InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Bankotsu&Kitra: The Begining ❯ fifteen ( Chapter 15 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: kittyb78 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 07.30.2008 | Updated On: 03.27.2009 | Pages: 5 | Words: 5.6K | Visits: 140 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 07.30.2008 | Updated On: 03.27.2009 | Pages: 5 | Words: 5.6K | Visits: 140 | 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)
Importantly I would like to give a BIG shout out and HUGE thanks to my beta Frog Lady! :) And being such a loyal reviewer! As well as to Yuti-Chan for her continued reviews!:)
Chapter 15:
The next day: With Jumal and Lissa:
Jumal woke up, slipped out of bed, collected his things, and went to report to his superior.
Lissa slept in late, and then decided to go visit her aunt and cousin.
With Darius and Kitra:
Kitra woke up, climbed out of bed, stretched and went to make breakfast. Just as she was setting the food on the table Darius walked in greeting happily, "Morning, Kit."
Kitra replied, "Morning, Dar. Eat up, okay?" He nodded and they sat down and began eating together.
After they had eaten, Kitra stood up and collected, then cleaned their dishes. Afterwards, Darius instructed, "Okay Kit, go grab your katana, and meet me under the tree." Kitra nodding retrieved her katana and waited outside under the tree.
A minute later, Darius walked up and informed her, "Okay, first off, you need to get the feel of your katana." He walked behind her and helped her hold the katana properly. "Hold it like this," he instructed. "Try just moving it side to side a few minutes and let yourself grow accustomed to its weight."
She nodded and did as said, letting herself ‘feel’ and ‘adapt to’ her katana's weight. Darius stood there watching her and gave a single nod of his head and an encouraging smile.
Twenty minutes later:
Darius nodded and ordered, "Okay, that's enough for today. Go and put your katana away, and we’ll go to the training grounds." Kitra nodded, put her katana away safely, and ran outside over to meet her brother. They smiled at each other and walked together, hand in hand over toward the training grounds.
Upon reaching the training grounds, they saw Lissa running up to them. Darius smiled and greeted, "Hello Lissa. What brings you here today?" a little surprised to see her out alone.
Lissa smiled answering, "With Ju on duty, I thought I’d visit my aunt; then I saw you two and decided to say hello."
Kitra smiled and suggested, "Lissa, wanna sit with me while Dar duels?"
Lissa's eyes lit up and she replied, "Sure!" Kitra smiled. Darius helped both of the girls over the railing, and then hopped over himself.
The three of them walked into the middle of the grounds together. Darius took a few minutes to gather and stack some crates for Kitra and Lissa to sit on. After receiving a kiss on the cheek from his sister, he walked over to the middle and assumed a ready stance hollering, "Who wants to spar?"
Deciding to try his hand, Tao stepped up and yelled, "I’ll take you on!"
Darius was watching his sister and noticed Kitra's body stiffen and her eyes widen in fear, as her eyes landed on the man who’d spoken up.. He instantly put two and two together and figured this guy must have been the other one who had held her down that night. He began to feel his temper rise and glared at him querying, "You’re the new recruit, are you not?"
Tao held his gaze and slowly nodded. Darius's green eyes blazed with anger as he glared at the man and continued, "You’re also one of the bastards who held down my sister Kitra down that night, huh?" Tao's eyes widened in fear and he gulped nervously. He knew of Darius only by reputation and knew he was not a man to mess with lightly.
"Draw your sword, now!" Darius commanded, and pointed his own sword at the man, determined to teach the whelp never to think of harming his sister ever again.
Tao nervously shifted his eyes looking for Kou and not finding him, sighed heavily and drew his sword.
"Let's see how damn brave you are when facing a real opponent," Darius ground out through clenched teeth as he got into a ready stance. Knowing he was in deep shit now, Tao also jumped into a ready stance.
Darius quickly made the first strike. He focused his anger into defeating and disarming his opponent. After he had disarmed the man, Darius towered over him and ordered harshly, "To your feet, soldier!" Tao jumped to his feet and went into a defensive stance.
Lissa looked at Kitra and queried, "He's not gonna kill him is he?" eyes wide with fear and shock.
Kitra shook her head and replied, "Most likely he’s figured out Tao was one of the guys who held me down that night and wishes to teach him a lesson." watching almost dispassionately as her brother continued.
Lissa's eyes widened in shock as she said sadly, "Oh, Kitra... I can't believe Tao did that! He seems so nice whenever he and Asa visit."
"Kou ordered him and Nenji to hold me down that night," Kitra replied sadly as a few tears fell silently down her cheeks.
Hearing this Lissa's eyes widened in shock. "I'm sorry," she hugged her friend and whispered, trying to comfort her. Kitra hugged her back wiping her own eyes and turned back to watching the match.
Darius quickly sheathed and cast his sword aside. As it landed at Kitra's feet, Darius glared at Tao and ground out, "Now I’ll test your hand to hand."
He lunged forward and started throwing punches; every other one connected painfully. Tao tried his best to block, but knew he was no match for the reputed Darius- Especially since he was now angry.
After thirty minutes of throwing punches and kicks, Darius decided to end this and to ensure that Tao would never bother Kitra again. He walked over to his opponent, who was bent over on his hands and knees and holding his side, moaning in pain. He grabbed him by the shirt front and yanked him to his feet, then got directly into his face.
"If you ever mess with or harm my sister again in any way, I’ll hunt you down and kill you! Understood?" he seethed, staring the man dead in the eye.
Tao's eyes widened fearfully and he nodded vigorously, as his body began trembling in fear at the ferocity of this man’s anger.
"Good," Darius spat throwing the man to the ground. He spun on his heel and approached his sister and her friend with powerful strides, while breathing to calm his anger.
Two other recruits who knew better than to cross Darius or to interfere, had waited until he was done, before they ran over to Tao and helped him to his feet. The three men all left in the direction of the infirmary to find out the extent of the damage.
Kitra launched herself into Darius's open arms. He caught her easily and they hugged each other tightly. Darius pulled back and looked deeply into her eyes. "Don't worry, Kit, he won't ever bother you again, because he knows damn well that if he does; he’s a dead man." he assured her softly, eyes dead serious.
