Title: Human Emotion
Category: Action, Ecchi
Type: Feudal Japan
Rating: OT
Warning(s): Suggestive Content/Sexual Undertone, Language, Violence
Disclaimer: Nope! Dada!
-.-.-.-
Crushing, infuriated footsteps rattled off the temple walls. Each step was piercingly thunderous, getting only more painful as it got to its victim.
"NARAKU!"
A long moment of silence passed. Bankotsu did not bulge an inch. "I know you're there, you shit for brains monkey."
From within the shadows a low cackling sounded. "Kukukuku. Bankotsu, must you make so much noise in my temple? It is well after midnight and my maids and priests are fast asleep.
The young warrior gave the dark man a hard glare before opening his mouth. "Heh. Maids? Priests?! Those bastards have long since been dead. You keep their bodies preserved only as vessels. Don't pull that crap with me."
"My, observant as always, my dear leader of the former Shichinintai."
Bankotsu's face slightly stiffened. "Naraku! Stop playing these stupid games with me! You know what I want!"
A small smile crept up onto the youthful lord's face. "How could I possibly know that, Bankotsu? I can't read minds."
"Look," Bankotsu began, grabbing a hold of the Naraku human lord mimic's neck, "we can do this two ways. I think you know the rest."
Naraku only sneered at Bankotsu.
"Listen, you goddamn ape! Right now, I am in control. Without me, your stupid plan would fall. Either you resurrect him now, or your game plan falls apart."
Naraku gave Bankotsu a serious look. "And how do I know that you won't leave after he's been resurrected?"
Bankotsu let his grip on Naraku's neck free and took a step back. "You don't but you're smart enough to know that I really want the entire Shichinintai back. Unfortunately, the Shichinintai has more than one member so I'd have to play your damn game for a long while."
"Don't you remember what your comrade Renkotsu did to you? To Jakotsu?"
"I know that the feared Shichinintai of the past will never be back to its fullest potential but I'm willing to die trying."
Cackling slightly, Naraku let out a bitter snicker. "No matter what you do, every time I look at you, you appear more and more human in my eyes."
Bankotsu raised his eyebrow. "And did I ever tell you that I wasn't? I'm not like you, who strove to be a demon so much that he sold his body to starving lesser youkai. I just want to be powerful and fight alongside my comrades."
Stilling his laughter, Naraku responded, "Give me one good reason why I should resurrect Jakotsu of the Shichinintai?"
Bankotsu looked at Naraku for a solid, still moment, before a curved smirk latched onto his face. "Because, although stupid, this game of yours is somewhat fun."
Naraku's mouth twisted into a demented grin. "Why, Bankotsu! You were so against this in the beginning! Why the change of heart?" Naraku side glanced at Bankotsu. "Could the Shichinintai leader of legend, the merciless slayer of demons and men alike, have a small feeling of pity for the bitch's bitch?"
Bankotsu scowled. "You'd like that, wouldn't you?"
Naraku simply grinned. "Well, then, you don't seem the kind to lie when your brothers' lives are on the line. I believe I can… trust your intentions. For now, anyways."
The mercenary arched his eyebrow in question.
"Jakotsu of the Shichinintai will be resurrected by the sun's set today. Prepare the world for his coming."
Without another word, Bankotsu whipped around and walked out of the black gates of Naraku's fortress.
-.-.-.-
"Don't worry Kagome! Inuyasha will be over it! He's just jealous!"
"That's what Shippou would say right now."
Kagome sighed as her kneeled form dropped another tiny gray-blue pebble into the crystalline pond. The tiny colorful koi scattered away from the pebble's slow landing.
Almost a week has passed since that day.
Kagome recalled those wretched, but vivid memories.
"I hate you," Kagome growled.
Bankotsu sneered. "If I had my way, you'd do much more than hate me."
When Kagome began kicking at him, he pressed his body against hers. "Kagome," he purred, "I know that you desire me."
"I do not! I would sooner die!"
"Then begin preparing your coffin, babe."
Splitting her knees, he pushed himself fully against her core, making her squeak. His free hand began to massage her thigh, moving ever so slightly up. His eyes locked with hers, silently challenging her.
With his shining cerulean eyes staring deep into hers, he spoke. "You know you do."
His hand trailed up until it disappeared under her skirt. When Kagome hitched her breath and tossed her head back with a strangled moan, he sneered. "See hanyou? I think both of your thoughts on your relationship are mutual; she doesn't see you the same way either."
Kagome frowned bitterly. He had touched her. He touched her in a way that only Inuyasha was supposed to. The Inuyasha that was going to be with her, not Kikyou. How could she rightfully call herself a virgin after that incident? She still hadn't had sex yet but the action was so impure it was probably worse than the intercourse itself.
"Damn you, Bankotsu. I despise you," Kagome snarled bitterly.
At that moment, the earlier memory came back into her mind to re-play.
"I hate you," Kagome growled.
Bankotsu sneered. "If I had my way, you'd do much more than hate me."
Kagome shuddered.
