InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Miko's Love Story. ❯ Jakotsu What...? ( Chapter 20 )

[ 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, Ryori and Tara. There. I said it. (sighs)

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

Jakotsu What...?

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Kagome was tired from all of the walking. "How much farther do we have, Inuyasha?"

Inuyasha sniffed. "It should be just around those trees."

Kagome sighed. 'I wish we would just get there.'

Bankotsu chuckled and glanced at the woman walking beside him. "You okay, Angel?"

Kagome smiled. "Yes just tired," She entwined her fingers with his.

Bankotsu nodded. "I'd guessed as much. We have been walking two days straight."

Kagome was about ready to collapse. She groaned, "Don't remind me."

A minute later a single hut came into view.

Kagome walked to the door way of the hut and poked her head in. "Hello Enju, are you home?"

Enju walked over. "Hello Kagome, what brings you here?" She looked past Kagome and saw several people she didn't recognize.

She looked back at Kagome and pointed to one of the ones she didn't recognize. "Who are your new friends?"

Kagome turned around and motioned for Bankotsu, Jakotsu, and Tara to step forward.

Bankotsu stepped forward and stood beside Kagome.

Kagome proudly introduced, "This is Bankotsu, my intended."

Bankotsu nodded. "Hello," he stared at the red haired girl before him.

There was only one man with that name and he was rumored to be unstoppable. 'For a ruthless leader of a band of blood thirsty killers, he sure seems nice.' Enju smiled. "It's nice to meet you." She turned her attention back to Kagome. "So what can I do for you two?"

Kagome held her steady gaze. "Bankotsu and his friend were revived with the sacred jewel. We want to know if you can bring his friend back as flesh and blood without the jewel shards having to stay embedded in his body."

Enju thought it over a few minutes. Her gaze penetrated Kagome as if she might see into the girl's very soul."Why do you wish this done? Are they not from that band of killers?"

Kagome looked her dead in the eye and answered evenly, "You are very observant. Yes, they are the remaining members of the Schichinintai. However I do not think they are completely evil either." Kagome ignored Inuyasha's rude comment. "I believe Jakotsu deserves a chance at a real life, one where he won't have to kill people in order to survive."

Enju held her gaze searching it for a long moment. "Have him come forth."

Kagome let out a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding, nodded and turned to face Jakotsu.

Bankotsu's baritone brokered no arguments. "Jakotsu come."

The effeminate man swallowed against the tightness in his throat and did as his leader bade.

Enju faced him, looking him dead in the eye. "Tell me what your true desire is?"

Jakotsu held her gaze and immediately replied, "To stay with my leader." He looked at Tara and added in a softer voice, "I also wish to be able to protect her and stay by her side."

Enju noticed the look he gave Tara. "I see..." She faced Bankotsu. "I will need a favor in return."

Bankotsu nodded. "Anything."

Enju replied, "I will need your vow to use your skills to help others, once you have avenged your fallen comrades."

Bankotsu sighed heavily. 'She's asking me to control my blood lust.' He knew it would be hard, but he would squash the urge, mainly because he knew it would deeply upset his love. He nodded. "You have my word."

Enju nodded and announced, "That will do," She faced Kagome. "I ask one last thing..."

Kagome tilted her head to the side. "What is it?"

Enju's voice resonated with anger. "That you all destroy Naraku! He reminds me too much of my 'brother'."

Kagome confirmed, "That is exactly what we intend to do," Determination was clear in her eyes.

Enju nodded. "Very well, follow me," and turned to leave.

Bankotsu, Kagome, Tara, and Jakotsu walked together following her inside a nearby cave.

Enju faced Jakotsu and commanded evenly, "Remove your clothes and sit in the springs."

He reluctantly proceeded to do as told. 'I am not one bit happy about undressing in front of so many wrenches!, But… if this one can really bring me back alive, it'd be worth it in the end.'

Enju poured a specialized mixture into the springs and began chanting.

Jakotsu had already sat in the water and fell into a state of unconsciousness.

Enju faced the others. "It would be better if you wait outside."

Kagome nodded and led a reluctant and protesting Bankotsu outside.

Enju finished her task and then walked outside to the waiting group. She stared Bankotsu in the eyes. "Your friend should awaken soon."

