Chapter 12: The Temple
It seemed as though the field was endless, just miles upon miles of open country. And in all the desolate expanse of grass and sky, Bankotsu couldn't help but feel the emptiness. Kikyo seemed equally reverent about the place. She said nothing. He wondered if this sublime atmosphere, penetrated by nothing, was suppose to contrast the teeming blaze that ensnared them earlier. I wonder if Inuyasha fumbled into the same experience we did with the fire. By the looks of him, I'd guess no. Perhaps his confidence in his friends does not need to be tested, though I wouldn't assume the same about his love.
The Akagawa pulsed at his waist and Bankotsu looked up. Ahead stood a tall archway inscribed with simple writing. Around the archway was no wall or other structure. It just stood alone in the middle of a meadow. Beyond the archway there was a large downward slope, at the pit of which stood a large dark building. Its roofs were elaborate and flowing with various gargoyles standing guard.
Strangely enough, this view was only clear when looking through the archway. As Bankotsu looked to the side of the archway, nothing but miles of field expanded into the distance. He blinked and gave a sidelong glance to Kikyo. She seemed focus on the same phenomena. A shuffling of feet silenced from behind them. Inuyasha, Kagome, and the others had caught up and were equally perplexed. Shippo walked forward and took a good look at the inscription on the archway.
"Speak the true desire of your heart and you may pass?" He read it aloud to see if it would be any clearer verbally.
"That doesn't sound too hard," Kagome blurted.
Kikyo's glance followed to her reincarnation, but revealed nothing. Inuyasha stepped forward and gazed up at the arch.
"When I grow up," Shippo started cheerfully, "I want to be as strong as my father." He stepped forward. The air in the archway quivered as he entered. Then it waved rapidly and reflected his image like a curved mirror. He yelped and was tossed back. The archway calmed and the temple inside became clear again.
"Shippo!" Kagome ran to his aid. "Are you alright?" She plunked down beside him.
"Huh?" He looked confusedly up at the forbidding archway, "why didn't it let me pass?"
"I don't know," she puzzled.
"So is this the wall of judgement?" Koga looked up and pondered.
"Maybe," Inuyasha considered.
"It is," Shippo dictated.
"So what does it do?"
"It tests the desires of your heart," Shippo surmised. "I guess."
"So someone selfishly in search of the Orb of Douou would not be allowed in?" Kagome asked.
"It is possible," Shippo contemplated.
"Come on, Shippo," Inuyasha rolled his eyes, "you don't know anything. Stop acting like you are our resident expert." Shippo ground his teeth together and stared at Inuyasha. He jumped up and smacked him on the head. Inuyasha landed a fist on top of the tyke's head and he immediately regretting provoking him.
"Violence doesn't solve anything, Inuyasha," Shippo rubbed his head sorely.
"Keh," Inuyasha shrugged, "get over it."
Kagome stepped over to the gateway and touched it. It repelled her and with a zap of electricity.
"Ah," she hopped back. "That actually hurt."
"See," Shippo leered at Inuyasha.
"Are you alright, Kagome?" Inuyasha looked at her hand. It appeared fine.
"Let me help you, Kagome," Koga stepped over, picked her up, and took her away from Inuyasha and Shippo.
"Ay!"
"I'm fine, Koga," she smiled, "really. I can walk and everything."
"Can never be too safe," he shrugged, "especially around here."
"Exactly," Inuyasha added, "which is why she's safer over here. With me." He picked her up and walked away from Koga. Koga pursued the minor scuffle.
As Inuyasha put Kagome down, Kikyo stepped forward to the entrance way. She stopped, bowed her head, and closed her eyes.
"Freedom," she said lightly. With that, she crossed through and walked on. The mirror-like window didn't even shiver.
Inuyasha turned around to see her suddenly beyond the archway. She had her back to him as she walked. Her gait halted. The wind on the other side tugged at her clothes and hair. Her head turned back to them. He saw the set look in her eyes. She looked at him, but it was barely a passing glance. He swallowed. He watched her eyes turn to Bankotsu and settle on him. Bankotsu sauntered up to the archway.
