InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Miko's Love Story. ❯ A Battle and A Secret ( Chapter 7 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

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 and all OC's. There. I said it. (sighs)

Chapter Seven:

A Battle and a Secret:

Bankotsu looked at the woman who was sleeping on him and smiled.

Kagome lay with her head on his broad chest and sleeping deeply.

Bankotsu felt his heart skip a beat as he scrutinized her face and noticed just how beautiful she really was, from her long thick lashes, to her creamy smooth skin. He laid there and just stared at her while she slept for a few minutes, trying to commit every detail to memory.

He absentmindedly rubbed his hand along her back and smiled when he felt her snuggle even closer into his chest. He laid there just enjoying holding her in his arms.

Inuyasha was up in his tree eyes narrowed, as he watched the young mercenary leader holding Kagome. Inuyasha felt his jealousy rising and began growling at the cocky teen human male, who seemed captivated by the miko's beauty.

Hearing the growls emitting from the tree, Bankotsu looked at the hanyou. Seeing the jealously clearly stamped all over Inuyasha, Bankotsu just smirked.

He leaned over and tenderly planted a kiss on the sleeping miko's forehead and whispered, "Time to get up Kagome."

Feeling soft lips on her forehead and hearing a deep voice whisper to her, Kagome slowly opened her eyes. As her eyes came in to focus, she found Bankotsu smiling at her with his forehead now leaning against hers.

She blushed lightly. "Morning Bankotsu," She mumbled, trying not to show her enjoyment.

He gave a small smile, sat up, and replied, "Morning beautiful, now it's time to get up and wake the others." He flashed her a sexy grin.

She realized he was flirting with her. Kagome's blushed deepened. She nodded and sat up.

Inuyasha jumped out of the tree. "Oi, keep your hands off of Kagome, you damn mercenary!" Amber eyes narrowed.

Blinking at the harshness of Inuyasha's tone, Kagome accepted Bankotsu's offer of a hand up. After getting to her feet, she faced Inuyasha. "Behave Inuyasha; it was just a simple kiss." She rolled her eyes at how Inuyasha was overreacting.

The blush on her face turned crimson and she turned away from them unable to believe she'd just defended Bankotsu for flirting with her.

Eyes narrowing further at the teenagers, Inuyasha snorted and then turned around and jumped back up into the tree.

Regaining some composure Kagome picked up, then folded her sleeping bag and blanket. She stored them in her enormous yellow bag. She faced the smirking Bankotsu, and said testily, "Okay, let's go wake them up."

Bankotsu nodded and grabbed her hand.

Kagome frowned. 'What on earth made me snap at Inuyasha like that?'

They walked around waking everyone up. As usual, they left Jakotsu next until last since he was so difficult to wake up.

Bankotsu kneeled beside his slumbering best friend and ordered firmly, "Time to get up Ja."

Jakotsu mumbled and rolled over ignoring him.

Bankotsu's jaw clenched. He heaved a heavy sigh and moved to slap him awake.

Kagome reached out stopping his hand and suggested, "Here, let me," She reached into her yellow bag.

Bankotsu nodded and lowered his hand before moving aside to allow her to kneel beside his friend.

Kagome pulled out her timer and placed it next to Jakotsu. She pushed a button and made it start ringing.

Jakotsu's jumped up into a fighting stance. His heart was pounding with fear and adrenaline."AH!"

Bankotsu laughed heartily. "I will have to remember that one Kagome."

Kagome grinned.

Jakotsu glared at her with his eyes promising retaliation. "How dare you, wench?" He moved toward her threateningly.

Bankotsu moved between them and warned, "Don't you even think about it, Jakotsu! She was nicer then I would have been. I would have just thrown you in the river again. Be grateful that her way worked instead."

Not one bit happy about the rude awakening, Jakotsu huffed and stomped off to go scrub his face. "Stupid, bothersome wench, how dare she disturb my beauty rest?" He mumbled as he cupped his hands.

Kagome kneeled beside Tara and gently shook her awake.

Tara's eyes snapped opened and she saw Kagome. She mumbled sleepily, "What do you want?"

