ATOF CHAPTER 24

Rumiko Takahashi © Inuyasha, Band of Seven, and Koga

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

Revised Plotline © ilovebutch19

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

Bobbi walked outside the hut and looked around. She thought to herself," I know I felt Kikyo near here." She then gasped as she heard someone coming. She turned around to see Kikyo standing there.

Looking at the older woman, she said," You must be Midoriko's reincarnation."

Bobbi's eyes widened as she said," How did you?"

Kikyo said," I am a priestess young one. I know these things. You know you are in terrible danger."

Bobbi looked down at the ground as she said," I know. Naraku wants me and my powers in order to gain control over the Shikon Jewel."

Kikyo said," Are you sure you want to be with the Band of Seven?"

Bobbi looked at the woman and blinked for a few minutes. Then she replied," Hai of course I want to. They are my friends and more so, my family now."

Frowning, Kikyo said," You know that there is a big chance Naraku can take them over once more right?"

Bobbi looked shocked as she said," No I did not. But, no! Naraku cannot have them! I will not let him!"

Kikyo said," Do yourself a favor young one. Tear the bonds that you have with these men. It will not only save them but save you as well."

Bobbi grew angry as she said," LIE! I will save them! I will! There has to be a way!"

Sighing, Kikyo replied," There is one way but there is a chance they might turn back into bones again…"

Bobbi quickly said," Name it. Anything." She did not care about losing her life as long as she could save Bankotsu and Jakotsu from Naraku's grasp.

Kikyo said," Use your miko powers to heal them. Then ask them to take out the shards in their bodies along with the shards in the leader's sword."

Bobbi blinked as she said," I am not sure if that will work or not."

Kikyo said," If you believe in yourself and believe that you can save them, then I am positive that you can."

Bobbi blinked even more and gasped as she heard Kitty call out," Bobbi! Where are you girl?" She turned back around to see Kikyo was gone.

"I don't know if I can save them or not but I hope what Kikyo said is not so. I will NEVER EVER let Naraku have them!"

Kitty came running out of the hut and said," Hey girl where have you been?"

Bobbi turned around and said," I was talking to Kikyo."

Blinking, Kitty replied," She was here? What did she say?"

Bobbi looked back toward the woods and said," It was nothing really. Just checking to see if her vibes about me were right."

Kitty frowned as she knew that her friend was keeping something from her but she did not want to upset her friend any further so she just nodded and went to speak to Bankotsu.

IN THE WOODS

Bankotsu and Kitty came to a clearing so that they would be alone for a bit. They both sat down at the river's side and looked at the stars.

It was quiet for a bit then Bankotsu spoke up," Kitty I have a very important question to ask you."

Kitty blinked a bit as she said," Go on." As she looked to make sure her friend was okay.

Bankotsu took a deep breath and let it out," What do you think about all this that is happening?"

Blinking a bit as to what Bankotsu said, Kitty thought for a few moments before she said," Nervous. Bankotsu, Red is not ready for this."

Bankotsu sighed as he said," Neither are we but we have to learn to take what life dishes out at us."

Kitty looked up at the sky and said," I wonder what my family is doing right now or if they even miss me."

Bankotsu blinked as he said," You miss them a lot huh?"

Kitty nodded," Hai more than you will ever know but I guess I am stuck here for right now and I Need to make the best of it." As she said," And I have to find out what is my purpose in this whole mess. I am the reincarnation of a demon but yet…I don't know why I am here…"

Bankotsu looked at her and then took her hand and squeezed it. He whispered," We shall find out together."

Kitty blinked a bit as she smiled at him and said," Hai together." And they both looked up at the stars enjoying each other's company.

LATER THAT NIGHT

Bobbi tossed and turned a bit in her sleep as the visions of her past came back to her.

"Midoriko? Tell us that story again." As a young man who resembled Bankotsu looked at her.

Midoriko looked at the seven men and said," Nah you don't want to hear that again."

