ATOF Chapter 7

Original Plotline © ilovebutch19, kittyb78, black-banryu, and jaimed1968

Revised Plotline © ilovebutch19

Bobbi© ilovebutch19, Jai © jaimed1968, Kitty © kittyb78, and Charlie © black-banryu

Renkotsu, Jakotsu, Koga, Bankotsu, Banryu, Inuyasha Gang, Kagura, Kanna, and Naraku © Rumiko Takahashi

The next Morning:

After her brief period of joy at seeing Charlie asleep against his tree with Banryu, Kitty moved toward fire, her stomach grumbling for sustenance. Jai quickly poured some rice into a bowl, adding some dried fruit that she'd scavenged out of her pack. Kitty smiled as she took her bowl and moved toward where Charlie lay, nestled with Banryu, only to be swung around by the arm to sit next to Bankotsu.

She nibbled at her food, just enough to quell the rumble of her tummy. Unable to eat any longer, Kitty set her bowl aside, and stood up. Walking over to her stuff, she began rolling up her sleeping bag and putting it away. She was moving slowly still in pain from the previous day's 'training' session.

Having finished his breakfast, Bankotsu stood up, commanding, "Unless the storms start to produce lightning, we keep training… period!" Everyone groaned in protest as they stood to their feet.

Renkotsu sighed and said to himself, "He must still be mad with us…" He looked down to see Bobbi still sleeping. "Bankotsu! You cannot be serious!"

Bankotsu snapped, "You know the drill Renkotsu. Unless there's lightning, we continue to train… PERIOD!"

Turning back toward Bobbi, Renkotsu mumbled under his breath, "It's a wonder he doesn't get us all killed!" He nudged Bobbi awake as the others began to get ready to comply with Bankotsu's orders.

Walking over to Kitty's pack, he picked her up roughly by the arm and snarled, "Let's go." Trying not to show any weakness, knowing full well he would exploit any shown, Kitty got to her feet and walked with him towards the field.

Upon reaching the field, Bankotsu turned to face Kitty and demanded, "Why didn't you eat?!"

Kitty answered holding his gaze, "I can't."

Frowning he asked, "Why not?"

Kitty raising her brow asked, "How the hell would you feel after being punched in the gut?" rubbing her stomach absent mindedly. Noticing her movements he snatched her hand moving it away and lifted her shirt. His jaw clenched as he noticed the huge purple bruise.

Snapping his eyes to hers he asked annoyed, "Why the hell didn't you say anything?"

Yanking her hand free and shoving his hand away pulling her shirt down she answered evenly, "Didn't think it would make any difference." Turning away she added softly, "Besides, talking to men only gets me more pain," as she moved to walk off.

Bankotsu snatched her arm stopping her from walking away and demanded, "What the fuck is that supposed to mean?!"

Bankotsu sighed before saying evenly, "I'm not going to hurt you."

Kitty snapped, "Like you didn't yesterday?!"

Looking as if he'd just been backhanded, Bankotsu replied, "Um… yeah about that..." shifting his feet he said, "If you had told me, I wouldn't have gone so hard on you."

Kitty snapped, "BULLSHIT! You were determined to beat me into submission!" Snorting angrily she stood her eyes holding his and blazing with anger, "I'm not stupid! I know EXACTLY what you were doing!" Adding harshly, "You said yourself, 'SUBMIT'!"

Bankotsu growled, "I know that!"

Kitty feeling her temper over ride her fear temporarily yelled, "I've dealt with men and they're damn 'women have a place' garbage my entire life!"

Bankotsu angered that she was lumping him in with all men and her view of them argued, "Not ALL men are like that!"

Kitty scoffed, "BULLSHIT!" before she pushed herself from the tree.

Bankotsu moved to cut her off snapping, "I'm not like them!"

Kitty snapped, "The hell you aren't! You nearly beat the hell out of me yesterday, trying to make me submit!" Bankotsu growled, unable to deny that, as Jai's words from the night before, flashed through his mind as he moved his body to pin her once more to the tree, wanting to explain his reason for his behavior the day before.

Kitty's cold voice rang, "You are NO different! You're just like them!" as she shoved him off of her before moving into the field to start her regular routine to channel her anger, forcing the pain back, refusing to acknowledge it.

