Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha! I do own Koneko AKA Kitty, and the plot, and story line... There. I said it. (sighs)
"Talking"
"Thinking"
Scene change:
Chapter 4:
The next morning...
Kitty awoke to find Bankotsu was already awake and had caught and cooked some fish. She yawned stretching. Bankotsu noticed she was awake and drawled, amused, "It's about time sleepy head." while looking at her with eyes full of laughter.
She smiled at him sweetly and replied, "Good morning to you too Ban." walking over to join him. He smiled at her handing her some of the cooked fish which she gratefully accepted. They sat together eating. Afterwards they decided to spar for a bit. They gathered their weapons and walked off to an open field.
At the hide out:
Jakotsu pacing worriedly looked at the others and asked, "I wonder what's taking big brother so long?"
Suikotsu looked at him soothing, "I'm sure he will be back anytime now."
Renkotsu shook his head saying, "Come on guys, we better go catch us some fish if we intend to eat." They all nodded and went over to catch fish. They cooked them over the fire ate. Suikotsu went out on patrol around the area.
With Kouga:
Koga, Ginta, and Hakaku were getting ready to head out again to search for Naraku. Ginta looked at Kouga saying, "Hey Koga, you aren't gonna try to hunt down Koneko again are you?" slightly nervous.
Koga looked at Ginta informing determinedly, "Damn right I am." with determination clear in his eyes.
Hakaku looked at Koga and questioned, "But what if she gets mad at you again?"
Koga looked from one to the other and scoffing decreed determinedly, "Sooner or later she will have to give in and join us. We just have to find her first."
Hakaku and Ginta exchanged a knowing look then both sighed heavily before following after their stubborn leader.
Koga thought, "Hopefully this time when I find that stubborn woman, she will finally give in and join me. She is strong and a good fighter as well. Not to mention beautiful."
An idea popped into his head. "It's obvious by now that Kagome is determined to stay with that wretched half breed no matter what happens. So maybe I will just make Koneko my woman. After all she's beautiful, strong, smart, a good warrior, and she can see the shards of the jewel too. Yes... I will make her my woman."
Koga pleased with his decision and eager to find his woman grinned ordering his men to move out. The three wolves set off to begin the search once again.
With Inuyasha and co:
Kagome looked around, not seeing any sign of Inuyasha she sighed relieved and whispered, "Now is my chance." She ran towards the well only to meet face to face with an irate hanyou who had landed in front of her.
"Just where the hell, do you think you're going?" Inuyasha eyes narrowing at the school girl demanded.
Kagome replied seriously, "Inuyasha, I have to go to my time and restock my supplies. I need more bandages. Plus I have a test coming up."
Inuyasha demanded angrily, "You are staying right here! Back to Kaede's with you, wench." as he reached towards her.
Kagome dodging his grab yelled, "Sit boy!" Inuyasha plummeted to the ground groaning. Kagome ran past him and jumped into the well, yelling, "I will be back in two days. Now, sit boy!"
Inuyasha getting out of the crater just long enough to get sat again. Sango walked up looking at him and said, "Let her go Inuyasha. It's only for two days." Inuyasha scoffed, before running and jumping into a tree to pout. Sango sighed shaking her head.
Back with Kitty and Bankotsu:
They were still in the middle of sparring. They'd disarmed each other and were doing hand to hand combat, both thoroughly enjoying every minute of it.
Bankotsu threw a punch, which she quickly ducked. She jumped in the air, and aimed a heel kick towards him. He dodged out of the way of her kick, grabbing her leg, and swung her back up into the air.
She landed and just as he was moving in with a kick of his own, she quickly back flipped away from him. She landed on her feet, and they stared at each other a moment. Bankotsu suggested seriously, "Well, it looks like it'll be a draw today. Do you feel that?"
Kitty answered, "Yeah, a group of demons are heading directly for us." staring into his cobalt eyes. He quickly reached over grabbing his Banryu, and readied himself for battle. She at the same time unsheathed her katana replacing her bow and arrows on her back, and readied her Hiraiku for an attack. She informed Bankotsu seriously, "I sense several jewel shards coming." Bankotsu nodded.
They stood back to back, preparing to fight the demons. Five big snake-like demons attacked them directly. Kitty released her Hiraiku hitting one, cutting its head off and killing it. She reclaimed her Hiraiku, and used it to block the attack of the second demon. Bankotsu quickly swung his Banryu chopping the demon's head off. Kitty said, "Thanks." and Bankotsu nodded.
Bankotsu sliced his Banryu at two more demons, killing them. He suddenly grabbed Kitty who startled, by the waist and leapt really high into the air avoiding the strike of the fifth demon. Bankotsu landed, letting Kitty go. He readied himself for the next strike. Kitty set her Hiraiku down, and tried to catch her breath. Bankotsu glanced at Kitty making sure she was okay.
The fifth demon struck at Bankotsu. Bankotsu jumped out of the way and swinging his Banryu down sliced the demon in half. Bankotsu began walking towards Kitty smiling, not realizing there were other demons ready to attack him from behind him.
Kitty looked over to insure Bankotsu was okay. Having spotted the demons she quickly drew her bow, and notched an arrow. She released the arrow instantly followed by a second and destroyed both demons.
Bankotsu seeing two sacred arrows fly right towards him stopped dead in his tracks. His eyes widened even more as the arrows missed him; he whipped around just in time to see a demon killed by the purifying arrow.
Kitty ran over to Bankotsu, informing between breaths, "There were two more. They decided to wait until you dropped your guard."
Bankotsu nodded saying, "Thanks." Kitty nodded. She walked over to the piles of demon remains, and extracted the three jewel shards. Bankotsu walked up behind her. He queried, "Found 'em, huh?"
Kitty turned to look at him and nodded pulling out the jar. She opened it adding them to the jar.
Bankotsu noticing she was tired by the way her breathing was labored and her eyes closed, even though he could tell she was trying to hide it. He demanded seriously, "Let's call it a day." and began to walk off.
Kitty opened her mouth to object, "But..."
Bankotsu turned around looking into her eyes and cut her off saying, "We've had quite a workout today, followed by a battle. After all that I think we have earned a break. Don't you?" Kitty nodded. Bankotsu acknowledged her, "Good, let's go." staring at her again expecting her to follow his orders.
