InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Bankotsu&Kitra: The Begining ❯ eight ( Chapter 8 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: kittyb78 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 07.30.2008 | Updated On: 03.27.2009 | Pages: 5 | Words: 4.8K | Visits: 133 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 07.30.2008 | Updated On: 03.27.2009 | Pages: 5 | Words: 4.8K | Visits: 133 | Status: Work In Progress
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha! I do own Kitra, Darius, Kou, Kio, Nenji, and Tao, Jumal and the plot, and story line... There. I said it. (sighs)
Chapter 8:
Most importantly I would like to give a BIG shout out and HUGE thanks to my beta Frog Lady! :)
The next morning:
Kitra woke up then rolled out of bed and stretched. She walked into the kitchen and cooked breakfast. Just as she was setting the food on the table, the guys entered the kitchen. Darius smiled greeting, "Morning, Kit."
She smiled back replying, "Morning, Dar."
Bankotsu smiled adding, "Morning." He leaned over and lightly pecked Kitra's cheek, saying, "Smells delicious, thanks, Kit."
Kitra smiled and replied, "Any time, Ban! Eat up, guys!" Everyone sat at the table and ate the food. Kitra stood up and collected the dishes to wash.
Darius stood up, looking at his family and said, "I’m off to the training grounds, you two coming?"
Kitra's face lit up and she answered excitedly, "You better believe it!"
Bankotsu shrugged. "Sure let’s go?" he said as he stood up. The trio walked arm in arm towards the training grounds.
At the training grounds:
The trio arrived at the railing. Darius hopped over it and walked towards the middle of the training area. Kitra climbed up and sat on the railing in her favorite spot. She was eagerly anticipating another wonderful match from her brother as he sparred. Bankotsu stood leaning casually on the fence beside Kitra again.
Darius was looking around for an opponent when Jumal walked over asking, "Hey, Darius, wanna spar a bit?"
Darius smiled and his eyes lit up answering, "Sure." A few minutes later Darius and Jumal began sparring.
Kio walked up from behind Kitra. "Hey Kitra," he greeted with a smile.
Kitra turned around and said, "Oh hi, Kio." Then she went back to watching the match.
Kio looked at her and asked dryly, "Enjoying the show?"
Kitra looked him in the eye and replied seriously, "Don't I always?"
Kio sighed and mentioned, "Yeah, you do." ignoring Bankotsu’s deadly glares.
Bankotsu eyed Kio a minute and then decided to move closer protectively to Kitra. He moved over so he was standing directly behind Kitra and wrapped his warm arms around her tiny waist, pulling her against his chest. Kitra gently placed her hand on Bankotsu's arm giving it a light squeeze in acknowledgment and leaned her head back against his shoulder smiling.
Kio shook his head scowling, and asked sarcastically, "Bankotsu, don't you have anything better to do other than constantly touching Kitra?"
Bankotsu smirked at him. "No! Besides Kitra likes it when I hold her," he responded smugly, his blue eyes shining with defiance. To prove his point, he leaned over close to Kitra's ear asking, "Don't you, Kit?"
Her face spread into a big smile and she answered happily, "Yes, I do." patting his arm.
Overcome with jealousy and needing to put the arrogant boy in his place, Kio sneered. "Too damn bad because sooner or later Kitra will be Kou's wife and my sister in law." He stated, glaring at Bankotsu.
Kitra's face went blank and she said fiercely, "Not if I have anything to say about it!"
Kio retorted smugly, "You don't, you’re just a woman! Women have no say in these things!" happy to have her attention on him now.
Kitra snapped her head around to glare at him, and clenched her fists. Bankotsu noticed this and knew what it meant. "Uh oh," he breathed, eyes widening. He glared at Kio and warned dead seriously, "That was the wrong thing to say to Kitra, you fool! You had better leave while you still can, Kio!"
Kio smirked and taunted, "Why should I?" feeling smug.
Kitra glared icily at him. "Unless you want a serious ass beating, then leave! I don't like you, or your jerk of a brother!" she stated angrily, her eyes hardened and flashing with her growing anger.
Bankotsu looked Kio dead in the eye and warned him seriously, "If you continue to upset Kitra, I’m going to kick your ass and so will Darius!"
Kio smirked wider and informed him smugly, "And when my father finds out, you two will be punished!"
Seething at the imposed threat to the two most important people in her life, Kitra’s dangerous temper escalated. "Keep it up, asshole, and I’m the one who will beat your sorry ass!" Kitra ground out through gritted teeth, temper flaring in her eyes.
Kio leered at her and said, "Try it, babe, and I’ll make certain you learn to respect men like you should!" staring her dead in the eye.
Kitra hissed venomously, "I respect the ones who have earned it. You and Kou never have earned it yet as far as I am concerned, and you can just kiss my ass!"
Kio became angry and swiftly moved to strike her, but Bankotsu even faster, caught his hand before it could strike her. Bankotsu narrowed his eyes dangerously at Kio. "Try that again and there will be hell to pay!" he said declared seriously, his temper now flaring.
Kou walked up seeing the duo glaring at each other and demanded, "Enough! Now, what the hell is going on?"
Kitra glared at him. "Your stupid asshole of a brother tried to start a fight, that's what!" She snapped angrily, eyes flashing with pure fury. She still had her fists clenched and was clearly becoming livid.
Kou noticed this and, turning to raise a brow questioningly at his brother, querying, "Kio, what the hell did you do to piss her off like that?" knowing it took a lot to rile her this badly.
