InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Bankotsu&Kitra: The Begining ❯ eleven ( Chapter 11 )
[ 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: 3.6K | Visits: 141 | 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: 3.6K | Visits: 141 | 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)
I want give a very special Thank you to Frog Lady for her wonderful ideas and being such a loyal reviewer! Most importantly I would like to give a BIG shout out and HUGE thanks to my beta Frog Lady! :)
Chapter 11:
Later that morning:
Kitra woke up an hour before sunrise. She looked around and noticed Bankotsu was already awake. She stood up, walking over to him and greeted, "Morning, you hungry yet?"
Bankotsu smiled answering, "Morning yourself Kit, and yes I am."
Kitra nodded and suggested, "Why don't you get the fish and I’ll get the nuts and berries?"
Bankotsu nodding, walked over to then into the river, caught a few fish, and threw them onto the bank; before climbing out and carried the fish over to Kitra. He fixed the fish so they could smoke over the fire while she passed out the nuts and berries. They sat down and waited patiently for the fish to cook.
Darius woke up and smelt the fish cooking, so he stood up and walked over to the fire joining his sister and friend. She handed him a bowl of berries and nuts, kissed his cheek and greeted smiling, "Morning, Darius."
He smiled kissing her cheek back and replied in kind, "Morning, Kitra."
Bankotsu smiled at his friend and greeted, "Hey morning, sleepy head."
Darius smiled at his friend. "Morning Ban," he replied.
Bankotsu suggested, "We should head back home after breakfast." The others nodded their agreement. Kitra passed out the fish; they all ate then packed up their camp.
Bankotsu lead the way home, with Kitra behind him, and Darius bringing up the rear. Once they reached their hut, the trio deposited their stuff in their rooms, and changed into fresh clothes.
Kitra was about to start lunch when Bankotsu queried, "Hey Kitra, would you like to watch us spar today?"
Kitra's eyes lit up and she exclaimed excitedly, "Sure!" she hadn’t expected a third chance to see them spar so soon.
Darius added, "Cool, so let's go then." Knowing she’d be very pleased with today’s events. The trio walked out the door and over to the training grounds.
AT the training grounds:
Kitra was lead to the middle of the grounds by Darius and sat upon some crates. Jumal walked up and greeted, "Hey there."
Bankotsu looked at him and requested, "Hey Ju, would you mind sitting with Kit awhile?"
"It would be my pleasure," Jumal smiled and replied as he sat beside Kitra.
Kitra smiled and mentioned excitedly, "Ban and Dar are going to spar today."
Darius and Bankotsu each received a kiss on their cheeks from Kitra, they smiled at her and got into position. They bowed to one another and began sparring.
After an hour or so it seemed as if the entire village came out to watch them spar. Bankotsu and Darius decided to put on a little bit of a show for everyone and started adding flips in the air to their match every now and then.
Around noon they began to feel tired and hungry and agreed to stop for lunch. The crowd "Awed" and began to disperse.
Kitra smiled as Jumal helped her down, she hugged and thanked him, then ran over and threw herself into Darius's arms. He laughed and caught her easily, spinning her around, and questioned, "Hey Kit, how did you enjoy the show?"
Kitra laughed and replied happily, "Best one yet, I do believe!" pride in her eyes.
Darius smiled and set her gently on her feet. She launched herself into Bankotsu's arms. He caught her easily, lifting her off the ground and spun her around a few times laughing exuberantly. Kitra smiled as Bankotsu deposited her gently on her feet and queried, "So what did you think, Kit?"
Kitra smiled and proclaimed happily, "I think I’m the luckiest girl in the world! I got Darius for my brother, you for a second brother and as my best friend, and Jumal is great too! Lissa is my second best friend! What more could anyone ask for?" grinning big as she could.
Bankotsu, Jumal, Darius, and Kitra all laughed and agreed. They walked off and got some food then ate lunch together under the tree.
After lunch:
Darius looked at Bankotsu and suggested, "Hey Ban, why don't you and Kitra go for a bit of a walk. I’m sure she would enjoy that."
