InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Bankotsu&Kitra: The Begining ❯ sixteen ( Chapter 16 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: kittyb78 
16
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 03.27.2009 | Updated On: 03.27.2009 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.5K | Visits: 152 | Status: Completed
16
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 03.27.2009 | Updated On: 03.27.2009 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.5K | Visits: 152 | Status: Completed
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha! I do own Kitra, Darius, Kou, Kio, Nenji, and Tao, Jumal and the plot, and story line..... There. I said it. (sighs)
I want give a very special Thank you to Frog Lady for her wonderful ideas, and being such a loyal reviewer! As well as to Yuti-Chan for her continued reviews!:) Most importantly I would like to give a BIG shout out and HUGE thanks to my beta Frog Lady! :)
On a side note, this story has been completely revised from the beginning so please re read it or it’ll make no sense to read this chapter, thanks. Now, without further ado…
Chapter 16:
With Darius and Kitra:
Darius took a deep breath and answered, “Kit, a while back I went to see the headman about what had happened.” staring deeply into her eyes.
She licked her lips nervously and asked in a whisper quiet voice, “What happened?” clutching his haori in her tiny hand.
He took a deep breath and holding her gaze, explained, “The headman and I signed a contract guaranteeing your safety as well as Jumal and Lissa's. When I’m gone on duty Jumal will be your guardian and no one can hurt either of you. Also Kou and Kio must not approach you until you are of age to marry.”
Kitra blinked as everything sank in and said shocked, “So that's why he acted so unusual today.” Knowing there had to be more he wasn’t telling her yet.
Darius nodded and continued seriously, “It was the only way I could ensure your safety while I’m gone.”
Kitra's POV:
“Oh no... Please Kami; please tell me this doesn't mean what I think it does…” I took a deep breath and stared Darius in the eyes nervously.
Regular POV:
Kitra held his gaze and asked nervously, “What does the headman get in return?” holding her breath awaiting his answer.
He sighed heavily and stated, “After the announcement is made, you and I move into the villa, and Kou courts you properly.”
She blinked and lowered her head as she whispered, “I don't want to marry Kou.” fighting back her tears.
Darius wrapped his arms around her and said softly, “I know, and I promise you, I will find a way for us to leave before it ever can happen!”
Kitra hugged him tightly and declared fiercely, “I can't marry him!” Allowing the hatred she harbored of Kou to show through for once in her life.
She’d spent her whole life tolerating him, because he was the headman’s son, but she never liked him from the very beginning. After what he’d done that night in the market, she held nothing but hatred for him. She couldn’t prove it, but she knew deep inside that he was the one who’d banished Bankotsu, and that only strengthened her hatred of Kou.
Feeling the resentment she showed whenever she spoke of Kou, Darius explained, “I know, but to ensure your safety I had to come up with this contract and we have to at least make it look like you will, okay?” staring into her eyes, pleading wither to understand and play along.
Darius's POV:
“Forgive me Kitra, please?” Holding my breath nervously, I awaited my sister's reaction.
Regular POV:
He gently wiped away her tears and vowed, “We will leave before the marriage, I swear it Kit!” asking broken heartedly, “Forgive me Kit, I did what was necessary.”
She cupped his face and stared him in the eyes, while she replied sincerely, “I forgive you Dar. I know you only did it in order to protect me.”
He hugged her to him and released the breath he’d been holding and said, “Thank you Kit.”
She smiled sadly and whispered gratefully, “At least he will have to leave me alone for a while now,” trying to look on the bright side.
Darius squeezed her hand lightly and she squeezed his back. She kissed his cheek and whispered, “Night Dar, I love you.” Trusting in him to free them before the contract could be completed.
He lovingly kissed her forehead and said softly, “Night Kit, I love you too.” They went to bed and fell into fitful sleeps.
A week later:
Kitra and Lissa were in Kitra's room preparing for the festival that was to be held later that night.
"So Kitra, are you excited?" asked Lissa as they got ready.
Kitra sighed answering sadly, "I miss him too much to be excited, besides Kou will be there."