Kitty seeing his stubborn tilt of his chin and knowing better then to argue at the moment sighed in defeat. She agreed, "Okay." Bankotsu nodded hefting his Banryu onto his shoulder. She put her bow away, and grabbed up her Hiraiku. They both walked back to their camp.
With Koga's group:
Koga was running along, when he sniffed deeply and came across Kitty's scent and that of another male. He scowled growling angrily as he thought, "Damn it! Who is this male I smell around my woman? He'd better not try anything!" his fists clenched angrily as he increased his speed.
With Bankotsu:
Kitty and Bankotsu returned to their camp and decided to sit back and relax, keeping their weapons easily reachable just in case. Bankotsu had his back against a tree with his arms crossed behind his head and was watching Kitty as she busied herself preparing the stew.
"What is it about this woman? Sure she's beautiful, strong, and smart. But why can't I seem to keep my eyes off her?" Bankotsu wondered watching her hips sway enticingly, as she walked. Without thinking about it his tongue slid across his lips. It was something he did when excited.
"Damn, she sure has a nice, firm ass and her legs... I sure would like to have those luscious legs wrapped around my hips. Her lips are so soft and full..." His eyes shot wide open. He was shocked at his lustful thoughts. He sat up straight shaking his head trying to clear it, knowing damn well if she caught onto his dirty mind she'd skin him. He muttered under his breath, "Damn. I guess this is what I get for going without a woman for so long."
Kitty looked over at him noticing his thoughtful gaze then turned back to the food. Seeing it was done she filled a bowel taking it over to Bankotsu. Bankotsu accepted the bowel with a smile. Kitty smiled back and served herself a bowel.
She sat down across the fire. Looking at him she inquired, "So, what were you so deep in thought about a moment ago?"
Bankotsu's eyes widened and he almost choked on his food. He cleared his throat asking, "What do you mean?" hoping she didn't figure out exactly what he'd been thinking about.
Kitty hid a smile. She replied, "Just before the food finished, you were deep in thought about something. I'm curious about what it was." Relief flooded through him on the inside. On the outside Bankotsu looked away embarrassed starting to blush and mumbled, "Nothing." then continued eating.
Kitty shrugged saying, "Okay." and went back to eating. The two of them finished eating in silence. After they finished eating, Kitty stood up walking off. Bankotsu's eyes were drawn to her and he began watching her again. She looked back noticing him watching her. She looked at him questioning, "Is something really so fascinating about me, that you have to keep staring at me?"
Bankotsu's eyes held mirth and he smirked retorting cockily, "Maybe I just enjoy watching you." Kitty rolled her eyes gathering some water and began scrubbing her clothes.
Bankotsu deciding to have his cleaned as well, stood to his feet taking off his top and threw it at her. He declared, "Here, wash this while you're at it." She turned around to tell him what to do with his shirt, but once her eyes landed on his bare muscular chest she was speechless.
Having seen her reaction to his topless appearance he smirked at her. She blushed at being caught staring at his physic turned back around and began scrubbing his shirt. Shaking his head grinning he moved back over to his spot by the tree.
When she was finished, Bankotsu was napping under the tree. She walked over to him and threw his shirt in his face yelling, "Next time wash your own damn shirt!" eyes blazing she stormed off to sit under a different tree. Bankotsu scowled at her as she walked away. Looked down at his wet chest and began chuckling. Damn but he liked her feisty side.
Kitty sensed something and drew her bow, notching an arrow, as she walked off a little way. Wondering what was up Bankotsu stood up grabbing his Banryu and followed her.
Soon after:
Kitty cautiously walked to a clearing. She felt the wind pick up and sensed two jewel shards heading toward her rather quickly. Knowing it had to be that annoying wolf prince she sighed muttering under her breath, "Great, just what I don't need another arrogant male." Just as she had finished Koga's whirlwind appeared.
Koga stormed over to her staring into her eyes and demanded, "What the hell are you doing near another male?" his blue eyes were dangerously lit with anger.
Kitty annoyed narrowed her own gaze at him demanding, "Excuse me? Since when is it anyone's business but my own what I do?" glaring right back at him with her hands on her hips.
Koga retorted, "Since I decided to make you my woman." crossing his arms over his powerful chest staring her down.
Kitty feeling her temper rise rapidly fumed, "You can't just decide to make me your woman, asshole! I'm the only person who can decide who I want to be with. It sure as hell won't be with an arrogant bossy male who thinks he owns the world, demon or human. You got that?" staring the wolf down unafraid.
Koga glaring at her growled, "Wrong! You are my woman! Now who the hell was that male?" as he took a threatening step towards her.
Kitty narrowing her eyes ordered, "Last warning wolf boy. I am no one's woman. Not yours or anyone's! Now, back off!" She aimed her arrow towards Koga.
Koga sniffing deeply glaring harder at her, and growled, "Now the damn mutt is on his way."
Less than a minute later Inuyasha showed up looking pissed as hell eyes filled with determination and demanded, "You are coming with us this time, Koneko." as he approached the woman in question.
Kitty glared at Inuyasha, scoffed, and retorted, "I don't think so, mutt face. You and wolf boy can both leave me the hell alone."
Bankotsu having decided to stay hidden as he watched her encounter with Koga, now decided to make his presence know and walked out holding his Banryu over his shoulder. He inspected all the new comers and informed them, "Hey, you're all here now. Good, then we can make this official."
Walking up behind Kitty he deliberately wrapped an arm around her waist possessively, looking from Inuyasha, to Koga and the others, then back to Inuyasha and Koga. Looking Koga directly in the eyes he continued, "Koneko is with me and my brothers. So since that has been settled now..."
Inuyasha became angry glaring harder at Kitty and demanded, "Is that true? Have you allied with those murdering bastards?"
Kitty glaring from Inuyasha to Koga and back again, responded, "One: even mercenaries are still humans and have feelings. Two: they are my friends. and three: I haven't decided a damn thing yet." She turned around and glared at Bankotsu for the last part, removing his arm and moving away from him.
Koga became outraged and yelled, "No way in hell! My woman is not with those bastards!" clenching his fists so tight his claws drew blood.
Kitty glared at Koga and yelled, "I am not your woman, wolf breath!" Bankotsu highly amused by the sight of his fiery tempered woman tearing into the wolf chuckled. Inuyasha also amused snickered.
Sango looked at Kitty with pleading eyes and insisted, "Koneko, please tell me you're not really considering joining Bankotsu?"