Ever since that day, everyone in the Inu-tachi had been avoiding her. After Inuyasha came back from the mercenary hunt fruitless, he was so pissed off he didn't even want to look at her, let alone talk to her. He apparently believed everything his eyes, and nose, told him. Sango kept sending her emotional pity glances and she didn't speak to her as much anymore. Kagome did not want Sango's pity; she wanted her best friend back, especially now that she had lost Inuyasha's trust. Shippou, well, Shippou would have spent more time with her, trying to cheer up his mother figure, but every chance Shippou tried to cheer her up, Inuyasha would tell him to stay away from her. If Shippou refused, Inuyasha got up and took the young pup into the forest to go hunt for some wild animals for food. Amazing how before, it was a fight and a half to get Inuyasha to do anything useful around the campsite and now the group rarely saw the short-tempered hanyou.
The only one that seemed to care for her anymore was Miroku. He still teased her and he was still her friend. In fact, since the incident, he actually spent more time with her now than before. He was being the lending shoulder that Sango used to be. But Kagome couldn't help but wonder what the mysterious monk really thought of her and the display that Bankotsu did.
He probably thinks I'm a slut just like the rest of them do.
Kagome wanted to cry.
Damn that fucking lecherous mercenary. Why'd he have to do that right in front of everyone, in front of Inuyasha? Was it just to stake some fucking claim?
The tears that Kagome tried so desperately to hold back rolled down her soft, blistering cheeks.
All my friends are against me now. Is this what he's trying to do? Ruin me?
Kagome hiccupped a few times.
"Boo!"
And fell into the cool pond water.
"Eeep!" Kagome cried as she went splat into the water, the tadpoles and fishes scurrying away from the odd and large obstacle.
Kagome lifted her sopping head from the now murky pond water, little plants daggling from her obsidian hair and droplets hanging from her dark eyelashes. Her face had turned a furious red, from the crying or the embarrassment, one could not tell.
"MIROKU!!!!!"
Well, it could have been from anger, too.
Kagome got up from the shallow pond and flopped over to where a grinning monk clothed in dark violet was.
Smack.
"Ouch."
Miroku gazed across at the sopping wet girl. Inside, he smiled, despite his new but not rare injury.
"Ah, Kagome-san, was that really necessary?"
Glaring at him demonically, Kagome cried out a loud, "Of course, you idiot! Because of you and your dumb prank, I fell into the water!"
Instead of saying anything, Miroku just stuck his tongue out at her, a habit he got from the normally bubbly schoolgirl. That action must not have been correctly used in this situation, he realized, because another bump grew from his head.
Miroku pretended to pout.
And Kagome laughed for the first time that day.
-.-.-.-
"I…"
"Hate…"
"RABBITS!!"
Bankotsu cried out as yet another damn rabbit scurried into its hole. Bankotsu ran up to the hole, and, pulling his sleeve back, jabbed his arm down the hole. The only result of that was a bleeding hand, two small punctures on his bare hand.
"Rabbits are a bitch to catch! Fuckin' monkey, Naraku! I should make him catch my food!" Bankotsu sat crossed legged next to the tiny hole in the ground and began to pout.
"I thought I was a zomibeeeeee," Bankotsu whined, "Zombies aren't supposed to get hungryyyyyyyyy…" His comment was contradicted by the loud objection of his stomach. "Oh, shut up."
A small white and brown head popped out of the hole and blinked its hazel eyes at the mercenary. Its whiskers twitched a bit.
Bankotsu noticed the delicious morsel popping its head from the ground. He could practically taste it. Delicious, cooked, rabbit with seasonings and herbs roasted to perfection. A small bit of drool escaped from his mouth.
"That's it, you little shit!" Bankotsu jumped up, suddenly motivated again. "I'm going to eat you!"
The rabbit blinked blankly at the very animated boy.
"Ahem!" Bankotsu began. He picked up Banryuu and pointed it at the rabbit's furry forehead. "Fear me, you idiotic rodent!"
The rabbit sniffed the halberd perplexedly and slowly placed its teeth around it.
"Gah! You bastard!" Bankotsu jerked the halberd away from the rabbit. "What the hell do you think you're doing?! This thing is worth so much! Halberds aren't cheap and Banryuu's not just any halberd. It's the infamous halberd the leader of the feared Shichinintai uses! Which, by the way, is yours truly!" Bankotsu flashed a grin.
The rabbit looked unimpressed.
"Look, you, you, you dumb hopping Easter bunny! Get out of that hole or I'll break your neck!"
The rabbit tilted its head, and, from what seemed to be boredom, went back into its cozy home to do anything but listen to that weird, dark haired, noisy creature.
"What?! How dare you ignore me!" Bankotsu shoved his hand down his hand down the hole, resulting in a, of course, bitten hand. Some idiots never learn.
"Damn rabbit," Bankotsu whined. His body slumped over in defeat. "I'm so hungry!!!" His stomach whined in agreement. Bankotsu glared crossly at his bitchy belly.
A small giggle caught his ear. It was immediately hushed though.
It was so split, that, for a second, Bankotsu had thought he was hearing things. However, thinking that way in his line of business was more likely to make your body wind up dead, either ten feet in the ground or being eaten by demons.
"Come out," a bored Bankotsu groaned. Great, some stupid girl saw me.