"Fuck!" he angrily thought, as he slammed his back against the tree. "...nearly killed her... you're just like them... nearly killed her... you're just like them..." repeated in his head. Slamming his clenched fists into the tree he watched her pushing herself even harder as he felt the anger rolling off of her in waves.

"Why the hell is she pushing herself so damn hard?" he thought angrily. "She needs to be taking it easy!"

Looking down at her he scooped her into his arms. "That's enough for today," he said as he began to head back to camp. As he walked with her in his arms, Bankotsu wondered, "What exactly has she been through, that would have her this scared? Why would she push herself so damned hard despite her injuries?"

"What do I do now?" he asked himself. "I sure as hell can't have her trying to kill herself…"he thought sourly.

Unknown to the man holding her Kitty was still awake, just too exhausted to move. "Why did I let him comfort me?" she asked herself confused.

She thought, "He nearly killed me, yet I allowed him to comfort me?" as she tried to wrap her mind around why she would act in such a way. "Why did he comfort me anyways? It's not like him..." she silently mused.

A ways from the campsite:

Kagura sighed as she kneeled on the tree branch, holding a feather between her fingers.

"Damn that Naraku...." she thought. "First he keeps me cooped up in that hellish mountain, now he orders me to watch those mercenaries... What's going on...? I've never seen NARAKU so stifled..."

She thought back to the mountain, and his voice commanding, "Kagura.... Follow the band of seven and see what they're up to. They cannot be trusted."

She shook her to get the vile words out of her mind. Glancing at the clearing below her, Kagura scoffed, "And he doesn't even tell me why."

As she waited patiently in the clearing indicated, Kagura leaned against the tree limbs, glad for the shade from the sun through the leafy canopy. Fanning herself with her fan, Kagura looked down the lane and saw three figures approaching the clearing. Her eyes widened as she saw the great halberd reflect the sun off its blade.

"What's this… Koga and Bankotsu?" Kagura's interest was piqued as she saw figures walking down a wide beaten path. Her eyes widened as she gasped, "That's not Bankotsu… but one of those mysterious humans from last night." Questions popped up even more as she saw a bright pink light permeate from the huge halberd on a young man's shoulder.

A sneer crossed her lips as she thought, "With Bankotsu not having his precious halberd, taking those jewel shards will be easy. Though those strangers are going to be a problem… but extra deaths have never been a problem for me before."

With the number of jewel shards ripe for the taking, Kagura was now too eager and tempted. She looked over the group from her tree top hideout, silently counting the number of shards. "Each remaining member of the Band of Seven has a jewel shard embedded in their bodies, Koga has two in his legs, and there are three in that strange blade. That makes eight in all… if I can get a hold of them... I can kill Naraku now, while his body is still incomplete in Mt Hakurei." Kagura flung her feather high above her as she flew away into the sky, silently planning the demise of her employer.

On the trail to their training grounds:

Koga carried Jai to the training area, his eyes never staying still for long. He'd thought that he'd smelled Kagura earlier in the day, but it was faint. Charlie followed alongside the wolf demon, leaning Banryu against his shoulder, getting used to the weight and balance of the weapon.

"How much farther is it to the training ground you mentioned, Koga?" Charlie asked, trying to readjust the position of his hand upon the shaft of the halberd.

Looking over to the youth, Koga replied, "It's just around the bend. A nice clearing that backs up against a cliff face which means we can work on your attacks with the weapon…"

"It has a name," Charlie retorted. "It's called Banryu," he said as he rolled his eyes at the wolf demon.

Koga shook his head as he continued, "As I was saying we can work on your attacks with Banryu," saying the name as if it were a horrid little green toad imp. Looking back toward the road, Koga continued, "'cause if we get attacked, that's your only form of defense and attack."

Charlie scoffed, "What do you think… I'm an idiot?"

Feeling Koga about to give Charlie a piece of his mind, Jai leaned forward and soothed the wolf demon, "Please don't… he's a teenager and they all think they're invincible at that age." Charlie grinned at the comment.

Koga looked back toward Jai before he nodded his head, swallowing his reply to Charlie's comment. He looked toward the bend, thankful that the clearing was coming into view. Picking up his pace a bit, Koga jogged down the road with Charlie close behind, neither picked up the shadowy figure in the trees.

