A/N: I know it's been a long time, please forgive me –bows head in shame-
Chapter Five: Awakened Power
No one neither expected nor anticipated the following moments as Bankotsu began to glow a bright white color. The next few seconds seemed like hours as he transformed in to something no body expected. His hair grew down to his ankles in a long braid as his body grew taller and more built. His usually lean frame grew robust and muscular as golden and silver markings etched their way on to his tanned face. Golden wings emerged from his shoulder blades completely tearing through his shirt as the star located on his forehead began to glow a deep silver color before finally dieing down and displaying a half silver, half golden star as Bankotsu ran up towards Naraku and dug his sword in to the ground and with a hefty push he flew in to the sky and caught the two crying children before flying back down and grabbing a now unconscious Kagome.
"A….Aniki?" Jakotsu squealed out as he landed before the group. Without a word he settled his shivering children down on to the ground gently along with their mother before standing back up and extending his arm out to a now frightened Naraku.
"You dare put my mate and children in danger? For that you will suffer." He stated in an icy tone as a huge electrical energy ball emitted from his hand and blasted towards Naraku who was unable to dodge it. With a shriek of pain he fled along with his minions, barely hanging on to his life as he disappeared taking all the evil with him.
"My Lord." Sesshomaru's voice cut through as everyone stared at a very calm looking Bankotsu. As if the surprise of him transforming wasn't enough here was the great Western Lord bowing down in his presence,
"What the hell is going on?" Inuyasha questioned as calmly as he could.
"There's no time for this here, we need to heal Kagome before anything is explained, she has a right to know." Kikyo stated earning a nod from Sango.
"The priestess is right." Bankotsu stated before putting a hand on Sesshomaru's shoulder and eyeing him down. Sesshomaru eyed him before nodding his understanding.
"We need to move quickly." Bankotsu bellowed before crouching down and gently picking a bloodied Kagome up in to his arms. His eyes hardened as a flashback of what caused her current state passed through his mind, his blood boiled and his heart hardened as he sped off towards a nearby village.
"Come on Kids." Sango called out as she beckoned for the two trembling children to climb on to their newly transformed pets.
'Momma please be okay.' Shippo thought to himself as he assisted his two younger siblings on to their rides and took off beside them.
[Five hours later]
Everyone involved in the battle surrounded Kagome and looked on as Kikyo closed her eyes and folded her hands in a prayer type of fashion. An eternity seemed to pass by until the deceased priestess finally opened her eyes up again and unfolded her palms settling them over Kagome's wounds. With practiced skill she called fourth her healing powers and spread them over Kagome's weakening body.
"Kikyo!" Inuyasha cried out after a few moments passed by, the pale woman cringed and fell to her side in exhaustion as her body realized the amount of energy being drained from it. Sango ran to her side immediately followed by Bankotsu who immediately looked down at Kagome's sickeningly pale face.
"Please leave the room." He commanded in a gentle tone before leaning his head down and licking her wounds. In an instant the huge hole began to close.
"Why the fuck didn't you do that before?" Inuyasha yelled out before picking Kikyo up and stomping out of the room in anger. Miroku didn't say a word as he helped Sango to her feet and escorted everyone else out of the room.
"Kagome, I'm sorry I couldn't protect you." Bankotsu whispered out as everyone left the room; he didn't want them to witness him in a weakened state. With tears in his eyes he kept on licking her wounds until finally all the blood was gone and some color returned to her face.
"Please forgive me for all the pain I've put you through koi." He continued to whisper as he stroked her hair and held her hand.
"I forgive you…Ban." A small barely audible whisper replied causing him to wipe his tears away and look down at her smiling face. His heart jumped and began to beat erratically as she wrapped slender arms around his neck.
"I've missed you my love." He whispered as he pulled her closer and took in her scent.
"I've missed you too." She replied as she traced her fingers over his new markings. Confusion registered in to her eyes as she stared at him a little longer. "What happened to you Ban?"