No sound was made.
Bankotsu got annoyed. "I said fuckin' come out already! I heard you!"
No sound was made.
Then, a dash from the left caught his eye. Bankotsu jumped up and caught someone's arm.
When Bankotsu saw who it was, only two words were processed in his mind.
Oh joy…
"Let go of me!" the girl shoved him back.
"You again?" Bankotsu complained. "Wench, don't you ever get tired of stalking me?"
"I am NOT EVER going to waste my time stalking someone like YOU! Normal people don't STALK PERVERTS! Get away from me!" Kagome hissed.
Bankotsu couldn't help the smile on his face. There she was again, that fiery personality, his favorite plaything.
Bankotsu tossed her over his broad shoulder and sat down beside the trees, next to the rabbit hole. He placed her in his lap, holding her still against him. "So, then, if you're not stalking me why are you here?" When she wouldn't look at him, his fingers came to hold her chin firmly.
Kagome jerked her face away. Bankotsu held her cheek and was surprised to find it wet.
"Are you crying?" he asked like it wasn't the most obvious thing in the world.
"No, now get away from me." Kagome kicked and shoved until he relinquished a hold of her.
Bankotsu gave a bored expression. God, women are all the same, he couldn't help but think.
Kagome wrinkled her nose before pointing an accusing finger at him. "You'd better NOT be thinking something like, 'God! All girls are the same' 'cause I'll kick your face!"
Bankotsu couldn't help the widening of his eyes.
Which told the feisty dark-haired miko that he had been thinking exactly that.
Which earned him that promised kick to the face.
"God! All men are the same!" Kagome huffed rudely.
Bankotsu's hand touched his bruised cheek. "Such a vulgar girl."
"What! Vulgar?! I'm surprised you know what vulgar means!"
Bankotsu jumped up from the floor to face her. "Are you calling me stupid?!"
"No, 'stupid' is for monkeys!"
Bankotsu and Kagome stood growling at each other, nose to nose.
Kagome was about to throw another vulgar comment at Bankotsu when she realized the lack of space between their faces. She leapt back a few feet after turning crimson.
When Kagome jumped back, Bankotsu smirked. She always seemed to shy away when they were physically close to each other. It seemed to be the main girl's weakness.
Bankotsu predatorily walked closer to her, grinning slightly. "What's wrong, Kah-goh-may? Don't you like being so close to me? Don't you like being intimate with the enemy?"
Damn! He's doing it again! Kagome growled. When he was close enough, Kagome kicked as close to mini Ban-chan as she could.
"Nice try," he grinned sadistically as he skillfully brought up the foot he caught, effectively dragging the girl with him. And because her legs were in the air, gravity was taking Bankotsu's side. Thin, black panties were revealed to the world, despite the owner's futile attempts to push the skirt down… or rather, up.
"Gahhhhhh!!!! Put me down! Put me down now!" Kagome cried as her hands failed to conceal her underwear.
"Bankotsu stared down freely, however. "Ya know… that's some pretty cheap armor. You know that won't protect much. I think I could tear that cheap material without touching you."
Kagome stilled for a moment. Is he serious? Kagome looked up at his curious and very boyish looking face. Kagome turned pink. Omigod! He really thinks that my underwear is armor!
"Hey, you! Quite staring so much!" Kagome yelled out as he dangled from his grasp.
Bankotsu's kiddish curiosity snapped away and then his mischievous, quite sexy, expression was on. "The armor's very interesting but usually when there is armor there is something to protect… I would like to see this treasure of yours."
Kagome flushed red at his suggestive comment. "You jackass! They're underwear! Not armor, you crazy war freak! And god, what a cheesy pickup line!"
Bankotsu tossed the girl in the air. With a small 'Eep!' escaping Kagome's lips, Bankotsu caught her gallantly in his arms. Kagome, pissed, turned to face him only to be drawn by the most vivid color she had ever seen.
Bankotsu stared intently at her with eyes filled with dead seriousness. It truly frightened Kagome. So much it did, that she feared to breathe.
When she gulped from the intense atmosphere, Bankotsu placed his hand deep into her long tresses and brought her face towards his. Kagome crossed her eyes as she watched him approach her. Did he want to kiss her? She couldn't move; his eyes were much too hypnotizing. The hand buried deep in her locks of hair, began to massage her skull slowly, and very affectionately. Kagome's muscles began to relax a little more, easing her weight on the mercenary's strong arms.
Kagome was so close that she could see every detail of his face. He was quite handsome and many women, especially in her era where the blue eyes everyone had were contacts (and even then not as vibrant as the ones this man possessed), could easily fall for a man like this, regardless of his past. And with those beautiful eyes, he stared at her. It almost felt like a waste to her, such eyes staring at such a plain looking girl.
Bankotsu brought his lips to Kagome's ear. When his hot breathe touched Kagome's skin, her heart began to accelerate. He placed his lips on her ears and Kagome inhaled sharply. His touches were so sensational.
"Kagome," Bankotsu purred sensually.
Kagome choked out a reply. "Y-yes?"
"Did you seriously think I'd kiss you?"
