A Ghost Story

Chapter 12

Sanzo sat in front of the television, sipping on a cup of coffee and watching the evening news. He kept glancing outside the nearby window for Gojyo and Goku to return. He nearly jumped ten feet when he heard the piano start to play, and managed to spill some of his coffee. He hissed and stood up, wiping the front of his pants with the couches’ arm cover.

“Damn it, Hakkai! Don’t fucking do shit like that! Look what you made me do?!” Hakkai slowly appeared at the piano.

/I apologize, Sanzo. I seem to forget that I now have residents here./

“Whatever.” He sat back down, slamming his coffee cup on the table and turning off the television. “Play some more.” Hakkai looked over at him and smiled.

/Are you sure?/

“Yeah. It’s relaxing. I want some peace before fag and fag-ette come back.” Laying back on the couch, he lit up a cigarette and put his hands behind his head. Hakkai went back to playing, starting with songs he wrote and others he could remember. “Hey, you know Green Sleeves or something? I don’t recognize any tunes you’re playing.” Hakkai chuckled.

/You will have to hum a bit for me so I can remember. Is that all the music you know?/

“The only music I know by name. That and the Blue Danube. Oh wait, that was composed long after your time, nevermind.”

/Well, are you going to hum for me?/ Sanzo hmphed and blew out a puff of smoke.

“I don’t hum. Just play whatever music you feel like.” Hakkai went back to playing, choosing to now play softer tunes to try and ease Sanzo’s tension, which he knew probably would not work.

/By the way, Sanzo, where are Gojyo and Goku? They are not in their rooms./

“They went to find out stuff about you.” Hakkai stopped in his playing, staring wide eyed at Sanzo.

/Are you serious/’ Sanzo nodded.

“That asshole better look in to finding a job rather than spend all day playing forensic detective.”

/I believe he said he is working at home from his, computer, is it?/ Sanzo scoffed.

“Lazy bastard. I at least leave the house for a job. I got a call back today and I’m a bartender. I start tomorrow night.”

/Congratulations, my friend./

They both stopped and turned towards the doorway as they heard it open. Both Goku and Gojyo walked in, Gojyo going immediately to Hakkai.

“Hakkai! I found out how you died!” Hakkai sat down at the piano seat and looked at him.

/What is it?/

“You were murdered.” Hakkai’s brows went up in sadness and he shook his head.

/Damn it all. I still can not remember, Gojyo! I do not remember anything about a murder. Are you sure?/

“Yes! It said the same street as us! Locus Street! And you were only known as ‘Hakkai‘ ” Hakkai nodded slowly, his eyes wide.

/Yes, it has always been Locus Street…did it say anything else?/

“Yeah, it said that there was a town feast or something and whoever employed you were there, and something about two kids. A mob of people led by-shit, Goku, do you remember the name? The guy who led the mob?” Goku shook his head.

“Uh-uh. Didn’t it say something else like he slept with his sister or something?” Hakkai gasped after he heard Goku’s words and clutched his head, bending over.

/I…I…remember something! What is it? Who is it?!/ The other three just watched as Hakkai started to glow a light blue, and then immediately backed up. /Someone…something…sister? Sister…sister…WHY CAN I NOT REMEMBER!/ He shouted and flew up through the ceiling, disappearing from sight.

“HAKKAI!” Gojyo called and ran up the steps, searching the rooms for him. “Where are you?!” He went into his room and looked around, still not seeing him. He looked at the attic door and knocked on it. “Hakkai?”

/Go away! I want to be alone!/ Gojyo sighed and opened the door, heading up the steps.
“Hakkai, please, I didn’t mean to upset you. I was only trying to help.” Hakkai was floating in the corner in a sitting position, his face buried in his hands.

/I said I want to be alone…please, go away./ Gojyo walked over to him and knelt in front of him.

“Hakkai…I don’t know why you can’t remember. With what I told you, you should be able to remember something.” Hakkai would not look at him.

/Gojyo…I do not remember. You said something about a sister…my sister. I can not remember a sister…not even my murder./

Gojyo hung his head and for awhile the two sat in silence. Gojyo could not think of any other way to try and get Hakkai to remember. He thought that what he found out tonight would have been the all that ends all. But the problem lay within Hakkai. That had to be what was preventing him from remembering. But what else could he do? He did not even believe in ghosts until he met Hakkai. And with that, he knew NOTHING about ghosts! Other than the fact they are dead and are portrayed in horror movies and campfire stories as evil.

