A Twist Of Fate: Part Four: Dreams
Toki leaned back as the jeep drove off. He'd been there with him for two weeks now. And so much had already happened. Demons from left to right after the Evil sutra as well as the Heart Sutra. Gojyo and Goku's noise wasn't an easy thing to handle during the first few days of being on board. But everything was starting to grow on him. They all knew now that he was Sanzo's half-younger-brother and no one asked, no one tried to pry answers from them. Well, no one else but Goku. He didn't answer any of them. It was none of their business.
He couldn't help but notice the little things. The way Gojyo's routine would go when they arrived at a town. Go out and scout for a woman who'd have dinner with him and then it's all downhill. The way that Hakkai would get up first early in the morning and always come back from town, right on schedule. The way Goku could devour a whole plate of meatbuns in a matter of five minutes or less. But what he always noticed was the way Hakkai and Sanzo would glance and talk to each other. It was almost as if they were trying to hold something back. He didn't ask, it wouldn't be right. It was none of his business. But still, it slightly bothered him if something was going on.
He didn't dare hear the answer.
Everyone else was kind enough to him. Gojyo got too perverted sometimes and would make sex-jokes from here to there, his hobby was mostly to annoy Sanzo and now his newest target. him. He would ignore the comments and everything, until it got too annoying and he had to throw a book at the man to make him shut-up. Goku was pretty cute, until he starts to make too much noise when he's hungry. Hakkai was more patient and kind to him than anyone had ever been. He talked to him frequently. Hakkai would ask him a few things but would make sure he wasn't being intrusive. And Sanzo? His older brother? He treated him just like the rest of his companions. Ignore, ignore, ignore. Not that he expected a different treatment. That's the way he was and he respected that.
His thoughts were disturbed as Gojyo and Goku's voices started blaring in the background. He frowned and sighed as he took out a book from his bag and opened it, starting to read.
''Damn you, you dumb-ass-ape!''
As Gojyo pushed Goku's face back, Goku landed on Toki, who's book went flying in the air and dropped on the ground, but it was too late to try and pick it up as they drove off further.
''Get OFF me!'' Toki yelled out angrily as he pushed Goku off him.
''Ah! Now look what you've done, ero kappa!'' Goku said as he sat up and rubbed his head. ''Toki's book is gone because of you.''
''So? It's just a stupid book. He'll get a new one.''
Toki glared at him for that remark and spoke.
''Hakkai-san, stop the car.''
''Eh?''
''Stop the car now.''
Hakkai was about to step on the brake when Sanzo looked up.
''Forget it. Keep moving.''
''I said stop the car.''
''You said you wouldn't be any trouble, we don't have time for that.''
Hakkai sighed and stepped on the brake, Gojyo and Goku came crashing onto Toki once more.
''You stupid monkey! Get off us!''
''GET OFF!''
They were both pushed off, Gojyo sat up and frowned at Toki.
''Nanda, Nanda? What the hell is up your ass? What're you so angry for? It's just a stupid book.''
Toki scowled and ignored the remark, but Gojyo noticed how angry he looked as he got off the car and ran back to the direction on the book. Picked it up and ran back to the car.
''Why did you stop?'' Sanzo asked.
''Give him a chance, Sanzo.'' Hakkai laughed softly. ''With all the noise Gojyo and Goku are making, he'll need something to distract him.''
''Ke.'' Sanzo paused as Toki got back on board. ''Katte ni shiro.''
Toki nodded to Hakkai. ''Domo, Hakkai-san.''
Hakkai smiled at him and nodded. ''Eh.'' He started to drive off once more. Toki went back to reading, Goku went and peered over at Toki's shoulder. ''What's that book anyway?'' he noticed that it's hand writing was elegant and carefully written. ''This book looks like it's homemade.''
''It was homemade.'' Toki answered. ''Now leave me alone.''
''Did you make it?''
''No. I didn't.'' he said again. ''My mother did, okay? Now shut-up and stay quiet.''
''Ah. you and Sanzo are related, you're both mean!''
The Harisen came in contact with his head.
''I-Ite! What was that for, Sanzo?!''
''For being a stupid monkey, now shut the hell up!''
They all looked up as Hakkai stopped the car. About to ask what happened when in a flash they all knew.
''Youkai ka.'' Gojyo said smirking, his eyes glancing around.
''Be careful everyone.'' Hakkai warned as they all got out of the jeep. Hakuryu turned back into a dragon and flew on Hakkai's shoulder as they all looked up.
Suddenly a female voice boomed from nowhere.
''Ara ra. Two sutra keepers in my little trap.'' She laughed. ''How unexpected.''
Quick flashes passed before their eyes, all of them backing away and looking around.
''Teme! Show yourself now!'' Goku said, frowning as he clutching his Nyoi Bo.
''I'm afraid I'll have to be a little unclean here. But you probably expected that.''
