Chapter 7: Following the Red River
It was just daybreak when they set out from the cave. The earth seemed pregnant with life. The morning dew yawned in the first rays of light before lazily rolling off the vegetation onto the receptive soil. In the forest the finches peeped their welcomes to the pair. Small crickets bounced out of their path and the bushes bustled with curious animals. A confused lizard even made the bold error of landing an escape leap right on Bankotsu's nose.
With a petite smile playing her lips, Kikyo removed the disgruntled reptile and held it by the tail as it squirmed for freedom. Bankotsu didn't seem the least bit fazed by the foolish interloper. Though he did appear quite comical with a long, thin, shiny green, familiar glob dangling from his nose.
A small family was walking toward them on the humble path: a mom carrying water, a bundle in her arms, and a young boy holding her hand as he followed. The boy stared with adoration in his eyes at Bankotsu, and flashed a mischievous grin. Bankotsu noticed the squirt, the awe in his eyes, the desire that lead every child to the when-I-grow-up-I-wanna-be-just-like-you phrase. It was this audacity and boyish innocence that curled Bankotsu's lip into a smirk and sparked a twinkle of approval in his deep marine blue eyes.
As the child and his mother approached, Bankotsu motioned to Kikyo. The unnerved mother, who did not want to appear as such, tightened her grip on the child's hand and extended her stride. Bankotsu slipped the kid the lizard and continued down the path at the same easy gait. It was not long before they heard a disgusted scream and the boy was giggling at the lizard's effect on his mother. Bankotsu didn't even bother to send a backwards glance. He was obviously proud of the small victory.
Kikyo didn't find the lizard incident amusing, but shared his light heartedness. Bankotsu was a murder, an evil doer, a one-man army, a timeless wanderer, a prankster, and a kid, a dead kid. He was damned for the countless lives he took, a history that suggested his lack of conscience. Yet he was not so easy. He was complex beneath that boyish exterior. He was fiercely loyal, easy going, patient, and calculating.
The first time she met him, he was very particular about fighting her. He was ready for a challenge, but did not fight her because it would be a waste of their time. He was definitely not just a senseless killer like all the members of the Band of Seven were rumored to be. He had reasons. It made her wonder why he slaughtered villages, if he did it for the sheer purpose of making people wonder. He clearly didn't kill for power because he never became shogun or for wealth either because he did not indulge in luxury. He did it because he could, and that's what scared people. Perhaps he did it for the sole purpose of proving "shit happens."
He was the embodiment of the pleasure of pain, just like her. Did she not also live to spite the ever present pain? But he was ok with it. His entire outlook on life seemed to be a game. He dared it to try and change him. It seemed nothing could. Was it possible for such a person to exist? Every one of his friends was gone: dead or plotting against him. Yet somehow he still found value in life and kept that arrogant grin glued to his face. It was as though the mass murderer always kept a positive attitude.
When Kikyo finally came back from her thoughts she noticed that Bankotsu was equally lost in his own, enjoying the comfortable silence. Kikyo felt a delicate pull inside of her, like her heart skipped a beat. A sacred jewel shard was in the area. She stopped.
Bankotsu kept going, but finally turned around when he decided she wasn't following. He looked at her for explanation.
"A sacred jewel shard..." she felt the syllables whisper off he lips.
"Oh?"
Kikyo just stared off into the distance, with a discontented look implanted on her snowy features. She met Bankotsu's gaze. For once he didn't wear a smile. He seemed to be contemplating it too. "You think Naraku sent it to lure us out?"
"Or someone else..."
"Is it far?"
"Far enough." She turned to him and resumed her steady pace. He watched her pass him and then snatched one last glance where she had been gazing before falling in step with her.
The cheer of the morning died in their ears. They both seemed to notice, but feigned showing it. Suddenly a man came crashing out of the brush beside their bushy way and lunged at Bankotsu. Kikyo stepped back and watched them scuffle. Bankotsu managed to throw the man off of him and slugged him across the chin.
Bankotsu leered down at the man, who spat out a couple teeth. He wiped his face with his sleeve and promptly got up for more. Bankotsu just gave him a puzzled look, but then he realized there were more. A mob was approaching them. He threw a glance behind him, and sure enough there was another group galloping forward with the same ferocity. All the men carried swords and wore heavy armor. A back row became clear as they marched forward.
