InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Miko's Love Story. ❯ Two Rivals and A Curse ( Chapter 1 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: kittyb78 
What do two rivals, an arch enemy and one curse get you? Two groups reluctantly allied and a poor miko trapped in the middle.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 07.29.2008 | Updated On: 07.14.2010 | Pages: 5 | Words: 5.0K | Visits: 951 | Status: Completed
What do two rivals, an arch enemy and one curse get you? Two groups reluctantly allied and a poor miko trapped in the middle.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 07.29.2008 | Updated On: 07.14.2010 | Pages: 5 | Words: 5.0K | Visits: 951 | Status: Completed
Disclaimer: I do not own or make profit from the Inuyasha series Copyrights to Inuyasha and Characters belongs to Rumiko Takahashi. This plot line and my OC's are mine.
XOXOXOXO
A/N: For those interested, I am currently revising this grammatical eyes sore for a richer, more enjoyable reading bear with me as the revised chapters will re-post one at a time. I intend for the revision to be completed in plenty of time for the third year anniversary's one shot.
My Intention is to over all improve your entire reading experience as I feel guilty as if I've somehow cheated my wonderful reviewers by giving them such a grammatical eye sore. If you do decide to re-read this, you won't regret it!
Thank you, Tempest 78.
XOXOXOXOXO
Many heartfelt thanks go out to Sakurapunk, SangOtaku6 {for helping me with the summary}, Frog- kun, Paper Bullet, and to Yeah Shippo {for helping me figure out a more realistic activation word.} Thanks again all of you.
Summary:
When a spell throws Bankotsu and Kagome into marriage-or-death predicament, the Inutachi and Shichinintai have no choice but to form an alliance. Unfortunately there seems to be more underneath the surface. What secrets do Bankotsu's past hold? B&K FE.
XOXOXOXOXOXO
Two Rivals and a Curse:
Opening Scene:
Deep in the woods,the remaining Shichinintai members were sitting around their fire and just relaxing for a change. Bankotsu was polishing his beloved Banryu. Renkotsu was deep in his own thoughts. Jakotsu of course, was day dreaming about getting to cut up Inuyasha.
Sending his leader an almost pleading look, Jakotsu asked, ''Hey Bankotsu, can we attack Inuyasha? I really miss him.''
Upon hearing his best friend's request, Bankotsu replied, "Actually, I think that's a great idea." He rose to his feet. "Renkotsu, come, we're leaving to fight Inuyasha and his group.'' He began walking away expecting his men to obey his command.
Renkotsu jumped up and questioned with eagerness, ''But big brother, how do you know where they are?'' Seeing the confident smirk plastered across his leader's lips, he thought, 'Has Bankotsu been keeping information from us again?'
Bankotsu continued on his way and answered with an evil smirk, ''I know for a fact that they are at a village near here." Knowing his second in command would ask how, he replied, "Naraku told me. Now enough questions. Let's go get some jewel shards while we are at it.'' He had a wicked gleam in his blue eyes.
Renkotsu started to follow Bankotsu. ''Very well," he agreed. It disturbed him that his leader and once again been withholding information from them. 'So I was right. I suppose as the leader he'd have to keep some things from us, still...' he sighed mentally.
With a girlish giggle, Jakotsu jumped up and exclaimed, ''YAY! I get to see Inuyasha. It'll be so much fun to kill him.'' He followed both Bankotsu and Renkotsu.
In an open field outside of Inuyasha's Forest:
Kagome had been trying to scold Inuyasha again, and noticed he didn't seem to be paying her much attention. She started to get irritated and shouted, ''Hey, Inuyasha, are you listening to me?''
Inuyasha stood from his spot and started to sniff around. ''Quiet," he growled.
Seeing this Miroku approached his friend and asked curiously, ''What is it, Inuyasha?''
Inuyasha replied, ''Bankotsu and his brothers are near.'' His sword flew into a defensive position as a streak of silver flashed before his face.
Bankotsu clashed swords with Inuyasha and stated arrogantly, ''Ha, Inuyasha, nice to see you again.''
Amber eyes clashed with sapphire ones as they glared at each other over their weapons.
"Can't say the same to you," Inuyasha retorted through gritted teeth as he tried to hold his own against Bankotsu.
While dodging one of Inuyasha's attacks, Bankotsu commanded, "Renkotsu, you get the slayer. Jakotsu, you have the monk.''
As he pulled out his sword and prepared to attack, Jakotsu whined, ''Aw, do I have to?" Seeing the look of utter concentration on his leader's face, Jakotsu sighed in resignation and turned to face the monk. "Oh well, you're not as cute as Inuyasha but you'll do for now.''
Kagome stood off to the side protecting Shippo, but kept her bow ready.
Shippo was on her shoulder in his usual perch and clutched her shirt nervously.
Bankotsu kicked Inuyasha back and struck out with his Banryu, slicing Inuyasha's arm.
Inuyasha fell to the ground bleeding and cursed under his breath, glaring at the mercenary leader.
Kagome saw that Inuyasha had gotten hurt, and decided to step in. "Shippo, I need you to go hide." Seeing the kit nod and scamper away to hide, she notched an arrow and stepped in front of Inuyasha. She aimed her arrow at Bankotsu never taking her eyes off of him. ''Inuyasha are you alright?'' she questioned.
Using his sword to help him, Inuyasha tried to get up from the ground and ordered, ''Kagome, get out of here, save yourself!''
Bankotsu sneered, "Inuyasha, you're so pathetic, getting protection from a human wench. I expected more from you.'' and menacingly approached Kagome.
With as much courage she could muster, Kagome warned, "St... stay back or else I'll purify your ass.''
Bankotsu, reached out knocking Kagome's bow and arrow out of her hand, and said, "Hm, you are the one who can see the shards." His face spread into a dangerous smirk. You'll do nicely,'' he announced reaching out to grab her.
Everyone was busy fighting each other and didn't notice that Naraku had made his appearance.
