InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Bankotsu&Kitra: The Begining ❯ ten ( Chapter 10 )
[ 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: 4.1K | Visits: 143 | 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: 4.1K | Visits: 143 | 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 10:
The next morning:
Darius's POV:
I sat there watching over my sister and my best friend with my back leaned up against a tree. “You two are the most important people in the world to me. I’d give anything to see you both truly happy!”
I gazed at my sister's sleeping form “Mother, Father, I wish you had seen us grow up. Kitra has definitely inherited your beauty Mother. Father, I’m as strong and as skilled as your were, and now so is Bankotsu. I only wish you had lived to see us all grow up… We miss you both every day and love you terribly! If only...” I sighed heavily and shook my head trying to clear it of my sad thoughts.
I smiled sadly to myself and gazed at my best friend's sleeping form. ”You’re the closest thing I have to a brother. You may not be our blood relative, but you are my brother in arms, my absolute best friend in the world! Kitra sees you as more than a brother; I see it in the way she looks at you when she thinks no one is looking...”
Thinking back to last night, I sighed. “I know you see her as a sister, but not always. I hope that someday you two will finally see for yourselves how you each really see the other!”
I chuckled to myself and whispered, "Someday, some day the three of us will put all of this behind us and finally live a care-free life together..."
I sighed heavily and scanned the area once again with my eyes, after making certain nothing was amiss; I looked back over towards my sister and saw she was waking up.
Regular POV:
Kitra began to stir awake an hour before sunrise. She opened her eyes and yawning stretched. She stood up looking around and noticed Darius was up, so she walked over to and sat beside him.
Darius smiled at her and greeted happily, "Morning, sis."
Kitra smiled at him and replied sweetly, "Morning bro, how about some breakfast before you turn in?"
"Sounds good to me," Darius nodded and answered while smiling.
She stood up and walked off away pulling out the berries and nuts. Darius went over to the river and caught a few fish, then climbed out and walked back over to the fire and started the fish smoking over the fire.
Kitra dished up the nuts, and berries handing him a large bowl of them, after she topped it off with some smoked fish. Darius sat down thanking her and began eating as soon as she sat across from him and started eating her own bowl.
While eating he looked at his sister and questioned, "So what are you planning to do today, Kit?"
She smiled sadly and replied, "After last night's incident, I’ll just settle for swimming today."
"Good." Darius nodded. "I really don't think you should leave the camp today, he could still be out there." he stated while holding her gaze.
"I know..." Kitra acknowledged sadly, looking into her beloved brother's eyes. She sat her food aside, then stood up and walked over to her brother kneeling in front of him and hugged him.
Darius smiled and hugged her back. She leaned her head on his chest while hugging his waist and confided softly, "Aside from being completely embarrassed and mad as hell last night, I was so scared when Kou showed up! I didn't know what to do. Then when Bankotsu appeared, I knew it wouldn't be long before you did too and I was so grateful that you two did show up!”
Sniffing she continued, "Kou, he... tried to grab me... but Bankotsu showed up just before he could."
Darius held her close, running his fingers through her hair, as he spoke soothingly, "Kitra... I knew you were scared but... but you were very good at hiding it! Don't worry, sis, it’ll be okay."
Darius's POV:
I sat there holding her in my arms, trying to soothe her by running my fingers through her hair. I listened as she told me what happened and thought, “Damn, I knew she was scared, but she has become very adept at hiding her fear. I wonder what else she hides from us that she thinks would be better left unsaid or unknown,” frowning at my thoughts. After soothing her, I kissed the top of her head affectionately.
Regular POV:
He kissed the top of her head and suggested firmly, "Now finish eating."
Kitra pulled back, nodding as she stood up, then kissed his forehead and went to finish her food.
A few minutes later:
Bankotsu woke up, standing up he walked over joining them over by the fire. Kitra gathered Bankotsu's bowl and filled it with nuts and berries, then laid the smoked fish on top and handed it to him.
Bankotsu smiled charmingly. "Thanks, Kit." He said, before tasting his food.
She nodded. Bankotsu looked at his friend and greeted, "Morning, Dar."
"Morning Ban," Darius yawned. "I’m gonna get some shut eye. Later you two," he replied as he stood up and started walking towards his blankets. Kitra and Bankotsu nodded. Darius lay down on his blankets and fell asleep only minutes later.
Kitra smiled and asked Bankotsu, "Do you two always sleep so easily away from home?"
