Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha! I do Kera, the plot, and story line... There. I said it. (sighs)
Chapter 7:
Pizza Time!
The door bell rang and Bankotsu stood up and answered the door. He paid for the pizza and taking it, closed the door, firmly locking it.
Kera was in the kitchen, making some iced tea. Bankotsu carried the pizza over to the table. She set the tea on the table along with two glasses. They sat at the kitchen table eating and talking together.
Mid bite Bankotsu looked at her and questioned, "So what is this 'it' your sister was referring to earlier?"
Kera held his gaze and answered, "Must have been the well at the shrine. She told me that's how she gets to the feudal era and back."
Bankotsu queried, "And exactly when were you planning on telling me this?"
Kera looked him dead in the eye and replied, "When the time was right." Bankotsu raised a brow questioningly while looking into her eyes.
Kera sighed and said, "She only told me recently, alright?" holding his gaze for a moment a long moment.
He remained silent, staring at her with a frown. She shrugged and continued eating. Bankotsu went back to eating as well.
After they finished eating Kera looked at him and said "Well, I guess I should be getting home soon and thank you for the food."
Bankotsu nodded standing up and grabbed his keys. He faced her saying, "Alright, let's go." They walked out the door and he locked it behind them.
Kera looked at him and asking, "So, what will you do when the well works again?" curiosity in her eyes.
Looking at her with serious eyes Bankotsu decreed, "I will go back to my time and defeat Naraku."
Kera nodded, and said, "Then I will go with you."
Bankotsu blinked and then warned, "You will have to learn to use different weapons. As I said before, that in the face approach will get you killed in a flash when facing demons and that is what Naraku is."
Kera considered this a moment and looked him dead in the eye stated seriously, "Fine, then teach me, because I will not be left behind," determination burning fiercely in her eyes.
Bankotsu shrugged saying, "Might as well. It'll give me something useful to do, while I'm waiting for that well to work."
Kera nodded and queried, "So, when do you want to start?"
Bankotsu answered, "Tomorrow we will skip school and start then." Kera nodded.
Bankotsu asked, "What are you going to tell your family, for why we keep skipping?"
Kera considered this and replied, "I'll just tell them the cover story we've already discussed, about me being part of the C.I.A."
Bankotsu thought it over a moment. Nodding he agreed, "Okay."
Kera reminded, "I have my badge in my jeans at home anyways."
Bankotsu nodded and said, "Alright. You're going to need to pack some clothes and stuff though."
Kera nodded saying, "Just tell me what we need."
Bankotsu stated, "You just pack your things. I'll take care of the weapons." Kera nodded smiling.
They arrived at the bottom of the shrine steps. Kera laughed asking, "I suppose you want me in front again, eh?"
Bankotsu leered at her saying, "Sure," mischief dancing in his eyes.
Kera laughed and started climbing the stairs. Bankotsu stared at her luscious backside a minute, and then started up the stairs his self.
Kera laughed, "You do realize you're going to have a bit of a... problem when we arrive, right?"
He grinned retorting, "Yeah, I know. But, you wouldn't leave me suffering for long either now, would you?" giving her his puppy dog eyes.
Kera stopped and looked at him shaking her head. She said, "Lucky for you, I won't."
He wiggled his brows suggestively correcting, "Lucky for us." Kera laughed and started walking again, purposely swaying her hips seductively.
Bankotsu noticed this. Grinning he ran over to her, and scooped her into his arms bride style. He looked down at her with laughing eyes, questioning amused, "You enjoy torturing me, don't you?"
Kera giggled. Holding his gaze with her own laughing eyes, she said, "Lucky for you, I also enjoy pleasing you. Now put me down."
He smirked and gently settled her on her feet, making sure to tease them both by sliding her lithe body slowly down his hard body as he did so.
Once she was firmly on her feet, he grabbed her hips pulling her flush against him. She laughed and tenderly kissed his lips. He changed the kiss to warm and teasing. Kera kissed him back.
Pulling away she commanded, "Come on hot shot. I've got packing to do."
He said, "Yeah, yeah," smiling, before he assured huskily, "Just remember, later you're going to pay up."
She replied in a husky tone of her own, "As will you- you tease." She laughed and he chuckled, as they walked up the rest of the steps holding hands.
