Beyond the Woods and Mountains

Chapter 6



Goku sat on the ground, looking up at Sanzo's aggregated mug. He gulped softly and scratched his cheek trying to think of a good way to start his story. He yelped as Sanzo suddenly pointed the spearhead right between his eyes, making the ambers cross to look at it.

"I'm waiting monkey! What the hell is going on!? Tell me now!" Goku shook and gave a goofy smile.

"I don't know where to start!" He chuckled weakly.

"Here, let me give you a head start. Where did you and Hakkai disappear to?"

"Um...well...it was Hakkai's idea! He's worried about Homura and the size of our army. So he took me along for protection and we went to see the Dark Forest Clan because Hakkai wanted to ask them for their help in the fight against Homura. But it didn't work, they said no."

"You went to see the Dark Forest Clan?! Are you two nuts?! There's a reason why that clan lives where they do! They're a horrible bunch! The only bit we know about them is that they are brutal and unsympathetic! You're lucky you two got out of there alive!"

"Yeah well, it wasn't that bad. They are jerks!"

"That bit is over now. Next, tell me about the Gojyo and Hakkai fight."

"Ehhh....."

"Now Goku! You're pissing me off!" He kicked him in the head.

"GAH!!! OW! Don't do that! I'm getting around to telling you! Gojyo wants you instead of Hakkai!" Sanzo blinked at him, his eyes slightly wide with surprise.

"Come again?" Goku looked down.

"He...he wants you instead of Hakkai. Gojyo likes you a lot and it makes Hakkai feel bad. He mentioned your name instead of Hakkai's and it got him VERY angry." Sanzo hissed then sneered.

"That lousy cockroach! He’s just like everyone else! But now I'm fucking pissed! He’s supposed to be with Hakkai! Hakkai didn't want this and its not fair that HE has to deal with that kind of attitude along with it! Where is he?! I'll tear him a new one!"

"Uh...he's in his hut with Hakkai?"

"Goku, go get him! Tell him to meet me by the pond in the middle of the glen, the one nearest to the village. If he doesn't know how to get there, guide him!"

"B-but-"

"NOW YOU STUPID MONKEY!"

"A-ALRIGHT!" Goku got up and hurried back to the hut. When he went through the flap he was greeted to the sight of Gojyo and Hakkai wrestling on the floor. Gojyo had Hakkai in a headlock but Hakkai flipped him over onto his back. Hakkai grabbed Gojyo's hair and pulled.

"OWWW! MY HAIR! LET GO! YOU STARTED IT!" Hakkai said nothing but just pulled harder on Gojyo's precious locks. "I SAID LET GO!" Gojyo shot his elbow straight up and nailed Hakkai under the chin, knocking him back.

"H-hey! Stop it you two! You guys are married! You're supposed to be nice to each other!"

"Says who?!" Gojyo growled, rubbing the back of his head. "Shit...that hurt!" Hakkai was rubbing his chin with one hand and wiping the blood with the other. He glared over at Gojyo, panting softly. Gojyo glared back but turned to Goku. "What the hell do you want, monkey!?"

"Uh..." he whispered to Gojyo "Sanzo wants to see you...he heard your fight with Hakkai and he wants to fight you...I'm suppose to take you to where he is. You're in big trouble, he's pissed off." Hakkai looked at them then focused on Goku. He gave him a hurt look with his whispering and Goku just shrugged his shoulders. He would have to deal with Hakkai later. Right now, he had to bring Gojyo for his spar with Sanzo.

"Hmph...lets go, Goku." He took his sword from its place on the floor stand.

"Where are you going?" Hakkai asked him.

"No where that concerns you. Apparently, I'm under strict orders from your brother."

"S-Sanzo?" He said nothing as he watched Gojyo leave the hut and Goku follow after him. He chose to do nothing. He had had enough for today. He could not take anything else from the people he cared for the most. Gojyo does not want him, Goku turned on him, and Sanzo, well…he did not know what Sanzo wanted to see Gojyo for. If he heard about their fight just now, then he must want to talk to him about it. But why was Gojyo taking his sword? He held his head and flopped down onto the furs. He was too exhausted to think straight. Whatever happens, happens. He'll deal with it in later.

Gojyo twirled his sword in his fingers as he walked along the dirt path with Goku. Goku was a few steps in front of him, leading the way to the pond. So, Sanzo wanted a fight, did he? Gojyo could not help but smirk. He pictured this fight as tangling with one of those wildcats he came in contact with a few years ago. Come to think of it, one did look quite like Sanzo. Its legs were long, its fur was a tan-ish gold and his eyes were almost purple, maybe more blue. The wildcat gave him quite a fight that day and he wondered if this fight would be anything like that one. He hoped so.

