Beyond the Woods and Mountains

Chapter 4


It was later in the evening when Gojyo woke up from his well-rested catnap. Hakkai was still beside him, sleeping peacefully. Gojyo gently slid his arm out from under Hakkai, careful not to wake him up. He slipped out of the furs and covered Hakkai up. He dressed quietly and left the hut, heading to get himself some food. He saw Jien and Kou talking to one another at the end of pathway from the hut. Kou saw him walking up and narrowed his eyes

“Do you have any idea what time it is?! Hakkai and I had a lot of work to finish and you go and sleep with him! Save it for the evening!”

“Hey, calm down, Kou! We just had a little fun, and it’s still early in the evening! I’m sure you can wake him up and he’ll GLADLY finish the work.”

“I think I will. Good day.” He said and walked back to the hut. Jien shook his head and sighed.

“We’ve got some problems, Gojyo.” Gojyo looked at him.

“What is it?”

“The scouts came back…. they said that a small army of Homura’s men are heading in our direction. They estimated the time of arrival by late tomorrow night. Think we should prepare?”

“Of course! It’s possible they could march right pass us, but we can’t take that chance! If he kill off his small army, that’s a group of warriors he looses! I want everyone to start preparing! Have my weapons sent to my hut! And spread the word!”

“Alright, I will. Go tell Kou, I didn’t tell him yet because I wanted to check with you.”

“I will, now go!” Gojyo hurried back to the hut and burst in. Hakkai was just getting up and Kou was organizing the papers on the table. “The scouts came back.” Both Kou and Hakkai looked at each other. “A small section of Homura’s army is heading this way, and most likely will be here by tomorrow night. It is possible that they are NOT after us, but we should demolish any army of his to lesson his numbers. As of now, our two clan warriors easily outnumber the army.”

“A battle already?” Hakkai stood up, putting on a cloak. “Do we really have to attack? Can we just prepare and keep a close eye on them? If they attack, then we will retaliate. But I don’t’ want to put the men in the danger so quickly when we still don’t know enough about the enemy.”

“But Hakkai, it will be easier to attack them little by little!” Said Gojyo.

“However, do we know that they really ARE working for Homura?” Kou pointed out. “Did the scouts say that?”

“Jien talked to them. He would not have had said anything if that was the case.”

“I don’t want to attack an innocent clan” Said Hakkai “How do we know they didn’t LEAVE Homura? They may be heading back to their home.”

“Stay here.” Said Kou “I’ll go and speak to the scouts and Jien. Let me see what they have to say.” Kou hurried out of the tent to do so. Hakkai looked down then looked at Gojyo.

“They always said the Sedalon Clan was bloodthirsty.” He looked away. “You’ve only been here for a few days and you’re already scrambling for battle.” Gojyo sat down in one of the chairs.

“Beats kicking around here all day.” He folded his arms behind his head. “Its boring just sitting around and doing nothing. Technically, I don’t HAVE to be out there with the men, but I want to. I love to fight. I love the thrill of knowing I could get killed at any time.” He looked at Hakkai. “You’ve never been on the battlefield, huh?” Hakkai shook his head.

“No…but Sanzo has been in a few of them. Fights I mean. He’ll most likely join you, but I have to stay here and keep order in the village.” Gojyo studied his sad face as Hakkai walked over to the pile of his clothes to put them on.

“You’re bored, too.” Hakkai gasped softly. “You’re bored sitting here behind a table, signing papers, giving orders, keeping control. You want to be on the battlefield with me. The reason you are so unhappy is because you’re to bored.”

Hakkai stared down at his papers. Yes, he was bored. Bored out of his mind. As a young boy, he remembered sitting outside next to the training arena, watching all the boys wrestle. However, he was unable to join in, due to his studies. Aside from the fighting lessons and wrestling, the boys would also play all sorts of games. But once again, Hakkai had to study, study, and study. He could remember only a few times, VERY few times, he was allowed to go out and play. But when he would do so, most of the boys ignored him. They left him out of the games or made up a role for him in a game that excluded him somehow.

