Inuyasha's lack of sleep was obvious with the greyness under his eyes as was the sorrow in his expression. Even though Kikyo was rather annoyed knowing that Inuyasha has been like this since he and her reincarnation parted ways, she was still worried about him. She didn't feel guilty for wishing that he would just forget about her or that they had never met, but she knew the truth. They had met, and even worse, they grew to love each other. Kikyo felt pride in her chest at knowing that Kagome was never able to replace her in his eyes, but that pride quickly withered once she realized that nothing she could do could ever make Inuyasha forget Kagome. They went on adventures together, fought together, cried together, they developed a bond between them. She may have won the battle over his heart, but just like she couldn't easily forget the past, neither could he.

They were walking aimlessly among the forest when a faraway village came into view. Silence had blanketed the two lovers when they heard voices not far from their location. A distance away from them, they could see a woman with two children shouting at a group of men with weapons in their hands and greed in their hearts.

Bandits.

It wasn't hard to understand what was happening before them even though they hadn't approached them yet. These men circled around the woman and children, caging them in with no where to run. With Inuyasha's heightened hearing, he could clearly hear what was going on.

"Please! Just leave us alone! We are no threat to you. At least let my sons go, I'll give you whatever you want!" The woman shouted desperately at the men while putting herself between the bandits and her children to protect them.

"Give us the goods you carry, and you and your sons can go home. Don't be stupid, wench!"

"This is only herbs we gathered for our healer. Please just let us go!" The woman begged.

"Don't play with me, woman! I know you have something valuable in there. Now hand it over!"

Inuyasha growled. These bandits were nothing but scum, terrorizing a defenseless woman as her two young sons hid behind her in fear. Not able to take another moment watching this, Inuyasha sprinted forward.

He stopped in between the woman and the bandits, his eyes blazing with fury but the bandits didn't step down.

"Who the hell are you!? Back off, this is our taking! Find yours somewhere else!"

"You got some nerve." Inuyasha said in almost a whisper.

"What was that!?"

"You low lives have nothing better to do than bother an innocent woman and her kids? You call yourselves men?" His words were dripping with distain.

"What did you call us?!"

"Get out of here you half-breed! This is none of your concern." The shouts of the men collided into noise, giving Inuyasha a slight ache in his temple. Among the ruckus, Kikyo had caught up to him. She quietly guided the small family away from the bandits while they were distracted by Inuyasha's presence. One of the bandits caught sight of the family trying to get away from the scene and reached to grab the smallest boy closest to him. His reach was cut short by Inuyasha's tight grip on the man's arm.

"What the hell?"

"If you know what's good for you, you'll leave them alone." The fire in Inuyasha's eyes growing by the second.

"Fuck off, half-breed!" One of the men made a move to strike Inuyasha with his sword, but he was faster than they expected. Before one could blink, the bandit who made the first move was unconscious on the ground. Kikyo knew that things could only get worse from here and thought best to get the family out of the way quickly. Without looking back, they each could hear roars of the bandits as they moved to take Inuyasha out and flinched at each sickening sound of flesh pounding flesh with the cries of pain following. Once they were a safe distance away, they all looked back to find Inuyasha standing in a circle of badly injured bandits around him. Kikyo expected nothing less, however, the mother was stuck between feeling gratitude towards the man who saved them and fear while her sons cheered him on.

Kikyo's proud expression turned to disappointment once she got a closer look at the fallen bandits. They weren't just easily knocked out, blood poured from their bodies and she could hear their breathing weaken. She knew Inuyasha could be counted on for giving a good beating, but he'd never put his opponents close to death unless necessary. When Inuyasha came near, she couldn't help the words that came next.

"What is wrong with you, Inuyasha!" When Inuyasha appeared confused at her outburst she continued, "Look at them! They're barely alive! You could've killed them!"

Inuyasha just scoffed at Kikyo. What did it matter to her what condition they were in? The family was unharmed and the bandits were in no position to even think of hurting them again.

She sounds just like Kagome! Scolding me when all I did was get the job done. What's her problem?

