Jaki P.O.V

I spent that whole morning and most of the afternoon in Mukotsu's room, watching him mix potions and drouts. No one spoke to anyone since the...incident. Me? I was more heart broken then ever. I never knew love could hurt so bad. It makes me wonder why people fall in love. Especially if their hearts get broken in the process.

Mukotsu mixed a batch of spider venom with snake and dragon venom. It made a nasty color that looked like spinach flavored vomit. Not to mention it smalled Rank beyond belief.

My eyes wondered to this little blue-liquid filled bottle sitting in the corner.Hmm..."Mukotsu?"

"Yes?" He asked, not lookinh up at me.

" What's that?"

"What's what?"

"That! That blue bottle."

Mukotsu twisted around slightly. He tilted his head to the side in amusement and started to laugh, " It's funny you should pick that bottle. HA HA! It's potion that numbs. Your body, emotions..you take one sip of it and you won't be getting up no time soon. No unless you've built up an immunity to it like I have.HA HA HAAA!"

I find it weird that someone like Mukotsu could inhale all those toxens and NOT get sick. Oh well.

That's when a Idea struck me like lightning. It was devious, deceitful and I, quite frankly was digusted with myself for thinking it up...(Okay, I lied. I was estatic.) It wasso juicy! And Noone will even miss her...

-Later that day-

Kimi P.O.V

I laid halfway across the dining room table. I can't imagine when was the last time I got to fight someone. We haven't had a Job since...forever. I'm getting antsy.

"Kimi-chan."

I looked up and made a (disgusted) face. Jaki was staring at me...and SMILING.

I scoffed, " The hell do you want?"

Jakotsu took it upon himself to sit down next to me. He had two glasses of sake' in his hand. He was up to something because 1)I don't drink and he knows it. 2)He was being nice to me. 3)HE was being nice to ME! I scooted a few inches away before I asked him what was his deal.

"I'm only trying to be nice."

"Exactly."

He scrunched up his face. Fighting the urge to make a comeback. He was actually trying to be nice.

Jaki P.O.V

Kimi looked disturbed beyond rational thought. Like I can't be nice sometimes. Really!I was trying so hard not to comment on how...whoreish she looked. She wore one of Ban-chan's shirts that hung low on her, showing off ALOT of her breasts. I know she considers herself as 'one of the guys' but the fact is, She's not.

Kiko ran into the room and she momentarily turned around to pick him up. This was my chance! I poured Mukotsu's numbing potion into her drink and shoved the bottle back into my pocket before she was any wiser.

Kimi P.O.V

I sat upright and Jakotsu had a sorta self-satisfiedsmirkon his face. Without thinking, I took a few sips of Sake'. I was always curious to why Bankotsu always drunk Sake' and I've never tasted it. Unless...I'd kiss Bankotsu after he'd been drinking but that's different.

" I think we should let Bygones be Bygones." He said.

" Cut the crap and get out my face." I blurted out.

" Fine! I'll tell Bankotsu that you didn't want to meet him-"

"What?"

Jaki P.O.V

That caught her attention. " Didn't you know? Bankotsu and Suikotsu went to town about a hour ago. Bankotsu thought we should try to get along and he told me to take you there.

I guess the drink was kicking in because she fell for it. This was way easier than I expected. I over-estimated her. She's just as gullible as Bankotsu at times.

She told Kiko to go upstairs and wait for her to return.

Kimi P.O.V

"I'll be back with a snack for you." Kiko shook his head and whimpered. When I started for the door, he tugged on the hem of my sash. I picked him up and sat him on the floor, " Kiko..." He stretched his hind legs and stoodagainst my ankles whimpering and whining. He seriously didn't want me to go. My guess is he didn't trust Jaki because Kiko kept growling at him.

"Don't worry about mommy. I'll be okay." I lowered him to the ground," Mommy loves you." and stepped out of the house with Jakotsu, leaving behind a sad kiko.

-a few minutes later-

Kimi P.O.V

Jaki and I wondered deep into the forest. So deep that it got to the point that I knew Jakotsu was lost. "Hey," I placed my hand on his shoulder, " Where ar-"

A sharp pain cut into my body and I fell to the ground. Jakotsu retracted his Jakotsutou and laughed at me. I KNEW it! He couldn't be trusted. When I tried to force myself up, my body wouldn't act right. I was numb...

