Disclaimer: (let this count for the last chapter too) I dont own Inuyasha.


Sango mumbled something incoherent before trying to open her eyes. A bright light shone through the cracks as she tried, only resulting in Sango covering her eyes with her hands.

'Was it morning already? And sun? I haven't seen sun in such a while…'

Sango adjusted her eyes to the light of the sun peaking through the canopy above her, creating spots of sunlight all over the forest floor. Looking around, it was definitely a sight to see. The leaves were shiny and damp from the heavy rainfall that night before, while the plants and flowers seem to have color brought back into them.

Now remembering the events of the night before, Sango searched around again, a little more frantic. Where was Bankotsu?

Of course he had left. Why was she looking? He was someone busy with things to do, whatever they may be. Why would he wait for her lazy ass to wake up?

Sango sighed as she removed the blanket over her, moving it towards her feet. She stretched her arms before continuing with her legs. It was an uncomfortable position to sleep in all night, back only laying on something as hard as a tree itself. Heck who was she kidding, she was just trying to get her mind off recent things.

Standing up, Sango felt the armor around her waist drop to the ground around her feet.

"…" Sango stared at it for a full minute before looking around for the obi (AN: Jap for the Sash around her waist that holds the two pieces of armor around her waist and lower back). Where had it gone? She looked all over the floor, her eyes running over everything.

Double looking the blanket she had set aside half-consciously, she picked it up in her fingers. It was pure silk, and very beautiful. It was a vagrant shade of red, the same shade as Bankotsu's obi. In fact…

"This is Bankotsu's obi!" Now measuring the width and height, Sango continued to question.

'It is so wide, and it's longer than I am, myself! No wonder he double knots it around his waist…it is so large. Come to think of it, mine is so small compared to his.'

Sango scrunched it together like a rope, wrapping it around her own waist. 'It fits pretty well…'

Putting it down, Sango lifted her armor and placed it on her waist again before lifting the obi again and double knotting it on her hip, like she did with her other obi. Where had that one gone? Did he take it?

'He must have, where else could it have gone? He must have used it to keep his own armor intact while his obi kept me warm in the morning. When did he leave?'

Rechecking her wound on her lower stomach, it was almost nearly healed. She knew it would heal quickly, Bankotsu hadn't stabbed her too fiercely.

Sango looked to her left to see her weapons neatly piled together at the base of the tree.

This making Sango smile. 'He's so neat.' The wind blew some loose strands of hair away form the rest of her tied hair, and into her face.

Sango curiously grabbed the tie holding her hair together near her lower back. She didn't remember putting it back together last night…

Peering at the tie, it was obviously very messy. Random hairs stuck out, while some of her hair wasn't even in the tie. This was definitely Bankotsu's doing. Sango chuckled.

Sango gathered her weapons, readying herself to go back to camp and receive a chastisement from her group for being out all night.


Another week slowly came and went. Sango noticed the quality from the climate that week brought. Beautiful weather. It was as if that one rainy night was just an outpouring so the sky can be refreshed.

In the midst of a battle, Sango threw her Hiraikotsu once more, slicing at one of the three huge demons.

One large demon had already been put away to be given to Hell's gates, but two were still standing, though weakening.

But they weren't the only things weakening, Sango felt as if she was about to faint. The Hiraikotsu was becoming difficult to thrust.

The bodies of Kagome and Miroku were laid next to eachother after they had fallen unconscious. Kagome, being the one with the shards was hurt first, only to be followed by Miroku. Yunai was sobbing quietly in between both warriors while Shippou tried to be both supportive of Sango, who was standing infront of the 4 members of the Inu-gumi protecting the fallen comrades, and strong for himself so he wouldn't break out in tears for Kagome's fall.

Sango blocked another blow from the demon's spike shaped weapon with her Hiraikotsu. She sighed jaded; Inuyasha was taking care of the other demon. But…he had lost Tetsusaiga in the midst of his fight. Meaning the inevitable. Inuyasha was full-demon. Sango only knew of the horrors awaiting the rest of the group when he would be finished and bored with the demon he was toying with.

She needed to give him his sword. Sango could see it, but if only she could kill off the demon first.

Kirara was growling next to her, keeping some of the propelling tentacles away form the fallen members.

"Hirai—AUGH" Sango attempted to throw her massive flying bone, only to have the demon send a spike towards her wrist, the Hiraikotsu knocked out of her hand and a little way over.

Sango cradled the sprained wrist to her chest, did she break it?