Bankotsu scowled at the female ninja fuming. How dare they try to convince his Kitty to not ally with him. Bankotsu growled storming over to Kitty and said, "First of all my woman is staying with me- period." Facing the others he said secondly, "You can all kiss off!"
Kitty recovering from her shocked growled glaring at the mercenary, "I'm not your woman either I am no one's woman, so back off!"
Bankotsu snapped, "You are! I claimed you and you are mine! I'm the one you've been kissing in the hot springs!"
Koga growled low sending death glares at the couple after hearing this. Kitty glared at Bankotsu and hissed, "A few kisses in the water, doesn't make me your woman!"
Bankotsu demanded red in the face from anger, "What about the fact that you've been sleeping in my bed! In my arms and I haven't asked for anything in return?! Do you think I'd let just any woman share my bed without demanding something in return?"
Koga hearing this snarled, "Is that true Koneko?" glaring at her praying she denied it.
Kitty turned bright red from both embarrassment and anger clenching her jaw as she looked away from the irate mercenary answering, "Yes." as she stepped away to put distance between her and the man who'd just blurted out her private business.
Koga infuriated growled launching at the mercenary snarling, "You bastard!" as he tackled the man causing them both to go to the ground in a heap.
Oblivious to the fuming woman storming away Bankotsu and Koga began trading punches as they rolled around on the ground. Koga snarled, "Filthy bastard how dare you taint my woman's bed?!" as he punched Bankotsu's jaw.
Sango, Kagome, Miroku and Inuyasha stood there shaking their heads. Sango looked at Kagome saying, "I'll go bring her back." before running over to grab Hiraikotsu before jogging after her friend.
Rolling back on top Bankotsu snapped, "She's my woman and it was my bed! How dare you try to claim my girl?!" as his fist cracked Koga's ribs before the other one split Koga's lip wide open.
Inuyasha seeing Sango run off after her friend, sighed and walked over barking, "Break it the hell up already!"
With Kitty:
After grabbing her Hiraiku she'd stormed away fuming silently, "How dare he shout that out for everyone to hear?! Who the hell does he think he is, trying to claim me like a damn piece of property?" her hand holding the gigantic boomerang began to ache. The fist by her side was clenched so tight it was white.
She continued storming off into the woods just begging for a demon to attack her so she could take out her anger.
Sango ran up beside her, saying softly, "Come back Koneko."
Kitty whirled around glaring at her as she snapped, "Like I'd go back to that?!" pointing back towards the camp.
Sango sighed, "We need you Koneko." staring into her friend's eyes.
Koneko huffed grumbling, "Those two idiots have likely tried to kill each other by now." shaking her head.
Sango smiled, "Not quiet yet, but they've been rolling on the ground a bit."
Kitty sighed rolling her eyes. "Figures." she stared at her friend.
Sango pleaded, "We can't do this without you Koneko. I need you to help me avenge out village." She really didn't want her friend leaving on her own again, especially not because of some pig headed men.
Kitty wavered saying, "I don't know Say…I can't deal with those idiots fighting over who can claim me. I'm not a stupid chew toy!"
Sango smirked, "I know you're not, so kick their asses and set them straight."
They laughed together. Kitty sighed, "Fine. Let's go save those idiots before they really do kill each other."
Sango grinned saying, "Let's go kick some asses." Kitty grinned and they walked back toward the camp.
Back with the others:
Koga and Bankotsu were both pretty dirty and beat up but the fight had broken up. Kitty and Sango returned. Miroku spoke, "Glad to see you've returned." smiling at the women.
Koga looking over said gruffly, "Now she can leave with me."
Bankotsu argued, "Like hell wolf! She's going with me!" as he stood between the wolf and his Kitty.
Having had enough, with eyes full of determination and face clearly pissed, Koneko crossed her arms in front of her chest and stood with her feet braced shoulder width apart, looked from one person to the next as she responded, "I haven't decided a damn thing yet, so you can all just back the hell off!" she growled, "I may just stay on my own, just so I wouldn't have to deal with this shit." She sighed heavily continuing, "It appears to me that we all have the same damn goal- To destroy Naraku!"
Inuyasha yelled angrily, "Not Bankotsu. He works for the bastard. So does his team!"
Kitty glaring at Inuyasha said evenly, "Not anymore." Everyone but Bankotsu and Kitty gasped loudly with disbelief and shock written across their faces.
Inuyasha stared her dead in the eye and demanded, "What the fuck do you mean- 'not anymore'?"
Bankotsu added seriously, "Just what she said, mutt. We don't work for him anymore. Since he tried to kill us, plus we are now humans again." Smirking as he watched their jaws drop.
Everyone gasped again. Koga glared at him demanding, "What do you mean humans again?"
Bankotsu scowled at him sneered, "Just what I said, wolf boy. We were brought back to life by some girl named Enju."
Kitty relaxed her stance adding seriously, "That's why we've spent the last two days collecting the shards together."
Inuyasha glared at her and fumed, "I don't like it! How the hell can you trust him so blindly?"clearly thinking she must have lost her mind.
Kitty holding his gaze replied evenly, "Because Bankotsu saved my life more than once already, when he didn't have to." Bankotsu smirked, nodding smugly.
Kitty continued, "I am no fool. I know when someone is lying to me. As I have said, I haven't made any decision of what to do about that bastard Naraku yet, but one thing is clear- We all want to kill his ass, so why not all join together to destroy him?"
Everyone's jaws dropped at that little suggestion. No one could believe it had even been brought up.
Koga looked at her eyes hard and scoffed, "You can't be serious? Me work with mutt face and the zombie? Never happen!" nearing hysterics that she'd suggest such a ludicrous idea.
Inuyasha glared from the wolf to the mercenary and the woman before yelling, "No way am I working, with that mangy ass wolf, and zombie." shoving his arms into the flowing sleeves of his haori staring at the defiant bitch who had dared to bring it up.
Kitty glaring at them both just as venomously, replied deadly serious, "He is not a zombie, and I am dead serious!" she was pissed they kept insulting Bankotsu after all he'd saved her life twice, and been kind to her. They were friends, even though she was still pissed about his big mouth and pushy attempt to 'claim' her.
Kitty not budging her stance and increasing her glare, continued, "This way everyone gets what they want- Me as an ally." adding logically, "As well as many others. Plus, we will be guaranteed to destroy Naraku with all our forces combined." She stood there allowing her words to sink in.
