Chapter 2: Recruitment
Kikyo cringed as she collected herself up off the dusty ground. Her chest throbbed and blood now stained her clothing. That demon had obviously intended on toying with her. He wouldn't have healed her if he didn't want to slowly torture her.
Kikyo's eyes traveled down the canyon path where the man had fled. She felt like she should know who he was. He certainly seemed to know her. Still, she hadn't clearly seen his face.
With no bow or arrows, Kikyo sensed a sinking feeling of vulnerability. She took a quick breath and preceded down the sloped ledge.
Just ahead, dust twisted and gushed up like smoke. Rubble occasionally bounced onto the path. Many bystanders of demon and human origin stood and observed from a safe distance. Experience told Kikyo to maintain a respectful distance too. Something caught Kikyo's eye and she dared a few steps toward the ledge to peer down on the action.
A massive writhing dragon-like demon spewed forth energy attacks from his mouth. He had a white mane spilling down his serpentine back and deep red eyes. A face like a mask perched on his forehead and spoke in deep scathing tones.
"I shall have my revenge you worthless dog!" the beast seethed.
What appeared to be a man with long silvery white hair drawn into a ponytail, stood at the ready before the massive dragon. He had crisp saffron eyes. He held a long sword with a bulbous handle in both hands.
Kikyo's eyes reflected the blue light from the awesome energy blasts. Her eyes flickered, but held an intense gaze on the man. He was very graceful in his movements and dead on in accuracy. It was clear to see that this man was Inuyasha's father. Kikyo reverted her attention to the path and steadily paced down to where she would no doubt cross their path.
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"So it's just me and you now?" a young boyish voice quarried.
"I guess," responded a feminine voice. "I still don't see how Suikotsu managed to duck out on us. It must have been the doctor in him that spared him our fate. What a pain."
"What about Ginkotsu, Mukotsu, Kiokotsu, and Renkotsu?"
"Haven't seen them," Jakotsu complacently answered. A long pause followed. Various explosions could be heard just beyond the ledge of the canyon. Jakotsu stared off into the sky. He was resting with his back to the canyon wall. His head fell back down to ground level with a frown. He sighed. "Everyone is the same down here: terrified! What's the fun in cutting people up if you can get them to scream just as much by waving at them. It's not even a challenge!"
"You're right," Bankotsu replied absentmindedly. He stood at the ledge looking down at the battle below, his chin thoughtfully propped in his hand. Jakotsu sat and looked at him from behind.
"What's the matter big brother?" Jakotsu inquired.
"What would you think of gathering a new team together, Jakotsu?"
"Sure, only this time, make sure there are some good lookin' guys. They have no excuse for me not to cut them up this time. They can't die." Bankotsu turned and looked at his long trusted friend. Bankotsu raised a brow, but didn't speak. Jakotsu seemed excited, though he remained in his reclined position against the rock wall.
"So what are we gonna do this time?" Jakotsu said while picking at his sword. Bankotsu sneered.
"Rule the underworld"
"Coooool," Jakotsu grinned. "Where should we look for group members? How many should there be?"
"I was thinking we should start down there." Bankotsu indicated the area of the battle with his Banryu. Jakotsu slouched over to him and gazed down at the dragon and man.
"He looks promising," Jakotsu grinned at Bankotsu and they set off down into the canyon. "Speaking of peculiar people," Jakotsu added, "I saw that scary dead priestess earlier."
"Oh," Bankotsu replied thoughtfully, "she's here too, huh?"
"Ya," he sighed, "she's the reason Suikotsu turned into a saint before his death. Could have let him die with dignity." Jakotsu complained.
"Women..." Bankotsu added nonchalantly.
"No kidding," Jakotsu agreed.
An energy blast exploded in front of them and Bankotsu and Jakotsu jumped out of the dust clouds and landed on the battle field. Bankotsu stood beside Jakotsu and observed the two rivals with Banryu resting on his shoulder. Suddenly a gargantuan tornado stormed through the canyon walls and obliterated the dragon on sight. Its sheer devilish size and strength widened the canyon and cleared the area. The man who created it stood at the brink of its wake and slowly sheathed his sword. His eyes were calm and cool.
