Beyond the Woods and Mountains

Chapter 5:

Hakkai headed over to Jien’s hut, which was near the end of the village. He never liked war, but he knew this was necessary. It was for the good of his people and his village; he could not let it be destroyed. Of course, if there were a way to talk all of this out with Homura, he would do it in a flash. But seeing the way Homura is building up an army in secret is not the type of person who would want to talk things out. He remembered telling his father about his views on battle and his father just laughed at him. He said war was a large part of keeping territory safe and it could be done no other way. To back down from a fight or a threat was a show of weakness and would lessen a clan’s worth. His father would never allow that and he knew Gojyo would feel the same. Seeing as he was defeated in this, he took a breath and stood outside the hide flap.

“Excuse me, Jien? Are you in there? It’s Hakkai.” He heard Jien shout for him to wait a minute before he opened the flap.

“Hey Hakkai. Is something wrong?”

“Oh, uh- no. Your brother sent me to speak to you about a possible exploration team?” Jien stepped aside and let Hakkai enter.

“Take a seat.” Hakkai thanked him and took the seat offered to him. Jien sat at the opposite end of the table, pouring himself some ale. “You want some?”

“Oh, no thank you. Not right now.” He smiled softly and folded his hands in front of him. “Your brother said you would know which explorers to send on this expedition and he would like for you to organize it as soon as possible.”

“We just got back and already he wants to send our men out again.” Jien sighed. “I’ll start gathering them, but I want them to have a days’ rest first.”

“I see no problem in that.” There was a pause between them then Hakkai spoke. “Jien, what did you think of battle? Were these warriors hard to fight?”

“Huh? Uh, well no, they weren’t hard at all. From my view, it would appear that Homura is just gathering up bodies, not warriors.”

“Do you think he may be gathering small populations to make himself appear more threatening?” Hakkai questioned and Jien gave it some thought.

“You may be on to something there. However, we don’t know EVERY clan in the world. There are hundreds, maybe thousands of them. Who knows how powerful their villages and warriors are like. This army we fought were not fighters. They were more hunters, which would mean they are a farming clan. Regardless of that fact, we had to slaughter them.” Hakkai closed his eyes.

“I know that…I know you had no choice in the matter either. It is necessary. But getting back to the main purpose of my visit, can we trust you to see to it that the explorers will be on their way shortly?” Jien nodded.

“Of course. Don’t worry they’ll be fine. They are a very reliable bunch that has ceased to fail us. I’ll make all the arrangements.” Hakkai stood up from his chair and stepped around the table.

“Thank you, Jien….” He paused in thought before looking back at Jien. “Jien, will you look after Gojyo for awhile? I need to go somewhere and I’m taking Goku with me.” Jien looked at him, confused with a raised eyebrow.

“Uh, I guess. Where are you going? Do you think it’s safe for the wife of the Chief to be wondering around during a time of war?” Hakkai rolled his eyes and scoffed.

“Please, don’t try to pass that mumbo-jumbo on me. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I will be fine with Goku as my companion. You are to oversee various issues for today since I may not get back in time. But do not worry about my well-being. I’ll be fine.” He smiled at him and left the hut, hurrying off to find Goku.

He knew Goku would most likely be at the food area, the cornfields, or the arena. Hakkai first checked the food area, but Goku was not to be seen. Next he went to the cornfields and asked the women as they were gathering if they had seen Goku. All of them had said no but would keep an eye out for him. The last place he would be would be in the arena, beating the daylights out of any warrior who tried to fight him.

Sure enough, Hakkai peeked through the crowd and smiled when saw Goku give a warrior of Gojyo’s clan a swift kick to the chin. Goku looked like he was beaming with excitement at new meat for him to tenderize. He had defeated all the other warriors from their clan and the men knew better than to challenge Goku. With all these new pig headed warriors, Goku was like a kid who had just gotten his first weapon. Sadly, Hakkai had to pull him away from his new playmates for he had a plan. Hakkai stepped out of the crowd and everyone stopped what they were doing to give him their full attention.