Bankotsu answered, "No, not always, but as soldiers, we’re taught how to sleep whenever the opportunity arises, regardless of our surroundings."
Kitra nodded, and finished eating. Bankotsu also finished his food.
Kitra stood up collecting the dishes and washed them in the river. Bankotsu crouched beside her while she washed the dishes.
After the dishes were washed she carried the dishes, and she and Bankotsu walked over to stand beside the fire again. Kitra looked at Bankotsu and mentioned, "Um... about last night... well..."
Bankotsu declared fiercely, "Don't worry Kit, I won't let that happen again!" resolution in his eyes.
She smiled at him and nodded. Holding his gaze she continued, "Well, I just wanted to say thank you! You kept Kou from... whatever it was he planned to do. So even though I was embarrassed as hell and angry, I was scared before you showed up! Thank you."
"Any time Kit, any time!" Bankotsu said evenly.
Kitra nodded then looking away, said softly, "No telling what he would have done..."
Needing to banish her fears, Bankotsu reached out and hooked a finger under her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes. He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and stated sweetly, "Hey forget about it! He’s just an asshole anyway. Darius and I won't let him hurt you! So there’s no reason for you to be scared, okay?"
He hugged her and she hugged him back. They stood there just hugging for a minute, then she pulled back and he released her. He smiled at her reassuringly; she smiled back, nodding and walked over to her blankets, folded them neatly and put them in her pile. Bankotsu sat by the fire again and stared off into space.
Bankotsu's POV:
“I knew it! She was scared after all! Can't really blame her; I mean, that fucking Kou wasn't playing around last night! If I hadn't been watching over her...” I clenched my fist.
“That bastard, I wanted to tear him to shreds! Knowing full well it could have gotten me banned from the village if not outright killed; I wanted to just tear him apart!”
Taking a deep breath I grit my teeth. “He has no right whatsoever to be going after Kitra! The fact that she was completely naked and unarmed at the time only infuriates me even more! Now that I know for certain she was scared, it only makes me even angrier! Damn that fucking bastard to hell!” I thought darkly.
I balled up my fist, scowled angrily at my thoughts, and seethed, "Damn that bastard!"
Kitra walked over and knelt in front of me. She placed one hand on one of my fist which were clenched painfully tight and the other on my cheek, and looked me directly in the eyes. She said, "Bankotsu... please calm down... it's over and I’m unharmed thanks to you."
I noticed tears in her eyes and knew she was worried for me.
"Bankotsu..." Kitra whispered softly, as she started into my eyes. I knew she was asking me to let my rage fade.
I tried to control my breathing and calm down, as I stared into her eyes. “She’s so sweet and so caring.” I closed my eyes, and leaned into her hand that was on my cheek, savoring the feeling of her warm hand and began to relax and calm down. “Just like her mama, always there to comfort and soothe those who need it, whenever they need it...”
I felt my anger begin to fade, and opened my eyes gazing into her kind hazel eyes. I reached out and pulled her into my arms and tried to re-assure her softly, "It's okay, Kitra... I just... I’m calm now."
Kitra's POV:
I looked over and saw Bankotsu scowling and noticed his fists were clenched so tight they were turning white. I walked over to him, and knelt in front of him. Placing one hand over his fist and the other on his cheek, I looked him directly in the eyes. I tried to reassure him, saying, "Bankotsu... please calm down... it's over and I’m unharmed thanks to you." hoping to soothe him a little.
As he stared at me, I saw more than just anger in his eyes, I saw fury and rage. I began getting very concerned for him, and started to shed silent tears. I know what fury does; it consumes, and drives people to do many terrible things.
He looked at me and I knew he had seen my tears; I didn't care, I just wanted to comfort and soothe him. "Bankotsu..." I breathed, while staring into his beautiful sapphire eyes that were clouded with anger, and hoping he would get the message. I was silently begging him to let go of the fury.
I saw him close his eyes, and felt him lean into my hand on his cheek. He looked at me and I saw his eyes had begun to soften, and clear. He reached out and pulled me into a hug stating softly, "It's okay Kitra... I just... I’m calm now."
Regular POV:
Kitra hugged him back, then pulled back staring into his eyes. She asked softly, "Are you sure you’ll be alright now?"
Bankotsu sighed heavily answering, "Yeah, Kit, I’ll be okay." staring into her big hazel eyes.
