InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Bankotsu&Kitra: The Begining ❯ nine ( Chapter 9 )
[ 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: 4 | Words: 4.4K | Visits: 139 | 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: 4 | Words: 4.4K | Visits: 139 | 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)
Most importantly I would like to give a BIG shout out and HUGE thanks to my beta Frog Lady! :)
Chapter 9:
The next morning:
Darius woke up two hours before sunrise. He stood up, approaching Bankotsu and said, "You can get some rest now Ban, I’ll take over."
Bankotsu shook his head and said, "I doubt I would sleep." deeply troubled.
Darius could see it in his eyes and realized he was upset. "What's up?" he asked.
Bankotsu sighed heavily and replied, "Just been thinking." trying not to burden his friend.
Darius sat across from his friend and questioned, "What about?" refusing to let his friend shoulder everything alone.
Bankotsu sighed heavily and answered, "This whole thing with Kou and Kio." bitterness in his tone.
Catching the bitter tone, Darius looked him in the eye and queried, "What's bothering you, man?"
Bankotsu huffed, holding his gaze and questioned, "Why do you think they are after Kit so much?" every idea he could come up with only irritated him more.
Darius shrugged and replied, "I haven't really figured that out myself yet either. I mean, I know Kou seems to have a grudge against me, but I don't know why."
Knowing that much already, Bankotsu asked, "Do you think it's because of your dad and you, or are they doing it just to irritate us?"
Darius shrugged and said, "Kitra is growing into a woman and she’s fair enough to look at... perhaps it is only because of her?" doubting that was the only reason.
Bankotsu nodded and said, "Yeah she’s pretty, but I don't think that's just it. I think they have something more planned." Unable to shake the feeling more was going on.
Darius said, "Me too, though I have no idea what." shrugging.
Bankotsu looked at his friend with worried eyes and said, "Me neither..."
Darius hid a smile at his obvious concern. "Why don't you just claim her yourself, if it bothers you so much?" he suggested, eyes serious.
Offended by the suggestion, Bankotsu scowled. "Dar, you know damn well she’s like a sister to me! I am merely worried for her safety is all!" he said, eyes serious.
Darius laughed and said, "Yeah I know! I was just teasing you!" laughing at his friend.
Bankotsu looked him dead in the eye and scolded, "That wasn't funny, Dar! She’s as much a sister to me as she is to you!"
Darius said evenly, "I know! Anyway, I was just saying, it would make them at least a little hesitant; if they knew someone with your skills wished to claim her- that's all."
"I don't think I’ll ever see her as anything more than a sister..." Bankotsu said seriously, holding his best friend's gaze.
Darius sighed heavily and nodded. He looked at Bankotsu and said, "That leaves us back at where we started, then."
Bankotsu nodded. "Yeah, I know..." he said, and yawned.
Darius smiled suggesting, "Try to sleep a while Ban, and don't worry so much!"
Bankotsu nodded stood up and said, "Alright and thanks, Dar."
Darius smiled and said, "Any time, my friend!" watching his friend walk away.
Bankotsu walked over to lay down on top of his blankets, rolled onto his side and drifted off to sleep. Darius sat on the log just staring into the fire, pondering what they had discussed.
Shortly after the sun came up, Kitra woke up and stretched. She stood up, looking around and smiled when she saw Bankotsu sleeping deeply on his side.
Kitra walked over and sat beside Darius. She smiled at her beloved brother warmly and greeted, "Morning, Dar."
Darius smiled at his beloved sister and said, "Morning, Kit." He asked, "So how did you sleep?"
She replied, "Okay and you?"
Darius responded, "I slept fine." Kitra nodded.
She cocked her head towards Bankotsu's direction and queried, "So when did he finally go to bed?" Bankotsu was sleeping deeply.
Darius smiled and replied, "Only a couple of hours ago so let him rest, alright?"
Kitra smiled and nodded. Darius and Kitra stood up and walked over to the creek together. Kitra bent down and collected the water, while Darius waded into the water and caught plenty of fish. He got out and they walked back to camp together.
Kitra set the fish aside and Darius set the water aside for later. Kitra looked at her brother and questioned, "Dar, will you come with me so I can collect some fresh berries and nuts to go with the fish?"
Darius smiled answering, "Yeah sure, Kit."
They walked around the forest collecting a variety of nuts and berries. They came across a nice spot with plenty of privacy for bathing. It had a nice big rock halfway in and out of the water and plenty of trees surrounding it and even a couple bushes. The water looked smooth and clear.
Kitra stopped and Darius did as well. She looked at Darius and said, "Hey Dar, later I want to bathe here."
Darius nodded and agreed, "As long as you’re careful."
Kitra smiled at him and nodded. They continued walking and collecting nuts and berries. After an hour of collecting nuts and berries they returned to camp.
