Bankotsu P.O.V

Renkotsu closed the book. They all stared at me, speechless, not knowing what to say. It was no big deal to me. Sure, my life was harsh, but I really couldn't care less. Still...up until now, I sort of forgotten about that. How I met Kimi. She stood up for me. I never knew that. Now I realize what made me fall in love with her in the first place. She wasn't like other girls. She didn't care about my past or anything like that. Everything I had felt, she felt it at one time or another. That's why we're so close. I jumped to my feet and started going through my things.

"It wasn't Bankotsu's fault!"

Up until now, I sorta forgot everything. I dunno why. I guess they were really more painful then I let on.

"Bankotsu, I was hoping you'd come see me."

I don't know how it happened. She was in her room that night and I was out in the dojo honing my skills when...

" I've missed you lately"

I just had to see her.

Ilaid her down on the bed," Kimiko..." I don't recall what was running through my mind at the time. Kimiko had been in the castle for several weeks now. She told me herself she wanted to leave and be away from my step-father but she didn't have no where to run to. She didn't even know if she were still a priestess(especially after what happened between her and that half-breed) it was almost like she was scared to go back. Afraid of what she might find- or may not find.

I pressed my lips to hers and eased my body atop of her body. She didn't say anything. She didn't object to it. She wanted me to do it. I untied her Mo as she squeezed my hand. We were so close.

That's when everything went Bad.

Sanosuke had burst into the room and needless to say, He didn't hesitate making a big scene out of the situation.He still hadn't forgave her for embarrasing him that day I found her.Although he knew Kimiko wouldn't be the one to get into trouble, what better way to get back at her than to make her seem like a whore.

I stood before my step-father and the entire court. Kimiko was sitting on the sidelines trying her best to help me-but it was only making things worse.

" It wasn't Bankotsu's fault!"

" Bankotsu, in all my years, " my step-father began to say, " I never thought you would disrespect me like this..."

Ever since she got here, he's acted like SHE was HIS wife. And though Kimi wasn't mine...it bothered me.It ate away at me like hell each passing day. He had made her a Lady Naishinokami, trying his best to get her alone with him, but she was too smart for that. She stuck close to me always and I know that pissed him off.

" You are FORBIDDEN to ever enter the inner chambers again."

Kimiko didn't take too kindly to that. She refused to be near him at all cost. She snuck out all times of the night just to see me. She would sometimes spen entire nights with me( even though we didn't do anything) One night, I decided to tell her about my plan, since time was drawing nearer.

" Do you want tostay with me?" I asked her.

"Always."

"Alright. Now listen to me. In two days my step-father's army will leave for war. He'll behere completely unprotected. I want you to pack your stuff and leave them outside, hidden in the bushes. That way, you won't have to worry about them getting caught in the fire."

She didn't try to talk me out of it. She justsaid, " I want to help you."

Now, I've seen what she could do andI couldn't say no to her." Fine. Here's what you'll do..."

I found what I was looking for. To think, it's been almost a year. It feels longer that. Much longer.

Jaki P.O.V

We've been best friends since we were 5 and I never knew that about him. Kimiko knew but how come he had never told me? How come he never told any of us. He made it seem like it didn't bother him at all. That he's...over it. But is he really? I feel a though we've lost touch. Half the time I don't even know what he's thinking anymore.Like our friendship is dissolving away.

Suikotsu P.O.V

I became my old self again(the doctor) I wasn't one to pry into our Shuryou's life because...well... he had accepted each and every one of us without question. I have no right to ask him about his life. Still, I hate beind left in the dark. That's all I seem to be lately.In the dark.

Renkotsu P.O.V

A wave a guilt rushed through me. Here I am, thinking our leader was always holding out on us but never exactly knowing why. I see now, his life was just a tough as ours were before the shichinintai. He had always kept it a secret. Now I know why.

We watched him rummage through his belongings, until he found what he was looking for. He hld up Kimiko's pendent for all to see. It glinted brightly in the moonlight.

" I never gave this back to her." he said, sound quite guilty but mad at the same time.

