Wildlife: Five Worlds the Winchesters Never Visited (3/5)

[rheasilvia]

Disclaimer: Not mine. In case anyone was wondering.
Rating: Gen, no rating.
Spoilers: None.
Notes: This is the third of five unconnected short stories crossing Supernatural with other fictional universes. I'm posting one crossover a day; all five stories are already completed. Feedback of any kind – positive and negative – is much appreciated!
Betaed by solo____. Thank you again!
Previous stories in the series can be found here.



Wildlife
by Sylvia

Gojyo heard them from about a mile away. They'd parked their car by the side of the road, made a lot of noise rummaging around the trunk, and then set off through the woods, heading pretty much straight for the lake.

Huh. Gojyo's senses weren't usually quite this sharp. Must be something about the water.

He briefly considered getting out of the lake, but this was the first time in days he'd felt cool enough, and this was a pretty neat lake. Didn't really find all that many bodies of water around anymore that were this clean and, well, *nice*. Hakkai would probably smile at him in that way that made him feel really dumb (but weirdly cute), but the thing was, lakes just weren't all the same. Or rivers, either. They were like people. Some were moody bastards, some were boring, some were downright hostile, and some just somehow clicked with you. This one was calm and clear and cool – relaxed, kind of. Laid-back. Friendly.

Whatever. Anyway, the lake was big enough if these guys wanted to take a swim themselves. Nothing wrong with cooling off on a hot summer day. Gojyo even had swimming trunks on, all decent and everything.

"Huh," said the human one. "You sure this is the place?"

Gojyo turned his head lazily where he floated on his back, just in time to watch the other one nod tightly, eyes fixed on Gojyo.

Weird scent, that. Maybe some strange kind of youkai they hadn't run into before. Didn't look to be in a homicidal rage, at any rate, and that was good enough for Gojyo. Wasn't his business, was it?

He gave a languid wave, indicating they should just ignore him and feel free to take a dip in the water, or go ahead and do whatever else they'd wanted to be doing in the woods. They weren't hard on the eyes or anything, and yeah, so Gojyo was pretty much monogamous these days, but nothing wrong with looking.

The men on the shore looked at each other. Then, the human one waved back, trying a grin. "Hey. You, uh, been here long?"

Gojyo rolled around in the water to face them, brushing a strand of wet hair out of his eyes. "Couple hours. Why?"

The grin grew, accompanied by an exaggeratedly casual shrug. The guy had green eyes, Gojyo noticed. Not bad – but not as green as Hakkai's, of course. "Just wondering if you'd noticed anything. About the lake, I mean. You know. Anything... weird?"

Wow. He was worse at this casual questioning thing than Sanzo.

Gojyo stared at the odd couple for a long moment and then shrugged. "It's a lake." Weirdos.

"Yeah, but what I mean is..."

Green Eyes was interrupted by his youkai pal, who grabbed him by the arm and pulled him into a hasty, whispered conference.

Gojyo didn't bother to listen in until he heard the word "kappa".

"But isn't he kinda tall? And what's with the hair and the not being green and frog-like? And that depression thing for water on top of the head – well I guess it could be underneath all the hair, but Dad's journal says there should be a turtle shell –"

"Dean, I saw him, okay? It's him. Maybe it's a different strain of kappa, or something."

Oh, great. *That* old chestnut again.

The human – Dean – stared at the nameless youkai for a moment before nodding abruptly, and then they both turned back to Gojyo, standing shoulder to shoulder like bouncers, trying for the same kind of purposeful looming that they usually did when someone'd accused Gojyo of cheating. Too bad it didn't really work all that well if the guy you were trying to menace was about thirty meters away and treading water in the middle of a friendly lake.

They loomed anyway, and also took the opportunity to look him over carefully in a way that Gojyo might not have had anything against under different circumstances. It made him bristle now. What, were they expecting a turtle shell to suddenly pop into view? "Look, you jokers –"

"You have red eyes," the youkai interrupted, his voice carefully neutral.

