InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Miko's Love Story. ❯ Justice Served ( Chapter 18 )

[ 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)

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

Justice Served:

Before Renkotsu and Inuyasha could get into a tussle, Bankotsu stepped in to camp smirking. "Nice to see you can't get along without us," Kagome sat snug on his back looking happy and at ease, as if she belonged there.

Inuyasha whirled recognizing the voice. He was shocked to see Kagome looking so… peaceful. 'Something is different…' he was unable to tell exactly what it was, about Kagome, but he knew something had changed.

Kagome was beaming and had a glow about her.

Miroku was the first to notice. 'She's in love,' he thought, happy for his young friend as she slipped off the young warrior's back.

Jakotsu exclaimed happily, "Big brother!" He ran over hugging his leader.

Bankotsu slapped him on the back grinning."Take it easy Jakotsu," He didn't want Jakotsu to get all emotional on him.

Jakotsu stepped back wiping a tear from his cheek. "I'm just happy you're back," His eyes shimmered with happy tears.

Bankotsu laughed cockily. "Missed me that much huh?" He hugged Kagome's waist from behind, clearing staking his claim for all to see. He rested his chin on her shoulder and nuzzled his cheek against hers.

She smiled and leaned back into his embrace feeling safe and cared for.

Renkotsu blinked and noticed their proximity. 'So he does have feelings for her…' He snorted. "I'm going for a walk."

Bankotsu's glare bored into Renkotsu as he commanded, "One hour, then you'd better be back."

Renkotsu gulped and nodded. In a hurry to leave his leader's overbearing presence, he quickly walked away.

A good five minutes after Renkotsu left, Bankotsu ordered, "Jakotsu, tail him and get back to me. Don't attack him unless he attacks you first. That bastard is mine to kill!" he declared, eyes cold and unforgiving.

Jakotsu's eyes widened. He nodded and left to tail the traitor. 'So much for my bath.' he thought sourly, jogging off quietly after the fire breather.

Ten minutes later Renkotsu was aware of Naraku's messengers following him. 'Damn, I'd better make this quick.' He followed the bug's directions.

Spotting the bug flying next to Renkotsu, Jakotsu made sure to stay hidden, but stealthily followed as close as he dared. 'I wonder what he's doing now… Judging by the bug, my guess would be its Naraku he's sneaking off to again.'

XOXOXOXOXOXO

At the springs:

Shippo and Kirara had opted to go diving about twenty feet away to give the girls some privacy.

The girls were already bathing each deep in thought, sitting with their backs against a large boulder. Having noticed the tense shoulders of her companion, Sango looked at Tara. "What has got you so tense?"

Annoyed at having been lied to, Tara glared at her. "Why did you guys lie to me?" her fists clenched on her knees, as they stuck out of the water.

Understanding her being upset, Sango sighed. "It was for their protection. We didn't know you very long." She shrugged. "Now we do."

Tara blinked. 'I suppose that could have been used against them in the wrong hands… but still…' Tara glared at Sango and groused, "I still wish you'd have told me."

Sango blinked, surprised that she'd even known about the curse. Her brows creased. "How did you find out?"

Tara sighed. "Jakotsu and Inuyasha told me."

Sango blinked. "Jakotsu never talks to women." Sango clenched her own fists under the water. 'I'm going to beat them both!'

Tara smiled. "To me he does." She added quickly, "But, he usually only opens up when we are alone."

Lost in thoughts of what she'd do to them for 'spilling the beans' Sango was brought back to reality as Tara's words sunk in. Her eyes bulged. "Wait! You mean Jakotsu actually talks to you?"

Tara's face held a fond smile. "Yeah, he's not as tough as he tries to seem."

Sango chuckled. "Well that settles it! If you can get Jakotsu to actually speak to you without threatening you... you must be some woman," she finished impressed.

Sango startled the other woman by wrapping her in a sisterly like hug. "Welcome to our little group."

Blinking rapidly Tara hugged Sango back. "Thanks, I guess."

Sensing Tara's hesitance, Sango assured, "You'll get used to it. Most of us are really nice."

Tara chuckled. 'One is too nice. And two are too overbearing. I guess the rest are nice though.'

'The others are waiting for us... I wonder if Kagome has returned yet?' Sango sighed and stood up. "We should head back soon."

