WOOOOO! I'm Back, BABY! I was not planning to be gone for that long, and I swear this chapter fought me each and every day! Writer's Block is an absolute bitch. I hope you all have a great New Year!

ADVISORY: LANGUAGE, VIOLENCE, GORE, AND SOME SUGGESTED SEXUAL DEALINGS AHEAD (I tried not to be too explicit)

Stay Caffeinated~~

Go after her!

I don't move.

Go after her!

I pull my knees into my chest hugging them tightly, "Just let her go…" I whisper softly, "She's safer away from all of us…away from me."

'She'll find the guards…She'll bring them back here…'

I press my face to my knees, "Let them come…. I-I can't do this anymore…"

'…'

"…"

'You will not drag me down with you.'

A low weak huff of laughter escapes me, "Hate to break it to you, dear, but you're just a voice. Some creation of my overworked and exhausted mind. There's nothi-"

My body violently jerks forwards, and I quickly throw my hands out in front of me slamming their palms on to the hard wood taking the brunt of the fall instead of my face. I remain in that position staring dumbfounded at the floor beneath me.

'Neat trick, huh?'

A cold fear settles in the pit of my stomach as I remain motionless. It was a voice. A product of my own mind. Nothing more.

Carefully, I begin to rise to my knees paying extra attention to my body. My movements. Everything was under my will. My command.

I begin to breathe a bit easier as I clench and relax my hands. Perhaps I merely imagined it. I have heard stories of people falling asleep without realizing it.

Maybe…

Maybe I dozed off and fell forwards….

'Don't insult me.'

My blood runs cold.

'I'd appreciate it if you'd acknowledge all my hard work.

I've been practicing.'

"What are you talking about?"

'Let me remind you, that you'd be dead right now if it wasn't for me.

I pulled you back because you asked me to.

I'm here because you need me.

I'm here to protect you.

Therefore, I'll be damned if I let you fuck this up!'

"I never asked for anything. I don't even want you here."

'Then get rid of me.'

"Gladly!" I snap before jumping to my feet. I clench my fists as if to throw a punch only to remember that I was talking to myself. I let out a low sigh as I scan the empty room suddenly at a loss of what to do next.

'Still here, champ.'

I close my eyes running a hand over my face. "I'm losing my fucking mind." I walk over to the wall and press my forehead to it, "I just need to sleep."

'What you need is to finish what we started.'

"…please…please just go away" My nails dig into my scalp as I squat down, "Just…go away."

'She is trouble, and you know it. '

"…No, she just…she's just scared."

'She's out there now hunting down a guard.'

"Because I tried to kill her.

'She'll take them to him…'

"Like she should. She's right…I can't…I can't do this on my own. What does it matter how he dies, so long as he does?"

'BECAUSE WE WANT HIM TO SUFFER!

I clutch my head tighter at her screams before collapsing to the ground.

AND THAT LITTLE BITCH PLANS TO TAKE THAT FROM US!

HE TOOK EVERYTHING FROM US

WITH A FUCKING SMILE

AND I WILL NOT REST UNTIL I'VE CARVED THAT SMILE OFF HIS FUCKING FACE! '

My head pounds as the sloshing sounds of blood continues to course through my ears. My hands find themselves to my throat which is raw and sore.

Had I been screaming?

'…I am on your side…'

Her voice is softer again.

'I am simply trying to…do what is right'

I shut my eyes struggling to drown out her words. "…what's wrong with me?"

'…'

"I am not a monster..."

'Of course you aren't.

You are doing what you must.

To protect others.

To protect yourself.'

I press my forehead harder against the wall clenching my teeth to the point of cracking. My hands slide from my scalp to my shoulders in a tight embrace. Why wouldn't she just shut up?!

'Those guards will find him.'

"Those guards can't stop him. They won't be able to kill him.'

'True, but who's to say more won't come.

Bankotsu is no idiot. He knows they'll send reinforcements.

And while he waits,

He'll level out this whole fucking village.

Because he's bored.

"You don't know that!"

'Come now!

You can deny it out loud all you want,

But it becomes rather pathetic when you start believing your own bullshit.

"…"

'That bloodlust runs in each and every last one of them'

"…"

'Once they start, they won't stop.'

"…"

'Is it fair for all to die just because one

reckless

evil

little girl doesn't know her place?'

"S-she's not…not evil…"

"…"

"It's not right…. She…she's just trying to help… we don't know…I-I could get him away…"

"…I can see the rot. They've tainted her.'

"!"

'She's created this false belief that we are in danger and as a result

…is placing innocent lives in danger.

Someone like that….someone as reckless as her

Should not be allowed to live.'

I grip my shoulders tighter trying to find some argument…some bit of logic to counter her with, "Y-you just want to kill her." I mutter through clenched teeth, "You're no better than them."

'I'm trying to do what is right.

To save countless lives

To save her.

To fix your mistake!'

"M-my mistake?!"

'You let Renkotsu take her away…you let them taint her…

She's rotten now…

It's in her…

..And it's your fault'

I shut my eyes tighter as the room around me becomes colder. She was wrong. I know she's wrong…but….but I can't reason how. "…That's not…I was…I couldn't-"

'It's festering inside her.

Changing her.

My body goes numb at her words. "That's…she…she just wants to help… She's not bad."

'But you told her you were handling it.

You warned her and she continued to disobey you.

CONTINUED TO THINK OF ONLY HERSELF!

SELFISH LITTLE BITCH!

…

It's changing her.

Rotting her from the inside out.

