Ok, so I am sorry for the two month long wait. I wrote this in one point of view and hated it, so I rewrote it in Yaruki's POV and then I didn't like the way it flowed so I've spend weeks just tweeking, and I'm sick of looking at this chapter so I am soooooo sorry if I have typos. I tried to catch as many as I could, but again I'm human and I've read this like a bagillion times already.

All Constructive Criticism is accepted and appreciated. Enjoy!

~Stay Caffeinated.

Chapter 9

When I was little, the safest place I could ever be was in my father's lap. To be engulfed by his large arms and soak in his warmth.

I especially loved it during the winter nights. He would use my chilled body to cool off after being in front of the kelm for so long.

I would snuggle deeper against him, using his heat for my own selfish purposes.

He would kiss my head and hug me tight and we would stay like that for most of the night. Feeding off one another's body temperature, listening to other's day.

I cling tighter to his top not wanting to move. Not wanting this moment to end. I was a child again.

And he was alive.

I bury my face in to his chest. I knew this was a dream….but I didn't care. I needed his comfort. I needed this memory.

"Ruki…..you have to wake up now."

I cling tighter. Pretending, like I always did, to still be asleep.

"My, what a sleepy sleepy Ruki I have." He sings in his usual off key manner, ' I guess I'll just have to eat my breakfast and hers too."

I giggle and he proceeds to kiss the side of my face causing me to giggle harder.

"Daddy…"

"I've been called a lot of things, but 'daddy' is definitely a first."

I freeze as a cold hard lump settles in my chest at the voice.

It wasn't my father's.

Slowly, the memory begins to crack. Large cold lines quickly spread across our room and my father. A chills seeps through them driving out the warmth and familiarity of the moment.

I cling tighter to his shirt, to keep him with me longer. Inhaling his scent so as not to forget it.

"But since its coming from you, I'll allow it."

The memory completely shatters and I wake.

My eyes open as I come to my senses, and I find myself snuggled against Bankotsu. My body pressed against his side with my right hand clenching the fabric of his top. His arm is draped over me with tendrils of my long hair still gently interlaced in his fingers.

My eyes widen in horror and I look up.

"Well, won't Renkotsu be relieved."

A sharp audible gasp escapes me as I fling myself away from him and on to my bottom. Using my heels, I push myself even further from him as I proceed to wipe myself off as if that would undo time spent next to him.

He watches my theatrics in mild amusement, but I also note a melancholy air that surrounds him which is out of character to his usual state of relaxed arrogance.

It's like seeing a happy energetic puppy be sad and sickly….

I gather my composure before choking down the urge to ask what is wrong and instead mustering up a hard glare, "What the hell were you doing?!"

Bankotsu stares at me for a moment before turning his attention back to the window.

"I put you against the wall originally. You were the one who decided to snuggle and call me daddy." He says simply, and I feel my face flush red from embarrassment and rage.

"I….you…..That's…."

"I didn't do anything." He adds flatly.

Again, I fight the urge to ask him what is wrong and choose to take in my surroundings instead.

"Where am I?" I ask assessing the simple inn room consisting of a few sleeping mats, empty bowls from a past meal, and a few of Renkotsu's items he chose to leave behind.

"Jinje village. You've been out for about a day and a half. I had a maid bathe you and change your clothes in case you were wondering."

I look down to see the tanned yukata, and I clutch it closed as if it would fly open at any moment.

"You had a maid bathe me?" I ask suspiciously and he turns to look at me.

"Would you have preferred I did it or are you asking because you don't believe me?"

I feel my face flush again and I look away.

I see him shrug from my peripheral, "Doesn't matter whether you believe me or not. It's not like you can prove either scenario anyway."

"What's wrong with you?" I spit no longer able to fight the curiosity

He doesn't respond, but continues to watch me. Studying me.

We sit in silence examining the other, and my eyes fall to his bandaged forearm. My brows furrow as fragmented visions of a fight appear before my eyes.

Did…..did I bite him?...

"Have you ever been kissed before?"