Kitra nodded and hugged him again. He hugged her back and began running his hand up and down her back soothingly. She nuzzled into his arms a minute, then pulled back and moved so she sat behind him.
She carefully undid his braid and began to massage his scalp while running her fingers through his thick silky atrous hair. At first he stiffened, then after a few seconds, he gave in and leaned back into her, letting her soothe his nerves until he was completely calm again.
Bankotsu's POV:
I felt Kitra move behind me and felt her hands in my hair as she untied my braid. I stiffened and was about to protest, when I felt her begin massaging my scalp. After a few seconds, I thought, “Wow she sure knows how to soothe me. Besides this feels too good to complain! I might as well just let her do as she wants for now.” I sighed and leaned back into her, allowing her to continue, as I closed my eyes. Shortly afterwards, I felt my anger and tension dissipating and just felt relaxed. I was secretly enjoying her soothing ministrations.
“She always knows just how to appease me,” I thought wryly.
Regular POV:
Kitra felt him relax and knew he was finally beginning to let go of all his pent up anger and fury. Bankotsu sighed and leaned into her some more, then he closed his eyes.
She hid a smile and sighed in relief, as she continued massaging his scalp in an effort to calm him down and comfort him simultaneously. After an hour of her soothing ministrations, she stopped and stood up walking over towards the river.
Bankotsu felt her stop and stand up, so he opened his eyes and watched her walk over towards the river. He stood up, reaching back and re-braided his hair, then walked over to join her.
She smiled as he stood beside her. He smiled his boyish smile at her. She spotted a nice rock, and picked it up skipping it across the water. Bankotsu did the same, they stayed there skipping rocks and laughing together for about forty-five minutes.
Kitra queried, "So, what do you want to do today?"
Bankotsu shrugged and replied, "We came out here so you could get away for a while and the three of us could spend time together before Darius and I get sent off on orders again. What do you want to do, Kitra?"
Kitra suggested: "Maybe go swimming later, but for now I guess I’ll just lay under the tree and watch the clouds, see what kinds of shapes we can see or something."
Bankotsu nodded and agreed, "Okay."
They walked over towards the fire, and about halfway there they lay down with their hands behind their heads and looked at the clouds. Kitra pointed at one cloud saying, "Look there Ban, that one is a bunny. See the ears and tail?"
Bankotsu followed her finger to where she was pointing. He nodded and pointed to another one and explained, "That one is a dragon, see the wings?"
Kitra nodded, and then pointed to another one saying, "That one is a hand, see the fingers and the palm?"
Bankotsu looked at it intently for a moment, then answered, "Ya know, that really does look like a hand."
He pointed to another one and stated, "That one looks like a girl laying on a rock. See the head, there is the feet, and the circular part makes it look more like a rock then a bed."
Kitra looked at it intently for a moment then answered amused, "You’re right, it does."
She pointed to another one and said, "That one looks like a snake slithering towards a boar. See it?"
Smirking Bankotsu replied, "Or it could be a snake slithering towards a woman on her knees."
Kitra sighed and teased, "You and your babes. Bankotsu, even something as simple as looking at the clouds has your mind seeing girls."
Bankotsu shrugged and retorted, "I can't help it if I like the babes. I don't gotta chase 'em either." He grinned and boasted smugly, "They take one look at me and are putty in my hands! My hot looks have me keeping plenty of companionship."
Slightly annoyed, Kitra sighed and stated, "Yeah, good for you! You may be hot and stuff, but you sure aren't shy about it. Just don't get hurt, okay."
Bankotsu grinned replying, "No worries there, they know it's for mutual companionship, and nothing more."
Kitra lightly scolded, "Someday Bankotsu, you’ll realize there’s more to life than 'babes' and combat." she sighed and went back to staring at the clouds. Bankotsu shrugged and went back to staring at the clouds as well.
A few minutes later, she sat up hugging her knees to her chest, and laid her chin on her knees staring out across the river; feeling her care free mood disappear. Bankotsu saw her sit up. He stared at her a minute, then laid back down with his hands behind his head.
A few minutes later, Darius got up from bed. He walked up behind them and questioned, "Hey you two, what 'cha doing?"
Smiling Kitra replied, "Hey, sleepy head, not much. We were looking at the clouds and seeing what we could come up with."
Snapped out of his thoughts, Bankotsu said, "Hey, Dar. What now?"
Darius suggested, "How about we go swimming, just like when we were kids? The three of us could play tag and take turns dunking each other."