“I’m sorry to interrupt this fun time, but Goku, may I borrow you for awhile?”

“Sure Hakkai.” Goku jumped off from his place on the man’s chest and hurried to Hakkai “What do you need me for?”

“I need you to accompany me somewhere for a bit.”

“Oh boy! Are we going on a trip? We going someplace cool and unexplored?” Hakkai chuckled softly and just continued walking.

“Well, it’s nothing like that or as exciting but you’re half right. It will only get exciting if I get myself into trouble.” Goku blinked at him with his confused expression.

“Huh? Get into trouble? So I’m your bodyguard or something?”

“Yes, something like that.” He smiled softly and they went to the stables where they mounted two horses. “Just follow behind me, okay? I know where we are going.” They started to gallop out of the village and into the woods.

“You want to tell me where we are going?” Hakkai just laughed as they rode further.

“If I told you, you may not want to go with me. And I need you for company and backup.”

“Geez…I hope you’re not riding me to my death or something!” Goku whined and Hakkai just laughed as they continued riding.


It was dawn of the next day as they stopped in front of dark, heavy trees. Goku looked at the area in front of them and gasped a bit. This was where the Dark Forest Clan lived! The trees were so thick and dark that it almost looked like something out of a nightmare. The trees held hardly any leaves the ground was dark brown. Goku had no clue why they would have come here. He was hoping that Hakkai had just lost his way and they ended up here. However, the idea of an adventure in a basically unexplored place excited him. He grinned in anticipation of heading into the Dark Woods.

“Here we are.” Hakkai said softly “The Dark Woods.”

“But why are we here, Hakkai?” Goku asked him, staring at the mouth of the woods where there lay a small dirt path.

“I need to speak to the Chief of the Dark Woods Clan. I want to ask him about Homura, if he has heard anything or has gotten any invitation of joining.”

“Think they’ll join us?” Hakkai shrugged his shoulders.

“Don’t know. But there is only one way to find out.” He walked his horse to the start of the trail. “You coming?”

“Yeah…but can’t we stop and eat first?! I’m starving!” Hakkai sighed softly

“Just snack on something in your saddle bag and stay close to me.” Goku did as requested and took out a fresh loaf of bread, munching happily as he followed behind Hakkai.

The woods were not called the Dark Woods because of their color. The whole area was dark, from trees to ground. There was a weird smell in the air, almost like rotten trees or moldy leaves. Many strange sounds were coming from all areas of the woods, some like animals and some unrecognizable. Goku gulped and munched much faster on his bread. Hakkai kept his back straight and remained calm. It was a bit unnerving, but he knew not to become afraid or panic in a new situation.

“Stay close, Goku. We’ll just stay on this path. It must lead to somewhere, hopefully the village.”

“Man, Hakkai, this place is creepy! I’m waiting for some kind of monster to jump out or something!”

“Shh…. don’t talk so loud. The horses are calm so that means there is nothing around them that they are viewing as a threat. If they start to get frightened, then that means-“ His words were cut off as an arrow landed right in front of his horse, making it rear. Hakkai controlled the horse and managed to get him back into a calm state again by stroking its neck. Goku pulled out his sword and looked around, ready to fight any opponent that came at them. Another arrow came whizzing through the air and landed in front of Goku’s horse this time. His horse had a much more calm reaction to it and just trotted with a snort.

“We don’t wish any harm!” Hakkai shouted into the trees above them. “We need to talk with your chief!” He kept looking around the surrounding area but could see nothing except for heavy branches. Goku sat still and tried to listen for any sounds that may appear human. There was a sudden rustling from the trees and dark figure jumped down, landing in front of them. The man was covered in a heavy black cloak and aimed his bow at Hakkai.

“What is your business with my chief?” the man asked calmly.

“I am Chief Hakkai of the Eiravada Clan, wife of Chief Gojyo, formally chief of the Sedalon Clan.” The man lowered his bow and another man, dressed the same, landing next to him. The two started whispering then turned back to them.