After they reached the door and walked inside, Kera yelled, "Mom, I'm home."
Kona walked out of the kitchen looking at her daughter and greeted, "Welcome home."
Kera smiled at her mom saying, "Thanks mom."
Kona looked at Bankotsu greeting, "Hello Bankotsu, nice to see you again."
Bankotsu smiled at Kona charmingly and replied, "Nice to see you again as well, Kona." Kona smiled at him.
Kera said, "You two have a nice chat. I'm going to go get ready."
Kona looked at them asking, "Are you two going out again?" in a hopeful tone.
Bankotsu grinned answering, "Actually, I was thinking about it."
Kona beamed and nodded her approval.
Kera walked up the stairs and into her room. She pulled out and started packing her gym bag. She packed her pants, plenty of fresh under things, shirts, two skirts, two tank tops, a set of sweats, and a light jacket.
She changed into her black hipster jeans and a tan colored v-neck style t-shirt, and her hiking boots. She added her badge, her hand gun, extra clip, and wallet to complete the outfit.
She pulled her hair back into a high ponytail adding her brush, hair bands, and such to her bag. She grabbed her bag and walked downstairs after clipping her cell phone onto her hip.
Kona eyed her daughter gasping and complimented, "Kera dear, you look very nice." smiling.
Kera smiled at her mom and said, "Thanks mom. Where are the others?"
Kona answered, "In the kitchen."
Kera nodded and suggested, "Alright, let's go to the kitchen then. We need to talk," with serious eyes. Kona nodded and led the way into the kitchen.
Bankotsu walked over and took Kera's bag, following her into the kitchen.
Kera sat at the table and looked at her family saying, "Alright, now I said I would explain to you and now I will."
Kona nodded and sat down giving her daughter her undivided attention.
Kagome noticed Bankotsu holding her sister's bag and looked at her twin questioning, "What's with the bag, Kera?"
Kera held her gaze and answered, "I'm going on a trip with Ban here, but first I have a promise to keep." Kona and Kagome looked at her nodding.
Kera said, "Well you know father is part of the C.I.A. right?" They nodded.
Kera said, "What you didn't know- is that I'm also part of it." She pulled her badge out of her back pocket, showing it to them.
Kona closely inspected it. Gasping she announced surprised, "It's just like your father's."
Kera nodded informing her, "They recruited me a while back. Father has trained me personally."
Kona frowned asking, "Why would they recruit a teenager though?"
Kera smiled saying, "They recruit as young as thirteen in some cases."
Kagome gasped looking at her twin with shocked eyes and said, "No wonder you said you could handle yourself."
Kera nodding continued, "I don't know where he is at the moment, because he's out on assignment. But when I do, I'll let you know. What I did the other night did indeed have to do with dad's work, as well as mine; and Ban here helped me," smiling fondly at her boyfriend.
Bankotsu smirked saying seriously, "Well I couldn't let my girl go alone without any back up." Kera nodded smiling.
Kera said, "Now, Ban and I are going to be gone for an undisclosed amount of time. I can't say why, where, or when. Just know that we will both be safe," holding her family's gazes.
Bankotsu held their gazes adding seriously, "You have my word: I will not allow any harm to befall Kera."
Kona smiled at him and saying fiercely, "I trust you young man. I know you wouldn't hurt my daughter, nor would you allow anyone else to."
Kagome looked at Bankotsu and questioned, "Bankotsu, how will I reach you two when the well opens up again?"
Kera said, "I'll give you my cell number; the only other person who has it is father. Only call if the well opens, or if there's an absolute emergency." Kagome nodded.
Kera wrote down her cell phone number on a slip of paper and handed it to Kagome.
Bankotsu also wrote down his cell phone number, and handed it to Kagome adding, "Here is mine as well." Kagome nodded and put the numbers away.
Guro looked Bankotsu dead in the eye and stated, "I'm trusting my granddaughter will be safe with you young man. Do not disappoint me." Bankotsu nodded.
Kera put her badge away and hugged her family one at a time. They each hugged her back.
Kagome looked into Bankotsu's eyes and declared vehemently, "If she does get hurt Bankotsu; I'll use my powers of purification on you and make you regret it," eyes filled with the promise behind her words.