Bankotsu was awake and was standing over by the fire. Darius walked up to his best friend and asked, "Sleep well?"
Bankotsu nodded and answered, "Surprisingly, yes." He queried, "Where did you two go off to?"
Kitra walked over smiling and said, "Gathering fresh nuts and berries," holding out her bounty for his perusal.
Bankotsu chuckled and said amused, "You are such a health nut sometimes, Kit."
Kitra smiled and retorted, "At least I take care of my health and when you two are around, yours as well."
Darius chuckled and added happily, "Yup, that's our Kitra alright! Always looking after our health," amusement dancing in his eyes.
Kitra laughed and said seriously, "Well, someone has to! You two would live on nothing but meat otherwise."
The guys yelled in unison, "Hey, what's wrong with that?"
Kitra laughed. "Nothing; if you two don't want to use your bodies to your maximum then by all means stop eating the nuts, and berries, and fruits I try to keep in abundance. And I’ll stop making the noodles as well, if that's what you two really want." she said, eyes dancing with mirth.
The guys adapted looks of horror and yelled, "No!"
Kitra grinned and said sweetly, "Then stop complaining."
The guys smiled and nodded. "We’re just picking on ya, Kit! You know that right," Bankotsu stated, with a small smile.
Kitra laughed. "Yeah, I know. You two know I can't help but look after ya! I’d never cut you off from my home made noodles," she replied, eyes lit with happiness.
Darius mock wiped his brow in relief and said, "Whew! Thank goodness!"
Kitra chuckled and they all laughed. Bankotsu turned back to the fish he had smoking over the fire while they were gone and announced, "Fish are done smoking."
Kitra passed out a handful each of nuts and berries to everyone. Darius passed out the fish. The trio sat down and ate breakfast together laughing and talking.
After breakfast:
The trio decided to gather more firewood, so they stood up and walked around the outskirts of the campsite; where there was plenty of good wood strew across the ground. They collected the wood and returned with their arms full of fire wood, which they dropped on the ground closest to the fire. Darius left to go hunting for fresh meat again.
Kitra stood beside Bankotsu and asked, "So, are you feeling any better?"
Bankotsu smiled and answered, "Yeah a little."
Kitra nodded and mentioned, "Good." she walked over and began to neatly pile the fire wood.
Kitra's POV:
As I was stacking the firewood neatly, I stopped a minute. “Man it seems he still isn't ready to tell me what's bothering him...” I sighed heavily and went back to stacking the wood neatly.
Regular POV:
Bankotsu heard her sigh heavily. He walked over until he stood in front of her and questioned, "What's up?"
Kitra smiled replying, "Not much, you?"
Bankotsu shrugging said, "Nothing."
Kitra nodded. Having finished stacking the wood, she stood up and went to sit by the river. She stared out across it, watching the fish swim by and the way the water flowed. Bankotsu walked over to sit on a fallen log deep in thought.
Bankotsu's POV:
“Why do I just keep getting this feeling that something bad is gonna happen? I just can't seem to shake it!” Shaking my head to clear it, I looked over at Kitra and noticed she was sitting by the river.
Regular POV:
Bankotsu shook his head to clear it and looked over at Kitra. She was sitting by the river staring out into the river. Bankotsu stood up and approached Kitra. "Do you mind if I sit here?" he asked, gesturing to the spot beside her.
Kitra shrugged answering, "Go ahead." He nodded and sat beside her.
She said, "I just thought I’d let you have some time to think."
Bankotsu nodded and questioned, "Isn't sitting here watching the river boring, though?" Kitra shrugged.
Chuckling he said, "You don't have to bore yourself on account of me, Kit."
She looked at him and stated, "Something is bothering you... you need time to think, and I didn't want to be in the way."
Feeling a little guilty for making her think otherwise, Bankotsu sighed heavily holding her gaze and stated, "You’re not in the way, Kit. I just can't shake the feeling something bad is going to happen."
Kitra said, "Oh..." glancing to her right.
Darius returned, lugging a good sized boar over his shoulder. He walked over to them and grinning, asked, "Hey, you two, what's up?"
Bankotsu stood up answering, "Nothing." He walked back over to sit on his log.
Kitra looked at her brother and offered, "If you cut up the meat, I’ll get the water and start a stew."
Darius nodded and dropped the boar to the ground, then knelt beside it and began cutting up the meat.
Kitra walked over and grabbed the pot, then walked over to the river kneeling beside it and lowered the pot into the water. She stood up and began to lug the water filled pot over to the fire area.
Bankotsu saw Kitra trying to lug the heavy pot and ran over to take the pot from her. He met her about half way and mentioned, "Give me that pot, silly. Why didn't you ask for help?"
Kitra shrugged answering, "I do it alone when you are both gone so what's the difference?"
Bankotsu looked at her. "The difference is we’re here now, and you don't have to lug while we’re around," he said firmly as he reached out and took the pot.
