Gensomaden Saiyuki Fan Fiction / Saiyuki Reload Fan Fiction / Saiyuki Reload Gunlock Fan Fiction ❯ Cho Hakkai: Murderer? ❯ Chapter 11

Cho Hakkai: Murderer?

 

Chapter 11

 

 

“I'll take care of this,” Goku yelled, and ran off into the forest. The others could hear him forcing his way in the direction from which the bullet had come.

 

“Damn, I hope that little monkey doesn't get shot, running towards a gun like that.” Gojyo shook his head, trying to sound more annoyed than worried.

 

Sanzo snorted. “He won't.” Cautiously he walked to the tree and pulled out the bullet. He weighed it in his hand and examined it.

 

Gojyo came over and took a look, too. “It looks the same as the one I picked out from your shoulder,” he told Hakkai. “The bullets from Sanzo's gun don't look like that.”

 

“Tch.” Sanzo threw the bullet away. “Did it touch you?” he asked Hakkai.

 

“No,” the healer answered. “The one who shot isn't as good as you with a gun, apparently.”

 

Gojyo was ready to run after Goku. Who the hell was shooting at them? Did the gun owner in town hate Hakkai so much he had ignored the judge and walked all the way to the camp? He calmed himself - Goku could take care of whoever it was - and settled on waiting for the wagon to reach them.

 

This time it was the judge and the sheriff. “Are you all right?” the judge asked as soon as the horses had come to a stop. “We can't find Tomi-san, and we suspect she has a gun, since the town's only gun has been missing since last night.”

 

Gojyo caught the sheriff's eyes, and for a moment they stared at each other with loathing. The redhead realized that in the sheriff's book he still was a lowly creature, and the sheriff's glance at Hakkai showed that, murderer or not, Hakkai was considered as lowly a being as Gojyo.

 

The sheriff released Gojyo's eyes. “It could be that someone else took it,” he said reluctantly, his tone angry . “But whoever stole it, we figure it was taken to be used on you.”

 

“It was Tomi.” Goku broke out of the forest, half dragging, half carrying Tomi, who furiously fought to get free. When she saw the judge and the sheriff, her eyes widened, and she stopped struggling. “Here.” Goku handed the gun he had taken from Tomi to the judge, who gave it to the sheriff.

 

“It's Chow's isn't it?” she asked.

 

The sheriff nodded. “Yes, his name is engraved here.” He held the pistol up to show the others, then pocketed it in his jacket. He pulled out a pair of handcuffs, and shackled Tomi's wrists. “I put you under arrest for the murder of Feng Tai and Lee Jin.”

 

Tomi's eyes filled with tears; suddenly she looked very young and very lost. “I had reasons to do what I did,” she tried to defend herself.

 

“We know your reasons,” the judge answered, “but they aren't good enough for killing two innocent boys.”

 

“That's what he did!” Tomi yelled, pointing at Hakkai. “He killed my family, and many more, for reasons similar to mine.”

 

“I've been punished for that,” Hakkai explained sadly, “and I have to live with the consequences of what I've done for the rest of my life. Now, you'll have to do the same.”

 

“I'll decide myself when and how to die!” Her eyes got a mad glint. With a sudden, quick movement she took a step back and broke free from the sheriff's grip. She pulled a knife from inside her jacket and stabbed it into her stomach, twisting it.

 

Before the twist was completed, Hakkai grabbed her hand. Hurriedly, but carefully, he drew the knife out, at the same time catching her before she dropped to the ground, her legs unable to bear her weight any longer.

 

“Why?” she whispered as she passed out.

 

Hakkai laid her down and focused his ki on healing. Gojyo saw how his already weak friend paled as he struggled to mend the severely wounded internal organs and stop the bleeding. He did not try to stop Hakkai, but when the green light finally disappeared and the healer slumped back, exhausted, he was there immediately to support him.

 

“She will live,” Hakkai exclaimed, breathing heavily a moment before he was able, with Gojyo's help, to stand up again.

 

Goku looked down at the unconscious girl. “Is she going to be flogged and hanged like you tried to do with Hakkai?” he asked solemnly.

 

Hakkai looked at the judge, also wanting an answer to that question. The judge saw his apprehension and understood his unspoken wish. “No, I don't think so. Cho Hakkai, or maybe I should say Cho Gonou, was given a second chance. I'll do what's in my power to make sure this girl gets one, too.”

 

Hakkai smiled gratefully. “Thank you.”

 

“Must we attend her trial?” Sanzo asked.

