InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Bankotsu&Kitra: Past Relations ❯ two ( Chapter 2 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: kittyb78 
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Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure | Type: Fanfiction Sequel | Uploaded On: 07.30.2008 | Updated On: 03.27.2009 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 113 | Status: Work In Progress
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Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure | Type: Fanfiction Sequel | Uploaded On: 07.30.2008 | Updated On: 03.27.2009 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 113 | Status: Work In Progress
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha! I do own Kitra, Darius, Kou, Nenji, and Tao, and the plot, and story line... There. I said it. (sighs)
Most importantly I would like to give a BIG shout out and HUGE thanks to my beta Frog Lady! :)
Chapter 2:
Next morning:
Bankotsu woke up with his arms around Kitra and her curled into his chest. He lay there a few minutes and just enjoyed watching her sleep, still unable to believe the girl he’d grown up with and thought of so many times over the years; was right there in his arms. He’d missed her terribly over the past five years, and still couldn't believe her brother, who he’d also missed, was dead.
He sighed heavily and carefully so as not to wake the slumbering woman, got up and walked around waking the others. He put Renkotsu on guard duty and told Jakotsu to get some sleep. Suikotsu was ordered to collect the fire wood.
Kitra's eyes opened slowly and she yawned, stretching, and stood up. She thought back to last night when Bankotsu had shown up, fought and killed the man who’d single-handedly destroyed her life. She was shocked that Bankotsu had actually killed him and seemed to have enjoyed it, but she was also relieved that she’d no longer have Kou chasing after her.
She looked around and didn't notice the surrounding area. She located Bankotsu over by the fire and slowly approached him. She wasn't afraid of him; in fact, she trusted him as much as she had always trusted her beloved brother when they were kids.
Before she could linger on thoughts of her now dead brother and start crying, she walked up behind Bankotsu and reached out a delicate hand, gently placing it on her his broad shoulder and spoke softly, "Bankotsu,"
He turned to face her. "Hey there, so you're awake, huh?" he greeted with a small smile, trying not to frighten her.
Kitra nodded, staring him dead in the eye and asked curiously, "Why did you bring me here?"
Holding her gaze Bankotsu replied, "Given the circumstances, I thought it’d be best for you to join my band here and travel with me," gesturing to his men.
She gazed deeply into his eyes and questioned, "Why?" needing to make certain.
He answered, "Since you no longer have anyone to protect you and no village to call home; I figured you’d be safest with me," holding her gaze, searching for any signs of fear.
Kitra nodded. She‘d figured as much, but needing to confirm it. "Thank you," she said softly.
He nodded, before taking a deep breath and stating evenly, "I buried Darius last night, then brought you here." sadness entering his eyes.
She hesitated for a moment and walked so she was standing directly in front of Bankotsu. She lightly kissed his cheek, pulling back to gaze into his eyes and said softly, "Thank you again for thatm and for once again saving me."
Bankotsu held her gaze and declared seriously, "I will always be there when you need me- No matter what, Kitra!"
She smiled sadly saying, "Thanks."
Bankotsu walked over to the river entering it and started catching some fish, and throwing them onto the bank. She smiled as she watched him. Deciding to try it herself she also entered the river. She bent over trying to catch some fish, but kept missing. Bankotsu watched for about five minutes, and threw his head back laughing heartily.
She scowled and began getting frustrated. She’d never had to catch her own food before, but things were changing and she’d learned over the years to adapt very quickly when the situation called for it. She’d already come to the conclusion: this newest development with her life merited a change, and she became determined to be able to do things for herself.
Bankotsu snickered, walking over to her. Kitra had assumed that he was going to stand beside her and demonstrate how to catch a fish before letting her try it on her own. Which was why she was surprised when he snuggled up behind her, fitting their bodies together like they were made for each other and holding her at the waist.
"B Bankotsu," she eeped, stiffening in his grasp.
"Relax," he replied. "a demonstration won’t help you- hands-on will."
Her cheeks flushed a bright crimson when she felt his body lined up perfectly with hers, which sent a molten heat coursing throughout her body and her pulse skyrocketing. Bankotsu nuzzled aside her hair with his face. "You have to relax," he whispered, closer to her neck rather than her ear. She gasped as the vibration of his deep baritone voice sent a rumbling thrill through her.