"I don't want anything at all," he didn't stop as he spoke, but just walked straight through.
Inuyasha blinked.
"No. Way."
The archway admitted him and they started down the hill.
"Did you see that!" Shippo squeaked. "He walked right through it."
"There's no way this could test the purity of your heart," Inuyasha sneered, "otherwise he would have never made it through."
"Maybe it is just judging the desires of our hearts. Their answers didn't sound too bad to me," Kagome offered.
"What if the desire of your heart is bad?" Shippo looked up at Kagome.
"Well you don't need to worry about that," she smiled, "or do you, Shippo?"
"But then why didn't it let me through? I didn't think that wanting to be like my dad was such a bad wish."
"That's right," Kagome considered, "maybe I'm wrong then."
Inuyasha jumped forward to the archway.
"The sacred jewel," he proclaimed and pushed a hand through the entrance. The mirror bounced and flapped madly and repelled his arm. "To kill Naraku," he tried again. Again the barrier repelled his attempt. "To become a full-blooded demon." Nope. "To avenge Kikyo's death." Denied. "Ah! What is with this thing!" He stamped his foot in outrage.
"Cool down, Inuyasha," Kagome soothed, "maybe we're just going about this the wrong way."
"What do you suggest?"
"Well, I don't..."
"Maybe," Koga thought aloud, "it just decides the honesty of our answers."
"But everything I just said was the truth," Inuyasha said with a little more force than he intended.
"We know, Inuyasha," Kagome tried to chill the excited mood.
"Hey guys," Shippo interjected.
"I didn't mean it that forcefully," Inuyasha said defensively.
"Hey!" Shippo stood up as tall as he could and shouted.
"What?" Inuyasha looked down his nose at him.
"I think I've figured it out. The gateway itself doesn't judge anything. It is we who must judge ourselves and decide what we truly want."
"What do you mean, Shippo?" Kagome looked down at the child.
"I think if someone who isn't sure of the true wish of their heart tries to pass the gateway, they will be driven off. In order to pass, you have to be resolved and know yourself."
"Are you suggesting something?" Inuyasha stared down at him.
Shippo shook his head and then walked up to the archway.
"I wish to never be left alone," he said firmly and walked through. The mirror didn't flash. Shippo smiled proudly. "See?" He grinned at Inuyasha.
"Keh," Inuyasha folded his arms "lucky guess."
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The temple wasn't a far walk down the hill at all. Maybe that was just because it was downhill. The building itself was elaborately decorated with tall statues, intricate paintings, columns, and other beautiful, not to mention valuable, artistry. Bankotsu tried to compare it to various castles he had raided, but it was a hard comparison because the temple really was different from anything he'd seen or pillaged before.
Just outside the large entranceway, a girl with long blond hair stepped out from behind a column. She smiled warmly.
"Good evening," her harmonic voice floated cheerily over to them. They stopped before her.
"How's it going?" Bankotsu greeted.
"Very well, thank you," she replied pleasantly. "And you?"
"Great."
"Excellent," she smiled. "I am truly glad that you both made it to the temple safely. Sometimes the trek here is more fun than our guests can handle. It has been quite a while since our last company. Our visitors are few and far between. I hope you will stay with us for at least a while." They said nothing. "Well, then," she smiled, "please come inside. We have everything set up for your arrival."
"You do?" Bankotsu blinked.
"Of course," she smiled. "Follow me." She turned and lead them inside. The temple's ceilings were tall and it was very spacious inside. Bankotsu marveled at the pristine tidiness of everything from the smooth floors to the cobweb-free ceilings. The girl lead them through room after room until they came to a fine dining room with a long table, velvety cushions, and cutlery. The smell of fresh food tantalized them. Candles illuminated the dishes and warmed the calm atmosphere. At the end of the table sat a man with long white hair, a thin pointed mustache, and beard. He sat very peacefully and a polite smile wavered on his lips as they entered.
