Gensomaden Saiyuki Fan Fiction / Saiyuki Reload Fan Fiction / Saiyuki Reload Gunlock Fan Fiction ❯ Cho Hakkai: Murderer? ❯ Chapter 10

Cho Hakkai: Murderer?

 

Chapter 10

 

 

“After the trial…” Heng began.

 

---

 

When the trial was over and the judge had decided on the verdict, Heng had left the court hall from one of the back doors. He did not want to see this young man get flogged and hanged. It was not his way of having a good time. Instead he walked down the street to the small house where his mother lived. He knocked on the door, and listened to the sounds his mother made as she limped to the door to open it.

 

“Hello mother,” Heng greeted her.

 

“Hello, son, come in,” she beckoned. He entered, and they both went to sit in her small kitchen.

 

“They decided he was guilty, didn't they?” Jiang asked.

 

Heng looked surprised. “How did you know?”

 

Jiang chuckled. “If they had said he was innocent, you wouldn't look like you do right now.”

 

“True, mother,” Heng nodded.

 

“Tell me, son,” she leaned forward and took his hand in hers. “Why is it you believe this boy is innocent?”

 

“I'm not sure, mother. He doesn't strike me like the kind of person who has evil intentions. There is something strange about him, though,” he pondered. “I have a strong feeling Tomi-san knows more about this than she lets on, but why she doesn't say anything is beyond me.” He shook his head. “I can't stop the feeling that Cho Hakkai hasn't done this. I wish they hadn't burned the boys' bodies so fast.”

 

“Why is that, son?”

 

“The younger boy testified, and he asked if Hakkai-san had healed Krispin-kun's leg, and he said `yes.' If that could have been checked, it would at least cast more doubt on him being the murderer.”

 

“The leg was healed, son.”

 

“What?”

 

“Yesterday I went over to pray for the boys when they were prepared for the burning ceremony. I noticed that Krispin-kun's leg was healed and was surprised because I thought I had seen him the day before still limping, but I thought I remembered it wrongly.”

 

“Oh, god.” Heng quickly rose. “Sorry, mother, I must go.”

 

He ran out the door towards the square. He reached it at the same time as a loud `bang' was heard, and from his spot he saw Hakkai fall, and the others drag him into the car and hurriedly drive off.

 

A little bit in front of him he caught sight of Tomi. She stood alone, looking agitated. Heng stepped closer, wanting to talk to her. He heard her sobbing angrily.

 

“Damn you, Gonou, I swear if you don't die by this shot I'm coming after you again. I'll have my revenge, you just wait.” She heard a noise behind her and turned. When she saw Heng, she gasped and ran off.

 

Heng did not follow. He rushed to find the judge, at the opposite side of the square, talking to the sheriff. He heard her say something about a posse.

 

“Judge,” he panted. He was not young anymore and the running had made his breathing a little heavy. “I believe Hakkai-san is innocent. My mother said she saw that Krispin-kun's leg was healed before the burning, and I just overheard Tomi saying something that sounded like she was out for revenge. Don't send a posse after them,” he pleaded. “It's better if only you and I try to catch up with them. Maybe we can get some explanations.”

 

The judge looked questioningly at Heng. “I'm not sure I understand all you're saying, but you're usually right, so I trust you on this. Let's get a wagon and follow them.”

 

She turned to the sheriff. “Make sure no one follows us. If Heng has found something that can clear Cho Hakkai, I don't want a lynch mob with me. If we're not back a couple of hours after the sun has risen, send some people to look for us.”

 

Again she addressed Heng. “We'll take my wagon, my horses are the fastest. Let's go.”

 

Heng hesitated. “Hakkai-san may need medical care. I'll go and get my mother, maybe she can help.”

 

“All right, I'll pick you up there right away.”

 

Only a couple of minutes later they were off.

 

---

 

“…And here we are,” finished Heng.

 

“Are you convinced he's innocent, now?” asked Gojyo angrily.

 

“Not entirely, but if you have anything more to say I am willing to listen,” the judge said. “Heng-san believes you haven't told us everything. And I'm curious. Who is this Gonou Tomi-san was talking about? It sounded like she meant Cho Hakkai. And why does she want revenge?” She silenced, and watched the members of the Sanzo-ikkou intently.