"Now that's what I'm talking about," Bankotsu said confidently to the warrior. His Banryu rested ostentatiously on his shoulder as he spoke. "How would you like to join us in ruling the underworld?"
The man's saffron eyes slowly turned to acknowledge Bankotsu. His gaze was condescending. Jakotsu who had been scoping out the bystanders for potential victims, turned his gaze on the silver haired man before him. His eyes widened and his mouth dropped a bit.
"You're not related to Inuyasha are you?" Jakotsu asked excitedly. The man's eyes narrowed and his attention wavered on the two mercenaries. Bankotsu appeared vaguely annoyed as his eyes slid over to Jakotsu, who looked more like a teenage girl than one of the most powerful humans to ever exist.
"Who are you?" the great dog demon asked. He seemed to have trouble acknowledging Jakostu so he firmly set his eyes on Bankotsu.
"Oh Bankotsu, we simply must have him with us–" Jakotsu's giddy disposition caused Bankotsu to stick his Banryu free hand in front of his partner and he took a step forward. His face was still set with confidence and composure as he introduced himself to the demon of supreme conquest.
"My name is Bankotsu," he greeted complacently. "This is Jakotsu," Bankotsu added as he maintained the deadlock stare with the formidable opponent. His cocky youth emanated with his boyish charm through that smirk he always wore. Even now, in the pit of hell, Bankotsu was quite a self-assured little prick. "In life we were mercenaries in the Band of Seven, but now we are looking to make the best out of death. We're searching the underworld for worthy warriors. It seems we have an opening if you wish to join us. So what do you say?" Bankotsu's eyes twinkled in the fiery gorge of the canyon. He paused and waited, never losing a beat.
"Come on, it'll be a lot of fun!" Jakotsu chimed in. Jakotsu peeked over Banryu at the dog general. "You must be strong. Not to mention attractive..." Jakotsu's voice drifted off suggestively and he licked the edge of his sword. Bankotsu stood firm in front of Jakotsu, using the handle of Banryu to block his friend's path.
"You're affection for humans has proved to be the end of you before, dog demon. It should be only too easy to use your weakness against you again!" a cold deep voice cracked from the smoky shadows. A monstrous panther demon emerged before them. Bankotsu's eyes gazed absentmindedly up at the beast. He seemed to be trying to gauge his strength.
"Uhh.. huh..." Bankotsu pulled a hand up to his face, guarding him from the demon. He closed his eyes and coughed. Jakotu lost his erotic fascination with Inuyasha's father and stared down at his leader.
"What's the matter big brother?" Jakotsu's voice was more curious than worried.
"Aaaachhhuuu," Bankotsu sneezed lightly into his sleeve. He wiped his eyes and looked up. "Damn allergies."
"What?" Jakotsu asked again.
"The fur ball is gonna give me hives," he muttered.
Inuyasha's father turned his back on the strange humans and seemed to be regarding his old enemy. He began slowly withdrawing Sounga as he stared into the golden irises that screamed for revenge. It seems Ryokotse had only been the opening act. He glared at him. The panther demon hissed and closed in on him, claws propped up and ready.
"Dragon Thunder!" a voice cried behind him. A thunderstorm rapidly gathered above them and whipped up the air around them. A series of lightning bolts fired down upon the great panther demon with a ferocious roar. When the clouds cleared and the air calmed, the panther demon stood where he had. His big moon eyes stared out blankly. His head, tail, and entire body was hairless. His whiskers and tip of his tail were on fire, but quickly wisped out leaving small trails of smoke.
"Scratch him off the list," Bankotsu noted to Jakotsu.
"What list?" Jakotsu questioned.
"Aren't you getting this?
"Sure, whatever."
"We'll come back later," Bankotsu waved at the dog general.
"Oh do we have to go?" Jakotsu halted in his tracks as he looked longingly back at Inuyasha's father. Bankotsu latched an arm onto Jakotsu's kimono and dragged him while propping Banryu back onto his shoulder.