Watching the groups face off against each other, an idea popped into Naraku's twisted mind. He began chanting a bunch of things in some ancient language, and a band of white gold appeared on Kagome and Bankotsu's ring fingers.
Everyone stopped fighting and looked at what was on their team member's finger as they held them up, staring at them with their faces clearly puzzled.
"Kukuku," Naraku chuckled evilly, while he eyed the new couple. 'Yes, this will do nicely.' He thought pleased watching them glare at each other.
Everyone turned around and glared at Naraku. They couldn't believe he'd chosen now of all times to show his face.
Bankotsu had almost grabbed Kagome before the ring appeared. He swung around to glare angrily at the demon and demanded, "Is this your doing, Naraku?"
The evil half breed replied, "Yes and it promises to be interesting. You have failed to kill Inuyasha and his group for me and now you and the wench will both pay the price of your failure."
He continued smugly, "You and the priestess can never leave each others sides, for if you do, you will both die a very painful death." Naraku laughed evilly, and disappeared into a mist of miasma.
Bankotsu rolled his eyes, not impressed one bit with Naraku's game. 'How dare he toy with someone of my power?' Being bound to an annoying little girl didn't exactly strike his fancy one bit.
Bankotsu roared angrily, "Damn that bastard I'll kill him for this! How dare he bind me to a weak pathetic wench?"
Kagome asked, "Um… what does he mean 'never leave each others side'?" It was hard to take in the current situation and her mind was fervently hoping this was a very poor joke.
A new voice supplied, "Exactly what he said." Everyone turned around and saw Kaede emerge through the trees on a donkey.
Miroku immediately asked, "Lady Kaede, what brings you here?" knowing it had to be something important.
Kaede replied, "Well, I heard a commotion outside the village and came to investigate. Then I overheard what Naraku said." She frowned and said, "I have only seen this particular spell used once before, but I do not know if it was ever broken or how."
She dismounted and then sat with the Inutachi, and began explaining the predicament they now found themselves in, while the Shichinintai sat nearby listening as well.
Kaede explained, "This curse has dire consequences. If the two of ye who are cursed stray from the given range, yer bodies will be consumed with excruciating pain. Wounds inflicted to one will not pass to the other, but death and things to do with the souls will."
"What's the range Kaede?" Kagome asked. She didn't want to believe this was happening to her.
Looking at the younger priestess, Kaede answered, "Five feet at the most, child."
"What?" Kagome, Inuyasha, and Bankotsu yelled in unison, while jumping to their feet.
"There's no way, and I mean no way, I am cooperating with that dog face, Inutrasha!" Bankotsu declared, crossing his muscular arms over his broad chest and scowling at the half breed.
"His name is Inuyasha!" Kagome and Jakotsu yelled in unison, glaring at Bankotsu.
Bankotsu in turn glared back at them, causing them to want to shrink back and fall silent.
"I figured as much, that is why I have this," Kaede stated, while holding up a rosary much like Inuyasha's in her hands.
Bankotsu warily eyed the old priestess and the necklace, he noticed it looked very similar to Inuyasha's and growled angrily.
Kaede placed it around her hands and then chanted the spell. The beads glowed brilliantly and broke loose to fly around Bankotsu's neck, re-attaching before he even knew what happened.
"Do you know what that necklace around Inuyasha's neck does?" Kagome queried, while looking at Bankotsu.
The mercenary leader replied, "Uh, no." though he had a feeling it wouldn't be pretty.
Kagome explained, "Whenever I say sit - "
The necklace around Inuyasha's neck began to glow a brilliant blue and Inuyasha plummeted to the dirt and yelled, "Ow, Kagome!"
Bankotsu and the Band member's eyes widened in shock as they saw Inuyasha slammed roughly to the ground.
She continued evenly, "Inuyasha does... that." Waving her hand at the crater to emphasize what she meant.
Bankotsu's face became horrified. "So what's my command?" he questioned warily.
Sango, who had been silent the whole time, turned to Kaede and queried, "He doesn't have a command, and it won't affect him, right?"
Kaede looked ready to burst with laughter, a very rare thing for her. "Oh yes, he does," she replied.
Kagome waited a few moments, and then impatiently queried, "What's the word?"
Kaede smiling finished the spell and replied, "That is your decision child just like when I put Inuyasha's on."
Kagome nodded at the old woman. Turning back to Bankotsu, she looked thoughtful for a moment and declared, "Heel."
The beads around Bankotsu's neck flashed a brilliant red, and then before he knew what happened, he hit the ground hard enough to create a gaping crater around him.
Inuyasha and Miroku roared with laughter. Sango despite herself, let out a high pitched giggle.
Kagome's face flushed with embarrassment and she said, "Thank you Kaede." Turning to the rest of the onlookers, she said, "Um, so now since that's been decided..."
Bankotsu groaned painfully as he put two shaking hands on the ground and pushed himself to his knees, climbing out of the crater. "Wench, I strongly suggest you do not do that to me again," the furious mercenary growled as he stood to his feet, glaring dangerously at the young Miko.
The remaining Band of Seven members, whose eyes had widened from shock upon seeing their leader slammed to the ground, recovered from their shocked state.
Bankotsu glared icily at the old priestess and growled menacingly. "Remove this damn thing right now, you vile old hag," he demanded, eyes promising retaliation.
Kagome yelled warning, "Show some respect Bankotsu, or else I will use it." She glared at the arrogant and blatantly disrespectful teen.
"Trust me, you don't want to have her use that again," Shippo piped up wisely.
The rest of the Inutachi minus Inuyasha nodded in agreement.
"Fine, but I'm not happy about this! Once we have found that damn Naraku and killed him; we are removing this damn necklace and then it will be your groups turn," Bankotsu stated furiously, with his eyes narrowed dangerously at the entire Inutachi.
Jakotsu exclaimed happily, "Yay, I get to be with my Inu-darling."
