Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha! I do Kera, the plot, and story line... There. I said it. (sighs)

Chapter 10:

A few hours later:

Kagome looked down at her companion and suggested, "Inuyasha we should stop for the night." She bribed, "I promise to make ramen, if you do."

Inuyasha sighed heavily and conceded, "Fine, but you better make mine first." Kagome laughed and nodded as Inuyasha bent down so she could climb off of his back.

Everyone else stopped as well. Bankotsu and Kera left to collect plenty of firewood. Miroku left to gather the water. Kagome went about setting up the ring of rocks for the fire. Sango settled next to Kirara on the ground. Inuyasha sat with his back propped against a big rock.

With Bankotsu and Kera:

Kera smiled at her boyfriend asking, "Well what do you think, Bankotsu?"

Bankotsu replied, "About what?"

Kera chuckled saying, "Kagome's friends?"

Eyes narrowing he grumbled, "I definitely don't like that monk."

Kera agreed, "The lech is just that- a lecherous monk." Holding her gaze his face spread into a smile.

She suggested, "Guess we should head back, huh?" He nodded gathering some more wood.

Minutes later at camp:

Bankotsu and Kera returned with their arms full of firewood. Kagome looked at the hanyou stating, "Well Inuyasha, I think you owe Kera an apology."

Inuyasha snorted, "Teh."

Shippo piped in, "He won't do it. You guys know how stubborn he is."

Inuyasha glared at the kitsune growling, "What was that you little runt?" as he started getting up.

Kagome looked at Inuyasha warning, "Inuyasha." Inuyasha said, "Keh." and sat back down sulking.

Sango faced the irritated hanyou adding, "Yeah Inuyasha, you didn't have to be so rude to her earlier."

Inuyasha sighed heavily and mumbled, "Fine."

Kera laughed it off mentioning, "Don't worry about it Kags. I'm used to dealing with loud mouthed, rude guys."

Carrying the water Miroku set it down beside Kagome and faced Kera asking, "Why do you say that, Lady Kera?"

Raising a brow Kera replied evenly, "You do realize that I'm also an assassin, right monk?" gazing into his eyes.

Miroku blushed lightly and said sheepishly, "Uh, actually I kind of forgot that part." Kera rolled her eyes.

Miroku smiled charmingly at her adding, "You're too beautiful to be a killer," and left to collect some more water.

Bankotsu sent a deadly glare at the monk's retreating back and warned, "Back off, lech!" He faced the others stating proudly, "She has beauty, brains, and is deadly. She's perfect for me," eyes full of fondness and pride as he gazed at his Kera.

Kera smiled teasing, "That's good to know," winking at him.

Bankotsu smirked walking over to her and snaked his arms around her waist; pulling her into him. He bent his head and captured her lower lip between his teeth, lightly licking and nibbling it. She opened her mouth to him and he slipped his tongue inside, giving her a passion filled kiss; which she eagerly returned.

After a minute Inuyasha cleared his throat loudly and mentioned, "We're still here you know. Knock it off you two," annoyance clear in his voice.

They broke the kiss, and Bankotsu smirked at him saying smugly, "You're just jealous." Everyone but Inuyasha laughed.

Inuyasha scowled arguing, "I am not. It's just disgusting watching you slobber all over each other."

Kera smiled and said amused, "Yup, he's jealous all right." Bankotsu smirked before tenderly brushing his lips over hers. He lowered his arms and went to sit down closer to the fire on a fallen log.

Inuyasha shook his head in disgust, and argued, "I am not jealous."

Bankotsu chuckled and retorted, "Whatever dog boy." Kera walked over and sat beside Bankotsu. He slid a hand over, giving her inner upper thigh a slight squeeze as a soothing gesture.

She smiled, kissed his cheek, and stood up. She walked over and began setting up their sleeping bag and blankets.

Miroku came back with more water. He set it down over beside Kagome and then took a seat beside Sango.

