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

Warnings: Adult situations, Attempted rape, Language, and Lemons In this story.

Opening Scene:


A woman who had been traveling for several days and also had just earlier that day fought with a particularly tough demon that had a jewel shard, had just located a nice hot spring and decided to take a nice soak to soothe her aching muscles. She set her giant boomerang against a tree. She also set aside her bow, arrows, and various other weapons in a neat pile along with her extra clothes.

She had just begun undressing- when three big mean and scruffy looking bandits jumped out and wasted no time in surrounding her. The leader obviously the biggest and meanest looking of the three looked at her and demanded, "Hand over the jewel shards and you will be spared!"

She sighed heavily and inquired, "Can't a girl even take a bath in peace without being attacked anymore?" Really it was getting ridiculous.

The leader who was rather large and grungy looking, smirked and replied, "Of course, after you give me the shards."

She turned to face him and stared him dead in the eye as she asked coolly, "What do you want with them?"

He scowled at her and shouted angrily, "That isn't your concern. Hand them over bitch, now!"

She shook her head, taunting, "Come and get them, asshole." and immediately dropped into a fighting stance.

He laughed as his eyes filled with malice and he ordered, "You heard her, boys." All three men attacked the woman. The leader rudely snatched the bottle from around her neck and shoved them into his pocket. He eyed her up and down lustfully and grinned sneering, "Since you had to go and fight us… me and my boys are gonna have some 'fun' with you." licking his lips like a starving wolf who'd just spotted its prey.

Her face became instantly angered and her eyes widened in fear and then narrowed in outrage. No way in hell, was she letting them do anything like that to her!

The men all leered at her, eying her up and down like a piece of meat, and attacked her She began fighting them off making sure to injure them when she could. She had become distracted by the leader's snide remark of, "You may as well just give in bitch. My men and I will have our fun."

She whirled to glare daggers at him and one of the other men taking advantage of the opening slammed his fist hard into her back, she gasped and he tackled her to the ground. She rolled away and jumped back to her feet, then furiously continued to fight them off like a cornered animal.

She fought them off for over twenty minutes before her body began to feel fatigued from the past few days events catching up to her. She tried to snap herself out of it taking advantage the leader reached out with his dagger and quickly sliced her arm. She let out a blood curdling scream as she leaped at the leader and began retaliating even harder.

With Bankotsu:

Bankotsu was patrolling the area as was his normal routine when out of the blue he heard a terrible shriek and was so startled he actually jumped slightly. He wondered what was going on as he stared over to the direction that the noise had come from and decided to investigate. He walked off heading in the direction of the origin of the scream.

Bankotsu had just reached the end of the path that lead toward the hot springs and came across a woman who was being attacked by three big bandits. He just stood there watching as the scene unfolded for a while. "Ya know, this woman isn't half bad taking on three big men at once- impressive! So are her moves. I wonder why she is alone, though…?" He continued to watch as the bandits knocked her to the ground yet she still tried to fight them off.

The woman fought for all she was worth but eventually, the three big men overpowered her. They knocked her to the ground. Two of them held her down as the third leaned over her and held a dagger against her throat. She thrashed around furiously trying to get them off.

The one with the dagger ended up smirking and slicing her arms and legs a bit, trying to force her to cooperate. She screamed in agony as the tiny blade cut into her flawless skin then glared at the men and growled angrily, "Three big men versus one woman? You stupid bunch of cowards! When I get up, I am so gonna beat the living hell out of you!" Her eyes burned with fire and determination as she continued to try to fight them off.

Even pinned down, she was still fighting them. Bankotsu chuckled. "So she's a spit fire as well, eh?" He smiled and continued watching as the woman battled the three bandits all at once. He saw the two bandits hold her down, while their leader began cutting her again. He decided enough was enough. Normally he wasn't the hero type, but this woman had intrigued him. He thought, "Time for me to intervene!"

Bankotsu emerged from the trees, then walked towards them while glaring at the men and yelled, "HEY! Why don't you three try picking on someone your own size instead of a mere woman?"

Hearing this, the one with the dagger jumped up a tad from being startled. Turning to face the intruder, he looked him over thoroughly and saw it was a young teenage boy with long hair in a braid. He climbed off the woman and stood to face the boy saying, "Well, now, boy, I guess I will just have to teach you not to mess in other people's business." as he glared at the intruder.

Without warning he lunged towards Bankotsu, with the dagger at hand. Bankotsu on instinct reached out and knocked the dagger out of the man's hand and quickly back flipped away landing close to his prized Banryu. The man became angry and drew his sword. He spat, "A quick one, eh? Well, I will still get you, boy!" as he again lunged toward the boy with a weapon in his hand.

Placing his hand on Banryu and lifting it into a defensive position, Bankotsu smirked as he held up his weapon, and said snidely, "Come on then, big man." He thought smugly, "Fool doesn't know who he's messing with."

The man angrily charged Bankotsu with his sword. Bankotsu smirked as he flicked his wrist then swung his arm downward and brought down his Banryu, effortlessly slicing the man in half.

Seeing this, the other two men released their hold on the woman and, jumped up following suit furiously with their swords drawn. Bankotsu smiled and whipped his Banryu around almost as if in a graceful dance and finished them off quickly. Remembering their victim, he embedded his Banryu into the ground and gazed over to where the woman lay.

The woman eyes glued to her rescuer rolled to her side and got up trying to stand, but started falling.

Bankotsu quickly ran over and caught the woman. Staring into her eyes he demanded evenly, "And just what do you think you're doing, hm?" His azure gaze searched hers.

She held his gaze and said softly, "The leader...he took my jewel shards. They are in a small bottle."

Bankotsu stood up with her in his arms and walked to a nearby tree. Bending down he propped her up against the tree. He looked at her and demanded, "Stay put! I will get them." She nodded, and leaned her head back against the tree. Bankotsu walked over to the leader and searched his severed body. He found a small bottle and took it out. Holding it up, he saw five sacred jewel shards in it. He whistled and put the bottle in his pocket. He walked over to her and demanded, "What are you doing with these? Where did you get them from?" searching her eyes for any signs of deceit.

