AN: Sorry this took so long, it's just been busy with the annoying thing we call life. When summer starts, you can at least expect sooner updates, okay. I'd also like to think Cassie M. M. for inspiring me to write some more.

Criticism is appreciated.

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.

"You know, some people call other people by their names." Kagome narrowed her eyes and Bankotsu, who didn't seem to care.

"Think of it as a pet name." He grinned at her, "Shield."

"Kagome."

"Shield."

"Kagome!"

"This can go on forever."

Kagome sighed and walked up to Bankotsu and pinched him on the cheek. Hard.

"Ow! What was that for?" Bankotsu rubbed his swore cheek while glaring at the girl.

"Every time you call me something other than Kagome, I'll pinch you. It's really simple. It's been tested on mice, so I'm sure it'll work on you." Kagome smiled nonchalantly,

"What are you implying, wench?"

"You're such a rude jerk!"

"Psh, whatever, Shield. Damn it quit pinching me!" Bankotsu rubbed his now sore arm.

"Oh please, don't mind me." Another pinch.

"Damn it! Stop that." Bankotsu sighed, hating to admit defeat, but he just didn't want to hurt her in return, but her pinches stung. "Kagome."

Kagome smiled, pleased with herself.

Bankotsu huffed clearly displeased that she had won. "So… How's the weather?"

Kagome stared at him strangely before replying. "It's sunny… um nice, I guess."

They continued walking for a long time. The silence was deafening to the young mercenary. He inwardly cursed; he had become so accustomed to Kagome's never endless chatter that now he didn't know what to do now that there was quiet.

Soon lunch rolled around and Kagome was still silent.

"What's your problem?" Bankotsu finally asked from frustration, eating some fish he had caught in a nearby stream.

Kagome stared at him blankly. "What do you mean?"

"Don't play dumb with me! You've been moping around all day!"

"Huh?"

"Listen, I'm sorry that I'm mean sometimes. And rude, and impatient, okay?"

Kagome was silent. The only noise that could be heard was birds chirping and the rustling of leaves. Honestly, she hadn't expecting Bankotsu to come out and apologize like that. Apologizing was one of the many things Bankotsu typically refused to do. Maybe he actually didn't hate her.

"I'm sorry. It's not your fault. I-I just miss Inuyasha, that's all." Kagome looked at him, her eyes appearing downcast.

"Listen, you don't need Inuyasha. I promise I'll protect you until we get out of this place." Bankotsu said it offhandedly, but he had the smallest of a smile on his face.

"Thanks." Kagome said her voice barely above a whisper.

"You know, you're not too bad." Bankotsu admitted while disposing of the remaining fish.

"Did I just get a confession out of you?" Kagome asked, a smirk adorning her face.

"You wish, it's just you're not as annoying as I thought you were. That's all."

"I'm honored that someone as important as you thinks that."

Bankotsu smirked, "You better be, Kagome."

They continued walking for a good three hours. Both were becoming more content with the other's presence. Kagome could make the occasional jab at Bankotsu and get away with it, and Bankotsu was beginning to like her cheerful self. Maybe just maybe, they were beginning to become almost friends. Kagome was ruefully aware though, that once thing were back to normal, they would be enemies. She didn't want to think about that though. In a way she felt like she was betraying Inuyasha, being friendly with the enemy.

Kagome sighed and willed the thought to disappear. It wouldn't do her any good to think pessimistic thoughts. They would get out of there, and things would return to her strange version of normal, and that was all she wanted.

"Bankotsu, how much longer do you think it will be?"

Bankotsu pondered this for a moment and then gazed at the mountains that were becoming closer with each step. "We'll probably reach the mountain's base by tonight. So I'd say we'll reach the miko by tomorrow."

"That's a relief. Soon I'll be able to go back to Inuyasha." Kagome said cheerfully.

"…Yeah." Bankotsu almost sounded angry, but Kagome was sure she was imagining it.

"Once we get back, we can fulfill Naraku's deal. Then he said we can keep the jewel shards."

Kagome stared sadly at him. "You know he's using you. And what about a few days ago, when he attacked us?"

"I don't think that was Naraku. This is some other world, so maybe they just have another Naraku. He didn't seem to have met me before, and I met with Naraku face to face when we made the deal."

Kagome shivered, there was no way she could stand to be alone with Naraku. The thought made her spine tingle.