Bankotsu thought it over a moment then looked from one person to the next and acknowledged seriously, "Ya know, I hate to admit it, but Koneko actually has a good point."
Sango after thinking it over added, "She's right, with all our forces combined, there is no way Naraku would survive."
Miroku thought it over and agreed. Kagome thought it over gazed into Inuyasha's furious golden orbs informing him, "Inuyasha, they have a valid point. Both Koga's group and ours have asked her for two months solid to join up. This way everyone would be allies together."
Inuyasha scowled barking, "How the hell do we know we can trust them? They have tried to kill us in the past and have spent their lives killing innocent people? How do we know they won't try to kill us in our sleep?"
Kitty staring him dead in the eye volunteered dead seriously, "I will take full responsibility for their actions."
Inuyasha held her gaze. "You realize if they turn on us, I will kill you, right?"
Kitty nodded adding, "And it is the only way I will join anybody's group, only if we all work together." with determination clearly written in her stance and eyes.
Koga thought it over weighing the options, and said, "I want my woman on my team. If this is the only way, then I'll just have to deal with the mutt and zombie."
Inuyasha realizing he was out numbered agreed, "Fine whatever. But if they try anything, you die." he pointed at Koneko while saying the last part.
Bankotsu looked Inuyasha dead in the eye and informed him seriously, "Don't worry, mutt, I would never allow Koneko to be put into danger." She wasn't just his woman she was a valued member of his band, and no one messed with his band without answering to him for it!
Koneko looking from one person to another and back again throughout the groups, informed everyone, "Good, its final then. We will all work together and destroy Naraku. And I mean together, all decisions will be made together like a team should." eyes hard and deadly serious.
Everyone nodded. Bankotsu walked over to Koneko. He looked right at her complimenting, impressed, "Gotta hand it to you babe. I never would have thought of that." He doubted much any of the others would have either.
She glared at Bankotsu snapping, "Don't call me babe, you arrogant pig." She stormed off towards the girls. Bankotsu glared after her, and hid a smile. Koga chuckled and Bankotsu whirled around glaring angrily at him. Inuyasha snickered and Bankotsu turned around and glared at him as well.
Kitty walked over sitting down by Sango beside the fire. She looked at Sango saying, "At least everyone should be semi-happy now. We will all work together. Also, you and I can now spend more time getting to know each other again." while smiling.
Kitty truly had missed her best friend over the years and was grateful to find her alive and well. She only hoped they would all remain alive. She couldn't shake the foreboding feeling she was endangering them all and it didn't sit well with her, but she knew their joining forces could have a serious impact, if being around her didn't get them all killed first. Sighing she stared into the fire.
Sango looking at her smiled adding, "Yeah, but those three males will be butting heads soon enough."
Kitty thought it over, nodding and informed Sango, "Yeah, the whole alpha thing. Oh well, I guess that just means we three girls will have to knock some sense into them, huh?" winking at her. Sango laughed nodding. She had no doubt between the three of the Kitty Kagome and she could keep the males from killing each other.
Kagome spotting the bottle around Kitty's neck looked into Kitty's eyes and questioned, "Koneko, are those jewel shards around your neck?"
Kitty nodded at her responding proudly, "Yup. Bankotsu and I have collected quite a few since we first met."
Kagome quirking a brow asked curiously, "How many are there?" From what she could see the girl had quite a number of them.
Kitty counted them off on her fingers and replied, "Hm, let's see. Well, we collected four in the last couple days. Add those to the five I originally had... and the fact that Bankotsu and the others put their shards in when they became human again. It should be fifteen, or somewhere in there." she shrugged.
Sango and Kagome both gasped loudly with shock clearly written across their faces. Kagome exclaimed, "That means you have a third or more of the jewel!" But how was that possible, they'd been searching everywhere and feared Naraku must have had them.
Kitty nodded staring into her soft brown eyes and said, "That's why they always stay around my neck." No way was she letting that dirty conniving bastard who'd murdered both her villages get his grimy paws on them!
Inuyasha hearing this, eyes wide in shock ran over to Kitty demanding, "Let me see." Kitty looked at him then shrugging opened the bottle, dumping the shards into her hands while concentrating her powers and fused them together. She opened her hands and putting the shards back into the jar replaced the lid. She held the shards up for Inuyasha and the others to see.
Bankotsu had his eyes firmly on Kitty. He strolled over, flashing his signature sexy smirk, and informed her, "Naraku will come for us for certain since we now have so many." excitement clear in his dazzling blue orbs.
Inuyasha glared at Kitty demanding, "Hand the shards to Kagome. She should keep them because she can purify them." Bankotsu balled his fist about to lay into Inuyasha when Kagome spoke up.
Kagome facing Inuyasha and argued, "Maybe so, but even I can't fuse them like she just did. I think Kitty should hold onto her part of the jewel." It only made sense after all; If she had all their shards on her and got kidnapped again she'd be in a heap of trouble.
Bankotsu staring at Inuyasha added, "I agree. This way, if one gets attacked or the shards are taken, we aren't left empty handed." Everyone but Inuyasha agreed.
Koga looked at the group mentioning, "I will need to inform Ginta and Hakaku of our truce."
Bankotsu nodded adding, "I need to return to my brothers and inform them of our alliances as well." He looked at Kitty stating, "And you need to return with me, so they will know you are indeed safe. Jakotsu would skin me alive if you didn't." with seriousness clearly written across his face and in his eyes.
Kitty looked at Bankotsu eyes shining with happiness at the thought of seeing her family again laughed suggesting, "Very well, we can set out at daylight, then meet up with the others in a few days." Bankotsu smiled since he wouldn't be forced to drag her back kicking and screaming and nodded.
Koga stormed over to Bankotsu angrily and yelled, "No way is my woman going off alone with you!" He was glaring hatefully at Bankotsu.
Kitty turned glaring at Koga and fumed, "I am no one's woman, wolf boy. Get that through your head already, sheesh!" Bankotsu and Inuyasha laughed. Kouga whirled around glaring at them.
Kitty and the girls settled in for the night as did the guys and everyone rested. Inuyasha, Bankotsu, and Koga were on alert in case of any surprises.
The next morning:
Koga woke up then ate and set off towards his comrades. Kitty and Bankotsu woke up then ate and gathered their weapons setting off towards the hideout.