Kagome's eyes blinked. "Huh?"
Kagome's ass collided with the floor with a crash and, above her, stood the very sexy mercenary, laughing his sides out like a little boy who pulled a little girl's pigtails.
Kagome's face blistered cherry, rage, embarrassment, and other blush-provoking emotions scattering all about her face.
Kagome jumped back up stoutly (her ass still hurt like hell but her pride would not let her show it). "You bastard! How dare you! How dare you drop me like that! I aughta-"
Bankotsu came deathly close to her face, eyes mere inches apart. With a half smirk on his face he replied with that intoxicating voice of his, "You aughta? You aughta what?"
Stumped by his sudden appearance, Kagome stumbled back. Using the speed he was well known for, Bankotsu tackled her to the floor, pinning her wrists to the ground. His body floated over hers in a very sudden, very familiar position. Bankotsu came so close to her face his long hair brushed Kagome's reddening cheeks.
"Kagome," Bankotsu said in that irresistible voice of his. "Are you disappointed that I didn't kiss you?"
Kagome snorted, "Heh! Y-yeah right! Like I'd want kiss an idiot like-"
"Because," he continued, his warm, sticky tongue tracing her ear, "I will kiss you if you want."
Kagome's face only continued to turn crimson. Her heart was ready to beat right out of her chest and she could feel a warmth pooling between her legs. He was probably just messing with her again. Bastard.
"B-Bankotsu…" was all she managed to choke out of her parched throat. Did he want to kiss her? Did she want to kiss him? Was it wrong to kiss him?
He moved so that both of her feminine wrists were held by one of his large hands. He used his other hand to caress her cheek. The sweet sensation made her knees go feeble.
"Kagome," he began again, "if you don't say no, you're going to get kissed."
Kagome swallowed so her throat could produce some words but it was futile. But… do I really want to stop him? Kagome tried again to say something but it was as if her voice box had been ripped away, stolen away by this handsome man. It was as if he had cast a spell on her.
"That would be a yes then," he said smoothly.
His free hand held her chin firmly. Kagome could feel his breath over her lips and she just wanted to scream at him to kiss her already. Kagome braced herself for anything. She half expected him to tease her again like before. But her gut told her otherwise. He was shit serious.
Common sense, reality, and everything she had locked in her mind flew away for a moment when his lips met hers. The feeling was so good, so damn good and he hadn't done anything yet. Kagome opened her mouth, submitting herself to whatever he wished. Shivers went up and down her spine when he began to stroke the inside of her mouth with his tongue. He broke the kiss for a moment and stared at her with those deathly gorgeous azure eyes. He gave her a long gaze and then gave her a soul-sucking kiss that left a tingle in her mouth that quickly spread through out her body, a tingle that begged for more.
This man must be the best kisser in the world, Kagome couldn't help but think. Hell, maybe in both worlds.
Coming to the conclusion that she wasn't about to move anytime soon, Bankotsu released his grip on her wrists. Bankotsu brought one hand behind her head and the other on her warm cheek. He tilted her head slightly and began those kisses that were so familiar.
His butterfly kisses.
Kagome rolled her head back as he trailed those addictive kisses around her throat. Those kisses that made her forget everything but the sensations taking place in her body. It was probably wrong but the kisses were so feathery, so inviting, that she wouldn't mind being selfish just this once. Just for his kisses.
Her eyes were half lidded and all she could see were stars. She could feel the heat circulating throughout her body, the blood flowing through her veins, making her shiver and moan in the depths of the ambiance. The man had a mouth the gods must be jealous of. It was a feeling so unspeakable, so indescribable, all she wanted was to embrace that heat, that feeling and bring herself closer to that warmth.
Soon after, the warm began to fade slightly and Kagome squinted her brown eyes. Up right above her was that dreamy man staring down at something. His strength filled eyes connected with hers for a moment. The emotion in it, though, was… shock?
Kagome opened her eyes all the way. Why was he shocked? It took much to shock Bankotsu. (Hell, she'd know what with all the battles she'd witness Inuyasha and him fight.) Kagome followed his confused gaze. She watched his eyes leave an invisible trail. From her face. To her chest. To her arms. To her hands…
"Kyaaaa!!!" Kagome burned red. "I-I'm so sorry!!!"
Bankotsu blinked. He then mustered up a knowing smirk as he fixed the armor and haori that Kagome had unintentionally undone. He paused for a moment, and smirked evilly. He undid his haori once again and it fell obediently at his feet.
Kagome swallowed hard. Well sculpted chest. How could something so evil be so handsome? So tempting? Kagome shivered.
Bankotsu pulled the kerchief from Kagome's uniform tauntingly. When she didn't object, he continued. He brought her blouse up to reveal two mounds of flesh, not large, but not small either. Bankotsu was about to undo that other flimsy armor of hers but then he felt something furry at his feet, rubbing against his almost bare feet.
And he screamed out loud.
Kagome's eyelids flew open to see that tempting, half-naked man cradling his foot like a child. From the glimpse she caught, it seemed as though it had got cut somehow.
However, from the corner of the tree, a small hole with two long rabbit ears sticking out form it seemed to be what Bankotsu was glaring at while he bitched.
