InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Heart Of A Mercenary ❯ Two ( Chapter 2 )

[ P - Pre-Teen ]

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha! I do own Catherine AKA Kitty, and the plot, and storyline... There. I said it. (sighs)
Most importantly I would like to give a BIG shout out and HUGE thanks to Frog Lady for ALL of her help! :)
"Talking"
'Thinking'
Scene change....
A/N This chapter has been completely rewritten.
Chapter 2:Bankotsu and Kitty walked over to the field again. Once they reached the feild he turneed to face her and Bankotsu informed her seriously, "Today I am gonna test your skills with your katana, as well as you hand to hand combat." Kitty nodded and drew her sword. Bankotsu smiled and also drew a katana. They went into battle stances then began sword fighting.After they had thrusted, parried, and tried to slice each other for over an hour; Bankotsu closed in on Kitty, backed her against a tree, and disarmed her. Kitty kicked the sword out of Bankotsu hand and ran away from the tree, back out into the open. Bankotsu smirked and began stalking over to her, while licking his lips, then he smirked as He threw a punch. She ducked it and swept his feet out from under him. He fell to the ground, on his back, and rolled into her; knocking her on her back as well. Then he quickly pinned her to the ground and sat on top of her. Bankotsu looked down at her and smirked. Kitty smirked, bucked up, flipped over; reversing the pin, and wrapped her feet along the insides of his legs; effectively stopping him from reversing the pin again. Bankotsu was taken completely by surprise and had a shocked expression. He quickly recovered from his shock, and used his massive upper body strength; to roll them both onto their sides. They broke away and quickly got back to their feet. Then he approached her, and put her in a full nelson. He smiled, and taunted, "What are you gonna do now, babe?"Kitty smirked and replied happily, "This!" She brought down her hands breaking his hold, then curving her back, so as not to get hurt, she fell down to the ground on her back. As she hit the ground, she raised her leg to simultaneously knee him in the nuts as her lower leg also hit him in the stomach. He grunted and bent over. As he began to fall over catching his self on one hand, in order to avoid hitting the ground completely. She quickly rolled out of the way and got back to her feet, smiling.Bankotsu picked his self up and regained his composure and chuckled. "Not to shabby babe! That was actually an impressive move."Kitty smirked, with her hand on her hip, and warned seriously, "Yeah well, that's what you get for being overconfident! AND for calling me babe!"Bankotsu chuckled, then quickly tackled her; sending them both back to the ground. He quickly rolled her underneath him and pinned her body to the ground with his own. She looked at him questioningly and he smirked again. Then he leaned down and captured her mouth in a hot, demanding kiss. After getting over her initial shock, she kissed him back just as passionately. He broke the kiss, and moved her arms; so they were pinned above her head, then recaptured her mouth in a demanding, possessive kiss. She kissed him back eagerly and greedily. After a minute He broke the kiss, then laid his for head on hers. They both took a few minutes to catch their breaths. Then he got off her and sat beside her. She sat up as well.She demanded softly, "Why do you always do that? You decide to just kiss me out of the blue and end up kissing me senseless! Yet you back away whenever I kiss you back?"He smirked and answered arrogantly, "I just like to keep you on your toes."She looked at him and said, exasperated, "Whatever! Are we done for the day?"He teased, "What's the matter, babe? Are you upset now?" As she was standing up. He sttod up also.She said, exasperated, "More like confused! You run so hot and cold, and it's confusing as hell! And DON'T call me babe either, you jerk!"During the last part, she walked up to him and angrily poked him in the chest. Then she turned on her heel and stormed back to the camp. Bankotsu chuckled and declared, amused, "Man is she a feisty one!"Then he retrived their weapons and followed her back to camp.At the camp...She stormed over to start the pot of water and herbs boiling. Jakotsu ran over and greeted happily, "Hello little sister! Welcome back!"Kitty smiled and said softly, "Hey Jakotsu, thanks! Are you ready to learn a little more?" Jakotsu grinned and nodded eagerly. Kitty laughed and said, "Okay, come on then." They walked off arm in arm as Kitty went to get the parchment she was using to teach Jakotsu to read and write with. They sat together under a tree and stayed there teaching and learning for the next hour and a half.Bankotsu had after putting the katanas away, left off on patrol again.Renkotsu walked over to Kitty and Jakotsu and sneered, "I don't know why you even bother! He is never gonna get it right!"Kitty while glaring at Renkotsu, responded angrily, "Shut up Renkotsu! Just because he is having a little more trouble then the others doesn't mean he won't get it! IN FACT he is coming along just fine so BACK OFF!" Renkotsu shook his head and rolled his eyes. She glared at him until he finally left. She said fiercely, "Ignore that stupid jerk! You are doing great already, Jakotsu! You have memorized the entire alphabet already. Once we get the next step completed, we can start reading the words."Jakotsu smiled and said seriously, "Thank you little sister! You are so nice. I am grateful for your patience!"Kitty smiled and replied happily, "You are so eager to learn; I can't help but want to teach you!"They smiled at each other and continued the lessons, until Suikotsu returned with some skinned rabbits. Then Kitty walked over and put a little more water and the rabbits in the pot. Then she