InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Heart Of A Mercenary ❯ seven ( Chapter 7 )

[ 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 my beta Frog Lady! :)

"Talking"
'Thinking'
Scene change....

Chapter 7:
Kitty sat down beside Jakotsu, helping him smoke some fish for breakfast. Bankotsu walked over to Renkotsu and Suikotsu, nudging them with a foot, and commanded, "Up, you lazy bums! We leave after breakfast!"Everyone ate their fish. They gathered their weapons, and set off to join up with Inuyasha and the others.With Inuyasha and co...Inuyasha frustration evident was pacing as he growled, "Where the hell are they!? They better not be trying to ditch us already!"Sango who was siting down by the fire looked at him and encouraged, "Relax, Inuyasha, it's only been two days. They said a few, meaning three or four. So chill a little."Kagome, who was busy cooking, announced sweetly, "Inuyasha, the ramen is finished!"Inuyasha's ears perked up, as his eyes lit up and he looked over at her then said, "Ramen? Well, why didn't you say so?" He ran over to Kagome, who handed him a big bowel of the steamy noodles he loved so much. He sat down and began to scarf his gigantic bowel of ramen. Seeing this Kagome smiled, and Sango winked at her.Miroku also seeing this chuckled, looked at Kagome and asked, "So where is mine?" She handed him and Sango a bowl of ramen each. She then got a bowel for herself, and sat down to eat.With Kouga and co...Kouga had just finished explaining things to his men and said, "So that's the gist of it. Do you two understand?"while stariing from one to the other.Ginta and Hakaku looking at him nodded. They inquired, "What about Ayame, Kouga?"Kouga sighed and griped, "Is she STILL going on about that?" They both continued looking at him and nodded. Kouga sighed heavily and responded, "Then I expect we will have to deal with her eventually. She will NOT like that Cathy is now my woman, and not Kagome!" with determination clearly visable in his eyes.Ginta frowned at him and commented, "Kouga, Ayame barely tolerated Kagome! There is no way she is gonna tolerate ANOTHER woman!"Kouga snorted, "Tough shit! Ayame is just gonna have to face facts! End of story!" Ginta and Hakkaku exchanged a look and shook their heads.The three set off to meet with the others.Elsewhere..."Kanna! Show me!" ordered Naraku. Kanna entered the room, holding up her mirror for Naraku, who looked into it. He chuckled as he caught the last part of Kouga's conversation. Naraku proclaimed out loud, "So Cathy, you have shown up again after all these years, eh? What shall I do to you now, I wonder? Perhaps I shall kill your beloved wolf! Hm?" He cackled eyes full of malice and hatred.With Bankotsu and co...Bankotsu informed his band, "We should meet up with Inuyasha and the others tomorrow afternoon at the latest. For now, we will take rooms at the next village we come across and stop for the night!" Everyone nodded and they continued walking. Fifteen minutes later they came across a small village.At the village....Bankotsu and his band walked in, and walked over to the inn keeper. Bankotsu decreed, "We would like two rooms for the night." The Innkeeper looked at the group then back at the man who had spoken and mentioned that a lady was only allowed to stay with her husband. Bankotsu stared him dead in the eye and replied evenly, "That is me. NOW my wife and I would like a room. And one for our companions, as well. Only for tonight."The others looked at their leader but said nothing. The Innkeeper announced, "50 Ryou." Bankotsu handed over the money, and the Innkeeper lead them to their rooms. He lead them up the stairs and halfway down the hall then stopped in front of a door and faced Bankotsu then said, "You and your wife will be in this room, sir."Bankotsu nodded and took their key, and then unlocked the door.At Bankotsu and Kitty's room...Bankotsu opened the door and pulled Kitty into their room. Then he shut and locked the door. Kitty faced him, raised a brow and queried, "Wife!?"Bankotsu looked into her eyes and replied seriously, "It was the only way the Innkeeper would have let us get two rooms, instead of three. Besides, you are my woman; we just aren't married."Kitty sighed and questioned, "Great, so now what? What if I wanted to dance tonight?"Bankotsu responded, "Then you still can, with me. Only now, everyone