“We know of you, Chief Hakkai. Nothing bad has been said about you. But your husband on the other hand…we hear tales and stories about his clan.” Hakkai nodded in understanding.

“I’m sure that you have. Our fathers had us married in order to join the clans as one. There is an army secretly building beyond these woods and mountains. Perhaps you have already heard, but our union is to stop the advances of this man and his plans of complete domination of the world.”

“Complete domination?” Repeated one who looked at the other. “We have not heard word of this man or his army.”

“He is gathering up small clans to make one large army to hopefully wipe all other clans off the maps. He may already be forcing other large clans like us to join him. Please, I need to speak with your chief. Take us to him.” The two men exchanged glances then nodded.

“You must be blindfolded first. We’ll lead your horses.”

“Of course. Let them blindfold you, Goku. This is my friend by the way.” They did not seem to care as one pulled Hakkai down a bit to tie the blindfold. The other did the same to Goku and they felt their horses being led away. They seemed to walk on for days until they finally heard the sounds of many voices. They must be in the village.

“Dismount” One ordered and helped Hakkai down as well as Goku. “We’ll take you to the chief, but keep your blindfolds on.”

Hakkai and Goku let themselves be lead to the chief’s hut where they were finally allowed to remove their blindfolds. Hakkai looked around at all the black cloak figures sitting at various long tables, looking at them. He felt Goku move in closer to him and he was in need of the comfort. The room was indeed unnerving and frightening. Another cloaked man sat on a throne made of antlers and wood, but this man was in red. He must be the chief.

“Chief Hakkai, my men here tell me of your reasons for coming here. We do not approve of outsiders coming into our territory. But what is it that you need to ask me, now that you are here?” Hakkai lowered his head in a nod of greeting.

“Sir, I have come to ask if you will aid my army in this fight against Homura.” The people went up in various murmurs and whispers. The chief unfolded his fist from its relaxed place on his cheek and onto the armrest.

“Aid your men?” He scoffed “My dear chief, surly you jest. You came all this way to ask of me a silly request like that? My people and I have no reason to fear this man for we are strongly protected by trees. His army cannot make their way through these woods and fight on foot. We fight from the treetops, not on land. We have the advantage. Why would I endanger my men by helping you?” Hakkai nodded and looked down.

“I fully understand you, sir. If it were that easy for me, I would not allow my men to fight and my people to suffer. However, trees do not heavily guard me. I am in an open territory, full of fresh rivers, fertile soil, and healthy foliage. My husband’s clan was no better off than I. They have rich hunting grounds, full of wild game and fat animals. We had to join to help protect our lands. I just wanted to know if you had heard anything about this Homura person and what he is doing. I did not mean to impose on you and I will not come back here again for any reason.” The chief sat there in thought for a few minutes, then stood up.

“I will NOT lend my men to your army. We are content living here the way we are. We have never bothered you or asked you for help and you have some nerve coming here, Chief Hakkai.”

“I apologize greatly, sir. It was my mistake and I will not do it again.”

“See that you don’t. And you will NOT tell anyone of this. We had you blindfolded for a reason.”

“Yes, I understand that. Think of this as a warning more than a request. You are now aware of this man and what he is doing. Please, keep an eye and ear open for the safety of your clan. I’m only thinking of the best for everyone.”

“Thank you for choosing to warn us but we will not need it. Have them blindfolded and get them out of here.”

Hakkai and Goku were blindfolded again and placed back up on their horses as they were lead away. Everyone moved in silence, Hakkai in deep thought and Goku to anxious. The men walking their horses said nothing to one another or them for the whole way. Finally they stopped and they were told to take off their blindfolds. Goku quickly took off his and saw a battle axe coming straight for him. He immediately ducked and jumped off his horse.

