darkenedmoonlightflame
Hiten/Kagome/Bankotsu
BxKxH. Not AU. Caught and forced into the Shichinintai harem, Kagome considers resigning to her fate. But hey, she sure does get pissed off after being fought over and hands-switching when people pick up on the harem idea. Shame she's pretty helpless. But with a little help from a resurrected demon (who also turns out to be the mop boy), she lands herself trained, and ready for revenge. Watch out, Naraku! But first, she has to face her demons, and outsmart the eye candy deprived men that are the Shichinintai... Boy, this totally ruins her resume…
Disclaimer: Don't own the title similarities, or characters. But I DO own everything else, such as writing, plot, and such.
(A/N: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I've forgotten to write back to all the lovely people that reviewed! (cries and dies of shame at her forgetfulness) Well, I'll add them on top of my responses for this time, okay? SO SORRY! And here it is, a hopefully better Scroll Three!
By the way, there will be IMPORTANT notes at the BOTTOM!)
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"Without regret" we advanced to our destination
Will we laugh? Will we cry? Will we be happy? Will we be unhappy?
After all now, yet I still don't understand
-an excerpt from grip!
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Kill Naraku
Scroll Three
Excursions
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"Hey, wake up." It didn't seem to be a familiar voice, and it sounded kind and gentle, as the owner shook her shoulder very carefully. She stirred, not wanting to leave the peaceful, dark world she had visited. The shaking slowly became more insistent, and her sapphire eyes opened, half of the dazzling orbs hidden behind her half-lidded eyes.
Kagome slowly felt her mind turning back on, whirring slowly at first, then starting up and blurring at an impossible rate. Her heart beat accelerated, and she tried to clench a fist. She simply hung there limply, unable to move.
It seemed like her senses were razor sharp, and she was eager to test them, and grew enormously frustrated that she couldn't move.
She ran her tongue over her parched lips, and swallowed, trying to move her lips. "W… where…" She coughed dryly, and her chest constricted as she continued. The owner brought her close, into their lap, patting her on the back. "am… I?" She finally finished, the feeling coming back into her body.
Her fingers twitched when she mentally shouted at them to move. It was a small improvement. Her head felt extremely heavy, and she was content to just let it droop over the person's arm, sprawled out on their lap. "G… gomen…" She whispered hoarsely, sighing deeply. It sent her back into a coughing fit.
"It would seem your body took ill towards Lord Mukotsu's subduing dart." That voice again…. She couldn't pin it. "Now that you've woken up, you'll be fine in no time." She tried to turn her head, with no results.
"C… can you…?" She felt the person shift and turn towards her, leaning down.
"Hnn?"
She coughed again, and considered changing her request. "W… water?" She got out, croaking.
"Sure. Here, open your mouth if you can." The voice crooned, and her ears strained, hearing a faint slosh of water. An object was brought to her lips, and she tried to tilt her head back, to no avail. "Let me help you." A hand came behind her head, as the figure sat her up, cushioning her head as the hand helped it tilt back. "Can you swallow?"
"Y… yes…" She rasped, and allowed her mouth to hang open for a moment as a bowl was brought to her lips, its contents draining down her throat. She swallowed, and felt relieved at the restoration of moisture. "Thank you." She said, her voice returning to her.
"More?" The voice prodded. She nodded faintly, and took another large sip, careful not to let any leak out.
"How long was I…?"
"Out? Only for a few days, I guess." She focused, and tried to turn her head to see what her 'nurse' looked like.
"Um… Can you turn my head?" She could feel the surprise radiating off of him, as he angled her so she was facing him.
"Cushion?" He asked, propping her up so she faced him. She blinked, and took in his appearance.
He was smiling, and had long dark raven hair, plaited neatly into a long, thick and dwindling braid, fastened with a white strip of cloth. His pointed bangs were scarce, yet suited him, giving a rugged look to his very tan face.