Bankotsu announced, "You either get up and eat now, or don't whine about it later! We travel all day, most times without stopping."

He grabbed Kagome's elbow and led her over to the fire, where the others were sitting and smoking fish.

Kagome eyed the fish hesitantly.

Sango walked up handing her a bowl of nuts and berries.

Kagome accepted the bowl gratefully and sat down to eat.

Bankotsu munched on his smoked fish and berries and nuts.

Jakotsu walked over and sat beside Tara, after getting his food.

Once everyone finished eating, Bankotsu stood up. "Alright, as of last night we have a new member to the team. Tara will be joining us and Jakotsu will teach her what she needs to know."

Renkotsu, Miroku, Sango, and Shippo's jaws all dropped.

Bankotsu eyed each one in turn. "Anyone have any objections?"

Everyone shook their heads no.

Tara looked at Bankotsu and said, "As much as I hate to say this - you have done me a favor. If you hadn't have let me join, I would have to spend the rest of my life hiding out or marry that damn Daimyo's son. So, thank you."

Bankotsu nodded. Turning slightly to face both Jakotsu and Tara, he ordered, "Get your things! We leave in ten minutes so you had both better be ready."

Turning his back at their nods, he faced the remainder of the group. "That goes for all of you - now move!"

Everyone began collecting their belongings and went to stand by the fire after they were finished.

Tara warily eyed the group a she stood beside Jakotsu and waited to leave. She didn't trust any of them, but at least she felt somewhat comfortable with Jakotsu by her side. 'At least knowing I remind Jakotsu of his sister, who he obviously loved, I feel I should be safe enough with him around. Still don't trust him completely, but for now he's the best I've got.'

Bankotsu and Kagome gathered their belongings, then walked with their hands and fingers entwined; back over to the group.

They led the way out in the open this time.

Shippo stayed with Sango, instead of riding on Kagome's shoulder.

After a while Bankotsu glanced at the girl beside him. "So, what's the deal with you and that fox kit?"

Kagome blinked, surprised by the question. "Oh you mean Shippo?"

Bankotsu nodded awaiting an answer.

Kagome took a deep breath. "One day when Inuyasha and I were traveling together we had stopped in an old battlefield to eat, because he was hungry."

Bankotsu blinked and nodded. "Continue."

She nodded. "I cooked him some ramen and while he was eating, and I was telling him how insensitive he was for expecting me to eat there of all places, the sky darkened above us a balloon demanded the jewel shards and bit his head."

Bankotsu blinked again and then asked, "A balloon eh?"

She nodded and continued, "Shippo dug through my bag and stole my shards, so Inuyasha punched him on the head. I got my shards back and doctored Shippo's head, while he explained why he needed the shards."

Bankotsu nodded. 'I've already figured out she's the nurturing type.' He chuckled. "So even the tyke was after the shards eh?"

She nodded. "The thunder brothers had killed his father and he wanted to avenge his father's death." She sighed heavily. "Unfortunately it led to me getting kidnapped by them instead, and Inuyasha had to rescue me."

Bankotsu chuckled.

She elbowed his ribs, "It wasn't funny. That bald one even wanted to boil me into a hair tonic."

Bankotsu laughed.

She huffed and pulled her hand out of his.

Bankotsu sobered up and grabbed her hand encouraging, "Okay, okay, go on."

She scowled. "Anyways, after the thunder brothers were killed, Shippo started tagging along with us since he was an orphan."

Bankotsu listened intently then asked, "So Inuyasha didn't object at all?"

Kagome smiled and replied, "Of course not! After all, Shippo is just a child and has no one else."

"He is also a demon." Bankotsu reminded, as if that explained everything.

Kagome retorted, "Yeah, but a child none the less. I just couldn't just leave a child - demon or otherwise, to fend for himself while I was around. Besides, he's kinda become like a son to me."

Bankotsu blinked and then sighed heavily. "Well if he means that much to you, I suppose I can tolerate him being around."

Kagome smiled brightly. "Thank you!" She was really glad that he was willing to tolerate Shippo. 'Even Inuyasha barely tolerates poor Shippo.'

Bankotsu nodded and looked at her in awe. "You really are something, ya know? Not many humans would willingly take on a demon child and care for it as if it were their own."

