InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Miko's Love Story. ❯ Fuedal Era and Modern Era ( Chapter 8 )

[ 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 Tara. There. I said it. (sighs)

Chapter Eight:

Feudal Era and Modern Era:

Inuyasha paced angrily, with his hands shoved in his haori sleeves. 'How dare they tell me not to follow?' He sent Kagome and Bankotsu's retreating backs a sharp glare. He growled pulling a handful of his own hair in frustration.

Kagome and Bankotsu leapt into the well.

Snorting Inuyasha bounded off into the woods to vent.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Renkotsu was sitting alone outside of Kaede's village. He rubbed his chin. 'Hm, well obviously Bankotsu is keeping something from us! What could it be?' His fist clenched and struck his thigh. 'No doubt that priestess is going to be Bankotsu's number one weakness now. I should find a way to kill her, so that he will be out of my way as well, but how?'

He stared around at the open field and scowled. 'I must find a way before it's too late!'

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Sango and Miroku were sitting with Kaede and Shippo, inside her hut.

Jakotsu and Tara were sitting away from the group, but still listening intently to their conversation.

With worried eyes, Sango asked, "Miroku, do you think she will be safe with him?"

"My guess is that he will protect her with his life," Miroku replied, lightly squeezing Sango's hand.

Jakotsu snorted and glared at the demon slayer. "Of course she will! Bankotsu isn't going to let anything happen to that wench."

Kaede frowned. "Inuyasha does not seem himself lately. I fear ye may have trouble lying ahead."

"Do you think Inuyasha is okay with all of this?" Sango questioned, while looking at Miroku.

Miroku shook his head. "No, I don't. It's obvious that he has feelings for Kagome, but doesn't want to admit it. Although... his silence lately… quite frankly it concerns me," He looked at her with worried eyes.

Sango nodded. "Yeah, it's really not like him at all." She queried, "Miroku, you don't think Inuyasha would actually hurt Kagome?" Sango's voice trembled slightly as she quietly added in, "Do you?"

Miroku sighed heavily. "Not intentionally, no. But then again, Inuyasha can be a bit of a hot head at times - especially when it comes to Kagome," he shrugged.

Eyes full of asked, "Why would Inuyasha have feelings for another man's wife?" She frowned. 'And why do I get the feeling that these two aren't telling us everything?'

Miroku sighed heavily. "It's sort of complicated."

Eyes dead serious, Jakotsu informed them, "Bankotsu wouldn't hesitate to attack Inuyasha, if he harmed or even tries to harm Kagome."

XOXOXOXOXOXO

Bankotsu and Kagome were surrounded by a bluish white light.

Kagome felt relief wash over her, as she felt the familiar warmth envelope them.

Bankotsu, however, had wide eyes and held his breath nervously. 'Does this mean it actually worked?' He swallowed nervously and clenched his jaw. 'This had better not lead to trouble.'

The light disappeared and they touched bottom.

Kagome looked above her head and saw the familiar roof. She smiled.

Bankotsu looked up and frowned. 'I don't remember that being there before… if fact, I'm sure it wasn't.'

With a smile gracing her features, Kagome announced happily, "It worked!"

Bankotsu's brows furrowed. "How can you tell?"

Kagome pointed above them. "That's the roof to the well house. Come on," She grabbed his hand. Excitement at making it through was evident in her voice.

He nodded and placed Banryu on his back, tying his red obi around it and across his chest.

Kagome's jaw dropped. 'I didn't know he could do that.'

He scooped her into his arms.

She blinked and then wrapped her arms around his shoulders, holding on tight.

Pushing squatting and pushing his legs against the bottom, he jumped out of the well.

Once he landed firmly on the ground, he placed Kagome gently on her feet.

She blushed at how his arm muscles flexing while he held her had felt. "Uh, thank you."

He nodded and grabbed her hand and then looked around at his surroundings.

He saw and heard many things that he didn't recognize. Bankotsu's senses were on high alert. He tilted his head every now and then as of trying to figure out what something was.

His eyes carefully scanned the area and he noticed a kid a little way off. His hands remained ready in case he needed to grab Banryu at any given moment.

Kagome turned her whole body in front of Bankotsu's, so she could look him directly in the eyes. She watched as his eyes widened as he looked over their surroundings.

While looking at her smiling face and then back at their surroundings, he asked, "You mean you live here?" His eyes were scanning for any plausible dangers.

Kagome sent him a big smile. "Yes, I do." Kagome looked at her home and then at Bankotsu and said proudly, "Welcome to my home, Bankotsu."

She turned serious. "Listen, you are not in Feudal Japan anymore. You are in the future where demons do not exist, and people are not allowed to carry around a weapon."