Then, one day, when Sanzo was old enough, the boy was let out to go play. Hakkai still remembers that day. He was sitting on his father’s chair at the dais outside and saw his little brother gallop into a group of boys around his age. The boys let him join in their circle and they started to laugh and play. Hakkai just watched them, longing to be out there joining them. But there was work that had to be done. He was heir to the clan and with that came heavy responsibility. More responsibility than one young boy could handle, but he was made to work and study and learn as much as he could.

As they grew, nothing had changed. Hakkai still studied and worked, Sanzo hunted and played. As Sanzo got older, he chose to be more distant from the others he used to play with. Hakkai knew it was because Sanzo was growing into a very beautiful young man that caught the eye of many growing hormonal boys. It was safer for him to keep a distance between that crowd. And personally, Hakkai was sure that it did not hurt Sanzo to break away from them regardless.

“Hey, you okay?” Gojyo’s word broke him out of his thoughts and he looked at him.

“Oh yes, sorry. I got lost there for a minute.” Hakkai replied, finishing pulling up his pants and tied them.

“Hey Hakkai, come here” Gojyo beckoned him with his finger and Hakkai went over to him. “Look, I know you don’t want to go to war at all. And if I didn’t have to, I probably wouldn’t. But I’m trying to think of the good of the clan, and taking out this small band of men will do two things. One, we would have killed some of our enemy and two; it would reflect our power on Homura. He may think twice before charging into our territory.” Hakkai nodded

“I understand that, Gojyo. I rather just have all the facts up front first before making any kind of decision.”

“I seriously doubt Homura would want to sit and ‘talk’ this out. He wouldn’t be building an army in the middle of nowhere if he wanted to ‘talk’. He is ready for a fight. And if clans won’t surrender their territories, he’ll take it by force. He may not even give them that option. He may just come right in and take it. We need to know more about this Homura guy. Knowing your enemy is the fastest way to victory.” Hakkai was about to say something when the flap opened and Kou, Jien, and the scouts came in.

“Hey bro, these are the scouts who we sent out. They have something interesting to say.” Jien stepped aside and let one of the scouts come forth.

“My chief” he placed a fist to his heart in a respected salute before speaking. “We could not get close to the army in fear of getting caught. They had no cargo or horses, they were all on foot.”

“How do you know they’re part of Homura’s army?” Hakkai questioned.

“We could hear them talking as we got up close.” Said another scout. “We had one scout stay with the horses as we followed all the wooded area. They were crossing an open field; we were walking along the trees. They spoke Homura’s name a lot and something about how they were proud to be a part of his army.”

“But you heard nothing about them planning on attacking us?” Asked Gojyo.

“No, they seemed to just be walking along, probably heading back to their territory. If they were to come this way, they would be here by tomorrow evening.” Jien nodded and looked to Gojyo.

“What’s your verdict, Gojyo? We sit back and see what happens or do we attack them?”

“That’s a simple answer. We attack them before they attack us. If they didn’t plan on attacking us, then we would have just wiped out some of our enemy. Gather the warriors and have them ready to march out by tomorrow morning or early afternoon. And if possible, keep one alive. Kill every one of them except one. We may be able to get some information out of him.”

“Sounds like a plan. You want to start mapping everything out now?”

“Yeah.” He looked to Hakkai “You might as well take the rest of the day off. Go swimming or something.” Hakkai frowned at that.

“Why can’t I stay here and listen to your battle tactics?”

“Because that’s my job. Jien and I have ALWAYS done it this way. You don’t have to worry yourself with this. I know you’re against it.”

“I’m not against it entirely!” He protested. “I should remind you, dear husband, that you and I are EQUELS. I have just as much say in a matter as you do!” Gojyo’s eyebrow twitched.

“I hate it when you call me ‘dear husband’! The sarcasm in your voice is almost intolerable!”