"Sango!" Shippou called out worried.

"I'm fine, Shippou." Sango mumbled after turning to see him over her shoulder.

Yunai called through her tears. "Watch out, Sango!"

Sango turned her head quickly enough to see a massive tentacle fly her way, wanting to impale her quickly.

With a stressful grunt, Sango whipped out her katana.

"Die you—" Sango yelled painfully loud as the demon avoided her katana's path and slashed at her wrists, nearly cutting both hands off.

Dropping to her knees, she heard the cried of Yunai and Shippou asking her if she was ok, or to look ahead.

Sango stole a glance at the cuts on her wrists. Almost puking, Sango looked away from the pulsing muscle and visible bones that was now naked to the world. Blow flowed like a fountain, onto the blades of grass.

More calls of her name were heard before her sight became blurred and she fainted from blood loss.


Sango awoke what seemed to her a couple minutes later, which was actually an hour later. She felt her whole self wake as well, not just her brain. She felt the strength to twitch her fingers, ignoring the shot of pain that's trailed up her arm. Breath after slow breathe, her beat became normal again.

As her ears started to focus in on things around her, she heard the sound a low growl, followed by a distant chuckle as the flap of a hut swooshed.

"Will he come back?" A familiar squeaky voice spoke.

Someone snorted.

"Who cares? Only reason I'm letting the bastard go now is to return the favor, so that next time I see him, I can rip him limb from limb."

Sango opened her eyes, a soft smile plastered on her face. She knew that voice. Attempting to lift her head, someone called her name.

Inuyasha and Shippou's head snapped at the direction Yunai's voice came from, seeing Sango rest her head once again.

Yunai came into Sango's vision as her hands lifted Sango's head once again and laid her head in her lap. "Are you ok, Sango? You got some pretty bad cuts…"

"I've been better…"

Inuyasha plopped down next to Sango leaning against the hut's curved wall. "Hey, Sango."

Sango noticed the slightly dejected sound of his voice. Something told her he was guilty. But why?

Oh, Sango remembered, he was in full demon form. She couldn't really remember, had he hurt her?

"Inuyasha? What happened?"

Inuyasha chuckled lightly; "You're asking the wrong person." Jabbing his thumb in Yunai's direction, Sango looked up at her curiously.

"I suppose you remember the time before you had fainted. You were fighting a large demon, Kagome and Miroku had fallen unconscious, and Inuyasha…well…I don't really kno—"

"Was full demon." Sango finished, looking at Inuyasha lower his head slightly as she sat up on her elbows, Yunai moving next to Inuyasha on Sango's side.

"I guess." Yunai looked at Inuyasha suspiciously, but then continued. "So right when you turned to look at Shippou for the moment, Hiraikotsu was knocked out of your hand. So you tried to use your katana, but the demon slashed at your wrists and almost severed them from your arm."

Sango glanced at her wrists. They were heavily wrapped in bandages, but even so she could still see a spot of red here and there bleeding through the material. It stung slightly, telling Sango Inuyasha must have tried to use Kagome's first aid kit for Kagome and Miroku were still lying a little way from them in the hut.

"Wow." Was Sango's only answer.

"So after you had fainted, Inuyasha had just killed the other demon. Almost at the exact time too. Then—"

Shippou, who was listening was interested in the awkward rest of the story, since he was an eyewitness, decided to finish. "Then all of a sudden, guess who popped up?"

Inuyasha rolled his eyes as Yunai giggled at his silly and excited voice.

Sango smiled, turning on her side. She was starting to forget her pain. "Who?"

"Bankotsu!"

Sango's smile dropped. "Who?" She heard what he had said, she just couldn't believe it.

"Yeah I didn't believe em' either." Inuyasha crossed his arms over his chest, stuffing his hands in the large sleeves of his haori.

"But it's true!" Shippou yelled. "So anyway, he walked past us so calm and cool. Me and Yunai we're like—" Shippou dropped his jaw as he purposely widened his eyes to show them their look of fright. "Kirara growled at him because he was coming towards you, but he just grinned like an idiot and held his hands up in defense!"

Kirara's ears perked up at the sound of her name.

"She stopped growling, but watched him carefully. We all were! That's when Yunai asked him what he was doing and while he was distracted, I bit his leg!"

Yunai placed a questioning finger on her chin as she looked off to the side thoughtfully. "…Really? Silly me, I just can't remember that happening…" How naïve.