"Greetings my honored guests," he spread his arms, "and welcome to my humble home. Please sit down," he waved his arm over two seats perpendicular to him, "we can begin." They took their seats. He looked over to the girl. "Shina, would you please retrieve Tadao for us?"
She bowed politely and left the room briefly. When she returned, a man in silky black robes accompanied her and joined her on the other side of the table, across from Bankotsu and Kikyo.
"Ah, good, now we're all here. Please," he smiled, "begin." The tops on the main courses lifted and steam frothed up into the dimly lit room. The smell was wonderful. Bankotsu looked at the delicacies, then up at Waruimaru.
"Why are you doing all this?" He couldn't help but ask. Waruimaru seemed to have expected such a reaction, for he did not even start filling his plate like the ninja and Shina.
"Well I would be a disappointingly shabby host if I did not at least accommodate my guests to the best of my ability." Bankotsu just watched him. He had no suspicion that Waruimaru would try to poison them or any other form of lowly foul play, but the generosity was misplaced. "You are wondering then," Waruimaru assumed, "when we will have our battle?"
"Ya," Bankotsu considered, "something like that."
"Have no fear," he smiled as though his worries were assuaged, "tomorrow we will wage our war. Tonight we will eat, drink, shmooze, and sleep to our hearts' content. No sense wasting a glorious night like this on fighting, I say," he spoke as though war were just another afternoon tea. "It takes rest and fine treatment to prepare a soul for battle. Surely you both know this," he smiled warmly, "so don't be afraid to make yourselves merry. We are all ladies and gentlemen here. We may as well behave as such and enjoy ourselves." With that, he raised his wine glass and toasted them. Shina and Tadao imitated. Bankotsu and Kikyo both picked up their glasses and they all toasted to good company.
Bankotsu didn't know what to try first so he grabbed some of everything. Kikyo put minuscule rations on her own plate, out of courtesy it seemed. Waruimaru turned out to be a very articulate and hospitable host. Even as they finished their second round of food, more just kept popping up.
"So do you just stay in here all the time?" Bankotsu jumped into the small talk.
"Yes," Waruimaru obliged, "I'm afraid it's not much of a location, but I find it cosy." He smiled and looked at Shina.
"Oh yes," she heartily agreed, "I never dreamed in all my life that I would be privileged enough to live in such a premier residence. Don't you agree, honey?" She looked at the ninja and he smiled and nodded.
"Please share with us," Waruimaru returned to Bankotsu and Kikyo, "how was your trip? I'm afraid I was only able to check on your progress a few times."
"Enjoyable," Bankotsu smirked. Kikyo's mild eyes did not wish to respond. "You must have a lot of free time to come up with all that stuff."
A smirk wormed across Waruimaru's modest features. He set down his glass.
"It pleases me that you enjoyed yourself, but it was not I who erected the barriers. I take no credit."
"Do you mean to say that your influence has been inconsequential?" Kikyo joined the conversation.
"Well I wouldn't go that far," a mischievous grin hid on his lips. "After all, it was me who paired you two together."
Bankotsu stopped chewing his food and looked up. Kikyo's eyes were alert. He noticed them looking at him.
"Of course I wouldn't be so presumptuous as to assume I made your relationship," he smiled, "but I would like to think I pushed you along." They both kept listening intently. "I helped Shina and Tadao find each other also." Shina put a hand lovingly down on Tadoa's and he smiled back. "I can't help but notice things with the orb around. You're a cute couple."
"And how would you say you accomplished this?" Kikyo gingerly pressed the topic.
"I saw you first at Mt. Hakurei before the majestic mountain's downfall, terrible shame," he added. "You crossed paths and from the very second I saw you both, I knew." He smiled, "The mountain is a powerful force. Naraku was foolish to abuse it so. It was inevitable that you would rise from the grave. Once I saw the fire breather dispatch your friends, Bankotsu, I knew you would go after him. And of course he would run to Naraku. What other choice did he have? Then it was only simple planning to dispel the invisible shield around the Akagawa and wait for you to show up."