A gunshot resounded through the air.
''I'm getting sick and tired of this, onna!'' he called out, scowling.
''Genjo-san, Oshitske nasai yo. If you choose to be that way then I'll have no choice.''
From out of nowhere, demons suddenly surrounded them. Toki's blue eyes widened as he realized what kind of demons.
Fox demons.
Their leader was the female with long flowing black hair and sharp deep black eyes. She smiled at them, acknowledging them, playfully. She nodded and spoke softly and gently.
''Genjo-san. You're more beautiful than I ever thought you'd be.'' she paused and sighed. ''I'd like to have you for myself but.''
''I'm afraid you can't do that.'' Hakkai said as an orb of light appeared around his hands. He stopped himself from saying anything else. If he wasn't careful, he could have said something he wouldn't want the others to hear.
''Ii desu ne.'' she said as she nodded. ''Korose nasai!'' her face and voice were suddenly stern. The fox demons leaped out, moving quickly, making them seem like blurs. Goku jumped up and raised up his bom fighting them off immediately, Gojyo maneuvered his scythe, cutting througn most of them. Hakkai looked up, aiming the energy blasts to where five demons were attacking them. Sanzo kept shooting all the demons who came for him.
Toki kicked another one back, angrily stabbing through him - cutting his throat. As if he could catch up with his speed. Another one came from behind him, he made a quick turn and immediately stabbed it, as it disappeared more came for him. He waited for them to arrive, cutting through them as they ran near him. His eyes glared at every single demon, his heart pounding through his chest as he killed them. All he could see was the face of his mother, his master. Those eyes, those sharp black eyes were responsible. She lead them to their deaths.
Amida Toki-san. deshoo?
He looked up as he stabbed another demon.
''Omae!'' he called, but it wasn't long before another demon came his way.
What are you doing wasting your time there? Don't you want to kill me for yourself?
Toki looked up and stabbed another demon, as he disappeared - he looked up. Starting to talk with her through his own thoughts.
Where are you? Where are you? I'll show what it was like. you killed otousama. I know you did, you let okasama and I escape, because you knew she had no chance of living anyway! You lead those youkai to kill the whole town! Where are you so I can kill you?!
Impatient little boy. She laughed. Try to follow my prescence as a woman of honor, I promise to await you.
Toki started to run, clutching the dagger in his hand. Hakkai looked up as he killed another demon, he saw him running off. He gasped softly and called out. ''Toki-san! Matte kudasai! Abunai desu yo!''
''Let him do what he wants! '' Sanzo called as he kept shooting.
''Demo -''
''He's not a kid anymore, Hakkai.'' Gojyo said as he killed three more demons with his scythe. ''He can handle himself.'' Hakkai still felt uneasy. He looked at the direction worriedly.
''Eh.''
***
Toki ran to his left, his glare cutting through everything in sight.
You killed everyone I love.
I'm glad you're not dead.
I want to kill you with my own hands.
I want to see you bleed, and I want to know that I did it.
Okasama. Otousama. Oshisho-sama.
You were there to watch every single one of them die.
And while I held them in my arms while they were dying.
You watched us and you laughed.
Now it's my turn to smile.
It's my turn to laugh.
When I finally see you on the ground, bleeding, wanting to die.
Toki ran faster as these thoughts played repeatedly in his head. He stopped as he felt the prescence nearby. He looked around and then looked up. Scowling as he clutched the dagger tighter.
''I know you're here! Answer me! Where the hell are you?!''
There was no response for a few moments, he looked up as he heard the soft and playful laughter.
''Be patient, Amida-san.'' She said as she appeared before him. ''And if you must know, My name is Ming-Ue.'' She said as she looked at him.
''Fight me now, Ming-Ue. So I can kill you and get this over with.'' Toki said as he readied himself, clutching the dagger.
''Ii yo ne.'' she paused and smiled. ''Zannen desu ne. I would have wanted you both for myself. You and your older brother seem so beautiful. More beautiful than I could imagine any man to be.''
''Enough of that!'' Toki snapped as he looked up. ''Are you going to fight me or am I going to have to kill you and shut you up?''
''You're free enough to try.'' She looked up. ''I suppose if you want to die early, then I can't do anything to stop you.''
Ming-Ue laughed again as she jumped up, disappearing in a flash. Toki looked around, clutching his weapon tighter. His eyes widened as he was kicked hard - he landed on the ground, wincing as he sat up. He looked up and was kicked again, sending him flying and hitting a tree, slumping down as he winced.
She appeared a few steps away from him.
''You're lucky. If I wasn't so fond of you, I could have paralyzed you with just a kick.'' Toki slowly got up, wincing. He almost lost his balance but he wouldn't allow himself.