Kitra nodded, then hugged him tightly and whispered, "Thank you," grateful for her brother’s protectiveness and love.
Darius nodded and looked at Lissa saying calmly, "Tell Asa he’ll be fine, that was only a warning."
Lissa nodded and said softly, "Don't worry, Darius, I’ll make certain she knows exactly why."
He nodded and suggested, "Let's go eat, Kit."
Kitra nodded looking at him and he nodded, then turned to Lissa questioning, "Wanna join us for lunch?"
Lissa's eyes lit up and she exclaimed happily, "Sure," surprised that he’d asked.
Darius nodded, retrieved his sword and replaced it at his hip. He escorted the girls over to and helped them over the railing. He led them over to the market where they purchased some fruits, bread, cheese, and meat, along with some bottled water.
While walking away, Kitra and Lissa noticed Sheila, Tawny, and Kari heading directly toward them. Kitra sighed heavily and mumbled sarcastically, "Oh swell, just what we don’t need right now," seething about those stupid girls.
Darius frowned upon hearing this and asked, "Is something wrong, Kit?" staring into his sister’s face, noting the clenched jaw.
"Those three girls are the ones that started the fight that night." Kitra explained, and pointed to the trio heading towards them.
Darius frowned. "I see," he said. Noticing the girls moving closer, he took a protective step in front of his sister and waited for them to approach.
The trio approached them while glaring directly at Kitra. She glared right back and stood straight with her hands planted firmly on her generous hips.
Lissa eyed the troublesome trio and questioned, "Don't you three think you've done enough already?!" her own temper rising.
"We didn't do shit! She did!" Kari glared at Lissa and snapped, while pointing and glaring daggers at Kitra.
"It's all her fault Bankotsu was banished!" Tawny seethed, while glaring hatefully at Kitra.
Kitra said nothing and looked away sadly with tears in her eyes that she refused to let fall. "If you three wouldn't have started the fight that night none of this would have happened!" Lissa snapped, glaring at her former ‘friends’ enraged at their treatment of her best friend.
Darius cleared his throat. "I happen to know for a fact that Bankotsu would never have been interested in either of you three! Kitra has always been like a sister to him and as such, he has always protected her at any cost, without a thought of hesitation. He would have never dated anyone who had harmed Kitra in any way and neither will I!" he declared angrily, eyes hard and unusually cold.
He narrowed his eyes at the troublesome trio and snapped, "He would have been insulted by the mere suggestion of becoming involved with anyone who had harmed Kitra in any form, and despised them- now leave!"
The trio gasped in shock and outrage. Kari narrowed her eyes at Kitra. "Stay the hell away from Kou you stupid little slut- he's mine!" she warned her as she went to slap Kitra.
Darius reacted swiftly and grabbed the hand that went flying at Kitra, and then stared the girl dead in the eye and warned, "Watch your filthy mouth, you little bitch, or I’ll personally see to it that Kou learns of this as do your parents! My sister is not a slut! She seems to be the only girl in this village, aside from Lissa, who isn't from what I have seen."
As she registered the leashed fury rolling off of his powerful frame, Kari's eyes widened in shock and fear. She glared at Darius and yanked her hand away. She swung her hateful glare to Kitra and ground out, "Remember what I said or else- bitch!"
Having decided she’d had enough, Kitra dangerously narrowed her eyes at the girl. "Watch who you threaten whore, or else you’ll learn the hard way exactly why even Bankotsu and Darius, never piss me off on purpose!" she snapped dangerously, eyes flashing with barely leashed anger.
Darius glared at the troublesome trio and commanded, "Leave now or suffer the consequences," Then he added, "I doubt very seriously that your families would appreciate having the headman visiting them personally to deliver warnings!" His green eyes narrowed dangerously.
He wrapped an arm around Kitra's waist, looked at Lissa and suggested, "Come, let's leave these children to bicker among themselves." Kitra nodded and leaned gratefully into her brother. She wrapped an arm around his waist while Lissa stood at his other side.
As the trio walked away, leaving the three troublesome girls standing there, their jaws dropped, unable to believe what Darius had said to them and furious that all the cute guys seemed to protect that red haired bitch.
Darius lead Kitra and Lissa over to a large tree. They sat under it on the grass, where they spread out their food and ate lunch together as they relaxed a bit.
Darius looked at Kitra and noticed she looked depressed and was barely eating. He said, "Hey Kit, you know those girls are lying, right? It’s not your fault that Bankotsu got banished!"
"Yes it is," she sobbed brokenly. "If he wouldn't have helped me that night, then... then he would still be here!" she wailed.
Darius kneeled in front of his sister. "It is not your fault!" he repeated sternly. "If he hadn't have helped you, you would have been far worse, and I would have kicked his ass myself!" His eyes were serious and angry.
Kitra sobbed, "But if he hadn't beaten up Kio and Kou, he wouldn't have been banished!"
Darius sighed heavily and wrapped her in his arms as he soothed, "Honey, we both know damn well Bankotsu would have killed them if he had stayed anyways. Don't let those girls get to you, Kit! Now, stop blaming yourself!"
Kitra leaned into his chest and cried a little and sobbed, "I still miss him!" she confessed letting her misery show for once.
"We both do, sweetheart!" Darius said. "But Bankotsu knew full well that there would be consequences." He tightened his grip and soothed, "We also both know full well that he never would have wanted you to blame yourself Kitra!"
He pulled back to look at her and gently wiped the tears from her eyes. "Now, no more blaming yourself,” he ordered, with dead serious green eyes. Kitra sniffled and nodded, then hugged her brother tightly.
Lissa walked over and said, "Forget those other girls, Kit! They’re just jealous because Bankotsu has always cared for and protected you, and they can't imagine why he would like you and not them." Kitra smiled sadly and Lissa beamed at her friend.
Darius handed Kitra her food and mentioned sternly, "Now eat, I don't want you to stop eating on me again," allowing his fear of losing to her show clear in his eyes. Kitra accepted her food. The trio sat back down and finished eating.
Afterwards, Darius stood up and holding out his hands; which the girls accepted and he helped the girls to their feet. He suggested, "Let's head back over to the training grounds." adding, "I’d like to get some more practicing in before I call it a day." The girls nodded and the trio walked back over to the training grounds.