Another man that looked like Jakotsu said," Please tell us. Please." As the men looked at the woman who had come to be their friend and the meaning of their protection.

MIdoriko replied," Alright Jouichi I will tell you."

The next vision came to Red like a flash of light. She groaned as the memory consisted of two people.

"Midoriko! Please don't do this!" The man who resembled Suikotsu looked on.

Midoriko replied," We have been through this Soura...I have to do this…I have to protect the Feudal era." As she hugged the man.

Soura hugged her close to him and whispered," I will never see you again."

Midoriko smiled," Ahhh but you will see me again. Maybe not in this time but we shall meet again whether it be on this land or it be in the heavens." As she kissed his cheek.

Bobbi gasped as she sat up and looked around. Her face was drenched with sweat as she held her head in thought.

"It was just a dream…was it? Was this signs of my past life coming back to me?"

Making sure that she did not wake the others up, She slipped out of her bed and put her shoes on. She looked at Kaede and then made her way outside.

Bobbi gasped as she thought to herself," Someone is outside with me…but I cannot see them…although it does not feel like a bad spirit…it feels calm and peaceful…"

"Who is there?" as Bobbi got ready to fight. Her breathing hitched as the wind blowed around her and she suddenly felt calm.

"Don't be afraid…we are here to protect you Red one…"

Bobbi yelped as she thought to herself," The wind! The wind is talking to me! It sounded like Suikotsu…but that is impossible…he is dead….just like Renkotsu…"

Her eyes began watering as she whispered," Oh Renkotsu…." And looked at the rings she held in her hand in that moment.

"Bobbi? Are you alright?" as Jakotsu stepped out of the hut to get some fresh air and take care of business so to speak.

Turning around, Bobbi said," Jakotsu do you feel like we have ever met before?" as she looked into his eyes.

Jakotsu scratched his head and said," Now that you mention it..I feel like we have been together for a long time…but that is impossible…"

Bobbi said," Can I share a secret with you? You have to promise not to tell anyone not even your brother about this."

Blinking a bit, Jakotsu nodded as he said," What is this about?" as he sat beside her on the ground.

Bobbi sighed and said," I think I have met you all before."

Jakotsu blinked," How?"

Bobbi sighed as she said," I think you were all once in a dream that I had long ago." As she rubbed her head from all the confusion.

Blinking, Jakotsu finished what he had to do and sat down beside her. He said," Now that you mention it you do look familiar to me."

Bobbi sighed as she lay back on the grass and said," I wish I could figure all this out. There is still so much that I don't know about yet. I feel like I know the Band of Seven even after we were separated in our past lives."

Jakotsu blinked," So do I." as he said," You know for a girl you are not half bad. I consider you a good friend of mine. Maybe even my best friend besides Bankotsu."

Bobbi blinked as she said," So you like women? Go figure. Hell must be freezing over."

Jakotsu snorted," I am not as bad as what that book you have portrays me to be. None of us are."

Bobbi looked at Jakotsu and said," You know this is dangerous what you are getting yourselves into. If you want to back out now, I will understand….."

Frowning, Jakotsu replied," Lie! We protected you in our past lives and we will do the same in this life!" as he held Bobbi close to him.

Bobbi blushed," Jak what are you…" and her eyes widened as Jak kissed her on the lips.

Jak kissed her gently for a bit and then pulled back panting while he was blushing at the same time. He said," Uhh we need to go in…"

Bobbi blushed as she nodded and followed him to go inside. She looked and blinked as she looked at a mountain. She whispered," Mount Hakurei….."

Turning around, Jakotsu looked at the mountain, "Hai that is Mount Hakurai. It is said that a saint built a sanctuary at the base of the mountain in case people wanted to find peace…."

Bobbi nodded as she thought to herself, "I hope what I seen on the TV show will not come to pass here…."