The question catches me off guard and I stare at him. His face remains unreadable as his cobalt eyes continue to study me.

"U-uh…" it takes me a minute to gather myself, "W-wh…what?!"

"Have you ever been kissed?" He tilts his head slightly, "You know, by a man not related to you."

I scowl, "And what business if that of yours?"

He rises, and I back away until my back hits the wall. He kneels down in front of me and rest the palm of his hand against the wall next to my head.

"Answer the question, Yaruki."

"Why should I? Why do you even care whether I have or I haven't?"

My eyes widen as he leans in closer to me, "What would you do if I were to take your first kiss right now?"

I feel my body tense as my eyes narrow at him, "I never said I haven't been kissed before."

"But you didn't say that you have either."

"Because ITS. NONE. OF. YOUR. DAMN. BUSINESS."

For the first time since I woke, he cracks a smile, "So then it doesn't matter at all if I were to kiss you now, right?"

My face deadpans, "Stop joking and move."

His hand goes from the wall to my face, and he tilts it upwards towards him, "I'm not joking."

He leans closer to me angling my chin so our lips align. A sudden and intense warmth flushes across my face, down my throat, and spreads out over my chest as he inches closer. His warm breath smelled of sake and his hand slides upwards cupping my cheek.

He is so close.

My eyes frantically scan his face once again noticing the absolute and unfair flawlessness of it. Thick eyebrows, large eyes that could be both youthful and innocent, but also vicious and evil depending on his mood.

I should be moving. I should be pushing him away.

My face twitches in shock at this sudden internal struggle within me. I wanted to move….but I wanted to stay. Out of sheer curiosity, a part of me wanted to stay.

….To see….

….To…taste…

"No!"

I slam my hands in his face shoving him away from me with great force.

This man is a murder. A beautiful manipulative fucking monster. I close my eyes shaking my head. I…..I hate him….

I hate him! I run a hand through my hair. What is wrong with me?

I tuck my knees closer to me as my eyes finally look towards Bankotsu who remains on his back looking up at the ceiling. After a few moments of silence, he begins to laugh. Nothing hysterical, just a steady stream of chuckles.

I move a bit further away, eyeing him suspiciously. "What's so funny?"

"You." He says simply running a hand over his face before rising to a seated position bringing one knee up to rest his good forearm on.

"And why am I suddenly so funny?"

He clears his throat as he scratches his forehead underneath his bangs, "I guess funny is the wrong word….more….frustrating…"

I blink a bit taken aback, "FRUSTRATING?! How am I the frustrating one?!"

He shrugs, "You just are, but I haven't decided if you're doing it on purpose or not."

I look around me for something to throw at him, but finding nothing within reach, I resolve myself to glaring at him. "The only thing I'm doing on purpose is trying to put you six feet under. Anything else is just wishful thinking from that weak mind of yours."

He scoffs," Perhaps, but it's just-" he catches himself before he could finish his sentence and falls quiet. A look shock flashes across his face and I raise an eyebrow.

"It's just what?"

His face contorts in to a look of mild discomfort as his eyes try to focus on something other than me.

To my disbelief, I catch a very faint hint of red color the bridge of his nose.

Is he….is he embarrassed?

He clears his throat while scratching his cheek with an index finger, "It's just….I've never…never really been rejected by a woman before….so it's….frustrating….to say the least."

A hard snort escapes me before I could catch it and his face instantly goes blank save a cold hard glare in his eyes.

I keep my hand clenched over my face and nose as I struggle to choke down my laughter. I try a series of coughs to help mask the giggles, but eventually the pressure becomes too great and it all comes flooding from my mouth.

"It's not that funny." He mutters as I continue to clutch my sides and steady my breathing.

"Oh, but it is." I say between gasps, "Poor, poor Bankotsu. He can't stand the idea that there is a woman in this world who won't completely shed her clothes at the mere sight of him." Another fit of laughter escapes me.

"How about I pretend to swoon?" I say between laughs, "Would that make you feel any better?"

