The Storms That Bind Us

Chapter 8

The town was larger than Hakkai thought it would be, with crowds of people shopping and doing their daily business. Smells of food cooking filled the air as their group turned down another road. Goku's stomach growled from the back, accompanied by a desperate moan.

"You ain't over there creamin your pants, are ya monkey?" Gojyo said. "Cause I never heard moaning like that unless sex is involved."

"No, you pervert Kappa! I'm hungry."

"Hm, never heard that before."

"Sanzo, tell him to stop being a asshole."

"I'll shoot the both of you. Shut up!" He glared over his shoulder at the two, and Hakkai noticed his hand hovering where his gun was tucked away.

"Yeah, I ain't never heard that before either, monk."

"What the fuck is your problem, Kappa?" Sanzo grunted.

"Not a thing." Gojyo went back to looking at the buildings as they drove slowly along the road.

"I don't completely believe that." Sanzo's voice was cool, and prodding, but Gojyo remained quiet. Hakkai swallowed when Sanzo's eyes turned to him, searching and curious. Gojyo wasn't making the small lie he'd told Sanzo easy. Gojyo a little shocked? It was much more than that. It was a dangerous jealousy that only seemed to be getting worse. Hakkai had figured being more open with their relationship would cool this down, but it was turning disastrous.

Goku was already back to groaning, but Gojyo didn't bother him this time, remaining in his solitude of silence. Sanzo looked ahead, relaxed his hand and lit a cigarette, choosing to show no more concern. Hakkai drove to the closest restaurant so they could eat. As over dramatic as Goku was being about it, it was time for lunch.

They sat at a corner table. The place was abuzz with several customers, none of which seemed to recognize their small group. It was always a relief among them when they got lucky enough to avoid attention. Hakkai sipped his tea quiet, smiling soft at Goku who began naming off all the things on the menu he wanted to the waitress. His lunch choice was pretty much everything on it.

Hakkai looked at Sanzo when he felt his hand slide along his leg. Sanzo stared back, a curve of a hinted smile on his lips. Hakkai's lips parted, his own hand moving to cover the loving hand that caressed innocently, entwining his fingers with his lover's. Goku was already stuffing his mouth with an appetizer and paid no mind to their wanton stare into each others eyes.

Hakkai's body jerked when Gojyo's glass fell against the table top, the beer splashing across the wood in river of foam. He muttered a curse and hastily tried to soak up the liquid with napkins. Hakkai went to help, but Gojyo waved him off, glancing up for only a moment to meet his troubled eyes. Hakkai briefly wondered if he had done it on purpose to dissolve the attention he and Sanzo were giving each other. If that was the case, it was a childish act, and he was tempted to kick his leg under that table for his trouble.

Goku went on about his eating like nothing happened. A glass tipping was nothing out of the ordinary, but Sanzo wasn't as oblivious as their young friend and was watching Gojyo with no small amount of annoyance. The waitress brought over a fresh glass of beer for Gojyo and finished cleaning up the mess with a bright smile, then headed off to check on their orders. She was a very attractive young woman, but Gojyo didn't even give her a second glance. This alone made Sanzo's eyes narrow with more suspicion.

"What's up, Kappa? You losing that mojo you always claim to have?" Sanzo asked.

"What are you going on about now?"

"Pretty waitress, and you've barely given her a smirk. Usually you'd be trying to talk your way into her panties by now."

"Since when do you care if I'm trying to pick up women, Sanzo?"

"Just pointing out the obvious. You're not acting like yourself."

Hakkai's throat felt dry and he took another sip of his tea, feeling a bit hot under the collar. This conversation was going into territory that he was fighting to avoid. Even Goku started to feel the tension building and looked at the two men with a meat bun hanging from his lips.

"Can't see the point, since we'll be heading out to get back on the road soon." Gojyo answered after a pause.

"We're not leaving town tonight."

"What? You're always the one saying we got to keep moving. It's afternoon, we got almost the whole rest of a day to travel."

"I crave a bed tonight," Sanzo said, and looked at Hakkai with obvious longing. Even with the tense situation, Hakkai couldn't hide his own need and looked back, melting under his sultry gaze. He wanted the time that they both had been looking forward to, and this was their chance. They didn't have to hide it now that the secret was out, but that had it's own price.

"Son of a bitch," Gojyo started, edging up in his seat in a threatening manner.

"Gojyo, enough, please," Hakkai said softly.

"I see. Just what I thought. You have a problem with this, don't you, Kappa?" Sanzo cut in over Hakkai's soft tone.

"Yeah, I got a big fucking problem with it."

Hakkai closed his eyes and rubbed his temple. Please, someone tell me this isn't happening?

"Gojyo, what's your problem?" Goku said, holding the half eaten meat bun and staring at the redhead. "Why are you being so mean about this?"

"Stay out of it, monkey. You're just a kid and won't get it."

