Sanzo is a badass grown up man! He's the father of Goku and Goku is the baby in gang. Even in canon, whenever Sanzo is being vulnerable he is still a badass and protect Goku. Tbh, I cringe with story where Sanzo, a grown up man, getting babied and loved while being vulnerable and it's cringing more when Goku, the baby of the group, is the one who takes care of Sanzo yet Sanzo still whack him!

I enjoyed reading this bittersweet fic, but I can't help but wonder what's gonna happen next between Goku and Sanzo? Want to read another chap, even though it's been years so I don't know if you'll even read this review.

This works as a story, but that TBC left me wanting more. And then I scrolled back up to realize that you hadn't updated in forever. Boo.

This felt a bit ooc, but it was pretty well explained as to why (the whole tired and worn down thing) and I can accept it. This does work as a standalone fic in my opinion, but I would be interested in seeing how everything would have turned out had you continued it. Oh well...

beautiful

Gurgle, unfinished for two years, the chances I'll find out what happens next seems very slim. :( I really want to know what the deal is with the river! That half-youkai called it mother so I wonder if it's some kind of youkai and it lures men in to make babies. :) Any chance you'll tell me what was going to happen even if you don't intend to ever finish this fic?

I'm also intrigued by worn out Sanzo, I just love him being vulnerable in some way, even more so because he denies it so much. I'm pretty sure he was justified in killing that guy, that the river was in fact trying to eat him, but at the same time you have me doubting his sanity very much. I briefly considered that Goku might not be there at all when he didn't have a reflection, that maybe Sanzo was talking to a ghost. I may be inclined towards seeing crazy!Sanzo everywhere because of your other long fic. :) I'm really wondering about that 83 in the summary, Hakkai can be so nice or he can be incredibly evil and I can't quite decide what he's being here. I'm concerned the drugging will leave Sanzo vulnerable to something bad. Boy do I wish there was a next chapter. :D

I would absolutely love it if you could direct me to other fics. I love a good long fic and sometimes it's very hard to find quality ones. I've asked different people a number of times and usually don't get a response so I super appreciate you offering when I didn't even ask!

so much glorious angst, i want to drown in it! I knew when i started reading this that i'd probably be disappointed and that i would probably never read the ending (with the last update being 2007), but damn if it wasn't amazing to read anyway! _ I'm not sure if i want to beat Sanzo up or hug him in this fic, the descriptions you give of him are so beautifully poetic it hurts! Thanks for the great chapters, it was all such an amazing emotional journey to get to this last chapter, I'm glad i got to read it even without the closure of a complete fic. _

Yay new chapter! Although you said it's a repost, I don't remember having read this one so-my apologies!

It makes me sad to see Gojyo still having a hard time coming to terms with what Sanzo did (but I think that's mostly because I ship 53 ;) and I hope to see what their next encounter's going to be like. And I like your mature Goku, and the dilemma Hakkai's going through. b

WOW! this is such a dark story i couldnt stop reading it, it is so good! i hope you update soon!

Wow. I love the darkness and intensity of this piece. I love how you reach below the surface and expose everyone's jealousies and insecurities... and how the ikkou care for each other, yet hurt each other in tiny little ways.

The richness in your writing astounds me, Ditch. Bravo.

Again, words completely fail me, but I shall do my best to give you a proper review.

Wow. This chapter left me emotionally wrought, for sure, but in a good way. I suppose that's how I should put it. It was just so beautifully written, and the way you have with words is just indescribable. Everything got so much more complicated, with Sanzo and Goku especially. Hakkai's actions can be read on so many levels as well, leaving me with the distinct impression that there's something way deeper going on here.

And maybe it's just my silly little brain telling me this, but I caught some serious 59 hints going on there. I was probably imagining things, but that's the impression I got, especially with the way you ended their little conversation. If it was, what a great way to make things even more complicated!

Overall, this chapter was just incredible. The characterizations, the descriptions, and the possibilities that lay threaded throughout just blew me away. From Hakkai's decision to bring Gojyo to the water, to Sanzo's potential act of self-mutilation (which wouldn't surprise me), this chapter was just a complete mindfuck. But a good one, if such a thing is possible. _

I look forward to the next one.

-EoS

"And Hakkai wonders, with a strange perversity of mind, how wet and warm the rain they both so dislike would feel if they chose to drown in it together." I love that line so very much. It's just so perfect.

There's some wonderful imagery in this chapter in general as well. One that stuck with me the most is Hakkai running his fingers through the water - good stuff. Hakkai breaking the doorknob after overhearing the conversation - priceless. I can not wait to see where this leads.

But Hakkai wasn't the only golden one, Gojyo's pep talk was pretty nice too. Ha ha. Will be reading the next chapter for sure.

Better late than never? I'm so in love with it. Hakkai's showing his sharp- witted stupidity in perfection, and a mature Goku is somehow refreshing. Don't mind about the sappiness in Gokus/Gojos talk, it seems like the calm before a storm. Please go on- and if I can help in any way, please drop a note.

Great story

Holy. Wow. You are incredible. That's all there is to it.

You have an incredible way with words...I don't even know if I can find any to begin to describe it. They're beautiful and haunting at the same time. This story line is awesome, to say the least.

While I am not a fan of 38 or 83, I do think that the potential tension you've created makes for a very interesting dynamic. I'm still a full-on 39 and 58 supporter though, but as I said, it does make for interesting plot.

I would love to see you update this and keep going. I can't wait to see what happens. You've got my full on attention, and I will be putting this on my faves, as well as my alerts. Incredible. Simply incredible.

-EoS

This is a really powerful story. I can't wait for more chapters. The psychological dynamics here are well done, strong and complicated and realistic. I really like Goku's observations about Sanzo in Chapter 5. People often don't give Goku credit for how intelligent he really is. Maybe his memories are sealed away, but his instincts and his perceptions are still sharp. Well done!