Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha! I do own Koneko AKA Kitty, my OC's, the plot, and story line... There. I said it. (sighs)
"Talking"
"Thinking"
Scene change...
Chapter 3:
Back at camp:
Kitty had arrived and walked into the room to retrieve her Hiraiku so she could leave. The others had yet to return.
Bankotsu had followed her and stopped in the door way to his room, effectively blocking her path. He was pissed and decided they were going to settle some things. Kitty looked at him and said sadly, "Move and let me pass Bankotsu. I can't stay here."
Bankotsu shook his and stayed put crossing his arms over his chest. Spreading his feet firmly shoulder width apart, he looked at her and demanded, "Why not?"
Kitty looked him in the face and replied sadly with eyes full of sadness, and anger, "How can you even ask me that? I already told you... He killed everyone that ever meant a damn thing to me!" He was still pissed but his eyes softened just a tad at the reminder of how much she'd lost.
Stiffening her spine and calling upon her determination she faced him and continued, "Now I find out you all are working for him... Get out of my way, Bankotsu. Don't make this any harder than it already is! I can't stay!" looking away she said softly, "I'm sorry, but I'm no stranger to heartache. I am better off alone..."
Feeling some of his anger deflate Bankotsu sighed heavily, looking directly at her saying, "Just because we work for him, doesn't change who we are or what has been happening..."
Kitty had tears in her eyes and said, "I'm sorry, I truly am! But I can't stay with you anymore. Try to understand- he slaughtered not just one but both of my homes and everyone I ever knew."
Sobbing brokenly she bit her lip and with determination in her eyes declared, "I can't stay here! Please move and I will go off alone again. I don't want to have to fight you four...but if I stay it will be inevitable."
Staring into his eyes she vowed, "I promise I will never reveal your hideout to anyone. I give you my word of honor, both as a warrior and a priestess."
Bankotsu sighed heavily, relaxing his stance adding, "I don't want to have to fight you either, Koneko, but if you go against him, it will be inevitable." staring into her eyes.
Kitty bowed her head, sighing heavily, walked over, reaching up and lightly kissed Bankotsu on the cheek whispering softly, "Goodbye Bankotsu. Please don't follow me either. I will never forget you or your kindness..."
Taking a deep breath she used her giant boomerang to shove her way past him and walked away without looking back. Tears streamed down her cheeks but she knew she couldn't stay.
Stunned he followed her to the end of the camp and just stood there and watched her leave. Knowing nothing could change her mind he watched her until she was out of sight of the camp then he sighed heavily, and returned to his room.
He spent all night tossing and turning, thinking about Koneko and how much she had suffered at the hands of Naraku. He couldn't really blame her for leaving, but he was very saddened that she left, and worried because she was once again alone. He wouldn't admit it to anyone but himself, but he'd grown to admire and care for her and deeply saddened by her leaving.
With Kitty:
She traveled through the night and the next day never stopping, and made camp just before sunset. She walked to the hot springs she had spotted not far her camp site, to soak her tired, sore muscles.
While she was in the hot springs, she thought about Bankotsu and everything else. She wondered if the others ever thought about her, especially Bankotsu and sighed heavily before crying. She returned to her camp, lay on her blankets, and cried herself to sleep.
Over the next six months:
Kitty would wake up, eat breakfast then travel alone during the days. She'd make camp as the sun began setting, eat dinner, and soak thinking about Bankotsu and the others, wondering how they were doing. She would give herself a pep talk, and eventually fall asleep.
Bankotsu would after the daily activities sit and think about Kitty wondering how she was doing. Usually Jakotsu would try to cheer him up some, and eventually Bankotsu would walk off into the field and take out his frustrations, practicing with Banryu on some innocent trees. Then he would return to the camp, order dinner made, and sit there polishing Banryu. The others also would periodically wonder how their little sister was doing. Even Renkotsu would wonder where and how she was, though if asked he'd usually deny it. He even missed their verbal matches.
After the others went to sleep Bankotsu would sit up thinking about everything, staring at the stars, and eventually let out a heavy sigh and go to bed where he'd toss and turn until he fell asleep.
With Bankotsu and the others:
Bankotsu was sitting there once again wondering where Kitty was and what she was doing. He would wonder if she thought about him and their kisses, as well as the others. The others all walked over to him because they could see he was saddened again.
Jakotsu looked at him and questioned, "Big brother, why haven't we just gone after her? We all miss her."
Bankotsu looked at him sighing heavily and answered sadly, "Because she asked me not to." Like it or not he would abide by her request, since it was the last one she'd made of him, even though it was tearing him apart inside to do so.
Suikotsu frowned, wondering why, and added, "I miss her cooking." while looking at his brothers. They'd gone back to Jakotsu's cooking which was bland at best.
Renkotsu struggled a minute then deciding to admit it, looked at the others and also added, "I miss the verbal matches we had." She was the only one who could give him competition in a battle of wits out of the lot of them.
Bankotsu sighed heavily, nodded, and said, "I know. I miss her too- but this was and still is her decision, and we must respect it." Bankotsu feeling his frustrations beginning to surface again, angrily stormed off to practice in the field with his Banryu hacking down more innocent trees and blowing apart the boulders.
Elsewhere:
"Inuyasha, we need to camp for the night. We have been traveling since before sunrise non-stop. I'm hungry!" Kagome whined.
Sango looked over at them and eagerly added, "I agree." she too was hungry.
Miroku decided to add his words as well and wisely mentioned, "Unlike you, we are mere mortals and we need nourishment."
Inuyasha knowing he would most likely end up being sat if he didn't allow it and not being in the mood to be sat, sighed heavily and replied, "Teh! Fine whatever!" crossing his arms over his chest with a sulking face.
