Revised Edition with changed/added footage: 8-8-2006

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Chapter 13: Someone Like You

Jakotsu watched as the figure dashed out the door, snatched up his sword and ran off towards the village. Then, with a frown, he looked back over to the one he was left to take care of: an adorable, sickeningly cute, little girl. He ran a hand down his face and sat with his back to the wall, wincing as he moved his left leg.

Closing his eyes, he ran a short mantra through his head, "I cannot kill the girl, I cannot kill the girl."

His mental chant came to an abrupt halt when he felt weight on his lap, and something lightly sitting on his head. Slowly opening his eyes, as if to meet with some terrible fate, Jakotsu blinked as he came face to face with the compact-sized female, who was now sitting in his lap.

Moments from pushing the child away, Jakotsu froze as Kinpa spoke, her finger lightly tracing the marking below his left eye.

"The flowers match your pretty face paint, Mister," She said innocently.

Quirking an eyebrow and glancing up, he caught sight of the small crudely made floral wreath that now adorned his head.

"…I thought you'd like it as a gift," Kinpa added nervously, fidgeting her hands.

The inside of Jakotsu's brain was in an inner battle over whether to evict the girl from his presence or not. This thing, this little girl, was the type that was surely grow up to steal his cuties away from him, but she still was but an innocent child. He noticed her look off out the doorway, thoughtfully.

"Your friend's really handsome. You two look nice together."

With that, Jakotsu couldn't help but smile and award the girl a gentle pat on the head, "Thanks kid."

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Bankotsu frantically looked up and down the small paths throughout the village, seeking the familiar brown-top knot that discerned their companion in his other personality.

He could only hope two things- when he found Suikotsu, that his hair wasn't spiked up and that the markings hadn't surfaced on his face. Once that happened, there might be no stopping him. Even finding him with his hair down, when he was in his calmed state would still be better than the other.

Figuring he might have gone towards the edge of the forest for herbs, he headed off in that direction. His braid swishing behind him as he ran, knowing too well that the sounds from the other side of the village meant they were running out of time.

Bankotsu was just about to turn when he stopped, seeing the old woman holding a sake jug and thanking the man she spoke with.

"Ah, young man! You had no need to follow me down here," She said walking towards him.

He took a deep breath, and began to explain, "Ma'am, I don't want to cause a panic, but there seems to be some mercenaries headed this way from the north side. I would hate to see you or any of the villagers hurt, so if you could just try to calmly get all the people here to go somewhere safe nearby."

She nodded, face determined, "No worries boy, my son used to be a fine mercenary himself and I couldn't help but pick up a few things from him. I'll take care of this."

Bankotsu smirked. He had a feeling this woman wasn't exactly normal, "And don't worry about your granddaughter, my friend's taking care of her and even though he's injured, I promise she'll be safe."

Handing him the jug, she began to head off towards the nearby hut. "Enjoy it while you can boy, we might need a youngster like you to help us out if we have to fight."

He paused then, and forced a smile, "I hope it won't come to that."

"You and me both, boy. I don't want to see anyone, even those mercenaries die over this."

Lifting the sake jug to his lips and taking a hearty drink, Bankotsu looked off to the forest, "I don't want anyone to die in this place. A peaceful place as this should never have to deal with the wars. Just like that doctor should have never become a killer. But the wars do funny things to normal people like us, and we change, perhaps for the worse…" He sighed and tossed the empty jug to the ground as he rushed off in the direction he believed Suikotsu had gone in.

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Renkotsu looked about as the small group approached the small village.

"You sure the three left went this way, Kyoukotsu?"

"Yup. One was injured too. Ate his arm off."

The second-in-command flinched, "That was a detail I didn't require."

"Sorry, Renkotsu no aniki," The hulking figure responded.

"Gesh. Aniki, should I fire anymore into the area to scare them out?" The other large figure questioned.

"It shouldn't be necessary. It seems to be a peaceful town; we'll just flush them out with some fire."

"Renkotsu no aniki, are you sure we should take this drastic an action without Oo-aniki's orders?" Mukotsu asked, walking up beside him.

"We don't have time to find him and ask him. And we can't risk failing this mission," He stated firmly.

"How about sending Kyoukotsu in first, since he was the one that scared them off in the first place?"

Renkotsu thought that over, finally nodding in agreement, "Fine, Mukotsu. You and Kyoukotsu go ahead. Ginkotsu and I will wait here for a little while and if you haven't returned by then, we attack, got that?"

"Yes, Renkotsu no aniki," The short poison-user replied, following the towering figure down the hill from the forest and towards the village.

"To think calculations could be this off without one member," He muttered, tying the blue rag around his head.