"Gojyo, don't be cruel to Goku," Hakkai said soft even as his anger began to boil.

"Your beef is with me, Kappa."

"Damn right it is."

"Enough!" Hakkai slammed his hand against the table, silencing not only the arguing men, but the light buzz of conversation in the restaurant. He continued in a lighter tone, but his glare cut like razors. "Gojyo, I've told you where I stand, and it's beside Sanzo. I'm sorry, I don't know how many times I can say it, but this is going to boil over and I don't want to see this happen. I'm not putting blame on anyone, and nothing can change how I feel." He looked soft at Sanzo, then stood from the table.

"Hakkai." Gojyo's eyes softened.

"I'm going for a walk. If you two want to fight about this, I refuse to watch it." Without care or fear he leaned over and kissed Sanzo's lips softly, then walked out into the street to get away from the madness. Maybe he was running away from the problem, but he didn't know how else to deal with this.

"Hakkai!" Goku came running out to follow and he turned. "Where you going to go? Can I come? You shouldn't go off by yourself." He was speaking so fast his words almost melded together in one long sting.

Hakkai smiled soft and put his hand on his shoulder. "Do me a big favor and stay with those two, make sure they don't kill each other?" The dream came to mind and he shook his head. "I'll be okay." Hakuryu flew over and landed on his shoulder, deciding he'd rather be with his master than the two squabblers in the restaurant.

"Well, okay," Goku agreed with some apprehension.

"Just tell Sanzo to go to the inn we passed on the way here, and I'll meet you all there later."

"Be careful."

"Always am."

Hakkai watched Goku smile sadly and head back inside before he turned with a soft sigh, heading down the cobbled road. He took in everything that was happening and felt a sense of dread. When he thought of things that could hinder he and Sanzo's relationship, several things came to mind. Just his lover's standing as a Sanzo priest was troubling. Hakkai was sure his temple would be aghast with the idea of him having a sexual relationship. Then there was the impurity, as they would see it, with another man. He had even worried Goku would have a problem with it, but he accepted it happily in his childlike way.

Hakkai had known what he was getting himself into, and he was ready for what ever troubles may lie ahead, be it scrutiny or disapproval from others. He hadn't expected to be hindered by his best friend, of all people. He mulled it over, trying desperately to think of ways to make everything better, but it was an impossibility. This was something Gojyo would have to work out on his own now. It saddened him, but there was no other course.

Hakuryu's little head rubbed against his, giving the best comfort he knew how. Hakkai smiled soft, petting over his soft, leathery wings as he walked along. He wished he could have the simple freedom as his small friend, to have no daily worries and obstacles. Yet Hakuryu worked just as hard as any of them, having to carry the group on a daily basis couldn't be easy.

"You must be hungry, friend," he spoke soft, petting him absently. "It was rude of me to leave before we could join in the meal."

Hakuryu chirped and his head bobbed in a nodding motion, agreeing with his master. Hakkai chuckled and stepped over to a vendor selling fruit and bought a few of his favorites. The man was even nice enough to cut an apple so he could feed him easier. He went on, feeding him bits, quiet and in thought.

The crowd was getting thicker and he had to ease by groups and bodies, apologizing soft as he went through. Even for such a large town, the crowd was a surprise. His confusion was answered when he saw several signs pointing toward the center of town announcing the festival that was going on. He smiled with understanding, ears catching the sounds of pleasant music coming from that direction.

He maneuvered through the wave of people to head in another direction. He was in no mood for any kind of celebration. He was sure Goku would have loved to have a look, and if he had been with him, he would have suffered it for his young friend. Alone, he continued on away from the crowds into a quieter part of town, passing several people heading the way he had left behind. He passed a family of three. A mother, father and a small girl holding her parents hands in between them. The child was talking excitedly about the festival and he smiled. He once envisioned that for himself and Kanan, but terrible fate changed that forever.

The memories would forever plague him, he had just become strong enough not to let it wear him down. He knew that destiny was sometimes cruel and bitter, but he did not hate his life. He had purpose being on this journey, and it was enough. Now Sanzo was another part of his destiny, and he would hang onto that light with a tight grip.

He kept walking until the area was less crowded, only passing people here and there. He found a bench and sat, letting Hakuryu scurry down beside him. He placed the rest of the fruit in a little pile so he could finish his meal. He pet him, taking a look up at the clear blue sky. It was a beautiful day, one that wasn't fit for worrisome troubles. The sun was bright and he looked down at his shoes, the heat relaxing him and clearing his mind.

Hakuryu finished up his apples, then curled contently beside him to sleep now that his belly was full. Hakkai wasn't sure how long he sat there, only that after a time he thought he should head back. He didn't want to even imagine what might be happening between the two men. He realized leaving Goku behind to contend with it was unfair.

A shadow moved over him, blocking the sun that beat down. He thought it was the clouds offering shade until he looked up and saw the man looming there. He nearly gave a start, shocked he had not sensed his presence come so near. Youkai or human, he was always clear headed and aware. He was truly frazzled if his senses were so weak not to feel the energy.