She forced herself to relax against him, and Bankotsu had to bite back a groan as the sweet curves of her lower back melded smoothly against his groin.
He hissed softly against her neck, "Now, I want you to slowly and carefully turn your body so that you’re facing the direction the current is flowing." Kitra shifted slightly in compliance to Bankotsu’s instructions, and felt the smooth jet stream of the water flowing naturally past her legs, unlike before when it beat against her legs like a torrent.
Bankotsu bit back a groan that was determined to be released before he said, "Good, now see that fish there?"
"Uh-huh," Kitra answered softly.
"I want you to cautiously submerge your hands into the water surrounding the fish, following the current of the water," Bankotsu instructed, as he reached around her, grabbing her arms and slowly dipping her fingertips into the water.
She breathed, "Okay." Of course, Bankotsu was feeling her every movement through the scant distance of heat that separated their bodies.
Kitra did as he instructed and followed the current of the water so she could a make a grab for the fish. Throughout her movement to attain her goal, she was agonizingly reminded of Bankotsu’s presence behind her and how close she was to his body.
He explained in a low voice, "The key is to try and reach in for it right before it even passes your legs."
A fish came darting toward them and as soon as the time was right, he pushed her arms in and she grabbed it. "Heh, not bad," he said, letting go and standing up straight. Smirking, he grabbed the fish from her hand and threw it back into the water. "Now catch one on your own," he said while stepping back a hair.
Kitra pouted, and got into position like he’d shown her. She repeated in her head, “Okay, I can do this!” bending over like before and waited until a fish came almost to her legs. She closed her eyes and shot her arms in, pulling them back up.
She opened her squinted eyes and gasped. "I caught one!" she exclaimed excitedly, with a smile as she held it up triumphantly and grinned.
Bankotsu smiled and said, "Good job!"
She threw it onto the bank and climbed out. Bankotsu stood there smiling, while she exited the river and exclaimed, "I did it! I caught a fish!" she sauntered over to him and wrapped him in a quick hug, which caught him off guard.
His body became rigid. He normally didn't allow anyone to just hug him anymore; even as kids, Dar had rarely hugged him, usually only Kitra ever did, and after not having her around the last five years, he was no longer used to it.
She quickly jumped back when she felt him tense up, then walked over and picked up her fish, carrying it over to the fire. Bankotsu looked at her mini kimono and frowning, queried, "Where did you get that... attire?"
Kitra looked down, noticing the indecent kimono and its ridiculously short length, and blushed. She stared him in the eye and answered quietly, "Kou demanded I wear it. His father had decreed we were to be married before the village was slaughtered. That jerk burned every clothing I owned and wouldn't give me anything else but mini kimonos." a look of utter disgust on her face.
Bankotsu wasn't happy to hear about the fact that Kou had almost forced her into marrying him after all.
Bankotsu's POV:
I sat there listening to Kitra explain thinking, “I can't believe that little bastard actually almost succeeded in forcing her to marry him after all. Why the hell would Dar have even allowed things to get that far? I’m fairly certain that Dar and Kit had to have been running away when he was killed; no doubt to avoid her being married to that stupid prick,” I began mentally growling.
Regular POV:
Bankotsu scowled. "I’ll get you some new clothes- Then I want that thing burned!" he stated, pointing at the ridiculously short and far too inappropriate mini kimono.
"Gladly, but at the moment, it’s all I have to wear. There’s no way in hell I’m gonna just run around naked either," Kitra replied, fire dancing in her eyes; which he knew from previous experience was a sure sign that she was serious.
Bankotsu chuckled and smirked. "You're still as feisty as ever, I see," he stated, amusement dancing in his own eyes.
"You're damn right I am!" she replied fiercely. "I’ve been through sheer hell the last five years! I’m entitled to my feisty nature." clenching her tiny fists.
Bankotsu frowned asking, confused, "Wasn't Dar there?"
She sighed answering, "Sometimes, but not always. Jumal was though, so Kou wasn't able to get to me alone, thank Kami for that!" she declared seriously.
