In the remotest possibility of anyone still keeping up with this piece of fanfic, my apologies for the very late update. Truth was, my laptop got snitched and there went the next 5 – 6 chapters of my carefully typed out story. Kinda demoralizes someone, I'll say, especially when that someone has no backup of it nor any original manuscript. And so, after retyping the chapter out using bits and pieces of what I can remember, here's the next chappie – just testing the waters here to see if there's anyone still looking forward to the ending, otherwise it's RIP for me – Retire In Peace.
Only after Sanzo had been carefully installed in one of the inn's best room and his injuries tended to by the only village doctor who had been sent in a tearing hurry, did Hakkai allow himself to rest his weary limbs. He watched silently, together with Gojyo and a restless Goku, as the doctor probed and poked about in what looked like to be a very painful manner. Sanzo remained deathly pale and did not stir even once throughout the entire process. And for someone who could slap away gods conducting blood transfusions on him even in unconsciousness, that was definitely not a good sign. The doctor's findings had confirmed Hakkai's judgments; there was serious internal bleeding that could only be patched up indirectly through herbs and other medicinal plants. He finally withdrew reluctantly from the patient's side after a long tedious hour.
"I've done all I can for the priest," he remarked quietly, a hint of somberness creeping into his voice even as he spoke. There was a slight hesitation on his part before he continued in the same quiet voice. "In all honesty, his situation is quite serious. If the internal bleeding doesn't cease within the next couple of hours, the consequences might be…..critical." He couldn't bring himself to mention the word which had been lingering in his mind. Fatal. Not while the kid's eyes were peering at him tearfully and the other guy wringing his hands in near despair. His gaze fell upon the seemingly expressionless face of the red-haired guy, but years of experience could easily discern the immense worry lurking behind those red orbs. The old doctor sighed as he ran a weary hand through his graying hair almost unconsciously. This was the part of his job which he hated the most.
"I'll be coming in to check on him every hour or so, but call for me immediately if there are any new developments." He paused for a second, and his grizzly tone changed into one much gentler. "Have faith in him. That's the least you can do right now."
Gracious even in his current disoriented state, Hakkai politely showed the doctor to the door, then leaned back heavily against it as it clicked shut. The wave of helplessness washing over him brought back strong memories. Unpleasant memories. Memories he wanted to be rid off forever. But now they returned with a sudden intensity, the dread, the hopelessness, the despair, all threatening to overwhelm him and steer him towards the brink of insanity. He couldn't face another death, not another one……….He was abruptly jolted back into reality when a heavy hand fell upon his shoulder. Without turning, Hakkai immediately knew who it was. Gojyo. Pulling him back from the recesses of his mind once again. Hakkai shot him a grateful look, to which he replied with a small knowing smile. There was no need for words. After years of bunking together, Gojyo had learnt to recognize the signs, and was getting better at putting a lid on those insecurities each time they were stirred.
"I must have zoned out again, huh?" The words came out shaky, but Hakkai was relieved to note that he sounded normal.
"Zoning out would be an understatement. More like 'Driving myself cuckoo by dredging up whatever painful memories in the past that I can think of".
That earned him a wan smile from Hakkai, who seemed relieved Gojyo didn't push the matter further like he did on several occasions. "Thanks, Gojyo. And I really mean it."
"Glad to be of help. Though I must say I'm getting tired of having to haul your ass back to this world every time that happens." All this was said with a good-natured grin and Hakkai couldn't help the tiny smile that slipped out of him. His frame of mind quickly returning to normal, he glanced over at Sanzo who was still looking uncharacteristically at peace and frowned when his gaze fell upon Goku. The boy was quiet, too quiet, and remained crouched over his master like a faithful dog unwilling to part from its owner. Shock, was Hakkai's first thought as he placed a comforting hand on Goku's arm.
"Goku?" ventured Hakkai quietly when it was clear that no reaction was forthcoming. He had to repeat himself a second time before Goku turned vacant, unseeing eyes in his direction. And Hakkai shuddered at the look of them. There was not the slightest hint of recognition within those staring eyes. It was as if all spirit within the boy had died, a complete shut down of the mind, body and soul, leaving behind only an empty shell oblivious to all that was happening around him. And a far cry from the cheerful, bouncy personality they had all come to appreciate and love.
"Goku, listen to me! Sanzo is going to be alright, he's going to pull through this. Goku?" Hakkai exchanged worried looks with Gojyo when the boy remained unresponsive. They were still not getting through to him.
A brown arm suddenly snaked around Goku's neck, encircling him in a firm head-lock and catching him completely off guard. They remained in this position for a couple of seconds before Goku struggled to free himself from the surprisingly strong grip.
"Stop it, ero-kappa." The words came out flat and monotonous, but the 'ero-kappa' which slipped out gave them a little hope.
"Goku, you have to listen to me. Sanzo will never give up without a fight, he can pull through this. And what we can do is believe in him. It's not the time to be having doubts, or scaring yourself over uncertainties." The soft but firm tone seemed to be working. There was still a haunted look in those eyes, but anything was better than those blank unstaring ones. And then Goku's lips began to quiver as he struggled to restrain the raw emotions that were threatening to burst out of him.
Gojyo heaved a sigh of relief as Goku finally collapsed into Hakkai' arms, shaking with uncontrolled sobs. This Hakkai could deal with. His gaze involuntarily shifted back towards the priest, and he suddenly shivered to think of the consequences if Sanzo somehow did not make it. Hakkai would probably lose it, blaming himself entirely for Sanzo's demise, while Goku would literally become a walking zombie. And as for himself, well, he'll rather not go into that just yet. He continued staring at the still, unmoving form of the priest, silently willing him to wake up, yell a few curses or let loose a few gunshots, and put everything right again. They all needed him. There was no denying it.