Lissa looked at her friend with soft eyes. "I know you miss him. We all do," she said, as she placed a hand on her friend's shoulder.
Kitra nodded and didn't say anything else. After a few minutes of silence between the girls, Kitra sighed and cleared her throat. "Enough of me being all depressed, Dar needs me." She reminded herself, as she straightened her shoulders.
Lissa encouraged smiling, "That's the spirit!" Kitra and Lissa exchanged smiles.
Lissa had already dressed in a pale blue-green kimono, and was looking forward to seeing how Kitra's would fit. Lissa had spent months working on it in her spare time.
Having finished dressing in the light yellow with green seams and aqua flowers kimono Lissa had hand made for her, Kitra twirled around for her friend saying, "It's a perfect fit Lissa, Thanks." Giving Lissa a hug she smiled offering, "How about I do your hair?" looking at her best friend.
Lissa grinned. "Sure! Then I'll do yours, Deal?" glad to see she was finally getting in the spirit of things.
Kitra smiling replied, "Deal." Kitra spent the next twenty minutes gently brushing out and styling Lissa's hair. Smiling she declared with a satisfied smile, "There now you can be the belle of the ball."
Smiling Lissa said, "Sit and I'll do yours." Kitra nodded. She wasn't too thrilled that Kou was going to be there and Bankotsu wouldn't, but she was determined to put on a brave front for her brother and her friend’s sakes.
She knew how excited Lissa was about tonight, and she refused to ruin it for her best friend.
Lissa carefully used the silver set Bankotsu had given to Kitra for her birthday. She knew exactly how much that gift meant to her friend who was still hurting, even though she tried really hard not to show it.
Pulling Kitra's flaming locks up on top of her head, Lissa began to painstakingly braid Kitra's hair for her.
Was she was done Lissa clapped and cooed, "Kitra you look so amazing. I wish my hair was red like yours."
Kitra smiled saying, I like yours better Lissa, you’re able to blend in the crowd better, where as mine makes it hard to blend in." she finished sadly remembering all the girls and their nasty comments to her.
Lissa smiled saying, "Don't listen to them! They're idiots and wicked jealous that's all!" Kitra swallowing the lump building in her throat nodded.
Smiling at her friend she teased, "I bet Dar will have his eyes on you all night," winking playfully at her friend.
Lissa cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she scolded, "Kitra! You aren't supposed to talk about that."
Kitra laughed, "Relax Lissa they’re in the living room."
Lissa blushed mumbling, "Still, you said you wouldn't tell him." Kitra sobered up, "I haven't." Kitra sighed, "Well I guess we're ready so let's go." leading her friend by the hand out to the living room.
Darius and Jumal stood up smiling. Darius said, "You girls look incredible tonight." smiling at both his sister and her best friend.
Jumal smiled adding, "I think we're gonna have our hands full beating the boys off tonight, Dar." in a joking manner.
Both the girls blushed as Darius agreed, "That we are my friend; that we are indeed."
Darius grinned, "Let's get going shall we?" as he held out his arm for his sister and Jumal did the same for his sister.
The girls smiling nodded and took their brothers arms. They guys led them out of the door and they started walking towards the village where everyone was gathering.
As the quartet walked toward the village, Kitra fell very quiet and became sullen. Lissa kept chatting away trying to lift her friend's spirits.
There was a multitude of different booths containing food choices, and a variety of different flowers. The food booths lined one wall of the village gathering area on the right. The flower display booths consisted of a variety of flowers such as cherry blossoms and chrysanthemums and roses, were along the outer edges of the left and right sides. The dancing was located in the center of the area.
Darius looked at the girls and questioned, "Do you want to eat, or dance, first?"
Kitra and Lissa answered in unison, "Eat!” happy not to have to cook for the night. Their eyes lit up and they began laughing together. Darius laughed and nodded.
Kitra laughed and Darius led her over to the food stands. Jumal and Lissa followed them. The guys looked at their sisters and asked, "What do you want to try first?”