 

Gojyo looked over to Sanzo and Goku, but Sanzo only looked back calmly, and Goku gently smiled, nodding encouragingly. Hell, the people from the town were only three, and none of them strong. It was not like these three could take Hakkai back to town by force if they decided they wanted to. Suddenly, feeling overwhelmingly tired by the whole situation, Gojyo started to speak. He told them about Gonou and how he was dealt with by the Sanbutsushin, and he told them everything they knew about Tomi and what she had done to set Hakkai up.

 

“You should have told us this earlier,” the judge said, when Gojyo silenced.

 

“Yeah, right,” Gojyo snorted. “Like you would have believed us.”

 

The judge nodded thoughtfully. “True. Well, at least I'm more or less convinced you are telling the truth now. I doubt you would have said Cho Hakkai is the same as Cho Gonou if he wasn't. And it's obvious Tomi-san knows about it. That makes your story about her setting you up very believable. When we get back to town, I'll call Tomi-san to hear her out. She, too, had the opportunity, the motive, and the knowledge to commit these murders.” She rose, and Heng helped his mother to her feet. “I'm going to change my verdict from `guilty' to `not guilty,' and I will let Cho Hakkai go free,” the judge stated, “but I need to talk to Tomi-san first.”

 

“What if she denies this?” asked Gojyo. “I can't imagine she's gonna admit anything.”

 

“She will stand trial anyway, and I'm going to require it to be held tomorrow. At the same time I will to bring forward the case of Cho Hakkai, where I declare my changing of the verdict. In the meantime I want you to stay here. To be sure you won't run off, I need one of you to come back to town with me.”

 

“I don't think that will be necessary, judge,” Heng interfered. “I'm willing to take their word that they will stay here until we let them know they are free to go.”

 

“You have my word,” Goku said immediately.

 

Sanzo nodded. “Yes.”

 

They all looked at Gojyo.

 

“I promise I'll stay here until we hear from you again,” he said slowly, “and if Hakkai wakes up, I promise he won't run away either. But,” he stared intently at the judge, “if you try to take Hakkai back to jail or the gallows, I promise you I'll fight you all off, because I'm not gonna let that happen. And this time I won't care if there are any casualties.”

 

The judge frowned. “You don't need to threaten me. I forgive your words because I know you've been under a great deal of stress, but I've already told you I am going to change the verdict.”

 

“Sorry,” Gojyo muttered. “Are you sure the townspeople won't come after us if they find out we've made camp here?” he continued. “I'm not exactly longing to fight them again, if they follow us.”

 

“I'll tell the sheriff that the verdict will be changed and that no one is allowed to seek you out.”

 

“The sheriff? Ch, I thought he would be the one to lead the lynch mob,” Gojyo snorted.

 

 

The judge smiled. “He's actually quite a good sheriff. I know he doesn't like you, but if I tell him to let you be and not let anyone else harm you either, he'll do that.” She laughed a little. “He does have a deep respect for authority, as I'm sure you've noticed.”

 

At that Gojyo smiled, and Goku laughed out loud.

 

“Yeah, we've noticed,” Goku said with a glance at Sanzo, who merely raised an eyebrow, but had a glint of a smile in his eyes.

 

The judge and her followers bid them farewell and climbed into the wagon. Before she was lifted up, Jiang patted Gojyo's hand and said, “Don't you worry, my boy. Your friend will be just fine.” She smiled gently at him and let her son help her up into the wagon.

 

When they had left, Goku yawned. “Man, I feel exhausted.” He looked at the others expectantly. “I'm getting really hungry. Anyone else for supper?”

 

Sanzo shrugged. “Stupid monkey, you're always hungry. Do as you want.”

 

“Great,” Goku brightened and started to search in their bags for something he could cook for supper.

 

Sanzo walked over to Gojyo, who had returned to sit beside Hakkai. “How do you think he'll react when he learns about Tomi?”

 

Gojyo looked serious. “I don't know. He might freak out when he finds out that she did this because he killed her family. Actually I've been thinking of telling him some lie about Tomi having another reason for killing the boys.”

