InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Miko's Love Story. ❯ The Stranger ( Chapter 6 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: kittyb78 
While traveling the Inutachi and Shichinintai end up running across a stranger.
Who is she and why does she seem to get to Jakotsu? Read to find out! XD
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 07.17.2010 | Updated On: 07.17.2010 | Pages: 6 | Words: 5.6K | Visits: 423 | Status: Completed
While traveling the Inutachi and Shichinintai end up running across a stranger.
Who is she and why does she seem to get to Jakotsu? Read to find out! XD
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 07.17.2010 | Updated On: 07.17.2010 | Pages: 6 | Words: 5.6K | Visits: 423 | Status: Completed
Disclaimer: I do not own or make profit from the Inuyasha series Copyrights to Inuyasha and Characters belongs to Rumiko Takahashi
I only own the plot, and story line to this story. There. I said it. (sighs)
Warning: This chapter mentions a reference to rape! Proceed at your own risk.
Chapter Six:
Now:
The Stranger:
Bankotsu awoke at first light to find his head cradled against a warm woman's chest. He opened his eyes and lifted his head. A brief smile graced his handsome features as he looked into the face of Kagome.
She was still sleeping. 'She looks just like a sleeping angel.' Before he could reach out and stroke her cheek, he slammed the breaks on that thought and focused on what happened last night.
He remembered confiding in her about part of one of his biggest secrets. 'Why did I tell her about that?' He frowned. Normally he'd only confide in his best friend - Jakotsu. He also remembered being surprised when she had reached out and wrapped her arms around him trying to comfort him. 'She's so unpredictable at times.' He snorted and then blinked.
He was surprised to find that he had actually slept last night. 'Why though? I haven't had a decent night's sleep since that wretched Naraku bound us together with his stupid spell... until last night.' He watched her sleeping a moment longer, and then sighed heavily. He reached over and gently shook her awake.
Kagome slowly fluttered her eyes open. She saw that it was Bankotsu who had woke her up. She stretched and then looked at him noticing the furrowed brows. 'He looks troubled still…' She yawned and then asked, "What's up?"
He stared at her a minute. "It's time to wake the others."
She moved to stand up and blinked at the hand thrust in her face. She stared at him and then slipped her hand into his.
He pulled her to her feet.
She mumbled, "Thank you."
He replied in kind, "Sure thing."
They walked around waking up Renkotsu, Sango, Miroku, and Shippo, leaving Jakotsu for last.
After five minutes of not getting him up, Bankotsu warned, "Jakotsu get up now, or else I'm gonna let the ice water and fish wake you up."
Jakotsu mumbled and turned over, then started snoring again.
'Obviously Jakotsu isn't planning to get up any time soon… Very well then,' Bankotsu sighed and shook his head. He bent down and reached over, tossing Jakotsu's slumbering form over his broad shoulder.
He and Kagome walked over to the river.
Feeling slightly uncomfortable Jakotsu mumbled grumpily. He shifted a little so that he was more comfortable and started snoring again.
Bankotsu scoffed. "I warned you Ja." He flipped the cross dresser off of his shoulder and tossed him into the middle of the ice cold river.
Right before he hit the water Jakotsu jerked wide awake. "Ah," he flailed his hands as the water drew closer. He hit the water with a loud splash, before submerging.
Jakotsu came sputtering up to the surface and glared at his leader.
Bankotsu stood on the shore laughing hard enough he had to hold his stomach.
Kagome stood there wide eyed and staring at the now sodden mercenary.
Jakotsu was sending seriously pissed off eyes towards his leader.
Noticing the looks Jakotsu was sending him, Bankotsu stopped laughing and smirked. He planted a meaty hand on his hip. "Hey, I warned you. You're the one who wouldn't wake up."
Jakotsu climbed out of the river and whined, "Big brother, why do you have to be so mean?" He pouted his lips, slightly shivering from the unwanted, rude awakening.
Eyes dancing with mirth, Bankotsu grinned and answered, "Because you are so difficult to wake up in the mornings. I gave you plenty of warning Ja."
Jakotsu snorted and stormed off to his bedding, to change into a dry kimono. "Stupid mean big brother, why is it always me?" he mumbled under his breath.
Kagome looked at Bankotsu, who was laughing like a school boy who had tugged a girl's pig tails, and shook her head displeased.
Bankotsu saw this and sobered up. "Don't worry about it Kagome. Ja will get over it once he is dry and fed." After years of traveling with his best friend, he was used to having to resort to more…. effective ways to wake up Jakotsu.
Kagome was not at all impressed. She scolded, "You should find a nicer way to wake him up."
Bankotsu raised a brow questioningly. "Well then, how would you suggest I wake him?" He titled his head to the side staring at her, eager to hear how she would have done it.
Kagome tapped her chin a minute and then smiled. "Try tickling his feet, or stomach. Or something that isn't quite such a rude awakening."
He snorted. 'I doubt that would have worked.' Bankotsu shrugged. "Maybe... Now come on, we need to eat and pack so that we can leave." He grabbed her hand and led her over to the campfire.
They ate breakfast with the others, and then walked back over to the tree where they had slept.
Kagome gathered her belongings and shoved them into her yellow bag, then donned her back pack. Her arrows sticking out of the top, in case she needed them. She grabbed her bow.
Bankotsu hefted his Banryu onto his shoulder and grabbed her hand. They walked over to join the others, who were still preparing to leave.
Bankotsu and Kagome stood by the remains of the fire while the others finished packing.
Once everyone was ready to leave they set off as was the usual routine: Bankotsu in the lead, with Kagome by his side and the two of them holding hands. Inuyasha off to one side, only this time Shippo was with Inuyasha. Miroku and Sango walked behind them with Kirara on Sango's shoulder. Renkotsu and a still irritable Jakotsu brought up the rear.
Bankotsu and Kagome walked mostly in silence for the majority of the day.
About half way through the day, they came across a village that had bodies strewn as far as the eye could see. The stench of blood permeated the air.
Kagome gasped as she looked around at the brutal carnage around them. Her heart became heavy in her chest and her eyes filled with deep sadness. She pressed her face against Bankotsu's chest.
He blinked and his arm automatically went around her waist, pressing her closer to him. His eyes scanned the area.
"Aw, we missed all the fun." Jakotsu pouted.