His spine stiffened and he snorted. 'Just let them try and take Banryu from me and watch what happens... It won't be pretty.' The muscle beside his jaw ticked. 'I'll be damned if anyone takes my weapon from me.'

She cupped his cheek and forced him to look into her eyes. "Bankotsu, you have to promise me that you will not hurt anybody here."

Bankotsu opened his mouth to say something, but was cut off.

Souta had been playing with his soccer ball when he noticed a strange man by his sister, holding a huge weapon. He ran up with wide eyes. "Hey Kagome," he greeted his sister. He pointed at Bankotsu. "Who's he?"

Kagome smiled affectionately. "Hi Souta. This is Bankotsu." She looked at Bankotsu and introduced, "This is my little brother, Souta."

Souta blinked as his eyes glued to Banryu. "Wow! Is that thing real?" His eyes were full of shock and awe.

Bankotsu eyed the kid and replied evenly, "Sure is, kid." He was somewhat expecting this, but it was still weird to have a stranger asking him questions.

Souta's eyes lit with happiness as he exclaimed excitedly, "Oh, wow! Can I hold it?"

"Not this time, kid."

Souta's smile fell.

Bankotsu chuckled and explained, "It can actually be quite heavy."

Souta's eyes filled with adoration. "You must be really strong then, huh?"

Bankotsu puffed out his chest and answered proudly, "I am very strong!"

Souta started bombarding Bankotsu with questions.

Bankotsu's shoulders stiffened. 'I hate being questioned. How do I get rid of him without offending Kagome?'

Kagome picked up on his being tense, and reached over to hold Bankotsu's hand as a means to comfort and relax him. "Looks like someone has just found a new hero to idolize," Kagome chuckled.

Kagome's Grandpa walked up and with wide eyes. "Don't worry, Kagome, I will save you from that demon!" He quickly slapped a sutra on Bankotsu's forehead. "Demon, be gone!"

Surprised by the unusual event, Bankotsu's eyes widened. 'This must be the old geezer she warned me about.'

Kagome looked at him and began giggling.

The Shichinintai leader looked up, then reached up his hand and ripped off the offending paper. He said nonchalantly, "Well, damn. Now my hair is sticky." He sighed and stared at the old man. 'Well she did warn me that he'd do something like this.'

Kagome couldn't contain her giggles anymore and burst out in a giggle fit.

Bankotsu's cerulean eyes narrowed at the giggling girl. He slapped the sticky paper on the top of Kagome's head, with amusement dancing in his eyes. "Ha, how do you like it?"

Kagome stopped laughing and reached up to remove the offending object. After carefully prying the sticky paper out of her hair, Kagome crumpled it in her hand.

She faced her grandfather. "Grandpa, he is not a demon. He is a human just like you and me. You can't exorcise him." She huffed with a hand on her hip and added, "Besides, he is my new friend and comrade."

Grandpa blinked, and then coldly eyed Bankotsu.

The teenager was trying to make his bangs look at least half-normal again. They were all stuck together because of the glue on the back of the paper.

Grandpa faced Kagome. "Fine, but if he tries anything, I will send that demon to hell!" His face was red with anger.

Bankotsu stopped fiddling with his hair and smirked. "Ha, just try it!" He challenged facing the old man with his chest puffed out. 'I can't this weak old geezer anytime.'

Glaring at the teenager Kagome scolded, "Bankotsu, be nice!" She faced her grandpa. "That goes for you too, grandpa!"

Both males harrumphed.

Kagome took Bankotsu by the hand and lead him into the door. "You can wash your forehead in the sink."

He frowned but allowed her to lead him towards this thing she called a 'sink'.

Kagome's mother Sora was making lunch when she heard her daughter's voice. She turned around smiling and greeted happily, "Kagome dear, it's nice to have you back again."

She hugged her daughter, who fondly returned the hug.

Sora smiled. "And who is this?" She pointed to Bankotsu.

Kagome smiled. "Mama, this is my new friend Bankotsu. He is also one of my new comrades."

"Welcome to our home, Bankotsu," Sora smiled. She winked at Kagome. "He's a cute one."

Kagome promptly blushed at her mother's words. "Mama!"

Sora laughed. "What were you talking about needing the sink for?"

"Grandpa did his usual thing," Kagome explained. "Bankotsu's forehead is now sticky and so is mine."

"Oh dear," Sora frowned. 'Father just isn't making a good impression these days. I'll have to talk to him about this later.'

Grandpa walked in. His eyes widened in shock when his daughter scolded him.

"Papa, leave Kagome and her friend be - and no more exorcising!"

Sora turned to Bankotsu. "I'm sorry dear, forgive my father. I'm afraid that he sees demons everywhere these days."

Bankotsu grunted and shifted uncomfortably from all this un-needed attention. "It's okay."