Kio snorted and answered, "I told her she won't have any say in it when you make her your wife! She is after all just a stupid woman!" Kitra growled and narrowed her eyes getting ready to rip him apart.
"You idiot! You don't know when to shut up do you?" Bankotsu hissed, glaring at Kio. Then he faced Kitra. "Calm down, Kit," he said in a soothing voice, trying to placate his furious friend.
Kou looked at Bankotsu. "Release him now, Bankotsu, and restrain her!" he demanded, pointing at the livid Kitra. Her temper was well known which is why most people left her alone.
Bankotsu snapped his head to glare at Kou. "If he dares to try to strike her again, I’ll break that damn fist!" he said angrily, eyes dead serious. He released Kio's hand and shoved him forcefully away from Kitra. Spinning around he tried again to placate Kitra.
Enraged by that comment, Kou snapped his head to glare dangerously at his brother and warned angrily, "Kio, if you value your life little brother, you will never try to strike Kitra again!" He stormed over to his younger brother hauling back a fist and punched Kio dead in the face, sending him sprawling on the ground.
Bankotsu was actually holding Kitra in place on the railing and trying his best to calm her down.
Kou sighed heavily, turning to face Kitra and said, "My brother is such an idiot sometimes. Kitra, I apologize to you for him upsetting you." Kitra just angrily looked away. Kou continued to watch ‘his’ red haired beauty. "I assure you my dear, this shall not happen again!" he said seriously.
Kitra huffed and said, "Fine," waving him off dismissively.
Bankotsu started rubbing her arms in an effort to soothe her and suggested, "Kit, let's just watch Dar, alright?" hoping to calm his feisty friend.
Kitra sighed heavily and agreed, "Alright," and went back to watching the duel.
Kio started getting to his feet. "What the hell was that for Kou!?" he demanded, glaring at his older brother.
Kou glared at the whelp and said angrily, "For upsetting Kitra! Now get your sorry ass up!" Kio made it to his feet and glared at his brother. Kou approached Kio. "Evidently, you and I need to have another long discussion about you harassing Kitra. This had better be the last time, little brother, or else..." he said angrily, eyes holding promise of pain if otherwise.
Kio gulped nervously then spun on his heel and stormed towards the villa. Kou followed his brother furiously. He was already having a hell of a time winning over his prize, he didn’t need his idiotic brother complicating things any further.
Bankotsu, who had watched the exchange chuckled and faced Kitra, stating, "I take it Kou doesn't like his brother harassing you either, eh Kit?"
Kitra rolled her eyes. "Good! So long as he makes that jerk leave me alone! One of them is bad enough," she said, shaking her head sadly and trying to calm down.
Bankotsu nodded and added, "Indeed," wrapping his arms around her waist again.
Darius and Jumal finished their sparring match.
Bankotsu noticed this and suggested evenly, "Come on Kit, let's go get Dar and then we’ll grab some food."
Kitra nodded eagerly. Bankotsu hopped over the railing with ease. Turning to Kitra, placed his hands on her hips and helped her off of the railing, depositing her gently onto her feet. She smiled at him hugging his waist and said, "Thank you."
Bankotsu nodded hugging her back, and said, "You’re welcome." He took Kitra's hand and they began walking towards his best friend. "Hey Dar, take a break and come have lunch with us okay," they yelled.
Darius nodded and joined his sister and best friend. He looked at their other friend, Jumal, and suggested, "Hey Jumal, why don't you join us?"
Jumal grinned and nodded walking over to them. The four of them walked back over to the railing. The guys hopped over the railing, then Darius helped Kitra over it and they all went to eat lunch. After lunch, they all four walked back over to the training area.
Kitra climbed back up on the fence in her favorite spot and Bankotsu stood beside her. Darius and Jumal easily hopped over the railing again and walked to the middle of the grounds to begin sparring again. As usual, it didn't take long before a crowd began to gather. Everyone watched as Darius and Jumal sparred a good thirty minutes.
Darius bested Jumal again, and smiled at his friend and encouraging, "You’re getting better every day, Ju!"
Jumal smiled at his friend and said, "Thanks, Seems getting my butt kicked day in and day out is finally paying off!"
Darius smiled and said reassuringly, "Sure is my friend!"
Jumal grinned then turned around and walked over towards Kitra and Bankotsu.
Darius smiled and, looking around, said, "Next," Another guy came up and started practicing with Darius.
Jumal walked over beside Kitra. "Hey you two," he said, smiling at his friends.
Kitra smiled at him and said, "It looks like you’re still improving!"
Jumal laughed and said, "Thanks."
Bankotsu smiled at his friend and questioned, "Didja have fun?"
Jumal laughed and said merrily, "Yeah, having Darius kick my butt day in and day out is one of my favorite past times!" The three off them laughed heartily. They all went back to watching Darius practice.
A little while later, Kou walked over. "Hey, Kitra, Bankotsu," he said, nodding at them.
Wishing he would just go away, Kitra sighed and said evenly, "Hi Kou."
Bankotsu moved so he stood directly behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. She leaned her head back on his shoulder smiling. Kou, seeing this, narrowed his eyes in a warning at Bankotsu. Bankotsu just held his glare with his own icy glare.
Kou and Bankotsu glared at each other a few minutes. Kou turned back to Kitra. "I just wanted to make sure you know that if Kio tries anything like that again, I’m to be informed immediately." he said evenly, while gazing at ‘his’ fiery hair and tempered beauty.
Kitra faced him, nodding and said bored, "Yeah, sure."
