Life in Heaven (1)

Kenren Taisho looked at the vast flower field spread in front of him. The many colors blended in well with the cloudless azure blue sky. He bent down and plucked a red flower. Vaguely in his mind, he remembered that red flowers upset him. He was not sure why though.

"Ah…it matches your hair perfectly. Just placed it behind your ear," a gentle voice interrupted him. Turning, he saw the ever smiling face of Tenpo Gensui. His long brown hair flapped lazily against the breeze.

"Chh…" Kenren twirled the red flower. Just then, a hand snatched the flower from him. He saw the cheeky Goku peering at his face. "Bakasaru….give me back my flower!"

"Your flower? I don't see your nama on it!" Goku chirped gleefully.

Kenren was about to pull Goku's ears when a pale purple clad arm stopped him. Konzen fixed him with a stare.

"Hmph…since when Konzen-sama started to care about Goku?" Kenren pouted.

"When did I care about him?" Konzen said menacingly and immediately pounded a fist upon Goku's head.

"Ite! Nande sun dayo?" Goku yelped as he rubbed his head.

"Urusai!" Konzen shrieked.

Tenpo looked at his three companions and flashes of their previous life on earth ran through his mind. He remembered Kenren with long flowing hair and both Konzen and Goku sporting short hair. He himself had short hair. But instead of glasses, he had a monocle covering his right eye. And his name was Cho Hakkai.

"You guys…" he started. Immediately everyone turned to look at him. Tenpo had a faraway glaze in his green eyes. "You guys…do you remember your past lives on earth?"

There was silence as each one pondered upon Tenpo's question. They all knew that more than 500 years ago, they were transmigrated to earth though the reason was kept from them. They went through cycles after cycles of birth and death but never crossed paths, until 13 years ago. They were chosen on a mission to stop the revival of the demon king Gyumao and they completed it. But they died in the end and now, the four of them were reunited in Heaven, assuming their actual selves.

Once in Heaven, they realized things had not changed much, except for poor Nataku, the fighting god, who was in a coma. They seemed to recall the existence of three gods; Homura, Shien and Zeon but they were told that no such gods existed. But it was gnawing them that they could have been deceived or kept in the dark.

"I only have flashes here and there," admitted Konzen. Yes, he remembered he was a monk called Genjo Sanzo, but not a pious one. He drank, gambled, ate meat and killed. But strangely, Konzen liked his earth life. It was exciting. He also remembered he was constantly annoyed with Kenren's earth side and Goku.

"Me too, me too!" Goku said excitedly. "I remembered I was always hungry!"

Kenren and Konzen both sighed. "Baka! You are still hungry as you are 13 years ago on earth!" Konzen retorted.

"Nani…" Goku cried.

Tenpo looked at Kenren. He remembered that the crimson haired man was called Sha Gojyo and was a good friend of him on earth. Not surprising as they were called 'husband-and-wife' here in Heaven.

"I know I don't like red flowers but I can't remember why. I guess we have to live with these fleeting memories we have forever. It sure was a great experience back on earth. We had fun, right?"

Tenpo nodded his head. "I should think so. I only wish we could remember more…but now, we are back to who we originally are. Kenren….let's go. I need your help cleaning up my room."

Kenren gasped. "Again? That's the third time this week!"

Tenpo chuckled. Yes, life was back to normal. But looking back at his three friends, he knew they all were grateful to have spent time on earth. Maybe one day….