"Bankotsu, don't you dare start treating me like a baby!" Kitra huffed and warned, narrowing her eyes slightly.
"I’m not treating you like a baby! I just don't see why you should over exert yourself while there are men around," He retorted as he walked over to the fire area. Kitra growled, throwing her hands in the air, shaking her head all in frustration, and followed him over to the fire area.
She gently knelt down and began starting a fire. Bankotsu walked over and set the pot up over the fire. Darius gathered, rinsed, and dropped the now cut meat into the pot. Kitra added some herbs for flavor.
The trio sat beside the fire while waiting for the stew to finish. Kitra sighed heavily and said, "Ban, I appreciate you wanting to help me, but don't think I’m going to let either of you baby me or treat me like a kid! I’m growing too you know, and I will do my part around here! It isn't fair for you two to have to shoulder all the responsibilities."
Darius looked at his sister and stated, "Kitra, you do your share already! The cooking, the cleaning, the mending, making sure we eat right."
Bankotsu nodded stating seriously, "I just didn't want you hurting yourself lugging that heavy pot while we are here."
Kitra sighed and retorted, "Fine, while you two are around, I won't do the lugging anymore; but I still don't see the difference. I have to do it all when you’re both gone, anyway."
Darius added firmly, "That may be Kit, however I agree with Bankotsu. While we’re around I don't want you lugging or lifting anything heavy either!"
Kitra sighed heavily, and pouted, "I’m not as weak as you two seem to think, nor am I as helpless as you two think."
Darius and Bankotsu sighed heavily and shook their heads. Darius held his stubborn sister's gaze and informed her, "It isn't that, Kitra! We’re the males and it’s our duty and privilege to protect you and keep you safe- even from yourself when needed." a slight reprimand in his tone.
Kitra sighed and conceded, "Fine. I know you’re right and I appreciate it Darius, I truly do! I just want to feel helpful too."
Bankotsu smiled at her and stated, "You’ve said it yourself Kitra, without you, who would feed and clothe us? Who would make life enjoyable when we’re home?"
Kitra nodded. "Yeah, okay you’re right. I’m sorry guys," she said as she smiled at them.
Darius nodded and soothed, "It's ok, Kit. Everyone feels frustrated sometimes."
She reached over and hugged Darius and he returned the hug. She hugged Bankotsu and he returned the hug.
She got up to check the stew and served it up. After eating, she stood up and announced, "I’m going to go off a little way to that spot we saw earlier Dar, and bathe."
Darius nodded and mentioned, "Be careful, Kitra."
Nodding she agreed, "I will.” Standing up she walked over to her belongings and collected her fresh clothes before walking off towards the spot she and her brother had come across earlier that day.
A minute after she left, Bankotsu stood and stated, "I haven't been able to shake the feeling something is gonna happen all day! I’m going after her!"
Darius nodded and warned, "You’d better not let her catch you!"
Bankotsu nodded and said, "I know!" He followed after Kitra quietly so as not to risk being caught.
Kitra arrived at the spot and began undressing. Bankotsu peered through the bushes, and as he saw her begin to undress, quickly turned away blushing. He looked up and spotted a nice spot up in the tree beside him and climbed up to that spot.
Kitra slipped into the water and sat there just relaxing a few minutes. Bankotsu settled into his spot with his back against the thick part of the tree and waited for her to finish.
Kitra quickly scrubbed herself clean and moved to get out, when she heard a male chuckle. She shrunk back into the water and demanded, "Who the hell is out there? Show yourself- now!"
Kou chuckled and stepped out of the bushes on the other side of the river. He smirked at her and said, "Kitra love, what a pleasant surprise!" eying her body in appreciation.
Kitra's hands immediately flew up to cover her chest as she sat back even further in the water. "Kou, you pervert! Get out of here!" she hissed angrily, while glaring at him.
Kou laughed and said amused, "Oh no love, not yet!" He moved towards Kitra with his eyes dancing with mirth. Bankotsu saw this and growled. He jumped out of his tree and angrily stormed over.
Kou entered the water and reached over to grab Kitra. She shrank back closer against the rock. He chuckled and stepped closer, then reached for her again, desire evident in his smoldering eyes.
Just as he was about to grab her arm, Bankotsu snagged his hand and shoved him away. "Kou, you leave her be!" Bankotsu growled, while glaring daggers at Kou.
Kou shook his head and mumbled, "Why am I not surprised?" He approached Bankotsu and demanded angrily, "What the hell are you doing here, Bankotsu? Don't you have anything better to do then watching my Kitra while she’s bathing?"
Kitra glared at the arrogant male and yelled, "First of all, I am not your anything, you arrogant ass!"
"Damn right she isn't!" Bankotsu yelled, glaring intensely at Kou.