With Kitty and Bankotsu:
Bankotsu walked closely with Kitty just a step behind. Kitty looked at him and queried, "How much further till we reach the hideout?"
Bankotsu replied, "Should be sometime tomorrow afternoon." Kitty nodded. Bankotsu stopped and turning to face her questioned, "So, since you are 'no man's woman' why not settle down with wolf boy?" somewhat bitterly.
Kitty stopped held his gaze and sighed heavily. "Must we go through this again? I don't want to settle down with some stinky wolf who thinks he owns everything in sight." Bankotsu smirked.
Kitty added, "And you can just wipe that smirk off your face, Bankotsu, because I am not settling down with a cocky, self assured leader either. You may be a great kisser mister, but you have a long way to go in the romance department." crossing her arms over her chest.
Bankotsu stopped smirking, and scowled, responding, "If I wanted to romance a woman, I could." He added arrogantly, "I've had women swoon at just a smile from me."
Kitty rolled her eyes saying, "Sure, whatever." Not wanting to hear about his past conquests. She began walking away.
Bankotsu glared at her back informing her, "I have too, and I will prove it to you. We will find a village to stop at tonight, and I will show you." It stung his pride that she didn't believe him.
Kitty rolled her eyes responding, "Whatever you say, Bank." seriously she didn't care either way, nope she wasn't gonna let this get her down.
He scowled, leading her to the nearest village. They arrived at the inn and walked over to the Innkeeper. Bankotsu looked at the man ordering, "We want a room for the night."
Kitty corrected Bankotsu glaring hotly at him, "He means two rooms."
The Innkeeper charged twenty five Ryou and Kitty handed the money to him. She looked at saying, "Keep yours for your sake."
He nodded and grinned. He and Kitty were shown their rooms. They walked in setting their belongings aside along the wall and walked back out closing the rooms behind them then went to the tavern.
They sat at an empty table and Kitty ordered some food. Bankotsu followed suit but also asked for a jug of sake'. Kitty rolled her eyes. Bankotsu started flirting with the wenches when they brought the food.
After eating, Kitty decided to dance so she stood up and walked onto the dance floor. A man walked up to Kitty, and danced with her for a while. Bankotsu sat there drinking his sake after the wenches left to tend other costumers. He was glaring at the man who was dancing with Kitty.
She smiled at the man and continued to dance. He kept flirting with her, and she kept smiling at him. Bankotsu, having finally gotten fed up with watching them flirt back and forth, walked over to the man and tapped him on the shoulder. The man not wanting to be interrupted pulled Kitty closer to and continued dancing. Bankotsu glared after him.
When the dance was finished, Kitty smiled thanking the man for the dance. Bankotsu who was standing close to them glowering at the pair reached out and took her by the hand, then dragged her back over to the table. They sat down and he stared at her, anger flashing in his eyes as he demanded, "What the hell was all that about?"
Kitty looked at him shrugging and replied, "I was just dancing and having some fun. It beats sitting here watching you drink sake." He scowled. The wenches walked over again and began flirting with Bankotsu. He of course flirted back.
Having had enough of watching them flirt, Kitty rolled her eyes and stood up again. Bankotsu noticed her getting up and stopped flirting. He looked at her demanding, "Where are you going?"
Kitty turned around looking at him and retorted, "Out for a stroll. Stay here and drink your sake'." as she glared at the woman climbing all over Bankotsu. She spun on her heel and stormed out the door. No way in hell would she sit there continuing to watch him flirt with those hussies!
Bankotsu watched her walk out the door. He went back to his sake and the woman who was now sitting in his lap. She started kissing his jaw. He captured her mouth in a fierce kiss that she eagerly returned.
Kitty walked along outside enjoying the peaceful night air. The man she'd been dancing with spotted her. He walked up greeting her, "Hello again, beautiful." with a dashing smile.
She turned around recognizing him and smiled replying, "Hello yourself. Thanks again for the dance." with her eyes softened.
He nodded and inquired, "Care to give it another go?" Kitty smiling at him nodded. They walked back inside and began dancing again. He started to hold Kitty very close. He looked her in the eyes whispering, "You are such a divine dancer." Kitty blushed. He queried, "What brings such a lovely woman like you to a place like this? Where is your husband that he left such a beauty all alone?"
She blushed again staring into his eyes and informed him, "I'm not married."
The man clearly shocked responded, "A beauty such as you is alone? No husband? Now that's just not right. A beauty such as you should be treasured and guarded at all times." as he brazenly moved some bangs out of her face.
Kitty smiled saying, "Naw, not really." as she blushed at his touch and the fact that he was flirting with her.
The man insisted, "Yes really. Now if you were my wife, I would never leave you unprotected."
Bankotsu having spotted them dancing again became angry and stormed over tapping the guy on the shoulder which caused the guy to turn around. Bankotsu glared at him demanding, "Hey pal, Find your own woman and leave mine alone." He hauled back his fist and punched the guy square in the nose. The man released his hold on Kitty due to shock and fell to the ground from the force of the punch.
Kitty glared at Bankotsu warning, "Don't you start with me." She turned her attention to her dancing partner bending over the guy on the floor. Looking into his eyes with concerned ones she queried, "Are you alright?"
He nodded responding while rubbing his sore nose, "Yes, but your boyfriend sure is mean."
Kitty coolly replied, "He is not my boyfriend, just a friend. I'm sorry he hit you." Bankotsu scoffed, "I'm not." Kitty glared at Bankotsu shutting him up then turned back to her dance partner.
They guy smiled saying, "It's alright." Bankotsu glared back at her. Both were clearly angry with one another.
Kitty looked back at the guy on the floor and helped him to his feet. After getting up, he lifted her hand to his mouth kissing it and said while looking into her eyes, "Some other time, sweet one."
Kitty blushed flattered. Bankotsu became angrier and punched the guy in the face, yelling, "Last warning pal, find your own woman, and stay the hell away from mine!" He reached out grabbing Kitty's hand, and yanked her behind him out of the tavern, up towards his room without giving her a chance to protest.
Inside the room:
After lightly shoving her inside ahead of him and stepping trough his self he turned around closing the door and yanked her to his chest. She shoved him off and saying, "You're drunk, Bankotsu!"
He looked at her replying, "No I'm not. I know my limit, and I am nowhere near it yet." seriousness clearly visible in his stormy blue eyes.