Bankotsu nodded suggesting, "Okay feisty one, come eat and we’ll set out. We’ll stop at the next village and get you some new clothes." eager to get her some proper attire.
Kitra nodded and sat down, covering herself as best she could. She ate her fish, and said softly, sadly, "I still can't believe he is really gone." She sighed heavily and set the last quarter of her fish aside due to loss of appetite.
"Me either," Bankotsu nodded agreeing.
Kitra felt her eyes begin to fill with tears. Bankotsu saw this before she quickly turned away. He stood up, walking over to her and knelt in front of her; using his hands to cup her face and turned her to face him. He saw the tears falling down her cheeks and gently brushed them away with his thumbs.
Looking her directly in the eyes he spoke softly: "I'm here now, it’ll be okay. We’ll get through this together." he buried her head on his shoulder and just held her while she cried.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and cried her heart out. She cried brokenly, "I'm sorry, I know all I’ve done so far is ball... it's just... I miss him so damn much- Kami, it hurts!"
Bankotsu held her close, rubbing a hand up and down her back trying to sooth her and stated, "You two were very close! Even I know it’s only natural you’d be heartbroken. Just let it all out, Kitra."
She held him tighter and cried even harder. "Thank Kami you’re here!" she declared. "I’d go absolutely insane if it wasn't for you. I just miss him so damn much!"
He soothed, "Shh, I know, Kit, I know- I miss him too." continuing to run his hand along her back in an effort to comfort her. She cried even harder and he patiently held her, trying to sooth and comfort her.
After a while, she pulled back. He gently wiped her tears away again asking, "Are you gonna be okay now?"
She smiled sadly and whispered, "Sometimes I wonder if I will ever be okay..."
He nodded, standing up, and helped her to her feet. She took a deep breath and nodded that she was ready. Bankotsu led her over to the others and stated, "We’re moving out in ten minutes, so be ready!" They walked over and he said, "Ja! Get up! We leave in ten minutes. You can sleep later."
Jakotsu whined, "But I'm trying to get my beauty sleep," sending a pouty look at his leader.
"We’ll be stopping at the next village to get Kitra some new and more suitable clothes," Bankotsu informed him, trying to entice his friend to wake up.
Jakotsu jumped up, instantly awake and exclaimed, "Yay, Shopping time!" Bankotsu laughed shaking his head.
He found Renkotsu and said, "Renkotsu, time to head out!" Two minutes later everyone set off together. Bankotsu was in the lead and had Kitra beside him, followed by Jakotsu, Renkotsu, and Suikotsu.
Three hours later they spotted the village:
Bankotsu faced his men ordering, "Listen up! Kitra and I are going into the village to get her some clothes. If you come to the village there will be no killing! We’re only stopping to get what we need."
Renkotsu said, "Never mind, I’ll just wait here."
Suikotsu agreed, "Me too."
Jakotsu stated happily, "I'm so going! I wanna see if they have anything in my color." Kitra smiled sadly. Bankotsu chuckled and nodded his agreement.
Bankotsu, Kitra, and Jakotsu, all walked down the hill and entered the village. Kitra started feeling really uncomfortable from all the men openly staring at her and instinctively moved closer to Bankotsu's side. He felt her wariness, so he instinctively wrapped an arm around her waist protectively, hugging her to his side, and scowled at all the men that were openly staring at her and making her feel uneasy.
The three of them walked into the market place and Jakotsu skipped over to the kimonos. Bankotsu lead Kitra to the female haoris and hakamas section, as she would need sensible clothes with the freedom to move easily in battle.
Kitra found a medium aqua set, a cream set, and a pale green set, and she showed them to Bankotsu. He picked up the three sets that all looked to be about her size and held them up to her one by one. He nodded his approval and then paid for them.
They walked over to the kimonos and saw Jakotsu in a bit of a hissy because he couldn't decide which ones to get. Kitra suggested, "I think the pink and lavender go best with your complexion."
Jakotsu looked at her and asked; "Really?" a little shocked.
She gave a small smile and answered, "Definitely," nodding her head.
Jakotsu looked at them a minute, smiled and said, "Thanks, little sister!"
Kitra's smile slowly faded, she nodded and looked away.