"Gesh. I guess it's just better with all of us, Aniki."

Renkotsu frowned, still not exactly comfortable with relying on the others. Looking down towards the village, he shrugged, "I guess I'll set your cannons up, just in case."

"Yesh. Okay," The voice reverberated as the powder was loaded into the barrels.

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The young doctor knelt along side the small stream and began to pull up the plants growing there.

"These should be just enough for him," He said to himself, gathering the bushel in his green vest. He paused then, eyeing the vest strangely. "Hmm, not sure why, but I feel like I used to have a vest like this myself."

As he thought more on that, he felt a sharp pang in his head and staggered to his knees. Thinking back on the nightmare he'd had, he shook his head roughly, as if to dislodge the thought permanently from his brain. "It was just a coincidence that I had a vest like this in that dream, that's all it was…"

"What was, Mister?" A voice intoned from behind him.

He looked up, seeing a gruff soldier looming behind him. "Can I help you, Sir?"

"Yeah, would you happen to be a doctor? I saw ya gathering the plants like you was."

"Yes, are you hurt?" He said standing and holding the gathered plants in his arms.

"Actually, it's my friend that is. Some monster took his arm off," The man replied, leading the innocent doctor to into the forest.

"That sounds terrible. Was it an oni?" He questioned, tucking a stray strand of hair back into his top-knot.

"Nah, was one of those Shichinin-tai. Damn bastards killed off all of our men."

Suikotsu froze at the mention of 'the Shichinin-tai,' another strand of hair falling out of place as he shook it from his head.

"Oi, buddy you okay there?" The soldier said kneeling beside another man who rested against a tree.

"It hurts…It hurts…" He said, clutching at his side.

Eyes widening as he took in the injury, Suikotsu's body begun to shake uncontrollably. The man's arm was completely missing, and blood was gushing from the wound.

"At least we got away from the other side of town before that weird guy showed up. I heard he was all dolled up like a girl and trying to seduce the guys as they were dying. That's just sick, ya know," A third man said from his seat next to the injured man.

"I'm just glad we didn't run into their leader. I've heard rumors that once you lay eyes on that boy, you're sent straight to hell," The first soldier said, turning back to Suikotsu. "You okay doc?"

"Sure," He managed to stammer out. "We need something to bandage his wound with though."

The third soldier handed over some wadded fabric, "Got it from a ravaged village awhile back, but it should do ya."

Suikotsu unrolled the tattered cloth, his body freezing when he noticed the distinct tears made in the fabric. Tears made by a set of claws that were coated in blood.

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Bankotsu cut his way into the forest, hearing some screams from behind him merely drove him on fastest. "Old woman, I sure hope your son taught you enough to save that town."

He began to look about; then his eyes caught sight of a trail of blood leading down a dim path. "Oh no. Suikotsu please… please be okay," He muttered to himself rushing in that direction.

As he drew closer, he saw more and more blood before he came to a complete halt. There were three bodies, blood spattered everywhere, and the discarded pile of herbs told all. Suikotsu had reverted to his other side.

"Kid, help me…" A quiet voice caught his ear, and he looked closer at the bodies. One man was still barely breathing.

"What happened?" He asked kneeling beside him.

"My buddy was hurt. Lost his arm to some oni. We tried to have a doctor help, but he just went crazy." The soldier managed to stammer out.

"Which way did he go?" Bankotsu asked, looking about.

"Took our daggers and headed towards the village. He had those markings on his face, like one of those Shichinin-tai. Like…" The man paused as he spotted the small purple star on Bankotsu's forehead. "Shit. You're one of them too."

"Yes. I'm the leader," He replied quietly.

The man laughed bitterly to himself, "I guess I'm going to hell then," He coughed, blood coming up. "How did just seven men get all of our army? I'll just never be able to figure that out. You all must be demons…" His eyes rolled back and he spoke no more.

Bankotsu sighed, the weight of yet another unkind name setting onto his heart. He looked up then, and began back towards the village as fast as he could manage. "I've got to at least stop him from hurting the villagers. He will hate himself for it if he does."

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Mukotsu pulled the white cloth further up over his face as he glanced about at the peering eyes peeking out of doors and windows. The second Kyoukotsu and he had set foot into the village it was as if a hush had fallen as well. Everything was deadly silent.

"You there, state your business!" A curt voice yelled out.

Mukotsu looked up, seeing an elderly woman standing with a defiant gleam to her eyes in the middle of the road.

"Well I was hoping there was some attractive women around here, but I guess not," He said with a chuckle.

