InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Miko's Love Story. ❯ Conspiracies and New Training Begins ( Chapter 15 )

[ 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 the OC's. There. I said it. (sighs)

A HUGE Thank you SangOtaku6 for your many ideas, suggestions, and mostly your advice :)

Conspiracies and New Training Begins:

Inuyasha trailed after the messenger deep into the thicket of dense foliage. His heart sped up in his chest and he swallowed. 'Kikyo,' he watched the lone messenger flow to its master.

Kikyo raised her hands and the Soul Collector landed on her hand. "Inuyasha, I have something to tell you," she spoke in a calm voice.

Happy to be near her again, Inuyasha encircled her in his arms. "What is it Kikyo?"

Kikyo faced him, her eyes and voice even. "We must go and speak with the others."

Inuyasha instantly picked up her worry as well as the seriousness in her stance. He nodded. "Okay Kikyo, let's go." Entwining their fingers, he led her over to the others.

Hearing their approach, Bankotsu looked over at Kikyo and Inuyasha, noting the serious look upon their faces. "What is it?"

Kikyo nodded to him. She turned to Inuyasha and squeezed his hand. "Wake the others, then we will talk."

Bankotsu reluctantly shook Kagome awake, while Inuyasha woke the others.

Half awake, Kagome looked sleepily at Bankotsu. "What is it?"

Bankotsu's eyes and expression were serious. "Kikyo and Inuyasha have something they want everyone to hear."

Kagome blinked and rubbed her eyes. She faced her predecessor knowing it had to be important for Kikyo to come to them. "What is it?"

Kikyo waited for everyone to give her their attention. Holding Inuyasha's hand she stared into Bankotsu's eyes. "There is something you must know."

Bankotsu picked up on the urgency and immediately adapted his leader persona. "Out with it."

'I guess the direct approach would be best.' Kikyo gazed around looking over the others. "It's about Renkotsu," she replied evenly.

Bankotsu's jaw tightened and his fists clenched. "What is he doing now?" His eyes narrowed. 'I just know he's been plotting something… again. The 'smart ones' always do – especially Ren.' He mentally sighed.

"For several nights now, my soul collectors have been following him when he sneaks off from your camp," she continued unfazed by his clear frustration.

Bankotsu's angry gaze bored into her. "Tell me!" His fists began to tremble and his knuckles turned white. He knew Renkotsu well enough to know this wasn't going to end well.

Seeing this Kikyo nodded and replied coolly, "He's been going to see Naraku." Her emotionless eyes locked with his angry ones. 'Don't kill the messenger.'

'That ingrate after all I've done for him he dares to betray me?' Bankotsu's fist slammed into his thighs and he jumped to his feet. "That traitorous bastard, I'll kill him!" murderous intent was clearly in his eyes.

Kagome immediately jumped up holding onto Bankotsu. She spoke with conviction. "We'll get him, soon enough," her calm gaze locking with his furious one.

Bankotsu looked into her pleading gaze and controlled the rage burning inside him, not wanting to frighten her.

Kikyo's eyes settled on the couple before her. "No! Use it your advantage instead."

Kagome blinked and turned to face the dead priestess. She tapped her finger on her chin. "What do you mean, Kikyo?"

"We know he has been going to Naraku." Her cold emotionless eyes now locked with the warmer ones of her reincarnation.

Still controlling his temper, Bankotsu scoffed. "I don't see how that helps us," he glared from one priestess to the other. Hands clasped behind his back he began pacing like a caged tiger.

Kikyo calmly explained, "It means Naraku knows about you two." Her gaze moved from Bankotsu to Kagome and back, to emphasize her point.

Not following Kikyo's logic, Kagome frowned. "But how is that a good thing?" Her brows knitted in confusion.

Kikyo quickly answered, "Because he doesn't know of your true bond."

Bankotsu stopped pacing and frowned. He rubbed the back of his neck. "What?"

Kagome's eyes shot wide as realization dawned. "That's right..." she breathed. 'Why didn't I think of that?' she questioned herself.

Bankotsu looked at Kagome. "What is she talking about?"

Kagome locked her gaze with his and spoke evenly. "Remember our dream?"

Bankotsu blinked. 'Is she talking about when I went into her dream and we met Midoriko?' He smiled. "Ah that."

Kikyo nodded. "That is your true bond and only the three of us and Midoriko even know about it."