''I'm not going to die. Especially not by your hand. I won't be like one of your little toys!'' he yelled out as he attacked again, he was able to kick her and punch her, as she was blown back. She touched her cheek and laughed softly, gradually becoming louder and louder until Toki wanted to cover his ears - but he bore through the noise as she staggered, still laughing maniacally, loudly, filling the whole forest with the sounds of her laughter.
***
They all looked up. Hakkai glanced at Sanzo who was still shooting through a couple of youkai coming his way. ''Sanzo!'' he called.
''Let him handle it.'' Sanzo continued to say. Though he was trying his best to hide the fact that he was starting to wonder what happened.
''Sanzo! I'm going to him!'' Hakkai said as he ran off without another word.
''Oi, Hakkai!'' Gojyo called. ''Someone's gotta tell that guy to stop worrying.''
Sanzo looked at the direction that Hakkai ran. He started to think to follow as well. But he immediately shrugged it off. Turned back to the youkai running towards him.
***
Toki had still been trying to catch up to Ming-Ue. He had wounded her a few times, but never enough to keep her down. She laughed as she kicked him back again, sending him back a few steps. He got up every single time, looking around.
''Had enough, Amida-san?''
''Not until I see you bleeding, I haven't!''
He tried to attack again, but she kept getting away. She kicked him harder and laughed as he flew slightly up the air and landed on the ground. He cried out loudly and winced as he slowly got up still.
''You know one more blow can kill you, WILL kill you.'' Ming-Ue said as she looked at him.
''I told you I'm not going to die.'' Toki answered as he winced. He almost fell back but kept his balance. He couldn't lose strength now. She was here and now was his only chance.
''Ii desu ne. I'll finish this all now.'' she suddenly frowned, her cold eyes glaring at him. ''Who do you think you are, thinking you can tresspass here on my territory and kill me?'' she started to move forward. ''I'll show you with this final blow who you're dealing with.''
She started run, slowly her figure turned into nothing but a blur headed for him. He prepared himself, at this rate, he could stab her - and even if he did die, he did what he wanted to. Even if it was the last thing that he did before he died, he could be happy. He suddenly looked up as she jumped up, planning to kick him.
''Kore wa saigo desu!'' she cried out.
Just as Toki prepared himself to feel the impact, someone jumped before him, receiving the blow instead. They were both pushed back by the strong force. Toki looked up as the dust cleared.
''H-Hakkai-san!''
Hakkai winced slightly, Toki saw he kept his arms crossed in front of him, protecting himself from the kick and him as well. ''I heard her laughing and I got worried.'' Hakkai answered as he looked at him. ''Daijoubu desu ka, Toki-san?'' he asked.
Ming-Ue started to laugh again as she looked at them.
''More people for my trap. I'd like to see the five of you hanging, just to remind myself how beautiful human beings can be.''
''Maybe another time. But right now, I can't let you touch Toki-san with another finger.'' Hakkai said sternly as he looked at Ming-Ue.
''Cho-san. Your loyalty impresses me. Then again, you are a demon. Why aren't you with us? With all the power you have you can kill all of them.''
Hakkai laughed softly as he smirked slightly, still looking at her.
''I'm not so sure, Sanzo is pretty quick with his gun.''
''Join us.''
''I think I'll have to say no thank you.''
''Then die!''
She started to attack. Hakkai stretched out both his hands and an energy blast surged through, she had slightly got hit on the ankle as she jumped out of the way and landed on the ground. Toki glanced up, held his dagger and started to attack her as she tried to get up.
''Toki-san! Dame desu yo!''
''Shi-ne!!!''
Ming-Ue looked up, smirked and disappeared in a flash.
Toki stopped and looked up. ''Kisama! Get back here!''
''Now's not the right time to settle this fight, Amida-san, Cho-san. We'll finish this but not now. trust me, I will find you.''
As her prescence drifted away. Toki glanced up, and clenched his fists.
''Toki-san.'' Hakkai called softly as he approached him.
''She's gone again.'' he looked up and turned around. ''If you'd left me alone! I would have gotten her! I would have killed her!''
''She would have killed you, first.''
''Kisama!'' Toki punched Hakkai across the cheek, Hakkai slowly moved back. Looking at him in shock.
''Toki-san. gomen -''
''Don't apologize! Just stay away from me! - Just! -'' Toki couldn't finish his sentences as his injuries and aches started to take a toll on him. He stumbled back, wincing and weakening. Hakkai immediately caught him. ''Toki- san!'' he called. ''Shikari desu yo!''
Toki was weakening as he continued to try and push Hakkai away. ''Stay away - Stay away.'' his voice was only a whisper now as he lost his consciousness. Hakkai looked at him gently and sighed.