Upon reaching the railing, Darius helped both girls over the railing, then hopped over himself. They continued walking side by side over to the crates that had been stacked earlier.
Darius eyed the girls. "You two sit there and enjoy the show," he instructed, while pointing at the crates. Kitra and Lissa nodded and sat together upon the crates.
Darius pulled out his sword and hollered, "Anyone wanna spar?" eager for more practice to work out some of his pent up frustrations.
Nenji stepped up and glaring at Darius, snapped, "What the hell did you beat Tao up for? You do know that he has four busted ribs, right?" furious at how he’d treated the new recruit.
Darius narrowed his own eyes. "I was only warning him to stay away from Kitra," he replied evenly, eyes hard and dangerous. He stated, "I know damn well you’re one of them, don’t think I’ve forgotten either! I’ll never forget what the four of you did!"
Darius assumed a fighting stance and ordered seriously, "Draw your sword, Nenji!"
Nenji's eyes widened fearfully and he quickly drew his sword and assumed a fighting stance. "Defend yourself now or face my fists!" Darius warned him. Nenji knowing he was in trouble either way; took the first strike and missed.
The two kept lunging their swords at each other for over an hour, and then Darius disarmed Nenji and tossed his sword at Kitra's feet again, while keeping an eye on his opponent. "Now we shall see if your hand to hand has improved any," he commanded.
Knowing he was in hot water now, Nenji was now extremely nervous, and began forming beads of perspiration on his forehead as he quickly began throwing punches. One out of every five hit whereas with Darius, three out of every four hit.
After a half hour of trading punches and kicks, Darius used a swift maneuver and knocked Nenji back a few feet. He swept his feet, causing him to land flat on his back.
Darius quickly drew his dagger out and kneeled on one knee beside Nenji with the blade against his throat, Nenji's eyes widened in fear. Darius stared him dead in the eye. "If you ever touch her again, you’re a dead man! Are we clear?" he warned him, while glaring at the man hatefully.
Knowing it was no idle threat, Nenji nodded his head vigorously.
Darius nodded, then stood up and put away his dagger. "Make no mistake Nenji; I will not hesitate to eliminate any and all threats to my sister! Whether by Kou's orders or not, if you touch her in any way again, you will die by my hands!" he warned him, eyes hard and dead serious, promising a brutal and pain filled death, if he screwed up again.
Nenji slowly stood to his feet and nodded that he understood. Darius spun on his heel and walked over to his sister and assured her, "He too will not mess with you again, Kitra."
Kitra nodded then hugged him and said softly, "Thank you, Dar," feeling a tiny bit safer now. Nenji had seriously disappointed her, she’d thought he was smart enough not to be one of Kou’s lackeys, but she’d been wrong.
Darius hugged her tenderly to him and promised her, "I will not allow anyone to harm you ever again!"
She buried herself into her brother's protective embrace and they stood there embracing a moment, before he bent over and retrieved his sword replacing it on his hip.
Nenji knowing his ass had just gotten off far easier than Darius normally would have allowed, quickly ran to the villa. He went to inform Kou that Darius knew what happened with Kitra and was furious.
At the headman's villa:
Kou was told that Nenji needed to see him and walked into the dining room. Nenji said, "We’ve got trouble, Kou!"
Kou raised a brow questioningly and asked, "What?" curious why his friend was so frightened.
Nenji sighed heavily and replied, "Well, for starters Darius was at the training grounds today."
Kou perked up and asked, "Oh, and what about Kitra?" hoping this meant she was finally coming out of her shell.
Nenji nodded and said, "Yeah she was there." Still shaking with fear from the anger he’d sensed from her very protective and deadly older brother.
Kou smiled and felt a little better knowing that she was finally getting over things.
Nenji looked his best friend dead in the eye and warned, "You’d better watch yourself! Darius knows what happened that night." He took a deep breath and continued, "During the sparring sessions today, he beat up Tao to the point he broke four of his ribs."
"Ah, did he now?" Kou said, seemingly unworried.
Nenji nodded and added, "He just finished warning me never to harm Kitra in any way or else I was a dead man." pointing to his swollen jaw.
Kou smirked replying, "I wouldn’t have expected anything less!" hands clasped happily in front of him.
Nenji scowled and said nervously, "He’s dead serious, Kou! You should’ve seen the look in his eyes," shivering in fear of the memory. He’d seen pure death in those normally calm virid eyes, and that scared the hell out of him; far more than Bankotsu ever had.
"Relax old friend," Kou chuckled and said, "Father and he have reached an agreement already."
Nenji's eyes widened and he asked, "What... what kind of agreement?" a little concerned his best friend had failed to mention any of this yet.
Kou sighed heavily and explained, "Father, myself, Kio, Darius, and Jumal have all signed an agreement. Kio and I are, until she is of age to marry stay away from her - period!” he added resentfully, “After the announcement is made, I will not be allowed to marry her for yet another year, in that time I will court her properly- On the bright side, though, Darius cannot allow any other male to court her before then, either.”
Taking a deep breath he confided, “Darius's final terms were: ONE: After the announcement, she and he both move into the villa as to ensure her safety. TWO: When he’s sent off to fulfill his duties, Jumal will take his place as her guardian until he returns and no one will harm either Kitra, Jumal, or Lissa. And finally: All of this went into writing and was signed by father, myself, Kio, Darius, and Jumal."
He took another deep breath and finished, "Darius also warned that if we break our words or any of the conditions are broken, he’ll take her and disappear where we will never find them and we would all eventually fall at the hands of our enemies as well as the rest of this village."
Nenji looked shocked, and then said dryly, "Ouch! I bet you weren't too happy about his demands, huh?"
Kou scowled and clenched his fists angrily, then snapped, "Hell no! But, I gave my word and will abide by his terms." He huffed, and declared dead serious, "At least I’ll still get Kitra in the end and that’s all that I care about!" He grinned, eyes lit up as he added smugly, "Besides, he said we couldn't go near her, but that doesn't mean that if she’s at the grounds that I can't at least look at her." a dreamy look in his eyes.