Kagome started a fire and began heating the water. She opened up her bag and pulled out lots of cups of ramen noodles. After the water was boiled, she carefully poured it into the cups and passed them out along with chop sticks. Everyone sat around the fire and happily ate the steamy delicious ramen noodles.

After dinner:

Bankotsu set his now empty cup aside and stood up. He announced, "Kera and I will go inspect the perimeter and ensure that we have no unwelcome visitors. Make sure not to stray too far from the camp," while looking from one person to the next.

Kagome chirped, "Okay, but we're going to go bathe in the hot springs," as she and Sango stood up.

Kera nodded saying, "Fine, just don't go much farther than that," smiling at her twin and the other girl.

Inuyasha scowled demanding, "Who the hell do you think you two are? You aren't the ones in charge here," glaring from Bankotsu to Kera and back again.

Sango faced him and said, "Inuyasha stop yelling."

Bankotsu looked into his eyes stating firmly, "Like it or not Inutrasha, we're all on the same team here. Which means that Kera and I will inspect the perimeter and ensure there will be no unwelcome visitors," a biting edge to his tone.

Bankotsu turned to Kera asking, "Right?" Kera nodded.

She walked over to Inuyasha's standing in his face, and informed him angrily, "Bankotsu and I know more about this aspect, than any of you, so just let us do our jobs. Now, sit down and cease your whining," glaring at him.

She spun on her heel and walked over to her boyfriend. Bankotsu smirked commanding, "Let's go, babe." Kera nodded, and she and Bankotsu left walking side by side.

Miroku's eyes bulged out and he said, "Man, she's kind of scary."

Shippo added, "She is really scary," with his eyes as big as saucers.

Kagome laughed and informed the kitsune, "She can be a little intense, but once you get to know her a little better; you'll find she is very loving and protective of those she cares for."

Sango nodded and suggested, "Come on Kagome, let's go get that bath," with eagerness at the prospect of a nice hot soak.

She narrowed her eyes at Miroku warning, "No peeking Miroku, or else you will permanently have Hiraikotsu embedded in your skull."

Eyes huge Miroku gulped nervously and nodded vigorously. Inuyasha sat there sulking. Kagome and Sango walked to wards the springs, with Shippo perched on Kagome's shoulder.

With Kagome and Sango in the hot spring:

They were relaxing in the soothing steamy waters and talking. Sango looked at her best friend asking, "So you went home and found out you had an identical twin sister?"

Kagome smiled answering, "Yup, one day after school mama and grandpa sat me down and told me; then Kera walked up."

Sango said, "Oh man, I can't even begin to imagine what that was like," eyes twinkling with amusement, as she tried to picture it.

Kagome mentioned, "Yeah, I was completely floored. But when I saw her; I also felt an instant connection, ya know? Like a part of me that has been missing for so long was finally found."

Sango nodded and questioned, "So how exactly did she end up dating Bankotsu of all people?" eyes serious.

Kagome said, "I'm not sure really. One day he came up to me and yanked me up by the hair. She slapped him upside the head and started yelling at him."

Sango said shocked, "Wow. Did she really slap him upside the head?"

Kagome grinned and replied, "Yup, hard enough that he rubbed the back of his head. Plus she kneed him in the balls that first day too," laughter shinning in her eyes.

Sango chocked and screeched, "Are you serious!"

Kagome grinned answering, "Yup." Sango burst out laughing.

After a few minutes Kagome stated, "Next thing I knew, she got attacked by one of the guys at school. She kicked his ass and then threatened to and I quote: 'rip your balls off and shove them down your throat.'" Kagome let that sink in as Sango gaped blinking, and then smirked.

Kagome continued, "Afterwards she was storming off and Bankotsu went after her to console her. He even took her to the nurse's office to get checked out and bandaged; since she punched her fist through the metal locker."

Sango blinked a few times and said, "Wow. She sounds like she can definitely take care of herself then." Adding with a grin, "And she sure doesn't seem intimidated by Bankotsu any either."