****
Visions came to him, the whole town burning down. The people were dying, blood soaked the ground and the smell of decaying flesh suffocated him. The house near the end of town was the most visible to him. He heard a familiar voice cry out in pain. Inside a young man of seventeen and his mother stared as a woman with ebony hair and eyes watched the father fall on his knees, two daggers plunged on his back and one through his neck. The mother immediately screamed loudly as she backed away, holding her son, who's blue eyes only watched as his father was dead, on his knees.
''Toki! Hurry! We have to escape!'' the mother cried.
He thought he could almost hear her thoughts.
Sei-kung. Li-Wei. Again.
This can't be happening.
I don't want to lose -
I don't want to lose my son again.
Toki must live.
There is no hope for me.
The young man watched as his mother's eyes filled with tears as they ran to escape.
Run all you can! But you won't make it out alive! The female voice called after them.
It was all black again and for an instant. He saw her dying face.
He saw her smile gently at him.
Live, Toki, Be stronger than I ever was.
You can't die here.
It was all black again. An elderly man about his forty's long brown hair and green eyes - robe and sutra. Smiled gently at him.
Toki. There are two ways of living. One is with purpose and one is without. If you chose to live with purpose, the best part about it is. you get to make that purpose for yourself.
Everyone will learn in time what they need to learn. I don't need to preach to them. And neither do I need to preach to you. Because I know you will, too.
Blood again was all over his hands. And before him was the man in the robe, bloodied and scarred. He knelt down before him and clutched a brown pouch in his hands.
Master. I'll find who did this to you.
And to my family.
You told me once about the two ways of living.
And I chose to live with purpose.
The purpose that I do what I have to do.
He looked up, seeing those dark black eyes. Her laughter soft, eventually, gradually getting louder, hurting his ears, his hands raised up to the side of his head, covering his ears - but the sound of her voice still getting through. He shut his eyes tightly.
***
''Toki-san. Toki-san.''
Toki immediately sat up, grabbing his dagger and aiming it at Hakkai's neck, his vision and thinking not clear at the moment.
''Toki-san, Oshitsuke kudasai yo. It's me.'' Hakkai said gently.
Toki took deep breaths, calming himself down as he lay back and put his dagger back under his pillow.
''Where are we?''
''We found an inn as soon as it all happened. And then since no one else wanted to do it.'' He laughed softly and looked at him. ''I treated your wounds immediately.''
Toki noticed his clothes hung over a chair. He looked at his arms and saw bandanges from his wrist to a few inches below his shoulder. Bandages around his waist even.
''Was I beat up that badly?'' he asked softly as he leaned back.
''I'm afraid so.''
Toki noticed the bruise on his cheek, it hit him suddenly that he had done that.
''I'm sorry about that.''
''About what?''
''I'm sorry I hit you.'' He said again, looking up. ''I guess I was too upset.''
Hakkai smiled gently and nodded. ''I understand. Sometimes, Sanzo can get angrier than that. So, I'm used to it.''
''Where is he anyway?''
''He's in his room, resting. He said for me to -'' Hakkai paused and laughed again. ''Why if I said so, I might get shot.''
''What did he say?'' Toki asked again.
''He told me to make sure that you're alright.''
Toki had to pause for a moment to digest the fact that Sanzo had just said that.
''Tell Satori - Sanzo that I'm sorry for causing the fuss.''
''He's not really angry.''
Hakkai paused and looked at him.
''You must really be angry at her. That fox demon.''
''She killed them. I should be. But it's nothing you should concern yourself about.''
''You and Sanzo have a lot more in common than you think.''
''He doesn't seem to like that idea.'' Toki said as he snorted.
''Sanzo maybe that way but. I think he does care for you.'' Hakkai smiled and sat by the chair on his side. ''Pretty much everyone's learned to watch each other's backs around here.'' He paused and smiled as he nodded. ''I'm doing it with you already.''
''Why were you worried?''
''Eh?''
''Why did you come? For all you knew it could have been a trap. She could have killed you.'' He looked at Hakkai as if eager for an answer. ''Why did you come for me? I could have -''
''You're a very good friend of mine, Toki-san.'' Hakkai said gently as he smiled kindly at him. ''I didn't want you hurt just like I don't want any of the others hurt.'' He laughed softly. ''I'm just like that, I guess.''
Toki paused and looked at him in surprise.
''Toki-san, if there's anything else I can do for you please let me know.'' Hakkai smiled as he got up and bowed. ''And if you do need anyone to talk to. Please feel comfortable to come to me. Sanzo and the other's might not be good at it much but. I assure you I can try my best.''
As Hakkai left, Toki watched in bewilderment. He still couldn't understand after he tried to help him, he had punched him and told him to stay away, that could have hurt any normal person and he would continue to be angry. But why was Hakkai so different? He was too kind, he couldn't fathom.
And outside as Hakkai walked off, Sanzo stood a few steps away from Toki's doorway, watching the brunette leave without a clue that he was there. He lit up a cigarette and started to walk off. His interest in seeing how Toki was doing had suddenly gone off.