Bankotsu stated, "Ten more minutes Ja, then we gotta get going." Jakotsu nodded and went to pay for his two new kimonos.
Kitra and Bankotsu walked over to the weapons and browsed around. Kitra gasped as she saw a beautiful bow and exclaimed, "Wow, its gorgeous!"
Curious what had caught her eyes, Bankotsu looked at her and asked, "What is?"
Kitra pointed to the bow she was looking at and said, "It's almost identical to the one that got destroyed when the village was slaughtered."
Bankotsu asked the man at the counter to see the bow, the matching Katanas with sheathes, a set of daggers, as well as a sash, and belt to hold the daggers. He looked it all over thoroughly and announced, "We’ll take it all, as well as a bag of your finest arrows."
The merchant eagerly gathered everything Bankotsu had asked for and set it before him. Bankotsu paid for the items, and faced his companion. "Time to go Kitra," he said and handed her the clothing. He carried the weapons, and other items.
They walked over to Jakotsu, and Bankotsu announced, "Time to leave, Ja!"
Jakotsu nodded and the three left the village side by side with Kitra in the middle. They joined back up with the other two and walked off into the forest again. Bankotsu led them over to a place where Kitra could change into her new clothes in a relatively private area.
He suggested, "Kitra, go change into one of your new outfits." waiting as she did so.
She nodded and walked behind a large tree, quickly changing into her new cream colored hakama and haori. Less than five minutes later, she walked back out.
Bankotsu's jaw dropped at the change in her appearance, as his eyes raked over her voluptuous figure. She had her wavy waist-length hair tied up in a high ponytail with her bangs framing her face. But the outfit fit her like a second skin as well as molded to and pronounced all of her curves just right; it was showing off an ample amount of cleavage.
He realized at that exact moment she was no longer a child. She was indeed a young woman - a very attractive young woman. He knew he was gonna have to keep a very close eye on her or else any man who saw her would be very tempted. He frowned at that thought. He definitely didn't like the thought of any man touching her. She was, after all, his childhood friend and his best friend's little sister.
He shook his head to regain his composure before she caught him staring like a fool. He noticed the bottom of her hakamas weren't quite right. Hiding a smile, he walked over and fixed the bottom of her pants, saying "There, much better."
She gave a small smile saying softly, "Thanks."
He showed her how to strap on the belt for holding her new daggers, how to tie her katana securely around her waist with the sash, and the other onto her back. He handed her the bag of arrows and her new bow.
She said awed, "Thank you, Bank. You’ve already spent a fortune on me." feeling a little guilty for causing him such trouble.
He hid another smile replying. "It’s not a problem Kit, after all you gotta have clothes and weapons, right?"
"Yeah," she answered. "I know how to use the bow and arrows, as well as one katana. But I don't know how to use two."
"I’ll teach you!" he said. "I assume Darius taught you hand-to-hand and self-defense?" She choked back her tears and nodded. He nodded saying, "Good."
She added softly, "He also taught me how to use the daggers."
Bankotsu stated determinedly, "Good. I’ll finish your training," as he held out a hand for her.
Touched by his generosity, she gasped and stated, "Thank you so much! You’ve already done so much for me. How can I ever thank you?"
He smiled answering, "You take over the cooking for starters and help us in our battles."
She nodded saying, "Against the demons, yes, but I just can't bring myself to slaughter people." sadness in her voice.
Bankotsu sighed heavily and replied, "I knew you’d say that. Alright, I know you better than most, and I may not like it, but I understand why you feel that way."
She smiled a genuine smile and hugged him briefly saying, "Thanks for understanding."
He hugged her back briefly and mocked dryly, "That's me alright, an understanding guy."
She smiled and said softly, "You always were," genuine affection for him in her eyes.
He nodded asking, "Where’s what you were wearing?" She handed him the mini kimono, which he took as he said, "Come on."
She followed him and they walked back over to the others. Bankotsu burned the mini kimono, watching with great satisfaction as the horrid thing went up in flames. He took the other two outfits and bundled them into the blanket he bought while she wasn't looking, then tied those to her back as well.
