Kimiko P.O.V

When I first saw Tokaki, I...was speechless. I was excited at first. Like...what if Tamahome is with him? Then I realized...What would Tamahome think of me if he knew I was a Mercenary. Tokaki always trained us to use our martial arts for good things...Not killing people for pay.

I helped my Sensei onto his feet."I can't believe you. You're married and you still try to pick up women."

"Hey, You try being married to someone like Subaru for over 90yrs, then we'll talk."

"90 YEARS!" I heard Bankotsu and the others say.

"Tokaki's of celestial blood..."I started to tell them.

"So are you Kimi-chan." Tokaki stated.

"He has a long life span..."I continued, " He may look 19 but he is over a century old."

Even though my back was turned, I knew the expression on my friends faces. How was possible for someone to live that long? Well, its possible for people in Konan. Like Tamahome has celestial blood. Basically, the only way he'd die is if someone killed him(I'd rather not think about that.) But I Had to know...

"SENSEI!"I grabbed him by his shirt," I NEED YOU-"

" Kimi...this is...so sudden. And I"m married, you know that. But...we can make it work." Tokaki grinned.

"NOT THAT! I ALREADY HAVE A.." Bankotsu glared at me, to keep quiet, " Oh...forget it!" I started shaking my sensei back and forth, "WHERE-IS-MY-TA-MA-HO-ME!(where is my Tamahome)" I shook him even swifter, "TELL ME! IS HE ALRIGHT? WHAT ABOUT-"

"Hold IT! You do remember you have like 4 other siblings besides Tamahome don't you!"

"Yes I DO!"

"Listen, How about I treat you and your..."He stared at The Shichinintai, "uh...entourage to something to eat?"

-later that afternoon-

Bankotsu P.O.V

We arrived at this little resturant in a town not to far away. Ginkotsu and Kyokotsu chose to sit outside(mainly because they were too big to fit inside) Which I know was hard for them, with Passer-by staring at the as they walked to and fro.

Anyway...since I didn't have to pay, I was naturally...stuffing my face. Or so Kimi claims I was.

"You pig! Eat with your mouth close!" She said.

" Why don't leave me alone and mind your business! Ask your new...whatever he is about your brothers and sisters and leave me out of it." Jealous, I know but she pissing me off. She told me she had a Sensei but never that he was...Looked so close to her age. I guess he was handsome, judging by the way Jaki was gawking at him. Still...If he's married, why is he hitting on Kimi like that?

"You're a very beautiful women now Kimi-chan. And you're only 16? And you don't have a husband yet? What happened? Weren't you supossed to become a imperial consort for the emperor of Konan?"

"A PROSPECTIVE BRIDE! Are you outta your damn mind? I am not about to sit up there with a bunch of other women who want to make my life a living hell becuase I am prettier than they are and might become Empress. Besides, being an empress is to hard. I used to be a Naishinokami."

"WHAAAA!" Tokaki scooted closer to me, his eyes wide with shock, " You used to be a Naishinokami?"

"And a priestess. I'm over that whole...majestic thing. I'd just rather be me." Kimi told him. I felt a sense of pride run through me. I had taught her things like that.

" You could've been a empress or the wife of a shogun and you chose not to be? As your Sensei, I must advise you to stop this nonsense and settle down with a good husband..."I guess her sensei realized there were at least 5 other men there who would NOT let go of her so easily, " But as your friend...Follow your heart."

"As long as we're on the subject...How is..Tamahome? Is Shunkei eating right? Is Chuei able to get to sleep at night? How about Gyokuran? Is she doing alright? She's always the one getting sick and I worry about her. And Yuiren? She must be at least 8yrs old now. How is she? I haven't seen her since she was 5 days old. What about...Mom and dad? Are they fine."

Well, Tokaki held his head down and Kimiko's eyes started to water. I knew it, Something bad must've happened."Kimiko-chan...your mother died the night you left. the birth had taken so much out of her and..."

"I-" She was speechless. I know she feels like she abandoned them, but it wasn't her fault.

"It was nothing you could've done to prevent it. Your mother knew if she had another child, it could kill her but she insisted-"

"Does Yuiren know this? Plese tell me you didn't tell her. I don't want her growing up thinking...she killed mom."

"Yuiren doesn't know. Shunkei...he misses you dearly.You were his favorite sister. He even favored you over Tamahome and Chuei."

"I did baby him, didn't I?" she said sadly.