"If you think you are all powerful, you are mistaken," a raspy malignant voice threatened next to them. They had left the dog general so it had to be someone new. The two paused and looked to the side. A large purple demon with two protruding horns mounted on his head, large jagged teeth, red demon eyes, and a whip like tail marched into their view. On his lower back, a spider shaped burn mark etched into his skin.
Bankotsu's eyes perked with interest.
"You were thinking I looked like an interesting prospect for your new team were you not?" his taunting voice scratched.
"What's your name?" Bankotsu's voice sounded amused.
"I am called Goshinki," a devilish smile perched on his tight lips, "your presumption was correct, I am able to read the minds of others. I can predict your every move. I am a demon created of Naraku."
"So what can you do?" Bankotsu asked expectantly. Goshinki's face dropped.
"How boring," Jakotsu waved a hand dismissively.
"You, Jakotsu, judge me on the basis of physical attraction," Goshinki eyed the annoyed Jakotsu, "and you, Bankotsu leader of the band of seven, you judge me on the basis of strength." Goshinki laughed and licked his lips sinisterly. "You wish to test your strength against me as a way to beat Naraku. Don't make me laugh. I am not Naraku." Goshinki's eyes narrowed devilishly as a smile cracked his lips. "Though my strength has already been tested against your band..." he said provocatively.
"Oh?" Bankotsu said, maintaining his cool.
"My fangs crafted the great demon sword, Tokijin, which Sesshomaru wields and killed your poison master Mukotsu with. It also was quite a challenge for you Jakotsu, and for Suikotsu. It ran both of you through and would have killed you if you had not had sacred jewel shards. And you Bankotsu," Goshinki chuckled, "my fangs broke Inuyasha's precious sword, the Tessaiga, the very sword that proved your undoing." Goshinki seemed to relish those last few words. "Heh, heh, heh," Goshinki let out a mocking laugh, "yes, I know all about that, just by reading your thoughts. So do you really think your Banryu can stand up to me?"
"Even I think this is getting old," Bankotsu said behind his hand to Jakotsu as though Goshinki wouldn't know. Jakotsu, who had actually started a list, scratched Goshinki's name off.
Goshinki stood there with an annoyed countenance as he stared down at the two.
"You can't just take credit for what Inuyasha and Sesshomaru have done because you stuck your teeth in their swords." Bankotsu scorned. "Any real warrior knows it takes his own strength to prevail in battle. Your reasoning is all messed up," Bankotsu said diplomatically. "Maybe you should spend more time studying warrior's tactics instead of their histories. Don't give away all the surprises right away. You're too predictable," Bankotsu commented.
Goshinki seemed taken aback, but was quick to growl at the insult. With lightening speed he disappeared from where he stood.
"You forget, I can read your mind. You have no chance." Goshinki's voice echoed.
Bankotsu could not see the enclosing predator and displayed Banryu as a warning. Goshinki suddenly dashed from behind and aimed straight for Bankotsu.
With one swoosh, he was defeated. Goshinki's head dropped to the ground, and his body stood a moment before crashing down. Bankotsu had chopped his head off with a mere swing of Banryu. Goshinki's head thrashed about sickly as he was already dead. Bankotsu looked down tiredly at the fallen head.
"I don't have to think about my moves before I do them. When strength is your only hope of survival, instinct guides your moves. You can't beat me with such boring methods. Pull yourself together and find a new attack strategy." Bankotsu trod off with Jakotsu further down the canyon trail.
After leaving the infuriated incarnation behind, Bankotsu and Jakotsu stopped to witness another epic battle taking place.
"Well at least their not boring," Jakotsu commented while lifting his hand, "you gotta at least give them that." In front of them a troop of demon slayers fought valiantly against millions of hell's demons. Among them stood Sango's father and fellow villagers.
"H-Hey Ninjas!" Bankotsu called out happily.
"Bankotsu," Jakotsu whined, "when are we gonna go get the hot guy. None of these men are very cute."
"He looks pretty good," Bankotsu pointed out Sango's father.
"You've got to be kidding me big brother!" Jakotsu was shocked, "the man looks like an overly religious next door neighbor! Not to mention old."