And it's your fault.'

My breath becomes labored as her words begin to sink in to me. A sob rattles through my throat, "No…n-no I tried." I say barely above a whisper. "I did everything I could to keep her safe."

"Not. Everything'

"…"

'You need to make it right.

Not only for her, but the people she will hurt.'

"…"

"You must save her, before it gets worse.'

"…how?"

'Cut it out of her

Carve out every last bit of that rot

…to save your friend…'

"To save her."

'You're not a monster.

"I'm not a monster."

You're a Savior.'

"A Savior?"

'Bankotsu and his men will continue to spread their evil until we deal with them.

We must do what we can to protect those who remain untouched by him.

We must help those who have been infected.'

"..I help people."

Exactly. She needs your help.

If you let her go now. That rot will only get worse.

Become unbearable.

"She'll suffer."

But you can still save her…

You can still make things right.

"I can still save her…"

'Yes.

Now…

Go after her.'

"Please Okimi…let me make this right!"

"Okimi."

"OKIMI!"

"OKIMI!"

She presses her palm firmly over her mouth to stifle her breathing. The nails of her free hand dig deep in to the bark of the tree she was behind.

This was not Yaruki but someone else.

Someone colder. More violent.

That was not the Yaruki she knew.

Her mind unwillingly shifted to the first time she ever met the mercenary.

Her body swaying from the alcohol, but she stood fearless before those men. Even going as far as to threaten their lives while simultaneously falling to her ass.

The mercenary who could weave a lie effortlessly in the face of danger or create an insult no average person would be able to come up with on the spot.

Okimi was torn. Her need for self-preservation fought with the need to save her friend. To get her away from those men. From this life.

"Okimi…please…I'm sorry…I just…I need to make this right."

She shuts her eyes tight drowning out the woman's pleads. This was not Yaruki. It was something else entirely. Something she's seen many times before.

"Let me help you, Okimi. I just want to help."

Okimi's breath hitches in her throat as the voice changes to something more familiar.

"Okimi…I'm going to fix this…please…trust me."

A lure. Okimi knew that's what it was, but a part of her wanted to wait. Wanted to save her friend.

"Enough of these games, Okimi-"

"….its dangerous out here. Remember? There are bandits."

As her voice grows closer, it seems to shift filling every space around her. She couldn't stay here for much longer. Her eyes struggle to adjust to the darkness of the forest. She just needed to get away.

Carefully, she pushes herself from the tree and begins to move. Her feet shuffle as quickly and as quietly as she could. Her eyes straining for any sort of light to guide her way. She could loop back to the village. Find the guard post. Beg for help, but what good would that do.

She saw the look in their eyes. They didn't believe her. They'd just take her back to the inn. To her death. Air scrapes against her tender throat as she continues to push her sore body forwards.

Her foot catches on a root and she falls forwards just as an arrow zips over her head. She screams scrambling back to her feet and taking off again.

"I'm sorry… I failed you…"

Let me make things right!"

Okimi lets out another scream, "Please…I'm sorry. PLEASE YARUKI! DON'T!"

An arrow pierces her shoulder and her body twists landing hard on her back. "NOO! NOOO, Please! Please! Someone HELP! HELP ME!" Okimi watches in horror as the woman slowly approaches her; her eyes cold; her face blank.

Okimi forces her feet in to the ground pushing herself away from the approaching figure, "Please! Please. I won't tell. I'll leave…please! Yaruki….Yaruki it's me…please. I'm sorry."

The woman drops her bow as she kneels down grabbing hold of Okimi's ankle and yanking her forwards.

"There is a rot in you."

She says harshly before her voice softens grabbing hold of Okimi's other legs as she tries to kick herself free. "I let them rot you….I'm so sorry"

Okimi screams as she watches the woman pull a knife from its resting place with in her sleeve.

"Please! PLEASE! I'm sorry! I won't tell. You're right…just please….please.. HELP ME!" Okimi screams again as she struggles to fight the woman off her.

"I am helping you. Hush, now. You're safe. I'm here." The knife plunges in to Okimi's stomach and a strangled gasp slips from her lips.

"We must carve out the rot."

"You are suffering."

Okimi's screams grow weaker and the woman drives the blade in to her throat.

"We are saving you…."

Blood fills her lungs as she slowly begins to drown.

"We must save everyone…I'm here to protect you…to make sure you don't suffer."

Okimi watches as the woman…the monster…continues to carve her open removing pulsing dripping organs.

"I am here for you, my friend…I am your Savior…"

The woman looks up at her and reaches a bloody hand out to caress her cheek.

"You're safe now…You're finally safe…"

"You stupid little bitch"

For the first time in a very long time…

There was no guilt.

I took a life, but I did it for the right reasons. I saved her.

I stare up at the inn ceiling a sudden bubbling giddy feeling filling my chest. I finally did it. I finally saved her.

My lips twitch as I struggle to keep myself from laughing. No longer did she need to worry about people hurting her. No longer did she have to struggle to survive. She was free. Safe.

And it was because of me.

I clutch my chest struggling to breath as if my heart were about to burst. Even now, as the faces of every victim flash in from of my eyes, the guilt that weighed me down was no longer present.

They were at peace.

All of them.

They were free from this world.

From those monsters.

Why? Why did it take so long for me to realize this?

I am a savior. I am a good person.

I lift my hands to examine them. Clenching and relaxing my fist as it all sinks in. This whole time my body knew what it was supposed to do. My mind just could not see the good in it. Father killed people, but he was not a bad man. Killing is not just for bad men. Killing is a necessity. Killing is a punishment and a reward. It's not fun as Bankotsu claims that it is.