Bankotsu laughed amused, saying, "So, you do have a backbone after all, eh miko?"
Kagome said, "You better believe it."
Bankotsu picked up the bag and said seriously, "Rest assured- Kera is in good hands, miko." Kagome nodded.
Kera smiled and saying amused, "Guess it runs in the family."
Kagome faced her twin and said with worry in her features and tone, "Be careful Kera. You have a very dangerous job."
Kera smiled at her assuring, "I also have a family whom I love, to return to; and I will return." Kagome smiled.
Bankotsu and Kera turned around walking away together. They walked back to his place and he let them inside, locking the door behind them.
He threw his keys on the counter and set her bag by the door. He picked her up bridal style and she smiled draping her arms around his neck.
He looked at her with desire filled eyes and mentioned, "I believe we have some settling up to do." Kera smiled seductively and began kissing his neck, as he carried her to his bedroom.
He placed her gently on the bed. She removed her gun, extra clip, badge, cell phone, and wallet; placing them on the nightstand.
He smirked and kissed her, laying her back on the bed. They made out for a while, and then undressed and made love. Afterwards they slept cuddled together.
The next morning:
They woke up, made love, showered, re bandaged her wounds, and dressed. They walked into the kitchen and ate breakfast together. During breakfast they talked.
Kera looked at him and suggested, "Tell me Bankotsu, you've said on more than one occasion, that your brothers were all killed again. What were they like- your brothers?"
Bankotsu said, "Well Jakotsu is the one that I was closest to. He and I had traveled together for many years; long before the Band was even formed. He was funny and loyal. Jaky, hated women though. He was gay and proud of it."
Kera smiled saying softly, "Sounds like quite an interesting character."
Bankotsu nodded saying softly, "He was. He was also my best friend," trying to hide the pain in his voice and eyes.
His face filled with anger as he continued harshly, "Next was Renkotsu. He was a fire master, and excelled at working with metal. He was the smartest one of the group."
Rage entered his voice as he spat out, "That bastard betrayed Jakotsu, killing him just to get his jewel shard," fists clenched trying to control his burning rage.
Kera asked evenly, "What did you do?"
Bankotsu answered angrily, "I killed the fucker. I wasn't about to have him betraying anyone else!"
Kera nodded saying, "I thought as much. It's what I would have done too."
Bankotsu ground out through clenched teeth, "He was always plotting behind my back, but I never would have believed he would actually turn on one of us."
Looking away he said with mixed emotions, "The seven of us were more than comrades, we were a family."
Kera said softly, "It must have made life interesting."
Bankotsu nodded and continued, "Next was Suikotsu. He had two sides that clashed together a lot. His doctor side tried to help everyone. And his killer side, the one that genuinely enjoyed killing. He was skilled in hand to hand combat as well."
Kera nodded asking, "And the others?"
Bankotsu sighed saying, "Then there was Ginkotsu. He loved using grenades and cannons. At one point, he was combined with enough mechanical parts that he became a human tank."
Bankotsu took a deep breath saying, "Next was Mukotsu. He was a very skilled poison master. He could make any kind of poison you could think of." adding dryly, "You could say, that he was the scientist of the group."
Kera added, "Sounds more like a chemist. They specialize in chemistry." Bankotsu nodded.
She asked, "And the last one?"
Bankotsu smiled sadly answering, "Kyokotsu. He was a mountainous beast of a man. He was also the one with the least brains of the group. But, he would do anything for any of his brothers, without question."
Kera said, "And you besides being the leader; I have no doubt that you were the strongest of the group."
Bankotsu grinned saying proudly, "Of course."
Kera smiled sadly saying softly, "I'm sorry for your losses, Bankotsu. It sounds like they would have been a very interesting group of people."
Bankotsu agreed evenly, "Yeah, they were." He sighed heavily looking away, but not before Kera saw the sadness and regret in his eyes.
Kera stood up wrapping her arms around him and said, "I know you must miss them terribly, and that I can never replace them. I would never want to. Just know Bankotsu that I will always be here if you need to talk, okay?"
Bankotsu looked into her eyes searchingly for many moments. She held his gaze unwaveringly. He nodded saying, "Come on, we better get ready and go."
Kera said softly, "You once told me that I didn't have to be so tough around you. Remember that?" He nodded.