"I already caused everyone's death once, and now two members have already died again. I'm starting to regret working with Naraku after all." Bankotsu confessed, refusing to look Kagome in the face.

Flinching, Kagome recalled Mukotsu. Personally, she felt safer knowing he was gone. She didn't understand why Bankotsu felt guilty about that, it was their own fault they were dead, that had nothing to do with Bankotsu.

"It wasn't your fault they died, that had nothing to do with you. And what do you mean you got them killed last time?"

Bankotsu sighed, looking glum for the first time Kagome had ever seen him. "Things were going so well. But then, I made a bad business deal. It was all a setup, the bastards ambushed us. All the armies in the area teamed up. Because of me, they all died disgraceful deaths."

Kagome placed a hand on Bankotsu's shoulder. Normally, he would have flinched away and yelled at her. But it felt, strangely comforting.

"You could have never known that was going to happen. Anyway, if all the armies were involved, it was going to happen no matter what. It wasn't your fault. You did the best you could."

Kagome wrapped her hand between Bankotsu's. "Besides, you're trying your best, that's all that matters."

Bankotsu mumbled, "Thanks," so softly that he hoped Kagome didn't here it. Unfortunately she did, because he received a, "You're welcome," in return.

Bankotsu was correct in his estimate, seeing as they did reach the edge of the mountain by nightfall. Kagome just wished he had been wrong. The mountain leaked off a vile aura. Only Naraku's aura rivaled it. There were demons up there, and if the aura had anything to do with it, probably thousands. Kagome was beginning to feel uncertain, there was no way a priestess could live in someplace so tainted. Dark clouds loomed over the mountain, adding to the ominous feeling.

Kagome bit her lip. "Are you sure we should stop here?"

Bankotsu shook his head. "Don't be such a coward. I told you, I'll take care of anything that tries to hurt us, okay?"

Kagome nodded, still not entirely sure. She didn't fully trust Bankotsu after all, and she knew it was the same scenario with him. Still, she didn't think Bankotsu would purposely let something hurt her.

"Okay… I'm going to bed, goodnight." Kagome said, trying to ignore the sense of fear creeping into her and pulled out her sleeping bag.

"Night," Bankotsu muttered, but he was too busy watching the mountain to pay any attention. There was something seriously off about it.

"Are sure that insane woman said she lived in that mountain?"

"Yes Bankotsu, you would know that if you bothered to pay attention for once."

"Whatever, I pay more attention than you."

Not wishing to argue, Kagome rolled over and ignored him, pretending to go to sleep.

Bankotsu sighed. 'There's absolutely know way I'm sleeping with the immediate danger right next to us. And that stupid girl's ignoring me again. It's going to be a long night…'

Kagome woke up in Bankotsu's lap, she groggily looked up at the smirking mercenary, before she smirked and nestled deeper into his lap.

Bankotsu's eyes widened, he hadn't expected her to do that. Although he wasn't exactly complaining…

Five seconds later Kagome's shrieks of terror woke up every demon in a ten mile radius.

"You pervert! How dare you take advantage of me while I'm sleeping!" Kagome had scooted as far away from Bankotsu as possible, and was now muttering things about the perverted mercenary.

"Relax; you came to me last night."

Kagome's eyebrows rose in disbelief. "I highly doubt that, if you're trying to trick me again-"

"I'm not. A demon attacked, and you were all "Save me! Save me Bankotsu!" and then being the awesome person I am I easily killed the demon. Then you said, "Thank you so much wonderful Bankotsu! I would be honored to sleep beside you!" So, being the generous person I am, I allowed you to."

Kagome blinked, and then broke out into hysterical laughter. "You wish that happened. That was probably the worst lie I ever heard Bankotsu."

"It's true. There really was a demon. Several actually. They were no match for me though." Bankotsu boasted his trademark smirk on his face.

"You have such a big head. And that was the worst impersonation of me I've ever heard."

"Humph. I thought it was pretty good."

The playful fighting between the two ceased when the aura around the mountain increased. There was so much pressure that the view of the mountain appeared somewhat distorted. A sense of foreboding that had accompanied them throughout the night increased, making the air around them tense, and their chests tight.

"It's so strong. Do you think it's Naraku?"