I press the back of my hand against my forehead and dramatically fall to the floor as I finish my sentence. My laughter intensifying.

A low annoyed growl is my only warning before he yanks me towards him by my ankle. My laughter sputters to complete silence as I stare up at him. His hands rest on either side of my head. The inside of his legs pressing the outside of mine together keeping them firmly closed and locked in place.

"You never answered my question." He says casually ignoring the questionable position he had me in.

I frown, "And that was?"

"Have you ever been kissed?"

I sigh realizing he would not let the topic go without an answer that satisfied him. "No." I finally say after a moment of silence, "and I don't plan on kissing anyone anytime soon."

"And what would you do if I were to steal your first kiss now?"

I scoff, "A first kiss can't be stolen."

He raises an eyebrow, "Is that a challenge?"

"You can kiss me all you want, and I will never acknowledge it as my first kiss. A first kiss is something that is given. Not taken."

He remains silent for a good long while before blinking and shaking his head, "I'm sorry I stopped listening after 'I could kiss you all I wanted'. Did you say something else?

I scowl at him, "I said if you kiss me, I'll rip your tongue out with my teeth. Don't think I won't."

He smiles as he holds up his bandaged arm, "I believe you, but the important part is that I can kiss you all I want."

"I said that to make a point."

"But you said it."

"TO. MAKE. A .POINT."

He stares at me with a stupid grin, "but you said it."

"I will bite your perfect fucking face off I swear I will."

"You think my face is perfect?" He chuckles completely unfazed by my threat as he grabs my arms and pins them above my head before taking his free hand and angling my face away from him to expose my neck.

I struggle against these actions, but my attempts only lead to pain.

Carefully, he begins to plant slow soft kisses along my throat and crook of my neck sending chills through me.

Whether they are good or bad is yet to be determined.

"You know," he says softly against my skin," that wouldn't be the wisest thing to do. Biting me."

I continue my painful attempts to break free as I ignore the tickling sensations of his kisses.

"I'm still in the process of getting your punishment together for biting me the first time."

I freeze feeling the blood drain from my face.

Punish?

I feel him gently nick my neck and against my skin I hear him mutter" …king….orried…."

"Get off me." I whisper darkly and he laughs against my skin.

"Or what?"

I bring my shoulder up blocking any further attempts to kiss me. He lifts up a look of irritation plastered on his face.

We glare at each other for quite some time before he sighs and releases me. Taking full advantage of this opportunity, my hand catapults forwards striking him hard across his cheek.

A light imprint flares against his skin as he stares at me a bit stunned before closing his eyes and rising.

"Come on." He orders flatly as he rest his halberd on his shoulder.

I continue to glare at him as I wipe the hem of my yukata against my neck as if my skin is burning, "And why would I go any fucking where with you?"

He turns to look at me and shrugs, "Alright….we would just stay here and I can finish what I started."

My mouth twitches in disgust as I quickly stand, "Just….just lead the fucking way already."

My eyes sporadically flick over towards Bankotsu as we travel aimlessly though the village. Villagers hang colorful paper lanterns and signs in preparation for the night's festivities. Some harvest festival or what not. I try not to pay it too much attention. I try not to let it remind me of home.

I sigh as the areas along my neck and collarbone continue to tingle every now and then, forcing me to wipe them again with my hand. I ignore the insane part of me who quietly comments on how nice it felt.

I don't have time for such foolish thoughts.

Despite all the excitement in there air, villagers would still stop sporadically to watch us pass. To whisper softly to the person next to them about us. Some glance back and others openly point as they give us a good bit of space.

My eyes flick back over to the true source of all the attention.

Banktosu seems unfazed, even unaware, of the impact his presence has on the village as he continues to walk. His eyes looking ahead, but he himself is completely lost in thought.

Again, I swallow my curiosity at his strange mood and instead clear my throat to get his attention, "Must you carry that thing everywhere? You couldn't just leave it at the inn?"

He looks over at me confused, "…..Oh! You mean Banryuu?"