The girls scanned over the abundant assortment of choices. The food booths consisted of a variety of dishes, of all varieties. Kitra requested, "I’d like the shrimp and oyster stew with a side of crab please?"
Darius nodded, looking at the lady behind the counter and ordered two sets. He paid for them and handed Kitra hers. She smiled saying, "Thanks Dar," kissing his cheek.
Lissa scrunched up her nose saying, “You sure are brave,” grinning at her friend. Turning to her brother she answered, “I’d like the chicken topped curry please?”
Nodding Jumal looked at the lady behind the counter and ordered two sets. He paid for them and handed Lissa hers. She smiled thanking him and kissed his cheek.
Kitra raised a brow at her friend’s selection and teased, “Curry huh? That’s too spicy for my taste.” as the quartet moved to sit under the stars and eat their food, waiting for the headman’s announcement.
Jumal looked at Lissa and questioned, "So, are you enjoying yourself?" She smiled and nodded at him with warm eyes.
Knowing her friend was in for a big surprise, Kitra smiled adding, "Wait until the celebration really gets started." eyes were dancing with merriment.
Lissa added happily, “Asa and Tao should be attending tonight too.” as her eyes scanned around for signs of her cousin.
Kitra smiled at her friend and looked away sighing. Seeing this, Darius stood up and took Kitra’s hand, escorting her to the dancing area.
Lissa smiled as she watched her best friend being twirled around by her older brother. Jumal smiled and led Lissa to the dancing area as well.
The girls smiled as they danced with their brothers and for a while everything was calm. After a while, Jumal asked Kitra to dance, and smiling Darius danced with Lissa. Kitra smiled as she danced with Jumal and tried not to miss Bankotsu so much.
Kou danced with many girls, but his eyes were always glued to Kitra’s form as she danced with Darius and Jumal, whishing instead that he was the one holding and dancing with her.
Kio cast longing looks towards Lissa and seethed as he watched Darius dancing with her. Bad enough Darius had Kitra, but now he was holding Lissa too. Kio was seriously beginning to resent Darius.
An hour later, Toa and Asa came over and Lissa chatted happily with her cousin. Kitra sat nervously avoiding Tao, not trusting him in spite of Darius’s grave warnings.
Lissa smiled as Asa asked about the kimono Kitra was wearing and said happily, “yeah that’s the one I made.”
Kitra added happily, “She did a wonderful job,” proud to be wearing the kimono her best friend made her.
Sensing her nervousness, Darius pulled Kitra back into the dancing area and began dancing with her again. Smiling at her brother, she said, “Thanks.” He nodded and smiling, continued dancing with her.
All the girls other than Lissa and Asa sent Kitra envious or resentful looks, and longing looks toward Darius.
Darius pretended not to notice the longing looks sent his way and enjoyed making his sister smile. Every time she mentioned the looks people were giving them, he brushed it off and told her to just enjoy herself tonight.
Kitra smiled at him and allowed herself to relax as the music took over and her worries were temporarily banished. After the headman’s announcement of the new year’s expectations, Kitra begged Darius to bring her home unable to handle the looks she was getting from everyone around them.
He nodded and they explained to Lissa and Jumal that they were going home. Jumal danced with Kitra one last time and gave her a friendly peck on the cheek before releasing her to her brother.
Lissa had been dancing with Darius one last time, before he took his sister home. Jumal and Lissa opted to remain a little longer and caught up with their cousin.
With Kitra and Darius: At their hut:
Kitra kissed his cheek and hugged him tightly, as was their nightly routine. He hugged her back and kissed her forehead lovingly before sending her to bed.
He’d picked up on her sullenness before leaving the dance and knew she was missing Bankotsu. He knew as well, that it would be sometime before she really healed from his loss. Sighing he locked up their home and crawled into his own bed after ensuring she was asleep for the night.
With Bankotsu:
Came across a bustling village and decided for once to just stop at the inn for the night. He’d spent the day remembering his Darius and Kitra and needed a good strong drink; maybe he’d even find some company to ease the overwhelming loneliness.