Inuyasha snapped rudely, "Shaddup and keep away from me, you weirdo."
Kaede prepared to mount her donkey and leave, when something came to her mind. She looked at Kagome and Bankotsu, and informed them, "Oh before I forget, the curse usually starts at sunrise the day after it is cast. Plus ye two must always be by each others side, whether it's sleeping, fighting, or bathing. Also if one of you dies, so will the other. "
"What?" Kagome and Bankotsu yelled in unison, their faces turning red from embarrassment.
Inuyasha announced, "There's no way in hell I am agreeing to this."
Just as outraged Bankotsu agreed, "For once, I agree with him."
"What's that suppose to mean?" Inuyasha asked, gritting his teeth at him.
"Just what I said mutt," Bankotsu replied, gritting his teeth as well.
Kaede shook her head sadly at the bickering duo then looked at the young priestess. "Kagome, I wish ye luck child," she said as she mounted her donkey and took off.
After Kaede left, Kagome sighed and from the top of her lungs, yelled, "Stop it! Inuyasha sit boy!"
Inuyasha hit the earthen soil creating a massive crater.
Kagome approached Bankotsu as she continued, "And you, Mr. Tough Guy, I don't like this idea any more then you do, but we don't exactly have a choice. I am sure you don't want to die anytime soon and neither do I."
Eyes narrowing in anger she demanded, "So suck it up!" Her temper was beginning to get the better of her.
"Heh, so you've got spunk after all?" His eyes lit with merriment. "Just my style," Bankotsu declared, casually draping his arm around her shoulder with his infamous smirk showing.
Deciding to tease her a bit, he said, "You know, maybe us being together won't be so bad after all," enjoying her embarrassment as her face began to tint pink.
"Take your hands off her!" Inuyasha snarled angrily, glaring at the cocky mercenary leader.
"But Inu-darling, why go for that wench when you have me?" Jakotsu whined, clinging to Inuyasha's arm.
"Get off me, you crazy freak," Inuyasha demanded, trying to shake the clingy Jakotsu off his arm.
After whirling around to face him, Kagome snapped at Jakotsu, "My name is Kagome. Not wench, you cross dresser."
Jakotsu barked back unimpressed, "Shut up, you wench," still clinging to Inuyasha.
"Jakotsu, I do not appreciate you talking to my future wife like that," Bankotsu informed him, obviously not happy with what Jakotsu had said, or the tone he'd used.
"She's not yours!" Inuyasha yelled, getting jealous.
"These rings say otherwise," Bankotsu taunted, thoroughly enjoying the anger he could sense rising in the half breed as he held up their hands showing off the rings to spite the mutt.
Meanwhile in the background the rest of the Schichinatai and the remainder of the Inutachi group stood watching them carry on.
Miroku sighing heavily and muttered, "Somehow, I liked it better when it was Inuyasha and Kouga fighting over Kagome."
The others nodded their heads in agreement.
The remaining Schichinatai looked at them, obviously clueless.
Miroku explained the whole story.
Sick of their bickering already, Kagome yelled, "Inuyasha, sit!" Then she rounded on Bankotsu and glared at him. "And you, I'm not your wife! Got that?" She spun on her heel and furiously stomped off in the direction she knew a hot spring was in.
"I'll go with her so she's safe," Sango said, grabbing her Hiraikotsu and walking after Kagome.
"Um… aren't you and her supposed to be together at all times?" Renkotsu asked Bankotsu, while gazing into his leader's eyes.
Miroku reminded, "Kaede said the spell will start at sunrise tomorrow."
At the hot springs:
The girls quickly undressed, setting their clothes in a pile along with their weapons. They slipped into the steamy waters and sat with their backs against a couple of big rocks.
Staring helplessly at her best friend, Kagome complained, "Sango, why me? I don't think I can do this. Inuyasha gets jealous so quickly and now Bankotsu is being an antagonist."
Trying to cheer up her best friend Sango suggested, "Bankotsu is just doing it to tease you and to rile up Inuyasha. Besides, when Inuyasha gets annoying, just sit him." Eyes sparkling with laughter, she added, "For that matter, you can sit them both."
Kagome blinked and replied, "I guess you're right." Sighing she added, "I just hope Bankotsu doesn't do anything perverted while I'm sleeping."
Sango questioned, "Kagome, did you forget that you could use your powers to purify him as well?"
Kagome face turned bright red as she said, "Uh, yeah I kind of did."
Sango chuckled and shook her head amused. Noticing that it was starting to get dark, she suggested, "We should get back before they get worried."
Kagome nodded and the girls washed and rinsed their hair. They climbed out of the springs and got dressed. They collected their belongings and walked back towards the camp.
Back at the Camp:
As the girls entered the camp site, Inuyasha jumped up and ran over to Kagome's side and declared, "No way in hell am I letting you be alone with that Bankotsu."
Bankotsu smirked and stated, "That isn't for you to decide, half breed. It's up to the Miko if she wishes to be alone with me." Knowing she really had no choice just made it even more fun to tease the mutt with.
"My name is Kagome. Not wench and not Miko, just Kagome. Ka-go-me," Kagome informed the mercenary, realizing it was just as she had informed Inuyasha when she first met him.
Bankotsu enjoying her unexpected feistiness smirked wider and replied, "Fine, Ka-go-me, better?"
She sighed heavily and nodded. She suggested, "Miroku, we need more water considering there are now three more people to feed."
Miroku nodded and stood up to collect some more water.
Inuyasha growled angrily, "Kagome! We are not feeding them. They are not staying here!"
Kagome wasn't in the mood for another argument and she faced Inuyasha and stated, "What would you prefer, Inuyasha? They join us and travel with us, or I go off with them alone? Frankly I don't want to be alone with them! But if you keep on arguing with Bankotsu, I'm sure he'll just take me and leave."
Inuyasha growled angrily and declared, "I am not letting you be alone with them!"