Kagome beamed at his praise. "Shippo really is a sweetie and he tries so hard to help out."

Bankotsu nodded and squeezed her hand lightly.

She squeezed his hand too.

They continued walking, but this time in silence.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Kagome stopped dead in her tracks and looked at the man beside her.

He also stopped and raised a brow questioningly at her.

"I sense the sacred jewel!" she said.

Bankotsu's eyes widened at the obvious meaning. He nodded. "Climb on my back and hold on tight!"

Kagome wasted no time in dropping her bag and donning her bow. She snatched up her quiver of arrows jumped onto Bankotsu's back.

He stood up straight and raised his Banryu into the air, preparing to fight.

"Inuyasha, Bankotsu, there are three shards!"

Bankotsu and Inuyasha both nodded and turned to face where the small hoard of snake demons and one large bear like demon, were coming from.

The biggest of the snake demons hissed, "Give usss the jewel ssshardsss!"

Inuyasha smirked and he eyed the snake demons smugly. "You will have to take them!"

"Inuyasha, the snake that spoke has a jewel in its forehead!" Kagome yelled.

Inuyasha nodded and prepared to strike. Snake demons slithered towards the group and started attacking.

Kagome whispered, "Bankotsu, the bear demon has a shard in its forehead and one in the left paw, so be careful."

Bankotsu scoffed. "Just hold on tight, babe! I'll take that bear down no problem." He raised Banryu and jumped toward the bear, prepared to strike him down.

Kagome nervously nodded and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. 'Please don't let me fall off.' She squeezed her eyes shut.

Bankotsu hopped around. "Heh, you got to do better than that to touch me, big, dumb, and clumsy," he taunted the bear, so that it would strike. Banryu was in a ready position.

Jakotsu and Sango finished off the lower level snake demons that were striking at the group.

Unused to actually fighting demons, Tara stared wide eyed as she watched the group fight. She made sure to stay behind and to one side of Jakotsu, with her own swords drawn just in case.

Bankotsu jumped into the air spinning his blade and eyed the bear demon with pure malice in his eyes.

Without warning he came down out of the sky and quickly swung his Banryu, chopping the demon's left paw off. A deep evil chuckled rumbled from his chest. "That's one."

The bear demon roared angrily and growled, "You little bastard! I will kill you for this!"

With his eyes challenging the demon, Bankotsu smirked and said snidely, "You can try!"

The now enraged bear demon struck its right paw, claws first, towards the cocky human.

It was blocked by Banryu. Bankotsu smirked. "Wrong move bear," Bankotsu flicked his wrist and sliced the bear across the stomach.

Bankotsu stared at the bear and grinned.

The bear was writhing in pain, clutching its wounded stomach.

Kagome, who had noticed it was actually suffering, now grabbed her bow and aimed her arrow then let it loose. It struck the bear demon in the heart, purifying the demon and as its ashes floated away.

Bankotsu scowled. "I wanted to kill the bear," He pouted childishly.

Kagome jumped off of his back. "Well then next time don't take so long. I couldn't stand seeing it suffer," She glared at him for allowing the thing to suffer.

"Whatever," Bankotsu scoffed and rolled his eyes. 'Who does that stupid girl think she is? Cutting my fun short like that.' His eyes narrowed at her.

She walked over to the remains and picked up the jewel shard, with Bankotsu by her side.

They walked over to where the paw had been cut off.

She drove the tip of an arrow into the paw, purifying it and picked up the shard.

Inuyasha walked over with his shard and handed it to Kagome.

She instantly purified it. She pulled out her jar from around her neck, opened the bottle, dropping the jewel shards inside. She closed the lid and replaced the jar around her neck immediately.

Noticing that Inuyasha and Bankotsu had both been slightly injured, she gasped. "Sango, please get me my bag?"

Sango grabbed the yellow bag and carried it over to her. She deposited it at Kagome's feet.

Kagome faced Inuyasha with a stern glare. "You're injured, so don't you dare argue with me or else I will say 'it' Now lie down and let me tend your wounds."