He faced the group and commanded, "Listen up! We’re heading out and will be traveling all day- no whining to stop! We’ll stop when I’m sure we will be safe enough. Kitra, you stay with me, everyone clear?" Everyone nodded. They set out with their belongings and weapons. Bankotsu was in the lead with Kitra and Jakotsu on each side of him, followed by Suikotsu and Renkotsu.
Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is chapter two please remember to read and review thanks.
Most importantly I would like to give a BIG shout out and HUGE thanks to my beta Frog Lady! :)
Chapter 2:
Next morning:
Bankotsu woke up with his arms around Kitra and her curled into his chest. He lay there a few minutes and just enjoyed watching her sleep, still unable to believe the girl he’d grown up with and thought of so many times over the years; was right there in his arms. He’d missed her terribly over the past five years, and still couldn't believe her brother, who he’d also missed, was dead.
He sighed heavily and carefully so as not to wake the slumbering woman, got up and walked around waking the others. He put Renkotsu on guard duty and told Jakotsu to get some sleep. Suikotsu was ordered to collect the fire wood.
Kitra's eyes opened slowly and she yawned, stretching, and stood up. She thought back to last night when Bankotsu had shown up, fought and killed the man who’d single-handedly destroyed her life. She was shocked that Bankotsu had actually killed him and seemed to have enjoyed it, but she was also relieved that she’d no longer have Kou chasing after her.
She looked around and didn't notice the surrounding area. She located Bankotsu over by the fire and slowly approached him. She wasn't afraid of him; in fact, she trusted him as much as she had always trusted her beloved brother when they were kids.
Before she could linger on thoughts of her now dead brother and start crying, she walked up behind Bankotsu and reached out a delicate hand, gently placing it on her his broad shoulder and spoke softly, "Bankotsu,"
He turned to face her. "Hey there, so you're awake, huh?" he greeted with a small smile, trying not to frighten her.
Kitra nodded, staring him dead in the eye and asked curiously, "Why did you bring me here?"
Holding her gaze Bankotsu replied, "Given the circumstances, I thought it’d be best for you to join my band here and travel with me," gesturing to his men.
She gazed deeply into his eyes and questioned, "Why?" needing to make certain.
He answered, "Since you no longer have anyone to protect you and no village to call home; I figured you’d be safest with me," holding her gaze, searching for any signs of fear.
Kitra nodded. She‘d figured as much, but needing to confirm it. "Thank you," she said softly.
He nodded, before taking a deep breath and stating evenly, "I buried Darius last night, then brought you here." sadness entering his eyes.
She hesitated for a moment and walked so she was standing directly in front of Bankotsu. She lightly kissed his cheek, pulling back to gaze into his eyes and said softly, "Thank you again for thatm and for once again saving me."
Bankotsu held her gaze and declared seriously, "I will always be there when you need me- No matter what, Kitra!"
She smiled sadly saying, "Thanks."
Bankotsu walked over to the river entering it and started catching some fish, and throwing them onto the bank. She smiled as she watched him. Deciding to try it herself she also entered the river. She bent over trying to catch some fish, but kept missing. Bankotsu watched for about five minutes, and threw his head back laughing heartily.
She scowled and began getting frustrated. She’d never had to catch her own food before, but things were changing and she’d learned over the years to adapt very quickly when the situation called for it. She’d already come to the conclusion: this newest development with her life merited a change, and she became determined to be able to do things for herself.
Bankotsu snickered, walking over to her. Kitra had assumed that he was going to stand beside her and demonstrate how to catch a fish before letting her try it on her own. Which was why she was surprised when he snuggled up behind her, fitting their bodies together like they were made for each other and holding her at the waist.
"B Bankotsu," she eeped, stiffening in his grasp.
"Relax," he replied. "a demonstration won’t help you- hands-on will."
Her cheeks flushed a bright crimson when she felt his body lined up perfectly with hers, which sent a molten heat coursing throughout her body and her pulse skyrocketing. Bankotsu nuzzled aside her hair with his face. "You have to relax," he whispered, closer to her neck rather than her ear. She gasped as the vibration of his deep baritone voice sent a rumbling thrill through her.
She forced herself to relax against him, and Bankotsu had to bite back a groan as the sweet curves of her lower back melded smoothly against his groin.
