InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Miko's Love Story. ❯ A Quarrel and Return to the FE ( Chapter 10 )

[ 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 my oc's. There. I said it. (sighs)

I want to thank Demoness-MarlstonWells69ner for the suggestion of adding Sesshomaru's group.

Chapter Ten:

A Quarrel and Return to FE:

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Kagome's eyes narrowed in anger and her hands planted firmly on her hips. "Inuyasha is not 'no good' he just has a lot on his mind - that's all."

Bankotsu's face turned red as his fury rose. "How the hell can you stand there defending that worthless half breed? All he ever does is makes you cry and I am the one, who ends up having to deal with your tears!" He stood there with stormy blue eyes.

Kagome gasped in disbelief at his statement. Her hands balled into fists by her sides and her lips pressed tightly together. She stomped her foot petulantly. "Inuyasha is not worthless!"

Bankotsu moved to stand directly in front of her, staring at her eye to eye. He reached out roughly gripping her arms. He ground out through clenched teeth, "Are you with him or not?"

Kagome gasped painfully.

He continued to tighten his bruising grip.

She glared at him. "Why the hell do you care?"

His eyes dangerously narrowed and his nostrils flared. "Answer me now, Kagome. Are you with Inutrasha or not?"

Kagome whimpered in pain. "No okay, now let me go!" She tried to free herself from his grasp.

He glared into her eyes a moment, and then released her, turning his back to her. Chest heaving with barely controlled anger, he ground out harshly, "You are a fool, Kagome. Inutrasha is never going to leave the dead priestess. The sooner you realize that, the sooner you can quit wasting your tears on that bastard."

Kagome gasped in shock at his outburst and her eyes filled with un-shed tears.

He inhaled and exhaled several deep breaths, attempting to calm down, before he spoke again. "If you refuse to see that, then no one can do anything else for you." He closed his eyes. "Until you accept the fact that bastard has no desire to be with you, you will never be happy."

He heard her fall to her knees and began sobbing. His hand shoved through his bangs and he snorted. 'It tears at my heart to hear or see her crying… especially when I know damn well it was my words that had caused it. But, I refuse to back down this time.'

Instead of embracing her like he longed to do, he hardened his gaze and faced her. "Stop bawling like a damned baby and get your ass up."

She looked up at him with tears falling down her face. 'What happened to the sweet guy from earlier? Why is he being such a jerk to me now?' She glared at him. Her brain knew his words were the truth, but her heart didn't want to believe it.

He held her gaze unflinchingly and spoke evenly. "The sooner you accept things, the sooner you can get on with your own life."

Her heart squeezed painfully in her chest as his words filtered through to her brain. 'Why is he doing this? Why the sudden change in attitude?' She sniffed and tried to stare through the blurry vision of her tears. 'Since we came to my time he's been almost like a normal guy… So why is he hurting me now?'

As he continued to lay into her, she felt anger replacing her confusion. Her cheeks flushed red. "How the hell would you know how he feels?" She demanded, eyes flashing with both defiance and anger.

He retorted, "If Inutrasha really loved you, he would comfort you instead of making you cry all the damned time."

Gasping, she recoiled as if he had slapped her.

His eyes narrowed. "Now, I have been patient enough, but no more! From now on when you cry over what Inutrasha does, I will no longer bear sympathy for you." His massive arms crossed over his chest as he stared down at her with cold, hard eyes.

"I refuse to coddle you anymore." His teeth ground together. "You are not a weak, whiny, little bitch and I am tired of you acting like one."

She gasped glaring icily up at him. "It's not like you care! All I am to you is just a damned toy," she yelled in a tone laced with anger and hurt. Her eyes dared him to deny it.

Bankotsu stared into her eyes, refusing to rise to the bait. He sighed heavily. "Unlike Inutrasha, I care about you and your feelings."

She snorted. 'Sure as hell have a funny way of showing it.'