" I can't..." My mouth...I can't speak anymore. DAMN! He drugged me! How could I have fell for that. I laid there, sickingly in a small pool of blood that was growing larger by the minute. I saw a huge blur of purple and lilac. I knew it was that bastard Jakotsu.

" You lie there little bitch. And don't worry. I'll take good care of Bankotsu-no-aniki." Jakotsu truned on his heels and walked away, faded along with my eyesight. His laugh echoed in my ears. That evil little cackle.

" I swear..."In my last breathm the exodius bruning into my skin, " I will get you back."

-later that night-

Vincent P.O.V

I stood over Lady Kimiko. Sephiroth was right. She had been badly hurt. Damn that Bankotsu. If he loves her so damn much then why isn't he watching over her.

It'll only be a matter of time before I get her anyway.

I knelt down next to her and healed her wound, using the powers placed upon me by Sephiroth. My Kimiko...you'll soon be mine.

I left quickly, knowing that she'd awaken soon. Hungry for revenge.

-meanwhile-

Bankotsu P.O.V

I sat on the porch.Ginkotsu came striding in from the distance. Renkotsu and Mukotsu walking side by side with him.

I didn't wait til they got to the porch. I ran out to them," Did you find her?"

When Renkotsu shook his head, I lost my temper. DAMMIT! I Should have been with her. How could this have happened." I don't fucking understand. Why would she leave? She's still weak!" After last night, Kimi lost alot of her strength. Strength she needed to regain.

"Where's Suikotsu?"

"Still out looking for her."

"I"m going. Look after things while I'm gone." I tried to speed off but Renkotsu stopped me." What?"

"Bankotsu...we've done all we can-"

"IT ISN'T ENOUGH! DON'T YOU GET IT! SHE'S MY RESPONSIBILITY!" My breathing was shallow, my voice was hoarse," I promised her I'd look after her. If something happened to her-" I shook the thought from my mind. Kimi...I ever wanted to see you so bad in my life. I just wanted to know you were okay..just some sign.

Renkotsu P.O.V

I never seen Bankotsu so worried. Maybe he...actually DID love her. It's just..he goes through women like...a starving dog and fresh meat. Kimi, she was different. She could actually satisfy his hunger.

"Aniki...Let's go inside. We can plan our next move there."

I escorted Bankotsu into the house. Even though I knew deep down he had lost some hope.

Jaki P.O.V

I stuffed a whole piece of chicken into my mouth. Kyokotsu shoved the whole plate. I have to admit, I felt guilty. Bankotsu was so worried and here I am...eating and not caring. Still, I wasn't guilty enough to tell him what happened. I'll be sympathetic(I'll try)

We all sat down and started to eat. Except Bankotsu. When I offered him some sake', he wouldn't drink it."It'll be fine Aniki."

He shook his head slowly. I never seen him so down.

"Maybe if we regroup and split up, then we might be able to find her. Who was with her last?"

I shrugged it off, " Beats me."

Then Kiko came in the room. With her gone, there was no need for this pin-sized wolf. Kiko almost blew it for me. he rushed over to me and started barking and growling. He KNEW what had happened and if he didn't shut up, I'd get busted. I threw a bone at him and told him to beat it but he wouldn't go. He barked and barked like there was no tomorrow.

" Kiko! Shut up!" Bankotsu finally said. But Kiko wouldn't calm down.

"Bankotsu! Everyone! Come quick!"

"That's Suikotsu!" Bankotsu bolted out into the hallway, followed by everyone else except me. My heart Sank. My plan had just gone down the drain. I knew it. I also knew that Bankotsu would never forgive me for this.

Bankotsu P.O.V

"Kimiko..." Thank god she was safe. She stood, cuddled up under Suikotsu's arm. Her face buried in his shirt. I opened my arms and she ran into them; too embarrassed to meet eyes with the rest of her friends/

I held her tightly as she buried her head into my chest. I felt her white hot tears melt into my clothing."Kimi, it's okay." I raked my finger through her hair, " You're safe now. Thanks to Suikotsu."

"I've never seen her shaken up so badly." Said a concerned Mukotsu.