"Here we are" Goku pointed through two trees to the glen where Sanzo stood by the pond.

Gojyo looked at him and could not help but stare. It was just like his dream; only Sanzo was not in the water. The moonlight shined just right all over him making him appear to be glowing. He stood there with his angry, annoyed mug and tapped his foot. If only Sanzo would smile...he would have men fall over dead. This was going to be something.

“Hope I didn’t keep you waiting” Gojyo said as he stepped out from the trees. Sanzo looked at him with a glare and slammed his spear on the ground.

“You sure as hell did. Not only are you stupid but you’re slow too. There must be something loose in that hot head of yours.” Gojyo smirked.

“So all that aside, I hear you would like to spar with me?”

“Not spar, fight!” Sanzo pointed his spear at Gojyo. “I heard the fight.” He would cover for Goku this once. “I heard how you think of my name first before your wife’s! Hakkai is suffering enough being married to you and he shouldn’t have to put up with your attraction for me! Get it through that fiery skull of yours! You will NEVER have me! Repeat! You will NEVER have me!” Gojyo just looked at him with his usually laid back look.

“I don’t have to listen to you, for I am the head chief. So what if I find you attractive? I’ve always had women and men fall all over me because of this gorgeous body!” He swung his hair around proudly. “And in turn, I am also attracted to pretty things. You know for a fact that you are beautiful and could have any person you want. You choose not too. But what I find most alluring is the fact that you resist my charms and handsome good looks.” Sanzo rolled his eyes.

“Please, you’re the LAST thing I want to look at” he gave him a look of disgust. “Besides, you hold yourself too high on your looks. I’ve defiantly seen more handsome looking men and would rather give THEM a short glance than you!”

“Ooo, you got a lot of bark but lets see if you have any bite!”

Gojyo twirled his sword and aimed it at Sanzo. Sanzo in turned aimed his spear and the two were stuck in a stand still waiting for the other to make a move. Gojyo started to walk slowly to his right and Sanzo in turn did the same to his left until they were circling each other. Gojyo kept his usual cocky smirk on his face and Sanzo looked ready to kill. Their weapons never trembled nor did they lower them. Gojyo made a sudden short jump forward to see if he could startle Sanzo. Sanzo never quaked at the action but kept his straight face and his spear pointed. Gojyo could tell Sanzo had confidence in himself, more now so than ever. The man’s eyes never left his, those beautiful violet eyes; which Gojyo did not mind having focused on him. It was probably the closest he would ever get to Sanzo looking at him at all.

Sanzo slipped a knife out from under his wrist guard and flung it at Gojyo’s head. Gojyo did not see him remove it but only heard it whizzing through the air. He could feel the swift air on his ear as the knife flew past and it alerted his attention for a second. That’s when his glance caught Sanzo coming for him. He quickly lifted his sword to block the spear that was aimed right for his chest. He was able to counter Sanzo’s next attack of a thrust, but on the second thrust the spear grazed his shoulder. He hissed a bit swung his sword, almost slicing at Sanzo’s side. Sanzo spun his spear rapidly and it blocked a few blows Gojyo tried to swing at it. Gojyo figured he could just break the spear but whatever wood it was made out of was practically indestructible.

Gojyo took this moment to kick Sanzo’s feet out from under him and he was successful. However, Sanzo caught himself on one hand and back flipped into a crouching position. Gojyo blinked in shock at Sanzo’s maneuver and almost was unable to dodge Sanzo’s next head on attack. Sanzo was extremely skilled with his weapon and he had to admit it surprised him. Usually hunters were more stealth like and focused on hunting techniques. But Sanzo has the skills of a warrior. When they were fighting that small army, he never saw where Sanzo had gone or how he had fought. But he could see now that Sanzo most likely fought the same way he is now. Gojyo smirked as he had a quick thought back to fight with the wildcat; it was very much like his fight with Sanzo right now.

Sanzo slid along the ground and came charging back at him at full speed. The man was a hunter so speed was part of hunting skills. Gojyo was still able to block his thrust but Sanzo spun around and the spear met with the back of Gojyo’s head. Gojyo let out a surprised gasp and a half pained yelp as he almost fell forward. Sanzo took that opportunity to shove his foot out and trip Gojyo, making him fall to the ground. Gojyo just laid there on his stomach, in slight shock but excited. Sanzo was good. He ‘eeped’ as the spearhead shoved into the ground right next to his cheek. He looked up and saw Sanzo looming over him triumphantly.