gathered the parchments and ink, and then put them away.After dinner Bankotsu, Jakotsu, and Suikotsu all left off to do their own things, leaving only Kitty and Renkotsu at the camp.Kitty angrily confronted Renkotsu, saying, "You should be a little more supportive of Jakotsu, instead of insulting him! At least he is TRYING to learn and he is doing just fine! I am warning you; back the hell off of him, Renkotsu, or else I am gonna have to kick your ass! Got it!?"Renkotsu smirked and said snidely, "You really think you can take me on, eh, girl? Don't make me laugh! The only reason you are even here is to help big brother find the jewel shards. AND to warm his bed at night!"Kitty narrowed her eyes and her face became angry as she slapped the hell out of Renkotsu. She fumed, "You stupid ass hole! Bankotsu is a gentleman and has more manners then you will EVER have! You may be the smart one, but you are also the biggest jerk!"Renkotsu backhanded her, saying angrily, "The only reason he would keep you here is to screw you! So don't deny it, bitch!"Kitty quickly got up and roundhouse kicked him, sending him flying across the dirt. Then she walked over to him got down on one knee, and held her sword against his neck. Glaring at him, She warned in a deadly serious tone, "Don't you EVER hit me again you stupid jackass! And keep your vulgar comments to yourself while you're at it! Or next time, I won't be so lenient with you!" She stood up, sheathed her sword, and stormed away. Not even realizing as she passed Jakotsu on the way to a tree just on the out skirts of the camp.Suikotsu appeared as she was angrily walking off. Suikotsu asked dryly, "Man, Renkotsu, what did you do this time?" He shook his head.Jakotsu appeared and demanded, "What happened!? I just saw little sister, and I can tell she is pissed off again!"Suikotsu replied evenly, "Renkotsu was still on the ground and she was walking off when I came up."Jakotsu glared at Renkotsu and angrily demanded, "What did you do this time, you jerk!?"Bankotsu walked up and questioned, "Alright, What's going on? What do you mean what did he do this time, Jakotsu?" Then he looked over at Renkotsu and demanded, "Did you piss off Catherine again!?"Jakotsu stated, upset, "She was obviously angry when I passed her just a little bit ago!"Suikotsu added evenly, "Renkotsu was just getting up off the ground, and little sister was walking away angry when I showed up."Bankotsu threw his head back, and laughed. He scolded, "Seriously, Renkotsu, when are you gonna learn not to piss her off? She is one bad ass woman when she is angry!" Then he sighed heavily and asked, "So, what did you do this time, anyway?" Renkotsu just grunted and walked away. Bankotsu shook his head and went to search for Catherine.With Bankotsu and Catherine...He found her out under a tree, staring at the stars. He walked up and said evenly, "I came back to camp and found out you and Renkotsu had gotten into it again." He looked directly at her, with his arms crossed in front of his chest, and inquired, "Would you care to tell me what happened?"She sighed heavily but faced him and replied angrily, "He hit me and said the only reason you allow me to stay is because we are screwing each other! Needless to say, I kicked his sorry ass and warned him NEVER to hit me again! As well as to keep his vulgarness to his pathetic self!" Then she turned back to watching the stars. They were twinkling and the moon also illuminated the earth below.Bankotsu sighed heavily, walked over to her, went down on one knee, and forced her to look at him so he could see her face. He was VERY angry that Renkotsu dared to hit Catherine to begin with. He looked at the bruise on her cheek and his eyes narrowed in anger, he announced determinedly, "I will speak with him about this! Rest assured!"Kitty said angrily, "Don't! It will only make him think that even more! I can handle that stupid jackass myself!"Bankotsu sighed heavily and exclaimed angrily, "Fine! But if he strikes you again, I will kick his ass myself! NONE of my brothers will strike a woman while I am around! Especially not you!"Kitty nodded. Then he moved to a sitting position and they sat together, and she watched the stars awhile. He watched her. He thought about how strong, determined, and stubborn she was. As well as how she was one helluva good fighter, and feisty. She thought about her life up to this point.After while she sighed heavily and got up. He got up and suggested evenly, "I guess we should head back now." She nodded and they walked back to camp together. When they arrived at camp, Kitty decided to turn in for the night. After saying goodnight to everyone, she entered he room and climbed into the bed. She curled up on her side and fell alseep shortly afterwards.After a while....Bankotsu angrily confronted Renkotsu and warned, "Renkotsu, You are damn lucky it was Catherine who kicked your sorry ass, instead of me! If you EVER strike ANY woman again, I WILL personally kick your ass myself! UNDERSTOOD!?"Renkotsu's eyes widened, and he nodded and stuttered, "Y...Yes big brother." But then he scowled and his next remark was a snide one: "So she went and whined to you about it, huh?"Bankotsu narrowed his eyes, grabbed Renkotsu by the throat, and lifted him off his feet. He got right in his face, stared him directly in the eye, and said angrily, "She didn't have to tell me! I could see it clear as day! You KNOW I don't tolerate that EVER! So I STRONGLY suggest you don't do it again! Are we clear!?" Renkotsu nodded vigorously. Bankotsu stated, "Good!" and dropped him harshly on the ground.After a while Renkotsu, Suikotsu and Jakotsu turned in for the night. 20 minutes later Bankotsu decided to retire as well. He walked into his room, took off his shirt and climbed into bed. Even though Kitty was fast asleep, he sighed and curled himself around her and slumbered.