He hissed softly against her neck, "Now, I want you to slowly and carefully turn your body so that you’re facing the direction the current is flowing." Kitra shifted slightly in compliance to Bankotsu’s instructions, and felt the smooth jet stream of the water flowing naturally past her legs, unlike before when it beat against her legs like a torrent.
Bankotsu bit back a groan that was determined to be released before he said, "Good, now see that fish there?"
"Uh-huh," Kitra answered softly.
"I want you to cautiously submerge your hands into the water surrounding the fish, following the current of the water," Bankotsu instructed, as he reached around her, grabbing her arms and slowly dipping her fingertips into the water.
She breathed, "Okay." Of course, Bankotsu was feeling her every movement through the scant distance of heat that separated their bodies.
Kitra did as he instructed and followed the current of the water so she could a make a grab for the fish. Throughout her movement to attain her goal, she was agonizingly reminded of Bankotsu’s presence behind her and how close she was to his body.
He explained in a low voice, "The key is to try and reach in for it right before it even passes your legs."
A fish came darting toward them and as soon as the time was right, he pushed her arms in and she grabbed it. "Heh, not bad," he said, letting go and standing up straight. Smirking, he grabbed the fish from her hand and threw it back into the water. "Now catch one on your own," he said while stepping back a hair.
Kitra pouted, and got into position like he’d shown her. She repeated in her head, “Okay, I can do this!” bending over like before and waited until a fish came almost to her legs. She closed her eyes and shot her arms in, pulling them back up.
She opened her squinted eyes and gasped. "I caught one!" she exclaimed excitedly, with a smile as she held it up triumphantly and grinned.
Bankotsu smiled and said, "Good job!"
She threw it onto the bank and climbed out. Bankotsu stood there smiling, while she exited the river and exclaimed, "I did it! I caught a fish!" she sauntered over to him and wrapped him in a quick hug, which caught him off guard.
His body became rigid. He normally didn't allow anyone to just hug him anymore; even as kids, Dar had rarely hugged him, usually only Kitra ever did, and after not having her around the last five years, he was no longer used to it.
She quickly jumped back when she felt him tense up, then walked over and picked up her fish, carrying it over to the fire. Bankotsu looked at her mini kimono and frowning, queried, "Where did you get that... attire?"
Kitra looked down, noticing the indecent kimono and its ridiculously short length, and blushed. She stared him in the eye and answered quietly, "Kou demanded I wear it. His father had decreed we were to be married before the village was slaughtered. That jerk burned every clothing I owned and wouldn't give me anything else but mini kimonos." a look of utter disgust on her face.
Bankotsu wasn't happy to hear about the fact that Kou had almost forced her into marrying him after all.
Bankotsu's POV:
I sat there listening to Kitra explain thinking, “I can't believe that little bastard actually almost succeeded in forcing her to marry him after all. Why the hell would Dar have even allowed things to get that far? I’m fairly certain that Dar and Kit had to have been running away when he was killed; no doubt to avoid her being married to that stupid prick,” I began mentally growling.
Regular POV:
Bankotsu scowled. "I’ll get you some new clothes- Then I want that thing burned!" he stated, pointing at the ridiculously short and far too inappropriate mini kimono.
"Gladly, but at the moment, it’s all I have to wear. There’s no way in hell I’m gonna just run around naked either," Kitra replied, fire dancing in her eyes; which he knew from previous experience was a sure sign that she was serious.
Bankotsu chuckled and smirked. "You're still as feisty as ever, I see," he stated, amusement dancing in his own eyes.
"You're damn right I am!" she replied fiercely. "I’ve been through sheer hell the last five years! I’m entitled to my feisty nature." clenching her tiny fists.
Bankotsu frowned asking, confused, "Wasn't Dar there?"
She sighed answering, "Sometimes, but not always. Jumal was though, so Kou wasn't able to get to me alone, thank Kami for that!" she declared seriously.
Bankotsu nodded suggesting, "Okay feisty one, come eat and we’ll set out. We’ll stop at the next village and get you some new clothes." eager to get her some proper attire.
Kitra nodded and sat down, covering herself as best she could. She ate her fish, and said softly, sadly, "I still can't believe he is really gone." She sighed heavily and set the last quarter of her fish aside due to loss of appetite.