“Let him stay, Gojyo.” Said Jien before ushering the scouts out. “I’ll go get Kou.” He said before leaving the hut. Hakkai crossed his arms and looked at Gojyo.

“Don’t you give me that ‘over barring wife’ stance!” Hakkai started tapping his foot in response. “Okay wise ass, you can stay. But you have no battle tactics background or experience on the battlefield.”

“That really doesn’t matter. I am surprisingly good at strategies. I would have you ask father but he is too ill to be bothered with such questions. I used to help him map out his routes and plans. I’m an extra mind.”

“Yeah, whatever.” He sat down at the head of the table “Get me one of the maps, the biggest one.” He asked Hakkai, motioning him with a swift of his hand.

“What else do you say after you ask someone to do you a favor?” Gojyo narrowed his eyes at him.

“Now.” Hakkai glared back.

“Not ‘please’?”

“Not with your attitude.”

“What’s the big deal of having me discuss the topic of battle with you?!” Gojyo sighed.

“Well, nothing, I guess. It’s just that, Jien, Kou, and I have always consolidated each other on these matters. It’s always been just the three of us.”

“Now there are four.” Hakkai sat down in the other chair and opened the map before them. “We’ll wait until Kou and Jien join us.” He then sat back and crossed his arms in the chair. Gojyo laid his hand on his cheek and let out a puff of air, blowing one of his antenna hairs. Jien soon came back with Kou and the two took their own seats.

“Alright, so, what do have to work with?” Jien started, looking at the map. Hakkai stood up and pointed to a small black spot in a mountainous range.

“This is where our village is. Here are the various fields,” He pointed to them “And here are woods in which your clan used to live. Now we have no inkling of where Homura may be hiding. But seeing as to what has been carried and heard from the other clans, it would appear that Homura may be far, far out west. Its been rumored that the clan started off here, at the largest lake. But it would seem that he’s starting to build this army in secret, far from the clan territory.” He pointed to the edge of the map. “In unchartered territory.” Kou stroked his chin, looking at the map.

“But that would mean we would have to go on what the other surrounding clans and rumors had said. If that is the case, then this Lakeside clan, if they are even still called that, would have to be hidden somewhere. If this clan closest to the lake” he pointed to the map. “Have not reported anything strange happening there, then it would appear that you have a point, Hakkai.” Hakkai looked at Gojyo with a smirk.

“This rumor of Homura starting up a large army is still just a rumor. We know of Homura’s strength but his numbers were too small to ever be a threat. If this small army is, in fact, a part of Homura, then the rumor about him gathering up small clans and tribes would be true.”

“Well, there are only five LARGE clans.” Gojyo pointed out. “Us in the mountains and woods, the lakeside, the Large Water, and the Dark Woods Clan. Now that we are joined, we are the largest clan. But what is to say that the others won’t join up against us? Or team up with Homura for that matter.”

“The leaders of all these five clans are not ones to roll over to misfit that easily.” Said Hakkai. “Look at our clans. We decided to build up our forces by joining armies. The Eiravada and Sedalon are the only ones of the five powers with names. Our clans have always been the strongest, and are stronger now. The Large Waters Clan is where Sanzo’s mother is originally from. They are a neutral bunch that keeps to themselves. They have an easy attack range because they have the large waters flanking them on one side. Their enemies can only attack from three sides. The Dark Woods Clan is also a group that keeps to themselves. You’re more likely to die just getting lost in the woods than you are their clan. The woods and trees are so tall and thick that you can easily loose your way. It is impossible for an army to attack the Dark Woods Clan.”

“So you’re saying, that we can only hope these other clans won’t join Homura.” Hakkai nodded.

“If that happens, then we’ll have a real problem on our hands. The whole world is crawling with small clans, some with no more than 500 members. But you gather all of these small clans and put them together, you have a good size army. And to add to this, these tiny clans have nothing to loose, only to gain. We have vast vegetation and healthy hunting ground. Rivers run freely all over. We always have clean, fresh water. We have much to loose.” Gojyo was surprised at Hakkai’s knowledge and he had to say that he was impressed.