Walking in with Banryu over his shoulder, he smirked as people gazed at him in awe as he effortlessly bounced his steady companion on his broad shoulder.
Spotting a free table, he strolled over and ordered, “Hey Innkeeper, bring me sake’ and some food. Tossing a bag brimming with Ryou on the table he was sitting at.
The innkeeper obediently grabbed a fresh bottle of sake’ and brought it over to the man who’d thrown his money on the table.
His greedy eyes roved over the bountiful money and he asked, “Anything else?”
Watching him Bankotsu thought, “That’s right you greedy little fuck, keep staring at it.” staring at him he ordered, “Prepare me your best room for the night, and bring me three more bottles of sake’” tossing a few coins at the greedy merchant.
Catching the coins, his eyes lit up and he hastily sped away t carry out the young warrior’s orders. Bankotsu smirked watching him run off.
His smirk widened as the three men who’d been trailing him for the last couple days, walked through the door. “There you are,” he thought pleased.
Over by the back wall a lanky man dressed in a pink and green kimono watched the display and his grey eyes lit with excitement as he imagined cutting up the arrogant youth who’d tossed around his coins.
Bankotsu downed all four bottles of sake’ and ate his food before collecting his money and standing up. Moving towards the innkeeper, he demanded to be shown to his room.
The greedy innkeeper led him to a luxurious room and bid him goodnight. Bankotsu waved him off and placed Banryu by the bed, sitting on the bed and waited patiently.
It was about twenty minutes later when the group that had been following him, burst into the room and dove towards him weapons first.
Bankotsu quickly disarmed them and killed the first two. The third one he broke the guys arm and hissed, “Deliver this message to your pathetic coward of a boss for me. If you want me dead, stop hiding behind your father’s money purse and come after me yourself you little fucker.”
He walked over chopping off several fingers from both of the dead assassins and began carving something into them with a dagger. He wrapped them in a piece of cloth and shoved them at the man he was sparing in order to have his message delivered.
He tossed the wretch from his room and hissed, “Make sure that little prick gets my message.” Tossing the man a single coin adding, “If you come after me again, I’ll kill you,” tone and eyes dead serious.
Having witnessed his comrade’s brutal deaths, the frightened man scurried off to deliver the message, fearing for his life.
Bankotsu scowled and turned to go back to his room, closing the door. Before he could unlatch his armor, he heard clapping from across the room. Facing the sound, he spotted the lanky man from down stairs and barked, “What do you want?” preparing for another attack.
The grey eyed man in feminine attire licked his lips answering, “That was some of the best work I’ve seen yet,” gesturing to the dead men on the floor.
Bankotsu snorted, “Just some hired hands working for a coward,” he spat venomously and approached the lanky man.
Holding out his slender hand the man said, “Name’s Jakotsu,” introducing himself.
Bankotsu scowled not taking the hand. “Bankotsu, now what the hell did you want?” he hissed.
Jakotsu grinned, “You’re alright Bankotsu.” He smiled offering, “How about I buy you a drink and we can talk a bit?”
Bankotsu scowled, “I’m not interested in whatever you’re selling pal, so scram.” motioning for him to beat it.
Jakotsu’s dark chuckle filled the room as he said, “Those men, they weren’t know for going after locals, in fact they’d been sent after me not long ago.”
Bankotsu said, “I’m no local. So what makes you think they were after you?”
Jakotsu grinned asking, “How ‘bout that drink?”
Bankotsu nodded, “Sure, but you’re paying.” as he grabbed Banryu and led the way to the table downstairs.
Jakotsu smirked thinking, “He might even be worth traveling with.”
Bankotsu and Jakotsu talked for the rest of the night getting to know each other and drinking together.
Bankotsu said, “Tell ya what Jakotsu, I’m planning on forming a group of elite mercenaries. How’d you like to join up and travel with me?” adding seriously, “As long as you don’t try making any moves on me, I don’t care if you’re into men or not. You’ll have plenty opportunities to kill too.” eyes gleaming with obvious excitement at the thought of leading a group of killers.