“SHIT! WATCH OUT, HAKKAI!” He shouted to Hakkai was halfway in taking off his blindfold before throwing himself to the ground. He quickly removed the rest of the blindfold and looked up as a sword came straight down at him. He managed to roll out of the way and let Goku take over the fight. He watched as Goku easily took down the first man who attacked him using only his feet. The other man, seeing as Goku was a difficult match, turned back to Hakkai. He raised his sword again but Hakkai kicked his feet out from under him, grabbing the sword.

“KILL HIM HAKKAI! HURRY!” Goku shouted at him and ran toward Hakkai. He figured Hakkai would not be able to do it so he would have to. To his surprise, he stopped as Hakkai stabbed the man through the heart with the sword. Goku’s eyes widened in shock then ran over to him. “Wow Hakkai! I’ve never seen you kill anybody! That was awesome! You did it without a second thought!” Hakkai tossed the sword to the side.

“I dislike when people take advantage of my hospitality. I was polite and honest during my talk with the chief, was I not?”

“I thought you were perfect. I would have bitten that guy’s head off the way he was flaunting that attitude! And you only asked a simple question! He didn’t have to get all mean and angry! I say screw these guys! We tried to help them so let Homura wipe them out! They tried to kill us when we did them no harm!”

“Well, the Dark Forest Clan is not known for their negotiating skill or hospitality. And as we saw first hand, they’re not the friendliest group of people.” He gave an amused smile. “Shall we be leaving, then? This is all I wanted to do. We can head back now.”

“Alright! I’m starving! I need to eat something or I must just keel over and die!” Hakkai chuckled and got back up on his horse.

“Then the sooner we leave the faster we get back. Come along then, before any other clan members come to kill us. And Goku, lets try to keep this little adventure and results be us, hmm?”

“Oh yeah sure! No problem, Hakkai!” Goku said and jumped up onto his horse as the two rode off back to the village.

Gojyo sat at the table in his hut eating his dinner, alone. He had woken up to Jien sitting next to him rather than Hakkai and he had to admit it startled him a bit. Not to mention the fact that he felt a tang of worry when Jien told him that Hakkai had rode off with Goku. No one knew where the two went, not even the stable boy or Sanzo. He had been gone for too long and Gojyo started to really worry.
He was surprised and relieved to hear Goku’s loud mouth and Hakkai’s soft chuckles as they entered the hut. Gojyo stood up from his place at the table and glared at them.

“Where the hell have you been!? No one knew where you had gone OR how long you were going to be gone for! Now where were you two?” Goku opened his mouth to tell him but Hakkai beat him to it.

“I’m honored that you questioned our whereabouts but we were in no danger, nor did we travel far.” Goku just looked at him. “We went to a special spot, my special spot. Didn’t we, Goku?”

“Uh, yeah. We always go there to hang out!” he grinned. Gojyo looked at the both of them with a questionable eyebrow. Hakkai’s face was impossible to read but Goku he could see right though. Looking at Goku’s stupid grin he figured out that they had to be lying.

“I don’t think you’re telling the truth. Now why don’t you tell me where you REALLY did go?” Gojyo tapped his fingers on the table and gave them the suspicious eye. Goku gulped, realizing they were caught but chose not to say anything. Best to let Hakkai handle these types of situations. Goku looked at Hakkai and noticed his face drew grim as he looked at Gojyo.

“Don’t tap your fingers at me. I guess that I have to remind you again, dear ‘husband’, that you don’t own me. I am an individual person. Where I choose to go, whom I talk to, or whom I mingle with should be no concern of yours. I will do what I WANT to do. You can’t tell me other wise and I should not have to answer to you. I need to keep reinforcing the idea of individuality to you. Just because you are the head chief and my husband, gives you no rights to control me. I don’t care what the books or tradition say.” Gojyo glared at him and took a seat back in his chair.

“Cool your head, wife! I was only asking where you were because we are in a time of fucking WAR and the LAST thing I need is the enemy getting their hands on Sanzo or you and-“

“Sanzo?” Hakkai’s eyes narrowed again “And just what purpose does Sanzo “pose” in that sentence?”

“Obviously you two are the children of the former chief!”

