Saiyuki: Blooming Reassurance
~Chapter Twelve~

Genjo Sanzo laid on his back, looking up at the ceiling. The inn was completely silent. Well, not completely silent. He could hear the loud snoring of Goku in the room beside his. Sanzo was surprised that anyone could sleep through that. He sighed as he closed his eyes allowing sleep to fall over him.

The door opened slowly. A figure stepped inside and walked over to Sanzo's bed. She looked at the sleeping monk. He wasn't a normal monk. He drank, cursed, and smoked. The moonlight shone through the window beside his bed. He looked so peaceful, like an angel almost. She bent over and kissed him on the cheek. She turned and walked out of the room hoping that Sanzo wouldn't wake up until she left the room.

Kori sat on the edge of her bed. She smiled as she remembered how soft his skin felt against her lips. She closed her eyes. All she saw was Sanzo lying there asleep in the black skintight leather he wore under his robes. She couldn't help but think dirty thoughts about him. She opened her eyes and knew that it wouldn't be hard for him to figure out that it was her that kissed him. (I don't care. I'm going through with my plan.)

******

"Gonou, I love your hands."
"Kanan, I'll protect you."
"Gonou..."
"KANAN!" Hakkai screamed, sitting up in bed gasping for air. (No matter how much I try, I can't forget)
"Hakkai?" Amerie said, sitting up. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing. Go back to sleep." He whispered.
"Tell me what's wrong." She said, looking at him.
"Kanan..." He whispered.
"Who's Kanan?"
"I couldn't protect her. I... couldn't..." Hakkai's voice was shaken. He couldn't finish what he was going to say. Amerie took him into her arms and held him. (Oh, Hakkai. Please, tell me what's wrong.) The door to their room opened.
"What's wrong?" Gojyo said, stepping inside.
"I don't know. He won't tell me. Gojyo, who's Kanan?"
"I can't tell you. Wait for him to tell you."
"Okay. Go back to bed. He'll be alright, I think."
"Hakkai can be like this sometimes. Just comfort him."
"I will." Amerie said with a nod. She watched Gojyo walk out of the room and the door closed behind him.

******

"What's up?" Kori asked, standing outside her room.
"He had another dream, didn't he?" Sanzo asked.
"Yeah." Gojyo nodded.
"Does Amerie--"
"No. I didn't tell her."
"What's going on?" Kori demanded.
"We can't tell you, Kori. Not yet." Sanzo said, looking at her.

******

Morning came. Amerie still held Hakkai. He was still awake. He couldn't sleep even if he wanted to. Whenever he would close his eyes, he would see Kanan. Amerie tried her best to make him feel somewhat better, but she knew she couldn't. There were a few knocks on the door.

"Come in." She said.
"How is he?" Sanzo asked, walking in.
"No better. I've never seen him like this, Sanzo."
"Like Gojyo, I can't tell you. There's not much more you can do really. He'll be fine though, Amerie."

Amerie only nodded. Sanzo walked out of the room closing the door behind him. Hakkai's arms wrapped tighter around her. She kissed the top of his head. (Please, Hakkai. Please tell me.) Hakkai didn't know if he could ever tell Amerie. Tell her about Kanan and everything that happened that night.

"Hakkai." She said, gently raising his face with her hand. He couldn't look her in the eye. "Like you told me before. Whatever happened in the past, I don't care. I really don't. You don't have to tell me anything, if you don't to. All I want you to know is, I love you and I'll never leave you. I'll be by your side forever. I promise."
There were a few minutes of silence then Hakkai spoke up. "I once thought that I could never hold anyone again, Amerie. Then, you came into my life. You've given me happiness. But I cannot escape my past. It's always there."
"I know, Hakkai. I know." Amerie whispered.

******

Kougaiji stood on the cliff overlooking the town the Sanzo party were staying in. He was pretty sure Amerie would have enough strength to travel. He was still furious at Ni and Koushu for doing that to Amerie. He knew if Amerie ever saw Ni again, she would kill him.

******

"Kazou." Koushu said, as he walked into the room.
"Lady Koushu. What is your bidding?" He said, bowing towards her.
"Kill the Sanzo party and get that Scripture!" Koushu ordered.
"Yes." Kazou said, walking out of the room.