"Yes!" I say stepping in front of him, "People are staring."

He looks around for the first time since we left the inn before shrugging, "That's their problem if they can't handle the sight of a man and his sword."

My right eye twitches, "That's not a sword. It's a monstrosity, and you carry it around to intimidate people."

"It's my companion." He says defensively, "You don't really expect me to just leave it lying around do you?"

"What do you even needed it for? It's a village!"

"Who said I needed it for anything? Maybe I just like having Banryuu with me. Plus, there are plenty of dangers in a village. I might have to fight off a strong opponent."

"Who are you going to fight? An old man? A merchant? A baby?"

"Always be prepared, Yaruki." He says giving me a faraway look as if remembering some distant battle with a baby.

I pinch the bridge of my nose trying hard not to punch him in the face before stretching out my hand, "Give it."

A genuine look of shock spread across his face, "What?"

"Hand it over. I'm taking it back to the inn. There's no reason for you to have it. Not here."

"You're joking right?"

I keep a straight face as I continue to stare at him hand still open.

He looks between my hand and my face before letting out a huff of laughter, "You're really serious, huh?"

I give him a slow blink as an answer and he lets out a long sigh as he rubs the back of his neck, "I was going to do this later….when you were stronger…..and somewhere less...public…"

I continue to wait patiently.

He groans as he runs a hand through his bangs, "You're gonna make a big deal out of this, I just know it."

An offended huff escapes me, "Excuse you?!"

"Look, if I say you aren't ready yet, will you let this go? Hell, I'll even take it back to the inn myself if you want."

I stare at him in disbelief, "What the hell do you mean, 'I'm not ready yet?' If I want to hold that stupid sword, you should let me hold it. You own me that!"

"Yaruki-"

"No! NO! Let me hold the sword you killed my father with. I want to see what sort of bullshit he was up against if he had a fair fight!"

"Yaruki-"

"Now, Banktosu! You owe me."

"I owe you nothing." He begins lowly as he steps up to me, "That was a job. I am not sorry for doing it and given the opportunity, I would do it again."

I glare at him.

"But since you wanna be so fucking determined. Fine. You can hold Banryuu….but don't say I didn't try to stop you."

He takes a step back and holds his halberd out in front of me gripping it with only one hand.

I stare at the blade that seemed to float horizontally between us, finally taking in the sheer size of it up close.

This was it. The thing responsible for my life just as it is now.

I reach out, wrapping my fingers around the worn bandaged hilt.

"Both hands." Bankotsu orders and I look up to him before placing my other hand on the hilt as well.

"You know," I say studying the hilt and allowing my eyes to travel to the gleaming blade, "wouldn't it be just awful if I ended up using this to-"

He lets go…

And for that split second, I feel it. The absolute insanity that is the weight of this sword. No amount of muscle tensing could have prepared me for that, and I fall straight to the ground with it.

It lands on its edge before collapsing on to the flat side of its blade crushing my fingers in the process, but I am too stunned to register the pain.

How was this possible….how could he even manage such weight….

My body trembles as I continue to stare at the ground. Visions of him in battle flashing before my eyes. I shake my head refusing to believe it. Refusing to acknowledge that this sword is the same. The ease with which he twirls and spins it over his head during battle…it didn't make sense…..

I blink and grit my teeth as I try to lift it, but it doesn't budge.

"It's a trick." I mutter struggling again to lift it, "It's some sort of trick."

He squats down and grabs the hilt, "No trick. This is Banyruu."

"It can't be this heavy….not…..not with the way you…..you wield it…..you made it heavier!"

"It's a large halberd, Yaruki. There's no-"

"YOU SHOULDN'T BE ABLE TO LIFT THIS!"

I look back down to the hilt my breath shaky.

There's no possible way…he shouldn't be able to do this…..

He grabs hold of the hilt with one hand and rises, lifting the halberd up in the process and rests it on his shoulder as if it were nothing.

I clinch and unclench my hands as I struggle to understand this.

No one should be that strong….no human anyway…no human…..