Nodding Tara climbed out of the water and dressed.

Sango carefully bound her breasts and slid back into her slayer's uniform.

Tara blinked and asked, "How did you get that?" referring to the large scar between Sango's shoulder blades.

The demon slayer stiffened before whispering, "I don't want to talk about it."

Tara frowned. 'I guess she still has her secrets too, eh?' Tara's hand went to her own back before she clenched her fists and finished tying her clothes in place.

Sango slipped her uniform over her shoulders and latched it shut.

They started walking back to camp talking with Shippo on Sango's shoulder and Kirara on Tara's, much to their surprise.

XOXOXOXOXOXO

Back at Camp:

Kagome laughed at something Bankotsu had said.

Sango she squealed excitedly and ran over hugging her friend. "Kagome, I missed you so much! I've been so worried about you."

Kagome smiled returning the hug. "I missed you too Sango," She grinned. "You didn't have to worry Sango, I was with Bankotsu." A happy glow radiated from Kagome.

Sango blinked noticing that something was different about the girl she viewed as a sister, but unable to pinpoint it.

Feeling a little left out, Tara looked around. Not finding who she was looking for, she blinked puzzled by his absence. "Where's Jakotsu?"

"Tailing Renkotsu," Bankotsu spoke evenly, as he gazed at the woman who had posed the question.

Instantly afraid for his health, Tara gasped. "What?"

Bankotsu assured seriously, "Jakotsu can hold his own against Renkotsu."

Kagome blinked and felt her heart skip a beat. 'I sure hope so.'

Bankotsu smirked. 'I know so.'

She nodded and smiled at Tara. She placed a slender hand on the other woman's shoulder and spoke gently. "Jakotsu can take care of himself."

Feeling a little better, Tara chewed her bottom lip and nodded.

XOXOXOXOXOXO

Renkotsu found Naraku and was nervous, so much so that he was lightly sweating.

Naraku's crimson eyes locked with his gray ones. "Report," his tone was crisp.

Renkotsu swallowed a few times. "He… he has feelings for her." The look in Naraku's eyes scared him.

Naraku smirked. "You're sure?" His evil mind was already running plans of how to use this to his advantage.

Renkotsu nodded. "There is no doubt about it." Remembering their close and relaxed posture, he added, "He was clearly staking a claim for all to see and she wasn't objecting."

Naraku cackled gleefully. "Perfect, it's almost time for me to strike," he rubbed his hands together.

Staring at Renkotsu, Naraku ordered in a voice that brokered no arguments, "Return to them and await my signal." Turning this new info and how best to use it to his advantage over in his mind, Naraku dismissed the pawn before him. "Now go."

Renkotsu swallowed against the tightness in his throat and nodded. He turned around and left. He knew that one way or another, his time was running short. 'I only hope I can figure out a way to come out of this alive.'

Jakotsu had heard enough. He carefully slipped back into the dense foliage and ran back to report to his leader. 'I must inform big brother, immediately.' He thought excitedly. 'He's going to kill Renkotsu!'

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Back at camp:

Jakotsu returned well ahead of Renkotsu. He quickly reported to his leader. "He met up with Naraku."

Bankotsu's eyes flashed fire before narrowing. He stood up and steeped a couple paces away from Kagome. Spine stiff and shoulders tense, he faced his best friend. "Tell me everything."

Jakotsu proceeded to tell his leader exactly what Renkotsu had said and done while in the presence of the vile half demon.

As Jakotsu finished Bankotsu's nostrils flared and his temper roared to full life. He spat out venomously, "That bastard is a dead man!" His chest heaved with barely controlled anger.

Kagome's heart stalled a second. 'If he's told Naraku of our feelings…' the bitter taste of fear assailed her.

Bankotsu's finger caressed her cheek. 'I won't let him touch you, love.'

Kagome pressed her cheek into his calloused palm. "We will handle him." She vowed.

Bankotsu pinched the bridge of is nose. "It will have to be us," He dropped his hand and stared into her eyes. "Though I wish you didn't have to get involved."

Kagome shook her head. "We'll do this together."

Bankotsu sighed heavily and shrugged his shoulders. He took a deep breath and stared into her eyes. "If you're going to be my wife, you'll have to get used to it anyways."