"Nor have I." Renkotsu said.

"Suikotsu,where exactly did you find her.

"Uhh..." Suikotsu heistated.

"Suikotsu!"

"Yes Aniki?"

"Where was she?"

Suikotsu heard the fierceness in my voice. He knew I wasn't going to ask him again.

"I found her lying in a pool of blood." Suikotsu muttered.

"WHAT!" We all leered at him.

" I thought we had...lost her. I'm pretty sure she had been drugged."

I held her tighter.Blood? But who could have..who would've..."How did she end up there."

"I think we're all wondering that." Murmured Renkotsu.

Kimiko P.O.V

All this time(I sunk my nails into Bankotsu's chest) All this pain...I have always stepped aside and let Jakotsu get away with things...but this...this is IT!

The sign of the exodius etched into my skin, digging deeper, stinging...

Bankotsu let out a gasp of pain, by that time my nails had dug so deeply into his skin, he started to bleed.

"Ow! Kimi!" Bankotsu winced, "KIMI STOP!" Bankotsu pulled back a bit." What the hell are you doing? That hurts?"

I'm tired of always being the one to forgive.

"Kimi?"

He'll regret the day he ever crossed me.

"Kimi-chan?"

"MOVE!" I mummbled.

"Huh?" said a confused Bankotsu. He held me by the shoulders. He didn't even seem to notice my nails lodged into him.

Bankotsu P.O.V

Kimi glared at me with an icy stare. Those eyes...I haven't seen those eyes since I first met her. When Inuyasha betrayed her.

"MOVE!" She said again.

"Huh? Kimi, I don't understand?"

"I SAID MOVE DAMMIT!" Kimi wrenched her hand, pushing Bankotsu into the wall with such force, he almost went through it.

The Shichinintai watched in horror as Kimi sprinted into the dining room.

Kimi P.O.V

As soon as I entered the room, Jakotsu stared at me like he'd seen a ghost."The hell are-"

I didn't even wanna hear it. I drew back my fist and slammed it into Jakotsu's Jaw."YOU GOD-DAMNED-SON-OF-A-BITCH!"

"Kimi! NO!"

I could hear my comrades calling out for me to stop but I ignored them completely. All I wanted to do was cause Jakotsu as much pain as he'd caused me. I seized him by the neck, smashing him onto the floor over and over again." WHAT THE HELL IS YOUR PROBLEM! Are you trying to kill me!"

I continued to smash my fist into his face. Only when Renkotsu grabbed me by my shoulder did I stop.

"Kimiko! Stop it!"

I pressed my hand to his stomache, summoning all my powers from within." Labores Solis!"

Blood spurted from Renkotsu's mouth as he flew against the dining room wall. I Didn't care who got in my way..all that mattered was me and Jakotsu.

"No one will interfere!" I said fiercly.

Jakotsu lept onto his feet, kicking Me squarly in the small of my back. As I started to fall, Jaki reached for his sword. I landed on my hand and back-flipped out of the way just as Jakotsu's sword cracked against the floor where I once stood.

Bankotsu P.O.V

Kimi and Jaki stood opposite each other with about 10 feet in between. Jaki holding his sword, ready to unleash it. Kimi wasperfectlycalm.

"You Bitch!" blod spurted from Jakotsu's mouth, his face red and swollen." I'll kill you!"

Suikotsu P.O.V

Time seemed to suddenly slow to astop. Jakotsu's sword went slowly at Kimi, going closer and closer.

Then a pool of blood flooded out onto the floor as Bankotsu gasped out in pain. He grasped his shoulder, Kimi wrapped in his free arm.

No one expected him to actually jump in front of the attck. Not even Jakotsu. He looked just as shocked as we were. Kimi stared at Bankotsu with cold eyes that flickered from ice coldto softness.

"What...have I done?" Was her only response before she broke down and cried. The way she clung to Bankotsu...No matter how much he said he was fine and there was nothing to worry about Kimi wouldn't stop crying.

Jakotsu P.O.V

He...he..he actually jumped in front of my attack. I hurt Bankotsu. I felt hot tears push out of my eyes as I croaked," You Idiot! Why did you do that!"

All Bankotsu did was smile." It's no big thing. I'm fine."

