Author's Note: Hello! I hope everyone's doing great and school is going fine :). Here is the next chapter; I hope you all enjoy it. It's a bit longer than my others :).

Reviewer Responses:

D. Pearls: Lol. Do your essay! What's it over? Hopefully not something you were supposed to have read and haven't. (That's usually the case with me ;). Hehehe, maybe the mononoke is Renkotsu, maybe it isn't. I'm not tellin' :P Picking on Jakotsu is kinda fun ;) but Kira will have more than fan girls to deal with if he touches Jakotsu. Thanks for reviewing! Take care!

Ibara-hime: Lol, don't tell the judge I'm good at making things up! At one point in my life I thought I was going to be a lawyer ;). You didn't finish the comic? :( I wanted to see it. Sigh...but oh well, I know how it is when you start something and decide you don't like it. :) I'm honored to have the only story you still read about the Shichinin-tai. The pressure's on now, lol. Well I hope you enjoy the chapter! Thank you for reviewing, take care, and yes I WILL notice if you stop reviewing ;).

Tareacel: It's ok. I understand the term "busy," where many others do not ::rolls eyes at boss and co-workers and parents.:: Yes, they have to find Renkotsu...though I already told you so, and look-ee it didn't take me very long at to get this one up lol! Thanks for reviewing; take care, and I hope you like the chapter!

Yennie-Gurl: Hehehe, Jakotsu PI. That's funny lol. Jakotsu strikes me as someone that might notice little things. I don't know why really. I guess it was because of how suspicious he was of the shards and Naraku on Inuyasha. He seemed to be the main one asking questions about it while everyone else kind of shrugged it off. Lol, I know you didn't ask all that, but I rambled anyway. Take care and thank you for reviewing! I hope you enjoy the chapter!

Evil-Zukin: Lol! Jakotsu is fun to pick on, because he's so cute hehe! Thank you for reviewing and take care. I hope you like chapter!

Mars Fire Goddess: Was Renkotsu watching Bankotsu? Maybe, lol. Will Lord Kira get sliced in half? With the way things are going it looks probable ;)! I don't really know much about Renkotsu either, other than he's a backstabbing jerk lol. We'll see how his character will take shape. Sesshoumaru is a favorite of mine too. He's just hot, and his manner cracks me up. I'm glad you think I'm giving the characters equal time in the limelight. I always feel like I'm short changing Suikotsu. He's a hard guy to write for. You read Severed? How wonderful! I'm glad you like it. I'll let you in on a secret; I was never going to kill Miguel. It was just fun teasing people. I love Miguel, and if I killed him, who would Viole annoy? Unfortunately Severed only gets updated once a month... but if you notice the chapter lengths, that's why lol. Thank you for the two-in-one review lol, and take care! I hope you enjoy the story!

MageofDarkness: ::sniffles:: You don't believe me? You think I'm a liar? Meanie. Lol. I really did write that last one in spurts. It's why it took so long to post. I never had anytime to just sit and write it. I'm glad you think it flowed together pretty well and wasn't disjointed. Bankotsu and Oishi was so out of thin air, but now it's spawned into something... You'll see. Lol, is Jakotsu anorexic? Not in the real psychological disorder sense of the word. He doesn't think he's fat and it's not about control, but it's not very healthy either. Hehehehe, Lord Kira is fun. I actually kinda like the fat man though he may have to come to an unfortunate end... Will Baldie-sama roast him like a pig (lol)? We'll see ;). Thanks for reviewing and take care. I really hope you like this chapter!

KuraSun: Sorry for the wait. I hope this update was more timely lol. What language does Jakotsu speak? I'll tell you later in the story, but I'll also continue to translate any big chunks of Jakotsu's native ranting ;). Thank you for reviewing and take care! I hope you enjoy the chapter!

Gerbil: Lol. Thank you! I'm glad you think it was worth the wait, and I hope you think the same about this chapter too :). Thanks for reviewing and take care!

Lynx and cHaOs: :D So glad Kira creeps you out. That was my intent ;) ::Sure it was:: ;). Lol. I'm being silly. I'm glad you like the story and Kira made you feel uneasy. Thank you for reviewing and take care. If you thought that chapter was long wait until you read this one... or take a look at some of my other stories. Long chapters for me are usually over 20 pages lol :)

Skittlez: Why can't I taste the rainbow? The commercials invite me too! You're just being greedy! But that's ok... I hope you gotta bag with a lot of green skittles in it. :P! Lol, Renkotsu will make his official appearance in the next chapter :). Your own story really? Well I'll have to check it out. I imagine Renkotsu will have a nice central part ;) lol! Take care and thanks for reviewing! I hope you like the chapter!