will know we are together; and there won't be any more fights like last time."Kitty nodded, smiled, and informed him, "Then come on, 'husband', and take me dancing. And to eat; I am hungry. Plus, I want to have some fun before we meet up with Inuyasha and the rest!"Bankotsu grimaced and said, "Alright, 'wife', let's go eat!" And he lead her out of the room with a hand on the small of her back, locking the door behind them and pocketting the key.Inside the tavern...Bankotsu, and Kitty walked in and ordered some food. The others were already in the tavern, eating and waved Bankotsu and Kitty over to eat with them. They obliged and while waiting for their food, Kitty decided to dance. She stood up then took him by the hand and dragged Bankotsu onto the dance floor. Bankotsu grimaced, but wrapped his arms around her hips and danced with her.He looked at her face and smiled. Seeing the enjoyment on her face, he decided he was glad he didn't say no and risk her disappointment. Besides, he liked the feel of her just being in his arms. Looking around the room, he noticed he was getting envious looks from some of the men and seeing that only made him burst with pride knowing that Kitty was his and his only!After a while the food arrived, and he noticed it and lead her back to their table to eat. She sat down happily and ate her food. Everyone did so as well, and then they walked backed to their rooms.As soon as they entered their room and closed the door; Bankotsu lifted Kitty into his arms, while she smiled at him and wrapped her arms around his neck and began playing with his hair and he carried her to the bed. He stopped at the foot of the bed and slowly slid her body down his depositing her on her feet and undressed her, making sure to tease her. She helped him undress, then he pushed her onto the bed and began massaging her breast while kissing her neck.The only thing that existed for them for the rest of the night was each other and their intense passion, and desire for one another.The next morning...Bankotsu rolled out of bed, smiling at Kitty who was also awake. Kitty looked at him from across the room and purred, "Morning, hot stuff."He looked at her and grinned and replied, "Morning, Vixen"; as he walked over to her.She smiled, leaned over and kissed him passionately. He kissed her dominantly, lead her back to the bed, laid her down, and began undressing her. Kitty broke the kiss, laughing. She said, "Ban, we need to get going soon."He looked at her with desire in his eyes and informed huskily, "After I have my woman for breakfast!"Then he kissed her and she lost all thought after that.An hour later they had bathed, dressed, and knocked on the other's door. Bankotsu yelled, "Up you layabouts! We eat and then we leave. So move it!" Then he and Kitty walked to the tavern, and ordered breakfast.Inside the tavern...Just after their food came, Jakotsu, Suikotsu, and Renkotsu walked over to the table and ordered breakfast. Bankotsu looked at them and exclaimed, "It's about time!" Jakotsu stuck his tongue out at Bankotsu, and Kitty giggled. Bankotsu rolled his eyes at Jakotsu, and said, "Eat up guys! This is it till we meet up with the others later tonight."One of the barmaids sauntered over, making sure to lean over so the guys could see her ample cleavage. She set the food down and asked sensually whilst staring lustfully at Bankotsu, "Anything else?" with pure lust in her eyes. Kitty saw this and rolled her eyes, and Bankotsu became annoyed and snapped, "Nothing! This is all."The barmaid pouted and queried, "Are you sure, handsome?"; and leaned over a little more so she almost fell out of her dress.Bankotsu narrowed his eyes, and slung an arm over Kitty's shoulder. He stared into the woman's eyes and said, "I'm sure! Now scram."The barmaid pouted and stormed off. Renkotsu looked at him a brow quirked and questioned, "Are you feeling okay, big brother?"Bankotsu looked at him and responded, "Why wouldn't I be!?"Renkotsu pointed out, "You just turned down a wench that was blatantly offering herself to you!"Bankotsu removed his arm from Kitty, shrugged and said, "I am fine. Now eat up! We leave in ten minutes!"Everyone ate their food stood up walked out of the tavern then went to thier rooms, gathered their stuff, turned in thier keys to the Innkeeper and left.During the trip...Halfway to Inuyasha and the others; Kitty