Shippou's eyebrow twitched. "Fine! I didn't do that! But anyway…"

(Flash to the scene in Shippou's POV)

Bankotsu didn't answer Yunai, even as she began to scream at him to step away from Sango. Dropping to one knee, he felt her pulse. I saw him nod, he must have felt it.

"She's alive." He spoke suddenly.

The demon suddenly attacked again, only gaining what seemed as half of Bankotsu's attention.

He swiftly took out his large halberd, that thing was so big! It was probably the size of Inuyasha and me if I stood on his head! Well, including the hilt that is.

Bankotsu wordlessly spun the large sword one-handedly before swiping it horizontally, sending invisible waves of energy at the demon, and killing it instantly. Bankotsu picked up Sango in his arms when-

"What the hell—" Bankotsu suddenly was attacked by Inuyasha! Well, full-demon Inuyasha. Bankotsu swung Sango on one of his shoulders, holding the back of her legs so she wouldn't fall, with one hand and blocking Inuyasha with Banryuu in the other.

The battled for a few minutes—well I wouldn't call it battling, Inuyasha was fighting, and Bankotsu was blocking--before Bankotsu asked aloud why Inuyasha looks different.

I looked at Yunai who looked as if she didn't know herself. Well of course she didn't know! Only I knew!

"Inuyasha's sword, Tetsusaiga! Get his sword and give it to him!"

Bankotsu took a moment to look at Shippou incredulously, "Are you kidding me? He'll end up kill all of us with that thing in this state! He's fuckin' crazy!" Bankotsu dodged another swing of the claws.

Demon Inuyasha was getting annoyed, he wanted blood. And soon.

"Just get it!" I screamed at the top of my lungs.

Bankotsu scoffed, but obliged as he quickly dodged Inuyasha and ran to where I had said the sword was laying.

Picking up the sword, Bankotsu threw it to Inuyasha. Something seemed to pull Inuyasha, which ended up in him catching it and returning back to normal.

Yunai and Bankotsu both stared at him awkwardly.

I ran to them, telling Yunai to wait there as I already heard Inuyasha start to protest about Sango in Bankotsu's arms.

"What the hell are you doing with her! Put her down!" Inuyasha yelled.

Bankotsu only rolled his eyes.

"Inuyasha!" I yelled.

"Shippou? What happened? What the hell is going on! And why is he here!" Inuyasha pointed a clawed finger at Bankotsu's relaxed form.

"Don't you remember anything, Inuyasha? You turned into a full demon!"

Inuyasha looked at me wide-eyed. I filled him in briefly about everything that happened.

Then Bankotsu and Inuyasha chatted suddenly, which surprised me because it was almost civil! And I mean, c'mon—Inuyasha, civil? To Bankotsu? It's crazy! They planned on getting back to our small camp. By the way, Inuyasha and Miroku had built a small hut we stayed in while it rained. That's right. We hadn't moved form our spot! Kagome was in her time most of the week. I was just happy that she's back.

Inuyasha suggested he hold onto Kagome, Yunai can also hitch a ride on his back while Bankotsu, who insisted on coming, was to ride on Kirara behind Miroku and Sango. They were laid down on Kirara's back, while I rid on her comfy head.

The ride back was quiet, and nothing really happened. I got bored.

When we got there, Bankotsu and Inuyasha carried the three inside the hut and laid them down. Yunai began to dress everyone's wounds, while Inuyasha told her, from what he could remember, of how to use the slippery stuff Kagome usually puts on our wounds that stings. She says when it stings, it's working. I hate it, even if it is working. It hurts!

Once that was all done, I sat on Yunai's lap. We were sitting in between Miroku and Sango, but closer to Miroku. Duh!

Inuyasha sat against the wall closest to Kagome, while Bankotsu sat near Sango's feet. All was quiet. I got bored again.

I don't know how much time had past, but Inuyasha had finally broken the silence.

"What were you doing saving Sango, Bankotsu?" Inuyasha asked in a harsh voice.

Bankotsu stared at her for another moment before looking at Inuyasha lazily. Why they weren't fighting, I don't know.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't listening. What did you say?"

Inuyasha growled loudly.

"I'm just not used to listening to a baka." Bankotsu replied calmly. A goofy smirk on his face.

"Why you…" Inuyasha stood abruptly.

I stood too, "Inuyasha, don't start anything near Kagome! You might wreck the whole place."

Inuyasha keh'ed before plopping back down on the floor.

"Bastard." He muttered. I rolled my eyes. How immature.