Kagome led him by the hand over to the sink and turned the water on for him.

His eyes widened in shock as he watched the water fall.

Kagome explained, "It's what people in my time call plumbing. Don't worry, its safe - watch, I will go first if you want."

She proceeded to wet, and then lather her hair and rinsed it.

Bankotsu frowned and then sighed. 'I might as well get this over with.' He leaned over the sink like he had seen her do.

Kagome quickly helped Bankotsu wash his hair.

Mama went to retrieve towels and handed them to Kagome and Bankotsu.

Kagome dried her hair and then helped Bankotsu dry his.

Sora handed Kagome some pants, a shirt, and some clean underwear that Inuyasha normally used. "Here Kagome dear, your friend can use these while he is here."

Kagome nodded, accepting the clothes with a smile. "Thanks, mama!"

Spotting the ring on her daughter's finger Sora gasped. "Is that a ring on your finger, Kagome dear?"

"Um yeah about that…" Kagome inhaled a deep breath and faced her mother. "Bankotsu and I are -"

Staring at the older woman, Bankotsu cut in smoothly, "We're engaged."

Sora's eyes widened and her breath hitched. 'Engaged?' She blinked a few times as the announcement sunk in. Once the shock faded away Sora smiled. "Are you happy Kagome?"

Taking Bankotsu's hand, Kagome smiled. "Yes mama."

Bankotsu squeezed her hand in silent reassurance. He stared at the older woman and smiled, trying to charm her into accepting their explanation. "Don't be mad, I just couldn't wait to ask Kagome."

Sora grinned. "I've expected this for a while now Kagome. I just didn't know who it would be." She looked at her daughter. "Thank you for bringing him home to meet the family." Sora turned to Bankotsu. "Welcome to the family, son."

Bankotsu smiled. "Thanks ma'am." He pulled Kagome closer to him and watched her blush. 'That was easier than I expected, but at least she bought it - without a ton of questions.'

"Sora, or mom will do fine." Sora smiled turning back to the stove. "Lunch will be finished in a few minutes."

Bankotsu nodded.

Souta ran over and stuck out his hand. "Wow! I can't believe it sis; you picked a good and strong one!"

Bankotsu smirked and shook the kid's hand. "Hai she did," he agreed, eating it up as she blushed deeper.

Grandpa walked over and eyed the man beside his granddaughter suspiciously. "You had better treat her good, boy."

Bankotsu snorted and narrowed his eyes. "Who does this old fart think he is talking to me like that?'

To avoid a fight breaking out, Kagome assured, "He does grandpa, in fact he won't let anyone even try to hurt me. Right Ban?"

The warrior simply grunted in acknowledgment, still glaring at the old man who spoke to him in such a manner.

"Come on, you can change in my room." Kagome led Bankotsu by the hand up to her room and placed her yellow bag by the foot of her bed.

After scanning the room, Bankotsu gently placed Banryu against the wall and removed his armor placing it next to his Banryu.

He faced Kagome. "So why am I changing and where?" He eyed the strange clothes uneasily. 'Not sure I'm going to like these.' He sighed.

"These clothes will help you blend in while you are here," Kagome explained. "And you can change here, I will just turn around."

Bankotsu smirked. "What? Are you afraid to see a naked man?" He teased trying to get a rise out of her, and to cover up his own uneasiness.

Kagome blushed and snapped, "Just get changed."

He chuckled and shed his clothes, and held up the ones he was supposed to change into. After a minute of inspecting them, he pulled on the strange clothes.

He smirked as he noticed Kagome was still facing away. He moved over to her ear, and whispered, "I'm changed now."

She startled and whirled on him, glaring sternly. "Bankotsu…"

He chuckled and stared into her eyes. "What?"

Kagome sighed. "Come on, lunch should be done by now."

They walked back downstairs and into the kitchen.

Seeing them enter, Sora suggested, "Well everyone, sit and then we can eat."

Everyone sat at the table.

Sora placed their plates in front of them.

Everyone ate their food.

Bankotsu said, "Thanks for the food, it really hit the spot!"

Sora beamed. "I'm glad you liked it, Bankotsu." She asked, "So, how long are you two going to be here for?"

Unsure himself Bankotsu said, "Well I..."

"About four days Mama, then we have to go back. Right, Bankotsu?" Kagome cut in, looking at Bankotsu.

"Sure," he added, with mischief dancing in his blue eyes. 'I sure love to tease her and watch her blush. It's rather cute.' He blinked at his own thoughts.

"Mama, I'm going to show Bankotsu around a bit," Kagome announced. She led him by the hand into the living room.

Kagome explained what the TV was and how it worked, then took him around the kitchen and explained everything in there to him.