She sighed and answered softly, "I have been collecting them for a while now." She eyed him carefully inspecting him and continued, "Speaking of which, why do you have jewel shards in your neck and both wrists?"

Bankotsu was shocked and it was clearly plastered all over his face. He recovered from his shock and stared her dead in the eye and demanded, "How did you know that?"

She smirked holding his gaze and replied smartly, "I can see them plain as day, dummy." She scooted herself up the tree and pushed off trying to stand up again. She began to fall again and Bankotsu's arms shot out catching her again just as she passed out.

Bankotsu staring down at the woman in his powerful arms shook his head, sighed heavily, and mumbled, "Stubborn woman." She'd clearly pushed herself way too far. But he couldn't help but be impressed with her display against her attackers. He certainly didn't know any other woman who'd have been able to hold out that long against such overwhelming odds. Hell, if he had not seen it himself he'd never have believed it was possible.

While holding the woman in his massive arms and looking at her, he thought, "She is a stubborn spitfire, as well as an impressive fighter. However, she said she can see the jewel shards...Hm, I should take her to get those wounds looked at. She may just be useful after all…"

Bankotsu decided to take her back to the hideout. He lifted her over his shoulder, and walked over to his beloved companion. Reaching out his hand he grabbed and hefted his Banryu over to his other shoulder. Holding her securely with one arm over her, he began walking back to the hideout.

Chapter 1


At the hideout:

Bankotsu walked in to his room. He set his Banryu by the door and heaved a sigh. He walked over to his bed, and gently laid the woman on his bed. He walked back outside taking a deep breath and hollered, "Jakotsu!"

Jakotsu immediately came running up to then looked at him and asked, "Yes, big brother?"

Bankotsu stared at him and said, "Go and find Suikotsu. Tell him to come see me immediately." Jakotsu nodded and left to do as he had been told.

Fifteen minutes later:

Suikotsu walked up to Bankotsu and said, "You wished to see me big brother?" while gazing into his leader's eyes.

Looking Suikotsu in the eye, Bankotsu replied evenly, "Yes, there's a woman passed out on my bed. She was badly injured in a fight that I came across while out on patrol. All I'm asking is for you to attend to her wounds."

Nodding in understanding, Suikotsu answered, "As you wish, Big Brother," before entering Bankotsu's room. He approached the bed, looking over the injured woman before he expertly undressed her and completed his examination of her wounds. Gingerly and yet thoroughly he cleansed and bandaged her wounds, touching the reddened lines, covering her with the blankets before walking back to his pacing leader.

An hour later...

Paused in mid stride, Bankotsu looked toward Suikotsu as he asked, "How is she?"

"She has many cuts on her arms and legs, but nothing too serious. For the most part she appears to be suffering from exhaustion. Let her rest a while and she'll be fine," he replied, cleaning his hands once more of the female's blood.

With a nod of understanding Bankotsu replied, "I'll make sure that she gets the needed rest," before turning back to his room effectively dismissing Suikotsu. After assuring himself she was indeed okay, Bankotsu walked back outside.

Bankotsu sat on a good sized boulder outside twirling the small bottle of jewel shards in his fingers, deep in thought and wondering about the woman and where she came from.

After about thirty minutes he slipped the jar back into his pocket and decided to check on his brothers. He jumped off the rock and went around checking on his three remaining brothers, ensuring they were fine, and ordered dinner to be prepared.

Jakotsu set about catching then smoking some fish for everyone. After they ate and night fell, everyone but Bankotsu settled into sleep for the night. Bankotsu opted to sit under the stars thinking some more.

A few hours later...

Bankotsu sighed heavily stood up and walked to his room. He stood in the doorway and saw the woman was still sleeping and sighed heavily. He walked inside his room and closed the door them removed his shirt, but left his pants on. He walked over to and climbed into the bed; gently moving the woman over to one side. He settled in on his side, with his back to the woman closed his eyes and fell asleep.

A few hours later, the woman, who had been dreaming, sat up and screamed brokenly, "No!"

Bankotsu who had been jolted awake by her scream rolled over to face her and saw she was crying. Sighing heavily, he laid an arm around her, saying softly, "Shh, Its ok now; go back to sleep." She turned to and cried into his chest, as he reluctantly held her. After about five minutes, he gently laid back down, bringing her with him. She just continued to weep. He held her gently, while rubbing his hand through her hair in a soothing motion.

Bankotsu lay there holding her as he thought, "I guess this is what I get for trying to be nice... I wonder what brought all this on any ways? Man, I sure hope she stops soon. This is making me feel really uncomfortable then again a crying woman has always made me uncomfortable."

Eventually she fell back asleep, instinctively snuggling into his warm chest. He sighed heavily and once again closed his eyes. He fell asleep while lying on his back. Her head was nestled on his chest his arm was around her resting on her hip.

The next morning just after sunrise...

She woke up feeling groggy, feeling a hand cupped around one of her plump breasts. Her eyes widened in shock and, she bolted up and started to scream. Bankotsu who'd been woken by her movement, reacted quickly rolling her underneath him, while pinning her to the bed under his body, with one hand covering her mouth. Her eyes widened, even more as she stared into his face and eyes. Bankotsu demanded, "I am gonna let go now, but only if you promise not to scream." while staring into her eyes.

She slowly nodded. Bankotsu sighed and removed his hand. She took a deep breath, and asked still shaken up, "Who...who are you and where am I?"

Bankotsu sighed, sitting up and replied, "I found you being attacked last night."

She thought back to the previous night and remembered the incident. She looked at him and inquired softly, "You...you helped me last night?" Bankotsu stared at her and nodded. She looked around her not recognizing anything and asked, "Where am I? How did I get here?"

Bankotsu answered, "You are at my place, and I brought you here." staring at the woman on his bed.