“But Sanzo should have nothing to do with you or I! He is not an important figurehead of this clan! The important ones are you and I!”

“It doesn’t matter! He is a clan member! A son of the former chief! Your brother! That’s all the enemy needs to know! They’ll strike where it will have the most effect! I’m done with this conversation! My dinner is getting cold!” with that, he went back to eating as if nothing they had just said ever happened.

Hakkai could not believe his ears. Gojyo HAD to put Sanzo’s name in the sentence. There was some truth in his words but Sanzo was NOT an important figure. Sanzo lead the hunts and was always out and about. It would be possible for their hunting party to be attacked and Sanzo to be captured. But the likeness of that was slim. If Homura KNEW about them, then it would be possible. But assuming that the man had NO idea who they were, Sanzo did not have to worry.

But the fact that Gojyo lusted after Sanzo angered him the most. He had said Sanzo’s name first, not his. He said he did not want either of them to be taken prisoner but Sanzo’s name came first. Gojyo was thinking more of Sanzo than his own wife. That thought still managed to give him a painful ache in his heart. He knows Sanzo is drop dead gorgeous with his exotic and rare physical features. Sanzo was a target for any man crazy with lust and SHOULD he ever be captured, Hakkai would see to it that the kidnappers would suffer. He was the older sibling; the big brother. He would not take to someone hurting his little brother if he could help it. But this man, his husband, Gojyo, was not one to take matters of that type into his own hands. He did not fully know Sanzo. He has no clue about his past or his life or his personality. He had no ties to Sanzo whatsoever. But Gojyo was his husband and he his wife. Gojyo should be focusing more on his wife rather than his brother-in-law.

“Goku…you are dismissed.” Hakkai said softly to the boy.

Goku looked at him and nodded, feeling bad about the fight he had just experienced. He felt bad for Hakkai who has suffered enough already. The way Gojyo spoke to Hakkai bothered him and even though he wanted to say something, he could not. Gojyo was still the head chief and could do away with him if he wished. Of course, Hakkai would never settle for that but he did not want to get on bad terms with his chief. They did have to fight in battle side by side; they’re comrades in arms.

“Okay…I’ll see you in the morning, Hakkai!” He hurried out of the tent but bumped into something warm and hard. “OW! WATCH WHERE YOU’RE GO-“

“Shut it, you stupid monkey!” He looked to see Sanzo standing there with his spear laid lazily along his shoulders. His wrists rest casually upon the weapon. “Where are you going in such a hurry?”

“Oh…uh, Hakkai and Gojyo just had a fight so I was dismissed!”

“A fight?” he raised an eyebrow. “What was the fight about?” Goku bit his lip and scratched his head. Should he tell Sanzo what the fight was about? Should he tell him that Gojyo has a deep attraction for him and cared more about his welfare than Hakkai’s? He felt like Sanzo should know but it was not any of his business. Goku did not want to be responsible for opening this bag of worms.

“Just a fight. You know, husband and wife stuff.” He grinned stupidly and Sanzo rolled his eyes.

“Look, I know your stupid monkey face, Goku. You’re obviously lying. I also know that you and Hakkai had disappeared for most of today and yesterday. Where did you two go anyway?”

“Um…I can’t tell you.” He said sheepishly. “Hakkai probably doesn’t want me to tell you.”

“Now you HAVE to tell me, since he doesn’t WANT you to tell me and curiosity is getting the best of me. Tell me now, Goku, or I’ll only ask Hakkai myself. Now what is going on? Where did you two go? Why are Hakkai and Gojyo fighting? Tell me or I will be forced to kill you and fried monkey is a delicious treat in these parts.” He threatened, taking his spear off of his shoulders and slamming the base onto the ground. Goku looked at him and gulped. He would be punished by either way if he told, but Hakkai was more easy-going whereas Sanzo was just cruel. He’d have to tell. He would just tell Sanzo to tell Hakkai that he did not hear this from him.

“Okay…I’ll tell you.”

End Chapter 5