InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Bankotsu&Kitra: The Begining ❯ thirteen ( Chapter 13 )
[ 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: 4.5K | Visits: 150 | 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: 4.5K | Visits: 150 | 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 13:
The next day mid-morning: At the village headman's Villa:
Bankotsu had been summoned to the headman's villa first thing after breakfast.
"Bankotsu, due to your actions last night, you are hereby banished from this village and everyone in it!" demanded a very irate headman.
"I suppose it doesn't make a damn bit of difference that they were trying rape Kitra! Now does it?!" Bankotsu seethed angrily while glaring at the man.
Growing angrier at the reminder of his son’s screw ups, the village headman snapped angrily, "Do not try to change the subject!"
Bankotsu furiously roared, "I’m not! I was only telling you why I did it!" a furious storm in his eyes turning them almost grey.
"Be that as it may, you are the one being dealt with at the moment! You have become far too dangerous to be allowed to remain in this village any longer! And now you have become insubordinate as well.” Fearing for his son’s lives knowing damn well if Bankotsu got a chance he’d kill them in a second, he commanded, “You will leave this village within the hour, alone, or I will have you hunted down and killed!" glaring at the dangerous young teenager.
Bankotsu roared, "What about Kitra? WHO the hell is going to protect her, until her brother returns?"
The headman answered resolutely, "She will be safe, I assure you."
Not about to trust Kitra to this man or his guards, Bankotsu scoffed, "Bullshit!" clenching his fists tightly, itching to track down and slaughter the bastard he knew damn well was responsible for this meeting.
"If you try to take her with you, then when we do find you, and we will find you, she will be punished as well for leaving." The village headman warned eyes dead serious. He wasn’t going to allow his future daughter in law to be taken from the village.
Bankotsu roared furiously, "This is a load of fucking shit! I’m NOT leaving her unguarded, and sure as hell won’t leave her with you, so that asshole can try it again! He’s fucking lucky Darius didn’t catch him and I did! I won’t leave her where it can happen a second time!" eyes blazing with unadulterated fury.
The village headman said dead seriously, "You have no say! She isn't your concern anymore!” adding seriously, “I warn you now, if you ever return to my village for any reason, you will be executed immediately!" turning to his well paid subordinate’s he ordered, "Guards, escort this filth from my village and ensure he leaves alone- now!" dismissing the vermin from his sight.
Bankotsu was immediately seized and secured by six guards and escorted to the edge of the village, where Kitra ran up to him crying. She flung herself into his chest and wrapped her arms around his waist refusing to let go.
"Take me with you please, Bankotsu!" she begged brokenly as gems of sadness cascaded down her puffy cheeks.
Composed he looked at one of the guards and nodded. The guard released his restraints, but watched very closely.
Bankotsu sighed heavily and wrapped his arms around her shaking frame and said brokenly, "I'm sorry Kitra, but I can't," wishing that he could, as he stared at her still healing lip and cheek.
"Please! I can't bear the thought of never seeing you again, Bankotsu please?" Kitra shamelessly wailed, tears running down her cheeks as she ignored the burning from the salt entering her opened skin.
Gritting his teeth, Bankotsu replied, "You will still have Darius once he returns. I'm sorry Kitra, I truly am- but I have to go alone.” staring into her watery hazel eyes.
She cried harder and held on tighter. "No, you can't leave me! I can't bear never seeing you again, please!? Darius and I would follow you anywhere, you know that! Please, Bank?" her heart was close to breaking and if he left without her it would shatter into a million pieces.
Bankotsu sighed heavily, hugging her tighter and explained, "Kitra, try to understand I have to go alone! You have your brother to think of," he reminded seriously. His own heart was being ripped out, but as things stood it was beyond either of their controls. If only Darius had been there beside him, they could have fought the whole village together if needed, but alone he was afraid she’d end up hurt before he could defeat everyone.
Kitra cried even harder and held even tighter yelling adamantly, "No, I don't want to lose you too," remembering that she’d already lost her parents.
Forcing her chin up so she stared him in the eye, Bankotsu vowed seriously, "You will never lose me! The three of us will always be bound together,” reminding her of their sacred bond the trio shared. Kitra sniffed and begged him with her eyes not to leave her behind.
The guards became impatient and said, "It's time, Bankotsu!" in a rough voice, not willing to wait any longer.
He nodded and pried the girl's grip loose, kissing the top of her head lovingly and whispered seriously, so low only she could hear, "I will never forget you, Kit! Someday, I will find you and the three of us will be together again!" she was roughly pulled off and held by a guard, and he was ruthlessly shoved away; while she fought trying to free herself and follow him.
He looked back one last time, taking a moment to silently assure her he’d be alright. Confidently he sent her his most arrogant smirked and waved.
After the guards ensured she couldn't follow him, she was released and fell to her knees crying, her heart shattered into tiny fragments. She cried even harder and watched helplessly as he walked away.