She tilted her head looking at him curiously and, softly demanded, "Why?" She doubted he'd done it just to be a 'good samaritan'

Bankotsu replied dryly, "Well, I couldn't exactly leave you out in the middle of the woods alone, defenseless, and injured, now could I?"

She looked down sadly. She noticed she was only in her under clothes and a long shirt. Her head snapped up to gaze at the man beside her and demanded softly, "What happened to my clothes?"

Bankotsu held her gaze and answered, "I had a doctor friend of mine examine you and tend your wounds."

She began to turn slightly pink and said softly, "Thank you." Bankotsu nodded. She inspected him and frowned. She inquired, "You have jewel shards in you, why is that?"

Bankotsu became shocked then, stared into her eyes and demanded, "Tell me wench, how do you know that?"

She blanched, at his tone, glared into his eyes and demanded, "Do not call me wench! I have a name ya know?" with irritation showing in her eyes.

Bankotsu's eyes held a look of amusement while he chuckled and replied, "Well then, wench, tell me your name."

She sighed and informed, "Its Koneko! Not wench! And my friends call me Kitty or Koneko."

Bankotsu, still amused and staring into her eyes, said, "Well then, Koneko, how is it you can see the jewel shards?"

Koneko sighed and answered dryly, "I am a priestess. So of course I can see the jewel shards."

Bankotsu questioned amused, "If you are a priestess, why weren't you dressed as one?"

Kitty sighed holding his gaze and said, "I don't go around advertising my occupation. I was in the kimono outfit because I prefer the freedom of movement for when I am fighting."

Bankotsu nodded and curiously asked, "Why were you traveling alone? Do you not have a brother or husband to protect you?" In these times no woman went traipsing about the lands unguarded.

Kitty eyes softened slightly from sadness as she looked away and replied sadly, "No. My entire village was slaughtered by demons, while I was at a neighboring village tending to the sick. When I returned I found the entire village slaughtered. I learned from a dying villager that a hoard of demons had attacked while I was gone, under the orders of one particular evil being. I set out alone to search for the shards and the demons so I can kill them."

Bankotsu, raised a brow, scoffed and said, "A lone woman is going to defeat an evil hoard of demons, eh?" No matter how good a fighter she was, she was still a lone woman. She'd never be able to take on demons alone. He couldn't believe she was foolish enough to even try it.

Kitty narrowed her eyes at him and answered evenly, "I grew up in the village of the demon slayers. Trust me I can handle a hoard of demons alone." She was slightly offended that he'd doubt her capabilities.

Bankotsu was completely taken by surprise and it showed on his face. He retorted scathingly, "If you are a slayer, then why did you have such trouble with three simple bandits?"

Kitty held his gaze unwaveringly and replied, "Because they jumped me just before I was getting into the hot spring for a bath."

"And you were doing what..." He questioned. Seeing his gaze and sensing he was waiting for her to elaborate, she obliged explaining, "I had spent the previous three days traveling and had also had a fierce battle with a demon earlier that day. I was planning to soak and soothe my muscles before going to sleep."

He crossed his arms over his massive chest, staring at her and nodded for her to continue. Blowing out a breath she finished, "I had discarded all my weapons and was in the middle of undressing when they jumped me, demanding the jewel shards that were hanging around my neck."

Bankotsu sat there and thought over all she had just said, and what he had seen last night, then looked into her caramel eyes and said, "Well I've already seen you in battle and I must say I am impressed, especially for a woman. So tell you what, you wish to find the jewel shards and slay these demons right?" She nodded. He continued, "Why not join my brothers and I? We will hunt for the shards and demons together. No offense, but a group can do a lot more damage than a lone woman."

Kitty considered this a moment, and then gazed into his blue orbs and said, "Well I suppose it couldn't hurt. But I will kill the demon who ordered my village slaughtered without fail."

Bankotsu nodded and asked, "By the way, can you cook?"

She laughed and answered dryly, "Yeah I can cook. After three years of traveling alone… I can definitely cook and hunt, but I prefer not to hunt."

Bankotsu laughed and announced firmly, "That settles it then. You will join us and be our cook. We can work together to avenge your village and collect the jewel shards."

Kitty not to thrilled with being regulated to cook, shrugged and agreed, "Eh sure, why not?" It's not like she had anywhere else to go and she still needed to finish recovering.

Bankotsu stood up and walked over to his shirt, then picked it up and slipped his shirt on. Turning to face her he commanded, "Stay here until I get you some decent clothes."

Kitty nodded then settled back down to rest. She replied, "Fine by me, I'm still tired anyway." ending with a yawn.

Bankotsu chuckling walked outside and bellowed, "Jakotsu!"

Jakotsu came running up and looked into his eyes as he replied, "Yes, big brother?"

Bankotsu gazed into his eyes and answered matter-of-factly, "I need you to go to town with me to buy our guest some new clothes."

Jakotsu's eyes lit up as he started jumping around, excitedly and inquired, "Can I get a new kimono too, please big brother?"

Bankotsu chuckle and replied dryly, "Yeah sure, why not?" He was after all used to Jakotsu's girlish reactions to shopping.

Jakotsu started jumping up and down, full of joy. Bankotsu shook his head and they took off.

A few hours later they returned.

Bankotsu walked into his room. He found Kitty sitting up on his bed with the sheet wrapped around her lithe body, staring off into space. He brought the outfits in, threw them on the bed, and demanded, "Here, get dressed and come outside." Hearing his deep baritone Kitty snapped out of her trance like state and nodded at him. He turned on his heel and walked back outside and waited.

Kitty stood up and quickly undressed then redressed in the new kimono outfit, and walked outside.

A few minutes later, she walked out. He was not prepared for what he saw. The kimono garment fit her like a second skin. It was showing off an ample amount of cleavage, as well as hugging all of her curves just right.

He stared at her and his jaw hung open. "Wow! Could this really be the girl I held all night? I had no clue she had such an incredible body under that oversized garb she wore last night. Even this morning her chest didn't seem that impressive. Okay, Ban, pull yourself together man, you can do it."