With a nod, Bankotsu and Kikyo rushed for an exit. However, the warring men brandished considerable legions of men that flooded the brushy forest. Eventually they were surrounded by a sea of people and it was near impossible to escape.
Kikyo saw the war in Bankotsu's eyes. He had already lived it. There seemed to be no end to the herds, the screams, and the clanking of metal.
A man tumbled out of the woods forcing them to stop. Bankotsu immediately started fighting. He withdrew the Akagawa. The men around him fell into pieces.
"This is getting ridiculous," Bankotsu growled. He felt the power flowing through the Akagawa and knew just how to wield the sword, even though it was his second time fighting with it. He swooped it down vertically at the ground and the earth suddenly divided for it. All the brush, trees, and a few unfortunate warriors went flying out of the stream of energy. "Come on," he called to her. They ran quickly down the new path.
Archers were now visible in the backs of both lines. Some men even carried guns. Bankotsu continued to cut down people in their way and Kikyo repelled the ones behind them.
A horse snorted next to them. Bankotsu looked up in time to see the flash of a sword as it came down. He dodged. The horseman lashed out at everyone around him. He wore the attire of a general. His glare was worse than the battle itself. There was no fear in those eyes, only rage.
Just when Bankotsu thought he'd cleared the way again, the general started focusing on him. The horse whinnied and stamped its hooves. The men around them caged them in an imperfect circle of men and trees as they watched their fearless leader. They started taunting Bankotsu. His eyes flashed murder as they stabbed him shallowly in the sides as he broke the general's sword. The uproar was phenomenal. Bankotsu sunk his grizzly sword into the horse's belly and it fell with a deep cry. The general fell clumsily off. The circle broke briefly. The war lord swept to his feet. He was a gorilla of a man. Bankotsu glared at him as the general screamed and charged. In a fluid motion, Bankotsu put one foot forward and swept the Akagawa across the man's neck with a smooth thrust. The head toppled off its body and made a small ring in the middle of the circle, its mouth still agape. Bankotsu exhaled. Silence blanketed the crowd. Then a cry rang out. An arrow flickered as it soared directly at him. Bankotsu took a step back and met a large tree. He felt the air catch in his throat and his eyes widen. In that moment it seemed to promise him it would lodge deep in his flesh.
Another zip through the air cut across his chest. Snap. Twang. Bankotsu looked down.
The arrow was stuck in the tree, lodged deep in the space just under his arm next to his chest. It was slanted angrily as it had lusted to puncture his heart. Another arrow steamed right on it. This arrow slanted the other way, its shaft stretched out next to his chest. It had broken the other arrow's tip off like a snake's head and pinned it's carcass in the tree.
An "ahhh" of shock sounded through the crowd. Bankotsu lifted the Akagawa and swept it in a circle. The men around him fell to the ground. He stepped over them and took up the path again. He managed to dodge the proceeding attacks and escape the war zone. He could still hear the shots from guns. Men howled and smoke leaked into the sky. An odd contrast to the war, nature opened up again. The sky was azure and birds chirped as they followed him to safety.
Bankotsu turned around. Kikyo was somewhere nearby. She emerged from the side and met his eyes. A smile gripped his lips.
"Nice work."
"You're injured," she held his gaze. Bankotsu lifted the Akagawa and it pointed them south.
"It happens," he briefly inspected himself. Blood drooled down this sides from his ribs. Small slits marked the gashes inflicted by the men. One managed to slice him across the waist, but not deeply.
He sheathed the Akagawa and started walking on. Kikyo followed. Another silence chattered between them. Bankotsu seemed lost in thought and Kikyo used the time to clear her mind. Eventually he spoke.
"Are you loyal, Kikyo?" Kikyo's head bobbed up at the strange question.
"What do you mean?"
"Are you loyal to your allies?" Bankotsu noticed a stiffening in her posture as she became guarded. "It's just a yes or no question." Something told Bankotsu if he dropped any names or examples, she would get defensive.
She looked up at him with testing eyes. "Why do you want to know?"
"It's important to me," his gaze was steady, honest. His boyish grin was gone.
"Yes," she responded cooly.
"Ok," he stated simply in conclusion. It was the kind of acceptance that is taken without further questions and with full faith: "ok." It did catch Kikyo a bit off guard, but when he said nothing further than that one word, she relaxed.
It was quite startling to consider, actually. Bankotsu, who was still suffering from recent betrayal and filled with a hole of deep loss, was essentially opening himself up again.