After a while, one of the guards who was a friend of her brother’s picked up her trembling form and gently carried her home.
At the hut:
A few hours later, Kitra's brother, who had been away from the village on headman's orders, returned and found Kitra crying. Darius ran to her and asked concerned, "Kitra, what's wrong?"
Hearing his voice, she flung herself into his arms and cried, "He's gone! Bankotsu is gone!" breaking down as she had that morning.
Darius sighed heavily and held his sister while she cried herself to sleep. After placing her in her bed gently so as not to wake her; he entered the living area and asked Jumal, "What happened?!"
Jumal sighed heavily and answered dejectedly, "Bankotsu was banished by the headman today and warned never to return..."
Darius narrowed his eyes and demanded, "Why?!" as he tried to keep his temper in check.
Jumal sighed heavily and answered, "Last night he nearly beat Kou and Kio along with two others to death."
Darius again, demanded, "And why did he do that?" knowing damn well his best friend wouldn’t have attacked them unless something serious had happened.
Jumal sighed heavily and answered sadly, "Because they tried to rape her..." lowering his head shamefully. He felt responsible for this entire mess.
Darius clenched his fists and angrily roared, "They what!? Those bastards- I'll kill those fuckers myself!" He stormed towards the doorway, fury radiating off of his body.
Kitra, who had wakened upon hearing her brother's outburst, ran over to and threw herself into him crying brokenly, "Please, Darius, don't! I don't want to have to lose you too," She fell to her knees and began bawling all over again.
Darius seethed angrily but fell to his knees and embraced his sister, trying to soothe her. Kitra just kept crying and begging, "Please don't, I will only lose you too! Please, Darius?" desperation in her voice.
Darius continued soothing her until she cried herself to sleep once again. Afterwards he looked at Jumal with his eyes still filled with fury and demanded, "Tell me exactly what happened!"
Jumal repeated everything he had seen and everything Bankotsu and Lissa and told him yesterday; plus what had happened at the headman's and afterwards.
Darius seethed with pure fury and clenched his fists angrily; he looked at Kitra and his eyes softened just a tad. Jumal said in a voice filled with anger, yet deadly serious, "As much as I hate to say it, she has a point. If you do go after them, you will only be banished as well and where will that leave her then? Alone and unprotected! You know I would take care of her, but even I cannot stop them! They ALWAYS find a way..."
Darius growled angrily, "As much as I want to slay those fucking bastards myself, I know you’re correct." He began breathing in and out deeply trying to calm himself. Looking at Kitra sleeping soundly with her head in his lap helped him to calm some of the fury, but not all of it.
Two days later: At the headman's villa:
Darius snapped angrily, "Don't give me that shit! Tell him I need to see him- now! I won't take no for an answer either- make damn sure you tell him that as well!"
The frightened guard nodded and scurried off. Three minutes later, Darius was being escorted to the headman himself. The headman greeted, "Darius. Now what is so urgent?"
Not in the mood for games, Darius glared at the man and snapped, "You know very well why I’m here!"
The headman sighed heavily and replied, "Darius, you’re my very best solider, as such I’m more lenient with you than others,” turning somber he added, “However, I will not allow you to harm my sons either!"
He exploded arguing, "After what they tried with my sister I have every right to challenge them and call their asses out!” becoming just as somber, he added, “However, I will handle this with you!" glaring into the man's eyes.
The headman sighed heavily and questioned, "How?" knowing this would by far be the trickiest discussion, he couldn’t allow his sons to be harmed, but he couldn’t dispute the man’s arguments either. Bankotsu hadn’t been blood relation, so he’d managed to loop around that, Darius however, was her only surviving male family and that carried a hell of a lot of weight.
Darius answered, "For starters, best soldier or not, I’m not going anywhere until she at least starts eating and interacting amongst the living again and that isn’t negotiable!" virid eyes dead serious. He knew his worth and planned to exploit it to the full extent.
The headman warned, "Darius..." reminding him who was in charge ultimately.
"You banished her only other protector, so don't you 'Darius' me, old man!" Unfazed by the headman’s reproachful tone, Darius snapped angrily, staring him dead in the eye. He continued, "Secondly, until she is of age to marry you will keep them, especially Kou, away from her - period! If they go near her before then, I will not hesitate to defend her at any cost!"
Needing to make his son’s intentions crystal clear, the headman stated, "Once she is of the age to marry-"
Darius cut him off hissing, "Then and only then will he be allowed near her!" As an afterthought he added, "However, even after the announcement is made, he will not marry her for yet another year! In that time he will court her properly! This also is not negotiable! She deserves to be treated with respect, and I will not allow her to be treated else wise!" His eyes and tone were deadly serious.
The headman countered, "You cannot allow any other male to court her before then!"