A few weeks later just after sunrise.....Bankotsu and Kitty woke as soon as the sun came up. She was nestled into his chest and his arm around her. They got up he put on his shirt and they began the day. Jakotsu caught plenty of fish for everyone to eat and handed them to Kitty. She started a fire and set the fish up to smoke over it, sprinkling some crused herbs over the fish as well. When it had finished cooking, everyone ate.After breakfast.....Then Bankotsu announced, "Renkotsu, you are going on patrol with me this morning. The rest of you stay here untill we return. Let's go, Ren." Bankotsu spun on his heel and started walking away. Renkotsu reluctantly followed him. Kitty suggested, "Jakotsu, why don't we continue your practices?" Jakotsu nodded eagerly. Kitty smiled and went to retrive the parchment and ink. She returned and sat beneath a tree; Jakotsu sat beside her, and they began sounding out the letters.Suikotsu said, "I will be reassesing my herbs if you need me, just holler." Kitty and Jakotsu nodded then went back to the lesson at hand. Suikotsu smiled, then walked off into his room. To reasses his herbs and make a list.With Bankotsu and Renkotsu...They were patrolling the area. Renkotsu queried, "Big brother, why do you always defend that wench?"Bankotsu replied, "She is your little sister; show her some respect! And I defend her, the same as I do every one of you." Renkotsu was silent. Bankotsu questioned, "Why do you seem to have such a grudge against her?"Renkotsu responded, "I don't. It just seems as if you accepted her to fast, that's all."Bankotsu embedded Banryuu in the ground, non chalantly leaned his back against it with his arms crossed casually in front of his chest, and informed Renkotsu seriously, "She has proven her worth, same as all of you. I have tested her, just like everyone else. If I didn't think she was worthy of joining us, I wouldn't have allowed it!"Renkotsu grumbled, "Seems to me more like you have an ulterior reason.."Bankotsu stood up quickly, walked over to him angrily, and demanded, "What exactly are you impling, Renkotsu!?" Renkotsu shrugged. Bankotsu roared, "Are you questioning my decisions, Renkotsu!?"Renkotsu's eyes widened, and he stuttered, "N...no, of course not."Bankotsu crossed his arms in front of his chest, stared him dead in the eye, and informed Renkotsu dead seriously, "She had to prove herself, the same as everyone else! Do NOT ever think you will get away with questioning my descions! I AM the leader of this group, and I will NOT stand for it!"Renkotsu bowed his head shamefully and said, "Forgive my foolishness."Bankotsu warned, "This one time, I shall. But if you ever try it again, I will remind you of EXACTLY why I am the leader!" Renkotsu nodded. Bankotsu sighed heavily, relaxed his stance, and stated, "I know we are getting restless, and I am aware of the fact that Naraku is using us.... HOWEVER we must remember that without these damn shards, we would be dead AGAIN!" Renkotsu nodded and said again, "Forgive my foolishness, big brother." Then he continued, "You are our leader! I'm sorry I forgot my place."Bankotsu nodded and commanded, "Let's head back."They set off back towards the camp again.Back at the camp...Bankotsu and Renkotsu returned, seeing Kitty and Jakotsu sitting together under the tree. Kitty was smiling and encouraging her student. "That's great, Jakotsu! You are getting better every day!"Jakotsu smiled and said, "Thanks, little sister!"Bankotsu walked over and ordered, "Catherine, grab your sword and come with me."Kitty nodded, gathered the supplies, put them away, grabbed her sword, and met Bankotsu outside. He started off towards the field again and she followed close behind.In the field...Bankotsu embedded Banryuu into the ground and drew his katana. Kitty also drew her katana and went into a fighting stance. Bankotsu licked his lips as he began circling her with his eyes firmly on her. Kitty kept a very close eye on Bankotsu, watching for any sign of what he was going to do next.Bankotsu continued to circle her for a few minutes, then made his move.At the same instance, they lashed out at each other, beginning to dance the choreography of deadly proportions. Their swords clashed repeatedly as they parried and slashed at each other, dodging swings in an equal manner. With a few more slashes and a graceful flip, Kitty was two meters away from the whirling Bankotsu. He stopped and stared at Kitty, who had a quirky smile on her face. "So, you think a pretty flip will beat me... You're highly mistaken." Bankotsu mocked, lunging at Kitty. She parried, and ran up Bankotsu's left leg and shoulder, flipping over him and giving him a good slap upside the head in the process. She then cart-wheeled around the aggravated Bankotsu. Kitty stared, a grin on her face. Bankotsu's eyebrow twitched. They clashed blades again, neither seeming to gain the upper hand. Bankotsu was focusing on straight power, attempting to drive Kitty back. Kitty's tactic was more focused on her fluid movements, graceful, and utterly perfect skill. They continued to attack each other in a blazing flurry, until both were panting rapidly and swordless. They flipped away from each other. She gave him a wink, and twirled off into the air, her form perfect. As soon as she landed, Kitty went into a half crouching fighting position, waiting for Bankotsu to strike. He gave a nod, and they flew forward for the attack. Bankotsu attempted a flurry of flying kicks, which Kitty countered with a roll under him. They