Kagome watched Bankotsu's retreating back with her mouth agape. His hurtful words kept playing in her head like a scratched record. Each time was more salt to her open wounds.

There's no point in keeping some lowly bitch around without getting something out of it.

Lowly bitch. Lowly bitch. Lowly bitch.

'Wench' made her blood boil but those words felt like a knife to the chest that dug deeper each time she heard it. She expected such distasteful remarks from Jakotsu but not Bankotsu. She'd been reminding herself that she was not their guest. However, she was growing used to the soft treatment he'd given her. Now she realized that was a mistake. Bankotsu's 'nice side' was just too good to be true.

It wasn't until Bankotsu was no longer in sight that Jakotsu spoke.

"Alright, bitch. We're gonna take a little trip."

A little trip. The last time they left base with her, she witnessed carnage on an innocent village. Her mind was racing at what they could possibly have in mind and the uncertainty made her stomach turn. The last thing Kagome wanted other than being left alone with them was to see more bloodshed.

"By the way, where's Mukotsu?" Kagome froze. She could feel the droplet of sweat rolling from her forehead to her cheeks. She hoped that question wasn't directed towards her. There was no way she could find the courage to tell them of his death and the reason why. She could already feel the abuse on her body if she had to tell them Bankotsu killed him because of her.

"I don't know. He wasn't in his room and I haven't seen him since yesterday." Suikotsu answered. It seemed to be a good enough answer for Jakotsu since he just huffed before turning his attention back to Kagome. He tied a knot around her bruised wrists and yanked her to her feet.

Suikotsu, Jakotsu and Kagome set forth to a location unbeknownst to her. She assumed that there wouldn't be another massacre since it was broad daylight but she shut that thought down immediately. With the Band of Seven, there was no telling in what they'd do. After what felt like hours of walking, she could see a far away village in sight. Her nerves were haywire at the unknown. What was going to happen and what were they planning to do to her? The answer was going to come soon, she just had to wait.

When they came to the edge of the village, Suikotsu cut off her bonds. Looking at him, Kagome noticed the lack of green markings on his face and his hair looked different. To a stranger, he appeared a wandering stranger who might even be kind. But she knew better. She could still see his murderous intentions behind those eyes.

"Listen closely Miko because this is what's going to happen," Suikotsu started, "Your job is to be a distraction. Where we tell you to go, you go without any questions. If you try anything or make our presence known, everyone in this village will die. I will start with the kids and I will make you watch. Do you understand?"

Kagome nodded her understanding immediately. She knew that they couldn't cut her down along with everyone else but she couldn't bare to watch the consequences of her own actions. There was no choice but to cooperate. Suikotsu and Kagome descended into the village side by side while Jakotsu remained where he was. His name may not be well-known on its own but his appearance along with his itch to play with people like his personal toy would raise too much suspicion, maybe even blow their cover.

Their arrival into the village raised many eyebrows and attracted many eyes. Kagome's injuries were still clear as day but no one bothered to say a word. They probably assumed that she was Suikotsu's mistress and was punished for stepping out of line. Part of that was true but if they only knew the truth behind all the bruises and cuts that coated her face and what could be seen on her body.

Kagome had never felt so ashamed and humiliated than she did at that moment. Strangers staring at your battered body, judging and gossiping. They could see her for how weak and fragile she felt with no concern for her safety nor the sadness in her eyes. It was moments like this that she could see the similarities between her time and this. Whenever you see someone who was obviously being beaten, you turn your eyes away and don't ask questions. Knowing how inconsiderate people could be made her want to spit.

If Kagome's mother could see her now, she'd probably be disappointed of how far she'd fallen. She raised her to stand up for herself, to not be a victim but she was also always there to lift her spirits and kiss the bruises. Oh, what she would give to be in her mother's arms at this very moment. Kagome missed her so much. The clock ticking on her life made the blurred details of her life clear. The divine scent of her mother's cooking, the look in Souta's eyes when he scored a goal, grandpa's embarrassing spiritual acts, all these things that Kagome once ignored were painfully vivid in her memory. Her distraction was washed away with a firm pinch on her already bruised arm.

"You better learn to stop daydreaming, Miko. We're on a job."

Kagome nodded her understanding and put on a mask of indifference. They were coming near an Inn when Suikotsu spoke again.