Kagome nodded. "Did it work?"

Enju smiled. "See for yourself," She handed Kagome a single jewel shard.

Kagome smiled. "Thank you Enju. Somehow I knew you would be able to help us."

Enju nodded and explained, "That had to be removed for it to work."

Kagome hugged her. "Thank you."

Enju smiled. "You are welcome. Now we have to wait until morning."

Kagome set about cooking some ramen for everyone. She noticed Bankotsu had hardly touched his.

Bankotsu poked the chopsticks at his ramen and sighed heavily. 'She better not have hurt him…'

Picking up on Bankotsu's thoughts, she blinked. 'Trust me.'

Bankotsu assured, 'I trust you! It's her that I d -'

She placed a slender hand on his shoulder. 'I trust her. So trust in my judgment.'

Bankotsu placed his larger hand on top of hers and nodded. 'You're right. I just hope this works… He deserves a second chance to.'

Kagome smiled and snuggled into his chest, whispering, "It will."

Bankotsu wrapped his arms around her and laid his cheek to rest against the top of her head. It still left him speechless how much different he felt with his arms around her… It felt even better with her arms around him.

Kagome felt warm and secure. "I'm sleepy."

Bankotsu lifted her into his arms bridal style and carried her over to the tree where her blankets were already set out.

Laying her gently on her blankets, he kissed her lips. "Sleep then, my sweet miko."

She smiled and rolled over onto her side.

Too anxious to sleep, Bankotsu stood leaning his side against the tree she slept under.

Miroku was once again flirting - this time with Enju, despite her not acknowledging it.

Unable to bear it any more, Sango wiped a tear away at the sight before her. Jaw set, she walked over to Bankotsu.

He was watching Kagome sleep while he stood watch over his angle. His arms were crossed in front of his impressive chest.

Sango took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. She spoke softly. "Um Bankotsu, could we talk for a minute?"

He turned his head toward the demon slayer and instantly saw the look of sadness in her eyes.

Having gained his attention, she gulped before asking the question that had nagged at her all night. "How do I get Miroku to stop flirting with every girl that walks by?" She stared into his eyes.

A smirk crossed his lips. "I wondered how long it would take before you got fed up with him," he teased lightly.

Feeling a bit foolish for having even approached him, Sango shook her head. "Forget it," She turned to walk away.

Bankotsu grabbed her arm.

She looked at him.

Seeing a look of confusion in her mahogany eyes, Bankotsu said, "I was just teasing ya Taijiya." His eyes lost their playful light and became serious. "There is a way of course."

'At this point, I'm ready to do whatever it takes.' Her shoulders slumped and she ducked her head to her chest. "How?" She spoke so lightly that he nearly missed it.

"Turn the tables on him," mischief danced in his eyes.

She blinked and titled her head to the side. "What do you mean?"

Bankotsu sighed 'She really is slow when it comes to men...' He stared into her mahogany eyes. "Why not turn the tables on him, for once?"

He watched the confounded look contort her face and shook his head grinning. "You do the flirting instead... with another man."

'I don't see how that would fix the problem…' She frowned. "How would -"

Bankotsu cut her off with a wave of his hand. "If you really want him to stop, take my advice." He crossed his arms over his chest. "A man doesn't like watching his woman flirt with or touch another man. Men like seeing that even less than a woman likes it when her man is the one flirting around."

Sango frowned, not really liking the idea - especially considering who they were talking about. "Do you really think it would work? Will he buy it?"

Bankotsu assured, "Trust me, once he sees you flirting with another man... he'll come demanding to know what you're doing."

Interest now fully piqued, Sango asked, "What then?"

Bankotsu's eyes lit up. "Then the fun part. You just do what he does... blow him off and ignore him a while... If you really want to get under his skin, do what I suggested and stick to ignoring him for a day or so."

He smirked and continued. "Once you have him trying to get you to talk to him, you lay into him about how you're only doing what he does all the time."

She frowned deeper. "Won't he just give up and lose interest?"

Bankotsu said, "Hell no. It'll have him bending over backwards to get your attention. Next you go back to ignoring him for a while again. Let him stew in his juices and let the message really sink in. Make him think you've lost interest. "

He grinned. "If you do all that, I give it two days tops and he'll come begging for forgiveness." He chuckled. "Hell he'd even be willing to do anything you say at that point, just to get back and stay in your good graces."