"I'm also way better-looking than you," Gojyo spat. They'd better not try to offer him a cucumber. "Anyway, a bird has nested on your head, and I don't hold that against you, do I?"

Dean snorted and quickly – and unconvincingly – turned it into a cough when the youkai glared at him.

After a brief tense interval, the youkai tried on an unconvincing conciliatory face. It might have worked better if he hadn't smelled of dislike and violence. "We're just making sure nothing bad happens. Kids come out here sometimes, and you *are* a kappa."

And the only good kappa was a dead kappa, was that it?

Briefly, Gojyo considered grinning and picking his teeth, or rubbing his stomach, or something, just to see what they'd do.

In the end, though, he sighed. It was a nice day, and the lake was a really nice lake. And yeah, those guys were idiots that believed every stupid tale they were told, but –

Hey. If they did believe every stupid thing they'd heard about kappa, then he could work with that.

"Okay, listen. I promise not to drown anyone, ever, unless they try to kill me first. You have my solemn unbreakable kappa oath. Now go off and fuck or whatever and leave me alone."

They seemed a little annoyed, which was okay because so was Gojyo, but in the end they were forced to concede that a kappa who'd given his oath would have no choice but to abide by it. Gojyo wasn't in the mood to watch them fuck anymore, so he dove underneath the surface of the lake and swam out to the center.

Calm. Peace. Something like... an invitation?

Nah. Probably just his imagination.

Part of him wanted to just stay down here, but in spite of what his fucked-up halfbreed instincts were telling him, he knew he couldn't breathe underwater. He stayed under for as long as he could, though.

When he came up again, the pair of jokers was gone.

A ripple swept over the surface of the lake, splashing almost playfully at Gojyo.

This really was a nice lake. Gojyo didn't think Hakkai would mind staying around.


(Saiyuki)

Comments

[pkabyssinian.livejournal.com]

I can't even express how much I love you. Hakkai/Gojyo? And Sam'n'Dean? You totally rock. I'd love to see Gojyo and Dean meet up in a bar and chat because that would be hysterical. Sam and Hakkai can sit at a table and watch them make fools of themselves with the local clientele and commiserate over having to put up with such obvious horn-dogs. And Dean can buy Gojyo a beer for the 'misunderstanding' at the lake.

[rheasilvia.livejournal.com]

:-) Thank you so much! I wasn't even sure anyone except me would *know* both Supernatural and Saiyuki, let alone like them both as much as I do!

I'd love to see Gojyo and Dean meet up in a bar and chat because that would be hysterical.

Ooh, that's a very neat mental image! Yes, they'd either be best friends (and royally drunk) by the end of the night, or beat each other black and blue within the first half hour. Or maybe both. *g*

Sam and Hakkai can sit at a table and watch them make fools of themselves with the local clientele and commiserate over having to put up with such obvious horn-dogs.

Really, they're to be pitied. What a heavy burden life has thrust upon their frail and reluctant shoulders. ;-)

I can imagine Sam being utterly unnerved by Hakkai, actually - you don't have to be a psychic to realize something creepy is going on there, and Sam might actually catch a glimpse of the things hiding behind the perpetual smile.

I'm very happy that you like the story so much - thank you for your wonderful feedback! :-)

[lilacsigil.livejournal.com]

Saiyuki is not a fandom I know at all, but I could still follow the story easily and be thoroughly entertained. It was slightly creepy that Sam wasn't seen as human, but the deal was fair and the "birdsnest" comment got Dean right on side.

[rheasilvia.livejournal.com]

Oh, it's great that you liked the story even though you don't know the crossover fandom! I was a bit worried about that, to be honest, and it's a relief that it worked for you anyway. :-)

It was slightly creepy that Sam wasn't seen as human

Yeah, who knows what Sam will turn out to be...

The "birdsnest" comment got Dean right on side

Heh. *g*

Thank you for writing - I'm so glad you liked it!