Inuyasha huffed but did as told, knowing full well that she wasn't bluffing. "It's just a flesh wound Kagome; I don't need any damn bandages." His cheeks turned pink.

Kagome retorted, "I don't care Inuyasha. I'm not having it get infected, now sit still and stop complaining."

Inuyasha rolled his eyes mumbling to himself.

"Aw poor little doggy got in trouble. " Bankotsu chuckled. 'Wow she even gets the mutt to behave eh? This is fucking hilarious. I'll have to remember this for later.'

Inuyasha glared at the teen and growled, cheeks still pink. He looked at Kagome, "Damnit, enough already."

Once she had finished tending Inuyasha, she turned to Bankotsu. "You will be okay for now, but after we bathe - you're next!"

Bankotsu scowled. "Whatever. Everybody move out!" He drug Kagome along behind him by the hand, not happy with her being bossy with him.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Just before sun set they came across a fairly decent camping spot, with a spring nearby spring.

Bankotsu raised a hand signaling for everyone to stop. He faced them. "Alright this is where we will camp tonight. Ja, Ren, you two have hunting. Monk, slayer, you two collect the water. Kagome, you and I will get the wood." He smacked his hands sending everyone to their duties.

Bankotsu and Kagome began collecting fire wood.

Jakotsu and Renkotsu went hunting.

Tara sat with her back against a tree and awaited Jakotsu's return. 'I hope he gets back soon.' She shifted in her spot tapping her ginger on her bent knee.

Sango and Miroku carried some buckets over to the river and collected the water and carried them back to camp.

After collecting enough fire wood for the night, Kagome and Bankotsu knelt down in the middle of the determined camp site.

Bankotsu built a fire.

Kagome began preparing the pot.

After the fire was going good and strong Kagome filled the pot two-thirds of the way full of water, and added some herbs.

Bankotsu lifted the pot and set up over the fire to boil.

Jakotsu and Renkotsu returned from hunting, carrying two big boars each.

Jakotsu cut them up, then rinsed the meat, and dropped it into the pot.

While everyone waited for the stew to cook Bankotsu decided they would bathe.

"Nobody better follow us," he ordered.

"That's means you too Inuyasha," Kagome warned.

Bankotsu and Kagome walked over to the hot springs to bathe.

Clearly not happy about things, Inuyasha glared at their retreating backs. He sat pouting beside Sango, Miroku, and Shippo.

Renkotsu, Jakotsu, and Tara sat off to the other side of the fire, staring into the fire.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

They had arrived at the hot spring.

Bankotsu embedded his Banryu deeply into the earthen soil before he began undressing.

Kagome also undressed; leaving her bra and panties on to act like a swim suit.

They sat her bow and arrows on the rock within easy reach. They slipped into the water, sitting beside one another.

Kagome took a deep breath. "Um Bankotsu, I need to return home for a while, so that I can stock up on the medical supplies and stuff." She held her breath and nervously awaited his response.

He frowned and after a minute of silence, questioned, "Where exactly are you from, anyways? Your kimono is much too short and indecent to be from around here. Plus, all of those weird things that you have, like that ramen food, and those fire sticks." He stared at her waiting for her answer.

Kagome sighed heavily. 'Should I tell him or not…? He's bound to find out sooner or later and I really do need more supplies…' Mind made up, she looked him dead in the eye."I am not from around here... in fact, I come from the future."

Bankotsu blinked and looked at her like she was crazy. "Explain," he demanded.

Kagome took a deep breath. "I travel through the bone eaters well in order to get from my time to yours. That is why I have so many things you have never seen before. In your time, they don't even exist yet."

Bankotsu frowned because he could sense nothing but honesty coming from her. 'The look in her eyes is nothing but honest too.'

Bankotsu sighed. 'So she's from a different time, eh? Well it would explain a lot, like those weird things she carries and maybe her strange kimono. But time travel… is it even possible?'

Kagome sighed and stared at her hands in her lap. 'Did he believe me? Or did he think I was lying?' Her breath hitched and her hands pressed together tightly. 'I guess it's a lot for him to take in. After all it's not every day someone tells you they are from a completely different time…'

After a long silence, he looked at the young woman beside him. "So, how do we get there?"