Kitra's eyes widened. "You stupid perverts! Can't a girl bathe in peace?" she shrieked, which drew both males’ gazes to her.
Kitra scowled and Bankotsu stormed over to Kou demanding, "Leave this place at once, Kou!"
Kitra glared from one to the other and growled, "Both of you leave so I can dress and leave!"
"No love, not until I have shown you... the extent of my feelings for you!" Kou chuckled and purred suggestively, while leering at her naked form, eyes glued to her developing breasts.
Bankotsu's face became red from anger and he demanded, "Leave now or fight me!" quickly drawing the sword at his waist.
Kou laughed and stated, "With pleasure." He looked at Kitra and said huskily, "Then I shall have Kitra to myself!" eyeing her beautiful naked body again.
"If you two stupid perverts do not take this fight elsewhere and let me dress, I’m gonna beat both of your asses to a bloody pulp!" Kitra growled and said angrily, eyes blazing with anger and cheeks flushed from a combination of anger and embarrassment, still trying in vain to cover her nakedness.
Darius had decided to check on his friend and sister and heard the men arguing and his sister screaming. He walked up to the men and said dead seriously, "I would advise you both do as she says- now!" He then forcefully shoved Kou and Bankotsu out and away so she could dress in private.
Kitra angrily stormed over to her clothes, quickly dressed and ran to where her brother was. She hauled back her fist and punched Kou right in the face. "You asshole, How dare you spy on me and interrupt my bath?" She fumed, glaring daggers at him. She reached out and slapped him across the face angrily. Kou's eyes widened in shock as he began rubbing his burning cheek; taken completely aback by her outrage.
Kitra spun on her heel and stormed over to Bankotsu. She glared at him and furiously slapped him across the face as well, then stormed back towards the camp.
The three men watched her storm away angrily. Darius glared at Kou, storming over to him and punched him in the stomach, even harder than she had his face. He warned Kou dead seriously, "Stay away from her if you know what’s good for your sorry ass!" Kou glared at both men a minute then stormed away furious at having been interrupted and more so at being punched twice.
Bankotsu and Darius shook their heads and walked back towards their camp. Darius sighed and mentioned, "I told you she was going to be mad!"
"If I hadn't been there things would have been a hell of a lot worse! She can just be mad at me for a while!" Bankotsu snapped angrily, while rubbing his stinging cheek. His own temper beginning to flare.
They arrived at the camp and found Kitra angrily pacing back and forth in front of the fire. Darius approached her and stated firmly, "Kitra, go easy on Bankotsu, he was only trying to protect you."
Kitra glared at them both, sighed heavily and said, "I know..." She shivered adding softly, "Thank goodness he was too." she glared at Bankotsu and stated angrily, "but I’m still mad as hell you were spying on me to begin with!"
Bankotsu snapped just as angrily, "Only to keep you safe!" clenching his fists in an effort to calm himself.
Kitra shivered remembering Kou showing up, and looked away. She stated, "Thank you. But this had better not ever happen again! Understood?"
Bankotsu sighed and nodded, not really caring if she thought he was being over protective or not. He knew damn well what Kou had meant by his lewd comment earlier and was furious..
Kitra vowed angrily, "If I ever catch either of you spying on me while I’m bathing again, there’s going to be hell to pay!" She walked away and stood over by the river trying to calm down.
Bankotsu and Darius sighed heavily and sat on the log and by the fire, across from each other. After a couple hours, Bankotsu had managed to reign in his temper, and walked up behind Kitra and placing his hands on her shoulders. They sighed heavily at the same time.
Kitra placed one of her hands on his and mentioned softly, "Thank you for saving me yet again..."
Bankotsu nodded and queried, "Are you still mad at me?"
Kitra hid a smile and replied, "No. I shouldn't have blown my stack like that. After all you were only trying to keep me safe. If you hadn't been there, who knows what that creep would have done?" She shivered just thinking about it.
Wordlessly, Bankotsu turned her around and hugged her to him. She hugged him back and said, "Sorry."
He smiled answering, "'S okay." keeping his temper at bay from the reminder.
Kitra kissed his cheek, then stepped back saying, "I’m gonna turn in for the night. Night, Bankotsu."
He kissed her cheek and replied, "Night, Kitra."
Kitra walked over and hugged Darius; he returned the hug. She kissed his cheek and stated, "Night, Dar and thank you."
Darius kissed her cheek replying, "Night, Kit, and that's what brothers are for."
They smiled at each other and Kitra lay on her blanket and went to sleep.
Bankotsu walked back over and sat on the log again. Darius sat beside Bankotsu, placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and soothed, "She’ll come around sooner or later, man."
Bankotsu smiled and mentioned, "She already forgave me."
Darius nodded and said, "That's good. Now go and get some sleep. I’ll keep watch tonight."