Sango and Miroku shook their heads and sighed.
Renkotsu grunted, continuing to survey the bloody remains.
Bankotsu spotted a living person and demanded, "What happened?"
The woman, only a few years older than Sango, stepped over answering disgustedly, "Those damn Daimyo's men, that's what."
Kagome looked up to see who had spoken up and saw a woman with jet black wavy hair pulled into a high pony tail. She was wearing tan colored hakamas and a matching haori, with the sleeves nearly shredded. She had a pair of swords strapped to her back.
Bankotsu faced the woman. "Why did the Daimyo attack?" Understandably, he personally didn't like Daimyo's or their men- period.
The woman spat some blood on the ground, and then wiped her mouth with the back of her sleeve. "Because they feared that my village was becoming too powerful for them to control."
She laughed bitterly and continued, "In order to try to maintain control, they were going to force my father - the headman, to force me to marry the Daimyo's eldest son." Eyes filled with indignation, she continued, "I refused and instead ran away." She stared Bankotsu in the eyes.
Sango looked at the woman and asked, "Why would they think that?"
The woman answered evenly, "Because we were. Our warriors were getting rather numerous and my father was about ready to revolt."
Kagome noticed her bruised arms and pointed to them. "What happened to your arms?"
The woman blinked and stared at her arms, then back to the girl "The last guy that was sent to slaughter my village, came across me in the forest and tried take me back to the Daimyo." She shrugged. "I had been hiding out in the forest so that the Daimyo would have no choice but to give up on finding me."
Curious as to why all of this had happened, Miroku asked, "What happened then, my lady?"
She stared at him a moment with cold, hard eyes. "I killed the bastard."
Hearing this, Jakotsu blinked. He stood there staring at the filthy wench, taking in her appearance; from the disheveled clothing, to her hair. 'How the hell did she manage to kill a man? She is so tiny and looks frail.'
His eyes zeroed in on her bruised arms. 'Those bruises sure are dark. I wonder if she is in pain? I sure hope not.' His eyes widened and his pine stiffened. 'Wait a minute? What the hell do I care for? She is just another vile woman!'
His eyes narrowed at her. 'But… she reminds me so much of my little sister who died.' He felt stab of pain in his chest and his heart suddenly felt heavy. He sighed in annoyance and shifted his stance a bit, as he shook his head trying to clear it.
Kagome gasped horrified.
Inuyasha looked on at the slaughtered village.
Looking at the obviously upset woman, Miroku offered, "We shall bury the dead and say a prayer for them."
Inuyasha sighed and nodded his agreement.
The lady stared at them a moment in silence and then bowed her head. She whispered sadly, "Thank you, Hoshi-sama."
Miroku nodded. He and Inuyasha grabbed some shovels that were lying about and still intact and began to dig a large hole in the middle of the ruined village.
Bankotsu felt almost… sympathetic for this woman's troubles were also due to Daimyo's men. Having had his share of problems from such idiots Bankotsu decided to take pity on her, just this once.
He faced his men. "Renkotsu, Jakotsu, go help them." They nodded and left to do as they had been ordered. 'Why am I being so damned nice?' he thought, slightly irritated. He turned to the girl at his side. "Come on Kagome, let's set up camp."
Kagome nodded.
They walked around collecting fire wood.
He chose a spot and started setting up a camp outside of the village.
Sango collected the water from the river and returned just as the sun started to set.
After the hole had been dug, Inuyasha, Miroku, Renkotsu, and Jakotsu, all piled the bodies into the combined grave and then filled it back in with dirt.
Afterwards they walked over to join Bankotsu, Kagome, Sango, Shippo, Kirara, and the stranger by the fire.
Curious to learn about the woman, Kagome faced her and asked, "What is your name?"
The woman sighed heavily. "It's Tara."
Kagome smiled. "Nice to meet you Tara, I'm Kagome." Pointing to each one in turn, she introduced the others. "These are my friends Bankotsu, Sango, Inuyasha, Miroku, Jakotsu, Renkotsu, Shippo, and Kirara."
Tara smiled weakly. "It's nice to meet you all as well." She looked Kagome and questioned, "What exactly are all of you doing here anyway?"
Eyes dimming a bit, Kagome answered, "Looking for a demon named Naraku."
Tara's brown eyes widened in shock and she hissed venomously, "Naraku? So that bastard is still alive after all, eh?" Her eyes narrowed dangerously. 'When I find that bastard he's going to pay dearly.' She silently vowed, clenching her fist and slamming it down on her knee.
Kagome's eyes widened in shock at what she'd heard. "What do you mean?"
Tara replied, "My grandfather was thought to have once destroyed that evil monster." She snorted, "Apparently he must have somehow slipped away."
Frowning Miroku asked, "How long ago Lady Tara?"
Tara glared at the name and snapped, "Five years ago... just before grandfather died." she finished sadly.
Knowing all too well how painful it was to lose one's family, Sango spoke up, "I am sorry for your loss Tara." with sadness in her eyes.
Tara glared at her. "What would you know about loss?"
Jumping to her feet and glaring at the woman, Sango snapped back, "More than you think." She walked off a bit and sat on the ground.
Miroku walked over to console Sango, as did Kirara.
Kagome stared and Tara. "You are not the only one to lose someone special because of Naraku. All of us here have our own reasons for tracking him down."
Sango spoke quietly, "My village was also slain by Naraku, and then he enslaved my brother. He even tricked me into thinking Inuyasha here was the one who annihilated my people." Her eyes filled with pain.
Tara's eyes softened. She said sadly, "I am sorry Sango, I didn't know."
Standing up, Sango walked over to Tara and placed a hand on the grieving woman's shoulder. "It's alright; your loss of the village is still fresh."
Miroku explained, "My grandfather was cursed by Naraku. The curse is passed down through the males in my family and unless I destroy him, the curse will never be lifted."
Bankotsu added harshly, "Some of my brothers were slain a second time, after Naraku revived us."
Jakotsu and Renkotsu voiced their agreements.
Kagome could hear the self disgust and anger in Bankotsu's voice. More than that, she felt the sadness deep in her soul, as if it were her own. Needing to try to take away at least a fraction of his pain, she slipped her hand into his.
He blinked and then squeezed her hand in silent acknowledgment.