Its work. A sacred art that should be respected and reverenced.

Those who are evil wish to continue their lives, so killing them is a punishment. But those who are good, who struggle, suffer, and end up being tainted by this world deserve the peace that death brings.

I let out a shaky breath unable to contain the excitement in my revelation. It all makes sense. It all FUCKING MAKES SENSE.

I was never a bad person. I was only doing what was best for those around me.

The sounds of life outside and within the building stir me from my thoughts. I take in a slow breath trying to calm my mind as I sit up.

It was a new day. A different day. And there were so many people who needed my help.

I quicken my steps towards the inn door excited to greet the world with my new sense of purpose but stop when I see the streaks of dried blood on my sleeves. I take a moment to examine as much of myself as I could without a mirror.

"I should probably get a change of clothes." I mutter absently before stepping out in to the hall and towards the front desk.

"Good morning!" I says cheerfully to the horrified inn keeper before me. "I'd like to pay for another night or two if that is ok?"

I reach in to my sleeve and pull out my pouch carefully counting out what I could only guess would be the total.

The innkeeper remains silent and I could feel their eyes scanning my face and body," M-M-Miss…are you…are you ok? Are you hurt?"

I look up confused by his question, "I'm fine." I feel a smile break out on my face, "Actually…I don't think I've ever felt this good." I reach out setting the money on the counter and spotting several streak of dried blood on the back of my hands, "Oh…hmm." I fish out a few more coins and set them on the counter as well, "I'd would also like to purchase a bath and some fresh clothes if you have any."

The inn keeper continues to stare at me unmoving. After a moment of stilled silence between us, I move closer keeping my smile, "Did you not hear me? I requested a bath."

The inn keeps face pales as he struggles to get his mouth to work, "Y-yes, b-but we…I-I mean there's…there's a bath h-h-house…" His voice trails off as he points in the general direction of a bath house.

"Ah…ok. That's all you had to say. But I will be adding in another night."

"W-we…we're booked….y-you'd have….have to go somewhere else."

Liar. Liar.

My face scrunches in to a look of displeasure, "Are you certain about that?"

The man nods fervently and my frown deepens as I let out a low sigh, "Sir, I must warn you. I don't like being lied to. It's such an unnecessary and evil thing to do." I lean in closer to him, "If you wish for me not to return, then simply tell me so. But lying to me…well…only bad men feel the need to lie needlessly."

I feel the voice chuckle softly within me and I smile

"Are you a bad man, sir?"

Quickly the inn keep scoops the money into his hand laughing nervously and forcefully, "F-f-f-forgive me, Miss. I-I…I got confused about my days. W-w-we have plenty of rooms."

My smile falters slightly.

"That makes TWO needless lies."

I stare the man down unblinkingly. He lied twice. If he were an honest man, he would have just told me the truth. He took my money despite not wanting me to stay.

He's a liar.

He's greedy.

"P-p-please. I'm sorry. Forgive me."

I continue to stare at him unblinkingly before sighing, "Maybe." I say softly before turning and heading out of the inn.

I flinch slightly at the sudden brightness of the day taking a moment to let my eyes adjust.

God, was it mid-morning already?

With this realization, I take a moment to weigh my options. It would probably be in my best interest to bathe first given that I'll walking right towards the guard post, but the idea of letting that group wander around among the innocent felt irresponsible. Settling on the latter, I quicken my pace towards the village entrance. Sure enough, as I approach the guard post, I could see Bankotsu bored expression and could read the growing agitation of the guard that was currently in his face.

His cobalt eyes flicker past the guard towards me and then back to me once his mind registered what he saw. A swirl of relief, fear, and confusion flash across his face as he studies me, and I flash him an easy smile as I approach. His eyes harden to a glare.

"Are you even listening to me?!"

"No, not really." His responds matter-of-factly as he continues to watch me.

"They're with me, unfortunately." I chime causing the guard to turn and look at me. He sputters taken aback by my appearance and for a brief moment, I wondered just how much blood was actually on me.

"What in the hell-"

"They are the mercenaries I was telling you all about earlier." I continue clasping my hands behind me while rocking on my heels, "The ones that can assist your Lord with your bandit problem."

"What happened to you?! Were you attacked? Are you hurt?"

I blink taking an honest moment to assess my body for any aches and pains, "Mmmm, my back kind of hurts, but other than that, I'm actually pretty good. How about you?"

The guard stares at me in disbelief, "I-I'm well? Miss, are you or are you not hurt?"

"I'm glad to hear that you're well. Now, if you'd please allow them to enter so I can show them to our room. I need to take a bath and really would prefer not to stand here all day in polite conversation."

The guard readies his pike pointing it threateningly at me, "You are going nowhere until you explain yourself. Why are you covered in blood? Whose blood is this if not yours?!"

I let out a tired sigh, "Well, I guess I'm covered in blood because I was doing the job you're supposed to be doing. You know, keeping people safe!"

The guard's pike lowers ever so slightly, "W-wait…you….you were out killing bandits? By yourself?!"

I roll my eyes, "I was out keeping people safe." I corrected, "Which is what you all should be doing, but instead you're wasting time with them. Now, will you please let them through?"

He says nothing, but his eyes narrow slightly, "So your friend wasn't lying then. About your leader's sword."

"I never said she was lying. I merely said she was exhausted and traumatized by last night's events, which she was."