"How did you know I would go to that exact place to find a sword?" Bankotsu interrogated him.
"Most well traveled swordsmen have heard references to Totosei's work at least. I can't play all the games, I had to leave some of it up to chance," he grinned playfully, "and if you hadn't picked up Kikyo and gone there, I would have accepted that you were not meant to be together."
"Why did you intentionally split us up by telling us the location of Naraku's heart then?" Kikyo probed.
"Ah," he acknowledged the inquiry with a wise smile, "a perceptive question. The wonderful truth of life is that you only realize how much someone means to you once you lose them. After all the trials together, you missed each other. Am I not right?" He paused for emphasis. "I sent Tadao to get the baby to make sure you would come back. And you did," he smiled at Kikyo, "If anyone did try to split you two up, it was Naraku. However," he shook his pointer finger in the air, "I preempted him. And you have done magnificently."
"You got the baby in order to bring me back?" Kikyo's voice was disbelieving.
"Well I had other motives," he suggested.
"Hey," Bankotsu looked around, "where is it anyway?"
"He's safe," Shina said in a reassuring tone as though Bankotsu had been worried for his well being.
"Well you can't just make two people like each other," Bankotsu dictated.
"That's the beauty of it. I didn't. However, I am an excellent judge of character," he said proudly, "and I see what I see. And if I can bring two people together, I'd say that I've done a fair job."
"And you're not stewing this into some sick plot to destroy us?" Bankotsu speculated.
"Oh don't be ridiculous," Waruimaru laughed, "that would be despicable. I like to distinguish myself as a reputable man. I am unlike some of my peers in today's power hierarchy who may be willing to stoop so low. Please do not take me for petty."
"Why would you go to all this trouble?" Bankotsu was perplexed. "Especially when we're here to kill you."
"There's only one person who wants to take my life in this room," Waruimaru said calmly, "and even he is not in any rush." He smiled warmly. Bankotsu looked down at the Akagawa. It was peaceful enough. He shrugged.
"What exactly do you hope to gain from all this?" Kikyo inspected him. "Your temple is full of wonders from far abroad. You could easily possess anything you choose and without a trace as long as you have the Orb of Douou. What advantage is there for you to reveal yourself?"
"Ah, Kikyo," the old man's voice soothed, "is your soul always so restless? My personal enterprises should not interest you. I'm afraid I've become quite dull in my old age. I merely want company and good times to remember. For the true gold of life remains locked in the vaults of our memories." He tried to share his wisdom.
"For a man who believes in the intangible, you sure do have a lot of stuff," Bankotsu commented, looking around the room.
"Yes, from younger years," he acknowledged. "Worldly possessions can only please one's eye for so long."
"Why are you even fighting us at all if all you want is company?" Bankotsu brought up an enigma. A defeated smile curtsied across Waruimaru's lips as he laughed to himself.
"I'll tell you," he started slowly, "because I respect your intelligence. I can see there's no getting around either of you. I must say that you continue to surprise me. However the truth of the matter is that I do want something from you." He paused. Kikyo was very intent while Bankotsu seemed mildly interested. "I want your blessing." Bankotsu's eyes slid over to him to get a better look. Kikyo seemed just as skeptical. "It will be clear when the time comes," he clarified, "but for now that's the best I can explain."
"Then we will wait," Kikyo accepted it.
"Thank you," he was pleased. "Are we all done with dinner?" He looked around at the plates to find them scraped clean. Shina nodded. "Good. Tadao, would you please take care of the dishes?" The silent assassin nodded humbly and then started clearing the table. "Shina, would you be a dear and please show our guests to their room?"
"Of course," she bowed. "Please follow me," she motioned to them.
Kikyo and Bankotsu stood up, thanked their host, and walked out after the half demon. Shina lead them through the maze-like interior down halls and through doors. Apparently the temple expanded far beyond what either of them had comprehended from its exterior. They walked through gardens, past ponds, observatory posts, and countless rooms. Eventually Shina stopped before a large door. She opened it and gestured inside.