No, it was a big thing. Why would he do something like that? Why would he purposely place himself in that position? I don't understand him anymore. I've known him almost all my life and yet this girl who he'd known for less than a year...she always comes first. Always her...and never me!

Before I could catch myself, I was jumping halfway over Bankotsu and Lunged myself at Kimi," WHY! WHY, WHY, WHY WHHHY! WHY IS IT ALWAYS YOU!" I grabbed a huge strand of her hand and pulled her towards me, " IT'S ALWAYS YOU!"

At that moment, I didn't care how, but I wanted to kill her so badly...I ripped at her clothes.

Always about how beautiful she is. I ripped at the skin on her arm, trying for her face...

Always how wonderful she is. Always..."YOU!"

Next thing I know, I'm being pushed back by...

"Bankotsu...Why?"I said hoarsly.

"Jaki..."

"She can't be trusted! Look what she just did to me and Renkotsu!" I screamed as loud as I could.

"Jakotsu..."

"She's using you! All of you! Why can't you see that!" I wailed, moving towards her. Bankotsu stood in front of me, pushing me back, trying to keep me away from her, but I wouldn't stay back. I couldn't.

"MOVE ANIKI!"

She was evil. She'd hurt Bankotsu. I knew she will.

"STOP IT JAKOTSU! I SAID STOP IT!" He demanded.I struggled violently against Ban-chan, but he wouldn't let me pass.

"You're so damn clueless! She'll hurt you!"

Then it got to a point where...I wanted to hurt him just to get to her. I clawed at his chest and he, with all his strength, pushed me back.

"Bankotsu!" I gazed at him with eyes full of tears. His fist came crashing down and collided with my face.

I heard a series af gasps before the room became silent.

He'd hit me. He'd actually hit me...in my face."Aniki..."

Bankotsu P.O.V

I stared shamfully down at my hand. Then my eyes met Jaki's. I could tell by the look in his eyes he was devasted. Even heartbroken. I was mad...at him and Kimi. But mainly at myself.

My emotions had caused this. I was the one who came onto Kimi all those times. I did this.

I knew it wasn't fair to the others but I had to have her for my own selfish reasons. She wasn't like any other women I've met. She was...perfect to me. As I am to her. We're far from being perfect but...to her...she loves me because I'm not perfect...

"Jakotsu...I'm..."

"Sorry?" He sniffed."No. I'm sorry" Jaki whipped around and glared at me with such hatred and contempt in his eyes, his cheeks red and swollen and a black eye forming"I should've never fell in love with you in the first place!"

"Jaki!"

"Stay AWAY from me!" Jakotsu snatched up Jakotsutou and sprinted out of the room, out the door and out of sight.I wanted to run after him but my feet were frozen in place.

This...is my fault. And no one elses.

-late that night, a few hours later-

Suikotsu P.O.V

Kimiko sat out on the front porch with Kiko. She'd been out there for an hour now. Bankotsu sat across from me, Renkotsu was beside him. Renkotsu had been seriously injured. Almost all his ribs were broken, not to mention a few bruises on his chest.

I knew he'd be okay but Kimi...she's a different story. She's a young women and very emotinal. She'll think this is her fault. I remember when I killed that samurai...I was harder on myself than anyone. That's how I developed my split personality. I prayed that, for Kimi's sake and everyone elses, that things clear up soon.

Renkotsu, despite how he acted, seemed rather mad at Kimi. I couldn't blame him but she wasn't entirely herself.

"Aniki?" He said, raising his eyebrow, "I know you're upset right now but this juts proves my point about the trouble your relationship has caused. Now Jakotsu's gone and-"

I shot him a look that told him to shut it. This was not the time for,"I told you so"'s

" I meant that...I think they should break it off now." Renkotsu seem in quite a hurry to break them up. I couldn't help but wonder why? I trust Renkotsu but...he's always hiding something from us.

"Why now?" Mukotsu asked, " She's hurt enough as it is!"

"Better now then later. Let all the pain be done and over with?"

"The hell is your problem!" My evil side broke out, " Why do you want them to break up!"

"You saw what happened!" Ren shouted.

Now everyone was arguing. Ginkotsu was agreeing to almost eveything Ren had said while me and Mukotsu though differently. Finally, Bankotsu came out and said...