Kitra looked at her brother and queried, "What about you Dar, aren't you gonna go too?"
Darius smiled and answered, "Sorry Kit no can do. I’ve got things I absolutely need to do before I have to leave again."
Kitra sighed a little disappointed and mentioned, "Okay, be careful Dar!"
Darius smiled and reassured, "I always am!"
Bankotsu looked at Kitra and questioned, "So how about it Kitra, do you wanna go for a walk?" trying to hold back his enthusiasm.
Kitra smiled and asked, "Are you sure you don't mind?"
Bankotsu queried seriously, "Now why would I mind?"
Kitra shrugged, smiling and exclaimed happily, "Let's go then," taking his hand in hers.
Darius smiled and said happily, "Have fun, you two." waving them off so he could start cooking. They nodded and set off towards the woods.
Once Bankotsu and Kitra had disappeared from sight, Darius turned to Jumal and reminded, "Okay, remember Ban will meet you and Lissa just before sunset and show you the way. See you two later!"
Jumal smiled, nodding and said happily, "Lissa is all excited and we both can't wait! Do you think she’ll like her surprise?"
Darius smiled and replied, "I'm sure of it! I gotta go start the food, catch ya later, Ju." With that he took off towards the hut and started preparing the meal.
Jumal walked back to his hut and sat in the living area watching his sister Lissa, who was busy making the cake.
With Bankotsu and Kitra:
Bankotsu looked at the unusually quiet girl beside him and queried, "So Kitra, are you enjoying the walk?"
Kitra laughed softly and replied, "You know full well I enjoy the exercise, Ban." Secretly enjoying holding his hand even more.
Bankotsu smiled and replied, "Yeah, so what's on your mind? It isn't like you to be so quiet."
Kitra smiled and answered, "Just enjoying the exercise and the fresh air. Thank you for taking me for the walk," hazel eyes brimming with happiness.
Cerulean eyes shining with affection, Bankotsu smiled and assured, "It's my pleasure."
Kitra smiled and they continued walking through the forest.
Bankotsu's POV:
As Kitra and I walked through the forest, I kept my eyes peeled and my senses on full alert just in case any roving demons were lurking about.
Regular POV:
Bankotsu mentioned sternly, "I’m glad you are enjoying the walk Kit, but you should stay right beside me for safety, okay?"
Kitra nodded and they continued their walk peacefully. She was thoroughly enjoying the fresh air and exercise as well as the bountiful scenery of trees, bushes, and various herbs as they passed through the woods.
With Darius:
He was just finishing up the miniature feast he had prepared. He left to boar to finish roasting in the oven and decided to finish wrapping Kitra's gifts. After that, he put them back into his room and went to check on the roast.
With Jumal and Lissa:
Lissa had brown eyes and her wavy dark brown shoulder length hair down loosely. She was wearing a nice pale blue kimono dress.
She looked at her brother and questioned, "Hey Ju, when is he gonna come get us?"
Jumal smiled at his sister's excitement and reminded, "Relax Li, Bankotsu said he’d meet us just before sunset."
"I hope she likes the cake!" Lissa said, with excitement visible in her bruneous eyes.
Jumal smiled and asked, "How could she not, when you made it?" Lissa smiled brightly at the compliment and hugged her brother.
With Bankotsu and Kitra:
Bankotsu looked at the sky and noticed that it wouldn't be long before the sun set, so he looked at his younger friend and informed her, "Well Kit, all good things must come to an end, and I’m afraid so must this leisurely stroll. Darius will start worrying if we stay gone much longer."
Reluctant for it to end, Kitra smiled and agreed, "Okay, let's go back." Bankotsu nodded and they started walking back to their hut.
Back at the hut:
Darius was sitting outside the hut leaning against the wall. He had only moments ago taken the roasted boar meat out of the oven and was eagerly awaiting the return of his sister and best friend.
A few minutes later Bankotsu and Kitra walked up. Darius stood up. "There you two are. Did you have a nice walk?" he questioned while smiling at them, noticing Bankotsu had just let go of her hand.
Kitra smiled and answered, "Yes, thanks for suggesting it." as she moved to her brother’s side.
