Kimi P.O.V

I spreaded out across the dining room floor, laying between where Renkotsu and Bankotsu were eating dinner. I felt my heart flutter each time I drew breath. Bankotsu; just thinking about him set my soul on fire, but why am I feeling like this. I was just fine a couplehours ago.

" Kimiko, get up. You need to eat."

" I'm not hungry Renkotsu."

Banktosu lowered his drink to my mouth."Drink, it'll make you feel better."

I blushed as he smirked. What is wrong with me? I was never this hot andbothered when I used to be around Bankotsu, so why now? As I drunk the water from his cup, I couldn't help but feel an urge to reached up and kiss him.

"Bankotsu, she is not a baby." said Renkotsu as he looked down on us." Stop feeding her."

A wave of embarrassment rushed through me. Renkotsu was being bitchier than usual tonight. Bankotsu glared at him. Come to think of it, those two have been going at each others throat alot lately.

"I'm NOT feeding her." Bankotsu sounded agitated. " She doesn't feel good."

" She can sit up and eat. " snapped renkotsu.

" I'm not hungry" I said.

" Kimi, are you not feeling well?" said a calm and gentle voice.

I sat up, breaking up the 'glaring' contest between Ban and Ren. " I'm a little Tired Suikotsu."

" You poor thing. I'll give you some medicine after dinner. You should still try and eat. It'll help the medicine."

I blushed and smiled at hime. I know his evil side tried to kill me and all but Suikotsu is still my best friend. He used a pair of chopsticks to scooped a few pieces of chicken and noodles into a bowl.

" Here, " he said kindly, handing the bowl to me.

" Thanks. I'm starved!"

Bankotsu P.O.V

I raised a twitching eyebrow at her. How the hell is she gonna say she's not hungry and the shovel down a whole bowl of noodles like she hasn't eaten a decent meal in her whole entire life. " I thought you weren't hungry?"

" I'm not."

" You just sucked down a whole bowl of noodles."

" And that's why I'm not hungry."she said.

Grr..." Why do you do that?"

" Do what?" she asked all 'inocently'

" THAT! Do THAT!"

" What's 'THAT'?"

All the blood rushed to my face. Everyone laughed at me. This isn't funny! Renkotsu gave me that 'I told you so ' look. God. These people make me sick sometimes.

Suikotsu's P.O.V

I laughed then suddenly stopped. There he was. The Angel of death had materialized right before my eyes. I could hear yami's voiceechoed inside my mind.

there he is...Kill him. Kill her..

I shook my head. " No..." I said aloud, " She's my friend." sweat triclked down the sides of my face. My mouth was dried, my voice was changing.

KILL HER! You foolish man! It's either us or them! She can't be trusted. You know that.

"That's not true." by then, everyone was staring a me. I looked down at my food. Trying my hardest to hold Yami back. I couldn't let him hurt Kimi. If anything had happened to her...I'd never forgive myself.

I watched in horror as the Angel floated behind Kimi, holding her as if he was sheilding her from the harsh reality's of this world. And still, no one couldsense his presence except me. Even Kimi seemed to not notice he was there, so tightly wrapped around her.

KILL HER! If you don't I will!

"No!" My head was splitting, my mind swimming with memories of both me and Kimiko. She had always been there for me. She'd always back me up, even in battle.

You idiot! She doesn't love you! She could never love you!

"That's a lie!" I pounded my fist onto the table, " She-"

loves Bankotsu.

My mouth dropped. Sweat dripped off of my face and onto the table.

She loves him more than anything. You know it's true. Someone so pure and untouched by darkness could never, NEVER fall in love with you.

I clutched my hand to my head. " GET OUT OF MY MIND! "

He was lying. She did love me. "She-" I trailed off.

Bankotsu, despite my other comrades staring anxiously at me, placed his hand on Kimiko's hips and brought her closer to his body. She folded into his arms like she's done so many times before. I swam in her eyes...was she afraid of me?

You see? She's scared of you. She despises you! Look at the way she holds onto Bankotsu.