Bankotsu's eyes widened as he eagerly took in all the new information. 'This future place sure has a lot of gadgets… even Renkotsu would be amazed.'

The door bell rang.

Sora had just started the laundry. She answered the door and yelled, "Kagome dear, you have a visitor!"

Kagome and Bankotsu walked over to the door.

Kagome gasped in shock. "Hojo, what are you doing here?" She asked. Nervousness and surprise both showed in her brown eyes. Her heart pounded against her chest. 'Oh no, please don't let these two do anything stupid.'

Bankotsu's eyes narrowed as jealousy began to creep up on him, until he sized up the boy. 'Ha! This kid is no threat to me. I could snap his neck in an instant.'

Bankotsu noticed the boy's eyes widened as he looked at him. Bankotsu smirked. 'Look at that pathetic boy. I'm surprised he hasn't already wet himself.'

The boy began to shift nervously, feeling the other male's eyes on him. Hojo stared at Kagome. "I uh, heard that you were feeling better."

'So he has a crush on her, eh?' Bankotsu smirked and stood beside Kagome. He lifted a hand and started playing with her hair.

Kagome blinked and tried to ignore the slight tingling where Bankotsu was touching her hair. She stared at Hojo, trying hard not to get distracted by what the mercenary was doing.

"It's um, nice of you to come by and check on me, Hojo," She said with a small smile.

Bankotsu wrapped one arm around Kagome's waist possessively and nuzzled his face into the side of her neck.

Feeling a bit rattled, Hojo looked at his feet. "I was wondering if you... uh... wanted to, um..."

Kagome's breath hitched and she felt her cheeks heat up, as Bankotsu seductively nibbled her ear lobe. She tried to pay attention to what Hojo was saying, but her mind had something else occupying it.

'Damn this feels so good.' She bit her lower lip to hold back a moan as Bankotsu's teeth raked against her earlobe, before lightly clamping on the tender flesh. His tongue soon trailed along her flap of skin again.

Hojo looked at Kagome and saw what was happening. His eyes widened. Feeling like he was some kind of voyeur Hojo quickly looked down at the ground, blushing red as a tomato.

Bankotsu noticed the boy blushing and inwardly smirked. 'You're way out of your league going against me kid.'

Kagome sighed in pleasure and she closed her eyes as a murmur escaped past her lips. "Mm."

'Heh, she's moaning already, eh? Then let's kick this up a notch.' Bankotsu's mouth left her ear to place a sweet wet kiss against her neck. He slowly kissed his way over to the corner of her lips.

Kagome was very much enjoying his kisses and turned to kiss his lips, completely forgetting all about Hojo.

Bankotsu smirked. 'Gotcha,' He captured her lips in a tender kiss and began running his hands up and down her back slowly, pushing her closer to his body.

Kagome's senses were fully awakened by his soft caresses. She turned fully into Bankotsu and wrapped her arms around his neck. She kissed him passionately.

Bankotsu continued his sensual assault for a minute. Slowly he broke the kiss, smiling in satisfaction at her closed eyes, flushed face, and slightly swollen lips.

Hojo stood there looking at the ground, still blushing fiercely.

Kagome's mind cleared from her passion induced fog and her eyes slowly opened. She turned to see Hojo. Her eyes widened. 'Oh I forgot he was even there.' She fought a blush and introduced, "Oh um Hojo... This is Bankotsu."

"Um... I... ah... gotta go," Hojo said and turned around. He walked away quickly, still blushing like mad.

Bankotsu inwardly smirked in satisfaction at having chased the weak boy away. ''Pathetic… I didn't even have to say a word to him or touch him.'

Kagome whirled to face Bankotsu.

He raised a brow questioningly and asked evenly, "Hojo, huh?"

"Bankotsu…" Kagome scolded. "What the hell were you thinking?" She glared at him for his little stunt.

Bankotsu grinned innocently at her and shrugged.

"Oh well, at least he left," Kagome mumbled. She huffed while closing the door. She walked over to the couch and sat down.

Bankotsu followed her.

After a minute of silence, she looked at him and questioned softly, "Why did you kiss me?"

He shrugged nonchalantly. "Because I felt like it," was his only reply.

Kagome's eyes widened and she thought, 'He felt like?' Not sure what to think or say about that, she sighed heavily and dropped the conversation.

Bankotsu smirked and looked at her puzzled expression. 'Sometimes she really is too innocent. Whatever at least that kid is out of the way and won't be back anytime soon.' He settled into a more comfortable position on the couch and closed his eyes relaxing.

XOXOXOXOXO

That night at bed time, Kagome led Bankotsu up to her room and shut the door.

Bankotsu sat beside her on the bed. "I'm curious how exactly you ended up in my time to begin with?"