"You're a strong girl and it is damned time that you start showing it." He added bitterly, "Especially around that damned half breed."

She snapped defiantly, "If you actually care about my feelings, then why are you being such an asshole to me?"

Bankotsu's eyes narrowed at the statement, as he spat in a voice dripping with venom, "Because you are allowing yourself to be hurt over and over again."

Bankotsu felt his heart constrict painfully as she continued to let the tears flow. It was slowly killing him more with each tear she cried, but he wouldn't back down- not about this. 'If she is stupid enough to continue allowing that half breed to break her heart then the hell with it! Let her stupid ass get hurt over and over again.'

His cold as hardened further as he stared into her tear stricken face. 'Eventually it will either destroy her or she will learn to fucking move on.' His gut twisted with disgust at how weak she was behaving. He yanked her up off the floor by her arms. "Stop crying and start standing up for yourself!"

She angrily shoved him away.

He stepped back a few paces from the shove. "Show me the strong girl that I know you are. Stop crying for someone who doesn't deserve your tears, or you."

"Stop saying that." Kagome started beating his chest with her fist.

He stood there letting her continue to pound on his chest angrily until all of her anger had been released.

She soaked his dark blue tee shirt with her tears.

He stood there like a statue. 'Stay calm Ban,' he repeated the mantra in his head, trying to be as patient with her as he could, while each blow landed. 'Damn I hope she finishes this crying shit soon.' His arms ached needing to hold her, but he remained immobile with his arms by his sides.

Kagome cried until she released her last tear. She let out a gut wrenching sigh, and collapsed against his warm, wet chest.

He exhaled a sigh of relief. 'Finally! Now if only she would show some damned backbone towards that fucking mutt.'

She whispered brokenly, "Why?"

He shook his head sadly.

Kagome waited with strained silence for him to magically have the answer. When he said nothing, she took a few deep breaths. She placed a slender hand against his muscular chest and pushed away, intending to put some distance between them.

His arm snagged he wrist. He tilted her chin up forcing her to stare him in the eyes. "You have to start standing up for yourself. Or else he will just continue to walk all over you and your feelings. So will everyone else."

Voicing her true fear, she whispered, "I don't want to be alone again."

He said softly, "You're not alone, I'm here." Noticing her look of disbelief, he added, "I may tease you Kagome, but I do care about you."

She inhaled sharply as she searched his gaze and found only honesty in his stormy sapphire eyes.

His eyes hardened and he stated gruffly, "I meant what I said, Kagome."

The tension in the air between them fairly crackled. They held each others gazes silently for a long moment.

He blinked and released her arm. He sighed and began pacing back and forth, much like a caged tiger. He ran a hand through his bangs in frustration. 'Fuck! Why am I wasting my time?'

She stumbled back a few steps, trying to regain her balance. She wiped her face free of tears, turning away from him and hugged her waist.

XOXOXOXO

Sora hollered, "Kagome dear, could you get the door please?"

Kagome forced a fake smile on her face. "Coming, Mama," She walked over to the door with Bankotsu close behind her. She opened it and grabbed one of the bags from her mom's arm.

Sora smiled. "Thank you, dear."

Kagome smiled. "Any time Mama."

Bankotsu reached over and took a bag from Sora as well and then one from Grandfather. Arms loaded with groceries, he followed Kagome into the kitchen.

Kagome began emptying the bag.

Bankotsu stood silently across the table, doing the same.

Sora and Grandfather both did likewise with their bags.

Sora and Grandfather put things away.

Kagome set the bandages and medical stuff aside. She added two boxes of pocky and several dozen cups of a variety of ramen.

Bankotsu stood watching where everything went.

"Grandpa, will you please get my yellow backpack out of my room?"

He grumbled but left to do as she requested. A few minutes later, he walked back into the kitchen and handed Kagome her bag.

Kagome kissed his cheek. "Thanks." She started re-stocking her bag of goodies.