"I believe I may be of assistance in explaining this." A familiar voice stated causing the couple to look up as Sesshomaru entered the hut with someone resembling an older Bankotsu.
"My son, your powers have finally awakened." The male stated causing a chill to go down Bankotsu's spine as the base of his father's voice reached his acute hearing.
"You have many things to explain to me, father." Bankotsu replied as he lifted Kagome gently on to his lap and sat up against the walls of the small hut. The older male nodded his response before moving to take a seat in front of his son along with the demon lord.
"My son when you were just six summers old I sheltered you and placed a powerful concealment spell that changed your appearance in to a more human look. Sesshomaru's father, InuTaisho and I were in a war against powerful enemies from the Southern lands and the Dragons from the underworld." He began as he gained Bankotsu's attention. "It was long and grueling battle resulting in many deaths on both sides, in the end we came out victorious. I left you in a small village where I deemed safe enough to conceal you until the battle was over with but thus, an enemy spy learned of this and sent out people to kill you. I thought you were dead until one of the villagers had told me you were given to the head master and rescued before anything could occur. Your mother and I searched frantically for you but it seems as if we were too late. We hunted all through Japan but no one had ever heard or known of your existence. No trace of you was found and the location the villagers had informed us about was no more."
"My father aided in the search but soon met his demise after mating Inuyasha's mother and facing his greatest foe, your father's half brother Ryuukotsusei." Sesshomaru intervened. Kagome's eyes widened as Bankotsu froze in to place.
"The great golden dragon is your half brother?" Bankotsu questioned with a hint of amazement laced in his tone.
"Yes, we shared the same father, your grandfather the great Ryu Wo." The older male replied.
"Why have I transformed now? After twenty years I transform now? I'm not quiet understanding what has happened to me father." Bankotsu replied haughtily causing Kagome to interlace his hands with hers and rub the back of it with her thumb. That immediately calmed him as he closed his eyes and took in a deep breath.
"You died as a human when you were but seventeen, correct?" His father questioned earning a nod in return. "Than that means your human body has decayed, your soul is pure demonic which means even if your human housing dies your body does not decay, Naraku brought you back with the jewel of four souls, or a piece of it which kept your demonic powers at bay but check your body my son, no trace of the jewel is anywhere. You're powers resurfaced which meant there was no more need for the gem to house it's self inside you in order to keep you together. Your true nature was reborn and now you are all flesh, and living."
"Than where is the piece of the jewel that left his body?" Kagome wondered out loud causing all three males to look at her.
"I have it." A feminine voice called out causing the four people to look up as Sango walked in with three jewel shards in tow. "You need to purify them Kagome."
"Arigatou Sango." Kagome bowed before reaching for the jar. With one swift movement she opened the small container and with one touch the dark purple shards returned to their natural pinkish hue causing a smile to appear on Kagome's tired face.
"Mommy!" Two small voices cried out causing her to hide the object in her kimono sleeve before opening her arms up to greet her two eccentric children.
"Mommy, don't scare me like that again please?" Reika cried in to her chest while Hiroko just buried his face in to her arm. Kagome's heart twisted a bit as she felt her children's distress rolling off in waves. Sango wiped a tear from her eye as she witnessed the small family's reunion.
"Shh, shh now my little one's come out and meet your grandfather." She cooed as she gently plucked both children off of her. Reika wiped away her tears before turning towards the older male sitting across from them.
"We have a grandpa?" She questioned innocently before turning towards her mother who nodded. A smile formed on her angelic face as she turned back around and launched her self in to the unsuspecting arms of the older male. A deep chuckle reverberated through out the room as Reika rubbed noses with her grandfather.
"My name's Reika grandpa what's yours?" She questioned enthusiastically. He stared at her with gentle eyes before setting her on his lap.
"My name is Ryujiin my little sakura blossom." He replied as he kissed the top of her head.