Kagome eyes nearly popped out of her head as they grew the size of saucers. "Wife…?"

Bankotsu smirked. "Yes, wife," Noticing the look of utter confusion dawning on her face, he frowned and scratched the back of his head. "Uh… you will be my wife… won't you?" at her unexpected silence, he felt his heart drop into his stomach. His palms started to sweat as he waited for her to say something… anything.

Unable to believe her ears Kagome blinked staring at him.

"Uh…Kags…?" He shifted his weight from one foot to the other and swallowed a few times against the tightness of his throat.

Still unable to believe her ears, Kagome blinked.

His eyes fell to the ground and he took a deep breath. He rubbed his palms against the sides of his hakamas, before raising his eyes to lock them with hers. "Kagome… you will be my wife… wont you?"

Finally registering his words, Kagome threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. She felt him relax against her. She pulled back and stared him dead in the eye. "Yes," her voice rang through the air as she jumped up and down still encircled in his arms.

His arms tightened around her waist and held her still as he smirked.

She blinked and stared at him. His lips crashed down on hers in a demanding kiss. Her eyes fluttered shut and she kissed him back.

Jakotsu cleared his throat loudly. "Hate to break up this sappy moment… but he's on his way back as we speak."

Bankotsu's eyes widened and he pulled away. He faced his loyalist companion from the old days. "You're right Jakotsu." His hand encircled Kagome's and their fingers entwined.

The chipper mood immediately vanished as tension filled the air. Silence fell over the camp. Bankotsu's shoulders tightened and his eyes went to the trees.

Everyone turned deadly serious as they waited for Renkotsu to return.

Ten minutes later Renkotsu came back to camp.

Seeing the seriousness on everyone's faces, he cleared his throat. "Something I should know about?"

No longer trying to control his fury, Bankotsu fists smashed into Renkotsu's jaw, sending him to the ground with a sickening thud of flesh pounding onto flesh.

Towering over Renkotsu, he demanded in a cold hard voice, "How dare you ever betray me?" He pulled his foot back and slammed it into Renkotsu's ribs hard enough the crack sounded around the camp.

Everyone but Kagome watched the event's with a closed expression. They all knew better than to interfere.

Renkotsu struggled to his knees and tried to stand up. His eyes widened and fear rose in his throat. "Wh… what do you mean?"

'How dare he try to act innocent?' Pure fury flashed in Bankotsu's eyes. "You fucking coward," he lifted Renkotsu by the haori to his face. His hand shot out instantly wrapping around Renkotsu's neck while his eyes never left Renkotsu's. "Kagome, how many shards does he have?"

Looking Kagome answered her husband-to-be. "He has two… the one in his neck and one in his left shoulder," her voice was deceptively calm.

Bankotsu's grip tightened. "Not only do you betray me by going to Naraku behind my back, but you've also been holding out on me?" Bankotsu's turbulent blue eyes bored into Renkotsu's shocked and fearful gray ones.

"How… how did you know?" Renkotsu tried desperately to claw the hand that had a vise like grip on his neck.

Bankotsu's voice shook with fury. "Did you really think I wouldn't find out?" fingers still digging into the traitor's neck, he slammed him into the tree. Bankotsu doubled up his fist and punched Renkotsu in the stomach

Renkotsu's breath whooshed out in a rush and his mouth worked like a fish.

Increasing his grip Bankotsu's ground out, "How much did you tell that bastard Naraku?" His eyes reflected the furious storm of emotions clashing inside him.

Turning blue from lack of oxygen Renkotsu pleaded with his eyes.

Bankotsu lightened his grip only enough to allow Renkotsu to speak. Taking his dagger out Bankotsu slammed it into Renkotsu's shoulder. "Answer me!"

A scream of pain ripped from the fire breather's lips. He sucked in some air and groaned. His eyes filled with pain. "I told him about you and the wench having feelings for each other," the burning agony in his neck and jaw was quickly becoming unbearable.

The young mercenary leader's dangerously high temper rose even more. "What exactly does he know?" his eyes never left Renkotsu's as his other dagger slammed into the traitor's other shoulder.

Now pinned to the tree by only the daggers, Renkotsu struggled to free himself, wincing as the daggers tore through his flesh with each tiny movement. "He knows you two have been running off together," stark fear was clear in his eyes.