He wore golden earrings, beads, cylinders, and tassels, dangling about as he moved and scuffled around. Pointed ears; he was a full demon. His eyes were deep crimson, insightful, yet teasing. In the middle of his forehead were odd markings. One (in the center) was a small diamond, surrounded by two equal in size half-diamonds. They were a light, dusty pink.
Kagome considered it odd for a male demon to publicly have PINK on his brow, but held her tongue and made nothing of it.
His haori had a slash of navy blue along the collar, and was white. His hakama was navy blue, although a darker shade than his haori. He wore no armor.
But in the very corner of her vision, Kagome could see a large orange pile glinting in a shiny heap. "Are you one of them… A Shichinintai?" She asked, curious. He didn't seem like he had a life-long hobby of taking care of sick people.
"No, I just 'work' for them." He stated, grinning. Kagome liked when he grinned; it showed his fangs, giving him a mischievous look. "Say, how did you get yourself into this mess, anyway…?" He was at a loss for her name.
She nearly felt like telling him she was too. "Well, let's just say I was unfortunate." She tried to smile, and it came small, like usual. "Where are we, anyway?" The feeling had come back into her limbs, but she felt weak still. So she rolled her shoulders a few times and did light stretches as he explained.
"Well, as they've bragged, their castle slash fort." He took a sip from a different cup. "Currently, we're in the gatehouse, across from the gardens by the entrance-" Kagome attempted to get up, and successfully stood. She lifted her foot, and wobbled, eventually smacking back down onto the mat, in the same position as before, lying down. She groaned, and rubbed her back, brushing away the stinging tears that fought their way to her eyes.
"I hate landing there!" She muttered, massaging the area where Naraku's hand plunged into her back. Even after twelve years, it still hurt like hell and was super sensitive. She moaned a final time, and started to get up again, planning to lean forward a bit more on her next attempt.
"Hey, whoa! You're not going anywhere!"
He pulled her back down gently by her sleeve, squashing her gently against his chest as she squirmed and fidgeted in his bear hug. "I want to see the gardens!" She sighed, and finally gave up. "Please…?" She tried to keep a begging tone from her voice, but obviously failed. He put his hands firmly on her shoulders, and helped her take a small baby step.
She felt like a wilted flower, and was exhausted at the first progressive movement. 'Come on, I just had to re-learn all this!' She whined mentally, 'Kami, give me a break!'
He noticed her struggling, and losing, and asked quietly, "Do you mind if I…?" She looked at him, completely unsuspecting of what he was asking. He exhaled, and lifted her up bridal style, and she shrieked and started yelling things like 'Put me down!' and 'I can walk! Really!'. But her shouts stopped immediately once he kicked down the door (unintentionally) with his foot, revealing the stunning view around them.
Her face looked frozen, stunned as he walked out, doing a slow circle. "Shall we take a tour, Miss?" That was all it took.
Her face unfroze, and she smiled. A full smile, for once in twelve years, genuine through and through. Her eyes danced with fire, reflecting the wondrous flowers and trees around her, as her guide set off at a slow waltzing pace.
She was so excited she forgot her fatigue, and was soon craning her head every which way to see it all. "Wow!" She gaped as they crossed over a glassy river, trekking lightly on the muted cedar planks arching over it like a swan's neck.
"Do you mind if I take a breather?" Her transportation vehicle asked, and she gasped.
"Oh, I'm sorry! I know I'm heavy! Wah!" In her apologizing frenzy, she nearly fell out of his arms and over the rail, at the last second having him pull her back in.
"My, you're an interesting one to be around. I'm Hiten, in case you didn't know."
"Oh… I'm sorry…"
"Doushite?" He looked confused.
"I... don't know my name…" She left it there, severing it, leaving it perpetually trailing. "Sorry. I'll tell you if I remember." She looked at her reflection in the water, watching as cherry blossoms floated down, stirring it into rippling waves, distorting their reflections.
He rested his hands on her shoulders. "It's okay. I can't remember everything either."
She slowly looked at his over her shoulder, only getting half way. He helped by coming the rest. "Will you tell me why you're here?"