I know he didn't want our pity and he didn't need it either, still..." Uh..Aniki, I-"

-a loud, blood curdling scream split the air-

Bankotsu swiveled around, a look of alarm spread across his face," THAT WAS KIMIKO!" without even thinking, he grabbed his shirt and bolted out the door. Not even stopping to pick up his Banryuu.

" Should we follow him? "

" No" Jakotsu said sadly, " He can take care of himself. Kimi probably screamed because she saw a snake or something, anyway."

Jakotsu crawled to his part of the room where he had made him a pallet on the floor and laid down to bed. It was amazing really, how one minute we were all laughing and the next we're all depressed. Maybe that's why diaries a kept a secret and are never meant to be read. one by one, we all spread out to our own corners of the room to continuing doing whatever it was we were doing before we opened Kimi-chan's Diary.

-meanwhile-

Kimiko P.O.V

I placed my hand over my chest, " Dammit Leviathan!" I said, catching my breath, " You scared me."

" I'm sorry your eminence. Your father requests your presence."

What? "Right now?" Leviathan nodded. "I can't leave. I'm taking a bath and after a scream like that, the boys are bound to come running."

"But your eminence! You-"

"Kimiko!" Bankotsu called out to me." KIMIKO!"

See what I mean." Leviathan, you have to go."

Leviathan vanished just as quickly as he had came. God. It's getting to the point where I can't even bathe in peace anymore. My father can't just have Leviathan popping up anytime he wants to. What is trying to do? Does he want me to get caught? After that whole Suikotsu incident, I though he'd lay low and bide his time. Hmmm, that means he's planning something. But what?

Bankotsu P.O.V

"KIMIKO!" I rushed through the bushes, she took one look at me and screamed"Bankotsu!you pervert!" and ducked down into the water. I was too busy staring at her, I lost my balance and fell into the spring. My shirt was halfway hanging off of me.

" Bankotsu! you were spying on me!"

" No I wasn't!" great, now I'm soaked. " I was worried about you! I heard you screaming and I came running." She should be thankful." Why were you screaming anyway?"

"Uh..." she laughed nervously, " No reason. I thought I saw a...snake or something."

Why do I even bother." I can't believe you! YOU! ARE! SUCH A GIRL!"

" EXSCUSE ME? NO ONE TOLD YOU TO COME RUNNING DOWN HERE LIKE AN IDIOT!"

-meanwhile, back at the house-

" Do you hear that Suikotsu?"

" Yep. They're at it again, huh Renkotsu."

" Uh-huh. You think we should break it up?"

" No. They need to sort out their diffrences. Besides, it's getting late. I'm ging to bed."

" Alright."

-back in the springs-

Kimiko P.O.V

Bankotsu forced himself to stand up and I did the same. He stomped up to me and we came face to face. I know I must've looked kinda funny trying to stae him down(especially since he's like, 2inches taller than me)

" I don't need you running to save me everytime I'm in trouble." I told him.

" You could thank me, you ungrateful brat."

"What for?"

" I could've been risking my life to save yours ya know!"

" Well I don't need you! I-" I froze. It just dawned on me. I'm naked. I folded my arms over my breasts and ducked back down into the water. Bankotsu patted me one the head sating, " What's your problem? It's not like I haven't seen you naked before."

It wasn't Bankotsu that was the problem. I felt like I was being watched. Who knows. Leviathan could still be lurking around here. Bankotsu sat down next to me in the water. Somehow...he seemed different. I knew by the was he was staring at me.

Bankotsu P.O.V

I made to speak, but looking at her. Right now, as she is...I wanted her so badly. All those memories had gotten to me. I know now why I felt what I felt towards her. When we met, it was like a dream but that warmth that had blazed through my body. It was real.

Kimiko P.O.V

Bankotsu's eyes glazed over as he advanced on me, my breast pressing against his chest."You don't need me?" he bit my lip, licking the edge of my mouth with his tongue. All the blood fushed to my face. Before I knew it, our hands became tangled in each other's hair;our lips locked in a deep, soulful kiss. The heat was spreading through my veins like a wildfire.

I slipped Bankotsu out of his shirt, his pants steadly falling as we shifted to theedge of the springs. So many douts were swimming around inside my head. What if we're caught? Or heard? Or worse...

" Bankotsu, we can't." I moaned softly.