Darius sighed and stated, "I know that, but I will only allow this union under my terms and they will all be met! As her only living male relative, that is my right!"
The headman sighed heavily and agreed, "He isn't going to be too happy about this, but I agree and now give you my word your terms shall be met!"
Darius nodded and snapped angrily: "I don't give a shit what he likes or doesn't like!" He added his final terms: "ONE: After the announcement, she and I both move into the villa as to ensure her safety! TWO: When I am sent off to fulfill my duties to you and this village, Jumal will take my place as her guardian until I return; and no one will harm either Kitra, Jumal, or Lissa! THREE: They will not be allowed to be alone with Kitra for any reason for longer than a minute, and finally all of this will go into writing and will be signed by you, myself, Kou, Kio, and Jumal.”
Taking a necessary deep breath he finished, “If you break your word or any of the conditions are broken, then I shall take her and disappear where you will never find us and you will eventually fall at the hands of your many enemies as well as the rest of this village!" His eyes were dead serious. At this very moment he was the main reason this village wasn’t being attacked on the spot, all of the headman’s enemies feared Darius and his deadly skills, and everyone knew it. They feared Bankotsu’s as well, but not near as bad as Darius’s.
The headman sighed heavily and answered, "Agreed, but there is one more condition on my part: You must swear allegiance to this village solely until the union is completed." He knew he fucked up banishing Bankotsu, he was a great help in keeping the village safe, but his insubordinate ways and the threat to his son’s outweighed the village’s safety.
Darius sighed heavily, nodding and agreed, "Agreed, Now see to it!" and left to check on Kitra, who just lay in her bed crying.
The headman called for Kio and Kou and they appeared moments later. Kou walked in and said confused, "You wished to see me, father."
The headman explained everything to his sons and they were not very happy about it. Kio stubbornly demanded, "Why should he get what he wants?!"
Kou agreed, "Indeed, why should we cooperate?!" pissed beyond measure.
The headman answered dead seriously, "Because unless we all do, you will never be allowed to marry her! You fucked up royally with your stunt the other night, and then banishing Bankotsu on top of it; you know damn well what a help he was to ensuring this village remained unharmed, without him we will have to hire at least a dozen men to take his place.” Reprimanding his son’s despicable behavior and the consequences needing made clear.
Making certain his sons understood their precarious positions right now, he explained somberly, “Darius was and still is ready to call you both out and is perfectly within his rights to do so! This is the only way to appease him and allow you to have your chosen bride without a full blown war! You know damn well we cannot afford to lose Darius's cooperation in defending this village, without him and his expertise we would be dead long before now!" glaring at his heir.
Knowing his father was correct, Kou spat venomously, "Fine, I’ll sign the fucking contract and obey the terms! But if I do not get Kitra after the agreement is filled, there will be a full out war anyways!" he vowed, eyes flashing with serious intent.
The headman nodded and Kou stormed off into his room, angrily slamming the door. Kio sighed and agreed, "Fine father, I’ll sign as well." Knowing his brother never backed down. The headman nodded and made the preparations.
Two hours later:
Everything was documented, verified, and signed by all parties. Darius was handed the contract and it was sealed with the headman's personal seal. He nodded and left to once again check on his sister.
With Darius and Kitra:
Darius entered the hut and walked into Kitra's room. He saw her staring blankly at the ceiling while lying on her bed.
Darius's POV:
“Well at least she isn't crying anymore.” I took a deep breath and let it out slowly, and knelt beside her bed.
Regular POV
Darius said softly, "Kitra honey, it's been several days now; you need to eat."
She replied in an emotionless voice, "I'm not hungry."
Darius sighed heavily and pleaded, "Honey, you're gonna get sick if you don't eat, Please, Kit, for me- just a few bites?" eyes heavy with concern.
Kitra sighed heavily and agreed, "Fine," not caring either way. Darius nodded and held the bowl up to her and she opened her mouth. He fed her a few bites of stew and she obligingly ate, then halfway through the bowl, turned her head away and said softly, "Enough," unable to bear the taste or the pain lodged deep inside her shattered heart.
Darius sighed heavily but set the bowl aside, and gathered her into his arms. She buried her head on his chest and began crying again. He sighed heavily and held her, rocking back and forth trying to comfort her, murmuring soothing things.
Finally, when she had cried herself to sleep, he gently deposited her in the bed and went to his own bedroom. He crawled onto his bed and laid there staring at the ceiling and thinking about the contract.
Darius's POV:
“Kami forgive me, Kitra, but it's the only way I can ensure your safety and hopefully, your happiness. At least, at the moment; I promise I will find a way to free us both from it before the marriage can take place- I swear it! Please, Kit, come back to me!” I stood up disgusted, and thought, “May as well go into the living area; I sure as hell ain't gonna be sleeping tonight!” I walked into the living area and began polishing my weapons and Kitra's katana, missing my best friend and all the times we’d sat polishing our weapons and talking together.