Jakotsu smirking agreed, “I got nothing better to do, so why not?” laughing as they drank some more sake’
Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is chapter sixteen please remember to read and review thanks.
I want give a very special Thank you to Frog Lady for her wonderful ideas, and being such a loyal reviewer! As well as to Yuti-Chan for her continued reviews!:) Most importantly I would like to give a BIG shout out and HUGE thanks to my beta Frog Lady! :)
On a side note, this story has been completely revised from the beginning so please re read it or it’ll make no sense to read this chapter, thanks. Now, without further ado…
Chapter 16:
With Darius and Kitra:
Darius took a deep breath and answered, “Kit, a while back I went to see the headman about what had happened.” staring deeply into her eyes.
She licked her lips nervously and asked in a whisper quiet voice, “What happened?” clutching his haori in her tiny hand.
He took a deep breath and holding her gaze, explained, “The headman and I signed a contract guaranteeing your safety as well as Jumal and Lissa's. When I’m gone on duty Jumal will be your guardian and no one can hurt either of you. Also Kou and Kio must not approach you until you are of age to marry.”
Kitra blinked as everything sank in and said shocked, “So that's why he acted so unusual today.” Knowing there had to be more he wasn’t telling her yet.
Darius nodded and continued seriously, “It was the only way I could ensure your safety while I’m gone.”
Kitra's POV:
“Oh no... Please Kami; please tell me this doesn't mean what I think it does…” I took a deep breath and stared Darius in the eyes nervously.
Regular POV:
Kitra held his gaze and asked nervously, “What does the headman get in return?” holding her breath awaiting his answer.
He sighed heavily and stated, “After the announcement is made, you and I move into the villa, and Kou courts you properly.”
She blinked and lowered her head as she whispered, “I don't want to marry Kou.” fighting back her tears.
Darius wrapped his arms around her and said softly, “I know, and I promise you, I will find a way for us to leave before it ever can happen!”
Kitra hugged him tightly and declared fiercely, “I can't marry him!” Allowing the hatred she harbored of Kou to show through for once in her life.
She’d spent her whole life tolerating him, because he was the headman’s son, but she never liked him from the very beginning. After what he’d done that night in the market, she held nothing but hatred for him. She couldn’t prove it, but she knew deep inside that he was the one who’d banished Bankotsu, and that only strengthened her hatred of Kou.
Feeling the resentment she showed whenever she spoke of Kou, Darius explained, “I know, but to ensure your safety I had to come up with this contract and we have to at least make it look like you will, okay?” staring into her eyes, pleading wither to understand and play along.
Darius's POV:
“Forgive me Kitra, please?” Holding my breath nervously, I awaited my sister's reaction.
Regular POV:
He gently wiped away her tears and vowed, “We will leave before the marriage, I swear it Kit!” asking broken heartedly, “Forgive me Kit, I did what was necessary.”
She cupped his face and stared him in the eyes, while she replied sincerely, “I forgive you Dar. I know you only did it in order to protect me.”
He hugged her to him and released the breath he’d been holding and said, “Thank you Kit.”
She smiled sadly and whispered gratefully, “At least he will have to leave me alone for a while now,” trying to look on the bright side.
Darius squeezed her hand lightly and she squeezed his back. She kissed his cheek and whispered, “Night Dar, I love you.” Trusting in him to free them before the contract could be completed.
He lovingly kissed her forehead and said softly, “Night Kit, I love you too.” They went to bed and fell into fitful sleeps.
A week later:
Kitra and Lissa were in Kitra's room preparing for the festival that was to be held later that night.
"So Kitra, are you excited?" asked Lissa as they got ready.
Kitra sighed answering sadly, "I miss him too much to be excited, besides Kou will be there."
Lissa looked at her friend with soft eyes. "I know you miss him. We all do," she said, as she placed a hand on her friend's shoulder.
