Chapter 2

The Reluctance of Truth

"Dammit, where is Kagome!" shouted Inuyasha furiously. He had been running around the entire forest from Mt. Hakurei to the mountain temple and there was still no trace of Kagome. Her scent had been masked, obviously Renkotsu knew his way around a demon's nose or he had been pulling a leaf from Kagura's book and could suddenly fly.

He was startled when he saw a soul catcher. "Kikyo…?"

Abruptly forgetting Kagome he wheeled around to another direction and sped off following the scent of his undead lover who appeared sitting against a tree.

"Kikyo." He whispered horrified. Huge, vicious gashes were everywhere on her body until her entire priestess outfit was dyed a deep brown of old blood. Her eyes were dull as the blood dripped from her body, the soul catchers frantically putting more souls into her.

"I-Inu…yasha." murmured Kikyo. "I hoped that you would come."

Inuyasha was immediately in front of her crouching down and tenderly pulling her against him. "Who did this to you?" he asked. Although his touch was tender his voice was the opposite.

She smiled weakly. "It was..one of the Band of Seven. Suikotsu. He broke my bow and attacked while I was unsuspecting. He…he slaughtered everyone in the village I was staying. Even the children." A single tear rolled down her pale face. "I was absolutely helpless in front of him, and his friend. There was another..... the one with the long ebony….braid….." she trailed off and gasped and coughed up blood.

Inuyasha growled, "Kikyo, just hold on! I promise I'll avenge you! Don't die on me y'here!" On the last part his voice cracked, becoming laced with desperation.

Kikyo smiled gently, "I know....thank you."

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Kagome yawned and stretched. After finally falling asleep it felt like as soon as she closed her eyes she had to open them again with someone roughly shaking her awake.

'Ok! Ok! I'm a-awake already." She yawned.

"Wench! Get you're ass up now we're about to go!" hissed a voice.

Kagome opened one eye. It was Jakotsu leaning down with his hands on his hips looking completely disgruntled.

"Finally," He grumbled when Kagome stood up. ", took you long enough."

They were still in the cave of course but Renkotsu and Ginkotsu were now outside. Kagome frowned when she saw that the sky was still dark. It was just past dawn and the sun was just peeking over the horizon. Turning, her chocolate brown eyes widened when she saw Ginkotsu.

After what seemed an entire night's work Renkotsu had managed to transform the limbless creation into a tank.

'Pretty good huh? I made sure Ginkotsu has enough artillery to take down an army…. or two." sneered Renkotsu patting Genkotsu's side. "Now climb on, we have to go meet Aniki and decide what to do with you. Kagome yelped as he grabbed her arm and pushed her roughly on Ginkotsu's side. Her butt collided painfully with the hard metal. Wincing she rubbed the sore spot and glared at him. Renkotsu just smirked and turned away and called Jakotsu.

Jakotsu climbed on behind Kagome. "Renkotsu, will it be a while when we find Inuyasha?"

Renkotsu scowled, "Yes Jakotsu, the sooner we meet Aniki, the sooner we can finish retrieving his Banryuu and the sooner Inuyasha will come."

Jakotsu sighed, shoulders sagging. "I know, I know. Oh well, I guess we'll just have to do everything as quickly as possible. Is Suikotsu going to be with Bankotsu?"

Renkotsu nodded without taking his eyes off the road. "Yes, I believe he was awakening him last night."

Jakotsu grinned evilly. "Oh really? Jeez, I almost feel bad for anybody who was near him. Suikotsu's always so thirsty for blood after awakening. It must be because his other side is so damned saint-like."

Kagome looked behind her listening to their conversation. 'Suikotsu huh? I'm guessing Bankotsu is this Aniki that Jakotsu's been going on about. And what did they mean by awakening and other side? Sounds like this guy is a classic and , but somehow, I have a feeling I don't want to know.'

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"What do you mean we're taking care of some wench!" hollered Bankotsu. He was glaring at the hell insects who were currently surrounding him and Suikotsu. They buzzed a reply to his question. The young mercenary sighed irritatedly and scratched the back of his head suddenly thoughtful.

"Yeah, yeah, I understand you, no matter what you say huh? Is she that important?"

They buzzed again.

"I see, hmm. So she's their main weakness huh. Whatever, we can handle them no problem. Once I get my Banryuu that is." smirked Bankotsu cockily, cracking his knuckles.

Suikotsu growled. "So this priestess Kagome huh? Think she'll be powerful?"

Bankotsu rolled his shoulders, his cerulean eyes trained on a castle in the distance, "No, Naraku's mentioned her before. He was pretty wary of her powers though but I doubt she's anything important, she may have great powers but she seems to have no control of them I mean we may be undead but holy powers are more deadly to scum like him. And if she does try to use them, I'm sure we can…stop her."

Suikotsu nodded, "Should the others be coming soon?"

"They're right around the corner. I still need Renkotsu to give the warning letter to them, I can't write for crap." Sighed Bankotsu.

Suikotsu grinned, amused but turned when he heard a greeting.

"Hey Bankotsu! Suikotsu!" cried Jakotsu jumping up on Ginkotsu and waving frantically.

Kagome gulped nervously. Two men were standing on the grassy cliff. One a handsome young man around her age with a long braid that reached to the end of his back and a taller, vicious looking man with long metal claws attached to his hands. Her eyes widened when she realized the young man had 3 jewel shards whereas all the othes had one! Three!

Ginkotsu finally stopped near them and as they climbed off Renkotsu grabbed Kagome's arm ignoring her wince of pain. "Aniki, Suikotsu. It's been a while." He greeted.