Regular POV:
Darius sat in the living area with the bed room door open, so he could hear if Kitra woke up again. He began polishing his weapons and Kitra's katana with a sad expression mixing with the worry on his face.
Darius's POV:
“Damnit Bankotsu, please be okay, my friend?” I continued polishing the weapons and my thoughts turned again to my sister who wasn’t much better than she’d been when our parent died.
Regular POV:
After all the weapons were polished, he again checked on Kitra. He gently tucked some stray hair that had fallen in her face, behind her ear and kissed her forehead lovingly.
Darius whispered, "Please come back to me soon, Kitra," his own heart breaking at the depressing state his beloved sister was in.
Over the next six weeks Darius continued to stay by Kitra's side and eventually got her to eat a full bowl of stew. Each night, he would hold her until she cried herself to sleep, then would fall into a troubled sleep himself.
Six weeks after banishment: With Bankotsu:
He was wandering around aimlessly when he began to feel a tug in a particular direction. Not knowing what it was, yet very curious, he continued to travel towards it.
Three days later: Bankotsu's POV:
I felt the tug getting stronger and stronger and saw that it was leading me to a cave. “How strange, Oh well, I’ve come this far, may as well find out what this is all about!”
I entered the cave and felt the pull become overwhelming. I continued towards it and eventually came to the spot where the pull was the strongest. Looking down I saw what looked like an ancient pile of dirt with something shiny just barely sticking up out of it. I placed my hand so it hovered just above the object and felt an intense jolt hit my hand.
I yanked my hand back and fell on to my ass. “What the hell was that?!”
Overcome with curiosity I became even more curious and began digging with my hands trying to get a better look at... whatever was buried.
With Darius, and Kitra:
Darius woke up and as was the usual, started breakfast and immediately went to check on Kitra.
He knelt down beside her bed and kissed her forehead. She opened her eyes and greeted softly, "Hey, Dar." staring into her brother’s sad and worried eyes.
Darius's eye widened in shock and he said softly, "Ki... Kitra?" afraid he was hallucinating as he shakily reached for his sister.
She nodded saying, "I... I'm sorry for the way I have been lately," taking his shaking hand into her smaller one, trying to reassure him.
He hugged her tightly and replied, "That's okay, honey! I’m just glad to see you talking again," as tears of joy filled his eyes.
She hugged him back just as tightly sobbing, "It still hurts... I still miss him, “ trying to fight back her tears.
Darius hugged her to him adding, "Me too, honey, me too! Are you gonna be okay now?" he asked concerned.
Kitra sighed heavily and answered, "If you mean am I gonna stop crying and moping now, I’m gonna try my best." staring into his loving eyes.
He nodded and hugged her tighter exclaiming relieved, "Thank Kami! I’m so glad you finally came back to me!" relief in his voice as the fear began melting away.
Kitra sent him a small smile and informed him, "I’ll always come back to you, Dar! Sometimes it may just take a while." cupping his cheek tenderly.
They stood up and Darius said, "Come on, I’ve already started breakfast," gesturing to the kitchen. She nodded and followed him into the kitchen.
With Kou:
He was furiously pacing in his room. Kitra had not taken Bankotsu’s absence as well as he’d hoped, in fact, she’d withdrawn from the entire world.
Kou's POV:
“Damnit, When is she gonna get over that bastard?! It's been six weeks now and she still does nothing but cry and mope. I shall have to ask Lissa next time I see her… Hopefully this time she’ll at least have made some kind of improvement! I can’t believe she’d choose to close herself off from the entire world, even Darius, over that fucker’s banishment.” I clenched my fists and increased my pacing as my anger and resentment toward Bankotsu increased.
Back with Darius and Kitra:
They ate breakfast and sat talking for a few hours. It wasn’t the happy atmosphere they once had, but it wasn’t a dead atmosphere any longer either.
Back with Bankotsu: Bankotsu's POV:
After digging for what seemed like an eternity, I finally unearthed what seemed to be a sword hilt with a sharp crescent shape on the end. I placed my hand on it and was instantly seized by an even stronger jolt. Fearing these strange occurrences I tried to release it, but my hand was frozen to the handle, as hard as I tried, I could not seem to let go.
After a minute, I saw a blinding light begin to fill the cave. I thought, “What the fuck?!” blinking my eyes to shield them from the brilliant light, then I saw nothing but blackness.
Regular POV:
After digging for what seemed like an eternity, Bankotsu finally unearthed what seemed to be a sword hilt with a sharp crescent shape on the end. He placed his hand on it and was instantly seized by an even stronger jolt. He tried to release it but his hand was frozen to the handle, as hard as he tried he could not seem to let go.
After a minute, he saw a blinding light begin to fill the cave. Then he slipped into unconsciousness and fell forward on the ground.
Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is chapter thirteen 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 13:
The next day mid-morning: At the village headman's Villa:
Bankotsu had been summoned to the headman's villa first thing after breakfast.
"Bankotsu, due to your actions last night, you are hereby banished from this village and everyone in it!" demanded a very irate headman.
"I suppose it doesn't make a damn bit of difference that they were trying rape Kitra! Now does it?!" Bankotsu seethed angrily while glaring at the man.
Growing angrier at the reminder of his son’s screw ups, the village headman snapped angrily, "Do not try to change the subject!"
Bankotsu furiously roared, "I’m not! I was only telling you why I did it!" a furious storm in his eyes turning them almost grey.
"Be that as it may, you are the one being dealt with at the moment! You have become far too dangerous to be allowed to remain in this village any longer! And now you have become insubordinate as well.” Fearing for his son’s lives knowing damn well if Bankotsu got a chance he’d kill them in a second, he commanded, “You will leave this village within the hour, alone, or I will have you hunted down and killed!" glaring at the dangerous young teenager.
Bankotsu roared, "What about Kitra? WHO the hell is going to protect her, until her brother returns?"
The headman answered resolutely, "She will be safe, I assure you."
Not about to trust Kitra to this man or his guards, Bankotsu scoffed, "Bullshit!" clenching his fists tightly, itching to track down and slaughter the bastard he knew damn well was responsible for this meeting.
"If you try to take her with you, then when we do find you, and we will find you, she will be punished as well for leaving." The village headman warned eyes dead serious. He wasn’t going to allow his future daughter in law to be taken from the village.
Bankotsu roared furiously, "This is a load of fucking shit! I’m NOT leaving her unguarded, and sure as hell won’t leave her with you, so that asshole can try it again! He’s fucking lucky Darius didn’t catch him and I did! I won’t leave her where it can happen a second time!" eyes blazing with unadulterated fury.
The village headman said dead seriously, "You have no say! She isn't your concern anymore!” adding seriously, “I warn you now, if you ever return to my village for any reason, you will be executed immediately!" turning to his well paid subordinate’s he ordered, "Guards, escort this filth from my village and ensure he leaves alone- now!" dismissing the vermin from his sight.
Bankotsu was immediately seized and secured by six guards and escorted to the edge of the village, where Kitra ran up to him crying. She flung herself into his chest and wrapped her arms around his waist refusing to let go.
"Take me with you please, Bankotsu!" she begged brokenly as gems of sadness cascaded down her puffy cheeks.
Composed he looked at one of the guards and nodded. The guard released his restraints, but watched very closely.
Bankotsu sighed heavily and wrapped his arms around her shaking frame and said brokenly, "I'm sorry Kitra, but I can't," wishing that he could, as he stared at her still healing lip and cheek.
"Please! I can't bear the thought of never seeing you again, Bankotsu please?" Kitra shamelessly wailed, tears running down her cheeks as she ignored the burning from the salt entering her opened skin.
Gritting his teeth, Bankotsu replied, "You will still have Darius once he returns. I'm sorry Kitra, I truly am- but I have to go alone.” staring into her watery hazel eyes.
She cried harder and held on tighter. "No, you can't leave me! I can't bear never seeing you again, please!? Darius and I would follow you anywhere, you know that! Please, Bank?" her heart was close to breaking and if he left without her it would shatter into a million pieces.
Bankotsu sighed heavily, hugging her tighter and explained, "Kitra, try to understand I have to go alone! You have your brother to think of," he reminded seriously. His own heart was being ripped out, but as things stood it was beyond either of their controls. If only Darius had been there beside him, they could have fought the whole village together if needed, but alone he was afraid she’d end up hurt before he could defeat everyone.
Kitra cried even harder and held even tighter yelling adamantly, "No, I don't want to lose you too," remembering that she’d already lost her parents.
Forcing her chin up so she stared him in the eye, Bankotsu vowed seriously, "You will never lose me! The three of us will always be bound together,” reminding her of their sacred bond the trio shared. Kitra sniffed and begged him with her eyes not to leave her behind.
The guards became impatient and said, "It's time, Bankotsu!" in a rough voice, not willing to wait any longer.
He nodded and pried the girl's grip loose, kissing the top of her head lovingly and whispered seriously, so low only she could hear, "I will never forget you, Kit! Someday, I will find you and the three of us will be together again!" she was roughly pulled off and held by a guard, and he was ruthlessly shoved away; while she fought trying to free herself and follow him.
He looked back one last time, taking a moment to silently assure her he’d be alright. Confidently he sent her his most arrogant smirked and waved.
After the guards ensured she couldn't follow him, she was released and fell to her knees crying, her heart shattered into tiny fragments. She cried even harder and watched helplessly as he walked away.
