Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Inuyasha Characters, they belong to Rumiko Takahasi. I'm merely using them for my own twisted enjoyment. I do however, own all Original Characters, this plot line, and all the fan fics referenced in this story. :D

Chapter Fifteen:

The next morning at sunrise Inuyasha regained his demon powers and breathed a sigh of relief. He and Kagome returned to the camp and found everyone awake.

Bankotsu and Naien had woken up feeling a little groggy. Bankotsu grabbed Banryu and led her back over to the camp.

Inhaling a deep breath, Inuyasha's eyes snapped open. He gagged and choked out, "You smell different… Like old gym socks, body odor, and musk, instead of Graveyard soil." His eyes widened.

Bankotsu's brows furrowed. "Come to think of it I do feel a little different." His eyes shot wide open. 'Clearly something strange is happening.'

Kagome's heart hammered in her chest and her body trembled. "Bankotsu… what happened to the jewel shards in your neck?" She'd been looking at his neck and noticed them missing, so quickly looked at the rest of him, only to find them gone as well. 'Where did they go?'

"What?" cerulean eyes wide with disbelief.

Kagome frowned as she stared at his neck "Wait, is that a scar?" She spotted the scars on his wrists. "Look at your wrists Bankotsu and see for yourself."

Bankotsu scratched the side of his head. 'Now that doesn't make any sense,' He stared at the scar on his wrist. 'Eh? How did that happen?'

Kagome grinned at the now living flesh mercenary. "Bankotsu, you're alive again!"

Bankotsu took a step back and stared at his wrists. 'How can this be possible?'

Inuyasha smirked cracking his fist. "Well, there is one way to know for sure." He hauled his fist back punching Bankotsu's jaw.

"Oi mutt! What did you do that for?" Bankotsu glared at said mutt and rubbed his sore jaw. His eyes shot open. 'I haven't felt physical pain since the time we were all beheaded.'

Bankotsu blinked. "Heh, guess I really am alive again." Turning to Inuyasha he smashed his fist into Inuyasha's face and smirked walking off. "Thanks mutt," he shook off the sting of his aching hand.

Naien ran over and checked over his hand, frowning at Bankotsu's swollen knuckles.

Bankotsu smiled touched by her concern. "No worries babe, I'm fine."

Kagome frowned. "Where did the shards go?" Gasping she held up her jar and breathed a sigh of relief they were still there. Counting them and finding seven more than normal, her eyes went wide as saucers. "Eh? How did they get there?"

Naien and Bankotsu stared at each other and spoke in unison. "You thinking what I'm thinking?" They nodded.

"It must be Midoriko again." Naien shook her head.

Bankotsu clenched his fist. "Damn that ghost! Will she ever leave us in peace?"

Kagome stared at them and her hand flew to her chest. "What are you talking about? Do you two know Midoriko?"

Bankotsu hissed, "She's the one who brought Naien to this time period." His jaw clenched. 'I'll be dammed if she's going take Naien away from me!'

Sango's jaw dropped. "Why though?"

Naien sighed. "Let's just say that she was eager for us," indicating her mercenary lover she continuing wryly, "To meet each other and leave it at that."

Bankotsu nodded, adding a little testy, "That and she's a devious ghost who apparently enjoys tricking others." He pointed to his jewel shards now in the miko's possession.

Inuyasha barked. "Bankotsu, don't even think about taking those shards." He stood in front of Kagome.

Naien scoffed. "Get over it Inuyasha," adding resolutely, "Bankotsu doesn't need those silly things. He's more than strong enough as it is." She stared at Bankotsu with obvious and genuine affection in her clear mahogany eyes.

Bankotsu's chest swelled with pride and he smirked. He shocked everyone including himself. "Keep them miko. You know as well as I do that Naraku intended to take them back anyways. At least this way I don't have to die and leave Naien alone and unprotected." He wrapped Naien in a strong bear hug lifting her to his chest, before lowering his head and capturing her mouth in an all consuming kiss.