LATER THAT NIGHT

Bobbi was changing clothes as she hid behind the curtain to make sure she had some privacy. She held her belly a bit and rubbed it. She thought to herself," I think I might be pregnant…this is not good….."

Just then Bobbi heard a sound like a can that was dropped. She quickly turned around and seen Jakotsu standing there with his eyes wide open.

Jakotsu looked like he did not know what to say. He stared at her for a few minutes and then whispered," Oh Red…..are you expecting?"

Bobbi blushed," I think I am just gaining weight that is all. All this good food is going to my belly and hips."

Jakotsu shook his head replying," I have seen pregnant women and you are most certainly pregnant. How long have you known?"

Bobbi looked down at the ground and whispered," For a while now. Please don't tell Bankotsu or Kitty at the moment. When I find the right time, I shall tell them."

Blinking, Jakotsu replied," You did not tell anyone because you were afraid at what Renkotsu would do to you right?"

Bobbi nodded," Hai please please don't say anything."

Jakotsu said," You have my word Red. But remember, you need to tell them soon."

Bobbi nodded," Tommorow evening when we stop for camp." As she laid down and went to sleep. The last thing she remembered was Jakotsu laying a blanket over her.

THE NEXT MORNING

Kitty woke up the next morning and yawned while she stretched a bit. She blinked as she noticed that Bankotsu had an arm around her waist. She tried to free herself from his grasp but it was no use. The mercenary had a good grip on her.

She blushed as she thought to herself," He looks so innocent sleeping….you would not even imagine he is a tough mercenary…"

Kitty frowned," Hey Bankotsu wake up and get your arm off of me." As she pushed his arm as hard as possible.

Bankotsu yawned and said," Why? I enjoy holding you like this." As he held on tighter.

Frowning more, Kitty replied," Hey you want a repeat of the knife to the balls?" as she was ready to grab her knife once more.

Bankotsu huffed," Fine." As he released her from his grasp.

Kitty sat up and blinked in shock when she realized that Bobbi was already awake and making breakfast for the group.

Bobbi grinned," Morning guys." As she was working on fixing the eggs over the fire.

Jakotsu chuckled," I can see you are feeling bright and cheerful this morning." As he got up and watched her make breakfast.

Bankotsu looked around and said," where is Kaede?"

Bobbi said," Oh she went to pick herbs with the village children. She should be back soon." As she finished up with breakfast.

Bankotsu and Jakotsu's eyes widened at how much food Bobbi had made for the group.

Kitty sweatdropped as she said," Red I think you over did a bit…."

Bobbi blushed," I am sorry but I don't know how much Bankotsu and Jakotsu eat…."

Bankotsu said, "We may be men but we don't eat that much food!" as he sat down.

Thinking to herself, Bobbi said," Well maybe Nodatu and his children would like some food. They maybe shapeshifters but they still have to eat!"

Kitty nodded as she called out for Nodatu and his children to come and eat.

"You're kind to think of us." Nodatu said, as he and the wolves entered their camp.

"We're just like that." She smiled, brushing off his compliment.

"And humble I see." He grinned. "That is rare."

Bobbi blushed a bit as she continued eating her food as she watching Nodatu and Kitty talking.

"Red and I are unique for sure." She smiled and served their food, well aware of Bankotsu's gaze follow her every step of the way.

Bankotsu smirked wider as he whistled and said," Looking good there my tigress."

She blushed and sat on a fallen log to eat her food.

Nodatu stared at Bankotsu. "She's a good woman with a kind heart. Much like my daughter was."

Bankotsu smirked indeed she is as he continued to eat his fill of the breakfast Red provided for them.

"I'm also right here." She reminded them with a huff.

Rolling her eyes a bit, Bobbi continued to eat her meal. She blinked as Jakotsu filled up her bowl once more. She looked at the younger man and said," Why are you giving me more to eat?"

"You need the food." Jakotsu smiled. "To keep up your strength."