After a while, one of the guards who was a friend of her brother’s picked up her trembling form and gently carried her home.
At the hut:
A few hours later, Kitra's brother, who had been away from the village on headman's orders, returned and found Kitra crying. Darius ran to her and asked concerned, "Kitra, what's wrong?"
Hearing his voice, she flung herself into his arms and cried, "He's gone! Bankotsu is gone!" breaking down as she had that morning.
Darius sighed heavily and held his sister while she cried herself to sleep. After placing her in her bed gently so as not to wake her; he entered the living area and asked Jumal, "What happened?!"
Jumal sighed heavily and answered dejectedly, "Bankotsu was banished by the headman today and warned never to return..."
Darius narrowed his eyes and demanded, "Why?!" as he tried to keep his temper in check.
Jumal sighed heavily and answered, "Last night he nearly beat Kou and Kio along with two others to death."
Darius again, demanded, "And why did he do that?" knowing damn well his best friend wouldn’t have attacked them unless something serious had happened.
Jumal sighed heavily and answered sadly, "Because they tried to rape her..." lowering his head shamefully. He felt responsible for this entire mess.
Darius clenched his fists and angrily roared, "They what!? Those bastards- I'll kill those fuckers myself!" He stormed towards the doorway, fury radiating off of his body.
Kitra, who had wakened upon hearing her brother's outburst, ran over to and threw herself into him crying brokenly, "Please, Darius, don't! I don't want to have to lose you too," She fell to her knees and began bawling all over again.
Darius seethed angrily but fell to his knees and embraced his sister, trying to soothe her. Kitra just kept crying and begging, "Please don't, I will only lose you too! Please, Darius?" desperation in her voice.
Darius continued soothing her until she cried herself to sleep once again. Afterwards he looked at Jumal with his eyes still filled with fury and demanded, "Tell me exactly what happened!"
Jumal repeated everything he had seen and everything Bankotsu and Lissa and told him yesterday; plus what had happened at the headman's and afterwards.
Darius seethed with pure fury and clenched his fists angrily; he looked at Kitra and his eyes softened just a tad. Jumal said in a voice filled with anger, yet deadly serious, "As much as I hate to say it, she has a point. If you do go after them, you will only be banished as well and where will that leave her then? Alone and unprotected! You know I would take care of her, but even I cannot stop them! They ALWAYS find a way..."
Darius growled angrily, "As much as I want to slay those fucking bastards myself, I know you’re correct." He began breathing in and out deeply trying to calm himself. Looking at Kitra sleeping soundly with her head in his lap helped him to calm some of the fury, but not all of it.
Two days later: At the headman's villa:
Darius snapped angrily, "Don't give me that shit! Tell him I need to see him- now! I won't take no for an answer either- make damn sure you tell him that as well!"
The frightened guard nodded and scurried off. Three minutes later, Darius was being escorted to the headman himself. The headman greeted, "Darius. Now what is so urgent?"
Not in the mood for games, Darius glared at the man and snapped, "You know very well why I’m here!"
The headman sighed heavily and replied, "Darius, you’re my very best solider, as such I’m more lenient with you than others,” turning somber he added, “However, I will not allow you to harm my sons either!"
He exploded arguing, "After what they tried with my sister I have every right to challenge them and call their asses out!” becoming just as somber, he added, “However, I will handle this with you!" glaring into the man's eyes.
The headman sighed heavily and questioned, "How?" knowing this would by far be the trickiest discussion, he couldn’t allow his sons to be harmed, but he couldn’t dispute the man’s arguments either. Bankotsu hadn’t been blood relation, so he’d managed to loop around that, Darius however, was her only surviving male family and that carried a hell of a lot of weight.
Darius answered, "For starters, best soldier or not, I’m not going anywhere until she at least starts eating and interacting amongst the living again and that isn’t negotiable!" virid eyes dead serious. He knew his worth and planned to exploit it to the full extent.
The headman warned, "Darius..." reminding him who was in charge ultimately.
"You banished her only other protector, so don't you 'Darius' me, old man!" Unfazed by the headman’s reproachful tone, Darius snapped angrily, staring him dead in the eye. He continued, "Secondly, until she is of age to marry you will keep them, especially Kou, away from her - period! If they go near her before then, I will not hesitate to defend her at any cost!"
Needing to make his son’s intentions crystal clear, the headman stated, "Once she is of the age to marry-"
Darius cut him off hissing, "Then and only then will he be allowed near her!" As an afterthought he added, "However, even after the announcement is made, he will not marry her for yet another year! In that time he will court her properly! This also is not negotiable! She deserves to be treated with respect, and I will not allow her to be treated else wise!" His eyes and tone were deadly serious.
The headman countered, "You cannot allow any other male to court her before then!"
Darius sighed and stated, "I know that, but I will only allow this union under my terms and they will all be met! As her only living male relative, that is my right!"