 

The judge shook her head. “No, she has confessed, and with the sheriff's and my testimonies as eyewitnesses, together with what Heng heard her say after you ran off, she can't take it back. It will be enough. The story Gojyo-san told us last night might be repeated in the court, too - at least part of it - to clear the situation for the jury. You don't have to be there, though. Any of us who heard it can do that.” She thought for a moment. “It's probably best if Jiang-san testifies as much as possible. She is most respected and trusted by everyone in town.” She turned to Hakkai. “How long will it take until Tomi regains consciousness?”

 

“I don't know, but I wasn't able to heal her completely. She will need a few days to recover.”

 

The judge grunted. “Ah. In that case… You're free to go. I don't want to keep you here for several more days. I'll write a declaration today, signed by the sheriff, Heng-san, Jiang-san and myself, that changes the verdict for Hakkai-san to `not guilty'.”

 

“Is that legal?” asked Gojyo suspiciously. “I don't want another morning surprise by an angry sheriff busting into our room, accusing Hakkai of murder.”

 

“Under these circumstances it's legal,” the judge assured him. “As long as Hakkai-san doesn't commit murder anywhere else, I expect such an unpleasant surprise won't happen again… Unless of course someone else sets you up.”

 

The sheriff lifted the still unconscious Tomi and put her in the wagon. The judge followed, sitting beside her. “The evidence all pointed at you,” she addressed Hakkai, “but I still feel like I owe you an apology. I am sorry, and I wish you luck in the future. Oh,” she took up a little jug and gave it to Hakkai, “this is salve for your back. Jiang-san asked me to give it to you.”

 

Goku made a deep sigh of relief when they drove away. “Man, I'm glad this is over.”

 

“Let's just hope she doesn't come after us again.” Gojyo turned to Hakkai. “How are you feeling, man?”

 

Hakkai stood watching the disappearing wagon. “I'll be fine. I just hope she will be, too.”

 

Gojyo groaned. “You're too damned soft for your own good, `kai.” He smiled at his lover.

“But I do understand why in this case. And I wouldn't want you any other way.”

 

“Get on with the dishes, kappa,” Sanzo grunted behind them. “We'll leave this place as soon as you're ready. Goku, start breaking the camp.” He went to take care of his own bedroll and pick up his things.

 

Gojyo rolled his eyes. “I'd better do what the fucking monk wants me to, or you'll have to heal a hole in my skull,” he grinned at Hakkai and went to continue the chores.

 

The campsite was soon cleared, and the jeep stood waiting for them to climb in. Hakkai was the first, and he seated himself behind the steering wheel.

 

“You're sure you're up to driving?” Gojyo asked.

 

“Don't be ridiculous, Gojyo.” Hakkai answered calmly. “I've driven with far worse injuries than this. I'm fine.”

 

“No need to baby him, kappa,” Sanzo snorted, and took his usual seat beside the healer.

 

Gojyo shrugged and climbed into the backseat with Goku. “Move over monkey, you don't need all that space.”

 

“Hey! You're the one trying to take over my space!”

 

“I've got longer legs. I need the space more than you.”

 

“You've got enough space on your side, kappa.”

 

“A monkey like you could sit on the side of the jeep.”

 

“I'm no monkey, perverted kappa!” The insult came instinctively, but Gojyo saw how the boy bit his lip as soon as the words were out of his mouth. “I'm sorry, Gojyo. I won't call you that again.”

 

The half-breed ruffled his hair. “It's okay. Don't make any promises you can't keep. I promised myself I wouldn't call you a monkey again, but it's too damned hard not calling a monkey a monkey.” He grinned at the boy, and Goku had to laugh.

 

“Are you two finished?” Sanzo asked in a threatening tone.

 

Gojyo pulled his legs over to his side of the backseat and lit a cigarette. It was the first smoke he really had enjoyed for two days. “We're finished, your holiness.” He closed his eyes and let the smoke fill his lungs, feeling utterly relaxed and happy.

 

The day went on uneventfully. No youkai attacked them, so the only time they stopped was when Sanzo could not bear Goku's “Sanzo, I'm hungry” any more…. or when the monk's stomach agreed with the monkey's, Gojyo suspected.

 

During the stop Gojyo had helped Hakkai change his bandages and clean the wound. He also rubbed salve on the healer's back, making Hakkai sigh with relief. “You could have asked me to help you with this earlier, you know,” Gojyo muttered when he heard that. “You don't have to bear more pain than necessary.” Hakkai only smiled.

 

When evening fell, they had reached the next town on their journey. They found a small inn and parked outside it. This time Hakkai was first at the counter. “Do you have any rooms available?” he asked the porter.

