InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Mercenary's Everlasting Love ❯ eight ( Chapter 8 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha! I do own Koneko AKA Kitty, and the plot, and story line..... There. I said it. (sighs)

Chapter 8:

Koneko, Sango, and Kohaku set up various targets among the newly restored and greatly expanded training area.

Kohaku set up bowls on the pillars and demonstrated how to properly use his scythe on a chain, instructing, “Now you have to make sure you don’t hit yourself with the chain, by having sloppy timing and reflexes.”

He began swinging the weapon in the air and launched it at the targets saying, “Watch,” as the weapon on the end of the chain sailed through the air slicing through the pots, shattering them.

He yanked back the chained raised his hand in the air adding, “Always catch the weapon by the blunt end, never by the blade.” as he proceeded to do so.

Jakotsu’s eyes lit up and he said, “I kind of like that weapon.” Watching in fascination as the boy sent if flying again, this time to embed in the wooden pillar.

Kohaku said, “Not all slayers have a weapon on the end of their chain, but most usually always carry a chain on them.” flicking his wrist and retracting the weapon.

Koneko stepped forward adding, “I however, prefer my katana and Hiraiku. Although, after what happened when Ban and I met that night- I might just consider adding a chain to my armory.” with an amused smirk.

Bankotsu smirked saying happily, “No worries babe, I’ve got that sexy ass of yours covered.” winking at her. Her cheeks tinged pink and he grinned.

Sango cleared her throat and said, “Okay, next lesson.” as she readied her gigantic demon bone boomerang and sent it flying through the air. The men watched impressed as it circled around the pillars to hit the big target in the middle of them, and then returned to her hand.

Suikotsu said, “Impressive, though I still prefer something a little more in your face, like these,” raising his metallic claws for all to see.

Kitty said, “That’s fine Sui. In fact since you’re also the healer, you would do better to stick to only going into battle if it’s close to the opponent.” Adding assuring, “I’m not taking anything from you battle wise. You’re one of the best I’ve ever seen in close combat. But, as the main healer, that should remain your real focus.”

Suikotsu grinned replying, “Yup. I prefer the healing most times.” before licking his blades, adding, “Though I don’t mind a bit of blood shedding either from time to time.” with a sadistic grin.

Bankotsu laughed saying, “Yup that’s Sui alright.” grinning big as day.

Koneko smiled saying, “Good. Now, seeing as how each of you have had previous combat training, and been in combat with demons, other than a few specifics about each class of weapons and how they generally work, that’s covered.”

Sango agreed, “Right.” Adding, “So the main things left to teach you, are really rather simple. First of all, the rules we slayers live by.”

Kitty said, “Rule number one: Always keep an eye on your surroundings, no matter where you are. As you all know I’m sure, demons can be tricky and hard to spot.”

Bankotsu said, “Yup. They can strike without any previous warning. Like any opponent.”

She said, “True. But there are some demons who can be nearly ‘invisible’ even though they are standing right next to you.”

Taking a deep breath she elaborated, “Demons are learning to adapt, the same as humans are. They are learning how to ‘hide’ their presence until just before they strike. So, it’s very important to never drop your guard- especially if you are out alone.”

Sango said, “Which brings us to rule number two: No one ever goes out on a big job alone. The strength of our numbers is what gives us the advantage. We usually take a small group of at least five slayers out on the big jobs.”

Kitty said, “We always work the big jobs as a unit. As a general rule, most slayers have basic healing knowledge, and certain salves that we mix up, which will heal just about any minor wounds and even some of the major ones.”

Suikotsu said, “That’s good.” nodding his approval.

She smiled and continued, “That’s why usually the main healer is left at the village, and then if the healer is needed, we send one member of the unit back for the healer.”

Sango added, “Our fighters usually know their jobs and their own limits very well.”

Kitty stated, “This way there is no hesitation when the time for action arrives. We usually have one person who acts as spokesmen for the group. It’s usually the headman.”

Sango said a little sad, “My father was our headman and very good at his job, as well as putting the needs of the village first.”

Renkotsu spoke up informing them, “I’ve managed to repair the watch towers up by the gate. I also instilled a pre-warning system of sorts.”

Staring at the group one by one, he continued, “If anything gets within range of the sensors, the arrows will automatically fire.” Adding, “This is mostly for when we sleep at night, so that nothing can try to sneak up on us.”

Bankotsu nodded his approval, “Good thinking Ren.” Renkotsu beamed at the praise.

Kitty said, “Thank you Ren. It’ll be easier knowing that the village is safer now, than it was at the time of the last attack.”

Sango added, “Perhaps if we’d had all these precautions in place last time, not so many lives would have been lost.” Bankotsu and the others nodded.