Bankotsu felt the Akagawa stir in its sheath. It was restless. He stopped and dropped a hand to its hilt. Kikyo stopped beside him and also inspected the vicinity for any suspicious happenings. Bankotsu turned on his heels.
A man stood in a heavy concealing cape on the path they had just trekked. He was facing them with a large wooden club-like staff loosely gripped in one hand. A hood dipped over his face and his other gnarly hand limply hung out of its sleeve as though it were also mere clothing. Only the end of his nose and his chin were visible under his hood.
"For you to have come this far is quite impressive. I commend you."
"Huh?" Bankotsu looked him over. Kikyo just stared.
"I must warn you, the one who guards the orb already knows you are here. Once you enter, there is no return. Many brave have gone to claim the orb for good or selfish pursuits. None have ever succeeded." His voice was raw.
"Why are you telling us this?" Bankotsu seemed annoyed at his presence.
"Of course, you can take care of yourselves," he smiled and appeared somewhat modest. "I'd invite you for refreshments and lodging at my dwelling, but I am sure you have to get going."
"Ya,..." Bankotsu drifted off.
"You're him, aren't you?" Kikyo stated more than asked. The smile only marginally widened on his face.
"The one with the orb" Bankotsu was finishing Kikyo's sentences.
"Of course, let me introduce myself. My name is Waruimaru, your humble servant." He took a nominal bow. "I've come to share information with you."
"Ya?" Bankotsu said a little rudely.
"Would it interest you," his voice was low and stealthy, "to know where Naraku's heart is?" Kikyo's eyes widened considerably.
"Naraku's heart..." the words whispered off her lips. "What do you want from us?"
"Nothing," he smiled cruelly. His head lowered a bit and his back slumped. "Far west of here," Kikyo watched his lips move beneath the hood, "is a large castle at a mountain's base. The castle is guarded by an ominous barrier and hoards of demons occupy its boundaries. Inside the castle, in a large empty room in the cellar where... you will find what you seek." With his empty grizzled hand, he reached inside his robes and withdrew a small clear ball. It's glossy surface was smooth and its inside soaked with nebulous light, like a galaxy. The cloudy inside swirled about before showing something that resembled a large dark vacant room. Several young children were positioned near a wall. A boy in black stood next to a seated white girl with a baby in her arms. The glass ball focused in on the baby with light purple hair. It was Kanna, Kohaku, and Naraku's heart.
Kikyo's stare was intense as she watched the display. Bankotsu too seemed impressed by the orb's power and the collection of Naraku's followers. Waruimaru slipped the Orb of Douou back into his robes after they had a good look at the baby.
"Do not think that I do not want you to come visit me at the temple," he smiled, "I would very much enjoy your company. I will leave you now, please enjoy the rest of your journey." He lifted his arm suggestively at their surroundings, and his body obtained an opaque quality. He was slowly disappearing. Neither attempted to stop him because it would be useless.
"He's not telling us the whole story," Bankotsu pondered aloud, "there's something else there."
"Hm" Kikyo gave an affirmative. Her eyes were distant.
"So what do you want to do," his voice was blank. "If it is a trick, we will be way off track and Naraku may get the orb before we do."
"He wouldn't show us this for Naraku's benefit. He wants to split us up so one will go after him and the other will kill the baby." Bankotsu looked at her mildly.
"I'm getting my kimono back before you leave," he said flatly. A shadow of a smile skirted the lips that were so devoid of happiness.
"Let's find a place to rest for the night. In the morning, we shall decide." Bankotsu was surprised by the tone of her voice. It was soft, unlike the cold that usually made him wonder if she were capable of lighter emotions, as though all the aspirations and dreams she might have once had were stolen from her, leaving her completely hollow. Her voice held hope, hope like when you pretend your going to see someone again soon, and you promise you will, and it leaves you feeling good, but you know that it will never happen. That you can't let go, or say goodbye. That you might just be looking at someone for the last time.
Kikyo knelt down where she was standing and picked up some small plants. Bankotsu watched her absentmindedly as he considered her strange behavior. He was getting to her. It almost made him proud. Kikyo looked back up at him from the ground. He blinked twice to come back to reality.
"Something the matter?"
"No," he turned around and surveyed the area for a place to camp. The woods were so congested he considered he'd have to carve out a place for them to sleep. Night was creeping in too. It wouldn't be long. He scratched his head thoughtfully.