"You stupid, sonuvarabbit!" Bankotsu cried out. "That fuckin hurts!"
Kagome couldn't help but laugh. The feared mercenary for the past decades was before her, cradling his foot yelling at a rabbit that really didn't care about the whining teen.
He really did not have much luck when it came to cute, widdle bunny rabbits.
Kagome's eyes softened. It would technically be helping the enemy but she had found some herbs earlier in her mini adventures not far from here. It was a disinfectant herb and, mixed with a few of the leaves she always carried around, the wound would heal in no time. Kagome put on her school shirt and got up.
"I'm going to go get some herbs I saw earlier in that direction," Kagome informed him, pointing to her right. "I'll be back soon."
Whoa… Kagome, what are you doing! You were acting like a horny schoolgirl back there. Well, technically I am a schoolgirl but I'm not horny…I don't think, anyway… Geez, I snapped out of my daze and I find myself stripping Bankotsu of his armor and haori. I mean, man, I even freaked him out.
Still, I feel like I'm betraying Inuyasha. And not just him either. Sango, Miroku, and Shippou too. Even Kouga… Kagome gave a downcast look. Snap out of it! Stop feeling pity for yourself! But… Kagome paused to think. I should feel like crying and breaking down but I don't feel that way. I think… Don't tell me I'm actually beginning to enjoy Bankotsu's company! That's scary! He's the enemy! But what does that mean anyway? How could someone so cold be so gentle and warm?
Kagome glanced down to realize she had been standing in front of the herb growth for a few minutes, zoned out. Quickly, she grabbed the herbs in best condition and ran back to Bankotsu.
"Hey! Bankotsu! I brought-ah!" Kagome was pushed back by a deafening blade that nearly stole off with her legs. The blade withdrew quite quickly. Kagome, who had fallen, looked down to see a bit of blood running down her thighs, dripping onto her ankles.
"Woman! Shut up!" a strangely familiar voice hissed.
Oh god. He really is bringing back the Shichinintai! Kagome thought horribly. How'd I miss him? He has no jewel shards! Inuyasha has to know!
"God, it's that stupid wench! Why'd the first bitch I have to see when I wake up is you? Damn, must Jakotsutou touch that filthy blood of yours? My poor baby. Better Jakotsutou than Banryuu though. Speaking of which, why were you calling Aniki so familiarly? How dare you show such disrespect to him!"
Positioning Jakotsutou for a side slash, Jakotsu cried out, "I don't know why you sounded so familiar with him but I will not let you disrespect Aniki and the Shichinintai's name such! Jakotsutou!"
Kagome could only watch in horror as the shining blades moved at her, the blades dancing very similarly to a wild, aggressive serpent. Kagome could see her own reflection on the terpsichore blades. The look of sheer terror that the members of the Shichinintai thrived on, fed off of. She could see from the blade's reflection that that look, which drew them to blood and death, was being mirrored from her face. Kagome felt pain all over her body before everything blacked out.
And the crimson setting sun bathed the field in an eerie, red glow.
-.-.-.-
"You're up."
Blur everywhere. Kagome shut her eyes hard and rubbed them gently, rubbing away the haze from her eyes.
Curiosity sparked in Kagome's eyes as the first thing she saw was Jakotsu, more specifically, a pouting Jakotsu with a large bump on his head and a scowl on his face.
Kagome got up slowly from her bed rest. A piercing pain exploded around her body, making the girl cry out softly, as she hugged her body to protect herself from the unbearable pain.
Jakotsu watched heartlessly from the corner of his eye.
"Wench, I'm not apologizing."
Kagome, staring out with one eye open at him, the other closed in pain, spoke imperceptibly, "Wha… What do you mean?"
"Heh! Didn't you hear me, bitch? I said I'm not apologizing!"
Kagome tried hard to stay awake but her body refused to obey her. She felt herself shut down and collapse as Jakotsu gave her the most hated glare a gay man could come up with.
-.-.-.-
Kagome blinked her eyes open again. It wasn't a dream. She could see a certain grumbling gay man from the other side of the campfire. Damn, she groaned.
"Well, damn, are all women that pointless? Dramatically wake up, faint, and wake up, five minutes later? Keh, puh-thet-tic!"
"Like your pronunciation skills," Kagome muttered rudely. "Where's Bankotsu?" Kagome asked, getting up from her bed rest.
Jakotsu mumbled some words to himself.
"Hey, you stupid homo! I'm talking to you!"
"What? Show some respect!"
"Ah, yes, how could I forget that lesson Momma taught me? Always respect your elders."
Jakotsu snapped. "What! You dumb bitch! I am not old! You're just a child!"
"Okay, fine, whatever. Right now, I don't care," Kagome groaned. "Now tell me where Bankotsu is."
Jakotsu's eye twitched, before once again conversing to himself.
Getting irritated, Kagome took off her shoe, and, with aim that only her evil PE teacher could make her master, threw her shoe. She watched in pleasure as the shoe bounced off Jakotsu's head, and with a startled look on his face, she watched from the other side of camp as he frantically looked to discover who threw that shoe only to see an annoying giggling girl watching him.
