Yay, we have Kis-meta! I was hoping you'd get to read this eventually so I could see your take on the Sanzo and Goku scenes in particular. I get a vicarious squee out of seeing other folks enjoying this since I was so close to the story as Cho was writing it. :)

(it's nice to see Goku quietly sensitive, aware and determined to do his own thing)

Ah, yes, I loved that bit -- it's a lovely little echo of all the bits in canon where we get to see just how thoughtful and mature the monkey can be when the chips are down. And I love the stubborn optimism and faith in the others he shows here...that's just such a very Goku attitude.