"You're a demon…..is that it?" I ask my voice still shaky.

He laughs, "Nope! I assure you I am 100% hu-"

I let out a frustrated roar as my punch connects flawlessly across his face catching him completely off guard. He stumbles back but catches himself.

"Shit!"

I charge at him again and he drops Banryuu to the ground before catching and blocking my kicks and punches.

"I knew you'd make a big fucking deal out of this!" He catches both of my arms so I resort to kicking him in his shins, stomping on his feet, kneeing him in the groin, anything I could possible think of.

He dodges all this of course and ends up pinning me to the ground. I scream as I fight against him. "Calm down, Yaruki. You're making a scene."

"FUCK YOU!"

A sharp whistle sounds from behind crowd that gathered to watch our scuffle.

"Stop! Release the woman at once."

The guards surround us swords drawn and pointed at Bankotsu.

"Seriously?"

"Now!"

"She attacked me!"

" Release her immediately!"

Bankotsu lets out what is a mix between a roar and a groan before rising and freeing my hands.

Registering my new found freedom, I rise and charge at him, but a guard snatches me back before I was within range.

The others keep Bankotsu at bay, but I know it's by his choice not theirs.

"You're under arrest."

"For what!?" Bankotsu's enraged eyes never left mine and I struggle against the guard.

One more hit. Just one more time.

"Disturbing the peace and attacking this young woman."

He lets out a hard bitter laugh, "So we're just going to ignore the fact that she came at me and attacked me, and is still trying by the way."

The guard shifts his grip to around my waist as I struggle to break free; kicking the air where his face would be if only I were a little bit closer.

"Then you're both under arrest."

"I really don't have time for this." Bankotsu mutters before directing his attention towards me. "You know, Yaruki. There's a lot of innocent people around us right now. Do you really want to fight me right now….right here…..if so, I'd be more than happy to clear the field for us."

"Is that a threat?!" The guards press their blades harder against his throat, but his eyes stay locked on me.

I glare at him my rage slipping away at his implication. I steady my labored breath, and shake my head, "You're such a fucking coward!" I spit after a moment of silence and he flashes me a smirk.

"It's up to you. I can easily remove all these distractions just say the word.

My face contorts in to one of disgust as I try to compose myself, "We're sorry." I begin looking over to the guards, "It's all my fault. I got upset and lost my temper. We didn't mean to cause such a scene."

"Regardless of the altercation, that doesn't explain why he has come in to this village so heavy armed."

I close my eyes forcing my brain to quickly come up with an explanation, "He's….uh….samurai…..we were just passing through. He wasn't going to use the sword….I make sure of that."

"And who are you?"

"I…I'm…..uh"

"My wife."

I let out an involuntary groan as I choke down the vomit that shot up from the pit of my stomach causing me to fall into an intense coughing fit.

"I find it hard to believe one so young is a samurai."

"What can I say, I'm good at my job and thoroughly enjoy what I do. Isn't that right, dear?"

I force a smile on my face as I look up at the guards, "He's average….at best…" my eyes fall on him, "in everything."

His smirk falters ever so slightly and I direct my attention back to the guards, "So you see, we really are sorry for all the commotion. You know how it is with us…people…..who happened to be-"

"Married" Bankotsu chimes.

"Joined!….together…..by

"Marriage.

"CHOICE!...….willingly…..not forced at all." I exhale, "Just a little loughhhhh…." I cover my mouth and clear my throat, "A louuuughhh." I press my hand to my mouth again trying to fight back the vomit, "…We were having a louuuuughhh-"

Bankotsu cracks a smile, "Come on, you can say it."

"Mmmmhmmm, no, no I can't." I shake my head, "We were having a quarrel….you know…that people have…."

"A lover's quarrel?"

I snap my fingers and point towards the voice in the crowd, "THAT! Yep, that, that right there. That's what we had. Yep."

"Because we're lovers." Banktosu says with a smile.