"Where is she now? I wish to speak with her."

I keep my face unreadable as I stare at him, "She's safe."

"What?"

"I said. She's safe now. There's no need to worry about her. In fact, she's probably safer now than she ever would have been under your care or in this village. I made sure of that. Now-" I motion towards the others behind him, but he keeps his eyes trained on me for a moment longer before turning towards the others.

The guard lets out a low hum as he finally steps to the side allowing Bankotsu and the others to walk pass, "Stay out of trouble!"

Bankotsu throws him a smirk as he waves off the guards warning, "Wouldn't dream of it."

"Soooo, you're just out here killing bandits left and right by yourself now?"

My eyes slide over to Bankotsu as he matches my pace on our way back to the inn. A curious and slightly arouse look settles on his face as he studies me and I roll my eyes.

"I never said that, I just let them think that."

"Really?"

"Yes, ReAlLy." I keep my eyes forwards, "This is a job that we can do and potentially get a good pay out of since this is an ongoing problem, but because I am a woman, I am certain they are going to discredit our effectiveness. Sooooo, if I make them believe that I can handle a few bandits on my own, just think of what they'll believe when they see you all as well. If your 'weakest link' is strong then they can't say we're unfit to fight because you have a woman with you."

Bankotsu stops for a second, "That's…actually pretty smart. I'm impressed."

I scoff ignoring the sudden warm feeling in my chest from his comment. Instead, I plaster a smug look on my face, "Of course it is. Despite what baldy back there says, I'm not stupid." I stop to look at him, "You're going to be the only issue left."

Bankotsu blinks before leaning closer to me and pointing to himself, "Me?"

"Yes you, Mr. Baby-face." I cup his cheeks taking a moment to study those stupid cobalt blue eyes again.

UGH, why the fuck was he so damn good looking?

"I've met the head Samurai already and honestly, it might be a bit of a stretch convincing him that someone as young as you is our leader."

"Never had any major issues with that before, worse case they just went with someone else."

I sigh letting go of his face and resting my hands on my hips, "Yeah, I guess, but I was actually thinking of letting Baldy back there pretend to be the leader. He's the most believable out of everyone without being as decrepit as Mukotsu in terms of age. I would have used Genkotsu, based solely on his intimidation factor, but honestly Renkotsu is a two-faced son of a bitch, so his acting skills are admirable."

"Bandits!? Seriously? Would that even be a challenge? I mean what, we're talking at best fifteen sorry men who are think they're something special just because they can outnumber a few travelers on the road. I don't think so. It's a waste of time." Jakotsu huffs resting his boney ass elbow on the crown of my head.

"And I am not decrepit you ungrateful little slut!"

"Tch! And what makes you think I'll go along with this stupid plan in the first place?"

I feel my anger begin to boil, but before I could even respond, "You'll go along with it because I say you will." Bankotsu says flatly not taking his eyes off me, "That goes for everyone."

They fall quiet, and I raise an eyebrow at him. He gives me a smirk, "This is your job. You're in control. Just tell me what you need and I'll get it done."

"…A-and you're not offended by me using Renkotsu as a fake leader?"

He shrugs, "I don't think it's necessary, but no. I'm not offended. Plus, it sounds like your little hostage already described them to me. It'll seem weird if someone else shows up instead."

I freeze realizing the truth in his statements.

Fuck!

"Big Brother, you're joking right?"

Bankotsu casts a quiet look over to Renkotsu before looking back to me, "How many are we talking about here? Where are they located? Do they want us to kill them all or just thin the herd?"

I quietly chew on the inside of my lower lip for a moment, "I don't have any of the details. We're meeting the samurai tomorrow to see if he even wants to hire us, but he requested to see you." I cross my arms over my chest speaking more to myself now versus to them. "I forgot Okimi mentioned that damn sword to them so yeah I'm going to have to bring you versus Renkotsu. And you're so damn young looking, I know that samurai is going to have a problem with it."

"You act like I've never been doubted before. I'm flattered that you think so highly of me."

I look up at him ready to dispute his ridiculous comment, but the smug mischievous look on his face causes my words to stick to the inside of my throat.

"Don't worry about it." He says casually as he continues to walk towards the inn, "If you want this job, I'll get it for you." I feel my face flush slightly as he winks at me, "We'll meet this samurai of yours tomorrow, state our price, and get the details from there. But for now, you should probably go take a bath. As much as I like the look of you covered in someone's blood, I don't think it would bode well for us with the authority figures around here."

"Ooooh a bath sounds amazing!" Jakotsu hums and I finally knock his boney ass elbow off me.

"Who even said you're allowed to join me, you walking tragedy?"

Jakotsu scoffs, "First of all, you little idiot, I'm male and it's a bath house. No one is joining you and secondly, who'd want to see a fat cow soak in hot water any way."

I shove him away from me as I stalk off towards the bath house, "I hope you fucking drown."

"Moooooooo!"

I did my best to scrub away as much of Okimi's blood off me before finally entering the spring in the next room over. Thankfully, because it was mid-day, the onsen wasn't as packed as it could have been leaving me with only my thoughts.

I sink low, allowing the hot water to soak to my very bones and close my eyes. The excitement of my revelation finally quelling to a gentle acceptance.

'We should help this village…'

I let out a low sigh, "We are. By dealing with those bandits."

'Or…'

"Or?"

'We can give them all the rest they need. The peace they deserve.'

"But that still leaves the bandits to terrorize others. Killing as a punishment should be greater than saving the innocent-"

'But just think of how at peace she is. Shouldn't the rest of the village experience that as well?'