Kikyo and Inuyasha said their goodbyes to the mother and her sons before continuing their path. Their journey continued in silence, both were engulfed in their own thoughts. Inuyasha's mind went off on it's own, betraying his will by focusing on Kagome while Kikyo couldn't stop thinking about Inuyasha's actions from earlier that day.

I've never seen him lose control like that in battle. Yes, those bandits got what they deserved … but he went too far.

I don't know what happened. Those bandits really pissed me off, harassing innocent people like that. But it was like … I could hear her voice. After that, it was like … I – I couldn't stop myself.

Something stopped Inuyasha in his tracks. Kikyo was too focused in her own thoughts, she didn't realize until she was a few feet ahead of him. She looked at him curiously.

"Inuyasha? Is something wrong?" With each moment passing, her worry grew stronger. It was as if he didn't hear a word she said. He stood still, almost petrified, by something unknown. Another moment passed before Inuyasha shook his head to snap back to reality.

"Wh- what? Did you say something, Kikyo?"

She took a step towards him, putting her cold hand to his cheek, "Are you alright, Inuyasha? You were awfully quiet a moment ago."

"I'm fine. It was nothing." She didn't believe him but decided to leave it alone. They continued down their path alongside each other in silence.

That scent. It was definitely Kagome's.

Whether aloud or in his head, her name made the pain in his chest even sharper.

Whatever she's doing right now, wherever she is... I hope she's okay.

Kagome opened her eyes, momentarily forgetting where she was. She blinked the morning blurriness from her eyes until her vision became clear. She remembered the night before. She remembered the feeling that stirred inside her when Bankotsu's blue eyes pierced into her very being. The heat that grew in her stomach the closer he got. The tingling sensation she still felt in her ear where he bit her. A fierce blush crept across her cheeks as the memory of Bankotsu's face so close to hers, feeling his breath on her neck. She knew that she should have been appalled from the close contact, but whatever she was feeling was far from it. She almost wanted to experience it again.

However, her thoughts were interrupted with the realization that unlike when she went to sleep, she was alone. Bankotsu wasn't in the bed with her. She sat up to search the room and saw he was nowhere to be found.

She couldn't comprehend the feeling without him there. It was foreign, unsettling. Her stomach knotted at the unknown sensation. But she pushed it aside when one realization came to light.

This is my chance to escape.

Kagome moved as quietly as she could towards the door. It was too good to be true, but she figured it was worth a try. Once she opened the door, she realized she was right.

Standing before her was the cross-dressing feminine Jakotsu with a look in his eyes that spoke nothing less of hatred. Whether it be of her or of all women together, it didn't matter. It was a look that told her he would take pleasure in dismembering her, slowly. She mindlessly sunk to the floor, looking as small as she felt under his fiery glare.

He smirked, "You didn't honestly think Big Brother would leave you alone without a guard, did you?"

She opened her mouth, not even knowing what she meant to say, but still no words managed to make it past her lips. Her inability to speak only made Jakotsu chuckle. She's finally starting to realize how weak and powerless she is here. He could see the hope of escaping alive slipping away.

"Get up, bitch. You got work to do." Jakotsu commanded but Kagome didn't have a chance to cooperate before he grabbed her by the arm to yank her to her feet. The deadly grip on her arm was sure to bruise but she was too proud to cry out. Instead, she obediently followed him closely with his hand still tight on her.

Each footfall felt like another step towards death. Without Bankotsu there to protect her, her time seemed to be running out. She knew he viewed her as a valuable asset, at least, but it didn't ease her discomfort. Her days were numbered.

Coming into view of the other mercenaries, Jakotsu threw Kagome to the floor landing harshly on her knees. Her body still ached from the events of last night but her captors didn't care.

They love seeing their victims in pain. It drives them.

She lifted her head to scan the room. She noticed Bankotsu wasn't the only one missing, the doctor with the split personality along with the fire breather were gone too. Before Kagome could ask where they were, a bucket filled to the brim with water and a rag were dropped in front of her.

"Start with scrubbing the floors."

