Chapter 10: The Plight of the Reunited
It was dawn when Bankotsu felt his weary eyelids flutter open. He spread his legs, stretched an arm into the air, and removed the sleep from his eyes with a yawn. Everyone else was still asleep. The darkness would lift soon and he would clearly see the strange conglomeration of cohorts that Inuyasha carried around with him. Bankotsu stretched again and scratched his aching head. The bath had taken the grime away, but he was disappointed the pain wouldn't wash away as easily. Still, it wasn't as bad as yesterday.
When the sun finally did rise, Bankotsu was well prepared. He had already eaten a hearty fish breakfast.
The Akagawa was restless. It pointed south as usual, but it seemed giddy. He was just getting used to Kagome's power and now it was acting up again. He honestly could not believe it. It was temperamental.
Bankotsu sat down by himself. The others weren't far away, but he liked his solitude and he had really decided he didn't like them. It wasn't merely that they were alive and he wasn't; he just didn't like them. Koga was ok, but Miroku, Sango, Kagome... They all had too high a sense of moral imperative and justice. It was exhausting to be around. It was like they produced their own little aura of do-gooding. Bankotsu himself wasn't without standards and lived by a high code of decency and honor, but it was greatly different from the overconfident self-righteousness that seemed to exude from these people like drool from a dog's mouth.
Bankotsu pulled out the Akagawa and looked at it. The energy about it was tense. He ran a finger down the blade and energy zapped out in little shocks like electricity. Is the end near? Is that why you're acting so strangely? It surprised him that the sword hadn't spoken to him again. He did remember it saying something about needing rest, and he had been using it a lot, but still he thought it should at least keep him company. He frowned.
Voices soaked the morning breeze. He turned his head to check. Yep. They're awake. He stood up and pranced back to camp.
"Do you have anything to eat Kagome?" Bankotsu heard a weary young fox demon ask in a groggy voice.
"Sure, Shippo," the young woman smiled at the tike. Bankotsu didn't announce his presence but just stood and watched them.
"Oh yum," he smiled at her and thanked her for the petite breakfast cereal box.
"Ah, morning already," Sango sat up and rubbed her eyes.
"Ack!" Kagome screamed and Bankotsu dazedly peered down at her, "do you always have to sneak up on me?" Bankotsu didn't respond but since he was discovered he stepped further into view. "What are you a zombie or something?" He looked down at her cynically. She thought for a second at what she said, "oh, I suppose you are. That does explain a lot."
"Are you always this bright?"
"Tough words coming from a guy who actually is death warmed over," she shot back.
"Doin' better than you, hon."
"No you aren't you sorry excuse for a human. Inuyasha kicked your undead butt and dropped it in the hereafter. And he can do it again too!"
"And where is the captain? Awh, that's right. He's with his first mate."
"Errr!" she screamed. She charged over to him and bellowed at him. "You unbelievable jerk! Don't talk to me!"
"Come on, let's go," Bankotsu said in a tired voice. The group seemed disturbed by his scuffle with his Kagome, but got up regardless. Totosei and Myoga had already left.
Kagome eyed Bankotsu suspiciously but didn't say her thoughts aloud. He needs me for some reason. Otherwise he wouldn't hang around. Bankotsu returned her glance and she looked away.
It wasn't long before they were on the road again, despite sleepiness. Bankotsu took the lead with Kagome and the others not far behind.
He sure does act like Inuyasha sometimes. But there's something there. There's something else to it. Kagome watched the back of Bankotsu's head as he walked along ahead of them. Her eyes drifted down to the sword. That's it! It's something about that sword. What else could it be? That has to be it. It must require some sort of spiritual power. She smiled to herself. That's why he's hanging around Kikyo. I wonder if she knows he's using her.
Bankotsu stopped in his tracks. Kagome looked up. Ahead of them stood a tall slim woman with long light blond hair. She smiled warmly at them.