Bankotsu smirked pleased to have something he shared with Kagome that the mutt never would. His chest puffed out with pride. He frowned. 'But how is that supposed to help us?' He rubbed his chin and voiced his question out loud. "I still don't see how that is going to help."

Kikyo answered evenly, "I will train you two to work together and draw on each others strength. I will also teach you some other things that will come in handy."

Kikyo looked directly at Bankotsu. "I ask that you hold off on killing him as well."

Slightly offended Bankotsu scoffed and raised a brow in question. "Why would I do that?" he stared directly at the dead priestess's emotionless eyes.

Kikyo met his challenge head on. "Once I have had time to train the two of you, without his knowledge, then you may question and deal with him as you see fit."

Bankotsu smirked as his mind played out various ways to make his former second in command suffer before he killed him. 'I suppose I could wait to kill the rotten turncoat, for a while at least.'

Miroku walked over adding his two cents. "That would make more sense. After all Naraku would grow suspicious if he suddenly went missing. Don't you think?"

'Hm the lech has a point.' Bankotsu shot the monk a warning look when he went to approach Kagome.

Catching this Miroku gulped and nodded to the tougher man that he understood and went to stand by Sango.

Bankotsu's smirk widened. 'Smart monk.' he thought pleased he hadn't had to say a word.

Sango's eyes widened at the unspoken exchange. She hid a smile. 'Maybe Bankotsu can straighten Miroku out a bit... I'll ask him for some pointers later.' Sango joined the conversation. "Yes, he would. Especially since he has gotten suspicious each time we get close to getting my brother back."

Bankotsu sighed, "Fine it can wait… for now." He turned to his best friend and most trusted confidant. "You, Tara, and Inuyasha will keep him with the three of you. You will keep your eyes on him at all times."

Jakotsu whined, "But. That's not fair. You know he hates me. Why can't -"

Bankotsu cut him off with a stern look. "I know you two have issues. Ren has issues with everyone, always has." Not in the mood for anymore complaining, his shoulders tensed and his lips curled into a menacing snarl. "Sleep in shifts if you must, but do not let him out of you three's sight!" He glared from one to the next. "Understood?"

Jakotsu's eyes widened and he nodded. 'Wow he's angrier than I've ever seen him before… trust has always been difficult for him and to have a comrade break his trust…'

Tara gulped nodding.

Inuyasha got right into Bankotsu's face. "Hold it! Who put you in charge?"

Kikyo turned to Inuyasha. "Inuyasha do as he says."

Wide amber eyes turned to his love. He sputtered, "But Kikyo…"

Staring him dead in the eye Kikyo said, "Inuyasha, I will be fine. You need to keep Renkotsu under watch. But…none of you are to let on that we know of his excursions." She glared from one to the next encompassing the entire group. Her glare brokered no argument from the others.

'Let's see now. Three sets of eyes are better than one. Being a member of the infamous Shichinintai I'm sure that Jakotsu can defend himself. Plus with Inuyasha there it would be riskier for the fire breather to sneak off. We all know Inuyasha can defend himself.' Miroku agreed, "That would appear to be the wisest choice."

"Fine," Bankotsu sighed.

Kagome turned to him and lightly squeezed his hand. "Once the training is finished you can deal out whatever punishment you see fit."

His eyes widened and his heart swelled with pride at her show of allegiance to him. 'She really does understand that my duties as leader must come first.' Bankotsu laid his free hand on hers and squeezed lightly. He nodded and then turned back to Kikyo. "We will do as you suggest, for now."

Kikyo nodded. "The training will begin soon enough. Meet me in the field a few miles from here. Bring whatever you will need for the journey and your weapons."

Bankotsu grinned eager to begin. "When do we start?"

"In the morning please? I'm tired," Kagome yawned.

Bankotsu nodded. "Morning then, now you get some rest."

Kagome smiled and leaned against him.

He carried her over to sit on the ground and cushioned her head on his thigh.

Staring down at her angelic features, his face softened a little. He ran his fingers through her hair to soothe her and himself both. He sighed. 'I won't let that bastard ever hurt her!'

He ran a jerky hand through his bangs. 'I don't know when she became so important to me….but I can't deny that she is.' he took in her peaceful relaxed expression. His finger lightly caressed her cheek.

He looked at Kikyo with determination in his eyes. "We start first thing in the morning," The look on his face made4 it crystal clear that he was not accepting no for an answer.

Kikyo nodded and took her leave.