Jakotsu walked in front of her and she flinched expecting a blow but it never came. Instead he went to sit by his brothers near the entrance, tending to his weapon in silence. He sharpened each individual blade of his snake-like sword. Kagome has never seen the terrifying, unique weapon so still and was amazed at the discovery. The glint of sunlight traveled down each blade as she stared. A whisper dancing off the weapon, whispers of those who have fallen from Jakotsu's sword. It was fascinating, beautiful as horrifying.

That sword can slaughter a whole platoon without him having to take a step.

Mukotsu sat across him mixing a variety of powders before filling empty containers with the final product. His poisons could do anything – paralyze, blind, dissolve, kill. As if the poison user didn't make Kagome feel disturbed already.

Kyokotsu, the giant, used his fists as his weapon, his overwhelming size gives him that advantage. He sat outside enjoying the summer sun next to the metal mercenary. Ginkotsu's attention was on a group of white butterflies flying gracefully against the morning breeze, their color glowing brilliantly against the brightness of day.

So beautiful.

She felt warmth at the thought that the metal weapon of destruction outside still held onto some humanity. While he may enjoy taking the lives of innocents, he still took pleasure in the simple things Kagome grew to appreciate being in the Feudal Era. Simple, beautiful things like the butterflies.

Kagome cried out in pain when a hand made contact with her cheek, snapping her out of her daze. She was so distracted that she didn't notice Jakotsu stalk towards her.

"I suggest you stop daydreaming and do as you're told, wench!"

Kagome brought a hand to her burning cheek and winced. The force broke her skin into a small cut near her eye, she barely bled but she knew she would have a nasty bruise by nightfall. Tears gathered in her eyes but she wouldn't let them fall. She refused to give him the satisfaction.

I will not break. Not in front of him or any of them.

Taking a deep, ragged breath, she nodded and got to work. Feeling Jakotsu's eyes still on her, she scrubbed vigorously at the blood tainting the once perfect castle floors. As she washed away all evidence of life before the Band of Seven, she thought of eyes blue as the sky she's seen on better days.

Wherever he is, I hope he gets back soon.

"Is that all you got?" He spoke with confidence in his pending victory, "You'll need to do a lot better than that if you think you could beat me!"

Bankotsu moved with pure grace and agility as he dodged each attack from the snake-form demon he chose as an opponent. The demon towered over him, hissing its displeasure of being taunted by a mere mortal. The simple battle turned into a game of cat and mouse between the human and the demonic snake.

Suikotsu and Renkotsu watched from the sidelines, bored and slightly annoyed at being denied a piece of the action. They knew their leader was just messing around at this point, he could've slain the demon a long time ago.

They left base with Bankotsu earlier that morning whom stated was in need of exercise, confusing his comrades as they knew their presence wasn't needed. Everyone knew Big Brother could hold his own. But shrugging the thought away, they easily assumed that Big Brother brought them along in case he needed back up. However, the leader had his own reasons for bringing them along. That morning, Bankotsu awoke from his drunken slumber, graced with the presence of the sleeping miko beside him. Without thinking of it, he took a while to take in the priestess' soft features as she dreamt. His eyes traveling from her long lashes hovering over her cheeks to her slightly parted rosy lips, wondering if they're as soft as they look.

Bankotsu expected the girl to be shriveling, haunted by nightmares of her situation, wondering if she would even wake up; but she appeared rather peaceful, even comfortable. He found himself wondering what she was dreaming about. But the very thought upset the young mercenary. He couldn't deny that the miko was attractive, but that didn't explain why he felt different towards her than the other women he's come across. Staring at her resting face, he reached out to tuck a stray lock of raven hair behind her ear, unable to stop himself. He didn't bother to wake her, instead allowed her to sleep while he left unnoticed to distract himself of the innocent girl sleeping in his room.

Once Bankotsu finally decided to end this meaningless battle, his comrades took in the sight of their leader. Even though his posture spoke unsaid words of strength and dominance, his appearance gave off the obvious. He was exhausting himself. He panted heavy breaths as beads of sweat trickled down his face. The young leader had been fighting any demon they came across for hours now, prolonging the fight as long as possible. Perhaps Bankotsu didn't bring two of his strongest comrades for possible back up, but rather to keep him from over exerting himself. The look in his eyes only confirmed their shared suspicion. Whatever he was trying to distract himself from, the morning slaughter of demons wasn't enough to satisfy him. If Bankotsu kept going, he was likely to collapse. A shared look between the murderous doctor and fire breather confirmed their intuition. They needed to get their leader back to base as soon as possible while he could still stand.