"Good morning," Miroku called cheerily. She widened her smile to expose her pearly whites. Sango elbowed Miroku in the side. "Ow! What?" He did his best to appear innocent. Sango huffed.
"Would you fine folk happen to be the traveling party looking for Lord Waruimaru?" Her voice was as lovely as her flowing tresses.
"Yes, that would be us," Miroku obliged her.
"Wonderful. My lord wishes you to join him in the temple as soon as you can make it."
"Your lord?" Koga scoffed.
"You mean you're working for the bad guy?" Shippo revealed everyone's surprise.
"Yes, my lord apologizes that he could not receive you in person, but sends his sincerest greetings."
"Something reigns false about her," Sango whispered to Miroku.
"Ya, she's a demon," Shippo informed her. Koga shook his head.
"Waruimaru sent her to fight us."
"Half demon, actually," she smiled at them and lightly touched her two small cat ears on the top of her head. Kagome gasped. Just like Inuyasha. The small ears were hardly noticeable under the white-blond hair and sweet smile. In fact, thinking on it, Kagome discovered she looked almost exactly like Inuyasha, she was just a girl. "Would you like to fight me?" Her voice rang with sweet innocence.
"Is that not why your lord sent you?" Koga asked gruffly.
"Well no, but I'd hate to be considered inhospitable."
"Alright then," Bankotsu finally spoke up, "you heard the woman." He pointed to her and looked expectantly at the crowd behind him.
"You can't fight her Bankotsu!" Kagome cried incredulously at him.
"Why not?"
"She said she didn't come to fight."
"And you bought it."
"If you fight her, I'll leave."
At that Bankotsu let out a hearty laugh. His upper body shook with his merriment.
"Just what is so funny?" Kagome was really peeved at this point.
"Is that what you say to Inuyasha too?" He laughed again. "Attempts at petty control. I love it."
"You are so rude! Just shut up."
Bankotsu didn't seem to be paying attention and picked some wax out of his ear with his pinky finger.
"Just ignore him, Kagome," Sango advised.
"If you'd prefer," the young half demon cut in, "I can come back later."
"No, please excuse us. What did you come to tell us?" Kagome tried to save face.
"Just that my lord expects you at the temple soon," she smiled, "and that you may not find the rest of the journey as pleasurable as the beginning."
"Pleasurable?" Koga chocked.
"Of course if you crave the danger," she was inviting and polite, "by all means, please enjoy yourselves. I'm sure my master will understand."
"What danger?" Miroku asked suspiciously.
"Oh my," she seemed a little surprised, "well I can hardly recount all of them."
"Why are you trying to be so polite," Shippo pondered, "you're one of the dangers right?"
"My, my," she smiled and stepped closer to them to look at him, "you're a cute one." Shippo blushed. "Well for honesty's sake, I suppose you could say so. Though I've never killed anything in my life." She seemed to pause and started counting the group members. "Isn't there suppose to be one more of you?" She looked earnestly at Kagome.
"Um, ya. Inuyasha hasn't come back yet."
"Oh that's right! Inuyasha. I'm quite pleased to meet you all. Do you know you've caused quite a buzz in the demon world? Oh my, I'm rambling. Forgive me." She came in closer yet and stood by Kagome. "You will give my best to Inuyasha won't you?"
"Uh, sure," Kagome smiled. The half demon's expression changed to be a bit more sympathetic.
"Or not," she said with less delight, "we girls know how guys can be." She seemed to be talking only to Kagome. Her eyes suggested Bankotsu and Kagome followed them. "Men," she rolled her eyes and then giggled to Kagome. Kagome smiled weakly with a certain someone on her mind. "Well I hope to see you all again soon. I'm afraid my time is short. Take care of yourselves!" She waved and started walking away.
Bankotsu stood up. Kagome just noticed he had been sitting down for a time. He shoved off in the direction they had been traveling without saying a word. The others followed while chatting about their visitor.