[tigriswolf]

I have no clue about the other fandom in this fic, but I still love it. It's just _awesome_.

[rheasilvia.livejournal.com]

That's a wonderful compliment - thank you very much! :-) I'm very glad you enjoyed the story so much in spite of not knowing Saiyuki.

Basically, Saiyuki is a very interesting manga / anime about three supernatural creatures and an earthly monk going on a long road trip to save the world. *g* There *are* certain similarities...

[neroli66.livejournal.com]

This makes me want to call up my niece and ask her to explain Saiyuki to me...again...LOL

But even not being all that familiar with the other fandom, this was a lovely read and I enjoyed the outside perspective on Sam and Dean. *g*

[rheasilvia.livejournal.com]

Or maybe you can have your niece loan you some of the manga! You might like it. :-)

Thank you very much for your feedback! It's wonderful you liked the story even without being all that familiar with Saiyuki. Truth is, I was a bit worried about that.

I enjoyed the outside perspective on Sam and Dean

I'm a fan of outside perspectives myself, and I'm very glad that worked for you!

[neroli66.livejournal.com]

Problem with borrowing it from her is she lives in a differant state...LOL

[louiselux.livejournal.com]

I just completely adore the idea of Gojyo hanging around in friendly lakes and responding to his only-half-there kappa senses. I also like how completely laid back and content he is in this, because that is not something I often see in Gojyo fics. Also, the two worlds colliding feels so well done, even though I know next to nothing about Supernatural

[rheasilvia.livejournal.com]

Gojyo hanging around in friendly lakes and responding to his only-half-there kappa senses

I'm extremely glad you like that part! :-) It's actually a result of one of my favorite theories about Gojyo. I think there must be a lot more kappa to him than we ever see in canon - where he seems more or less completely human except for his strength, and of course the red hair and eyes. I like to imagine what his halfbreed heritage might mean for him in ways other than other people's reactions to him.

It must be very, very difficult to be just half a water creature, for example... One of my favorite theories is that, while he's an excellent swimmer and diver by nature, he's also always in danger of drowning in a moment of absent-mindedness, simply because his instincts are perpetually urging him to believe himself a full kappa.

And the lake... well, at a certain age, a kappa just begins to think about settling down. *g*

I also like how completely laid back and content he is in this, because that is not something I often see in Gojyo fics.

He's left the youthful angst behind by this time... saved the world, made good friends, and found someone to spend the rest of his life with, who loves him and doesn't let him get away with any nonsense. ;-)

Also, the two worlds colliding feels so well done, even though I know next to nothing about Supernatural

Hm. Well, if you'd like to give it a try, say the word. :-) It's well worth a look, IMO!

I'm very glad you liked the story so much - thank you very much!

[daegaer.livejournal.com]

Eeeeeeeee, I love this! I just love kappa!Gojyo :-)

[rheasilvia.livejournal.com]

I'm very glad you enjoyed the story!

I just love kappa!Gojyo :-)

Me too! :-) He can't be nearly as human as he likes to pretend, after all... and it's great that you liked the way his kappa side came out here!

[baka-gaijin.livejournal.com]

You have a great way of telling a story. Thank you for posting. XD

[rheasilvia.livejournal.com]

You're very welcome - thank *you* for the lovely compliment! :-) I'm very glad you enjoyed the story.

[car-jack.livejournal.com]

♥ Wow. I'd have never thought of crossing these two fandoms. Wonderful! I'm curious as to why you had Sam be 'not human'. I guessing because of his abilities? Until you mentioned names, I though it would have been Dean because of dying of being brought back to life by a demon possessed grim reaper. After all, that's gotta effect a guy.

[rheasilvia.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much - I'm very glad the story worked so well for you!

I'm curious as to why you had Sam be 'not human'. I guessing because of his abilities?

Yes and no. We really don't know where canon is going with this yet, but from the hints that the demon and John have been dropping about the demon's plans for Sam and all the children like him, and about the possibility of Sam suddenly turning evil... well, I'm guessing that Sam's powers (and those of all the children like him) may be the result of a not-entirely-human heritage.