As they approached the training area, Kagura eyed them from behind the trunk of a large tree. She uncoiled her large fan as a sneer crossed her lips. "I'm looking forward to taking out that wolf once and for all," she thought, waving the fan to cool herself under the hot afternoon sun. "Just to wait for the right time to strike… that's going to be the hard part," she continued to think as she leaned against the tree, watching the training.

Koga set Jai down near an outcrop of rocks as Charlie looked around the training ground with an austere gaze as the various forms of training he could try crossed his mind. "I could use this area for trying out Banryu's attacks," he thought as he swung the mighty halberd around, relishing the feel of it in his hands.

Jai looked at first Koga then at Charlie as she asked, "So what's the plan?"

A mischievous grin seeped across Koga's lips as he replied, "Why don't I take and see how good the pup is with his mighty toy."

"Banryu is a halberd," Charlie called out, irritated that Koga kept picking on his 'companion.' Getting up into Koga's face with the weapon upon his shoulder, he continued, "It's not some toy as you so fondly call it. Banryu could easily take down your furry ass in a heartbeat."

"As if," Koga snorted. He locked his azure eyes to the green ones of Charlie as he continued, "I've out maneuvered it once before and I can do it again, pup."

"Quit calling me that," Charlie barked as he moved a bit farther out into the field. "Besides that, you were only up against Bankotsu… let a true master show you how to wield Banryu!"

Jai just shook her head as the two testosterone driven males faced off against one another. "Typical," she thought as she moved a bit farther onto the rock out crop, trying to stay out of the way. Once she reached a comfortable spot, she looked back over at the dueling males. "Damn… wish that I had some popcorn right about now," she thought sourly as Charlie and Koga began to circle one another.

Koga circled the youth, looking for him to make the first move. With Banryu extended toward Koga, Charlie raised his eyebrows with his all inclusive smug look and barked out "Well what are you waiting for, have at me!!"

"With pleasure," he sneered, charging the youth full force, looking forward to trouncing Charlie.

Confidently Charlie swung Banryu down towards the wolf, hoping to catch him with a lucky shot. "Take that wolf!" he ground out between clenched teeth.

Anticipating the move, Koga jumped clearing the weapon before Charlie was able to recover. With a mid air spin kick; he drove Charlie back a few feet before crouching down where he landed. "Got to be better than that, pup," Koga replied.

Charlie glared at the wolf demon that had kicked him and swung Banryu repeatedly, grunting between words. "Kick me all you want, but don't touch Banryu!"

"Should have seen it coming, now let's try this again, I've got all day to play," Koga replied, chuckling lightly at the irate youth.

"Bring it on!" Charlie snapped, raising Banryu again.

Koga shook his head as he charged again, this time in a zigzag fashion, trying to throw Charlie off of his actual plans. Deciding to try and use a new tactic, Charlie swept Banryu from the side trying to slice at the wolf's feet. Seeing the attack, Koga sprinted past Charlie, turned and came at him from behind where Banryu couldn't reach. He tagged the youth twice on the back, not very hard, but hard enough to get his attention. Without any other reaction Charlie turned around swinging Banryu to bear on Koga, hoping once more to get a lucky shot.

Koga jumped out of the way once more, chuckling as he called out, "Missed me… I thought that you were going to 'take my furry ass down'?"

Charlie glared at Koga as he moved around the clearing, nearly making him dizzy with the speed and ferocity of the attacks. "This is a lot fucking harder than I thought it was going to be," Charlie muttered.

Koga moved up to Charlie, seeing the look of dejection on his face. "Look kid... you need to get better with that halberd or you'll end up dead in a real fight. Come on; let's see what you've already learned from yourself training."

Charlie huffed, "fine whatever," as he stood and positioned Banryu again.

Moving a slight way from the youth, Koga called out, "Come at me, like you mean it!" Charlie sighed and started towards the wolf, Banryu leaning against his shoulder as he prepared to show Koga what he'd been working on during his previous training session.

"I'll show him," Charlie thought as he moved toward the waiting wolf.