"Hey Renkotsu." greeted Bankotsu casually his arms crossed.

Jakotsu pushed Renkotsu and Kagome aside, "Aniki! The most horrible thing has happened!"

"Oh yeah?" asked Bankotsu cocking an eyebrow, "What's so horrible Jakotsu?"

"I'm being taken away from my darling Inuyasha! And w-we have to take care of THAT!" he screamed shrilly, pointing at Kagome melodramatically.

Bankotsu looked at Kagome and scrutinized her. She fidgeted under his intense once over and shivered slightly. Now that she closer to him she could see just how handsome he was. Even more so than Inuyasha, his tan skin contrasted with his brilliant cerulean eyes. His armor screamed of good quality and he moved with easy, graceful catlike movements that murmured his warrior standing, most astounding was the shockingly long ebony braid that hung spiritedly down his back. However, Kagome's awe of his beauty was immediately chased away by what he said next.

"So you're Inuyasha's wench huh. The priestess chick. Looking at you now, I can't understand why Naraku seems so afraid of you. I'd understand if you're friends were powerful but a dirty half-breed and a mangy wolf isn't that too big of a deal."

Kagome's eyes narrowed. She shook free of Renkotsu and glared at Bankotsu.

"Excuse me braid boy. But the reason why Naraku's 'afraid'-," she put heavy sarcasm in the work, "-is probably because I can purify him to hell and the 'dirty half-breed's name is Inuyasha. I-nu-ya-sha, and the mangy's wolf's is Kouga. And they're both really great and powerful demons that are going to be really angry if you don't let me go!"

Bankotsu blinked. What did she say?

Kagome rolled her eyes and crossed her arms in front of her chest mimicking Bankotsu. "And besides it's Kagome, Ka-go-me. Three syllables, it's not that hard you know!"

Bankotsu blinked again, then he gave a sexy half smirk, "Huh. So you got more spunk then you let on huh? Well Ka-go-me, sorry to let you know that by tonight you're friends are all gonna have their heads chopped off and they won't be so scary then huh?"

Kagome's eyes widened as she realized the extent of the danger she and her friends were in. There was no way in hell Bankotsu was lying, he really did think that they were going to die. Her hands clenched unconsciously. No, Inuyasha was strong enough to defend himself against these zombies, and she was positive that he would rescue her somehow in battle. With this thought confidently in her mind she didn't notice that Jakotsu speaking.

"Bankotsu." Cut in Jakotsu with puppy dog eyes, "Can I please-please battle Inuyasha today?"

Bankotsu shook his head, "No way. That mutt is gonna be mine. I wanna test out Banryuu against his Tetsuiga."

Jakotsu pouted but didn't complain, a first.

Kagome, snapping out of her reverie looked around at the scenery for the first time. It was a peaceful place, full of long lush grass on a cliffside with a forest far below and behind. The only blight on the landscape was a giant castle built into the side of an opposing mountain. She gulped, she had a feeling they weren't there to look at the castle just to appreciate it's architecture.

Bankotsu looked over at her, noticing the direction of her gaze. He smirked when he saw the castle. No doubt the girl would truly get a taste of fear when she saw just an extent of what he and the others could do.

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Shit. Shit. Shit.

Today was not Inuyasha's day.

First Kagome had been kidnapped, by one of Naraku's minions no less.

Then Kikyo had nearly died from another one-or two of those zombies. Ironic since she was one herself. However the humor was lost in the livid Inuyasha.

It was midday now and Inuyasha was still looking for Kagome and her captors. Just you wait Kagome, I'm gonna get you back while I teach these bastards how to say hello to Tetsuiga!

"Inuyasha!"

"Huh?" Inuyasha's face brightened marginally when he saw Sango, Miroku and Shippou riding on top of Kilala. "Hey, you guys feeling better now?"

Miroku nodded, "Yes, we woke up later last night after you had left, Shippou told us what was going on but we were still weak. After a full night's rest though me and ther others are well recuperated."

Inuyasha nodded grinning, with the others back by his side he had renewed confidence that they would find Kagome.

"Inuyasha!" shouted Sango, "Kirara's picked up Kagome's scent!"

"Yup. I can smell her too, it's faint though." He sped up quickly, his nose twitching, "And it's with that damned monk from the mountain!"

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Kagome groaned and buried her face in her hands. The other Shichinintai had gone to the castle to do something Naraku had wanted them to do. Since speed and subtlety were needed apparently for the errand Bankotsu had ordered that Ginkotsu stay behind on the cliff with Kagome to make sure she didn't get in their way and/or run away until they 'signaled' for him to come.

"Great," she mumbled drawing her leg to her chest and wrapping her arms around them. "I am being held captive with an undead metal monster that seems to have an unlimited amount of artillery to take out an army. The Shichinintai are probably going to murder that entire castle for revenge for their deaths and so Bankotsu can get his 'baby' back. She bit her lip in frustration when she remembered what had happened before the others had left.

Flashback

'You won't be needing that.' Smirked Renkotsu taking her bow and arrows and throwing them off the cliff..

'Hey!' shouted Kagome indignantly.

"Please. We don't want you to shoot at poor, defenceless Ginkotsu now while he's so kindly protecting you now would we?'

They all laughed and sped away.

End Flashback

They were still at the cliff. It was almost nice sitting there on the lush grass with birdsong surrounding her and the sun shining down on her. Too bad there was a half man and half metal assassin behind her guarding her so she couldn't escape.

