Disclaimer: I've just realized that there is no need for a disclaimer. They have no way of tracking you down xD Plus, they don't have a "Terms of Usage" with the series forbidding fan-based stories without credit. Now, this doesn't mean say, "I own it!" because that would be illegal. Ah well, I guess it's just a sign of respect for the wonderful creators. AH! I'm rambling. NOT good. I own nothing.

Bankotsu and Kagome: Linked by Fate

Chapter 8: Betrayal

"Hey! Renkotsu!" Bankotsu waved as he spotted his brother in the forest. Kagome and Bankotsu walked over to the Band of Seven member.

"Oh, hey Big Brother." he said, curiosity tugging at the back of his mind. Why was the same wench from before still with him? There was something strange about this whole situation.

"I guess you were pretty weirded out about last time…" Bankotsu said with a smirk. He then went on to explain the happenings within the past few days.

"I see. So you and her…"

Bankotsu nodded, holding Kagome's hand in his.

Renkotsu sighed mentally. He was hoping to have a go at her when Bankotsu was done, but maybe all hopes weren't lost…

- - - - - -

"Big Brother, tell me, do you still intend to meet up with the rest of our brothers?" Renkotsu asked in a low voice.

"Yep." Bankotsu shorted, busy eating some rice. The three were now walking down a desolate pathway surrounded by forest. "We're actually pretty close."

"Is there anyone I haven't met yet?" Kagome perked up, staring up at him in curiosity.

"Hmm, let's see. There's me. You've already met Renkotsu, Jakotsu, and Mukotsu. Kyokotsu is dead, and you'll be able to meet Ginkotsu and Suikotsu." Bankotsu said nonchalantly, tossing the empty bowl which previously held his rice aside.

Kagome was about to offer an apology when she heard about Kyokotsu, but after hearing him go on without even a hint of sorrow in his voice, she changed her mind. "What is Ginkotsu like?"

"He's half machine, and looks tough, but he's a big softy." he explained, and, knowing she'd ask about Suikotsu, went on. "Suikotsu is a weird one. He has two different personalities. You'll like his more humanistic side, the one that's a doctor. The other side makes him a ruthless killer like all the rest of us," he added, shades of different emotions laced in his voice.

Kagome let out a silent sigh. She hoped to become closer to Bankotsu's "family" and get to know each and every one of them. So, she'd start with Renkotsu. "So, Renkotsu, what is one of your hobbies?"

"Killing." he simply stated, a blasé tone gracing his speech.

Kagome laughed uneasily. "I mean…Something other than killing."

"Hmm, I like fire."

'Great, he's a pyromaniac' Kagome thought to herself. "Really? That sounds cool, playing with fire and all."

"I don't play with fire. I make it." he corrected. Noticing the curiously raised brow of the young girl, he lifted the gourd to his lips. As his cheeks swelled with liquid, he blew out a tremendous amount of fire to the side.

Kagome's eyes lit up. She had seem him spit a little bit of fire at their first encounter, but he was amazing!

"Big Brother! Renkotsu!" shouted a bunch of people in unison.

Bankotsu walked over to them, patting some of them on the back. He looked back and saw Kagome smiling while Jakotsu started talking to her.

"Oh, it is SO nice to have another female around!" Jakotsu's feminine voice rang.

'Another? But…' Kagome looked over to Bankotsu and saw his wink. 'Kay, so far, we've got a pyro and a cross dresser. What's next?' she thought.

Bankotsu walked over to her and pulled her by the hand. "This is Ginkotsu."

Kagome stared up at the demon-looking figure who seemed to have an army tank for legs. "Um…It's nice to meet you."

"Nnggff."

"See, he likes you already." Bankotsu said with a smirk, then twisted her shoulders around to see Suikotsu. He was in his Band of Seven form, licking some blood off of his steel claws. A tint of bloodlust lingered in his eyes.

"You must be Suikotsu. I'm Kagome." she said with a nervous smile.