The man smiled in a friendly way, but his eyes were edged with secrecy. He had auburn hair that touched his shoulders, deep blue eyes and a ragged scar along the whole right side of his face. He looked young, but hard like he lived on the streets. Perhaps he was a thief who thought he'd found an easy target. Hakuryu sensed his master's unease and lifted his head, looking up at the man as Hakkai did, with distrust and wariness.

"Can I help you?" Hakkai began friendly enough, but his eyes warned with a slight narrow of the lids.

"You really shouldn't wander off on your own like this." His voice was cold and amused with a hint of cockiness.

"Well, I'm a big boy and can make my own decisions." His head tilted as his mind cleared, becoming aware that the presence of more were behind him now. This wasn't good. Fighting youkai was no problem, but he detested ever having to hurt humans unless it was a dire situation. The area was silent except for the soft chuckles behind him, and he knew he was truly alone here. Hakuryu made a hissing sound, and the man laughed rough, eyes filled with sick amusement.

"Aw, your little friend is upset with me."

"He just knows what shit is when he sees it," Hakkai said, body still, waiting for the first move against him. The man didn't react with anger like he expected, but only laughed more, fingers tapping his thigh. "If you're planning to rob me, I suggest you refrain. I'd hate to hurt you."

"Oh, you won't be hurting anyone, Cho Hakkai."

That gave him pause and he looked closer at the man, looking for a limiter of some kind, but saw none. He sensed that no youkai were with him either. Were humans hunting them now as well? It wasn't a reasonable assumption, but this strange man knew exactly who he was and it bothered him.

"Wondering who we are?"

"Obviously." He was already tired of this game.

Hakkai watched his hand as it lifted his shirt to show him a navel piercing. The curved stud was silver and looked to be easy to remove when needed. Also it was hidden the way the youkai wanted. They were all wearing limiters, he was sure. So not humans after all.

"Surprised?" he asked to a chorus of more laughter behind him.

"Not really. Just curious why you didn't just wait until we were sleeping to attack. Isn't that usually how you cowards work?"

"What would be the fun in that? Besides, many of our brothers have already died that way, and my friend, we have no intention of dying."

"Cowards you say?" he heard a new voice behind him for the first time since this began. Hakkai turned his head slow, meeting the eyes of another tormentor. This one looked even younger, and surprisingly more rough. He wore no shirt and had a crisscross of scars marring his chest. Again, his limiter was hidden from sight.

"Yes, only cowards would group and come after one man. Am I wrong?" The other three scowled, but still made no move to attack. So he had five to contend with. Simple enough, but they were out in the open and he didn't want any innocent people being hurt that might happen along.

"Not cowards, just more intelligent than most, Cho Gono."

Hakkai's stomach knotted at the cool, familiar voice and he turned his head back to the youkai before him. He met the eyes of a man he thought dead, and had to swallow the gorge rising. Chin tilted his head and smirked, tongue sliding out to lick over thin lips.

"You're not Chin," His voice nearly cracked, but he was able to hold his dignity, and firmly stared the man down, challenging him. He watched the fake Chin smile more broadly, then his face and body reformed to the man that first approached him. He wondered if this was even the youkai's true shape. Shapechangers. He had heard of them before.

"A coward that wears different masks then."

"You like to throw that word around, don't you?" He chuckled lightly, slowly losing the smile. "Say what you will, but you're not getting away."

Hakkai could wait no longer and punched his jaw. The youkai was quick and managed to deflect most the force of the blow. Hakkai jumped off the bench and over his opponent. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Hakuryu fly at one's face to attack, scratching and clawing, and he cried out to his small companion.

"Hakuryu, go!" He started to build a ball of chi and sent a blast at the one with the scarred chest. The bastard screamed and slammed back into the nearest building, and he felt extreme satisfaction. Hakuryu screeched and circled above, not wanting to leave his master alone in this fight. "Go now!"

The youkai with a bloodied face tried throwing a dagger to down the small dragon, but he was already flying too high and away toward help and the blade fell short of it's target. Hakkai put his full concentration back on the fight when he knew Hakuryu was safe from danger. Another unnamed attacker ran at him, and Hakkai side stepped, jamming the side of his hand hard into his throat, smashing his windpipe. He fell in a heap on the ground, and Hakkai turned to face another. Three more loomed near. The shapechanger was all smiles again, not showing any concern for the two fallen. He really hated that smile.

Hakkai put his hands together, intent on ending this quickly, the glow of energy building. He felt a sharp sting of pain in the back of his neck, and the energy died with it. His arms felt heavy and his vision blurred. He tried to curse, but even his voice failed him as he fought to stay upright. A feminine voice of a woman came from behind him, but he was too lost to even make out the words. Rough hands caught him as he lost all control of his body, and cold laughter followed him into darkness.