So they stopped and the girls set up camp while the guys went off to collect firewood and a few rabbits. After dinner the girls announced they were going to soak in the hot springs.
With Kitty:
She had decided to stop and make camp for the night. She found a single rabbit, skinned it and boiled it in her pot with the herbs she had collected earlier. After eating, she decided to go soak in the inviting looking hot spring with some rather large rocks surrounding it that she had seen not too far away from her campsite.
She walked there and undressed. Descending into the water, she soaked her achy muscles. Her bow and arrows were right on the shore along with her katana and clothes. Her Hiraiku was propped safely against a nearby tree.
At the hot springs ten minutes later:
Kitty was relaxing and enjoying her soak when she heard two girls walk up. They saw her as well. Kagome, with a surprised and somewhat embarrassed look on her face, said, "Oh I'm sorry! We didn't expect anyone to be here."
Kitty looked from one to the other noticing they both had black hair and brown eyes, the one talking had on a strange looking outfit that she had never seen before and the other had her hair in a pony tail that fell down her back wearing a pink and green kimono on. Deciding they were not much of a threat, smiled and replied, "That's okay, neither did I. Please feel free to join me. I will be done shortly."
Sango smiled and went to set her Hiraikotsu against a tree but spotted the other one instead. She asked, shocked "Is this yours?" Kitty opened her eyes, looking at her weapon and nodded. Sango looked at her questioning, "May I look at it?" Kitty nodded again.
Kagome was looking for somewhere to lay her bow and arrows and noticed the bow, arrows, and katana. She became surprise and queried, "These as well are yours?" gesturing to the small arsenal.
Kitty sighing answered evenly, "Yes." Honestly had they never seen someone who remained prepared for any outcome before?
Kagome nodded setting her weapons and bag aside. Undressing she entered the hot springs to soak. Kitty moved over to make some room. The water was nice and steamy and looked inviting.
Sango eyes widened in shock as she spotted her father's symbol on the weapon and snapping her gaze to the woman in the water, gasped demanding softly, "Where did you get this giant boomerang?"
Kitty looking directly at her replied evenly, "It was made by an old friend's father. He gave it to me and trained me with it when I was very young."
Kagome smiled at the woman introducing, "By the way my name is Kagome and this is my friend Sango."
Kitty's eyes widened and she looked at Sango, thoroughly inspecting her. Kitty gasped loudly and asked disbelieving, "Sango? Can it really be?"
Sango eyes full of sadness and old hurt stated softly, "This weapon... it was made by my father..." thinking she asked, "What is your name?"
Kitty looked directly into her eyes answering softly, "It's Koneko."
Sango's eyes widened in shock, she gasped loudly and exclaimed, "That's not possible!" shaking her head in denial. Sango also undressed and entered the springs to soak.
Kitty still looking in Sango's eyes softly demanded, "If you are indeed Sango, then what happened? I returned to the demon slayer's village three years ago and found nothing but graves."
Sango looked at Kitty thoroughly inspecting her face and said softly, "Koneko? Can it truly be you?" Kitty nodded. Sango queried, "But how? You were thought to be dead. What happened?"
Kagome looked from one to the other and said, "Are you telling me you know each other?" she was now thoroughly confused.
Sango sighing explained, "When I was just turning thirteen, my father sent a dear friend of mine away to a village to be trained as a priestess. She was never heard from or seen again... everyone thought her to be dead." staring into Kitty's eyes.
Kitty informed her evenly, "After my training was complete, my mentor died. The village headman refused to allow me to leave. I was under guard constantly."
Taking a deep breath she continued, "I was a prisoner basically. He was even going to force me to marry a man I didn't even know. One day a nearby village became deathly ill and he had no choice but to let me leave and tend them, because I was the only priestess in the entire four surrounding villages."
Sango nodded for the woman to continue. Blowing some bangs out of her face she stared off into the night and said, "While I was away the entire village was slaughtered. With his dying breath my fiancée's cousin, told me it was a hoard of demons ordered by Naraku."
Shaking her head trying to keep her tears at bay Kitty finished, "I returned to the demon slayer's village- only to learn they had been slaughtered as well. So I set out on my own to track down Naraku. I've been completely alone for over three and a half years now. I've been hunting down and collecting the jewel shards."
Sango stared Kitty directly in the eyes and announced, "We thought you were dead." Hoping her friend would understand.
Kitty holding her gaze answered, "I thought you dead as well. Tell me Sango, has anyone else survived?"
Sango replied softly, "Only me and Kohaku, but he is being controlled by Naraku..." looking away but not before Kitty saw the over whelming sadness in her eyes.
Kitty's eyes softened a little as she sighed, "I am sorry, Sango... I know you two were close."
Sango sighed and mentioned, "I'm sorry as well. If I'd known you were alive, I would have found you."
Kitty smiled sadly saying, "Don't worry about it Sango. I'm used to being alone now..."
Kagome looking at the woman suggested, "Koneke, Why don't you come back to camp with us at least for tonight?" hoping to give the reunited friends at least one night together.
Kitty thought this over, shrugged and agreed, "Sure, why not?" It beat being lonely again.
So the three girls got out, dressed, collected their weapons, and walked back to Kitty's camp together. She collected her things, and they all walked to the girl's camp.
Back at the Inutachi's camp:
Inuyasha saw Kagome and Sango returning. He ran up demanding, "What the hell took you two so damn long?" Seeing Koneko behind them he demanded, "Who the hell are you?" glaring at the newcomer.