Bankotsu stood beside her, watching bored as she repacked her bag with the new supplies. He noticed a familiar looking package and asked eagerly, "Was that ramen I just saw?"

Kagome blinked. "Yes, it was."

Bankotsu frowned at the next thing she added to the bag He asked, "What's pocky?"

Kagome sighed heavily and ignored him. She turned around. "Mama, where's the ice cream?"

Sora smiled. "Here dear," She showed Kagome the ice cream.

Bankotsu's eyes lit with remembered pleasure as he eyed the container Sora held up.

Sora smiled while she began dishing up ice cream for the two of them. She turned holding Bankotsu's bowl of ice cream and a spoon out to him. "Here you go Bankotsu."

He eagerly took the bowl and began to eat his ice cream, with a look of pure pleasure written across his face.

Kagome immediately ate her own ice cream.

Sora smiled. "You two are at least going to wait until morning to leave, right? I have a special treat planned for dinner tonight."

Kagome blinked. "Sure Mama, besides we could use the sleep tonight before trudging through the Feudal Era again."

Bankotsu nodded once, confirming his agreement. "But first thing tomorrow we are leaving. We have already been gone long enough," he added firmly while holding Kagome's gaze.

She nodded once and then looked away.

Sora beamed. "Well then, I shall start dinner."

XOXOXOXOXO

Bankotsu and Kagome both went to sit outside to sit under the sacred tree.

Bankotsu sat with his back against it and his fingers laced behind his head, staring out at the open area in front of them. After a while he finished calming down and closed his eyes.

Kagome sat on one side of him with her back to him. 'I will not cry over this anymore - especially in front of him.' She hugged her knees to her chest and laid her chin on her knees with her arms around her legs.

She sat there thinking begrudgingly, 'As much as it hurt to hear Bankotsu to say that stuff, the more I think about it, the more it actually makes sense. Inuyasha does love Kikyo and she still loves him… I will never hold his heart.'

She ached at that thought but knew deep in her heart that it was the truth. She took a deep breath. 'So what do I do now? I love Inuyasha. I have known that for a long time now. I have also known for a while now, that he doesn't reciprocate my feelings. It hurts knowing that the one you loved can't return your feelings.'

She sighed heavily. "Unrequited love bites!"

She inhaled a shocked breath. "Oh Kami! Poor Ayame… is this how she feels whenever she sees Kouga?" She stifled a sob. 'Ayame, I hope that someday Kouga will finally see that you two belong together.' She added mentally, 'Then at least you two can be happy together.'

She felt a breeze cross her skin and shivered slightly. She snapped out of her thoughts. She stood up, suggesting evenly, "We should go inside, it will be dark soon."

Bankotsu who'd been hearing her sobs even though she tried to stifle them; had also felt her pain as if it were his own. 'What was she thinking about?' He stood up and nodded. He followed her inside.

XOXOXOXO

Sora, who had heard them enter, hollered from the kitchen, "I was just about to come and get you two, supper is ready. Come and eat."

They walked into the kitchen and sat at the table.

Grandpa blinked. 'These two have obviously been arguing.' He cleared his throat. "You two should - "

Sora cut him off by placing his plate on the table and saying with a smile. "Try the pickles father, I made them just the way you like - especially for you."

"Oh, um okay, thanks," Grandpa blinked and dug into his pickles.

Sora merrily placed Bankotsu and Kagome's plates in front of them and carried her own over.

Bankotsu eyed the food. "What is it?" he pointed to his meat.

Sora smiled and replied, "Its steak."

Bankotsu frowned, and cut a piece. He lifted it and sniffed it. He cautiously moved it to his mouth and began experimentally chewing it. His eyes lit up with pleasure and he swallowed the bite. H eagerly dug into the rest of his food. "This is some good stuff."

Everyone agreed and finished their dinner.

Sora offered, "I made plenty Bankotsu, would you like some more?"