"That isn't up to you, mutt. It's up to me." Bankotsu stated, while glaring icily at said mutt. He really was getting tired of the mutt thinking he was going lead here. "HA! Not happening, ever! I'm the leader here-period!" Bankotsu thought arrogantly.
Kagome stared at Bankotsu and added, "And me, like it or not we are in this together. At least until we can reverse this... whatever it is exactly that Naraku has done to us."
"For now, we will join your group. But if either of them does anything stupid, I will not hesitate to snatch you and leave with my men. I won't allow anyone to remain a threat to you" Bankotsu stared at her, adding much more articulately "or myself," Bankotsu held her gaze and stated, eyes dead serious.
Kagome knowing she'd never be able to stop him sighed heavily and nodded.
Inuyasha scowled and reluctantly agreed, "Fine, they can stay, for now."
Kagome sighed in relief and said, "Thanks, Inuyasha."
Miroku returned with the water and Kagome made everyone a stew. After the stew finished cooking Kagome stood up and doled it out to everyone.
After everyone had finished eating, Bankotsu approached Kagome so he was standing right in front of her and decreed, "The way we are going to do this is like so, Jakotsu and Renkotsu will be on hunting duty from here on out. The other wench and the monk will collect the water - "
Kagome interrupting mentioned, "She has a name! It's Sango."
Bankotsu scowled but corrected himself, "Fine, Sango and the monk will collect the water. Kagome and I will collect the fire wood and Inuyasha will collect whatever else is needed. "
"Hey! Just who the hell said you were in charge anyway!" Inuyasha jumped up and demanded while glaring at Bankotsu.
Bankotsu stared him dead in the eye. "It's mine and Kagome's lives that are at stake here. I'm not going to let you screw things up and cost us our lives! I am in charge until this situation is reversed. If you don't like that, mutt, then I will just take Kagome and be on my way. Either way I refuse to allow anyone," pausing to glare heatedly in warning at Inuyasha, then continued, "to screw this up!" he informed him matter-of-factually, while trying to hold in his temper that was beginning to rise.
Inuyasha glared with spite towards the mercenary leader. Kagome turned to the hanyou and requested, "Please, Inuyasha, just let Bankotsu do this for now. I don't want to be alone with them and if you anger him he will just take me away from you and the others."
"I will do whatever I have to in order to ensure your safety and thus my own as well," Bankotsu added.
Inuyasha growled angrily and glared harder at the mercenary leader. "It's my job to protect her," he stated, eyes flashing with ferocity.
Bankotsu stared the half breed dead in the eye. "The minute the rings went on it became my job because if she dies, so will I. And I don't plan on dying again anytime soon," he countered, eyes, voice and stance coldly austere.
Kagome walked over to Inuyasha and laid a hand on his shoulder, and looked at him with worry-filled eyes and pleaded, "Please, Inuyasha."
Inuyasha, glaring at Bankotsu, relented, "Fine, but only for now. Once this thing is un-done, you and your comrades leave. "
Bankotsu scoffed and agreed, "Gladly."
Kagome's eyes filled with relief as she said, relieved, "Thanks, Inuyasha."
Bankotsu glared at the half demon and the young priestess. "From now on however, no other man had better dare to touch Kagome," he decreed, eyes hard and cold.
"Excuse me?" Kagome gasped and demanded, as she faced him with an angry expression.
Bankotsu held her gaze and informed her, dead serious, "Until this changes; you and I are bound to one another and I don't like to share. If another male approaches you in any way that I find unsatisfactory, I will not hesitate to kill him. I will not allow you to be harmed, by anyone. I refuse to die."
Kagome felt her temper rising as she countered, "You don't own me Bankotsu! If I want to hug someone, then I will hug him!"
"Just remember what I said, Kagome. Until this curse is broken, you belong to me. I don't share and refuse to allow you to be harmed," Bankotsu glared and warned dead seriously, in a cold and emotionless voice.
Kagome hissed, "You remember this as well; if you hurt my friends, I will not hesitate to use your rosary or purify your ass."
Bankotsu's eyes narrowed at her dangerously. "I may not be able to kill you, but I can make life very... unpleasant for you." he warned her with a wicked gleam in his eye.
Kagome determined to make sure he understood countered, "That may be but I can also do the same for you."
"Don't push your luck!" Bankotsu warned in a biting tone, eyes hard and cold and standing with his arms crossed in front of his massive chest and looking very intimidating.
Kagome realized she was pushing her luck and swallowed nervously and announced in a huff, "I am going to bed, alone, good night everyone." She walked over to her bag and spread out her sleeping bag. Bankotsu followed her with his eyes.
"You had better not hurt her," Inuyasha snarled threateningly, eyes hard while staring at the cocky teenager.
"I will do whatever I want with her and you cannot stop me," Bankotsu scoffed and declared, almost as if reciting a speech, glaring directly at the hanyou. He spun on his heel and picked up his Banryu and walked over to sit by his brothers.
Inuyasha jumped into the tree above Kagome's sleeping spot so he could guard over her.
With the remainder of the Inutachi:
Miroku mentioned, "This shall be interesting. We know that we cannot kill him or we will end up killing her as well. On the other hand, they cannot kill her or they would be killing him as well. "
Sango added, "The only thing we can do is try to make sure she is safe and find Naraku." And Miroku nodded.
Sango stood up and walked over to then bed down beside Kagome with her Hiraikotsu close at hand.
With Bankotsu and his brothers:
Bankotsu sat there and sighed heavily, glaring in the direction of his enemies.
Jakotsu asked, "What about when sun rise comes?"
Bankotsu replied evenly, "Just before sun rise I will make certain she is by my side. For tonight I would rather have peace and quiet without her next to me."
Knowing how annoying and bothersome females were, Jakotsu nodded.
Renkotsu looked at his leader and questioned, "So what do we do now?"
Bankotsu's back stiffened and he replied, "We wait for morning, then we will all figure out what to do next." His hand balled into a fist and punched his thigh and he declared, "We will hunt down that bastard Naraku together and after he has reversed this, I will kill him."