Bankotsu stradled my hips, nibbling atthe bite wound he gave me two days ago."Just 15minutes."he said hoarsly, "Please."he was practically begging me.

Before I had a chance to protest, it was happening. After frantic minutes of loud gasping, grasping and climaxing;Bankotsu and I withdrew to the smaller end of the spring. I sat on his lap, facing him. He looked so relaxed now. He did appear to be a bit stressed when he came down here.

His hair had unraveled out of it's braid. It hung in soft waves over his shoulders. It's strange. Just now, gazing at him, I think about how sexy he is and how much I love him. I just can't believe he's mine, ya know? Right now, I'm overwhelmed by how much I love him.

Bankotsu P.O.V

She curled up at my side, resting her head on my chest. It's like dream. She's actually mine and no one else's. I never thought I'd see the day when I'd want one girl and one girl only.There's just something sbout Kimiko that draws me to. Our bond is so strong I can almost feel what she feels.

"Kimiko."

She kissed the base of my neck, letting her hands streak dow over my chest, " Yes?"

I tilted my head to the side, on top of her raven hair." I love you." I whispered in her ear.

Her midnight eyes lit up when she heard those words."I know."she leaned up and kissed me on the mouth, " I love you too."

-later that night-

Kimiko P.O.V

Bankotsu cracked open the door. Me and him tip-toed inside quietly."Shh!" He told me," Don't make too much noise or-"

The laterns flickered on. All of our comrades were glaring at us with that 'do-you-have-any-idea-what-time-it-is' look. We are sooo busted. " Good going big-mouth" I told Bankotsu.

" Well How was I supposed to know they were still up?"he grumbled.

" Where the hell have you two been?" jaki demanded, " It's almost midnight."

Well, I knew Bankotsu is a sucky liar when it come to Jaki and the others so I spoke up before he said something dumb. "Bankotsu sat behind the bushes while I took my bath."

" Then why are his clothes wet?" Jaki had that'just try and explain that' face.

" Well," I laughed, " I don't want embarrass him, but if you must know, after I had screamed, he came running down there."

" I know that!" Jaki blurted out, waving his arms in the air, " That's not what I asked!"

" You didn't let me finish. Bankotsu called himself trying to 'save' me and jumped into the water all stupid-like."

All eyes switch over to him, " Is that true aniki?" asked Renkotsu.

" Yes." he said reluctantly.

Jakotsu swam in Bankotsu's eyes for a minute. Bankotsu held his breath, trying not to get us caught because He knew jaki knew when he lied.

" He's telling the truth."Jaki finally sighed in defeat.

" Well, now that that's settled. I'm putting on my p.j's." I walked behind the dressing screen." Some one throw me my nightgown."

Bankotsu P.O.V

I tossed her her nightie and she threw her towel at me. It hit me squarly in the face. Jaki thought that was soooo funny. So I threw it at him. He threw it back at me and we tossed it back and forth until it accidently hit a unsuspecting Renkotsu(and he was much more bitchier than usual after that) Kimi's shadow took up almost the whole wall behind the screen. She pulled her night gown over her head.

-riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiip-

She screamed so loud some of the candles blew out." What's wrong?"I asked her.

" My Nightgown won't fit! Period!"

" It fit you last night." Renkotsu blew fire into a candle, " Even then, it was pratically hanging off of you. How could it not fit?"

She threw her nightgown over the screen-or..what was left of it-I picked it up. The front had completely been ripped down the middle." Damn." I stifled a laugh. Her pendent(which I had given back to her on the walk up here) gave off vast amounts of light.

Suikotsu winced as he approached the screen, " Here Kimi-chan"He said, stopping in front of it, " take this." He threw his spare shirt behind the screen. Her pendent stopped glowing immediantly. My guess it it's tied to her emotions.

Kimiko P.O.V

I walked out from behind the screen. I looked somewhat lopsided in suikotsu's shirt. Both sleeves hung off of my shoulders and kept sliding over my hands. Bankotsu tried his hardest not to laugh at me.

"Shut it." I said.

" What?" he snickered. " You look good. It really show off your figure."

" OH JUST SAY IT! You all think I'm FAT!"

" Nobody thinks that." Said a reassuring Renkotsu.