"They should…" I say softly, but something in me disagrees. "But…taking away their choice to be saved….wouldn't that make me no better than him? Okimi asked, Begged. Pleaded for help. She was in pain. How would I know who needs help if they don't ask?"

'Some people don't realize that they need help. This world makes it seem like struggling is a good thing. Perhaps, Bankotsu is right-'

"MY FATHER DID NOT NEED TO BE KILLED!" I exhale waiting for my echo to dissipate before continuing in a softer tone. "No, they have to ask for help. My father wasn't suffering. Bankotsu is an evil man. That is why he kills. He thinks of no one, but himself." I stare at the water watching as the steam swirls around me.

"I'm not like him." I continue, "I'm not like any of them."

"Ugh! There's no one cute here!"

I sink lower at the sound of Jakotsu's voice; my eyes doing a quick scan of the bath area, "What the fuck, you bastard! Get out of the women's bath!"

"I'm not in the women's bath! You're in the mens!"

I scan the area again confused. I hear his voice, but I don't see him.

"Plus, I'd rather chew glass than look at your saggy body."

I let out a breath I didn't know I am holding finally realizing his voice is coming from the massive wooden divider behind me.

"I swear I can't get a lick of peace around you all, even in a damn bath house."

Jakotsu scoffs, "Yeah and its just my luck that the only person here is your saggy ass."

"You're older than me, you fucking mule."

"Ooooh, and I was really hoping to see some beautiful men here too."

I roll my eyes as I begin to relax once more. The peace lasts only for a moment as I hear Jakotsu slosh closer to the divider.

"So you finally killed that girl, huh? And after all the shit you were talking about keeping her safe." He snorts, "Figures."

"And what the hell makes you think I killed her." I say lowly knowing full well where this conversation is going, but surprisingly feeling nothing.

"Seriously! One minute, she's attached to your fucking hip and the next she's not and you're covered in blood. Do you really think we're that stupid?"

"I didn't-"

"And more importantly, do you really think we give a fuck?"

"So if you don't care, why bring it up?"

"Because I love giving your entitled self-righteous ass a hard time."

I let out low chuckle as I roll my eyes.

"Did you honestly think after all the shit about 'KeEpInG hEr SaFe.' And 'yOuR rEsPoNsIbLe FoR hEr', I'd just let it slide that you killed her. Fuck that. Bankotsu may not mention it because he likes you, but I don't, so I'm going to hold this over you for the rest of your fucking life."

"There's nothing to hold over me." I say calmly, "What I did is different from what you all do. Yes, I killed her, but it was for her own good. She needed help. She needed to be safe, and unfortunately it took me far to long to realize that the only way anyone who is good and pure in this world can be safe, is through death."

"Oh my god…" he mutters letting out an annoyed sigh, "I swear this is why I fucking hate women."

"Excuse you?"

"You just can't do it, can you?" He lets out a low laugh, "You seriously just can't say you killed her without making some bullshit excuse to make yourself feel better. You do what every single woman does and that's make fucking excuses or find some way to free yourself from any fucking responsibility. Your entire sex just fucking sickens me and more than just in the physical sense. You're all weak, whining, aggravating, pathetic little shits. Death is too good for any of you which is why I don't even waste my fucking time."

My mouth twitches in slight annoyance at his comment.

"I don't even know why I thought you'd be any different." He lets out a wearisome sigh, "I guess maybe I started to believe all the bullshit Big Brother was saying about you."

"I-I'm sorry. Are you…are you trying to say you're disappointed in me?!"

"Tch, I'd actually have to expect something out of you to be disappointed, you fucking cow."

"Someone like you," I begin keeping my tone slow and even, "would never understand. Because at the end of the day, you are vile and rotten just like the rest of them. And in time, you all will get exactly what you deserve. I am better than you. I will always be better than you because when I kill, there is a purpose for it. A reason that goes beyond anything you or Bankotsu or anyone else will ever understand."

"This is what you all wanted, right?

What you all wanted me to become?

A mercenary."

I lean my head back against the divider, "My reward just goes beyond money. It's a satisfaction that people like you suffer and people like Okimi find peace. I realize that now, and there is nothing you can do to make me think differently."

"So if I were you,

I would worry more about myself

And my inevitable slow and painful death."

Jakotsu laughs, "Is that a threat? How cute. You choose to kill one innocent person and suddenly, you think you're this badass-"

"I assure you that was no threat."

"It's a fucking promise."

I slide the inn room door open to see a magnificent spread of food in front of me. Jakostu pushes past me and proceeds to eat as I continue to stare dumbfounded at the meal. Immediately my eyes shot towards Bankotsu who downs another cup of sake, "What the hell! I can't afford this."

"On the house." He says simply biting into a steamed bun.

My eye twitches, "Did you threaten the fucking innkeep?!"

"No." he gives me a slight smirk, "Did you?"

"NO! The hell-"

"I only asked because when we got here, the guy seemed pretty jumpy, and once I told him we were with you, the man basically turned in to a damn ghost." Bankotsu chuckles patting a spot next to him, "A few minutes later, he comes with all this food saying its courtesy of the inn and to let you know he apologies again for the 'needless lies' and the 'he doesn't want any trouble.' "

Jakotsu snorts, "She probably did threaten him. You should have heard her in the bath." He bites down on a rice ball, "The idiot goes and kills one little girl and suddenly she thinks she's some badass mercenary. It'd be cute if it wasn't so fucking laughable."