Bankotsu looked down at his sleeping angel and smiled.

Jakotsu looked over at Tara. 'I hope nothing happens to her, because of that vile Renkotsu.' His fingers tapped his lips. 'I know Big brother will handle him when the time comes.'

Tara glanced back at Jakotsu's prone form. 'I sure hope this Renkotsu gets what's coming to him!"' she sighed heavily and bed down for the night.

XOXOXOXOXO

Renkotsu followed the buzzing insects into a clearing. 'He has to be somewhere nearby.'

In his baboon pelt, Naraku spotted Renkotsu. Crimson eyes narrowed. "Report," his voice was clear and crisp.

'There he is.' Renkotsu's shoulders relaxed. "He's definitely protecting her now."

"Good. Is there anything else?"

Renkotsu hesitated before saying anything more.

Naraku warned, "You'd better not be withholding information from me."

Renkotsu gulped. "They have been going off together a lot."

Naraku demanded, "Do they have feelings for each other?" Already his twisted mind was calculating how to use said bond against them, if that were the case. 'Perhaps they are growing close? If so I'll need to know.'

Renkotsu lowered his eyes to the ground and shifted his weight from one foot to the other. 'If that brat finds out I betrayed him, he's going to make me beg for death… I've seen what he does and don't want to be on the receiving end!'

'Damnit, he is withholding something.' Enraged Naraku sent four tentacles out to shake Renkotsu. He growled/ "Well?"

Grey eyes widened and hiss of pain escaped him. "I'm not sure yet."

"Find out. And don't report for the next few nights. We don't want them getting wise to your sneaking off." He slowly withdrew his appendages, enjoying the pain etched on the undead fool's face.

Renkotsu nodded vigorously.

Cackling Naraku hopped off and disappeared with vile plans going through his head based on the newest information.

Renkotsu sighed and waited for the wounds to heal shut. 'This better not end up being my head.' Once the wounds had closed themselves, he slipped back toward the camp.

Bankotsu was waiting with Banryu close at hand. 'I'm not letting that traitor near me or Kagome.' Once Renkotsu came into camp, Bankotsu had to call upon all of his restraint he kept himself from killing the traitor right then and there.

Renkotsu spotted Bankotsu sitting up. 'Oh shit! I'd better come up with something quick…' He forced himself to appear calm. "Hey big brother, can't sleep?"

Bankotsu replied evenly, "No. What about you?"

Renkotsu lied quickly, "I went out for a stroll."

Bankotsu's muscles bunched in his lean body like a wound up spring, waiting to pounce on the vile bastard before him. He knew that he was bald face lying to him, which infuriated him even more.

Wanting to take out his frustration on the object of his aggravation, Bankotsu moved to knock Renkotsu upside the head with Banryu, only to be held down by the head of his sleeping angel.

His fist clenched by his side. 'Remember the promise to Kikyo man. You need to refrain from killing the bastard until after the training.' He stared emotionlessly at Renkotsu a few seconds.

"Oh shit… he's not buying it. Now what,' Renkotsu swallowed against the lump in his throat and forced his body to remain still, hoping to appear calm.

Bankotsu's eyes caught the sweat beading on the bald man's forehead and watched him swallow. 'You should be nervous bastard.' He mentally scoffed, before ordering, "Get to bed. We've a big day ahead tomorrow."

Renkotsu's eyes widened. He immediately looked away from his leader with fear in his eyes that he didn't want Bankotsu to see. "Goodnight big brother."

Bankotsu's eyes never left Renkotsu's form throughout the night. Bankotsu focused on controlling his anger all night. 'Don't blow this. Stay calm,' was a mantra inside his head, as he continued to run his fingers through his angel's silky black tresses.

He watched the lord of the west wake his small group and take their leave. 'Hm what is that dog up to now?'

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Bankotsu had kept his silent vigil all night and managed to calm himself. He shook Kagome awake. "It's time to get up."

Kagome's eyes fluttered as she groaned sitting up.

Bankotsu leaned his lips by her ear and whispered, "Time to train."

Kagome's eyes widened and she nodded. They walked around waking the others. After breakfast Bankotsu faced the groups. "Sango, Miroku, you two take the cat and the tyke and go scout around the villages in this region."

Miroku and Sango nodded.

Facing Jakotsu he continued. "Jakotsu, Tara, Renkotsu, and Inuyasha, all of you are to scout the lands in this region for anything you can get on Naraku and his whereabouts."