He smiled sadly. "In time, in time, little one."
Kagome felt indignant. Sure, she wasn't a demon or a million years old. But little? Definitely not. He was only about five foot nine anyway. "I'm not little! I'm seventeen!" He just laughed, a rough, cheery noise. She soon found herself laughing along.
"I suppose in human years, I'd be around…" He thought for a moment, "four hundred ninety-seven or so. In demon ages that's about… nineteen or somethin'." He finally finished.
"Interesting, so if I was a demon, how old would I be, do you think?"
He paused for a moment, then answered, "Around four hundred forty-two." She blinked, and started laughing. He picked her up again, and they walked through groves of cherry blossom trees and willows, along the edge of the small lake, by geysers, and finally they came to the top of a large cliff.
"Here. Do you see it?" Hiten asked gently. Kagome just smiled, and marveled at the world around them. Their vantage point was mighty and tall, as they were on the edge of a cliff. It was a dusty red color, and all around them was the gardens, Fort Shichinintai, and a good portion of the Warring States. She swore she saw Mount Fuji in the distance.
Kagome chanced to look down, and covered her mouth. It was a terrifying drop, with an endless ravine below, fading into what she was sure was oblivion. "That's the Pits of Hell. I wouldn't go down there if I were you." Hiten's voice was angry, and cold.
"We should go. The Shichinintai will be coming to check up on you soon." He picked her up, not as gentle as before. She put it off as being tired. When they were almost out of the gardens, he stopped and stood her up. His face came in close to hers, their foreheads angled and touching.
"I want you to never speak of this. Ever. Do you understand me?" His hands were gripping her shoulders, his knuckles white. His crimson eyes were like fire, burning.
"Y-Yes…" Kagome trailed off.
"I said do you UNDERSTAND me?"
"Yes, Hiten." His grip loosened, and she winced slightly as the circulation returned to her limbs. "But… why?"
"I'm not supposed to associate with people. Actually, you're supposed to be dead, by the reactions to the poisons in your veins. We'll meet again, just you can't tell anyone, okay?" He seemed tired, weary.
"I understand." Kagome said, gripping his shoulder as she took little baby steps forward, and he helped her. "If you need me, we can always meet in the gardens. No one else goes there. It's my domain, I suppose you could say." She smiled slightly at this.
"We'll meet on the bridge, hnn?" She proposed, and he nodded.
"One other thing. I shouldn't tell you this. Eat nothing they feed you. Do not drink either." He saw her puzzled look. "I know you have food in your haori. I saw the unsightly lumps. Eat those instead. I'll give you water."
"…Why?"
"You reacted very badly to simple subduing dart. Imagine how you would react to a stimulating potion, or a…" He shook his head. "Mukotsu is a poison maker. They slip things into the harem women's drinks and food. Do NOT eat it. It… breaks them…"
"Breaks… them?" Kagome whispered, and Hiten stood straighter, and sat her down on the gatehouse's oak porch.
"Here you are madam. That should be enough to strengthen you for today." She hid her confusion, for at that moment, four figures appeared on the horizon. He leaned in, his hot breath against her ear. "You can leave me messages in the gatehouse, under the knotted board in your room, or in the archery and training fields. Tie it to an arrow." He slipped something into her haori, and she blushed.
"Water." He muttered, as he retrieved a fresh cloth soaked with cold water. He placed it on her brow, and bowed to the four as they approached. "She is doing well. I have taken her for a short walk, my lords. She is well enough to be evaluated, if you wish."
The shortest one stepped up, and her eyes glinted. She would have murdered him with her eyes if she could have. "I resent you." She stated, her voice dripping in venom, all traces of a smile gone. Hiten looked on and said nothing, yet was extremely surprised at her sudden mood change.
"And don't we know it." Bankotsu smirked. "Come on. We're going to put you in your room, harem girl."
"How dare you…" She growled. She would have slapped him, but she had no strength.