“So this army that the scouts have seen could possibly be part of Homura’s group.” Gojyo pointed out “They have only two ways to go from the area they are now. These are all long, dense fields. The woods surrounding them would be to thick and to long of a trip to make with an army. It’s easier to cut right across the fields. Which way were they heading?” he looked to Jien.

“East.”

“Then most likely they are heading for one of the rivers, or possibly us. This will be an easy attack. We just head that way with our army and attack. If we move out tomorrow morning, we should easily catch up with them by the afternoon. Everyone agree?” Gojyo looked at them.

“Sounds good to me.” Jien said and Kou nodded. Gojyo looked at Hakkai who nodded.

“Yes, it’s a good plan. I leave the rest for you three to carry out.” Gojyo rubbed his hands together with an excited smirk.

“Alright boys! Lets gather up the troops and ready the weapons! We have a long night ahead of us!”

“Oh Gojyo, don’t forget to bring Goku with you.” Hakkai said and Gojyo gave him a strange look.

“That monkey? But I thought he was servant?”

“Well, yes and no. He’s actually our strongest warrior and I wouldn’t have you take my half of the men in battle without him. I’m sure you two will be fast friends.” He smiled.

“But he’s just a kid!” Hakkai gave him a look that made him let out a loud sigh of defeat. “Alright, alright! Damn do you nag! You don’t even have to nag to nag!” Hakkai crossed his legs and arms, sitting proudly. “Come on, guys. Lets get started.” The other two followed Gojyo out, leaving Hakkai alone at the table. Hakkai sighed and folded up the map, putting it away on the shelf.


It was late in the evening when Gojyo came back into the hut. Hakkai was already sound asleep on the furs, so he tiptoed around the hut. He was rummaging through the fruit basket and he accidently dropped an apple. Hakkai was a light sleeper and he easily woke up to the sound. He blinked his eyes tiredly as he stirred awake. His eyes met Gojyo’s as he bent down to pick up the apple, cleaning it off before placing it back into the basket.

“Sorry, go back to sleep. It’s late.”

“Are you coming to bed?”

“Yeah, after I have a snack.” He leaned against the table and bit into his apple. “I know you don’t like me eating in the bed.” Hakkai gave a tired smile.

“I’m glad you chose to listen to me on THAT issue.”

Gojyo finished the apple quickly and threw the core outside the hut. He then removed his boots and cloak before slipping under the furs. He put his hands behind his head with a relaxed sigh. Hakkai looked at him and thought about the battle tomorrow. He hoped every one of his men came back, even Gojyo. He was actually worried about something happening to him. Hakkai then rolled into Gojyo, resting his head and hand on his chest. Gojyo brought his arm around to wrap around Hakkai’s waist, pulling him closer.

“Don’t worry, nothing’s going to go happen to me or the others. I live for this, Hakkai. I love to fight. I love to live life as if it were my very last. I feel fulfilled when I’m on the battlefield, there’s never a dull moment. It’s kill or be killed…and I love that feeling.”

“I know you do…just take care of yourself out there, okay?” Gojyo smiled.

“I will, so don’t worry your pretty little head over it. I’ll keep a close eye on Sanzo, too.” “Thank you, Gojyo.” Gojyo kissed the top of his head.

“Alright then. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Goodnight Gojyo.”

“Goodnight.”

The next morning, Hakkai got up with Gojyo and helped him get ready for the battle. Gojyo was surprised at Hakkai’s sudden change of feelings. He was actually helping him buckle his weapons to his belts. He made sure that Gojyo had everything he needed, right down his special cloak. Hakkai took it off the hook and brought it over Gojyo, placing it around his shoulders. He set to clipping it together when Gojyo’s arm wrapped around his waist and pulled him close.

“You don’t have to do this, you know.” He said softly “You hate this kind of thing.” Hakkai focused on clipping together the cloak.