was behind with Jakotsu, talking, when Bankotsu stopped and yelled, "Catherine!"Kitty ran up to him smiling and queried, "Yes, Ban?"Bankotsu demanded, "You will walk up here with me! In case any more shards come our way."Cathy nodded and agreed, "As you wish!"Bankotsu nodded and they set off walking side by side. After a few minutes Bankotsu glanced at her and asked, "So what do we tell the others?"Kitty responded, "Whatever you want! I don't expect any special treatment because we are sleeping together or anything!"Bankotsu nodded and informed her, "Good! Because it dosen't change things! I am still the leader of this group, and everyone obeys my orders! Are we clear?"As he stopped also stopping her by reaching out and grabbing her elbow then spinning her to face him during the last part.Cathy smiled and replied, "Just remember, leader, I take orders only when I agree with them." Kitty continued, "You may be more knowledgeable in the bedroom activities, Ban. But I am a warrior through and through, and obey only those orders I deem necessary!"Bankotsu narrowed his eyes at her and demanded, "Are you saying you won't take orders from me, woman?"Cathy held his gaze and replied sweetly, "Not if you act all high and mighty! You may be the leader of this group, but I am in charge of my own decisions."Bankotsu glared at her and informed her, "You will obey me, woman! I am your man now, and you will do as I say; without question!"Cathy countered, "You listen here, Bank, I may be your woman now, but that doesn't mean I will allow my freedom to be restricted. If I think your order is wrong, I won't follow it: plain and simple!"Bankotsu stopped and threw her over his shoulder; she was overcome by shock and dropped her Hiraiku. He ignoring her protests stormed over to a rather large tree for privacy. Dropping her on the ground, she landed firmly and roughly on her butt.The others, having seen their leader's outburst, decided it would be best to stop and wait.By the tree with Bankotsu and Kitty...Bankotsu looked at her and roared angrily, "I am the man here, woman! You will do as I say- or else! I am the leader of this group, and my authority goes without question!"Kitty glared at him as she stood to her feet then reached back and dusted off her backside. She replied angrily, "You are the leader of your group! But not of me! Just because you are the man and leader, don't think I won't kick your ass if you continue trying to enslave me, Bankotsu! I have been on my own for years, and am used to making ALL decisions for myself! I am willing to compromise, and allow you to make me a member of your group, but do not EVER act like you own me and make my decisions for me! I am NO ONE'S slave! YOU GOT IT?" With anger burning in her eyes.Bankotsu began pacing with his hands clasped behind his back. He was still glaring at her and fumed, "As long as you do not question my authority in front of my men and behave yourself; we will get along fine!"Kitty glared icily at him and said angrily, "Just because we slept together doesn't mean you own me! NO ONE owns me but me! I am a free willed person, and I will be DAMNED if I let ANYONE own me!" She spun on her heel and stormed off, stopping to pick up her Hiraiku from where it fell when she was tossed over his shoulder. Thus, she continued on the quest to join up with Inuyasha and the others.Bankotsu followed her, scowling and muttering about a certain, "Damn stubborn, independent, feisty ass wench!" He looked at the others who were staring at him questioningly and demanded, "What are you looking at? Move out!" with anger and frustration evident in his eyes.They jumped at the ferocity of his tone and immediately, they all set off again.Later that evening with Inuyasha and co...Koga arrived at the camp then stormed over to Inuyasha and demanded, "Hey mutt! Where the hell is my woman?"Inuyasha glared at Koga and retorted, "How the hell would I know!?"Sango who was sitting by the fire stood up then glared at Koga and said, "Koga, she isn't your woman! She has made it clear that she doesn't want to be either!"Koga scoffed at her as he glared at her and said, "She has no say in it! I claimed her, and now she is mine!"Cathy, hearing this and still pissed about the whole situation with Bankotsu, walked up glaring at Koga and roared, "Is that right, wolf boy? I told you I am NOT your woman!"anger evident