His eyes lit up and he eagerly nodded. "Thank you. You're a really good cook."

Sora beamed at his praise. "Why thank you," she served him a second plateful, which he devoured just as eagerly.

Forgetting her earlier anger towards Bankotsu as she watched her mother's face light up at his words, Kagome smiled and graciously added happily, "Thanks mama."

"Anytime dear," Sora smiled. She turned around and began washing the dishes.

Kagome and Bankotsu collected her yellow bag and walked up to her room after saying good night to everyone.

XOXOXOXOXO

Bankotsu cleared his throat."We should get some sleep, because we are leaving as soon as the sun rises."

Kagome nodded. "Bankotsu, turn around so I can get ready for bed."

Bankotsu grumbled under his breath and complied.

Kagome quickly changed into her sweats. "Okay, you can look now."

Bankotsu turned around and sat down. He pulled out and began polishing his Banryu.

She climbed onto the bed and lay down on her side facing away from him.

He continued to polishing his Banryu.

Feeling worn out from the day's events and despite their argument, Kagome felt safe knowing that Bankotsu was nearby. She closed her eyes quickly drifting off to sleep.

After a while he heard her breathing slowly even out and realized she had fallen asleep. He breathed a sigh of relief and stood up placing his Banryu gently against the wall. He quickly shed his borrowed clothing and slipped back into his hakamas.

He gazed at her sleeping form. 'What is it about her, anyway? One minute we are fighting, and the next she is crying. Then she stops crying and gets really quiet.'

He frowned feeling more confused. 'Even though I know damn well she was still mad at me, she mentioned it was getting dark and we should go inside.'

'Crazy girl,' He snorted. He shrugged and climbed into the bed.

He stretched out on his side, yawning sleepily, and faced away from her. 'What are you doing to me Kagome?'He sighed heavily and then closed his eyes, following her into slumber.

XOXOXOXO

The next morning Bankotsu awoke with the first rays of sunlight that drifted through the window. He rolled over and lightly shook Kagome awake. "It's time to get up, Kagome."

He rolled out of bed and pulled on his haori and armor not looking at her.

Kagome's eyes opened and she sat up yawning while she stretched.

He hefted Banryu onto his shoulder after turning his back to her.

She stood and began to change into her school outfit.

Kagome stood up with her bag on her back and turned to face him. "Are you ready, Bankotsu?"

Bankotsu nodded, and followed her down the stairs. "I'm ready."

Sora was in the kitchen and heard them coming. She popped her head around the corner and greeted cheerily, "Morning, you two. Come on into the kitchen. Breakfast is ready."

Kagome smiled and replied happily, "Thanks, mama."

Sora smiled and placed their plates full of waffles, sausage, and scrambled eggs on the table.

"This looks great, thanks Mama." Kagome eagerly ate her food.

"This is delicious, thank you Sora." Bankotsu also ate his food.

After they finished eating, Sora smiled and placed a bag of black boxes on the table;

Kagome's eyes widened. "Wow mama. Thank you," she hugged her mom.

Sora smiled. "You're welcome dear. At least this way, I know that you and your friends will eat well for a couple of days."

"Those are food?" Bankotsu stared in awe, while pointing to the black boxes.

Sora grinned. "Yup and I made them myself. I was up all night making them. There are two specifically made for you, two for Kagome, and the rest are for the others. The four for you two are neatly labeled with your names." Sora winked at him."I even added a bit of extra steak in one of yours."

"Thanks," Bankotsu grinned and grabbed the bag.

Sora laughed at his enthusiasm. "You're welcome." She laid a hand on his shoulder. "Take care of my daughter for me, okay?" she stared directly into his eyes.

He blinked, shocked that she had actually touched him and then nodded. "She is in safe hands."

Sora smiled and nodded. She hugged her daughter. "Stay safe Kagome, and be happy," she whispered. "You should add these pants and sweater to your bag."

Kagome raised a brow questioningly.