Bankotsu nodded and stood up walked over to his blankets. He removed his sword and lay down thinking a while before sleep over took him.
Darius sat with his back against the tree, watching over the two most important people in the world to him.
Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is chapter nine 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 9:
The next morning:
Darius woke up two hours before sunrise. He stood up, approaching Bankotsu and said, "You can get some rest now Ban, I’ll take over."
Bankotsu shook his head and said, "I doubt I would sleep." deeply troubled.
Darius could see it in his eyes and realized he was upset. "What's up?" he asked.
Bankotsu sighed heavily and replied, "Just been thinking." trying not to burden his friend.
Darius sat across from his friend and questioned, "What about?" refusing to let his friend shoulder everything alone.
Bankotsu sighed heavily and answered, "This whole thing with Kou and Kio." bitterness in his tone.
Catching the bitter tone, Darius looked him in the eye and queried, "What's bothering you, man?"
Bankotsu huffed, holding his gaze and questioned, "Why do you think they are after Kit so much?" every idea he could come up with only irritated him more.
Darius shrugged and replied, "I haven't really figured that out myself yet either. I mean, I know Kou seems to have a grudge against me, but I don't know why."
Knowing that much already, Bankotsu asked, "Do you think it's because of your dad and you, or are they doing it just to irritate us?"
Darius shrugged and said, "Kitra is growing into a woman and she’s fair enough to look at... perhaps it is only because of her?" doubting that was the only reason.
Bankotsu nodded and said, "Yeah she’s pretty, but I don't think that's just it. I think they have something more planned." Unable to shake the feeling more was going on.
Darius said, "Me too, though I have no idea what." shrugging.
Bankotsu looked at his friend with worried eyes and said, "Me neither..."
Darius hid a smile at his obvious concern. "Why don't you just claim her yourself, if it bothers you so much?" he suggested, eyes serious.
Offended by the suggestion, Bankotsu scowled. "Dar, you know damn well she’s like a sister to me! I am merely worried for her safety is all!" he said, eyes serious.
Darius laughed and said, "Yeah I know! I was just teasing you!" laughing at his friend.
Bankotsu looked him dead in the eye and scolded, "That wasn't funny, Dar! She’s as much a sister to me as she is to you!"
Darius said evenly, "I know! Anyway, I was just saying, it would make them at least a little hesitant; if they knew someone with your skills wished to claim her- that's all."
"I don't think I’ll ever see her as anything more than a sister..." Bankotsu said seriously, holding his best friend's gaze.
Darius sighed heavily and nodded. He looked at Bankotsu and said, "That leaves us back at where we started, then."
Bankotsu nodded. "Yeah, I know..." he said, and yawned.
Darius smiled suggesting, "Try to sleep a while Ban, and don't worry so much!"
Bankotsu nodded stood up and said, "Alright and thanks, Dar."
Darius smiled and said, "Any time, my friend!" watching his friend walk away.
Bankotsu walked over to lay down on top of his blankets, rolled onto his side and drifted off to sleep. Darius sat on the log just staring into the fire, pondering what they had discussed.
Shortly after the sun came up, Kitra woke up and stretched. She stood up, looking around and smiled when she saw Bankotsu sleeping deeply on his side.
Kitra walked over and sat beside Darius. She smiled at her beloved brother warmly and greeted, "Morning, Dar."
Darius smiled at his beloved sister and said, "Morning, Kit." He asked, "So how did you sleep?"
She replied, "Okay and you?"
Darius responded, "I slept fine." Kitra nodded.
She cocked her head towards Bankotsu's direction and queried, "So when did he finally go to bed?" Bankotsu was sleeping deeply.
Darius smiled and replied, "Only a couple of hours ago so let him rest, alright?"
Kitra smiled and nodded. Darius and Kitra stood up and walked over to the creek together. Kitra bent down and collected the water, while Darius waded into the water and caught plenty of fish. He got out and they walked back to camp together.
Kitra set the fish aside and Darius set the water aside for later. Kitra looked at her brother and questioned, "Dar, will you come with me so I can collect some fresh berries and nuts to go with the fish?"
Darius smiled answering, "Yeah sure, Kit."
They walked around the forest collecting a variety of nuts and berries. They came across a nice spot with plenty of privacy for bathing. It had a nice big rock halfway in and out of the water and plenty of trees surrounding it and even a couple bushes. The water looked smooth and clear.
Kitra stopped and Darius did as well. She looked at Darius and said, "Hey Dar, later I want to bathe here."
Darius nodded and agreed, "As long as you’re careful."
Kitra smiled at him and nodded. They continued walking and collecting nuts and berries. After an hour of collecting nuts and berries they returned to camp.
Bankotsu was awake and was standing over by the fire. Darius walked up to his best friend and asked, "Sleep well?"
Bankotsu nodded and answered, "Surprisingly, yes." He queried, "Where did you two go off to?"