With a sigh, Bankotsu stood up and stretched. "I'll be on my way."

"Good." Inuyasha replied sharply as Bankotsu turned to leave.

Upon hearing Bankotsu chuckle smoothly at Inuyasha's remark as he left, Inuyasha growled.

I asked if he might come back, and of course, Inuyasha snorted.

"Who cares? Only reason I'm lettin' that bastard go now is to return the favor, so that next time I see him, I can rip him limb from limb." He snapped.

(Back to Sango-awake scene in the hut) (Not Shippou's POV anymore)

"And then you woke up!" Shippou replied happily.

Sango had already sat up fully, her wounds were just a dull throb.

"I see." Sango replied.

"We probably could have asked more questions if Inuyasha hadn't chased him away." Shippou replied smartly, nose high in the air.

Inuyasha's hands formed into a fist as it punched Shippou on the head.

"Hey! What was that for, Inuyasha?" Shippou yelled, rubbing his new red lump. "I'm telling Kagome!" He threatened.

Inuyasha smirked, "Well Kagome isn't awake yet, you little runt!" He said in a taunting voice.

Everyone heard a heavy sigh before--

"Sit boy."

"Kagome? —AUGHH!" Inuyasha squeaked her name before he slammed into the floor head first, as usual.

Everyone turned to see Miroku shaking his head in disapproval while Kagome rubbed her head.

"Will he ever learn?" Kagome asked.

"Kagome! Miroku!" Shippou shrieked elated before jumping into Kagome's arms.

Yunai gasped, she hadn't seen Miroku awaken. She scooted closer to him before encircling her arms around his neck and hugging him fiercely.

Sango took that chance to see if she could catch up to Bankotsu. He was only human, how far could he have gone? Crawling on her knees out of the hut, Sango stood hastily once she was out of the doorway and jumped into a sprint forward.


Bankotsu walked slow and languidly through the field. It was midday, the sun was shining, and the wind was just perfect. Placing his hands behind his head, he shut his eyes as he went over the day's events.

He had been walking mindlessly through the forest, when he suddenly saw a tree cleanly cut. Following the other trees that had the same things, there was only one conclusion. Sango's Hiraikotsu.

Turning back, he had finally found their battlefield in time to save her. There was no way around the fact that he did care for her. But it isn't a care for a mate or spouse. No, it's…its unexplainable really. They weren't blood related, meaning they couldn't have that special bond, nor were they lovers, so they couldn't share that special bond. But there was a bond between them. Could this be friendship?

As a child, Bankotsu had a lot of friends. They weren't close, but they were good playmates. Well, until he grew up to just want to see their blood on his hands. His team was his family, and even then, some of the group wasn't as close to him as Sango was. Sango held a place inside him. Where? He didn't know. But she was there.

He had stayed long enough in the hut with Inuyasha a few moment before to know that she would heal well. So he upped and left. Oh how he felt the need to start something with Inuyasha. But like the kitsune said, they shouldn't do it in the wounded persons' presence. Plus it would wreck everything. Not like Bankotsu cared for Inuyasha's dwelling, but still.

Bankotsu suddenly tensed as he heard the sound of feet shuffling behind him quickly. It wasn't distant, nor was it close. Over the years, Bankotsu had always been alert; thank goodness he still got it.

The person stopped behind him, he could hear labored breaths. Putting his arms down along his sides, he looked straight ahead, his back facing the person. Though, he had a pretty good idea of who it was.

"Bankotsu…" She sighed relieved. Why was he relieved too? He stayed still, unmoving. "I just…wanted to say thank you." It was definitely Sango.

Bankotsu smiled as he looked over his shoulder to look at her out of the corner of his eye. "You're welcome."

Sango also smiled. He took in that picture of her, her cheeks a warm pink from jogging as she smiled, a bit bashful, but it was still a smile.

"And for the blanket when you…left…that day. Thank you."

Bankotsu looked down at the obi he was wearing. It was Sango's. When he had given her his obi, his armor was greatly loosened and wouldn't serve very much protection, so he grabbed hers. It was a bit small, for her armor was light and thin, while his was thick and needed a longer obi. It only knotted only once and he couldn't even make a decent bow, like how he was used to. Remembering the battlefield where he killed off that demon for Sango's pathetic group, Sango wore his obi around her waist in the shape of a bow. He smiled again.

There was a moment of silence as Sango decided not to ask why or when he had left that morning. His business was his business, she was not raised a nosy person.

'I should tell her. Now would be a good time.'

"Sango?"