Looking to egg Charlie on and get a real work out, Koga called out, "That toy couldn't cut parchment... wet!" Charlie growled at the insult and swung at the wolf, barely missing his tail. "Good... now keep it up," Koga called out has he jumped back, reining in his speed and agility for the benefit of the youth. Charlie kept swinging. Jumping farther and farther back, in a near circle, Koga called out, "Try something different, change it up a bit!" Charlie swung from the side, and then jerked Banryu out missing Koga's stomach by centimeters.

As Koga jumped back once more, an unseen root tripped up his landing, causing him to fall as Charlie brought Banryu into an overhand slice. Koga's eyes widened in fear as he quickly back flipped out of the way, getting a few hairs on the end of his tail split quite nicely.

Kagura watched the training with baited breath, waiting for just this moment. "Now's my chance to kill him, while he's off his feet with that mortal," she growled. She dashed out from the bushes as she waved her fan sending her deadly blades toward the group.

Hearing the whistling of the wind from her attack, Koga leaped in front of Jai, deflecting the blades as best he could. The knives of wind cut into the exposed skin of his chest and arms, with minor cuts to his legs and armor. He grunted as each blade of wind cut and sliced into his muscular body.

With the onslaught of the attack focused on Koga, Charlie used Banryu as a shield to get closer to Jai, protecting her as well from the attack. Before he was able to get to her a blade had missed Koga and hit her arm only giving her a minor cut.

"Damn. I missed his head..." The incarnation mumbled, glaring at the wolf who still managed to remain standing upright.

Koga narrowed his eyes as he glared at the wind sorceress. "Kagura, you witch, how dare you show your face!" he growled, ignoring the pain that radiated through his body.

"As if I'm afraid of you, mutt!" she retorted, getting ready to strike again as she moved her fan.

A roar of pure hatred echoed through the clearing as Koga sprinted toward her as fast as he could; the only thought going through his mind was to protect Jai. With his arm out stretched Koga tried to grab the witch by the neck and slam her into a nearby tree. Unfortunately she saw the move and jumped back to land upon her unfurled feather. As she flew away Kagura clasped her fingers together in frustration.

"I can't defeat a sacred jewel shard..... I need more!!!" she growled, glaring back at the trio before she headed back to the horrific mountain that made her sick even just thinking about it.

The trio watched the wind witch retreat into the tree tops, keeping their eyes on her feather until it was merely a speck in the sky. Once she was out of sight, Koga looked back toward Jai, his nose twitching at the smell of blood that wasn't his own. Charlie followed Koga's gaze to look at Jai who was practically plastered to his side behind Banryu.

What Charlie saw nearly made him weak, for the girl he held was nearly as white as a sheet. He glanced at Koga before turning his full attention back to Jai as he asked, "Are you okay, Jai?"

Sensing that something was amiss and the scared look on Charlie's face, Koga moved swiftly toward the rocky outcrop, despite the wounds that he'd received. Once Charlie had moved Banryu from in front of Jai, Koga saw the blood running down her arm and the ghost white look on her face. He moved toward the woman, his hands moving the sleeve of her shirt out of the way so he could look at the extent of the wound.

"Oh Jai," Charlie soothed as he saw the depth of the cut to her upper arm, his free arm wrapped around her shoulders as Koga took her arm and began licking the wound. His tongue lapped at the blood, cleansing the wound as Jai slowly began to get some color back to her face. The sense of feeling faint slowly eased its grip on her body as the blood flow ceased. With one arm wrapped around Charlie's waist and the other stretched out toward Koga, Jai looked as if they were playing tug of war with her.

After a few minutes, Koga pulled back from her arm and licked his lips once more before he turned his blue worried eyes toward her own. "Are you going to be okay, Jai?" he asked concern filtering through his voice.

Jai glanced toward her arm, and then back toward the guys as she replied, "This isn't bad… I've had worse," as she moved to get up off the rocks only to fall back into Charlie chest as Koga reached to grab her from falling.

Concerned for the girl, Koga moved closer, oblivious of his own wounds, taking her into his blood encrusted arms, pulling her closer to him as he said, "Take it easy, Jai," as he ran his hand down her back. Charlie tried his best to comfort her as well before he really took notice of Koga's own injuries.

"Hey, Koga, you're pretty banged up as well," Charlie commented as he looked at the wounds across his arms and legs.