 

“We have two really nice rooms left,” the man answered, smiling.

 

“We'll take them.” Sanzo appeared at the counter.

 

“If you would please sign here?” The porter handed them the registration book.

 

When they were signed in, the porter put two keys on the counter. “Rooms 16 and 17. They are upstairs to the left,” he told the four young men.

 

Sanzo took one of the keys. “Let's go, Goku,” he demanded, not looking at Gojyo and Hakkai. Goku gave them a smile, before he disappeared, following Sanzo up the stairs.

 

Gojyo took the other key. “Let's go, Hakkai,” he mimicked the monk and grinned. Hakkai smiled back at him and they, too, went to their room.

 

The room was pleasant, with two large beds, a low table with two comfortable armchairs, and a private bathroom. Hakkai went in first, putting his things down beside one of the beds. Gojyo followed, dropping his bags just inside the door as he closed it. “Hakkai,” he said, suddenly incapable of saying anything more. Instead he wrapped his arms around his lover's neck and caught his lips with his own. Finally. How he had longed for this. Hakkai's mouth tasted so sweet, Gojyo couldn't get enough.

 

Hakkai eagerly responded to the kiss. Gojyo felt his lover's fingers tangle in his hair, while he invaded Hakkai's mouth with his tongue. He slid his hands inside Hakkai's shirt, feeling the warmth of his skin. Together they fell onto the nearest bed, not letting go of each other. “I thought I had lost you,” Gojyo murmured as he covered Hakkai's cheeks, forehead, and ears with kisses. What if he had lost him? What if they had executed Hakkai immediately with the gun? The thought made his heart ache, and he stopped the kissing and gripped Hakkai's arms hard.

 

“You didn't lose me, Gojyo,” Hakkai soothed and again brushed his fingers through Gojyo's hair.

 

Gojyo loosened his grip, lifted his head, and smiled down at Hakkai. “No, I didn't, and I won't ever let that happen,” he promised. He bent over Hakkai's neck and licked the sensitive spot he knew was there. The touch made Hakkai moan and turn his head to give Gojyo better access.

 

Gojyo gently removed Hakkai's shirts and trailed with his fingers over the bandages. “It doesn't hurt too much does it?” he asked quietly, “Can you lie on your back?”

 

Hakkai nodded. He lay back and watched as Gojyo stripped out of his clothing. When Gojyo leaned over Hakkai, the healer embraced his naked body and whispered, “I need you.” Their mouths found each other again, and for some minutes they were locked in another passionate kiss. Gojyo's tongue traced Hakkai's lower lip, then dipped inside and explored every spot of the oh-so-sweet tasting mouth. He could feel Hakkai's tongue against his own, but the youkai did not battle for dominance this time.

 

“Lie still,” Gojyo whispered in Hakkai's ear when he broke the kiss. “Tonight I'll take care of you.” He wanted to show Hakkai all the love he felt for him, and judging by the look in Hakkai's eyes, he was willing to let him do so. He made a path of kisses along the edge of the bandages. Tenderly he caressed Hakkai's chest, stroking the hardened nipples, and he smiled at the sounds Hakkai made at the touch. Was anything more rewarding then these moans coming from his lover's throat?

 

Hakkai was completely relaxed under his ministrations, and Gojyo let his hands roam over every inch of Hakkai's smooth skin. `Gods, all of his body is so beautiful, so perfect. Not even the scar on his stomach can make me see him as anything less than perfect.' Slowly he trailed his fingers to Hakkai's waistband, and, with gentle caresses, removed his lover's jeans. He sought out all of his partner's sensitive spots, and Hakkai's moans become more and more ragged as he shivered under Gojyo's touch. Gojyo's breath was as shallow as Hakkai's now, but this was for Hakkai, so he didn't allow his own arousal to take over.

 

Hakkai panted expectantly and moaned when Gojyo expertly teased his whole body with hands and mouth. “Gojyo, please,” he begged, not able to stand the exciting stimulation any longer.

 

Finally letting go of the restraints he had put on himself, Gojyo willingly obeyed his lover's plea. A low moan built up in his throat as his gentle lovemaking became more passionate. Shortly after, their voices blended in a scream as they simultaneously reached their climax.

 

Afterwards they lay in each other's arms, mumbling sweet nonsense, mixed with brief kisses and gentle stroking. “I love you, Hakkai,” Gojyo whispered.

 

Hakkai ran his fingers through Gojyo's hair. “I love you, too, Gojyo.”