punched at each other, their fists connecting. Bankotsu swirled around the fist and went for Kitty's neck with an open palm. She ducked under just in time, jabbing Bankotsu in the ribs with a claw hand. Kitty then spun on the ground, kicking out his ankles. He simply landed on his hands, and flipped back onto his feet, punching down at the ground where Kitty was crouched. She leaped out of the way a fraction of a second before Bankotsu's fist connected with the ground, causing the earth to split. In mid air, she drop kicked him in the back of the skull. She then cart-wheeled away, and looked at him. He began running around her in a circle. She kicked out as he passesd, and hit him flat in the chest. Recovering quickly, He spun on the ground, kicking the back of Kitty's knees, sending her to the ground. He grabbed her foot, chucking her high into the air. Kitty manuevered so she could land gracefully on her feet after she landed. Kitty and Bankotsu backflipped to pick up their swords and clashed blades again. She spun around, attacking him from the back, only to be blocked; she swept his legs and knocked him onto his back. He jumped back up and they clashed blades again. Kitty managed to barely knick his cheek, smirked, and taunted, "Take that!" Then Bankotsu grinned and they both disarmed one another again at the same time. Bankotsu swept Kitty's legs out from under her; he grabbed his sword, held it to her throat, grinned, and informed her smugly, "Looks like this match goes to me, babe." She stared up at him and smiled, and then replied, "Yeah, I guess it does." Then he removed his sword and held out a hand to help her up. She placed her hand in his; he pulled her up and into his arms. He smirked then announced, "Now for my prize!" Before she could ask what he meant, he smashed his lips on hers and stroke his tongue along her lips. She immediately opened to him and he wasted no time in claiming her mouth in a fierce kiss. Their tounges began a battle for dominance.His hand that was holding the katana opened and dropped it and both arms went around her waist pulling her flush against him as he deepened the kiss. Her arms at the same moment went to and encircled his neck as she moaned leaning even more into the kiss. After a minute one of his hands began sliding up to her hair and pressed her head making her lean even more into the kiss. After that, his hand fisted in her hair and he pulled back breaking the kiss to begin feathering kisses down her neck, while the other hand was planted firmly on her backside, squeezing one perfectly round, muscular cheek. She moaned louder and her hands went to his wide strong shoulders. His other hand slipped down to squeeze the other cheek. She gasped loudly in shock.He smirked and pulled away from her neck, squeezed her butt with his hands again, and then let her go and exclaimed smugly "Damn woman! You are lethal!" He smirked in satisfaction at her confused look as she blinked a few times trying to figure out what had just happened; after a minute she pulled herself together. He said, "We should head back to camp." Kitty stared at him in confusion, and then nodded, collecting her weapon. He also collected his and together they walked back to camp in silence. He was smirking and she was still trying to figure out what had gotten into them, and why he had done that. Just outside the camp she manged to pull herself together again.Back at camp....She entered the camp, put her weapon away and went to start a fire. Bankotsu entered the camp and commanded, "Jakotsu, you and Suikotsu have hunting duty today. Go now." Jakotsu and Suikotsu nodded and left to hunt.Kitty went to collect water and lugged it back to the camp. Bankotsu put his Banryuu away, then walked outside and sat with his back against a tree and his hands crossed behind his head and began whistling while he thought about the encounter he and Kitty had after their sparring match.Bankotsu's POVI sat there and thought smugly, "Man, she sure as hell knows how to kiss! I must be a better kisser then I thought, seeing as she picked it up that fast!" I felt a satisfied smirk began to spread across my face. I thought, "I am eagerly looking forward to our next little match!" I began whistling happily.Regular POVRenkotsu came out of his room and sat beside the fire when he noticed Bankotsu leaning against a tree, whistling. He raised a brow and queried, "What has you so happy, eh, big brother?"Bankotsu stopped whistling, sat up straight and questioned, looking sheepish, "What was that? Sorry, Renkotsu, I didn't quite catch it."Renkotsu shook his head and mumbled, "Nothing."Bankotsu shrugged and got up, heading over to Kitty as he had seen her lugging the water back. He carried the water back to the camp. Kitty walked along side him, looking away from him. She said, "Thanks." Bankotsu nodded as he set the water beside the fire. He was getting ready to say something when Jakotsu and Suikotsu returned dropping two big boars at Bankotsu and Kitty's feet. Kitty set a rather large pot up over the fire.Jakotsu cut up the meat. Kitty said: "Thanks." Jakotsu nodded and then walked off.Kitty gathered the meat washed it and then added it to the pot along with water and herbs. She then let it cook. They all sat around the fire talking while they waited for this to happen. After a while Kitty served up the stew to everyone. They ate, and then Kitty did the dishes in the river. Afterwards Kitty announced she was going to soak at the springs. She took her soak and then returned to