"We sure are people, yep." I say nodding my head and crossing my arm, "Whole people…who….who people….. and do people things….like quarreling…. Because we're-"

"Lovers"

"People! Exactly." I nod my head trying hard to resist the urge to run over to him and kick him in the face.

"So…..no need for arresting….or violence….we…..we'll just….keep it behind closed doors next time." I give off a weak laugh.

The guards looks towards one another before sheathing their swords. The guard from earlier hesitates before letting me go.

"Keep your personal problems out of the streets." The general says

"Yes, sir." I bow, "Sorry, again." The general doesn't move and I glance up at him and then over to see Bankotsu next to me, upright with Banryuu on his shoulder, staring defiantly at the general.

I let out a forced laugh as I struggle to get Bankotsu to bow. He fights back and the best I can get him to do is bend his head down.

"Young samurais, am I right?!" I say with another forced laugh.

The general huffs, "You've got a lot left to learn about the world, boy. I'd suggest you start with learning to showing proper respect before you make this pretty young wife, a widow."

"I'd love to see you fucking try."

"What?!"

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" I slap my hand over Bankotsu's mouth, "Oh WOW! IS that dumplings I smell?! AHHH, I could really go for some warm dumplings! They are just…just great….let's go!"

I grab Bankotsu's arm and drag him away from the fuming general and through the dispersing crowd.

I stare out at the swirl of purple and orange in the evening say trying to wrap my mind around just how strong Bankotsu is.

The idea that he could wield that halberd with such ease sends chills down my spine. Was he just toying with me this whole time? Knowing what I know now….was it even possible to kill him? Am I just wasting my time?

I rest my head against the wall behind me and close my eyes, "What am I going to do?"

A sudden warm meaty smell fills my nose and I open my eyes to see a steaming warm bun in front of my face. I glare past the bun and to its holder.

"I don't want it." I spit, but my stomach immediately and without shame, calls my bluff. He flashes an arrogant smirk at me and I snatch the bun from his hands before turning my body to the said so I couldn't see his stupid face.

"Oh, God!" I moan biting into the bun again and savoring the juicy pork within. When was the last time I ate?!

I devour the poor bun within seconds- ignoring how the meat scalds my tongue-cramming the dough within my cheeks and carefully grinding it down to more swallow safe sizes.

"I figured you'd be hungry, so I got you two."

I stop chewing and peer over my shoulder to the other bun resting in the palm of his hand.

Before I knew it, I was working on my second bun all while trying to chew down my first.

"You're gonna choke if you keep that up."

"Let me die in peace!" I muffle as bits of dough and juice fly from my mouth.

"Sexy…" he mutters sarcastically.

I ignore him and choke down the rest of the buns before resting my head against the wall sighing in content.

"If you're this exhausted after eating buns, I wonder how you are after other more strenuous activities, wife."

He places a hand over my head as he leans in closer to me.

"Get. Away. From me!"

"Oh I see how it is. Use me for my delicious buns and then throw me away, huh?"

I bite the inside of my cheeks to keep myself from smiling, "You're a demon."

"Am I?"

He rotates me so that my back is on the wall and I face him fully.

"You must be! There's no other way you could possible lift that sword of yours like you do."

"Or maybe….and this is a long shot, I know, but maybe I'm just that strong."

"Bullshit."

I stare him down, "No human could possibly-"

"I can. Accept it. There are no tricks. I'm not a demon. I AM THAT STRONG. Why do you think I always spar with you hand to hand? If I wanted to, I could kill you right now. I can kill you whenever I please. I choose to keep you around. You don't really think your here with us because your strength has kept you alive," his hand finds his way to my throat and he pins me to the wall. His grip tightens and my nails dig in to his flesh, "You're here because I want you here. You're alive because I want you alive."

He steps closer to me and leans towards my ear,

"YOU. BELONG. TO. ME.

I own you. Do you understand that? Everything you do, you're able to do because I let you. But there are lines that you do not cross. And the other night, you crossed one. Honestly, I blame myself…for not punishing you sooner, so starting now you're going to receive a punishment every time you cross a line, do you understand?"