Kitra nodded and didn't say anything else. After a few minutes of silence between the girls, Kitra sighed and cleared her throat. "Enough of me being all depressed, Dar needs me." She reminded herself, as she straightened her shoulders.
Lissa encouraged smiling, "That's the spirit!" Kitra and Lissa exchanged smiles.
Lissa had already dressed in a pale blue-green kimono, and was looking forward to seeing how Kitra's would fit. Lissa had spent months working on it in her spare time.
Having finished dressing in the light yellow with green seams and aqua flowers kimono Lissa had hand made for her, Kitra twirled around for her friend saying, "It's a perfect fit Lissa, Thanks." Giving Lissa a hug she smiled offering, "How about I do your hair?" looking at her best friend.
Lissa grinned. "Sure! Then I'll do yours, Deal?" glad to see she was finally getting in the spirit of things.
Kitra smiling replied, "Deal." Kitra spent the next twenty minutes gently brushing out and styling Lissa's hair. Smiling she declared with a satisfied smile, "There now you can be the belle of the ball."
Smiling Lissa said, "Sit and I'll do yours." Kitra nodded. She wasn't too thrilled that Kou was going to be there and Bankotsu wouldn't, but she was determined to put on a brave front for her brother and her friend’s sakes.
She knew how excited Lissa was about tonight, and she refused to ruin it for her best friend.
Lissa carefully used the silver set Bankotsu had given to Kitra for her birthday. She knew exactly how much that gift meant to her friend who was still hurting, even though she tried really hard not to show it.
Pulling Kitra's flaming locks up on top of her head, Lissa began to painstakingly braid Kitra's hair for her.
Was she was done Lissa clapped and cooed, "Kitra you look so amazing. I wish my hair was red like yours."
Kitra smiled saying, I like yours better Lissa, you’re able to blend in the crowd better, where as mine makes it hard to blend in." she finished sadly remembering all the girls and their nasty comments to her.
Lissa smiled saying, "Don't listen to them! They're idiots and wicked jealous that's all!" Kitra swallowing the lump building in her throat nodded.
Smiling at her friend she teased, "I bet Dar will have his eyes on you all night," winking playfully at her friend.
Lissa cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she scolded, "Kitra! You aren't supposed to talk about that."
Kitra laughed, "Relax Lissa they’re in the living room."
Lissa blushed mumbling, "Still, you said you wouldn't tell him." Kitra sobered up, "I haven't." Kitra sighed, "Well I guess we're ready so let's go." leading her friend by the hand out to the living room.
Darius and Jumal stood up smiling. Darius said, "You girls look incredible tonight." smiling at both his sister and her best friend.
Jumal smiled adding, "I think we're gonna have our hands full beating the boys off tonight, Dar." in a joking manner.
Both the girls blushed as Darius agreed, "That we are my friend; that we are indeed."
Darius grinned, "Let's get going shall we?" as he held out his arm for his sister and Jumal did the same for his sister.
The girls smiling nodded and took their brothers arms. They guys led them out of the door and they started walking towards the village where everyone was gathering.
As the quartet walked toward the village, Kitra fell very quiet and became sullen. Lissa kept chatting away trying to lift her friend's spirits.
There was a multitude of different booths containing food choices, and a variety of different flowers. The food booths lined one wall of the village gathering area on the right. The flower display booths consisted of a variety of flowers such as cherry blossoms and chrysanthemums and roses, were along the outer edges of the left and right sides. The dancing was located in the center of the area.
Darius looked at the girls and questioned, "Do you want to eat, or dance, first?"
Kitra and Lissa answered in unison, "Eat!” happy not to have to cook for the night. Their eyes lit up and they began laughing together. Darius laughed and nodded.
Kitra laughed and Darius led her over to the food stands. Jumal and Lissa followed them. The guys looked at their sisters and asked, "What do you want to try first?”
The girls scanned over the abundant assortment of choices. The food booths consisted of a variety of dishes, of all varieties. Kitra requested, "I’d like the shrimp and oyster stew with a side of crab please?"