Starting to see the possibilities in his plan, she asked, "Would it stop his flirting?"

Bankotsu eyes filled with mirth. "It will if you kiss the other guy and maybe even grope him. "

Sango blushed and smiled hoping that it would work. "Thanks Bankotsu," She was already running through the plan in her head.

Bankotsu nodded. "Anytime," rubbing his chin he added, "If it doesn't... then that monk is even stupider than the mutt." His shoulders lifted in a careless shrug.

Feeling a little bummed at her lack of prospects, Sango asked, "Now who to do this with?" She sent him an almost hopeful look.

Bankotsu smirked. "I'd help you Taijiya... but I don't want to hurts Kags," His eyes softened as he looked over at his sleeping beauty.

Following his line of sight to the sleeping miko, Sango smiled. "You really do care about her... don't you?"

Returning his gaze to the fighter before him, he answered dead serious, "I love her more than life itself," His eyes locked with hers.

Sango knew her sisterly figure like the back of her hand. She grinned. "She loves you too."

Bankotsu knew beyond a doubt, that Kagome loved him as much as he loved her. He nodded. "I know." His eyes trailed back to his beloved who was sleeping peacefully. A loving smile graced his lips.

Feeling like she and Bankotsu might even become friends over time, Sango smiled, "You're not such a bad guy after all."

Bankotsu smirked at the compliment. 'Better not let it get out, or it will ruin my reputation.' He looked once more toward Sango.

"Thanks again for the advice Bankotsu...now let's just hope it works."

Bankotsu nodded. "Good luck Taijiya."

She halted her step and tossed over her shoulder. "It's Sango."

Bankotsu smirked. "I know. I just like teasing you."

Sango shook her head amused. "Good night Bankotsu."

"Night Taijiya," he watched her walk back over to the fire.

His gaze once again returned to the woman who held his heart. 'I wonder when we can start practicing for the kids I know she wants?' his smirked deepened.

Inuyasha watched in disgust as Miroku continued flirting with the dead girl. 'Idiot, it would serve him right if she just gave up on him.'

Tara shifted from time to time, unable to sit still. 'I hope this works. He'd be so happy.' She stared around at the strangers around her. 'Hurry up and get back Jakotsu, I miss you – especially since you're the only one around here that I can open up to.'

Noticing the worry on her face, Sango walked over. "Tara, are you okay?"

Tara looked up. "Oh hey Sango, I'm just worried…"

"Mind if I sit beside you?"

Tara shrugged. "Go ahead," At this point it didn't matter one way or the other, she only wanted Jakotsu.

Sango sat beside her. "He's going to be okay. You know that right?"

Tara sighed. "How can you be so sure?" She plucked at some imaginary lint on her hakamas.

Sango answered with a smile. "I trust Kagome and she trusts Enju."

Tara scoffed. "She trusts everyone," She stared at her hand. 'That girl trusts way too easily.'

Sango nodded. "That's one of the best things about Kagome."

Tara smiled. "Yeah I guess so." She sighed. 'If it hadn't been for that girl, I might not be here today.' She blinked as she chewed on that thought.

Sango's eyes landed on Miroku and Enju. She quickly looked away trying to hide her tears.

Disgusted with the display, Tara snorted. "Why do you put up with it?"

"Because I love him…" Her heart squeezed painfully before falling into her stomach.

Tara informed her, "Than you need to set him straight! I'd never tolerate a man behaving like that when he was with me."

Sango smiled. "I intend to, just as soon as we come across a village." Her shoulders straightened and she raised her head high. 'That chat with Bankotsu has given me just push that I needed.'

Tara smiled. "Good. If you need any help… I could always beat some sense into him." She grinned.

Standing to her feet, Sango laughed. "Thanks."

Tara nodded. "Seriously… a few good whacks outta' set him straight as an arrow."

Sango squeezed Tara's shoulder lightly. "Jakotsu will be fine."

Tara sighed. "Thanks," She started worrying about Jakotsu again.

Sango walked over to her own blankets and forced herself to sleep.