Eyes sad Kagome informed the newcomer, "Inuyasha lost his first love, because Naraku tricked them into believing they had betrayed one another."
Tara noticed that Bankotsu and Kagome seemed to stay beside one another and then caught them holding hands.
She raised a brow questioningly at them and asked, "Are you two married or something?"
Cutting to the chase, Bankotsu answered evenly, "Yes, Kagome and I are married."
Kagome blushed and nodded. 'Better to just let everyone outside the group think we are married. I just hope Bankotsu doesn't let it go to his head and that Inuyasha doesn't blow his top because of it.'
Inuyasha growled but said nothing.
Tara looked at Inuyasha and raised a brow questioningly. 'What's with him?'
Inuyasha looked away and sat sulking.
Renkotsu and Jakotsu left to go hunting and an hour later, returned with some rabbits slung over their shoulders. Renkotsu and Jakotsu skinned the rabbits and dropped them into the pot of water boiling over the fire.
Everyone waited for the stew to cook.
After the stew had finished making Sango doled it out and every one ate.
Kagome brought out her medical supplies and bandaged Tara's arm, with Bankotsu hovering beside them.
Beginning to feel uneasy, Tara quipped, "No offense Kagome, but can you ask you husband to back up a little? He is making me uncomfortable."
Kagome smiled. "Relax he won't harm you. He is just a bit... over protective."
Bankotsu snorted but said nothing and remained where he was.
Tara frowned and began to breathe a little easier.
Kagome and Bankotsu walked back over to the fire.
Kagome laid out her sleeping bag and blankets. She sighed heavily and stretched out on the ground.
After crawling into her sleeping bag, Kagome, asked, "Why don't you try to sleep a bit Tara? I can tell that you are tired."
Bankotsu moved to lie beside the priestess.
Eying all the men nervously, Tara snorted. "I will never sleep with so many men around."
Sango blinked and asked, "Why not Tara?"
Tara's eyes hardened and her fist clenched. She hissed, "I despise all men."
Kagome's eyes widened and she asked, "Why?"
Annoyed by all the unwanted questions, Tara snapped, "Because I just do, alright." She glared at the girl, who was becoming far too nosey for her liking.
Not at all happy with the way the bitch was treating Kagome, Bankotsu scowled at the woman. "You don't have to be such a bitch about it! She was only trying to be friendly."
Tara sighed heavily and mumbled, "Whatever." Needing some space, she stood up and walked off.
Bankotsu snorted as she walked off and grumbled, "Good riddance."
Kagome sighed heavily and rolled onto her side.
Bankotsu lay on his side as well still irritated by the bitch and how she had treated Kagome.
Kagome placed her hand on his shoulder and said quietly, "Thank you Bankotsu."
Staring into her deep brown eyes, Bankotsu nodded.
She flipped over and lay on her side and tried to sleep.
Bankotsu sighed heavily and stretched out on his side, with one hand gripping the handle of his beloved Banryu.
Renkotsu slept close to the fire.
Inuyasha was sulking up in a tree and looking down at Kagome.
Shippo, Kirara, Miroku, and Sango were all stretched out together in a corner of the camp.
Jakotsu couldn't seem to stop thinking about the wench they had met that day who reminded him of his sister and how she had died. He sighed annoyed and decided to go for a walk. He stood up and began to walk off.
Hearing Jakotsu get up, Bankotsu lifted his head and questioned, "Where are you going?" He stared at his brother.
Jakotsu looked at his leader and replied, "For a walk and a bath. I can't sleep."
Bankotsu nodded and ordered, "Don't be gone too long." He knew Jakotsu often had trouble sleeping, much like himself.
Jakotsu nodded and left the camp.
Bankotsu sighed heavily and laid there on his back with his hands laced behind his head staring up at the stars.
Kagome was unable to sleep, so she rolled over and curled into Bankotsu's side. "Bankotsu, do you think Jakotsu will be okay out there alone?"
Bankotsu smirked at her and answered confidently, "Ja can handle himself, so don't worry about him, alright?"
She nodded and asked, "What about Tara?"
Bankotsu grunted. "I don't know."
Kagome blushed and asked, "Um, would it be alright, if I… laid my head on your chest? I can't seem to get comfortable."
Bankotsu was slightly surprised by her request but nodded.
Kagome smiled and settled her head comfortably on his chest. She snuggled up to him.
He moved one arm so that it was around her waist and she sighed in content.
Kagome said, "Thank you Bankotsu." She yawned and closed her eyes.
He hid a smile and replied, "Night Kagome." He stared up at the stars. 'I wonder why I really don't mind so much, holding her like this? I've never been one for mushy shit like cuddling before.'
She answered sleepily, "Night Bankotsu." Five minutes later, she was asleep with her head on his chest and her arm across his stomach.
He smiled as she breathed against his neck. 'This is actually kind of nice.' He blinked at his thoughts and shook his head, but the goofy smile remained on his face.
He cuddled her just a little closer, enjoying the feeling of her warm curvaceous body against his. He chastely kissed the top of her head and stared at the stars again.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Tara walked over to the river in order to bathe and remove all traces of the man she had killed from her body. She stepped to the edge of the water and quickly shed her clothes, placing her weapons within easy reach. She slipped into the water and began scrubbing.
After cleaning the filth off of her skin, she washed her hair by diving under the water and using the last of the herbs she had collected a week ago when she had disappeared.
She rinsed her hair came back up to the surface, deciding to try to relax; with her back against the rock.
She heard splashing on the other side of the rock and hissed, "Who is there?"
Jakotsu came around the rock and glared at her. "What the hell are you doing here bitch?"
Eyes narrowing, She snapped back, "I was here fist asshole so leave."
Feeling a light breeze across her nipples, she realized that she was naked and dove into the water with her hands across her full breast "Leave you asshole, pervert."
Jakotsu scoffed. "You leave bitch." He sighed heavily and mumbled, "All women are just disgusting and vile pains in the ass."
She scoffed and fired back, "All men are just stupid assholes." Temper getting the best of her; she stood up unintentionally exposing her upper body.
Jakotsu glared at the wench and noticed she had really nasty scars on her back and side. "So what happened to you? Some man beat you or something?"
She stiffened.
He sat down in the water opposite of her staring her dead in the eye.