 

Gojyo smiled. It wasn't often that Hakkai expressed his love in words. “Glad to hear it,” he teased. “I was wondering.”

 

“Gojyo,” Hakkai tried to sound hurt, but Gojyo heard his smile.

 

“Just kidding.” Gojyo snuggled his face into Hakkai's neck. “I know you can't live without me.” His tone became serious. “And I can't live without you. Man, I was so afraid when they took you away.” He turned to lay on his back. “And all this happened because I just couldn't stop myself from kissing you in the street.”

 

“No, Gojyo,” Hakkai shook his head. “It wasn't because of that. If we hadn't been in love, Tomi would have found another way to get to me.”

 

“Guess you're right,” Gojyo mused. “But you… you must have been even more scared than me, when they arrested you. You didn't even know yourself if you had committed the crime or not.”

 

“Well, thanks to you, I know now that I didn't.” Hakkai caressed Gojyo's cheek. “Have I even thanked you?”

 

“You don't have to. You would have done the same for me. Besides, tonight's action is thanks enough.” He smirked at Hakkai. “Or you could thank me like this every níght,” he suggested.

 

Hakkai laughed. “I don't mind, but how's that different from before I was arrested?”

 

“Not much, I admit.” Gojyo grinned, and then yawned. “Shower, then bed, I think.” He rose and headed for the bathroom, then turned, a sly grin on his face. “What do you say to joining me in the shower and continuing there?”

 

Hakkai smiled. “I'm coming.”

 

===

 

The next morning Gojyo woke up to agitated voices in the corridor outside their room, one of them Sanzo's. So the grumpy monk had already gotten himself into an argument. Ch, some people did not know their own good; getting involved in an argument with Sanzo was not good. He yawned. Not that he cared. The monk could handle his fights just fine by himself.

 

Gojyo stiffened at the frightful feeling of déjà vu. What the hell was happening outside? He carefully shook Hakkai awake. “Hakkai, wake up.” He tried to suppress the slight tinge of panic in his voice.

 

Hakkai came fully awake immediately because of Gojyo's tone. He could not see anything threatening. “What's the matter, Gojyo?”

 

At that moment the door slammed open and an angry Sanzo burst in, followed by an amused Goku. “We're leaving now!” the monk exclaimed. “You have ten minutes, then we're out of here. No breakfast.” He was out of the room as quickly as he had entered it.

 

Gojyo and Hakkai stared after him. “Goku, could you please explain?” Hakkai asked.

 

Goku grinned. “Well, the very religious and early bird of a mayor in this town is very pleased that his town is visited by a high priest. He has requested a sermon in half an hour. He's out waking the town's population to gather below a hill outside town, right now.

 

Gojyo burst out laughing, partly because of relief and partly because of Sanzo's predicament.

 

“Please, Gojyo,” Hakkai pleaded. “Don't drag your feet just to irritate Sanzo.”

 

“Heh, normally I would love to piss him off,” Gojyo grinned. “But I have to admit, the corrupt monk was quite helpful in rescuing you, so I guess I owe him.”

 

Hurriedly they dressed and packed their things. Ten minutes later they were all sitting in the jeep, with their backs to the rising sun. Watching his partners, Gojyo felt content. Sanzo was sitting with his arms crossed and a pissed expression on his face. Gojyo smirked, maybe he should have delayed their departure just to see the monk forced to do a sermon. Nah, not this time. He felt too good today to make Sanzo's life miserable.

 

Beside him Goku's stomach rumbled, but for once the monkey was quiet about it. Heh, he guessed Goku, too, was happy enough with things being back to normal not to start a fight about being hungry. Gojyo caught Goku's eyes and got a smile in return. Yes, life was fine.

 

Hakkai sat smiling in the driver's seat. Gojyo could see his face in the rear mirror. Their eyes met, and for a moment the world stood still. It had been so close… If things had turned out differently Gojyo could have been alone by now. Sure, Sanzo and Goku would still be here, but Gojyo couldn't seriously say whether he could have handled it had it come to Hakkai's death. He looked Hakkai in the eyes. “I'm still here,” the green eyes seemed to say, and Gojyo felt eternally grateful for that fact.

 

“Watch where you're driving!” Sanzo's annoyed voice broke the moment, and Gojyo suddenly laughed. He picked up his cigarettes and lit one, leaned back, and relaxed; after all, everything had turned out just fine.

 

With the lives they led none of them knew if this would be the last day of their lives; but for the sake of each other, they were eager to keep that last day as far in the future as possible.

 

 

Owari

 

 

 

7