She said, "That goes for you too Bankotsu. Just because you're a man, doesn't mean that you have to hide your pain and emotions- not from me."
He started to object, but she cut him off saying, "We're all only human. Even killers like us have hearts, and they can break too." adding wryly, "We're just trained to hide it better than the others." Finishing seriously, "But that doesn't meant that we can't be heart broken or hurt."
He blinked a few times absorbing her words, and then eyes wide from shock, just stared at her a few minutes.
Sighing heavily Kera said, "Relationships are about talking to one another- not just sex. Don't get me wrong, I'm in no way complaining. The sex is always mind blowing. But, I'm really glad that you and I can talk to each other too. That's very important to me. Thank you for telling me about your brothers, Bankotsu. I know it had to be hard for you, so thank you." She kissed his lips tenderly and pulled back looking into his eyes.
He sighed heavily and said honestly, "I wouldn't know. I've never been in a 'relationship' before."
Kera asked, "Why not?"
He shrugged saying, "I have never bothered getting to know a girl. It was always just about sex."
Kera said softly, "I see," looking away from him.
Bankotsu cupped her chin staring her dead in the eye and said, "But with you, it's different. I want to know everything about you. I want to be the reason that you smile."
Kera's face broke into a captivating smile as she said, "Thank you, Bankotsu." He nodded.
Kera said softly, "Is this really what you want though, Bankotsu? A relationship I mean? I understand if you don't. I just want things to be clear between us. Ya know?"
Bankotsu holding her gaze said dead serious, "What I want Kera, is you." He leaned down pressing his lips to hers in a tender kiss. She opened her mouth to him. He slipped his tongue inside and gave her a sweet tender kiss.
After a few minutes he broke the kiss. They stared into each other's eyes searchingly for a few minutes.
Bankotsu said, "I'm going to go get ready."
Kera nodded offering, "I'll do the dishes."
Bankotsu walked off to his bed room, and Kera washed the dishes.
Bankotsu packed his original outfit that he'd come to this time in, his armor, a couple of t-shirts, some jeans, and fresh under things.
He carried their bags and locked the door behind him.
They walked to the garage and he unlocked his dark blue ford explorer.
Looking a little surprised Kera stated, "I never knew you had a vehicle."
He smiled at her saying, "You never asked. Besides learning to drive was very... interesting to say the least."
She laughed saying "I bet."
He nodded and asked, "Shall we?" as he opened the passenger door and she slid inside.
He walked around to the other side. He stored their belongings behind their seats and slid into the driver's seat. He started the engine and drove off, and drove for several hours before they stopped for lunch.
After lunch, they got back in the car and he drove for several more hours. They finally arrived at a turn off for some private land in the middle of nowhere.
He turned onto the turn off and drove another thirty minutes before pulling to a stop.
He parked next to a cabin and they climbed out. They walked inside and over to the bed. After the long, hot drive they, collapsed onto the bed and slept for the night.
The next morning:
They woke up early, ate breakfast, and gathered their belongings; along with a tent and some camping gear.
Bankotsu looked at her informing her, "We're going to camp out in the middle of the land and train there."
Kera held his gaze nodding and said, "Lead the way, oh handsome one." He smirked and they set off.
They hiked for several hours before he decided they had reached the place they were going to camp at.
He stopped as did she. He turned to face her announcing, "Okay we'll set up camp here."
Kera nodded and they began setting everything down and set up camp. He collected the firewood while she collected the water.
He dropped the firewood beside their tent and said, "We're going to do this like we would have to in my time. The only difference here is that we have our cell phones."
Kera set the water down facing him. She nodded saying seriously, "Teach me whatever you think I will need to know."
He nodded and warning, "The training will be intense. However, I'm sure you'll be able to handle it."
She smiled and nodded. He said, "For tonight, we'll start with hunting for our dinner."
She nodded and they set off to hunt.
He pulled out a hunting knife and some rope. He caught three rabbits and she made them into a stew.
After they ate, she did the dishes in the river. They bathed, made love, bathed again, got out, and dressed.
They rolled out their sleeping bags and crawled into them and then slept embracing each other for the rest of the night.
For the next six months:
When they weren't eating, sleeping, hunting, or bathing; which usually entailed making love then re-bathing- they trained.