"I meant as a fighter," Bankotsu said in an annoyed tone. Jakotsu huffed.
"Hey there," Bankotsu called out to them. A few turned to look. "Do ninjas often fight demons?" Bankotsu pondered, scratching his head.
A real ninja who was among them scowled.
"No, ninjas don't normally fight demons, but as you can see I'm fighting them."
A huge bird demon swooped down and Sango's father sent a spear through its brain so it crashed to the ground before him. As though nothing had happened, he stepped over it and kept fighting.
"Ninjas are useful." Bankotsu added. "Let's see if he'll join us," he said to Jakotsu who grudgingly pulled out the list. A large lizard demon burst out of the ground next to the real ninja and latched onto his leg. Then he started shaking him in the air like a rag doll.
"You're not that useful," Bankotsu said in a bored voice as he glanced at the man. He was trying to crack the demon over the head, but it simply shook him harder and returned into its underground lair.
Bankotsu strutted over to Sango's father. At first it looked as though the demon slayer wouldn't even notice them, but eventually threw them a glance. Jakotsu yawned.
"Hey, you're pretty good," Bankotsu greeted. "How would you like to join our team in ruling the underworld?" The slayer's eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"Does it seem like everyone responds to us that way here?" Jakotsu commented to Bankotsu. Bankotsu tried to ignore his friend's remark.
"We could use a ninja on the team," Bankotsu added.
"I miss Kohaku," Jakotsu said in a sad voice.
"Ya, me too," Bankotsu gave in.
"Who are you?" he asked with even more suspicion at the mention of his son's name.
"We're mercenaries. This is Jakotsu and I'm Bankotsu." Bankotsu retold.
"You're.." the man's eyes widened a bit, "you're from the Band of Seven..."
"Heard of us?"
"I will not associate with villains. The Band of Seven is nothing but pure evil."
"Just what we need, another saint" Jakotsu said flatly. "I think that was a 'no.'"
"Figures," Bankotsu waved his hand, "him being a ninja."
"Can we go now?" Jakotsu asked irritably.
"Ya." Bankotsu and Jakotsu trudged off back in the direction from which they came.
"So big brother," Jakotsu spoke with his hands behind his head while lazily gazing into the sky, "are we going back to the warrior who looks like Inuyasha?"
"Ya," Bankotsu added.
"Do you think he'll join us?"
"Maybe"
"Oh I hope he does," Jakotsu giggled excitedly.
"I don't think he sees you as his type, Jakotsu," Bankotsu smiled.
"Don't worry, they always play hard to get"
Just ahead of them, the huge panther demon was storming about. Inuyasha's father was engaged in an intense fight. He slashed his sword about and blew up sides of the canyon, raining rocks everywhere and causing the ground to shake.
"Just like Inuyasha," Jakotsu swooned.
"There you are you little punk!" the great panther demon cried and launched at Bankotsu. Inuyasha's father turned about to see the humans return.
"Inu.. yasha" the dog general said.
The panther demon was fast. Bankotsu smirked. The demon shot claws and lightning furiously at the one who had made a fool out of him. Bankotsu dodged the attacks and guarded with Banryu. Jakotsu watched for a second, but then turned his attention to the great dog demon.
Just as the fun had started, it was over far too fast.
"Dragon Twister!"
Bankotsu saw the rampaging tornado forming ahead of him at tremendous velocity.
"Damn" was all he managed to say before a piercing white light absorbed him on the spot.
Author's Note: I don't own Inuyasha, blah, blah, blah... Hey, so what did you think? I don't mean to brag, but I really like this chapter. Hehe. Please review and tell me if you have any good ideas for plot, humor, character development, the works! I'd love some opinions. I do know where this is going for now, but it's fairly vague. I don't really know about the climax or conclusion. But I guess as we progress my generalities will be, shall we say, a little less general? Thanks guys!
Oh, PS. I don't know how often I'll update, for anyone who cares, but I hope I don't leave you guys for more than two weeks at a time. Don't quote me on that. Anyway, Ciao!