Kou said seriously, "He and I had a long chat. He knows damn well that I’d better not find you upset like that again because of his antics." His eyes looked deadly serious.
Kitra reluctantly nodded. "Thanks," she said evenly, looking into his eyes.
"That boy sure loves to run off at the mouth," Bankotsu mentioned dryly, shaking his head sadly.
"Tell me about it!" Kou exclaimed frustratedly, annoyance clear in his eyes. He smiled charmingly at Kitra and said, "Be sure you watch Kitra, because I’m next!"
Kitra nodded her head. "Sure, I’ll gladly watch you get your ass handed to you by my brother again," she said happily, eyes dancing with amusement.
Kou puffed out his chest and said smugly, "We shall see, my sweet! We shall see!" new determination filling him.
Kitra rolled her eyes at him. "Indeed we shall!" she said seriously.
She went back to watching Darius sparring. He defeated yet another opponent, grinned and yelled, "Next!" Kou hopped over the railing, stepping in front of him and yelled, "I’ll take you on!" feeling more confidant.
eyes dancing with mirth Darius said, "By all means!"
Kou smiled sweetly at Kitra. "Watch me Kitra!" he said and winked at her flirtingly. purposefully ignoring Bankotsu and his arms around her waist.
Darius rolled his eyes and asked, "Are you gonna flirt with my sister or fight, Kou?"
Kou blew a kiss to Kitra and faced Darius. "En guard!" he yelled, smiling.
Darius jumped into position and they started battling. Jumal chuckled and, shaking his head, mentioned dryly, "Boy, he sure is something else, huh?"
Shivering in revulsion, Kitra sighed heavily and whined, "UGH! Man, why did we have to deal with both of them in the same day?"
Bankotsu tightened his hold protectively, leaning next to her ear and said, "Don't worry, I won't let them hurt you, Kit." sheer determination in his calm voice.
Kitra smiled, leaning against him and felt him tighten his hold on her just a fraction and said, "Thanks, Ban!" she savored the few times he’d actually hold her like this.
Unknown to Kitra many of the girls in attendance were casting her envious and jealous glares as they watched Bankotsu holding her so affectionately.
Jumal grinned at his friends and said, "Okay, I'm outta here. You two enjoy the show!"
Kitra and Bankotsu laughed merrily. Kitra answered, "Bye, Ju. Be sure and tell Lissa I said hey, alright?"
Jumal smiled, nodded and said, "Will do!" saluting her with a grin before leaving.
Kitra went back to watching the battle as it continued. Needing a break from all the tension in the air, Bankotsu suggested, "Maybe after this, Dar, you, and myself should disappear a while, eh?"
Kitra laughed and said, "Man, don't I wish!"
Bankotsu asked seriously, "It would be nice, huh, the three of us taking a little vacation?" leaning his chin on her shoulder.
Kitra said in a mumbled voice, "Yeah, it would. Damn, I wish you two didn't have to be at the headman's beck and call." ending a little resentfully.
Bankotsu agreed, "Yeah, me too!" As he noticed some of the girls sending him longing looks, he smirked.
Oblivious to anything but Bankotsu holding her, and the match, Kitra said dreamily, "One of these days we should all three just run away and not look back!"
Knowing his friend felt duty bound to take his father’s place, Bankotsu mentioned, "Yeah, but Dar wouldn't be happy if we did that."
Kitra sighed and said, "I know. Someday though, this village will be nothing but a memory, and the three of us off in the world together!" a dreamy look on her face.
Bankotsu smiled sweetly and stated, "It sure is a nice dream, Kit!" Then he started making jokes and they laughed together.
Kou, who had looked towards Bankotsu and Kitra again and seen them looking happy together, became furious! He didn’t like their coziness at all! Kitra was his damnit, not Bankotsu’s!
Seeing Kou’s furious gaze, Darius taunted, "Hey, are you gonna stare at my sister all day or are you gonna actually swing that sword?"
Kou glared at Kitra and Bankotsu and then at Darius. He angrily lunged his sword at Darius. Darius blocked the attack, circling away and made his own move. Kou was caught off guard by Darius and knocked flat onto his butt. Darius held his sword to his throat and, standing tall looking down at his defeated opponent, said, "Concede, Kou." smugly smirking at his fallen opponent.
Kou glared daggers at him and said angrily, "Fine, I concede!" Darius nodded and smiling removed his sword.
Kitra grinned and cheered happily, "Alright! Way to go, Dar!" The crowd, who had been cheering, clapped and roared with glee at the expected outcome.
Bankotsu released Kitra's waist, hopping over the railing, before turning around and lifting Kitra over it, setting her gently on her feet.
Kou stomped off furious and embarrassed towards the villa, silently seething about the way Bankotsu didn’t seem to understand that Kitra belonged to him and only him. He resented their closeness and despised Bankotsu for it. he wanted Kitra’s eyes on him and only him.
Kitra ran over to Darius and flung herself into his waiting arms. He caught his sister and laughed at her exuberance. Kitra hugged him. "You were terrific as always Dar!" she stated with pride and adoration shining in her hazel eyes.
Darius grinned and hugged her back. "Thanks Kit!" he said, love and happiness shining in his virid eyes.
Bankotsu grinned at his best friends. "Once again you were great, Dar!" he stated slapping him heartily on the back.
"Thanks Ban!" Darius replied happily, and slapped him on the back of the shoulder grinning. The trio set off towards their hut, with their arms linked and Kitra in the middle.
Realizing that their entertainment was over, the crowd slowly dispersed.