 

“Won't work, Gojyo,” Hakkai murmured, struggling to open his eyes. “You can't lie to me; I always know.”

 

“Hakkai! You're awake! How do you feel?” Gojyo leaned over his friend, gently caressing his cheek.

 

“A headache, and for some reason my shoulder is sore; my back hurts less than I expected.” Hakkai answered. “I don't get what it is you were going to lie to me about. Tomi? She's the murderer?”

 

“How long have you been awake?” Gojyo asked cautiously.

 

“Not long.” Hakkai struggled to sit up. “I woke just in time to hear you say you wanted to lie to me.”

 

“I said I was thinking about it,” defended Gojyo. “Don't rub it in.”

 

Hakkai smiled weakly. “All right. What about this Tomi? You think she's the murderer?” He got quiet. “You didn't want to tell me why she murdered them.” He tried to find a more comfortable position before he continued. This time he did not look at any of the others. “There was a Tomi in the village where I lived with Kanan. She was always nice to me. Sometimes I thought she had a crush on me.” He closed his eyes briefly, before continuing. “I don't know what happened to her or her family. I honestly can't remember who I killed and who was spared. Gods…”

 

“Stop it,” snapped Sanzo. “We know what you did, and it can't be undone, so get a grip on yourself. You're no use to us if we can't depend on you to do your job.”

 

Hakkai looked up. “Sorry,” he said, pulling himself together.

 

“Hakkai,” Gojyo said gently. “I won't lie to you. The girl we were talking about is the Tomi from your village. And…” He laid a hand gently on Hakkai's unwounded shoulder, and took a deep breath, “she did it as a revenge on you because you killed her family.” His grip on Hakkai's shoulder hardened as he waited for Hakkai's response.

 

Hakkai was pale, but he answered calmly. “That's what I thought.” He laid his hand on Gojyo's and squeezed it. “But how did you find out about her? She didn't come and tell you about it, did she?”

 

“In a way she did,” said Gojyo.

 

“What?” Hakkai was surprised, and Gojyo told him about Yaone's visit and what she had told them.

 

“Goku, give me the bottle we got from Yaone,” Gojyo asked Goku.

 

Goku handed him the small bottle, and Gojyo gave it to Hakkai. “If you drink this, you'll remember what happened when Tomi started to manipulate you.”

 

Hakkai took the bottle, and held it in his hand hesitantly.

 

“You don't have to drink you know.” Gojyo said. “You already know the most important stuff, and we can tell you the rest. It's not necessary for you to have the actual memories.”

 

“I know, but I have to know myself.” Hakkai emptied what was left in the bottle. He sat still a moment, and as the memories flooded back to him he squeezed his eyes shut and clenched his fists.

 

“Hakkai?” Gojyo asked anxiously.

 

“What Gonou did is over and done with,” Sanzo reminded. “What matters now is how you live your life today.”

 

Hakkai nodded. “I'm all right.” He thought a while. “She was at the trial. I saw her then, but didn't remember. The only testimonies I remembered were Goku's and an old man's.” He started to rise. “Well, I better start making supper.”

 

“Whoa, man.” Gojyo pushed him back down. “You're not going to take care of us tonight. You've been through enough. Goku's already started the cooking. You just lay here and rest.”

 

“But, I really -” Hakkai started.

 

“I said no.” Gojyo lowered his voice. “I know. Making supper would help you keep your mind off Tomi, but you need to rest. I'll stay here with you. Talk, if you need to.” He lay down beside Hakkai.

 

Hakkai gave up and turned to Gojyo. “I do have a couple of other questions.”

 

“Shoot.”

 

“What happened after we reached the jeep when we ran away from the platform?”

 

“You were shot. That's why your shoulder is sore.”

 

Hakkai looked questioningly over to Sanzo, and Gojyo laughed. “No, it wasn't the trigger-happy monk who shot you. One of the sheriff's men had a gun, too. You also hit your head when you fell from the shot. Jiang said you probably had gotten a small concussion, but it wasn't anything serious.”

 

“Jiang?”

 

“Right. You don't know anything about that either.” Gojyo told Hakkai about the visit of the judge, Heng, and Jiang. ”That's why your back isn't too sore.”