Kitra jumped up and exclaimed happily, "That's perfect, Darius!"
"Okay, I'm game if you two are," Bankotsu shrugged and agreed as he also stood up.
The three held hands running to the river. The guys carefully set their swords and armor aside, and the trio jumped into the water. They spent hours laughing, playing tag, and dunking each other.
Afterwards, they got out of the water, and sprawled out on the grass letting the sun dry their clothes, skin and hair. After everyone was almost completely dry, the guys picked up their armor and weapons and put them back on.
Bankotsu looked at Kera and queried, "Hey Kitra, are you hungry yet?"
Kitra smiled and answered, "Yeah."
Bankotsu nodded and suggested, "Okay, you two stay here and I’ll go get us some meat."
Kitra nodded and requested, "Just be careful, okay, Ban?"
Bankotsu laughed and replied, "I always am!"
Kitra looked at him a few seconds and insisted, "You know what I'm talking about! Earlier you were so-"
Bankotsu cut her off and replied seriously, "Don't worry Kitra, I’m fine now, I promise I won't-"
She cut him off nodding and said, "Alright."
Bankotsu turned around and left to hunt. Darius raised a brow questioningly and requested, "Kit, would you care to explain?"
Kitra sighed and explained, "We talked about last night and a few minutes later I looked over at him and his fists were clenched so hard his knuckles were white. I knelt in front of him and saw his eyes... Darius there was more than anger... he was furious! I finally managed to calm him, down but I’m worried he might search out Kou and end up either getting in major trouble with the headman or something worse..."
Darius sighed heavily and informed her angrily, "He isn't the only one who wants that bastard's head over it! I wanted to tear him apart myself. Instead, I settled for punching his stomach and warning him away."
"Thank you, Darius! But please don't either of you do anything to get into trouble... I can't bear the thought of losing either of you," Kitra said soothingly as she laid a gentle hand on her brother's shoulder.
Darius reassured her, "Don't worry, Kit, one thing about being a soldier is that you learn to detach yourself from the emotions when needed and to control your anger."
Kitra nodded and requested, "Alright, now would you help me gather the water?"
Darius smiled and answered, "Sure, sis!"
He grabbed the pot and they walked over to the river, filling the pot with water, and carried it back to the camp. Then they walked around and gathered plenty of firewood and carried it back to camp.
Kitra started a fire. Darius placed the pot over the fire, and they waited for Bankotsu to return a few minutes later with a boar slung over his back. He plopped it onto the ground knelt beside it to begin cutting it up. Kitra rinsed and added the fresh meat to the pot along with a few herbs and left it to cook.
While the stew cooked, the trio sat around the fire talking. Almost two hours later, Kitra got up, checked he stew, and then dished it up. The trio sat around the fire eating their stew, and Kitra washed the dishes in the river.
Afterwards, Kitra hugged and kissed Bankotsu, then Darius, and they hugged and kissed her back. She laid out her blankets, climbed into them, and went to sleep.
After making certain she was asleep, Bankotsu patrolled the area and rejoined Darius by the fire. Darius looked at him and asked, "So what's the plan this time?"
Bankotsu looked at him and replied, "I guess after we go back home, one of us should distract her, while the other cooks. At least this year we’re both home for it."
Darius nodded and suggested, "Okay, you distract her and I’ll cook. Yes, and that will make this all the more important to her!" He questioned, "Are Jumal and Lissa coming this time?"
Bankotsu nodded and replied, "Yes, I’m supposed to meet them tomorrow just before sunset and show them the way."
Darius smiled and exclaimed, "Perfect, Kitra’s gonna be so surprised!"
Bankotsu smiled and agreed, "She sure is!" smiling at his friend.
Darius mentioned, "Okay, now that's all settled. You should get some shut eye. I’ll wake you up after a while."
Bankotsu nodded and agreed, "Alright." He walked over to his blankets, removed his sword and lay on his side. Within minutes he was sound asleep.
Darius smiled and sat with his back against a tree; he spent the next 6 hours watching over his sister and his best friend.
Three hours before sunrise:
Darius walked over to Bankotsu and woke him up quietly. Bankotsu stretched and put his sword back on, then washed his face in the river.
Darius checked on his sister and saw she was sleeping peacefully. He smiled; walking over to his blankets, removed his sword, laid on his side, and fell instantly asleep. Bankotsu re-stoked the fire and sat against the tree, taking over the watch.
Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is chapter ten 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 10:
The next morning:
Darius's POV:
I sat there watching over my sister and my best friend with my back leaned up against a tree. “You two are the most important people in the world to me. I’d give anything to see you both truly happy!”
I gazed at my sister's sleeping form “Mother, Father, I wish you had seen us grow up. Kitra has definitely inherited your beauty Mother. Father, I’m as strong and as skilled as your were, and now so is Bankotsu. I only wish you had lived to see us all grow up… We miss you both every day and love you terribly! If only...” I sighed heavily and shook my head trying to clear it of my sad thoughts.
I smiled sadly to myself and gazed at my best friend's sleeping form. ”You’re the closest thing I have to a brother. You may not be our blood relative, but you are my brother in arms, my absolute best friend in the world! Kitra sees you as more than a brother; I see it in the way she looks at you when she thinks no one is looking...”
Thinking back to last night, I sighed. “I know you see her as a sister, but not always. I hope that someday you two will finally see for yourselves how you each really see the other!”
I chuckled to myself and whispered, "Someday, some day the three of us will put all of this behind us and finally live a care-free life together..."
I sighed heavily and scanned the area once again with my eyes, after making certain nothing was amiss; I looked back over towards my sister and saw she was waking up.
Regular POV:
Kitra began to stir awake an hour before sunrise. She opened her eyes and yawning stretched. She stood up looking around and noticed Darius was up, so she walked over to and sat beside him.
Darius smiled at her and greeted happily, "Morning, sis."
Kitra smiled at him and replied sweetly, "Morning bro, how about some breakfast before you turn in?"
"Sounds good to me," Darius nodded and answered while smiling.
She stood up and walked off away pulling out the berries and nuts. Darius went over to the river and caught a few fish, then climbed out and walked back over to the fire and started the fish smoking over the fire.
Kitra dished up the nuts, and berries handing him a large bowl of them, after she topped it off with some smoked fish. Darius sat down thanking her and began eating as soon as she sat across from him and started eating her own bowl.
While eating he looked at his sister and questioned, "So what are you planning to do today, Kit?"
She smiled sadly and replied, "After last night's incident, I’ll just settle for swimming today."
"Good." Darius nodded. "I really don't think you should leave the camp today, he could still be out there." he stated while holding her gaze.
"I know..." Kitra acknowledged sadly, looking into her beloved brother's eyes. She sat her food aside, then stood up and walked over to her brother kneeling in front of him and hugged him.
Darius smiled and hugged her back. She leaned her head on his chest while hugging his waist and confided softly, "Aside from being completely embarrassed and mad as hell last night, I was so scared when Kou showed up! I didn't know what to do. Then when Bankotsu appeared, I knew it wouldn't be long before you did too and I was so grateful that you two did show up!”
Sniffing she continued, "Kou, he... tried to grab me... but Bankotsu showed up just before he could."
Darius held her close, running his fingers through her hair, as he spoke soothingly, "Kitra... I knew you were scared but... but you were very good at hiding it! Don't worry, sis, it’ll be okay."
Darius's POV:
I sat there holding her in my arms, trying to soothe her by running my fingers through her hair. I listened as she told me what happened and thought, “Damn, I knew she was scared, but she has become very adept at hiding her fear. I wonder what else she hides from us that she thinks would be better left unsaid or unknown,” frowning at my thoughts. After soothing her, I kissed the top of her head affectionately.
Regular POV:
He kissed the top of her head and suggested firmly, "Now finish eating."
Kitra pulled back, nodding as she stood up, then kissed his forehead and went to finish her food.
A few minutes later:
Bankotsu woke up, standing up he walked over joining them over by the fire. Kitra gathered Bankotsu's bowl and filled it with nuts and berries, then laid the smoked fish on top and handed it to him.
Bankotsu smiled charmingly. "Thanks, Kit." He said, before tasting his food.
She nodded. Bankotsu looked at his friend and greeted, "Morning, Dar."
"Morning Ban," Darius yawned. "I’m gonna get some shut eye. Later you two," he replied as he stood up and started walking towards his blankets. Kitra and Bankotsu nodded. Darius lay down on his blankets and fell asleep only minutes later.
Kitra smiled and asked Bankotsu, "Do you two always sleep so easily away from home?"
Bankotsu answered, "No, not always, but as soldiers, we’re taught how to sleep whenever the opportunity arises, regardless of our surroundings."