On the way to their hut:
Bankotsu glanced at his friend stating, "So Dar, Kit and I were talking and since you and I both have a couple days before either of us have to report to the headman again, I thought it might be nice if we took a mini vacation and left to go camping for a couple days."
Darius considered this a few moments. Grinned he said, "Sounds good to me!"
Kitra beamed at her two favorite guys in the world and said excitedly, "Really!?" completely thrilled by the thought of quality time in a peaceful setting, just the three of them.
Both guys laughed and nodded eyes swimming with happiness and joy at making their favorite girl happy so easily. Kitra squealed with delight and hugged them both excitedly. They hugged her back laughing joyfully due to her excitement. The trio continued walking back towards their hut to pack their gear.
At their hut:
Kitra ran into her bedroom, grabbing her blankets and special camping dishes, along with an extra set of clothes.
Darius walked into his room and gathered his camping gear.
Bankotsu walked into his room and gathered his camping gear.
They met in the living area with all their gear. Darius looked at them and said, "If we’re going to do this, we should get going soon." Kitra nodded, grinning. Bankotsu locked the door and lead the way into the forest.
Off to camp...
They set off, walking deep into the forest with Bankotsu leading the way. Kitra and Darius caught up to him and walked beside him, until he led them onto a small, almost hidden path. Kitra walked behind Bankotsu, with Darius behind her.
They walked for a few hours until they came across a beautiful area with a good sized creek close enough. It was a good spot, with plenty of trees. Plenty of rocks and wood strewn across the ground, two enormous trees and some good sized fallen logs, as well as plenty of open space for them to stretch out their blankets on.
Bankotsu turned to gaze at his best friend and asked, "What do you think, Dar?"
Darius looked around the area and answered, "Looks like a good place to me." Bankotsu nodded and the trio started setting up camp together.
After setting her belongings beside a good sized tree, Kitra walked around and gathered rocks to make a small circle for the firewood.
Bankotsu walked around and gathered the fire wood. After he returned, Darius left to go hunting.
Bankotsu and Kitra collected the water out of the river together and then they walked back over to the fire. Kitra set the pot of water aside, sitting in front of the circle of rocks and then started the fire. After a while, Darius returned with three good sized rabbits. He knelt on the ground and then skinned them. Kitra set the pot over the fire, and added the rabbits to it. The trio sat there enjoying the serenity while the stew cooked.
After an hour or so, Kitra doled up the stew and the trio sat down and ate. After everyone had finished eating Darius re-stoked the fire. Kitra stood up and walked over to her belongings and collected them. She walked back over to the fire, spreading her blankets out by the fire and laid down on her stomach to gaze at the stars for a while.
Darius and Bankotsu set out their blankets as well on each side of her, but off enough so no one would feel crowded. Darius looked at his best friend and suggested, "I’ll take watch tonight Ban, you and Kit should get some sleep."
Needing to think, Bankotsu looked at him and retorted seriously, "No Dar, you and Kit sleep. I’ll just be up most of the night anyway, so I’ll take the watch tonight."
Darius shrugged and nodded. He lay on top of his blanket after removing his sword and fell asleep. Kitra sat beside Bankotsu and said, "I can't sleep either."
Bankotsu looked at her and asked, "Why not?" curious what had her up.
Kitra shrugged and answered, "Maybe I’m just too excited to sleep." wanting to spend some time with him, not ready for the day to end yet.
Bankotsu chuckled heartily. Kitra looked back at the stars and asked, "Aren't the stars beautiful tonight?"
Bankotsu also looked at the stars and answered, "Yeah, they are." beginning to relax a bit.
They sat in silence a few minutes, just staring at the stars together. After a few minutes Kitra asked, "So, why can't you sleep?"
Bankotsu shrugged and replied, "I just have too much on my mind, I guess." not really sure himself.
Kitra looked him in the eye and asked, "Do you wanna talk about it?"
Bankotsu shook his head, holding her gaze and replied, "No, it's just some things I need to work out."
Kitra nodded and said, "Oh okay." They went back to watching the stars in quiet a little longer.
Kitra's POV:
I sat there gazing at the stars. “Hmm, I wonder why he doesn't want to talk about it. I know damn well something is bothering him. Oh well, I know better than to push, so I’ll just leave it be for now. I do hope he decides to open up soon though.”
Bankotsu's POV:
I sat there staring at the stars. “I can't tell her when I don't even understand things completely myself. That stupid Kou! Why can't he just leave Kitra alone and find someone who would actually be interested in his affections? Is it because of her father and now her brother? Or is it more than that?”
I gazed over at Kitra. “I hope she isn't too upset, but I just can't tell her! It's me and Dar's job to take care of and protect her when necessary, and Dar needs his sleep!” I went back to watching the stars.
Regular POV:
Kitra sighed heavily and stood up. "Well, I guess I should try to sleep," she mumbled, and started to walk off, a little sad. Bankotsu reached out a hand and grabbed her arm. She stopped and turned to face him curious as to why he’d stopped her.
Bankotsu looked into her eyes saying, "I'm sorry, Kit. Please don't be mad at me. I just need to figure some things out first, okay?"
Kitra smiled and nodded her understanding. She used her other hand to place it gently on his shoulder and squeezed it lightly. "Just remember, Dar and I are both always here if you need to talk about anything, alright?" she stated, looking him in the eyes.
Bankotsu gently squeezed her hand and smiled. "I know and thanks," he replied, looking into her eyes. Kitra nodded.
He let go of her arm and she bent over kissing his cheek before whispering, "Night, Ban."