Yami was right. I cuffed my hand to my heart, reaching out to her with my other hand."Kimi..do you really..." do you really not want me?

This pain I feel. It's too much to bear.

Kimiko. She so fast, I find myself struggling to catch up to her. Each day she's just a little farther from my grasp. Now, I couldn't see her anymore.

"Ki-miko..."

She tore away from Bankotsu and grabbed the end of my hand. " SUIKOTSU!" she screamed.

I slipped from her hand, never to touch it again.

" SU-I-KO-TSU!"

I gave her one last smile,asshe left me behind to drown in my sorrow, like she'd always done.Her voice-her sweet voice- was the last thing I heard. Her voice rang throughout the entire house. I closed myeyes and lost myself.

Kimiko P.O.V

Suikotsu hit the ground. Everyone rushed to his side. Was he hurt? Is he okay? Why had he called for me? Is he...was he? Tears burned inside my eyes. " Suikotsu."

Then I noticed something. Everyone else had froze where they stood. Not moving more than 5ft within his range. What was wrong with them? " Suikotsu's hurt! "

" Kimiko. Be quiet."

I stared up at Bankotsu. I'd never seen him look so serious. He pulled me behind him and approached Suikotsu with Caution.

Bankotsu P.O.V

Kimiko hadn't realize what was going on. I thought about telling her to leave but knowing her, I'd just be wasting my breath and everyone's time. Kimi wasn't about to leave her best friend like this.

" Is He okay Bankotsu?"

" I...don't know."

Suikotsu's hear had broke free from the tie. It was sticking up wildly all over his head. A malicious smirk spread across his face, his body shaking violently. I eyed the other Shichinintai, signaling for them to move further away. They quickly-yet carefully-backed away from the doctor. Giving the right circumstances, Suikotsu could be just as Deadly as The rest of us.

" Suikotsu, Are you alright?" I moved closer towards him.

He laughed.

" Suikotsu?" I stopped. The laughing grew louder.

"Fools..."the doctor murmured in a voice unlike his own. " I'm just fine."

Kimiko P.O.V

Fear flashed across Bankotsu's face, " KIMI GET DOWN!"

Everything happened so quickly. Before I could register what was happening, Suikotsu lunged at me with his steel claws. Bankotsu pushed me out of the way. Just missing me, Suikotsu sliced the door in two.

"Yami." Bankotsu cracked his knuckles. Was he really gonna fight Yami? He didn't have his Banryu! I know he's strong without it but He'll be no match for Yami's steel claws.

" WENCH!" Yami lunged at me once more, I cartwheeled to the side and backflipped by the dilapidated door and ran out into the hallway.

" Kimiko Run!" screamed Bankotsu.

What the hell did he think I was doing? I heard a crowd of footsteps behind me. Some, I knew where Bankotsu, Renkotsu and the others. I heard a pair of feet stomping up behind me, gaining speed. Jakotsu used his Jakotsutou and whiped it atYami.Yami Jumpedinto the air, swinging his claws with all his might. If Jakotsu's sword hadn't tripped me, I might not still have my head. Yami sliced upthe ceiling, causing a small cave in behind us.

I got to my feet to run, but It was to late. I slowly looked up. Yami stood over me, grinning as if this was the best day in his entire life. I crawled backwards against the hallway wall, Yami closing in on me. Where was Bankotsu and the others?

Yami laughed liked a maniac." Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Aren't you precious. You've got the face of an Angel," He stabbed his claws into the wall above my head, leaning down towards me. "to bad I have to bust it."

" BAN-KO-TSUUUUUUU!"I screamed at the top of my lungs.

" Bankotsu can't save you today!"

Bankotsu P.O.V
DAMMIT! I heard Kimi screaming for me but I couldn't get throught. Renkotsu and the other struggled to move the fallen rocks and debris.

" FUCK IT!" I ran the opposite direction.

" Bankotsu-oo-aniki, where are you going!" Jakotsu yelled down the hallway.