It wasn't long before they were traveling through long grass and brush. Bankotsu heard the beasts that were circling them. They had been there since before the half demon girl showed up. They were waiting for something so he didn't bother with them. It was possible the others were aware of their presence, but seemed off put by the amiability of the half demon girl. She was also a decent threat. He hadn't done anything when she moved in on Kagome. The girl could have been easily cut down, but Bankotsu was just too tired to care. He assumed the half demon was testing her limits and seeing how they were responding to her: apparently very well. That was their loss, not his. These people jumped to the conclusion that anything cute on two legs was predestined for good. What a load.
A small clearing opened and Bankotsu stopped in the middle. The beasts were closing in. Everyone else stopped behind him. Koga appeared tense. Kiara growled.
"What is it Kiara?" Kagome cooed. Bankotsu turned around.
A high pitched scream reverberated about them. Kagome ducked. Koga grabbed on to her to hold her safe. Six large monsters with talons and fierce yellow eyes leapt up in the air above them. Bankotsu watched them. They were all looking at Kagome.
"Hiraikotsu!" Sango cried and caught two, but they were descending rapidly.
"Ahhh!" Shippo yelped as he held on closely to Kagome.
"Kagome!" A voice yelled through the surrounding brush.
A streak of white light sliced through the demons and disintegrated them on impact. The atmosphere calmed and a light wind passed through the grass.
"Inuyasha," Kagome breathed as he stepped into the clearing. Koga let go of her with a disappointed look.
"Kagome," he looked at her intensely, "are you alright?"
"I'm fine," she smiled.
"What were you doing, you flea bag? How could you put Kagome in danger like that?"
"Shut up mutt face, you're not one to talk."
"What are you still doing here?" he growled at Bankotsu.
Bankotsu hadn't done anything the whole time and just watched them.
"So you're back," Bankotsu added unnecessarily.
"Ya, so you can leave now," Inuyasha growled at him.
"What, are you afraid I'll move in on your other woman, Inuyasha?"
"Don't tell me that means you actually do like Kikyo?" Inuyasha's voice rang shock and
denial as though it had been something he had been dreading for some time.
"You never know," he closed his eyes and waved his hand suggestively, "she might just be the one."
Everything went quiet. Bankotsu smirked at their aghast faces. However, what he found most amusing about the whole thing was that even he didn't know just how serious his words
might be. He tended to go with whatever felt right and the funny thing was that Kikyo did.
"Later, Inuyasha," he waved and turned to go.
"Don't you dare," he heard the voice rumble behind him. "You're staying right here where I can kill you." Bankotsu turned his head.
"That's a bit harsh, don't ya' think?"
"Ya, but for you," he glared, " I think I'll make an exception. I can't have someone as incapable as you hang around with Kikyo."
"You act like you're her father," Bankotsu laughed.
"She's not safe with you," he glared at him.
"Don't you get it, Inuyasha," Bankotsu sneered, "Kikyo doesn't want a protector, she wants a partner."
"Don't act like you know what she wants," Inuyasha spat. "Just shut up and die!"
"Sure, I'll take ya'," Bankotsu smiled, "if you think Kagome's life is worth it."
"What?"
"You're problems aren't over yet," Bankotsu pointed to the eyes poking out of the dense grass.
"Inuyasha," Kagome squeaked as she saw them staring at her.
"What are these things?" Koga growled.
"I don't know, but we'll have to hold them off." Miroku sounded dismayed.
"Oh no," Inuyasha cried and lunged the menacing demons.
Bankotsu started leaving again when he suddenly stopped. The Akagawa pulsed powerfully. He kept looking strait ahead, but then his eyes softened and he turned to the side.
Kikyo stepped out of some tall grass into the clearing. Her gaze fell first on Inuyasha and Kagome and then turned to Bankotsu. Inuyasha didn't notice her because he was busy fighting, but Kagome did. Kikyo held her cold exterior and walked without hesitation over to Bankotsu. He greeted her with a smile and they started off together.
