Night Rain

Chapter 13

Amaya stretched her left arm over her head, rolling her shoulder as she did. She moved the joint back and forth for a moment and grimaced from the pain. The muscles were stiff from lack of movement. With her other hand, she fingered the bandage that covered the bullet hole. She knew her arm would never have its former range of motion. She'd have to retrain to accommodate for the handicap. She lowered her arm to her side, wincing slightly as she did.

She dug her hand into a jean pocket, fingers curling around a fresh pack of smokes. She pulled it out, shook one out and stuck it in her mouth. She patted her pockets down, searching for a lighter. A flame appeared before her. Amaya smiled around the cigarette before leaning forward and lighting the tip. She breathed in deeply, inhaling the nicotine.

"Thanks," she said as she looked up. Gojyo smiled down at her.

"Any time, babe."

"Guess I need to pick up one of those." She exhaled slowly, the smoke traveling in wisps toward the bright blue sky. Gojyo tossed her the disposable lighter. She caught it with her good arm.

"Keep it."

"Yeah?"

The half-demon leaned forward. He snaked his arm around her shoulder, being careful of her injury, taking her into his confidence. He bent low. "It's Sanzo's," he whispered in her ear.

"He's gonna kill you when he finds out."

"Then let's hope he doesn't find out

"Who doesn't find out about what?" Goku asked as he came bouncing out of the inn, Sanzo following at a slower pace.

"We're leaving," the priest announced, his hard gaze passing out each of the three other men in turn. He stopped at Amaya.

"So what will you do now, Amaya?" Hakkai asked. Amaya turned to the demon, the smile falling from her lips. She took a long drag of her cigarette.

"I still can't remember everything. I don't know where that castle is. If I did, that bitch would be dead inside the week," she spit out, venom in her voice. "I would do that job for free." Goku and Gojyo were wide-eyed when she looked up. Hakkai had one eyebrow raised. Sanzo just looked at her, seemingly bored. Amaya cleared her throat.

"Anyway, I have things that need to be attended to. I've been away for too long. My reputation might be slipping, and I can't have that."

"Will we ever see you again?" Goku piped up, his golden eyes huge.

Hakkai let out a slightly nervous chuckle. "I don't mean this the wrong way, Amaya, but I hope we don't see you again."

Amaya just smiled. She flicked the cherry of her cigarette to the ground, grinding it out with the tip of her boot. She was about to throw the roach after it, but one look from Hakkai made her pocket it. "You might see me around. My work takes me to many places. But I made a promise, even if only to myself. I won't take a contract for you four."

"You could come with us," Gojyo suggested. "You're a good fighter, and we could someone as pretty as you traveling with us. That way I don't have to look at these ugly mugs the whole way there. Ow!"

Sanzo smacked him upside the back of his head with his fan. He glared at the redhead before turning violet eyes toward Amaya, daring her to say yes. Amaya returned his stare.

"I can't," she answered Gojyo, still staring at Sanzo.

"We should be going," Hakkai interrupted. He hugged the demon assassin lightly. "Take care."

"You too."

She hugged by Gojyo and Goku in turn, each wishing her well. Goku crushed her a little too hard, causing Amaya to yelp in pain. The teen blushed, offered a quick apology, and rushed to where Hakkai and Gojyo waited with the jeep. Amaya turned her attention to Sanzo. He was patting his robes for a lighter. Amaya smiled and produced the one Gojyo gave her, lighting his cigarette and another for herself. She tucked the lighter back into a jean pocket.

"Was that mine?" Sanzo asked, eyeing it as it disappeared into the fabric.

"Gojyo gave it to me," Amaya replied truthfully.

"That bastard. I should kill him."

They stood a moment in silence, each smoking a cigarette. Amaya wasn't sure what to say.

"At least I won't have to give you any more cigarettes," Sanzo finally broke the silence. Amaya laughed.

"You could have left me."

"Hakkai wouldn't let me."

"You could have killed me."

"Next time I will."

"Sanzo…"

"Yeah, yeah, you're welcome and whatever." He turned to leave, but paused and looked over his shoulder.

"Don't get yourself killed. I didn't go through all the trouble of saving your sorry ass for you to go and die."

Amaya smiled. "You too." She stood in front of the inn, watching as the priest took his spot next to Hakkai. She watched as they drove away, Goku waving an enthusiastic goodbye. Amaya waved back before dropping her hands into her pockets. She watched until she couldn't see the jeep anymore. After taking one last long drag from her smoke, she turned and began walking in the opposite direction. She stopped at the edge of town and glanced back over her shoulder.

"Go kill that bitch for me, guys. I'll watch your back from here."

The End

AN: Thanks to everyone who read. Double thanks and cookies to everyone who reviewed. Hope you guys enjoyed reading because I certainly enjoyed writing. ~safarigirl