Kagome felt relief wash over her and exhaled a long sigh. "We will need to head back to Inuyasha's forest and enter the well." She stared into his eyes. "I am not certain if you will be allowed through or not, but we have to try."

At his wavering look, she added, "It has been a couple of months since I went back and my mother, brother, and grandfather will become very worried if I don't return soon. Plus, I need to restock on the medicines, bandages, and ramen."

He pondered it a few more minutes and nodded. "We will give it a shot, but if it doesn't work - then we have to hunt for Naraku."

She nodded saying gratefully, "Thank you for understanding." She leaned over and kissed his cheek.

His eyes widened at the unexpected kiss, but inside he smirked. He nodded and queried, "And if we can make it through, what will we tell your family about us?" He stared into her eyes with seriousness in his blue ones.

Kagome sighed heavily locking gazes with him. "We will just to tell my mother the truth."

Bankotsu shook his head. "No! We will just tell them that we are married." At her frown, he explained, "I don't want any more people knowing about our situation. The less people who know about it, the less likely it will be for any unnecessary trouble." He finished staring at her adamantly.

'Well… he does have a point.' Kagome nodded. "Very well, but mama will be so disappointed that I didn't mention anything to her beforehand." Sadness tinged her voice.

"We can also tell them that you are very protective of me, for why we stay beside each other."

Bankotsu nodded his agreement and then stood up, holding out a hand.

They washed each others hair and quickly scrubbed their bodies.

He helped her up. They climbed out of the water and began dressing. They gathered their weapons and belongings then walked back to camp.

"What do we tell the others?" She asked curiously. She added, "Inuyasha, Sango, Miroku, and Shippo already know."

Bankotsu snorted and reminded, "Maybe, but Ja Ren and Tara don't. Let's keep it that way for now, just to be safe."

She blinked and nodded.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

They reached the camp, still holding hands. Bankotsu and Kagome sat and ate with everyone else.

After dinner Bankotsu and Kagome stood up.

Bankotsu announced, "Tomorrow we will start heading back to Inuyasha's forest."

Sango gasped and stared at her friend. She chewed her lower lip and asked, "Uh, Kagome?"

Kagome nodded, confirming her friend's unspoken question. "He knows, and I need to re-stock supplies."

Sango eyes widened in shock and she slowly nodded.

Shippo sent his motherly figure big pleading eyes. "Can you bring me back some candy?"

Kagome chuckled and nodded.

Inuyasha roared, "Are you insane? How the hell, could you tell him about that?" He stared at her like she had lost her mind.

Kagome snapped, "He would have found out sooner or later and like I said, I have to re-stock!" She glared hard at Inuyasha. "It is my choice to tell him or not, Inuyasha! And I decided he has the right to know."

Renkotsu looked confused. "What is going on here?" he demanded, not liking being left out of the loop.

Not happy about being kept in the dark either, Jakotsu and Tara also asked the same.

Bankotsu narrowed his eyes. "All that you need to know - is Kagome and I will be leaving for a while to get more supplies." He glared from one member to the next.

The trio gulped nervously and nodded their heads, before looking away.

Renkotsu scowled. 'Damnit now what is that little brat up to?'

Jakotsu pouted. 'Whatever it is must be really important for him to keep something from us. What is he thinking?'

Tara frowned. 'Damn why so secretive? Obviously Inuyasha and his friends know whatever it is they are talking about, but Bankotsu doesn't want anyone else knowing? Why?' She stared over at Jakotsu and blinked. 'He's pouting?' She shook her head.

Tara leaned over and whispered, "Hey Jakotsu, do you know why they are keeping something from us?"

Jakotsu sighed and whispered, "Whatever it is, big brother must have a good solid reason for not telling us."

She frowned.

Jakotsu assured, "I've been traveling with him for many years and he only does what is best for the whole group. When he does keep stuff from us, it's because it's safest for everyone not to know."

She sighed and drummed her fingers on her thigh. 'Damnit, I don't like being kept out of the loop!' She rehashed her conversation with Jakotsu and sighed heavily. 'If Jakotsu isn't worried, then I guess it can't be too bad.'