"Go….Fuck…..yourself…."

A blade suddenly appears next to Bankotsu's neck.

"Let. Her. Go." A raspy voice commands.

My eyes fall to one of the guards from earlier. Jagged scars cut across what would be- and still kind of is- a handsome face and across his throat. His jet black hair cut short, his skin tanned from being in the sun.

A nagging feeling of familiarity struck me…but I couldn't pinpoint from where.

"You guards sure love sticking your nose in other people's business."

"What sort of husband puts his hands on his wife like that?"

"Guess you're pretty boring in bed if you have to ask that question, huh?"

"Move away from her. Now!"

"This is the second time today someone's put a blade to my throat." Bankotsu looks down to me, "Once I may be able to let it slide, but twice?"

I see his eyes narrow and take on that same gleeful murderous look that appears right before his bloodlust triggers. My eyes glance over to banryuu resting next to us before moving back towards him.

"Leave us alone." I say softly, never taking my eyes off Bankotsu.

"What?!"

"I'm fine. Just…..just leave us alone. We aren't causing any trouble. Lower you sword…..please."

"You should listen to her. Once I get started, there really is no stopping me."

"If he's hurting you, just say so."

"Will you go away!?" I spit, "What occurs between us is none of your damn business."

A hurt look flashes over the guards face before a blank look takes over. He nods and sheaths his sword.

"Sorry to disturb you."

I watch as the guard walks away and let out a slow exhale of relief.

"My point exactly."

My eyes land back to Bankotsu.

"What is?"

"If I truly wanted to, I could have killed that guard and there would have been nothing you could do to stop me…..but it's cute…..watching you try and all. Stupid….but cute."

"You will not hurt a single person in this village, do you understand?"

Bankotsu laughs, "We'll just have to wait and see about that, won't we?"

He grabs my arm, hoists Banryuu on his shoulder, and proceeds to drag me off down the road.

I close my eyes allowing the sounds of the festival to deafen me as they all whirl past; kids running, adults laughing, vendors shouting out goods, the savory and sweet smells of food, the warmth of cooking fires. And for a moment, I was back home.

I could feel Kiku interlace her arm with mine as she dragged me through crowded streets from one vendor to the next. We would laugh and giggle as we tried out the different wares, sign our names on charms for prosperity, protection, or marriage; gorge ourselves on every sweet and savory thing we could afford, buy matching hair pins like we did every year to commemorate the night…

I open my eyes and the vision fades leaving me lonely, but not alone. I tighten the grip on my bow.

'Five'

Bankotsu's voice echoes in my head as a vision of him holding up an open palm to my face.

'A mother, a father, a little boy, a little girl, and an elder. All different people.

I feel my body shake at his words.

'Five lives. That's the cost for us to leave here without burning it to the ground.'

I feel my stomach churn at his 'punishment' for me.

'Feel free to refuse by the way. We've been itching for some fun anyway, but I'd have to come up with a new punishment for you afterwards.

Something far worse.'

My eyes scan the streets landing on Jakotsu at a fan stand as if trying to decide what to buy and then to Renkotsu at a charms vendor. Most likely playing the role of a monk again.

Both there to ensure I do as I am told, although I am certain Bankotsu has an excellent view somewhere out of sight with Genkotsu at his side.

The fucking bastard.

My eyes fall back to the villagers. Just five….five people for the sake of a whole village….was that even a fair exchange?

I take a few more minutes to scan the crowd before I settle on my five:

~A mother laughing as she lifts her toddler girl towards one of the glowing lamps

~A father carrying his son on his shoulders as the boy rambles about all that he has seen that night.

~A little girl bouncing excitedly as what appears to be her older sister hands her a new paper doll.

~A little homeless boy eyeing the hot buns and waiting for their vendor to become distracted with paying customers.

~An elderly couple holding hands as they make their way down the street. Laughing and reminiscing on their younger years.

I had to be quick.

I had to be accurate.

Just five….

They would die regardless.

At least this way, their deaths would mean something…

Right?...