Darius nodded, looking at the lady behind the counter and ordered two sets. He paid for them and handed Kitra hers. She smiled saying, "Thanks Dar," kissing his cheek.
Lissa scrunched up her nose saying, “You sure are brave,” grinning at her friend. Turning to her brother she answered, “I’d like the chicken topped curry please?”
Nodding Jumal looked at the lady behind the counter and ordered two sets. He paid for them and handed Lissa hers. She smiled thanking him and kissed his cheek.
Kitra raised a brow at her friend’s selection and teased, “Curry huh? That’s too spicy for my taste.” as the quartet moved to sit under the stars and eat their food, waiting for the headman’s announcement.
Jumal looked at Lissa and questioned, "So, are you enjoying yourself?" She smiled and nodded at him with warm eyes.
Knowing her friend was in for a big surprise, Kitra smiled adding, "Wait until the celebration really gets started." eyes were dancing with merriment.
Lissa added happily, “Asa and Tao should be attending tonight too.” as her eyes scanned around for signs of her cousin.
Kitra smiled at her friend and looked away sighing. Seeing this, Darius stood up and took Kitra’s hand, escorting her to the dancing area.
Lissa smiled as she watched her best friend being twirled around by her older brother. Jumal smiled and led Lissa to the dancing area as well.
The girls smiled as they danced with their brothers and for a while everything was calm. After a while, Jumal asked Kitra to dance, and smiling Darius danced with Lissa. Kitra smiled as she danced with Jumal and tried not to miss Bankotsu so much.
Kou danced with many girls, but his eyes were always glued to Kitra’s form as she danced with Darius and Jumal, whishing instead that he was the one holding and dancing with her.
Kio cast longing looks towards Lissa and seethed as he watched Darius dancing with her. Bad enough Darius had Kitra, but now he was holding Lissa too. Kio was seriously beginning to resent Darius.
An hour later, Toa and Asa came over and Lissa chatted happily with her cousin. Kitra sat nervously avoiding Tao, not trusting him in spite of Darius’s grave warnings.
Lissa smiled as Asa asked about the kimono Kitra was wearing and said happily, “yeah that’s the one I made.”
Kitra added happily, “She did a wonderful job,” proud to be wearing the kimono her best friend made her.
Sensing her nervousness, Darius pulled Kitra back into the dancing area and began dancing with her again. Smiling at her brother, she said, “Thanks.” He nodded and smiling, continued dancing with her.
All the girls other than Lissa and Asa sent Kitra envious or resentful looks, and longing looks toward Darius.
Darius pretended not to notice the longing looks sent his way and enjoyed making his sister smile. Every time she mentioned the looks people were giving them, he brushed it off and told her to just enjoy herself tonight.
Kitra smiled at him and allowed herself to relax as the music took over and her worries were temporarily banished. After the headman’s announcement of the new year’s expectations, Kitra begged Darius to bring her home unable to handle the looks she was getting from everyone around them.
He nodded and they explained to Lissa and Jumal that they were going home. Jumal danced with Kitra one last time and gave her a friendly peck on the cheek before releasing her to her brother.
Lissa had been dancing with Darius one last time, before he took his sister home. Jumal and Lissa opted to remain a little longer and caught up with their cousin.
With Kitra and Darius: At their hut:
Kitra kissed his cheek and hugged him tightly, as was their nightly routine. He hugged her back and kissed her forehead lovingly before sending her to bed.
He’d picked up on her sullenness before leaving the dance and knew she was missing Bankotsu. He knew as well, that it would be sometime before she really healed from his loss. Sighing he locked up their home and crawled into his own bed after ensuring she was asleep for the night.
With Bankotsu:
Came across a bustling village and decided for once to just stop at the inn for the night. He’d spent the day remembering his Darius and Kitra and needed a good strong drink; maybe he’d even find some company to ease the overwhelming loneliness.
Walking in with Banryu over his shoulder, he smirked as people gazed at him in awe as he effortlessly bounced his steady companion on his broad shoulder.