How was he going to find out about ghosts? He figured he would probably have to go to the library, where he just was. However, he would have to wait until tomorrow night for he had to work tomorrow. Even though he can work from the computer, it still hindered him from doing what he wanted.

/I wish to be left alone for bit longer, Gojyo./ Gojyo nodded and stood up, leaving the room.


Sanzo and Gojyo sat at the kitchen table, enjoying a cup of coffee in the late evening. Gojyo glanced at the clock and frowned at the fact that it was 3:00am. He had never stayed up this late if he was home, being out on the town something different. But he could not stop thinking about Hakkai, nor was he tired at all. The mystery behind Hakkai’s memory and death intrigued him. Figuring out the mystery of Hakkai was more important to him than sleep, not even when they could sleep together again. That thought made him frown even more. He would rather have sex and clear his mind than dwell and wonder on a topic. There was no surprise that he was a high school dropout. He glanced at the clock again and only a few minutes went by, which he let out a grunt in annoyance.

“What the hell’s your problem? Stop thinking so hard or you’ll loose what few decent brain cells you have left.”

“Fuck you, asshole. I could be in my dreams screwing Hakkai right now but I’m stuck pondering on his ghost form.” Sanzo sipped his coffee.

“You should go to a physic or something. One of those crazy people that talk to spirits, or whatever. Or better yet, go to the library and READ UP on ghosts.” Gojyo rolled his eyes.

“I hate reading anything that doesn’t come with a set of tits and ass.”

“Or dick and balls in your case now.”

“Hey, hey! I can like both! At least I’m not a full blown fag like you!” Sanzo glared at him.

“I’ve had my fair share of women too. More than you’ve ever had I bet.” Gojyo scoffed.

“Fat fucking chance! I have a CHARMING smile that just allures the ladies, and I don’t even have to speak a word.” He said proudly

“I’m better looking than you, though. Everyone prefers blondes.”

“Hey, redheads are pretty rare!”

“So is blonde. Plus, I have rare, violent eyes.” Sanzo smirked and Gojyo could not say anything about that, for he did have exotic eyes. His were an odd shade, but sometimes frightened people rather than stun them. Gojyo decided to change the subject.

“So, a physic huh? You think some crazy person with a crystal ball can tell me what I want to know?” Sanzo shrugged his shoulders.

“Possible. I really don’t believe in that shit, but it will probably ease your mind a bit. But now that I know ghosts actually exist, I’m almost likely to believe anything dealing with the paranormal.” Gojyo chuckled.

“It’s settled then. Tomorrow I’ll look in the phonebook for a physic. This town is so fucking old that they have to have things like that.” He stood up. “It’s settled then. I’m going to go plop myself on the couch and watch some TV. You coming?” Sanzo finished his coffee.

“I’m heading to bed. Unlike you, I have a real job.” He said and put his mug in the sink before heading up the stairs. Gojyo muttered some curses to Sanzo under his breath and flopped on the couch, flipping the television on.


The next morning, he had slept on the couch last night, with no dreams of Hakkai whatsoever. He was woken up by Goku’s heavy footsteps running down the stairs, followed by Sanzo’s slow ones. He felt a cold draft on his face and opened his eyes to see Hakkai floating before him.

/Are you alright? You slept on the couch./ Gojyo yawned and sat up, stretching.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just lost track of time. How are you?”

/Fine. Sorry about last night. I was too weak to come and visit your dreams./

“Yeah I know. I missed you.” Hakkai chuckled.

/I promise to make it up tonight. What are your goals for the day?/

“Oh, I’m going into town to do a few things. All of us are, well, all meaning Goku, Sanzo, and I.”

/Like what?/

“Just stuff.”

/Do you not have work?/

“Pfft, it could wait until tonight.” Hakkai raised his eyebrow but chose not to say anything more.

“Cool! Where we going?!” Goku asked excitedly, chugging down some orange juice.

“Shopping”

“That’s boring!” Said Goku “I wanna-“ Sanzo hit him with the spatula “OW! SANZO!?”

“We’re going so shut up.” Was all Sanzo said as he turned back to making his omelet. Hakkai just looked at all three of them and nodded softly.

/Okay then, I will watch the house. I will go rest some more. Enjoy your day./ Hakkai said and flew up through the ceiling.

“Why didn’t you tell him?” Sanzo asked. Gojyo just shrugged his shoulders. “I found a . psychic While you were snoring, I check the phonebook. There’s one right in the center of town, on the main drag. We’ll leave after breakfast.” Goku just blinked at Sanzo’s back and Gojyo left to go get dressed.