Sora added, "In case it gets colder later."

Kagome's eyes widened as she admitted sheepishly, "Ya know, I never would have thought of that." She added the clothing into her bag and hefted it back onto her shoulder. "Well, let's get going."

Sora smiled at Bankotsu. "Bankotsu, it was a pleasure meeting you and I hope to see you again."

Bankotsu was stunned. "It was nice meeting you too and I hope to return sometime too." He smiled. 'Maybe being in this time isn't so bad after all. For a mom, she's kind of cool.'

Kagome cleared her throat. "Thanks Mama, for everything." She hugged her mother tightly. "I love you."

"I love you too dear. Now go on and don't keep your friends waiting," Sora wore a sad smile as she waved her daughter and her daughter's new friend off.

Bankotsu was carrying Banryu on his shoulder and the bag of boxes on his other shoulder.

He and Kagome walked over to the well. They reached the well and stopped long enough for Bankotsu to strap Banryu securely to his back. He scooped Kagome into his arms.

Clutching both bags to her, Kagome blinked at him.

Bankotsu took a deep breath and jumped into the well.

Once again 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. After a minute the light disappeared and they gently touched the bottom.

Bankotsu and Kagome looked up and saw nothing but a clear blue sky.

Bankotsu released his held breath and then blinked a few times.

Kagome sighed in relief as she realized they were back in the Feudal Era.

He squatted down and then pushed off with his legs. He jumped high into the air and landed gracefully on his feet outside of the well, with Kagome firmly clasped in his arms.

"Put me down," Kagome softly demanded.

He gently lowered her to her feet.

Kagome lowered the bags. He embedded Banryu into the earthen soil and then they turned to face each other fully.

Kagome cleared her throat and chewed on her bottom lip.

'She must be trying to get the courage to say something.' Bankotsu stared at her for a full minute. When it became apparent that she wouldn't say anything, he sighed heavily. "We should get going. I'm sure the others are anxious."

She nodded and placed her bag on her back.

Bankotsu pulled Banryu out of the ground, settling it on his shoulder and grabbed the food bag.

They started off down the hill both looking anywhere but at each other and wearing frowns.

Inuyasha had been sitting in a tree. He smelled them as they jumped out of the well. He watched the exchange. 'Could they be fighting? Kagome usually gets quiet for a while after arguing with someone - especially me.'

Inuyasha grinned deviously to himself as he jumped out of the tree and ran ahead un-detected towards Kaede's hut.

XOXOXOXOXOXO

Bankotsu and Kagome arrived at Kaede's hut.

Sango smiled. "Kagome, did you have fun?"

Kagome said evenly, "Yeah, Sango. Oh, and mama sent some food."

Bankotsu lowered the bag.

Kagome pulled out their four boxes and gave the rest to Sango.

Sango grinned. "Thank your mother for us."

Kagome gave a small smile. "I will."

Sango began passing out the boxes.

Jakotsu frowned and stared at the box confused. "What's this?"

Kagome smiled and explained, "My mother loves to cook. She stayed up all night making these meals for all of us."

Jakotsu removed the lid and frowned as he sniffed it. "So what is it?"

Pointing to each in turn, Kagome explained, "This is an omelet, this is rice with shrimp, this is homemade bread."

"What is that meat besides the shrimp?" Jakotsu asked, while poking at it.

Bankotsu grinned "Its steak and boy can that woman cook," He happily began to open one of his boxes.

Inuyasha's ears perked up and he demanded, "Steak? Where is mine?"

Sango handed Inuyasha a box.

He opened it and began to eagerly scarf his meal.

Bankotsu noticed Jakotsu and Tara eying their food suspiciously and smiled. He stated seriously, "Ja, if you don't eat that steak, I will. Her mama is one of the best cooks I have ever met."

"No way, you eat your own," Jakotsu covered his boxed meal and beginning to eat.