“I don’t really mind it…I shouldn’t really say anything if I’ve never done it before. You can easily dress yourself but…”

“But?”

“Nevermind.” He clipped the cloak and wrapped his arms around his back, hugging him. “You’re the first person who I’ve hugged going off to battle. Sanzo never allowed me to do it to him.” Gojyo stroked Hakkai’s hair softly.

“Like I said, don’t worry. You can’t get rid of me that easily, I promise.” He kissed the top of his head. “Come see us off.” Hakkai smiled softly at him and nodded.

When they got to the army, Gojyo left Hakkai’s side to take up his horse. He mounted the horse and held his sword up, signaling for all the warriors to prepare to walk. Jien and Kou rode their horses up next to him, followed by Sanzo and Goku. Hakkai noticed that as they rode off with the army, not one of them looked back. He stood there until he could no longer see the army before turning back to the village entrance. He had his own battlefield right here, dealing with the various concerns of the village, both petty and important. He only hoped that everyone came back safe and sound.


Hakkai sat at the table, staring at the papers he was suppose to be working on. He was to worried about his men, his brother…and Gojyo. Seeing Gojyo ride off at the head of the army gave him an ache in his heart. Not only was it because he was sad to see him ride to battle, but also for the fact that Gojyo did not look back. Was he that focused on the task at hand? That had to be it. The love making session they had previously proved the strong feelings Gojyo had for him, but he just has a hard way of showing it. It had to be concentration. But what was taking them so long to return if the army was so small? It has been a full two days with no word. He hoped everything was all right….

“Chief Hakkai! Chief Hakkai! The warriors have returned!” Said a servant from outside the flap. “We see of all them! Chief Gojyo, Sanzo, Goku, Jien, Kou, they’re all back!” Hakkai gasped and ran out of the hut, hurrying to the entrance of the village. He smiled when he saw them all walking back, looking healthy except for a few cuts and bruises. He looked at Gojyo and noticed he looked a bit pale.

“Hakkai! We’re back!” Goku ran to him and hugged him “We won! It was easy!” Hakkai smiled.

“I’m glad to see you’re okay, Goku. I was worried.” Sanzo came up to him next.

“They were indeed after us.” He said “But we killed every last one of them.” He looked to Gojyo. “He’s fallen ill. During the last duration of the battle he started to slow down. This type of weather isn’t settling well with him right now. He has to build up his body to it. Most likely a cold from the mountain air.”

“Then hurry and bring him to the hut. I’ll care for him” he turned to Goku “Goku, go get me some medical supplies from the medic. Tell him I will care for Gojyo and for him to tend to the others if they are wounded, can you do that?” Goku nodded with a grin.

“Yeah, I can! But boy, am I hungry!” His stomach growled.

“Don’t get distracted on the way!” Said Hakkai firmly. “You can eat AFTER you tell the medic what I said!”

“Okay, okay! Geez! I’m going!” Goku said and left to do what he was told. Gojyo got off his horse and held his head. Hakkai hurried up to him and took his arm.

“Come on, Gojyo. Lets get you back to the hut.”

“My head feels like it’s going to pop off!” He put his arm around Hakkai’s shoulder and let Hakkai lead him back to their hut. Gojyo flopped himself down on the furs, letting out a sigh of relief before lying on his back. “Feels good to get off that damned horse!” He coughed a bit. “I feel horrible….”

“Lets get you out of all this gear.” Hakkai said, helping him undo the various leather buckles Gojyo wore to hold his weapons. He felt the tight muscles and tension in Gojyo’s shoulders, most likely from the fight. “Let me massage your shoulders. You’re all stiff.”

Gojyo nodded and relaxed his shoulders as Hakkai started to rub them. Gojyo moaned and lulled his head forward, letting his hair tickle this forearms. Hakkai smiled, knowing he must be doing something right because of all the content sounds coming from Gojyo. He had to really put his own muscle into it, trying to kneed out the knots.