Kagome laughed stating, "No. She's never once shown any sign of being intimidated by him or fearing him, or anyone for that matter."

Sango grinned and informed her best friend, "Sounds like she can hold her own then. I mean, if she can go toe to toe with Bankotsu; then she can pretty much hold her own with any of them. Most likely, even against Sesshomaru."

Kagome nodded adding, "I sure am glad she's on our side."

Sango nodded and agreed, "No doubt."

Shippo, who had been floating by and listening with rapt curiosity exclaimed, "Wow! No wonder she's so scary."

Kagome smiled at him and said, "She may be tough and scary Shippo, but she has a very big heart."

Sango suggested, "Well I think maybe we should head back, don't you?"

Kagome agreed, "Yeah okay." They got out and dressed. They grabbed their weapons and walked back to camp.

Back at camp:

Kagome, Sango and Shippo walked up. They sat beside the fire and chatted some more.

A few minutes later Bankotsu and Kera walked up side by side. Kera looked at the group saying, "Okay, now we'll know if any intruders show up."

Kagome nodded looking at her twin and said, "Thanks."

Kera smiled and said, "Anytime Kags."

Bankotsu asked, "So, who has first watch?"

Inuyasha declared, "I'll be up tonight." Kera nodded.

Bankotsu informed his former enemy, "Fine I guess that means it'll be the two of us then."

Kera got into her stuff, pulling out some fresh clothes, along with her shampoo, body wash, and a towel.

Kera faced the group stating, "Well I'm off to the hot spring. A nice soothing soak sounds mighty tempting right about now," in a cheery voice.

Bankotsu looked at his lover and informed her, "I'm going with you."

Kera said smiling, "If you want. See you later, Kags."

Kagome smiled and said, "Have fun."

Kera winked and assured, "I intend to," turning on her heel, and carrying her things she walked off. Kagome's face blushed brightly as she hid her face in her hands.

Bankotsu smirked following Kera who had walked off laughing.

Sango looking at Miroku sternly warned, "Not one word hoshi," hiding her own blush.

Miroku had a lecherous grin on his face and replied, "Why my dear Sango, I haven't the slightest idea what you mean."

Inuyasha blushed lightly, and said, "Keh," looking away.

With Bankotsu and Kera at the hot springs:

A/N Lemon edited out!

Back at camp:

Inuyasha saw them finally returning and scowled declaring, "It's about damn time you two got back. What took so damn long anyways?"

Bankotsu glared at him. "Shut it mutt."

Miroku had a lecherous grin and asked, "Did you two-" wiggling his eye brows suggestively.

Kera responded hissing, "None of your damn business, lech," eyes showing annoyance.

Bankotsu grumbled, "Dirty minded... Monk my ass," sending a withering stare at the lecherous monk.

Sango slapped him upside the head, blushing furiously and scolded, "Miroku you hentai, that is none of our business."

Turning beat red from embarrassment Kagome just looked away.

Kera queried, "Anyways, what's the plan now?"

Bankotsu sat down by the fire answering, "Tomorrow we will find my Banryu and while doing so, we will scout for any rumors about Naraku."

Miroku looked at him and agreed a little shocked, "That's a very wise idea."

Inuyasha scowled and growled, "You better find that damn sword soon."

Bankotsu eyes narrowing snapped, "Banryu isn't just a 'damn sword' you stupid half breed- she's my baby; and we will set out after her as soon as the day breaks." muscles tensing once again.

Kera sat beside Bankotsu, murmuring in a soothing voice, "Don't worry baby, we'll get her back."

Bankotsu looked into her eyes and his eyes softened just a little. He smiled gratefully at her. Kera smiled back. Basking in her smile, he felt all the tension leaving him once again.

Kera laid her head against his shoulder. He smiled wrapping an arm around her hip, and holding her to his side. She smiled and snaked her arms around his waist, burying her head on his chest. Feeling content Bankotsu sat there holding his girlfriend.