Kagome yelled, "Sit boy!" Inuyasha hit the dirt. Kagome turned to Koneko and informed, "Don't mind him Inuyasha can be such a jerk sometimes."
Kitty nodded to the younger girl responding evenly, "I'm used to it by now."
Miroku looked Kitty over thoroughly and walked up staring her dead in the eye. Taking her hand he queried, "Excuse me miss, but would you kindly bear my child?"
Kitty's eyes widened in shock then narrowed in anger, yanking her hand free. Reaching up she slapped the hell out of his face, knocking him on his ass from the force of the blow.
As soon as he got up, Sango looking pissed off, hit him in the head with her Hiraikotsu and angrily commanded, "Can it, you letch." Turning to Koneko embarrassed she apologized annoyed, "Sorry about that lecherous monk. Miroku can be a real idiot sometimes. Just ignore him." glaring hotly at said unconscious monk.
Kitty smiled at her old friend and nodded. The three girls sat down and began talking.
Inuyasha having pulled his self out of the crater stormed over and demanded irately, "Who the hell is she, and why is she here?" while glaring untrustingly at Kitty.
Sango looked at him replying evenly, "She is from my village and was thought dead a long time ago. Now, sit down and be nice Inuyasha, or she will kick your ass."
Inuyasha scoffing retorted, "Like that wench could really beat me." Kitty quickly drew her bow notching an arrow, and released a sacred arrow right past Inuyasha's head.
His eyes widened in shock as did the groggy Miroku's. Inuyasha gasping stuttered, "A s...sacred arrow...But...But how is that possible?"
Kitty smirking responded evenly, "Because I am also a priestess, you mutt. Oh, and next time I won't miss. That was merely a warning. No one calls me wench! Got it?" glaring into his amber gaze. Inuyasha numbly nodded.
Kagome mumbled, "Men can be such thoughtless fools." Kitty and Sango nodded their agreement. Kitty putting her bow away sat back down. Kagome, Sango and Miroku sat down as well. Kagome looked her in the eye insisting, "Tell us earlier you said you were collecting the jewel shards. How many do you have?"
Kitty holding her gaze replied evenly, "I had five, but left them with a friend who helped me out a lot." looking away sadly not wanting to speak of Bankotsu or the others for fear of crying again.
Inuyasha becoming upset bellowed, "Stupid girl! How could you just let that friend have the jewel shards?"
Kitty narrowing her eyes at him retorted angrily, "That is none of your damn business, mutt face. Sheesh! He's just as bad as that damned wolf Koga from the other day." shaking her head.
Kagome completely surprised gasped and questioned, "You saw Koga?" staring at Kitty.
Kitty answered dryly, "Saw and fought the idiot wolf. Why do you know him?"
Kagome answered, "Yeah we do." amazed that this woman claimed to have fought Koga.
Inuyasha glaring seethed, "That mangy ass wolf is always flirting with Kagome!"
Looking at Kitty he demanded, "What do you mean you fought him? How is that possible when you don't even have a scratch on you?"
Kitty smirked at him informing him smugly, "I am demon slayer, stupid mutt. Not only did I fight him, but after talking to him I spared his miserable life."
Kagome gasped before saying, "Thank you for that, Koneko."
Kitty smiled sadly before retorting angrily, "Yeah well, I couldn't kill him after I found out why he was attacking. He was only trying to do the same thing as me- get revenge on Naraku for slaughtering his people."
All pretenses gone she declared furiously, "That bastard Naraku slaughtered both of my villages, and I will kill him for it!" sheer determination etched in her features.
Inuyasha held her gaze and informed seriously, "You don't stand a chance against that bastard alone."
Kitty holding his gaze warned, "Don't under estimate me, Inuyasha. I am stronger than anyone thinks. I'm as good a slayer as Sango here and a very powerful priestess as well."
Sango nodded adding seriously, "She was an even better slayer then me when we were kids." staring at Inuyasha hoping he'd get the message.
Inuyasha stared at the woman and growled, "No matter, you still can't beat that bastard alone."
Kagome looked into the woman's eyes and requested, "Why not join us?" she'd make for one heck of an ally , and her and Sango would be able to catch up with each other's lives.
Kitty shook her head and replied seriously, "Sorry, but I am better off alone." She wouldn't let them be risked because of her presence.
Sango sighed heavily gazing into her eyes insisted, "At least stay for the night and actually get some rest for once." concern evident in her mahogany eyes. Kitty nodded. Everyone stood up and spread out as they settled in for the night.
The next morning...
Sango woke up and saw Kitty already awake and gathering her stuff. She approached her childhood best friend standing directly in front of her, holding her gaze, and begged, "Stay with us... We could use another good fighter."
Kitty returning her gaze sighed and replied seriously, "I'm sorry, Sango, but lately anyone near me ends up hurt or dead."
Seeing her friend's sadness Kitty said, "Forgive me, but I must go." Sango sighed hugging her childhood friend. Kitty hugged her back mentioning seriously, "I am used to being on my own, don't worry about me Sango." Sango's hug tightened. Kitty assured, "I can handle myself better now than ever before."
Pulling back Kitty said, "I am however very grateful you're still alive, goodbye my old friend." Shouldering her weapons Kitty turned around and left and set off alone again. Sango sighed heavily, sat down and watched her friend leave, with eyes brimming with sadness.
An hour later everyone else woke up. Kagome looked around and noticing Kitty was missing looked at Sango asking sleepily, "Where's Koneko?"
Sango still staring in the direction her old friend had gone sighed heavily answering sadly, "She left..."
Inuyasha walked up to Sango demanding, "What the hell do you mean she left? Doesn't that stupid wench understand she has no chance against Naraku alone?"