"You bitch!" Jakotsu cried as other bump emerged from his head, giving the other bump some company.
"You never answered my question."
Jakotsu grumbled and began talking to himself again.
Getting fed up, Kagome reached down for her other show. As she reached down, she noticed the irritated man jab a manicured fingernail to the west side of him.
"He's up north, you vulgar creature."
Vulgar? Again?! Kagome, although aggravated, let him go without another bump just because he finally answered her question.
Kagome walked over to Jakotsu, put on her show and sped walked toward the direction Jakotsu pointed.
"Finally that stupid girl's away from me," Jakotsu grumbled.
From right out of the sky, a lovely rock came flying out from the west side of him and smacked him on the head, giving those two bumps, another companion.
-.-.-.-
That stupid Jakotsu, always giving me problems! Kagome thought angrily.
She had been walking for a couple of minutes, and all she could see were healthy forest trees. At least I know this isn't a trap¸ Kagome thought positively. She didn't know why, but the thought of Jakotsu tricking her didn't even occur to her. It must be a good omen, or something.
Something made Kagome pause temporarily. Her nose wasn't as strong as Inuyasha's but she could smell it. There was no doubt in her mind. Crisp, warm air. A slight humidity dangling in the breeze.
Hot springs! Kagome sang in her head. Little, chubby cherubs were floating all around her mind.
Kagome looked down at her clothes. They weren't too shabby. Okay, yeah right. Her clothes had a few blood splotches and tears and her socks were a bit dirty from her collision with the dusty ground of the Feudal Era, but overall, she'd been dirtier before. Kagome ran her fingers through her hair. She gave a surprised look when her hands were covered in a dried, but slightly sticky substance.
Blood, Kagome thought. I shouldn't be surprised. This is normal after all. Well, here's my excuse for bathing in the springs.
Kagome ran the rest of the way to the springs. There was a relaxing mist floating in the air and there was a light floral scent above. Most likely an extinct flower that grew near hot springs or something weird like that. Oh well! Who knows, who cares! I'm getting a hot spring bath! Kagome cheered.
Kagome found a large stone rock to place her clothes upon. She slowly stripped out of her shirt, skirt, and socks. Soon after, her undergarments followed. When Kagome was done stripping herself, she stood up proudly and inhaled a big gasp of humid air. It was kind of hard to air through but a slight pleasant scent dangled in the air's grasp. Kagome grinned so big when she slowly approached the still springs. She dipped a small toe in the water and watched the water ripple under the thick mist. Perfect temperature. The rest of Kagome's leg was submerged underwater. She carefully lowered herself onto the spring's waters.
The water reached higher than usual – a few inches above her belly button. She'd have to be careful not to fall asleep in the water otherwise the Feudal Era would be missing one short of a magical demon fighting schoolgirl.
Kagome relaxed into the claming waters. So peaceful. Kagome could feel her eyes closing. She tried to keep them open. Kagome was struggling with the fatigue of the long day, which was obvious. Kagome didn't want to leave the warm pool – she had just jumped in! Kagome did what she could. She laid her body against the rock in a slightly laid down position. There! Now I can rest while still being in the water! Kagome drifted off into a peaceful, safe sleep, as her arms tightened slightly around the smooth rock.
Kagome awoke to a startling feel.
She could not breathe!
Kagome's mind tried to process this strange predicament.
She was underwater!
Kagome's eyes burst open as she kicked against the weight that was weighing her down. All the kicking was doing nothing and Kagome was losing air fast. Kagome's vision blurred. Just when she swore she was going into the light, the weight moved off of her and she felt her light body float to the spring's surface.
Water.
She still could not breathe.
It was like the water was swimming inside of her lungs. They felt very heavy.
Kagome could vaguely feel movement around her but she was ready to pass out. She braced herself for that slipped away feeling. It never came. Instead, when Kagome went to open her mouth a mountain of water escaped her lips.
"Eww gross!"
Kagome opened her eyelids, water drops clinging to her eyelashes.
"Are you alright?"
Kagome turned to stare at the speaker. "Yeah, thanks…"
Of course.
Of course it would be Bankotsu.
But she had never seen him with his hair loose from his queue. He looked so girly but still so damn handsome at the same time. As admirable as his hair was, his sculpted chest was much more interesting. And so were his defined abs. And so was… holy crap was she supposed to see that?
To divert her eyes, she looked back up at his face. He was red! Why? A soft breeze blew past her.
Oh. Oh, of course. This is so anime-like. Of course they would be bare-assed – they were in the hot springs.
Kagome burned red. And she screamed.
Or didn't?
"Shhh!" Bankotsu freaked as he covered her mouth. "If you yell Jakotsu might hear us!"
Oh.
He had a good point.
Kagome, getting irritated by the closeness of their bodies, bit down on Bankotsu's hand.
"Ouch! What the hell was that for?" Bankotsu pouted.
Kagome glared him. "Ahem! Turn around!"
Bankotsu gave her puzzled look. He then looked lower than eye level and (even she could see it coming) a slight smirk made its way onto his face. His lips made an 'o' shape.
He figured it out.
Good boy.