 

Hakkai stared up to the treetops. “So, I'm off the hook, now?”

 

“Probably. As long as you don't keep punishing yourself for what Gonou did.”

 

Hakkai looked at Gojyo. “How can I not?”

 

Gojyo sighed. “Hakkai, Sanzo is right. It's how you choose to live now that matters. You can't change your past, but you always have the opportunity to choose what you wanna do with your future. We all have.”

 

“As long as we're alive,” Hakkai added quietly.

 

Gojyo nodded. “As long as we're alive. And I intend to keep you alive for a very long time, so don't make that task more difficult for me by doing stupid things. You hear me?”

 

“I hear you.” Hakkai took Gojyo's hand. “Thank you, Gojyo.”

 

“Supper's ready,” Goku called.

 

Gojyo rose and helped Hakkai to his feet, and they both joined Goku and Sanzo by the fire.

 

The supper was delicious, and Hakkai praised Goku, which made the younger boy beam with pride. “I've learned from a master,” he returned the compliment.

 

Gojyo ate almost as much as Goku. He hadn't eaten much in the last two days, but with Hakkai beside him his appetite was back. When he finally put away the bowl, he grimaced as his outstretched arm made his wounded shoulder hurt.

 

“You're hurt, too,” Hakkai said worriedly. “I'm sorry, I forgot that. Let me - ”

 

“It's nothing,” Gojyo interrupted, casting a warning glance at Hakkai. “Don't try to heal me. You need your strength yourself.”

 

Hakkai withdrew his hand. “If you say so.”

 

“I do say so.” Gojyo rose. “Time for you to go back to bed.”

 

“But I can at least help with the dishes,” Hakkai tried.

 

“Goku'll do that. Right, monkey?” Gojyo said, already forgotting his vow not to call Goku a monkey again.

 

Goku looked a little grumpy at being addressed as an ape, but only retorted, “If the kappa gets the water, I'll do the dishes.”

 

“Sure, I'll get it,” promised Gojyo. “As soon as I've fixed Hakkai's bedroll.”

 

“Ch,” Sanzo snorted. “You two are bad influences on each other. Soon we'll have two mothers fussing over us.”

 

Goku grinned at him, and Gojyo glared.

 

“Gojyo!” Hakkai touched his lover's arm. “I'm not that bad off. Go and get the water, and I'll fix my own bedroll.” He looked at Gojyo sternly.

 

“All right, all right.” Gojyo immediately gave in. When he came back with the water, Hakkai was lying in his blankets near the fire, and Sanzo had seated himself on the other side of the fireplace.

 

“I'll take the first watch,” Sanzo declared.

 

Goku took the water from Gojyo. “I'll do it tonight,” he said, “but tomorrow you'll do the dishes.”

 

Gojyo took his own stuff and made his bed right beside Hakkai's. He laid down and put an arm around Hakkai's neck, pulling him closer. “Does it hurt when I hold you like this?”

 

Hakkai smiled softly. “No.”

 

For a while they lay silent together, enjoying each other's company and warmth. They watched Goku finish the dishes and go to bed. Suddenly a green light emerged from Hakkai's hand, which he had rested on Gojyo's shoulder. The shoulder trembled as the healing power worked.

 

“Hakkai,” Gojyo protested.

 

“I just wanted to thank you,” Hakkai explained. “Besides, it wasn't a big wound. It didn't take much of my energy.”

 

“I told you it wasn't serious.” He grinned. “If you want to thank me I can think of a couple of other things you could do to me.” He nibbled at Hakkai's earlobe, which caused him to moan slightly. “I've missed this,” Gojyo whispered.

 

“Me, too,” Hakkai answered quietly.

 

“Assholes,” Sanzo grunted. “It's been thirty-six hours since the sheriff arrested Hakkai, and you act like it's been a fucking year. Keep your damned desires in check, and wait until we reach an inn. I don't wanna hear you two.”

 

“Jealous?” Gojyo smirked, and got a response in the form of Sanzo's gun pointing between his eyes. He chuckled. “I would be jealous if it was you lying here with Hakkai.”

 

“One more word…” Sanzo threatened.