The three of them squeezed inside Gojyo’s truck, Goku being in the middle since he was the smallest. Sanzo just stared out the window, looking about ready to fall asleep. Gojyo thought about this physic, and what she could possibly say about Hakkai. He was not even sure if he believed in that ‘spirit world’ connection. As a dare one time, he called a psychic from an add inside one of his girly mags to find out if his “lover” was cheating on him. The physic told him that she was with a guy named “James” or “Jed”. It was clearly a set up, so he was skeptical about this meeting.

When they got on the main drag, he slowed down so they could keep an eye out for the shop. Sanzo read the direction sheet and led them all the way down main street until they came to a crossroad, and had to go back. They had missed the shop somewhere along the way. Gojyo mumbled and did a ‘K’ turn, going back down the road. Goku then shouted and pointed.

“There! There it is! Miss Chloe’s shop!” Gojyo paralleled park in front of the shop and the three got out. Gojyo looked the shop over, raising an eyebrow at all the strange symbols, stars, moons, and other strange things he could not make sense of.

“How did we miss this bright purple sign?” Sanzo asked, putting out his smoke on the sidewalk.

“I’m just loosing my mind.” Gojyo said and opened the door, the others following him. The shop was small on the inside, with red carpet and purple walls heavily decorated with artistic things. Goku sniffed the air, marveling at the incense that mingled in the room. Gojyo rang the bell at the small desk and a voice answered from in the back of the room.

“Welcome to my shop, gentlemen.” Said a middle aged woman, dressed in a colorful, fancy robe with strange arm markings and jewelry. “How may I serve you?”

“Uh…well, we have a ghost living with us.” Started Gojyo.

“Yeah, and he doesn’t remember who he is and stuff like that!” Added Goku.

“And he can’t pass on, or whatever it is you refer to ghosts as.” Said Sanzo.

“Ah, so you want to make contact with the spirit world, yes?”

“Pretty much.”

“Come into the back room, and have a seat at the table.”

They followed her into a dimly lit room filled with candles and even stronger incense. Goku sneezed and rubbed his eye, the scent being a bit too much. Sanzo was the first to take a seat, crossing his arms and frowning at the woman. Gojyo hissed as he accidentally walked into the tiny chandelier above the table, hitting his forehead. He grumbled and sat down, folding his arms on the table. Goku plopped down and rest his hands behind his head, getting comfortable. The physic took her seat at the head of the table.

“So you wish to help your ghost friend then?” She asked with a soft smile.

“We just need to find out about him. We don’t know much about ghosts at all.” She closed her eyes and nodded.

“Alright, lets begin the ritual. Everyone join hands.”

“Why?” Asked Sanzo.

“Shhh. I need you to concentrate if we are to make contact.” Sanzo rolled his eyes but joined hand with the others in a circle. “Everyone close your eyes, and picture your ghost in your mind. Do not fear anything that may happen, please remain calm, and act in a serious manner.”

She started chanting softly in an unfamiliar language and Sanzo was finding it hard not to stray his mind away from the mental image of Hakkai. He was having a real hard time believing in this whole ‘ritual’ thing was actually going to work, but then again, he also had not believed in ghosts until a few days ago. Goku could not help but picture Hakkai and a meatbun, or rather, Hakkai sitting ON the meatbun. Gojyo was the only one to keep a steady image of Hakkai, and he hoped the others were doing the same. He too was finding it hard to believe, but they told her nothing about Hakkai, so they could catch her in a lie.

“Your ghost is a young man….perhaps in his yearly twenties. He’s tall, fair of skinned, dark hair and spectacles…” Sanzo peeked his eye opened for a second and looked at her then closed it again. Gojyo’s eyebrow twitched and he felt chills run up his spin as she stated Hakkai’s description. “Colonial America…the country still young…a God fearing and superstitious town…” Sanzo could not believe his ears, now he has seen and heard everything. Goku had to open his eyes and blink in amazement, but quickly closed them again. “He’s poor…a solider…a working boy, or servant…caregiver of two children…a little boy and girl…now I see two girls…a young woman, much like the ghost in features…a sin…a taboo…and punishment…death by hanging…the children screaming in terror…an angry mob…a familiar face to all leading it…”

“Who is it?!” Gojyo spoke aloud, letting go of their hands and opening his eyes. Sanzo and Goku did the same, but the psychic kept hers closed.

“I can’t see the face…it is a man…tall, powerful…confusion and anger, also compassion…and love.” She was silent for a few minutes and the three watched her facial features. “Something is wrong…”

“What’s wrong?” Gojyo asked

“There’s more to this story…but a great force is blocking it……your ghost is unable to pass over…because of the power of hatred and anger from this man is forbidding him to do so…this man issued the warrant and permission for your ghosts’ murder…and likely led the mob……wait……I see a tree….a large one…and a graveyard…a hollow grave…no marker….buried with other sinners…” Goku’s eyes were wide as he listened intently and Sanzo was dumbfounded.