She wrapped her arms around his thick chorded neck and gladly kissed him back, matching his passion with her own. 'Thank Kami he's satisfied with his own power for once.' She whispered into his ear, "I love you, my mighty warrior." She pulled back to let him see for himself the love shinning in her complacent mahogany eyes.

Bankotsu grinned before nibbling her earlobe seductively. His voice was so low only she heard him. "I love you too Naien. I have for a long time now."

She smiled with happy tears in her eyes. They kissed and pulled back remembering they had an audience.

His lips brushed her ear. "We'll finish this later." He pulled back and winked at her, smirking at the blush on her face.

She gave him her most radiant smile and reached back pinching his butt.

He let out a startled yelp as his hands flew to his burning cheek. He chuckled. 'Heh, she's sure not shy anymore." He watched her sashay away, purposefully swinging her mouthwatering backside to tease him. 'I'll get you later my little tigress, just you wait.'

Miroku coughed. "Well, I see you two are rather… joyous about something," He sent Bankotsu a lecherous grin.

Bankotsu simply smirked wide for all to see before walking over to where his woman sat on a log and joining her.

She whispered for his ears alone, "Later tiger." causing his smirk to grow even wider.

Inuyasha barked, "If you two are done now we should get going." He turned to his group. "Kagome, Sango, Miroku, get up and pack the camp."

Bankotsu and Naien stood up. He shifted Banryu to his shoulder, before taking her hand. Smiling, she secured her sheathe to her waist and latched her armor shut. Bankotsu stared around boredly while the others continued packing. Ten minutes later everyone set off together.

As they walked Bankotsu taught Naien which berries were okay to eat and which weren't, making sure she understood how to tell.

She soaked up the information eagerly wanting to learn everything she'd ever need to know.

When it came time to camp for the night Bankotsu took Naien with him and taught her the basics of hunting. He taught her a little bit about tracking as well. After he used the bow and killed the deer, he hefted the animal and Banryu over his shoulders and led her back to camp.

By the time they'd returned a fire was going and water was boiling.

Naien had collected some fresh vegetables while they were hunting and dropped some of them over by Kagome. "These should help the food stretch."

"Um, thanks." Kagome blinked and picked up the vegetables.

Bankotsu cut up the meat with his tanto knife taking enough for him and Naien and then left the rest of the preparations to the others. He passed Naien their meat and took her with him to wash their hands and he clean his weapon, before returning to the others.

Kagome stared from Bankotsu to Naien. "How did you kill the deer without using Banryu?"

Naien answered proudly, "Bankotsu used the bow he'd bought me a while back."

Bankotsu nodded.

Sango shook her head. "Bankotsu knows how to use a bow?"

"Obviously," Bankotsu snorted and pointed to the dinner.

Naien blinked. "Doesn't any good fighter know how to use a variety of weapons?"

'Any fighter who doesn't is either a baka or stuck on themselves.' Bankotsu answered firmly, "At least the decent ones do." He shrugged.

Kagome added the vegetable to the pot.

Not in the mood for stew Naien dug a new fire pit and took some branches, making a makeshift roaster. She stabbed two of the poles through some of the meat and set it up to roast.

Bankotsu's chest swelled. 'Just like any good wife should, she knows how to cook, no matter the circumstances.'

The Inutachi blinked and watched in confusion.

Kagome walked over and frowned. "Will that really cook that way? Isn't it too thick?"

Naien smiled. "Consider this the feudal era version of a roaster. That should answer your question." She sat back waiting for the food to cook.

The young priestess blinked and stared at her in awe. 'Wow, she doesn't seem to be struggling with the differences between our time and this era at all.'

Naien sat over beside Bankotsu. "Hm, what else are we missing?"

He smiled. "Drinks," He pulled out the tea leaves she seemed to enjoy so much.