in her voice and eyes.Sango looked over to her friend and greeted, "Hey Cathy, glad you all made it!" Cathy looked at Sango, nodded, and then glared back at Koga again.Inuyasha stormed over to her and exclaimed, "It's about damn time! Where are the others?"Cathy shrugged and said off handedly, "On their way. I left 'em behind a while back. They will be here soon enough." staring into his golden eyes.Koga ran over to Cathy and hugged her. He said, "Finally!" Then he pulled back to look her in the face and demanded, "Now why the hell did you go off with another male!?" barely leashed fury in his eyes.Cathy glared icily at Koga then shoved Koga off, and demanded, "Get off me, wolf breath! Don't act all possessive over me either! I am NOT your woman!"Bankotsu showed up stared the wolf prince dead in the eye and declared, dead serious, "That's right, wolf boy! She is MY woman!"Cathy glared at Bankotsu. She warned, "Don't you start either!" Then she stormed over, and sat down by Sango. Sango, looking at her friend, raised a brow in question.Koga narrowed his eyes at Bankotsu and demanded, "What the HELL do you mean; she is your woman?"Bankotsu sneered, "You deaf, wolf? I said Cathy is MY woman!"Cathy stood up glaring at Bankotsu and said, "That is debatable at the moment!" Bankotsu glared at Cathy and she glared right back at him. Cathy roared, "Now sit down and shut up, BOTH of you! You're acting like children, and giving me one hell of a headache!" as she began to massage her temples and sat back down. Inuyasha snickered. Both Bankotsu and Koga glared at him then each other, but they sat down and behaved themselves.Renkotsu, and Suikotsu walked into camp and, sat by Bankotsu. Jakotsu walked over to and sat over on the other side of Kitty. Sango and Miroku looked shocked but said nothing. Kagome made stew, then doled it out and everyone ate.After eating Cathy smiled at Kagome and said, "Thank you Kagome, the stew was great!" Everyone but Inuyasha agreed. Cathy stood up walked over to Koga, stared him in the eye and informed him, "Now Koga, listen carefully; because I am only going to say this one LAST time! I AM NOT YOUR WOMAN! GOT IT?" Koga bowed his head. Cathy walked over to Bankotsu, angrily poked him in the chest, and said, "And YOU better listen up too, pal! If you don't stop trying to treat me like a slave, I won't be your woman either! GOT IT?" as she raised a brow at him.Bankotsu sighed heavily stared into her eyes and said evenly, "I wasn't trying to treat you like a slave."Cathy retorted angrily, "It sure as hell felt like it!" Then she looked around and noticed they had an audience. She sighed heavily, took his hand and lead Bankotsu away from the others.Bankotsu, not happy about having an audience either, walked with her.With Cathy and Bankotsu...She stopped by a tree, let go of his hand facing him, looked him dead in the eye and informed him, "Listen, Bankotsu; I realize as leader you have to maintain authority in front of your men, ok I get that! But I am a VERY independent person, and I don't want to lose that. I want a PARTNER, not a master!"Bankotsu sighed heavily reached out to her shoulders, and pulled her into his chest. She stiffened but relaxed and allowed him to pull her to him. He looked at her directly and responded, "I will be that partner! Just don't argue with me in front of my men, ok!"She nodded and reached her lips up to his. They kissed, and made out a little. Then, having reached an understanding, they walked hand in hand; back to the group. They were smiling.Back at camp...Koga saw them enter the camp, narrowed his eyes and sneered, "Aw, did the happy saps make up?"Bankotsu looked over at him, smirked and said, "You're just jealous, wolf, because she is MY woman and not yours!" Then he wrapped his hands possessively around Kitty's waist from behind, and she lay her hands on top of his and leaned into his embrace smiling. Koga became disgusted, snorted and stormed off.Miroku, who had been looking on, announced, "Well now, that was fun." amusement visable in his eyes.Sango looked at Cathy and queried, "So Cathy, are you two...you know, together now?"Cathy smiled widder and nodded. Bankotsu smirked. Inuyasha, who had also been looking on, shook his head and declared, "I can't believe you are with that murderous bastard!"Cathy looked at him and responded evenly, "What he did in the past