Knowing they had a long day ahead of them, he ordered, "You two may as well get some sleep while you can."
His brothers nodded and bed down close to a fire.
Bankotsu sat up on a boulder and waited, pondering his next move, while absentmindedly fiddling with the accursed beads around his neck.
--
Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is the new and improved chapter one. Please remember to read and review thanks.
XOXOXOXO
A/N: For those interested, I am currently revising this grammatical eyes sore for a richer, more enjoyable reading bear with me as the revised chapters will re-post one at a time. I intend for the revision to be completed in plenty of time for the third year anniversary's one shot.
My Intention is to over all improve your entire reading experience as I feel guilty as if I've somehow cheated my wonderful reviewers by giving them such a grammatical eye sore. If you do decide to re-read this, you won't regret it!
Thank you, Tempest 78.
XOXOXOXOXO
Many heartfelt thanks go out to Sakurapunk, SangOtaku6 {for helping me with the summary}, Frog- kun, Paper Bullet, and to Yeah Shippo {for helping me figure out a more realistic activation word.} Thanks again all of you.
Summary:
When a spell throws Bankotsu and Kagome into marriage-or-death predicament, the Inutachi and Shichinintai have no choice but to form an alliance. Unfortunately there seems to be more underneath the surface. What secrets do Bankotsu's past hold? B&K FE.
XOXOXOXOXOXO
Two Rivals and a Curse:
Opening Scene:
Deep in the woods,the remaining Shichinintai members were sitting around their fire and just relaxing for a change. Bankotsu was polishing his beloved Banryu. Renkotsu was deep in his own thoughts. Jakotsu of course, was day dreaming about getting to cut up Inuyasha.
Sending his leader an almost pleading look, Jakotsu asked, ''Hey Bankotsu, can we attack Inuyasha? I really miss him.''
Upon hearing his best friend's request, Bankotsu replied, "Actually, I think that's a great idea." He rose to his feet. "Renkotsu, come, we're leaving to fight Inuyasha and his group.'' He began walking away expecting his men to obey his command.
Renkotsu jumped up and questioned with eagerness, ''But big brother, how do you know where they are?'' Seeing the confident smirk plastered across his leader's lips, he thought, 'Has Bankotsu been keeping information from us again?'
Bankotsu continued on his way and answered with an evil smirk, ''I know for a fact that they are at a village near here." Knowing his second in command would ask how, he replied, "Naraku told me. Now enough questions. Let's go get some jewel shards while we are at it.'' He had a wicked gleam in his blue eyes.
Renkotsu started to follow Bankotsu. ''Very well," he agreed. It disturbed him that his leader and once again been withholding information from them. 'So I was right. I suppose as the leader he'd have to keep some things from us, still...' he sighed mentally.
With a girlish giggle, Jakotsu jumped up and exclaimed, ''YAY! I get to see Inuyasha. It'll be so much fun to kill him.'' He followed both Bankotsu and Renkotsu.
In an open field outside of Inuyasha's Forest:
Kagome had been trying to scold Inuyasha again, and noticed he didn't seem to be paying her much attention. She started to get irritated and shouted, ''Hey, Inuyasha, are you listening to me?''
Inuyasha stood from his spot and started to sniff around. ''Quiet," he growled.
Seeing this Miroku approached his friend and asked curiously, ''What is it, Inuyasha?''
Inuyasha replied, ''Bankotsu and his brothers are near.'' His sword flew into a defensive position as a streak of silver flashed before his face.
Bankotsu clashed swords with Inuyasha and stated arrogantly, ''Ha, Inuyasha, nice to see you again.''
Amber eyes clashed with sapphire ones as they glared at each other over their weapons.
"Can't say the same to you," Inuyasha retorted through gritted teeth as he tried to hold his own against Bankotsu.
While dodging one of Inuyasha's attacks, Bankotsu commanded, "Renkotsu, you get the slayer. Jakotsu, you have the monk.''
As he pulled out his sword and prepared to attack, Jakotsu whined, ''Aw, do I have to?" Seeing the look of utter concentration on his leader's face, Jakotsu sighed in resignation and turned to face the monk. "Oh well, you're not as cute as Inuyasha but you'll do for now.''
Kagome stood off to the side protecting Shippo, but kept her bow ready.
Shippo was on her shoulder in his usual perch and clutched her shirt nervously.
Bankotsu kicked Inuyasha back and struck out with his Banryu, slicing Inuyasha's arm.
Inuyasha fell to the ground bleeding and cursed under his breath, glaring at the mercenary leader.
Kagome saw that Inuyasha had gotten hurt, and decided to step in. "Shippo, I need you to go hide." Seeing the kit nod and scamper away to hide, she notched an arrow and stepped in front of Inuyasha. She aimed her arrow at Bankotsu never taking her eyes off of him. ''Inuyasha are you alright?'' she questioned.
Using his sword to help him, Inuyasha tried to get up from the ground and ordered, ''Kagome, get out of here, save yourself!''
Bankotsu sneered, "Inuyasha, you're so pathetic, getting protection from a human wench. I expected more from you.'' and menacingly approached Kagome.
With as much courage she could muster, Kagome warned, "St... stay back or else I'll purify your ass.''
Bankotsu, reached out knocking Kagome's bow and arrow out of her hand, and said, "Hm, you are the one who can see the shards." His face spread into a dangerous smirk. You'll do nicely,'' he announced reaching out to grab her.
Everyone was busy fighting each other and didn't notice that Naraku had made his appearance.
Watching the groups face off against each other, an idea popped into Naraku's twisted mind. He began chanting a bunch of things in some ancient language, and a band of white gold appeared on Kagome and Bankotsu's ring fingers.
Everyone stopped fighting and looked at what was on their team member's finger as they held them up, staring at them with their faces clearly puzzled.