Kitra nodded, and finished eating. Bankotsu also finished his food.
Kitra stood up collecting the dishes and washed them in the river. Bankotsu crouched beside her while she washed the dishes.
After the dishes were washed she carried the dishes, and she and Bankotsu walked over to stand beside the fire again. Kitra looked at Bankotsu and mentioned, "Um... about last night... well..."
Bankotsu declared fiercely, "Don't worry Kit, I won't let that happen again!" resolution in his eyes.
She smiled at him and nodded. Holding his gaze she continued, "Well, I just wanted to say thank you! You kept Kou from... whatever it was he planned to do. So even though I was embarrassed as hell and angry, I was scared before you showed up! Thank you."
"Any time Kit, any time!" Bankotsu said evenly.
Kitra nodded then looking away, said softly, "No telling what he would have done..."
Needing to banish her fears, Bankotsu reached out and hooked a finger under her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes. He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and stated sweetly, "Hey forget about it! He’s just an asshole anyway. Darius and I won't let him hurt you! So there’s no reason for you to be scared, okay?"
He hugged her and she hugged him back. They stood there just hugging for a minute, then she pulled back and he released her. He smiled at her reassuringly; she smiled back, nodding and walked over to her blankets, folded them neatly and put them in her pile. Bankotsu sat by the fire again and stared off into space.
Bankotsu's POV:
“I knew it! She was scared after all! Can't really blame her; I mean, that fucking Kou wasn't playing around last night! If I hadn't been watching over her...” I clenched my fist.
“That bastard, I wanted to tear him to shreds! Knowing full well it could have gotten me banned from the village if not outright killed; I wanted to just tear him apart!”
Taking a deep breath I grit my teeth. “He has no right whatsoever to be going after Kitra! The fact that she was completely naked and unarmed at the time only infuriates me even more! Now that I know for certain she was scared, it only makes me even angrier! Damn that fucking bastard to hell!” I thought darkly.
I balled up my fist, scowled angrily at my thoughts, and seethed, "Damn that bastard!"
Kitra walked over and knelt in front of me. She placed one hand on one of my fist which were clenched painfully tight and the other on my cheek, and looked me directly in the eyes. She said, "Bankotsu... please calm down... it's over and I’m unharmed thanks to you."
I noticed tears in her eyes and knew she was worried for me.
"Bankotsu..." Kitra whispered softly, as she started into my eyes. I knew she was asking me to let my rage fade.
I tried to control my breathing and calm down, as I stared into her eyes. “She’s so sweet and so caring.” I closed my eyes, and leaned into her hand that was on my cheek, savoring the feeling of her warm hand and began to relax and calm down. “Just like her mama, always there to comfort and soothe those who need it, whenever they need it...”
I felt my anger begin to fade, and opened my eyes gazing into her kind hazel eyes. I reached out and pulled her into my arms and tried to re-assure her softly, "It's okay, Kitra... I just... I’m calm now."
Kitra's POV:
I looked over and saw Bankotsu scowling and noticed his fists were clenched so tight they were turning white. I walked over to him, and knelt in front of him. Placing one hand over his fist and the other on his cheek, I looked him directly in the eyes. I tried to reassure him, saying, "Bankotsu... please calm down... it's over and I’m unharmed thanks to you." hoping to soothe him a little.
As he stared at me, I saw more than just anger in his eyes, I saw fury and rage. I began getting very concerned for him, and started to shed silent tears. I know what fury does; it consumes, and drives people to do many terrible things.
He looked at me and I knew he had seen my tears; I didn't care, I just wanted to comfort and soothe him. "Bankotsu..." I breathed, while staring into his beautiful sapphire eyes that were clouded with anger, and hoping he would get the message. I was silently begging him to let go of the fury.
I saw him close his eyes, and felt him lean into my hand on his cheek. He looked at me and I saw his eyes had begun to soften, and clear. He reached out and pulled me into a hug stating softly, "It's okay Kitra... I just... I’m calm now."
Regular POV:
Kitra hugged him back, then pulled back staring into his eyes. She asked softly, "Are you sure you’ll be alright now?"
Bankotsu sighed heavily answering, "Yeah, Kit, I’ll be okay." staring into her big hazel eyes.
Kitra nodded and hugged him again. He hugged her back and began running his hand up and down her back soothingly. She nuzzled into his arms a minute, then pulled back and moved so she sat behind him.