"Aniki, why do I have to carry her? My armor STILL isn't fixed yet from her! Ban-chan!"
"Don't call me that, Jakotsu." Bankotsu snapped lightly, then sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Just… don't drop her…"
Jakotsu sniffled at her. "Come on you ridiculous wench. Let's go." He slung her roughly over his shoulder, and suddenly thought better of it. "Here, meet us in the entrance wing." He handed Jakotsutou to her, making sure its edge slit her palms. "I wouldn't want to catch anything from you."
He turned away, and sprinted ahead to join his distant comrades. Her eyes narrowed, and she leaned on his sword for support. 'What a stupid, arrogant, BASTARD!' Hiten came up next to her.
"Do you want me to help?"
"No." She said emotionlessly. "Just… go." He looked a bit hurt, but nonetheless nodded.
"Just walk to the big red shrine gate, and go straight until you come to a white pillar with black roses. Then turn right and go until you get to a large porch. That's all."
"Thanks. I'll be seeing you, Hiten."
"Sure thing."
And Kagome set off, leaning heavily on Jakotsutou, its blade sinking into the ground. She paused, and turned to look at his over her shoulder. "Say, are the doors in their castle replaceable?"
"Sure." He grinned. "Why?"
"No reason." Kagome stated innocently, as she continued struggling off, getting exhausted by the time she finally got to the red shrine gate. "At this rate, I'll be half dead by the time I get there. That Bankotsu… Ugh!" She decided to try and run, and dug Jakotsutou into the earth.
"Zetsumei o seisuhuku tsubasa tame kyuumin mugen." She said simply, sending the small make-shift prayer to Kikyo as she launched off, only to fall forward, as Jakotsutou was stuck in the dirt. She cursed silently, and dragged herself over to the serpent sword. She slowly stood, and pulled it out. It felt heavier than before.
She slung it over her shoulder, took a deep breath, and broke into a loping gait, not exactly a run, due to the oddity of the strides.
Much sooner than she had expected, she came upon the white pillar with the wilted roses. She resumed walking, as her shoulder ached from Jakotsutou's weight. She patted it absentmindedly as she managed to get to the porch.
She stopped abruptly, seventy feet or so from it. It was deserted. Looks like they had better things to do. She heard boisterous laughter and cheers from within a room somewhere, and grew angry.
"Show me where they are, baby." She held Jakotsutou straight although her arm screamed, and carefully and slowly brought it in a half circle. She repeated it, and growled as it alighted on the room straight across from the entrance hall.
"Hnn."
One of the partying men looked up. She suspected it was an off duty guard. "Hey baby, come on and play with us! We could use some pretty women!"
She grimaced, and called out, "Where are those BASTARDS?" He looked surprised.
"Such language. The lords? They are here."
"I won! Fork up the sake!" A high-pitched voice squealed, and it appeared Jakotsu was pulling a wrestling move on Bankotsu's head, choking him and shaking him repeatedly with out a care in the world. There was a small blush on his cheeks: he was fairly gone on a drunken highway. He giggled loudly, and waved at Kagome before going back to prying Bankotsu's head off.
"Who wants to know?" A cocky, familiar voice called out, despite being choked, and Kagome's cerulean eyes gleamed.
"Jakotsu, Jakotsu." Kagome began loudly, drawing the happy man's attention. "You know I hate to be left in the dirt."
His smiled dropped and he stated, "So you finally got here?"
"Yep. And I am starting to get annoyed."
"So?" One of the loud, brash guards evoked, clearly sober.
Her lips lifted at the corners, and Jakotsu's eyes widened. "He doesn't mean that!" He shouted, his high voice forgotten. Kagome just stood there.
"I'm not mad." She turned it so that Jakotsutou's sharpest point was on the ground. She dug it in a little. "Like I said, it's all sloppy." His violet eyes widened in alarm.
"W-What?"
She swung Jakotsutou in a half circle, leaving its point in the ground. Jakotsu bit his lip. "I hate repeating myself." Kagome said monotonously, and turned away, using Jakotsutou as a cane once more. A wave of wind began making its way over towards them, paper screens and windows collapsing inward from the force of the blow.