Nenji shook his head grinning and said, "Boy, have you ever got it bad," teasing his friend.
Kou grinned at his best friend agreeing, “You bet I do!”
Nenji chuckled and asked seriously, "So what about what Darius did to Tao?"
"It just gives me a reason to go to the grounds without being obvious," Kou smirked, clapping his best friend on the back. Nenji laughed and Kou started walking over towards the training grounds.
At the training grounds:
Lissa and Kitra were watching as Darius defeated another opponent, when Kou and Nenji walked up.
Darius scowled and demanded, "What the hell do you want?!" seeing his nemesis approaching.
Kou smiled answering, "Just came by to talk to you a minute." as he drew closer.
Not trusting him for even a second he snapped, "What about?"
Kou held his gaze and replied, "I heard you’ve had a rather interesting day." amusement in his eyes.
Darius glared at him and demanded, "Get to the point already!"
"Very well then," Kou said smugly. "It has been brought to my attention that you’ve injured two of my people today."
Darius's eyes narrowed in anger and he growled out, "I didn't kill them, so be grateful I was in a good mood! I simply made it damn well known, that if they harm her again I’ll not hesitate to destroy them!" he wasn’t about to be intimidated by this sorry excuse of a male.
"Be that as it may," Kou replied, "they are my recruits, so try not to injure anyone else." enjoying reprimanding his wayward soldier. Darius seethed. Kou smirked reminding, "Just thought you might want to know, father wouldn't appreciate you hurting the recruits."
"Whatever!" Darius spat out venomously, glaring hatefully at the arrogant prick before him.
Tawny, Kari, and Shelia walked over to where Kitra and Lissa were chatting happily. Kitra snapped defensively, "What the hell do you three want now?"
Tawny scowled at her and snapped, "Run back home where you belong." She hated the red haired bitch for causing Bankotsu’s banishment.
Kitra hissed angrily, moving to get up and put the arrogant prima-donna in her place. Lissa placed a hand on Kitra's shoulder and, glaring at her ex-friends, declared, "Man, you three are something else! Ugh! Why did I ever even think we were friends?" defending her true friend.
Kari glared and Kitra and bit out, "Just stay away from Kou and I won't have to bloody your pretty little face!" Kitra hissed again and flexed her fist, itching to plant it in the bossy girl’s face.
Darius noticed the troublesome girls harassing his sister again. "You might want to learn to keep your whore away from my sister!" he snapped to Kou, while pointing at the girls.
he stormed over toward the girls angrily. Kou narrowed his eyes at stormed over, followed by Nenji.
Darius stepped protectively in front of Kitra and, glaring at the troublesome trio angrily, stated, "I suggest you three leave her alone- now!"
"You can't tell us what to do," Kari smarted off angrily at his interference.
Kou glared at her. "No, but I can, and if you ever disobey or back-talk my father's personal handpicked swordsman again, there will be hell to pay!" he snapped, with his feet planted firmly shoulder width apart and his arms crossed in front of his chest.
Kari whipped around and her eyes widened in shock as she gasped, "K... KOU! What are you doing here?" shocked and embarrassed.
"A better question is, what are you three doing here?" Kou growled, staring her dead in the eye.
Calming down Kitra sighed heavily and suggested, "Let's go Dar; I for one have had enough excitement for one day," casting a hateful glance toward the trouble makers.
Darius nodded. He, Lissa, and Kitra walked over to the railing, and then he helped them over and hopped over himself. He and Kitra escorted Lissa over to her home, then walked over to their own hut.
Growing weary of the trouble these three were constantly stirring up, Kou faced the troublesome trio and sighed heavily. "If either of you bother Kitra again, I will personally see to it that you will be punished and it will not be pretty! Understood?" he warned them, face and eyes dead serious. The three girl’s eyes widened in shock then they bowed their heads and nodded.
"Good," Kou said. "Now you two leave! Kari, we need to talk." He said seriously.
Tawny and Shelia ran off and disappeared. Kari asked nervously, "So, uh, what did you want to talk about?"
Kou glared at her angrily and, staring her dead in the eye, mentioned, "Leave Kitra alone or I’ll make your life a living hell! Kitra is the one I’m going to marry and nothing is going to change that! If you so much as speak to her again I’ll personally throw you in the stockade! Understood?" eyes hard and hateful.
Kari had tears in her eyes as she whined, "What do you even see in her?"
"For starters, she doesn't go around harassing others!" Kou snapped.
"But you were supposed to love me!" Kari cried, stomping her feet petulantly.
Kou sighed heavily. "I will never love you! Only Kitra, and if you cause her any more trouble, you will regret it! So will your family!" he seethed dead serious, eyes hard and cold.
Kari's eyes widened in fear, she bowed her head and, feeling like her heart had been shattered, walked away dejectedly.
Kou faced Nenji and sighed heavily, then ordered, "I want you to keep an eye on those three and let me know if they harass Kitra again. If they do, you are to bring them to me immediately! Understood?"
Nenji nodded and mentioned dryly, "That girl Kari just doesn't take a hint, does she?" knowing that Kou had been trying to get rid of Kari for months now.
Kou scowled and snapped, "Apparently not," Then he sighed heavily and groaned, "She’s had a crush on me since we were kids and even though I turn her away, she still keeps it up."
He faced his best friend and said, "Come on, let's go back to my place and I’ll have the cook make us something to eat." Nenji nodded and the two of them walked off.
With Kitra and Darius at their hut:
Kitra went about making a stew for dinner while Darius sat in the living room polishing his sword. When the food was finished, Kitra walked into the living room and mentioned, "Dar, the food is ready." He nodded and placing his sword aside. He approached his sister. They walked into the kitchen and sat down to eat.
After eating and doing the dishes, Kitra approached her brother with a puzzled expression and asked, "Dar, was it just me or did Kou seem to be acting a little… strange today?"
Darius sighed heavily and replied, "It wasn't you, Kit." He sighed heavily and pulled her into his lap saying, dead serious, "Kit... there’s something I need to tell you."
Kitra smiled at her brother and asked, "What is it, Dar?" looking into his eyes.
He sighed heavily and answered evenly, "I made an agreement with the headman." feeling her stiffen slightly in his arms.