He smiled at her replying, "Night, Kit."
She dropped her hand from his shoulder and walked over to her blankets, lying down and went to sleep. Bankotsu sat with his back against a tree and watched over his friends while they slept.
Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is chapter eight please remember to read and review thanks.
Review this Story/Chapter
Chapter 8:
Most importantly I would like to give a BIG shout out and HUGE thanks to my beta Frog Lady! :)
The next morning:
Kitra woke up then rolled out of bed and stretched. She walked into the kitchen and cooked breakfast. Just as she was setting the food on the table, the guys entered the kitchen. Darius smiled greeting, "Morning, Kit."
She smiled back replying, "Morning, Dar."
Bankotsu smiled adding, "Morning." He leaned over and lightly pecked Kitra's cheek, saying, "Smells delicious, thanks, Kit."
Kitra smiled and replied, "Any time, Ban! Eat up, guys!" Everyone sat at the table and ate the food. Kitra stood up and collected the dishes to wash.
Darius stood up, looking at his family and said, "I’m off to the training grounds, you two coming?"
Kitra's face lit up and she answered excitedly, "You better believe it!"
Bankotsu shrugged. "Sure let’s go?" he said as he stood up. The trio walked arm in arm towards the training grounds.
At the training grounds:
The trio arrived at the railing. Darius hopped over it and walked towards the middle of the training area. Kitra climbed up and sat on the railing in her favorite spot. She was eagerly anticipating another wonderful match from her brother as he sparred. Bankotsu stood leaning casually on the fence beside Kitra again.
Darius was looking around for an opponent when Jumal walked over asking, "Hey, Darius, wanna spar a bit?"
Darius smiled and his eyes lit up answering, "Sure." A few minutes later Darius and Jumal began sparring.
Kio walked up from behind Kitra. "Hey Kitra," he greeted with a smile.
Kitra turned around and said, "Oh hi, Kio." Then she went back to watching the match.
Kio looked at her and asked dryly, "Enjoying the show?"
Kitra looked him in the eye and replied seriously, "Don't I always?"
Kio sighed and mentioned, "Yeah, you do." ignoring Bankotsu’s deadly glares.
Bankotsu eyed Kio a minute and then decided to move closer protectively to Kitra. He moved over so he was standing directly behind Kitra and wrapped his warm arms around her tiny waist, pulling her against his chest. Kitra gently placed her hand on Bankotsu's arm giving it a light squeeze in acknowledgment and leaned her head back against his shoulder smiling.
Kio shook his head scowling, and asked sarcastically, "Bankotsu, don't you have anything better to do other than constantly touching Kitra?"
Bankotsu smirked at him. "No! Besides Kitra likes it when I hold her," he responded smugly, his blue eyes shining with defiance. To prove his point, he leaned over close to Kitra's ear asking, "Don't you, Kit?"
Her face spread into a big smile and she answered happily, "Yes, I do." patting his arm.
Overcome with jealousy and needing to put the arrogant boy in his place, Kio sneered. "Too damn bad because sooner or later Kitra will be Kou's wife and my sister in law." He stated, glaring at Bankotsu.
Kitra's face went blank and she said fiercely, "Not if I have anything to say about it!"
Kio retorted smugly, "You don't, you’re just a woman! Women have no say in these things!" happy to have her attention on him now.
Kitra snapped her head around to glare at him, and clenched her fists. Bankotsu noticed this and knew what it meant. "Uh oh," he breathed, eyes widening. He glared at Kio and warned dead seriously, "That was the wrong thing to say to Kitra, you fool! You had better leave while you still can, Kio!"
Kio smirked and taunted, "Why should I?" feeling smug.
Kitra glared icily at him. "Unless you want a serious ass beating, then leave! I don't like you, or your jerk of a brother!" she stated angrily, her eyes hardened and flashing with her growing anger.
Bankotsu looked Kio dead in the eye and warned him seriously, "If you continue to upset Kitra, I’m going to kick your ass and so will Darius!"
Kio smirked wider and informed him smugly, "And when my father finds out, you two will be punished!"
Seething at the imposed threat to the two most important people in her life, Kitra’s dangerous temper escalated. "Keep it up, asshole, and I’m the one who will beat your sorry ass!" Kitra ground out through gritted teeth, temper flaring in her eyes.
Kio leered at her and said, "Try it, babe, and I’ll make certain you learn to respect men like you should!" staring her dead in the eye.
Kitra hissed venomously, "I respect the ones who have earned it. You and Kou never have earned it yet as far as I am concerned, and you can just kiss my ass!"
Kio became angry and swiftly moved to strike her, but Bankotsu even faster, caught his hand before it could strike her. Bankotsu narrowed his eyes dangerously at Kio. "Try that again and there will be hell to pay!" he said declared seriously, his temper now flaring.
Kou walked up seeing the duo glaring at each other and demanded, "Enough! Now, what the hell is going on?"
Kitra glared at him. "Your stupid asshole of a brother tried to start a fight, that's what!" She snapped angrily, eyes flashing with pure fury. She still had her fists clenched and was clearly becoming livid.
Kou noticed this and, turning to raise a brow questioningly at his brother, querying, "Kio, what the hell did you do to piss her off like that?" knowing it took a lot to rile her this badly.
Kio snorted and answered, "I told her she won't have any say in it when you make her your wife! She is after all just a stupid woman!" Kitra growled and narrowed her eyes getting ready to rip him apart.
"You idiot! You don't know when to shut up do you?" Bankotsu hissed, glaring at Kio. Then he faced Kitra. "Calm down, Kit," he said in a soothing voice, trying to placate his furious friend.