The fellow with the bandana came around the corner, and he looked at her. "Oh, I was sent to meet you here."
"Oh. One moment please." Kagome turned, holding Jakotsutou with both hands for stability. She swung it up, then down swiftly, and nothing happened, other than a small smile. The wind was withdrawn, whooshing back at her, blowing her hair around her wildly, before settling into her palm. She closed it, and it slowly disappeared, still whirling into it like a cyclone.
Kagome turned back to her escort smiling a small smile. "So, what's the deal?"
"Renkotsu. I like the way you think, woman." Kagome raised a brow, and he continued, "Lucky you, your room has a good view. Unlucky you, it's by the noisy training fields." He led her there, walking at an antagonizing pace.
"So… SLOW!" Kagome sighed, and tried moving a little faster. Renkotsu grinned wryly.
"So, you're not a big Bankotsu fan, are you?"
"That's quite an understatement. Say…?"
"Hmm?"
"Do know where Kik- er, MY bow and quivers are?"
"Oh, I put them in your room."
"Thanks."
He said nothing, and they walked like that for a good fifteen minutes. "Um… Can we go any faster?" Kagome finally broke the silence.
"You want me to carry you?"
She looked horrified, and he laughed. "No, no!"
"I guess we're going like this forever…" He said, teasing as they continued for another five minutes.
"… Just don't mention it…. Okay?" She mumbled incoherently. Somehow, he caught it, and swept her up onto his back, using Jakotsutou to help support her.
"Wow, I thought you'd be heavy."
"You calling me fat?" Kagome bopped him flat on his bandana, annoyed.
"No, it's just those baggy clothes of yours. You really should wear kimonos, you know." He trailed off, noticing something. It was quiet, and he hadn't received a bop on the brain for the comment. He looked over his shoulder.
She was fast asleep, dropped flush on his back, breathing lightly. "I guess she was tired." He frowned as he felt odd lumps. "Eh…?" Then he saw it as her haori sagged down her shoulders; rations wrapped in lotus leaves, and a flask. He grinned, and scolded himself, "You're getting to be so perverted, Renkotsu." Her righted her haori, wondering why she was in a man's shirt.
He guessed she was a wanderer by nature. But what had made her camp at the deserted village? Was she pillaging it? Or maybe…
He shook off his thoughts as nonsense. He would ask her later, when she trusted him. Women talked when they liked, especially her type. He could tell she would have no problem strangling her if he pestered her or was a snitch to the leader. He decided wisely that he would not relay their conversations back to Bankotsu.
He was careful as he ran the rest of the way. He opened the window with care, and stepped inside, making sure she didn't hit her head on the sill. He surveyed the boring, bland room, spotting the futon on the floor. "Well, last stop." He gently removed her from his back, and laid her down, pulling out a blanket from the floor.
He shook it out good, freeing the dust mites into the room, trying to choke and be dramatic without waking her up. He covered her with it, and left the way he came in, closing it, leaving her undisturbed as he returned to the entrance hall in a matter of minutes.
"Here." He threw Jakotsutou at Jakotsu, who scrambled to avoid the whirring blades, dropping his cards and gourd of sake.
"Hey! Watch how you throw that!" He finally righted himself, and picked up the serpent sword, propping it up against the back of the room.
"Oh. Sorry." Renkotsu said absentmindedly, not meaning it at all. He couldn't stop thinking about the strange fiery spirit she had, and felt a twinge of guilt. She would be broken, like the others, in no time at all. He had never so feverishly hoped that he would be wrong as he did now.
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Kagome's eyes flew open, and she sat up, not remembering how she got onto such a comfortable futon. 'All I remember is getting a piggy-back ride from Renkotsu… I must have fallen asleep.' With this in order, she pushed off the blanket, and was relieved that her clothes were still in place, rations and flask included.