Kitra's eyes widened and she asked nervously, "What... what kind of agreement?" fearing the answer.
Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is chapter fifteen please remember to read and review thanks.
Importantly I would like to give a BIG shout out and HUGE thanks to my beta Frog Lady! :) And being such a loyal reviewer! As well as to Yuti-Chan for her continued reviews!:)
Chapter 15:
The next day: With Jumal and Lissa:
Jumal woke up, slipped out of bed, collected his things, and went to report to his superior.
Lissa slept in late, and then decided to go visit her aunt and cousin.
With Darius and Kitra:
Kitra woke up, climbed out of bed, stretched and went to make breakfast. Just as she was setting the food on the table Darius walked in greeting happily, "Morning, Kit."
Kitra replied, "Morning, Dar. Eat up, okay?" He nodded and they sat down and began eating together.
After they had eaten, Kitra stood up and collected, then cleaned their dishes. Afterwards, Darius instructed, "Okay Kit, go grab your katana, and meet me under the tree." Kitra nodding retrieved her katana and waited outside under the tree.
A minute later, Darius walked up and informed her, "Okay, first off, you need to get the feel of your katana." He walked behind her and helped her hold the katana properly. "Hold it like this," he instructed. "Try just moving it side to side a few minutes and let yourself grow accustomed to its weight."
She nodded and did as said, letting herself ‘feel’ and ‘adapt to’ her katana's weight. Darius stood there watching her and gave a single nod of his head and an encouraging smile.
Twenty minutes later:
Darius nodded and ordered, "Okay, that's enough for today. Go and put your katana away, and we’ll go to the training grounds." Kitra nodded, put her katana away safely, and ran outside over to meet her brother. They smiled at each other and walked together, hand in hand over toward the training grounds.
Upon reaching the training grounds, they saw Lissa running up to them. Darius smiled and greeted, "Hello Lissa. What brings you here today?" a little surprised to see her out alone.
Lissa smiled answering, "With Ju on duty, I thought I’d visit my aunt; then I saw you two and decided to say hello."
Kitra smiled and suggested, "Lissa, wanna sit with me while Dar duels?"
Lissa's eyes lit up and she replied, "Sure!" Kitra smiled. Darius helped both of the girls over the railing, and then hopped over himself.
The three of them walked into the middle of the grounds together. Darius took a few minutes to gather and stack some crates for Kitra and Lissa to sit on. After receiving a kiss on the cheek from his sister, he walked over to the middle and assumed a ready stance hollering, "Who wants to spar?"
Deciding to try his hand, Tao stepped up and yelled, "I’ll take you on!"
Darius was watching his sister and noticed Kitra's body stiffen and her eyes widen in fear, as her eyes landed on the man who’d spoken up.. He instantly put two and two together and figured this guy must have been the other one who had held her down that night. He began to feel his temper rise and glared at him querying, "You’re the new recruit, are you not?"
Tao held his gaze and slowly nodded. Darius's green eyes blazed with anger as he glared at the man and continued, "You’re also one of the bastards who held down my sister Kitra down that night, huh?" Tao's eyes widened in fear and he gulped nervously. He knew of Darius only by reputation and knew he was not a man to mess with lightly.
"Draw your sword, now!" Darius commanded, and pointed his own sword at the man, determined to teach the whelp never to think of harming his sister ever again.
Tao nervously shifted his eyes looking for Kou and not finding him, sighed heavily and drew his sword.
"Let's see how damn brave you are when facing a real opponent," Darius ground out through clenched teeth as he got into a ready stance. Knowing he was in deep shit now, Tao also jumped into a ready stance.
Darius quickly made the first strike. He focused his anger into defeating and disarming his opponent. After he had disarmed the man, Darius towered over him and ordered harshly, "To your feet, soldier!" Tao jumped to his feet and went into a defensive stance.
Lissa looked at Kitra and queried, "He's not gonna kill him is he?" eyes wide with fear and shock.
Kitra shook her head and replied, "Most likely he’s figured out Tao was one of the guys who held me down that night and wishes to teach him a lesson." watching almost dispassionately as her brother continued.
Lissa's eyes widened in shock as she said sadly, "Oh, Kitra... I can't believe Tao did that! He seems so nice whenever he and Asa visit."
"Kou ordered him and Nenji to hold me down that night," Kitra replied sadly as a few tears fell silently down her cheeks.
Hearing this Lissa's eyes widened in shock. "I'm sorry," she hugged her friend and whispered, trying to comfort her. Kitra hugged her back wiping her own eyes and turned back to watching the match.
Darius quickly sheathed and cast his sword aside. As it landed at Kitra's feet, Darius glared at Tao and ground out, "Now I’ll test your hand to hand."
He lunged forward and started throwing punches; every other one connected painfully. Tao tried his best to block, but knew he was no match for the reputed Darius- Especially since he was now angry.
After thirty minutes of throwing punches and kicks, Darius decided to end this and to ensure that Tao would never bother Kitra again. He walked over to his opponent, who was bent over on his hands and knees and holding his side, moaning in pain. He grabbed him by the shirt front and yanked him to his feet, then got directly into his face.
"If you ever mess with or harm my sister again in any way, I’ll hunt you down and kill you! Understood?" he seethed, staring the man dead in the eye.
Tao's eyes widened fearfully and he nodded vigorously, as his body began trembling in fear at the ferocity of this man’s anger.
"Good," Darius spat throwing the man to the ground. He spun on his heel and approached his sister and her friend with powerful strides, while breathing to calm his anger.
Two other recruits who knew better than to cross Darius or to interfere, had waited until he was done, before they ran over to Tao and helped him to his feet. The three men all left in the direction of the infirmary to find out the extent of the damage.
Kitra launched herself into Darius's open arms. He caught her easily and they hugged each other tightly. Darius pulled back and looked deeply into her eyes. "Don't worry, Kit, he won't ever bother you again, because he knows damn well that if he does; he’s a dead man." he assured her softly, eyes dead serious.
Kitra nodded, then hugged him tightly and whispered, "Thank you," grateful for her brother’s protectiveness and love.