Kou looked at Bankotsu. "Release him now, Bankotsu, and restrain her!" he demanded, pointing at the livid Kitra. Her temper was well known which is why most people left her alone.
Bankotsu snapped his head to glare at Kou. "If he dares to try to strike her again, I’ll break that damn fist!" he said angrily, eyes dead serious. He released Kio's hand and shoved him forcefully away from Kitra. Spinning around he tried again to placate Kitra.
Enraged by that comment, Kou snapped his head to glare dangerously at his brother and warned angrily, "Kio, if you value your life little brother, you will never try to strike Kitra again!" He stormed over to his younger brother hauling back a fist and punched Kio dead in the face, sending him sprawling on the ground.
Bankotsu was actually holding Kitra in place on the railing and trying his best to calm her down.
Kou sighed heavily, turning to face Kitra and said, "My brother is such an idiot sometimes. Kitra, I apologize to you for him upsetting you." Kitra just angrily looked away. Kou continued to watch ‘his’ red haired beauty. "I assure you my dear, this shall not happen again!" he said seriously.
Kitra huffed and said, "Fine," waving him off dismissively.
Bankotsu started rubbing her arms in an effort to soothe her and suggested, "Kit, let's just watch Dar, alright?" hoping to calm his feisty friend.
Kitra sighed heavily and agreed, "Alright," and went back to watching the duel.
Kio started getting to his feet. "What the hell was that for Kou!?" he demanded, glaring at his older brother.
Kou glared at the whelp and said angrily, "For upsetting Kitra! Now get your sorry ass up!" Kio made it to his feet and glared at his brother. Kou approached Kio. "Evidently, you and I need to have another long discussion about you harassing Kitra. This had better be the last time, little brother, or else..." he said angrily, eyes holding promise of pain if otherwise.
Kio gulped nervously then spun on his heel and stormed towards the villa. Kou followed his brother furiously. He was already having a hell of a time winning over his prize, he didn’t need his idiotic brother complicating things any further.
Bankotsu, who had watched the exchange chuckled and faced Kitra, stating, "I take it Kou doesn't like his brother harassing you either, eh Kit?"
Kitra rolled her eyes. "Good! So long as he makes that jerk leave me alone! One of them is bad enough," she said, shaking her head sadly and trying to calm down.
Bankotsu nodded and added, "Indeed," wrapping his arms around her waist again.
Darius and Jumal finished their sparring match.
Bankotsu noticed this and suggested evenly, "Come on Kit, let's go get Dar and then we’ll grab some food."
Kitra nodded eagerly. Bankotsu hopped over the railing with ease. Turning to Kitra, placed his hands on her hips and helped her off of the railing, depositing her gently onto her feet. She smiled at him hugging his waist and said, "Thank you."
Bankotsu nodded hugging her back, and said, "You’re welcome." He took Kitra's hand and they began walking towards his best friend. "Hey Dar, take a break and come have lunch with us okay," they yelled.
Darius nodded and joined his sister and best friend. He looked at their other friend, Jumal, and suggested, "Hey Jumal, why don't you join us?"
Jumal grinned and nodded walking over to them. The four of them walked back over to the railing. The guys hopped over the railing, then Darius helped Kitra over it and they all went to eat lunch. After lunch, they all four walked back over to the training area.
Kitra climbed back up on the fence in her favorite spot and Bankotsu stood beside her. Darius and Jumal easily hopped over the railing again and walked to the middle of the grounds to begin sparring again. As usual, it didn't take long before a crowd began to gather. Everyone watched as Darius and Jumal sparred a good thirty minutes.
Darius bested Jumal again, and smiled at his friend and encouraging, "You’re getting better every day, Ju!"
Jumal smiled at his friend and said, "Thanks, Seems getting my butt kicked day in and day out is finally paying off!"
Darius smiled and said reassuringly, "Sure is my friend!"
Jumal grinned then turned around and walked over towards Kitra and Bankotsu.
Darius smiled and, looking around, said, "Next," Another guy came up and started practicing with Darius.
Jumal walked over beside Kitra. "Hey you two," he said, smiling at his friends.
Kitra smiled at him and said, "It looks like you’re still improving!"
Jumal laughed and said, "Thanks."
Bankotsu smiled at his friend and questioned, "Didja have fun?"
Jumal laughed and said merrily, "Yeah, having Darius kick my butt day in and day out is one of my favorite past times!" The three off them laughed heartily. They all went back to watching Darius practice.
A little while later, Kou walked over. "Hey, Kitra, Bankotsu," he said, nodding at them.
Wishing he would just go away, Kitra sighed and said evenly, "Hi Kou."
Bankotsu moved so he stood directly behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. She leaned her head back on his shoulder smiling. Kou, seeing this, narrowed his eyes in a warning at Bankotsu. Bankotsu just held his glare with his own icy glare.
Kou and Bankotsu glared at each other a few minutes. Kou turned back to Kitra. "I just wanted to make sure you know that if Kio tries anything like that again, I’m to be informed immediately." he said evenly, while gazing at ‘his’ fiery hair and tempered beauty.
Kitra faced him, nodding and said bored, "Yeah, sure."
Kou said seriously, "He and I had a long chat. He knows damn well that I’d better not find you upset like that again because of his antics." His eyes looked deadly serious.
Kitra reluctantly nodded. "Thanks," she said evenly, looking into his eyes.
"That boy sure loves to run off at the mouth," Bankotsu mentioned dryly, shaking his head sadly.