She lifted the sleeve of her modified haori, and sniffed. She made a face. "Blech!" 'I just took a bath yesterday too!'
She sighed, and tried to stand. It was pretty strange. Her senses were still hyper, and she felt energized and hungry. Her stomach agreed, gurgling loudly. She blushed, and looked at the lump in her futon. It was towels, soaps, and a kimono. She rolled her eyes. "They actually think I'll wear a dress!" She rolled her eyes again, for good measure. "Darn! Renkotsu took Jakotsutou!"
She then saw something peeking out from under the kimono, folded… inside?
She opened the kimono, and shook it out a bit. A neatly folded and modified haori and hakama set fell to the floor, clunking, and stirring the dust. She gasped, as sleek blue and black swirled arm and leg guards slipped out of the haori. She retrieved them, and noticed something pinned to the sleeve.
Looked like you needed something decent. You don't strike me as the dress type. Keep 'em. The rest'll come in good time. Meet me at the bridge after tea time (they snore quite loudly, ne?), and I'll help you work them. You need to be able to defend yourself around these people, if you get me.
Until then, try not to bite Jakotsu's head off, ne?
By the way, springs are down the hall, to your left. Next to the archery and training grounds.
-H.
Her face lit up, and she hummed to herself, absentmindedly as she walked down the hall, her bath supplies tucked under her arm. It hit her fast, painless and swift.She finally recognized the tune she hummed so often, and had a name to it. "Grip…" She said aloud, smiling her strange small grin. It was the song Kikyo had sung to her as she was lulled to sleep, the song she hummed at work, the song she sang when she cooked. She had even hummed it while practicing archery.
And so it had been implanted in the younger sister's mind, forever burnt without a name. It was a small memory, but Kagome felt satisfied. After all, it didn't hurt, did it?
So she kept humming as she exited and strode brightly across the grounds, observing silently as Bankotsu and Jakotsu sparred.
Jakotsu ducked, avoiding a swipe from his mock opponent, beads of concentration finally showing on his brow, as he contorted, arching his back before sending a rain of blows at his best friend. Bankotsu just smirked, and brought Banryuu in front of him, and for a second the massive halberd glinted in the sun, blinding Jakotsu. "HEY!" He shouted, and in that instant, Jakotsutou went astray, and twirled off to the third occupant of the field.
"You, watch what you do to my baby! Don't dent it!" Kagome called, dodging again and again as Jakotsutou writhed around her in a forest of blades. "Don't be ridiculous!" She shouted, and Jakotsutou flopped down, a single sword once more.
She picked it up wordlessly, and threw it horizontally at Jakotsu, who shrieked. "Woman are you trying to kill me?" Just before it got to him, it rotated, and landed in the dirt, stuck in the earth by a few inches or so.
"Oh…" He said, before replacing his stupid look with a confident smirk. "Finally going to wash off those disgusting female germs, wench? You'll contaminate us before long!"
She said nothing, and simply walked off. It disappointed him that he got no rise. What was she, dead?
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Kagome sighed in relief as she got up from the spring, water rolling off her nicely tanned curves, a towel wrapped around her, thankfully not sheer. She inhaled deeply, and took in the aroma of the fresh mountain air from nearby, and the scent of Inuyasha's forest.
She had washed Kikyo's outfit again, for good measure. This time it lay draped against a tree, and she was careful not to knock it over as she bound her chest lightly and pulled on all undergarments. She paused for a moment, inhaling the scent of the modified haori's sleeve. It was nice, like the area around her. "A great change for that dead air of the castle!" Kagome chuckled, and pulled it on, letting it hang loose and floppy, before pulling on the pants, and managed to sloppily put on the beginnings of armor, enjoying the smooth feel of it against her skin. It was light, and she could tell it was very strong.
She let her hair down, and it floated around her, half deciding to stick to anything it could, half deciding to work with her and make her look elegant and poised.