"Hiroko, go greet your grandfather." Kagome urged her son as he lifted his face up from his hiding spot. He looked up at his mother before letting out a sigh and taking a few timid steps towards the awaiting male.
"I won't bite little one." His voice boomed causing Hiroko to jump up a bit. Reika threw him a reassuring smile before patting the right side of her grandfather's thigh and beckoning for him to take a seat. The shy young boy took in a breath of air before moving a couple more steps and sitting beside his sister.
"Twins I see, you work fast my son." Ryujiin commented before looking back up in to the icy blue and silver glare of his only child. "I know you have many more questions my son, but grant me the time to welcome you back home to our lands."
"My home is here." Bankotsu replied calmly.
"Ban…." Kagome whispered out as she laid a hand on his face. "Give your father a chance. I know it's hard to forgive but it's not impossible."
Bankotsu contemplated her words for a few moments before nodding his agreement. Ryujiin sent her a thankful look before turning towards Sesshomaru who seemed to be in deep thought.
"Sesshomaru, will you be accompanying us back to the castle?" He questioned the young demon lord.
"Of course my lord." He replied in a respectful tone before standing up and walking out the door.
"I don't think I have ever heard such respect from Lord Sesshomaru." Sango stated in a bewildered tone before sitting beside Bankotsu and Kagome.
"Same here." Kagome replied as she snuggled closer in to Bankotsu's arms.
"Seems as if you two finally made up."
"We still have MANY things to talk about but for now, yes, I have learned to forgive him." Kagome replied as she closed her eyes and listened to Bankotsu's steady heartbeat. She honestly didn't know whether to believe the things taking place at the moment. Bankotsu was the famous Ryujiin's son? And not to mention the grandson to the infamous Ryu Wo which only meant he had dragon's blood running through his veins. Which meant Reika and Hiroko did as well, suddenly her eyes shot open at the thought as she stared at her two amused children.
"Does this mean Reika and Hiroko are….." Kagome began.
"Of demonic demon blood, Yes, but the intriguing thing about these two is, their demonic blood will not rise until their sixth year. At that time you will see many changes occurring, especially in Hiroko since his demonic blood dominates over your holy blood." Ryujiin finished as he looked up at her with icy blue and silver eyes. "But it is still a miracle in his self that both energies are bonding with each other, one of holy energy and one of strong demonic lineage, especially a mix of Golden and Silver dragon."
"I have a headache now." Kagome groaned out as she buried her face in to Bankotsu's chest.
"Sleep now Kagome." Bankotsu suggested as he rubbed circles on her back.
"I want to sleep with mommy and daddy too!" Reika said out loud before letting out a yawn and kissing her grandfather on the cheek.
"I'm with you sis." Hiroko added as he took Reika's hand and walked over towards their parents who welcome them with open arms.
"Kaasan?" A voice called out causing Kagome to look up and smile as she reached for her eldest son.
"Come here Shippo." She motioned as the teenaged walked towards her and sat down.
"Sleep with me aniki!" Reika commanded as she pulled away from her mother and walked towards her brother.
"I'll let you guys rest up, it's been a long day for all of us and it's well past midnight." Sango said out loud before flashing them a smile and standing up.
"I believe I will patrol the lands with Sesshomaru and notify your mother of your condition as well as the wonderful news of grandchildren." Ryujiin added as he followed after the taijiya.
"Okay children rest up for tomorrow." Kagome stated as she pulled away from Bankotsu who watched her with mischievous eyes as she bent over to pick up some blankets and lay them down on the floor below. He raised an eyebrow at the creaminess of her exposed flesh before frowning as she pulled up her loose kimono and tucked the three children in. She kissed each of them on the forehead before looking up and smiling at him. His heart warmed up instantly as he opened his arms to her, she didn't hesitate as she crawled towards him and lavished herself in the feeling of safety he provided.
"I love you Kagome." He whispered before burying his face in to her hair.