Sango faced him adding seriously, "Once she makes up her mind, there is no changing it. She was and is determined to leave. Even if I had tried to stop her, she would have kicked my ass and left anyway."
Kagome walked over to Sango hugging her as she soothed, "Don't worry Sango, she'll be okay. We will find her again."
Sango returned the hug, nodding. "Thanks, Kagome." Kagome smiled still comforting her friend.
Inuyasha scoffed, "TEH!"
Miroku walking over queried, "Where would she have gone to? Didn't she say she has no one now?" while looking at Sango.
Sango sighing informed him softly, "She said she's used to being alone now, and she didn't want us to get hurt. Everyone around her has been getting hurt or killed."
Kagome responded softly, "Can't really blame her then, she's most likely only trying to protect us." Sango nodded.
Inuyasha demanded, "Either way, we still have to find the stupid wench and bring her back! Let's go!" Everyone nodded and they took off.
Halfway through the day:
Kitty got hungry so she decided to stop and eat some fish. She made a small camp fire, caught some fish, smoked and ate them. While she was relaxing with her back against a tree weapons easily in reach, Kagome and the others showed up.
Inuyasha stormed over to her standing in front of her glaring and demanded irately, "Just what the hell did you think you were doing just leaving like that, anyway?"
Kitty rolling her eyes retorted dryly, "Don't tell me you missed me already, mutt." while staring into his furious golden orbs.
Inuyasha stated, "As if! But Sango and Kagome were worried about you." while stepping back a foot and crossing his arms in front of him.
Kagome walked over and yelled, "Sit boy!" Inuyasha hit the dirt creating a new crater and Kitty laughed shaking her head. Taking a deep breath Kagome stood at the edge of the crater lecturing, "We'll never get her to return with that kind of attitude."
Kagome looked at Inuyasha scolding, "You don't have to be such a jerk Inuyasha. Now behave or I will S-I-T- you over and over again until you do." Inuyasha grumbled, but decided to behave.
Kitty sighing stood up, approached Sango and said evenly, "I told you this morning why I can't stay." while looking into her chocolate eyes.
Sango looked at her answering, "Yeah I know, but I was worried about you. Just because you have spent the last three and a half years alone doesn't mean you have to stay alone." staring into her friend's gaze asking her with her eyes to reconsider.
Kitty holding her gaze exclaimed seriously, "I don't want to see you all hurt or dead." It'd only be a matter of time if she did stay, and she refused to lose anymore of the people she held dear.
Inuyasha after pulling his self back up out of the crater walked over standing in front of Kitty and informed her seriously, "We are stronger then you think. You would be better off with us. We are all after Naraku, so it makes more sense to stick together!"
Kitty sighed and said evenly, "It would, but I can't." When would they finally realize she wouldn't risk losing Sango?
Shippo hanging over Kagome's shoulder looked at her and added seriously, "Just give in Koneko, because he will keep chasing you down until you do." His little green eyes showed how serious he was.
Kitty looked at the kit, then back at the others and responded dryly, "While I admire your determination, I can't stay with you, Sorry." shaking her head sadly.
Just then the wind picked up. Inuyasha's face became angry, as he growled demanding, "What the hell do you want mangy wolf?"
Koga stepped out of the whirlwind answering, "I smelt Kagome's lovely scent and decided to pay a visit." Spotting the girl he'd fought with a while back he looked at Kitty narrowing his eyes at her and stormed over to her demanding, "What the hell are you doing here?"
Kitty looked at him smugly and retorted dryly, "Well hello to you too, Koga. Did you miss me already?"
Koga growling scoffed angrily, "Yeah, right!" still glaring at her. He was not pleased.
Kitty smirked. "Here for a rematch, then? Well, sorry to disappoint you, but I refuse to fight you. We are after all working for a common goal- To destroy Naraku." She seethed with pure hatred in her eyes. She had spoken 'Naraku' with such venom in her voice that Koga was surprised also by the look of hatred in her eyes.
He looked into her eyes and asked seriously, "Why did you let me go that day?" with shock clearly written on his face, as well as confusion. "If she hates Naraku so much, why was she with them?" he wondered.
Kitty sighed looking directly in his eyes and answered, "After our little chat, I let you go because you were only trying to do the same thing I am- Destroy Naraku!"
Taking a deep breath she informed the wolf prince, "I left after that day... I couldn't stay knowing they were working for that bastard. Had I known, I never would have stayed with them at all."
Deciding she'd told him enough she ask, "Now does that answer your question?" Koga nodded. Kitty suggested seriously, "Good, then perhaps we can put this little misunderstanding behind us and move on?" Koga looked into her eyes and nodded. Kitty smiled and nodded back.
Inuyasha pissed about being left out of the conversation, walked over to the pair and demanded, "What the hell are you two yapping about?"
Kitty sighed glared at Inuyasha and retorted irritated, "None of your damn business, mutt, so butt the hell out!" He was really getting on her nerves.
Koga threw his head back laughing then looked at Kitty amused adding, "I see you can't stand the mutt either, huh?"
Kitty rolling her eyes responded, "Duh! Let's see a bossy arrogant wolf and a mouthy rude ass mutt. UGH! I have got to find me some better people to hang around with." She walked over, stood by Sango looking at her friend and questioned seriously, "What is it with all these bossy, overconfident, perverted, rude men anyway?"
Sango smiled at her friend and replied, "I don't know, but aren't they?"
Kitty laughed adding seriously, "Sure are, ugh! Just once I'd like to meet a sweet, kind, caring guy who doesn't think of the woman as property or slaves, ya know?"
