we get back I'll introduce you to them." He said happily as he took my hand.
"Oi, I'm so glad I get to be your friend." I said to him sincerely whilst putting a pressure on his hand. Ever since I met him, he had brought me nothing but joy. He had offered me his friendship and now he offers me a place where I could belong to.
"I am too." He said smiling.
"And I wish we could stay friends forever and ever. And that we'll always be together no matter what!"
"Nataku! Of course we'll stay friends forever!"
"You promise?"
"I promise."
"Cross your heart?" He nodded.
"Yay! I promise too! We'll stay forever together!"
----------------------------------------
Nataku's POV
"Nataku! Nataku! Wake up!" I opened my eyes slowly and shut them again. The sunlight seeping through the window is just too damn bright. And I'm still immensely enjoying my dream. Damn!
"Oi! Gaki! Rise and shine! You got trouble." I groaned. Kanzeon Bosatsu knew all too well how to wake a guy up. I sat up and glared at her.
"You really know how to spoil my day do you?" She grinned cheekily.
"Of course. I am Kanzeon Bosatsu after all."
"Yare, yare." I stood up and stretched and looked at her once again. It only means that the upper levels must've found out that I woke up from that stupor. I guess they'll want me to be the Toushin Taishi again.
"They already found out about you. Our god wants to see you right away." She said seriously as she sits down on the bed to stare at me. I stare back. I'm not in any mood to talk to old geezers. I have business to take care of.
"I don't want to talk to him. I have something to attend to that is much important." I declared as I turned my back and walked to the viewing pond. The Sanzo-ikkou is eating in an inn. Looks like their lives are back to normal as Gojyo and Goku were fighting over a spring roll again.
A smile formed on my lips as I watched Goku. I have faith in him. Maybe Kanzeon Bosatsu was right. That time he probably hadn't got all his memories yet. I believe in our bond. I knew it is strong.
"Going to the world below?" Kanzeon asks as she walks up behind me. I nodded.
"Good luck then. I'll hold the geezers for a moment. Be back, no matter what happens. You still have business here." She winks at me and strode away. I took a deep breath and plummeted down on the viewing pond.
Goku's POV
Wai. I've never been happier in my life. I have Sanzo, Gojyo and Hakkai and I have peace. Since Homura died, I was at peace. I don't have to look over my shoulder anymore expecting for him to make a comeback. I smiled.
Although everything is back to normal now, I still have some doubts and regrets in my mind. I frowned. For one, I haven't thanked the boy properly who ultimately saved our lives. I've never seen him since that fateful day. I wish I could see him again, though.
My frown deepens when I remember that boy. He looks so familiar but I can't quite place him. It's like I've seen him somewhere before although I couldn't quite remember when and where.
I was outside basking in the sun after the delicious meal. Sanzo and Gojyo were smoking and Hakkai were out to shop. I don't want to be with either. Sometimes I just have to have a moment alone.
In times like this have I always contemplated my life. When I am alone. Far back then I was thinking about the time when Sanzo will return my feelings. I smiled. Of course I don't think about that now. I have him and I know he loves me. The sun suddenly darkens and I looked up at the sky.
Darn. It looks like rain. Sanzo's going to be in a bad mood. I shook my head as I ran towards the inn. I stopped short when someone suddenly blocked my way. I looked up and recognized him immediately.
"Hey! You are the boy who saved us!" I cried as I looked at him. Funny. He looks so happy to see me but then when I spoke he suddenly looks so disappointed.
"You okay?" I ask him. He nodded weakly.
"Are you sure?" He nodded again. I smiled, hoping I would rub some genkiness into him too. He tried to smile but failed. Good enough for me. At least he tried.
"My name's Goku. And I'm sorry if I haven't thanked you properly then. What's your name?" I ask him. He lifts his head and looks at me directly. I gasp. He has golden eyes too.
"Nataku." I wait for him to talk more but he just stood there unmoving and terribly sad. I open my mouth to talk to him but he beat me to it.
"Ano... Goku. Don't you remember me? From before? Way back when I saved you?" I frowned. What is he talking about? But wait.... he really is familiar. I peered into his face and started to think deeply. When? When? When?
Kuso. I am having the headache. I gripped my head and shook it. I felt fingers brushing in my shoulder.
"You okay?" Nataku asks. I nodded.
"Yeah. My head aches that's all. But I don't think we ever met from before." I said finally when my brains all racked up and I really couldn't find any connection with him from my past.
"I see." He hungs his head low and disappeared in thin air.
"Are...?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: Hehehe.... nothing really happened ne? I just confirmed what happened to Goku's memory on Nataku.... ^____^
But then that dream sequence will be useful in the next chaps!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PROLOGUE
It was the most beautiful place I'd ever laid eyes on. With its vast area of greens, adorned wonderfully with wild flowers of different bright colors and a beautiful back drop of a sparkling, blue waterfall, I simply call it paradise.
I breathed in the fresh air and drowned myself in the melodious chirping of the birds that can be heard from the branches of a large mahogany tree, situated in the middle of 'paradise'.