Not about to just let things drop, Inuyasha glared at the mercenary leader. "She should never have told you! How do we know that you won't use it against us or kill her family?" Furious amber eyes locked on furious blue ones.

Bankotsu gritted his teeth and ground out, "Why would I do that when I know that it would turn Kagome against me?" His fist clenched. 'I'm getting sick of this damned mutt, questioning my authority in matters including Kagome.'

Kagome stood between them and narrowed her eyes at her hanyou friend. "Inuyasha! Bankotsu would have no reason to do any such thing! He is not as stupid as you seem to think."

Bankotsu's eyes widened. 'She's defending me?' He watched as Kagome and Inuyasha got in each other's faces.

Bankotsu placed a hand on her shoulder. "Enough!" he ordered, moving her protectively behind him. "Leave Kagome alone," He glared at Inuyasha with challenge in his eyes.

Inuyasha growled in frustration and jumped into a tree to sulk. 'Stupid girl, what the hell was she thinking telling him that?'

Bankotsu faced the rest of the group. "Now everyone get to sleep! We are leaving before sun up." He glowered hatefully at Inuyasha. 'Just because I'm a mercenary, doesn't mean I have no honor, stupid hanyou.'

Sango stared at her silent friend a minute. 'I sure hope you know what you're doing Kagome.' She pulled out her blanket and laid Hiraikotsu beside her. Wrapping an arm around her weapon and tossing a leg over it, she closed her eyes.

Kirara mewed and curled up by her head.

'Lady Kagome isn't known to make a decision without carefully weighing the possible consequences... Still, I can only wonder why she would tell him such an important and potentially dangerous secret.' Miroku laid his staff next to him and stretched out. 'Sango my dear, your ass looks mighty inviting…' His lips tilted at a corner and he reached out.

"Hentai!" A loud slap reverberated in the air.

Sango reversed position so that Hiraikotsu was between her and the monk and she glared at him.

Miroku rubbed his heated cheek fondly. "Goodnight my dear Sango."

She snorted and closed her eyes. 'Damn him.'

Jakotsu and Tara pulled out their blankets and settled in for the night.

Renkotsu slept against a rock.

"Stupid monk never learns." Bankotsu muttered, unimpressed by his antics.

Kagome nodded wholeheartedly agreeing.

'Speaking of learning… I'm not going anywhere until I know what to expect.' Bankotsu led Kagome away from the others and then faced her with his arms crossed over his chest. "Now, tell me what to be prepared for."

Kagome nodded. "Well mama, will be disappointed, but kind. She will likely spoil you with food as well. Souta my brother will likely idolize you, because of the fact that you are strong and get to fight demons."

Bankotsu chuckled.

"Grandpa will likely slap some sutras on you, and try to exorcise you." Kagome finished, with a laugh at the end.

Bankotsu looked puzzled and asked, "Why would he try to do that?"

Kagome explained, "Because he is convinced, that everyone besides me who comes through the well, is a demon. He is a bit...well unusual to say the least." She shrugged.

Bankotsu sighed heavily and nodded. "Anything else I need to know?"

She shook her head no.

They settled in for the night, with his back against a tree and her head on his shoulder. Banryu was lying beside him, with a hand on its hilt.

XOXOXOXOXOXO

After three days of traveling, they reached their destination.

Kagome and Bankotsu left to explain things to Kaede.

When they returned to the group, Bankotsu ordered, "I want everyone to just stay put. Kagome and I will be back in a few days." Glaring poignantly at his men he added, "And no killing!"

Jakotsu huffed. "This sucks." He sat down sulking.

Tara blinked and sat near Jakotsu.

Renkotsu sighed and nodded.

Bankotsu and Kagome left and approached the well.

Kagome took his hand and squeezed it. "Let's hope this works."

Bankotsu nodded nervously and entwined their fingers. Bankotsu's breath hitched and his eyes widened. 'Here goes nothing.' Banryu rested on his shoulder, and he gripped the hilt tighter.

Kagome's yellow bag was on her back. 'Please let this work.'

They took a deep breath and jumped into the well.

XOXOXOXOXOXO

Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is the improved chapter seven. Please remember to read and review thanks.