Darius smiled and replied, "Anytime." He faced his best friend and suggested, "Ban, why don't you go do your thing, while I take Kit to the training grounds for a bit?" Bankotsu smiling nodded, and left.
With Jumal and Lissa a little while later:
Bankotsu appeared and greeted smiling, "Hey Ju, Hey Lissa, are you two all set?"
Lissa beamed and answered, "Yup. Let me just grab the cake!"
Jumal smiled at his sister and suggested, "Lissa, you take the gift, I’ll carry the cake." Lissa smiled and handed the cake to her brother then grabbed the gift.
"Kit and Dar should be there by the time we arrive," Bankotsu smiled and mentioned, as he turned around and led the way to the hut.
Lissa nervously stated, "I hope she likes the cake, I spent all day making it!"
Bankotsu hid a smile and replied, "I’m sure she will and you did a nice job!"
Lissa beamed up at him and continued walking. Jumal shook his head and smiled as the trio continued walking towards the hut.
At the training grounds:
Kitra and Darius walked over to the middle of the training grounds. Darius commanded, "Okay Kitra, come here and stand in front of me." She smiled and did as she was told.
Darius held out his sword and instructed, "Okay, place your hand upon the hilt and grip it firmly; don't worry, I’ll help you."
Kitra again did as told. He helped her hold the sword and showed her how to swing it a few times, and then he put his sword back in its sheath. Kitra beamed at him and exclaimed excitedly, "Wow! That was so cool!"
Darius smiled offering, "Maybe one of these days I can show you how to actually fight with a katana. Would you like that?"
Kitra jumped up and down clapping her hands in excitement. "Sure Dar! That would be so awesome!" she said with her eyes lit up.
Darius laughed and said, "Okay, then." He became serious and ordered, "Time to head back, let's go Kit." Kitra smiled and linked her arm through her brother's as they walked back towards the hut.
Back at the hut:
Kitra and Darius arrived and walked inside. Kitra spotted the mini feast on the table and gasped; Darius smiled at her reaction. He stated, "Now we wait for the others."
Surprised Kitra asked, "What others?" having forgotten until now that today was actually her birthday.
Darius smiled and replied, "You’ll see. They should be here any minute, in fact."
Kitra questioned, "Darius, you cooked all of this by yourself?" as her eyes took in the bountiful selection.
Darius smiled, nodding and informed her seriously, "You aren't the only one here who knows how to cook, sister dear."
Kitra chuckled and replied happily, "Thank you, brother dear!" hugging him closely.
Bankotsu walked in and teased, "Now don't start without us!" feeling the excitement in the atmosphere.
Kitra squealed excitedly as her eyes landed on her second best friend and Jumal and said, "Hey Lissa, Jumal!"
Jumal smiled setting down the cake, and replied, "Happy birthday, Kitra,” hugging her.
She hugged him back saying, "Thanks." glad to have her friends all together.
Lissa said, "I hope you like the cake Kit, I made it all by myself; happy birthday," smiling at her friend.
Kitra hugged Lissa and replied, "Thanks Li, I love it!" meaning it.
Bankotsu hugged Kitra and she hugged him back. Bankotsu said, "Happy birthday, Kitra!"
Kitra smiled and said, "Thanks Ban, and thank you for bringing Lissa and Ju as well!" squeezing him again.
Darius smiled and hugged her, saying, "Happy birthday sweetie!"
Kitra hugged him back saying, "Thanks and thank you for the wonderful meal and the surprise!" Everyone laughed and sat down to eat.
After dinner:
Everyone gathered in the living room. "Darius, the meal was perfect. Thank you," Kitra stated while beaming at her brother.
Darius smiled nodding and responded, "I am glad you liked it, Kit!"
Bankotsu smiled and mentioned, "So was the cake."
Kitra smiled and agreed, "Sure was! Lissa, you’ve outdone yourself!"
Lissa blushed at their praises, then smiled and said, "Thanks, I’m glad you liked it!"
Jumal suggested, "Okay now how about the presents?" Bankotsu nodded and left to retrieve his, as did Darius.