Darius nodded and looked at Lissa saying calmly, "Tell Asa he’ll be fine, that was only a warning."
Lissa nodded and said softly, "Don't worry, Darius, I’ll make certain she knows exactly why."
He nodded and suggested, "Let's go eat, Kit."
Kitra nodded looking at him and he nodded, then turned to Lissa questioning, "Wanna join us for lunch?"
Lissa's eyes lit up and she exclaimed happily, "Sure," surprised that he’d asked.
Darius nodded, retrieved his sword and replaced it at his hip. He escorted the girls over to and helped them over the railing. He led them over to the market where they purchased some fruits, bread, cheese, and meat, along with some bottled water.
While walking away, Kitra and Lissa noticed Sheila, Tawny, and Kari heading directly toward them. Kitra sighed heavily and mumbled sarcastically, "Oh swell, just what we don’t need right now," seething about those stupid girls.
Darius frowned upon hearing this and asked, "Is something wrong, Kit?" staring into his sister’s face, noting the clenched jaw.
"Those three girls are the ones that started the fight that night." Kitra explained, and pointed to the trio heading towards them.
Darius frowned. "I see," he said. Noticing the girls moving closer, he took a protective step in front of his sister and waited for them to approach.
The trio approached them while glaring directly at Kitra. She glared right back and stood straight with her hands planted firmly on her generous hips.
Lissa eyed the troublesome trio and questioned, "Don't you three think you've done enough already?!" her own temper rising.
"We didn't do shit! She did!" Kari glared at Lissa and snapped, while pointing and glaring daggers at Kitra.
"It's all her fault Bankotsu was banished!" Tawny seethed, while glaring hatefully at Kitra.
Kitra said nothing and looked away sadly with tears in her eyes that she refused to let fall. "If you three wouldn't have started the fight that night none of this would have happened!" Lissa snapped, glaring at her former ‘friends’ enraged at their treatment of her best friend.
Darius cleared his throat. "I happen to know for a fact that Bankotsu would never have been interested in either of you three! Kitra has always been like a sister to him and as such, he has always protected her at any cost, without a thought of hesitation. He would have never dated anyone who had harmed Kitra in any way and neither will I!" he declared angrily, eyes hard and unusually cold.
He narrowed his eyes at the troublesome trio and snapped, "He would have been insulted by the mere suggestion of becoming involved with anyone who had harmed Kitra in any form, and despised them- now leave!"
The trio gasped in shock and outrage. Kari narrowed her eyes at Kitra. "Stay the hell away from Kou you stupid little slut- he's mine!" she warned her as she went to slap Kitra.
Darius reacted swiftly and grabbed the hand that went flying at Kitra, and then stared the girl dead in the eye and warned, "Watch your filthy mouth, you little bitch, or I’ll personally see to it that Kou learns of this as do your parents! My sister is not a slut! She seems to be the only girl in this village, aside from Lissa, who isn't from what I have seen."
As she registered the leashed fury rolling off of his powerful frame, Kari's eyes widened in shock and fear. She glared at Darius and yanked her hand away. She swung her hateful glare to Kitra and ground out, "Remember what I said or else- bitch!"
Having decided she’d had enough, Kitra dangerously narrowed her eyes at the girl. "Watch who you threaten whore, or else you’ll learn the hard way exactly why even Bankotsu and Darius, never piss me off on purpose!" she snapped dangerously, eyes flashing with barely leashed anger.
Darius glared at the troublesome trio and commanded, "Leave now or suffer the consequences," Then he added, "I doubt very seriously that your families would appreciate having the headman visiting them personally to deliver warnings!" His green eyes narrowed dangerously.
He wrapped an arm around Kitra's waist, looked at Lissa and suggested, "Come, let's leave these children to bicker among themselves." Kitra nodded and leaned gratefully into her brother. She wrapped an arm around his waist while Lissa stood at his other side.
As the trio walked away, leaving the three troublesome girls standing there, their jaws dropped, unable to believe what Darius had said to them and furious that all the cute guys seemed to protect that red haired bitch.
Darius lead Kitra and Lissa over to a large tree. They sat under it on the grass, where they spread out their food and ate lunch together as they relaxed a bit.
Darius looked at Kitra and noticed she looked depressed and was barely eating. He said, "Hey Kit, you know those girls are lying, right? It’s not your fault that Bankotsu got banished!"
"Yes it is," she sobbed brokenly. "If he wouldn't have helped me that night, then... then he would still be here!" she wailed.
Darius kneeled in front of his sister. "It is not your fault!" he repeated sternly. "If he hadn't have helped you, you would have been far worse, and I would have kicked his ass myself!" His eyes were serious and angry.
Kitra sobbed, "But if he hadn't beaten up Kio and Kou, he wouldn't have been banished!"
Darius sighed heavily and wrapped her in his arms as he soothed, "Honey, we both know damn well Bankotsu would have killed them if he had stayed anyways. Don't let those girls get to you, Kit! Now, stop blaming yourself!"
Kitra leaned into his chest and cried a little and sobbed, "I still miss him!" she confessed letting her misery show for once.
"We both do, sweetheart!" Darius said. "But Bankotsu knew full well that there would be consequences." He tightened his grip and soothed, "We also both know full well that he never would have wanted you to blame yourself Kitra!"
He pulled back to look at her and gently wiped the tears from her eyes. "Now, no more blaming yourself,” he ordered, with dead serious green eyes. Kitra sniffled and nodded, then hugged her brother tightly.
Lissa walked over and said, "Forget those other girls, Kit! They’re just jealous because Bankotsu has always cared for and protected you, and they can't imagine why he would like you and not them." Kitra smiled sadly and Lissa beamed at her friend.
Darius handed Kitra her food and mentioned sternly, "Now eat, I don't want you to stop eating on me again," allowing his fear of losing to her show clear in his eyes. Kitra accepted her food. The trio sat back down and finished eating.
Afterwards, Darius stood up and holding out his hands; which the girls accepted and he helped the girls to their feet. He suggested, "Let's head back over to the training grounds." adding, "I’d like to get some more practicing in before I call it a day." The girls nodded and the trio walked back over to the training grounds.
Upon reaching the railing, Darius helped both girls over the railing, then hopped over himself. They continued walking side by side over to the crates that had been stacked earlier.