Playing along Inuyasha jumped up and barked, "Hey! Don't boss me."

Bankotsu smirked and stared him in the eye. His voice brokered no arguments. "Do it."

Miroku chimed in, "Inuyasha, best not to argue. You can all cover the lands quickly and you'd pick up his scent the fastest."

Still playing along Inuyasha huffed. "Whatever," He rolled his eyes and turned away.

Bankotsu turned to Kagome. "You're with me," he grabbed her arm leaving her no say in the matter.

She nodded. "Seeing as we can't be separated, I don't really have any choice, huh?" She added dryly.

Hiding a grin Bankotsu faced everyone, "Alright, everyone has their orders, now move out." He turned around. "Remember to stick together. Only kill if it can't be avoided. We are trying to keep this low profile."

Playing along Jakotsu whined his usual, "But…but…"

Bankotsu offered, "You can kill after Naraku is dealt with. Until then I want everyone keeping it business only."

Jakotsu pouted.

Bankotsu's baritone rang loud and clear. "Business only! We meet up at Kaede's village in five days. Now, move out!"

Everyone jumped to get their gear and head out.

Bankotsu and Kagome watched the others take off in their groups and then went to meet Kikyo in the appointed field.

XOXOXOXOXO

Renkotsu frowned. "Jakotsu, do you know where big brother and the wench are going?"

The effeminate male's jaw clenched. 'Damn bastard, already scheming again eh?' Keeping his anger under lock and key, Jakotsu spoke evenly, "When does big brother tell anyone where he is going?"

Renkotsu nodded, "Of course." He walked along in silence. 'I wonder where Big brother and his wench went off to? I wonder if I'll get a chance to escape my damn babysitters too.' He glared from one back to the next completely insulted at being babysat. 'Spoiled bastard, I know he did this just to irritate me!'

He frowned. 'I've been extremely careful not to get caught slipping off. Plus, if he knew I was sneaking off, he'd have used his fists to beat the information out of me last night. So I know that can't be it.'

He sighed. 'He must just be throwing his weight around to show up the half breed again.'

Inuyasha snapped, "You two heard him, now let's look around and see what we can find."

Jakotsu batted his eye lashes at Inuyasha. "Sure sexy."

Inuyasha shot him a glare. "Knock it off corpse!"

Tara's teeth ground together and her hands balled into fists. "Enough! I am not going to spend the day watching you two scuffle back and forth."

Jakotsu scowled at her and opened his mouth to say something. Seeing her expression he shook his head and began walking again. 'What crawled up her ass this morning?'

Tara smirked and followed him.

Inuyasha stayed as far away from Jakotsu as he could.

Renkotsu watched on in confusion. 'What is big brother up to? Why would he and the bitch disappear now of all times? He's too focused on finding Naraku to worry about his dick, so I know it couldn't be for a quick lay.'

His brows narrowed and he rubbed his jaw. 'Come to think of it the only time he worries about his dick is when he's bored from the lack of battles or wants to celebrate his latest slaughter...' He snorted derisively. 'Stupid kid.'

XOXOXOXOXO

"Let's check this village here," Suggested Miroku with a glint in his eyes, as he gazed upon the sea of women flowing through the village.

Sango agreed, "Okay, but no flirting Miroku!" She squared off to face him and crossed her arms in front of her generous chest. "I'm seriously getting sick of you flirting with other girls."

Miroku's shoulders lifted in a careless shrug. "What can I say, the ladies love me."

Sango narrowed her eyes at him. "Miroku…!"

Miroku eyes widened and he gulped. "Let's go see what the villagers have to say," he walked speedily away from her.

Sango stomped after him. 'Stupid lecher! I swear he'd better learn to control it or else!'

Shippo piped in to Kirara, "He will never learn."

"Mew," Kirara voiced her agreement.

XOXOXOXOXO

Bankotsu and Kagome arrived at the field.

Kikyo walked over to greet them. "Are you ready?"

Kagome smiled.

Bankotsu assured, "We're ready… let's do this."

Kikyo nodded. "Very well, first I shall erect a barrier so we are not interrupted."

Bankotsu nodded and swallowed a few times as his eyes darted around the field.

Kagome swallowed and her eyes widened as she feared for Bankotsu's safety. "Uh Kikyo…?"

Kikyo assured, "He will not be harmed. This is merely to insure that we are not intruded upon."