He only laughed evilly, making Kagome wish from the bottom of her soul he'd turn into the nice doctor she had heard about, and soon.

- - - - - -

The six brothers and Kagome sat around a fire Renkotsu had brewed up, eating some smoked boar. Bankotsu led the conversation by asking each of his brothers what they'd been up to. Then, his serious side kicked in. "So, how many jewel shards did you all acquire?"

"Three!" Jakotsu shouted, handing his comrade the three shards.

"Nn." Ginkotsu let out, a single shard landing in Bankotsu's palm.

"Two." Suikotsu and Mukotsu mentioned.

"Two." Renkotsu replied, handing him the shards.

Kagome's eyes widened slightly. She looked at Renkotsu oddly, staring at his chest. 'He's got more…Why would he lie?' she mused.

Renkotsu caught her stare and became nervous. 'Surely she can't tell I have more shards. After all, she doesn't look like a priestess.'

"Ah, so Big Brother, how many did you attain?" Renkotsu asked.

"Two."

"Ha! I got more than Big Brother!" Jakotsu exclaimed, cupping his hands over his cheeks.

"So, that's twelve all together. Great job everyone." Bankotsu praised.

Kagome still stared to Renkotsu, trying to count just how many jewel fragments there were. "Three." she whispered to herself.

Renkotsu's eyes shot wide open as he heard her mutter. Everyone simple turned their heads to her in curiosity. 'Damn! She CAN see them. Damn it! I need to do something before she gives me away.' Renkotsu started trying to think of a plan. "Kagome, I need you to help me…Gather more wood."

Bankotsu shifted his eyes suspiciously to Renkotsu, though he stayed silent.

"Oh, sure." Kagome said, wondering why he would ask her out of everyone else. Something didn't feel right. She looked hesitantly back to Bankotsu and saw him nod. She smiled and stood up, following Renkotsu.

After a few moments of walking, Kagome spotted some wood. "Here's a nice pile." she said, trying to break the tension between them.

"Yes, very nice." he said, not even paying attention to her words. He walked behind her and raised his arm up, his fingers flexed in a chopping position as he aimed for the neck. He swung down, though Kagome never felt the unknowing attack.

Renkotsu looked over to the person holding his arm in the air. "Uh, Big Brother. What are you doing--" he was cut off as he was twisted and slammed to the ground. He raised his head up, but Banryuu was against his neck threateningly.

Kagome jerked at all the commotion and whipped around.

"Kagome, how many other shards does he have?"

"Th-Three." she said softly.

"Heh, thought you could hide them from me did you?"

"No, Big Brother, I-I just forgot to give them to you. I was going to surprise you with how many I received!"

"Bankotsu, don't." said Kagome's silent voice, gaining a shocked expression from Bankotsu. "I'm sure he meant no harm, right Renkotsu?" she asked, glaring to the fallen mercenary.

Renkotsu nodded, though his neck movement was restricted by Bankotsu's halberd.

Bankotsu's teeth ground together. He didn't like the fact Renkotsu had betrayed him, and he didn't like the fact he tried to assault his love. But, he couldn't find it in him to go against her wish, so without remark, he withdrew his weapon. He walked next to Kagome and wrapped an arm around her, walking her back to the campsite.

Renkotsu gripped his throat, appreciating the fact it was still there. 'Damn! I can't get to her without Bankotsu killing me first -- And even if I do eliminate her, Bankotsu will want my head for sure,' he contemplated, trying to figure out what to do as he stood to his full height.

"I can help you." said a strong, feminine voice.

- - - - - -

Author's Note: Well, sorry to keep you all waiting! Who does the voice belong to? NO, it is not a Mary-Sue or any other type of made-up character.

Did I leave a good cliffhanger? Yeah, I think so. Review lovelies!

OH, and THANKS SO MUCH to my new Beta for this story, kittyb78!

Also, sorry for the shortness of this chapter. Leave a big, fat ole' comment and I'll make the next one longer. -Ami