Tara began tasted her meal and eagerly devoured it.

"Lady Kagome and her mother bless us with such pleasurable meals every once in a while, and Lady Kagome is a damn good cook herself," Miroku added happily, with a smile.

"Thank you, Miroku. At least somebody appreciates my cooking," Kagome smiled at the monk and sent a scowl towards Inuyasha.

"Yes, Kagome is quite a cook as well. I was lucky enough to have her cooking while we were gone," Bankotsu added loudly, with a smile.

Kagome blinked at Bankotsu and then went back to her meal.

Bankotsu frowned. 'So she's still mad at me eh?' He shrugged and went back to enjoying his steak.

"Kagome child, be sure to thank ye mother for me," Kaede grinned as she eagerly ate her meal as well.

Kagome nodded.

Renkotsu dug into his meal with as much fervor as the others. "This is delicious."

Kagome smiled.

Jakotsu scarfed his entire boxed meal. He blinked. "Wow! That was good!"

Bankotsu smiled at his brother. "After we have eaten, it will be time to pack up."

Everyone nodded and finished eating.

Bankotsu pat his full belly with a lazy, satisfied grin on his face. "Now that's what I call good food."

Everyone nodded their agreement.

Inuyasha eyed the other boxes in front of Kagome and Bankotsu. "What are those for?"

Kagome smiled. "No you don't Inuyasha! Mama made those specifically for me and Bankotsu."

Inuyasha snorted.

Bankotsu smirked. "Yeah, Sora made those just for us." His eyes met the mutt's and his smirk widened.

Kagome turned to him and lightly scolded, in an annoyed voice, "Just because Mama made you a special meal, doesn't mean you have to rub it in his face." She added, "Mama cooks extra for Inuyasha when he is there as well, so don't let it go to your head."

Bankotsu snorted, "Whatever." He stood with his box in his hands and slipped it back into the bag.

Feeling left out, Inuyasha asked, "Hey Kagome, I bet Souta missed me, huh?"

Kagome answered evenly, "He asked about you."

Inuyasha smiled happily and puffed out his chest. 'Ha! Take that you dumb mercenary.'

Bankotsu scowled and snorted. "Let's get going."

Kagome sighed heavily and nodded.

Bankotsu started walking off.

Kagome immediately followed him.

Inuyasha paced. "Miroku, Sango, how long does it take for you two to have your asses ready?" He ran over to stand by Kagome's side.

Bankotsu scowled. "Jakotsu, Renkotsu, Tara, get you asses moving!"

Jakotsu nodded. "Ready big brother."

Bankotsu projected in a loud voice, "Move out!" He began walking off.

Kagome was by his side.

Inuyasha walked by her other side.

Bankotsu's jaw clenched. "Inuyasha, don't you have somewhere else to be?"

Inuyasha smirked. "Something wrong, Bankotsu?"

Kagome sighed and snapped in annoyance, "Don't start you two."

'Ha! So they are fighting… perfect.' Inuyasha smirked.

Bankotsu retorted, "Why don't you go walk beside Jakotsu. I'm sure he would be more than happy for your company."

Inuyasha glared and snorted. "Not in a million years." He grabbed Kagome's hand and added, "Besides, I like walking beside Kagome."

'Oh no, you are not starting that shit again! I refuse to be a damned chew toy.' Kagome slipped her hand out of Inuyasha's.

Inuyasha frowned.

Bankotsu smirked. 'Good, she's a smart girl.'

Kagome stopped and announced, "I sense the jewel."

Inuyasha and Bankotsu both demanded, "Where?"

Kagome answered, "Straight ahead."

"I'm on it," Inuyasha puffed out his chest and ran ahead.

What Inuyasha saw before him made him halt in his tracks. Before his very eyes was a prone figure laying on the ground, with none other than the renowned Yokai Lord Sesshomaru standing over him.

Sesshomaru was staring at something or rather someone in the air.