"Got them," Inuyasha said proudly, "I can't smell anymore of them–" He stopped and Kagome saw his focus leave her completely. He turned around. "Kikyo," he sounded hurt, "what are you doing?" She didn't answer or turn to acknowledge him. He jumped and landed in front of her and Bankotsu. They stopped. "Kikyo, I can't let you go with him."
"You would stop me, Inuyasha?"
"Kikyo, it's beyond all reason. He's dangerous." Inuyasha still held his sword firmly in his hand and pointed it at Bankotsu. "I forbid it."
"Is this how you reason, Inuyasha?" Bankotsu chuckled.
"There is no reasoning when it comes to you," he said fiercely. "You don't deserve to live you murdering bastard." He held his sword at the ready. Even Koga seemed impressed by how far Inuyasha was going for this.
"Do you mean to tell me then, Inuyasha," Kikyo's eyes grew shaky and glistened, "that the monster of my death really does exist?"
Bankotsu's eyes grew serious as he looked at the woman beside him. He had only seen her like this once before: back in the cave when they spoke of trust. Except this time she was more guarded than before. Perhaps she was thinking of the same situation, that caused her pain before, now. Agony is how he would describe it.
Bankotsu could feel it. The pain surging through her, beating, beating. It made him want to reach out to her, comfort her in someway, any way. She was curling up inside herself again. He could see it in her eyes.
"I would hardly call your relationship any healthier, Inuyasha," Bankotsu's eyes narrowed.
"Kikyo," Inuyasha ignored Bankotsu, "it's completely ridiculous. It's against everything we've worked for. You come back from the grave only to accompany one of Naraku's co-conspirators? You just can't do it."
"I know what I'm doing, Inuyasha."
"No you don't. He's– He's evil incarnate, Kikyo! Can't you see?"
Bankotsu's eyes lifted from picking his nails with his sword. He swung it down to one hand and held it suggestively.
"That's enough," Kikyo lifted a hand to Bankotsu. His eyes softened as he looked at the small hand by his lips. His face relaxed as he looked at her. He sheathed his sword.
"Come on, Kikyo," Inuyasha stepped closer.
"Stay away from me, Inuyasha," Kikyo's voice grew malice.
"Kikyo," he was taken aback, but tried to reach her by stepping closer.
"Stay away!" He stepped back with shock radiating from his golden eyes.
Kikyo stepped past him and Bankotsu followed. Inuyasha stood in disbelief. They walked away side by side in silence. Inuyasha felt his heart fall.
Inuyasha walked back over to his friends.
"I'm sorry, Kagome." He stood beside her with his bangs covering his eyes.
"Inuyasha," she tried to reach him, but couldn't see his eyes as he hid.
"I," he began, "I never meant to hurt you."
"I'm glad to have you back," she smiled at him.
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Kikyo was silent for a long time so Bankotsu remained silent. She needed her time. The sun slowly fell over the horizon. They kept traveling late into the night. Neither of them got tired. On the path, they had encountered various demons who had oddly stepped out of their way or put up little effort to thwart them.
They finally stopped for camp in a remote little outcropping. Bankotsu got the impression that Kikyo was trying to be as far away from Inuyasha as possible while still going to the temple. It wasn't surprising considering his attitude toward her, but she was still running away from him which Bankotsu found very uncharacteristic of his new comrade.
"Are you hungry?" her eyes were hollow again. She was sitting and staring at the campfire she had just built to spite the soaking light of the moon. Bankotsu sat down beside her.
"Did you get to the baby?"
"Waruimaru sent a ninja to retrieve him."
"Ah, ninjas," Bankotsu said in an admiring tone, "can't beat them." He paused.