Kikyo stood up beside him with a bushel full of small leafy plants. He breathed in through his nostrils: herbs. They tried to get to a less bushy area, but it was still pretty infested. In the end, Bankotsu did unleash the Akagawa's wrath on some small household shrubs. Kikyo set up a fire.
"I'll be back," Bankotsu called as he left to get some food. Kikyo sat by the fire and started mending her kimono. She'd manage to find some plant's fibrous enough to make a type of twine. She started sewing up her kimono. It still looked shoddy when she was done, but it would suffice. Then she removed his from her shoulders and folded it up. Pulling out the herbs, she made an ointment that should help heal his injuries.
Bankotsu trotted back into their camp carrying a bore over his shoulder. The beast was dead as it dropped to the ground next to the fire. Bankotsu pulled out his sword and skewered a few pieces of meat on, then stuck it in the fire.
Kikyo didn't look at all surprised. Instead she got up and went over to him with the ointment.
"The mosquitoes hurt you more than their blades," she said as she carefully inspected his wounds. He just shrugged and kept munching on his caveman-like barbeque. He had to admit it felt good when she cleaned out his wounds. The ointment was soothing and her touch was so light.
"Do you want any?" he asked when she was particularly close to his face. She blinked confusion. "Pork?" She shook her head and smiled delicately as her eyes fell back to the wound on his neck.
"Could you lie back?" She asked quietly. He obliged and laid down on his back. She eased ointment over the gash on his stomach as he thoughtfully munched his dinner and looked up at the black void above. When she was done she settled her hands in her lap and also indulged in star gazing. The night was so calm and demure. A peaceful wind played with her hair as it sifted through the area. The scent of flowers graced them. Fireflies flit soundlessly through the air.
Kikyo sighed to herself and looked down on her lap. She picked up his folded kimono and offered it to him. He smiled pleasantly and took it.
"Thank you."
She smiled mildly back at him. Although none of her smiles could be really called "smiles," Bankotsu recognized them for shadows of smiles or a small siting of something long dead. He wondered if Inuyasha ever saw her like this anymore. Somehow, he figured he didn't.
"When will you leave?" he broke the dreamy atmosphere.
"In the morning," she let the breeze carry her words away.
"If Renkotsu's at the castle," Bankotsu's gaze fell back on Kikyo who was still lost in the heavens, "tell him where to find me."
"Alright"
Another silence permeated the subtle night.
"Bankotsu," Kikyo said his name for the first time.
"Hmm?"
"When I go," she spoke slowly, "the Akagawa's blade will no longer appear. It requires spiritual powers nearby in order for you to handle it."
"I know," he said lightly. Her eyes fell down on him, somewhat surprised. "I can feel it. It pulses like a heartbeat when you get close and softens when you get farther away."
Her eyes watched him for a long time, gauging his reaction. He didn't seem effected at all. Her eyes drifted off. A blue milky light was just hovering into the distance and something else was coming too... She focused on it. It was approaching, not quickly, but definitely. Bankotsu looked over too to see what was so enthralling.
A soul collector emerged and swooped down over them, circling them. It's pale light illuminated their faces. Another joined it and they continued to orbit around the pair. Kikyo accepted a soul and released a couple more. Bankotsu seemed amused that the more soul collectors that swept through the air, the more fireflies that congregated. It was mystical. They landed on his clothes and one perched on Kikyo's hair near her ear.
"The jewel shard is here," she stated.
"Followed us did it?"
She did not reply. He sighed and stood up.
"I'll go get it," he said as though it were a chore. He picked up the Akagawa off the ground and walked through the tall brush. Kikyo could hear him thwacking trees and grass, as though he were searching the ground for it. The fire died. A wisp of smoke escaped it and then it crumpled. Most of her soul collectors had gone. A few remained.
Kikyo heard the grass bustling and twigs snapping. Someone quietly cursed and then fell forward into her small clearing, not expecting to walk into an open area. It was a young girl with disheveled black hair and a torn uniform. She rubbed her back and searched the ground until she saw the being sitting in the clearing.
"Kikyo!" she gasped as she looked up. It was Kagome.
"You are surprised?" Kikyo searched her face. "Did you not follow the soul collectors here?"
"Uh, well," Kagome was fumbling for words and looking somewhat embarrassed, "yes."