Spotting a free table, he strolled over and ordered, “Hey Innkeeper, bring me sake’ and some food. Tossing a bag brimming with Ryou on the table he was sitting at.
The innkeeper obediently grabbed a fresh bottle of sake’ and brought it over to the man who’d thrown his money on the table.
His greedy eyes roved over the bountiful money and he asked, “Anything else?”
Watching him Bankotsu thought, “That’s right you greedy little fuck, keep staring at it.” staring at him he ordered, “Prepare me your best room for the night, and bring me three more bottles of sake’” tossing a few coins at the greedy merchant.
Catching the coins, his eyes lit up and he hastily sped away t carry out the young warrior’s orders. Bankotsu smirked watching him run off.
His smirk widened as the three men who’d been trailing him for the last couple days, walked through the door. “There you are,” he thought pleased.
Over by the back wall a lanky man dressed in a pink and green kimono watched the display and his grey eyes lit with excitement as he imagined cutting up the arrogant youth who’d tossed around his coins.
Bankotsu downed all four bottles of sake’ and ate his food before collecting his money and standing up. Moving towards the innkeeper, he demanded to be shown to his room.
The greedy innkeeper led him to a luxurious room and bid him goodnight. Bankotsu waved him off and placed Banryu by the bed, sitting on the bed and waited patiently.
It was about twenty minutes later when the group that had been following him, burst into the room and dove towards him weapons first.
Bankotsu quickly disarmed them and killed the first two. The third one he broke the guys arm and hissed, “Deliver this message to your pathetic coward of a boss for me. If you want me dead, stop hiding behind your father’s money purse and come after me yourself you little fucker.”
He walked over chopping off several fingers from both of the dead assassins and began carving something into them with a dagger. He wrapped them in a piece of cloth and shoved them at the man he was sparing in order to have his message delivered.
He tossed the wretch from his room and hissed, “Make sure that little prick gets my message.” Tossing the man a single coin adding, “If you come after me again, I’ll kill you,” tone and eyes dead serious.
Having witnessed his comrade’s brutal deaths, the frightened man scurried off to deliver the message, fearing for his life.
Bankotsu scowled and turned to go back to his room, closing the door. Before he could unlatch his armor, he heard clapping from across the room. Facing the sound, he spotted the lanky man from down stairs and barked, “What do you want?” preparing for another attack.
The grey eyed man in feminine attire licked his lips answering, “That was some of the best work I’ve seen yet,” gesturing to the dead men on the floor.
Bankotsu snorted, “Just some hired hands working for a coward,” he spat venomously and approached the lanky man.
Holding out his slender hand the man said, “Name’s Jakotsu,” introducing himself.
Bankotsu scowled not taking the hand. “Bankotsu, now what the hell did you want?” he hissed.
Jakotsu grinned, “You’re alright Bankotsu.” He smiled offering, “How about I buy you a drink and we can talk a bit?”
Bankotsu scowled, “I’m not interested in whatever you’re selling pal, so scram.” motioning for him to beat it.
Jakotsu’s dark chuckle filled the room as he said, “Those men, they weren’t know for going after locals, in fact they’d been sent after me not long ago.”
Bankotsu said, “I’m no local. So what makes you think they were after you?”
Jakotsu grinned asking, “How ‘bout that drink?”
Bankotsu nodded, “Sure, but you’re paying.” as he grabbed Banryu and led the way to the table downstairs.
Jakotsu smirked thinking, “He might even be worth traveling with.”
Bankotsu and Jakotsu talked for the rest of the night getting to know each other and drinking together.
Bankotsu said, “Tell ya what Jakotsu, I’m planning on forming a group of elite mercenaries. How’d you like to join up and travel with me?” adding seriously, “As long as you don’t try making any moves on me, I don’t care if you’re into men or not. You’ll have plenty opportunities to kill too.” eyes gleaming with obvious excitement at the thought of leading a group of killers.
Jakotsu smirking agreed, “I got nothing better to do, so why not?” laughing as they drank some more sake’
Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is chapter sixteen please remember to read and review thanks.