"Kukuku," Naraku chuckled evilly, while he eyed the new couple. 'Yes, this will do nicely.' He thought pleased watching them glare at each other.
Everyone turned around and glared at Naraku. They couldn't believe he'd chosen now of all times to show his face.
Bankotsu had almost grabbed Kagome before the ring appeared. He swung around to glare angrily at the demon and demanded, "Is this your doing, Naraku?"
The evil half breed replied, "Yes and it promises to be interesting. You have failed to kill Inuyasha and his group for me and now you and the wench will both pay the price of your failure."
He continued smugly, "You and the priestess can never leave each others sides, for if you do, you will both die a very painful death." Naraku laughed evilly, and disappeared into a mist of miasma.
Bankotsu rolled his eyes, not impressed one bit with Naraku's game. 'How dare he toy with someone of my power?' Being bound to an annoying little girl didn't exactly strike his fancy one bit.
Bankotsu roared angrily, "Damn that bastard I'll kill him for this! How dare he bind me to a weak pathetic wench?"
Kagome asked, "Um… what does he mean 'never leave each others side'?" It was hard to take in the current situation and her mind was fervently hoping this was a very poor joke.
A new voice supplied, "Exactly what he said." Everyone turned around and saw Kaede emerge through the trees on a donkey.
Miroku immediately asked, "Lady Kaede, what brings you here?" knowing it had to be something important.
Kaede replied, "Well, I heard a commotion outside the village and came to investigate. Then I overheard what Naraku said." She frowned and said, "I have only seen this particular spell used once before, but I do not know if it was ever broken or how."
She dismounted and then sat with the Inutachi, and began explaining the predicament they now found themselves in, while the Shichinintai sat nearby listening as well.
Kaede explained, "This curse has dire consequences. If the two of ye who are cursed stray from the given range, yer bodies will be consumed with excruciating pain. Wounds inflicted to one will not pass to the other, but death and things to do with the souls will."
"What's the range Kaede?" Kagome asked. She didn't want to believe this was happening to her.
Looking at the younger priestess, Kaede answered, "Five feet at the most, child."
"What?" Kagome, Inuyasha, and Bankotsu yelled in unison, while jumping to their feet.
"There's no way, and I mean no way, I am cooperating with that dog face, Inutrasha!" Bankotsu declared, crossing his muscular arms over his broad chest and scowling at the half breed.
"His name is Inuyasha!" Kagome and Jakotsu yelled in unison, glaring at Bankotsu.
Bankotsu in turn glared back at them, causing them to want to shrink back and fall silent.
"I figured as much, that is why I have this," Kaede stated, while holding up a rosary much like Inuyasha's in her hands.
Bankotsu warily eyed the old priestess and the necklace, he noticed it looked very similar to Inuyasha's and growled angrily.
Kaede placed it around her hands and then chanted the spell. The beads glowed brilliantly and broke loose to fly around Bankotsu's neck, re-attaching before he even knew what happened.
"Do you know what that necklace around Inuyasha's neck does?" Kagome queried, while looking at Bankotsu.
The mercenary leader replied, "Uh, no." though he had a feeling it wouldn't be pretty.
Kagome explained, "Whenever I say sit - "
The necklace around Inuyasha's neck began to glow a brilliant blue and Inuyasha plummeted to the dirt and yelled, "Ow, Kagome!"
Bankotsu and the Band member's eyes widened in shock as they saw Inuyasha slammed roughly to the ground.
She continued evenly, "Inuyasha does... that." Waving her hand at the crater to emphasize what she meant.
Bankotsu's face became horrified. "So what's my command?" he questioned warily.
Sango, who had been silent the whole time, turned to Kaede and queried, "He doesn't have a command, and it won't affect him, right?"
Kaede looked ready to burst with laughter, a very rare thing for her. "Oh yes, he does," she replied.
Kagome waited a few moments, and then impatiently queried, "What's the word?"
Kaede smiling finished the spell and replied, "That is your decision child just like when I put Inuyasha's on."
Kagome nodded at the old woman. Turning back to Bankotsu, she looked thoughtful for a moment and declared, "Heel."
The beads around Bankotsu's neck flashed a brilliant red, and then before he knew what happened, he hit the ground hard enough to create a gaping crater around him.
Inuyasha and Miroku roared with laughter. Sango despite herself, let out a high pitched giggle.
Kagome's face flushed with embarrassment and she said, "Thank you Kaede." Turning to the rest of the onlookers, she said, "Um, so now since that's been decided..."
Bankotsu groaned painfully as he put two shaking hands on the ground and pushed himself to his knees, climbing out of the crater. "Wench, I strongly suggest you do not do that to me again," the furious mercenary growled as he stood to his feet, glaring dangerously at the young Miko.
The remaining Band of Seven members, whose eyes had widened from shock upon seeing their leader slammed to the ground, recovered from their shocked state.
Bankotsu glared icily at the old priestess and growled menacingly. "Remove this damn thing right now, you vile old hag," he demanded, eyes promising retaliation.
Kagome yelled warning, "Show some respect Bankotsu, or else I will use it." She glared at the arrogant and blatantly disrespectful teen.
"Trust me, you don't want to have her use that again," Shippo piped up wisely.
The rest of the Inutachi minus Inuyasha nodded in agreement.
"Fine, but I'm not happy about this! Once we have found that damn Naraku and killed him; we are removing this damn necklace and then it will be your groups turn," Bankotsu stated furiously, with his eyes narrowed dangerously at the entire Inutachi.
Jakotsu exclaimed happily, "Yay, I get to be with my Inu-darling."
Inuyasha snapped rudely, "Shaddup and keep away from me, you weirdo."
Kaede prepared to mount her donkey and leave, when something came to her mind. She looked at Kagome and Bankotsu, and informed them, "Oh before I forget, the curse usually starts at sunrise the day after it is cast. Plus ye two must always be by each others side, whether it's sleeping, fighting, or bathing. Also if one of you dies, so will the other. "
"What?" Kagome and Bankotsu yelled in unison, their faces turning red from embarrassment.