"This will be your room," she smiled at them. "I believe you will find everything in place. I've prepared a bath and you will find fresh towels in that cupboard. Feel free to explore. If you leave your garments by the door I will wash and mend them. You can find fresh linen inside. And if you need anything at all don't hesitate to ask." She smiled. "Oh! I almost forgot," she wore an apologetic countenance, "my room is with Tadao just down the hall there," she pointed.
"Thank you," Kikyo nodded to her. She stepped inside and Bankotsu followed. Shina shut the door after them.
The 'room' was really a residence in itself. Bankotsu stepped into the middle of the open space and scrutinized it. Paintings hung on the walls and someone had painted an entire mural on the ceiling. An open door bathed in moonlight gave way to a balcony with a stunning view over the meadow, forests, and waters. On their left was a large open entranceway that preceded the bath.
"He certainly does have a strange idea of how to treat his enemies," Bankotsu finally spoke up.
"He's testing us," her eyes were clouded with thought.
"Another test? Damn I think I've had enough. What else could he possibly want to know that he can't find out through his little orb?" Bankotsu looked at her but noticed her gaze was elsewhere. A large mat with two pillows and a blanket was sprawled out on the floor as a bed. A wry smirk slithered across his face. "You thinking what I'm thinking?"
Kikyo stepped over to the cupboard and pulled out some fresh clothes. She unfolded them and started inspecting the seams.
"I'll give you a hint. You're freezing," Bankotsu grinned. She turned around and stepped toward him. "Warmer... warmer..." She stepped up to him. "Warmer..."
"I think we should let her mend our clothes," Kikyo said decisively.
"Fine by me," he shrugged. " I was gonna take a bath anyway."
"It ought to show us some of what we're dealing with," she concluded. Bankotsu's face screwed up into amusement.
"I really have no idea how you come up with such notions," he smiled. "But if you want to know what we're dealing with, I'd suggest starting with a bath. You're welcome to join me if you want," he sent her a smirk.
"What did you think of his claim," her eyes wandered, "that he has brought us together?"
"I think he just wants to play God," Bankotsu suggested, "and I don't give a damn for his little manipulating games. My motives are entirely my own and they are going to stay that way. I'm not giving him any of the credit." Bankotsu's eyes narrowed as though he dared Waruimaru to show up on the spot and try.
"You don't care that he's playing with your emotions?" she looked deep into his eyes.
"Who said he was ever playing with my emotions?"
"This conspiracy does not sit well with me. He has something planned."
"I think he's just looking for an ass-whooping."
"His ass will not be easily whooped," she tried to surprise him.
"Neither will mine, babe," he replied slyly. It was her turn to be surprised. She raised a brow.
"Take off your clothes," she pointed into the bathing area.
"Now you're talking," he grinned and swung his towel over his shoulder as he swaggered into the bath room.
Kikyo continued to patrol the room. She changed into the sleeping clothes they had provided and collected her burnt priestess robes. She knocked gently on the side of the entrance to the bathroom.
"This place smells like my grandmother's," he said in a somewhat disgusted tone.
"Where are your clothes?" she stepped in a bit. She spotted them at the entrance thrown against the wall. She picked them up and put the whole pile outside their door. Then she went back and sat on a small mat in the center of the room. She pulled out the small toy Bankotsu had given her and ran a finger around the snake's outline. Her eyes kept retracing it. She could hear Bankotsu splashing around in the bath. The bath had looked more like a swimming pool though. It was big enough.
Loud sloshes announced Bankotsu's exit from the bath. He came running into the open room with his wet feet slapping against the wooden floor. He was dripping wet and barely maintaining a loose towel about his waist as he tramped over to her, a wild expression gripping his face.
"Kikyo!" He grinned madly, "you have got to come see this!" He came dripping over to her and grabbed her arm. Her legs hesitantly acquiesced to follow him as he pulled her back into the bathroom.
The steamy atmosphere was sticky and humid. Bankotsu excitedly took her over a puddled floor to the other side of the bath. A small boat stood next to a marble statue of an elf. Bankotsu let go of her hand and snatched the boat. He tossed it in the water and jumped on top of it with a splash.