camp. The others went to bed, leaving only Kitty and Bankotsu still awake. They sat there in silince for a while.Bankotsu sighed heavily and Kitty looked at him and queried, "What's on your mind?"Bankotsu just stared at her for a minute. Debating wether or not to tell her.Kitty looked into his eyes and said, "It's obvious something is bothering you; wanna talk about it?"Bankotsu thought it over a while longer. Kitty was about to give up and go to bed when Bankotsu stated evenly, "Well, I know Renkotsu is up to something; I just haven't figured out what yet."Kitty listened and replied, "Who knows?"Bankotsu sighed heavily and confessed, "It's nothing new, Renkotsu being the smartest and all. He is always planning something. I just hope he doesn't force me to call him out. I don't want to lose any more of my brothers." He finished fiercely.Kitty nodded and informed him softly, "I know what you mean! I don't want to have to lose any one again either."Bankotsu looked at her and explained, "A while back we lost three of our brothers."Kitty's eyes softened and she said sadly, "I'm sorry that happened."He nodded, sighed heavily and confessed, "I feel like I failed them again. As you know the seven of us died once before. We were beheaded after we were ambushed by the Daimyo who had hired us. Then after we were ressurected, three of us were killed again. I am afraid I will end up failing them again." looking away.Kitty said dead seriously, "I may not have been around you guys long, but I do know for a fact you are a DAMN good leader! Between you and me, I have seen my fair share of leaders and you are by far the best damn leader I have ever seen! That includes both of the villages I called home." Kitty stood, walked directly in front of him and stared him straight in the eye as she continued, "You are fair and even ask our opinions; you even go as far as to encourage us to give them. You are strong and fiercely protective of ALL of us! You don't hesitate to take command when needed nor to settle the disputes without having to resort to coming to blows." She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and said, "Your men wouldn't still be following you if they thought you weren't still a good leader!" Then she hugged him comfortingly and he hugged her to him. Kitty said softly, yet firmly, "Bankotsu, you are a good man, and a GREAT leader!" Bankotsu looked shocked, his arms tighted around her slightly as he tensed up then began to relax. He breathed, "Th...thank you." Kitty stepped back after another minute, looked at him, smiled and informed, "Everyone makes mistakes; we are, after all, only human. BUT those mistakes help us better ourselves and make us wiser!"He stared into her eyes and questioned, "Why does it seem so easy to talk to you? Normally, I only open up like this to Jakotsu."Kitty shrugged and dropped her hand as she replied softly, "Maybe it's because I have already opened up to you, and you know what I have been through in the past...." She looked away sadly, swallowed, and then continued, "Or maybe it's because every now and then we ALL need to lean on someone. Even the leaders. Either way I am just glad you are willing to talk to me. It means you are beginning to trust me. That means A LOT to me!"Bankotsu reached out, hooked his finger under her chin and forced her to look at him. She looked directly into his gaze. He said softly, "You are one incredible woman, ya know. I have never in all my lives met a woman as caring, kind, and strong as you."Kitty said softly, "Thank you."He moved his hand to her cheek and breathed softly, "So beautiful..." then leaned in to brush his lips across hers. Kitty layed her hand over his, pressed her lips to his briefly, then stepped back. He let his hand drop as did she. They stared into each other's eyes for a long time.Kitty said fiercely, "You are a good leader, Bankotsu! Don't EVER doubt that!"He smiled and said, "Thanks." She smiled and nodded.Then she said "I am going to turn in for the night. G' night, Bankotsu."He said: "G' night, Cathrine." She walked off towards his room and he watched her walk away until she disappeared. Then he sat down and stared into the sky thinking for a while.She went to bed and layed there pondering over the days events, let out a heavy sigh and went to sleep.He continued staring at the stars and thinking for a while.Bankotsu's POVI sat there staring at the stars and thought: "What has gotten into me lately?" I thought over everything Kitty had said. I thought over everything that we had discussed and everything she had told me about her past, as well as what my brothers and I had been through. I thought: "I have never met a woman quite like her before! She is so kind hearted, and under standing. hell no one else would be as paitient with Jakotsu and his lessons as she is! She is strong and fiercely independent. I wonder..." I sighed heavily shook my head and switched my thoughts to our sparring match and mostly to the kiss afterwards...I thought: "Damn that woman sure can kiss! If I am not careful she is going to become a fire in my blood! She is becoming quite an addiction to me! I had better watch myself...!" I sighed heavily and shook my head trying to clear it. I decided to turn in for the night and walked to wards my room.Regular POVBankotsu entered the room and just stood there watching her sleep for a short while. Then he took off everything but his pants and climbed into bed, curled around her, sighed heavily and fell asleep.Over the next 6 months....Day in and