Sango looked up from the floor to his inclined head to see him turn all the way around and face her.

"Yes, Bankotsu?"

Bankotsu took a few steps, coming right before her.

Why did Sango's heart leap for a moment as he placed his hands on her shoulders?

"Sango…he…he told me to tell you…"

"What is it? Who?" Sango asked, worried.

Bankotsu let his arms fall to his sides. "He said he loves you, Sango." His voice was downcast and melancholy.

Sango's eyes widened as she thought the worst. 'Kohaku…?' No, she didn't want to be right. Not this time. He couldn't have left her before she had even seen him. No.

"Wh-Who…Bankotsu…what are you…no…. Who said that?" Sango stuttered.

"He made me promise to you…"

"Please," Sango's eyes began to burn and sting,

"To tell you that he loves you…and that he'll meet you in your dreams."

"No…please tell me you're not talking about Kohaku…please…"

Bankotsu wanted anything but to tell her what had happened that foggy day.

"Ninja kid! There you are…"

Bankotsu jogged over to where he saw Kohaku resting. He laid with his back against a tree, his head bent low.

"Yo! I haven't seen you in forever, where have ya been?" Bankotsu crouched down, trying to look into Kohaku's eyes.

Mistake.

Bankotsu gasped as he clutched the young boy's chin in his hand and roughly lifted his face to see.

"Damn…" Bankotsu murmured as he dropped down onto his posterior and grabbed the boy's shoulders. Kohaku's head swerved to the side as if he was dead.

"Kohaku…who did this?"

Kohaku's eyes were blood red, dark black bags underneath them. But the color of his eyes…he looked as if he was alive again. His eyes held truth yet innocent naivete, curiosity yet respect. There were numerous scars on his cheeks, while blood tainted his hands and feet going up until his knees and elbows. His weapon looked as if it were dipped in blood itself as the weapon shook terribly in his hand. He was shaking all over. His taijiya outfit was almost in shreds. What had happened to this poor boy?

"Agh…the…the memories…Naraku…"

"Naraku? Did Naraku do this to you?" Bankotsu asked gently.

Kohaku took in a deep breath then exhaled slowly through his nostrils. "Kami…"

Looking around, Bankotsu felt nor saw any signs of demons. Did Naraku just leave him here to die? He must have. Now that most of the Shichinin-tai was gone, and the last one was rebelling him, why else would Kohaku be useful now? He was just their messenger kid.

Bankotsu saw tears flow down his cheek to linger on his chin before completely dripping on the boy's face. Kohaku's body racked with sobs. "Gods…Sango…what have I d-done?"

Curiosity lead Bankotsu to peering at the boy's back. And indeed there was a huge gash, probably from where Naraku had taken out the shard. But he thought the kid would die instantly without the shard.

"Kohaku…" Bankotsu hesitantly grabbed the boy, bringing him into his arms to rest, not caring if his nice white clothes were being stained crimson. Kohaku's crimson blood.

"Please mister…I…I have a sister…"

Bankotsu nodded. "Yes, I know her."

Kohaku looked into his eyes, "Do you?" Kohaku smiled. "Good…can you tell her…"

Bankotsu only nodded in agreement.

"I love her, I love her so much. …My Ane-ue…" Kohaku looked away, almost shamefully. "But I will have to go to father and mother early."

Bankotsu saw how much determination was in this young boy before him. He remembered when he was his age; all he had to go through was picking his favorite dinner for his mother to cook. But Kohaku is on the brink of death, and he still cares more for his sister than himself. True courage and admiration. Sango must have been a very good sister. Bankotsu could already tell Kohaku was a good brother.

"And I'm sorry…for murdering our own kin." Kohaku repeated in a more dejected voice, "Our own kin…"

Looking down, Bankotsu shut his eyes and whispered a small prayer. No, he wasn't a religious man, nor was he even close to being one. Heck, he didn't even remember the last time he ever prayed. But hoping the Gods will hear him, he prayed for Kohaku. This boy deserved to reach nirvana with his family and kin. He deserved it more than anyone else he ever knew.

Bankotsu opened his eyes to see Kohaku looking at him. His large brown eyes looking into his own blue ones.

"Will you tell her?"

"I will."

"…You promise?"

Silence. His eyes stared into the boy in his hands, the boy who held much strength.

"I do. I promise."

He fell limp, and Azure no longer looked into Mahogany. A beautiful Mahogany; there were only one other pair of eyes that held the same perfect shade.

Sango's.