Kitty said, “So pretty much all that remains, is teaching you guys the poison powders, and the healing agents.” Adding seriously, “Rule three: Never enter a battle against a demon without your poison mask on. Demons use various types of miasma and these masks are designed to withstand most of them.”

Sango added, “The ones like Mukotsu used, that enter through the eyes and skin, the masks will be useless against, but those are very rare from demons; so they shouldn’t be of any major concern.”

Bankotsu nodded lamenting, “Mukotsu was the best poison maker that I ever knew. I know he was a little weird, but the guy sure did cook up some nasty poisons.”

Jakotsu agreed, “Yup he sure could.” A sad silence fell over the villagers a moment.

Breaking the tension, Kitty said, “We’ve all lost comrades, who will be greatly missed. All we can do now is press forward and live each day as it comes.” Everyone nodded their agreements.

Kohaku said, “Another thing that we slayers always carry is a bit of rope under our shoulder pads. You never know when it might come in handy.” removing his left shoulder pad, to show them the rope with a tiny hook attached at the end of it.

Sango added, “We always keep a katana strapped to our waists as well, and the healing agent is inside the other shoulder pad.” pulling it out to show them.

Kitty said, “The last thing that we slayers use, especially on night jobs, is a cloak made from phosphorescent moss. It can make it easier to blend in with the night, yet let’s each of us know where our comrades are, so that we don’t end up hurting each other accidentally.”

Sango said, “It’s also coated with a special mixture to hide our scents from all demons. All they see is glowing objects surrounding them.”

Bankotsu blinked and said, “Interesting.” rubbing a hand on his smooth jaw thoughtfully.

Sango added, “It’s saved our lives on many occasions during the tougher night jobs.” smiling proudly.

Kitty said, “Okay Sango, go ahead and teach them the various poison powders and how to mix them properly, and then I will teach them the healing agents. That should just about cover the trainings, besides the weapons, which you and Kohaku can handle.”

Sango nodded and led the curious group into the main building and began explaining each of the poison powders mixtures, and which demons they were most effective against.

Kitty walked over to begin stewing some meat for everyone’s lunch. She added potatoes, carrots, and celery into the mix for a balanced stew.

Deciding to take this opportunity to check their supplies and make notes of what they would need for the approaching winter, she walked over to the storage shed and picked up a piece of parchment and a quill. Dipping the quill in the ink, she began writing down a list of things they would need as a village, in order to survive the coming winter.

--

Back inside the main building:

The warriors sat through the lessons, eagerly soaking in all of the knowledge being shared with them.

Bankotsu frowned when he realized Kitty wasn’t in the room and stood up walking out the door.

Sango nodded to him and continued the lessons. Kohaku helped her, by mixing the ingredients, as she explained what each was for.

--

In the storage shed:

Bankotsu had noticed the shed was open and figured his wayward lover must be inside, so he headed over to it and asked, “What are you doing?”

She startled slightly and said, “Oh hey Ban, I’m taking inventory of what we have, and making a list of the things we will need for the winter.” as she continued writing things down.

He walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, nuzzling his chin on her shoulder, and peered over at her list. He blinked and said, “Not a big list.” slightly confused.

She said, “Nope. Basically just some dried goods and staple foods. You and the guys can hunt now for the meat, and we can hang it up to dry in the meat house. We’ve still got about three weeks before winter hits, so that’s plenty of time.”

He nodded asking, “What about inside the cabins?” curiously.

She said, “Well, we will need to get the water buckets filled. But, the blankets and furs are all relatively new, so other then stocking the food and staple goods, we should be set, after we get plenty of fire wood gathered.”

He nodded saying, “I will put Renkotsu, Miroku, on wood gathering. Sui, Myself, and Ja will go hunting.”

She said, “That covers those. Be sure to get a variety of meats, so that no one gets burnt out on them, okay?”

Adding, “And since I know you don’t want me leaving the area, I will gather the nuts, herbs, and vegetables. Kohaku can Sango can go after the staple goods on Kirara’s back- it’ll be faster that way.”

As she pulled out a bit of their money and said, “We have enough to sustain us for now, but after winter, we will need to start getting jobs again. Do you think that by then, you and your men will be ready?”

He smirked replying smugly, “You bet your ass we will, babe!” pulling her back against the front of his body.

She smiled, “Good.” and began counting the money out for what they would need, adding a little extra just in case.

Sango finished her lessons and everyone filed outside for lunch. Kitty carefully doled up the stew for everyone, and she and Sango began passing it out. Everyone ate their fill and then sat around talking for a while, as their food settled.

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A/N: Okay there is chapter eight everyone - enjoy! XD