Kagome explained all about the well, Mistress Centipede, and how she had first come into the Feudal era. She also explained when and how she first met Inuyasha, Miroku, and Sango.

Bankotsu said, "I see. And the Wolf… what's his name?"

She answered softly, "Kouga."

He nodded. "Explain about him."

She proceeded to tell him all about Kouga kidnapping her and proclaiming her his woman.

'Hm so that's why he was such a pest earlier.' Finding the tale quite amusing, Bankotsu laughed. "I see."

Kagome sighed. "I keep telling Kouga I am not his woman, but he just doesn't listen." She yawned. "Well, fair is fair, so now tell me about you."

Bankotsu blinked. "What about me?" he moved to stand on his feet, growling a tad uncomfortable.

She asked hesitantly, "Do you have any family?"

Bankotsu stood quiet for a moment before replying. "I've got the guys," he answered bitterly looking away from Kagome.

He sighed heavily. "Now there is only us three left. Damn, it's my fault, that they were killed again too. I should have been there to protect them," he added, his hand unconsciously making a fist.

Kagome's features were sad. "I'm sorry to hear that." She blinked and felt tears slide down her cheeks.

Bankotsu looked at her and noticed her tears. "Hey, a girl as beautiful as you shouldn't mar her cheeks with tear stains," he said softy, as he gently wiped her tears away.

She stared him in the face. "I'm sorry."

His face spread into a small smile as he said softly, "Don't worry about it. It happened a long time ago. Now let's get some sleep, 'k?"

She nodded and they lay down with her head snuggled against his chest.

He ran his long tanned fingers through her hair and watched her slip off to sleep.

He sighed as he wrapped his arms around her and then drifted off to sleep his self.

Later that night Bankotsu had a dream.

XOXOXOXOXOXO - - DREAM SEQUENCE - - XOXOXOXOXO

Fog surrounded Kagome's dream body, slipping into the dream unseen and unnoticed by any party. She could vividly see and feel everything that was happening, but she couldn't talk or call out, and she couldn't move as she watched the events unfold in horror and shock. What shocked her most though were the feelings that assaulted her, and a foreboding sense of a powerful evil present…

XOXOXOXO

Bankotsu was just a child and his three years older brother was with him. They were playing in the forest when they heard a noise.

Bankotsu looked at his brother. "Ryori, what do you think it is?" His eyes were wide and his heart beat rapidly against his chest.

Ryori placed a hand on Bankotsu's shoulder. "I don't know, Bankotsu. Let's return to the village, okay?"

Bankotsu nodded and they started heading towards their village. Just before they exited the trees, they heard a loud crash behind them.

Looking back they found that a man had followed them. He glared at them with blood red eyes.

Ryori yelled, "Come on Bankotsu, run!"

Bankotsu snapped out of his trance and ran with his brother. They made it to just outside the village before the beast, which somehow took the form of a tiger, pounced on Ryori, knocking him to the ground.

Terrified for his brother's safety, Bankotsu screamed, "Ryori, no!"

The beast once again transformed in a man, but this time with fangs. "Now I will have you and your strength!" he said. He sank his fangs into Ryori.

Ryori screamed in agony.

Bankotsu's heart felt like it was racing so fast it might fly out of his chest. Bankotsu watched in horror as a light engulfed his brother and the beast. He heard a wicked chuckle before the light faded away.

Ryori stood up with crimson eyes and bared his fangs. He snarled, "Now for my revenge," and ran into the village.

Eyes wide, Bankotsu ran over to the village trying to warn everyone but they wouldn't listen to him.

Using his new body and powers, the beast, quickly destroyed the village, slaughtering everyone but Bankotsu.

Bankotsu was frozen in place and watched in horror as his brother's body slaughtered the village. Not noticing Bankotsu hidden in the shadow of one of the broken huts, the beast faded away into the night.

After his little heart stopped pounding so hard his chest hurt, Bankotsu crawled over to his parents' bodies. His eyes widened when they refused to open their eyes, no matter how hard he shook them.

He noticed their chests weren't moving, and saw terribly deep wounds across their stomachs with something sticking out of them. His eyes widened and tears filled his eyes as he tried to push whatever was coming out of them back inside. "Mama, Papa, wake up, please, you have to wake up..."

He sniffled and noticed deep wounds on their legs, and arms .He laid his head on their chest and cried since he was only ten years old and knew that he was all alone. "No!" his heart wrenching cry filled the air.

XOXOXOXOXO - - END DREAM SEQUENCE - - XOXOXOXOXO

Kagome was ripped out of the nightmare and woke with her heartbeat ramming against her chest.

Bankotsu jumped awake to a sitting position with his heartbeat racing with fear and a deep sadness in his eyes.

Eyes wide with fear and shock, Kagome asked, "What... what was that?"