The headman sighed heavily and agreed, "He isn't going to be too happy about this, but I agree and now give you my word your terms shall be met!"
Darius nodded and snapped angrily: "I don't give a shit what he likes or doesn't like!" He added his final terms: "ONE: After the announcement, she and I both move into the villa as to ensure her safety! TWO: When I am sent off to fulfill my duties to you and this village, Jumal will take my place as her guardian until I return; and no one will harm either Kitra, Jumal, or Lissa! THREE: They will not be allowed to be alone with Kitra for any reason for longer than a minute, and finally all of this will go into writing and will be signed by you, myself, Kou, Kio, and Jumal.”
Taking a necessary deep breath he finished, “If you break your word or any of the conditions are broken, then I shall take her and disappear where you will never find us and you will eventually fall at the hands of your many enemies as well as the rest of this village!" His eyes were dead serious. At this very moment he was the main reason this village wasn’t being attacked on the spot, all of the headman’s enemies feared Darius and his deadly skills, and everyone knew it. They feared Bankotsu’s as well, but not near as bad as Darius’s.
The headman sighed heavily and answered, "Agreed, but there is one more condition on my part: You must swear allegiance to this village solely until the union is completed." He knew he fucked up banishing Bankotsu, he was a great help in keeping the village safe, but his insubordinate ways and the threat to his son’s outweighed the village’s safety.
Darius sighed heavily, nodding and agreed, "Agreed, Now see to it!" and left to check on Kitra, who just lay in her bed crying.
The headman called for Kio and Kou and they appeared moments later. Kou walked in and said confused, "You wished to see me, father."
The headman explained everything to his sons and they were not very happy about it. Kio stubbornly demanded, "Why should he get what he wants?!"
Kou agreed, "Indeed, why should we cooperate?!" pissed beyond measure.
The headman answered dead seriously, "Because unless we all do, you will never be allowed to marry her! You fucked up royally with your stunt the other night, and then banishing Bankotsu on top of it; you know damn well what a help he was to ensuring this village remained unharmed, without him we will have to hire at least a dozen men to take his place.” Reprimanding his son’s despicable behavior and the consequences needing made clear.
Making certain his sons understood their precarious positions right now, he explained somberly, “Darius was and still is ready to call you both out and is perfectly within his rights to do so! This is the only way to appease him and allow you to have your chosen bride without a full blown war! You know damn well we cannot afford to lose Darius's cooperation in defending this village, without him and his expertise we would be dead long before now!" glaring at his heir.
Knowing his father was correct, Kou spat venomously, "Fine, I’ll sign the fucking contract and obey the terms! But if I do not get Kitra after the agreement is filled, there will be a full out war anyways!" he vowed, eyes flashing with serious intent.
The headman nodded and Kou stormed off into his room, angrily slamming the door. Kio sighed and agreed, "Fine father, I’ll sign as well." Knowing his brother never backed down. The headman nodded and made the preparations.
Two hours later:
Everything was documented, verified, and signed by all parties. Darius was handed the contract and it was sealed with the headman's personal seal. He nodded and left to once again check on his sister.
With Darius and Kitra:
Darius entered the hut and walked into Kitra's room. He saw her staring blankly at the ceiling while lying on her bed.
Darius's POV:
“Well at least she isn't crying anymore.” I took a deep breath and let it out slowly, and knelt beside her bed.
Regular POV
Darius said softly, "Kitra honey, it's been several days now; you need to eat."
She replied in an emotionless voice, "I'm not hungry."
Darius sighed heavily and pleaded, "Honey, you're gonna get sick if you don't eat, Please, Kit, for me- just a few bites?" eyes heavy with concern.
Kitra sighed heavily and agreed, "Fine," not caring either way. Darius nodded and held the bowl up to her and she opened her mouth. He fed her a few bites of stew and she obligingly ate, then halfway through the bowl, turned her head away and said softly, "Enough," unable to bear the taste or the pain lodged deep inside her shattered heart.
Darius sighed heavily but set the bowl aside, and gathered her into his arms. She buried her head on his chest and began crying again. He sighed heavily and held her, rocking back and forth trying to comfort her, murmuring soothing things.
Finally, when she had cried herself to sleep, he gently deposited her in the bed and went to his own bedroom. He crawled onto his bed and laid there staring at the ceiling and thinking about the contract.
Darius's POV:
“Kami forgive me, Kitra, but it's the only way I can ensure your safety and hopefully, your happiness. At least, at the moment; I promise I will find a way to free us both from it before the marriage can take place- I swear it! Please, Kit, come back to me!” I stood up disgusted, and thought, “May as well go into the living area; I sure as hell ain't gonna be sleeping tonight!” I walked into the living area and began polishing my weapons and Kitra's katana, missing my best friend and all the times we’d sat polishing our weapons and talking together.