Bankotsu yanked out the first dagger and slammed it into Renkotsu's ribs with the force of his fury behind it. "Tell me everything!"

Renkotsu was in the most pain he'd ever experienced. His eyes narrowed on the wretched boy in front of him. He spat angrily, "You little bastard! You're the reason we all died once before!" Renkotsu watched regret briefly enter his former leader's eyes, before he once again schooled his face into an unreadable mask.

'Too fucking late you damned arrogant child.' He tried to lift his gourd to his mouth. His eyes widened when a sacred arrow shattered the gourd that was halfway to his mouth.

Kagome hissed, "No you don't!" her chocolates eyes narrowed angrily on the fire breather and a smirk of satisfaction crossed her lips.

Bankotsu smirked and his eyes filled with pride. "That's my girl!" Turning back to Renkotsu he twisted the dagger in his ribs. His eyes gleamed sadistically as he saw the pain wracking his former second in command's face.

Renkotsu spat angrily at Bankotsu, only to receive a broken nose. His head lolled back as he reeled from that last punch.

Bankotsu snorted derisively as he noticed the wretched man trying to pass out. "No you don't!" Grabbing a cup he scooped up some of the boiling liquid in the pot. "Wake up asshole, we aren't done yet!" he threw the liquid on Renkotsu's face.

Renkotsu screamed in agony as his face began to blister from the hot liquid.

Unable to bear the site of it anymore Kagome looked away and tried to block out the pain filled screams. Her stomach roiled and bile rose to her throat.

Bankotsu's wrath was increasing with every passing second. He slammed his fingers into Renkotsu's left shoulder and dug out the first shard. "What did Naraku say?"

His hand poised to stab into Renkotsu's neck. "Save yourself some pain and tell me now."

Renkotsu's chocked out, "You'll get… nothing… from me," He glared at the brat with hatred and contempt.

Bankotsu's voice was cold and ominous. "Die traitor," he shoved his fingers through Renkotsu's neck, ending his pathetic life as he retracted them holding the jewel shard. He watched with contempt as the body slowly disintegrated into nothing but bones and scraps of material.

Wiping his hands on the reminder of Renkotsu's clothing, Bankotsu scowled. "Jakotsu burn that fucker's bones. I don't ever want him coming back!" He tossed the soiled cloth to the ground and spat on it in disgust.

Kagome was bent over heaving as her stomach spilled its contents onto th ground.\.

Swearing under his breath, Bankotsu walked over to her. He gently moved her hair holding it out of the way.

Kagome continued heaving until she had nothing left to heave.

She looked over at Bankotsu and whispered, "I… I don't feel so good."

Bankotsu scooped her into his arms.

She clung to him crying.

'I'm sorry angel… but it had to be done.'

'I know Ban, I know…' she nuzzled her face against his shoulder and continued crying.

Bankotsu lifted Kagome into his arms. He turned to the others. "You guys stay put. I'm taking Kagome to clean up."

Fighting her own nausea Sango handed him Kagome's bag.

Hooking it on his fingers, Bankotsu carried his woman over to the springs.

Jakotsu set about disposing of the mess as he'd been instructed.

Sango sat down trying not to end up the same way as her friend had.

A now black haired Inuyasha walked over to Sango and held her. "It's over Sango."

Sango nodded and leaned into him oblivious of him being in his human form.

Shocked at what she had just witnessed, Tara sat there unable to move.

After finishing his grisly task, Jakotsu washed his hands and walked over to the clearly shaken Tara.

"Are you going to be okay?" He was concerned at her pale complexion. 'I've never seen her look so scared or fragile before.'

Tara blinked and then flung herself into his arms trembling.

Jakotsu sighed and rubbed her back. 'Big brother sure made an impression tonight…' He looked down at the woman in his arms.

Tara pulled back. Her voice was shaky. "Does he… does he always get like that?"

Jakotsu answered evenly. "No… But he doesn't tolerate traitors either."

Tara's eyes were wide with fear as she trembled against him. "Will he… will he do that to us?"

Needing to reassure her, Jakotsu laid a hand on her shoulder. He looked into her eyes. "No. He only gets like that when he is protecting the few he cares about, from a traitor."

Tara sighed relieved and buried her head in his chest, feeling a little better.