" TO GET MY BANRYU!"

Please Kimi, just hold out a little bit longer.

Kimi P.O.V

I scurried beneath Yami and up the spiral stair case. He caught up to and dragged me back halfway down the stairs.

" Don't you EVER turn your back on me. "

" Why are you doing this? I'm your best friend!" I said through the tears.

" Correction. You're the Doctor's Best friend. I despise you! I hate everything about you!" he snarled, " the way you bewitched everyone. You got them all wrapped around your little finger! What I don't understand is how you were able to sink your claws into Bankotsu."

" WHAT!"

" These feelings that idiot doctor has for you. " Yami sank his claws into my stomache, I screamed out in agony. " IT HURTS! Doesn't it! " He wrenched his claws further into my skin." That's how I feel everytime the doctor is near you!"

Bankotsu...where are you?

My breathing slowed. Everything around me became distorted, like it was warping into another demension. Yami stood still. Frozen in time along with my pain.

"Father?"

He came to me, on bended knee. His black and white wings were outstretched behind him, silver hair flowed over his shoulders and down hisback, contrasting perfectly with his handsome face.

'Kimiko..'. He held my face in his cool, alabaster hands.'mei Angelus(my angel), why do you ache? Why are you in pain? Why do I feel such weakness from you? I made you. You're stronger than this. Why do you insist onletting yourself be weak?'

He let go of my face and reached into my chest, his hand deeply submerged under my skin. I winced.

'What is inside her heart. Why does she open herself to pain? SHOW ME!'

He dug deeper. A bright glow was emiting from my chest. I heard a voice I hadn't heard in years.

"Kimiko, what do you want to do with your life? After you leave this village? "

"I Don't know," Kimi looked down at the ground, "What about You? I can take care of Yuiren and Shunkei,Chuei and Gyokuran while you go to the city."

"Tamahome?"I said, but he pushed deeper still.

'Ahhh...' He removed his hands from my body. A small, ruby red orb floated in the palm of his hand. Father looked disapointed at what he saw.

"Kimi-chan, ignore Jaki. He's always like this."

"I still feel bad."

" Don't. It's my life and my body parts. If I want to kiss you, I'm gonna do it."

"Bankotsu"

'THIS? THIS IS WHAT MAKES YOU WEAK!'

I stared at him. I don't care. This is my life and I'm gonna do what I want. So what If I love Bankotsu. I don't care if he doesn't feel the same. Really. I just...want to be near him. My father obviously heard me. The orb floated back inside my chest. I felt so warm.

' Would you forsake me for this boy?'

I didn't answer him.

'I see...' He frowned at me. I felt somewhat guilty but I didn't care.' I gave you beauty, voice, and strength. I molded your body.I gave you life.I've given you everything you could possibly want and yet, you're unhappy. What could this boy give you that I couldn't.'

I really did not think I had to answer that question. My father smiled and laughed at me.

'Oh...right.' he sighed. ' Listen to me. I gave my power. The ultimate power. Use it.'

The mark of the exodius(II) burned into my forehead. And that was the last I saw of my father. For a while at least.

Yami's P.O.V

Kimi stared at me with blank, soul-less eyes. HAHA! I did it(I laughed even louder) I've broken her.

"HA-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, Victo-"

Someone clutched there hands around my wrist,their nails puntured my wrist and cut into my bone. SHIT!

" Who the fu-" I gasped. Kimiko was glaring at me, black fire flaring up inside her eyes." No way in hell! You're dead. I killed you! I-ARHH" She snapped my wrist,forcing me back down the stairwell.

IMPOSSIBLE! THERE'S NO WAY IN BLOODY HELL SHE COULD'VE SURVIVED THAT!

" I've had up to here with you!" she twisted my wrist until I heard it snap. Shit! What was she doing! " You want a fight, I'll give you one!"

Power gathered in the palms of her hand. How could so much energy come from her!