Inuyasha announced, "There's no way in hell I am agreeing to this."
Just as outraged Bankotsu agreed, "For once, I agree with him."
"What's that suppose to mean?" Inuyasha asked, gritting his teeth at him.
"Just what I said mutt," Bankotsu replied, gritting his teeth as well.
Kaede shook her head sadly at the bickering duo then looked at the young priestess. "Kagome, I wish ye luck child," she said as she mounted her donkey and took off.
After Kaede left, Kagome sighed and from the top of her lungs, yelled, "Stop it! Inuyasha sit boy!"
Inuyasha hit the earthen soil creating a massive crater.
Kagome approached Bankotsu as she continued, "And you, Mr. Tough Guy, I don't like this idea any more then you do, but we don't exactly have a choice. I am sure you don't want to die anytime soon and neither do I."
Eyes narrowing in anger she demanded, "So suck it up!" Her temper was beginning to get the better of her.
"Heh, so you've got spunk after all?" His eyes lit with merriment. "Just my style," Bankotsu declared, casually draping his arm around her shoulder with his infamous smirk showing.
Deciding to tease her a bit, he said, "You know, maybe us being together won't be so bad after all," enjoying her embarrassment as her face began to tint pink.
"Take your hands off her!" Inuyasha snarled angrily, glaring at the cocky mercenary leader.
"But Inu-darling, why go for that wench when you have me?" Jakotsu whined, clinging to Inuyasha's arm.
"Get off me, you crazy freak," Inuyasha demanded, trying to shake the clingy Jakotsu off his arm.
After whirling around to face him, Kagome snapped at Jakotsu, "My name is Kagome. Not wench, you cross dresser."
Jakotsu barked back unimpressed, "Shut up, you wench," still clinging to Inuyasha.
"Jakotsu, I do not appreciate you talking to my future wife like that," Bankotsu informed him, obviously not happy with what Jakotsu had said, or the tone he'd used.
"She's not yours!" Inuyasha yelled, getting jealous.
"These rings say otherwise," Bankotsu taunted, thoroughly enjoying the anger he could sense rising in the half breed as he held up their hands showing off the rings to spite the mutt.
Meanwhile in the background the rest of the Schichinatai and the remainder of the Inutachi group stood watching them carry on.
Miroku sighing heavily and muttered, "Somehow, I liked it better when it was Inuyasha and Kouga fighting over Kagome."
The others nodded their heads in agreement.
The remaining Schichinatai looked at them, obviously clueless.
Miroku explained the whole story.
Sick of their bickering already, Kagome yelled, "Inuyasha, sit!" Then she rounded on Bankotsu and glared at him. "And you, I'm not your wife! Got that?" She spun on her heel and furiously stomped off in the direction she knew a hot spring was in.
"I'll go with her so she's safe," Sango said, grabbing her Hiraikotsu and walking after Kagome.
"Um… aren't you and her supposed to be together at all times?" Renkotsu asked Bankotsu, while gazing into his leader's eyes.
Miroku reminded, "Kaede said the spell will start at sunrise tomorrow."
At the hot springs:
The girls quickly undressed, setting their clothes in a pile along with their weapons. They slipped into the steamy waters and sat with their backs against a couple of big rocks.
Staring helplessly at her best friend, Kagome complained, "Sango, why me? I don't think I can do this. Inuyasha gets jealous so quickly and now Bankotsu is being an antagonist."
Trying to cheer up her best friend Sango suggested, "Bankotsu is just doing it to tease you and to rile up Inuyasha. Besides, when Inuyasha gets annoying, just sit him." Eyes sparkling with laughter, she added, "For that matter, you can sit them both."
Kagome blinked and replied, "I guess you're right." Sighing she added, "I just hope Bankotsu doesn't do anything perverted while I'm sleeping."
Sango questioned, "Kagome, did you forget that you could use your powers to purify him as well?"
Kagome face turned bright red as she said, "Uh, yeah I kind of did."
Sango chuckled and shook her head amused. Noticing that it was starting to get dark, she suggested, "We should get back before they get worried."
Kagome nodded and the girls washed and rinsed their hair. They climbed out of the springs and got dressed. They collected their belongings and walked back towards the camp.
Back at the Camp:
As the girls entered the camp site, Inuyasha jumped up and ran over to Kagome's side and declared, "No way in hell am I letting you be alone with that Bankotsu."
Bankotsu smirked and stated, "That isn't for you to decide, half breed. It's up to the Miko if she wishes to be alone with me." Knowing she really had no choice just made it even more fun to tease the mutt with.
"My name is Kagome. Not wench and not Miko, just Kagome. Ka-go-me," Kagome informed the mercenary, realizing it was just as she had informed Inuyasha when she first met him.
Bankotsu enjoying her unexpected feistiness smirked wider and replied, "Fine, Ka-go-me, better?"
She sighed heavily and nodded. She suggested, "Miroku, we need more water considering there are now three more people to feed."
Miroku nodded and stood up to collect some more water.
Inuyasha growled angrily, "Kagome! We are not feeding them. They are not staying here!"
Kagome wasn't in the mood for another argument and she faced Inuyasha and stated, "What would you prefer, Inuyasha? They join us and travel with us, or I go off with them alone? Frankly I don't want to be alone with them! But if you keep on arguing with Bankotsu, I'm sure he'll just take me and leave."
Inuyasha growled angrily and declared, "I am not letting you be alone with them!"
"That isn't up to you, mutt. It's up to me." Bankotsu stated, while glaring icily at said mutt. He really was getting tired of the mutt thinking he was going lead here. "HA! Not happening, ever! I'm the leader here-period!" Bankotsu thought arrogantly.
Kagome stared at Bankotsu and added, "And me, like it or not we are in this together. At least until we can reverse this... whatever it is exactly that Naraku has done to us."