Riftwar-Slave: Bankotsu prancing? Lol! I got a scary image of a My Little Pony with Bankotsu's braid when you said that! Thanks! J/K! Anyways, thanks for reviewing and I'm so very glad you still like the story. Take care and enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 2

"...but you should really be taking a hot bath, Jakotsu-san! That would heat you up! I have wonderful oils and soaps for you to use in your hair."

Bankotsu shoved Jakotsu into his quarters before him and slammed the door on Lord Kira who had pounced on them upon entry to the manor and somehow managed to keep up with them as they practically ran away from him.

"You know, maybe killing him isn't such a bad idea after all. Who would have thought a fat little man like that could run so fast?" Bankotsu grumbled, guarding the door with his body as Jakotsu peeled off his wet clothes. The comforting warmth of the room was awakening Bankotsu's sleeping joints and he moaned when he realized the knees of his own pants were wet from kneeling in the snow.

"Are you all right, Aniki?" Jakotsu asked, wrapping himself in a towel and settling himself in his nest of blankets on the matted floor.

"I'm wet too," Bankotsu sighed. "I'll have to change. These were my favorite pants!"

"I thought the black ones were your favorite...."

"They were until they shrank!" Bankotsu scowled, glaring as Jakotsu burrowed himself in the blankets, lying down and closing his eyes.

"They didn't shrink; you're growing, Aniki– finally. We should go down to tailor and have some new clothes outfitted for you."

Bankotsu rolled his eyes. "I don't need anymore clothes. I've got so many it's ridiculous, and I don't even wear all of them..."

"I'll never understand why you and Suikotsu choose to wear the same things over and over again, when you have so many other things to choose from... that look a lot better too"

Bankotsu growled low in his throat. "I like what I wear." He stalked toward Jakotsu who was now completed enveloped in his covers and yanked at the thick fabric, unrolling the boy. Jakotsu shrieked as he tumbled onto the bare mats in his towel-toga. He sat up, rubbing a single butt cheek, looking harassed.

"That was uncalled for, Aniki."

"Yes, it was, you sloth! Get dressed! We're going to ask about some nearby temples and then we've got to go out and collect Suikotsu before he rips someone to shreds." Bankotsu folded Jakotsu's blankets and tossed them into a vacant corner.

"He has been looking rather... excitable, lately." Jakotsu made no move to rise from the floor. He sat and shivered, pulling his hair over one shoulder and combing his long fingers through the knots.

Bankotsu shook his head, walking to Jakotsu's closet and pulling down a thick blue kimono with white lotus blossoms stitched into the material and a matching pair of blue pants. "Get dressed, Jakotsu." Bankotsu threw the clothes at Jakotsu's sedentary form and grinned at the soft thumping noise the garments made when they made contact with Jakotsu's back and shoulders.

"Aniki, must I go? You can find temples on your own, and Suikotsu... He probably does not want to deal with me anymore today. I do not know why he deals with me, ever." Jakotsu reached behind him for the kimono and spread it over his body like a cloak.

Bankotsu frowned and shut the closet door. "Jakotsu..." Bankotsu moved to where his friend sat huddled and plopped down beside him. "Suikotsu understands that you need a little time to get used to him. He's told me as much..."

"You two have talked about me?" Jakotsu's tone remained neutral.

"Once or twice," Bankotsu shrugged. "He worries about you, you know, just like I'm worried about you now. I can't leave you here; I don't trust..."

"I will not touch the man, Bankotsu! You told me not to, and I will not! Why can you never..."

"I don't trust Kira, Jakotsu! I trust you just fine!" Bankotsu snapped. "If I hear that he's tried anything with you, I'll behead him with Banryuu, and that won't look good for business."

Jakotsu turned his head to stare at Bankotsu, gray eyes faintly amused. "You are too overprotective, Aniki."

"Damn right, I am," Bankotsu scoffed. "No one looks at my brother unless I approve it first, and I don't approve."

Jakotsu giggled. "What if I want that someone to look?"

Bankotsu glared, folding his arms over his chest. "I'd have to meet him first and give him the ground rules."

"You would scare the living daylights out of him, I bet," Jakotsu murmured, pulling his knees closer to his chest and burying his head in the pool of fabric in his lap. "I am still cold, Aniki. If I am to go with, you will have to give me some time to warm up."

Bankotsu placed a hand on his friend's back, slightly surprised to find that he was still shivering. Feeling guilty, he rose to retrieve the blankets he'd taken off Jakotsu in his haste to leave. After covering Jakotsu and rubbing his shoulders a bit, Bankotsu had a thought. "How about some more tea and soup? I know someone in the kitchen who may be able to help us out, so I won't have to ask Kira."

"That will take too long, Bankotsu. I will be fine in a minute, and we need to get, Suikotsu."