Bankotsu shook his head. "I don't think so, maybe…"

"Then again, Naraku prefers to fight as a last resort. Besides a few days ago, he normally sends in his reincarnations." Kagome had an apprehensive look on her face, and tried to remember back to her previous fights with Naraku. The aura had been strong too, but it seemed different. This aura was fully demonic, but it was perhaps just slightly weaker, and seemed to dissipate around certain parts of it.

"Come on let's go, we're wasting time." Bankotsu said while yawning, cleaning up the supplies he and Kagome used the night before.

"I've got it." Kagome said, trying to help with the mess.

Bankotsu wouldn't allow it. "It's fine. You're too slow; we don't have time for you to waste time. The sooner we get out of here, the better."

Kagome sighed, whenever Bankotsu did anything nice, he just had to cover it up by being rude.

Slowly, they continued their journey up to the mountain. They made it up rather quickly, not stopping for lunch. The tainted aura affected Kagome greatly, causing her serious pain. She felt extreme nausea, and even Bankotsu wasn't spared from the pain, although the affects were much weaker.

About halfway up they encountered their first demon. Bankotsu disposed of it in record time, with only a single slash. That wasn't the last of them though. Bankotsu had probably slain fifty or so demons by the time they gave him a few seconds of a break.

Bankotsu breathed heavily, exhaustion creeping into him. He cut away at the snake demon in front of him. There were just so many demons, and now they wouldn't stop. Even worse, this one wasn't easily killed.

Kagome sighed, knowing that Bankotsu wouldn't be able to do this for long. She wished she could do something, but she didn't even have her arrows. Even the most powerful human in the world couldn't kill demons repeatedly for the same amount of time Bankotsu had. That hideous aura wasn't helping either.

She had to do something. Sweat was pouring down Bankotsu's face, and there were huge bags under his eyes. He couldn't take this anymore. But what could she do?

'It might just work.' Kagome prayed to anyone that was listening that she could actually do something.

As a last resort, Kagome used all of her spiritual power to summon a shield, like she had seen Kaede do before. She had never been able to create one though, even after numerous attempts with Kaede's guidance. Luckily, the kami were on her side, and a rather small shield formed, big enough only to cover herself.

This caused her confidence to build. Giving her energy one last push, the shield widened, covering Bankotsu and destroying the demons that were coming at him. Kagome would had liked to made it bigger, but she was exhausted, and felt as if she was about to pass out.

Bankotsu looked at her, startled. "Just how did you do that?"

Kagome gasped for breath, willing herself to stay awake. "Some sort… of… miracle."

"Huh?"

Kagome smiled tiredly at him. "I've been trying to do that for a long time… I guess since I needed one it finally worked. Just don't let my fall asleep okay?"

Bankotsu nodded. "I still don't see why you had to do that, you're halfway passed out now."

"Yeah… But there was no way you could have taken on anymore demons without resting first. You were up all night watching for demons, weren't you?"

"So, I can take care of myself!"

"Bankotsu you're having trouble keeping your eyes open."

Bankotsu scowled; there wasn't any good excuse he could make for that. "Fine, but if you get tired let me know. I don't want you pushing yourself more than you already have. It's bad enough I'm doing an awful job protecting you."

"Bankotsu, you've done more than I could ever hope to do." Kagome thought for a second that he actually sounded concerned, but she brushed it off. She was too busy, holding up such a small shield was very exhausting, and she could see why most priestesses would prefer to fight off any demons that came their way.

Forty minutes passed by as Bankotsu gradually became more rested. He certainly wasn't energetic, and he was still tired. But, his heavy breathing had ceased, and he had a much needed short nap. Kagome on the other hand, had worsened, her breathing was heavy, and the barrier had begun to flicker. Bankotsu knew that he had to make her stop before she hurt herself.

"Kagome, that's enough. I'm good now okay?" Bankotsu said in mock cheeriness.

Kagome looked at him wearily. "If you say so."

The barrier dissolved and Kagome felt some of the energy return to her, although it was only a bit, just enough to keep her standing.

Bankotsu slashed through the hoards of demons that had quickly returned upon seeing their prey.

"Are you an idiot? You completely exhausted yourself!"

"Yes, but there was no way you could take them all." Kagome reasoned.

"I would have been fine! Now you're so tired that I'm going to wind up carrying you soon!"

Kagome looked down, she could never do anything right. She wasn't even a proper miko. The simplest thing was next to impossible for her.