Darius handed Kitra a blanket wrapped around a gift and said, "Open it, Kit."
Kitra smiled and opened the blanket; she gasped and held up the Katana and its sheath. "Darius... thank you," she said, with wide eyes shining with happiness and a few tears.
Darius smiled and stated softly, "It was fathers. I’m sure he would have wanted you to have it," Kitra jumped up and hugged her brother who hugged her back.
She sat back down and Bankotsu handed her a bundle saying, "Here,"
Kitra opened it and gasped saying, "Th... thank you, Bankotsu!" running her hand lovingly over the contents.
Bankotsu smiled and replied, "You're welcome. I’m glad you liked it!" it was one of two mementos he had from his mother; she’d given it to him before dying when he was really young.
Kitra laughed and declared, "I’ll never lose it!" She held up her small silver plated mirror, new silver brush and comb set, along with an assortment of hair ties. She set them aside got up to kiss Bankotsu's cheek assuring him, “I’ll treasure this always!"
Bankotsu nodded, and kissed her forehead. He still had the locket in his pocket that he’d never let out of his sight. Inside was a picture of his mother pregnant with him.
Kitra sat back down. Jumal walked over with Lissa and handed her a small package and a medium package. Kitra opened the small one first and said, "Thank you, Ju!"
Jumal smiled and replied, "You're welcome, Kit!" pleased she enjoyed her gift.
Kitra held up a new gold plated cup and stated, "It will go perfectly with the rest of my collection- thank you!"
Jumal smiled and nodded. Kitra hugged him and he hugged her back, then she opened the medium package, gasped and breathed, "Oh Li... it's beautiful. Thank you so much."
Lissa smiled replying, "You're welcome and I’m glad you like it!" pleased that her best friend enjoyed her homemade gift.
Kitra hugged her tightly and said, "Thanks for making it for me!"
Lissa hugged her back and responded, "You're welcome and I finally found the right colors for you!" Kitra sat down and held up her brand new light yellow with green seams and aqua flowers kimono, and smiled.
After all the gifts were put into her room Kitra came back out and declared, "Thank you all so much! This has been the best birthday I’ve ever had!"
Everyone laughed and took turns hugging Kitra, and she gladly returned the hugs.
Jumal cleared his throat and suggested, "Well, Lissa and I should be getting back."
Bankotsu nodded and offered, "I can lead you back if you need?"
Jumal smiled and answered, "Nope got it covered. But thanks."
Bankotsu nodded and said, "Have a safe walk!"
Jumal laughed and responded, "Thanks see you all later." He and Lissa left.
Kitra looked at her two roommates and stated, "You two made this a very special day for me- Thank you so much!"
Darius smiled and replied, "You're welcome, Kit."
Overcome by the day’s excitement, Kitra smiled and yawned.
Darius laughed and suggested, "Why don't you get some sleep?"
Kitra agreed, "Okay, see you in the morning, then."
Darius mentioned, "Actually, I’ll be gone in the morning."
Kitra sighed and said, "Well, at least you were both home today... be careful, Darius!"
She walked over and hugged her brother tightly; he hugged her back, and assured her, "I’ll return in a couple days, Kit!"
She nodded, and kissed his cheek, informing him, "I love you, Darius! Please don't get hurt and return to us safely."
Darius hugged her and replied, "I love you too! I promise to come back safely, Kit!"
Bankotsu walked over and reminded her, "I’ll still be here if you need anything Kitra, so don't worry, alright?"
Kitra smiled hugging him, and kissed his cheek replying, "Thanks, night Ban."
Bankotsu hugged her back, kissing her forehead tenderly and said, "Night Kit, sleep well." Kitra smiled and gathering her gifts, went to bed. She was asleep within minutes.
Bankotsu and Darius sat up talking for another hour. Darius stood up and stated, "Okay Ban, I better get some shut eye. I know you’ll keep her safe until I return."
Bankotsu nodded and confirmed, "You know it! Night, Dar." Darius walked into his room and went to bed and fell asleep instantly. Bankotsu walked around and shut the place up and also turned in for the night.
Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is chapter eleven please remember to read and review thanks.
I want give a very special Thank you to Frog Lady for her wonderful ideas and being such a loyal reviewer! Most importantly I would like to give a BIG shout out and HUGE thanks to my beta Frog Lady! :)
Chapter 11:
Later that morning:
Kitra woke up an hour before sunrise. She looked around and noticed Bankotsu was already awake. She stood up, walking over to him and greeted, "Morning, you hungry yet?"
Bankotsu smiled answering, "Morning yourself Kit, and yes I am."
Kitra nodded and suggested, "Why don't you get the fish and I’ll get the nuts and berries?"
Bankotsu nodding, walked over to then into the river, caught a few fish, and threw them onto the bank; before climbing out and carried the fish over to Kitra. He fixed the fish so they could smoke over the fire while she passed out the nuts and berries. They sat down and waited patiently for the fish to cook.
Darius woke up and smelt the fish cooking, so he stood up and walked over to the fire joining his sister and friend. She handed him a bowl of berries and nuts, kissed his cheek and greeted smiling, "Morning, Darius."
He smiled kissing her cheek back and replied in kind, "Morning, Kitra."
Bankotsu smiled at his friend and greeted, "Hey morning, sleepy head."
Darius smiled at his friend. "Morning Ban," he replied.
Bankotsu suggested, "We should head back home after breakfast." The others nodded their agreement. Kitra passed out the fish; they all ate then packed up their camp.
Bankotsu lead the way home, with Kitra behind him, and Darius bringing up the rear. Once they reached their hut, the trio deposited their stuff in their rooms, and changed into fresh clothes.
Kitra was about to start lunch when Bankotsu queried, "Hey Kitra, would you like to watch us spar today?"
Kitra's eyes lit up and she exclaimed excitedly, "Sure!" she hadn’t expected a third chance to see them spar so soon.
Darius added, "Cool, so let's go then." Knowing she’d be very pleased with today’s events. The trio walked out the door and over to the training grounds.
AT the training grounds:
Kitra was lead to the middle of the grounds by Darius and sat upon some crates. Jumal walked up and greeted, "Hey there."
Bankotsu looked at him and requested, "Hey Ju, would you mind sitting with Kit awhile?"
"It would be my pleasure," Jumal smiled and replied as he sat beside Kitra.
Kitra smiled and mentioned excitedly, "Ban and Dar are going to spar today."
Darius and Bankotsu each received a kiss on their cheeks from Kitra, they smiled at her and got into position. They bowed to one another and began sparring.
After an hour or so it seemed as if the entire village came out to watch them spar. Bankotsu and Darius decided to put on a little bit of a show for everyone and started adding flips in the air to their match every now and then.
Around noon they began to feel tired and hungry and agreed to stop for lunch. The crowd "Awed" and began to disperse.
Kitra smiled as Jumal helped her down, she hugged and thanked him, then ran over and threw herself into Darius's arms. He laughed and caught her easily, spinning her around, and questioned, "Hey Kit, how did you enjoy the show?"
Kitra laughed and replied happily, "Best one yet, I do believe!" pride in her eyes.
Darius smiled and set her gently on her feet. She launched herself into Bankotsu's arms. He caught her easily, lifting her off the ground and spun her around a few times laughing exuberantly. Kitra smiled as Bankotsu deposited her gently on her feet and queried, "So what did you think, Kit?"
Kitra smiled and proclaimed happily, "I think I’m the luckiest girl in the world! I got Darius for my brother, you for a second brother and as my best friend, and Jumal is great too! Lissa is my second best friend! What more could anyone ask for?" grinning big as she could.
Bankotsu, Jumal, Darius, and Kitra all laughed and agreed. They walked off and got some food then ate lunch together under the tree.
After lunch:
Darius looked at Bankotsu and suggested, "Hey Ban, why don't you and Kitra go for a bit of a walk. I’m sure she would enjoy that."
Kitra looked at her brother and queried, "What about you Dar, aren't you gonna go too?"