Sango smiled at them and said, "Aw, they look so cute together." facing Kagome she asked. "Don't they, Kagome?"

Kagome smiled at them answering, "Yes, they do."

Kera lifted her head and smiled at both girls. Bankotsu smirked stating smugly, "With me being sexy and Kera being a knock out; what did you expect?"

Everyone laughed, except Inuyasha who groaned, "Please spare me."

Kera childishly stuck her tongue out at him. Inuyasha blinked, and the others laughed. Inuyasha said, "Teh." and jumped up into a tree to sulk.

Kagome shook her head and mentioned, "Don't mind him, he's just upset."

Kera sighed and queried dryly, "A bit uptight isn't he?"

Sango laughed, "You have no idea!"

Kagome yawned and said, "Night all," walking over to her sleeping bag. She crawled inside and closed her eyes.

Sango also walked over and curled up in her blankets going to sleep.

Kera said, "Night all," pulling her sleeping bag over by Bankotsu. She crawled into it after kissing his cheek and whispering, "Night sexy."

Bankotsu knelt beside her, kissing her lips gently and whispered, "Night vixen."

She smiled snuggling into her sleeping bag, closed her eyes, and drifted off to sleep. Bankotsu sat beside the fire again staring into it thinking.

After ensuring the women had all fallen asleep, Miroku looked at Bankotsu and questioned, "You really care about her, don't you?" shock in his voice.

Bankotsu crossed his arms in front of his chest glaring at him stated, "Yes. Why do you have a problem with it?"

Miroku informed the mercenary, "No. I'm just wondering what you intend to do after Naraku is defeated."

Bankotsu demanded, "Just what do you mean by that, monk?"

Miroku shrugging explained, "I mean do you plan on trying to revive your brothers again, or what?"

Bankotsu sighing heavily scowled and answered thoughtfully, "I don't know yet, after all Renkotsu was the one who actually killed Jakotsu." voice fading away, as he schooled his features into an emotionless mask to hide his sadness and pain.

Miroku queried curiously, "What of the others then?"

Bankotsu scowled demanding, "What does it matter to you anyways," with a penetrating gaze.

Miroku shrugged and stated, "That depends on what your intentions are with Lady Kera, I guess. I mean, your brothers have all died twice now and are hopefully laid to rest. Why bring them back yet again and disturb that peace?" gazing deeply into the legendary mercenary's eyes.

Bankotsu scowled informing him testily, "They won't be laid to rest at the very least, until Naraku is dead."

Miroku nodded replying, "True, but do you really think that they would accept you and Kera being together? Or do you intend to bring them back and cast her aside?" gazing at the deadly blue eyes of the man he was speaking to.

Bankotsu glaring dangerously at him declared coldly, "It doesn't concern you monk."

Miroku informed him, "It does indeed concern me. Lady Kera is Kagome's sister and Kagome is like a sister to me." All pretenses disappeared as his own gaze hardened. He continued in a deadly serious voice, "I will not stand by and watch you hurt either of them," staring him in the eye.

Temper now rising to the surface, Bankotsu clenched his fists tightly and demanded, "What the hell makes you think that I would ever hurt them?"

Eyes narrowing dangerously Bankotsu ground out through clenched teeth, "Especially Kera?" staring the man in the eye; jaw clenching.

Miroku answered evenly, "That fact that you just said yourself that you don't know what you will do yet. That woman cares very deeply for you. I've seen that you also at least care for her." He finished in a serious tone, "If you can't make up your mind now, then how will you be able to; when the time comes to make your final decision?"

Bankotsu stood up angrily demanding, "What the fuck does it matter to you monk?" Fists clenched Bankotsu started towards the monk stating, "Kera is my woman. If you so much as touch her even once; I will gut you like a fish," he warned, glaring icily at him; muscles shaking slightly from the effort of controlling his rapidly rising temper.