Suikotsu! He'd forgotten all about him again! He smacked a hand to his forehead. Oh what a crummy job he was doing! He hadn't meant to be inside so long, but he couldn't drag Jakotsu out while he was still half frozen. He should have made Suikotsu come back with them and just dealt with the agitative state the older man would have been it. Though, he may have murdered Lord Kira in cold blood...

"Aniki?" Jakotsu was calling to him and obviously had been for some time, judging from his anxious expression.

"What is it?"

"Just go. I will put something against the door and promise not to come out until you knock to let me know that you have returned. How is that?"

Bankotsu tapped his foot as he contemplated the suggestion, running a hand through Jakotsu's thick hair, damp and slightly crunchy with hidden frost lost in its depths. He didn't really think Kira would come to bother Jakotsu, if he stayed in his room with the door closed, and Jakotsu was right. It would take too long if Bankotsu waited for him to warm up before they left...

"All right," he said grudgingly, "you can stay inside."

"Thank..."

"But..." There was no way Bankotsu was going to let Jakotsu win this one without a catch. "...you have to promise me you'll eat something hot while I'm gone. I'm gonna go down and tell one of the kitchen boys to bring you something. His name is Oishi, when he knocks you'll let him in, and he stays here until you finish eating."

Jakotsu opened his mouth to speak.

"I'll instruct him not to leave until your bowl is empty. That's our deal Jakotsu; take it or get dressed."

Jakotsu was blinking rapidly, his mouth still open. "Aniki... that is... it is not..." Bankotsu removed the blankets and heard Jakotsu gasp at the heat loss. "Fine! Send me this Yoshi person... and he had better be cute!"

Bankotsu grinned, "Oh he's cute all right..." And about ten. He chuckled as he walked to the door. "Come put something against it now. Oishi will be up in a bit, and Suikotsu and I will be back in a few hours."

"Yes, Aniki," Jakotsu sighed with a pout. "Happy hunting."

Bankotsu left the room and closed the door, not leaving until he heard Jakotsu prop something heavy against the door– probably Jakotsutou. Good choice.

All right, off to the kitchen to find Oishi and maybe a snack for the road.

Bankotsu found Oishi in the small kitchen area sitting near a large sunken hearth to keep warm. A number of iron pots and kettles were suspended above the fire from the ceiling and Bankotsu was immediately attracted to the aromas being emitted from them. He smelled beef and pork and rice pudding... His mouth watered and he almost forgot his objective.

Bad leader!

Ouch, the mental slap had been hard. "Oishi?" Bankotsu approached the lad, making sure he was noisy as he approached. He didn't want to startle the boy and cause him to tumble into the hearth; he was sitting awfully close.

Oishi jumped and his back stiffened. Quickly, he got to his feet and spun around to face Bankotsu, standing at attention, but raising his head obediently to make eye contact. "Bankotsu-
sa... Bankotsu. You shouldn't be here! Only servants are allowed in the kitchen. Why didn't you ring for me? You got little ropes in your rooms you pull on for service. You didn't see them?"

Bankotsu frowned at the scruffy little boy. Ropes for service? That ugly tasseled red rope in his room near the door was a tool? He had thought it was a decoration. He tried not to growl aloud as he realized Jakotsu had to have seen the rope too and probably knew exactly what it was!

Bankotsu blushed a bit for Oishi. "I did see. I just didn't know what it was. Um...sorry," he scratched his neck sheepishly. "I hope you won't get in trouble for this. I'll explain to Lord Kira, if he tries to yell at you or something, ok?"

Oishi didn't look relieved; his little eyes kept darting around Bankotsu, looking out the door for anyone who could possibly squeal on him. Oishi surged forward then, pushing Bankotsu out of the kitchen and into the narrow corridor that would lead back to the dining room. "How can I help you?"

Bankotsu couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, my friend is going to stay inside today while I head out with my other business partner. I wanted to see if there was maybe any soup or something hot for him to eat, and if you could take it up to him?"

Oishi made a face. "The only soup on is for us... er... the servants, Bankotsu. It don't have no meat in it or no good vegetable. It's just broth and rice. Your friend don't want that. I can tell..."

"No, that soup sounds perfect, if you don't mind sparing a bit of it, that is. Jakotsu isn't a big eater; the simpler the meal is the better."

Oishi frowned, "But Bankotsu, we can make something..."

"Don't trouble yourselves," Bankotsu shrugged. Jakotsu won't appreciate the food whether it be yours or something concocted just for him. "Just bring him up a bowl of what you have... oh, and one favor... Actually, this is a big favor if you're going to be needed."

Oishi shook his head. "No favor's too big. What is it?"

"I need you to sit with him-- Jakotsu, and make sure he eats all of what you bring him, and... if you can keep quiet about his still being here with me gone, I'll be in your debt."