Shaking his head to clear it, Bankotsu pulled himself together. Kitty seeing his reaction looked into his beautiful blue eyes and smiled asking dryly, "I take it you approve then?" Staring into her caramel colored eyes he licked his lips and nodded.

He walked over to her taking her by the elbow, and led her over to the others. He stopped in front of a rather large man with spiked hair and introduced, "This is Suikotsu, the one who tended your wounds."

Kitty smiled and said, "Thank you, Suikotsu." Suikotsu nodded.

Bankotsu lead her over to a tall lanky bald man and said, "This is Renkotsu, he's the smart one."

Kitty smiled at Renkotsu and replied, "Nice to meet you." Renkotsu grunted and turned away.

Bankotsu lead her over to a somewhat feminine looking fellow and said, "Last but not least, this is Jakotsu. He helped me choose outfits you might like."

Kitty smiled at Jakotsu and replied, "Thank you, Jakotsu. You have a good eye for fashion."

Jakotsu scowled at her, then faced Bankotsu and whined, "Big brother, who is this wench? And why is she here?"

Kitty narrowed her eyes at Jakotsu, crossing her arms in front of her chest. She said through clenched teeth, "Do not call me wench!"

Jakotsu looked at her and retorted, "I will call you whatever I want, you stupid wench!"

Kitty instantly round house kicked Jakotsu, who went flying across the ground. The others looked on in surprise. She added angrily, "I warned you not to call me that. I have a name. It's Koneko, now use it!" as she continued to glare at the man.

Bankotsu blinked in shock then burst out into a rumbling laughter.

Jakotsu, who had been taken by surprise, stood to his feet angrily and narrowed his eyes at her. He declared, "Time to die, wench." as his stormy grey eyes continued to show his anger.

Kitty smirked at him and replied confidently, "I don't think so."

Jakotsu leaped at her and tackled Kitty, rolling on the ground trying to best her. Even though she was under him, she proceeded to beat the daylights out of him with her knees and fists. She was too fast for him to successfully block most of her strikes.

Getting off of her and back to his feet as she had also quickly gotten back to her feet, he pulled out his sword, snapping angrily, "Let's see how you like my sword, bitch."

Kitty glanced around and spotted then quickly grabbed a sword and responded, "Come on then." determined to teach this arrogant jerk some manners.

Bankotsu decided to intervene and yelled, "Enough!"

Jakotsu looked at him, while whining, "But big brother?"

Bankotsu narrowed his cobalt gaze at his subordinate and warned, "I said enough, Jakotsu! Koneko here is our newest member."

Facing all of his troops he ordered, "You will all treat her with the due respect. I recruited her last night myself." Glaring sternly from one to the next he informed them dead serious, "If any of you attack her, you will answer to me. Understood!?" cracking his fingers as he balled his hands into fists.

Jakotsu pouted, sitting down crossing his arms over his chest, and replied, "Yes big brother."

The others eyes wide quickly agreed. Bankotsu nodded satisfactorily, before walking over to Kitty. He stared into her eyes and commanded, "You will come with me and I will test your training to the fullest." Kitty nodded at Bankotsu. He turned to face the others and added, "While we are sparring, the rest of you will go hunting for food, and skin it! Got it?"

They all looked at their leader and replied, "Yes, big brother."

Bankotsu nodded and turned back to Kitty leading her away by the elbow. Kitty glanced at the man beside her and inquired, "Did you happen to get my weapons as well last night?"

Bankotsu a bit shocked by the question replied, "I didn't know you had any."

Kitty nodded and added, "Of course. How else would I have survived these last three and half years on my own?"

Bankotsu nodded. They walked back to where she had been attacked last night. Kitty searched the area around where she had left her stuff and found her big boomerang that was like Sango's Hiraikotsu, her slayers uniform, her bow, her arrows, and her sword. She collected them all.

Bankotsu eyed her small arsenal and raised a brow at her questioningly pointing out, "That's a lot of weapons for a lone woman."

Kitty smiled at him and replied happily, "Yeah, well, a girl has got to be prepared for all occasions. Right?"

Bankotsu laughed shaking his head truly amused and they turned around walking back to the hideout. Kitty walked into the room she slept in and put away her bow and arrows.

She decided to show off her skills with her giant boomerang. She quickly changed into her slayers uniform, and grabbed her weapon, going out to meet Bankotsu. He had grabbed his Banryu already, and they walked out to the field together.

Out at the Field:

Bankotsu grinned as he lifted his sword into the air and spun it in his fingers getting ready to strike again. Kitty lifted Hiraiku and Swung it towards him hoping to hit him. "Stop showing off and fight me!" She yelled as she swung Hiraikotsu again.

Smirking Bankotsu ran over landing on the swung weapon and jumped off it, spinning in the air to land behind. Pulling out a tanto which was strapped at his waist, he slashed at her back and licked his tanto in ecstasy.

She gasped as she felt the material expose her back, making Bankotsu grin. Grinding her teeth together, Kitty heard Bankotsu leap farther away from her and stop approximately ten yards away. "Now what sweetheart?" he snickered sarcastically eyes full of merriment.

Clenching her jaw she turned to face him face crimson with anger spiting out, "This," and swung her boomerang into him, sending him flying back with a grunt of pain, Banryu still clutched in his hand.

Bankotsu's eyes widened and he suddenly stopped snickering as the boomerang connected with his gut. "I'm annoyed now," He warned and stood up running towards her.

Kitty spun her weapon releasing it towards him, and he rolled to the side dodging the weapon, waiting for it to return to her, before jumping into the air twirling Banryu and bringing it down to clash against the demon bone sending a loud noise though the air.

"I'm not that stupid, onna," He remarked slamming the weapons together again. She braced her legs in a horse stance to keep from buckling under his assault and growled, "Could have fooled me." with the strain of holding off his weapon evident on her face.

She quickly stepped to the side catching him off guard and swept his legs, knocking him onto his back. Surprise evident on his face Bankotsu demanded, "How dare you call me stupid?" as he sat up and kicked her legs out from under her.