~TSUZUKU~
Toki leaned back as the jeep drove off. He'd been there with him for two weeks now. And so much had already happened. Demons from left to right after the Evil sutra as well as the Heart Sutra. Gojyo and Goku's noise wasn't an easy thing to handle during the first few days of being on board. But everything was starting to grow on him. They all knew now that he was Sanzo's half-younger-brother and no one asked, no one tried to pry answers from them. Well, no one else but Goku. He didn't answer any of them. It was none of their business.
He couldn't help but notice the little things. The way Gojyo's routine would go when they arrived at a town. Go out and scout for a woman who'd have dinner with him and then it's all downhill. The way that Hakkai would get up first early in the morning and always come back from town, right on schedule. The way Goku could devour a whole plate of meatbuns in a matter of five minutes or less. But what he always noticed was the way Hakkai and Sanzo would glance and talk to each other. It was almost as if they were trying to hold something back. He didn't ask, it wouldn't be right. It was none of his business. But still, it slightly bothered him if something was going on.
He didn't dare hear the answer.
Everyone else was kind enough to him. Gojyo got too perverted sometimes and would make sex-jokes from here to there, his hobby was mostly to annoy Sanzo and now his newest target. him. He would ignore the comments and everything, until it got too annoying and he had to throw a book at the man to make him shut-up. Goku was pretty cute, until he starts to make too much noise when he's hungry. Hakkai was more patient and kind to him than anyone had ever been. He talked to him frequently. Hakkai would ask him a few things but would make sure he wasn't being intrusive. And Sanzo? His older brother? He treated him just like the rest of his companions. Ignore, ignore, ignore. Not that he expected a different treatment. That's the way he was and he respected that.
His thoughts were disturbed as Gojyo and Goku's voices started blaring in the background. He frowned and sighed as he took out a book from his bag and opened it, starting to read.
''Damn you, you dumb-ass-ape!''
As Gojyo pushed Goku's face back, Goku landed on Toki, who's book went flying in the air and dropped on the ground, but it was too late to try and pick it up as they drove off further.
''Get OFF me!'' Toki yelled out angrily as he pushed Goku off him.
''Ah! Now look what you've done, ero kappa!'' Goku said as he sat up and rubbed his head. ''Toki's book is gone because of you.''
''So? It's just a stupid book. He'll get a new one.''
Toki glared at him for that remark and spoke.
''Hakkai-san, stop the car.''
''Eh?''
''Stop the car now.''
Hakkai was about to step on the brake when Sanzo looked up.
''Forget it. Keep moving.''
''I said stop the car.''
''You said you wouldn't be any trouble, we don't have time for that.''
Hakkai sighed and stepped on the brake, Gojyo and Goku came crashing onto Toki once more.
''You stupid monkey! Get off us!''
''GET OFF!''
They were both pushed off, Gojyo sat up and frowned at Toki.
''Nanda, Nanda? What the hell is up your ass? What're you so angry for? It's just a stupid book.''
Toki scowled and ignored the remark, but Gojyo noticed how angry he looked as he got off the car and ran back to the direction on the book. Picked it up and ran back to the car.
''Why did you stop?'' Sanzo asked.
''Give him a chance, Sanzo.'' Hakkai laughed softly. ''With all the noise Gojyo and Goku are making, he'll need something to distract him.''
''Ke.'' Sanzo paused as Toki got back on board. ''Katte ni shiro.''
Toki nodded to Hakkai. ''Domo, Hakkai-san.''
Hakkai smiled at him and nodded. ''Eh.'' He started to drive off once more. Toki went back to reading, Goku went and peered over at Toki's shoulder. ''What's that book anyway?'' he noticed that it's hand writing was elegant and carefully written. ''This book looks like it's homemade.''
''It was homemade.'' Toki answered. ''Now leave me alone.''
''Did you make it?''
''No. I didn't.'' he said again. ''My mother did, okay? Now shut-up and stay quiet.''
''Ah. you and Sanzo are related, you're both mean!''
The Harisen came in contact with his head.
''I-Ite! What was that for, Sanzo?!''
''For being a stupid monkey, now shut the hell up!''
They all looked up as Hakkai stopped the car. About to ask what happened when in a flash they all knew.
''Youkai ka.'' Gojyo said smirking, his eyes glancing around.
''Be careful everyone.'' Hakkai warned as they all got out of the jeep. Hakuryu turned back into a dragon and flew on Hakkai's shoulder as they all looked up.
Suddenly a female voice boomed from nowhere.
''Ara ra. Two sutra keepers in my little trap.'' She laughed. ''How unexpected.''
Quick flashes passed before their eyes, all of them backing away and looking around.
''Teme! Show yourself now!'' Goku said, frowning as he clutching his Nyoi Bo.
''I'm afraid I'll have to be a little unclean here. But you probably expected that.''