"Still, thanks. I owe you one." Bankotsu admitted while hacking up some more demons. The further up they walked, the more powerful they were becoming. Soon Bankotsu would be tired again.

Bankotsu pushed the thought away. There was no way he was going to become the meal of some lowly demons.

He hacked at a rather strong demon that seemed to be drawn to Kagome. Kagome was backed into a side, not having the energy to climb the steep rocks. She breathed a sigh of relief, seeing the demon disappear.

"Damn it," Bankotsu muttered before summoning one of his stronger attacks. He had been hoping that he wouldn't have to use them, seeing as they took a lot more energy then just driving Banryuu into someone. But the demons were everywhere, there had to be at least one hundred lesser demons, and a good number of stronger ones as well. He couldn't keep this up. They were both sporting their share of scratches and cuts as it was.

"Kagome, I need you to run back as far as you can." Bankotsu instructed, hoping she wouldn't get caught up in the attack.

Bankotsu jumped into the air, pointing his halberd into the sky. Dark clouds were beginning to surround him, and lightning was starting to form.

Kagome looked on fearfully; she had never seen Bankotsu do anything like that before. He looked so mad, the dark clouds swirling around him were adding to the attack. Although, at the same time, he looked amazing. He looked so divine, floating in midair like that, with the wind blowing through his hair. Kagome quickly shook the thoughts out of her head.

'Kagome! What's wrong with you? Temporarily friends or not, he's still the bad guy. Plus there a much more important things to think about!'

"Kagome, be careful, I can't predict where the lightning will strike."

Kagome nodded, hiding behind a rock.

"Take this you bastards!" Bankotsu called out, "Ryuraisen!"

Kagome watched in awe as lightning started striking down the demons one by one. It occasionally missed though, which proved Bankotsu right when he said he couldn't control it.

A lightning strike nearly touched Kagome, and knocked her away.

Bankotsu looked fearfully at the girl who wasn't moving. He continued with his attack until all of the demons were eliminated, before quickly ascending down. Running towards Kagome, he ignored the demons that were beginning to appear again.

'She's still breathing, that's a relief. I'd never forgive myself if I killed Kagome.' Bankotsu realized what he had just said, this put a major dent in his plans with Naraku, but he didn't care. The deal might as well had been destroyed by now. He felt so guilty, he hadn't felt that guilty since he got his brothers killed.

'Just what effect does this girl have on me?'

Bankotsu turned around and cut through most of the demons, but he was running out of energy and fast. He would have been dead long ago if it wasn't for the jewel shards. He hated to admit defeat, but there was no way he could keep this up.

No, he wasn't going to die that easily. He was just going to have to suck it up until every last one of the vile demons was destroyed.

A gust of air suddenly came out of nowhere, killing all of the demons.

Kagura came into view, with Kanna following closely behind.

Bankotsu cursed his luck. He didn't have the energy to deal with them, and he needed to check on Kagome. She still hadn't moved.

"Kagura, Master wanted us to dispose of them. Not help them." Kanna's eerie voice said softly.

"I can't believe you're calling that pathetic copy Master. And there's no way I'm doing what Naraku wants."

Bankotsu looked at them, copy? "Are you saying that Naraku we saw was a fake?"

"He's another one of Naraku's incarnations. This one's an exact replica. Though, he's not nearly as strong as the original." Kagura answered, trying to feed them information, since they obviously weren't figuring it out for themselves.

"We were sent to kill them. You cannot help them."

Kagura cast a glance at Kanna. "If they're going to die anyway, what's it matter?"

Kanna said nothing and instead pulled out her mirror.

"That's enough talking!" Bankotsu said, running towards them with Banryuu, but suddenly he stopped.

'What the hell! Why-why can't I move?' Bankotsu struggled to move again, but to no avail.

"Soon you will live your fears. If you're strong, you can get pass that. Then the mirror will have no affect." Kanna's hollow voice echoed around Bankotsu as his conscious gradually became pulled into Kanna's mirror.

"Who's side are you on?" Kagura asked, bewildered. Her sister had basically told him how to get out.

Kanna didn't answer the question, instead she answered. "He would have figured it out either way, he's strong. So is the miko. If they're weak, they'll die."

"You know the bastard's just going to throw us away when he's done with us." Kagura pointed out.

Kanna said nothing, but a look of sadness flickered on her expressionless face for half a second. Kanna peered into her mirror, watching the two's nightmares unfold.