"Come on," he urged. She looked hesitantly at him. "You don't have to get undressed," he tried to convince her.
"I'd rather not," she smiled lightly at him.
Just then the marble elf started shaking. His stony eyes opened and his limbs flexed. He hobbled over next to where Kikyo stood and started shaking his fist and mouthing words at Bankotsu. However he had no voice. His small rock feet knocked against the slick marble floor.
"That's odd," Bankotsu quirked a brow at the little man. His attention went back to Kikyo. "Come on Kikyo. You gotta learn to let go. When was the last time you fooled around?"
She smiled lightly.
"My life as a priestess does not allow me to indulge in such pleasures," she mouthed quietly.
"Well there's no better time than now to start," he reached for her hand. The elf leapt from where he stood, wrangled himself around Bankotsu's arm, and started biting him with smooth marble teeth. Bankotsu was taken aback and flailed his arm backward causing the elf to propel back into the other side of the tub with a crack. His body sunk to the bottom with a dulled thunk. "Little bastard," Bankotsu glared at his outline in the water, but then turned back to Kikyo. She slowly extended her hand. Bankotsu reached for her when suddenly he was rocked off the boat and fell face forward into the water. Kikyo retreated as the unruly water bucked inside the tub. Bankotsu's head surfaced next to the overturned mini boat. Kikyo squatted down next to him.
"Here," she offered him a hand.
"Son of a bitch!" Bankotsu's eyes were wide and he dove back down into the water. Below the water, Kikyo could see Bankotsu start attacking the small stone elf. She grinned, stood up, and walked out.
Kikyo decided to spare some time to clear her mind while Bankotsu horsed around in the tub. She could hear him motoring over the water in his little compromised vessel and the occasional splash of the elf. Eventually it drifted to the back of her mind.
Our blessing. He wants our blessing? What could he mean by that? This entire set up suggests that he wants to solidify a love interest between Bankotsu and myself. But to what purpose? To serve him? No, if he did he would have said so earlier. Whatever he has in store can not be good. He has exposed himself. For him not to expect some sort of end devastation to come of it would be naive and he has henceforth been very perceptive of actions and their consequences.
A roaring sound woke Kikyo from her thoughts. It was followed by a tremendous crash and Bankotsu rolling across the floor. The small boat was in rubble off to the side. Water fingered out onto the smooth polished floor as he slowly came to a stop on his stomach. He was still soaked and naked. Kikyo looked up curiously.
"Maybe not the best idea, but–" he grumbled and stood up only to have a wet towel fly into his face from the bathroom. The elf came hobbling out of the bathroom and pranced up to Bankotsu. The knee-height dwarf kicked him hard in the shin and glared up at him. Bankotsu growled out in pain and soccer-style kicked the midget back into the tub with a loud splash. He removed the soggy towel from his face. Then he kneeled down and wrapped his arms around his struck limb. His loose hair dripped down his back and water pooled at his feet. Damn marble feet...
A fresh dry towel settled down over his head and back. Kikyo looked down at the huddled warrior. He looked like a boy after bath time. She placed a hand on the towel on his back.
"You too huh?" he growled. "Just try to kick me in the shins." He slowly stood up and the towel fell down around his waist. He turned to face her. "I'll get you too."
"Oh?" she played along.
"Come on, I dare ya'."
"I don't think you can take me," she eyed him critically.
"You'll be surprised. Just you wait. I'll wrestle you to the ground or tie you up with your own hair or press your linen..."
"It's hard to surprise someone if you keep telling them what you intend to do."
"I suppose you're right, but I'm on to you. I'll get you." His eyes narrowed threateningly.
"I don't know what you're going to do, so I can't say."
"Well neither do I, but it'll be something cool."
She laughed. He stopped playing and released a smile. She handed him some clothes and walked out on the balcony. He watched her go thoughtfully.