Her eyes hardened and she spat out, "My Uncle beat me half to death. Now stop gawking at me and leave." She sat back down.
Jakotsu's eyes softened. "Why did he do it?"
She sighed and replied angrily, "Because he could." She pulled her knees to her chest, leaving only her neck, head, and the top of her knees out of the water.
Jakotsu titled his head. "Why do you hate men?"
Not sure she could trust him she replied, "Why do you care?"
Shrugging carelessly, he quipped, "I don't, I was just curious."
She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Because every male I have ever known, with the exception of my grand dad and father; has either beaten or raped me." she looked away sadly.
Jakotsu's eyes softened and he said sympathetically, "That's terrible."
She snapped, "That's life." Unwanted tears began to fill her eyes. She rubbed her eyes vigorously and became increasingly annoyed.
Jakotsu sighed heavily and then surprised them both as he reached out to wipe away her tears gently. He said softly, "Not all men are like that."
She pulled back and eyed him suspiciously. "All the ones that I ever meet are."
He sighed and dropped his hand. "Let's get dressed and head back."
Surprised at his suggestion Tara asked, "What about that Bankotsu guy? I am sure he doesn't want me there."
Jakotsu chuckled. "Leave that to me. I am sure big brother won't mind too much."
Tara gasped and stared at him."He is your big brother?" She frowned. 'But they look nothing alike.'
Jakotsu nodded as he climbed out and then began to dress.
After a minute Tara also climbed out and dressed.
They donned their weapons and began walking back to the camp.
Curious as to why he was being nice to her, Tara glanced at him and asked, "Why are you being so concerned about me?"
Jakotsu sighed and answered softly, "I guess it's because you remind me of my baby sister who died long ago." He tried to keep his voice even. "I could never stand to see her in pain either." His eyes filled with remembered pain.
He gripped her hand and dragged her back into camp.
She reluctantly allowed him to drag her by the hand. 'Why do I feel so open around him? Is it because I remind him of his sister? Or is it because of the obvious pain he's trying to hide?'
XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
They had just entered camp when Bankotsu opened his eyes and noticed the return of his best friend. He also noticed that he had brought back the bitch from earlier and that they were holding hands.
Bankotsu frowned as he gently eased Kagome off his chest. He stood up and demanded, "Jakotsu, what's going on?"
Jakotsu sighed heavily, dropped the woman's hand, and replied, "I brought her back because it isn't safe for a woman to be alone in the woods at night." He stared his best friend dead in the eye.
Now curious, Bankotsu raised a brow questioningly. "Since when do you care about women? I thought you despised all women?"
Jakotsu sighed. "I do, but she reminds me so much of Aiko." His eyes softened and filled with tears for the first time in a long time.
Bankotsu's eyes widened in shock and he blinked. 'Jakotsu's baby sister Aiko was the only woman Jakotsu has ever cared for… He is still haunted to this day about how she was raped by their step father and killed by their aunt in front of his very own eyes.'
He felt a string tug at his heart. 'Jakotsu was helpless to stop it since he was chained on the floor and forced to watch by his own aunt. Aiko was just fourteen and Jakotsu sixteen.' He felt that tugging sensation in his chest again. His heart ached for his best friend's pain.
Kagome felt bad for the girl. She stood up and looked at Bankotsu. "I think that since Tara is now alone, she should travel with us."
He blinked not sure whether he liked that idea or not.
Kagome smiled and looking at Tara. "Our men are protective of us and I can assure you that while you are with us, none of the men here will be allowed to harm you."
Kagome faced Miroku with a stern glare. "And that especially means you Miroku. She has been through enough already! She doesn't need your shenanigans."
Miroku nodded. "I shall restrain myself Kagome." For once he looked dead serious.
Kagome smiled. "Good that settles it then." She placed a gentle hand on Bankotsu's shoulder. "Right, Bankotsu?"
Bankotsu couldn't help but feel touched by Kagome's big and kind heart. His eyes softened just a bit and he sighed heavily. "Fine, she can stay."
He faced Jakotsu again and continued, "But she has to follow orders just like everyone else and you will be held responsible if she doesn't."
Jakotsu nodded his agreement and mentioned gratefully, "Thank you, big brother."
Bankotsu nodded and then faced Tara. "In case you haven't figured it out, I am the leader of this group and my word is law. You will obey my commands the same as everyone else, or you and Ja will both be punished!"
Her eyes widened,
Bankotsu continued, "Jakotsu and I have known each other forever and he is my best friend. He doesn't care for women- period, except his baby sister who died long ago."
He sent her a hard stare. "Since you seem to have broken through his walls and won him over, as well as my wife, I will allow you to travel with us."
He became dead serious and continued, "However, I am not known as the leader of the infamous Shichinintai for no reason. Betray me or my comrades even once, and I will not hesitate to kill you." His eyes became cold.
Tara's eyes widened and she gasped at his statement. 'He's the famed leader of the Shichinintai?' She quickly nodded her agreement.
Bankotsu warned, "One more thing, if you ever disrespect my wife or myself again - I will not hesitate to feed you to the demons or slay you myself." His eyes were hard, cold, and dead serious.
Tara swallowed nervously and nodded. She faced Kagome and said gratefully, "Thank you. I would like to travel with you for two reasons. One: You mentioned you are all seeking out Naraku and since my grandfather didn't succeed in destroying him like we had all thought, it's now my duty to do so in his stead. Two: It would be nice to have some female company."
Kagome smiled. "Welcome aboard Tara."
Bankotsu looked at Jakotsu and ordered, "Now take your new friend and get some sleep. We are heading out at day break."
Jakotsu nodded and lead Tara by the hand over to where they would be sleeping.
Bankotsu lay back down.
Fighting back the tears that were in her eyes, Kagome lay beside him smiling as she re-adjusted herself on his chest and whispered, "Thank you for letting her stay, Bankotsu."
Bankotsu smiled at Kagome. He laid his head back down and closed his eyes to rest after re-adjusting his arm around her waist.
Jakotsu laid out one of his blankets for Tara and the other for himself.
Tara blinked. "Thank you Jakotsu." She stared him and added, "For everything."
He stared her in the eye a moment and then nodded. "We really should get some sleep. Knowing big brother we are going to need it." He lay down on his side and closed his eyes and fell asleep.