“Hmph. Pathetic. What a waste of my time. Some chief you are.” He scoffed then gave a little chuckle.

“Is that what you think?” Gojyo suddenly grabbed the base of the spear just above the head and held it tightly. Sanzo tried to yank it away but Gojyo’s strength held it down.

“LET GO!” He kicked Gojyo in the side but the spear was still in his hand. Sanzo tried to pull it away again but Gojyo’s grip was still firm. Using all his strength, Gojyo pulled the spearhead from the ground and pushed it back at Sanzo, who tumbled over onto his side. Sanzo was surprised by the quick attack and he dropped his spear next to him. Sanzo quickly gathered his thoughts and grabbed the spear, hearing Gojyo coming up behind him. Immediately he jumped onto his knees and pointed his spear straight at Gojyo’s heart; and was met with the tip of a sword pointed right between his eyes. The two had arrived at a stalemate. Neither one moved for a few minutes; Gojyo with his smirk and Sanzo with his hate filled glare. Gojyo finally spoke.

“It appears we are at an impasse.”

“Hmph…so it would seem.”

“I can’t match your speed and agility. However, you can’t top my strength or size. You’re lithe and quick; I’m tall and built.” Gojyo lowered his sword and slipped it back though the belt loop. He knew Sanzo would lower his weapon since the fight was over. Sanzo stood up and held his spear next to him.

“Listen…you’re married to my brother. Hakkai doesn’t want to married like this. He had no choice in the matter. He’s doing his duty as heir to the chief. He’s under a lot of stress and responsibility from the village and the elders. He’s trying to make the best of this situation, this marriage, and you are making it impossible for him! He’s TRYING to make it work and you keep slobbering over me. Once again, let me remind you. I am never going to belong to anyone. I trust only myself in the end. I know what I need to do to live. I’m my own person! Only I make the decisions for me, no one else.” Gojyo raised an eyebrow.

“Hakkai said he was an individual too with his own decisions but doesn’t follow it.”

“That’s because he has a duty! He may not like it but he knows it has to be done for the sake of the village! He’s a legitimate child of our father and his mother. I can’t take the position, not that would want to. I give Hakkai all the credit in the world. He’s going against all his ideals, values, and morals for the sake of the village. He’s noble whereas you’re just selfish.” Gojyo glared at him.

“I’m not selfish! I care about Hakkai in my own way!”

“Yeah, in the way of an arranged marriage! Marriages are not for love, Gojyo! They’re business arrangements! A way of binding families and villages and clans!”

“Don’t you think I know that?! I don’t want this either! I don’t WANT to settle down! I never asked to be married!”

“Then change the tradition.” Gojyo blinked at him.

“Huh?”

“Change the tradition. Our father is close to dying, probably any day now. Once he dies, you will be considered head chief PERMINATLY. Annul the marriage. Instead of Hakkai being your wife, make him your head military consultant or the like. I must rather him live as an individual; free to make his own choices and stick to his beliefs than be in a emotionless marriage.” Gojyo took in Sanzo’s words and realized he made perfect sense. That’s what he would do! He would annul the marriage after the old man kicks the bucket, give Hakkai another title then they would both be free! And perhaps, but annulling the marriage with Hakkai he could move in on Sanzo without having to feel guilt about his ‘wife’. The idea was perfect.

“I’ll take you up on that idea, Sanzo. You’re pretty smart.” He smiled.

“I know I am. Once you annul the marriage, that doesn’t mean you can come stalk me. If you do, I’ll cut your dick off and feed it to the hounds, got it?”

“If you are going to do that, then can I make a suggestion? Instead of throwing it to the hounds, why don’t you use it to get yourself off? That’s what you need, to get laid. And my ‘spear’ can easily pleasure you, attached or detached from me.”

“Fuck you.” Sanzo said calmly but with a slight tone of aggravation. “I can get that from anyone. You’re the last person I would let do something like that to me. So get the thought out of your head. I’m heading back.” He stopped next to Gojyo to whisper to him. “You annul this marriage, you’ll be giving up a warm, tender loving and understanding companion. You’re not going to find anyone else like him. You may think the only thing that means something is good looks, but you’re way off. People’s looks will fade but their personalities tend to remain the same. A beautiful person on the outside can be a cruel person on the inside. Look at me.” He smirked and walked away.