Her face contorted in surprise as a silver knife, with flowing crimson script, popped up, nearly slashing her in the face. Her heart was uncontrollably pounding, as she tried to put it back, to no avail. She growled, and snarled, "Work with me!" And to her surprise, it went back in.
The leg guards were simple, with straps for shorter sabers and throwing daggers along the sides. They left the soles of her feet mostly bare, and she grinned, as that was the way she liked it.
She finally looked herself over. The haori was modified, with the same long and flowing sleeves of the Shinto priestess outfit, but with the durability of tough leather. It hid the arm guards, and only the tips of her fingers peeped through. It was mostly white, swirled with silver and black around the collar and sleeves.
She had to hand it to him. Male or not, he was a good seamstress. It certainly was men's clothing, but it looked damn good on her.
The hakama was in the same fashion as the top, only with swirls going along the sides of the pant legs.
She slowly walked into the training field, ignoring the puzzled look shot at her by Bankotsu, and the annoyed one from Jakotsu. "Tea time, my lords! Oh, the lovely lady may join you as well?" He asked in a way, inviting her and asking permission at the same time.
"Whatever. Just don't dim us with your stupidity." Jakotsu muttered.
"Pardon me, Jakotsu. I shall un-grace you with my presence." She said icily. Kagome swept into a bow, making eye contact before marching off, resisting having a stiff spine.
"Hey, hey!" Bankotsu rushed after her. "Aren't you mad? Eh?" He had grabbed her by the arm, her sleeve sliding up. The blade popped up, nicking his thumb. His mouth quivered before he 'humped' and turned away. He paused. "Why are you wearing armor? Perhaps I'll humor you, if you have lunch with… us…" He sniffled, before adding, "And are obedient for the rest of the day."
A faint blush crept up his neck, and Kagome resisted laughing out right and declining. "Perhaps." She gave him a lopsided smirk, before turning away, taking long, graceful strides, her long hair swishing behind her slightly.
He looked after her, long and hard. "I wonder… Why does her beauty strike me so…? It's not like she's the most gorgeous thing here, after all…" He thought about the divine harem women.
"Bankotsu?" Jakotsu called, "Don't spend too much time with her. She's so… ugh. She is so impudent! It frustrates me!" Bankotsu pasted on carefree a smile, and hid his worries.
"Coming!" He set off to give his friend a woman-bashing companion.
Kagome smiled a huge smile as she broke into a run, hopping from rock to rock carefully and carefree in an odd mix. "HAH! He invited me to lunch! He must not be as smart as I gave him credit for!" She grinned, and whooped, cheery and happy as the large koi fish danced under her feet.
"Are you really going to train me!" She shouted, skimming lightly over the water, splashing and smiling brightly as she whirled through the wild gardens like a cyclone in her happiness.
"Yes!" Hiten laughed along, and together they laughed at the heavens, their feet dangling in the cool lake's depths.
Kagome took in all the beauty around her, and the possibility of being trained, and smiled. She found herself thinking. 'Maybe this whole harem thing won't be too much of an ordeal…'
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"Hey aniki," He began, and his elder brother glared. "I think it's time we started added to our harem!" His proud warm amber eyes glowed, as he grew excited.
The elder looked on coldly, no emotion other than disdain apparent. "What a waste of time."
The younger growled, and made an argument, "What if we took women from here and there… like from those stupid Shichinintai! We haven't visited them yet! I bet they have pretty women!"
"I do believe that's the stupidest, most unintelligent thing I have ever heard you say." The elder said, running a clawed hand through long silver locks, glaring again. "In which upon my time… is a lot."
The younger bristled. "Please aniki! I swear I won't tell anyone that you secretly ADORE cats!" The elder stood suddenly, and his eyes turned colder, if it was possible.
"Fine. We start tomorrow. Do not forget that there is soon a ball, and we are ordered by father to invite them." The younger snorted, showing his not-so high opinion of the assassin band of seven.
"After all, they do live on the edge of our domain, yes?" He whined.
"Yes." His lips curved up into a cold, cruel smile, "They do, little brother."