After a few minutes Tara did the same. 'I still don't know why he's being so nice to me.' She thought, watching Jakotsu fall asleep. She closed her eyes and fell asleep feeling oddly safe, for the first time in ages.
Inuyasha had stayed perched in his tree. He frowned at this newest development. 'I wonder how the others will take the news in the morning?'
XOXOXOXOXOXO
Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is the improved chapter six. Please remember to read and review thanks.
I only own the plot, and story line to this story. There. I said it. (sighs)
Warning: This chapter mentions a reference to rape! Proceed at your own risk.
Chapter Six:
Now:
The Stranger:
Bankotsu awoke at first light to find his head cradled against a warm woman's chest. He opened his eyes and lifted his head. A brief smile graced his handsome features as he looked into the face of Kagome.
She was still sleeping. 'She looks just like a sleeping angel.' Before he could reach out and stroke her cheek, he slammed the breaks on that thought and focused on what happened last night.
He remembered confiding in her about part of one of his biggest secrets. 'Why did I tell her about that?' He frowned. Normally he'd only confide in his best friend - Jakotsu. He also remembered being surprised when she had reached out and wrapped her arms around him trying to comfort him. 'She's so unpredictable at times.' He snorted and then blinked.
He was surprised to find that he had actually slept last night. 'Why though? I haven't had a decent night's sleep since that wretched Naraku bound us together with his stupid spell... until last night.' He watched her sleeping a moment longer, and then sighed heavily. He reached over and gently shook her awake.
Kagome slowly fluttered her eyes open. She saw that it was Bankotsu who had woke her up. She stretched and then looked at him noticing the furrowed brows. 'He looks troubled still…' She yawned and then asked, "What's up?"
He stared at her a minute. "It's time to wake the others."
She moved to stand up and blinked at the hand thrust in her face. She stared at him and then slipped her hand into his.
He pulled her to her feet.
She mumbled, "Thank you."
He replied in kind, "Sure thing."
They walked around waking up Renkotsu, Sango, Miroku, and Shippo, leaving Jakotsu for last.
After five minutes of not getting him up, Bankotsu warned, "Jakotsu get up now, or else I'm gonna let the ice water and fish wake you up."
Jakotsu mumbled and turned over, then started snoring again.
'Obviously Jakotsu isn't planning to get up any time soon… Very well then,' Bankotsu sighed and shook his head. He bent down and reached over, tossing Jakotsu's slumbering form over his broad shoulder.
He and Kagome walked over to the river.
Feeling slightly uncomfortable Jakotsu mumbled grumpily. He shifted a little so that he was more comfortable and started snoring again.
Bankotsu scoffed. "I warned you Ja." He flipped the cross dresser off of his shoulder and tossed him into the middle of the ice cold river.
Right before he hit the water Jakotsu jerked wide awake. "Ah," he flailed his hands as the water drew closer. He hit the water with a loud splash, before submerging.
Jakotsu came sputtering up to the surface and glared at his leader.
Bankotsu stood on the shore laughing hard enough he had to hold his stomach.
Kagome stood there wide eyed and staring at the now sodden mercenary.
Jakotsu was sending seriously pissed off eyes towards his leader.
Noticing the looks Jakotsu was sending him, Bankotsu stopped laughing and smirked. He planted a meaty hand on his hip. "Hey, I warned you. You're the one who wouldn't wake up."
Jakotsu climbed out of the river and whined, "Big brother, why do you have to be so mean?" He pouted his lips, slightly shivering from the unwanted, rude awakening.
Eyes dancing with mirth, Bankotsu grinned and answered, "Because you are so difficult to wake up in the mornings. I gave you plenty of warning Ja."
Jakotsu snorted and stormed off to his bedding, to change into a dry kimono. "Stupid mean big brother, why is it always me?" he mumbled under his breath.
Kagome looked at Bankotsu, who was laughing like a school boy who had tugged a girl's pig tails, and shook her head displeased.
Bankotsu saw this and sobered up. "Don't worry about it Kagome. Ja will get over it once he is dry and fed." After years of traveling with his best friend, he was used to having to resort to more…. effective ways to wake up Jakotsu.
Kagome was not at all impressed. She scolded, "You should find a nicer way to wake him up."
Bankotsu raised a brow questioningly. "Well then, how would you suggest I wake him?" He titled his head to the side staring at her, eager to hear how she would have done it.
Kagome tapped her chin a minute and then smiled. "Try tickling his feet, or stomach. Or something that isn't quite such a rude awakening."
He snorted. 'I doubt that would have worked.' Bankotsu shrugged. "Maybe... Now come on, we need to eat and pack so that we can leave." He grabbed her hand and led her over to the campfire.
They ate breakfast with the others, and then walked back over to the tree where they had slept.
Kagome gathered her belongings and shoved them into her yellow bag, then donned her back pack. Her arrows sticking out of the top, in case she needed them. She grabbed her bow.
Bankotsu hefted his Banryu onto his shoulder and grabbed her hand. They walked over to join the others, who were still preparing to leave.
Bankotsu and Kagome stood by the remains of the fire while the others finished packing.
Once everyone was ready to leave they set off as was the usual routine: Bankotsu in the lead, with Kagome by his side and the two of them holding hands. Inuyasha off to one side, only this time Shippo was with Inuyasha. Miroku and Sango walked behind them with Kirara on Sango's shoulder. Renkotsu and a still irritable Jakotsu brought up the rear.
Bankotsu and Kagome walked mostly in silence for the majority of the day.
About half way through the day, they came across a village that had bodies strewn as far as the eye could see. The stench of blood permeated the air.
Kagome gasped as she looked around at the brutal carnage around them. Her heart became heavy in her chest and her eyes filled with deep sadness. She pressed her face against Bankotsu's chest.
He blinked and his arm automatically went around her waist, pressing her closer to him. His eyes scanned the area.
"Aw, we missed all the fun." Jakotsu pouted.
Sango and Miroku shook their heads and sighed.
Renkotsu grunted, continuing to survey the bloody remains.
Bankotsu spotted a living person and demanded, "What happened?"
The woman, only a few years older than Sango, stepped over answering disgustedly, "Those damn Daimyo's men, that's what."