Darius smiled and answered, "Sorry Kit no can do. I’ve got things I absolutely need to do before I have to leave again."
Kitra sighed a little disappointed and mentioned, "Okay, be careful Dar!"
Darius smiled and reassured, "I always am!"
Bankotsu looked at Kitra and questioned, "So how about it Kitra, do you wanna go for a walk?" trying to hold back his enthusiasm.
Kitra smiled and asked, "Are you sure you don't mind?"
Bankotsu queried seriously, "Now why would I mind?"
Kitra shrugged, smiling and exclaimed happily, "Let's go then," taking his hand in hers.
Darius smiled and said happily, "Have fun, you two." waving them off so he could start cooking. They nodded and set off towards the woods.
Once Bankotsu and Kitra had disappeared from sight, Darius turned to Jumal and reminded, "Okay, remember Ban will meet you and Lissa just before sunset and show you the way. See you two later!"
Jumal smiled, nodding and said happily, "Lissa is all excited and we both can't wait! Do you think she’ll like her surprise?"
Darius smiled and replied, "I'm sure of it! I gotta go start the food, catch ya later, Ju." With that he took off towards the hut and started preparing the meal.
Jumal walked back to his hut and sat in the living area watching his sister Lissa, who was busy making the cake.
With Bankotsu and Kitra:
Bankotsu looked at the unusually quiet girl beside him and queried, "So Kitra, are you enjoying the walk?"
Kitra laughed softly and replied, "You know full well I enjoy the exercise, Ban." Secretly enjoying holding his hand even more.
Bankotsu smiled and replied, "Yeah, so what's on your mind? It isn't like you to be so quiet."
Kitra smiled and answered, "Just enjoying the exercise and the fresh air. Thank you for taking me for the walk," hazel eyes brimming with happiness.
Cerulean eyes shining with affection, Bankotsu smiled and assured, "It's my pleasure."
Kitra smiled and they continued walking through the forest.
Bankotsu's POV:
As Kitra and I walked through the forest, I kept my eyes peeled and my senses on full alert just in case any roving demons were lurking about.
Regular POV:
Bankotsu mentioned sternly, "I’m glad you are enjoying the walk Kit, but you should stay right beside me for safety, okay?"
Kitra nodded and they continued their walk peacefully. She was thoroughly enjoying the fresh air and exercise as well as the bountiful scenery of trees, bushes, and various herbs as they passed through the woods.
With Darius:
He was just finishing up the miniature feast he had prepared. He left to boar to finish roasting in the oven and decided to finish wrapping Kitra's gifts. After that, he put them back into his room and went to check on the roast.
With Jumal and Lissa:
Lissa had brown eyes and her wavy dark brown shoulder length hair down loosely. She was wearing a nice pale blue kimono dress.
She looked at her brother and questioned, "Hey Ju, when is he gonna come get us?"
Jumal smiled at his sister's excitement and reminded, "Relax Li, Bankotsu said he’d meet us just before sunset."
"I hope she likes the cake!" Lissa said, with excitement visible in her bruneous eyes.
Jumal smiled and asked, "How could she not, when you made it?" Lissa smiled brightly at the compliment and hugged her brother.
With Bankotsu and Kitra:
Bankotsu looked at the sky and noticed that it wouldn't be long before the sun set, so he looked at his younger friend and informed her, "Well Kit, all good things must come to an end, and I’m afraid so must this leisurely stroll. Darius will start worrying if we stay gone much longer."
Reluctant for it to end, Kitra smiled and agreed, "Okay, let's go back." Bankotsu nodded and they started walking back to their hut.
Back at the hut:
Darius was sitting outside the hut leaning against the wall. He had only moments ago taken the roasted boar meat out of the oven and was eagerly awaiting the return of his sister and best friend.
A few minutes later Bankotsu and Kitra walked up. Darius stood up. "There you two are. Did you have a nice walk?" he questioned while smiling at them, noticing Bankotsu had just let go of her hand.
Kitra smiled and answered, "Yes, thanks for suggesting it." as she moved to her brother’s side.