is exactly that. His past. Since I have known him, he has been sweet most times and kind. So back off, mutt, before I have to whoop your ass again!"Inuyasha snorted, "Teh! As if!"Kitty narrowed her eyes at Inuyasha. Bankotsu also narrowed his eyes at Inuyasha and added, "I can take you any day, mutt, so simmer down!"Inuyasha stared at Bankotsu, drew his sword and yelled, "Just try it!"Kagome yelled, "SIT BOY!"Inuyasha crashed into the dirt. Bankotsu smirked, and Kitty smiled. She looked at Kagome and said, "Thanks, Kagome!"Kagome looked at Cathy nodded. Then she turned back to Inuyahsa and lightly scolded him, "We are ALL on the same side now Inuyasha, so behave."Inuyasha glaring, pulled himself back up, sat down, and said, "Teh! Whatever!" Then he crossed his arms over his chest, pouting. Sango sighed heavily and shook her head. Koga came back, with Ginta and Hakkaku. Everyone sat around, and began making plans.Making plans...Inuyasha glared at Bankotsu from across the fire and said, "Okay, genius, this was all your girlfriend's bright idea, so what now?"Kitty looked at Inuyasha and replied, "First of all, mutt, I have a name- use it! Secondly, that's what we are ALL supposed to be figuring out. So, does anyone have any ideas?" while gazing from one person to the next for the last part.Jakotsu suggested, "Um... we could try tracking down some leads on Naraku's whereabouts."Kitty looked at Jakotsu, grinned and encouraged him, "Good Idea, Jaky!" Jakotsu looked back at her and smiled and nodded.Inuyasha looked from one person to the next and queried, "Any other ideas?"Renkotsu suggested, "We could try using the jewel shards as bait! Maybe we will get lucky, and Cathy will be stolen with them."Bankotsu shot a warning glare at Renkotsu. Cathy looked over at Renkotsu and retorted, "Looks like someone else is jealous as well, eh, Renkotsu?"Renkotsu glared at her and snorted, "As if! This only goes to prove that what I said was true!"Cathy stood up. She glared at him as she fumed, "Must we go through this yet again, you asshole!?"Bankotsu also stood up, glaring at Renkotsu and warned him, "Can it, Renkotsu! We need to focus on the topic at hand! Not your petty jealousy!" Kitty smiled and sat back down and Bankotsu also did so. He reached out and pulled Kitty so she was sitting between his legs that were bent at the knees and wrapped his arms around her, laying his chin on top of her shoulder.Miroku looked around and said, "Hmph, I wonder what that all was about?" with a suggestive look in his eyes.Sango stared at him and seethed, "Shut up and focus, monk!"Inuyasha rolled his eyes. Then, addressing the entire group, he said, "Well, Naraku has obviously hidden his coward ass again! So, what are we gonna do!?"Kitty stated, "He slaughtered both of my villages AFTER I left, so maybe he is trying to target me directly or something?"Sango looked at her and asked, "Why, though? Why you?" while frowning.Kitty looking into her chocolate eyes sighed, and informed her, "Because the priestess I learned from was directly descended from Midoriko herself!" Everyone's jaws dropped. Kitty looked from one person to another and continued, "Because of this, Naraku fears me greatly! He knows I am coming for him, and is trying to hide from me! He knows I have all the powers of my former master, and even some of those that Midoriko had!"Sango thought it over and responded, "That would definitely explain it, then! Midoriko was a legend in our village. If you were indeed trained by her descendant, that would make you even deadlier then Kikyo!" an almost awed look on her face.Kitty nodded and replied, "I am aware of that! Kikyo was a great priestess, but unfortunately, she died. I am also aware that Kagome is her reincarnation, however Kagome can NOT defeat Naraku with her powers! Even Kikyo herself knows this!" She looked over at Kagome and informed her, "No offense, hon, but you have a LONG way to go before you can defeat Naraku! That is why I agreed to EVERYONE working together! Kagome you have come far in such a short time, BUT you still need my help and if you agree to it, I will train you while we journey. But that is soley your choice!" Kagome's eyes widened in shock. Kitty looked at Inuyasha and said, "You, Inuyasha, have also come a long way in a short time, but YOU need to become even stronger! Don't get me wrong, but you are still just a