Kagome looked up to see who had spoken up and saw a woman with jet black wavy hair pulled into a high pony tail. She was wearing tan colored hakamas and a matching haori, with the sleeves nearly shredded. She had a pair of swords strapped to her back.
Bankotsu faced the woman. "Why did the Daimyo attack?" Understandably, he personally didn't like Daimyo's or their men- period.
The woman spat some blood on the ground, and then wiped her mouth with the back of her sleeve. "Because they feared that my village was becoming too powerful for them to control."
She laughed bitterly and continued, "In order to try to maintain control, they were going to force my father - the headman, to force me to marry the Daimyo's eldest son." Eyes filled with indignation, she continued, "I refused and instead ran away." She stared Bankotsu in the eyes.
Sango looked at the woman and asked, "Why would they think that?"
The woman answered evenly, "Because we were. Our warriors were getting rather numerous and my father was about ready to revolt."
Kagome noticed her bruised arms and pointed to them. "What happened to your arms?"
The woman blinked and stared at her arms, then back to the girl "The last guy that was sent to slaughter my village, came across me in the forest and tried take me back to the Daimyo." She shrugged. "I had been hiding out in the forest so that the Daimyo would have no choice but to give up on finding me."
Curious as to why all of this had happened, Miroku asked, "What happened then, my lady?"
She stared at him a moment with cold, hard eyes. "I killed the bastard."
Hearing this, Jakotsu blinked. He stood there staring at the filthy wench, taking in her appearance; from the disheveled clothing, to her hair. 'How the hell did she manage to kill a man? She is so tiny and looks frail.'
His eyes zeroed in on her bruised arms. 'Those bruises sure are dark. I wonder if she is in pain? I sure hope not.' His eyes widened and his pine stiffened. 'Wait a minute? What the hell do I care for? She is just another vile woman!'
His eyes narrowed at her. 'But… she reminds me so much of my little sister who died.' He felt stab of pain in his chest and his heart suddenly felt heavy. He sighed in annoyance and shifted his stance a bit, as he shook his head trying to clear it.
Kagome gasped horrified.
Inuyasha looked on at the slaughtered village.
Looking at the obviously upset woman, Miroku offered, "We shall bury the dead and say a prayer for them."
Inuyasha sighed and nodded his agreement.
The lady stared at them a moment in silence and then bowed her head. She whispered sadly, "Thank you, Hoshi-sama."
Miroku nodded. He and Inuyasha grabbed some shovels that were lying about and still intact and began to dig a large hole in the middle of the ruined village.
Bankotsu felt almost… sympathetic for this woman's troubles were also due to Daimyo's men. Having had his share of problems from such idiots Bankotsu decided to take pity on her, just this once.
He faced his men. "Renkotsu, Jakotsu, go help them." They nodded and left to do as they had been ordered. 'Why am I being so damned nice?' he thought, slightly irritated. He turned to the girl at his side. "Come on Kagome, let's set up camp."
Kagome nodded.
They walked around collecting fire wood.
He chose a spot and started setting up a camp outside of the village.
Sango collected the water from the river and returned just as the sun started to set.
After the hole had been dug, Inuyasha, Miroku, Renkotsu, and Jakotsu, all piled the bodies into the combined grave and then filled it back in with dirt.
Afterwards they walked over to join Bankotsu, Kagome, Sango, Shippo, Kirara, and the stranger by the fire.
Curious to learn about the woman, Kagome faced her and asked, "What is your name?"
The woman sighed heavily. "It's Tara."
Kagome smiled. "Nice to meet you Tara, I'm Kagome." Pointing to each one in turn, she introduced the others. "These are my friends Bankotsu, Sango, Inuyasha, Miroku, Jakotsu, Renkotsu, Shippo, and Kirara."
Tara smiled weakly. "It's nice to meet you all as well." She looked Kagome and questioned, "What exactly are all of you doing here anyway?"
Eyes dimming a bit, Kagome answered, "Looking for a demon named Naraku."
Tara's brown eyes widened in shock and she hissed venomously, "Naraku? So that bastard is still alive after all, eh?" Her eyes narrowed dangerously. 'When I find that bastard he's going to pay dearly.' She silently vowed, clenching her fist and slamming it down on her knee.
Kagome's eyes widened in shock at what she'd heard. "What do you mean?"
Tara replied, "My grandfather was thought to have once destroyed that evil monster." She snorted, "Apparently he must have somehow slipped away."
Frowning Miroku asked, "How long ago Lady Tara?"
Tara glared at the name and snapped, "Five years ago... just before grandfather died." she finished sadly.
Knowing all too well how painful it was to lose one's family, Sango spoke up, "I am sorry for your loss Tara." with sadness in her eyes.
Tara glared at her. "What would you know about loss?"
Jumping to her feet and glaring at the woman, Sango snapped back, "More than you think." She walked off a bit and sat on the ground.
Miroku walked over to console Sango, as did Kirara.
Kagome stared and Tara. "You are not the only one to lose someone special because of Naraku. All of us here have our own reasons for tracking him down."
Sango spoke quietly, "My village was also slain by Naraku, and then he enslaved my brother. He even tricked me into thinking Inuyasha here was the one who annihilated my people." Her eyes filled with pain.
Tara's eyes softened. She said sadly, "I am sorry Sango, I didn't know."
Standing up, Sango walked over to Tara and placed a hand on the grieving woman's shoulder. "It's alright; your loss of the village is still fresh."
Miroku explained, "My grandfather was cursed by Naraku. The curse is passed down through the males in my family and unless I destroy him, the curse will never be lifted."
Bankotsu added harshly, "Some of my brothers were slain a second time, after Naraku revived us."
Jakotsu and Renkotsu voiced their agreements.
Kagome could hear the self disgust and anger in Bankotsu's voice. More than that, she felt the sadness deep in her soul, as if it were her own. Needing to try to take away at least a fraction of his pain, she slipped her hand into his.
He blinked and then squeezed her hand in silent acknowledgment.
Eyes sad Kagome informed the newcomer, "Inuyasha lost his first love, because Naraku tricked them into believing they had betrayed one another."
Tara noticed that Bankotsu and Kagome seemed to stay beside one another and then caught them holding hands.
She raised a brow questioningly at them and asked, "Are you two married or something?"
Cutting to the chase, Bankotsu answered evenly, "Yes, Kagome and I are married."