Inuyasha whirled to face the yapping women and glaring at them demanded, "What the hell are you stupid wench's yapping 'bout anyway?"
Kitty sighed mumbling annoyed, "Guess this is yet another damn male who needs to be taught some manners, huh?"
Koga's eyes widened and he turned to the mutt warning seriously, "You'd better apologize to her mutt, before she gets angry. I got my ass kicked a while ago for calling her that." Not wanting to risk her ire again as his hand absentmindedly rubbed his now healed stomach.
Kitty chuckled looking into Koga's eyes and said, "Ah! So you can be smart after all, eh Koga?"
Koga held her gaze replying seriously, "I learned my lesson. I hope I never get on your bad side again, Koneko." with a grin of his own.
Kitty smiled at him adding, "Maybe we just might get along after all." She turned and faced Inuyasha, raising a brow, and queried seriously, "Inuyasha, must I get out my arrows again, Hm?"
Inuyasha glared at her bellowing, "You just try it!" it really grated on his nervous that this bitch wouldn't back down and let the males be the alpha like it was supposed to be.
Kagome yelled, "Sit boy!" Inuyasha hit the dirt so hard a rather large crater was now surrounding him.
Kitty smirked. She smiled at Kagome and said sweetly, "Thank you Kagome."
Kagome smiled nodding at Kitty. Kagome turned to face Inuyasha scolding, "Inuyasha, unless you plan on eating a lot of dirt, behave!"
Inuyasha looking at Kagome whining, "But Kagome..."
Koga looked at Kagome scolding Inuyasha, and laughed taunting, "Stupid mutt never learns." while shaking his head and grinning.
Kitty walked over to Koga inspecting his arms and stomach briefly. Looking up into his eyes she said softly, "I see your wounds are fully healed. I'm glad I didn't injure you any worse."
Koga nodded agreeing seriously, "Yeah me too. You are one helluva impressive fighter." while gazing into her eyes.
Kitty said, "Thank you." with a genuine smile on her face.
Koga holding her gaze raised a brow and queried, "So what are you doing now?"
Kitty looking at him evenly responded, "I'm traveling alone again, like always."
Koga gazed into her eyes questioning, "Then why are you here with my Kagome and her friends?" moving to look intimidating.
Kitty unafraid held his gaze answering, "I ran into Sango and camped with them last night. I left this morning alone. When I stopped to eat and relax a bit mutt face tracked me down then you showed up."
Koga asked dryly, "So they haven't tried to find you, huh?" he doubted seriously they'd just let her go like that. He also doubted she'd have escaped a battle with Bankotsu without a scratch on her.
Kitty stared him dead in the eye saying evenly, "I told them not to." The look in her eyes speaking volumes.
Koga still not convinced they'd stay away requested, "Why not join me then?"
Kitty laughed. She stared into his blue gaze stating annoyed, "What is with everyone? Sheesh! I won't join the mutt's friends, so they track me down again. Now you want me to join you? Why can't you all just understand I am better off alone?"
Koga narrowing his blue gaze demanded angrily, "Then why were you with them, when we first met?" she'd join those corpses but not him?! It was absurd!
Kitty rolled her eyes responding annoyed, "You already know why, or have you forgotten, wolf boy?" glaring at said wolf. Having had enough she ranted, "Look I won't go back to them, as long as they are working for him. I won't join mutt face! And I won't join you either wolf boy!"
Throwing her hands in the air exasperated she screamed, "Don't any of you get it? Now will you all just leave me the hell alone?" Turning around she walked towards her stuff gathering her weapons and stormed off again.
Sango looked at everyone, sighing heavily and suggested seriously, "We better just give her some space." eyes sad.
Kagome sighed nodding. Inuyasha stormed over to Koga getting right in his face and demanded, "Yo wolf! Who the hell are you talking about that she was with anyway?"
Koga narrowed his gaze at Inuyasha growling and retorted angrily, "Shut the hell up, mutt face!" He turned around and approached Kagome. Holding her hand in his he said sweetly, "I'm sorry my sweet Kagome, but I must leave once again."
Kagome nodded looking into his eyes and said, "Bye Koga." hoping he'd leave before a fight broke out.
Inuyasha glared at Koga growling and commanded, "Get back here and answer me, you stupid wolf!" Koga turned into his whirlwind and ran off again just as Kagome yelled, "SIT BOY!"
Inuyasha hit the dirt and growled, "Kagome... Why do you keep letting that stupid wolf go?" while glaring at her.
Kagome sighed and said, "Don't be such a jerk, Inuyasha." as she walked over to Sango and sat beside her.
Relaxation and a visitor...
After two months of constantly telling Inuyasha and Koga she wouldn't join them, Kitty was finally able to camp in peace. She decided to make camp and soak in the hot springs. She set Hiraiku against a tree, and her katana, bow, arrows, and clothes were on the bank. She gently lowered herself into the water sighing. Her muscles were tight and sore from always dodging Inuyasha and Koga, on top of fighting demons.
She began leaning back against a rock and relaxing when she heard a familiar amused male voice drawl, "Well, well, fancy meeting you here." Having watched her as she undressed and recovering from his shock of finally finding her again, decided to make his presence known.
Kitty stiffened eyes closed, and instantly recognizing the voice and who it belonged to relaxing sighed, greeting, "Hello, Bankotsu." She'd not expected any visitors tonight and wasn't sure if she was happy to see him again or annoyed at the intrusion-yet.
Bankotsu smirking at her mockingly stated, "After all this time all you do is just say 'hello.', huh? I'm hurt Koneko." as he fully emerged from behind the trees to approach the springs.