"Not much room to talk, short man," She countered, struggling to aim an old bow and arrow at him. He began to reach for one of his poisons when she spoke again, "This is a peaceful town and I don't want to have anyone hurt- whether it's the villagers or one of you mercenaries. If you state your business perhaps we can help each other out."

"Looking for three soldiers that fled from a neighboring town," He said simply.

Hoping it was enough to distract them, she smirked, "Ah, those three scruffily soldiers eh? They went through a while back. They're probably hiding out on the forest over there," She said pointing behind her.

Mukotsu narrowed his eyes, "And how do I know you're not lying and hiding them?"

"Because I care more about this town's peace than a few soldier's measly lives. My son died at the hands of some bastard of a soldier, I could care less what happens to those pets to the Daimyou."

Taking a few steps forward with Kyoukotsu following behind, Mukotsu walked up to the woman. He went to place a hand on her shoulder when she quickly pointed a dagger to his throat. "Watch it, chubby."

"And here I was about to say I wish I'd met you 60 years earlier," Mukotsu said with a laugh.

"Just get the rest of your men and get out of my town," She retorted.

"And how did you know there were more of us?" He questioned.

"Smoke on the hill; someone's got those westerner's weapons up there since you two aren't carrying them."

"You're a sharp one, lady."

"Complements another time; get your men and get out." She pulled the bow and arrow back into place to make her point.

"Okay okay, we're going. Come on Kyoukotsu, we need to tell Renkotsu what's going on," He remarked headed back from the way they came.

"Okay Mukotsu," The giant figure replied.

"…kotsu? Their names all ended with 'kotsu'? Just like the doctor's…" The woman thought to herself, before beginning to rush back to her home. "Please Kinpa, be all right. Please say that man protected you."

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Jakotsu had finally managed to get the little girl off his lap and was currently toying with a flower that had fallen down from the wreath on his head.

Kinpa, on the other hand, had been sitting on her futon trying to twist her hair up.

He frowned, "What are you trying to do anyways?"

"I want to make my hair look like yours," She replied shyly.

Jakotsu looked at how her hair was, and to the tiny piece of string she was trying to tie it up with it. "What do you want to do that for?" He asked, perplexed as to her infatuation with him.

"Because if I was pretty like you are Mister, maybe a handsome boy will be my friend too," Kinpa said, blushing slightly.

"Hey now," Jakotsu said, wagging the flower at her, "He's mine kid. Don't even go there."

She blinked innocently, before beginning to fidget, "Well…what about the Doctor?"

Jakotsu paused, then just laughed, "I'd try for someone your age kid. Suikotsu's got some issues."

"Well uh…" She began, but was cut off.

"Quiet kid," Jakotsu said, looking around. "Someone's coming."

He forced himself up, hand to the hilt of his sword. "Kid, get over here by me."

Kinpa nodded, and began to move, when the figure appeared in the doorway.

"Doctor!" She said cheerfully, slowly making her way towards the man. Pausing, she realized that the clothes were his, but the face, wasn't.

Jakotsu quickly used the strength in his right leg to jump in and protect the girl from the attack. He held the girl against his chest and looked back over his shoulder at the man. "Mou, this is a mess. Bankotsu you owe me big-time for this."

Suikotsu wielded three daggers, held between his fingers in place of his usual claws. His hair was spiked up and the green markings were easily visible on his face.

"Jakotsu, what are you protecting her for?" He asked with a glare.

"Because your other side has been caring for her and Oo-aniki is making me," The black-haired man retorted.

"Damn soft-hearted doctor. He really pisses me off. Just let me kill the damn kid already, it'll shut that wimp up inside my head," He was advancing on their position, and in the small hut there wasn't anywhere to run.

"Suikotsu, don't do this. You're going to hate yourself for it later," Jakotsu said, gathering the small girl closer against him and once again cursing himself for agreeing to do this.

"Don't make me get rid of you too, Jakotsu. I want to kill- now," He looked down to the daggers, "They might not be my claws, but they still want some blood."

"Shit, I hate it when he gets really bad like this. There's just no reasoning with him," Jakotsu sighed. "Fine, but you have to fight me first then. I told Aniki I would protect this kid, and I don't want him mad at me."

"Heh, whatever you want, Jakotsu," Suikotsu replied, rushing forward and slicing downward with the daggers.

Jakotsu managed to counter with his un-furled blade, but one dagger cut into his hand.

"Friends shouldn't be fighting over something like this, Jakotsu," The brown-haired man said making another slice.

Slowed not only by the girl's extra weight and the lack of space, Jakotsu's leg was beginning to hurt more and more.

"And friends don't break promises or let each other kill people that mean something to them," Jakotsu retorted, blocking another slash with his blade.

Suikotsu sped up his movements, causing Jakotsu to back himself into a corner. His leg, finally gave out and causing him and Kinpa to fall to the ground.