 

“I'm quiet,” Gojyo assured. For now it was enough for him just to be lying with Hakkai in his arms. It was probably better if the healer rested, instead of being involved in the sort of activities Gojyo had in mind. He gave Hakkai a brief kiss. “Night, Hakkai.”

 

Hakkai seemed to feel the same; he smiled contentedly at Gojyo and closed his eyes. “Good night, Gojyo.”

 

A few hours later Gojyo was awakened by a short scream and Hakkai twisting in his sleep. He immediately took hold of his lover. “Hakkai, wake up, you're having a nightmare again.” He embraced the healer, whispering soothing words, until Hakkai finally grasped reality and sat trembling and sweating in Gojyo's embrace.

 

Gojyo saw Sanzo standing a few steps away, watching them with a cigarette between his lips. He did not say anything, and when he saw Gojyo looking at him he slowly turned away.

 

“Same dream?” Gojyo asked Hakkai, who clung to him like he was afraid to let go.

 

Hakkai nodded. “Worse,” he managed to say. “Worst ever.”

 

“Wanna talk about it?” Gojyo soothingly stroked Hakkai's hair and kissed it.

 

“I... I killed you.” Hakkai's voice trembled. “I… cut your throat… then I… stabbed you in your heart… several times… the blood… all over you, over me… and I…” he swallowed. “ You looked at me… still not dead… and I laughed. I was happy to see you die… It felt so real.”

 

Gojyo swore. “That damned bitch. She's still manipulating your dreams.” He looked worriedly at Hakkai. What if the dreams never ceased? “Remember, these aren't your own dreams. That fucking girl decides what you're dreaming. It's not what you want.”

 

“Yes,” Hakkai tried to calm himself. “I know, and believe me, I'm glad to have found that out.”

 

“You might try to use your ki in a different way, to block the manipulation.” Sanzo had overheard their conversation and walked over to them. “With meditation techniques, maybe you could focus your ki inwards to make a mental shield.”

 

Hakkai looked up, surprised. “That's good advice. I'll try that, Sanzo. Thanks.”

 

Sanzo nodded and went to put another piece of wood on the fire.

 

Gojyo looked skeptical. “How can you keep a mental shield up when you're asleep?”

 

Hakkai pondered. “I don't think it would work the same way as a physical shield,” he said after a while. “I can probably create the shield once, and then sort of attach it in my mind.”

 

“If you say so.” Gojyo was glad that the thought of the shield seemed to have made Hakkai forget about the nightmare and relax. He yawned. “You think you can sleep now?”

 

Hakkai lay down, pulling Gojyo with him. “Yes.” He laid his head on Gojyo's arm, like it was a pillow, and closed his eyes. “This way I can sleep.”

 

The next morning they were awakened by Goku cheerfully calling, “Good morning, sleeping beauties. Rise and shine.”

 

Hakkai immediately sat up, stretched, and yawned. Gojyo watched him with half-open eyes. “Sleeping beauties, huh,” he muttered. “Aren't those supposed to be awakened by a kiss?” He looked sleepily but expectantly at Hakkai.

 

The youkai only laughed. “Since Goku called you that, he should be kissing you,” he teased.

 

“No, thank you,” Gojyo yawned. “I don't think either the monkey or I would appreciate that.” He looked mockingly at Goku, who was cooking breakfast, with Sanzo sitting beside him. “Maybe he could try that stunt with Sanzo,” he grinned at Hakkai. “Who knows, that might be just what the grumpy monk needs.”

 

Hakkai chuckled. “Please don't say that so Sanzo hears you. I would like to keep you alive for a long time, too, and that would certainly make it difficult.”

 

Gojyo continued grinning. After breakfast he started washing the dishes, as he had promised Goku the night before. Goku had stretched out on his bed, humming a tune to himself. Sanzo stood smoking, watching the road, and Hakkai still sat by the fire, where they had eaten.

 

“A wagon is coming again,” Sanzo announced. Before anyone could react to that, a shot was heard from the forest. A bullet whistled close to Hakkai and lodged in a tree behind him. As on command all four of them scrambled to take cover. Sanzo pulled his gun…

 

 

TBC