Kitty eyes still closed, smirked herself responding, "You'll get over it." knowing he would.
Bankotsu chuckled thinking how he'd missed her saucy remarks. "To answer your question, I came here to soak and bathe same as you." Staring down at her creamy skin as he carefully undressed and entered the springs. He looked over at her with eyes full of mischief and suggested amused, "Why not come over here and greet me properly?"
Kitty sighing heavily quipped, "Not this time, thanks." She wasn't moving while her shoulders were so painfully tight.
Bankotsu chuckled teasing, "Why not?" while his gazed greedily drank in as much of her womanly figure as he could. He'd seriously missed her and was secretly pleased to have come across her again.
Kitty opened her eyes and saw him sitting in the water. She stared into his eyes and queried seriously, "Why are you here, Banky?" she knew there had to be some reason for him to seek her out.
Bankotsu raised an eyebrow at her asking confused, "Banky? Who the hell is Banky?"
Kitty eyes full of laughter gazed at him stating dryly, "You, why? You got a problem with it?" she was amused by his reaction.
Bankotsu sighed heavily locking his gaze to hers and replied sternly, "I suppose not, just as long as you only use it when it's just the two of us."
Kitty laughed, and asked seriously, "Why are you here?" once again gazing into his dreamy sapphire orbs.
Bankotsu held her gaze and replied evenly, "I already told you, I'm here to soak and bathe."
Kitty shaking her head stated evenly, "That isn't what I was asking, and you know it." staring blankly at him awaiting an answer.
Bankotsu shrugging responded, "I was out around the area, looking for information. I decided to head to the springs and found you here as well."
Kitty looking at him cautiously asked, "What kind of information?"
Bankotsu gazed into her eyes and answered, "About Naraku." waiting nervously to gauge her reaction.
Kitty gasped shock evident on her face. She queried, "I thought you all worked for him, so why would you need information about him?"
Bankotsu said seriously, "We haven't worked for him for a few weeks now after we were brought to life as flesh and blood again…"
Kitty cut him off by gasping loudly eyes wide from shock and asking softly, "Wh...What did you just say?" unable to believe her ears.
Bankotsu holding her gaze replied seriously, "I don't know why but a girl named Enju who claims to be the daughter of some old witch named Urasue, brought us back to life as flesh and blood." watching Kitty's eyes widened as the information sank in he continued, "Shortly after that, we decided not to work for Naraku anymore, especially after he tried to kill us by using the shikon shards to try and turn us against each other."
Kitty's eyes softened and she spoke softly, "Oh Ban, I didn't know... I'm happy for you all to be alive again," holding back tears of joy.
Bankotsu looked directly at her adding seriously, "I have also been hoping to run across you…." Her breath hitched as their gazes held for a long silent moment before he added, "Come back with us. We are now hunting Naraku down as well, and you know damn well we make one helluva good team."
Kitty smiling sadly informed him seriously, "You know, leaving was the hardest thing I've ever done. I consider every one of you my family. But I just couldn't stay..." she looked away sadly.
Bankotsu said seriously, "Things have changed. We no longer work for him, but are hunting him down to destroy him. We all want you to come back."
Smiling he said, "Jakotsu can't wait to show you how much he's improved since your last lessons. Suikotsu misses your cooking. Even Renkotsu says he misses your battles of wits." Kitty face spread into a fond smile as she thought of her friends.
Bankotsu deciding to be straight with her added, "And I just miss you... I miss our sparring sessions. Your laughter, and your smile. I worry all the time not because I was afraid you would die fighting, but because I was afraid I would lose you..." taking a deep breath he stared into her eyes confessing, "That you would find someone and then I'd never see you again." letting her see the truth in his eyes.
Kitty gasped in shock at his admission. Staring into the azure gaze she'd missed so much she confessed seriously, "I've missed you all as well. Even that pain in the ass Renkotsu, But mostly... I've missed you Ban. Your cute little smirk your sense of humor, our sparring sessions, and our talks." Blushing lightly she added shyly, "And your kisses."
Bankotsu chuckling leaned over and whispered sweetly, "Well babe, we will just have to fix that now won't we?"
Without giving her a chance to protest he captured her mouth in a gentle kiss, as he'd been longing to do since shortly after she left. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back greedily. This was what she'd been missing, these feeling he caused to flood through her.
He wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her to him and continued kissing her gently. She moaned leaning into the kiss. Not satisfied he changed the kiss from gentle to demanding and passionate. She continued kissing him back, matching his passion with her own, both surprising and pleasing him. A low growl of approval rumbled in his chest as his tongue dueled with hers.
This time she pulled back breaking the kiss and lightly pushed against his chest. He reluctantly let her go and they both caught their breaths. Bankotsu looked into her eyes saying huskily, "Come back to where you belong, Koneko. Come back to our new hideout with me."
Kitty smiled at him replying seriously, "Give me a few days to think it over." She was still a little out of sorts from their kiss and in no way capable of making such a decision.
Bankotsu nodding said seriously, "Fine, but until then, I will just have to stay with you." while staring into her captivating eyes. He was not letting go of her a second time.
Kitty laughing climbed out and quickly dressed. Bankotsu keeping his libido in control also got out and dressed. They gathered their weapons and walked back to her camp site.
Back at Kitty's camp site:
Bankotsu and Kitty arriving sat down by the fire and ate then talked for hours. They discussed all the times they'd spent training together, and what each of them had done in the months since she had left. After a while they decided to settle in for the night. They slept with their weapons within reach, but they were cuddled together as they slept.
The next morning...