I pop Jakotsu upside the head as I make my way towards the empty spot near Bankotsu. His sake cup whizzes past my head and shatters on the inn wall in front of me. "I'm not paying for that you walking tragedy of a man."

"Your father."

Bankotsu snatches me down to my butt before I could make my way back to him.

"So, tell me about this samurai." He says keeping a firm hold on me while downing another drink.

I keep my murderous glare on Jakotsu's smug face before finally exhaling, "He's your typical fighter. Big, loud, egotistical. He does seem to care about people though, which is why I say it'll be hard to convince him to hire us with you as our leader."

Bankotsu lets out a low hum and I snatch my clothes from his grip before reaching over and grabbing a steamed bun. "Did you come across anything on the way here? Like a camp, or better yet, actual bandits?"

Bankotsu pours another cup holds it out to me, "Not really, but that doesn't mean they aren't around."

I push the cup away from me and glare at him, "Well don't you think it would be better to stay alert and have a look around to see if we can get an idea of how many there are?"

"What's the point if we don't even have the job yet? Sounds like a lot of work for free." Again, he offers me a cup. I try to knock it out of his hands, but he shifts and angles it away from me spilling only a little.

"You need to relax."

"I'm fine." I snap, but that same aggravating smirk doesn't leave his face. I aimlessly swing at him, and he dodges laughing. I try to hit him again, and he grabs hold of my arm pulling me closer to him.

"Drink with me."

"I'd rather not."

"Alright. So either you drink with me or you tell me what happened after you ran away."

I blink in disbelief before laughing, "First of all, I didn't run away-"

"You went on head without my permission. That's running away."

"No…" I say slowly glaring at him, "that's me trying to get Okimi some help. If I wanted to run away, I would have gone a lot further than here." I try to pull away again, but his hold on my arm is firm. I sigh, "Besides I'm not going anywhere until I bury your ass six feet under."

His eyes study my face for a moment before smiling, "Good. Would have been pointless for you to anyway."

I glare at him finally pulling myself free from his grip, "Excuse you?"

He pauses, the cup at his lips, "I said it would have been pointless for you to run away. I won't allow it."

He downs another drink as I stare at him momentarily at a loss for words, "You won't allow it?!"

He pours another cup and hands it to me. I snatch it from him and down it immediately. I wince at the burn but that only fuels my annoyance, "Who the fuck said I needed your fucking permission to leave?"

"I just did. Weren't you listening?"

He pours more into our shared cup, and I automatically drink, "Yeah!? Well, you listen to me, you troll's ass-wart."

I down another cup as he rests his chin in the back of his hand that was propped on his leg. The small container of sake hanging by its rim at his fingertips, "Mm-hmm?"

" If I decide to leave, I'll fucking leave and there isn't shit you can do about that." My head begins to throb slightly, and I huff loudly.

He continues to watch me as his hand refills the cup, "Ok." He then reaches over and grabs a rice ball from the spread of food before us.

I blink for a moment before narrowing my eyes to slits, "Ok?...Damn right ok." I glare down at my refilled up before downing it. I feel my face getting warmer as I continue to glare at the empty cup willing more sake to appear in it, "You don't fucking control me."

"Mmm-hmm."

I growl at his casual tone, "I'm fucking serious!" I push against his shoulder slightly. and he throws a warning glare at me before grabbing another cup and pouring the both of us a drink.

That drink led to another.

And then another.

And then a few more in the span of what I can only assume is an hour or two.

My head is swimming at this point as I fade in and out of the loud boisterous conversations that the others were having around me. I think at one point the inn keeper sent one of his employees to quiet us down, but the poor girl ended up being trapped by Mukotsu for a while before finally kicking him and running out causing most of us to laugh.

I fight against someone pulling me downwards, but after a moment I give in and land in Bankotsu's lap. I stare up at his swaying form watching as he continues his conversation with someone across from him.

He laughs. The sound is deep and soothing. His features light and joyful.

A sudden and sharp twist settles in my stomach and chest as I continue to watch him. A light flush had dusted across his tawny face from the alcohol and my eyes trail down to his throat.

I could do it.

I am so close.

I could ram my knife in his face.

His throat.

Hell, anywhere really and he'll bleed out before any of the others could even register what happened.

I bring my arms up to my stomach folding them nonchalantly over each other all while positioning them so that my right hand could pull the blade from its holder in my left without much attention.

I can do it.

I keep my breathing even as I continue to watch him.

I can kill him.

'Then do it.'

I keep watching.

'Stab him!'

His eyes flicker down to me, a smile slowly pulling at his lips as one of his hands rests on top of mine.

I freeze and he lowers himself so that only I could hear him.

"You're thinking too much. If you're going to stab me, then do it."

I feel my face flush as he continues to watch me. "You forget that I know where you keep that knife of yours."

I exhale louder than I intended, and he chuckles. "Killing should be a reflex. Something that you can do without thinking. If you spend time thinking about killing, you'll never actually do it. You also leave yourself open for your opponent to counter."

His grip on my hands tightens as he leans further down letting his lips connect to mine. He breaks the kiss momentarily, "You also have a tell." He mutters kissing me again. I move my head away from him and glare.

"I do not."

"Yes, you do."

I narrow my eyes at him, "What is it then?"

He cups my face keeping me from turning away, "That's for me to know, and you to fix."

He presses his lips to mine once more and after a moment I pull away, "You're full of shit." I mutter and he chuckles. "That reminds me," I begin a bit louder so that the others could hear me, "Absolutely no killing while we're here."