Hm, I hadn't considered that Dean might be fundamentally changed by his narrow escape and his "resurrection". Yeah, it certainly does affect him, but - I think - more in terms of him now being in the wrong place in the fabric of the universe, not in terms of not being human anymore. If that makes sense. :-)

[inksheddings.livejournal.com]

You have my solemn unbreakable kappa oath. Now go off and fuck or whatever and leave me alone.

Hee.

Thank you for this, combining two of my favorite fandoms into one little world. I only wish it was longer! But short is good too. *g*

Poor Sam and Dean, though. They should have gone for a swim.

I really enjoyed this.

[rheasilvia.livejournal.com]

You're very welcome - thank *you* for your lovely feedback! I'm very glad the story worked so well for you. And it also really pleases me that I'm not the only fan of both Supernatural and Saiyuki. :-)

Poor Sam and Dean, though. They should have gone for a swim.

*g* Guess they didn't entirely trust the kappa, after all...

[keire-ke.livejournal.com]

This was just priceless. *grins* Great job. I didn't come across many fics that explore the whole kappa thing. It's great to see. Also, I loved how quickly Dean went from 'hunting' to 'emphatising'. And youkai!Sammy = pure joy. I totally support the notion of a sequel in a bar. Lovely job, hun. Thanks!

[rheasilvia.livejournal.com]

Thank *you* for your lovely feedback! I'm very glad that you enjoyed the story. :-)

Gojyo and his kappa heritage are a favored subject for me, in part because I think there must be a lot more kappa to him than we ever see. In canon, he generally seems more or less completely human, except for his strength and the red hair and eyes. I like to imagine what his halfbreed heritage might mean for him in ways other than other people's reactions to him.

It must be very, very difficult to be just half a water creature, for example... One of my favorite theories is that, while he's an excellent swimmer and diver by nature, he's also always in danger of drowning in a moment of absent-mindedness, simply because his instincts are perpetually urging him to believe himself a full kappa.

And yes, I also like the bar sequel idea. :-)

[http://users.livejournal.com/_profiterole_/]

Wow! A Saiyuki meets Supernatural crossover! That's such a good idea!

Gojyo is so in love with Hakkai ♥ and knows what the brothers really do at night. ;-)

He was worse at this casual questioning thing than Sanzo.
Best comparison ever! ^_^

[rheasilvia.livejournal.com]

That's such a good idea!

I'm very glad you think so - thank you for letting me know! :-)

Oh yes, Gojyo is definitely very much in love. And while he's just guessing about Sam and Dean - based on his own proclivities, no doubt *g* - he *does* have a very good nose. Who knows what he might be picking up on. :-)

Best comparison ever!

Heh. *g*

[a-mael.livejournal.com]

I know nothing about Supernatural. On the other hand, I LOVE Saiyuki. You've done a really nice job, here. Gojyo is nice and IC, I want to go find this friendly lake to swim in, and I had no trouble understanding what Sam and Dean were there for. Also funny! Good job! ^_^

[rheasilvia.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much for your lovely feedback! It's wonderful you liked the story in spite of not knowing one of the universes involved - I take that as a very high compliment indeed. :-)

I have a very weak spot for Saiyuki, too, and I'm very glad Gojyo and his new friend the lake worked so well for you. And that it was funny - particularly since writing humor is something I tend to think I have no talent for!

Supernatural is really worth a look if you have a chance, btw... summed up very briefly, it's about two demon-hunting brothers on a perpetual roadtrip with the goal of "saving people, hunting things - the family business". I hadn't actually thought about it before, but there are even some similarities to Saiyuki. *g*

[a-mael.livejournal.com]

Hey, you're welcome! I try always to give feedback on fics I like! I've heard about Supernatural, of course, but since I haven't had cable for about 4 years, I've fallen somewhat behind. I can rent it now, though, and I fully intend to...one day ^_^;;

I hope we see more work from you in the Saiyukiverse. You have a nice voice.