Sighing she withdrew a small cloth bag from her red priestess pocket. It was filled with birdseed that Jinenji had given her the last time they had visited him. It seemed like a good way to pass the time by feeding the birds. Humming a little she stood up and stretched and in view of a passing bird she sprinkled some into the grass. The little sparrow cocked its head in interest and dove to the ground by Kagome's feet, hopping around and pecking the ground in hopes to find the delicious birdseed. In minutes about a large flock of sparrows surrounded the ground where Kagome was at. They covered the ground and sat on her shoulders and her outstretched hand. She giggled softly when one began to preen her hair.

During this, Ginkotsu watched in interest at all the birds surrounding the priestess. His left eye widened when some sat around him and began to chirp their interest at the giant shiny thing they sat on. Kagome whirled around in surprise when she saw this. She couldn't help but giggle when she saw the scene that met her eyes.

Ginkotsu seemed flustered at all the birds that were now surrounding him chirping their interest. A light blush sat on his cheeks. This deadly, half steel, half man assassin didn't seem to know what to do with a couple of innocent birds. It was surprisingly…adorable.

"Do you like birds?" asked Kagome walking towards him. Watching him flustered had banished her previous fear of him.

Ginkotsu regarded her, then clanged, "Gersh."

She took that as a yes. "Cool. You know it's really hard to get this number of birds. I've tried so many times on my own but I only got 10 the most. My friend Jinenji could get the entire flock though. I think all these birds came also because they seem to like you. It's like Jinenji, birds don't care about outer appearances, but they can tell those who are kind."

Kind? Was this girl calling him kind? Ginkotsu had been called many things, a monster, a demon from hell; the list was endless, but never kind.

"By the way, I'm Kagome if you didn't already know." continued Kagome smiling up at him.

Ginkotsu stared at her, now she was introducing herself to him?

Just then a part of the castle exploded.

Kagome gave a soft cry of shock and whirled around as the birds took off, shrieking into the sky.

"We have to go now." Clanged Ginkotsu.

So that was the signal? Wondered Kagome. She had clambered on Ginkotsu's side, not wanting to see him using force to bring her with him to his friends. She continued to muse silently, Why would they blow up that up though? If they do that they're only going to attract attention. But maybe that's why they did that. What did Jakotsu say? A fight in the castle, then with Inuyasha and Kouga? Yes! That's exactly what they meant! And surely with all the blood and the explosion Inuyasha and the others will come to investigate it and then…she gulped. Probably Bankotsu was going to gut her in front of the others to taunt them, or use her as a shield so the others couldn't attack while he and the others continued to attack them mercilessly.

She shook her head, she'd be damned before she let them do that. She'd just have to distract them so Inuyasha and the others could save her! The question was, how?

"Not a single person left alive? Well that's rather inconvenient." Sighed Bankotsu dipping his cup into the bucket containing sake. He turned to Jakotsu, "You weren't really thinking were you Jakotsu? You could've left a woman or two alive to pour our drinks."

"How can I think of little things like that Aniki? I've got much more important things to worry about, like when am I going to see my beloved Inuyasha again?" whined Jakotsu.

Renkotsu in front of them snorted, "You musn't worry about that Jakotsu, Inuyasha has a keen sense of smell."

Bankotsu smiled, "That's true, all we have to do is sit back patiently and wait. Inuyasha will follow the smell of blood right to us."

"You think so?" asked Jakotsu, a glimmer of hope spread on his face, "If you say so, but I don't know how much longer I can take."

"Aniki." started Renkotsu ignoring Jakotsu.

"Yes, Renkotsu?" asked Bankotsu sipping from his cup.

"Why do you think Naraku brought us back to life?"

"To get rid of his enemies, such as the ones named Inuyasha and Kouga. That's why."

"But you're the only one that's ever met him. Can you tell us a bit more about him?"

Bankotsu closed his eyes, his tone chiding. "Renkotsu, we've been brought back to life. We can wreak havoc just like the good old days. Isn't that enough?"

"Yes, of course." answered Renkotsu with a worried face. He looked away. Big brother is determined not to tell me more then he already has. Why?"

Jakotsu sipped his sake cup again then sighed dreamily, "Inuyasha. I hope you get here really soon."

Suikotsu at the gate on lookout tensed, "Some kind of whirlwind!" he called.

Renkotsu looked around sharply.

Kouga skidded to a stop in front of Jakotsu and Bankotsu, "I assume you're the Band of Seven." He stated, fangs bared.

"Oh! Hey Kouga." Said Jakotsu casually, waving an arm in greeting.

"Well, well, well. So the wolf gets here before the dog I see." commented Bankotsu smirking.

Kouga snarled, "Quit acting so smug! I know for a fact that you're in cahoots with Naraku! So tell me where he is!"

Bankotsu scratched his head, "Jeez, seems that this Naraku character has made enemies of a lot of people." He turned to Jakotsu completely ignoring Kouga, who looked outraged, "Do you think we should trust him?"

Jakotsu looked at him questioningly, "How am I supposed to know Big Brother? You're the only one that's ever really met him."

"If you refuse to tell me," Growled Kouga, "I'll kill you!" he jumped towards the two of them.

A sword exploded on his left and he avoided it, cursing. Jakotsu standing with Jakotsutou raised above his head looked thoughtful, "Right. I just remembered. We still have a match to finish."

Kouga jumped back. "Nice try! I already know about that snake-like sword of yours. But here's a question you creepy gay man, why is Kagome's lovely scent reeking off all of you!"

"Jeez, her again?" pouted Jakotsu. "What are you? In love with that wench?" Jakotsu asked.