Kitty crossed her arms in front of her chest glaring at him and demanded, "What the hell was all that about at the tavern?"
Bankotsu glared at her replying angrily, "He was making moves on you and you let him. I didn't like it, so I stopped it. It's as simple as that."
Kitty yelled angrily, "You had no right! Maybe I liked the guy did you ever think of that?"
Bankotsu narrowed his eyes arguing, "I have every right! You liked him? What the hell do you mean you liked him? He was trying to get you in bed with him, damn it." his hands balled into fists at his sides.
Kitty glared at Bankotsu with her hands on her hips and retorted, "Maybe I was too? Did you ever consider that? And what do you mean you have every right? You have no right to interfere in my social life!" she roared.
Bankotsu fumed, "I have every right! You're part of my band now, and I have final say on everything! And what the hell do you mean you were trying to get him into bed?" he roared losing what little control he'd had on his temper.
Eyes narrowed dangerously Bankotsu advanced on Kitty yelling, "If you want to bed someone so damn bad, than bed me!"
Kitty gasping in shock narrowed her eyes dangerously and said, "I said maybe! I didn't say I was. Why would I bed you anyway? Don't you think it would be a little crowded with your concubine from downstairs?"
Bankotsu shrugging replied, "So what?" like she had any say in his sex life. She's the one who said she was no one's woman so why should she care?
Kitty slapped him angrily glaring at him and snapped, "I am not that kind of girl, you asshole."
Bankotsu pinned her arms to her sides getting right into her face and informed her through clenched teeth, "You don't know what kind of girl you are, because you haven't ever done anything yet."
She freed a hand to slap him angrily again, yelling, "How dare you?" She shoved him off running out the door into her room, flinging herself on her bed, and cried herself to sleep.
With Bankotsu"
After watching her run out of the room Bankotsu sat down on his bed, holding his face in his hands, and shaking his head.
He sat there hanging his head as he thought, "Aw man! Smooth one Ban, you ass. Now she really isn't gonna want to ever speak to you again, idiot. Why can't you control your temper? Why did I lose my temper anyways? It's not like I was jealous or anything...was I? I know I sure as hell didn't like that asshole making moves on her and she was too damn naive to even realize it" He sighed heavily mumbling, "Damn it, I need more sake."
Bankotsu stood up and walked out of his room. He went back to the tavern ordering for more sake to be brought to his room, and returned there.
About 10 minutes later:
The sake' was delivered to his room accompanied by one of the wenches from the tavern. Bankotsu walked over opening the door then reached for the sake' and immediately started drinking it while walking back over to his bed.
The wench boldly strode in over to him and started climbing into his lap, kissing him. He set the bottle down and kissed her back. He laid her back on the bed rolling her under him and started fondling her overlarge breasts.
He was just about to pull her kimono hem up when a picture of Kitty popped into his head. She was angry and hurt when he looked at her face. He thought, "What the hell? Why can't I get that damn wench out of my head even when I am here about to take another woman, she is still in my head." He mentally growled.
Looking down at the woman he was about to take, he thought about Kitty again. He began feeling really lousy and climbed off the wench. Staring at her he growled demanding, "Leave me now." Thinking angrily, "Damn you, wench. What the hell have you done to me?"
The concubine looked into his eyes noticing the murderous look in his eyes. She gulped fearfully and backed away nervously before running out the door, fearing for her life. Bankotsu sighed heavily draining his whole jug of sake' and passed out on the bed.
Kitty woke up a few hours later rolling onto her back and mentally berated herself, "Idiot! You know men are nothing but a heartache waiting to happen. Why did you have to go and let you heart get involved with a guy like him? Wait a minute, my heart? When did my heart get involved..." she thought shocked.
Searching deep inside she mentally sighed, "But I can't deny it. I fell for the jerk hook, line and sinker. Great, now I'm in love with someone who doesn't know the meaning of the word. Way to go, Koneko girl!"
She sighed heavily and starred at the ceiling for a long time. Finally she got up, and bathed. She got dressed and went to the tavern for some food.
Bankotsu woke up with a headache. He grumbled, "Why did I have to drink so much damn sake'?" He clumsily got dressed. He walked out of his room and went to knock on Cathy's door but got no answer. Deciding to look for her after he ate he went to the tavern to get some food.
In the tavern:
When he walked into the tavern, he looked around and saw Koneko sitting at the table eating already and joined her ordering a light breakfast. Kitty paused from eating to look at him. She greeted him evenly, "Morning, sleepyhead."
Bankotsu grimaced and whined, "Not so loud, wench," obviously in pain.
She raised a brow and queried, "Hangover, huh?" He nodded, immediately regretting it because he felt nauseous. She reached into her pocket pulling out an herb, and handed it to him. She suggested, "Here chew this it will help." staring into his eyes.
He reached out taking it from her hand. Bringing it to his mouth he chewed it. Within minutes his head stopped hurting and he sighed in relief.
His food came and they ate in silence. Bankotsu looked into her eyes and informed her, "We leave after we eat." before continuing to eat. She nodded and went to her room to collect her things. Bankotsu finished eating and went to his room collecting his Banryu.
He went to her room walking over to stand in front of her, and started, "Listen about last night I-"
She glared at him saying angrily, "Forget it! I'm not talking you for the rest of the trip." she hefted her Hiraiku and stormed out the door.
He sighed heavily, mumbling, "I expected that." as he followed her out the door. They set off towards the hideout again in silence.
Halfway through the trip Bankotsu decided that he'd had enough of her cold shoulder. He said, "Damn it Koneko, enough already!" as he turned to face her. She looked at him shrugging and kept walking. He questioned her, "Are you gonna stay mad at me forever?" really she was being childish and coming from him that was a lot.
She looked at him shrugging again and continued walking. Bankotsu jogged up to her, spinning her around by her elbow, and pinned her to a tree. He got right in her face and exclaimed, "Look, I'm sorry. I know I was an ass, and it was uncalled for what I said and all. Now damn it, talk to me!" anger and frustration evident in his eyes.
Cathy glared at him icily and replied angrily, "You're right, you were an uncaring bastard for saying that. I'm mad as hell right now, and will continue to be for some time." Staring at him with angry eyes she continued, "You can't just treat me like one of your little concubines. I refuse to be one! I will not let anyone treat me or talk to me like you did."
