the downfall of genjo sanzo: the early years

The more he was stuck outside in it the more he hated the rain. It was a harsh reminder what had happened at the temple. Its rhythmic drumming on the leaves was like hearing the last waning heartbeats of his master. He would never in his life forget the serene look on the mans face as he was hacked to pieces, shielding the boy from the demons attack. His hatred grew with each thought, each drop of the tears from heaven. He made a vow to kill them all when ever they crossed his path. On second thought not all of them just the ones who did vile things. He knew that there had to be some who just wanted to live quiet simple lives and be left alone.

A quiet male voice startled his revere and he glared at the stranger with a mixture of anger and distrust.

"What's the matter boy? Afraid of a little rain?" the guys' voice had a smarmy tone to it.

The young Sanzo priest shook his head. "No I just don't like getting wet, it's annoying."

"I see." Was the mans statement. "Don't want to get your fine robes wet?"

Genjo Sanzo stared at the man as if he was slightly crazy. "Fine robes? Are you kidding me? They're all torn and dirty." His face scrunched up in displeasure. It had been a while since he and his clothes had, had a good washing. If the man got annoying enough he always had his staff to whack him with, or as a last resort he had the gun that he had used once or twice to kill or dissuade others.

"That may be but they are better than the clothing I've seen some wearing lately."

The boy simply nodded. He understood that there were some folk who had only scraps of cloth to cover themselves with. But that did not change the fact that his attire was nearly as bad. And it was all he had.

"So what brings a fine young monk such as you all the way out here in this desolate place?"

Sanzo gave him a puzzled look. "It's not desolate at all. There are lots of great old trees. He motioned his head in the direction of a large wooded area similar to the one they were under right now.

"I only meant that there were very few people this far out."

"Oh yes of course. Who in their right mind would live here?"

"My point exactly." The man swiped a hand across his forehead. "I think there was an abandoned hut just a little bit back that-a way." He motioned to his left, the way Sanzo had come from.

"I didn't see anything there." The little blonde was becoming very suspicious of this mans intentions.

"On my honor as a man I swear it's true. Come on I'll show you."

Sanzo warily followed him. He had too many things happen already that made him very distrustful of people. Sure enough there was a small run down hut. The man opened the door and ushered Sanzo inside.

It was mostly dry but already inhabited by a stray cat or two. Sanzo did not particularly like cats. He did not hate them but rather found them a nuisance. As they were looking around the man noted that there was no wood for a fire.

"I doubt I'll find any but perhaps I should see if I can find some."

"Fine, what ever." Sanzo was beginning to get a bit itchy and felt his nose begin to clog. "Why cats?" he muttered. Watching as the man left, presumably to get sticks and stuff for a fire. The rain made a pounding rhythm on the huts roof, making it echo. "Stupid rain. Go away." He railed at it. "I just want to get my journey finished with."

"What journey would that be?" the deeper voice made him jump. He hadn't heard the man come back inside. "No dry wood." He shrugged. "So what kind of journey would a kid like you be on?"

"None of your business." Sanzo snapped. He was growing quite irritated with the mans constant chattering.

"Just asking a friendly question. I have an acquaintance that's about your age and I worry about him constantly." He smiled in a dismissive manner that made Sanzo angry. Then leaned over and ruffled Sanzo's wet hair.

"Don't touch me. Just mind your own business." Violet eyes searched for a clean, dry spot to lie down. There was none that fit that description. He sighed heavily taking a spot that was close enough to the criteria. Keeping his back to the wall he curled up into a ball and fell into a light sleep.

His eyes snapped open in fear when he heard the door close then the unmistakable sound of a lock clicking in place. Then there was another noise that put the fear of the gods in him.

CATS! Not the one or two that he had seen, but a large herd of the wailing fur balls trying to climb all over him. They rubbed and meowed and sunk their claws into his tender flesh. He began to scream in real fear.

The gun seemed to jump into his hand and he shot franticly at the door, hoping to break it open so he could escape. He hit it just right and was able to squeeze through to run outside.

"Those fears will stick with him for a long time." The hidden man chuckled to himself. "Let's see rain makes him uneasy, and now he can't stand cats and being locked up." He ran his fingers through his midnight hair. "It's just way too much fun Kouryuu. You're making this too easy." He threw his head back and laughed at a near hysterical level. "I'm sorry Komyou, but your heir is just such a treat to play with. And what a wonderful game it is." He scratched at his cheek a little. "I have so many more things I want to try."