"Shut up! And answer my question!" snarled Kouga leaping towards him.

Jakotsu made a face, "You are in love with her! I can't believe it! That woman has you under her thumb! It's so unfair!"

Kouga growled, "Shut up! I am not under her thumb. If anyone is," he sidestepped another blow from Jakotsu, "it's that damn Inuyasha!"

Jakotsu gasped, "No…" he whispered, "Not my beloved Inuyasha!" his face crumpled.

Kouga took a step back in surprise, What the…

Jakotsu's eyes were covered by his bangs. Then without warning he lifted his head, his face contorted with rage. "Die!" he shrieked attacking crazily at Kouga.

Kouga sidestepped his attacks, his eyes wide at the unbridled fury of his opponent.

"Aah." Said Renkotsu smirking.

"Hmm, looks like wolf boy's about to die." commented Bankotsu still sipping on his sake cup.

"Damn!" swore Kouga. "This guy's crazy! I can't avoid his blades for much longer either!" he winced as a blade cut his left arm.

All of a sudden a blade blocked the oncoming Jakotsuto inches from Kouga's face. Wha…?

"Move ya wimpy wolf!"

"You!" barked Kouga.

"Inuyasha." Hissed Jakotsu, his eyes narrowed into slits.

"Hey! Who told you to get involved!"

"Shut up ya mangy wolf! I don't even know why I bothered to save your sorry hide!"

"I had it under control!"

"Yeah, that's why there was a blade coming towards you're face right!"

"Back off! At least I'm not the one that lost Kagome!"

The two growled at each other.

Inuyasha scoffed, "Keh. I don't have time to deal with you anyways." He turned around and pointed his sword at the now standing Bankotsu. "You! With the long braid, did you attack Kikyo and kidnap Kagome!?"

Bankotsu smirked, "The undead priestess? Don't tell me she's still alive. Especially after Suikotsu had such a good time shredding her apart."

Inuyasha bared his fangs dangerously but Bankotsu continued, undaunted.

"And relax, your little whore is safe. In fact, you'll be seeing her very, very soon."

Inuyasha and Kouga snarled at the name but looked relieved at the news.

Bankotsu laughed at this, "Love! You two disgust me." He lunged at Inuyasha with Banryuu, "Love," he sneered, "is for-," he blocked Tetsuiga, "weaklings!"

"Watch who you're calling weak!"

"Inuyasha!" called Miroku. He, Sango, Shippou and Kirara had all arrived.

"Took ya long enough." growled Inuyasha without turning around.

The others assumed battle stances and began to battle the other Shichinintai members. Kouga began to fight Renkotsu while Sango fought Jakotsu and Miroku had to deal with Suikotsu.

"Kirara!" called Sango, "Protect Shippou!"

The great cat nodded and took off to the air with a wide-eyed Shippou on her back.

The fight was intense with neither side gaining an advantage. It only broke when two newcomers joined the battle.

"It's Kagome!" yelled Shippou excitedly from Kirara's back. Being up in the air they had a clear view of the metal monster which had Kagome riding on its back, her face determined.

"Kagome." breathed Kouga looking relieved. He ducked when Renkotsu blew more fire at his head.

"Kagome!" yelled Inuyasha. Miroku and Sango repeated the call.

"Inuyasha!" cried out Kagome her face brightening.

"You idiot! I can't believe you got yourself kidnapped again! And you're supposed to be able to see the jewel shards!"

Kagome's face darkened, "Jeez! Sorry! It's not like I asked Renkotsu to kidnap me you know! Besides how was I supposed to know that Mukotsu stunned my priestess powers into nonexistence that night!"

"A word of advice Inuyasha." Growled Bankotsu, "You should really keep your eyes on your opponent!" He aimed a blow at Inuyasha who blocked it with his Tetsuiga at the last minute. He winced, Damn, this guy is strong! But how can I rescue Kagome when I'm stuck dealing with him!?"

Ginkotsu clanged, "No!" yelled Renkotsu. "Don't do anything until I tell you to!"

"Shut up!" snarled Kouga punching him on the face. Renkotsu looked shocked but jumped a few feet away clutching his left cheek. "You bastard." He growled.

"Hark who's talking." Shot back Kouga, cracking his knuckles.

Kagome looked anxious at all the desperate battles surrounding her. How can I help them! She thought desperately. She noticed a bow and a quiver full of arrows which lay a few feet away. That's it!

She jumped off Ginkotsu's side and ran towards it, only to trip when Ginkotsu wrapped a long metal chain around her foot, just inches away from the bow.

She winced and propped herself up looking back at Ginkotsu. "Don't move." He clanged ominously.

"Kagome!" They both looked up as Shippou and Kirara sped towards Kagome. The fire cat ripped the chain apart with her teeth while Kagome grabbed the bow and arrows and jumped onto Kirara's back.

"Great job guys." smiled Kagome warmly hugging Shippou.

"Damn." Snarled Bankotsu when he saw what happened.

Unnoticed to everybody, the saimyosho buzzed around, watching the battle.

Naraku scowled when he saw how things were progressing. He was watching the entire battle through Kanna's mirror in a dark cave. He was undergoing a transformation of course. At the moment he had hundreds of different hideous sounding demon appendages sticking out of him underneath the baboon cloak that had ridden down to expose his face and shoulders.