"Big Brother … maybe we should call it a day?" Suikotsu suggested shyly. However, Bankotsu just snorted at his words.

"Keh, what's the matter Suikotsu? You don't think I can last a few more rounds?"

As much as Suikotsu wanted to agree with his leader's statement, he knew his acknowledgment would offend the young warrior. Not wanting to take the chance of his superior getting angry, Suikotsu remained silent before the fire-breather brought the leader's attention to him.

"Big Brother," Renkotsu spoke respectively, "We hold no doubts of your strength. But you must understand, you've been fighting since dawn. It's getting close to nightfall and it's obvious you are getting tired." Bankotsu growled, too stubborn to accept the obvious. He may be incredibly strong, but even the fearsome leader of the Band of Seven had his limits.

"You've had your exercise. Why don't we head back to base and you give yourself time to relax your muscles?" Renkotsu's tone held an amount of concern but Bankotsu knew better than to take it to heart. Bankotsu only chose Renkotsu to accompany him this morning because the fire-breather couldn't be trusted. Especially around the miko without Bankotsu watching. Renkotsu had always resented Bankotsu, refused to believe this youngster could lead a group of murderers better than him. He hated being bossed around by a teenager, whether the young man was stronger or not, and always thought of Bankotsu as a child that bit more than he could chew. Bankotsu didn't need the fire-breather's confession to know what Renkotsu thought of him. Bankotsu always had an interesting skill of knowing his comrades' intentions and thoughts without them having to be expressed. His position as the leader infuriated Renkotsu, being the youngest, but he never called him out on it. Renkotsu thought Bankotsu was brainless, naïve, taking pride of being the leader of seven men with an insatiable thirst for blood while one member plotted against him right under his nose. But Bankotsu knew. He knew Renkotsu better than he thought and understood his aspiration to be top dog. There wasn't a doubt in his mind that Renkotsu wouldn't hesitate at the chance to betray, overthrow, even kill him. Bankotsu was simply waiting. Waiting for the fire-breather to make the first move. Waiting for him to stop plotting and take action. That was when, Bankotsu decided, he would wait patiently for Renkotsu to display his loathing for Bankotsu and betrayal of the ones he called comrades. He couldn't wait to see his smug face once he realized that his sneaky actions weren't so sneaky.

He didn't trust Renkotsu to begin with, but with the priestess in question, he didn't doubt that Renkotsu would use her against him. The conclusion confused Bankotsu even more. He shouldn't care about the captive priestess, shouldn't care if something happened to her at the hands of his comrades or anyone else. But the knot in his stomach tightening at the thought of Renkotsu, or any member of that matter, harming her could not be ignored. He could bet that Renkotsu would ally himself with Naraku without hesitation if it meant to be rid of Bankotsu. A cold whisper in Bankotsu's subconscious told him that if Renkotsu used Kagome as a bargaining chip, he would have the upper hand. He didn't bother to come up with enough reason to hold weight against the absurd insinuation.

He's right. I don't know how much longer I can keep this up. But I won't let him see me weak!

"I don't need to relax. I'm fine!" Bankotsu bit back at Renkotsu's offending remark. He hated the way they were looking at him. It made him feel weak. Something Bankotsu swore he would never feel again, something he refused to be since a child. "Whatever, it's getting dark anyway. Let's move." He said through gritted teeth, settling Banryu on his shoulder.

The priestess' face suddenly invaded his mind, instantly calming his boiling rage while also filling him with a strange sense of adrenaline. It was like just the thought of her awoke something inside him. He couldn't figure it out.

"Big Brother?" Suikotsu's voice stole Bankotsu's attention. "What are we gonna do with Inuyasha's wench?" He almost growled at hearing Suikotsu call the miko Inuyasha's.

"Pft, what do you think? She's gonna lure the dog to us."