day out the routine pretty much remained the same. Kitty woke up made breakfast, sparred with Bankotsu, and of course he stole kisses each time they sparred but pulled back before they went too far. Afterwards they would return to camp and Bankotsu would patrol the area, while two of the others hunted. Kitty made time to sit with Jakotsu and continue his lessons daily. Each evening Kitty and Renkotsu would get into verbal matches and Bankotsu and the others would watch enjoying the show, but it was always stopped before it got too far out of hand. Kitty would also go collecting herbs and stuff with Suikotsu and they would talk.After dinner Kitty would go bathe in the springs, wash her hair, and then return to sit and talk with Bankotsu for a while. Then she would go to bed. Bankotsu would sit up a while after everyone went to sleep and enjoy the night a bit, and then crawl into bed and curl up around Kitty
Then one day......After Bankotsu and Kitty had sparred for hours on end again and harder then ever before, Bankotsu had also stolen yet another series of kisses.Bankotsu was out on patrol.Jakotsu was at the hot springs.Suikotsu was out collecting herbs.Kitty and Renkotsu were back at camp.Renkotsu walked up, cornered Kitty, and demanded, "Why haven't you informed big brother about my extra shards!?"Kitty looked him dead in the eye and responded, "It is not my place to tell him! It's yours! I won't tell him! But I suggest you do and soon. If he asks me about it, then I will have no choice but to tell him! Until then I will say nothing. But don't wait too long. Because he does already suspect something!"Renkotsu glared at her and declared, deadly serious, "If you say ANYTHING I will kill you!"Kitty retorted dryly, "Nice family values there, Renkotsu! Threatening to kill one of your own!" Renkotsu held a dagger to her throat. She knocked him away and disposed of his dagger. She said, "I have told you already, and I won't say it again! And don't you EVER threaten me again! Got it, baldy!?"Then she roundhouse kicked him away and sent him flying across the dirt. She stormed off to wards the hut.Jakotsu ran up and asked, "What happened to him?" and pointed at Renkotsu.Kitty answered evenly, "Just being an ass again! So I had to teach him some manners!" Jakotsu nodded.He approached Renkotsu and scolded him, "Renkotsu, when are you gonna learn not to piss off little sister!?"Renkotsu glared at Kitty and she glared back at him.Bankotsu walked up, and saw the two of them, glaring at each other again. He asked curiously, "What happened here?"Jakotsu replied happily, "Renkotsu was being an ass to little sister again, so she got mad and kicked his ass."Bankotsu sighed heavily looked directly at Renkotsu and questioned seriously, "Renkotsu, when will you ever learn?" Then he tossed the deer down and informed, "Catherine, this is for dinner tonight!" Kitty nodded.Jakotsu pulled out his sword and shredded the meat. Kitty said, shocked, "Thank you, Jakotsu." Jakotsu smiled and nodded.Kitty gathered up the meat, rinsed it off and put it into the pot with some herbs to boil. After everyone ate, Kitty decided to take a soak and bathe at the hot springs, She also decided to wash her hair as well. She went and collected her new kimono outfit and walked to the hot springs.At the hot springs...Kitty undressed, gently lowered herself into the hot spring, sighed, closed her eyes and leaned against the big rock behind her. She let the hot springs work their magic, as they began to loosen her sore, tight, and achy muscles. The battle with Bankotsu today had been the toughest yet, and much harder then she expected. She hadn't had a work out quite like that in almost 8 years.She sighed, enjoying the hot water. After about 15 minutes, she let her hair loose and began washing it thoroughly. She was concentrating on washing her hair so hard that she failed to notice when Bankotsu undressed and slipped quietly into the springs. She was dealing with a particularly filthy area of her waist length hair, when she suddenly noticed someone was in the springs with her. She immediately moved to cover her chest and submerged herself into the water, just enough to try to conceal her chest.She yelled, "What the hell!? You pervert! Can't a girl even bathe in peace!?"Bankotsu looking directly at her chuckled and said, amused, "I wondered where you had disappeared to after dinner."Kitty glared at him and demanded seriously, "Leave! Just give me 20 minutes to finish my bath and then you can soak!"Bankotsu chuckled and said seriously, "Nope! Now come over here and I will help with your hair."Kitty glared at him and responded angrily, "No thanks! Now leave! I was here first you pervert!" She was still covering her chest.Bankotsu sighed heavily and said seriously, "Look, our little match worked us both over pretty good! So sit down and relax! I am NOT leaving until after my muscles have relaxed some and eased the pain! So shut up and get over here so I can wash your hair for you!"Kitty glared at him, then scoffed, and said evenly, "NO WAY! And here I thought I could trust you!"Bankotsu scowled and stated seriously, "You can trust me! I haven't done anything to you yet, now have I? And we BOTH know, I have had plenty of opportunities! Besides, you're not much to look at anyway!"Kitty huffed and demanded angrily, "If I'm not much to look at, then just what the hell are you doing in my bath!? And why are you kissing me all the time! Huh?"Bankotsu growled. He pulled her over to him, sat her down, and