"Me either," Bankotsu nodded agreeing.
Kitra felt her eyes begin to fill with tears. Bankotsu saw this before she quickly turned away. He stood up, walking over to her and knelt in front of her; using his hands to cup her face and turned her to face him. He saw the tears falling down her cheeks and gently brushed them away with his thumbs.
Looking her directly in the eyes he spoke softly: "I'm here now, it’ll be okay. We’ll get through this together." he buried her head on his shoulder and just held her while she cried.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and cried her heart out. She cried brokenly, "I'm sorry, I know all I’ve done so far is ball... it's just... I miss him so damn much- Kami, it hurts!"
Bankotsu held her close, rubbing a hand up and down her back trying to sooth her and stated, "You two were very close! Even I know it’s only natural you’d be heartbroken. Just let it all out, Kitra."
She held him tighter and cried even harder. "Thank Kami you’re here!" she declared. "I’d go absolutely insane if it wasn't for you. I just miss him so damn much!"
He soothed, "Shh, I know, Kit, I know- I miss him too." continuing to run his hand along her back in an effort to comfort her. She cried even harder and he patiently held her, trying to sooth and comfort her.
After a while, she pulled back. He gently wiped her tears away again asking, "Are you gonna be okay now?"
She smiled sadly and whispered, "Sometimes I wonder if I will ever be okay..."
He nodded, standing up, and helped her to her feet. She took a deep breath and nodded that she was ready. Bankotsu led her over to the others and stated, "We’re moving out in ten minutes, so be ready!" They walked over and he said, "Ja! Get up! We leave in ten minutes. You can sleep later."
Jakotsu whined, "But I'm trying to get my beauty sleep," sending a pouty look at his leader.
"We’ll be stopping at the next village to get Kitra some new and more suitable clothes," Bankotsu informed him, trying to entice his friend to wake up.
Jakotsu jumped up, instantly awake and exclaimed, "Yay, Shopping time!" Bankotsu laughed shaking his head.
He found Renkotsu and said, "Renkotsu, time to head out!" Two minutes later everyone set off together. Bankotsu was in the lead and had Kitra beside him, followed by Jakotsu, Renkotsu, and Suikotsu.
Three hours later they spotted the village:
Bankotsu faced his men ordering, "Listen up! Kitra and I are going into the village to get her some clothes. If you come to the village there will be no killing! We’re only stopping to get what we need."
Renkotsu said, "Never mind, I’ll just wait here."
Suikotsu agreed, "Me too."
Jakotsu stated happily, "I'm so going! I wanna see if they have anything in my color." Kitra smiled sadly. Bankotsu chuckled and nodded his agreement.
Bankotsu, Kitra, and Jakotsu, all walked down the hill and entered the village. Kitra started feeling really uncomfortable from all the men openly staring at her and instinctively moved closer to Bankotsu's side. He felt her wariness, so he instinctively wrapped an arm around her waist protectively, hugging her to his side, and scowled at all the men that were openly staring at her and making her feel uneasy.
The three of them walked into the market place and Jakotsu skipped over to the kimonos. Bankotsu lead Kitra to the female haoris and hakamas section, as she would need sensible clothes with the freedom to move easily in battle.
Kitra found a medium aqua set, a cream set, and a pale green set, and she showed them to Bankotsu. He picked up the three sets that all looked to be about her size and held them up to her one by one. He nodded his approval and then paid for them.
They walked over to the kimonos and saw Jakotsu in a bit of a hissy because he couldn't decide which ones to get. Kitra suggested, "I think the pink and lavender go best with your complexion."
Jakotsu looked at her and asked; "Really?" a little shocked.
She gave a small smile and answered, "Definitely," nodding her head.
Jakotsu looked at them a minute, smiled and said, "Thanks, little sister!"
Kitra's smile slowly faded, she nodded and looked away.
Bankotsu stated, "Ten more minutes Ja, then we gotta get going." Jakotsu nodded and went to pay for his two new kimonos.
Kitra and Bankotsu walked over to the weapons and browsed around. Kitra gasped as she saw a beautiful bow and exclaimed, "Wow, its gorgeous!"