"Hey..." He said softly. And everyone hushed,"Do..you really think I should...break up with her?"

"YES!" Ren and Ginkotsu said.

"No!" I protested, " I mean, you make her so happy..."

"But, Jaki is gone. And you're right. I let my feelings cloud my judgment. This should've never happened.It's not always about me, but what's best for the group."

"Do you really think it's best to break her heart?" I asked him.

"Well...be honest Suikotsu." He said in a unusually sincere voice, " How do you feel about her?"

"Huh?" I gulped.

" You love her too. And so does Mukotsu and Ginkotsu and Kyokotsu. Even Renkotsu does."

"Wha..?" Ren was simply shocked like Bankotsu had uncovered a long kept secret.

" I know you all resent me for making her only mine. It's only fair that if you can't have her, I can't either."

I found it weird that we were all "supposedly" in love with the same women. It was true, but only to an extent. True, I loved her like Bankotsu did. Maybe not as much as he seemed to. Renkotsu loved her like a daughter. I think when he wants them to break up, it's his father instincts that are taking over.

For Ginkotsu...Kimi is the only women who isn't afraid of him. She treats him like an equal. Same for Kyokotsu..Even though he tried to eat her that one time...

As for Mukotsu...most women had shunned him all his life for his looks. Kimi saw past that and accepted him.

Me...well...we all know my story.

It's not so much we want her for ourselfs it's just...We know what kind of man Bankotsu is when it comes to women. And...He's like a kid in a toy shop. Once he's done playing with a toy, he'll put it back on the shelf.

Although...Kimi seems..different to him somehow.

"Listen Aniki...you can't...It'll break her."

Bankotsu sat there long and hard, meditating over what to do.It's true, he does care for her but when it comes to putting his needs below the team, then that's what he'll do. But should he? That's the question.

Bankotsu P.O.V

Kimiko.

I pushed back from the table...

Always Kimiko

And started towards the door...My friends saring anxiously at me, wondering what'll happen.

We share the same pain...she and I are the same...Can I really give that up?

I slid open the shoji-screen door and stepped outside. Kimi had sprawled out across the Sunoko with Kiko laying almost underneath her...

"Aisuru?"

Kiko's ears perked up, he jumped up on her side as she turned half-over. Her eyes were red so I could tell she had been crying.

I don't wanna be the one to make her cry..so I won't.

"Kiko...go inside." Kiko did as I told him and ran inside the screen, I closed the door halfway behind him. Kimi sat up and I sat next to her.

"Are you-"

"Don't ask." She muttered."God!" She sniffed." I'm so...I'm just so stupid." I sniffed back a couple tears,"It's always me..causing all the problems. I'm either sick or I can't control what I do.I always let my anger get the best of me."

I held her in my arm. My hand holding hers tightly.

Kimiko P.O.V

I feel so stupid. Why me? Why'd I have to go and attack Jaki...it's just lately...I've been having all these mood swings. Not to mention I've been feeling nauseous.

"Kimi..." Bankotsu nuzzled my neck and kissed the spot below my ear." You and I are the same...we act without thinking." He whispered. I knew he was thinking about how he hit Jakotsu.

"Will Jaki come back."

He sniffled."I dunno."

I just felt worse. I started to cry.Bankotsu got up and knelt down in front of me."Kimi?"

I sniffed and looked up, His face was lowered and I could see a tear trailing down the side of his face. I was worried. I knew Bankotsu wasn't afraid to cry but I'd never really seen him..cry-cry. It scares me.

"Bankotsu? What's wrong?" I mean, I should be crying, not him. I sucked in the damp air around us and breathed out a sigh. Bankotsu released my hand and kissed me. But it felt different.

He somewhat smiled."You know I love you? right?"he said hoarsely.

" Yes. And I love you." I wiped my eyes, " Why are you asking me?"

His sapphire blue eyes darkened as they held my eyes in a strong, intense gaze.

"Because..."The smile faded from Bankotsu's face.

"I can't be with you Anymore." He said.

-words-

Aisuru:lover, sweetheart.

Sunoko:porch(japanese style)

Shoji-screen: the screen doors and walls in anciet-Japan(and some modern Japan) houses.