A gunshot resounded through the air.
''I'm getting sick and tired of this, onna!'' he called out, scowling.
''Genjo-san, Oshitske nasai yo. If you choose to be that way then I'll have no choice.''
From out of nowhere, demons suddenly surrounded them. Toki's blue eyes widened as he realized what kind of demons.
Fox demons.
Their leader was the female with long flowing black hair and sharp deep black eyes. She smiled at them, acknowledging them, playfully. She nodded and spoke softly and gently.
''Genjo-san. You're more beautiful than I ever thought you'd be.'' she paused and sighed. ''I'd like to have you for myself but.''
''I'm afraid you can't do that.'' Hakkai said as an orb of light appeared around his hands. He stopped himself from saying anything else. If he wasn't careful, he could have said something he wouldn't want the others to hear.
''Ii desu ne.'' she said as she nodded. ''Korose nasai!'' her face and voice were suddenly stern. The fox demons leaped out, moving quickly, making them seem like blurs. Goku jumped up and raised up his bom fighting them off immediately, Gojyo maneuvered his scythe, cutting througn most of them. Hakkai looked up, aiming the energy blasts to where five demons were attacking them. Sanzo kept shooting all the demons who came for him.
Toki kicked another one back, angrily stabbing through him - cutting his throat. As if he could catch up with his speed. Another one came from behind him, he made a quick turn and immediately stabbed it, as it disappeared more came for him. He waited for them to arrive, cutting through them as they ran near him. His eyes glared at every single demon, his heart pounding through his chest as he killed them. All he could see was the face of his mother, his master. Those eyes, those sharp black eyes were responsible. She lead them to their deaths.
Amida Toki-san. deshoo?
He looked up as he stabbed another demon.
''Omae!'' he called, but it wasn't long before another demon came his way.
What are you doing wasting your time there? Don't you want to kill me for yourself?
Toki looked up and stabbed another demon, as he disappeared - he looked up. Starting to talk with her through his own thoughts.
Where are you? Where are you? I'll show what it was like. you killed otousama. I know you did, you let okasama and I escape, because you knew she had no chance of living anyway! You lead those youkai to kill the whole town! Where are you so I can kill you?!
Impatient little boy. She laughed. Try to follow my prescence as a woman of honor, I promise to await you.
Toki started to run, clutching the dagger in his hand. Hakkai looked up as he killed another demon, he saw him running off. He gasped softly and called out. ''Toki-san! Matte kudasai! Abunai desu yo!''
''Let him do what he wants! '' Sanzo called as he kept shooting.
''Demo -''
''He's not a kid anymore, Hakkai.'' Gojyo said as he killed three more demons with his scythe. ''He can handle himself.'' Hakkai still felt uneasy. He looked at the direction worriedly.
''Eh.''
***
Toki ran to his left, his glare cutting through everything in sight.
You killed everyone I love.
I'm glad you're not dead.
I want to kill you with my own hands.
I want to see you bleed, and I want to know that I did it.
Okasama. Otousama. Oshisho-sama.
You were there to watch every single one of them die.
And while I held them in my arms while they were dying.
You watched us and you laughed.
Now it's my turn to smile.
It's my turn to laugh.
When I finally see you on the ground, bleeding, wanting to die.
Toki ran faster as these thoughts played repeatedly in his head. He stopped as he felt the prescence nearby. He looked around and then looked up. Scowling as he clutched the dagger tighter.
''I know you're here! Answer me! Where the hell are you?!''
There was no response for a few moments, he looked up as he heard the soft and playful laughter.
''Be patient, Amida-san.'' She said as she appeared before him. ''And if you must know, My name is Ming-Ue.'' She said as she looked at him.
''Fight me now, Ming-Ue. So I can kill you and get this over with.'' Toki said as he readied himself, clutching the dagger.
''Ii yo ne.'' she paused and smiled. ''Zannen desu ne. I would have wanted you both for myself. You and your older brother seem so beautiful. More beautiful than I could imagine any man to be.''
''Enough of that!'' Toki snapped as he looked up. ''Are you going to fight me or am I going to have to kill you and shut you up?''
''You're free enough to try.'' She looked up. ''I suppose if you want to die early, then I can't do anything to stop you.''
Ming-Ue laughed again as she jumped up, disappearing in a flash. Toki looked around, clutching his weapon tighter. His eyes widened as he was kicked hard - he landed on the ground, wincing as he sat up. He looked up and was kicked again, sending him flying and hitting a tree, slumping down as he winced.
She appeared a few steps away from him.
''You're lucky. If I wasn't so fond of you, I could have paralyzed you with just a kick.'' Toki slowly got up, wincing. He almost lost his balance but he wouldn't allow himself.