"How disappointing. The Band of Seven are unable to defeat Inuyasha and those other irritating friends of his." said Naraku softly still looking at the mirror. He continued to muse to himself out loud. "However they are all putting up a desperate fight. But using them as decoys was obviously a bad idea, they were just a waste of jewel shards, while Bankotsu has three no less. I won't even need to use them since I still have my precious barrier erector…" he trailed off, his crimson eyes still absorbed in the depths of Kana's mirror.

"Kana." He said suddenly.

"Yes?" whispered the albino child.

"It is time we put an end to the Band of Seven."

The battle still waged on, the only difference was now Kagome, Kirara and Shippou were battling against Ginkotsu, who seemed angry that his ward had escaped him. More razor blades whipped past Kagome and she winced at how close they had avoided them.

"Kagome! Use you're arrows to defeat him!" yelled Shippou shrilly.

"I can't." answered Kagome quietly her eyes trained on Ginkotsu's.

"What do you mean you can't? Are you afraid?"

"No!" Kagome said looking offended, "I just…don't want to. Kill any of them." Her eyes swept over to the rest of the Shichinintai.

Shippou looked flabbergasted, "Kagome! Don't tell me you like the Band of Seven!"

Kagome didn't answer. Her guilty yet confused expression was enough of one.

Shippou groaned and buried his face in his hands. "Wait till the others find out." He groaned again.

I don't understand it! Screamed Kagome in her mind, Why do I feel like this…about the Band of Seven no less! They've treated me like dirt up until now. Why do I not want them to get hurt, I just don't understand!

Her head snapped up as she sensed a powerful presence. She gasped as she recognized the glowing figure of the person who stood in front of her in midair. "Midoriko.." whispered Kagome in awe. There was no mistaking it, the long black hair, the ethereal beauty and kindness that was in her smile and eyes not to mention her familiar betsushimiko outfit. She was the spitting image of the sacred statue in the cave near Sango's old village.

'Kagome.' Chimed the warrior priestess, 'It's good to see you my dear child.'

"Why." Choked Kagome her eyes wide, she swallowed and continued, "Why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be guarding you're cave?"

"Who are you talking to Kagome?" asked Shippou confused. He looked at the spot where Kagome was staring at and looked back at her face. "I don't see anybody."

'Nobody but you can see me. I thought it would be easier this way. But I am here to speak to you about the Band of Seven.'

"Are you the one who is making me feel this way?" whispered Kagome.

The warrior miko nodded, 'Yes. The truth is that you and your friends need to make peace with them. Do not hate them for they are only pawns who are being manipulated on Naraku's chessboard.'

"But why?"

'You're friends need their help. It is the only way to avoid a great calamity. And they are not as evil as you think. They only need the right guidance, I believe you will find the path of their leader most interesting. He needs you're help whether he knows it or not.'

"Bankotsu needs my help? How am I supposed to help him? Them?!"

Midoriko smiled, "I do not want them to be sent to hell when they have such great potential, and you are the only one who is capable of saving them. With your strong heart Kagome, you will be able to accomplish greater things than even I. Here is a token that I think will help you. Goodbye." She faded into the air until she disappeared.

Gasping, Kagome looked down, for something had appeared around her neck in a great burst of white light. Shippou gave a startled yelp.

It was a necklace in the shape of a cross. A cross that was exactly identical in shape and size to the one on Bankotsu's forehead recalled Kagome gulping. The chain it was on and the metal the cross was extremely light and was a silver colour, it shined in the sunlight beautifully until Kagome averted her gaze at the brightness of it.

"Kagome where'd you get the necklace? Wow! That really looks like the mark that Bankotsu has on his forehead don't ya think?"

Kagome clapped her hand on Shippou's mouth.

"Shippou!" she hissed fiercely, "You can't tell anybody about this necklace alright! I mean it, absolutely nobody! Especially Inuyasha!"

Shippou nodded vigorously against her hand. Sighing in relief she withdrew her hand. They looked down when they heard shouts below.

"Inuyasha. So nice to see you again." Purred Naraku from underneath the baboon cloak. Hideous brown tentacles burst out from underneath it and they squirmed until Kagome felt like heaving.

"Hey! What's the deal!" barked Bankotsu, "I thought you wanted us to destroy Inuyasha!"

"Bankotsu, that is what I want. However it is obvious to me that that is not going to be happening. You and you're comrades are just too weak. Unfortunately I have decided to end our little deal, I will be taking back my shikon shards now."

The Shichinintai all looked outraged at this.

"Screw you." seethed Bankotsu his eyes narrowing dangerously, he raised his Banryuu threateningly and pointed it at Naraku. "Too bad for you though Naraku that we don't plan on handing them over!"

Naraku chuckled menacingly. Then his tentacles sprang to life, they became even larger and whipped towards the members of the Shichinintai.

"He's destroying his own allies?" said Sango incredulously.

"Of course, that's just the underhanded kind of thing that Naraku would do." said Miroku looking disgusted.

"Everybody get him!" ordered Bankotsu. The Shichinintai all attacked and within minutes, were furiously battling the tentacles.

Kagome saw to her horror one tentacle inching sneakily behind Bankotsu's back.

"No!" she screamed, the others raised their heads in shock at her cry.

Without thinking Kagome whipped out an arrow and shot it at the tentacle. Bankotsu, surprised at the bright pink light that had appeared behind turned around, his eyes widening as he realized what had happened.

"Kagome! What the hell was that for! They're our enemies!" shouted Inuyasha furiously.

"I refuse to let them die like this!" screamed back Kagome notching another arrow at a tentacle that was heading towards Jakotsu.

"Wench! We don't need you're help!" yelled Bankotsu as he cut open an oncoming tentacle.