Bankotsu awoke his face spreading into a smile when he felt Kitty curled into his chest. He leaned up on one elbow while on his side as he just watched her sleep. This he'd missed almost as much as their kisses, just watching her sleep and ever holding her while she slept, it made him feel almost… peaceful, that was the word peaceful.
After awhile Kitty woke up opening her eyes and moved her head away from his chest looking at Bankotsu-only to see he was looking at her. She smiled at him asking, "What's up?"
Bankotsu staring into her warm eyes replied, "Nothing." Kitty felt her smile widen.
Bankotsu leaned over briefly feathering his lips over hers before he rolled over getting up. He reached a hand down helping her up. She stretched greeting brightly, "Good morning, Ban." looking at his smiling face.
He looked into her eyes and replied seriously, "Morning, Kitty."
She smiled at him pointing out softly, "That is the first time you called me Kitty." Bankotsu looked at her and shrugged.
She leaned over and lightly kissed his cheek. She walked over to and into the water and set about catching some fish for breakfast, while Bankotsu walked around gathering some firewood. He dropped the firewood by the remains of last night's fire and started a fire. She carried the fish over to the fire and set the fish up to smoke. After the fish cooked, they sat down close to the fire and ate breakfast together.
With Inuyasha and co:
Everybody woke up, caught some fish then cooked the fish and ate fish for breakfast, then went around and packed up camp, and took off heading towards Kaede's.
Back with Jakotsu and the others...
"I wonder how much longer big brother will take?" asked Suikotsu, staring into space.
Jakotsu whined, "I sure hope he finds little sister this time. I miss her!" as he pouted.
Renkotsu looked at him and scoffed and said, "I thought you hated all women, Jakotsu?" with a brow raised questioningly.
Jakotsu stared him dead in the eye and replied seriously, "Yeah, but little sister is different. She is special... She may be a woman, but she is still after all our little sister."
Renkotsu agreed evenly, "Yeah, she's something all right." shaking his head.
Jakotsu glared at him and warned angrily, "Don't you dare talk bad about little sister." starting to get irate. No way was he gonna let anyone bad mouth his little sister!
Renkotsu held up his hands and replied seriously, "Wow! Chill Jakotsu, I was only agreeing with you." waving his hands to ward on Jakotsu's ire. Jakotsu smiled and nodded, sitting back down.
Suikotsu looked at the two, shaking his head and laughed. Turning serious he said, "I miss her cooking." They all agreed.
With Kitty and Bankotsu:
They went around packing up and left the campsite. They'd decided to hunt for shards for that day. Halfway through the day they came into the deepest part of the forest. They were looking around for any signs of the jewel or danger and enjoying the beautiful forest around them. Kitty looking at him informed Bankotsu seriously, "I sense a jewel shard heading this way."
Bankotsu grinned announcing eagerly, "Alright! Time to go to work." his eyes lit up with excitement.
Kitty looked at him laughing and exclaimed, "Well, someone is definitely excited." while smiling.
Bankotsu looked at her, grinning and replied excitedly, "You got that right, babe. Now how far away is it?" turning serious.
She looked him dead in the eye responding seriously, "Not far. It should be here any minute." Bankotsu smirked and readied his Banryu. Kitty readied her Hiraiku.
A minute later:
A huge ugly snake-like demon with dark gray skin appeared and started towards them, demanding, "Give me the jewel ssshardsss."
Kitty jumped into the air releasing her Hiraiku towards the demon who'd just appeared. She yelled, "Hiraiku!" The demon quickly slithered out of the path of her boomerang. The demon angrily charged towards them. Bankotsu jumped into the air spinning his blade as Kitty reclaimed her Hiraiku.
The demon lifted its head and glared at Kitty and angrily hissed "Now you die sssslayer."
Bankotsu eyed the demon with pure malice in his eyes and said seriously, "I don't think so, demon."
Then he came down out of the sky and struck the demon with his Banryu, slicing it in half. Kitty who had moved slightly away let loose a sacred arrow, purifying the demon. The shard fell onto the ground. She walked over and picked up the shard, instantly purifying it with her touch.
Bankotsu smirked and embedded his Banryu into the earth then, brought the jar out of his pocket, and then handed it to her. She smiled at him and added the shard into the bottle. Bankotsu took the jar from her hand and gently put it over her head, placing the jar around her neck.
She picked up and inspected the jar and looked at him and smiled and stated, "I see there are many extra shards in here; from the last time I checked."
Bankotsu looking into her eyes nodded and informed seriously, "After we became flesh and blood again, we took them out and decided to add the shards to the jar. We didn't want them inside us anymore. Especially, not after Naraku tried to use them to turn us against each other."
Kitty complimented seriously, "Wise move." No telling what would have happened if they'd continued using the shards.
Bankotsu agreed seriously, "I thought so too." Beaming proudly, he'd just had a battle small as it was. He had his girl and the jewel shards, so he was feeling pretty happy now. He looked at her and queried, "So what now, babe?"
She smiled responding, "Food." as her stomach growled causing her to blush.
He laughed stating, "You got it." As they set off. They reclaimed their weapons and walked down the path for a while until they found a safe spot to set up a temporary camp. He hunted bringing back a rabbit while she started a fire and gathered some water. They sat beside the fire and talked, while the food was cooking. After they ate, they set off again, traveling until just before sunset.
With Inuyasha and co:
They decide to stop and set up camp for the night. Kagome looked at Inuyasha warning, "Inuyasha if you try track her down again, she's just gonna get mad at you."
Inuyasha looked at her and while pacing retorted, "So what, she won't stand a chance against Naraku alone and we all know it."
Sango looking at Inuyasha mentioned, "You must really enjoy having a girl kick your ass then- Because that's exactly what she is gonna do and you know it." while sitting by the fire.