Darius eyed the girls. "You two sit there and enjoy the show," he instructed, while pointing at the crates. Kitra and Lissa nodded and sat together upon the crates.
Darius pulled out his sword and hollered, "Anyone wanna spar?" eager for more practice to work out some of his pent up frustrations.
Nenji stepped up and glaring at Darius, snapped, "What the hell did you beat Tao up for? You do know that he has four busted ribs, right?" furious at how he’d treated the new recruit.
Darius narrowed his own eyes. "I was only warning him to stay away from Kitra," he replied evenly, eyes hard and dangerous. He stated, "I know damn well you’re one of them, don’t think I’ve forgotten either! I’ll never forget what the four of you did!"
Darius assumed a fighting stance and ordered seriously, "Draw your sword, Nenji!"
Nenji's eyes widened fearfully and he quickly drew his sword and assumed a fighting stance. "Defend yourself now or face my fists!" Darius warned him. Nenji knowing he was in trouble either way; took the first strike and missed.
The two kept lunging their swords at each other for over an hour, and then Darius disarmed Nenji and tossed his sword at Kitra's feet again, while keeping an eye on his opponent. "Now we shall see if your hand to hand has improved any," he commanded.
Knowing he was in hot water now, Nenji was now extremely nervous, and began forming beads of perspiration on his forehead as he quickly began throwing punches. One out of every five hit whereas with Darius, three out of every four hit.
After a half hour of trading punches and kicks, Darius used a swift maneuver and knocked Nenji back a few feet. He swept his feet, causing him to land flat on his back.
Darius quickly drew his dagger out and kneeled on one knee beside Nenji with the blade against his throat, Nenji's eyes widened in fear. Darius stared him dead in the eye. "If you ever touch her again, you’re a dead man! Are we clear?" he warned him, while glaring at the man hatefully.
Knowing it was no idle threat, Nenji nodded his head vigorously.
Darius nodded, then stood up and put away his dagger. "Make no mistake Nenji; I will not hesitate to eliminate any and all threats to my sister! Whether by Kou's orders or not, if you touch her in any way again, you will die by my hands!" he warned him, eyes hard and dead serious, promising a brutal and pain filled death, if he screwed up again.
Nenji slowly stood to his feet and nodded that he understood. Darius spun on his heel and walked over to his sister and assured her, "He too will not mess with you again, Kitra."
Kitra nodded then hugged him and said softly, "Thank you, Dar," feeling a tiny bit safer now. Nenji had seriously disappointed her, she’d thought he was smart enough not to be one of Kou’s lackeys, but she’d been wrong.
Darius hugged her tenderly to him and promised her, "I will not allow anyone to harm you ever again!"
She buried herself into her brother's protective embrace and they stood there embracing a moment, before he bent over and retrieved his sword replacing it on his hip.
Nenji knowing his ass had just gotten off far easier than Darius normally would have allowed, quickly ran to the villa. He went to inform Kou that Darius knew what happened with Kitra and was furious.
At the headman's villa:
Kou was told that Nenji needed to see him and walked into the dining room. Nenji said, "We’ve got trouble, Kou!"
Kou raised a brow questioningly and asked, "What?" curious why his friend was so frightened.
Nenji sighed heavily and replied, "Well, for starters Darius was at the training grounds today."
Kou perked up and asked, "Oh, and what about Kitra?" hoping this meant she was finally coming out of her shell.
Nenji nodded and said, "Yeah she was there." Still shaking with fear from the anger he’d sensed from her very protective and deadly older brother.
Kou smiled and felt a little better knowing that she was finally getting over things.
Nenji looked his best friend dead in the eye and warned, "You’d better watch yourself! Darius knows what happened that night." He took a deep breath and continued, "During the sparring sessions today, he beat up Tao to the point he broke four of his ribs."
"Ah, did he now?" Kou said, seemingly unworried.
Nenji nodded and added, "He just finished warning me never to harm Kitra in any way or else I was a dead man." pointing to his swollen jaw.
Kou smirked replying, "I wouldn’t have expected anything less!" hands clasped happily in front of him.
Nenji scowled and said nervously, "He’s dead serious, Kou! You should’ve seen the look in his eyes," shivering in fear of the memory. He’d seen pure death in those normally calm virid eyes, and that scared the hell out of him; far more than Bankotsu ever had.
"Relax old friend," Kou chuckled and said, "Father and he have reached an agreement already."
Nenji's eyes widened and he asked, "What... what kind of agreement?" a little concerned his best friend had failed to mention any of this yet.
Kou sighed heavily and explained, "Father, myself, Kio, Darius, and Jumal have all signed an agreement. Kio and I are, until she is of age to marry stay away from her - period!” he added resentfully, “After the announcement is made, I will not be allowed to marry her for yet another year, in that time I will court her properly- On the bright side, though, Darius cannot allow any other male to court her before then, either.”
Taking a deep breath he confided, “Darius's final terms were: ONE: After the announcement, she and he both move into the villa as to ensure her safety. TWO: When he’s sent off to fulfill his duties, Jumal will take his place as her guardian until he returns and no one will harm either Kitra, Jumal, or Lissa. And finally: All of this went into writing and was signed by father, myself, Kio, Darius, and Jumal."
He took another deep breath and finished, "Darius also warned that if we break our words or any of the conditions are broken, he’ll take her and disappear where we will never find them and we would all eventually fall at the hands of our enemies as well as the rest of this village."
Nenji looked shocked, and then said dryly, "Ouch! I bet you weren't too happy about his demands, huh?"
Kou scowled and clenched his fists angrily, then snapped, "Hell no! But, I gave my word and will abide by his terms." He huffed, and declared dead serious, "At least I’ll still get Kitra in the end and that’s all that I care about!" He grinned, eyes lit up as he added smugly, "Besides, he said we couldn't go near her, but that doesn't mean that if she’s at the grounds that I can't at least look at her." a dreamy look in his eyes.
Nenji shook his head grinning and said, "Boy, have you ever got it bad," teasing his friend.
Kou grinned at his best friend agreeing, “You bet I do!”