Kagome blushed and nodded. 'Better to just let everyone outside the group think we are married. I just hope Bankotsu doesn't let it go to his head and that Inuyasha doesn't blow his top because of it.'
Inuyasha growled but said nothing.
Tara looked at Inuyasha and raised a brow questioningly. 'What's with him?'
Inuyasha looked away and sat sulking.
Renkotsu and Jakotsu left to go hunting and an hour later, returned with some rabbits slung over their shoulders. Renkotsu and Jakotsu skinned the rabbits and dropped them into the pot of water boiling over the fire.
Everyone waited for the stew to cook.
After the stew had finished making Sango doled it out and every one ate.
Kagome brought out her medical supplies and bandaged Tara's arm, with Bankotsu hovering beside them.
Beginning to feel uneasy, Tara quipped, "No offense Kagome, but can you ask you husband to back up a little? He is making me uncomfortable."
Kagome smiled. "Relax he won't harm you. He is just a bit... over protective."
Bankotsu snorted but said nothing and remained where he was.
Tara frowned and began to breathe a little easier.
Kagome and Bankotsu walked back over to the fire.
Kagome laid out her sleeping bag and blankets. She sighed heavily and stretched out on the ground.
After crawling into her sleeping bag, Kagome, asked, "Why don't you try to sleep a bit Tara? I can tell that you are tired."
Bankotsu moved to lie beside the priestess.
Eying all the men nervously, Tara snorted. "I will never sleep with so many men around."
Sango blinked and asked, "Why not Tara?"
Tara's eyes hardened and her fist clenched. She hissed, "I despise all men."
Kagome's eyes widened and she asked, "Why?"
Annoyed by all the unwanted questions, Tara snapped, "Because I just do, alright." She glared at the girl, who was becoming far too nosey for her liking.
Not at all happy with the way the bitch was treating Kagome, Bankotsu scowled at the woman. "You don't have to be such a bitch about it! She was only trying to be friendly."
Tara sighed heavily and mumbled, "Whatever." Needing some space, she stood up and walked off.
Bankotsu snorted as she walked off and grumbled, "Good riddance."
Kagome sighed heavily and rolled onto her side.
Bankotsu lay on his side as well still irritated by the bitch and how she had treated Kagome.
Kagome placed her hand on his shoulder and said quietly, "Thank you Bankotsu."
Staring into her deep brown eyes, Bankotsu nodded.
She flipped over and lay on her side and tried to sleep.
Bankotsu sighed heavily and stretched out on his side, with one hand gripping the handle of his beloved Banryu.
Renkotsu slept close to the fire.
Inuyasha was sulking up in a tree and looking down at Kagome.
Shippo, Kirara, Miroku, and Sango were all stretched out together in a corner of the camp.
Jakotsu couldn't seem to stop thinking about the wench they had met that day who reminded him of his sister and how she had died. He sighed annoyed and decided to go for a walk. He stood up and began to walk off.
Hearing Jakotsu get up, Bankotsu lifted his head and questioned, "Where are you going?" He stared at his brother.
Jakotsu looked at his leader and replied, "For a walk and a bath. I can't sleep."
Bankotsu nodded and ordered, "Don't be gone too long." He knew Jakotsu often had trouble sleeping, much like himself.
Jakotsu nodded and left the camp.
Bankotsu sighed heavily and laid there on his back with his hands laced behind his head staring up at the stars.
Kagome was unable to sleep, so she rolled over and curled into Bankotsu's side. "Bankotsu, do you think Jakotsu will be okay out there alone?"
Bankotsu smirked at her and answered confidently, "Ja can handle himself, so don't worry about him, alright?"
She nodded and asked, "What about Tara?"
Bankotsu grunted. "I don't know."
Kagome blushed and asked, "Um, would it be alright, if I… laid my head on your chest? I can't seem to get comfortable."
Bankotsu was slightly surprised by her request but nodded.
Kagome smiled and settled her head comfortably on his chest. She snuggled up to him.
He moved one arm so that it was around her waist and she sighed in content.
Kagome said, "Thank you Bankotsu." She yawned and closed her eyes.
He hid a smile and replied, "Night Kagome." He stared up at the stars. 'I wonder why I really don't mind so much, holding her like this? I've never been one for mushy shit like cuddling before.'
She answered sleepily, "Night Bankotsu." Five minutes later, she was asleep with her head on his chest and her arm across his stomach.
He smiled as she breathed against his neck. 'This is actually kind of nice.' He blinked at his thoughts and shook his head, but the goofy smile remained on his face.
He cuddled her just a little closer, enjoying the feeling of her warm curvaceous body against his. He chastely kissed the top of her head and stared at the stars again.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Tara walked over to the river in order to bathe and remove all traces of the man she had killed from her body. She stepped to the edge of the water and quickly shed her clothes, placing her weapons within easy reach. She slipped into the water and began scrubbing.
After cleaning the filth off of her skin, she washed her hair by diving under the water and using the last of the herbs she had collected a week ago when she had disappeared.
She rinsed her hair came back up to the surface, deciding to try to relax; with her back against the rock.
She heard splashing on the other side of the rock and hissed, "Who is there?"
Jakotsu came around the rock and glared at her. "What the hell are you doing here bitch?"
Eyes narrowing, She snapped back, "I was here fist asshole so leave."
Feeling a light breeze across her nipples, she realized that she was naked and dove into the water with her hands across her full breast "Leave you asshole, pervert."
Jakotsu scoffed. "You leave bitch." He sighed heavily and mumbled, "All women are just disgusting and vile pains in the ass."
She scoffed and fired back, "All men are just stupid assholes." Temper getting the best of her; she stood up unintentionally exposing her upper body.
Jakotsu glared at the wench and noticed she had really nasty scars on her back and side. "So what happened to you? Some man beat you or something?"
She stiffened.
He sat down in the water opposite of her staring her dead in the eye.
Her eyes hardened and she spat out, "My Uncle beat me half to death. Now stop gawking at me and leave." She sat back down.
Jakotsu's eyes softened. "Why did he do it?"
She sighed and replied angrily, "Because he could." She pulled her knees to her chest, leaving only her neck, head, and the top of her knees out of the water.
Jakotsu titled his head. "Why do you hate men?"
Not sure she could trust him she replied, "Why do you care?"