" I think that." muttered Jaki. Bankotsu elbowed him in the side.

" You're not fat Kimi-chan. Your body looks more mature to me." Mukotsu grinned." Don't you think Ginkotsu?"

" Gesh."

" He's right. You look good enough to eat." Kyokotsu said.

That's sweet(disturbing, yes) but sweet. I sat down next to Suikotsu. He blushed when he saw me." I'm sorry It doesn't fit right"

" It's alright. I probably would've torn everybody else's shirt anyway."

"Not mine."

"Bankotsu, let's not go there."

" Why not?"

" We all know my chest is Bigger than yours."

" No it's not. It just sticks out more."

"I'm a woman, what do you expect?"

" Nothing. I'm just sayin..."

" You're always 'just saying'."

" Well, if you two are finished..." Renkotsu yawned, " can we please go to bed?"

" I'm not tired Ren-san." I blinked a couple of times at Bankotsu, " Are you tired?" He shook his head." What about you Jaki?"

" Hell no. You two woke me up and now I can't sleep."

" Is anyone other than Renkotsu sleepy?" I looked around the room, " Well?"

No one said a word." Okay then. Let's talk."

" About what exactly?"

Bankotsu P.O.V

Oh god. She was trying to GET us caught, wasn't she? Kimiko just sat there trying to look all innocent with that shirt practically hanging off of her. Suikotsu would glance at her and blush at her newly-well, I'll say- 'Mature' body. I couldn't help wonder if her newly found maturity had something to do with me.

Renkotsu had claimed he was tired, he jumped Right into the whole 'Let's talk' thing. I eyed him. Something in my gut told me this night wasn't going to end well.

"Kimiko-chan, I need to know something." Renkotsu kinda eased into that conversation, "I hope you don't mind me asking."

" Renkotsu you can ask me anything." she said.

Oh lord. She fell right into his trap. Now I know this wasn't going to end well.

"Kimi-chan, it's about the incident a few weeks ago." Her and suikotsu flinched. Suikotsu still felt a little guilty about what he had done." That power you displayed...Where did you get it from? Are you..." he hesitated, " part demon?"

The room grew silent. Kimiko sat there. Her innocent expression had left her. Her face seemed...blank. I glared at Renkotsu but he ignored me, like he couldn't even see me.

Kimiko P.O.V

Does he know something? About my father? About Leviathan? Should I tell them? They do deserve to know, especially seeing as they're always left in the dark about things. Still...my father would hurt them if they knew. He had promised not to harm Bankotsu but he'll probably find some loop hole about that. So I'll just say-

" I dunno. You know as well as I do that I was adopted. I don't know what I am."

Besides, how would they react to having a goddess trailing around with them? I think I'll play it safe for a while, but...Should I tell Bankotsu? I don't want him to feel like I suckered him into something he'll never get out of. But father...

" Kimiko." Renkotsu scooted closer to me, he looked more determined than ever to find out about my past, " Surely you must know something. I mean, you posses strange powers, even for a mere human. And alot of strange things have been hapening lately. Tonight is no excuse. I just want you to be safe. You're like my daughter."

That took me by surprise. Just like it took Bankotsu and Jaki by surprise to. Suikotsu was calm about it, like he knew this already. So were Mukotsu and Ginkotsu. Kyokotsu didn't really seem interested in what was going on.

"Renkotsu I don't-"

The air suddenly became cold. MY father was here. Where, I didn't know but I sensed him.Even Suikotsu's cool exterior had been cracked. He looked so worry, it wasn't even funny anymore.

" Kimiko! Your powers are dangerous, " Is he trying to say I'm dangerous too?" You almost killed us-"

" RENKOTSU!" Bankotsu yelled, " Shut your mouth before I do it for you."

Even that didn't seem to bother him." Kimiko, you.."

Which made me think, how do my comrades really feel about me. Do they dout me? Are they scared of me? Or is it something else. Did they happen to find out that my father hold their lives in the palm of his hand and the only thing that stands between them and oblivion is me. what if something happened to me...what would my father do to them? What would he do to Bankotsu?

"you...have strength most men can only grasp in their dreams. You're so young-"

"Renkotsu is isn't anything."