"I love you more Bankotsu, but please don't hurt me like that again." She replied before hot tears seeped their way in to the thin material of his haori.
"What happened in the past was a mistake Kagome, and I'm sorry for everything I said to make you hurt. I was stupid, foolish, and naïve to even hide what we had from my brothers. I love you and I am damned proud of what we have together." He stated with confidence and promise as he held her tighter. "From now on you will be happy, I promise to protect you and love you and watch our children grow with you and spend every moment I can just living everyday with you by my side. The past five years without you nearly killed me, I felt like I was in hell. I've never been this content Kagome and I never will be without you."
"Oh Ban." Kagome cried as she looked up at him, he didn't care about anything else at that moment as he placed his lips on top of hers and kissed her with all the passion and love he had been holding back on. Kagome kissed him back with the same, if not more passion as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. Bankotsu tilted his head to the side gaining more access of her sweet cavern as he roamed her mouth and tasted everything he had been denied through out the time they were gone. Kagome kissed him with a fire she never knew she possessed as she grabbed a handful of his hair and dominated; she challenged his tongue to a game of wits as she lashed out with a deadly edge he never knew she possessed. Bankotsu took her challenge without hesitation as he laid her down on a futon and towered over her lithe form. He separated from her for a moment causing a disapproving look to etch its way on her flushed face. She was beautiful to him with her rosy cheeks and plump lips, she looked absolutely irresistible.
"Ban..kot..su.." She moaned out as he trailed his kisses down her neck to her collarbone before sliding back up with his tongue and causing a shiver to elicit from her petite form.
"I missed you." He breathed out as he gave her a chaste kiss on her forehead. Kagome closed her eyes for a moment before opening them back up.
"Ban, we shouldn't do this right now. The children are sleeping." She stated in a hushed tone before making a move to push him off.
"You owe me, you have no idea how long I've been waiting for you." He growled in her ear before nipping at it softly and pulling back. Kagome sat there in a daze as she felt the promise his voice held and the dark gleam in his beautiful blue/silver eyes.
"I know, now let's get some sleep." She whispered as she pulled him back down beside her. He complied with her wishes as he laid down with her head on his chest and an arm around her waist.
"Goodnight my love." He said to her before watching her close her eyes and listening to the lull of his small family's heartbeats.
[The next day]
The bright sunlight entering through the small window provided by the hut greeted Kagome with a warm caress as she stretched out her tired muscles and sat up.
"Good morning!" She called out to no one in particular as she rubbed her eyes of the blurriness and looked up to see an empty futon. Curiosity filled her instantly as she got up and walked out.
"Hi mommy!" Reika called out as she waved from her spot on a tree branch with Inuyasha next to her picking bright red apples. She waved back with a smile before looking to the side and watching as Hiroko sat on top of his father's shoulder while kicking a ball around with Shippo, and Renkotsu. Miroku sat off to the side with Kikyo and Suikotsu who were studying what seemed to be different types of herbs while Sango was chatting away with Jakotsu while hanging clothes. Kagome took in a breath of fresh air before walking towards Sango and helping out with the clothes.
"Good morning imouto." Sango greeted with a bright smile before wringing a piece of cloth dry and hanging it up.
"Good morning Sango, Jakotsu." Kagome greeted as she took one of Shippo's tee shirts and hung it up. A comfortable silence fell upon the three before Jakotsu cleared his throat and turned towards Kagome.
"Hey, I just wanted to apologize for…..anou…what I did before as well as the things I said." He stated as he turned apologetic eyes up at her. Kagome could tell his apology was real as the modesty and humility shown through his onyx orbs. Kagome walked towards him and pulled the feminine male towards her and hugged him before letting go and smiling.
"I forgave you a longgg time ago Jak." She replied before turning back to the chores at hand. The cross dressing male stood there awkwardly for a few seconds before letting his lips curl in to a smile and turning back to the job at hand.