A gentle night breeze twisted through the air as she stood and observed the brooding darkness. The stars sparkled in the heavens and the moon shone in full glory. Kikyo felt the presence of the sacred jewel still lurking outside the grounds. She frowned and let her senses drown into the night's enticing current. A shuffle sounded behind her and Bankotsu stood at her side admiring the scenery. He was wearing the night robes she had offered him and just tying the sash around his middle. He set his hands on the railing of the balcony and looked out.
"What's bothering you?" he finally spoke.
"I don't like being controlled," her eyes were distant.
"He's not controlling us," Bankotsu reassured her.
"I don't trust him," she breathed.
"You know, for a dead woman, you sure are paranoid," he grinned slyly. She leered at him. "Listen," he said decisively, "whatever happens is going to happen. There's nothing we can do about it right now."
"And tomorrow–"
"Don't worry about tomorrow," he cut her off. "There will be plenty of time for that tomorrow."
"I fear it will be too late then," her eyes caught his.
"Trust me," he smiled. Her face relaxed. "Here," he got an idea, "let's ask the sword." He fished out the Akagawa. "Wake up," he shook it. The eye opened and narrowed as it stared at Bankotsu. "What does this cracked out magician want with us?"
"What every mortal wants," the sword huffed, "immortality."
"Doesn't he already have it? He looks ancient."
"It is possible," Tokunishitoru considered, "but even any immortality he could gain would only prevent natural death."
"So why the hell did he invite a mob of killers into his home?"
"I do not know," the sword said heavily. "It could have something to do with the curse I placed upon him."
"What curse?" Kikyo's eyes focused on the sword.
"With my dying breath, I cursed Waruimaru to boil in hell for the rest of eternity. I thought if my soul were confined to such a prison that the least I could do was take him with me."
"But your soul didn't leave this world," Kikyo commented.
"I fear there is little hope for it still," he sighed.
"Bummer," Bankotsu commented.
"Do you have any idea why Waruimaru would want us to fall in love?" Kikyo stared down at the sword.
"That is beyond me. Waruimaru has always had his little pastimes. I find most of his nature inexplicable. It wouldn't surprise me if he simply wants to confuse you."
"That's anticlimactic," Bankotsu said disappointedly.
"I'm afraid I can not talk to you any longer," the sword said heavily, "or I will be unfit for battle tomorrow."
"Whatever," Bankotsu shrugged. "Speaking of going to bed," he yawned, "I'm beat."
"Elves take that much out of you?"
"That's it!"
He tackled her mid section. She backed up as he looped his hands about her and tried to get a hold of her. She bumped into the back railing and gasped as he finally got a firm grip behind her thighs and lifted her up and over his shoulder. She spit hair out of her mouth as gravity reversed itself on her. He was carrying her just like he did when he first captured her. She flailed her legs but it didn't help. Bankotsu grinned broadly. Kikyo sensed it.
"Elves take that much out of me?" he mocked. "I'll show you a thing or two," he muttered and carried her back into the room. Thinking quickly she undid her hair tie and looped it about his legs and tried to tie it together. It slipped undone and slid from her hands, despite a great effort to retrieve it. "Just face it Kikyo, I got you beat. You're inexperienced at this game. You said so yourself." He kept walking.
Her face set with determination. She clawed her hands up the front side of his kimono and snatched one end of his sash. The knot slipped undone. Bankotsu's brow lifted as he looked down while walking to see her bold move. He grinned.
"Don't think that'll stop me," he smirked and entered the bathroom. "Elves take that much out of me," he repeated, "never heard anything so ridiculous in my life." He started pulling her up off his shoulder. Kikyo finished the knot on around his legs just as he pulled her up. "You're turn to get wet," his smug boyish grin reappeared, "you go have fun with that elf now." The small figure was indeed at the bottom of the water. Bankotsu stepped forward to toss her in the tub. But as he did, the sash around his legs held tight and the water beneath his feet demanded he fall.
Splash.
Kikyo surfaced and felt her heavy clothes pulling her down. Bankotsu surfaced next to her. He kicked the sash off his feet.