Having anticipated the move, she used one hand to back spring away from him and watched the angry mercenary rise to his feet and charge her.

She shoved Hiraiku into the ground and braced for his blow. Banryu slammed against the weapon and caused her to grunt as she quickly had to replant her feet to stay up and put all of her weight behind her weapon; to keep him from knocking her over.

Bankotsu smirked as he saw her weakening and said, "Getting tired eh babe?" as he smirked at her cockily and rammed his body against her weapon. Kitty huffed and panted, "Not a bit, you?" refusing to back down.

Bankotsu smirked replying, "Nah," and swept Banryu toward her from the side. She yelled, "Shit!" and quickly back flipped a few times to put distance between them. Forced to leave her main weapon behind, she pulled out her katana preparing to defend herself as she panted deeply as sweat rolled off of her face.

"I told you jerk, I have a name!" She yelled, surprising Bankotsu, who shoved Banryu into the ground and ran towards her. "I will defeat you!" she vowed eyes filling with determination, as her katana clashed with his tanto and their free hands locked around the other's wrists.

Bankotsu's cobalt eyes narrowed. "Shut up." he yelled, lifting his knee, driving it into her ribs.

"Ugh—" She grunted, as it connected with her right side harshly, making her stumble backwards. She groaned, rubbing her aching and bruised ribs. "You're still holding back." Kitty panted glaring at him.

"How do you know?" Bankotsu queried slightly amused by her anger.

The slayer slowly stood up answering, "Your kick should have broken my ribs," stopping to pant before finishing, "instead they're just bruised."

He smirked teasing, "What can I say? I just love playing with you." and wriggled his eyebrows suggestively while licking his lips to contain his surmounting excitement.

"Is this guy for real? He can't even battle without trying to flirt?" Kitty thought annoyed, as her frown deepened and she narrowed her eyes. "It doesn't mean that I, however, will go easy on you."

"So be it." Bankotsu stated simply as he shrugged. Bankotsu leapt back and grabbed his Banryu successfully releasing it from the ground and stood in front of her. Sango had fallen to the ground hissing in pain and braced herself as she bent over on her knees trying to stand up.

"Oh no you don't," Bankotsu said, stepping over her and arranging his feet so that each foot was on either side of her hips. Standing tall, he looked down at her over the bridge of his nose. "Now surrender." He demanded raising his Banryu over his head, staring at her back.

Sango immediately flicked her wrists, as her two hidden daggers ripped through the cloth of her slayer suit, rolling onto her back saying, "You should know demon slayers are full of surprises!" shoving her arms protectively in front of her face crossing the blades, to block his blow as Banryu scraped down her daggers.

Hissing in pain she swiped her arms horizontally as she cut Bankotsu's legs near the front of the ankles. "Bitch," Bankotsu growled, as he backed up. The bottom of his pants, were now stained bright red as the blood leaked through the material.

Kitty rolled over and swept his legs out from under him, taking him by surprise and making him fall on his back. Banryu fell from his grasp.

She straddled him planting a knee each on his muscled biceps as she reached over and grabbed his Banryu, raising it above her head. "Prepare to die at the hands of your own weapon mercenary." She growled, as she held his own Banryu right over his neck, a drop of blood drawing from the puncture.

Bankotsu smirked grabbing her thighs with his hands, taking her by shock and earning a blush from the stunned slayer. He leaned over using his upper body strength to force her on her side. He quickly trapped her with his legs squeezing until she dropped Banryu due to the pain in her already bruised ribs and squeezed some of the wind out of her.

When his beloved weapon had fallen from her grasp to the side of them, smirking he released her and quickly back flipped away. She gasped desperately sucking in much needed air as she rolled on her stomach. While trying to get up on her hands, she felt Bankotsu's big foot shove her back down on the ground.

"You onnas get distracted so easily," he taunted, smirking as he put her in a mantis hold. Now half sitting on her lower back with her on her knees; as well as bringing her arms back and crossing them behind her, careful not to cut himself on her daggers.

"Make a move for any of your other weapons and I'll rip your arms right out of their sockets, wench." Bankotsu threatened in a frighteningly cold voice, tugging to emphasize his point; earning a hiss of pain from the slayer as she tried to squirm away from his weight, but it was no use while he had her arms.

Watching in amusement as she struggled against his iron clad grip on her wrists, he chuckled. Deciding he wanted to have some more fun with her Bankotsu let go of Kitty's arms, allowing the surprised and wary slayer to get up on her hands. She bucked him off of her back and raised her no longer hidden daggers crossing them protectively in front of her face; prepared for another attack.

The look in her eyes and the tears in her slayer uniform both registered and he thought, "Damn a good battle always works me up and she really looks hot now with all those tears in her uniform," licking his lips excitedly before he smirked.

She eyed him warily with her breath panting and her chest heaving. One tear was right over her left shoulder and revealed just a hint of her creamy breast; which was rising and falling as she panted from the exertion of their battle.

Bankotsu stared into her eyes and said seriously, "Not half bad. I am duly impressed, and by a woman no less!" Bankotsu smirked and began stalking over to her like a predator with his prey dead in his sights; while licking his lips slowly imaging how good she would taste.

Balling up his fist he smirked smugly and threw a punch. She blocked it with her forearms and swept his feet out from under him. Having anticipated such a move, he fell to the ground on his back and rolled into her, knocking her on her back as well.

He quickly pinned her to the ground and sat on top of her waist, ripping the daggers from her sleeves before he looked down at her and smirked triumphantly.

Giving him her own deadly smirk, Kitty bucked up and using the momentum her body over flipped over, reversing the pin. She immediately wrapped her feet along the insides of his legs, effectively stopping him from reversing the pin as she had just done.

Bankotsu was taken completely by surprise and had a shocked expression across his tanned face. He quickly recovered from his shock, and used his massive upper body strength to roll them both onto their sides. Here he'd have a huge advantage over the slippery woman.