Sango's eyes were now unseen as she lowered her head towards the floor. Her shoulders were squared, he body tense and slightly shaking. Her tears flowed like a fountain, but she made no sound, no whimper. Nothing to justify that she was actually crying.

"Gods…Sango…" Bankotsu reached extended one of his hand to her shoulder, only to be swatted away harshly.

"I don't need your damn pity! Gods, I take it from everyone! I'm sick of this!" Sango's head shot up, leering at him as if he had been the one to kill her dear brother. And he saw it, that look in her eyes, how could he miss it?

With sudden agility, Sango leaned back on one leg, sending the other hurling towards him. Not managing to escape it, Sango's kick sent him tumbling backwards. Damn, she was angry.

Bankotsu quickly grabbed her foot as she attempted to kick him in the chest again, only to have Sango skillfully pivot herself in mid air as she kicked him with her other leg. Letting go of her leg, Bankotsu swerved to the right, Sango falling on her side.

Due to her powerful mid-air kick, Banryuu's sheath strap snapped off, sending Banryuu onto the dirtied trail.

Both fighters eyed the large weapon before turning to look at eachother.

"Sango—"

Sango darted up onto her feet and made a dash for the weapon.

Bankotsu grunted as he pushed off the tree he was currently slumped on and ran infront of her. His arms wide open to block her from running past him, she skidded to a halt.

"Sango, what the hell are you doing?" Bankotsu yelled.

There were quick tears falling down her face, but she ignored them. She ignored everything, except for her thoughts.

No one was waiting anymore. Not Miroku, and now not Kohaku. One of the first times Sango had seen Kohaku as Naraku's puppet, she promised to kill herself right after she would kill him. But Inuyasha interfered. Then told her how annoying she and her brother were.

Sango gritted her teeth.

Now Kohaku's probably with their father and mother, smiling happily as he reunited with them. While she was stuck here, facing her nightmare everyday. Her nightmare of being alone.

"My nightmares…" Bankotsu heard her whisper angrily.

"You could have saved him!" Sango yelled at Bankotsu as she dropped down to a crouched position, sending her leg out to trip him.

Bankotsu fell onto his back, "No I couldn't have!" He yelled back. "Naraku took the shard out of his back…" Bankotsu looked straight into her eyes, she seemed to be frozen except for the fact that her tear were falling onto his chest's cloth. "You know he would have died without that shard."

There was a moment of silence before Sango walked over to his halberd solemnly and picking it up with both hands. Removing the cloth sheath, Sango walked over to him as he laid still.

With quick precision, Sango maneuvered the Banryuu to rest horizontally in her hands, the sharpness of it's side against her cloth protected hands. It didn't cut in, but if she held it long enough, it would.

Bankotsu worked hard not to smile at something he noticed. Something quite interesting.

"I'll kill you for that." Sango whispered hoarsely as she stood above him, each foot on either side of hips.

"Sango..."

Sango lowered herself onto her knees and then leaning down onto her elbows, Bankotsu's halberd still in her already wounded hands. Lowering the large sword, the sharp side of the halberd resting on the skin of Bankotsu's neck. He breathed deeply.

"You can fight this. You're brother said he will be with you in his dreams."

She stayed still, an emotionless look on her vacant eyes.

Bankotsu ever so slowly, was bringing his hand up to where hers was holing one side of the Banryuu. "You don't need to go around killing everyone in hand reach just because your brother left."

"…Did…did Kohaku remember me? Were his memories…"

"Returned? Yeah, they were." Bankotsu finally rested his hand on her hand, the one holding the right side of the Banryuu. "I told you he said he loves you, Sango. I know you love him too…" Quickly lifting the halberd out of her hand, Bankotsu pushed it off of him and out of Sango's grasp. She didn't seem to care.

The Banryuu fell on the ground again, out of the way. Bankotsu looked back to Sango as her tears came even harder. But this time, she whimpered.

Almost simultaneously, both warriors engulfed eachother in the other's arms. Bankotsu holding her by wrapping her arms around her waist, while Sango held onto his shoulders from behind as she rested her temple on his chest.

Using one hand to hold her by the waist, Bankotsu brought another one to caress the back of her head, smoothing her hair.

Sango grabbed handfuls of his clothing into her hands as he felt the wetness of her tears on his clothing.

"I'm so sorry…what was I doing…I tried to kill you…"

Bankotsu continued to pet her hair, "Don't worry about it Sango."

They remained that way for another few minutes.