Oishi blinked. "I can do that. I don't cook; I just serve. I'll get Tenchi to cover for me; the Lord likes him better anyway..." He looked down at his feet which were surprisingly clean for a little boy, and Bankotsu frowned a bit at the oddness in his tone.

"Why don't you want nobody to know your friend's staying behind?"

"Ah..." Bankotsu had been caught off guard. He hadn't expected the boy to ask any real questions. Gee, what to say. Your boss is a pervert, and I don't want him drooling over my big, little brother while I'm not here to knock him into the middle of next week?

Oishi touched his sleeve gently, looking a trifle nervous about taking the action, but not letting go. In a low voice, he said, "Your friend staying behind is the one that looks like a girl, huh?"

Bankotsu grimaced, but nodded.

"The Lord likes him a lot. He... he likes boys, you know? He's got the Lady around to give him kids, but she ain't what he wants at night."

Oishi shuddered and Bankotsu simmered. He summoned a mental list of everyone he'd seen working in the manor. He recalled a few women, one for laundry, one for cooking, one for the Lady...but other than that, the only other attendants were male, boys. Oh gods, what had Bankotsu brought them into? Perhaps he should call the whole mission off right then. He should collect Jakotsu and Suikotsu and they would leave.

But, their task would only take a day. They could wait it out, and instead of staying on a few days for a new assignment to be delivered, they'd go immediately to the next town.

Bankotsu laid a hand on Oishi's shoulder. "Watch my brother for me, please. I will try not to be gone too long."

"Yes sir...er... Bankotsu."

Bankotsu moved to leave, but not before grabbing the kid again, holding him in place. "Does... Lord Kira hurt you?"

Oishi shook his head rapidly. "N...no... he just... I'm too ugly for him. He just... has me get the others for him." Oishi looked sick and Bankotsu decided it was best to leave him alone on the topic.

"Oi.... Oishi?"

"Yes?"

"Do you know of any temples nearby?"

"Jakotsu's right. This area has been newly marked. There was a tree opposite the one he found with matching details, and I found a few others behind the clearing with paint, but no burn marks."

Bankotsu stared at the bloodstain near the hem of Suikotsu's tan kimono.

"Oh... a hare caught me by surprise, Oo-Aniki. I thought it may have been a bandit," Suikotsu said softly, looking down at his hands that had probably been scrubbed clean in the snow.

I knew it! Bankotsu patted himself on the back, glad the hare wasn't a child. Villagers didn't take too kindly to dead children.

"Good job, Suikotsu," Bankotsu said, not wanting to see the new trees Suikotsu had discovered. He believed the man. "I've got directions to a temple..."

"Are we still going to do that, Aniki? I think we've pretty much proven that men are behind this. We should be working on a plan..."

"Better safe than sorry," Bankotsu said firmly. "Besides, the temple is only a few miles outside of the village. We'll be back in time for lunch."

Suikotsu sighed heavily, before complying. "Where is Jakotsu?"

"I left him behind. He was taking too long to thaw out."

"What about Kira?"

They began to trek through the snow, walking back into town and through it.

"He's a porky pervert that has an obsession with little boys. If he provokes Jakotsu, Jakotsu will take action and I won't reprimand him. Though, Jakotsu promised me he wouldn't leave his room, so I don't think there will be a problem."

Suikotsu nodded. "Is he... ok? Did he say anything about my slip up earlier. I don't know what came over me, Bankotsu..."

"You wanted to help him; that's what came over you. I hope it comes over you, if I look to be in distress too. You didn't do anything wrong. Maybe... maybe it's time you just start initiating small touches, like a pat on the back and squeeze of the shoulder and gradually he'll learn your touch and adapt."

"Bankotsu, I don't want to do anything that will make Jakotsu uncomfortable around me. The three of us have developed a nice relationship, and I don't want to spoil it by pushing too hard. If he's not ready..."

"He wants to be ready, Sui. He's trying for you." Bankotsu put and arm around Suikotsu's think waist, trying to tickle him a bit through the thick fabric of his clothing. Suikotsu gazed down at him superiorly, before putting his own large arm around Bankotsu and tickling for what he was worth. Bankotsu yelped and broke into a clumsy run through the snow to get away as Suikotsu gave chase.

Some villagers stopped their morning chores to watch as the two young men wove through town cackling and hurling snow at one another until they vanished into the horizon.

Bankotsu was starting to think that having a snowball fight was not such a good idea as he and Suikotsu shivered up the long stone stairway of the monastery. They were both drenched from melting snow and constantly rubbing their hands over their bodies to stop ice from forming.

The wooden door to the temple was closed and Bankotsu wondered if they had to knock. He'd never really been inside a temple before and didn't know how things operated. Suikotsu knocked on the door gently before pushing it open. Warmth rushed out to greet them and Bankotsu praised the gods for the hibachi in the room. A few monks dressed on plain brown robes rose from their seats in front of the fire and ambled over to Bankotsu and Suikotsu who stood dripping on their polished wooden floors.