They broke away and quickly got back to their feet. He approached her from behind, and put her in a full nelson with her arms trapped by her head. He smiled taunting, "What are you going to do now?"

Kitty smirked replying happily, "This," and brought down her hands and elbows breaking his hold, then curving her back so as not to get hurt, she fell down to the ground on her back. As she hit the ground, she raised her leg to simultaneously knee him in the nuts as her lower leg also hit him in the stomach.

He grunted and bent over. As he began to fall over catching himself on one hand in order to avoid hitting the ground completely. She quickly rolled out of the way and got back to her feet, smiling.

Bankotsu picked his self up and regained his composure looked at her. "Not too shabby. That was actually an impressive move." He said smirking at the feisty vixen, licking his lips in anticipation, as he felt his adrenaline stirring into over drive.

Kitty grinned at him with her hands on her hips and warned seriously, "Yeah well that's what you get for being overconfident!

Bankotsu deciding to call it a day chuckled as he let go of Kitty, allowing her to get up on her hands. She re-hid her hidden daggers.

Bankotsu stared into her eyes and said seriously, "Not half bad Koneko. I am duly impressed, and by a woman no less!" He grinned, holding out his hand and helped her to her feet. He pulled her into him looking into her eyes. After a moment he leaned down and brushed his lips teasingly over hers.

She was completely taken by surprise. He ran his silky tongue over her lips, silently seeking permission to enter. She sighed at the feeling of his wet tongue sliding across her soft lips.

Taking advantage, he shoved his tongue into her mouth and began lightly exploring the inner recesses of her mouth. He also wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to him.

She sighed, wrapping her arms around his neck, and leaned into his kiss. She began experimentally kissing him back. He slanted his mouth fully over hers and changed the kiss from exploring and gentle to demanding and passionate. Overwhelmed with sensations she'd never known before, she kissed him back just as passionately.

He realized if he didn't pull back soon he wouldn't be able to so he broke the kiss and lightly pushed her away from him.

She looked at him with wide eyes and a shocked expression on her face. She asked softly, "Why did you just kiss me like that?"

He smirked at her and answered casually, "Curiosity."

She blinked a few times then looked into his eyes and replied evenly, "Curiosity, huh?"

His smirked became even deadlier as he confessed, "I have been wondering what it would be like to kiss you since I first saw you. Now I know."

She whispered awe struck, "That… was my first real kiss."

Bankotsu grinned and retorted smugly, "Lucky for you then babe, 'cause I've been told I am a great kisser."

She looked at him and said angrily, "Next time, I suggest you take your curiosity elsewhere, you big jerk!" Huffing she walked over to her Hiraiku, lifting it with her good hand and collected her katana then stormed towards camp.

He walked over to pick up and hefted his Banryu over his shoulder. Grinning, he followed her back.

Back at camp:

They put their weapons away and sat and talked a bit. As they talked, Kitty tended to Bankotsu's wounds, and he to hers. Bankotsu complimented, impressed, "You are the only other person I have ever met, who can even lift my Banryu." while staring at her.

Kitty smiled at him and replied, "Well, it was a little heavy, but I managed it."

Bankotsu added seriously, "That you did, and that in itself makes you worthy of becoming one of us."

Kitty frowned and questioned softly, "Just what do you call yourself anyway? You have already stolen my first real kiss and I don't even know your name."

Bankotsu stared her dead in the eye and answered proudly, "I am Bankotsu, Leader of the band of seven."

Kitty was shocked, she gasped and said, "But you were all rumored to be dead over fifty years ago...how is that possible?"

Bankotsu's face blank he sighed, "Suffice it to say we were brought back by the power of the sacred jewel."

Kitty nodded. "So that's why you all have shards inside you."

Bankotsu slightly inclined his head sideways at her and said curiously, "Tell me Catherine, just how long have you been on your own?"

Kitty sighed, her eyes saddened and she answered, "A little over three and a half years now."

Bankotsu nodded and held her gaze firmly informing her, "You aren't alone anymore. Now you have us. My brothers and I are like a family, and now you are one of us."

Kitty stared into his striking blue orbs and inquired seriously, "Tell me Bankotsu, why did a mercenary like you save a woman like me? I thought mercenaries only killed when they were paid too."

Bankotsu held her gaze and replied evenly with a shrug, "You needed some help and I was there. Besides, cowards like those three make me sick to my stomach."

Kitty offered evenly, "If you wish me to, I will stay with you and your brothers, but I cannot kill innocent people. I will cook and I will locate the shards, but I will not kill needlessly."

Bankotsu answered, "Unfortunate, but you being a priestess and all I can understand why. Stay with us." His eyes spoke volumes letting her know he wouldn't take no for an answer.

Kitty not really up to being chased down and dragged back said, "Thank you for understanding." and Bankotsu nodded.

Bankotsu stared her dead in the eye and informed her, "You will still have to prove yourself to the others, but know you are under my protection… Speaking of which until you have proven yourself to the others, for your own protection you will continue to sleep in my bed."

Kitty gasped loudly. Bankotsu continued, deadly serious, "It has been some time since any of us have been with a woman. I don't want them attacking you or anything."

Kitty was not happy about this, but thought it over and realized he had a valid point and nodded. After all, for some strange reason she trusted Bankotsu. He had already rescued her once.

The others came back carrying four skinned rabbits. Bankotsu looked at Kitty and nodded signaling for her to attend the food. Kitty stood up and took the rabbits, put them in a pot of water, added some herbs to the water then let it cook.

Bankotsu eyed his men and announced, "Alright, listen up! As I said earlier, Koneko here is our newest member. She has proven herself worthy to me and she can also see the jewel shards, so she has joined us."

Holding up a hand to silence the coming protests, he continued, "I realize she still has to prove herself to you guys, but no one will be allowed to mess with her without answering to me," facing down his men he growled, "Understood?"

The others looked at their leader and nodding replied, "Yes, big brother."

Kitty stood there and thought a minute, and an idea clicked in her head. She brightened looking at Bankotsu and requested, "Bankotsu, I have an idea... Would you kindly bring out Banryu?"