Kitra walked over smiling and said, "Gathering fresh nuts and berries," holding out her bounty for his perusal.
Bankotsu chuckled and said amused, "You are such a health nut sometimes, Kit."
Kitra smiled and retorted, "At least I take care of my health and when you two are around, yours as well."
Darius chuckled and added happily, "Yup, that's our Kitra alright! Always looking after our health," amusement dancing in his eyes.
Kitra laughed and said seriously, "Well, someone has to! You two would live on nothing but meat otherwise."
The guys yelled in unison, "Hey, what's wrong with that?"
Kitra laughed. "Nothing; if you two don't want to use your bodies to your maximum then by all means stop eating the nuts, and berries, and fruits I try to keep in abundance. And I’ll stop making the noodles as well, if that's what you two really want." she said, eyes dancing with mirth.
The guys adapted looks of horror and yelled, "No!"
Kitra grinned and said sweetly, "Then stop complaining."
The guys smiled and nodded. "We’re just picking on ya, Kit! You know that right," Bankotsu stated, with a small smile.
Kitra laughed. "Yeah, I know. You two know I can't help but look after ya! I’d never cut you off from my home made noodles," she replied, eyes lit with happiness.
Darius mock wiped his brow in relief and said, "Whew! Thank goodness!"
Kitra chuckled and they all laughed. Bankotsu turned back to the fish he had smoking over the fire while they were gone and announced, "Fish are done smoking."
Kitra passed out a handful each of nuts and berries to everyone. Darius passed out the fish. The trio sat down and ate breakfast together laughing and talking.
After breakfast:
The trio decided to gather more firewood, so they stood up and walked around the outskirts of the campsite; where there was plenty of good wood strew across the ground. They collected the wood and returned with their arms full of fire wood, which they dropped on the ground closest to the fire. Darius left to go hunting for fresh meat again.
Kitra stood beside Bankotsu and asked, "So, are you feeling any better?"
Bankotsu smiled and answered, "Yeah a little."
Kitra nodded and mentioned, "Good." she walked over and began to neatly pile the fire wood.
Kitra's POV:
As I was stacking the firewood neatly, I stopped a minute. “Man it seems he still isn't ready to tell me what's bothering him...” I sighed heavily and went back to stacking the wood neatly.
Regular POV:
Bankotsu heard her sigh heavily. He walked over until he stood in front of her and questioned, "What's up?"
Kitra smiled replying, "Not much, you?"
Bankotsu shrugging said, "Nothing."
Kitra nodded. Having finished stacking the wood, she stood up and went to sit by the river. She stared out across it, watching the fish swim by and the way the water flowed. Bankotsu walked over to sit on a fallen log deep in thought.
Bankotsu's POV:
“Why do I just keep getting this feeling that something bad is gonna happen? I just can't seem to shake it!” Shaking my head to clear it, I looked over at Kitra and noticed she was sitting by the river.
Regular POV:
Bankotsu shook his head to clear it and looked over at Kitra. She was sitting by the river staring out into the river. Bankotsu stood up and approached Kitra. "Do you mind if I sit here?" he asked, gesturing to the spot beside her.
Kitra shrugged answering, "Go ahead." He nodded and sat beside her.
She said, "I just thought I’d let you have some time to think."
Bankotsu nodded and questioned, "Isn't sitting here watching the river boring, though?" Kitra shrugged.
Chuckling he said, "You don't have to bore yourself on account of me, Kit."
She looked at him and stated, "Something is bothering you... you need time to think, and I didn't want to be in the way."
Feeling a little guilty for making her think otherwise, Bankotsu sighed heavily holding her gaze and stated, "You’re not in the way, Kit. I just can't shake the feeling something bad is going to happen."
Kitra said, "Oh..." glancing to her right.
Darius returned, lugging a good sized boar over his shoulder. He walked over to them and grinning, asked, "Hey, you two, what's up?"
Bankotsu stood up answering, "Nothing." He walked back over to sit on his log.
Kitra looked at her brother and offered, "If you cut up the meat, I’ll get the water and start a stew."
Darius nodded and dropped the boar to the ground, then knelt beside it and began cutting up the meat.
Kitra walked over and grabbed the pot, then walked over to the river kneeling beside it and lowered the pot into the water. She stood up and began to lug the water filled pot over to the fire area.
Bankotsu saw Kitra trying to lug the heavy pot and ran over to take the pot from her. He met her about half way and mentioned, "Give me that pot, silly. Why didn't you ask for help?"
Kitra shrugged answering, "I do it alone when you are both gone so what's the difference?"
Bankotsu looked at her. "The difference is we’re here now, and you don't have to lug while we’re around," he said firmly as he reached out and took the pot.
"Bankotsu, don't you dare start treating me like a baby!" Kitra huffed and warned, narrowing her eyes slightly.