" GISA GRAVIJA' "

Bankotsu P.O.V

I was running up the hall when I heard it. It was Yami who screamed I heard now. What the hell had happened. Renkotsu pressed his ear to a small hole he made in the debri. His eye widened with shock before he said "EVERYONE GET AGAINST THE WALL!"

I barely had time to move, what with Banryu and all. There was a huge explosion and Yami flew a break-neck speed through the rock and debri, shooting past, each and evryone of us before he vrashed through a wall and landed outside on rain-soaked the ground.

The question in everyone's mind was " WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON!"

At that moment, Kimi climbed passed the huge opening in the debri. She looked different now. She had black lined along her eyes with weird black symbols lined up on her arms and legs. What did he do to her? Better yet, what had she done to him?

"Kimiko" Jakotsu gawked at her

"Kimi-chan"Mukotsu called out to her

" Kimi " Kyokotsu looked worried

" Koishii "Ginkotsu sounded human for the first time

"Kimiko-san"Renkotsu ran towards her.

" STAY AWAY!" She warned. " I'll finish this quick."

Kimi rubbed her hands together, creating friction. Dark thunder pulsed around her hands and arms, then spread to her entire body. That aura, it was completely black. I dropped my Banryu. The power she was generating. IT WAS INSANE! Raven wings burst from her back and I knew I was going crazy now.

" BANKOTSU!"Renkotsu yelled.

"Aniki!" Jakotsu ducked for cover Along with Mukotsu and Kyokotsu. Ginkotsu positioned himself in front of Renkotsu.

" Oo-Aniki! " Renkotsu curved around Ginkotsu's huge body. " You have to stop her! All that ower could kill us ALL! Even her! There's no way her body can handle all that power!"

Kimiko took off towards Yami. It was all on me now. I knelt to the ground and sprinted at her. She opened her hands to release the energy blast.

Kimiko P.O.V

It's over. I ignored their crys to 'stop', I was going to finish this fast and easy. It's my father's will...I have to obey him. Then it happened. I wasn't even prepared for it.

Bankotsu tackled me, I accidently let go of the energy and the blast went right into his body.

" Bankotsu! "

We hit the ground hard. Rolling down the hall until we came to a stop. He held me tightly.I screamed for him to let me go. He didn't speak. He just held onto me. I kicked and screamed like a kid but he wouldn't let me go. My power began to fade, along with the symbols on my body. My wings disapeared a quickly as they had came.

" BANKOTSU! LET ME GO!"

"No. I won't."

" BANKOTSU leave me ALONE!"

" I can't. See what happens when I'm not around?"

I began beating against his chest, tears pushing past my eyelashes. " Just...let me go" I pleaded. His deep blue eyes gazed deeply into mine. His hair was a mess and he had tiny nicks and cuts all along his face and body. At that point in time I didn't know what he was feeling. All in all, he looked worn out.

" You don't me with you anymore?"

I let out a small gasp. He kissed the base of my neck, " Kimi I care about you. Part of me-if I'm not touching you- goes crazy. I find myself missing you when you haven't even gone anywhere."

The tears kept coming. They wouldn't stop.

" When I found you...I was supposed to kill you. I didn't kill you out of vengeance to My father. Now, It's different. A few minutes ago, I was so scared that I'd lose you. I thought I failed you and I couldn't take that. I need you by my side all the time."

His voice was so calm and soothing. I closed my eyes and parted my lips. He kissed me softly on the mouth.I wished time had stopped. I wanted to stay there, in his arms and let all his warmth flow into me. I loved him so much it hurts.

A sharp pain seared across my body. I forgot...that wound Yami had given me. Our lips parted and my head nodded off to the side. Bankotsu looked at his hand. There was blood everywhere.

"What is this?...blood! Oh no.." His breath quickened along with my own."No..Kimiko HOLD ON! please- Renkotsu hurry! Kimi and Suikotsu need a doctor-Kimi stay strong- Jaki, get Suikotsu! Hurry! Lets go!"

He took me in his arms. My vision blurred right before my eyes. His face was the last thing I saw before I blanked out.