Bankotsu and Inuyasha kept a vigil over the entire camp that night.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Naraku was again lost in his thoughts, remembering when Ryori appeared the second time.

XOXOXOXOXOXO – FLASHBACK - XOXOXOXOXOXO

Ryori appeared in a different form, but held the same eerie eyes. "I'm growing tired of waiting Naraku," His eyes narrowed.

Naraku gulped. "Hello Ryori," a nervous hitch was clear in his voice.

"Save the pleasantries for later!" Ryori snarled, clenching his fist.

Naraku assured, "It's almost time. We only need a fourth of the jewel, before it is completed."

"What about those seven shards?" Ryori pointed to the ones Naraku held in his hand.

"I've heard rumors of the Band of Seven… I intend to enlist their help."

"How so," Ryori stared into his eyes.

"The leader is rumored to be a powerful warrior."

"Go on," Ryori waved his hand.

"I will have him and him and his band defeat Inuyasha and his group as well as the wolf and bring me the shards."

Ryori nodded. "Sounds good, then what?" His eyes showed genuine interest.

Naraku's evil cackle filled the air. "Then I take their shards as well, returning Bankotsu and his men to dust."

Ryori growled and his eyes narrowed. He reached out grabbing Naraku by the lapels of his haori. "Leave Bankotsu alive and unharmed until I can inhabit his body… He will not escape me again!"

Naraku's ears perked at that. "You know him?"

{Ryori's POV}

"Drop it!" He dropped Naraku to the ground harshly. 'I will have you soon, little escapee.'

A voice rang in his mind crying out desperately. 'No! Leave him alone!'

'Silence worm!'

'Leave my brother alone! You promised to spare him!'

Ryori grabbed his head. 'Silence!'

{Naraku's POV}

Watching him struggle with inner turmoil, Naraku blinked. 'Ah... the monster has a weakness... maybe Bankotsu will come in handy in this situation after all... With him in my grasp, I'll be able to wiggle my way out of this alive!'

XOXOXOXOXOXO - END FLASHBACK - XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Naraku shook his head clearing it. 'I must escape Ryori….and Bankotsu, is the key….' He rubbed his chin. "Now to draw them to me…"

XOXOXOXOXOXO

The next morning Kagome woke up and went to check on Bankotsu, since he was not beside her. Her eyes dulled at the sight of him looking so helpless and lost.

"How are you?" It was obvious he hadn't slept. His haggard appearance attested to that.

"I couldn't sleep," he held her gaze. His normally bright blue eyes were dulled with both sadness and worry.

She nodded. "It will be okay love, trust me."

He nodded, squeezing her hand on his shoulder.

Her soft brown eyes shone with adoration and love as she smiled at him reassuringly.

Jakotsu emerged from the cave in his kimono. "Well, where's breakfast? I'm starving!" His hair was tussled and his makeup was askew.

Gray eyes looked up. "AH! My hair," he frantically tried to fix his hair.

Bankotsu jumped up and with a huge grin on his face. "Same old Jakotsu," blue eyes filled with happiness. 'It worked!'

Overcome with joy Tara jumped up and ran to Jakotsu. She flung herself into his arms.

Tackled by the emotional female, Jakotsu blinked. 'Did she miss me that much?' He looked into Tara's eyes, confused about the feelings stirring in his body. As her womanly build conformed to his body, he felt a very unexpected warmth growing inside him.

Unable to resist the urges running through his body, he leaned down, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. His arms pulled her closer as she responded to the pressure of his lips against hers.

Jakotsu licked her bottom lip, begging for entrance into her hot womanly cavern. A slight moan escaped the young woman as she slipped deeper into the warmth of his embrace.

Her arms gripped his kimono sleeves and she leaned up on her toes, opening her mouth for him.

Taking the opportunity offered, Jakotsu slipped his tongue into her mouth, and explored as much as he could before they had to break for air.

Tara pulled back from him, noticing the blush that crept from his roots to the neck of his open kimono, causing her to glimpse the taught chest underneath. 'Thank Kami he's safe.'

A smirk crossed Jakotsu's face. 'Wow, what a kiss!'

You could have heard a pin drop as everyone in camp watched the spectacle. Inuyasha fell over fainting at the site of the once gay man playing tonsil hockey with a woman!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

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