warned, "Now behave! Or else I will end up yanking your hair!" Then he started gently washing her hair. 20 minutes later he announced, "There finished!"Kitty looked at him and replied softly, "Thank you! Now if you will just turn around, I will dress and leave."She moved to stand up and get out. Bankotsu smirked and ordered, "No, you don't!" Then he grabbed her elbow and pulled her over to him.She angrily demanded, "What the hell do you think your doing?"He looked at her and replied seriously, "Fair is fair! I washed your hair, now you have to wash mine!"Kitty looked dumbfounded and exclaimed shocked, "You're joking! Right!?"Bankotsu grinned, released his hair, and answered seriously, "Nope! You know how difficult it is to wash your own hair when its as long as ours! Now get to it!"Kitty sighed heavily and grumbled, "Fine! Let's get this over with." She gently washed his hair and he found himself enjoying the feel of her fingers running through his hair. She finally finished and proclaimed, "There it's done! Now I am leaving!" She moved to get out again. Bankotsu pulled her back in so hard, she ended up falling into his arms and on his chest. She demanded, "Now what the hell are you doing!?"He grinned and replied, "I have decided I am enjoying your company, so you will stay until I am done and then we will return together!"Kitty looked flabbergasted and yelled, "You are out of your mind! I am NOT bathing with a man!"He inquired dryly, "Why, do you prefer women instead?"She became angry and yelled, "Are you insane!? NO! I am just not used to bathing with anyone but myself!"Bankotsu grinned and declared seriously, "Tough! Now sit down and behave yourself!"Kitty glared at him and angrily growled, "Make me!" Bankotsu grinned, shrugged, and then yanked her over to him, he spun them around and pushed her against the rock, blocking her body from moving with his own leaning on her, effectivly pinning her against the big rock. He leaned down and claimed her lips with his own. He kissed her greedily a few minutes, and then broke the kiss. Kitty tried to shove him off, but he smirked and stayed put. After 15 minutes of trying to fight him off, she stopped struggling and sighed heavily. Bankotsu chuckled looking down into her eyes and asked amused, "You finished yet?" She glared at him, sighed heavily, and nodded. He said evenly, "Good! Now sit down and behave, until I am ready to leave!" He then removed his body from hers. She sighed and did as she had been told. She once again moved to cover her arms over her chest. Bankotsu reached over, grabbed her arms, and warned her seriously, 'No you don't!! Stop trying to hide yourself from me!' Then he removed her arms from her chest and held them, pinned to the rock. She blushed bright pink from embarrassment, as he gazed down at her ample chest. After looking his fill, he looked at her face as He taunted, "What's the matter? Never had a man even just look at you before, huh?"She stared in his eyes and whispered, "No...I haven't!"He looked shocked and said, "Aww, come on! You must be at least in your early 20's by now! Are you seriously telling me you have NEVER had a man look at your naked body before!?"She sighed heavily and whispered sadly, "I am 21. I was engaged before the village was slaughtered, but he...he died with the rest of the village."Bankotsu nodded, and asked softly, "Did you love him?"Kitty sighed heavily and replied seriously, "No, I did not! I barely knew him! But the village headman insisted on the marriage and I had no choice. Hell, I wasn't even allowed to leave until the neighboring village became deathly ill. Then they had no choice but to let me go to them, because I was the only priestess in the entire four villages."Bankotsu added softly, "Then you're telling me you have never been touched by a man before either. Right?" She blushed again and nodded. He informed her seriously, "In these times a woman like you should be married. Not roaming the lands, slaying demons. Especially not alone!"Tears began to roll down her cheeks, as she whispered, "I know. But after my village was slaughtered, I left out on my own. I returned to the village I grew up in, only to find that they had been slaughtered as well! After that I decided to set out alone and travel alone. There was no where else for me to go..." Bankotsu gently wrapped her in his arms. She buried her head on his chest and cried. Bankotsu soothed, "It's ok! You are not alone anymore! And you never will be again!" Kitty nodded and pushed away from his chest. Bankotsu sighed, let her go, and sat back down in the water. He began rubbing his sorest shoulder.Kitty noticed, moved over behind him, and began massaging his shoulders. He was startled and asked softly, "What are you doing?"She replied softly, "Trying to help you. You have helped me so much already, it's the least I can do!" Bankotsu sighed and let her continue.20 minutes later...She announced, "They're all better now!"Bankotsu was amazed at how relaxed he felt and said, "Thanks." She nodded. He said, "Well, we should get going now." She nodded and they got out. They walked behind the trees and dressed. Then walked back to the camp together. Bankotsu stopped her just outside the camp and said seriously "Listen about what happened in the hot springs, I'm sorry! I didn't know. I want you to know, I won't force myself on you ever! I may be a mercenary, but even I never force myself onto an unwilling woman!" Kitty nodded. They both looked at each other and nodded, and then they walked into camp.After