Shaking his head, Koga replied, "These are nothing… just mere scratches really," as he turned his attention back to Jai. "Are you sure that you're okay, Jai?" he asked.

Jai looked into the wolf demon's eyes as she replied, "Yes… I just need to take a moment to get my bearings." Breaking her eyes away from his, Jai turned her attention to the wounds that Charlie had mentioned earlier. "We need to get those cleaned and tended to Koga," she cried, pushing him back against the rocks so that she could look at his wounds better.

Looking at his arms and legs, Koga scoffed, "These? These are nothing but mere scratches and will be healed by morning."

"No… I want to make sure that those are tended to once we get back to camp. In fact, I think we passed a creek a little ways back. We can stop there on our way back to camp; I can use what's left of my shirt to wash the blood off," she replied, trying to look over his armor, only to have his hands beat her own back from the damaged chest plate.

With a slight glare at Jai, Koga replied, "I said that they'll heal by morning… just leave them be."

Crossing her arms over her chest, Jai replied, "If I have to 'sit' you in order to get a look at your wounds, I will!"

Koga gulped slightly knowing that Jai meant it. Looking to Charlie for help, Koga asked, "Are you injured as well?"

A grin crossed Charlie's lips as he replied, "No… Banryu provided an awesome shield, but who was that bitch?"

"That was Kagura… the wind sorceress and a pawn of Naraku. If she knows that you're here, then the others may be in danger as well," Koga replied, getting irritated that she had gotten away.

Looking from Charlie back to Koga, Jai asked, "Shouldn't Ban and the other's know about this?"

"Yeah… they're probably going to freak out with Kagura snooping about," Koga replied moving back to his feet as he helped Jai to hers. After a few minutes of arguing, Jai reluctantly slipped onto Koga's unmarred back gripping his hips with just enough force to stay on his back without his arms holding her to his back. He took off at a fast pace which Charlie was able to keep up with and headed back to camp.

In a clearing far from camp:

Bobbi and Renkotsu walked out into the meadow with a tired Jakotsu in tow. Bobbi had worked really hard in the first session but she still felt like a failure. "I will never be as good as Renkotsu…I am different than he is," Bobbi thought to herself with dread.

Renkotsu looked back at her and could tell the sadness that was apparent on her face. "Dammit all..I cannot have her being so depressed…"

"Bobbi, I got a technique that I want you to learn…" Renkotsu said, hoping a little bit that he could get some confidence in her.

"Really? What is it?" Bobbi said with a happy look on her face.

Renkotsu looked at her. "Bobbi, we are going to do meditation…"

Bobbi sweat-dropped as she asked, "Err… no offense Ren… but how is that supposed to help me?" Renkotsu smiled as he put his things down. He took out some holy paper sayings and some anointing oil.

Jakotsu looked at the things and justfell to the ground and laughed so hard that he cried. "Don't tell me that you are going to make her do that shit …that stuff does not work"

Renkotsu huffed. "Nonsense, it worked for me and it will surely work for her."

Bobbi stood right beside Renkotsu and looked at him. "Okay the first thing that we are going to …is take a deep breath and close our eyes," Renkotsu continued as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Bobbi did the same thing as well.

"Okay Renkotsu…now what?"

"Okay….let your mind be clear of things…"

Bobbi did as she was told. "okay this is not so bad.."

Renkotsu smirked as he thought to himself, "This girl is going to be easy to train" He walked over to where she was at and carefully helped her up.

"Renkotsu what the"

"Don't worry… I am showing you how to use the proper technique when it comes to swords." Bobbi acted nervous as Renkotsu showed her how to use a sword with her eyes still closed. It seemed like forever then Renkotsu released her and said, "Okay now take you best shot at me."

Bobbi opened her eyes wide. "Renkotsu… but…"

Renkotsu winked. "Keep your eyes closed and do as I said… Keep your mind open… and concentrate." Bobbi nodded and closed her eyes. She took her sword and swung at Renkotsu. Renkotsu moved out of the way and the sword cut a tree in two.

Renkotsu smiled. "I believe that you have done it…."

Bobbi opened her eyes. "OH MY GOSH!!! I DID IT!! YAY!!" She was dancing up and down with excitement.