"So we are taking orders from the yujo now?"

My knife embeds itself in the wall next to Renkotsu's head and he gives me a murderous glare. I do my best to return his glare from Bankotsu's lap, but I couldn't quite focus on his doubling body.

"We're here on a job, you idiot," I slur, "So we need to be on our behavior best...best behavior." I close my eyes feeling a bit nauseous from the slow swaying of the room around me, "The last thing….thing we need is for them to think bandits….no….that we're…..bandit?"

"Drunken slut."

"The fuck you just say you bald bitch?"

Bankostu keeps me pinned down as I struggle to sit up. Grumbling, I reach over to grab another knife, but Banktosu takes it from my hands before I could throw it.

"Don't cause too much attention for now." Banktosu begins as he keeps the knife out of my reach, "At least until we are certain the Lord wants to hire us." He shifts the knife from one hand to the other as I struggle to bring it closer to me so I can grab the knife.

"If not, feel free to do what you want in this village."

A small whine escapes me as I press my hands against his face, "Let me stab him…."

He gathers my wrists in to his free hand and pulls them off to the side so the others can see his face clearly, "Understood?"

They nod and I let out a frustrated sigh before rolling off his lap. He tries to pull me back in time, but it was too late, and I successfully manage to chuck a bowl at Renkotsu's head. It shatters on impact.

"HA!"

There isn't much I remember after that just a lot of yelling, cursing, broken dishware….I'm pretty sure most of it being from me.

Breathing.

Icy and heavy blows over me and the smell of death and rot makes my face flinch in disgust. My stomach swirls violently at the offensive smell and I open my eyes.

My heart lodges itself in my throat as I stare into Okimi's wide cold black eyes. Her pale grey face practically touching mine. A heaviness had settled itself on my chest leaving me immobile as I watch her open and close her mouth as if screaming.

I close my eyes struggling to will any limb to move. To shift. To do anything really. Despite the deep inhales I feel myself taking, my head feels light as if needing more air. I could feel Okimi continue to scream at me. Panic begins to rise in me as I take deeper and deeper breaths but get not sort of relief.

"Yaruki" A hand rests on my shoulder and suddenly Okimi vanishes. I shoot upwards selfishly gulping air around me, but my breaths are still shallow. I lean forwards clutching my chest, and a sob rattles in my throat. I feel tears stream down my cheeks, and I struggle to wipe my face clear, but they keep coming. I feel someone grab my shoulder and I begin to fight them off in a fit of panic.

"Hey! Hey! Stop. Its me."

Bankotsu pulls me into him and I grip on to his sides focusing my attention and efforts on stopping my crying after accepting that he wouldn't let me go.

I didn't want him to see me like this.

I'm not weak.

I don't need his comfort!

I continue to gasp in the crook of his shoulder.

"Breathe. Slowly."

"L-let ….me go…" I gasp

"Slowly..."

My breathing quickens and my head begins to feel light. The room around me begins to spin and my grip on him tightens.

He pushes me a way so that I could see his face, "Hey! Look at me." I continue to gasp as I look up at him.

"Follow me." He takes a slow deep breath holding it for a second before letting it out slowly.

I watch him for a moment still gasping.

He repeats the action, and I glare at him.

"Y-you…you…look...look…look…stupid. "

"Says the idiot who's forgotten how to fucking inhale. Now shut up and copy me."

He does it again, and I copy him.

After a few deep inhales, my grip on him loosens as the room balances itself back out. "I didn't need your fucking help…" I mutter trying to put more space between us.

He chuckles while keeping me close, "You're welcome." He watches me carefully as if waiting for me to freak out again and I glare at him, "You can let go now."

He smirks leaning in closer to me. His right hand bracing itself on the floor while his left cups my face pulling me closer to him. I do my best to angle my face away from him, "How'd you even know how to do that?"

"Do what?"

I narrow my eyes at him, "The breathing thing, you idiot. How'd you…I mean-"

"I know how to do a lot of things, Yaruki." He suddenly adjusts himself so that his back is against the wall and pulls me in to his lap. "You just have to ask nicely."

"Drop dead."

"That's a command. I don't take commands from you."

"…Now drop dead?"

A small huff of laughter escapes him as his hands slide from my hip to my thighs before sliding back up and curving down to my ass. A sudden and pleasant chill runs through me at his touch which doesn't go unnoticed. I feel him begin to kneed and squeeze me and my hands move to his wrists attempting to pull his hands away from me.

"Stop."

He freezes momentarily his eyes unreadable, "That's two."

I roll my eyes, "Two what-"

The sudden and sharp smack on my ass lurches me forward and my breath catches in my throat. I look down at him enraged, "Did you just fuckingggAHH!"

I grit my teeth and my nails digging in to his shoulders as I wait for the sting of his second hit to subside. I struggle to get out of his lap, but his grip on my hips keeps me pinned in place.

He rests his head against the wall quietly watching my face. I exhale slowly glaring hard at his neutral expression, "Let. Me. Go!"

He smirks.

Smack!

A broken exhale slips out of my mouth as I feel tears begin to well at the corner of my eyes.

This motherfucker did it again!

"You fucking asshole!" He catches my wrists keeping my fists from connecting with his face and he pulls me closer to him. He watches me for moment.

"You gonna cry?"

"Go fuck yourself." Fear settles in my chest as my brain registers the command after my mouth spoke it. A wave of quiet panic and desperation jerks my muscles into action, but it was futile. The fourth smack knocks a sob loose from my throat and his lips, seizing the opportunity, latch on to mine.