"I can't wait to see the look on his face when we rip her to shreds," the doctor didn't even try to hide his excitement.

"We're not." His short answer stunned his comrades, he could almost feel the dumbfounded looks they were giving him.

"But what would be the point of keeping her around –"

Suikotsu's question died on his lips when Bankotsu stopped to look him dead in the eye, suddenly feeling cold under his leader's gaze.

"We're not gonna kill her and that's final. If you question me about it again, I'll rip your throat out."

Suikotsu swallowed the lump in his throat at Bankotsu's sudden outburst while Renkotsu just looked curiously at him. A fire ignited in his eyes, the two men could practically feel his rage rolling off him in waves. All because of some stupid girl? Their captive? It was bizarre.

Bankotsu has been more aggressive since we took the bitch. Now he's saying we're not going to get rid of her after she's done her part. This isn't normal of him. Could it be that he's keeping her for a completely different reason than he's letting on?

Neither dared to make a sound, let alone speak a single word, as Bankotsu continued towards the path towards base.

The journey home was silent, aside from the leaves and branches crushing under their feet. Minutes, even hours, had passed by without recognition between the three mercenaries before their base could be spotted from a distance. The moon had risen high in the night sky, its faint glow showering the area. It was a beautiful sight, a peaceful night sky that would capture Kagome being lost in thoughts, wonders, dreams. But when the three men arrived, Bankotsu was the furthest from joyous given the sight he was provided.

Kagome had spent hours completing tasks that Jakotsu gave her to the best of her abilities. Scrubbing floors, pouring sake, preparing food, washing Jakotsu's kimonos, any chore given was done with no questions asked. Kagome's cheek still burned from Jakotsu's hand and she didn't want to push her luck just yet.

As the day passed by, Kagome found herself wondering when Bankotsu will return but pushed it to the back of her mind knowing that it wouldn't make a difference.

The futuristic priestess sat quietly close to the group of mercenaries. They all laughed, reminisced, and enjoyed each other's company while giving her an order every now and then. Kagome remained obedient, no matter what comment Jakotsu sent her way.

"You better move faster, bitch! These cups aren't going to fill themselves."

But her patience was getting thinner by the minute.

Kagome filled Jakotsu's cup as ordered.

"Move a little faster you wench! I didn't cut off your legs, ya know."

Kagome couldn't stop the words leaving her lips, "Stop calling me 'wench'. I hate that name." It was barely a whisper, but the furious gaze Jakotsu sent her way proved that he heard her.

"What was that? Wench!" She couldn't be so ignorant to mouth off to the men who held her life in their hands.

"I said … " Taking a breath she continued, "Don't call me 'wench'!"

But then again, maybe she is. Jakotsu stared dumbfoundedly at the girl.

She's lucky I have strict orders to not kill her. She would've been dead before she finished her sentence.

Jakotsu wasn't least bit amused as opposed to his comrades. The poison user, giant, and metal man chuckled at the girl's bravery and didn't try to hide it when Jakotsu sent a murderous glare to them.

Kagome cursed herself once she said it.

Stupid, stupid stupid!

However, she remained still with her head held high. Even if she held her breath waiting for whatever punishment the cross-dresser gave. Her calm composure made his blood boil.

How dare she? Humiliating me in front of these assholes. Act like she's got nothing to be afraid of. Well, guess what … you got somethin' else coming to ya priestess!

Kagome was on her side before anyone could register what had happened, holding the side of her face as if her own hand can take away the sting spreading through her cheek. She looked up to see Jakotsu standing over her, feeling his fury rolling off of him, before he clenched his fist and smashed it into her face. It was enough to make her understand she was wrong speak to her captors in such a manner, but the pain kept coming. Jakotsu brought his fist to Kagome's face once again, and again, and again. Kagome's vision began to go dark, swallowing everything she could see, but all came into view again once she felt Jakotsu's foot driving into her stomach. She couldn't move, couldn't speak, couldn't cry. All she could do was welcome the pain Jakotsu gave her with open arms, each blow sending a jolt through her body. Each one more excruciating than the last. She laid limp on the floor as Jakotsu's hands and feet broke her mercilessly. She closed her eyes, waiting for her body to give up, waiting to breathe her last breath. But surprisingly, Jakostu's assaults suddenly stopped. Kagome opened her eyes only to widen them at the sight of Bankotsu squeezing Jakotsu's arm. His beautiful blue eyes turned dark and cold as his grip tightened. Kagome flinched at the sound of bones cracking.