Stabbing him in the chest with her finger she ranted, "You are a selfish, uncaring, cold bastard, who doesn't know a damn thing about women. Now get the hell off me, you oaf!" She angrily shoved him off her and started down the path again.
He was shocked, and hurt by her words. He scowled at her outburst, and mumbled, "Well at least she is talking to me again." He set off down the path with Banryu on one shoulder. An hour later they walked into the hide out, in silence.
At the hide out:
Jakotsu spotted Bankotsu and ran up exclaiming, "Brother Bankotsu, you're back! And you brought little sister back as well!" squealing the last part.
He ran over and hugged Koneko. She hugged him back greeting, "Hello Jaky, I missed you too." with a smile on her face and in her eyes.
Renkotsu walked over to and hugged Koneko next saying, "Welcome back."
Koneko smiling replied, "It's good to be back."
Suikotsu running over hugged Koneko picking her up and twirling her around joyfully. He stopped spinning and smiled at her greeting, "Welcome back little sister." as she ran a hand through his spiked hair.
Koneko laughed hugging him back and said, "Missed you too, big guy." She kissed his for head. He set her down on her feet gently. She glared over at Bankotsu saying, "I will let big brother tell you all the news. I'm gonna go bathe." She stormed off towards the hot springs.
Renkotsu noticing the glares queried, "Is something wrong, big brother?" while looking at his leader.
Bankotsu grimaced and replied, "Nothing." Looking at his men he continued, "Now as she so kindly let me get to on my own, I have an announcement to make. We have allied with Inuyasha and his group, and Kouga and his group. We are all going to work together, to take down that deceitful bastard Naraku together."
Everyone was shocked and exclaimed, "What!?"
Bankotsu sighed heavily mumbling, "Thanks a lot, babe." Looking from one to the other he said evenly, "Koneko suggested that we all ally ourselves together to keep from having to choose a team to be on. She suggested we all work together and everyone would be happy she wouldn't have to choose one team, everyone got her help, and with all of us working together Naraku will guaranteed die!" Taking a deep breath he continued, "Everyone else agreed and we are now all allies."
They were confused, but they nodded. Bankotsu added, "One more thing, Koneko personally has taken full responsibility for our actions. If any of us attack the others, Inuyasha won't hesitate to kill her. She has stuck her ass on the line for each and every one of us." Everyone was shocked, and touched that she would do such a thing for them.
Bankotsu informed them, "Anyone not willing to do as I have already given my word we will, leave now." with a dead serious look in his eyes.
Jakotsu looking at him responded, "I'm in all the way, big brother. Especially since little sister is risking her life just to see we are accepted fully into the group."
Suikotsu looked at him and nodding agreed, "Me too."
Renkotsu quickly followed suit adding, "We can't let little sister go off alone again. I'm in."
Bankotsu nodded announcing, "Good! We head out at first light."
Kitty walked back to camp after her soak. Walking into the camp she looked at her brothers and queried, "So does everyone understand the plan now?" Everyone looked at her nodding. She smiled pleased. She walked over to set up her bedding under a tree and then turned in for the night.
Bankotsu kept looking at her and sighing heavily. Jakotsu looked from Kitty to Bankotsu and asked, "Did something happen between you and little sister?" He'd never seen his leader so miserable before.
Bankotsu not wanting to discuss what an ass he'd been to her mumbled, "Nothing, Jakotsu. Now go to sleep."
Jakotsu nodded and walked over stretching out next to Koneko. Bankotsu sighed heavily. He stretched out on the ground, and stared out into space while lying on his back.
Kitty laid there under the tree, staring out into space. "At least we are all on the same page now. Now all we have to do is find the bastard! Speaking of which, I wonder what Bankotsu is thinking now?" feeling her weariness catching up she sighed. "Oh well, time to get some shut eye.' She sighed heavily then closed her eyes and faded off to sleep.
He laid there miserably thinking, "At least everyone has agreed. I wonder why Kitty stuck her ass on the line for us? I wonder how long she will stay mad at me?"
Feeling she was taking the cold shoulder a bit far he sighed, "I sure as hell hope it isn't much longer. She talked openly with everyone but me today damn it! I don't like her ignoring me! No matter what I did today, she ignored me for most of the damn day. Even after we got here she went off on her own and made sure I couldn't follow. Damn it. I don't like this at all!" he mentally kicked himself for causing her to be so distant with him.
Sighing heavily he willed sleep to come. Finally he was able to fall into a fitful sleep. His dreams were passionate, erotic, dreams of him and Kitty.
Kitty woke up before anyone else. She decided it was time for her and Bankotsu to have a little heart to heart. She walked quietly over to him and leaned down next to Bankotsu shaking his shoulder trying to wake him. She whispered, "Ban, wake up please? We need to talk."
He woke up to a hand on his shoulder, shaking him, and a sweet voice whispering in his ear. Bankotsu opened his eyes. He sat up mumbling sleepily, "What do you want? Can't you see I am dreaming here?"
Kitty looked into his eyes and said seriously, "We need to talk." Bankotsu looked into her eyes and nodded. She got up and walked off from the group towards the springs. Bankotsu sighed heavily and got up following her.
At the springs:
Kitty turned around and knelt on the ground by the springs splashing some water in her face. Hearing Bankotsu walk up behind her she faced him informing him, "I was deeply hurt when you said that and acted like that to me." while gazing at his handsome face.
Bankotsu knelt beside her splashing water in his face, and looked her in the eye saying guiltily, "I know and I am sorry."
Standing up Kitty stated, "Maybe I overdid it a little ignoring you most of the day. But I had to get my point across somehow." walking away a few steps.
Also getting to his feet Bankotsu nodded and declared seriously, "I know one thing for damn sure. I don't ever want to piss you off like that again!" while staring into her caramel eyes.
Kitty smiled informing him, "I hated not talking or touching but it had to be done. You need to know how serious I am about this stuff." her eyes clearly serious.
He nodded questioning hopefully, "Does this mean we are talking again?" She looked him in the eye and nodded. Bankotsu holding her gaze replied pouting, "Good! I sure didn't like feeling that way when you openly talked with every but me yesterday."
Kitty walked over to him kissing his cheek, and agreed, "Me either."