Darius smiled and replied, "Anytime." He faced his best friend and suggested, "Ban, why don't you go do your thing, while I take Kit to the training grounds for a bit?" Bankotsu smiling nodded, and left.
With Jumal and Lissa a little while later:
Bankotsu appeared and greeted smiling, "Hey Ju, Hey Lissa, are you two all set?"
Lissa beamed and answered, "Yup. Let me just grab the cake!"
Jumal smiled at his sister and suggested, "Lissa, you take the gift, I’ll carry the cake." Lissa smiled and handed the cake to her brother then grabbed the gift.
"Kit and Dar should be there by the time we arrive," Bankotsu smiled and mentioned, as he turned around and led the way to the hut.
Lissa nervously stated, "I hope she likes the cake, I spent all day making it!"
Bankotsu hid a smile and replied, "I’m sure she will and you did a nice job!"
Lissa beamed up at him and continued walking. Jumal shook his head and smiled as the trio continued walking towards the hut.
At the training grounds:
Kitra and Darius walked over to the middle of the training grounds. Darius commanded, "Okay Kitra, come here and stand in front of me." She smiled and did as she was told.
Darius held out his sword and instructed, "Okay, place your hand upon the hilt and grip it firmly; don't worry, I’ll help you."
Kitra again did as told. He helped her hold the sword and showed her how to swing it a few times, and then he put his sword back in its sheath. Kitra beamed at him and exclaimed excitedly, "Wow! That was so cool!"
Darius smiled offering, "Maybe one of these days I can show you how to actually fight with a katana. Would you like that?"
Kitra jumped up and down clapping her hands in excitement. "Sure Dar! That would be so awesome!" she said with her eyes lit up.
Darius laughed and said, "Okay, then." He became serious and ordered, "Time to head back, let's go Kit." Kitra smiled and linked her arm through her brother's as they walked back towards the hut.
Back at the hut:
Kitra and Darius arrived and walked inside. Kitra spotted the mini feast on the table and gasped; Darius smiled at her reaction. He stated, "Now we wait for the others."
Surprised Kitra asked, "What others?" having forgotten until now that today was actually her birthday.
Darius smiled and replied, "You’ll see. They should be here any minute, in fact."
Kitra questioned, "Darius, you cooked all of this by yourself?" as her eyes took in the bountiful selection.
Darius smiled, nodding and informed her seriously, "You aren't the only one here who knows how to cook, sister dear."
Kitra chuckled and replied happily, "Thank you, brother dear!" hugging him closely.
Bankotsu walked in and teased, "Now don't start without us!" feeling the excitement in the atmosphere.
Kitra squealed excitedly as her eyes landed on her second best friend and Jumal and said, "Hey Lissa, Jumal!"
Jumal smiled setting down the cake, and replied, "Happy birthday, Kitra,” hugging her.
She hugged him back saying, "Thanks." glad to have her friends all together.
Lissa said, "I hope you like the cake Kit, I made it all by myself; happy birthday," smiling at her friend.
Kitra hugged Lissa and replied, "Thanks Li, I love it!" meaning it.
Bankotsu hugged Kitra and she hugged him back. Bankotsu said, "Happy birthday, Kitra!"
Kitra smiled and said, "Thanks Ban, and thank you for bringing Lissa and Ju as well!" squeezing him again.
Darius smiled and hugged her, saying, "Happy birthday sweetie!"
Kitra hugged him back saying, "Thanks and thank you for the wonderful meal and the surprise!" Everyone laughed and sat down to eat.
After dinner:
Everyone gathered in the living room. "Darius, the meal was perfect. Thank you," Kitra stated while beaming at her brother.
Darius smiled nodding and responded, "I am glad you liked it, Kit!"
Bankotsu smiled and mentioned, "So was the cake."
Kitra smiled and agreed, "Sure was! Lissa, you’ve outdone yourself!"
Lissa blushed at their praises, then smiled and said, "Thanks, I’m glad you liked it!"
Jumal suggested, "Okay now how about the presents?" Bankotsu nodded and left to retrieve his, as did Darius.
Darius handed Kitra a blanket wrapped around a gift and said, "Open it, Kit."