seeing them enter the camp, Jakotsu ran up and said, "Oh! there you two are! I was looking for you, big brother!"Bankotsu looked at him and asked, "What did you need, Jakotsu?"Jakotsu answered, "Suikotsu returned from patrolling the area and said he saw Koga in the area."Bankotsu nodded and grumbled, "Just what we don't need right now."Kitty looked at Bankotsu and asked curiously, "Who is Koga? And why would he be here?"Bankotsu looked at her and responded, "He's the prince of the wolf demon tribe and I don't know yet, but most likely he's looking for us!"Kitty questioned dryly, "Do I even want to know why?"Bankotsu replied evenly, "Because we were ordered to fight and kill him."Kitty sighed and said dryly, "I knew I shouldn't have asked."Bankotsu smiled and encouraged, "Cheer up! He is a weakling and no threat at all to us! Plus you have us now to protect you if it does become necessary, which I doubt it will anyway!"Kitty sighed, nodded, and mentioned, "Okay. Just let me get my bow and arrows, and my katana. Then we can go." Bankotsu nodded and grabbed his Banryuu.Then they all took off together. Suikotsu lead them to where he had last seen Koga's whirlwind.In another open field...10 minutes later the famous whirlwind appeared. Koga stepped out of the whirlwind and exclaimed, "I found you at last! Prepare to die, Bankotsu!"Bankotsu looked bored and replied dryly, "You really think you can take me, huh? Come on then!" He hefted his Banryuu and prepared to defend himself.After looking the wolf man over and noticing the shards, Kitty yelled, "Wait! Bankotsu! He has jewel shards in each of his legs!"Koga's eyes widened in shock and he said, "Hm, another woman who can see the shards, eh? Where did you find this wench I wonder, eh, Bankotsu?"Kitty sighed and retorted dryly, "Another one? What is it with these men who think they will get away with calling me wench, anyway? Guess I will just have to teach this one some manners as well." Bankotsu smiled. Kitty proclaimed angrily, "I will warn you only once, wolf boy! I have a name: it is Catherine; now use it or else I will beat some manners into you myself!"Bankotsu grinned and stepped aside and bowed, signaling for Kitty to go first. Koga looked at her and said dryly, "A feisty one, aren't you? Very well, then; if you think you can take me on then by all means please try it, WENCH!" Kitty sighed and drew her sword. She charged at the wolf. Koga's eyes widened even more in shock as he had not expected her to be so quick, he tried to dodge her attack, but ended up having to try to block the sword with his arms. Kitty brought down her sword, cutting his arm. He yowled in pain. Kitty backflipped away as he started getting up. Koga seethed angrily, "You bitch! You will pay for that!"Kitty sighed and said, "I told you, stupid wolf! I have a name! Use it! Not wench, not bitch or anything thing else! It is CATHERINE!"Koga charged the woman and she jumped out of his way, slicing his stomach in the process. She put her katana away, drew her bow and notched an arrow and aimed it at his head. Koga saw this and was stunned. Koga questioned, "How come you are with these idiots anyway!? You are a priestess right?" Kitty nodded. Koga asked angrily, "Why are you helping these murderous bastards then?"Kitty let the arrow fly and it smacked into the tree right behind Koga, barely missing him. Koga's eyes widened in utter shock. Kitty smirked and informed him evenly, "That was a warning shot! I won't miss next time, wolf! Do not insult them or me again!"Koga grew angry and demanded, "Why help them!? Why not fight on the side of the good guys?"Kitty said evenly, "Bankotsu saved me, and they have treated me like family when no one else has. That's why!" Kitty notched another arrow and added, "Now answer me this, wolf! Why do you have sacred jewel shards in your legs?"Koga replied, "To protect my tribe and defeat the bastard who slaughtered most of them!"Kitty lowered her bow and mumbled, "I see."Bankotsu and the others had been looking on and smiling up to that point. Kitty turned to Bankotsu and asked seriously, "Why were you ordered to kill this wolf anyways?"Bankotsu looking directly at her, answered, "The one who revived us did so in order for us to kill his enemies. Koga is one of them."Kitty queried, "Just who exactly was that?"Bankotsu sighed and answered solemnly, "His name is Naraku."Kitty's eyes narrowed to slits as she yelled angrily, "NARAKU!? That's the bastard who ordered BOTH of my villages slaughtered!" She put her arrow away and comanded evenly, "Leave now Koga, while you still can!"Koga didn't need to be told twice, he turned into his whirlwind and ran away.Bankotsu demanded angrily, "Catherine! Why did you let him go!? We have to kill him!"Kitty glared at Bankotsu, with her hands on her hips, and seethed angrily, "I will NOT aid that bastard Naraku in ANY of his plans! He slaughtered BOTH of my villages! I will NEVER forgive that cold blooded bastard! I WILL kill that bastard myself!" She looked at Bankotsu directly with eyes full of unshed tears and hurt clearly evident, and said brokenly and angrily, "I can't believe you are all working for him! You should have told me! I NEVER would have stayed!"Then she stormed back towards the camp to retrieve her Hiraiku.Bankotsu sighed heavily and ordered, "Let's head back!" He hefted his Banryuu onto his shoulder and Everyone else followed him back to camp.Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is chapter two please remember to read and review thanks.