"Get us a room and don't act suspicious." Kagome walked towards the Inn keeper and greeted him with a bow. He was past his young and fruitful years but seemed to hold onto his adolescent energy the way he spoke and moved about. She requested a room for two for the night and he happily obliged. Suikotsu and Kagome followed the man to their room. Kagome swallowed the lump in her throat after seeing the look the Inn keeper sent to Suikotsu. The way he lifted his brows and the giggle that escaped his throat at the sight of her curves was enough to say, 'Have a good time'. The thought of her and Suikotsu sleeping together made her shiver. What if Suikotsu took her virginity by force? It was for a split second that she thought of Bankotsu coming to rescue her just like he did with Mukotsu. He could've let Mukotsu did what he wanted her, he could've even stood by and watched as he had his way with her. But instead, he killed one of his own, his comrade, in such a brutal way with a disgusted look on his face to save her from that cruelty. Her view on him changed at that point. He was no longer the ruthless mercenary with a heart of ice. Bankotsu showed her a side of him, no matter how small, that was warm and comforting. Even with the blood covering his face and weapon, she looked at him like a knight in shining armour as cliché as it was. But remembering his eyes, as cold and sharp as his words, earlier that day filled her with embarrassment and regret. Kagome regretted every thought and instinct that called for Bankotsu like a child reaching for their teddy bear whenever they're scared. The embarrassment she felt for having such ridiculous feelings towards her captor was more powerful than what she felt for the misconception the Inn keeper had of her and Suikotsu.

Once the Inn keeper closed the door, Kagome was alone with Suikotsu and paled at all the things he could do to her. There was no one to stop him and she highly doubted Bankotsu would give a damn at the moment. Suikotsu must've taken her nervous stature into consideration since he assured her safety. But not without the warning to behave.

The two of them sat in uncomfortable silence as the day burned away. It was late in the night when Jakotsu came through the door. Everyone in the village should've been asleep by then, meaning they were vulnerable to the killers outside. Neither Jakotsu or Suikotsu told Kagome a thing of what they're doing there. Her heart ached for the villagers for she was expecting the worse. The freedom of movement was refreshing but it was short-lived the second ropes were tight around her wrists and ankles once again. Suikotsu grabbed Kagome and practically dropped her onto the back of some old carriage with a flat base behind the driver's place, most likely for transporting materials or wood. If she had the chance to look at the thing, she would remember something just like this from her time that farmers, ranchers, mechanics and many others would use for work or whatever. She ignored the pain in her side and turned to glare at him but he just looked amused as he put a finger to his lips. The message was clear; you better be quiet. She's always hated being told what to do or anyone making her feel like a child, this situation was no different but she knew better. So instead of making a scene putting her foot down, she pouted and stayed quiet and unmoving. While she worried for what was going to happen, she got quite bored just laying down and waiting for her captors to finish kami knows what. She kind of wished they would just get it over with already. The thought caught her off guard. It was like she was used to the mercenaries' antics and somewhat numb to the fear and heartbreak she once felt with passion.

Her eyes were growing heavier and dropping lower and lower, it wouldn't be long before her painfully happy fantasies play over her miserable situation. These short moments of peace were appreciated as much as the chance to bathe in a hot spring. Any kind of escape from this dreadful reality, Kagome would welcome with open arms. Almost there. Just little longer.

3 …

2…

1…

Thud!

Something heavy spooked Kagome out of her sleepy state. Jakotsu and Suikotsu finally returned and she took note that neither of them had blood on them. They both raised a brow at the stupid, confused look she was giving them. This wasn't the time to see what her problem was so they ignored her and continued what they were doing. Taking up the rest of the space on the back with Kagome were stacks and bags of rice, kotatsus, blankets, weapons, coins, a whole range of items obviously stolen from every hut in the village. She now understood what they were doing there. They weren't planning on killing anyone, though if given the opportunity they wouldn't hesitate; tonight was just a robbery, a gathering of supplies and goods. She sighed in relief knowing everyone there will wake up tomorrow, they'll be pissed but it's better than what could've happened. Once everything was loaded, they quietly left that village behind them.

When Kagome and his men were out of view, Bankotsu dropped that smirk he kept in place in front of them. He didn't know what he was doing or where he was going but his feet just kept moving. He didn't stop to check his location or scan for lurking demons. He dared anyone or anything stupid enough to come out and pick a fight with him, especially with the sour mood he was in.

Saying those things about Kagome left a bad taste in his mouth. He wanted to hit himself for it but it was too late and he couldn't say sorry. Maybe later he could make it up to her and let his hands do all the talking. The idea sent hot blood to his groin. His rough hands caressing her full breasts as his tongue brushes over her pert nipples then leaving a path along her luscious curves all the way down to his prize. He could already imagine the intoxicating scent of her arousal before tasting her. He bit back a moan and his hakamas were growing tight.

"What the fuck?" He growled, "I need to find a stream or something, I need a cold bath before I head back."

It wasn't an hour before Bankotsu broke through a few bushes to find what he was looking for.