''I'm not going to die. Especially not by your hand. I won't be like one of your little toys!'' he yelled out as he attacked again, he was able to kick her and punch her, as she was blown back. She touched her cheek and laughed softly, gradually becoming louder and louder until Toki wanted to cover his ears - but he bore through the noise as she staggered, still laughing maniacally, loudly, filling the whole forest with the sounds of her laughter.
***
They all looked up. Hakkai glanced at Sanzo who was still shooting through a couple of youkai coming his way. ''Sanzo!'' he called.
''Let him handle it.'' Sanzo continued to say. Though he was trying his best to hide the fact that he was starting to wonder what happened.
''Sanzo! I'm going to him!'' Hakkai said as he ran off without another word.
''Oi, Hakkai!'' Gojyo called. ''Someone's gotta tell that guy to stop worrying.''
Sanzo looked at the direction that Hakkai ran. He started to think to follow as well. But he immediately shrugged it off. Turned back to the youkai running towards him.
***
Toki had still been trying to catch up to Ming-Ue. He had wounded her a few times, but never enough to keep her down. She laughed as she kicked him back again, sending him back a few steps. He got up every single time, looking around.
''Had enough, Amida-san?''
''Not until I see you bleeding, I haven't!''
He tried to attack again, but she kept getting away. She kicked him harder and laughed as he flew slightly up the air and landed on the ground. He cried out loudly and winced as he slowly got up still.
''You know one more blow can kill you, WILL kill you.'' Ming-Ue said as she looked at him.
''I told you I'm not going to die.'' Toki answered as he winced. He almost fell back but kept his balance. He couldn't lose strength now. She was here and now was his only chance.
''Ii desu ne. I'll finish this all now.'' she suddenly frowned, her cold eyes glaring at him. ''Who do you think you are, thinking you can tresspass here on my territory and kill me?'' she started to move forward. ''I'll show you with this final blow who you're dealing with.''
She started run, slowly her figure turned into nothing but a blur headed for him. He prepared himself, at this rate, he could stab her - and even if he did die, he did what he wanted to. Even if it was the last thing that he did before he died, he could be happy. He suddenly looked up as she jumped up, planning to kick him.
''Kore wa saigo desu!'' she cried out.
Just as Toki prepared himself to feel the impact, someone jumped before him, receiving the blow instead. They were both pushed back by the strong force. Toki looked up as the dust cleared.
''H-Hakkai-san!''
Hakkai winced slightly, Toki saw he kept his arms crossed in front of him, protecting himself from the kick and him as well. ''I heard her laughing and I got worried.'' Hakkai answered as he looked at him. ''Daijoubu desu ka, Toki-san?'' he asked.
Ming-Ue started to laugh again as she looked at them.
''More people for my trap. I'd like to see the five of you hanging, just to remind myself how beautiful human beings can be.''
''Maybe another time. But right now, I can't let you touch Toki-san with another finger.'' Hakkai said sternly as he looked at Ming-Ue.
''Cho-san. Your loyalty impresses me. Then again, you are a demon. Why aren't you with us? With all the power you have you can kill all of them.''
Hakkai laughed softly as he smirked slightly, still looking at her.
''I'm not so sure, Sanzo is pretty quick with his gun.''
''Join us.''
''I think I'll have to say no thank you.''
''Then die!''
She started to attack. Hakkai stretched out both his hands and an energy blast surged through, she had slightly got hit on the ankle as she jumped out of the way and landed on the ground. Toki glanced up, held his dagger and started to attack her as she tried to get up.
''Toki-san! Dame desu yo!''
''Shi-ne!!!''
Ming-Ue looked up, smirked and disappeared in a flash.
Toki stopped and looked up. ''Kisama! Get back here!''
''Now's not the right time to settle this fight, Amida-san, Cho-san. We'll finish this but not now. trust me, I will find you.''
As her prescence drifted away. Toki glanced up, and clenched his fists.
''Toki-san.'' Hakkai called softly as he approached him.
''She's gone again.'' he looked up and turned around. ''If you'd left me alone! I would have gotten her! I would have killed her!''
''She would have killed you, first.''
''Kisama!'' Toki punched Hakkai across the cheek, Hakkai slowly moved back. Looking at him in shock.
''Toki-san. gomen -''
''Don't apologize! Just stay away from me! - Just! -'' Toki couldn't finish his sentences as his injuries and aches started to take a toll on him. He stumbled back, wincing and weakening. Hakkai immediately caught him. ''Toki- san!'' he called. ''Shikari desu yo!''
Toki was weakening as he continued to try and push Hakkai away. ''Stay away - Stay away.'' his voice was only a whisper now as he lost his consciousness. Hakkai looked at him gently and sighed.
****
Visions came to him, the whole town burning down. The people were dying, blood soaked the ground and the smell of decaying flesh suffocated him. The house near the end of town was the most visible to him. He heard a familiar voice cry out in pain. Inside a young man of seventeen and his mother stared as a woman with ebony hair and eyes watched the father fall on his knees, two daggers plunged on his back and one through his neck. The mother immediately screamed loudly as she backed away, holding her son, who's blue eyes only watched as his father was dead, on his knees.