Curious what had caught her eyes, Bankotsu looked at her and asked, "What is?"
Kitra pointed to the bow she was looking at and said, "It's almost identical to the one that got destroyed when the village was slaughtered."
Bankotsu asked the man at the counter to see the bow, the matching Katanas with sheathes, a set of daggers, as well as a sash, and belt to hold the daggers. He looked it all over thoroughly and announced, "We’ll take it all, as well as a bag of your finest arrows."
The merchant eagerly gathered everything Bankotsu had asked for and set it before him. Bankotsu paid for the items, and faced his companion. "Time to go Kitra," he said and handed her the clothing. He carried the weapons, and other items.
They walked over to Jakotsu, and Bankotsu announced, "Time to leave, Ja!"
Jakotsu nodded and the three left the village side by side with Kitra in the middle. They joined back up with the other two and walked off into the forest again. Bankotsu led them over to a place where Kitra could change into her new clothes in a relatively private area.
He suggested, "Kitra, go change into one of your new outfits." waiting as she did so.
She nodded and walked behind a large tree, quickly changing into her new cream colored hakama and haori. Less than five minutes later, she walked back out.
Bankotsu's jaw dropped at the change in her appearance, as his eyes raked over her voluptuous figure. She had her wavy waist-length hair tied up in a high ponytail with her bangs framing her face. But the outfit fit her like a second skin as well as molded to and pronounced all of her curves just right; it was showing off an ample amount of cleavage.
He realized at that exact moment she was no longer a child. She was indeed a young woman - a very attractive young woman. He knew he was gonna have to keep a very close eye on her or else any man who saw her would be very tempted. He frowned at that thought. He definitely didn't like the thought of any man touching her. She was, after all, his childhood friend and his best friend's little sister.
He shook his head to regain his composure before she caught him staring like a fool. He noticed the bottom of her hakamas weren't quite right. Hiding a smile, he walked over and fixed the bottom of her pants, saying "There, much better."
She gave a small smile saying softly, "Thanks."
He showed her how to strap on the belt for holding her new daggers, how to tie her katana securely around her waist with the sash, and the other onto her back. He handed her the bag of arrows and her new bow.
She said awed, "Thank you, Bank. You’ve already spent a fortune on me." feeling a little guilty for causing him such trouble.
He hid another smile replying. "It’s not a problem Kit, after all you gotta have clothes and weapons, right?"
"Yeah," she answered. "I know how to use the bow and arrows, as well as one katana. But I don't know how to use two."
"I’ll teach you!" he said. "I assume Darius taught you hand-to-hand and self-defense?" She choked back her tears and nodded. He nodded saying, "Good."
She added softly, "He also taught me how to use the daggers."
Bankotsu stated determinedly, "Good. I’ll finish your training," as he held out a hand for her.
Touched by his generosity, she gasped and stated, "Thank you so much! You’ve already done so much for me. How can I ever thank you?"
He smiled answering, "You take over the cooking for starters and help us in our battles."
She nodded saying, "Against the demons, yes, but I just can't bring myself to slaughter people." sadness in her voice.
Bankotsu sighed heavily and replied, "I knew you’d say that. Alright, I know you better than most, and I may not like it, but I understand why you feel that way."
She smiled a genuine smile and hugged him briefly saying, "Thanks for understanding."
He hugged her back briefly and mocked dryly, "That's me alright, an understanding guy."
She smiled and said softly, "You always were," genuine affection for him in her eyes.
He nodded asking, "Where’s what you were wearing?" She handed him the mini kimono, which he took as he said, "Come on."
She followed him and they walked back over to the others. Bankotsu burned the mini kimono, watching with great satisfaction as the horrid thing went up in flames. He took the other two outfits and bundled them into the blanket he bought while she wasn't looking, then tied those to her back as well.
He faced the group and commanded, "Listen up! We’re heading out and will be traveling all day- no whining to stop! We’ll stop when I’m sure we will be safe enough. Kitra, you stay with me, everyone clear?" Everyone nodded. They set out with their belongings and weapons. Bankotsu was in the lead with Kitra and Jakotsu on each side of him, followed by Suikotsu and Renkotsu.
Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is chapter two please remember to read and review thanks.