Now turn around.
Kagome waited patiently.
Uh.
He's not turning around!
Kagome was getting irritated (and nervous) really fast. He was acting like Miroku!
Kagome extended her arm out and slapped the crap out of him. Oh, and she threw a couple of rocks too. Okay, a bit more than a couple but that wasn't the point. He ended up turning round much to Kagome's relief. He apparently could not handle large doses of abuse.
Kagome was about to change clothes when his voice broke through the air.
"Uh, sorry for trying to drown you… I thought you were an enemy…Oops."
She burst out into giggles.
And he didn't know why. Did he say something bad?
Kagome had slowed down her girlish giggles. He sounded so cute when he apologized. Like a little boy. Kagome almost wanted to squeeze him.
Kagome then began to redress. He once again spoke.
"Ya know, you don't have to put your clothes back on."
Twitch. What did he say?
Bankotsu gave Kagome an innocent side glance and instantly corrected himself when he saw her flaring red eyes.
"Uh, that's not what I meant… I mean, I can get out if you want. I won't look but I won't leave you alone either."
Her face softened. She really did love to hear those four words. I won't leave you.
To bad they were always tossed around so carelessly.
"No, if you want you can stay. BUT!" Kagome threw a side glance back at him. "You have to be on the other side of this rock and if I catch you peeping, you'll end up looking like Jaken!"
Jaken? Who was Jaken? Bankotsu was really confused but he assumed that this Jaken wasn't a pretty fellow. "Fine." Bankotsu moved on the other side of the rock.
Kagome folded her clothes gently and placed them back on the rock. She slowly sank into the water until it touched the tip of her chin.
There was an unusual silence. Bankotsu was awfully quiet now.
Kagome lowered her head and sighed, causing some bubbles to rise from the waters. Girls don't like quiet. Quiet is bad. Kagome's ingenious thought was, of course, to break the silence.
"So… yeah…"
Very genius.
"Is there something you want to talk about?" She heard from the other side of the spring.
Kagome thought about it for a moment. "Not really…"
"Then can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Why…" There was a bit of a pause before he continued. "Why are you here? Why aren't you with Inutrasha?"
Kagome stilled. She sat in silence for a few minutes.
Why isn't she saying anything? Did I strike a nerve?
"Well, I guess I should explain… After all, I am in a way, intruding."
Bankotsu shifted his position so that he could hear better.
"I… well, that is to say. Heh, I don't know where to start," he heard her say. Her voice quivered some.
"You can start by what happened," Bankotsu responded. It seemed logical, and even a bit common sense-ish, but it seemed to be what she needed to hear.
"After you left, Inuyasha went after you. He returned really mad and… and he didn't talk to me at all. Since the battle, everyone's been avoiding me. Inuyasha thinks I'm a whore, Sango only sees me as an unprotected victim, and Shippou isn't allowed anywhere near me."
Bankotsu nodded his head (not that she could see anyway). Was that all it took to make her irritated? Yeah right. There's gotta be more.
Kagome took a deep breath and continued. "And, today… something strange happened."
-.-.-.-
"He left."
Kagome sighed.
Miroku had left only a few minutes ago and she already missed his company. Nowadays he was the only thing that supported her.
And because he left for some priest duty thing she had to guard the camp. Kagome looked up. The sun was out, glowing beautifully, so unlike her right now. She poked the burned firewood.
She had to remember to remind Miroku to tell someone that they would need more.
After all, she was too weak to get it and everyone had pretty much taken a vow of silence (or avoidance in Inuyasha's case) towards her.
Kagome sighed again. It was all she was doing these days.
Joy.
A crunching sound snapped Kagome out of her despair. She carefully reached beside her, picking up her bow and a stray arrow. As she brought the arrow to the bow, she prepared the weapon. However, instead of some random Shikon hungry demon, Inuyasha appeared. His eyes widened briefly at the sight of the arrow directly looking at him, but he immediately covered up any emotion that had been on his face.
"Oh, Inuyasha, it's you."
He stared at her before walking right past her and into the tent. Not even a 'Feh.' How rude.
There, he did it again. Oh well. I should just give up on him ever speaking to me, Kagome sighed.
After a few minutes, Inuyasha reemerged from the tent. He glanced briefly at Kagome before walking onward, brushing right past her.
"Sit boy!"
Before anything could come out of his mouth, his face had plummeted to the floor.
"Bitch! What was that for?"
"That was for avoiding me! Say something!"
"What's there to say?"
Kagome quieted down.
His tone took on a more serious, more injured tone. "You slept with the enemy. You betrayed me."
At this, Kagome jumped up. She marched up to Inuyasha and slapped him across the face. "You feel betrayed?! What about me? Don't think I'm stupid and naïve enough to believe that Kikyou and you just hug from evening to sunrise! And, as opposed to you, I have never slept with anyone! Bankotsu just tried to have his way with me!"
"And you let him!"
"As if! Did you see me running toward him? I was running away! Forgive me if I don't have huge manly biceps and a magical sword that my dad gave me!"
"Kagome," Inuyasha growled. "How can you lie to my face like that?"