''Toki! Hurry! We have to escape!'' the mother cried.
He thought he could almost hear her thoughts.
Sei-kung. Li-Wei. Again.
This can't be happening.
I don't want to lose -
I don't want to lose my son again.
Toki must live.
There is no hope for me.
The young man watched as his mother's eyes filled with tears as they ran to escape.
Run all you can! But you won't make it out alive! The female voice called after them.
It was all black again and for an instant. He saw her dying face.
He saw her smile gently at him.
Live, Toki, Be stronger than I ever was.
You can't die here.
It was all black again. An elderly man about his forty's long brown hair and green eyes - robe and sutra. Smiled gently at him.
Toki. There are two ways of living. One is with purpose and one is without. If you chose to live with purpose, the best part about it is. you get to make that purpose for yourself.
Everyone will learn in time what they need to learn. I don't need to preach to them. And neither do I need to preach to you. Because I know you will, too.
Blood again was all over his hands. And before him was the man in the robe, bloodied and scarred. He knelt down before him and clutched a brown pouch in his hands.
Master. I'll find who did this to you.
And to my family.
You told me once about the two ways of living.
And I chose to live with purpose.
The purpose that I do what I have to do.
He looked up, seeing those dark black eyes. Her laughter soft, eventually, gradually getting louder, hurting his ears, his hands raised up to the side of his head, covering his ears - but the sound of her voice still getting through. He shut his eyes tightly.
***
''Toki-san. Toki-san.''
Toki immediately sat up, grabbing his dagger and aiming it at Hakkai's neck, his vision and thinking not clear at the moment.
''Toki-san, Oshitsuke kudasai yo. It's me.'' Hakkai said gently.
Toki took deep breaths, calming himself down as he lay back and put his dagger back under his pillow.
''Where are we?''
''We found an inn as soon as it all happened. And then since no one else wanted to do it.'' He laughed softly and looked at him. ''I treated your wounds immediately.''
Toki noticed his clothes hung over a chair. He looked at his arms and saw bandanges from his wrist to a few inches below his shoulder. Bandages around his waist even.
''Was I beat up that badly?'' he asked softly as he leaned back.
''I'm afraid so.''
Toki noticed the bruise on his cheek, it hit him suddenly that he had done that.
''I'm sorry about that.''
''About what?''
''I'm sorry I hit you.'' He said again, looking up. ''I guess I was too upset.''
Hakkai smiled gently and nodded. ''I understand. Sometimes, Sanzo can get angrier than that. So, I'm used to it.''
''Where is he anyway?''
''He's in his room, resting. He said for me to -'' Hakkai paused and laughed again. ''Why if I said so, I might get shot.''
''What did he say?'' Toki asked again.
''He told me to make sure that you're alright.''
Toki had to pause for a moment to digest the fact that Sanzo had just said that.
''Tell Satori - Sanzo that I'm sorry for causing the fuss.''
''He's not really angry.''
Hakkai paused and looked at him.
''You must really be angry at her. That fox demon.''
''She killed them. I should be. But it's nothing you should concern yourself about.''
''You and Sanzo have a lot more in common than you think.''
''He doesn't seem to like that idea.'' Toki said as he snorted.
''Sanzo maybe that way but. I think he does care for you.'' Hakkai smiled and sat by the chair on his side. ''Pretty much everyone's learned to watch each other's backs around here.'' He paused and smiled as he nodded. ''I'm doing it with you already.''
''Why were you worried?''
''Eh?''
''Why did you come? For all you knew it could have been a trap. She could have killed you.'' He looked at Hakkai as if eager for an answer. ''Why did you come for me? I could have -''
''You're a very good friend of mine, Toki-san.'' Hakkai said gently as he smiled kindly at him. ''I didn't want you hurt just like I don't want any of the others hurt.'' He laughed softly. ''I'm just like that, I guess.''
Toki paused and looked at him in surprise.
''Toki-san, if there's anything else I can do for you please let me know.'' Hakkai smiled as he got up and bowed. ''And if you do need anyone to talk to. Please feel comfortable to come to me. Sanzo and the other's might not be good at it much but. I assure you I can try my best.''
As Hakkai left, Toki watched in bewilderment. He still couldn't understand after he tried to help him, he had punched him and told him to stay away, that could have hurt any normal person and he would continue to be angry. But why was Hakkai so different? He was too kind, he couldn't fathom.
And outside as Hakkai walked off, Sanzo stood a few steps away from Toki's doorway, watching the brunette leave without a clue that he was there. He lit up a cigarette and started to walk off. His interest in seeing how Toki was doing had suddenly gone off.
~TSUZUKU~