Gojyo just stood there, looking over his shoulder at Sanzo’s retreating figure. The man’s words were making him think. He hated to admit it but most of what Sanzo said was right. Regardless, he was going to annul the marriage. He did not need a long-term companion. He was comfortable in his own skin; he always was. He could put up with it for now until the old man croaks. Gojyo waited a few minutes before turning and heading back himself.

When he returned to the village, he picked himself up some fresh fruit and brought it to the hut. He paused outside the flap wondering if Hakkai was awake or asleep. He saw that the candles were out so that must mean that he had gone to bed. Quietly, Gojyo slipped through the flap and checked the furs. Hakkai was sound asleep on the furs, snuggled into the blankets. Gojyo smiled softly and put the fruit into the bowl on the table. He took a peach and walked over to the bed, standing above Hakkai. Gojyo could see where Hakkai’s mouth was swollen from his hit earlier. He had to fight back; Hakkai was stronger than he looked.

He finished the peach and tossed the pit to the other side of the room. He placed his sword back on its floor rack and removed his boots and belts. He got under the fur blankets next to Hakkai, placing his arms behind his head. One thing he did not like was sharing a bed. He always had his own and was able to move around freely. Now with Hakkai next to him, he had to stay glued to one spot. And Hakkai was always nagging him about cleaning up after himself, not eating in the bed, and so on. To not have to hear that anymore would be a blessing! He was pulled from his thoughts when Hakkai whispered to him.

“I’m sorry for earlier…I should not have lunged at you like I did…it was stupid and rash. It’s unlike me…and I apologize, Gojyo.” Gojyo closed his eyes.

“Eh, whatever. That’s what couples do; they fight. I’m sorry for knocking your jaw there.”

“It’s alright…I deserved it.”

“Nah, I just reacted that way because that’s how I tend to handle situations like that. I strike out quickly. We were both a bit rash…but it’s over now. Get some sleep, I know I am!” Hakkai smiled at him and closed his eyes, falling back to sleep. Gojyo looked at him again and sighed heavily. He had to think about how he was going to bring up the idea of an annulment to the elders of both his clan and Hakkai’s. He would need Hakkai’s full support on the topic. He would start thinking of the best way to break the news to Hakkai. Until then, the fight with Sanzo and his heavy thoughts exhausted him and he rolled over, immediately falling asleep.

Hakkai was suddenly woken up in the middle of the night but a quick jerking of the blankets on the bed. He opened his eyes and noticed Gojyo sitting up in the bed, panting heavily and covered in sweat. Hakkai sat up with him, filled with concern. He spoke his name but Gojyo did not seem to hear him and kept on panting for breath. Hakkai put his hand on Gojyo’s shoulder and stroked him softly hoping to bring him back to conscience.

“Gojyo? Gojyo…what’s wrong?”

“N-no-nothing…” Hakkai looked at him worriedly.

“Something’s wrong. Did you have a nightmare?”

“N-no…” He said softly and rests his forehead on his hand. Hakkai slid next to him and put an arm around Gojyo’s shoulders in comfort. “It’s fine, Hakkai…go back to bed.”

“You’re obviously upset about something. Please tell me…maybe I can help.” He chuckled darkly and folded his hands together against his forehead, looking down at his lap.

“There’s nothing you can do, believe me. It’s not something that can be dealt now…just some old scars rearing their ugly heads. We all have them.” Hakkai rubbed his back then hoping to coax something out of him. “Please Hakkai, it’s not something I talk about often or WANT to talk about. It’s a private matter…a family matter on my side. So just go back to bed I’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure, Gojyo?” Hakkai knew whatever was bothering Gojyo must have a profound effect on him because he has NEVER seen Gojyo act like this.

“Yes. I’m going back to sleep.” He laid down on his side with his back to Hakkai. Hakkai sighed softly and laid back down, also putting his back to Gojyo. Despite how angry he was at Gojyo he could not help but want to hold him. He looked so hurt and almost scared. If it was a family matter, then perhaps it had to do with his father or mother. Whatever the case, he would hope Gojyo would one day tell him. He saw a whole new side of Gojyo and he hoped he could explore it. If only they got to know one another better it would improve their relationship. But Gojyo was clearly the type to keep things to himself. Hakkai would work on it. He would find a way to get Gojyo to open up more. He may have to open up first but there was not much to tell on his side. With that, he closed his eyes and fell back to sleep.