Bankotsu sighed heavily and then blinked, staring at her. "What are you talking about?"

Kagome replied softly, "What I just saw. It had red eyes…"

Bankotsu whirled to face her. "What did you just see?" He demanded with hard eyes.

Kagome answered sadly, "You and some person named Ryori."

Bankotsu's eyes widened in shock and he demanded evenly, "How do you know that name?"

"From whatever it was that I just saw. You and some guy named Ryori were in a forest running away from... something with red eyes... It attacked that Ryori guy..." Kagome replied eyes deeply saddened.

Bankotsu's eyes widened and his hands fisted. "You saw that, huh?"

Kagome nodded and moved to sit so that they were facing each other.

Bankotsu sighed heavily.

"Bankotsu, tell me what that was," she softly said, as she lightly squeezed his fisted hand.

Bankotsu turned his face away from hers, and then whispered, "A memory."

Kagome's eyes widened and she breathed, "That was real?"

Bankotsu sighed heavily and said bitterly, "Yeah."

Kagome looked him dead in the eye. "Please Bankotsu, tell me what happened."

"You said you saw it, what more do you want?" he snapped, and his eyes narrowed.

"Bankotsu, it's obviously bothering you, so why not talk about it?" Kagome said with concern in her voice and eyes.

Bankotsu scowled and replied angrily, "It's not something I normally talk about." His fist punched his open palm, "In fact, Jakotsu is the only person I have ever told," he added softly while looking away.

Kagome reached out and turned his head to face her. She reminded him softly, "I saw the dream, Bankotsu. Ryori was obviously trying to protect you from whatever that thing was."

Bankotsu's eyes filled with pain. "Leave it alone, Kagome, it doesn't concern you!"

She whispered, "That's where you're wrong, Bankotsu. You are my friend and what I saw was not 'nothing to be concerned' about."

Bankotsu sighed heavily and ran a hand through his bangs.

Kagome said concerned, "Whatever that was, Bankotsu, I saw it attack Ryori. A light flashed." She shivered. "I felt an evil presence grow stronger. Ryori's eyes were red when he looked at you and his aura was different." She shivered again. "Then I saw Ryori destroy a village."

Tears filled Bankotsu's eyes as the unwanted memories assailed him.

Kagome asked softly, "Who was Ryori?"

He whirled to glare at her with anger in his voice. "He was my brother, alright?" His eyes were filled with tears that he refused to let fall.

Kagome's eyes widened. "You had a brother?"

Bankotsu sighed heavily and nodded.

After recovering from her shock, Kagome's eyes filled with a deep sadness. "Oh, Bankotsu... I'm sorry," she shocked both of them by reaching out and wrapping her arms around him instinctively pulling him to her.

She laid back and placed his head against her chest.

He stiffened in response, but after a minute of blinking, he forced himself to relax and wrapped his arms around her waist, accepting her attempt to console him as they lay in bed together.

She untied his braid and slowly ran her fingers through his hair in a soothing motion and held him tightly to her bosom.

He instinctively nuzzled his head into her chest, much like a child would when seeking comfort from his mother. After relaxing from her soothing ministrations, he eventually allowed her to lull him to sleep.

After she was certain that he was asleep, she herself drifted off to sleep.

XOXOXOXOXOXO

Kagome woke up with Bankotsu's head still on her chest and blushed.

A minute later Bankotsu opened his eyes and realized his head was cradled on a warm womanly chest. He looked up into Kagome's blushing face and greeted, "Morning."

Kagome mumbled, "Morning, um, can you move you head, please?" She blushed at the position they were currently in.

Bankotsu's eyes widened and then he and Kagome jumped back, both blushing.

After getting over their embarrassment, Kagome asked, "Are you going to be alright, Bankotsu?"

'I could pretend I don't know what she's talking about, but she probably will see right through it.' He sighed heavily and answered, "I will be okay." Staring her dead in the eye, he ordered, "Don't tell anyone else! Jakotsu is the only other person who knows, and I want it kept that way."

She nodded. "Okay, but... I'm glad that I know," she said softly with a sad smile as she squeezed his hand lightly.

He stared at their hands and mumbled, "Me too, I guess."

They changed clothes and walked down stairs. T entered the kitchen and ate breakfast together.

Kagome sighed. 'Poor Bankotsu… That nightmare must have really bothered him. He's so unusually quite. I hope he's okay.' She tried to think of something that they could do, to get his mind off that horrible memory. 'I know! I'll show him some more of my world. There is so much here that he hasn't seen or experienced. It has to work!'

Kagome reached out for Bankotsu's hand and stood up.

Blinking he followed suit. 'What is she doing?'

Kagome announced, "Mama I'm gonna take Bankotsu for a walk and show him some more of our world."