Miroku sitting next to Sango looked at Inuyasha adding wisely, "Seriously, Inuyasha, just let her cool off for a week or so. Then try actually being nice to her and she might just join us."
Inuyasha scoffed, "Whatever." as he sat down sulking.
Kagome and Sango looked at each other, shaking their heads, and sighed heavily. Everyone spread out around the fire and settled in for the night and slept.
With Koga:
Koga, Ginta, and Hakaku, were sitting with the wolves back at their den. After such a long absence, Koga had decided to return to check on his den members. He looked at his two comrades and announced, "Now that we are sure everyone here is ok, we will head out again first thing tomorrow morning."
Ginta and Hakaku nodded to him saying, "Yes, Koga."
Koga nodded to them and they all settled in and slept for the night.
With Kitty and Bankotsu:
They had made camp for the night and had already eaten. They were sitting up talking close to the fire. Bankotsu smiled at her with warm eyes and exclaimed proudly, "We were awesome together today." boasting of their teamwork.
Kitty smiled looking at him suspiciously and questioned dryly, "You wouldn't be trying to butter me up now then, would you Bankotsu?"
Bankotsu feigned a look of pure innocence while looking in her direction and asked innocently, "Now why would I do that?"
Kitty laughed. She stared at him answering, "To try to make me more likely to return with you that is why."
Bankotsu looking directly at her informed her seriously, "Kitty, you know I want you to return with me. We all miss you like crazy. We both know we work exceptionally well together. Why won't you just return with me?" with genuine concern in his eyes and anxiousness.
Kitty sighed heavily grumbling exasperated, "Man, after spending the last two months constantly refusing to join Inuyasha and his friends or Koga and his pack, you would think I'd finally get a break."
Bankotsu looked completely shocked asking, "The mutt and the wolf, have been asking you to join them for two months?" Kitty nodded. Bankotsu looked her dead in the eye and questioned, "So why haven't you joined one or the other then?"
Kitty looking at him replied seriously, "Because they are both arrogant, rude, pushy males with zero respect for women." crossing her arms over her generous chest.
Bankotsu laughed and evenly, "Is that all?" while gazing into her warm caramel eyes, hoping it wasn't.
Kitty gazed into his striking blue eyes and answered, "No... I refused to join them because I couldn't get you and the others out of my head. I couldn't stop wondering how all of you were doing... I doubt highly, they would be happy if they knew that. So instead I've been trying like hell to just stay away from everyone."
Bankotsu arms crossed in front of his chest smirked and questioned smugly, "So you couldn't forget me, huh?" Kitty shook her head. Bankotsu uncrossed his arms looking directly into her eyes and confessed softly, "I couldn't forget about you either. I have tried like hell, but every time I turn around you are always on my mind."
Kitty smiled. "Nice to know I'm not the only one who couldn't forget." She looked him dead in the eye and queried seriously, "If I return, what happens then?"
Bankotsu held her gaze answering seriously, "When you return, we will carry on like you never left."
Kitty's face melted into a smile. She asked dryly, "When, huh?" Bankotsu smiled at her nodding. He had no doubt she'd go back with him. Kitty quirked a brow, questioning seriously, "What makes you so sure I will?"
Bankotsu smirked answering smugly, "Because I can be very persuasive." with determination in his eyes. He moved over beside her, wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her to him. He proceeded to kiss her gently. She kissed him back, just as gently then simultaneously broke the kiss.
He smiled at her looking into her eyes which he noted had softened just a bit. She smiled at him informing him, "You are gonna have to do better than that."
He grinned and kissed her fiercely. She kissed him back just as fiercely. After a few minutes they broke the kiss together again.
She smiled at him. "That's better." He laughed standing up. He held out a hand and helped her to her feet. They hugged each other and stepped back.
She looked into his intense gaze with a determined one of her own declaring seriously, "I need time to think about this. I'm used to being alone. I miss everyone so much, but I feel I am better off alone. I'm just so damn confused right now."
He sighed heavily nodding. She warned him sternly, "So you're just gonna have to give me time, Banky." with laughter in her eyes. He involuntarily cringed at the name 'Banky'
She noticed this and threw her head back laughing. "What's so funny?" He demanded scowling at her.
She laughed responding, "The way you reacted to that name." while gazing at him.
He looked at her with eyes full of mischief saying, "Oh yeah?" She grinned nodding. He smirked, picking her up bride style before she could even react. She squealed. He laughed looking at her and taunted, "Not laughing now, are ya?"
She threw her head back, laughing again. He laid her down gently on the ground, straddling her hips, and began tickling her. She laughed even harder yelling, "Stop it!"
He demanded seriously, "Not until you promise not to call me that again." She looked at him with laughter in her eyes then shook her head no. He continued tickling her mercilessly.
After a while she yelled, "Okay! Okay! I give!" she'd surrender to his merciless tickling. He smiled in satisfaction nodding, and stopped tickling her. He moved to sit beside her and she sat up. He smiled at her with warm eyes. Smiling at him she suggested, "How about, I just call you Bank then?"
He nodded, responding seriously, "That I can live with, anything but Banky." He shivered as he said 'Banky'
She laughed nodding. Looking at him she informed smugly, "I was only calling you that, to tease you anyway."
Looking at her he sighed heavily saying relieved, "Thank goodness." They both laughed together. He looked directly at her and confirmed seriously, "I may not like it. But I do understand that you need time."
She nodded saying, "Thank you."
He nodded. They returned to the fire and stretched out beside it settling in to sleep for the night nestled in each other's arms.
Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is chapter three please remember to read and review thanks.