"For now, we will join your group. But if either of them does anything stupid, I will not hesitate to snatch you and leave with my men. I won't allow anyone to remain a threat to you" Bankotsu stared at her, adding much more articulately "or myself," Bankotsu held her gaze and stated, eyes dead serious.
Kagome knowing she'd never be able to stop him sighed heavily and nodded.
Inuyasha scowled and reluctantly agreed, "Fine, they can stay, for now."
Kagome sighed in relief and said, "Thanks, Inuyasha."
Miroku returned with the water and Kagome made everyone a stew. After the stew finished cooking Kagome stood up and doled it out to everyone.
After everyone had finished eating, Bankotsu approached Kagome so he was standing right in front of her and decreed, "The way we are going to do this is like so, Jakotsu and Renkotsu will be on hunting duty from here on out. The other wench and the monk will collect the water - "
Kagome interrupting mentioned, "She has a name! It's Sango."
Bankotsu scowled but corrected himself, "Fine, Sango and the monk will collect the water. Kagome and I will collect the fire wood and Inuyasha will collect whatever else is needed. "
"Hey! Just who the hell said you were in charge anyway!" Inuyasha jumped up and demanded while glaring at Bankotsu.
Bankotsu stared him dead in the eye. "It's mine and Kagome's lives that are at stake here. I'm not going to let you screw things up and cost us our lives! I am in charge until this situation is reversed. If you don't like that, mutt, then I will just take Kagome and be on my way. Either way I refuse to allow anyone," pausing to glare heatedly in warning at Inuyasha, then continued, "to screw this up!" he informed him matter-of-factually, while trying to hold in his temper that was beginning to rise.
Inuyasha glared with spite towards the mercenary leader. Kagome turned to the hanyou and requested, "Please, Inuyasha, just let Bankotsu do this for now. I don't want to be alone with them and if you anger him he will just take me away from you and the others."
"I will do whatever I have to in order to ensure your safety and thus my own as well," Bankotsu added.
Inuyasha growled angrily and glared harder at the mercenary leader. "It's my job to protect her," he stated, eyes flashing with ferocity.
Bankotsu stared the half breed dead in the eye. "The minute the rings went on it became my job because if she dies, so will I. And I don't plan on dying again anytime soon," he countered, eyes, voice and stance coldly austere.
Kagome walked over to Inuyasha and laid a hand on his shoulder, and looked at him with worry-filled eyes and pleaded, "Please, Inuyasha."
Inuyasha, glaring at Bankotsu, relented, "Fine, but only for now. Once this thing is un-done, you and your comrades leave. "
Bankotsu scoffed and agreed, "Gladly."
Kagome's eyes filled with relief as she said, relieved, "Thanks, Inuyasha."
Bankotsu glared at the half demon and the young priestess. "From now on however, no other man had better dare to touch Kagome," he decreed, eyes hard and cold.
"Excuse me?" Kagome gasped and demanded, as she faced him with an angry expression.
Bankotsu held her gaze and informed her, dead serious, "Until this changes; you and I are bound to one another and I don't like to share. If another male approaches you in any way that I find unsatisfactory, I will not hesitate to kill him. I will not allow you to be harmed, by anyone. I refuse to die."
Kagome felt her temper rising as she countered, "You don't own me Bankotsu! If I want to hug someone, then I will hug him!"
"Just remember what I said, Kagome. Until this curse is broken, you belong to me. I don't share and refuse to allow you to be harmed," Bankotsu glared and warned dead seriously, in a cold and emotionless voice.
Kagome hissed, "You remember this as well; if you hurt my friends, I will not hesitate to use your rosary or purify your ass."
Bankotsu's eyes narrowed at her dangerously. "I may not be able to kill you, but I can make life very... unpleasant for you." he warned her with a wicked gleam in his eye.
Kagome determined to make sure he understood countered, "That may be but I can also do the same for you."
"Don't push your luck!" Bankotsu warned in a biting tone, eyes hard and cold and standing with his arms crossed in front of his massive chest and looking very intimidating.
Kagome realized she was pushing her luck and swallowed nervously and announced in a huff, "I am going to bed, alone, good night everyone." She walked over to her bag and spread out her sleeping bag. Bankotsu followed her with his eyes.
"You had better not hurt her," Inuyasha snarled threateningly, eyes hard while staring at the cocky teenager.
"I will do whatever I want with her and you cannot stop me," Bankotsu scoffed and declared, almost as if reciting a speech, glaring directly at the hanyou. He spun on his heel and picked up his Banryu and walked over to sit by his brothers.
Inuyasha jumped into the tree above Kagome's sleeping spot so he could guard over her.
With the remainder of the Inutachi:
Miroku mentioned, "This shall be interesting. We know that we cannot kill him or we will end up killing her as well. On the other hand, they cannot kill her or they would be killing him as well. "
Sango added, "The only thing we can do is try to make sure she is safe and find Naraku." And Miroku nodded.
Sango stood up and walked over to then bed down beside Kagome with her Hiraikotsu close at hand.
With Bankotsu and his brothers:
Bankotsu sat there and sighed heavily, glaring in the direction of his enemies.
Jakotsu asked, "What about when sun rise comes?"
Bankotsu replied evenly, "Just before sun rise I will make certain she is by my side. For tonight I would rather have peace and quiet without her next to me."
Knowing how annoying and bothersome females were, Jakotsu nodded.
Renkotsu looked at his leader and questioned, "So what do we do now?"
Bankotsu's back stiffened and he replied, "We wait for morning, then we will all figure out what to do next." His hand balled into a fist and punched his thigh and he declared, "We will hunt down that bastard Naraku together and after he has reversed this, I will kill him."
Knowing they had a long day ahead of them, he ordered, "You two may as well get some sleep while you can."
His brothers nodded and bed down close to a fire.
Bankotsu sat up on a boulder and waited, pondering his next move, while absentmindedly fiddling with the accursed beads around his neck.
--
Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is the new and improved chapter one. Please remember to read and review thanks.