His hands wrapped around her waist pulling her flush against him and he captured her mouth in a hot kiss, which she eagerly returned. He broke the kiss and apologized, "I am sorry. I never meant to say that. I just got so damn jealous when I saw that jerk making moves on you. I lost my temper and lashed out at you. For that I'm sorry."
She pulled back looking into his eyes slightly shocked at his confession, and asked, "Were you really jealous?" He nodded. She made her own confession saying, "Now we both know what it feels like I guess. I was jealous when that trollop sat in your lap and you kissed her." she looked away and began walking away.
Bankotsu held onto her hand, and pulled her back into his arms. He stared into her eyes stating, "That's why I did it, to try to make you jealous." It had really pissed him off when she'd denied his claim.
She held his gaze acknowledging, "That's why I danced with him, to try to make you jealous. I wanted you to see me for the woman I am, not just the warrior."
Bankotsu chuckled. "Baby I can't miss the woman you are because you are all woman, from your defined curves to your soft rose petal lips." He captured her mouth in a possessive kiss, running his hands along her hips.
She broke the kiss looking into his eyes and asked, "Did you mean what you said, when you called me your woman?" before she could over think things and loose her courage to ask.
Bankotsu looked her in the eye and exclaimed, "Hell yes, I meant it! You are my woman!"
Kitty smiled and said seriously, "Not yet I'm not, but I will be your woman....if I get to be your only woman." She didn't want to watch him flirt around anymore.
Bankotsu raising a brow queried, "Oh really?" seems she'd just given him an ultimatum, which he was not happy about.
Kitty sensing his resistance replied dead seriously, "I am a one man kind of gal, and I need a one woman kind of man." Hoping he'd agree she continued, "If I am your only woman, then I will agree to be your woman. But I must be the only one! I don't want to have to share my man."
Bankotsu grinned at the fact she didn't want to share him and responding seriously, "Honey, you are more than enough woman for me," As his eyes traveled along her curves possessively he finished assuring, "You will be my only woman."
Kitty grinning said proudly, "Then I will be your woman." She knew already she had lost her heart to him, she only prayed he'd never break it.
Bankotsu smirked scooping her up bride style and claimed her lips sealing the agreement. He broke the kiss and exclaimed possessively, "Damn right you're mine!"
Warning: Lemon from until the end of the chapter!
Kitty giggled snuggling into his chest. He nuzzled her neck before setting her gently on her feet. Her wispy hair swept over her shoulder in the light breeze. Her sleeve had slightly fallen off her shoulder. She stood still facing the glistening water, unaware of her slipping sleeve.
He glimpsed upon her flesh her oh so beautifully soft and fair flesh. He couldn't believe that a creature so magnificent could be near him. Sudden urges began to overwhelm him. He wanted to fulfill them all.
Kitty could not believe how flustered she felt. His eyes were deadly they could pierce through her very soul. She felt she was losing her grip of reality. She felt a firm hand grip her shoulder. She turned her head to see Bankotsu, her heart jumped inside her chest. He removed his armor and was gazing at her heatedly.
He pressed his lips against her shoulder nibbling the flesh tenderly. His arms wrapped around her frame. Her heart's pace quickened. If this mad action didn't cease she would surely suffer a heart attack.
It felt so right. Her senses were lost in sheer heat of the moment. She turning around wrapped her arms languidly around the neck of the murderer. Her eyelashes fluttered as she sealed them.
He smirked to himself she had given him her lips - a gift any man in his right man would have gratefully accepted. He put both hands at each of her delicate shoulders and released her lips.
His smirk grew as he looked upon her confused expression. He pushed her to the ground. Her expression had adapted to shock. He swept his one leg over to her other side so he was straddling her hips. She was about to protest but he placed his finger over her lips. She instantly calmed down.
He studied her body with his intense gaze. Her sleeve was slightly damaged. Her collar bone was showing. He traced his finger across her collar bone, then up to her neck slowly. She moved up to a sitting position and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her hand began pushing off his haori. It left his body and fell to the ground with no effect upon him.
He slid his hands under her arms and began to stand pulling her up with him. He roughly pushed his lips and body against hers. He kept this up until they walked into a tree. She ignored that and slid her foot up the bark of the tree. Since the hakamas had a slit in them the bare flesh of her thigh was exposed. Bankotsu glimpsed her leg and grabbed it.
It was soft but toned. He wrapped it around his waist. Soon the other leg followed suit. His tongue pushed into her mouth without resistance. He wrapped his arms under her, to carry her. He walked barely burdened by her weight until he reached a meadow of lush grass.
He laid her on the grass with himself atop her. His hands yet again were drawn to her waist, where to his pleasure he found the knot of her obi. He quickly untied it, leaving her in an open haori. He slid the sleeves off her arms and after untying them slipped her hakamas off. There she lay sprawled upon the ground completely naked before his gaze. She reached up untying his hakamas and he lay on the ground beside her, touching teasing tasting her. She moaned and writhed under his attentions. He teased her into a frenzy of need and desire moving toward her entrance and slipped inside in one powerful thrust breaking her barrier and kissed her breasts waiting for her pain to subside.
Once the pain passed her started moving slowly. Deciding she wanted a faster pace she rolled herself over so she was on top surprising him. He smirked watching her ride him. Once they finished she stretched out languidly on top of her man and drifted to sleep.
A few hours later he woke feeling soft flesh upon his own. He saw the girl laying upon him still deep in sleep. She looked so tranquil. He could feel her heart beat. The skin of her was so warm. He blissfully laid his arms over her, his own heart still quickly beating inside him.
He hadn't slept with a woman for quite some time. He never had time his career was much more important than women. But this woman had been in his head constantly. Even working out with Banryu couldn't rid him of her.
He laughed to himself. "To think, a mere woman could be one of my weaknesses?" He looked down at the lithe figure lying on top of him. She let out a soft sigh nestling her head into his chest. Her smooth hair brushed his chin and neck tickling him. He thought correcting himself, "No not a mere woman..." He knew Kitty was anything but a mere woman.
She was strong enough to go against him toe to toe in battle, yet kind enough to overlook his many faults. She was a powerful fighter and a powerful priestess as well. She was a radiant beauty to behold, scars and all and she was his. "My woman," he thought proudly, sliding his strong fingers through her silky tresses.
She sighed heavily kissed his neck and rolled off of him getting dressed. He also re-dressed and they went back to camp to wake the others and set off.
Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is chapter four please remember to read and review thanks.