Sighing heavily Miroku stood to his feet, staff in hand and replied, "That isn't my intention. I was merely giving you the chance to think about what is more important to you. Bringing your brothers back from the dead, yet again, and wreaking havoc upon innocent villagers, or the chance to live a normal life with the woman you currently have by your side."

Bankotsu started pacing like a caged tiger with his hands balled into fists at his sides. Stormy blue eyes narrowed at the monk as he snapped, "Why should I have to make a choice to begin with?"

having decided to join in the conversation, Inuyasha jumped down, storming over and mentioned, "You know damn well what she said about wanting to have a normal life," staring at the mercenary leader.

Bankotsu whirled to face him snapping angrily, "Both of you just shut up and mind your own damn business."

Deciding she'd heard enough, Kera said loudly, "All of you shut up," in a deceptively calm voice. The trio was shocked and stood there wide eyed; they had not expected her to be awake.

Kera stood up sighing heavily. Facing the men she said evenly, "To start with, I never asked Bankotsu to even make a decision like that." Eyes narrowing she added, "I never would."

She walked over standing in front of Bankotsu, looking him dead in the eyes and assuring dead certainly, "Bankotsu, I would never ask you to make a decision like that." Seeing the torment in his eyes, she said, "I know what your brothers mean to you." Placing a hand on his clenched fist, she held his gaze informing him, "I would never try to get in the way of that."

Whirling to face Inuyasha and Miroku she hissed angrily, "And you two have no business even asking that of him! I didn't ask for it1 I never will! So you both better just back the hell off," shaking from the effort of keeping her temper in check.

Taking a deep breath she continued in a slightly softer tone, "You don't know him or what he has suffered through, because you have never bothered to ask him. So don't you dare try anything like that ever again!"

Facing her boyfriend she finished seriously, "He's just as human as the rest of us," eyes filling with mixed emotions.

Needing to get away before she killed someone, she turned on her heel and stomped off towards the hot springs.

Glaring at both hanyou and monk, Bankotsu demanded, "Are you happy now?" eyes hard, and chest beginning to heave with controlled anger.

Hearing the raised voices, Kagome woke up looking at him and questioned, "What did you three do now?"

Bankotsu snapped angrily, "I didn't do a damn thing- they did," pointing accusingly at Inuyasha and Miroku.

Looking around Kagome asked, "Where's Kera? What did you two do?" while jumping up to her feet.

Bankotsu gritted through clenched teeth, "Kera stormed off towards the hot springs."

Inuyasha huffed and defended, "All we did was ask Bankotsu what he was going to do when Naraku was defeated."

Bankotsu added furiously, "And who I would choose between Kera and my brothers." hateful eyes narrowed at the two men.

Kagome gasped with wide eyes. Eyes narrowing, she yelled, "Inuyasha- sit boy."

Inuyasha slammed into the ground hard enough to jar his teeth, landing in an Inuyasha sized crater in the earthen soil.

Kagome stormed over and viciously slapped Miroku's face demanding, "How could you?" eyes lit with her fiery anger. She spun on her heel and gathered her bow and arrows, and then ran off to find her twin.

Sango jumped up and clobbered both Inuyasha and Miroku seething, "You idiots," while glaring at them icily. She grabbed her Hiraikotsu and ran off after Kagome.

Inuyasha glared at Miroku and growled, "Happy now monk? I got just sat because of your shit," eyes flashing angrily.

Bankotsu seethed, "I hope you two idiots are satisfied now." Before he spun on his heel and stormed after the girls.

At the hot springs:

Kera was pacing back and forth fuming at the audacity of those two morons. She angrily growled, "What the hell gave them the right to ask such a thing- fucking assholes."

She balled up her fist and slammed it into the nearest tree trunk. "Fucking jerks. How dare they do that?" she screamed punching the tree trunk again, leaving a huge dent in it.

She pulled her fist back slamming it into the tree trunk a third time. This time when it connected it sparked, and as she pulled it back again; her fist glowed a luminous blue. Kera looked at her fist, eyes wide and asked, "What the," puzzlement in her eyes.