"I’m not treating you like a baby! I just don't see why you should over exert yourself while there are men around," He retorted as he walked over to the fire area. Kitra growled, throwing her hands in the air, shaking her head all in frustration, and followed him over to the fire area.
She gently knelt down and began starting a fire. Bankotsu walked over and set the pot up over the fire. Darius gathered, rinsed, and dropped the now cut meat into the pot. Kitra added some herbs for flavor.
The trio sat beside the fire while waiting for the stew to finish. Kitra sighed heavily and said, "Ban, I appreciate you wanting to help me, but don't think I’m going to let either of you baby me or treat me like a kid! I’m growing too you know, and I will do my part around here! It isn't fair for you two to have to shoulder all the responsibilities."
Darius looked at his sister and stated, "Kitra, you do your share already! The cooking, the cleaning, the mending, making sure we eat right."
Bankotsu nodded stating seriously, "I just didn't want you hurting yourself lugging that heavy pot while we are here."
Kitra sighed and retorted, "Fine, while you two are around, I won't do the lugging anymore; but I still don't see the difference. I have to do it all when you’re both gone, anyway."
Darius added firmly, "That may be Kit, however I agree with Bankotsu. While we’re around I don't want you lugging or lifting anything heavy either!"
Kitra sighed heavily, and pouted, "I’m not as weak as you two seem to think, nor am I as helpless as you two think."
Darius and Bankotsu sighed heavily and shook their heads. Darius held his stubborn sister's gaze and informed her, "It isn't that, Kitra! We’re the males and it’s our duty and privilege to protect you and keep you safe- even from yourself when needed." a slight reprimand in his tone.
Kitra sighed and conceded, "Fine. I know you’re right and I appreciate it Darius, I truly do! I just want to feel helpful too."
Bankotsu smiled at her and stated, "You’ve said it yourself Kitra, without you, who would feed and clothe us? Who would make life enjoyable when we’re home?"
Kitra nodded. "Yeah, okay you’re right. I’m sorry guys," she said as she smiled at them.
Darius nodded and soothed, "It's ok, Kit. Everyone feels frustrated sometimes."
She reached over and hugged Darius and he returned the hug. She hugged Bankotsu and he returned the hug.
She got up to check the stew and served it up. After eating, she stood up and announced, "I’m going to go off a little way to that spot we saw earlier Dar, and bathe."
Darius nodded and mentioned, "Be careful, Kitra."
Nodding she agreed, "I will.” Standing up she walked over to her belongings and collected her fresh clothes before walking off towards the spot she and her brother had come across earlier that day.
A minute after she left, Bankotsu stood and stated, "I haven't been able to shake the feeling something is gonna happen all day! I’m going after her!"
Darius nodded and warned, "You’d better not let her catch you!"
Bankotsu nodded and said, "I know!" He followed after Kitra quietly so as not to risk being caught.
Kitra arrived at the spot and began undressing. Bankotsu peered through the bushes, and as he saw her begin to undress, quickly turned away blushing. He looked up and spotted a nice spot up in the tree beside him and climbed up to that spot.
Kitra slipped into the water and sat there just relaxing a few minutes. Bankotsu settled into his spot with his back against the thick part of the tree and waited for her to finish.
Kitra quickly scrubbed herself clean and moved to get out, when she heard a male chuckle. She shrunk back into the water and demanded, "Who the hell is out there? Show yourself- now!"
Kou chuckled and stepped out of the bushes on the other side of the river. He smirked at her and said, "Kitra love, what a pleasant surprise!" eying her body in appreciation.
Kitra's hands immediately flew up to cover her chest as she sat back even further in the water. "Kou, you pervert! Get out of here!" she hissed angrily, while glaring at him.
Kou laughed and said amused, "Oh no love, not yet!" He moved towards Kitra with his eyes dancing with mirth. Bankotsu saw this and growled. He jumped out of his tree and angrily stormed over.
Kou entered the water and reached over to grab Kitra. She shrank back closer against the rock. He chuckled and stepped closer, then reached for her again, desire evident in his smoldering eyes.
Just as he was about to grab her arm, Bankotsu snagged his hand and shoved him away. "Kou, you leave her be!" Bankotsu growled, while glaring daggers at Kou.
Kou shook his head and mumbled, "Why am I not surprised?" He approached Bankotsu and demanded angrily, "What the hell are you doing here, Bankotsu? Don't you have anything better to do then watching my Kitra while she’s bathing?"
Kitra glared at the arrogant male and yelled, "First of all, I am not your anything, you arrogant ass!"
"Damn right she isn't!" Bankotsu yelled, glaring intensely at Kou.
Kitra's eyes widened. "You stupid perverts! Can't a girl bathe in peace?" she shrieked, which drew both males’ gazes to her.
Kitra scowled and Bankotsu stormed over to Kou demanding, "Leave this place at once, Kou!"