“What else is there about the ghost? His name is Hakkai!”

“Hakkai…” she whispered. “I’m not channeling him. The man’s power is too strong to break through…” she let out a breath and opened her eyes. “I couldn’t get any further than that…”

“Its alright, that helped us out a lot!” Gojyo told her.

“Tell us about ‘ghosts’.” Sanzo ordered her. “We don’t understand one little thing about them.” She folded her hands in front of her.

“Ghosts are floating spirits, confused, lost, driven by an emotional power to finish something they may have started. Ghosts come in all forms…perhaps as orbs, or glowing lights. They can not pass over to the other side for specific reasons of their own. Your ghost, Hakkai, is unable to pass because a force is preventing him to find eternal peace. This man, he is punishing Hakkai by keeping him in his own Hell, trapped inside the house. Most likely, the murder happened in or outside the house.”

“You said you saw a tree.” Sanzo pointed out. “We have one tree in our backyard, a large old oak tree, with one thick low branch.” Goku piped up.

“Hey yeah! I remember when I climbed it, I felt kinda funny…like something was there…or the tree was talking!”

“Something happened at that tree.” She said softly. “What you felt was a strong aura of mystical energy. I’m sure if you could talk to that tree, it would have millions of stories to tell you.”

“What about the graveyard?” Gojyo asked. “There’s one behind our house, far away though, but close enough that we can see it from the back windows!”

“Sinners such as Hakkai were not buried in graveyards, but hallow, unmarked plots, usually dense forests or fields. However, what happened to your ghost was a murder, issued by a man who must have had some great power over the town, such as a judge or township official. But he would have been convicted and put on trail, for not consulting with the state leaders. He must have hid Hakkai’s body somewhere so no one would suspect or find it.”

“If you said sinners weren’t buried in graveyards, then that’s probably where he is!” Sanzo said, slamming his fists on the table. “They must have buried him in the graveyard somewhere!”

“Ew, that’s creepy!” Goku said, getting a shiver. “He’s like, talking to us in one place, and laying in a hole in another…wouldn’t a dog or something dig him up?”

“Shut up, Goku! Or I’ll loose my breakfast!” Snapped Gojyo.

“But he might not have buried Hakkai in the graveyard on our property, but in another since ours would be too obvious.” Stated Sanzo. “Or, he did bury him there, thinking that others would think the way I just did.” He put his chin in his palm and thought.

“How do we save him?” Gojyo asked “How do we help him move on?” Gojyo stopped at that, thinking about what he said. If Hakkai moved on, then he wouldn’t live with them any more. Gojyo would never be able to see him again until he died, and he planned to live a long, long time. He clenched his fists at the selfish thoughts he was thinking. To keep Hakkai bound for another seventy or eighty years would be so selfish of him, since Hakkai had been stuck on Earth for awhile. He was so confused…

“That young man…is difficult. Hakkai is behind a barrier. A powerful one. He can’t leave the house, therefore, the power barrier is somewhere in the house. Tell me, is there any room he does not go into?” All three of them thought and shook their heads. “Are there any rooms you haven’t discovered yet?”

“Discovered?” Goku questioned. “You mean there’s more rooms?!”

“Possibly.” She said.

“We haven’t seen any,” Said Sanzo “And those houses usually don’t have basements. Maybe wine cellars…”

“My advice to you would be to call in a priest to look at the house. If this is indeed a spiritual barrier, the priest may be able to break it. I’m sorry I couldn’t help you more.”

“You’ve done enough, thank you” Gojyo told her, shaking her hand.

“One more thing. Go to the town library under ‘History’, and look up your street in the town almanac. There will be a listing of houses and photos, all by street. Perhaps you’ll find something there, like a wine cellar or a missing room.”

“Thanks, we’ll do that. How much do I owe you?” Gojyo asked, reaching for his wallet.

“It’s on me, gentlemen. This is a most unfortunate event and I can’t take advantage of your situation.”

“Thank you very much! That’s very generous of you.”

“Good luck with your search.” She waved in a friendly manner as they left. The three walked to the truck and climbed inside, Gojyo starting the engine.

“Do you think we really need a priest?” Goku asked, raising an eyebrow in thought.

“Lets go to the library first and look around there.” Sanzo suggested. “We’ll use the priest as a last resort.”