"Greetings travelers. My goodness, you are soaked. Come to the fire before you catch cold. Asano, please go and fetch these boys some towels, and Shinji, please bring some free leaves and water for more tea."

The old man in the middle gave the orders and the two younger men, boys really bowed in acquiescence before gliding away and disappearing down two separate hallways. Bankotsu let the man take him by a long sleeve and draw him toward the fire as he gazed around in wonder. The temple walls were ornamented in gold and jade. A tall, gold statue of a robust Buddha sat at the head of the room, a benevolent smile on his face. There was an altar just before the statue and Bankotsu could smell the sweet aroma of burning incense drifting from it. He tilted his head back to stare at the high ceiling and the intricate pattern of the room work.

Beautiful.

Did all temples look like this one? He would have to go into them more often to find out.

They stood before the fire, trying not to stare at the old monk who beamed at them. "What brings you boys here in this weather? Prayer, offering, servitude?"

Bankotsu blinked. Servitude? Be a monk? He bit his lip on his initial response which was 'hell no,' deeming it inappropriate language for the setting. "Actually... we're here for protection."

Both of the monk's thick brows drew together. "Protection?"

"You see, a mononoke has been plaguing our village, asking for overwhelming amounts of riches to be given to her or she'll destroy us all. We have come asking for your guidance in how to stop this spirit."

Suikotsu did not speak; he simply nodded his head along with whatever Bankotsu said. He'd learned a while back not to be surprised with the sudden acts Bankotsu could put on at the blink of an eye.

The old man frowned deeply, rubbing his long chin and murmuring softly to himself. The two young men returned at almost the same time, one holding a tea kettle the other bearing blankets. Once, Bankotsu and Suikotsu were wrapped in the warm quilts and the tea kettle was hung over the fire, the old man spoke.

"Has any wrongful act been done to the spirit? Do you know why she seeks vengeance on your village?"

Bankotsu shook his head. "We've done nothing wrong that I know of. She doesn't want anything returned to her or any sacrifices... she just wants money."

The two young men looked to the older monk in vague confusion. "These boys have a mononoke problem, but it does sound rather strange. Usually these spirits have been angered by something and they want nothing of our gold and silver or jewels; they want flesh, service, or simply an apology and an oath to never do wrong by them again."

Suikotsu nudged Bankotsu.

"But this one doesn't seem to want those things..."

"Then perhaps you do not have a mononoke, but a youkai."

"We've thought of that too, and demons we can handle, but the spirit is going to return tomorrow. Is there any advice that you can give us?"

The monk named Shinji poured the tea and passed cups to Bankotsu and Suikotsu. Bankotsu sniffed it... jasmine. He took a small sip and smiled falsely. He would have preferred hot water to this. Suikotsu was sipping his tea appreciatively.

Well, at least one of us is happy.

"I can give you holy water to create a circle of protection for you and your family. But I think you should be trying to communicate with this spirit and ask it just what it is that has made her so angry."

Bankotsu nodded, not pleased with the answer. It pretty much sounded like, if the mononoke really did turn out to be a spirit, then there was nothing he, Suikotsu, or Jakotsu could do about it.

"I'm sorry that we couldn't be of more assistance to you. If you had come a little earlier some traveling priests were here that would have gladly come to your village to help out."

"That's ok," Bankotsu said gently. "What you're giving us is enough. We thank you for your time."

He was standing and Suikotsu hurriedly downed the last of his tea and bolted to his feet as well.

"I hate that you've journeyed all this way to hear such disappointing news. Would you like to stay for lunch? I can have Odin set the table for two more."

"No one's seen Odin all morning," Asano whispered to the old man, and Bankotsu wanted to giggle at the expression on his face. If he'd had hair, Bankotsu was sure he would have pulled it out.

"That slothful, irresponsible... Oh, excuse me. Well, as I was saying..."

"It's ok. We must return home, but thank you for the kind offer," Bankotsu smiled and gave a bow.

"Thank you for the tea," Suikotsu also bowed.

They shrugged off the blankets, handing them back to the monk who'd given it to them. "Are you certain you don't want to remain for a little longer just to warm up a bit more. You're still red with cold and..."

"We'll be fine. Home is not very far away for us; we travel fast." Bankotsu walked toward the door, giving silent and regretful goodbyes to the warm fire and his cozy blanket. He would have asked to take the blanket, but how dignified would he look walking back into town with a blanket wrapped around his shoulders?

"Well..." the old man sounded a little lost. "Have a safe trip then and do come back."

"Sure, thanks..." Bankotsu pushed open the door and wanted to close it back as a cold wind slapped him across the face. Had it gotten colder? He looked up at the darkening sky... oh no. It was going to rain. Could they beat it?