"Tell me about it!" Kou exclaimed frustratedly, annoyance clear in his eyes. He smiled charmingly at Kitra and said, "Be sure you watch Kitra, because I’m next!"
Kitra nodded her head. "Sure, I’ll gladly watch you get your ass handed to you by my brother again," she said happily, eyes dancing with amusement.
Kou puffed out his chest and said smugly, "We shall see, my sweet! We shall see!" new determination filling him.
Kitra rolled her eyes at him. "Indeed we shall!" she said seriously.
She went back to watching Darius sparring. He defeated yet another opponent, grinned and yelled, "Next!" Kou hopped over the railing, stepping in front of him and yelled, "I’ll take you on!" feeling more confidant.
eyes dancing with mirth Darius said, "By all means!"
Kou smiled sweetly at Kitra. "Watch me Kitra!" he said and winked at her flirtingly. purposefully ignoring Bankotsu and his arms around her waist.
Darius rolled his eyes and asked, "Are you gonna flirt with my sister or fight, Kou?"
Kou blew a kiss to Kitra and faced Darius. "En guard!" he yelled, smiling.
Darius jumped into position and they started battling. Jumal chuckled and, shaking his head, mentioned dryly, "Boy, he sure is something else, huh?"
Shivering in revulsion, Kitra sighed heavily and whined, "UGH! Man, why did we have to deal with both of them in the same day?"
Bankotsu tightened his hold protectively, leaning next to her ear and said, "Don't worry, I won't let them hurt you, Kit." sheer determination in his calm voice.
Kitra smiled, leaning against him and felt him tighten his hold on her just a fraction and said, "Thanks, Ban!" she savored the few times he’d actually hold her like this.
Unknown to Kitra many of the girls in attendance were casting her envious and jealous glares as they watched Bankotsu holding her so affectionately.
Jumal grinned at his friends and said, "Okay, I'm outta here. You two enjoy the show!"
Kitra and Bankotsu laughed merrily. Kitra answered, "Bye, Ju. Be sure and tell Lissa I said hey, alright?"
Jumal smiled, nodded and said, "Will do!" saluting her with a grin before leaving.
Kitra went back to watching the battle as it continued. Needing a break from all the tension in the air, Bankotsu suggested, "Maybe after this, Dar, you, and myself should disappear a while, eh?"
Kitra laughed and said, "Man, don't I wish!"
Bankotsu asked seriously, "It would be nice, huh, the three of us taking a little vacation?" leaning his chin on her shoulder.
Kitra said in a mumbled voice, "Yeah, it would. Damn, I wish you two didn't have to be at the headman's beck and call." ending a little resentfully.
Bankotsu agreed, "Yeah, me too!" As he noticed some of the girls sending him longing looks, he smirked.
Oblivious to anything but Bankotsu holding her, and the match, Kitra said dreamily, "One of these days we should all three just run away and not look back!"
Knowing his friend felt duty bound to take his father’s place, Bankotsu mentioned, "Yeah, but Dar wouldn't be happy if we did that."
Kitra sighed and said, "I know. Someday though, this village will be nothing but a memory, and the three of us off in the world together!" a dreamy look on her face.
Bankotsu smiled sweetly and stated, "It sure is a nice dream, Kit!" Then he started making jokes and they laughed together.
Kou, who had looked towards Bankotsu and Kitra again and seen them looking happy together, became furious! He didn’t like their coziness at all! Kitra was his damnit, not Bankotsu’s!
Seeing Kou’s furious gaze, Darius taunted, "Hey, are you gonna stare at my sister all day or are you gonna actually swing that sword?"
Kou glared at Kitra and Bankotsu and then at Darius. He angrily lunged his sword at Darius. Darius blocked the attack, circling away and made his own move. Kou was caught off guard by Darius and knocked flat onto his butt. Darius held his sword to his throat and, standing tall looking down at his defeated opponent, said, "Concede, Kou." smugly smirking at his fallen opponent.
Kou glared daggers at him and said angrily, "Fine, I concede!" Darius nodded and smiling removed his sword.
Kitra grinned and cheered happily, "Alright! Way to go, Dar!" The crowd, who had been cheering, clapped and roared with glee at the expected outcome.
Bankotsu released Kitra's waist, hopping over the railing, before turning around and lifting Kitra over it, setting her gently on her feet.
Kou stomped off furious and embarrassed towards the villa, silently seething about the way Bankotsu didn’t seem to understand that Kitra belonged to him and only him. He resented their closeness and despised Bankotsu for it. he wanted Kitra’s eyes on him and only him.
Kitra ran over to Darius and flung herself into his waiting arms. He caught his sister and laughed at her exuberance. Kitra hugged him. "You were terrific as always Dar!" she stated with pride and adoration shining in her hazel eyes.
Darius grinned and hugged her back. "Thanks Kit!" he said, love and happiness shining in his virid eyes.
Bankotsu grinned at his best friends. "Once again you were great, Dar!" he stated slapping him heartily on the back.
"Thanks Ban!" Darius replied happily, and slapped him on the back of the shoulder grinning. The trio set off towards their hut, with their arms linked and Kitra in the middle.
Realizing that their entertainment was over, the crowd slowly dispersed.
On the way to their hut:
Bankotsu glanced at his friend stating, "So Dar, Kit and I were talking and since you and I both have a couple days before either of us have to report to the headman again, I thought it might be nice if we took a mini vacation and left to go camping for a couple days."
Darius considered this a few moments. Grinned he said, "Sounds good to me!"
