On The Road Again

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It was now mid autumn. The beautiful colours of the season
never failed to entrance Mei. She would soon be twenty. She had gone home twice
over the time since she had come to live and work here. In fact her last visit
was only three months ago. It was good to be home with mother and father. They
never questioned her decision to leave home. As long as she was happy and safe
they were fine with any decisions she made for herself. The only thing she did
not like was the traveling. It really took a lot out of her. Four or five days,
it took by bus. Well buses. It was kind of like gambling as you were never sure
if you could get the next connection in time. So yes it was really tiring. Mei
and her parents relied mainly on the post to keep in touch. So it was a little
odd to receive the letter when she’d only got one three days ago. It was not
good news. Her father had had a bad fall compounded with the fact that he had
taken ill with fever too. Mei knew she had to go home.

She informed Mrs Lee, who insisted that it was alright for
her to go. Mei was even given a little money towards her oncoming journey and
extra for any medical help she would need to pay for once she got home. Mrs Lee
was unrelenting when Mei said that it was too much. So finally she accepted it
with good grace. She packed some things and decided that she had to tell her
two best friends. She could not go without saying goodbye. The letter sounded
serious and in any case she did not want her mother to have to cope with this
by herself.

So she rushed over to Hakkai’s and Gojyo’s. She was flushed
and panicked (cursing for the first time the fact that they lived so far away
from town). Add to that the worry about her father and feeling sad at having to
say goodbye. She was on the verge of tears when she arrived at the house. So
when Gojyo answered the door, Mei could not help herself, but just flung
herself at him and broke down in sobs.

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Now Gojyo cannot stand the tears of anyone. Unsure of
himself, he just put his arms around her and just held her till her crying
subsided.

“’M’ sorry,” she sniffed. She was about to launch into her
explanation, when tears threatened again, so she just held out her mother’s
letter to him and sat down on the front doorstep.

“So when are you going?”

“I have to get back soon as there is a bus leaving town this
evening”

“You can’t go without saying ‘bye to Hakkai”

“You’ll have to tell him for me” she was beginning to panic
again; she had already wasted too much time coming here. “I can’t stop long”.

“Yes you can. You wait here till he gets back and then we’ll
see what we can do eh!”

She could not understand what he was trying to tell her. She
had a bus to catch, and Gojyo wanted her to wait.

“Hakuryu silly!” he laughed at her. Not unkindly though,
just trying to lighten her spirits a little. She still looked uncomprehendingly
at him. He explained gently, “I will ask Hakkai if we can take you in Hakuryu”.

Mei had been told of the amazing shape-shifting little
dragonet, but had never seen him ‘in action’ as it were. She was very uncertain
about the whole idea and was really impatient to go, but it would be nice as
she did not relish the idea of battling the buses again so soon. So she allowed
herself to be ushered into the kitchen, and pushed into a chair. As she sat,
Gojyo set about boiling water for tea. When the drinks were ready he handed a
cup of tea to her and with a mug of coffee for himself he pulled up a chair
opposite her. As they waited, he told her that Hakuryu was quite possessive
about Hakkai, and that he even had the sneaky suspicion that sometimes it was
Hakuryu who was master over Hakkai. Gojyo whispered conspiratorially to Mei
that he was certain that the dragon did not like him and only suffered his
presence because of his friendship with Hakkai. Hakuryu was out catching rats
or something at this time of the day, but Gojyo said you still had to be
careful what you said about him, or the little dragon might nip at you or burn
you with a flame! She had to laugh he was so comically serious about it. He
smiled at that. Much better he thought.

The shadows were long by the time Hakkai got home and as
soon as he saw Mei sat in the kitchen with Gojyo he knew that something was
amiss.

“What’s wrong?”

“My father is ill and I need to go to him” she blurted out.

“And I said that you…er…I …or we…could take her!” Gojyo said
as if it were so wrong to suggest such a thing.

“But of course! We will go together” Hakkai giving them one
of his lovely smiles. Thinking it was just like Gojyo to step in and volunteer.
This was one instance however that it really was the right thing to do.
Although in Gojyo’s head whenever he stepped into situations to help…it was
always right even if it did get him and Hakkai along with him into trouble. He
sighed. Such was the nature of the man and Hakkai would not have any other way.

“I have to make some stops in town first to explain a leave
of absence” he said “after we have packed.”

Mei was ready to start crying again from relief though this
time, but.

“Just please don’t cry” Gojyo pleaded “there’s no reason to
now is there?”

She sniffed and rubbed at her eyes “okay” she said smiling
as she looked up.

“So you just sit here and finish your tea young lady while
we get our things together,” Hakkai stood there waving his index finger at her
with eyebrows arched over his glasses. This elicited a giggle from the girl.

“That’s much better” Gojyo quipped.

“And you” Hakkai snapped pointing at the other man “no
dawdling. Pack now. Hakuryu! Please as to be so kind as to transform”. He marshalled them all into action. Hakuryu, who was already home
by now, took himself outside and complied. As the flurry of activity buzzed
around her she drank her tea and took the time to calm herself.