Kagome and Sango gasped while staring in shock at Kera's glowing fist. Kera roared, "What the fuck is going on here?"

A cold male voice stated, "Ah, another miko I see."

Kera whirled around, gasping and demanded, "Who are you and what the hell are you talking about?"

Kagome paled and said, "Forgive her Lord Sesshomaru, she's my sister and is a little upset right now," staring fearfully at the demon lord.

Sesshomaru looked at the girl before him, who was dressed in even stranger garments then his brother's wench, but at least covered most of her skin. He said, "Hn, interesting."

Sango turned to Kera hissing, "Kera, watch how you talk to him." She glared at Sango.

The new male was dressed in a pristine white haori with red flowers on the sleeves and collar area and pristine white hakamas. He had with spikes at the shoulders with black armor and over his chest and two swords strapped to his waist, and a brilliant yellow and deep purple obi and the clothes appeared to be made out of something akin to silk.

He also had long silver white hair flowing down his back, as well as what appeared to be a black crescent moon on his forehead and purple stripes on his cheeks and a big fluffy thing draped across one shoulder she also noted he had golden eyes.

Kera demanded, "I will only ask once more; who are you and what do you mean?"

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at the new woman scoffing, "Such an impertinent human." Kera narrowed her eyes at him as well.

Kagome hastily explained, "That is Lord Sesshomaru, ruler of the western lands and Inuyasha's older brother."

Not wanting to deal with another snippy mutt, Kera grumbled, "Great, not another pain in the ass like Inuyasha."

Sesshomaru queried amused, "I take it you do not like my worthless half brother either?" while holding the newer miko's gaze.

Kera snorted in an unladylike fashion. "No kidding- he's nothing but a whiny little pain in my ass."

Looking at her Sesshomaru said, "This Sesshomaru finds you amusing young miko."

Kera frowned saying, "Again with the miko, eh? My name is Kera by the way. Now, would you mind explaining what is going on here?"

Sesshomaru gazed into her warm eyes and answered, "You are a miko much like your sister, and that is why your fist is glowing."

Sesshomaru added, "However, you really shouldn't take out your anger on that poor tree," lips lifting at one end.

Kera sighed heavily and acknowledged, "You are correct, I shouldn't have taken it out on the tree, and I apologize for that." She added wryly, "I guess I just let my temper get away from me."

Sesshomaru reprimanded sternly, "Do not hurt anymore innocent trees."

Kera nodded and apologized, "I'm sorry for my earlier rudeness as well," holding his gaze with her own.

Sesshomaru nodded and replied, "See that it doesn't happen again." Turning on his heel, he disappeared as quickly as he had come.

Kera blinked in surprise questioning, "Hey where did he go?" searching the area.

Kagome glared at her twin and reprimanded sternly, "You're lucky Kera. Normally anyone who spoke to him with such a lack of respect- would be dead in an instant."

Sango turned to the new comer and nodded adding, "Indeed. Sesshomaru was very lenient tonight. Don't expect it to ever happen again."

Kera asked, "So what brings you two here anyways?"

Kagome countered, "What happened back at camp to make you storm off?"

Kera scowled. "That stupid mutt and monk," she answered, as if that explained it all.

Noticing how dark it was, Sango suggested, "Let's go back to camp."

Kera said, "You two can go back, I'm just going to sit here and meditate for a while."

Kagome held her gaze and queried, "Are you okay now?"

Sighing heavily Kera stated firmly, "I'll be fine, I just need to calm down. Go back to camp and don't worry about me." They reluctantly nodded and walked back to camp.

Kera sat beside the tree trying to calm down. A moment later Sesshomaru returned and said confused, "And now she meditates."

Blinking Kera asked humbly, "So what brings you back to this human, Lord Sesshomaru?"

Sesshomaru gazed at her replying, "This Sesshomaru finds you to be an interesting enigma."