[yamievandar.livejournal.com]

I know almost nothing about Supernatural (I must watch more of that program, really) but I'm a big Saiyuki fan.

They are two really different Fandoms to crossover, but you've done it really well, and I love this Fic. This is actually the second time I've read it through. I love your portrayal of Gojyo: his kappa heritage is something I've always wondered about as well.

And what's with the hair and the not being green and frog-like?

I love that line. Although, it does bring up a point: Dokugakuji isn't green and froglike in canon, nor does he have a turtle shell or a depression in his head. It kind of makes me wonder whether or not he has a demon form or something.

And I totally support the sequel set in a bar idea that the first commenter had. That would be beyond cool.

[rheasilvia.livejournal.com]

I know almost nothing about Supernatural (I must watch more of that program, really)

I for one think that's a great idea. :-) It took me a number of eps to warm up to the show myself, and I can tell you that I find it well worth the time!

Dokugakuji isn't green and froglike in canon, nor does he have a turtle shell or a depression in his head. It kind of makes me wonder whether or not he has a demon form or something.

It *is* puzzling - Saiyuki canon makes no mention at all of the kappa as they appear in actual myth. I like your idea of the demon form as an explanation... though really, it would be the most anti-climactic demon form ever. ;-)

In Doku's case, particularly. Turning from an imposingly built, huge and brawny (and ruggedly handsome) guy with the ability to exude quiet and controlled menace from half a mile off - into a small, green, pot-bellied and frog-like creature with a grotesquely monk-like ring of hair, carrying around a cup or two of water on its head. *That's* his dread demon form? His enemies will be rolling around laughing. Which might, of course, actually be a good way to gain the upper hand. *g*

It's a wonderful compliment that you've already read the story twice. :-) It's great that the universes meshed so well for you, and that you like my little excursion into Gojyo's kappa roots. Thank you very much for letting me know you enjoyed it!

[dusk-eyed.livejournal.com]

I'm sitting here all gleeful. What an adorable story and a fantastic way to cross the two fandoms. You've got a simple, easy way with writing that I love. This seemed so natural...he heh. Also, gojyo being monogamous and the bird's nest on the head and the not quite human sammy. All of this is made of win. Thank you for sharing it.

[rheasilvia.livejournal.com]

You're very welcome - thank *you* for your wonderful feedback! I'm very glad you like "Wildlife" so much. When I wrote this, I wasn't actually sure anyone except me would know - and love - both Saiyuki and Supernatural, so it's especially great to know that the story works for you. :-)

Gojyo, of course, is only monogamous because it would be silly to settle for anything less than Hakkai, now that he's managed to snag him. And he calls them like he sees them - some weird youkai wears a matted messed-up dead thing on his head, well, he's just asking for it, isn't he? *g*

(You have a cute Hakkai icon, btw - he looks so coy and harmlessly sweet, the faker. ;-) )

[theemdash]

Heh heh . . . I never considered a Saiyuki/Supernatural crossover, but it actually works fairly well, doesn't it? And Gojyo's so cute in the water.

[rheasilvia.livejournal.com]

It really does work surprisingly well! I never thought about it before writing this story, either, but there are actually a number of interesting parallels - what with road-tripping, tortured heroes battling demons to save the world and all that. *g* Of course, any longer crossover would have to go into the differences, as well...

I'm very glad the story worked for you. :-) Thanks for letting me know!

[mistressrenet.livejournal.com]

Oh, that's clever! Nice work!

[rheasilvia.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much! I'm very glad to hear you like the story. :-) When I wrote it I really wasn't certain anyone but me would know both fandoms involved...

[mistressrenet.livejournal.com]

You forget-- this is the internet!

[rheasilvia.livejournal.com]

Very true! *g* I should have realized...

I'm also very happy that Supernatural is gaining new fans. If there's anything I can do to fan the flames for you, do let me know. :-)

[mistressrenet.livejournal.com]

Thank you!