Nenji chuckled and asked seriously, "So what about what Darius did to Tao?"
"It just gives me a reason to go to the grounds without being obvious," Kou smirked, clapping his best friend on the back. Nenji laughed and Kou started walking over towards the training grounds.
At the training grounds:
Lissa and Kitra were watching as Darius defeated another opponent, when Kou and Nenji walked up.
Darius scowled and demanded, "What the hell do you want?!" seeing his nemesis approaching.
Kou smiled answering, "Just came by to talk to you a minute." as he drew closer.
Not trusting him for even a second he snapped, "What about?"
Kou held his gaze and replied, "I heard you’ve had a rather interesting day." amusement in his eyes.
Darius glared at him and demanded, "Get to the point already!"
"Very well then," Kou said smugly. "It has been brought to my attention that you’ve injured two of my people today."
Darius's eyes narrowed in anger and he growled out, "I didn't kill them, so be grateful I was in a good mood! I simply made it damn well known, that if they harm her again I’ll not hesitate to destroy them!" he wasn’t about to be intimidated by this sorry excuse of a male.
"Be that as it may," Kou replied, "they are my recruits, so try not to injure anyone else." enjoying reprimanding his wayward soldier. Darius seethed. Kou smirked reminding, "Just thought you might want to know, father wouldn't appreciate you hurting the recruits."
"Whatever!" Darius spat out venomously, glaring hatefully at the arrogant prick before him.
Tawny, Kari, and Shelia walked over to where Kitra and Lissa were chatting happily. Kitra snapped defensively, "What the hell do you three want now?"
Tawny scowled at her and snapped, "Run back home where you belong." She hated the red haired bitch for causing Bankotsu’s banishment.
Kitra hissed angrily, moving to get up and put the arrogant prima-donna in her place. Lissa placed a hand on Kitra's shoulder and, glaring at her ex-friends, declared, "Man, you three are something else! Ugh! Why did I ever even think we were friends?" defending her true friend.
Kari glared and Kitra and bit out, "Just stay away from Kou and I won't have to bloody your pretty little face!" Kitra hissed again and flexed her fist, itching to plant it in the bossy girl’s face.
Darius noticed the troublesome girls harassing his sister again. "You might want to learn to keep your whore away from my sister!" he snapped to Kou, while pointing at the girls.
he stormed over toward the girls angrily. Kou narrowed his eyes at stormed over, followed by Nenji.
Darius stepped protectively in front of Kitra and, glaring at the troublesome trio angrily, stated, "I suggest you three leave her alone- now!"
"You can't tell us what to do," Kari smarted off angrily at his interference.
Kou glared at her. "No, but I can, and if you ever disobey or back-talk my father's personal handpicked swordsman again, there will be hell to pay!" he snapped, with his feet planted firmly shoulder width apart and his arms crossed in front of his chest.
Kari whipped around and her eyes widened in shock as she gasped, "K... KOU! What are you doing here?" shocked and embarrassed.
"A better question is, what are you three doing here?" Kou growled, staring her dead in the eye.
Calming down Kitra sighed heavily and suggested, "Let's go Dar; I for one have had enough excitement for one day," casting a hateful glance toward the trouble makers.
Darius nodded. He, Lissa, and Kitra walked over to the railing, and then he helped them over and hopped over himself. He and Kitra escorted Lissa over to her home, then walked over to their own hut.
Growing weary of the trouble these three were constantly stirring up, Kou faced the troublesome trio and sighed heavily. "If either of you bother Kitra again, I will personally see to it that you will be punished and it will not be pretty! Understood?" he warned them, face and eyes dead serious. The three girl’s eyes widened in shock then they bowed their heads and nodded.
"Good," Kou said. "Now you two leave! Kari, we need to talk." He said seriously.
Tawny and Shelia ran off and disappeared. Kari asked nervously, "So, uh, what did you want to talk about?"
Kou glared at her angrily and, staring her dead in the eye, mentioned, "Leave Kitra alone or I’ll make your life a living hell! Kitra is the one I’m going to marry and nothing is going to change that! If you so much as speak to her again I’ll personally throw you in the stockade! Understood?" eyes hard and hateful.
Kari had tears in her eyes as she whined, "What do you even see in her?"
"For starters, she doesn't go around harassing others!" Kou snapped.
"But you were supposed to love me!" Kari cried, stomping her feet petulantly.
Kou sighed heavily. "I will never love you! Only Kitra, and if you cause her any more trouble, you will regret it! So will your family!" he seethed dead serious, eyes hard and cold.
Kari's eyes widened in fear, she bowed her head and, feeling like her heart had been shattered, walked away dejectedly.
Kou faced Nenji and sighed heavily, then ordered, "I want you to keep an eye on those three and let me know if they harass Kitra again. If they do, you are to bring them to me immediately! Understood?"
Nenji nodded and mentioned dryly, "That girl Kari just doesn't take a hint, does she?" knowing that Kou had been trying to get rid of Kari for months now.
Kou scowled and snapped, "Apparently not," Then he sighed heavily and groaned, "She’s had a crush on me since we were kids and even though I turn her away, she still keeps it up."
He faced his best friend and said, "Come on, let's go back to my place and I’ll have the cook make us something to eat." Nenji nodded and the two of them walked off.
With Kitra and Darius at their hut:
Kitra went about making a stew for dinner while Darius sat in the living room polishing his sword. When the food was finished, Kitra walked into the living room and mentioned, "Dar, the food is ready." He nodded and placing his sword aside. He approached his sister. They walked into the kitchen and sat down to eat.
After eating and doing the dishes, Kitra approached her brother with a puzzled expression and asked, "Dar, was it just me or did Kou seem to be acting a little… strange today?"
Darius sighed heavily and replied, "It wasn't you, Kit." He sighed heavily and pulled her into his lap saying, dead serious, "Kit... there’s something I need to tell you."
Kitra smiled at her brother and asked, "What is it, Dar?" looking into his eyes.
He sighed heavily and answered evenly, "I made an agreement with the headman." feeling her stiffen slightly in his arms.
Kitra's eyes widened and she asked nervously, "What... what kind of agreement?" fearing the answer.
Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is chapter fifteen please remember to read and review thanks.