"That sounds like a lovely idea dear. Have fun, you two," Sora smiled and handed Kagome some money.

"Thanks Mama." Kagome slipped the money into her pocket. She took tugged his hand signaling for him to follow her, and led him out the door.

Just outside the door he stopped her and stared at her. "What about Banryu?"

Kagome smiled. "Banryu will be safe in my room. You won't need her here. My time isn't even half as dangerous as yours."

He frowned and sighed heavily. He huffed. "Fine, but it feels weird without her."

Kagome squeezed his hand lightly. "Let's go alright?"

He nodded.

They started walking down the shrine steps, and then onto the side walk.

He asked, "So where are we going?"

Kagome smiled. "I was thinking maybe the ramen shop and then the mall.

His face lit up at the word 'ramen'.

Kagome hid a smile.

They walked into the ramen shop.

His eyes widened as he took in all the different varieties of ramen.

Kagome grinned and asked, "So where do you want to start first?"

Bankotsu asked in awe, "All of this is ramen?"

Kagome smiled. "Hai."

He took her by the hand and began walking around asking her what each one was.

She laughed joyfully at his eagerness and explained. Whenever he expressed interest in one, she would pick up a box of it and add it to their stack.

After paying for the ramen, they walked along the side walk and toward the mall carrying their bags. Along the way Bankotsu spotted an ice cream cart.

He frowned and pointed to the cart."Hey what's that?"

Kagome looked where he was pointing and smiled. "Oh that? It's an ice cream cart."

He blinked. "Eh? What's ice cream?"

She gave him a warm smile. "You're about to find out."

They walked over to the ice cream dealer.

The man asked politely, "Hello there, what can I get you?"

She replied, "We would like a chocolate double dip and a mint and chip, please?"

"Certainly," he said, reaching into the cart as he filled their order. "Here you are," He handed her the cones.

She handed the man her money and then faced the drop dead gorgeous mercenary beside her. "Here you go, hope you like chocolate," she said, handing the chocolate double dipped cone to him.

'Okay… what's chocolate?' He accepted the cone and stared at it for a moment, before slowly licking it. An instant smile spread across his handsome face at the pleasure filling his mouth.

They smiled and leaned against the sidewalk's wall, eating their ice cream together.

After they finished their ice creams, he grinned at her. "Thanks babe," He placed a quick kiss on her lips.

She blinked and then blushed. "Sure anytime."

They just started walking away, when Kagome whipped around after she heard her name called out. Her eyes widened in shock when she saw her three friends Eri, Yuka, and Ayumi heading directly towards them.

Bankotsu scowled at the three girls as they approached. 'Who are they and how do they know my Kagome?' He blinked a few times and frowned. 'Did I just call her mine?'

The trio's eyes lit up first in shock and then in appreciation as they traveled the length of Bankotsu.

Kagome noticed this. She frowned and then plastered on a smile. "Ayumi, Yuka, and Eri. What brings you three here?"

She turned to Bankotsu and quickly explained, "These are some of my friends from school."

He nodded that he understood.

Yuka answered, "Well, we were thinking about going to the movies tonight."

Eri eyed Bankotsu thoroughly, and licked her lips. "So, who is this stud beside you?"

Bankotsu blinked in shock at her brazenness, and than smirked.

Kagome answered in a fake cheery tone, that only he picked up on. "Oh him, he's Bankotsu."

Yuka eyed Bankotsu. "Wow you sure look strong!"

Bankotsu smirked. "I am!" He flexed his biceps, just to show off.

Eri reached out and felt his bicep. "I'll say!" She winked at Bankotsu.

He frowned and shook her hand off his forearm. 'This one is just too brazen for my taste.'

"You sure are cute," Ayumi blushed as her drank in Bankotsu's form.

Kagome grit her teeth and frowned. 'Why is watching my friends flirt with Bankotsu annoying me?'

Bankotsu noticed Kagome's frown and casually draped his free arm around her shoulder. He smiled.

Yuka asked, "So Kagome, is this your bad boy boyfriend?"

Kagome blushed brightly.

Bankotsu scowled. 'Kagome's bad boy boyfriend…? Are they talking about that stupid half breed idiot?' He dropped his arm and faced Kagome. His eyes narrowed. "Who and what are they talking about, Kagome?"

Kagome blushed brighter and mumbled embarrassed, "Um..."

"You know, Mr. Possessive," Ayumi cooed with starry eyes.

Kagome looked nervously at the ground. "No."

Yuka gasped in shock and then asked relieved, "Kagome, are you finally dumping him then?"

Snapping her head up Kagome looked at her friend with shocked eyes. "Why would I do that?"

Eri snorted, "Because he is a two-timing, possessive, bad boy."