She carefully undid his braid and began to massage his scalp while running her fingers through his thick silky atrous hair. At first he stiffened, then after a few seconds, he gave in and leaned back into her, letting her soothe his nerves until he was completely calm again.
Bankotsu's POV:
I felt Kitra move behind me and felt her hands in my hair as she untied my braid. I stiffened and was about to protest, when I felt her begin massaging my scalp. After a few seconds, I thought, “Wow she sure knows how to soothe me. Besides this feels too good to complain! I might as well just let her do as she wants for now.” I sighed and leaned back into her, allowing her to continue, as I closed my eyes. Shortly afterwards, I felt my anger and tension dissipating and just felt relaxed. I was secretly enjoying her soothing ministrations.
“She always knows just how to appease me,” I thought wryly.
Regular POV:
Kitra felt him relax and knew he was finally beginning to let go of all his pent up anger and fury. Bankotsu sighed and leaned into her some more, then he closed his eyes.
She hid a smile and sighed in relief, as she continued massaging his scalp in an effort to calm him down and comfort him simultaneously. After an hour of her soothing ministrations, she stopped and stood up walking over towards the river.
Bankotsu felt her stop and stand up, so he opened his eyes and watched her walk over towards the river. He stood up, reaching back and re-braided his hair, then walked over to join her.
She smiled as he stood beside her. He smiled his boyish smile at her. She spotted a nice rock, and picked it up skipping it across the water. Bankotsu did the same, they stayed there skipping rocks and laughing together for about forty-five minutes.
Kitra queried, "So, what do you want to do today?"
Bankotsu shrugged and replied, "We came out here so you could get away for a while and the three of us could spend time together before Darius and I get sent off on orders again. What do you want to do, Kitra?"
Kitra suggested: "Maybe go swimming later, but for now I guess I’ll just lay under the tree and watch the clouds, see what kinds of shapes we can see or something."
Bankotsu nodded and agreed, "Okay."
They walked over towards the fire, and about halfway there they lay down with their hands behind their heads and looked at the clouds. Kitra pointed at one cloud saying, "Look there Ban, that one is a bunny. See the ears and tail?"
Bankotsu followed her finger to where she was pointing. He nodded and pointed to another one and explained, "That one is a dragon, see the wings?"
Kitra nodded, and then pointed to another one saying, "That one is a hand, see the fingers and the palm?"
Bankotsu looked at it intently for a moment, then answered, "Ya know, that really does look like a hand."
He pointed to another one and stated, "That one looks like a girl laying on a rock. See the head, there is the feet, and the circular part makes it look more like a rock then a bed."
Kitra looked at it intently for a moment then answered amused, "You’re right, it does."
She pointed to another one and said, "That one looks like a snake slithering towards a boar. See it?"
Smirking Bankotsu replied, "Or it could be a snake slithering towards a woman on her knees."
Kitra sighed and teased, "You and your babes. Bankotsu, even something as simple as looking at the clouds has your mind seeing girls."
Bankotsu shrugged and retorted, "I can't help it if I like the babes. I don't gotta chase 'em either." He grinned and boasted smugly, "They take one look at me and are putty in my hands! My hot looks have me keeping plenty of companionship."
Slightly annoyed, Kitra sighed and stated, "Yeah, good for you! You may be hot and stuff, but you sure aren't shy about it. Just don't get hurt, okay."
Bankotsu grinned replying, "No worries there, they know it's for mutual companionship, and nothing more."
Kitra lightly scolded, "Someday Bankotsu, you’ll realize there’s more to life than 'babes' and combat." she sighed and went back to staring at the clouds. Bankotsu shrugged and went back to staring at the clouds as well.
A few minutes later, she sat up hugging her knees to her chest, and laid her chin on her knees staring out across the river; feeling her care free mood disappear. Bankotsu saw her sit up. He stared at her a minute, then laid back down with his hands behind his head.
A few minutes later, Darius got up from bed. He walked up behind them and questioned, "Hey you two, what 'cha doing?"
Smiling Kitra replied, "Hey, sleepy head, not much. We were looking at the clouds and seeing what we could come up with."
Snapped out of his thoughts, Bankotsu said, "Hey, Dar. What now?"
Darius suggested, "How about we go swimming, just like when we were kids? The three of us could play tag and take turns dunking each other."
Kitra jumped up and exclaimed happily, "That's perfect, Darius!"