They trained in hand to hand, katanas, swords, and bow and arrows. He taught her how to follow tracks, how to listen to the environment, and to harness the various energies around them.
He set up some obstacle courses and went over various scenarios with her. He used random surprise attacks to hone her skills and ensure she would be ready at any given moment. They used bears in place of demons, as well as snakes.
She called Kagome and her mom once a week to reassure them everything was fine.
Finally he was satisfied that he had trained and prepared her the best he could; given the circumstances.
Lying beside her he announced, "Tomorrow we'll head back to the cabin and rest, then we will return." Kera nodded.
Bankotsu said proudly, "You're a very fast learner and an apt pupil Kera. I've taught you everything I can; given that there are no actual demons here."
Kera nodded and said, "It was indeed intense, but I'm very grateful." He nodded and they embraced each other falling fast asleep.
The next day:
They returned to the cabin, repacked the explorer, rested, and set out at first light the next morning. They drove most of the day and finally arrived back at his place.
He parked and they unloaded the explorer. They went into his place and set everything down, and crashed on the bed.
The next day:
After breakfast they showered and changed clothes.
After grabbing their bags they walked over to the shrine. They walked in the door and Kera announced, "We're back mom."
Kona, Kagome, Souta, and Guro all ran up and greeted them. After exchanging hugs, they all sat down and ate dinner.
After dinner:
Kera's cell phone rang. She immediately jumped up, pulling it out, then flipped it open and answered it.
Kera "Daddy?!"
Soru "Hey baby girl."
Kera "Did you get my message?"
Soru "Yeah I did. So, what happened?"
Kera "Hang on a minute, k dad?"
Kera looked at her mom saying, "It's father. Let me fill him in on work, and then you can talk." Kona nodded.
Kera walked into the living room. Bankotsu stood up following her. They walked into her room where she closed and locked the door.
Kera "Long story short dad, the slimy trio showed up here. My boyfriend and I took care of them though."
Soru "Boyfriend?!"
Kera giggled. Kera "Yes daddy, my boyfriend. Don't worry, he knows already. You could say he's in the business as well, but works only for himself."
Soru "Well he must be special indeed to have won your favor. I look forward to meeting him when I come home."
Kera "So, are you coming home?"
Soru "Soon baby-girl. But don't tell mom or the others. I want it to be a surprise."
Kera "Okay daddy."
Soru "So, how did you explain to mom and the others?"
Kera "The cover story of the CIA."
Soru "Okay. But when I get there, we're both going to tell them everything. I don't want any more lies. I'm retiring and so baby-girl, are you. Understood?!"
Kera laughed. Kera "Don't worry daddy. I had already decided that I was going to retire once this mess was finished and you came home."
Soru "Good. Now, is your boyfriend there?"
Kera "Yup, he is with me here now."
Soru "Put him on the phone a minute."
Kera held the phone out to Bankotsu, looking into his eyes and said, "My father wants to speak to you." Bankotsu nodded holding her gaze and took the phone.
Bankotsu "Hello sir."
Soru "Hello, my daughter tells me that you helped her take out three problems?"
Bankotsu "Yes I did."
Soru "Then I'm in your debt. I trust that you're taking good care of my daughter."
Bankotsu "Of course I am."
Soru "I'm looking forward to meeting you soon. You must really be something to have won over my Kera."
Bankotsu "Thanks, I guess."
Soru laughed. Soru "Don't worry. I'm just really looking forward to meeting the man who has so obviously won my daughter's favor. Anyone who can win over my Kera; is someone I simply must meet."
Bankotsu "I'm looking forward to meeting the man who made my Kera into the woman she is today."
Soru "Good, good. Then I shall see you in a few days. Now, please put Kera back on." Bankotsu nodded and handed Kera back the phone grinning at her.
Kera "What do you think daddy?"
Soru "I'm quite looking forward to meeting your young man."
Kera grinned. Kera "Okay, mom and the others are waiting to talk to you as well daddy."
Soru "Then by all means baby-girl- put them on."
Kera walked downstairs entering the kitchen and handed the phone to her mom smiling.
Kona "Soru?"
Soru "Hello love. Kera tells me everything is fine. So how are the kids and father doing?"
Kona "Oh Soru, I miss you so much. The kids are fine and waiting to talk to you. Dad is here as well."