If they ran.

"Come on Sui; we've got to hurry."

They closed the door to the temple together and overheard the old monk grumbling. "Where is that no good Odin?"

Suikotsu chuckled and Bankotsu joined in. "Well, that was a complete waste of time, and if we get rained on going back, I'm going to throw the biggest temper tantrum you will ever see."

Suikotsu rolled his eyes. "Well then we had better run."

They walked carefully down the temple steps, avoiding icy patches and started jogging once they hit the snowy ground. "There had better be some lunch left, or I'll eat Kira."

"Even you can't eat that much," Suikotsu laughed.

"I can try!– oof!" Bankotsu stumbled back as he ran into a hard, unyielding body. "Oi, watch where you're going!"

"Sorry," a low voice muttered. Bankotsu gazed up at the man that had run into him. He was tall, well taller than Bankotsu anyway, so that wasn't saying too much, and he wore brown robes and had a bald head like the monks in the temple. Could this possibly be Odin?

"Yeah sure," Bankotsu shrugged it off. If it was Odin, he was in enough trouble already, and Bankotsu didn't want to give him a hard time.

Bankotsu tried to walk forward again, but the monk didn't move. "Oi, what's the idea?"

"I hear you've got a mononoke problem."

Bankotsu growled. "Get. Out. Of. My. Way. Now."

"Why don't you just give it what it wants?"

Bankotsu felt Suikotsu bristling beside him, and he placed a hand on his arm to calm him. "It's none of your business. Now, move before I make you."

The monk glared at them, his cold eyes like black ice. "It's not wise to deny a spirit of its desires. You came here seeking advice and there it is."

Bankotsu narrowed his eyes and cracked his knuckles. Like lightening his fist shot out, catching the daring monk in the eye and then in the stomach. The holy man grunted as he doubled over in pain, and Bankotsu gave him a kick to knock his legs out from under him.

Stepping over the fallen monk, Bankotsu inclined his head to Suikotsu. "Like you were saying before, we'd better run if we want to beat the rain. Race ya!"

Bankotsu and Suikotsu arrived at the manor sightly damp and panting, grinning happily as they set their shoes beside the door at the sound of rain striking the roof. They had beaten the rain by mere seconds.

Two boys came rushing toward them with warm blankets that Bankotsu and Suikotsu took gratefully. The scent of cooling food made Bankotsu's stomach gurgle for attention. "Have we missed lunch?"

"Yes sir, but I will bring some to your rooms, if you would want."

"Thank you," Bankotsu took the boy's hands and almost kissed them. "You are a saint. Bring me two of everything, and Suikotsu can have what's left."

"Hey!" Suikotsu complained behind him.

"Where is Oishi? Can he bring my meal?" Bankotsu asked the boy he'd almost kissed.

"Oishi is with Lord Kira for the afternoon. I'm Tenchi and this is Jinto," the boy introduced himself with a quick bow. Bankotsu raised a brow, so this was Tenchi. The boy was taller than Oishi, older, maybe 12 or 13 with shoulder-length black hair that he wore unbound, flowing white robes, and a pearl necklace with a jade pendant.

Bankotsu frowned. Oishi had said Kira liked Tenchi more, and Bankotsu could see why the pervert would. The boy was very pretty and obviously well taken care of.

Oishi was with Kira for the afternoon...

He was not going to get angry; he was not going to go after Kira; he was going to go upstairs, eat his lunch, and prepare for tomorrow. After tomorrow night, they would be gone. This was not his problem...

And he felt horrible that it couldn't be.

Tenchi and Jinto parted ways with them to head into the kitchen for their meals, and Bankotsu and Suikotsu headed for the stairs.

"Who is this Oishi, Aniki?" Suikotsu asked.

"He's the little boy that brought me dinner last night and that was kind enough to take care of Jakotsu for us today. I should leave him some money when we leave. Jakotsu probably annoyed the hell out of him. You know how he gets when he's bored."

Bankotsu took the stairs by two's, and Suikotsu, just to show off his longer legs, took them by three's. Sticking out his tongue, Bankotsu quickened his pace to still beat Suikotsu to the top.

"I'm gonna check on Jakotsu. I told him I'd let him know when we got back. He's not supposed to leave his room until we do."

"I'll come too." Suikotsu followed. "You might need back up."

Bankotsu snorted and knocked on Jakotsu's door. "Ja, open up; it's us!"

There was a soft rustle on the other side of the door and then: "In a minute!"

More rustling and a tiny crash.

"What is he doing?"

The door opened and Jakotsu peered out at them. "You are back, already? That was fast."

Bankotsu entered the room, letting out a loud breath at the heat that greeted him. "Jakotsu, why's it so hot in here? And what are you doing?" There were clothes and trays of face paint all over the floor.