Kera opened her eyes, chuckling and said, "That's the first time I've ever been told I was an 'interesting enigma'."

Sesshomaru queried curiously, "So tell me miko, what has you so upset that you had to maim a defenseless tree."

Sighing Kera muttered, "The mutt and monk, have big mouths." Sesshomaru raised a brow questioningly at her.

She explained, "They asked someone something they had no business asking about me."

Sesshomaru questioned, "Which was?"

Kera answered evenly, "Who he would choose between me and his brothers."

Blinking away the pain and sadness, she added fiercely, "I never for asked that and I never will."

Sesshomaru looked at her and queried, "Who did they ask such a thing and why?"

Kera held his gaze answering, "My boyfriend, and I have no idea why."

Sesshomaru raised a brow again questioning, "Who is this boyfriend of yours?"

Bankotsu walked up saying, "Kera, we need to-" trailing off as he recognized her visitor. He said, "Oh, hey Sesshomaru."

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at the mercenary demanding, "How is it that you are once again among the living?"

Bankotsu looked at him replying, "No idea, all I know is that I woke up alive again."

Kera looked from one to the other and questioned confused, "You two know each other?"

Sesshomaru growled and moved to draw Tokijin.

Seeing this Kera immediately jumped up and stood in front of Sesshomaru, placing a hand over his; that was on the sword ready to draw it from its scabbard. She stared him in the eyes requesting, "Please don't."

Sesshomaru narrowed his gaze at her growling, "Why shouldn't I?"

Kera without hesitation replied, "Because I care for him very deeply."

Bankotsu demanded, "If he chooses to attack me then so be it. Now, move aside Kera and stay back."

Kera whirled to face Bankotsu and snapped angrily, "I will not. I don't know why, but it's obvious that you two don't like each other. I will not stand here and watch you two fight!"

She faced Sesshomaru and requested, "Please Lord Sesshomaru, don't do this," pleading with her eyes as well.

Sesshomaru demanded icily, "You would protect this filth and dare to ask me such a thing?"

Holding his gaze Kera answered unwavering, "Hai- he is my boyfriend."

Sesshomaru's eyes widened in shock and he bellowed, "You would lay with a heartless murderer?"

Still holding his gaze Kera informed him honestly, "I am no different, I've killed too. If you intend to slay him, then do so with me as well; for I am no better or worse than he is."

Sesshomaru went to grab her arm, and remove it, as his eyes narrowed. Bankotsu started to become panicked and yelled, "Kera- No! Sesshomaru your quarrel is with me, let her go," he demanded.

Kera commanded firmly, "Stay back, Bankotsu." She removed her hand, kneeling before Sesshomaru and said softly, "Do what you wish."

Scowling Sesshomaru removed his hand from his sword and pulled her to her feet. He glared into her eyes and stated, "Very well, I shall spare him this time. But do not ask this of me again."

Kera nodded saying, "Thank you," eyes filled with gratitude.

Sesshomaru stated evenly, "You have managed to find favor with me miko. Your courage and willingness to sacrifice are rarely ever seen- let alone in a human. If you see good in him, then I shall trust your judgment- for now."

Bowing respectfully Kera replied, "Thank you, Lord Sesshomaru." Looking him dead in the eye she said, "You're an interesting demon. I hope that in the future we shall become friends- if you would grant me the honor."

Sighing Sesshomaru said, "We will meet again miko. For now, go to your lover and be glad that I spared his life." and quickly vanished again.

She turned around slowly walking towards Bankotsu. Scowling at her he demanded, "Why would you do such a foolish thing, woman? He could have killed you," while looking into her eyes.

Holding his gaze Kera answered honestly, "Because I love you," becoming more nervous by the second.

Bankotsu stood there in complete shock for a minute blinking and said, "You... you love me?" unable to believe his ears.

Kera took a fortifying deep breath, looked him directly in the eyes and answered, "Hai."

Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is chapter ten please remember to read and review thanks.

Got any suggestions? Put them in your reviews if you like.