I flinch feeling his hand gently rub and soothe my sore cheek as if it wasn't the culprit of the pain mere moments ago. The pain from his smacks, the pleasure from his massaging hand, the sweeping quick motions of his tongue over every inch of my mouth…

How the fuck is one supposed to think with all this happening at once.

I feel my back hit the floor as he pins my wrists with one hand over my head. His free hand moves following the curves of my outer thigh.

Breaking past the fabric of my clothes.

Finding bare skin.

The hand lingers on the top of my thigh. His thumb rubbing the inner side of it before the hand travels upwards to very dangerous territory.

His tongue shifts its attention to mine as if that action would distract me from his fingers deftly maneuvering past the last bit of fabric guarding myself from him.

He breaks the kiss and a startled gasp escapes me at the sudden feeling of fingers appear against me. He lets out a soft chuckle as he trails kisses from my lips to my chin and down to my neck.

"So you do like me." He mutters gently and I scoff.

"N-no I don't."

"Doesn't feel that way."

A jolt of pleasure runs through me as he presses his thumb against me, and I shift in an attempt to move away from him.

"M-m-move your hand, right now."

"Ok."

"N-Naugggghhh...like that!"

"Oh, sorry. Is this better?"

My eyes shut tight as another jolt of pleasure pulses through me when his thumb begins a slow circular motion and I bite my lower lip swallowing another moan.

"Y-y-you….you….ass…"

He chuckles as he lifts his head from my neck to watch my face, "Even though you gave me an order, it was one I didn't mind following, but you really need to be mindful of what you say."

His pace quickens and a moan slips out of me. He leans down so our foreheads touch, "Fuck you're beautiful."

He increases the pressure and I moan again.

"Say my name."

"Fuck you."

He slows and I whimper out of reflex, "Don't be a brat." His slow pace is maddening and I let out another whimper. "Just say it."

"It"

He lets out a low annoyed sigh, "You know what, I'm actually impressed that you can still think clearly enough to be a smartass."

"Better than… being a…fucking dumbass…" I say through gritted teeth.

The sudden absence of his touch jolts my eyes open and glare up at him.

"That's three. I'm done."

"What?!"

"I don't reward disobedience. Night."

And he is gone; cruelly leaving me with a new and humbling understanding of what it means to be frustrated.

"This is your so called leader? He's a child! Hell, I have a son older than him!"

I massage the bridge of my nose trying to focus on the enraged samurai versus the unrelenting pounding in my head. The sun was too bright, the birds were too loud, and all I wanted to do was punch this ass hat right in the throat so that I could get a moment's peace.

"You are aware that you're older than me and you can't even take care of this problem yourself, so I doubt age is an issue."

"What did you just say to me, boy?!"

"I can assure you," I begin slowly, but loudly preventing Bankotsu from answering, "That he is far more skilled than he appears. All of us are. If you'd just let us-"

"It would be a waste of time and blood sending a half hazard group of try-hards who's leader looks as though he just got off his mother's tit. And you-"

The Samurai makes an attempt to step closer to me, but Bankotsu gets in his way, "You want us to solve this problem of yours or not." He says flatly staring the man down, "Clearly, your men can't handle it. From what some of the villagers are saying, a group of them got ambushed and killed while on rounds. The most you'd lose when hiring us is the amount we ask for when we succeed."

"If you succeed."

"We'll have more success than your dead men."

"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY TO ME?!"

"What? You're hard of hearing too, old man? I said-"

"So then is that a yes?" I discreetly pinch Bankotsu's side and he flinches giving me a hard glare.

The Samurai huffs, "Fine, you all want an early death then so be it. Clear out the bandits near the village and we'll give you what you deserve when you return."

I give the samurai a halfhearted a bow as I begin to walk away, pulling Bankotsu with me. He fights against me for a moment never breaking eye contact with the older man before huffing and turning.

"Woman!"

I stop and turn on my heel, "My name is Yaruki."

"Where is the young lady who came to town with you?"

"She left."

"In her condition?"

"I tried stopping her, but I am not her mother. She insisted on leaving so I wasn't going to force her to stay."

"You told my men that she was safe. Now you say you don't know where she is."

I exhale, "I didn't say I didn't know where she was. I said she left. As in, I escorted her to the next village over and came back here to wait for my group."

"So you admit that you are the last one to be with her."

"As far as I know, yes. She could have met some other people after I left her. Satisfied?"

I wait for him to respond, but when he doesn't I roll my eyes and we make your way back to the inn.

The Samurai's jaw clenches in anger at the disrespect as the two walk away. "Sir, are you sure about this?" his subordinate asks once the couple is out of ear shot.

"Yes." He says harshly, "As much satisfaction it would bring me to arrest her now, we still don't have solid proof it was her. The way the body is...we can't rule out a demon or an animal just yet. Not only that, but if they are as strong as they imply, it's better to have them deal with this bandit situation first and arrest them all if they return."

His mind flickers back to the night before. The desperation in the young girl's large brown eyes. Why hadn't he listened to his gut then? Taken her to a safer location himself. If he had…then perhaps she…perhaps she would still be alive.

He growls at himself before turning, "Go follow up on that innkeeper. He seemed panicked the last time I spoke to him, so hopefully by now he's calmed down enough to make actual sense."

"Yes, Sir."

I hope you all enjoyed it and again I apologize for the sudden and unannounced hiatus. I tried to make it pretty lengthy to make up for the wait.

Take care ^.^