"I was cold, so I asked that nice Oishi-chan for more coal. Do not step on my silk trousers and watch that paint; I am trying to create a new color!" Jakotsu stooped down to pick up a long silk yukata, shaking it out and shrugging into it, leaving it open to show the lavender undershirt he wore underneath. "Look what I have done so far."

He gestured to a yellow kimono with newly painted pink flowers and white butterflies animating it. "I am going to make my blue one look like the night sky."

Bankotsu shook his head, looking heavenward for divine intervention in this madness. Suikotsu was laughing. He thought Jakotsu was a riot.

"Well, at least you've warmed up," Bankotsu said, pressing his knuckles against one of Jakotsu's cheeks as he plopped down before his yellow kimono and picked up his tiny paintbrush to get to work again.

Maybe a little too warm...

"So, what did you get from the temple, anything interesting?"

Jakotsu painted swirling green stems onto his kimono, attaching the blossoms to one another and giving the butterflies perches.

"Nasty tea, dumb advice, and swollen knuckles... Damn that guy's head was hard." Bankotsu kissed the knuckles of his right hand.

"The cracking sound your fist against his head made was quite impressive Aniki," Suikotsu said. "I was surprised the monk was still conscious."

"You hit a monk?" Jakotsu almost dropped his paint brush.

"He was being a shit and blocking my path," Bankotsu grumbled. "Gimme a paintbrush. I wanna paint too."

"Get your own kimono."

"Why can't I just use one of yours? You have so many; what's one?"

"Aniki... get away! And why was the monk blocking your path? Maybe they did not give you good advice, because you were so violent."

"No, that's not why. We'd already gotten the information we needed, which is the monks can't do anything, and then when we were leaving that guys steps in my way and starts telling me how we should just give the mononoke gold and shut up."

"Hm..." Jakotsu chewed on the end of his paintbrush. "And the clearing, did you find anything else?"

"More painted trees on all sides," Suikotsu said. "Definitely the work of men."

"So... what are we going to do? I vote we rule out ghosts and anything else supernatural and set man traps," Jakotsu said. He added a bee to one of his blossoms.

"I second that, Aniki," Suikotsu said, taking a seat beside Bankotsu.

Bankotsu rolled his eyes. "Well then, it looks like we'll be setting man traps. Do you guys want to do this tonight after the storm blows through or tomorrow morning?"

"The men might be out there tonight for preparations," Jakotsu said slowly, giving the bee stripes and antennas.

"It's going to be way below freezing."

"Perfect. No one in their right mind would be out, so they will. We can catch them in the act of setting up."

Bankotsu frowned. "Or we can go in the morning, find more of their tricks, and catch them right before their mononoke act begins."

Suikotsu grinned. "We could spy on them tonight to truly confirm our suspicions and then get them tomorrow and kill the difficult ones."

"That is the best I have heard so far," Jakotsu said, giving Suikotsu a paintbrush salute.

"I like it too," Bankotsu said, biting his thumbnail, "and with the weather, it'll make it that much harder for them to see us. Should we bring one of Kira's men out too, so someone outside of us can back up what we saw?"

"That would be a good idea," Suikotsu said. "We'll ask them after dinner."

Someone knocked on the door.

"Well I sure am popular today," Jakotsu rolled his eyes and dipped his brush in a tiny cup of water then dunked it in blue paint.

"Come in!" Bankotsu shouted.

The door opened slowly. "It's probably those boys with our food. Hey Jakotsu, you ate your soup?"

"Every drop of it, Aniki," Jakotsu said in a bored tone, commencing work on a bluebird. "I thought I was going to throw up. I still think I might."

"Hello?"

All three men cringed at the familiar high pitched voice. They all turned to see Lord Kira standing in the doorway beaming.

"Hi," Bankotsu said, glancing at Jakotsu quickly to make sure he wasn't showing any skin and wishing he would pull his hair back.

"How is your mononoke hunt coming along? I hear you've been very busy boys."

"Great. We um... think we have something. We'll find out tonight. Listen, can we borrow one of your men?"

Lord Kira's beady eyes went wider than his toothy smile. "Of course, of course, my boys. You may have command of my entire staff, if you need. My home is yours until you choose to leave it. I do want you to feel comfortable here. Say, if you do a good job with this mononoke, I'd like to invite you to stay."

Jakotsu's bluebird turned into a blue blob at that.

Bankotsu chuckled nervously. "Ah... that's a generous offer that we'd have to think about, but we'll see what happens tomorrow. Uh, we're discussing our plans now, my Lord, so..."

"Oh, yes, so sorry. I'll leave you alone. I hear from my Tenchi that you've taken quite a liking to little Oishi, Jakotsu-san..."

"He is Bankotsu's friend. I make him nervous," Jakotsu said, scowling over the mess he'd made of his kimono and now painting little knives over his blunder.