Even Jakotsu seemed to be slightly impressed with Bobbi's attack.

Renkotsu had to chuckled a bit when he seen Bobbi jumping up and down, happy as could be, just like a little child.

"She reminds me a lot of Ginkotsu.."

His memories flooded back to Ginkotsu and him first meeting up. He was the serious one while Ginkotsu was the one who wanted to have fun. He bit his lip a bit as he felt tears trying to break free of his eyes.

"Dammit, I will not cry…I cannot…"

"Renkotsu? You okay?"

Renkotsu's thoughts snapped back to the present and he seen Bobbi looking at him with her warm, loving eyes.

"There is a storm trying to come in..we should get back and tell the others"

Renkotsu nodded as he, Bobbi, and Jakotsu headed back to camp.

Back at camp a good while later:

Upon arriving back at camp, Bankotsu walked to the middle of camp and moved to lay Kitty down carefully. Feeling herself lowered Kitty snapped her eyes open. Bankotsu unaware she was awake moved toward her bag.

"I thought I told you to stay out of my stuff," she said as she slowly sat up.

Bankotsu shocked, whipped his head around quipping, "I thought you were sleeping." with a raised eyebrow.

She shook her head answering, "No." Wanting answers, Bankotsu moved over toward her, stopping a few feet away not wanting her to move away again and thus injuring her self further.

She smiled a silent 'thanks' at his apparent regard for personal space. She looked at Bankotsu and asked quietly, "Why did you comfort me?"

Bankotsu countered, "Why did you let me?"

Both stared at each other a moment before Kitty mumbled, "Still trying to figure that out myself."

Bankotsu blinked. Shaking her head Kitty sighed.

He remained silent staring at her. After a moment of silence she mumbled, "You're concern is touching." heaving a sigh she said evenly, "Don't worry, your life isn't in any danger," and moved again to stand up.

Feeling like he'd just been slapped, he pushed her down again thinking, "Is that really what she thinks?!"

Kitty snapped back, "Release me!"

He held firm snapping, "No!"

Feeling the pain kicking in, she glared at him and bit out, "Release me!"

Bankotsu still holding firm snapped, "No! Now sit still!"

She snapped angrily, "Take your fucking hand off me!"

Bankotsu challenged, "Make me!" as he got into her face.

She hissed, "Let me up! I need my bag!"

Bankotsu ordered in a no nonsense tone, "Stay put! I'll get the damn bag!" as he stormed over to do just that. Kitty moved to get up, but sank back down as he shot a warning glare at her. Huffing she crossed her arms over her chest and glared back.

Feeling the pain kicking in hard and fast she bit out, "Fine, just get the fucking bag over here, NOW!"

Bankotsu smirked, "Guess my tigress is back," he thought amused. Snatching up the bag, he carried it over to her and dropped it beside her, before turning to rekindle the fire.

Kitty fuming dug into her bag for the pain meds and her canteen.

He looked up, "I don't like the look of those clouds," he muttered.

Kitty downed two pills and emptied her canteen. Kitty then mumbled, "Just great." as she glared at the empty canteen. Moving instead to look at the sky she said, "Damn, we got a helluva storm moving in."

Surprised that she had noticed, he nodded, "Yeah, we need to find some shelter before the storm hits."

Kitty reminded, "We need to gather the others first."

Bankotsu nodded correcting, "But you aren't moving from that spot until we are ready to break camp."

Kitty not in the mood to argue, said in a no nonsense voice, "You get the others, I'll pack camp."

He roared, "The hell you will!" Pushing her down he ordered, "YOU stay put! Once the others get back, we'll handle it!"

She sighed rolling over and Bankotsu sat next to the fire. He stirred the lingering embers of the fire after he threw another log on, trying to drive off the sudden chill that fell upon his body.

With Jai pressed against his back, Koga and Charlie swiftly returned to their camp. Ban looked up at the trio from his spot near the fire, his thoughts of the woman who seemed to be sleeping comfortably in her blankets.

Bankotsu noting the look on Koga's face asked, "What's got you so upset wolf and where'd ya get the wounds?"

"Kagura attacked while we were training," he replied gruffly, lowering Jai to her feet, before he eased her as well down to her own blankets.