" Kimiko, you could take out vast armies with just a wave of your hand. And about what Yami said last month,"

" Renkotsu, please, just forget-"

" Who is this 'Angel of death' is it like a nickname for a legendary mercenary? Your father's name is Sephiroth, isn't it? What kind of person is-"

"Renkotsu! I said forget it!" I screamed at the top of my lungs. The glass windows shattered into pieces as the candle's fire flew up in a huge blaze before flaming out completely.

I had done it now. Renkotsu reached up and touched his face. Several tiny red drops rained down onto the wooden floor."You cut...my face." He said slowly, not even raising his head to look at me. Bankotsu crawled beside me"Kimi, Are you-"

His hand burned against my flesh, I smack his hand away,"Why are you always asking me if I'm okay! Why don't you all just leave me alone! I can't help some of the things I do, they just happen!"

"Kimiko, no one is Judging you! We all care-"

" SHUT UP SUIKOTSU! You all judge me every day! don't say you don't because you do! you think I don't know! Jakotsu HATES me! Renkotsu can't stand the thought of someone like me roaming around with more power that he has and can't even control it! And deep down, you hate me too Suikotsu, I know you Do!"

" Kimiko that's not true! I lo-"he broke off." I don't hate you Kimi. No matter what Yami has done or said to you I-"

" Why don't you stop blaming Yami and take responsibility for your own actions!"

Bankotsu leered at me like he couldn't understand the words that are coming out of my mouth." Kimi, I can't believe you would say something like-"

" AND YOU! I bet deep down, you resent me to. I caused you nothing but pain for the past year. You said so yourself that I'm irritating and I bother you. You said..." he said he loved me, "You said you..."

"Kimi, you know that's a lie. When I said that, I was just mad. You know how I really feel about you."

I clutched my hands to my knees. The tiny shards of glass that had fallen on the floor were rising into the air." How do I know...it wasn't a lie. That everything I know isn't a lie. I don't even know who I am. I lost Tamahome, Chuei, Shunkei, Gyokuran, Yuiren...Mom, dad. My real mother." tears forced themselves past my eyelashes," Then Inuyasha left me so he could be Kikyo! How do I know that you all won't leave me too!"

The shards of glass started darting back and forth.Bankotsu seized me by my shoulders, " Kimiko, snap out of it! You have to control your powers! If you don't we all could get hurt!"

"I can't!" why do I always have to be strong in life. Why does everythng always fall on me. For once..I'd like to be the one who doesn't have to worry about anything." Why can't my life be simple?"

" Because no one's life ever is." Suikotsu stood up," You're not the only one with problems ya know."

" You don't live my life! Stop trying to-"

Suikotsu slapped me hard across my face.I stared at him with cold eyes. The sound of glass hitting the floor put noise in the otherwise, silent room. I couldn't believe he had hit me.I mean, I'd expect Bankotsu to hit me way before Suikotsu ever would.

" You actually...hit me."

Suikotsu knelt down beside me, " Kimi, listen to me. You think it's easykeeping up with you? Each day, you're just a little bit out of our reach. We can't touch you. It doesn't mean we don't try. There's not a person in this room who doesn't love you. Even Jakotsu does-in his own way. Bankotsu may have brought us together but you're what keeps us together."

I feel so bad. I know they love me, it's just, " I don't want you guys to leave me."

" Dearest, we would never leave you"Mukotsu patted my hand, " We couldn't leave you if we tried."

" Gesh."

"He's right you know."Kyokotsu hovered over me, " I'd be boring without you."

We all rolled our eyes over to Jakotsu." What?" he blushed, " I'm not good at this kinda stuff. What do you want me to say?"

" You don't have to say anything." I told him, " I feel better now."

Banktsu smiled warmly at me. They all did. " I'm glad to hear it."

I smiled back at them. This is my family...and no one can take them away, not even my father. Like rel family, we're gonna have issues but, it wouldn't be fun if we didn't. I closed my eyes andfell asleep instantly.

"Good night Koishii."

-words-

Mo-long wrap around style robe worn around the ceremonial robe(which had 12 layers)

Lady Naishinokami- a title. Not her name. Works closely w/emperor and can even become his wife.