A/N: Well, another drabbly-boring chapter, leading up to her imminent encounters, the 'ball' mentioned, and all the good stuff! Anyhow, since I forgot my review responses, here they are!
Reviews:
Reality: Thanks!
Fallen Seraphim Azarel: Wow, I'm totally overwhelmed with praise! What can I say? THANK YOU for the compliments!
fRUiTY tUTTY: Hiya, did I mention I like your story (The Bright Side of Life) too?
Bankotsu-Lover: Orindangle? I'm confused, but I think you mean… orignal? Interesting story, by the way (I can't Return).
X0Silver Feathers0x: I admire your work, and I rather hope you update Irony soon! Not to mention the other great ones you have going!
reki-sama: Nice smily face! Or.. um.. grimacing/scared/crazed face? I'll just shut up now.
Cerestra: Well, you shall see! Anyhow, it's good to see anonymous people reviewing my story, so it can't be too too bad, right?
satsu: No problem. Any idea when you're going to update Hassei Kyouki? (Excuse the bad spelling) Um… what does the title mean? It's interesting. Boarding school. Why didn't I think of that? (sighs) You beat me to it. I hate Kikyo too, but come on, give her a break: she dies and gets 'betrayed' in the same day. Bad karma or what?
me: Sure.
animefanatic-9877: Thanks.
sangotaku6: Excellent story, Assassin Café, by the way. It's good, because it actually could happen. Nice action sequences too. Oh, and thank you for the praise (if you call it that).
satsu (again): Well, you didn't confuse me, I just had a bout of forgetfulness. Anyhow, here's the update! Hopefully better than last time!
reki-sama (again): It was?
Bankotsu-Lover (again): Wow, it's great how all the readers keep reviewing more than once! Awesome! And thank you!
tidusXyuna637: Well, here's your updated ASAP chappie! Lol, enjoy.
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Next Chapter:
'Sup! This is the one, the only, younger bro here! We'll be dropping by to visit the Shichinintai today, and MAN we're gonna kick ASS! WHOOOOO! Stupid aniki finally calls me smart! If that makes any sense… Anyway, who's that weird guy- er, GIRL!- standing up to us? Is she weird or what?
But… is she in the harem or not, cause that jerk, Bankotsu's getting all over-hyper and protective…? I'm confused! And this is so odd! The girl is squabbling with him, and he's squabbling back, and oooh! They're moving in to bopping, slapping, biting, clawing, and other girly fighting methods!
What a stupid wench! Uh… did she hear me? She looks mad.
Eh? That stupid wench stole the girly man's sword, and her eye is twitching….
What am I in for? Ugh, my brain hurts now, dudes. Later.
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Character Relations:
From now on, it'll only be new characters. Let me know if I miss somebody.
Hiten- Kind (or is he?) demon who cares for Kagome and befriends her, offering to train her to defend herself. Sarcastic and fun to be around. Loyal, and mysterious. Has yet to reveal his past.
Mukotsu- that old, ugly poison maker who poisoned Kagome by accident.
Renkotsu- the guy in the bandana. Kagome's 'guide' to around the castle. He'll be in the next chapter a bit too…
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Vocab:
Gomen- Sorry, etc.
Haori- Typical janaese man's top. Think the thing Bankotsu, Renkotsu, Hiten, etc wear.
Hakama- Japanese pants. Finally found the name, thanks to a reviewer in a different story of mine! Thanks!
Kami- God
Doushite- Why?
Aniki- elder brother
Zetsumei o seisuhuku tsubasa tame kyuumin mugen- Death on silent wings to idle dreams (Not a real prayer, more something made up by me… I'll link it in somehow! MUAHAHAHAHAHA!)
Koi- carp
Well, that's all for now! Please review, and bow down to the wonderful muses of mine! Psst. They like pocky and doughnuts. But don't… kill them with hugs, okay?
o.O.o.O darkenedmoonlightflame O.o.O.o
And company. Sesshomaru and Bankotsu. My wonderful bishounen muses.