Bankotsu demanded, "Tell me everything."

Once Koga had Jai covered with her blankets, seeing as she was still suffering from the wound, he turned his attention back to the mercenary as he replied, "Charlie and I had been working on some moves when she got the drop on us.

"What was she doing there?" Bankotsu demanded as his temper flared at the audacity of Naraku to send his lackeys to check up on him.

"We don't know," Charlie mumbled as he looked toward Koga.

"She might have been after the jewel shards in my legs," Koga mused as he took a seat across the fire from Ban.

Bankotsu nodded. "Means that bastard Naraku is planning something no doubt...why he didn't come to us though."

"Maybe she was sent to look for you and couldn't find you.... or she saw us and got distracted?" he replied, looking deeply into the troubled eyes of Koga.

Bankotsu groused, "Whatever it is... it means Naraku's doing things without telling his 'comrades' and that's something I don't like..."

"True," Koga replied as he nodded in agreement. "So what are we going to do about it?" he asked looking once more back toward Bankotsu.

Bankotsu snapped his head up as thunder rumbled. "Shit! Forgot about that," he grumbled. Jumping to his feet he said, "We'll have to figure that out later."

Just then Renkotsu, Bobbi, and Jakotsu ran back to into the camp as the effeminate man yelled, "Big brother, there's a storm moving in."

Bankotsu faced the new arrivals answering, "I know, Jakotsu. Bobbi, start packing up camp. Renkotsu help her. We gotta move quickly."

Koga spoke, "I know a cave not far from here, and it should be big enough, though a little cramped."

Bankotsu said, "It means we will have to sleep in pairs." Paling at the idea, Kitty sucked in a breath and got the deer in the headlights look once more.

Bankotsu, who had been watching to make sure she didn't move, thought, "What the hell?! She's not scared, she's terrified!" Knowing he'd have to save those questions for later, he moved over to Kitty, scooping her into his arms, grabbed her bag and ignored the stares, as he ordered, "Move out!"

Staring at Koga he said, "Koga, lead the way," despite it rubbing against the grain, Bankotsu knew they didn't have any more time to waste. Wanting to protest, Kitty was cut off as Bankotsu sent her a warning glare. Huffing she decided it best not to argue, as she too knew the storm would be upon them soon enough.

Smirking at his little victory, Koga scooped up Jai and her pack, leading the way toward the caves near where they had been training. Renkotsu scooped Bobbi up after she grabbed her bag and moving quickly followed the others. Jakotsu ran behind his brother wondering why the hell he was carrying that useless annoying female. Charlie looked back over their camp before he took off after the others, a feeling of uneasiness crossing his mind as he thought, "Let's see how things go with the tests. I hope that they are ready." Turning on his heal, he quickly caught up with the others glad to see that they were heading toward a familiar place. "This may work better than I thought," he thought coyly as they continued down the road, following the river.

In a previously abandoned hut:

The Inutachi huddled around the sputtering fire, wishing for the weather to have been as it was before, warm and dry. Sango was able to get a fire going with some nearby twigs and such, but had sent Inuyasha and Miroku out for more dry wood. Kagome hadn't said much since their departure from the waterfall and the strange emerald eyed youth in his strange dark clothing.

Staring into the fire, Kagome thought over what the youth had asked for them to do. "Why would he be testing these women? Better yet… why would he be testing them against the men that are there to protect them?" she thought.

"Kagome… Kagome!" Sango called out as she shook her friend slightly, drawing her out of the trance like state.

Blinking a few times to refocus her eyes on her friend she asked, "What's wrong Sango?"

"Nothing… just rather curious as to why you all agreed to help that strange man without even getting his name is all. It could have been a plant by Naraku for all that we know," Sango replied as she put some more of the kindling on the fire as it slowly grew to heat the small hut.

Recalling the pink tinge of the shards in the halberd, Kagome replied, "No… it wasn't a plant by Naraku though I feel that we'll know more about this man by the time that this is all over with." She turned back once more to the fire working out the details of her part of the agreement. "How to seduce a wolf demon that claims me as his own… that shouldn't be too hard now… should it?" she thought as she continued to wait for the others to return.

ATOF 4 pt 3 by ~The-Band-Of-Seven