Regular POV:
Darius sat in the living area with the bed room door open, so he could hear if Kitra woke up again. He began polishing his weapons and Kitra's katana with a sad expression mixing with the worry on his face.
Darius's POV:
“Damnit Bankotsu, please be okay, my friend?” I continued polishing the weapons and my thoughts turned again to my sister who wasn’t much better than she’d been when our parent died.
Regular POV:
After all the weapons were polished, he again checked on Kitra. He gently tucked some stray hair that had fallen in her face, behind her ear and kissed her forehead lovingly.
Darius whispered, "Please come back to me soon, Kitra," his own heart breaking at the depressing state his beloved sister was in.
Over the next six weeks Darius continued to stay by Kitra's side and eventually got her to eat a full bowl of stew. Each night, he would hold her until she cried herself to sleep, then would fall into a troubled sleep himself.
Six weeks after banishment: With Bankotsu:
He was wandering around aimlessly when he began to feel a tug in a particular direction. Not knowing what it was, yet very curious, he continued to travel towards it.
Three days later: Bankotsu's POV:
I felt the tug getting stronger and stronger and saw that it was leading me to a cave. “How strange, Oh well, I’ve come this far, may as well find out what this is all about!”
I entered the cave and felt the pull become overwhelming. I continued towards it and eventually came to the spot where the pull was the strongest. Looking down I saw what looked like an ancient pile of dirt with something shiny just barely sticking up out of it. I placed my hand so it hovered just above the object and felt an intense jolt hit my hand.
I yanked my hand back and fell on to my ass. “What the hell was that?!”
Overcome with curiosity I became even more curious and began digging with my hands trying to get a better look at... whatever was buried.
With Darius, and Kitra:
Darius woke up and as was the usual, started breakfast and immediately went to check on Kitra.
He knelt down beside her bed and kissed her forehead. She opened her eyes and greeted softly, "Hey, Dar." staring into her brother’s sad and worried eyes.
Darius's eye widened in shock and he said softly, "Ki... Kitra?" afraid he was hallucinating as he shakily reached for his sister.
She nodded saying, "I... I'm sorry for the way I have been lately," taking his shaking hand into her smaller one, trying to reassure him.
He hugged her tightly and replied, "That's okay, honey! I’m just glad to see you talking again," as tears of joy filled his eyes.
She hugged him back just as tightly sobbing, "It still hurts... I still miss him, “ trying to fight back her tears.
Darius hugged her to him adding, "Me too, honey, me too! Are you gonna be okay now?" he asked concerned.
Kitra sighed heavily and answered, "If you mean am I gonna stop crying and moping now, I’m gonna try my best." staring into his loving eyes.
He nodded and hugged her tighter exclaiming relieved, "Thank Kami! I’m so glad you finally came back to me!" relief in his voice as the fear began melting away.
Kitra sent him a small smile and informed him, "I’ll always come back to you, Dar! Sometimes it may just take a while." cupping his cheek tenderly.
They stood up and Darius said, "Come on, I’ve already started breakfast," gesturing to the kitchen. She nodded and followed him into the kitchen.
With Kou:
He was furiously pacing in his room. Kitra had not taken Bankotsu’s absence as well as he’d hoped, in fact, she’d withdrawn from the entire world.
Kou's POV:
“Damnit, When is she gonna get over that bastard?! It's been six weeks now and she still does nothing but cry and mope. I shall have to ask Lissa next time I see her… Hopefully this time she’ll at least have made some kind of improvement! I can’t believe she’d choose to close herself off from the entire world, even Darius, over that fucker’s banishment.” I clenched my fists and increased my pacing as my anger and resentment toward Bankotsu increased.
Back with Darius and Kitra:
They ate breakfast and sat talking for a few hours. It wasn’t the happy atmosphere they once had, but it wasn’t a dead atmosphere any longer either.
Back with Bankotsu: Bankotsu's POV:
After digging for what seemed like an eternity, I finally unearthed what seemed to be a sword hilt with a sharp crescent shape on the end. I placed my hand on it and was instantly seized by an even stronger jolt. Fearing these strange occurrences I tried to release it, but my hand was frozen to the handle, as hard as I tried, I could not seem to let go.
After a minute, I saw a blinding light begin to fill the cave. I thought, “What the fuck?!” blinking my eyes to shield them from the brilliant light, then I saw nothing but blackness.
Regular POV:
After digging for what seemed like an eternity, Bankotsu finally unearthed what seemed to be a sword hilt with a sharp crescent shape on the end. He placed his hand on it and was instantly seized by an even stronger jolt. He tried to release it but his hand was frozen to the handle, as hard as he tried he could not seem to let go.
After a minute, he saw a blinding light begin to fill the cave. Then he slipped into unconsciousness and fell forward on the ground.
Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is chapter thirteen please remember to read and review thanks.