"You know," Bankotsu chuckled, "You are the only other person, besides myself, I know who can actually lift Banryuu without help."

Sango smiled, her tears turning into mere sniffles. "But it was really heavy, I bet my wounds reopened."

Bankotsu sat up, Sango still in his lap. "Yeah well it was still pretty cool." He said before standing up fully. Sango wrapped her legs around his waist as he held onto her tightly.

Collecting his weapon and sheath, Bankotsu started to walk back to Sango's camp.


Kagome sat up straight and alert. Catching this, Inuyasha gazed at her.

"What's wrong Kagome?"

"I sense a huge amount of shards coming!"

That upon itself bringing everyone to stand, Inuyasha and Miroku collecting their weapons as Yunai grabbed Shippou while Kagome grabbed her arrows. Kirara, already in her larger form, began to growl next to Kagome.

Inuyasha stood infront of the group, his partner had gone into the woods, while Miroku stood next to Kagome and Kirara.

Tetsusaiga transformed once it exited his sheath. Taking a whiff of the air, Inuyasha then smelled a very familiar scent.

"What do you think it is, Inuyasha?" Miroku asked.

Inuyasha looked to Miroku, "I don't know. Could it be Narak—"

"Sango!" Kagome quickly discarded her weapons and ran to where she saw her friend, not caring who was holding her.

Both Miroku and Inuyasha looked forward as Kagome raced ahead of them.

"Kagome—" Inuyasha tried to grab for Kagome but she slipped past him and ran to Sango.

"Sango? Sango are you ok?" Kagome asked frantically as she stood beside Bankotsu, trying to see Sango.

Sango looked at her friend with a smile on her face before lowering her legs from Bankotsu's waist and detaching her tight hold around him. He doing the same, but hesitantly.

"I'm fine, Kagome."

Finally registering the fact that Bankotsu was the one holding her, Kagome backed up slightly, unknowingly into Inuyasha's protective hold. "Sango, is that who I think it is?"

Sango looked back up at Bankotsu, he looked at her curiously. "Yeah—"

"Keh," Inuyasha spoke from behind Kagome, "What's he doing here?" Miroku and Yunai stood beside Inuyasha.

"Thanks for the greeting, Inuyasha." Bankotsu smirked.

Inuyasha growled menacingly. "Time to cut that stupid little grin off your ugly face."

"No, Inuyasha. He's staying."

The group went quiet, or it would have been if Bankotsu didn't chuckle form behind Sango.

"What did you say?" Inuyasha asked incredulously.

"I said he's staying with us, Inuyasha." Sango repeated her voice slightly angered.

The group looked at Bankotsu, then Sango, then to Inuyasha's angry look.

"Wench! Do you even know who he is?" Inuyasha hollared.

Kagome sighed. Why did Sango want Bankotsu of all people to join them? What about his own team? What was going on? But Sango is a levelheaded person; she just wouldn't want to recruit someone out of the random. She probably trusts Bankotsu. 'I'll have to get the full story later…'

"Sit boy."

"GAH—" Inuyasha slammed into the floor, much to everyone's surprise.

"I trust your decision Sango," Kagome smiled, "Welcome Bankotsu." She sent Bankotsu a wide smile.

Bankotsu grinned at her, while Sango hugged her best friend. She was so scared the whole group would deject her decision. She wouldn't have known what to do.

Yunai stepped up, "Well if Kagome agrees, then so do I."

Everyone turned to Miroku. He looked shiftily from Inuyasha to Sango, from Kagome to Bankotsu, and last to his Koishii. Miroku sighed as Yunai looked at him with pure innocence. "I agree. Welcome, Bankotsu."

Inuyasha stood back up, recovering from his 'sat' position. "Keh, whatever. But if you do anything to slow us down or turn out to be helping Naraku…I swear I'll cut your fucking head off."

Bankotsu just chuckled again, "No need to worry, Inuyasha. I'm a good boy."

Inuyasha rolled his eyes before pivoting his heels to go back to camp. Everyone following after him.


All three men of the group sat silently around the fire. Kagome had grabbed both Yunai and Sango to escape to the springs, leaving the guys to sit by themselves.

"So…" Bankotsu began, bringing his laced fingers behind his neck and collapsing backwards resting on the ground. "What do you guys do for fun around here?"

Miroku smiled earnestly. "Well I don't know about you, Inuyasha, but I have pleasurable time doing—"

"Shut your trap, Miroku. No one wants to hear your story about what you and Yunai do wherever you go in the middle of the night." Inuyasha barked.