Bankotsu guessing what she had in mind nodded. Walked to his room he retrieved his Banryu. He walked back outside and set it down firmly upon the ground, then walked over to Kitty, and encouraged her, "Go ahead."

Kitty nodded, walked over to Banryu, and lifted it easily. She walked over to Bankotsu holding his steady gaze and handed him his baby. The other three's jaws all dropped in shock.

Jakotsu reluctantly impressed, stuttered, "But...But how is that possible? Only big brother Bankotsu has ever been able to lift Banryu."

Kitty turned to face him and smirked informing him proudly, "I grew up as a demon slayer."

Renkotsu frowned and questioned, confused, "But how can you be a demon slayer and a priestess at the same time?" He'd certainly never heard of such a combination, and he grew up around monks.

Kitty faced him and replied sadly, "I was trained as a demon slayer from childhood, but one day my best friend's father, who was also the village headman, saw me use some purifying powers and decided I should go to another village and be trained as a priestess instead. He sent me away for training and I never got to return. So now I'm both."

Everyone nodded. Bankotsu addressed the others and said evenly, "I assume she has now proven herself worthy to you three as well?"

Jakotsu thought it over a moment, looked at his leader's eyes and said, "I may not like it, but I am impressed, so yes."

Renkotsu not so easily swayed sneered, "She has proven herself strong. That's all."

Suikotsu thinking back to the scuffle with Jakotsu faced Renkotsu mentioning, "She has proven herself a good fighter as well. Or have you already forgotten her fight with Jakotsu?"

Renkotsu scowled and rebutted, "She is strong like big brother, faster and smarter than Jakotsu, and a priestess as well." Not liking it, but seeing he was out numbered he shrugged and added, "I suppose she will do."

Bankotsu sighed, his shoulders sagging in relief and proclaimed, "Good then that settles it. Know this- she is under my protection at all times, and she will continue sleeping in my bed." staring at his men daring any one of them to defy him.

Renkotsu snickered looking his leader square in the eyes and implied, "I see, you wish her for self then, eh, big brother?"

Bankotsu's face reddened, as he became angry and he glared at the bald man while he retorted, "I only wish to ensure her safety from all of you. She has proven herself worthy of being one of us, there is no doubt about that! But we are all men, and could all easily find her a temptation. What with her being the only woman here and all. For her safety alone, she will continue to sleep in my bed."

His cold azure gaze bored into each of his men's eyes as he added in a deceptively calm voice, "I warn you all now you will have to get through me to get to her at night." giving a satisfied nod as he saw them gulp nervously.

Calling out his second in command he added, "Renkotsu, I strongly suggest you do not push this issue any further." Renkotsu's eyes widened fearfully and he nodded.

Kitty sighed, standing up and walked over to the pot doling out the stew. Everyone ate it and agreed that she knew how to cook. Kitty smiled and volunteered evenly, "I know how to do many things. Cooking is just a skill I learned in order to survive."

Bankotsu in the middle of brining the spoon to his mouth looked up, grinning at her and responded seriously, "Well, you are our new cook. This is the best stew I've ever tasted!" The others all nodded their agreement.

Kitty smiled, saying, "Now that we are all going to be like family, you may call me Kitty or Cathy if you so choose. Actually I would prefer if you all used one of those two names." Everyone nodded.

Kitty nodded. Having finished eating she decided to head off to the hot springs, to soak her sore muscles and take the bath that was so rudely interrupted days ago. She also decided to wash her hair as well.

Later that night...

Everyone else had gone off to bed and Kitty and Bankotsu were still up sitting across the fire from each other and talking. "So why not just find a man and settle down instead, then?" asked Bankotsu while gazing at her.

Kitty sighed heavily looking at him and responded, "Because I don't want to get used to another village and have it become slaughtered as well. Plus, I'm a slayer and a priestess. I have to be active in the outdoors or I become easily bored and unhappy. I am happiest fighting the demons and traveling around."

Bankotsu nodded and asked, "Why not marry a traveling man then?" he truly didn't think it was right for a woman to be on her own, without the protection of a man.

Kitty became aggravated and demanded, "What is it with men anyways? They think that if a woman doesn't have a man protecting her she can't be happy, ugh!"

Bankotsu amused by her rant chuckled and reminded, "Well, I did end up saving you the other night."

Kitty said evenly, "That was an unfair fight and you know it. Plus they jumped me at one of my most vulnerable times. I was just getting ready to enter the hot springs. Not to mention I was already getting tired."

Bankotsu loving the fire he could see in her eyes, decided to push her a bit further and chuckled before mocking, "Excuses, excuses." as his eyes were filled with amusement and mirth.

Kitty glared at him and deciding to turn it around on him retorted, "Tell me, why aren't you married then?" staring into his eyes as she waited for his reply.

Bankotsu sighed his eyes losing all amusement and mirth, and responded evenly, "Being a mercenary isn't exactly the way to raise kids. Besides… I have yet to find a woman who I am even attracted to in that way, let alone one who can even try to keep up with me."

Kitty grinned at him and said mockingly, "Excuses, excuses." devilment in her own eyes now.

Bankotsu smirked and replied, once again amused, "Touché."

Kitty smirked as well before she proclaimed, "If and when I do decide to settle down, then and only then will I even worry about it."

Bankotsu suggested, "It's getting late, you better get some rest."

Kitty nodded, and stood up asking, "What about you?"

Bankotsu replied evenly, "I'm fine, I will stay out here a while longer and enjoy the night air." Kitty nodded and sighed. Bankotsu hid a smile, with mischievousness in his eyes he warned playfully, "Now don't force me to make it an order." wagging a finger playfully at her.

Kitty smiled and retorted, laughing, "As if I am one to even follow orders."

Bankotsu smirked. Getting up he stood in front of her staring her in the eyes. Reaching out he turned her around, and said, "Now scoot." as his hand came down stinging her butt with the force of his slap.