“Damn, you’re good at this” Gojyo said with a moan. “Go down a little lower…my lower back aches.” Hakkai did so, using his fist to kneed the muscle. Gojyo was thoroughly enjoying himself when he suddenly had a coughing fit. He held his hand over his mouth as he coughed, his body rocking from the force of them. Hakkai rest his hands on Gojyo’s shoulder, assuring him that he was there. “S-Shit….” He said in a raspy voice when the coughing stopped. “My chest is fucking burning!”

“Here, lay down.” Hakkai helped him lay on the furs and covered him up. “Are you cold at all?”

“A little…” Hakkai felt Gojyo’s forehead, then his cheeks.

“You’re very warm…your face is red.” He stood up and went to the other side of the hut, getting a water bowl and a fresh cloth. He brought it over to Gojyo’s bedside and he knelt next to him. Hakkai dipped the cloth into the water and gently laid it over Gojyo’s forehead. “There, that will help until I can get the medic to look at you.”

“I’m sure I’ll be fine.” He said. “Most likely it’s just a cold or the flu. Your mountain weather is fucked up.” Hakkai chuckled softly.

“Then I fear how you will survive the winters.” Hakkai sat next to him on the ground. “So tell me, how was the battle?”

“It was a typical one. You know, running around, wielding weapons, killing and yelling. The usual. You were right about Goku! He was all over the place! That kid sure can hold his own in battle! But we did find out from one enemy the whereabouts of Homura. We had to torture him a bit. You know, cut off a finger or a toe. And he still wouldn’t talk, so we had to do worse. Once we got what we needed out of him, we killed him.” He looked Hakkai’s face. “Don’t give me that look. We had to kill him. We left no survivors. We had the army flanked and surrounded so none got past.”

“So where is Homura’s army?”

“Beyond the woods and mountains, on the other side of us.” Hakkai’s eyes widened.

“Really? That far? So I was right…I haven’t heard of ANYONE going that far, or anyone exploring it for that matter. Perhaps we should send out a exploration team?”

“Yes. I have a very reliable group of explorers. The man we killed said that Homura was not making a move any time soon. However, we’ll still have to be prepared. This is what I want you to do, Hakkai. I want you to go tell all this to Jien, about the exploration team. He’ll know who to get and how to set it up. He’s also aware of everything that is going on. He’ll take care of it all, so please, go talk to him. I’m dead tired…” Hakkai wet the cloth again and put it on his forehead.

“I will. You just rest right now, okay? I’ll come right back when I’m finished.”

Hakkai got up and left the hut, sealing the flap shut. Gojyo had watched him walked out and smiled softly, closing his eyes. Hakkai was a good person…he would make a great companion, but he still was not what Gojyo wanted in a lover. He had his special qualities about him, but still, next to Sanzo…but what was he thinking? He would never have a chance with Sanzo; the man hates him too much. The man appears to hate everybody. It is the fiery spirit and sharp tongue that attracts him the most. Sanzo would be a treasure for any man, if he could be broken. He would probably be a wildcat in the bed if you worked him right.

Now Hakkai was a different story. Hakkai was always in the shadow of his brother in the ‘looks’ category, that much was obvious. Gojyo knew that even though the two of them were not a ‘perfect’ marriage, they would stay together. He had no doubts that Hakkai would ever leave him. But Gojyo could not promise himself to just one person. He liked to have a large variety of all kind of lovers: women, men, tall, short, blonde hair, black hair, brown hair, blue eyes, green eyes, brown eyes, the list goes on. Gojyo could see himself coming to love Hakkai in a special way, but it would NOT be like something out of a child’s fairytale. It would be more of an accepting, understanding marriage rather than one for love. A business arrangement, nothing more, nothing less. He wondered if Hakkai would come to that same conclusion on his own. He would hate to have to tell him because he did not want to hurt his feelings. He could just picture Hakkai’s face if he said that to him. But Hakkai was smart; he would figure it out. He had too much on his mind right now to think of his marriage so instead; he rolled over to enjoy a well-deserved sleep.

End Chapter 4