He'll admit that this lake was a beautiful sight but couldn't help but feel familiar with it. He'd been here before, he knew. But when? Looking around the edges of the water, he stopped at an old tree that stood out from the ones surrounding it. Its body was twisted with strong branches and only one curving over the ground. A memory surfaced as he looked at that branch.

It had been years, even more since his death, but he could remember a younger version of himself sitting on that branch looking over the lake. He wasn't alone. He remembered a man sitting, probably meditating, at the edge of the water while Bankotsu relaxed. But that wasn't what made this place memorable. It was the lesson that man taught Bankotsu the day that man took him there.

The quietness among the lake was peaceful but Bankotsu was anxious of the reason his teacher brought him there. He didn't speak, didn't look in Bankotsu's direction, just sat still like the water. His teacher then spoke, "Bankotsu, come here."

Bankotsu did as he was told and waited for his master's next command.

"Bankotsu. You came to me as a weak child consumed by sorrow and anger. You have proved to be a fine student. Strong. Eager. Challenging. But there is one thing that will lead to your downfall …" Bankotsu waited impatiently for his master to continue, "You're too cocky." Bankotsu wanted to hit his master upside the head for the insult but he knew he wasn't wrong. Bankostu thought he earned the right to be cocky of his skill and the warrior he'd become, but obviously his master thought differently and wanted him to explain.

"Everything I've taught you thus far, you have taken to heart and trained harder than any student I've had. I admire that about you. But there's some things that I can't simply teach you, you must learn for yourself." Bankotsu was no longer irritated with his master but rather confused, "Look at the water, Bankotsu," He did as he was told, "The water stays still on its own. It's calm, relaxed, and even silent. It dances to the sun's light and the moon's glow. It shivers to the breeze but is unmoving when it passes. The leaves that fall from the trees are welcomed and are comforted once it settles." He notices his master picking up the stick his master always keeps by him, "Even when I do this," His master starts splashing the water with his stick, "The water is disturbed. It did not welcome this oncoming presence but soon the water will remain still. This disturbance doesn't reach the rest of the lake, only this spot. No matter what breaks the surface, the water will remain quiet. This lake is what you should aspire to be."

As if Bankotsu wasn't confused enough. He wasn't a fan of his master's metaphors and philosophies and wished he would hurry up and get to the point.

"When something or someone breaks your calm surface, you don't allow it. You don't remain still like the rest of the water. When a pebble is thrown at you causing a ripple, you don't see a pebble and you don't allow the ripples to spread. You act like the mountain high waves in an unforgiving sea. When your patience is being tested, you must remain still as the rest of the water. You must be calm and see past the ripples. A good fighter will take action immediately to the best of their ability. But a better warrior will react accordingly and unsheathe his sword when necessary. Balance is an important skill in a warrior. You must find your balance and live accordingly to it. Without balance, there is chaos. With chaos, a man's humanity slips away."

Bankotsu listened intently to his master. He wasn't sure if he truly understood what was being said but knowing his master, he will understand with due time and trials.

"You're a good kid, Bankotsu. And I know you can be an even better man. I will continue to teach you all I know, but one day you will have no choice but to learn some things on your own. My one wish as your master is for you to allow yourself to forgive and live calm and at peace. Much like the lake we see before us."

His master's words hit Bankotsu harder than every strike he'd received in training. For the past year, his master taught him so much of combat and war but now he was talking about peace. Could Bankotsu actually find peace? With his past? With his demons? With himself? He had no clue. The thought of peace was nearly comical. Bankotsu was turning into a perfect killer with the skills he held. Peace was the furthest thing from his mind and spirit when he fought. But as he thought about it, he wondered if peace was even within reach. Whether it be now or years coming, would he truly be able to find peace and embrace it? He once knew of peace when running through his home village with his brother, his mother tending to their home and his baby sister, and his father working around the village. Those were days he missed deeply before they were destroyed. The cries of his family were still loud in his ears after years passed. He couldn't think of peace when all he felt was rage. Not only with the demons that destroyed his home and massacred his family, but with himself for not being able to do anything to help them and being the only one to survive. His master found him, broken in spirit and weak with sorrow, and looked into his eyes to find an intense flame burning with vengeance. Even now, Bankotsu saw every opponent as the demons who took everything from him. He showed no mercy and gave everything he had to offer in every strike. He wanted to laugh at the idea of peace, but instead he told his master that he understood as they sat beside each other in serene silence whilst watching the colorful sunset reflect on the water's surface.

Bankotsu scoffed at the memory. Although he held the most respect and adoration for his master, he definitely said the weirdest things at times. Whatever the point or lesson of that lecture was, Bankotsu never caught it. As far as he was concerned, it was strength and strategy that made him the warrior he was. Not a boost in morality or a change in character.