Kagome sighed and relaxed her spine. She smiled. "Thank you, Kikyo."

Kikyo turned to the business at hand as a pinkish purple dome surrounded them. "Now show me what you two have done so far."

Kagome smiled as Bankotsu knelt before her. "Climb on."

Kagome climbed onto his back and gripped his hips with her knees.

Kikyo nodded. "Go about your normal routine and I will observe a while."

Bankotsu began to move around with ease. Their earlier training had already helped them learn to move as one. He was used to her being on him and effortlessly jumped through the air.

At just the right time Kagome would hold his shoulders lightly to keep from falling off. She'd learned to read his intentions by the feeling of his muscles and knew his next move would be.

She pressed her head to his shoulder blades as Banryu swung over her head. She was no longer frightened since she knew he had perfect control over his movements and weapon.

Kikyo watched them move gracefully as if they were already as one. 'They move in perfect unison.' She thought impressed. '"I wonder if Inuyasha and I would have learned such team work?' she thought regretfully. A tear welled in her eyes as she thought of her silver haired hanyou.

Wiping her eyes, she continued to watch the young couple. 'I will give them the chance we never had,' she thought, with resolve and determination in her eyes.

After seeing all she needed to, Kikyo commanded, "Stop and take a break."

Kagome and Bankotsu sat on the ground together and talked like normal teenagers, growing more comfortable with each other.

After an hour they stood up and began working on their routine again.

Kikyo calmly suggested, "This time try dodging my arrows."

Bankotsu smirked, "No problem," He bent down to allow Kagome on his back again.

Kagome hopped into their routine position and adjusted her actions to compliment and not heed his moves.

Kikyo fired an arrow and Bankotsu easily dodged it.

Kikyo fired rapidly and Bankotsu dodged or blocked them with Banryu, smirking.

Kikyo commented, "Good." Replacing her bow and arrows again to her back, she ordered, "That's enough for today."

Bankotsu nodded and reluctantly allowed Kagome to slip off his back to her feet. He had been enjoying the exercise…not to mention the feel of her strong legs clutching his hips.

Kikyo lowered her barrier to allow them to seek their dinner.

After smoking some fish and eating some berries for dinner, Kagome snuggled into his chest.

Smiling Bankotsu slept with his arms around his tired companion. He slept lightly in case of trouble.

Kikyo watched over them all night wondering again how things could have gone so horribly wrong between her and her own lover. 'These two will have the chance we were denied. I will ensure it.'

Midoriko smiled as she stayed hidden. 'Kikyo is learning and they are progressing nicely.' She thought satisfied, as her ghost again faded away.

XOXOXOXOXOXO

The Next Morning Kikyo nodded to Bankotsu, who had woken up with the sun rising.

Bankotsu nudged Kagome awake. "It's time to rise."

Kagome moaned and her eyes flitted open.

Kikyo looked at the younger woman. "Kagome you know how to call on your spiritual powers, correct?"

A little nervous and confused, Kagome hesitated before replying. "Y… yes. Why?"

Kikyo instructed, "Call on your powers and repeat after me."

Kagome did as instructed and a barrier went around the trio.

Kikyo instructed, "Open your eyes."

Kagome did so and blinked. Her jaw dropped.

"This is your barrier. For today's training I want you to try to keep this barrier up. It's not as large as mine yet, but it is as strong. We will see if you can maintain this barrier for the remainder of today's training."

The startled priestess nodded.

"Now climb onto Bankotsu's back again."

Bankotsu allowed Kagome to climb on his back and stood up awaiting Kikyo's instruction.

"Both of you close your eyes and breathe deeply."

Unsure of where this was leading, Bankotsu quirked a brow and did as instructed.

Kikyo's voice remained calm, yet firm. ""Concentrate on feeling each others heart beat. Focus on the blood rushing through the others veins."

They did so and were shocked. "I can feel it," they both breathed, feeling a strange yet powerful connection at being able to actually 'feel' one anothers' heart beats.

Kikyo nodded. "Focus on that, now synchronize your heartbeats," She blinked. 'They are progressing quicker then I had hoped…. This is good, as time is of the essence.'

They focused and eventually they were able to synchronize their heart beats. For an hour Kikyo said, "Breath together… Reach out to one another and hold fast to that connection." Kikyo nodded. "Now keep that connection but open your eyes."

They did so, still awed at being able to feel the connection in such a deep, personal way.

