Three posts in quick succession--have been meaning to add these to my journal for ages.
Originally posted to
saiyuki_time for the first 'bonus' challenge. (I love this comm., but have despaired of ever writing anything for it ever again since the rules were clarified to emphasize that one isn't supposed to think about the plot beforehand. I ruminated on this idea for *two days* before sitting down to write it, and even knowing exactly what was gonna happen, I still barely finished in time. I am not a fast *or* a spontaneous writer. *sigh*)
Title: Reborn
Author: freeradical9
Word Count: 435
Rating: R, for disturbing themes
Warnings: Worksafe, AU, dark. Spoilers for the end of Saiyuki Reload manga volume 7
Summary: Not everyone wants for their own eyes to be opened.
A/N: For the prompt Rebirth. Written just under the 30 minute time limit in three interrupted sections--10 min, 14 min, and 5 min.
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It was exactly as the youkai from the desert village had said.
“We’re not berserk-we’re born again.
“At first, it feels like something’s exploding in your head. You can’t push down the feelings that boil up inside you, so you kinda go nuts. It’s like a seizure, I guess. But when that’s calmed down and you wake up again….
“…It’s like the entire world is different.”
When Hakkai came back to himself, he was standing in the middle of a vast, empty plain. The night stars glittered overhead, while a cool breeze rifled through the long grasses. He was alone.
His limiters were gone. He was aware of this immediately. Other impressions followed. His feet were bare, his normally immaculate clothing was in tatters, and when he looked down at his claws, he saw on his hands the familiar dark shadow of blood.
It chilled him to realize that he had killed, and recently. …And he had no memory of who or how.
He had a sudden moment of clear recall, then. …Of looking down the barrel of Sanzo's gun. He blinked, and it was gone, but it left him cold and shaking. The Minus Wave had driven him to attack the others. Probably more than once.
Hakkai's forearms hurt. It was from deflecting Nyoi-bou's swing, he somehow knew. The bruises were already fading. Their last encounter had probably been two or three days ago, maybe more.
Was this what Goku felt like, when he woke up after his limiter was restored? …Able to sense memories behind the veil of amnesia, but unable to catch more than pale glimpses of what had occurred? Hakkai had always been sympathetic to Goku's plight, but had never truly understood until now.
Had they driven him off? …Or had he done the unthinkable and….
He flexed his claws, fisting them in a reflection of his desire to close his mind in denial. Something pulled at the base of his fingers. Upon closer examination, Hakkai saw fine threads tangled there. No, not threads--hair. It was impossible to see the color in the dim light, but he knew with sudden clarity that in daylight the strands would be red.
No.
His fickle memory paid no heed, but instead mocked him with the source. Gojyo on his knees, Hakkai’s clawed hand tangled in his long straight hair to wrench his head back, baring his throat for a killing stroke.
NO!!
Stunned and heartsick, Hakkai slumped down on the cool dew-laden grass. Try as he might, he could remember no more.
He lifted his face to the silent stars and howled.
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