"Kikyo," he said, "I'm proud." She smiled. "But don't look so smug. It's not over yet!" He grabbed for her and she started laughing.
It was dark in the bathroom and only the scarce light of candles cast any light on the water.
"Can't even handle a little elf and you're chasing after me?"
"Well look who's running away. If I'm so easy why do you keep fleeing? Stay still."
She fled to the shallows and he lunged for her. She grabbed the edge of the tub, but he latched on to her and pulled her back in. She laughed as he finally captured her. He locked his arms around her so she couldn't squirm free.
"Ya, I thought so," he tried not to laugh but was unsuccessful. "Not so tough now," he laughed. His breathing slowed as his heart rate returned to normal.
"Just how long do you intend on holding on like this?" She looked back at him. He had his arms locked around her front just above her elbows so she couldn't actually do anything.
"I haven't decided just yet," he replied tactfully.
Suddenly the elf jumped up out of the water, latched on to one of Bankotsu's arms, and started biting.
"Buzz off!" Bankotsu lashed his arm out and the elf smacked against the wall. Kikyo slipped from his grip and pulled herself up out of the water. The night clothes stuck to her flesh like glue. She leaned over and squeezed the water from her hair. He got out too.
After trekking much water across the floor, Kikyo managed to find fresh clothes. She handed a pair to Bankotsu and he looked down disappointedly.
"You've been trying to get me naked all night," he grinned, "why stop now?" She quirked a brow at him. It was partially true. She had told him to earlier as a joke and then she had recently removed his sash opening up his clothes and making it near impossible to keep them
on.
"Do you need help taking them off?" she looked him over.
"Maybe," he smiled a crooked smile.
"I think you can manage," she fished out some more clothes.
"On anything else I'd agree with you," he insisted. She turned around skeptically, but caught a strange look in his eye. He indicated toward the door. She looked at it. Something was there. Someone is watching us. The presence was very slight.
"Do you think you can seduce me this easily?" she started to play along.
"There's only one way to find out," he stepped closer. "Believe it or not I can be very persuasive."
"Oh?"
He wrapped one arm around her waist and lowered his lips to her ear.
"You have something handy?" he whispered. She nodded ever so slightly and pulled him close.
"Who is it?" she breathed.
"I don't know," his lips barely moved on the small curves of her ear.
She lifted the leg hidden from the watcher's view. Bankotsu held the backside of her knee so she could get what she was after. She indiscretely snuck her hand down in her sock and pulled out a small knife she usually kept in her kimono. She showed him secretly. He tapped the small of her back and she slipped her hand back for the exchange. She looped her hand up around his neck and hovered her lips over his.
A slight ruffling noise issued from behind the door. Bankotsu had thrown the knife. A small hole remained where it had pierced the door. Bankotsu smiled triumphantly.
"Come on out," Bankotsu called. "Or we'll come get you."
No one replied. He let go of Kikyo and walked over and slid the door open. The knife was stuck in the wall opposite their door. No one was there.
"Hmmm," he wondered.
"Did he escape?" Kikyo said beside him.
"It appears so," Bankotsu said disappointedly. He squatted down and inspected the floor. She stepped over him and picked up the knife. He wiped his finger across the floor and showed Kikyo a small trace of blood. She in turn revealed the knife to have a small blood smear. He nodded and stood up. Bankotsu cruised down the hall to see if the more blood drops would lead to Shina's room. However, there was no other blood to be found. Bankotsu shrugged and stepped back inside. Kikyo followed and slid the door shut behind her.
A minute after they had returned inside, the ninja slowly climbed down from the ceiling above their door. He let go of his tight grip on his wounded neck. The blood started running freely. He grimaced and quickly escaped down the hall to give the news to his master. He had been extremely lucky that they had not noticed when the drop of blood fell from the ceiling to the floor. Best not to foul up again.
Author's note: Hello everyone! Sorry it's been so long. We've had a lot of company. It's ridiculous. It's summer and I don't have much time to myself. Well, down to the point, I'm glad you're still reading and still interested. I love to hear from you all. Thank you so much reviewers!