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It was dusk before they actually set off. Hakkai had asked
if Mei wanted to wait till the morning, or at least have dinner first. But Mei
declined saying they could take something to eat along the way. She just really
wanted to be on their way.

“Don’t worry Mei! Eh, Hakkai it’ll just be like the good ol’
days.” Gojyo was sat in the back. “This feels really like a school trip…at
least we won’t have to battle any mad youkai assassins, and no Saru or corrupt
priest to annoy me either.”

“Ahahaha!” was all the answer he got from the driver’s seat.

They drove off in silence. They made a few stops around town
as Hakkai said he had to. By his reckoning they would arrive at Mei’s home by
the third night. The roads were much better than they were ten years ago. For
Gojyo it was good to be on the open road again with the wind blowing on his
face and whipping up his hair behind him. He put a hand on Hakkai’s shoulder
and gave it reassuring squeeze and long slim fingers closed over it briefly
before he let go. As Hakkai adjusted the wing mirror he caught Gojyo’s eyes and
gave him a quiet smile.

They were making good progress and Hakkai had now been
driving for four hours straight. So it was time to stop really, he needed the
rest. He had found a river nearby with a picnic area to stop by. Deserted at
this time of the night, it was a good place as any. They had a small dinner
which Mei had help pack, and then settled to sleep for the night. In the back
of jeep Hakkai laid a mat and sheet for Mei to sleep on. He also gave her a
little coverlet for a blanket. He said he was fine sleeping up front with
Gojyo.

Mei was about to protest as he needed to stretch his legs
more than her, but decided against it when she caught a ‘polite’ look from him
which would brook no argument.  She hadn’t realized how exhausted she was
herself; wrung out from being in an emotional washing machine. Soon she was
lulled into a dreamless sleep by the hushed tones of quiet conversation from
the front. 

She was first to awake and morning’s first rays had yet to
break the horizon. In the dawn’s still dark she could see the two figures
slumped together. Hakkai’s slim form leant into Gojyo’s angular frame. Gojyo’s
left arm supporting Hakkai’s head and neck. And even their breathing, the
steady rising and falling of their chests seemed to be in some sort of harmony.
She climbed out the back trying not to disturb the sleeping pair. They made
slumber in a cramped space look comfortable. In the dim light she could just
make out their faces. It was reassuring to see that Gojyo still had the faint
remnants of a smirk just touching the corners of his mouth. A sharp contrast to
Hakkai’s delicate features, calm in its serenity. Mei noticed the intertwined
fingers of clasped hands on Hakkai’s lap. Suddenly she felt an intruder
although she was glad for this rare glimpse into another aspect of who these
two men were. And she left them to their moment.

She went off to the river side, to freshen up. She wiped her
face with a little washcloth and then she run wet fingers through her hair. She
stretched trying to take the kinks out of last nights sleep. She then settled
herself on a seat with a comb and began to card it through her hair.

“You have beautiful hair” Mei jumped a little as Hakkai’s
voice broke into her thoughts. She was halfway through braiding it into a
single thick plait. She silently finished and tied it off with a length of
black cord.

“I knew someone once along time ago with hair as thick and
as long as yours. Different colour though” he continued wistfully. It did not
hurt so much now to remember. He would always remember, but maybe he had come
to believe that time would heal all wounds. Eventually. Perhaps. Hakkai shook
his head as if to clear his thoughts.

“Well I’ll make coffee first and if you can wait we can get
breakfast in a village near here” he suggested.

“Did you sleep alright Mei?” asked Gojyo who had by now
sauntered over sleepily.

“Yes thank you for letting me sleep in the back”

“Don’t mention it” Gojyo just waved her off.

Gojyo joined Mei where she was sat just watching Hakkai
expertly do everything. She looked round to him and smiled.

“You just let him do all this stuff huh?”  

“Nah! He just thinks I’m incompetent. ’Sides he enjoys all
this mother hen stuff. It’s a habit he picked up from way before, and you know
old habits die hard.”

“You know you guys have really been kind and you didn’t have
to do all this for me you know” Mei started to say.

“That’s okay. S’what friends are for” Gojyo cut in before
she could say anymore, handed her a hot mug of coffee.

“This way we get to know that you have arrived safely and
perhaps we may even be able to offer some help” Hakkai added.

“See! There you go. The master has spoken” Gojyo was stood
up now bowing low as his right hand acknowledged Hakkai.

Mei looked at the both of them for a minute and had to
laugh. “You guys are just too funny” she commented.

They arrived at the village two hours later, where after a
quick breakfast and with something to take away for lunch; they were on the
road again. Hakkai said he was alright to drive on straight through till lunch.
Ignoring jibes from the lanky one about being a hero and wearing himself out. They
both knew that Hakkai had driven himself (literally and figuratively) over the
edge in conditions far worse than a nice cool autumn day. As Hakkai had said
that they would arrive at Mei’s home the evening after that, he had planned to
stop off at an inn for the night. On the maps he had there should be one at
just the right place. And as good as his word they found themselves in the
reception area of a nice fairly sizable inn. It was well run and clean. They
had managed to get two rooms; one for Mei and another for Hakkai and Gojyo to
share.