Jakotsu wrapped his arms around her and ran his fingers through her hair.

XOXOXOXOXOXO

Bankotsu pushed through the trees. Spirals of steam rose from the mineral bath and a sulfuric smell wafted past his nose.

Bankotsu set his beloved on her feet and stripped Kagome to her under clothes. He quickly stripped himself naked before slipping into the water with her in his arms again. The water surrounded them feeling like a much welcomed retreat.

Kagome clung to him trying desperately to erase the horrible images from her mind.

Sitting down with her in his lap, Bankotsu began to wash her. His hands were gentle as they washed her hair and body removing all traces of her puke. He gently set her against the basin of their bathing pool and washed the blood off of himself.

As soon as he moved to sit beside her, Kagome leaned into his chest. "Bankotsu… what will we do now?" Her mind filled with unspoken questions about their future.

Bankotsu questioned softly, "About what, love?" guilt gnawed at his soul for what she had been forced to witness. 'I hope she doesn't…'

Catching his thoughts Kagome looked directly into his beautiful eyes. "I'd never leave you! I love you!"

His lips pressed into a flat thing line and his eyes met hers. "Even after seeing me tonight at my worst?"

Kagome assured softly, yet firmly, "Yes. Bankotsu, I knew what you were when I fell in love with you. That hasn't changed and never will."

He blinked.

Remembering the thoughts she'd picked up on during the ordeal, Kagome continued, "You were protecting all of us."

Bankotsu scoffed. "I was dealing with a traitor!" He spat angrily.

Kagome shook her head. "I read your thoughts Ban… you were protecting us." After a look at his face, she added, "Mostly."

Bankotsu's tone filled with raw emotion as he voiced his own biggest fear. "I couldn't live with myself if I let something happen to you."

Kagome buried her head in his chest. "I'm not going anywhere, wild man." She loved him so much that the mere thought of losing him had her heart aching.

Bankotsu's arms wrapped around her lithe frame and pulled her to his heart, never wanting this moment to end. He bent down to kiss the top of her head. His breath caressed her hair. "I love you Kagome."

Kagome kissed his chest. "I love you too Bankotsu…I always will." Kagome added with a whisper, "Every part of you." She placed a brief kiss on his lips.

He smirked. 'Every part, eh?' he allowed a rather suggestive image to pop into his mind.

Catching this Kagome gasped. "Bankotsu!" she pulled back beet red and slapped him on the chest.

Rubbing his chest where she had just slapped him, Bankotsu laughed, "What? You said every part," he grinned at how much redder she turned. 'She sure is cute when she blushes,' he thought happily.

For several seconds Kagome's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. Regaining her composure, she glared at him. "Not that! You perverted, lecherous -"

She was cut off as his mouth claimed hers silencing her rant.

Kagome melted into his kiss forgetting her anger and embarrassment. Only his kiss mattered and she kissed him hungrily.

Bankotsu pulled back with a smirk plastered on his lips. "What was that?"

Having forgotten what she was yelling about, Kagome mumbled under her breath. "Eh?"

Bankotsu stood up and pulled her out of the water. "Let's get back to the others."

He patiently helped her dress and then dressed himself before he carried her back to camp.

Too tired to protest, Kagome leaned her head against his chest and enjoyed letting the man she loved carry her to camp.

When they returned he eyed the others, noticing how unusually quiet everyone was. "Tomorrow's a big day everyone, let's get some sleep." He was too tired, as was everyone else; to care that Inuyasha's hair was now black.

Not about to let his guard down tonight, Inuyasha corrected, "You get some sleep. I'll keep watch."

Feeling the day's events catching up on him, Bankotsu nodded. "By the way mutt, what happened to your hair?" a single brow rose.

Inuyasha released a long drawn out sigh. "It's a long story."

Bankotsu nodded and waved it off with a careless flick of his hand. "Save it for another time then."

Inuyasha just grunted in response.

Bankotsu lay down beside Kagome, who snuggled into his chest. Holding the woman he loved, he fell into a peaceful sleep.

Already exhausted from the day's toils everyone else bed down.

True to his word, Inuyasha stayed on watch. 'Morning sure as hell better get here soon,' Inuyasha thought grumpily.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Okay that's the improved chapter eighteen. Please enjoy and review. I'm eager to know what you guys think of the revisions. XD