Shrugging carelessly, he quipped, "I don't, I was just curious."
She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Because every male I have ever known, with the exception of my grand dad and father; has either beaten or raped me." she looked away sadly.
Jakotsu's eyes softened and he said sympathetically, "That's terrible."
She snapped, "That's life." Unwanted tears began to fill her eyes. She rubbed her eyes vigorously and became increasingly annoyed.
Jakotsu sighed heavily and then surprised them both as he reached out to wipe away her tears gently. He said softly, "Not all men are like that."
She pulled back and eyed him suspiciously. "All the ones that I ever meet are."
He sighed and dropped his hand. "Let's get dressed and head back."
Surprised at his suggestion Tara asked, "What about that Bankotsu guy? I am sure he doesn't want me there."
Jakotsu chuckled. "Leave that to me. I am sure big brother won't mind too much."
Tara gasped and stared at him."He is your big brother?" She frowned. 'But they look nothing alike.'
Jakotsu nodded as he climbed out and then began to dress.
After a minute Tara also climbed out and dressed.
They donned their weapons and began walking back to the camp.
Curious as to why he was being nice to her, Tara glanced at him and asked, "Why are you being so concerned about me?"
Jakotsu sighed and answered softly, "I guess it's because you remind me of my baby sister who died long ago." He tried to keep his voice even. "I could never stand to see her in pain either." His eyes filled with remembered pain.
He gripped her hand and dragged her back into camp.
She reluctantly allowed him to drag her by the hand. 'Why do I feel so open around him? Is it because I remind him of his sister? Or is it because of the obvious pain he's trying to hide?'
XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
They had just entered camp when Bankotsu opened his eyes and noticed the return of his best friend. He also noticed that he had brought back the bitch from earlier and that they were holding hands.
Bankotsu frowned as he gently eased Kagome off his chest. He stood up and demanded, "Jakotsu, what's going on?"
Jakotsu sighed heavily, dropped the woman's hand, and replied, "I brought her back because it isn't safe for a woman to be alone in the woods at night." He stared his best friend dead in the eye.
Now curious, Bankotsu raised a brow questioningly. "Since when do you care about women? I thought you despised all women?"
Jakotsu sighed. "I do, but she reminds me so much of Aiko." His eyes softened and filled with tears for the first time in a long time.
Bankotsu's eyes widened in shock and he blinked. 'Jakotsu's baby sister Aiko was the only woman Jakotsu has ever cared for… He is still haunted to this day about how she was raped by their step father and killed by their aunt in front of his very own eyes.'
He felt a string tug at his heart. 'Jakotsu was helpless to stop it since he was chained on the floor and forced to watch by his own aunt. Aiko was just fourteen and Jakotsu sixteen.' He felt that tugging sensation in his chest again. His heart ached for his best friend's pain.
Kagome felt bad for the girl. She stood up and looked at Bankotsu. "I think that since Tara is now alone, she should travel with us."
He blinked not sure whether he liked that idea or not.
Kagome smiled and looking at Tara. "Our men are protective of us and I can assure you that while you are with us, none of the men here will be allowed to harm you."
Kagome faced Miroku with a stern glare. "And that especially means you Miroku. She has been through enough already! She doesn't need your shenanigans."
Miroku nodded. "I shall restrain myself Kagome." For once he looked dead serious.
Kagome smiled. "Good that settles it then." She placed a gentle hand on Bankotsu's shoulder. "Right, Bankotsu?"
Bankotsu couldn't help but feel touched by Kagome's big and kind heart. His eyes softened just a bit and he sighed heavily. "Fine, she can stay."
He faced Jakotsu again and continued, "But she has to follow orders just like everyone else and you will be held responsible if she doesn't."
Jakotsu nodded his agreement and mentioned gratefully, "Thank you, big brother."
Bankotsu nodded and then faced Tara. "In case you haven't figured it out, I am the leader of this group and my word is law. You will obey my commands the same as everyone else, or you and Ja will both be punished!"
Her eyes widened,
Bankotsu continued, "Jakotsu and I have known each other forever and he is my best friend. He doesn't care for women- period, except his baby sister who died long ago."
He sent her a hard stare. "Since you seem to have broken through his walls and won him over, as well as my wife, I will allow you to travel with us."
He became dead serious and continued, "However, I am not known as the leader of the infamous Shichinintai for no reason. Betray me or my comrades even once, and I will not hesitate to kill you." His eyes became cold.
Tara's eyes widened and she gasped at his statement. 'He's the famed leader of the Shichinintai?' She quickly nodded her agreement.
Bankotsu warned, "One more thing, if you ever disrespect my wife or myself again - I will not hesitate to feed you to the demons or slay you myself." His eyes were hard, cold, and dead serious.
Tara swallowed nervously and nodded. She faced Kagome and said gratefully, "Thank you. I would like to travel with you for two reasons. One: You mentioned you are all seeking out Naraku and since my grandfather didn't succeed in destroying him like we had all thought, it's now my duty to do so in his stead. Two: It would be nice to have some female company."
Kagome smiled. "Welcome aboard Tara."
Bankotsu looked at Jakotsu and ordered, "Now take your new friend and get some sleep. We are heading out at day break."
Jakotsu nodded and lead Tara by the hand over to where they would be sleeping.
Bankotsu lay back down.
Fighting back the tears that were in her eyes, Kagome lay beside him smiling as she re-adjusted herself on his chest and whispered, "Thank you for letting her stay, Bankotsu."
Bankotsu smiled at Kagome. He laid his head back down and closed his eyes to rest after re-adjusting his arm around her waist.
Jakotsu laid out one of his blankets for Tara and the other for himself.
Tara blinked. "Thank you Jakotsu." She stared him and added, "For everything."
He stared her in the eye a moment and then nodded. "We really should get some sleep. Knowing big brother we are going to need it." He lay down on his side and closed his eyes and fell asleep.
After a few minutes Tara did the same. 'I still don't know why he's being so nice to me.' She thought, watching Jakotsu fall asleep. She closed her eyes and fell asleep feeling oddly safe, for the first time in ages.
Inuyasha had stayed perched in his tree. He frowned at this newest development. 'I wonder how the others will take the news in the morning?'
XOXOXOXOXOXO
Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is the improved chapter six. Please remember to read and review thanks.