Soru "We'll be a real family again soon love- I promise. I have a few loose ends to tie up and then I will return. I love you Kona. I promise to return soon, sweetheart."
Kona "Hurry home love. We all miss you terribly. I love you too, Soru."
Kona handed the phone to Guro and said, "He wants to speak to you and then the kids."
Guro took the phone. Guro "Hello son."
Soru "Hello dad. You've done a grand job taking care of everyone."
Guro "Thanks. Now, when are you going to finally return to your family, son?"
Soru sighed heavily. Soru "Soon father- I promise."
Guro "See to it that you do."
Guro handed the phone to Kagome. Kagome "D... dad?"
Soru "Hello darling."
Kagome "Oh dad... I miss you so much."
Soru "I know baby. I miss you too. I have a few more things to do and then I'll come home, k?"
Kagome "You really mean it? No more long periods of time of being gone?"
Soru "Yeah baby. I'll be coming home for good this time. I love you, baby."
Kagome "Oh daddy... I love you too."
Souta yelled, "Hey! My turn."
Holding back her tears Kagome handed the phone to her brother.
Souta "Hey dad."
Soru "Hello son."
Souta "Are you really coming home dad?"
Soru "As soon as I'm finished here. I will come home for good this time."
Souta "Hooray! Then you can watch me at my soccer practices and games. You promise?"
Soru laughed. Soru "I promise son. I love you. Now, give the phone back to Kera for a minute, k?"
Souta "Okay. Love you too dad."
Souta handed the phone back to Kera.
Kera "Yes daddy?"
Soru "I have two more things that I have to do, then I'll come home. I should be there within the next week. Make Sure that you and your young man are both there. Got it!?"
Kera "Gotcha daddy. We will be."
Soru "Good, and remember not to tell anyone else, k? I'm planning to surprise them."
Kera "Got it. I love you, daddy."
Soru laughed. Soru "I love you too, baby-girl." and then Soru hung up.
Kera hung up and replaced her phone at her hip.
She launched herself into Bankotsu's open arms, hugging him tightly and began crying tears of joy and relief.
Kagome was crying from happiness. Guro and Kona comforted Kagome and Souta.
Bankotsu picked Kera up bride style and carried her to her bedroom. He gently removed her phone setting it on the nightstand, and then lay on the bed with her, holding her tightly to his chest while she cried.
After a while Kera wiped her eyes saying, "I'm just so happy that he's safe and finally coming home."
Running his hand down her back in a soothing motion Bankotsu said softly, "I know baby."
After a while Kera stopped crying. She looked into her lover's eyes and informed him, "He's coming home soon and really wants to meet you."
Bankotsu held her gaze replying seriously, "I'm looking forward to meeting him as well."
Kera smiled and kissed Bankotsu's lips. She held his gaze and said, "Thank you, for everything."
Bankotsu smiled at her, holding her gaze and said happily, "I've got to take care of my woman, Right?" Kera grinned nodding.
She rolled out of bed and walked into the bathroom. She washed her face and they walked back down stairs.
Everyone had stopped crying and was getting ready for bed, since it was now almost midnight.
Kona suggested, "It is getting rather late and we've all had a very draining day."
She looked into Bankotsu's eyes and suggested, "Bankotsu, why don't you stay the night. I'm sure that Kera would like to have you close by."
Kera grinned at them and exclaimed, "Defiantly!"
Bankotsu smiling announced, "Then I will stay."
Kona nodded and stated, "I'll get you some blankets then."
Kona walked over to the linen closet and took out some blankets and a pillow.
She walked back over to her daughter and handed them to Kera said, "Take them to your room, dear." Kera nodded accepting them and carried the blankets to her room.
Kona looked into Bankotsu's eyes and informed him, "I trust you and my daughter to behave responsibly, Bankotsu."
Bankotsu held her gaze and nodded assuring, "We will." Kona smiled nodding and walked off to bed. Guro had already gone to bed. Kagome and Souta were already in bed as well.
Kera walked back down stairs and taking his hand, she led Bankotsu to her room.
They entered the room and lay down on the bed together. They laid there cuddling and talking for hours. Finally they fell asleep nestled together.
Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is chapter seven please remember to read and review thanks.