She yelped and turned around glaring at him angrily warning, "Hands off pal! I am too tired to do so this time, so I won't kick your butt this one time, instead I will let it slide. But next time you won't be so lucky." Fire dancing in her eyes as her temper rose at his audacity to think he could just touch her without permission.

Bankotsu watched her amused and chuckled saying, "Go on, feisty, off to bed before I have to end up carrying you again."

She stomped off grumbling about, "Bossy typical men."

Bankotsu watched her leave. Shaking his head he mumbled about, "Stubborn feisty women."

Kitty entered their room and changed into her kimono outfit and climbed into bed. Feeling the day's events catching up with her she was asleep within minutes.


After sending that stubborn feisty woman off to bed, Bankotsu stayed outside, thinking over everything that had happened today. Mostly he thought about what an impressive fighter she was and the kiss they had shared. "Why can't I seem to get that kiss out of my head? After all it was just a kiss right? Nothing new there..."

Growling he thought, "That woman is gonna drive me insane I tell ya. Her feisty nature will drive me nuts for certain. So why do I put up with it? Sure we could really benefit from being able to locate the shards and her cooking, but is it worth all the hassle?"

After a minute he shook his head sighing heavily, stood up and walked toward his room.

Bankotsu entered the room. He took off his shirt, leaving only his pants on and climbed into bed. He lay there staring at the ceiling for a while. He felt Kitty roll over and snuggle into his chest. She mumbled about, "Bossy, typical men."

Bankotsu snickered before rolling onto his side. He curled his self around her and fell asleep only minutes later.

The next day:

Bankotsu awoke and realized Kitty was still cuddled to his chest. He stared at her a few minutes. He gently brushed some of her hair out of the way, so he could get a better look at her face. She sighed and rolled over facing away from him. He got out of bed, and put his shirt on. Kitty woke up and stretched. Bankotsu said, "Morning."

Kitty smiled at him and replied, "Good morning." She got out of bed and continued to stretch a few more minutes.

Bankotsu watched her stretch and ordered evenly, "After breakfast, get your katana and meet me outside."

She smiled and nodded. They both walked outside. Jakotsu had already started smoking some fish for everyone. Kitty walked over, smiled, and greeted happily, "Morning, Jakotsu."

Jakotsu looked up at her and said happily, "Morning little sister."

Kitty sat down beside Jakotsu and offered, "Ya know, if you want, later I can work on teaching you to read and write some."

Jakotsu brightened and said, "Okay, little sister."

Kitty nodded and everyone ate. Kitty stood up and walked to their room and grabbed her katana before walking back outside to meet Bankotsu, who was waiting under a tree as she had been instructed.

Bankotsu and Kitty walked over to the field again. Once they reached the field he turned to face her and informed her seriously, "Today I am gonna test your skills with your katana, as well as you hand to hand combat." Kitty nodded and drew her sword. Bankotsu smiled and also drew a katana. They went into battle stances and began sword fighting.

After they had thrusted, parried, and tried to slice each other for over an hour, Bankotsu closed in on Kitty, backing her against a tree, and disarmed her. Kitty kicked the sword out of Bankotsu hand and ran away from the tree, back out into the open.

Bankotsu smirked and began stalking over to her like a predator with his prey dead in his sights, while licking his lips. Balling up his fist he smirked and threw a punch. She ducked it and swept his feet out from under him. He fell to the ground on his back and rolled into her, knocking her on her back as well.

He quickly pinned her to the ground and sat on top of her waist. Bankotsu looked down at her and smirked triumphantly. Kitty giving him her own deadly smirk, bucked up and using the momentum her body over flipped over, reversing the pin. She immediately wrapped her feet along the insides of his legs, effectively stopping him from reversing the pin as she had just done.

Bankotsu was taken completely by surprise and had a shocked expression across his tanned face. He quickly recovered from his shock, and used his massive upper body strength to roll them both onto their sides. Here he'd have a huge advantage over the slippery woman.

They broke away and quickly got back to their feet. He approached her from behind, and put her in a full nelson. He smiled taunting, "What are you gonna do now, babe?"

Kitty smirked replying happily, "This." bringing down her hands and elbows breaking his hold, then curving her back so as not to get hurt, she fell down to the ground on her back. As she hit the ground, she raised her leg to simultaneously knee him in the nuts as her lower leg also hit him in the stomach.

He grunted and bent over. As he began to fall over catching himself on one hand in order to avoid hitting the ground completely. She quickly rolled out of the way and got back to her feet, smiling.

Bankotsu picked his self up and regained his composure looked at her. "Not to shabby babe. That was actually an impressive move."

Kitty smirked at him with her hands on her hips and warned seriously, "Yeah well that's what you get for being overconfident, and for calling me babe!"

Bankotsu chuckled, and quickly tackled her sending them both back to the ground. He quickly rolled her underneath him and pinned her body to the ground with his own. She stared at him questioningly. He leaned down and captured her mouth with his own in a hot, demanding kiss.

After getting over her initial shock, she kissed him back just as passionately. He broke the kiss, and moved her arms so they were pinned above her head, then recaptured her mouth in a demanding, possessive kiss. She kissed him back eagerly and greedily. After a minute he broke the kiss, then laid his for head on hers. They both took a few minutes to catch their breaths. He got off her and sat beside her. She sat up as well.

She looked at him and demanded softly, "Why do you always do that? You decide to just kiss me out of the blue and end up kissing me senseless. Yet you back away whenever I kiss you back?"

He smirked at her and answered arrogantly, "I just like to keep you on your toes."

She looked at him and said, exasperated, "Whatever! Are we done for the day?"

He teased, "What's the matter, babe? Are you upset now?" As she was standing up. He stood up also.

She said, exasperated, "More like confused.. You run so hot and cold, and it's confusing as hell! And don't call me babe either, you jerk!" During the last part, she walked up to him and angrily poked him in the chest. Then she turned on her heel and stormed back to the camp.

Bankotsu chuckled and declared amused, "Man is she a feisty one."He walked over to and retrieved their weapons and followed her back to camp.

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