"Lie?! Inuyasha, you're the one who's always lying! You're the one who's always betraying me! You said you'd always protect me! You said that you wouldn't let anything happen to me, that I would never be hurt! Guess what, Inuyasha! Emotional pain hurts. It can be worse than any physical pain. Well, for a bodyguard, you're doing a damn good job, aren't you?"
Inuyasha's eyes glowered for a moment before he jumped her and pinned her to the floor.
"His scent is all over you! I hate it! It disgusts me! How can you just look at me and say you didn't look at him that way?" Inuyasha screamed out, violently shaking the young girl.
Kagome wriggled underneath him, tears clinging desperately to her eyelashes. "Because I still love you!"
Inuyasha stilled. He stared emotionlessly at the crying girl on the floor. He didn't want to see her cry. Inuyasha nuzzled his head against her neck soothingly.
As Kagome hiccupped, she felt something rough against her throat. "Inu…yasha?"
He gave no response but he gripped her wrists harder.
Kagome panicked when she felt sharp fangs grazed along her collarbone. "Inuyasha! Are you trying to bite me?!"
"Shhhh!" he growled. From beneath his snowy bangs, Kagome thought she saw very familiar, very dangerous scarlet eyes.
He slowly lifted her uniform shirt.
"Inuyasha, please stop…" Kagome cried out softly. She almost yelped as one of his fangs grazed her left breast, leaving a paper thin line of blood. Instead of yelping, a soft whine snuck from her mouth.
She could only cry as he pinned her wrists above her head and molested her chest.
This was not what she had wanted. He was so rough, like an animal. His kisses had no emotion behind them – only an urge to have sex. Unlike Bankotsu's kisses that were…
Wait! Did I just bring up Bankotsu? What the hell?! Urgh, this isn't the time for that, Kagome! Okay, obviously, Inuyasha is not himself. I have to stop this.
Kagome relaxed her body. She deeply inhaled and exhaled, focusing her body away from the pain. When she left her aura calm enough, she released her hold on her energy. All at once, the released spiritual energy lashed out at an unsuspecting Inuyasha. When the energy pushed him off of her, Kagome shouted out a particular word (million and one times).
When Kagome was sure that Inuyasha was out for a good while, Kagome hurriedly fixed her clothes and ran off into the forest, tears spilling from her eyes.
-.-.-.-
There, she told her story.
But it didn't make the pain any less painful.
Kagome found herself staring blankly at the hot spring's water. Every tear that rolled down her cheek and hit the surface of the water created ripples that, right now, were very fascinating to look at.
Suddenly, she heard Bankotsu get up from the other side of the rock. Kagome whipped her head up to find him standing above her, staring at her with no solid emotion on his face. She (trying her best to ignore him in all his glory) began angrily, "Hey you! You said you'd stay on the other side of the pool!"
Bankotsu ignored her and began walking until he was directly above her sitting form. "Did you not hear me? And geez! Put some pants on or something! Have you no sham-" Kagome stopped her speaking when he sat in the water, directly staring into her eyes with those unique eyes.
"Kagome."
Kagome's mind when into a series of panics. Why did he say her name that way? That way? Why did he even say her name at all? His actions were an enigma to her.
Bankotsu reached forward and brought her into his arms. She found her face against his warm, built chest. She could feel a blush beginning to cover her face. What's he doing?!
He gazed at her with those daring eyes. Those eyes she loved so much. "Kagome. You can cry if you want."
When Kagome was about to protest, she felt tears falling freely from her eyes. She didn't know why she was crying but it felt really good. She wrapped her arms around his waist and released all her tears.
Maybe, just maybe he did know what to say. Maybe he was more human than he lead others to believe.
Bankotsu watched as the young girl held his body closer near hers, her tears blending with the warm spring waters. He held her close, too, running his fingers through her soft ebon waves.
"It's going to be alright."
When her tears began to subside, she looked up at him with glassy eyes. "Bankotsu?"
He gazed down at her, still stroking her hair. "Yes, Kagome?"
"Kiss me."
-.-.-.-
Wow! I really wanted to cut this short when she was about to explain what happened to her but I figured you guys deserved a long chapter. First of all, I'd like to especially thank Crimson Angel 437 and Kisskitty for kicking my ass and bringing me back to (virtual) reality. Thank you guys! Also, a special thanks to everyone reading this (because you obviously stuck with me!). I apologize for getting this one up so slowly. If there are any mistakes, I apologize in advance. I still have no one to Beta my stories.
Yes, Bankotsu's a little too sweet towards the end. I'm trying to bring him into a more human perspective to those who can't see. (After all, remember that he loves his brothers a lot so he is capable of that emotion!) In this scene, he sees Kagome as more of a friend than a foe. Hmm? I wonder why…
Jakotsu made a brief appearance! Hurray! The gay man's back! Hmm, I wonder if I can get away with Jakotsu calling her pizza bitch? (If you haven't read Assassin Café, then don't try to understand it.) XD Jak-kun will be making a bigger appearance next time and he might accidentally run into a certain silver haired half demon… If you get my drift… More chaos will ensure next time I update!
SangOtaku6
PS
Assassin Café will be updated next!