Bobbi blushed as she remembered her condition and said," Oh yeah." As she nibbled on her food.

Kitty looked up at Bobbi and Jakotsu talking. She looked at Red's stomach and thought to herself," Oh boy….this is not good…not at a time like this…."

She was trying to figure out whether to tell Bankotsu of her suspicions but she decided not to say anything at the moment.

She turned back to face the two men a minute, opened her mouth to say something then sighed and shook her head.

"I think you two need to talk in private." Nodatu said, making his exit.

Bankotsu frowned a bit as he wondered what was wrong with Kitty. He did not know what to say but he finally opened his mouth and asked," What is wrong?"

Kitty sighed. "You talked about me like I wasn't even there. As if my opinions didn't matter. And you wonder what's wrong?" She shook her head and walked a few steps away.

Bankotsu frowned as he held up his hands defensive like and said," We were talking good about you."

Kitty huffed. "Whatever. If you insist on treating me like I'm not around and don't matter, then screw you. And that wasn't an offer!" She walked back to camp and plopped down by the fire.

Feeling his temple pounding in his head, Bankotsu snapped," Don't ever talk to me like that again! I am the leader here after all!"

Kitty blinked a bit and whipped around to face the younger leader. "Oh is common courtesy new to you? I will be sure to keep that in mind!" as she stormed back to the campsite.

Bankotsu frowned as Jakotsu chuckled," You sure did mess up this time Aniki!"

Bobbi said," Maybe we should give them some time alone Jakotsu." As she picked up her bag and replied," I need to go bathe anyway."

Nodding, Jakotsu replied," Not a bad idea. I am beginning to need a bath myself." As he grabbed his stuff and followed Red.

Bankotsu huffed and put his hands on his hips and demanded," Just WHO is the leader here?"

Kitty glared at him with a stone cold look and sneered," Yes master" as she turned her back to him and looked at the fire.

Bankotsu scratched his head knowing that he just messed up big time. He sat beside her on the log and took her hand into his and squeezed it.

Kitty frowned as she looked at his hand and said," Okay you just yelled at me now you are trying to be lovey dovey? What is your problem?"

Bankotsu huffed," Hey I am just trying to apologize. What is wrong with that?"

Nodatu just stood there in amazement as he thought to himself," Just like Layana….."

MEANWHILE IN THE FOREST

Bobbi undressed herself and looked at the water. She laid a hand on her belly nervous about what was going to happen to her and what if Naraku found out about her pregnancy.

Jakotsu picked up on this and said," Don't worry Red will shall protect you and your baby if that times comes."

Shaking her head, she replied," this was not supposed to happen. I am Midoriko's reincarnation. How am I supposed to save the Feudal Era in this condition?"

Jakotsu sighed as he rubbed the back of his head and said," Sometimes things get thrown in the way of our destinies but we do learn to overcome them."

Bobbi blinked and said," Where did you learn that?"

Jakotsu blushed a bit as he said," My mother…she told that to me and Bankotsu a long time ago…."

Bobbi said," What was your mother like?" as she began bathing.

Jakotsu shrugged, "She was a beautiful woman full of life. I have memories of her but Bankotsu does not remember much about her or our sister."

Blinking, Bobbi replied," A sister? Did she die too?"

Jakotsu said," Just forget it." As he began changing his clothes.

Bobbi sighed as she began washing her hair. She all of a sudden gasped and held her stomach in scrutinizing pain.

Looking to see his sister in pain, Jakotsu ran to her aide and gasped as he noticed she was bleeding. "What happened?!" as he got her to the water's edge.

Bobbi winced," help me Jak. Help me." As she passed out in his arms.

Frowning, Jakotsu quickly dressed her and then himself. Scooping up their bags as well, he ran as fast as he could while praying," Please please don't take her away from us Kami."

He was not sure if he would make it back to the group in time or not. But he knew in his heart they could not lose the one person that held their group together.