Miroku's smile deepened as Bankotsu laughed. "So Yunai's your wife?"

"We are to wed after Naraku is dead." Miroku filled him in.

"Ah, I see. Congratulations."

Miroku was starting to like this guy. "Thank you."

Inuyasha rolled his eyes, "Keh, lets just hope you don't find another pretty woman to ravish and end up leaving Yunai behind."

"I swear Inuyasha, I wont do that again…" Miroku noted solemnly.

"Again?" Bankotsu asked curiously.

"Yeah, the stupid monk was suppose to wed Sango after Naraku dies." Inuyasha told him, "But ended up finding Yunai much more willing and dumped Sango."

"Ouch."

Miroku sighed devastatingly. "I will probably be paying my dues the rest of my life."

"You bet your ass you will." Inuyasha added threateningly.

Bankotsu looked at Inuyasha as he sat up, "You seem mighty protective over her, you love her or something?"

Inuyasha glared at him, "What! No!"

Miroku chuckled, "I do believe it is lady Kagome he loves. Sadly their love will be hidden from eachother until they feel enough strength to share their feelings. Honestly Inuyasha you should really—GAH—" Miroku felt the pain of a rock smacking him in the forehead.

"Shut up monk!" Inuyasha's cheeks were aflame, Bankotsu had never seen him blush before and couldn't help but laugh loudly at the embarrassed look on his face before also being smacked in the head with a rock.

"You too, stupid!"

Inuyasha pouted and turned all the way around, not wanting to be seen with such red cheeks.


Yunai sighed in delight. She and Kagome had just heard Sango's entire story about Bankotsu. Well atleast the parts she allowed to share. Sango mentioned there were some parts she had claimed to have 'promised not to tell'.

The girls, along with Kirara and Shippou hadn't gone to a hot spring in such a while. It felt nice to relax once again.

Kagome giggled out of the silence, earning a few questioning glances. "Now that the boy and girl count is even, we can do more, you know, us girls, without leaving Miroku and Inuyasha alone again and again."

Sango and Yunai smiled and nodded.

"You never know…maybe even more people will join us!" Kagome added excitedly. She always liked the idea of a big group.

"Like who?" Sango asked.

Kagome pondered for a bit. "Oh I don't know, maybe Kouga? Or even Kagura if she could just get past Naraku."

"Kouga?" Yunai asked. "Who's that?"

"He's a wolf demon. Inuyasha doesn't like him very much, but only because their both canines fighting over Kagome." Sango filled her in.

"Yeah, it's stupid really." Kagome, who was already used to it, said without thought. "I mean, sometimes Kouga can be really sweet…but he just doesn't get it, does he?"

Sango shook her head in agreement.

"You mean, he doesn't get the fact that you love Inuyasha, not him?" Yunai asked innocently.

Kagome froze, "What? Did I say that?" Kagome chuckled nervously. "No, no…I mean…Love? …Well…I just don't…"

Sango sighed.


Woo! Long. Anyway, THX SOOO MUCH FOR ALL THESE AWESOME REVIEWS! SO COOL! THANK YOU!

R/R please! I know you want to…

-Monica

PS: Did I mention the jealous thing wouldn't be in this chapter? Heh…heh…(dodges tomatoes)

PSS: Alright well this is the second time i have to type this PSS becuase i stupidly clicked something (i dont know what) and everything dissapeared. DAMNIT! Anyway, i just came to tell you this is the last 'crying in eachother's arms' chapter. I dont know, i guess i think thier corny and cliched. Mind you, i dont really know what cliched means, but i have a few examples that i heard somone say. I also feel the same for the fight scenes. I eman really, there are way too much! And to honestly admit something, i LOATH writing fight scenes. Hand to my Edgar Allen Poe books! Unfortunatly for me, i have 2/3 more scheduled to be written. One of those including the last and final fight with Naraku. Sigh, but i will keep writing like i do. Why? (damn i almost erased everything again...) Becuase i'm trying to upgrade on my fight-writing skills. Someone told me that i was improving, (Thank you to whoever said that a few chapters ago), so i guess it's working!

Anyway--Thank you for reading, so please review! (i honestly dont know when the next chapter will be up, and i wont lie and say it will be the next day)And i hope you have a nice day...literally. It just wont stop raining here in Brooklyn. ITS GETTING SO ANNOYING! But i love wind. So i guess thats an up side. Hey! When did i look on the brighter side of things!