He stood still for a few moments staring at the lake. He could still see his master at the water's edge beside him the longer he looked.

I wonder how the old geezer is doing.

The sun was dropping, painting pinks, oranges and purples into the sky and Bankotsu took it as his cue to head back to the castle. He may have not worked off any steam but the peaceful aura of the lake and the memories it brought were enough to calm him.

With one last glance towards it, Bankotsu left the lake behind to return to his men and the young, beautiful priestess.

Once they had made it back to the castle, Suikotsu and Jakotsu signaled the others to help them unload the cargo saving Kagome for last. Though they could be a little gentler, she moves and cooperates without a word. Once the goods were distributed and put away inside, the men retired to bed. Jakotsu led Kagome to the bed chambers she and Bankotsu were sharing, whom she noticed had yet to return. Jakotsu didn't say a word when he pushed her into the room before shutting the door. She could see his shadow from the hallway and figured he'd be keeping watch over her at least until Bankotsu came back. What would happen when he does come back? Will he be angry with her, disgusted in her presence or will the cold eyes that bore into her that morning regain the warmth she regretfully took comfort in?

She turned to look at the futon they shared. She thought of how warm and welcoming Bankotsu's arms felt wrapped around her body, her cheeks burned at the not so distant memory.

The way he looked at her this morning, the way he spoke, she decided it was best to sleep on the floor and out of Bankotsu's way. Kagome settled on the ground close to the mat and willed herself to sleep. The hard floor was sending needles into her spine, but she'd rather not take a chance at angering her captor any further, even if she didn't know what she did to begin with.

Overwhelming fear and confusion was taking its toll on Kagome, it wasn't long before exhaustion took over her.

Bankotsu followed the path without looking as if his feet already knew the way.

Oranges, pinks and purples darkened to the deepest hues with specks of light shining above the Earth while he couldn't grasp a single thought going through his brain for each one moved too fast to reach. But he didn't feel anything. He was numb to all emotion attached to the pictures coming and going within. His next move, Naraku, the half-brained hanyou, the miko … the miko … the fragile, innocent temptress who put a spell over him and took over his mind and devoured his will. Those silk like midnight tresses flowing with flawless porcelain skin and pools of amber and onyx that bore into his very soul; they were going to be the death of him.

He was so engulfed in his thoughts he didn't notice walking up the steps leading into the castle until he was standing in front of a tired Jakotsu keeping guard. Bankotsu dismissed him before carefully opening the door without disturbing Kagome. Inside he found her still in slumber, not on the futon but on the floor a couple feet away.

Why is she sleeping on the floor?

The idea of her giving him personal space hadn't crossed his mind, only how cold and uncomfortable she must be. Quietly, he set aside Banryu and lifted Kagome into his arms and set her under the covers. He didn't rush to strip and join her. He just sat down and looked at her as if he was committing her every detail to memory, as if she would disappear if he looked away.

What are you doing to me?

Staring at her peaceful expression made him forget the very reason he was angry with her in the first place. She was so beautiful, so pure, he wanted her, every piece of her, and he'd be damned if anyone took her from him. Even that damned hanyou.

He slowly stood, not taking his eyes off her for a second, removing his haori to carelessly drop it to the side. Silently slipping under the covers, he noticed Kagome shiver in cold and gathered her into the warm confines of his embrace. Her shivering ceased and her breathing became even, but the small smile on her lips is what caught Bankotsu's eye. He'd never seen her smile before and he had to admit, he wouldn't mind seeing it again, and again, and again. She moved again but this time she turned around in his arms, eyes still closed and curved lips that were inches away from his own. Suddenly, the ruthless killer forgot how to breathe. He leaned in closer without thinking, the distance between their lips nearly a memory until she began to speak. He froze.

"Inu … yasha … " Bankotsu nearly growled but words kept escaping her parted lips, "Please … stop … no … more." By the tremble in her broken whispers and the bead of sweat on her brow, it was obvious to him that whatever she was dreaming wasn't pleasant. The sound of the hanyou's name in her mouth still made him angry but there was no longer a smile on those sweet lips. He couldn't stand it. Slowly, carefully, he brushed his lips against hers. When he pulled away, her hand reached for his chest as if out of instinct even unconscious. She spoke again, "B-B-Ban...kot…su" His eyes widened at the sound of his name.

"I'm here, don't worry." Those words whispered in her ear brought back the smile tucked into her lips and he could tell whatever darkness was haunting her dreams was washed away with his voice.

He laid with Kagome safe in his arms and felt something for the first time in his life. Something his master wished for him and Bankotsu considered impossible to have. Something only this girl sleeping in his arms could give him, even if she didn't realize it.