"Yeah, yeah! Save it for someone who believes you!"

A sacred arrow burst the tentacle that had risen sneakily up to Jakotsu's side. He yelped in surprise.

Miroku scowled, "Lady Kagome is right, I am loathe to admitting it, but it is dishonourable to stand back and watch Naraku do another underhanded thing to somebody."

"But-." Interjected Inuyasha angrily.

"Yes, Inuyasha. They were, or are our enemies still. But we will decide what to do after the battle is over. Our real enemy is Naraku and he is currently trying to destroy them right now. And frankly, the Shichinintai are extremely strong, they could make valuable allies."

"I don't know what the monk is saying." Growled Kouga unsheathing his claws, "But anything Naraku does-," he leapt up into the air to joining the fight, "-I'm gonna do the opposite!"

Inuyasha snarled but unsheathed Tetsuiga, "Move aside!" he yelled to everybody.

The Shichinintai and Kouga all leapt aside as Inuyasha unleashed the Wind Scar against Naraku's golem. It burst apart and little pieces of brown tentacle and white baboon cloak littered the ground.

"Kukuku." Naraku laughed his voice fading, "You can't escape me forever. I will destroy you…"

Silence fell on the battlefield.

"I don't know if I should rip you apart or thank you." said Suikotsu drily at Inuyasha.

He scoffed, "Shut up, I only did it because anything that pisses off Naraku will do nicely for me."

"He means to say that he did it for Lady Kagome." said Miroku solemnly clapping a hand on Inuyasha's shoulder. Inuyasha shrugged it off and looked away, keh'ing.

"As did I." said Kouga quickly.

"Thanks Kouga, Inuyasha." smiled Kagome warmly. Kirara had landed and now she stood by her comrades.

"What. The. Fuck." growled Bankotsu. He slammed Banryuu into the ground and pointed a finger at Kagome. "You just had to interfere didn't ya! Well the Shichinintai can take care of themselves you know!"

"Big Brother." Said Renkotsu quietly, "We owe her our lives."

Bankotsu scowled. "No we don't!"

Suikotsu, Renkotsu and Jakotsu all sighed, Renkotsu put a hand against his forehead while Suikotsu folded his arms, "She saved you and Jakotsu against two of the tentacles and convinced her friends to help. I know, I don't like it any more then you do but who knows what the outcome would have been if she hadn't helped?"

Bankotsu growled and turned away crossing his arms, "Fine, whatever. But I'm not going to say thank you!"

Jakotsu sighed, "Big Brother.." Sometimes you are such a kid.

"Why you ungrateful.." Kouga looked ready to rip his head off so Kagome intervened.

"No! It's fine I really don't care whether he says thank you or not. I'm just glad that everybody's still alive."

Everybody stared at her in shock.

"Glad…that we're alive" choked out Suikotsu, his expression stunned.

Inuyasha stomped over to her, "What do you mean, you're glad! If you hadn't forgotten Kagome, they kidnapped you and tried to kill us every chance they got! They have killed countless numbers of people and have raped and pillaged and enjoyed every minute of it! They also took you're shards and are zombies Kagome, . A.K.A. the walking dead!"

Kagome glared at him, "I know! I know that they've slaughtered all those poor, innocent people but I'm sure if we just give them a chance they can change for the better! Don't you understand Inuyasha? They were forced to do all those things against us because of Naraku! And just because they are the walking dead Inuyasha is no reason to hate them! Need I remind you that Kikyo is one as well!?"

Inuyasha flinched, "T-That's different!" he stammered looking away.

"No, you're right Inuyasha! She's much worse! She has a piece of my soul and feeds off the souls of the dead that need to move on! And need I remind you also that she has tried to kill me more times than the Shichinintai without Naraku's orders!"

Inuyasha seemed unable to respond.

Miroku coughed delicately interrupting the awkward silence, "So, I believe the only question is, what happens now?"

Everyone looked at each other uneasily, "Band together?" suggested Sango.

The Shichinintai looked thoughtful.

Suikotsu looked at Bankotsu, "Well…since we all have the same goal…" he trailed off.

Bankotsu looked at Renkotsu who shrugged reluctantly, "It will be a change. But one for the better I believe."

Sighing he looked at Ginkotsu who clanged his agreement.

"What about you Jakotsu?" asked Bankotsu hopefully. "Yes!" he said eyes alight with glee, "Anything to be with my precious Inuyasha!" he conveniently seemed to have forgotten his previous anger at Inuyasha for being in love with Kagome.

Bankotsu frowned at this, "Fine." He said, "I guess we will travel with you. But only until I say so, I am still the leader and therefore my decision is the final one." He glared at them all daring them to disagree.

"Hey! Let me just tell you one thing Bankotsu, I'm the one that makes decisions here!" barked Inuyasha.

"Great!" said Kagome happily clapping her hands together. "Now how about we make camp? I am absolutely famished right now." Bankotsu and Inuyasha rolled his eyes at her while she kept her smile on.

Inuyasha looked outraged at the turn of events but Kagome pointedly ignored his thunderous scowl but continued to talk cheerfully. "How about camping in that clearing in the forest that we saw earlier? It's definitely a big enough place for all of us and we can decide what our next move is after a full belly!"

Kouga scowled, "Work together? With those guys? I'll agree not to kill them but I refuse to stay with them, they reek of graveyard soil." and without further ado he picked up Kagome's hands in his own and stared deeply into an uncomfortable Kagome, "Kagome, I'm sorry to leave you like this but rest assured I'll be coming in to check up on you. Until then Dogbreath you'd better protect my woman ya hear!" he sped off waving a goodbye to her, leaving an enraged hanyou and a slightly flustered Kagome.