Naien grinned and pulled out the small container of honey she'd bought.

He chuckled and went to make them some tea.

Miroku had been observing the couple. He blinked. "They seem to be very well versed in outdoors living."

Bankotsu snorted and raised a brow at the monk. "How else would warriors survive alone if they didn't?"

Miroku held up his hands defensively. "I meant no offense. Just… your wife is from Lady Kagome's time, and yet she's adjusted so well to our time. It's astonishing is all."

Naien chuckled. "First of all, I've learned from the best," She pointed to Bankotsu, who swelled with pride. "Secondly, I grew up in the city, but I visited the country a lot. I loved fishing, hiking, and camping more than anyone else I've ever known."

Placing the tea carefully on the ground, Bankotsu smirked. 'Yup I made a perfect catch when I landed her.' Outdoorsy stuff was the main way of life that he knew. Being on the move constantly it'd take a special woman to be able to keep up with him and here she was standing right in front of him.

Bankotsu smiled and grabbed her hand, yanking her over to sit between his legs. He carefully handed her a cup of steamy tea and added some honey to his own, shooting her a genuine smile.

Used to his aggressive nature already Naien smiled and sat where he placed her. She smiled. "Thanks." She added honey to her tea before gingerly sipping it and they waited in silence for the food to finish.

Sango blinked. 'How can she so easily tolerate his rough nature?' She shook her head. 'I'd never let a guy boss me around like he does.' She glanced at Miroku and sighed. 'Even a lech is better than a dominant guy.'

Kagome watched the two with interest 'Even though he's a mercenary and ruthless, he's always holding her hand or stroking her cheek. She's so lucky.' She sighed heavily and scuffed her toe in the dirt. 'I wish I had a guy who would be affectionate to me, no matter who was around.'

Miroku rubbed his chin. 'Why would such a calm, beautiful woman want to be with such a hardened killer?' The hand holding the staff lying across his lap tapped it against his knee. 'What could she possibly see in a guy like him?'

Inuyasha snorted and scrunched his face up. He rolled his eyes. 'Don't those two ever quit?' His nose wrinkled as he watch Bankotsu kiss Naien's forehead and her hand rubbed his arm. 'Yuk! Must they always be touching each other?'

Once the food was finished Naien and Kagome doled out the vegetables and meat to everyone.

Bankotsu savored his smoked meal already knowing it would be perfect. His tongue rolled them meat around inside his mouth. 'She used the perfect mix of flavors as always.'

Naien chewed her meat and closed her eyes. 'Oh yeah, this is much better than stew again.'

The others were shocked at how well the stew stretched out with the vegetables in it. For once the entire Inutachi had full bellies after dinner.

Bankotsu made him and Naien some more tea and then joined her.

After dinner everyone sat around the fire talking as a single group.

Kagome shifted in her seat. "Uh Inuyasha, I need to get some more supplies, plus I have that huge math test at the end of the week."

Inuyasha sighed, "Damnit Kagome, after this I want you here for two weeks solid, understood?" He glared at her. 'I know her test are important but so is finding Naraku.'

Relieved that he wasn't pitching as big a fit as normal Kagome promised, "Thanks Inuyasha! I promise I'll stay two full weeks next time."

Miroku chuckled. "Looks like we're heading to Kaede's village then, eh?"

Remembering what he'd read on the scrolls Bankotsu blinked. "You're going back to your time then, through that well or whatever?"

Kagome blinked and stared at him. "Uh yeah, but how did you know about it?"

Naien spoke up. "He knows because I told him. How I know doesn't matter considering that Midoriko is the one who brought me here." She snapped her fingers. "Hey Kagome, can I ask you to get a few things to bring back for me?" She stood up.

'Well… since she can't exactly get back like I can, I guess it wouldn't hurt.' Kagome replied, "Uh sure."

Naien smiled as she approached the young miko. "Do you have some paper and a pen or something to write with?".