"Jakotsu, I don't want to have to hurt you to get to the brat."

"Then leave the both of us alone and go calm down some," He replied.

Suikotsu then noticed the trickle of blood that was running down Jakotsu's face, and it only drove his killing nature on further. He might not be driven by lust like Jakotsu was in battle, but the sight of blood and the joy of killing made this side of him merely long for more.

He raised the daggers he used in place of his claws up and swiped downward towards the two on the ground as Jakotsu protected the girl as best as he could.

But, the impact never came. Jakotsu looked up to see the smaller tanned figure holding back Suikotsu's arms.

"Suikotsu, calm down now. There's no reason to kill anymore, the soldiers are dead. Our mission is over," The commanding tone of Bankotsu's voice made it sound soothing, yet like an order.

"Oo-aniki…"

A quick chop to the backside of Suikotsu's neck and the man fell limp into Bankotsu's arms, "Hate to do this to you, but I don't want you to do something you'll regret."

He gently laid down the taller man, and reached back to his braid, pulling loose the string that held it. Taking the now-calmed spiked hair into his hands, Bankotsu pulled it up into a top-knot, "Please Suikotsu, don't remember this. Stay calm a little longer, for everyone's sake."

Reaching into the front of his armor, Bankotsu produced a few herbs he'd salvaged from before and pressed them into the doctor's hands, "I don't want to see you hurt those you care about."

Looking over to the two on the ground, he picked up a small cloth and walked over.

"Let me get that blood off you before he wakes up, Jakotsu," He said kneeling by them, "Are you okay kid?"

She nodded, "He protected me."

Bankotsu looked to Jakotsu, smiling, he knew how hard it must have been for him to deal with a girl like that. Especially since it was possible she reminded him of Kuroi.

"Well, you just go lay down on your futon and once the doctor is feeling better, I'll have him check on you." He said quietly, brushing a smudge of blood from her cheek.

Jakotsu glared, "Hey, I'm hurt too you know!"

"Okay Mister," Kinpa replied, making her way over to her somewhat disheveled futon.

He walked over and tucked the blankets around her, "Just try and rest for awhile, your Grandma should be back with dinner soon. As for the doctor, he's not feeling well, and I'm sorry that he scared you like that."

"Oh, I hope he gets better," She said quietly.

"Me too, kid," He replied patting her on the head as she closed her eyes.

Bankotsu turned back to Jakotsu then, and was about to say something when the taller man wrapped him in a hug.

"I have female germs all over me, Bankotsu. And I expect you to get ever single one of them off, so first you'll have to strip naked and then…"

Bankotsu frowned, placing a finger over Jakotsu's lips, "There is a child present, or have you forgotten that?"

"You owe me big-time, Bankotsu," Jakotsu said with a pout. "I might not ever be able to get all this female-gunk off me."

"Now, you are just exaggerating. She's just a kid."

Pulling him to where he blocked Kinpa's view, Jakotsu ran a hand through his loosened hair.

"Jakotsu what are you…"

With a smirk, and nothing more, Jakotsu had pulled the man kneeling above him down for a quick kiss, the cascade of hair blocking the girl from the sight.

"You…" Bankotsu whispered with an edge of irritation, his light blush betraying his true emotion though.

"She can't see, even if she is awake," Jakotsu said in reply before leaning in and kissing him softly again, this time getting a response after a few seconds.

Bankotsu began to relax, reasoning with himself, "Well, I do owe him for this."

Jakotsu pulled back and smiled, "I'll get the rest of what you owe me later."

"…the rest?" Bankotsu blanched.

Jakotsu winked and pecked him on the lips, "It was a hard job protecting that kid. I expect compensation for my troubles."

Bankotsu narrowed his eyes, "Jakotsu."

He reached down, picking up the small string Kinpa had been struggling with earlier, "Here, I can fix your braid so your hair won't get in the way."

The long-haired man blinked. "My braid?"

Wiping the blood from his hand off on the ground, Jakotsu turned Bankotsu around and pushed him into a sitting position in front of him, "I'm going to re-braid it."

As the nimble fingers began to twist the strands of black hair back into place, Bankotsu turned his head slightly and simply said, "Jakotsu, thanks for everything today."

Pausing in his work, Jakotsu reached around, taking Bankotsu's hand into his own, "Someone's got to look out for you and I have no problem with that someone being me."

Bankotsu looked up at the man behind him, their eyes meeting for a brief moment before he turned away. He said nothing at all, but Jakotsu could feel him interlocking their fingers together.

"And…" He began, and then quietly continued, "I'll do the same for you, Jakotsu."

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