"Whatever." scoffed Bankotsu putting Banryuu on his shoulder. "Let's go and make freaking camp before I change my mind."

"That's the spirit." Mumbled Sango under her breath, everybody chuckled at this while Inuyasha and Bankotsu scowled, silently agreeing for the first time, then glaring at each other because of it. Kagome rolled her eyes at their antics, "Boys." She said shaking her head.

The Shichinintai climbed onto Ginkotsu's back while Sango and Kagome clambered onto to Kirara's. Shippou jumped onto Miroku's, sensing the oncoming girl talk.

"Kagome, what exactly happened while you were with the Shichinintai?" Sango asked eyeing Kagome curiously from over her shoulder.

Kagome was uncomfortably aware of Inuyasha perking his ears at her question and how everyone's eyes swivelled towards their direction.

"Not much." She said carefully, "Renkotsu kidnapped me and met up with Ginkotsu and Jakotsu in an underground cave where he repaired Ginkotsu after his fight with Inuyasha. And then today we met up with everyone else. They left me with Ginkotsu so he could guard me until they sent up the signal and..." She shrugged, indicating the end of it.

"That's it?" asked Sango surprised. "They didn't do anything…indecent did they?"

Bankotsu and Inuyasha both choked.

"No!" said Kagome vehemently. She glared darkly at the two, Bankotsu still gagging at the question and Inuyasha cracking his knuckles threateningly.

"If you did…" Inuyasha growled.

"You're kidding me right? Us? Touching your whore? Please, we have better taste." sneered Bankotsu.

Inuyasha and Kagome flushed.

"Hey! Don't call me a whore!"

"No one talks to Kagome like that with me around!"

"You're right, you're much too prudish anyways! I bet you're still a virgin as well!"

"Why you…! After I saved you're sorry ass as well!"

"You did not save me! I had it under control!"

"URGH! Men and their damned pride! Would it kill you to just say thank you?!"

"Hey, Jakotsu is this the first time that Bankotsu's ever been like this with a woman?" whispered Suikotsu.

Jakotsu was watching the two argue, "Yeah, he's never been like this. They're acting like an old married couple."

Bankotsu and Kagome both looked at him darkly. Jakotsu flinched, an expression of panic on his features before he quickly scrambled behind a bemused Suikotsu and peeked out cautiously.

Miroku who had overheard chuckled, "Believe me, this is like just what happens between Inuyasha and Kagome. Once upon a time Inuyasha and Kagome couldn't be within a few feet within each other without arguing. It still happens sometimes but Kagome has a way of always winning."

"How?" asked Jakotsu intrigued, in spite of himself.

"See the beads around Inuyasha's neck?"

Inuyasha's ears twitched. He glared at the monk. "Mind your own business monk! I don't need these guys all up in my business."

"Inuyasha, it's nothing to be ashamed about. Just because she has you chained like a dog around her pinky finger.." said Miroku soothingly.

"Do you have a death wish?"

Miroku cheerfully ignored this last bit, "The beads around Inuyasha's neck are a powerful charm that enables Kagome to say the magic word which forces him to obey her."

"Really? What's the magic word?" asked Suikotsu raising an eyebrow. Hell, he couldn't see the pretty, spunky girl getting the rough edged hanyou to obey her. No way in hell.

Miroku smiled mysteriously. "Don't worry, you'll see her using it on him soon enough. By tonight I'm sure his sulkiness will drive her over the edge."

"No way." breathed Jakotsu, "I want one for my darling Inuyasha! Then he can be my slave.." he trailed off his eyes dreamy with all the possiblities.

Miroku turned green while Suikotsu closed his eyes and sighed in disgust.

"We're here." announced Bankotsu jumping off Ginkotsu and stretching. They had entered a large clearing in the forest. It was situated right by a mountain which provided adequate shelter from the wind.

They divided up into their different tasks: Bringing firewood, refilling water bottles, setting out sleeping bags and taking out ramen cups from the bags. This last task was done by Kagome, who was thankful that she had brought enough ramen to feed a large army due to Inuyasha's incessant cravings for them.

"What are those?" asked Renkotsu, picking up a cup and examining it curiously.

"Ramen cups." replied Kagome plucking it from his hands and filling it with some water that Shippou had helpfully handed to her.

"Ra-men cups What are you blabbering on about now wench?" asked Jakotsu tilting his head. Everybody had formed a large circle with the Shichinintai on one side and the Inu gang on the other side.

"They're pretty simple." nodded Kagome ignoring Jakotsu's barb, "You add some boiling water and a flavour packet to some dried noodles and voila! Edible food."

"I dunno. Sounds kinda fishy to me." said Suikotsu doubtfully.

Kagome laughed softly, "Trust me. Inuyasha and the others thought it was weird too, but now we have it practically every night. They're very addicting."

She got up and handed one to everybody and a pair of chopsticks. She stopped at Ginkotsu. "Can you eat this?" she asked curiously.

Bankotsu was wolfing down the noodles heartily, "He can't eat." He said with some difficulty through all the noodles in his mouth.

Kagome looked at him disgustedly, but added. "At all?"

"Nope. Never could. He's a demon after all. He doesn't need to."

"Demons eat." pointed out Kagome. "Every time I turn around I see another village that's been massacred because a demon's been feeling peckish.

Bankotsu shrugged, "Demons don't need to eat. They only do it to scare people. It's their nature, but only for the weak ones though."