Kitra glared from one to the other and growled, "Both of you leave so I can dress and leave!"
"No love, not until I have shown you... the extent of my feelings for you!" Kou chuckled and purred suggestively, while leering at her naked form, eyes glued to her developing breasts.
Bankotsu's face became red from anger and he demanded, "Leave now or fight me!" quickly drawing the sword at his waist.
Kou laughed and stated, "With pleasure." He looked at Kitra and said huskily, "Then I shall have Kitra to myself!" eyeing her beautiful naked body again.
"If you two stupid perverts do not take this fight elsewhere and let me dress, I’m gonna beat both of your asses to a bloody pulp!" Kitra growled and said angrily, eyes blazing with anger and cheeks flushed from a combination of anger and embarrassment, still trying in vain to cover her nakedness.
Darius had decided to check on his friend and sister and heard the men arguing and his sister screaming. He walked up to the men and said dead seriously, "I would advise you both do as she says- now!" He then forcefully shoved Kou and Bankotsu out and away so she could dress in private.
Kitra angrily stormed over to her clothes, quickly dressed and ran to where her brother was. She hauled back her fist and punched Kou right in the face. "You asshole, How dare you spy on me and interrupt my bath?" She fumed, glaring daggers at him. She reached out and slapped him across the face angrily. Kou's eyes widened in shock as he began rubbing his burning cheek; taken completely aback by her outrage.
Kitra spun on her heel and stormed over to Bankotsu. She glared at him and furiously slapped him across the face as well, then stormed back towards the camp.
The three men watched her storm away angrily. Darius glared at Kou, storming over to him and punched him in the stomach, even harder than she had his face. He warned Kou dead seriously, "Stay away from her if you know what’s good for your sorry ass!" Kou glared at both men a minute then stormed away furious at having been interrupted and more so at being punched twice.
Bankotsu and Darius shook their heads and walked back towards their camp. Darius sighed and mentioned, "I told you she was going to be mad!"
"If I hadn't been there things would have been a hell of a lot worse! She can just be mad at me for a while!" Bankotsu snapped angrily, while rubbing his stinging cheek. His own temper beginning to flare.
They arrived at the camp and found Kitra angrily pacing back and forth in front of the fire. Darius approached her and stated firmly, "Kitra, go easy on Bankotsu, he was only trying to protect you."
Kitra glared at them both, sighed heavily and said, "I know..." She shivered adding softly, "Thank goodness he was too." she glared at Bankotsu and stated angrily, "but I’m still mad as hell you were spying on me to begin with!"
Bankotsu snapped just as angrily, "Only to keep you safe!" clenching his fists in an effort to calm himself.
Kitra shivered remembering Kou showing up, and looked away. She stated, "Thank you. But this had better not ever happen again! Understood?"
Bankotsu sighed and nodded, not really caring if she thought he was being over protective or not. He knew damn well what Kou had meant by his lewd comment earlier and was furious..
Kitra vowed angrily, "If I ever catch either of you spying on me while I’m bathing again, there’s going to be hell to pay!" She walked away and stood over by the river trying to calm down.
Bankotsu and Darius sighed heavily and sat on the log and by the fire, across from each other. After a couple hours, Bankotsu had managed to reign in his temper, and walked up behind Kitra and placing his hands on her shoulders. They sighed heavily at the same time.
Kitra placed one of her hands on his and mentioned softly, "Thank you for saving me yet again..."
Bankotsu nodded and queried, "Are you still mad at me?"
Kitra hid a smile and replied, "No. I shouldn't have blown my stack like that. After all you were only trying to keep me safe. If you hadn't been there, who knows what that creep would have done?" She shivered just thinking about it.
Wordlessly, Bankotsu turned her around and hugged her to him. She hugged him back and said, "Sorry."
He smiled answering, "'S okay." keeping his temper at bay from the reminder.
Kitra kissed his cheek, then stepped back saying, "I’m gonna turn in for the night. Night, Bankotsu."
He kissed her cheek and replied, "Night, Kitra."
Kitra walked over and hugged Darius; he returned the hug. She kissed his cheek and stated, "Night, Dar and thank you."
Darius kissed her cheek replying, "Night, Kit, and that's what brothers are for."
They smiled at each other and Kitra lay on her blanket and went to sleep.
Bankotsu walked back over and sat on the log again. Darius sat beside Bankotsu, placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and soothed, "She’ll come around sooner or later, man."
Bankotsu smiled and mentioned, "She already forgave me."
Darius nodded and said, "That's good. Now go and get some sleep. I’ll keep watch tonight."
Bankotsu nodded and stood up walked over to his blankets. He removed his sword and lay down thinking a while before sleep over took him.
Darius sat with his back against the tree, watching over the two most important people in the world to him.
Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is chapter nine please remember to read and review thanks.