"Thanks for saving me from those nice assholes. I owe you one." She was quiet. "I can't help but envy him though." Bankotsu's eyes fell on the fire too. "Inuyasha. He has Kagome, Sango, Miroku, Koga, and even you. He'll never have to suffer the fate of Ouroboros." Bankotsu pulled a small circular object from a pocket. He rubbed it between his thumb and fingers. It was a snake curled up so it was consuming its own tail. "Heard of him?" He turned his head to her.
"No," she looked up.
"The ancient serpent is a sign for eternity, death, rebirth, and retribution." He paused and looked up from the fire. "On one of the raids of the Band of Seven we came upon this village with a local priest. We destroyed his town. The others were ransacking the place when I came across him. And he turned to me and said: 'here, while you're at it, take this. You deserve it.' So he gives me this toy snake and I say thanks and am about to stick the guy when he says: 'may you forever bear the fate of Ouroboros, the one who has to face the wrath of himself.' To this day I haven't forgotten the old codger's words. For weeks after the incident, I couldn't figure out why it bothered me so much. Then it hit me. Everything he said was true. Because when it comes down to it, fighting to be the best will eventually end in you fighting yourself. And here, sitting in my hands, is the very embodiment of my doom. The snake that is so powerful it has to eat itself. Here, take it," he handed it to her. She accepted it and gazed upon it. "Look," he showed her, "if you push it togther too much it breaks. Kinda neat, huh?" She looked up at him thoughtfully.
"Is this what you fear?"
"No, it's what I have to accept."
"Is it always," she drifted off, " that simple?"
"I've learned to deal with it."
"I should too," her eyes fell to the fire. He looked over at her. Silence. "I think it really was Inuyasha who killed me." She shattered the emptiness. "Naraku may have struck me down, but it was this man who I allowed to stand between me and my duty that took my life. It's true, I gave it to him. I gave it to him freely and willingly. And I curse myself everyday for it. I don't blame him for Naraku's sin, but when he left, he left with my life. I pinned him to the tree to try to make him give it back, but only then did I see that he had gotten away and taken it with him." She paused. "Even after I revived I thought that I had finally gotten it back. But when he stood there, looking exactly as he did the day I died, I knew he still had it and that very same day, he asked me to die for him a second time. I resolved to take him with me to hell, accepting the fact that I could never get my life back, but I could take his instead. Still, after I let him go, I moved on in the hope of discovering a new life somewhere along the way. But he has always kept me, and I have never trusted again. The only way I have trusted people is to be unworthy of trust."
"You have to trust people to be more than they are, Kikyo," he stared at the sparkling flames. "Even if you say that you only trust them to be themselves, it's just another way of saying that you don't trust them."
"And if I did?"
"You never know, you might just get your life back." He grinned at her. She looked up into that smirk. She could have been upset, she knew he was toying with her, but instead she let it go. "I know you don't want to make the same mistake twice, but that's not really the problem here. There's more to trust than the possibility of betrayal, abandonment, or deception. I think it's worth more than you realize."
"What is it worth to you?"
"Everything. And that is also what it has cost me, but do you know what? I'd do it again and I am."
"Why?"
"Because, it's worth it. I'm worth it. And you're worth it."
"You're saying that you would die three times over for something as predictable as the wind?"
"Thousands of times, Kikyo. Thousands..." There was a silence. "I know your situation was different than mine. You loved him, didn't you? My teammates were like brothers to me. I know what it's like to have family turn on you, Kikyo, even if my love for them was different than your love. It hurts just the same."
"Did you see Renkotsu again?"
"Ya, I blew him to hell."
"It's strange isn't it, how those ties you believed were so steadfast can break like cobwebs in the wind?"
"There's a difference between believing and knowing, Kikyo."
"And what do you know," she searched his eyes.
"Enough," he smiled knowingly back at her. Those midnight blue irises capsulated her. "And so do you." He laid back and stared up into the deep dark heavens: a place he would never go, for an adventure he'd never have. Perhaps that is why it enraptured both of them so. She reclined beside him and just gazed up. In all the universe, there was really nothing like it.