Kira chuckled throatily. "A lot of things make that little one nervous, I've learned. Do not take it personally, my boy. Oishi is just very young and very... plain. Next time you request a servant, why don't you ask for my Tenchi. In fact, I'll have him bring up your lunch."

"I am not hungry," Jakotsu said flatly, not looking at Kira, but Kira was certainly looking at him, staring... his eyes boring into his back, burning off his clothing...

That's it! Bankotsu jumped up and placed himself right in front of Kira. "Lunch sounds great. Send Tenchi up. We'll be missing the family dinner due to our mission. Send Oishi up with that. Thank you for being ever so helpful, good day!" Bankotsu pushed Kira out of the doorway and shut the door forcefully in his face, smiling all the while. He whirled around leaning on the door and breathing hard, trying to calm down, but all he saw was red.

"I'm gonna kill him. I wish their was a mononoke. I'd feed him to it!" Bankotsu snarled. "We can't see that man again until it's time to be paid and we are leaving, or else I'll gut him! Did you see how he was looking at Jakotsu? Did you hear what he was insinuating?"

"We can kill him now, Bankotsu, and forget the whole thing. Jakotsu and I have been suggesting it since this morning," Suikotsu said simply. "I can make it look like an accident if I want."

"But the town will still have a supposed ghost stealing all of their money," Bankotsu grumbled. "We took the job; we have a reputation to uphold... but I swear, if this job pays what it says, we're not doing this anymore. I think we'll have enough to set up a permanent residence to work from and we can start advertizing ourselves just like we did when we started demon hunting. We've got a respectable clientele that can be used as references, and hey, we work well together. Who says we need more members? We're complete, so says me. Lets call off the traveling member search."

"Are you sure, Oo-Aniki? You were very excited about finding at least 2 more members..."

Bankotsu shrugged, still keyed up from Kira's visit. His movements back to his place on the floor were jerky. He sat down, fumbling with his braid. "Yeah well, I'm not anymore. If we find some more, we find some more, but we are officially no longer looking. We're setting down roots and becoming legitimate."

He took a deep breath, held it, released it, and tried to relax. Kira was gone; he hadn't touched anyone...but those little boys. Oh gods... He laid a hand on Jakotsu's back. "You ok?"

"I think so," Jakotsu said softly, "but I messed up my kimono."

Bankotsu chuckled, rubbing Jakotsu's back and feeling the tremors coursing through his friend's willowy frame. They were quiet as Bankotsu's red rage dulled to a pink flush.

"Just what was Kira talking about when he spoke of sending Tenchi up with lunch? He made it sound... like a sexual act." Suikotsu said slowly, sounding confused and Bankotsu stared at him as Jakotsu tensed.

"Think about it, Sui," Bankotsu said flatly; he stroked Jakotsu's moist curls as Suikotsu had his epiphany.

"Oh! Kira meant...! Why would he think that Jakotsu...? Oh! His entire staff is mostly men, young boys, except for the guards! Do you think they all... with that fat little man? Why?"

"Money, food, a place to stay, shelter from the outside world that hates you..." Jakotsu murmured. "This is nothing but a large brothel. I heard noises last night..."

Bankotsu froze. "What kind of noises?"

"Muffled sounds... like a little boy... with a hand over his mouth..." Jakotsu whispered, shuddering harder.

Bankotsu shut his eyes, willing memories of the muted noises he'd ignored last night in the hallway far from his present mind. Rats... that was what he had heard, only rats.

There came a soft knock at the door, and once again, all three heads turned to look at it. "Masters?" called in a timid voice. Tenchi's. "I've got your food."

"Oo-Aniki..." Jakotsu said calmly, "... I am going to be sick."

The door opened and Tenchi, looking rather edgy, entered, balancing a large tray. He set the wooden contraption on the floor and knelt before it to serve them. Tenchi filled three bowls with rice from a large silver dish and then poured a thick beef stew over them. He handed one bowl to Suikotsu, one bowl to Bankotsu...

Tenchi lowered his lashes as he offered the last bowl to Jakotsu. "My Lord sends you a gift." From his long sleeve, Tenchi produced a necklace made of pearls with a jade pendant... the very same necklace that Tenchi himself wore around his neck.

A collar.

Bankotsu ripped the jewelry from Tenchi's soft hand. "Get out! Get out, now!"

Tenchi scrambled out of the room quickly, not even bothering to stand as he fled. Bankotsu kicked the door shut, breaking the delicate string that held the pearls together as he did so and watching the milky white pearls spill onto the floor mats.

The only sounds in the room were the pearls hitting the padded floor... and Jakotsu throwing up in his washing basin.

Author's Note: So, what's the verdict? Like it? Hate it? Don't care either way? Let me know! Please review :)