Kagome nodded and handed her what she'd asked for.

"Thanks," Naien smiled and sat down to make a brief list of what she'd need. A few minutes later she smiled handing the stuff back to Kagome. "Don't worry, it's a short list and thanks again."

Kagome read the list:

A pack off sewing needles,

Sewing thread {any color},

A set of metal thimbles,

A thorough book on natural herbs and remedies,

A small back pack,

A large pair of scissors,

An aloe-vera plant.

Kagome stared at her and nodded. "Sure, I'll bring these back to you when I return."

Naien blinked. "Can you go to this woman and let her know that I'm safe and happy, but I won't be returning. I'd really appreciate it." Writing down the address and name, she explained, "She's been my boss and friend for many years now and I don't want her to worry."

Kagome nodded putting the list and address safely away and taking her seat by the fire.

Bankotsu smiled. 'So she's decided on her own not to return, eh? Goo, now I'll have her all to myself.'

Naien turned to Bankotsu. "We need to get a few things from a village around here too before or after she returns."

He nodded and pulled her to sit in his lap. "Whatever you want babe, is fine with me."

Everyone settled in for the night and when morning came they set off towards Kaede's village. At the village before Kaede's Bankotsu and Naien stopped and bought several blankets, some ribbons and a brush for human hair.

They walked to the spring and filled their canteens, then just before Kaede's village, Bankotsu announced he and Naien would be waiting at this spot for the others.

The Inutachi nodded and continued toward Kaede's village breathing a little easier.

XOXOXO:

Naien smiled at Bankotsu and set up their makeshift camp. He dug the fire pit and she set up the blankets. They gathered wood together and then went hunting for their dinner.

XOXOXO:

Kagome stopped in and said hi to Kaede, before saying her goodbyes to everyone and jumping into the well.

Inuyasha bounded off into the woods.

Sango, Miroku, and Shippo sat by the well preparing to wait for her return.

XOXOXO:

Kagome popped out of the shrine and walked inside. "I'm home," She slipped her shoes off.

Mrs. Higurashi popped her head out of the kitchen. "Kagome dear, welcome home." She turned the heat to low and then walked into the living room and hugged her daughter. "Back for supplies?"

Kagome hugged her back. "Yes, oh and mom can you get these things too?" She handed her Naien's list.

Mrs. Higurashi blinked. "Whatever for?"

Kagome sent her a sheepish grin. "Well it seems this other girl from our time, has ended up stuck over there and she asked if I'd get these for her since she can't come back." She stared at her mother.

Mrs. Higurashi nodded. "Oh goodness. Alright Kagome, I'll pick these up too when I go to the store and restock your stuff first thing tomorrow morning." She turned to the bathroom and drew a hot bath for her daughter.

Kagome clapped her hands and jumped. "Thanks mom." She looked up the address Naien had given her on the computer and found the phone number. She picked up the phone and called. "Hello, um I know this will sound weird but Naien - "

A lady on the other side immediately asked, "Is she okay? I've been worried since she didn't show for work last week, but she's not home either."

'Duh that's because she's in another era.' Kagome licked her lips "Naien's fine, she just wanted me to let you know that she's safe and happy, but she won't be going back."

After a moment of silence the other woman spoke. "Is she… is she really happy?" Her voice tried not to crack.

"She is ma'am." Kagome took a deep breath. "She has a husband who seems to adore her and you can't miss the love between them." Kagome ended almost wistfully before clearing her throat and finishing the call. "I promise she's safe."

The lady on the other line gasped. "Hus… husband? I see, tell her… I'm happy for her and wish her the best. You'll do that won't you dear," hope was clear in her old voice.

Kagome assured, "I will ma'am." and smiled. 'She seems like a nice woman.'

The woman spoke happily. "Thank you," and hung up.

Kagome hung up smiling and went to enjoy her nice hot bath.

A/N That's chapter fifteen, enjoy: D