" Yes you did. He still has your sash. The same one I gave you when you reached a certain level in your martial arts. He doesn't go to sleep without it. He still thinks you're coming back. Tamahome's faith has been somewhat soured. Now that he's older and he knows the dangers in the world, he thinks something has happened to you."

Kimiko P.O.V

I couldn't take it anymore. I wheeled around and buried my head in Bankotsu's chest, crying my eyes out. I knew what I had to do, but I didn't want to leave Bankotsu. I didn't think it'd be wise to take the Shichinintai with me because Konan empires are fierce. Not like the empires around here. Had Tamahome really lost his faith in me? I'd hate to disapoint Shunkei. I want to see my family.

I felt Bankotsu's ams close around me. I wish time had stopped. I just wanted to stay, right there in his arms. Forever.

Bankotsu P.O.V

Today was suposed to be a good day. Now here she is, crying her eyes out. We were just so happy and now...all that's gone. I don't want Kimi to keep blaming herself. Mainly, I just don't want her to leave but after hearing what she just did, how could she not?

"Kimi, I'm not gonna tell you it's okay because it's not. You lost your mom and...that'll never be okay." I whispered to her."If you want to leave...I'll understand."

"That's just the problem." she mumbled into my chest." I don't want to leave you Bankotsu."

"I don't want you to either." I know I should've maybe told her it would be alright to leave but it wasn't. That's not what I felt. I'm sorry but I had to be selfish. I wanted her here with me.

Tokaki stared at me the whole time Kimiko cried. Like he had never seen her cling to anyone before. Finally he said to me, " Can I have a talk with you?"

Well, I thought it was weird at first but...what the hell. Suikotsu came over to comfort Kimi while Me and Tokaki went for a walk. We walked right out of town, down by this stream that ran along the highland road.

"You love her, don't you." Tokaki plainly said.

I know she didn't tell him,so how did know?" Uh..what're you talkin-"

" You don't have to play dumb with me. I may not look it but I have the wisdom of 3 old men. I am 109 yrs old.Besides, I haven't seen her cling to someone like that since her brother."

" So? What if I do love her?"

" Listen, She needs to go back to her family. You should let her."

"Who says I'm stopping her? You're right. She should go back, but you can't just come out of nowhere and try to change her life. There are people here who care about her too."

"You are NOT her family."

"Yes we are. We're not the family she grew up with, that's true, but for the last year, we're all that she needed.I'm sorry but, I'm gonna have to be selfish about this."

Our eyes met. Tokaki glared at me like he would actually try and fight me about this. I wasn't going to explain myself to someone like him. " I love her. That's all you need to know." And it's the truth." now, If you don't mind, I'll be leaving."

I felt proud, walking away from Tokaki. As soon as I stepped onto the highroad, My comrades were already walking towards us. Kimiko seemed to have settled down. I'm glad.

Kimiko P.O.V

Bankotsu walked onto the highroad. He looked really pissed. I wonder what Tokaki said to him. I ran out there to him and asked Bankotsu what happened. He said, " Nothing." which I knew he was lying. I yelled for Tokaki to come here.

Tokaki jumped into the air and Landed on his feet in front of me, " Yes?"

" What did you say to Bankotsu?" I asked him, practically demanded him.

" Calm down. I didn't say anything to your Boyfriend." He said placidly.

" Bankotsu is not-"

"Give it up Kimi. He knows." Bankotsu said flatly.

"Oh..well...keep your mouth shut or I'll tell Subaru you were picking up women again."

"Okay, okay"Tokaki said Backing away, " I'll keep quiet." His eyes roamed down to my hips, " You have weapons?"

" Well duh! She's a merc." Bankotsu rested his hands behind his head."What d'you think? She'd be walking around un-armed?"

Bankotsu had pushed Tokaki over the edge. Tokaki pinched his fingers on Bankotsu shoulder and Bankotsu fell to the ground, unconscious.

" Pressure points...How come you never taught me how to do that?"

"Because I know you. You'd go around putting everyone you know in the sleeper hold."

" True...true."

"BANKOTSU!" jaki came sprinting down the highroad. Without question, he scooped Bankotsu into his arms and started wailing, " What happened! Who did this to you!"

" Cut it out Jakotsu."Renkotsu said, " He'll be fine." He faced Tokaki, " Won't he?"

"Oh, yeah. He'll wake in half an hour."

-half an hour later-

Bankotsu P.O.V

My head hurts..."What happened to me?" I opened my eyes and the first thing I saw was a teary-eyed, nose-running, Jakotsu. (Honestly, That wasn't a pretty sight)

I screamed,"AH!" I fell to the ground. Jakotsu must've been holding me when I woke up." DAMN JAKOTSU! You almost gave me a heart attack!"

