Another week passed before the Band of Seven finally settled on their next job. During that week, Ayame and Bankotsu were joined at the hip. Most members of the Band ignored the two love birds, but one in particular seethed with jealousy. Renkotsu couldn't stand to see the two of them together. He thought Bankotsu unworthy of Ayame's affection, but didn't dare speak a word of his frustration in fear of his leader's power.

Ayame noticed the strange looks Renkotsu would sometimes shoot at her, but didn't understand the reason behind it. She decided not to ask him about it, however, instead she would igore the looks. If they became more than just looks, then she'll have to do something, but until then she didn't see any harm.

Rubbing the back of her neck, Ayame looks around the new room she'll be staying in for their temporary stay. Strong, tan arms wrap themselves around her shoulders and Bankotsu placed his chin on the top of her head. "What're you thinking about?"

Leaning back into his chest, Ayame smiles before replying, "Not much, really."

Bankotsu tilts his head to hum into her ear, nipping lightly at the lobe. "You know what I'm thinking?" he asks. Ayame laughs, turning in his arms to face him and wraps her arms around his waist.

"You know I'd love to stay here with you," she mumbles against his lips. Bankotsu lets out a small whine, attempting to lean forward to take her lips with his own, "but," she continues, "I already have a job lined up, and I don't want to be late. You know I've almost saved enough to pay you back."

Sighing, Bankotsu let his arms drop away from her. "Fine, go then." Ayame smiled softly at the mercenary, leaning up to brush her lips against his.

"When I get back, though, we'll have the entire night together."

Bankotsu laughed before exiting the room. Ayame looked after him for a couple of seconds before getting ready to leave. She grabbed her sword and adjusted her armguards, making sure the right one was the one with the hidden switchblade. Other than those weapons and replacing her sandals for boots, Ayame hardly changed her outfit. This job was just a simple extermination of a couple of lesser demons. The job itself wasn't very difficult, but she would be paid handsomely for it. With one last check to make sure she had everything, Ayame headed out.

The sun had set by the time Ayame finished with the infestation. Luckily for her, the villagers lit candles all around the village, giving Ayame some form of light to walk by. She was just around the corner from the inn when she heard the sound of fast footsteps heading her way. Placing her hand on the hilt of her sword, Ayame turned around to see who was coming.

Two dark silhouettes ran towards her. Swords in their hands were reflected by the light of the moon. Pulling out her own sword, Ayame braced herself. The two figures were fast, and soon Ayame clashed metal on metal with one of them. Before she could do more than push the first assailant back, the second man came down on her, slashing his sword at her neck. She dodged, turning her attention to the second man, but was taken by surprise when the first man rammed his shoulder into her chest, knocking her off her balance.

Ayame kicked him off of her, trying to take in some air. Before she could stand up, however, the second man brought the butt of his sword down against her head. Ayame's world went black.

When Ayame finally came to, her head was killing her. Taking an extra second for several deep breaths, Ayame noticed she was in a fine looking room. Sitting up—which did not help her head—she heard someone outside the door. A moment later the door slid open.

"No," she whispered.

"Oh, yes, my dear. Now," Akihiro bent down to look his daughter in the eye, "be a good girl and tell me where your brother is hiding."

A/N: Winter break is here, and I'm gonna finish this story before this year's end!

Pastry~