"What about the powerful ones like Sesshomaru?" asked Miroku curiously.

Inuyasha keh'd. "He doesn't need to eat. Braid-boy over there is only half right. Demon's don't have to eat its true, but human flesh strengthens us. Sesshomaru despises humans and the bastard probably thinks that such weak lengths are beneath him."

"Really, I never knew that." said Kagome surprised. "It explains a lot."

"That's cuz you're too dumb to think about things like that." snorted Inuyasha from the tree where he had been resting.

He opened one eye and flinched when he saw Kagome's blazing eyes.

"Here we go." murmured Miroku.

The Shichinintai looked up in interest to see what would happen next while Sango and Shippou continued to sip on their noodle cups. Kilala mewled and began to wash her paw.

"SIT!"

Inuyasha crashed off the tree where had been sitting and formed an Inuyasha's shaped crater on the ground. "YOU INSUFFERABLE JERK!" hollered Kagome standing over the crater.

Inuyasha picked himself up with some difficulty. "Jeez! What'd you do that for!" he barked ignoring Miroku and the other's sighs. Jakotsu and Suikotu looked a little frightened, while Bankotsu seemed amused. Renkotsu and Ginkotsu watched in mild interest."

Kagome sucked in a breath and Inuyasha's ears flattened.

Needless to say Inuyasha stayed in his crater for the rest of the night.

"I'm going for a walk." said Kagome primly. She passed the others wary faces. Suikotsu whistled when she was out of earshot. "I do not want to ever get on Lady Kagome's bad side"

Sango laughed, "Kagome does have a temper."

Shippou walked over to the crater cautiously, "Hey! I think he's unconscious! Stupid Inuyasha.. Hasn't he learned yet not to get Kagome mad?"

With the tension broken everybody slowly fell into quiet conversations. Everybody that is, except for Bankotsu who slipped away quietly.

"Urgh! That Inuyasha! He always has to pick a fight!" groused Kagome kicking a pebble into the stream where she was standing.

She sat down with a sigh. She had gone quite far actually, lost in her dark thoughts. However, she forgot her anger in the face of the peaceful scenery. She began to hum while finger combing her hair absently. The moon shined brightly above, its beams falling softly on Kagome's raven head, she sighed softly in contentment.

Finally, unable to stand the silence she spoke.

"Are you going to come out?" she asked after a while.

"Heh, how did you know I was here?"

"You do have a jewel shard after all."

"Right. Forgot about that, Inuyasha's trusty jewel detector right?" Bankotsu replied back teasingly.

Kagome turned and mock glared at him.

He settled himself down comfortably beside her, "Just kidding. But I just wanted to make sure you still weren't angry."

Kagome sighed, "Yeah. I don't blame you, my temper kinda gets the better of me sometimes. But seriously how else am I supposed to deal with Inuyasha." She complained.

He chuckled and they settled into an easy silence.

Bankotsu broke it, "I just wanted to ask…"

"Why I saved you before?" finished Kagome. She looked at his surprised cerulean eyes and flushed from the heat of the gaze and looked down. Damn this guy! Why does he have to be so good looking!? Stupid Naraku…it should be illegal to resurrect cute assassins!

She was only feeling this way she decided, because of Midoriko. Yes that was it, she was making her feel this way so Kagome could help the Shichinintai. Then thinking of that, she remembered the necklace that was hanging underneath her priestess clothes. She gripped it automatically through her haori.

"It's the obvious thing to ask. But I can't answer you because I don't really know myself." This was true she realized with some surprise. She didn't do it just because of Midoriko, she had actually wanted to of her own accord. Seeing those cerulean eyes of his darken with hate and anger and a bit of fear had made Kagome…sad. She had wanted to see him give his familiar smirks of his and give a cocky retort, seeing him angry, hateful and…a little bit fearful made her heart twist painfully inside her chest.

"Heh, you probably just did because I'm so attractive." smirked Bankotsu smugly.

Kagome gasped, "Why you conceited, arrogant little…"

Bankotsu rolled his eyes, "Whoa, calm down. You're pretty feisty huh?"

Kagome punched him on the arm. Bankotsu raised an eyebrow, it didn't even hurt. "What? Now you're violent as well?"

She scowled at him and turned her head petulantly away.

She really was attractive. He noted, it was no wonder why the wolf and the mutt Inuyasha had fallen so hard for her. She had the perfect figure, slender with long slim legs something which her priestess outfit tried to hide futilely but only accentuated. Her long black hair cascaded down to her small waist and her chocolate brown eyes were large and doe-like. Her delicate lush lips looked incredibly soft and looked even more so when she bit her lip, adorably he added unconsciously.

He frowned at himself, unhappy with where his thoughts were going.

But, he decided. It really wasn't his fault feeling this way. She was quite attractive, while also being quite a piece of work. Spunky yet gentle and kind. A weird combination, and one he was unaccustomed to. His perception of human females were that they were all docile and weak, the only expression he saw on them was either fear or ecstasy, and even then there was a hint of wariness while he was bedding them.

He snapped out of his thoughts and jerked his head up his hand reaching instinctively for Banryuu.

"What is it?" asked Kagome, alarmed, she craned her neck to look at where Bankotsu was staring at in the bushes across from them.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!"

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Hey guys! Phew, another chapter done! Did you guys like it? Well let me know, I've edited it like a billion times, grammar is so not one of my strong suits. It's a relief to finally post it, the long hours into the morning though were totally worth it though because of your comments. Keep it up!

much thanks,

-bamboo princess