Inuyasha glared at his brother. "Sesshomaru? What are you doing here?"

Bankotsu knelt down. "Climb on."

Kagome shook her head no.

Bankotsu scowled and demanded, "Why not?"

"It's Kohaku," Sango answered in a voice laced with mixed emotions as she pointed to her brother's prone form. She broke down, running to her brother's side and sobbed, "Kohaku?"

Kohaku whispered, "S... Sango?"

Bankotsu stared at Sesshomaru and demanded, "What happened?"

Kohaku breathed raggedly, "Naraku..."

Everyone looked up to see the wind demoness Kagura, floating on a feather.

Kagura who had already snatched the shard, said in a voice laced with remorse, "Don't hate me Kohaku, I was only following orders." She gazed sadly at the prone figure. She quickly flew off before Inuyasha was able to recover from his shocked state.

Sango glared hatefully at Kagura and yelled in a voice of barley contained anger, "I'll kill you!"

Kohaku breathed, "Sango... Stop."

Sango faced her brother. "Kohaku..."

He held and squeezed her hand. "Remember me Sango..." he breathed, and then ceased breathing.

Kagome knelt beside her friend. "I'm so sorry Sango." She said in a voice laced with sadness.

Sango hugged Kagome and broke down crying.

Sesshomaru felt Tenseiga begin to pulse at his side and ordered coolly, "Move back now."

Miroku pulled Sango back.

Everyone looked on with baited breath waiting to see what Sesshomaru would do.

Sesshomaru drew out Tenseiga and sliced the underworld's minions away. He sheathed Tenseiga and Kohaku inhaled deeply.

"Kohaku? Oh Kohaku. Thank Kami!" Sango embraced her brother sobbing into his chest. She cried gratefully, "Thank you, Sesshomaru, thank you!"

Kagome cried happily, falling to her knees.

Bankotsu gently knelt beside her and hesitantly wrapped his arms around her.

Kagome surprised everyone by turning into him and burying her head on his chest.

Bankotsu blinked a few times and then began murmuring softly.

Inuyasha scowled as he saw Kagome allowing Bankotsu to comfort her again. He yelled angrily, "Keep your hands off her you damn bastard."

Bankotsu glared at him. "Shut it, half breed."

Sesshomaru walked calmly over towards Rin and Jaken, while frowning over the unusual happenings. 'What's this all about?'

"Thank you, my lord!" Rin threw herself into him, clamping her arms around his leg.

Sesshomaru gently laid a hand on top of her head. "The boy will be fine Rin. Now calm yourself."

Kagome pulled away from Bankotsu's chest.

He reluctantly dropped his arms turning away.

She wiped away her tears. "Thank you, Sesshomaru," she said in a voice filled with raw emotion as she gazed at the Youkai Lord.

Sesshomaru stared at her. "Why are you with these mercenaries?"

Bankotsu stared at him, blinking. "Why did you save the boy?" he asked in a voice laced with shock and disbelief, with confusion in his eyes.

Miroku looked at Sesshomaru and than bowed. "Thank you, Lord Sesshomaru."

Sesshomaru replied coolly, "I do not require your thanks, monk. He saved Rin. I returned the favor." His eyes narrowed on Bankotsu and. "Why are you three with the priestess and her friends?"

Bankotsu answered evenly, "We are allies now."

Sesshomaru frowned and asked, "Why?"

Kagome sighed. "It's a long story."

Inuyasha stormed over to stand beside Kagome, and then yanked her to his side. He faced Bankotsu. "You keep your hands off of her."

'Who the hell does that bastard think he is talking to me like that?' Bankotsu glared at him. "I didn't see you trying to comfort her any, so shut your trap- Inutrasha!"

Kagome shoved Inuyasha away. "Both of you stop it now," she snapped, glaring from one to the other.

Sesshomaru looked from one male to the next clearly baffled and asked, "What exactly is going on here?"

XOXOXOXOXO

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