"OH BANKOTSU! I thought you were dead!" Jakotsu threw his arms around me. He was squeezing me way too hard.

" Jaki..I can't..breathe."I said horsely.

Jakotsu loosened his hold on me. I noticed Tokaki talking to Kimiko just a couple feet away.. Was she really going to leave?

Kimiko P.O.V

" You have weapons. What did I teach you Kimi?"

I sighed, " Never go with Strange men."

" That too, but what did I tell you in training."

"That the weapon isn't what makes a warrior but it's the warrior that holds the weapon."I said dryly." I don't even use my Sias that much! Only when we're in a hurry."

" That's not the point-"

"And don't get me started on you Sensei. Your earings are weapons," He gave me that how-the-hell-did-you-know-that look," Yeah, I know. I'm not stupid."

" Well...I didn't expect that."

" I do know how to fight without them ya know. I trained with you, Tama, a half-demon and those seven men standing behind me. And I kicked each and every one of ya'lls asses."

"EXCUSE ME?"

I turned around and my comrades were glaring at me.

"You kicked whose asses?"Renkotsu raised a dark eyebrow at me.

" Don't give me that. I beat each and every one of you in combat practice."

"NOT ME! I'm the one person you can't beat!" bankotsu shouted.

"You know what? I hold back on you because I don't hit you in your cute little face."

"HA! Whatever! I'd fight you right now!"

"Really?" I picked up this small rock and launched it a Bankotsu's ribs. He howled out in pain." Yeah..I thought so."

Tokaki laughed, " Well...I see why you like them so much. So..."He turned to look at me, " Are you absolutely sure you don't want to come back to Konan with me."

I nodded, " Yes. I have to much to do. I'll come back, just...not right now."

"Alright. I respect your decision. You know how to contact me right?"

" Yes Sensei."

"And I'll come and get you."

I hesitated at first on what I was a about to ask him but I couldn't wait any longer." Uh...Sensei?"

"Yes?"

"I need a favor."

"Anything."

" Don't tell...Tamahome you saw me."

"WHAT!" He looked at me like I was crazy, " Why not? He misses you!"

"I know but...It'd break his heart to know that his little sister is a mercenary. Plese, " I begged him, " Please don't tell him. Tell him...you never saw me. Tell him I love him."

Tokaki gathered his thoughts and eyed me for a minute." No. I'm sorry, but this is something you'll have to do for yourself. I won't tell him I saw you but...you'll have tell him you love him yourself."

I knew that was the best I was gonna get, so I agreed. " Alright. I see you when I come back home."

Tokaki gazed deeply into my eyes, " Kimiko.You have become a fine young women..." I couldn't help but blush. I know I love Bankotsu but my Sensei is a gorgeous man.(forgive me Bankotsu) Tokaki grabbed my hand and held it dearly, " I am proud to be your sensei. Maybe more..."

"THAT'S IT!" Bankotsu kicked Tokaki to the ground," You pervert! What Kind of Teacher hits up on his student. She's like.."Bankotsu counted on his finger," One..two..93 years younger that you are!"

Tokaki dropped kicked Bankotsu as he jumped to his feet, " Age ain't nothing but a number. Besides, I'm hot for my age."

"He has a point Aniki." Jaki said.

"You're suposed to be on my side." Bankotsu picked himself up off the ground." I'll kill-Huh?"

Tokaki kissed my hand, " Until next Time fair maiden."

Tokaki grinned at me before he vanished right before my eyes.

"How did...?" Renkotsu started

"HE do that?" Suikotsu finished.

"Teleportation. That's how he came from Sairo to Konan?"

"What the hell are you talking about? What kinda place did you come from?"Bankotsu asked, looking just as confused as ever.

"Uh...you'll see..."

-words-

Sairo is the western part of ancient china(in Fushigi Yugi) Kimi is from Konan(the south)

-fun fact-

If you remeber the tip I wrote in my last chaprter(authors note) Type in Tokaki's name(he is super sexy) I swear, you'll love him.

-disclaimer-

I forgot to say this but In the chapter before authors note, the words in italics are lyrics to a song(most of you prolly already know)

"I'm like a bird" by nelly furtado.

I forgot to put disclaimer in that chappie.

(this chappie could've been better, sorry! I was rushing)(it's not that I don't care about ya'll...I just wanna finish the important parts before school begins and I end up being so busy and ...ya know.)