teenager in demon years, are you not?" Inuyasha nodded. Kitty continued, "Your brother however, has become cold and ruthless! Although, he is not as short tempered as some."Miroku, looking at Kitty questioningly, inquired, "You speak of things over 50 years past, yet you are no more than 17 or 18; how is this?"Kitty smiled then once again looked from one person to the next and replied, "Simple and complicated; you see, I am Midoriko's reincarnation. As such, I know all that has happened since she died. Since she has been watching over the world, since her passing! Like Kagome, I am also my own person, BUT I do have a purpose!"Miroku looked directly at her and informed her, "Ah, that explains the aura I sense around you; it is an ancient aura!"Kitty nodded and said, "Yes it is. She lies dormant mostly in me, but in the time of great need, she tells me what must be done and gives me her strength. You could say she acts through me." She looked at Bankotsu and informed him, "You, my brave warrior, have longed for a chance to make amends for so long now. This is the chance for ALL of your band to make amends, and be able to rest at peace once and for all." She looked at Koga and added, "This is your chance to avenge your comrades, and fulfill your promise to your beloved Ayame!" She looked at Sango and continued, "And for you to avenge your family, as well as our village." She addressed the entire group and announced, "WHEN we have defeated Naraku, I wish us all long happy healthy lives filled with love and joy!" Then she sighed heavily and concluded, "However, even I can not locate Naraku. We must find and obliterate him!"A visitor...Kikyo and her soul collectors appeared. Kikyo stared at Inuyasha and commanded, "Inuyasha, tell me who is your new friend? And why do I find all of you gathered together?"Kitty looked at the newcomer and greeted her, "Hello at last, Kikyo! I am Catherine, and the reincarnation of Midoriko!"Kikyo stared at her and queried, "You? So you are the one! Tell me why are you with my Inuyasha, and his friends? And why are the wolves, and the remaining Band of Seven here as well?"Kitty held her gaze and replied evenly, "We will ALL destroy Naraku together. I am here to fulfill the task Midorkio was unable to."Kikyo said, "So you will complete, and destroy, the Sacred Jewel, huh?"Kitty nodded and informed her, "With the help of the others, I will finally rid the world of that cursed jewel."Kikyo narrowed her gaze and warned, "Naraku is mine! Stay out of my way!"Kitty also narrowed her gaze and warned, "Watch who you threaten, priestess, or you will find yourself cast into the fires of hell ALONE before you can even blink!" Kikyo notched and released an arrow, aimed directly at Kitty. Kitty stood still, concentrating on the arrow and before the arrow got within 5 feet of Kitty, it obliterated. Kitty stared at Kikyo and warned her, "Now I will only warn you once more, watch your step, Clay Pot! Unless you wish to be as your arrow just was!"Inuyasha's eyes narrowed, he growled and stepped between Kikyo and Kitty with his sword drawn. He glared at Kitty and bellowed angrily, "You will NOT threaten Kikyo!"Bankotsu's eyes also narrowed and he grabbed his Banryuu and stood in front of Kitty. He glared at Inuyasha and roared angrily, "YOU will NOT threaten Kitty!" Renkotsu, Suikotsu, and Jakotsu all jumped up ready to defend thier little sister if needed.Kitty placed a hand on Bankotsu's shoulder and said evenly "Calm yourself Ban." He looked over at her and relaxed his stance a fraction. She stared at Inuyasha and informed him, "Inuyasha, you will not defeat me so don't even try it! Ask your precious Kikyo for yourself, if you don't believe me."Kikyo lowered her head and said sadly, "She is right, Inuyasha, you would perish in an instant." Kitty nodded. Kikyo lowered her bow looked at Kitty and said, "I beg your pardon for my rashness."Kitty looked at her and replied, "All is forgiven. I know what you have been through, Kikyo, which is why I ask you join us. Together we will ALL defeat Naraku!"Kikyo said, "I must think on this!"Kitty nodded and responded, "Of course!"Kikyo looked at Inuyasha and said, "I shall find you again Inuyasha!" and with that her soul collectors lifted her off into the sky.

Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is chapter seven please remember to read and review thanks.