"Okay, I'm game if you two are," Bankotsu shrugged and agreed as he also stood up.
The three held hands running to the river. The guys carefully set their swords and armor aside, and the trio jumped into the water. They spent hours laughing, playing tag, and dunking each other.
Afterwards, they got out of the water, and sprawled out on the grass letting the sun dry their clothes, skin and hair. After everyone was almost completely dry, the guys picked up their armor and weapons and put them back on.
Bankotsu looked at Kera and queried, "Hey Kitra, are you hungry yet?"
Kitra smiled and answered, "Yeah."
Bankotsu nodded and suggested, "Okay, you two stay here and I’ll go get us some meat."
Kitra nodded and requested, "Just be careful, okay, Ban?"
Bankotsu laughed and replied, "I always am!"
Kitra looked at him a few seconds and insisted, "You know what I'm talking about! Earlier you were so-"
Bankotsu cut her off and replied seriously, "Don't worry Kitra, I’m fine now, I promise I won't-"
She cut him off nodding and said, "Alright."
Bankotsu turned around and left to hunt. Darius raised a brow questioningly and requested, "Kit, would you care to explain?"
Kitra sighed and explained, "We talked about last night and a few minutes later I looked over at him and his fists were clenched so hard his knuckles were white. I knelt in front of him and saw his eyes... Darius there was more than anger... he was furious! I finally managed to calm him, down but I’m worried he might search out Kou and end up either getting in major trouble with the headman or something worse..."
Darius sighed heavily and informed her angrily, "He isn't the only one who wants that bastard's head over it! I wanted to tear him apart myself. Instead, I settled for punching his stomach and warning him away."
"Thank you, Darius! But please don't either of you do anything to get into trouble... I can't bear the thought of losing either of you," Kitra said soothingly as she laid a gentle hand on her brother's shoulder.
Darius reassured her, "Don't worry, Kit, one thing about being a soldier is that you learn to detach yourself from the emotions when needed and to control your anger."
Kitra nodded and requested, "Alright, now would you help me gather the water?"
Darius smiled and answered, "Sure, sis!"
He grabbed the pot and they walked over to the river, filling the pot with water, and carried it back to the camp. Then they walked around and gathered plenty of firewood and carried it back to camp.
Kitra started a fire. Darius placed the pot over the fire, and they waited for Bankotsu to return a few minutes later with a boar slung over his back. He plopped it onto the ground knelt beside it to begin cutting it up. Kitra rinsed and added the fresh meat to the pot along with a few herbs and left it to cook.
While the stew cooked, the trio sat around the fire talking. Almost two hours later, Kitra got up, checked he stew, and then dished it up. The trio sat around the fire eating their stew, and Kitra washed the dishes in the river.
Afterwards, Kitra hugged and kissed Bankotsu, then Darius, and they hugged and kissed her back. She laid out her blankets, climbed into them, and went to sleep.
After making certain she was asleep, Bankotsu patrolled the area and rejoined Darius by the fire. Darius looked at him and asked, "So what's the plan this time?"
Bankotsu looked at him and replied, "I guess after we go back home, one of us should distract her, while the other cooks. At least this year we’re both home for it."
Darius nodded and suggested, "Okay, you distract her and I’ll cook. Yes, and that will make this all the more important to her!" He questioned, "Are Jumal and Lissa coming this time?"
Bankotsu nodded and replied, "Yes, I’m supposed to meet them tomorrow just before sunset and show them the way."
Darius smiled and exclaimed, "Perfect, Kitra’s gonna be so surprised!"
Bankotsu smiled and agreed, "She sure is!" smiling at his friend.
Darius mentioned, "Okay, now that's all settled. You should get some shut eye. I’ll wake you up after a while."
Bankotsu nodded and agreed, "Alright." He walked over to his blankets, removed his sword and lay on his side. Within minutes he was sound asleep.
Darius smiled and sat with his back against a tree; he spent the next 6 hours watching over his sister and his best friend.
Three hours before sunrise:
Darius walked over to Bankotsu and woke him up quietly. Bankotsu stretched and put his sword back on, then washed his face in the river.
Darius checked on his sister and saw she was sleeping peacefully. He smiled; walking over to his blankets, removed his sword, laid on his side, and fell instantly asleep. Bankotsu re-stoked the fire and sat against the tree, taking over the watch.
Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is chapter ten please remember to read and review thanks.