"Bankotsu go through your normal routine without Banryu today. I want you to both keep this connection. Kagome you are to also keep the barrier up."

Looking at Bankotsu, she instructed, "Start slow at first."

He nodded and took off jogging.

A couple times they lost the connection and Kikyo demanded, "Focus, both of you!"

They'd stop and regain their connection and begin again. Throughout the day this continued until they were able to move around at their normal pace and maintain both Kagome's barrier and their synchronized heartbeats.

Toward the end of the day Kikyo suggested, "Bankotsu take your weapon. Kagome take your arrows."

Both readied their weapons.

'It appears their first test shall be in the heat of battle. It is better for accuracy of their skills, but still….' She sighed. 'I have to admit the speed in which they've learned has far surpassed my expectations.' She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. 'Very well that if this is your wish, so be it.'

Kikyo commanded, "Kagome just like you and Inuyasha work together, I want you and Bankotsu to attack together."

Kagome frowned. "Okay, but at what?"

Kikyo stepped aside. "Release your barrier and attack the demon together." Her bow was in hand and her hand was poised to draw an arrow if needed.

'Have faith in your students, impatient one.'

Kikyo frowned but lowered her hand and watched intently.

Kagome lowered her barrier.

Seconds later a huge ogre demon appeared. "Ah fresh meat," he boomed while licking his chops like a hungry wolf.

Bankotsu smirked. "You'll never touch us," he boasted confidently.

Bankotsu puffed out his chest and addressed the girl on his back. "You ready Kags?"

Inhaling a deep breath, Kagome nodded. Holding his shoulder's she felt the muscles in his back move,

He began running and flipping around to keep them out of the ogre's range as he attacked them. "Come on ugly, can't you do better than that?" Bankotsu taunted moving away from another useless attack.

The ogre roared. "Stand still you little ingrate," annoyance, frustration, and hatred in his eyes.

Bankotsu taunted childishly, "Nyha! Can't get me," as he danced away from another strike of the ogre's massive hand. Jumping on the arm and running up it, he punched the ogre in the face and flipped away landing harmlessly with Kagome still on his back.

He stuck out his tongue. 'You're way to slow big dumb and stupid."

Growing annoyed at his childish action in such a critical situation, Kagome snapped, "Focus Bankotsu."

Not happy at having his fun brought to an abrupt end, Bankotsu sighed, "Spoil sport."

Kagome pulled her bow and tightened her knees on his hips. "You okay?" she asked worried that she might be squeezing too tight.

He grunted as the pressure eased on his hips, "I'm fine. Let's do this."

Kagome nodded and focused her powers into the arrow she notched. At the same time Bankotsu began to spin Banryu above both of their heads.

Bankotsu grinned. "Take this ugly!" He swung Banryu to the ground. "Dragon hammer!"

Kagome released her arrow to combine with Bankotsu's attack.

They watched together as the attacks combined forcing the attack's power to spread and the speed to increase, striking the ogre demon head on. The ogre's booming voice shook the trees as it screamed out in pain and agony as the blast slowly tore its flesh apart. When the attack cleared there was nothing but smoke left, the ogre had been completely obliterated.

Clearly impressed and pleased with their combined power, Bankotsu smirked. "Hey we make a pretty powerful team."

Kagome was pleased as well. She smiled. "Yeah we do."

Kikyo, who'd been observing the battle, walked up and nodded satisfied. "That's enough for today. You two have done well."

Bankotsu pouted, "Aw no more?"

Feeling tired Kagome said, "Time to eat and then to bed for me."

Picking up just how tired she was, Bankotsu nodded. "Okay. Let's go eat and put you to bed." He smirked and thought possessively, 'My little miko.' He scooped her into his arms bridal style and carried her back to camp.

He started the fire while she pulled out the ramen. They ate the food hungrily.

Kagome stretched out on the ground.

Bankotsu stretched out beside her and whispered, "Night Kags."

Already half asleep Kagome mumbled, "Night Ban."

He smirked and felt sleep also over come him.

Kikyo watched over them much like the night before. 'They are so perfect together. Almost as if they complete one another….' Her thoughts again turned to her and Inuyasha's tragic past. 'Inuyasha,' she thought longingly.

Midoriko watched over them and was immensely pleased with the progress the trio had made in such a short time. "Tomorrow the real test begins," she whispered before again disappearing.

XOXOXOXOXO

Okay that's the improved chapter fifteen. Please enjoy and review.