Sunlight just broke from the clouds and everything was then tinged golden. A shadow formed on my face at the mere thought of golden. It was these golden eyes that brought me the pain and burden, which I never wanted and couldn't escape.
But then, being in this place soothes my soul and brings my mind peace. I could lay forever in the shade of the tree, watching the formation of the clouds or just stare at the birds soaring free in the sky. I've always wished that I was free.
I guess I am, in this place alone. I could do whatever I want, whenever I want. You know why? Because I had this 'paradise' all to myself. It was owing to the fact that this area was surrounded with barren lands and a rumored band of youkais are supposed to roam in those places.
I've always wanted to share this view to someone else. To someone special. I thought I wouldn't have the chance to do so. Not until he came. He came into my life just when I needed a friend. Even just one.
It was so cool that the friend I found was in many ways so similar to me. We both have golden eyes for one and we both love to have fun and mischief. Because we are heretics we have that strong bond that holds us together. We sympathize each other.
He may not look like it, but he does. Unconsciously. He is so damn innocent that he doesn't know what he is doing. And I appreciate him for that. I don't think I could stand a friend who acts like a preacher. I already have one at home. And such a nasty one too. My own father.
I heard a pitter-patter of footsteps coming near me, so I tilt my head that way. My friend was running around chasing something I couldn't see. He was so happy and carefree that it brought smile to my lips. He waves my way and smiles brightly.
I really envy him. He being that way, all happy and innocent, when all he had gone through were nothing but troubles and mishaps. He was treated like trash the very moment he had set foot on Heaven and he doesn't even notice it. Being treated cruelty by giving him chains. I shook my head. Why is heretics treated that way?
Had we ever done anything to their safety? Had we ever threatened them in anyway? I'm sure I haven't and so does he. In fact I've been saving their butts all the time. Having me as the killing puppet makes them all cozy and comfortable in boring Heaven because I'm doing all their jobs.
Being used by my own father to claim supreme control in Heaven is even worse. Every time he looks at me, I feel shivers down my spine. It was as if his eyes have some predatory glimpse, that I don't know what for. I shook my head and lay on the soft grass under the shade of my favorite tree.
I closed my eyes and to try and think some more. I was cut abrupt when I heard a thud beside me.
"Nataku! I thought we're going to play?" He pouted as he looked at me imploringly. I laughed and sat up straight.
"Well, I did say that but you left me to explore once we got here!" I said to him teasingly.
"I can't help it! Your secret place is so....sugoi!"
"You think so?" I ask him excitedly. I thought so. I knew he would like this place as much as I did.
"Yes! I've never seen anything like this. How did you find this place, Nataku?" I creased my forehead in concentration. It was so long ago that I found this place. I've been coming to this 'paradise' since I can remember. I really can't remember clearly anymore. So I said the most possible reason I could think of.
"I just stumbled across it! Yeah! I did." His eyes widened in delight.
"Honto? Sugoi... you must've been in lots of places then." I nodded. When I have the time I go and wander to all the places my feet could take me to. Not to mention the trips I have to do for Heaven.
"How about you? Have you gone to lots of different places?" I asked him. A shadow formed on his face and I almost regretted asking it.
"Not really. I have always been on Mt. Kaka. You know the place where I was born. Demo, even if I haven't gone to many places, I have met lots of wonderful people down there. They were all kind and smiling."
"Really? I wish I could've been there." I said absently. All my life I've only seen the bored faces of the gods in Heaven. I've never seen a friendly face either. The faces I've seen were out of fear, respect or to some disgust.
"Yeah." He said sadly but then he brightened up and gave me one of his smiles. That made me smile too. I guess I have seen a friendly face after all.
"You know what Nataku? I bet Konzen would like this place." He commented as he looked at the water.
"Konzen? Konzen Douji? Is he your keeper?" I ask him. I've heard of that man. He's the nephew of the infamous Kanzeon Bosatsu.
"Yes! And I bet he'll like you too." That made me doubt. As far as I remember, I've never encountered any god who had a liberal mind about us heretics. They're all uptight and stingy.
"What made you say that?"
"Because he's nice. He treats me well, too. Unlike the others who kept looking down on me."
"Really? Then maybe we could show him this place as well. As long as you thought he's nice and everything."
"He is! I promise! And yeah, Ten-chan and Ken-ni-chan too! They are Konzen's friends and they're nice too!" Who the heck are they?
"Who's Ten-chan and Ken-ni-chan?"
"You don't know them? Wait.... I know that Ten-chan's a Marshall and Ken-ni-chan's a General of some army." I could feel my jaw drop from the surprise. Those military men? They have minds of their own? Well, okay. I've heard from my father that there are some uprisings and doubts in the army. It just didn't cross my mind that such talented men are standing up. Usually they are just suckers to the supreme ruler.
"Tenpou Gensui and Kenren Taisho?" I ask him flabbergasted. He nodded happily.
"Uhuh. I guess those are their real names!"
"Do you think they'll like me as well?" I ask him uncertainly.