"I really need to get back home and get some of the children's clothes, as well as notify my mother of what happened. I can only imagine how worried she is." Kagome voiced out before hanging the last of the clothes. Sango and Jakotsu turned to her with concern before giving her their full attention.
"Back home? Where's your home?" Jakotsu questioned.
"From that question I'm guessing Ban never told you of where I originated from." Kagome shrugged as she picked up a bucket, Jakotsu simply nodded before grabbing another one and following after her with Sango beside him.
"Well to put it simply, when I was fifteen I was pulled in to the well by a centipede monster and discovered feudal Japan. You see Jack I'm from five hundred years in to the future." Kagome stated earning a look of disbelief to pass over his eyes as they arrived at a nearby spring.
"That must explain your odd choices in clothing." Jakotsu exclaimed before leaning over and scooping up some fresh water from the spring. Kagome nodded before cupping her hands and letting some water flow in to it and splashing her face, she soaked her face in to the water a bit more before rubbing it in and drying her face with her sleeve.
"Yes, that does explain it." She replied before filling her bucket up.
"I was surprised when I found out but having her come from the future has had its perks as well." Sango added as they stood up and walked back to the village. Jakotsu straightened up and listened to all the information they could tell him.
"Oh my, that sounds wonderful!" He giggled out in childlike fascination. "Promise me when you go that you'll bring me back some of the wonderful 'bras' Sango was talking about!"
"Anything for you Jak." Kagome laughed out as they set down their buckets.
"And where did you go?" A deep voice questioned sending shivers down Kagome's spine.
"To the springs!" Kagome replied as she was pulled in to a pair of strong, muscular arms.
"Without me?" Bankotsu questioned before giving her a peck on the lips.
"Ewe, let's leave these love birds alone Sango!" Jakotsu stated in a playful tone before grabbing the taijiya and walking off in another direction. Kagome looked up at Bankotsu with loving eyes before brushing away some bangs and wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Can I ask you something Ban?" She questioned as she unconsciously bit her lip. He nodded before beckoning for her to go on. "Can I go home and get some things the children may need? I still need to inform my mom about what has happened in the past two weeks."
"I'll let you go on one condition." Bankotsu replied in a serious tone. Kagome sucked in a deep breath before nodding her head yes. "I have to come with you."
"Are you sure? What if you don't pass through the well? What about the children?" Kagome questioned frantically before Bankotsu laid a finger to her lips.
"Everything will be fine Kagome. Trust me." He stated in a firm tone before taking her by the hand and leading her in the direction of the well.
"Mommy, daddy where are you guys going?" Hiroko questioned as he ran towards them with Shippo close behind.
"Your father and I are going home to gather a few needed things, stay here with your aunts and uncles." Kagome replied as she bent down to his eye level.
"Mom, could I go with you? I need to get something's from my room." Shippo questioned as he laid a hand on his brother's shoulder. Kagome contemplated the question for a minute before looking up at Bankotsu.
"Let them come, I'm sure they miss their grandmother." He replied with an even tone. Kagome smiled at him before turning towards the two boys and nodding her head yes.
"Go call your sister and we'll leave in twenty minutes." She stated before standing beside Bankotsu. Shippo threw his fist in the air before racing with Hiroko to the tree Reika was currently sitting on.
"So how do you feel about them?" Kagome questioned as she laced her fingers with the tall male beside her.
"I honestly never pictured myself having a family." He replied before looking down at her. "But I'm glad I can have one with you."
"I'm glad that you're glad." Kagome countered before standing on her tip toes and placing a soft kiss on his lips. For once in his life Bankotsu let his emotionless façade fall as a genuine smile placed it's self where a usual frown marred his face. He knew in his heart, mind, and soul that this was where he needed to be.
[End Chapter]
A/N: I know I know it's just a filler chapter but eh I wanted to spit out something instead of leaving you guys at the edge of your seats. Bankotsu as a rare dragon demon, how about that, I kind of fancy the idea. Well please review! It makes me soooo happy and motivated