"You are alone?" she questioned with a mildly interested countenance.
"Ya," she came closer, but still stood. "Naraku kidnaped me and then left me in the wilderness." Kikyo seemed genuinely interested.
"Why?"
"I, I don't know"
"Did you possess that sacred jewel shard from the start?"
"No, I just found it recently,... before I saw... your soul collectors"
"Sit down. Eat." Kikyo offered Kagome some pork that Bankotsu had let cool.
"Oh wow, food!" Kagome's eyes lit up. "Thank you," Kagome ate greedily for a moment, but then looked around expectantly, "umm, Kikyo?" Kikyo's eyes softened as she looked at her reincarnation. "Didn't Bankotsu kidnap you?"
Just then Bankotsu appeared behind Kagome. He looked down at her, somewhat peeved.
Kagome let out an eek because his sudden appearance scared her. She scooted over to Kikyo.
"You don't have to jump out of the bushes you know," she was embarrassed at having jumped and didn't feel very comfortable with either of them.
"So it's you," Bankotsu sounded sorely disappointed. Then his eyes widened as he inspected her further.
"What?" Kagome looked a bit skittish.
"Is that my pork?"
"Uh..."
"Fine, take it." He shoved it off with a dismissive wave of his hand. Though he still seemed disgruntled.
"Thank you," she mumbled.
"So did Naraku get tired of you or something?"
"Excuse me?" Kagome cried incredulously.
"He made off with you didn't he?"
Kagome's face turned red. "Yes, he kidnaped me," she said in a very forced tone.
"What'd he want?"
"You have no right to ask me that," Kagome's voice was acid. She stood up and pointed at him. "Just who do you think you are? You're worse than Inuyasha!"
"Ya, and it looks like he cares just as much as I do." Bankotsu sat down next to Kikyo and started heating some more pork over a new fire. Kagome's eyes threatened tears. She glared down at him and started screaming.
"Don't lash out at me just because I have friends who care and you don't! They're dead so you might as well get used to it. And if you want me to leave just say so! You don't have to be such a jerk!" She wiped her eyes on her sleeve and started walking away, but stopped short.
The trees rustled and she knew wandering about at this time of night wasn't a good idea. Besides, she had so narrowly escaped death already today. Finding the jewel shard was more trouble than it was worth and now her feet were aching and her entire body needed rest. She turned and looked at Kikyo. For a moment Kagome forgot her moping because she caught something in Kikyo's glance. It was pity, but at the same time, she didn't remember ever seeing Kikyo giving her the pity looks as opposed to herself delivering them. Kikyo was... showing emotion. Kagome blinked again as she realized what she wanted to ask.
"Kikyo," she very pointedly focused on the one person present she thought my be empathetic with her, "may I stay here for the night?"
"If you wish," she replied lightly.
"Thank you," she did her best to act stuffy and sat across the fire from them. Kagome observed them the best she could while trying to appear as though she wasn't. Bankotsu and Kikyo are sitting together. They're even sharing personal space. This is definitely a new development... However, as interesting as Kagome found this bit of gossip, she was extremely exhausted. She laid down and rested her head on the warm earth. It felt like forever since she had rested her head.
Naraku hadn't been exactly hospitable, but she couldn't remember exactly what had happened. It was like there was a huge gap in her memory. She remembered being captured and taken to a small hut where she was tied up. Then her memory was patchy. She remembered vaguely seeing people like Hakudoushi, Kagura, Renkotsu, and Kohaku fade in and out of focus. It was like she had been drugged. She had seen Naraku, and he had smiled fiendishly as he approached her, but everything else was blank. The next thing she remembered was falling and hitting the earth. When she got up she was really groggy and out in the middle of nowhere. It was later that she felt the presence of the sacred jewel and went to get it. It had been encased in a strange box that somewhat exploded at her touch. A demon had chased her, but she had somehow managed to escape through the brush. Then by the stroke of luck she had caught sight of Kikyo's soul collectors and hoped dearly she wouldn't be far, or more like that Inuyasha would not be far, with Kikyo... Now she was staying with her only romantic rival and a very rude murdering mercenary. Decided that she would not think on either of them again that night, Kagome closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep.
Author's Note: Hello again! Thanks so much for more reviews everyone! Yay:) I really appreciate it. It really inspires me to write more. I love it. :D So please continue!
Oh, and since I haven't said this in awhile: I don't own Inuyasha.