"Of course! I heard from them that they are displeased about the idea of you being a killing puppet. Whatever that means." I smiled. There are some people who are concerned about me after all.
"Okay. Then I'd like to invite them as well!"
"Yosh! Then we'll have picnic here too! I'll ask Konzen to bring lots and lots of food!"
"That's sounds great!"
"You think so?" He asks his eyes shining. I nodded.
"Yay! Once we get back I'll introduce you to them." He said happily as he took my hand.
"Oi, I'm so glad I get to be your friend." I said to him sincerely whilst putting a pressure on his hand. Ever since I met him, he had brought me nothing but joy. He had offered me his friendship and now he offers me a place where I could belong to.
"I am too." He said smiling.
"And I wish we could stay friends forever and ever. And that we'll always be together no matter what!"
"Nataku! Of course we'll stay friends forever!"
"You promise?"
"I promise."
"Cross your heart?" He nodded.
"Yay! I promise too! We'll stay forever together!"
----------------------------------------
Nataku's POV
"Nataku! Nataku! Wake up!" I opened my eyes slowly and shut them again. The sunlight seeping through the window is just too damn bright. And I'm still immensely enjoying my dream. Damn!
"Oi! Gaki! Rise and shine! You got trouble." I groaned. Kanzeon Bosatsu knew all too well how to wake a guy up. I sat up and glared at her.
"You really know how to spoil my day do you?" She grinned cheekily.
"Of course. I am Kanzeon Bosatsu after all."
"Yare, yare." I stood up and stretched and looked at her once again. It only means that the upper levels must've found out that I woke up from that stupor. I guess they'll want me to be the Toushin Taishi again.
"They already found out about you. Our god wants to see you right away." She said seriously as she sits down on the bed to stare at me. I stare back. I'm not in any mood to talk to old geezers. I have business to take care of.
"I don't want to talk to him. I have something to attend to that is much important." I declared as I turned my back and walked to the viewing pond. The Sanzo-ikkou is eating in an inn. Looks like their lives are back to normal as Gojyo and Goku were fighting over a spring roll again.
A smile formed on my lips as I watched Goku. I have faith in him. Maybe Kanzeon Bosatsu was right. That time he probably hadn't got all his memories yet. I believe in our bond. I knew it is strong.
"Going to the world below?" Kanzeon asks as she walks up behind me. I nodded.
"Good luck then. I'll hold the geezers for a moment. Be back, no matter what happens. You still have business here." She winks at me and strode away. I took a deep breath and plummeted down on the viewing pond.
Goku's POV
Wai. I've never been happier in my life. I have Sanzo, Gojyo and Hakkai and I have peace. Since Homura died, I was at peace. I don't have to look over my shoulder anymore expecting for him to make a comeback. I smiled.
Although everything is back to normal now, I still have some doubts and regrets in my mind. I frowned. For one, I haven't thanked the boy properly who ultimately saved our lives. I've never seen him since that fateful day. I wish I could see him again, though.
My frown deepens when I remember that boy. He looks so familiar but I can't quite place him. It's like I've seen him somewhere before although I couldn't quite remember when and where.
I was outside basking in the sun after the delicious meal. Sanzo and Gojyo were smoking and Hakkai were out to shop. I don't want to be with either. Sometimes I just have to have a moment alone.
In times like this have I always contemplated my life. When I am alone. Far back then I was thinking about the time when Sanzo will return my feelings. I smiled. Of course I don't think about that now. I have him and I know he loves me. The sun suddenly darkens and I looked up at the sky.
Darn. It looks like rain. Sanzo's going to be in a bad mood. I shook my head as I ran towards the inn. I stopped short when someone suddenly blocked my way. I looked up and recognized him immediately.
"Hey! You are the boy who saved us!" I cried as I looked at him. Funny. He looks so happy to see me but then when I spoke he suddenly looks so disappointed.
"You okay?" I ask him. He nodded weakly.
"Are you sure?" He nodded again. I smiled, hoping I would rub some genkiness into him too. He tried to smile but failed. Good enough for me. At least he tried.
"My name's Goku. And I'm sorry if I haven't thanked you properly then. What's your name?" I ask him. He lifts his head and looks at me directly. I gasp. He has golden eyes too.
"Nataku." I wait for him to talk more but he just stood there unmoving and terribly sad. I open my mouth to talk to him but he beat me to it.
"Ano... Goku. Don't you remember me? From before? Way back when I saved you?" I frowned. What is he talking about? But wait.... he really is familiar. I peered into his face and started to think deeply. When? When? When?
Kuso. I am having the headache. I gripped my head and shook it. I felt fingers brushing in my shoulder.
"You okay?" Nataku asks. I nodded.
"Yeah. My head aches that's all. But I don't think we ever met from before." I said finally when my brains all racked up and I really couldn't find any connection with him from my past.
"I see." He hungs his head low and disappeared in thin air.
"Are...?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: Hehehe.... nothing really happened ne? I just confirmed what happened to Goku's memory on Nataku.... ^____^
But then that dream sequence will be useful in the next chaps!