Kitra smiled and opened the blanket; she gasped and held up the Katana and its sheath. "Darius... thank you," she said, with wide eyes shining with happiness and a few tears.
Darius smiled and stated softly, "It was fathers. I’m sure he would have wanted you to have it," Kitra jumped up and hugged her brother who hugged her back.
She sat back down and Bankotsu handed her a bundle saying, "Here,"
Kitra opened it and gasped saying, "Th... thank you, Bankotsu!" running her hand lovingly over the contents.
Bankotsu smiled and replied, "You're welcome. I’m glad you liked it!" it was one of two mementos he had from his mother; she’d given it to him before dying when he was really young.
Kitra laughed and declared, "I’ll never lose it!" She held up her small silver plated mirror, new silver brush and comb set, along with an assortment of hair ties. She set them aside got up to kiss Bankotsu's cheek assuring him, “I’ll treasure this always!"
Bankotsu nodded, and kissed her forehead. He still had the locket in his pocket that he’d never let out of his sight. Inside was a picture of his mother pregnant with him.
Kitra sat back down. Jumal walked over with Lissa and handed her a small package and a medium package. Kitra opened the small one first and said, "Thank you, Ju!"
Jumal smiled and replied, "You're welcome, Kit!" pleased she enjoyed her gift.
Kitra held up a new gold plated cup and stated, "It will go perfectly with the rest of my collection- thank you!"
Jumal smiled and nodded. Kitra hugged him and he hugged her back, then she opened the medium package, gasped and breathed, "Oh Li... it's beautiful. Thank you so much."
Lissa smiled replying, "You're welcome and I’m glad you like it!" pleased that her best friend enjoyed her homemade gift.
Kitra hugged her tightly and said, "Thanks for making it for me!"
Lissa hugged her back and responded, "You're welcome and I finally found the right colors for you!" Kitra sat down and held up her brand new light yellow with green seams and aqua flowers kimono, and smiled.
After all the gifts were put into her room Kitra came back out and declared, "Thank you all so much! This has been the best birthday I’ve ever had!"
Everyone laughed and took turns hugging Kitra, and she gladly returned the hugs.
Jumal cleared his throat and suggested, "Well, Lissa and I should be getting back."
Bankotsu nodded and offered, "I can lead you back if you need?"
Jumal smiled and answered, "Nope got it covered. But thanks."
Bankotsu nodded and said, "Have a safe walk!"
Jumal laughed and responded, "Thanks see you all later." He and Lissa left.
Kitra looked at her two roommates and stated, "You two made this a very special day for me- Thank you so much!"
Darius smiled and replied, "You're welcome, Kit."
Overcome by the day’s excitement, Kitra smiled and yawned.
Darius laughed and suggested, "Why don't you get some sleep?"
Kitra agreed, "Okay, see you in the morning, then."
Darius mentioned, "Actually, I’ll be gone in the morning."
Kitra sighed and said, "Well, at least you were both home today... be careful, Darius!"
She walked over and hugged her brother tightly; he hugged her back, and assured her, "I’ll return in a couple days, Kit!"
She nodded, and kissed his cheek, informing him, "I love you, Darius! Please don't get hurt and return to us safely."
Darius hugged her and replied, "I love you too! I promise to come back safely, Kit!"
Bankotsu walked over and reminded her, "I’ll still be here if you need anything Kitra, so don't worry, alright?"
Kitra smiled hugging him, and kissed his cheek replying, "Thanks, night Ban."
Bankotsu hugged her back, kissing her forehead tenderly and said, "Night Kit, sleep well." Kitra smiled and gathering her gifts, went to bed. She was asleep within minutes.
Bankotsu and Darius sat up talking for another hour. Darius stood up and stated, "Okay Ban, I better get some shut eye. I know you’ll keep her safe until I return."
Bankotsu nodded and confirmed, "You know it! Night, Dar." Darius walked into his room and went to bed and fell asleep instantly. Bankotsu walked around and shut the place up and also turned in for the night.
Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is chapter eleven please remember to read and review thanks.