Kagome groaned. "Could we just drop it, please?" Her breath hitched. 'Bankotsu's not going to like this…'

Yuka nodded and then questioned, "What about Hojo?"

Bankotsu was feeling even more irritated than before. 'If she won't tell me, than these three chits will. But first…' He glared at the three girls, who all gasped in shock. He informed them smugly, "I showed her how a real man should treat his woman, when I stole her from him." He wrapped a muscular arm around her waist possessively again.

"Kagome who is this guy?"

Kagome blushed. "He's my um… fiancée."

The girls all gasped in shock.

Eri asked, "But what about Hojo?

Bankotsu jaw clenched and his one armed grip on Kagome's waist tightened a bit.

Noticing this and fearing for her friends' safety, Kagome, cleared her throat. "Well, it was nice seeing you three, but we really need to get going! Bye." She quickly led Bankotsu away by the hand, before the girls could get started going on about Hojo.

Once they returned to the shrine, Sora walked out of the kitchen. "Did you two have fun?"

Kagome blushed.

'I'll get her to tell me tonight,' Bankotsu smirked.

They both replied, "Yes we did."

Sora said, "That's good! Oh, Souta is spending the night at a friend's tonight and dinner will be ready soon."

Kagome smiled. "Thanks mom."

It was already getting dark, so they decided to spend a while teaching him about the modern day items like pencils and pens and books. While doing so, he looked at her and asked, "What were those three girls yammerin' on about?"

Kagome chewed her bottom lip and got wide eyes. "Uh, what do you mean?"

Bankotsu replied, "Well first they were going on about this 'bad boy boyfriend' whoever he is. And then they were asking about Hojo."

Kagome laughed nervously.

Bankotsu scowled and demanded, "Are you actually involved with that loser Hojo?"

Kagome eyes widened in shock and then narrowed. "One: Hojo is not a loser; he is a nice guy, just a bit on the weird side. And Two: No I am not seeing Hojo."

Bankotsu grew more irritated. "Then why did he come here the other day and why did those girls ask about him?"

Kagome huffed. "I don't have to tell you anything, Bankotsu."

Bankotsu reached out and grabbed her by the arms, pulling her into his face. "Don't piss me off, girl. Now answer my damn question," he warned, eyes flickering dangerously.

Kagome gasped painfully. "Bankotsu, you're hurting my arms." She looked at him, slightly afraid.

Bankotsu let her go and crossed his arms over his broad chest. "Now tell me."

She rubbed her sore arms. "The girls are always trying to get me to date Hojo even though I don't like him like that. He's just a friend."

Bankotsu relaxed and nodded. "Good." He snorted. 'Dumb kid doesn't deserve her anyways.'

Kagome glared at him. "What the hell has gotten into you? You didn't have to hurt me, you know."

Bankotsu sighed heavily and mumbled, "I'm sorry." He felt bad for hurting her. 'I don't know why, but her refusal to answer my questions, on top of those chits talking about that dweeb Hobo, really pissed me off!'

Kagome blinked not sure she had heard him right.

Pointing to the bruising skin, Bankotsu asked concerned, "Are your arms okay?"

She nodded and absently rubbed her sore arms. "Um, yeah, I will be okay."

He sighed relieved. "So show me what this is for," he suggested, as he held up a marker, in an effort to change the subject.

She hesitated a moment, and then explained what markers were for and how to use them.

After dinner he stopped her in the hallway. "I really am sorry about squeezing so hard," he said, eyes showing his sincerity.

Kagome smiled. "It's okay, you probably just don't know you're own strength."

Bankotsu scowled. "I know my own strength. I just didn't realize you would be so delicate."

Kagome laughed nervously and replied dryly, "Yeah, well, we aren't all super strong like you."

Bankotsu flashed his boyish grin.

'Wow, he actually is quite cute when he wants to be," She blinked. 'What the hell am I thinking that for?'

Bankotsu held her gaze. "Thank you, for what you did today."

Kagome blinked and asked, "What do you mean?"

Bankotsu smiled. "You know… for cheering me up."

Kagome grinned. "I'm just glad that I was able to help."

They spent the next three hours talking and carrying on like nothing had happened. At bed time she quickly shed her pants and pulled on some sweatpants but kept her baggy shirt on.

He stripped his shirt off but left on his pants. He yanked back the covers.

She climbed in letting out a big yawn.

He climbed in beside her, lying on his back.

She closed her eyes and laid her head on his chest, draping her arm around his waist.

He smiled and draped an arm around her waist, while putting the other behind his head.

Kagome closed her eyes. "Night, Bankotsu."

"Night, Kagome," he replied, as he wrapped his arm around her hip. He closed his eyes and fell asleep.

XOXOXOXOXO

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