"B- Big Brother –"

"What … the fuck … do you think you're doing?" Bankotsu said slowly, each word dripping with rage. The Jakotsu that was beating Kagome near death just a moment ago was gone. Under Bankotsu's murderous glare, the beads of sweat falling down Jakotsu's face did not go unnoticed. Nor did his shivering figure.

"I-I… I was just-" Jakotsu's words were silenced when Bankotsu released his grip and delivered a bone-shattering punch to Jakotsu's face. The force sent his body off his feet to land on his back. Bankotsu took a step towards his comrade, not sparing a single glance at the miko.

"I told you last night that you are the only one I could trust with her. I told you that no one is to harm her or kill her. You obviously didn't listen." Bankotsu spoke to his best friend and most trusted companion with no hint of emotion. No anger, disappointment, nothing. His tone matched his eyes. Cold, dangerous, unforgiving. Jakotsu swallowed the lump in his throat, waiting for his friend to end his life for his disobedience. The firm grasp he had on Banryu with his knuckles turning white didn't ease his fear in the least.

"B-Big Brother, please! I was just keeping her in her place, the little bitch mouthed off to me. I had to teach her a lesson!" Jakotsu spat out desperately. He was Bankotsu's best friend, he hoped that Bankotsu wouldn't kill him just because he was punishing their prisoner. But the look in his eyes made him think that maybe he was wrong.

Kagome sat to the side, delighted that Bankotsu was back and safe. But that happiness was quickly replaced with anticipation. What was going to happen? Would Bankotsu really kill one of his own for the likes of her? Did Jakotsu's actions anger him that much?

Another question came into mind that she couldn't ignore. Why did he order for her to be safe and why did he care so much if she was unharmed? Sure, disobeying the leader of the Band of Seven meant you would be begging for death. But her life was practically meaningless. Why did how his men treated her matter so much?

"Jakotsu … "

This is it. I really screwed up this time.

"If you ever touch her again or go against my orders, let's just say I won't go easy on you just because you're my friend."

Jakotsu was bewildered. Bankotsu was going to let him live. He was overwhelmed with gratitude for his forgiveness, he didn't even bother to question why he spared him. But he knew one thing out of this; he couldn't let his anger get the best of him, not with the miko. This girl was different compared to other captives they've taken in the past. Therefore, he must do as his leader bids.

I thought I was a goner. All for a worthless wench. No matter. Big Brother gave me an order and I will abide by it.

"I won't go against your wishes ever again, Big Brother. I swear."

Bankotsu shifted his gaze to the priestess, sitting quietly to the side of him. Something in the look she was giving stirred something in him. If he didn't know any better, he would assume that she was in awe. Grateful that he was there to stop Jakotsu, puzzled at his actions towards his comrade, and somewhat relieved that he was there in front of her, as if she was worried or even waiting for him. It was that look that made him wonder what she thought when she woke up that morning to see he wasn't there. The unknown sensations were driving him crazy. At that moment, he could only think of one thing that could possibly calm the beast inside him. Telling him to pounce on her, take her in front of everyone, claim her.

"Alright boys! Get what you need …" The Band of Seven along with Kagome stared at Bankotsu in anticipation, wondering what he was going to say next.

"We're going hunting!" A cheerful roar erupted among the men and Kagome had a feeling deep in her gut that she knew why they were so happy.

They weren't going hunting for food. They were hunting for blood. The not-so-distant memory of the screams of innocents being slaughtered in front of her echoed loud in her ears. She grabbed at her hair, begging the screams to stop. She didn't want to witness anymore bloodshed. She didn't want to see more death.

Bankotsu kneeled before her. The screams in her head didn't cease at the sinister grin he wore as his gaze bore into her eyes.

"And you're coming with us."