The place was all a bustle and many of the rooms were taken
up. According to the innkeeper it was the Harvest Moon festival. Indeed the
place was festooned with lanterns. Big ones, small ones, in all sorts of shapes
and in every colour. There were vendors lining the streets selling more
lanterns, souvenirs and mooncakes. Mooncakes with egg yolk in them, some
without and filled with all types of sweet fillings. Red bean, yam, lotus seed
and ginkgo nut with regular pastry or the harder-to-make snow skin pastry
white, soft and delicate. The dulcet sounds of erhu and small drums filled the
air mingling with the aroma of the sugary delicacies. Hakkai suggested that
they get cleaned up and changed before having dinner. And then they could step
out and have a look at the festivities. He liked a good festival, and he loved
red bean mooncakes.

Mei was about to say no, as she couldn’t think of enjoying
the festival whilst her father was sick.

“Look, you’ll arrive home when you do. You can worry too.
But you can’t do much out here, so you may enjoy yourself a little. Besides it
is your birthday soon and we won’t get to celebrate it with you, so now is as
good a time as any!” Gojyo stopped to take a breath.

Mei looked from one to the other of the men. Hakkai had a
small smile on his face with eyes that said; He’s right you know. After
a moment’s hesitation she smiled at them both,

“Alright I will see you both downstairs for dinner then”

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Later on Mei Hou was glad to have come out. It was nice, and
she was happy in their company. The night rang with the sound of laughing
children, vendors shouting their wares and the murmur of people coming and
going. The crowd seemed to be heading to the village centre where a fountain
stood. Curious they followed. A small raised platform with a colourful tent
over it on four poles with small lanterns adorning the plastic from pole to
pole. And music. It was foreign music. She wasn’t sure where the music was
from, but there were couples dancing to a tune with a quick beat. They had been
watching for some minutes when suddenly Gojyo made a grab for her wrist and
pulled her onto the dance floor. She was blushing and whispered embarrassed to
him “I don’t know how to dance.”

“It’s okay I don’t either. Just follow my lead and I promise
I won’t let you fall” Gojyo laughed, deep bells ringing and his eyes glowed
with merriment, as he twirled the poor girl round and round. Liar she
thought as they bobbed up and down the floor. Out of the corner of her eye, she
saw Hakkai. He had an odd look on his face. She thought no more of it as she
continued being pulled here and there into the fray.

And up and down the people go

Gazing where the lilies grow

…

Hear a song that echoes cheerly

From the river winding clearly

…

A magic web with colours gay

…

Or when the Moon was overhead

…

“I am half sick of shadows,” said

…

Out flew the web and broken wide

The mirror cracked from side to side

…

Mei slipped from Gojyo’s grasp and whirled round toward
Hakkai “Your turn,” she giggled as she made a grab for him. Her hand clasped
his long slim fingers. Although hesitant (at first) Hakkai was quite graceful.
The music had changed in tempo to a slow measured one. A waltz he had said. But
slow did not necessarily mean easier and she had to concentrate hard to follow
Hakkai’s lead. Ha had his other hand round her waist.

“You’re concentrating too hard. Relax a little” he
instructed her.

Soon the music and dancing came to an end and the crowd as
well as participants gave applause. Flushed Mei stepped down from the platform
looking for Gojyo with Hakkai half a step behind. She saw him heading towards
them through the press of people.

“Sorry. You were enjoying yourself so I went off to look
around for something” he said as he caught up with them.

“Time to go back I think” Hakkai said as he came up behind
them.

“Yes,” she agreed. She was getting worn out and the evening
too seemed to be coming to an end. Even the lanterns now looked tired and
dimmed. Together they made their way back in silence. When they got to the door,
Mei realized she had one arm linked with the brunette’s arm and the other hand
in the red head’s hand. Suddenly shy and uncertain, she pulled away blushing
furiously.

“Good night,” she could hardly breathe. She stood quiet for
a few seconds then turned to face them “Thank you for a lovely evening” before
making good her escape up to the sanctuary of her room.

The two men slightly amused, on the other hand just slowly
took the stairs to their rooms probably talking about the weather and Hakkai eating snow skin red bean mooncakes from a paper bag.

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Author’s notes:

[1] Mid autumn festival, or Harvest Moon festival, also
called the moon cake festival occurs on the 15th day of the 8th
month according to the Chinese Lunar Calendar. The date on a western calendar
varies from year to year, and can fall on anything between the last weeks in
August to the end of September.     

[2] Poetry here is quoted from “The Lady of Shalot” by
Alfred Lord Tennyson. Read it if you can find it folks very angst-ridden and
romantic… I guess a few of you out there may like it if you haven’t already
read it.

[3] I hope there are people who like this even if it tends
towards the mundane and menial. As always I am learning. Thank you for reading.