Kitra beamed at her two favorite guys in the world and said excitedly, "Really!?" completely thrilled by the thought of quality time in a peaceful setting, just the three of them.
Both guys laughed and nodded eyes swimming with happiness and joy at making their favorite girl happy so easily. Kitra squealed with delight and hugged them both excitedly. They hugged her back laughing joyfully due to her excitement. The trio continued walking back towards their hut to pack their gear.
At their hut:
Kitra ran into her bedroom, grabbing her blankets and special camping dishes, along with an extra set of clothes.
Darius walked into his room and gathered his camping gear.
Bankotsu walked into his room and gathered his camping gear.
They met in the living area with all their gear. Darius looked at them and said, "If we’re going to do this, we should get going soon." Kitra nodded, grinning. Bankotsu locked the door and lead the way into the forest.
Off to camp...
They set off, walking deep into the forest with Bankotsu leading the way. Kitra and Darius caught up to him and walked beside him, until he led them onto a small, almost hidden path. Kitra walked behind Bankotsu, with Darius behind her.
They walked for a few hours until they came across a beautiful area with a good sized creek close enough. It was a good spot, with plenty of trees. Plenty of rocks and wood strewn across the ground, two enormous trees and some good sized fallen logs, as well as plenty of open space for them to stretch out their blankets on.
Bankotsu turned to gaze at his best friend and asked, "What do you think, Dar?"
Darius looked around the area and answered, "Looks like a good place to me." Bankotsu nodded and the trio started setting up camp together.
After setting her belongings beside a good sized tree, Kitra walked around and gathered rocks to make a small circle for the firewood.
Bankotsu walked around and gathered the fire wood. After he returned, Darius left to go hunting.
Bankotsu and Kitra collected the water out of the river together and then they walked back over to the fire. Kitra set the pot of water aside, sitting in front of the circle of rocks and then started the fire. After a while, Darius returned with three good sized rabbits. He knelt on the ground and then skinned them. Kitra set the pot over the fire, and added the rabbits to it. The trio sat there enjoying the serenity while the stew cooked.
After an hour or so, Kitra doled up the stew and the trio sat down and ate. After everyone had finished eating Darius re-stoked the fire. Kitra stood up and walked over to her belongings and collected them. She walked back over to the fire, spreading her blankets out by the fire and laid down on her stomach to gaze at the stars for a while.
Darius and Bankotsu set out their blankets as well on each side of her, but off enough so no one would feel crowded. Darius looked at his best friend and suggested, "I’ll take watch tonight Ban, you and Kit should get some sleep."
Needing to think, Bankotsu looked at him and retorted seriously, "No Dar, you and Kit sleep. I’ll just be up most of the night anyway, so I’ll take the watch tonight."
Darius shrugged and nodded. He lay on top of his blanket after removing his sword and fell asleep. Kitra sat beside Bankotsu and said, "I can't sleep either."
Bankotsu looked at her and asked, "Why not?" curious what had her up.
Kitra shrugged and answered, "Maybe I’m just too excited to sleep." wanting to spend some time with him, not ready for the day to end yet.
Bankotsu chuckled heartily. Kitra looked back at the stars and asked, "Aren't the stars beautiful tonight?"
Bankotsu also looked at the stars and answered, "Yeah, they are." beginning to relax a bit.
They sat in silence a few minutes, just staring at the stars together. After a few minutes Kitra asked, "So, why can't you sleep?"
Bankotsu shrugged and replied, "I just have too much on my mind, I guess." not really sure himself.
Kitra looked him in the eye and asked, "Do you wanna talk about it?"
Bankotsu shook his head, holding her gaze and replied, "No, it's just some things I need to work out."
Kitra nodded and said, "Oh okay." They went back to watching the stars in quiet a little longer.
Kitra's POV:
I sat there gazing at the stars. “Hmm, I wonder why he doesn't want to talk about it. I know damn well something is bothering him. Oh well, I know better than to push, so I’ll just leave it be for now. I do hope he decides to open up soon though.”
Bankotsu's POV:
I sat there staring at the stars. “I can't tell her when I don't even understand things completely myself. That stupid Kou! Why can't he just leave Kitra alone and find someone who would actually be interested in his affections? Is it because of her father and now her brother? Or is it more than that?”
I gazed over at Kitra. “I hope she isn't too upset, but I just can't tell her! It's me and Dar's job to take care of and protect her when necessary, and Dar needs his sleep!” I went back to watching the stars.
Regular POV:
Kitra sighed heavily and stood up. "Well, I guess I should try to sleep," she mumbled, and started to walk off, a little sad. Bankotsu reached out a hand and grabbed her arm. She stopped and turned to face him curious as to why he’d stopped her.
Bankotsu looked into her eyes saying, "I'm sorry, Kit. Please don't be mad at me. I just need to figure some things out first, okay?"
Kitra smiled and nodded her understanding. She used her other hand to place it gently on his shoulder and squeezed it lightly. "Just remember, Dar and I are both always here if you need to talk about anything, alright?" she stated, looking him in the eyes.
Bankotsu gently squeezed her hand and smiled. "I know and thanks," he replied, looking into her eyes. Kitra nodded.
He let go of her arm and she bent over kissing his cheek before whispering, "Night, Ban."
He smiled at her replying, "Night, Kit."
She dropped her hand from his shoulder and walked over to her blankets, lying down and went to sleep. Bankotsu sat with his back against a tree and watched over his friends while they slept.
Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is chapter eight please remember to read and review thanks.
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