I watch the mother for just a moment longer. Waiting…..Hoping…..

Finally, she does it. She brings her little girl close to her again and kisses her forehead causing the child to giggle.

I let loose my arrow running it through her head and she collapses landing on her little girl.

Someone screams

I turn slightly aiming at the father.

He falls; his son trampled by the stampede of people trying to avoid me.

The homeless boy lands on his side motionless….lifeless. A stolen bun on the ground a few inches from his outstretched hand

No one will mourn for him if I don't.

The sister pulls her lagging younger sibling up and into her arms only to realize my arrow found its way in to the small girl's temple.

She screams. The paper doll crushed under the weight of the people escaping.

The old man refuses to move. Refuses to leave his wife's side. He cries as he takes her hand in his. Kissing it softly.

Out of mercy, I take him out as well. They were one person anyway.

The guard whistle sounds and I drop my bow. My stomach churns and I collapse to my knees and vomit.

A large cold lump lands in the pit of my stomach numbing my body and I double over. A hard sob escapes me.

At least it still hurts…at least I haven't gone numb…..at least I still feel something.

Five….five more faces added to my nightmares

Five more spirits to haunt me.'

I hear the guards scream and Jakotsu dark laughter and can only imagine the sight playing out behind me. But I couldn't move.

My forehead rests on the hard earth and I close my eyes. It is too much. Its too many.

I feel a hand on my back.

"Get up!" The raspy voice says in a panicked whisper, "Get up now, Yaruki. Please."

He tries to lift me, and I try to help, but my limps refuse to obey.

"We need to leave. Yaruki, please."

That voice…..where have I heard that voice.

I try to turn my head. To look up at the stranger, but I hear him gasp.

"He's coming…..I can't…..I can't kill him right now… I'm not strong enough…I'll come back for you…..I promise…..I'll find you again…"

He places a soft kiss along my temple before releasing me. I fall to the side and watch as the guard runs off.

Jakotsu's blade lounges out at him, but it misses. Jakotsu chases after him only to return moments later empty handed and swearing.

"He got away!" he pouts stomping his foot like a child.

A low groan is all I am able to manage, unable to move as this sickness weighs my body down.

Jakotsu lets out a huff of annoyance as he grabs my arm and attempt to yank me upwards, "Oh quit being so sensitive!"

The force of his pull only manages to make my limp body slide forwards on the ground.

"Damnit!"

The sound of footsteps ceases his stream of insults and he drops me to the ground again in a huff, "She won't get up." He says nudging me with his foot.

A firm grip wraps its self around my arm and lifts. After a moment it lets go and I fall back to the ground like a rag doll.

"Really?" Bankotsu asks, "We're doing this now?"

I don't respond.

I don't move.

He sighs and with annoying ease, lifts me up and on to his armored shoulder.

With Banryuu in hand, he turns. "Let's go."

"What?! You said we could have fun with this village?!"

"That was only if she didn't do what she was supposed to do."

"That's not fair! How come she gets to have all the fun! She didn't even enjoy it!"

"You got to kill the guards didn't you?"

"Big Brother!?"

"Don't worry, Jakotsu. There will be plenty of other villages up ahead. I'll even let you pick the next one if we don't have a job first."

Jakotsu is silent for a moment before another huff escapes him, "Fine! But I still don't see why we just can destroy this one."

"I'm a man of my word. She did her end of the deal, so I'll do mine."

My upper body and hair swing slightly at his even steps as the group makes their way out of the village.

"And she did a hell of a job too." I can hear the pride and affection in his voice as he pats my butt.

I try my hardest to force myself to vomit on to his back, but all I could manage is a weak burp.

Not 100% happy with this one simply because I have stared at it for too long and there are parts that read a bit choppy, but it is what it is because I would be holding this chapter hostage for another two months trying to make it better. On the plus side, Bankotsu has finally claimed her so that's always a good sign...when a psychotic murder wants you as his own...yep...nothing wrong with that... Hope you enjoyed and see you next time!