InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Heart Of A Mercenary ❯ eight ( Chapter 8 )

[ 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 8:
Once again, everyone sat back down around the fire in a circle. Inuyasha went off into a tree to sulk with everyone staring after him. Kitty sighed heavily, faced the group and informed them, "Well, I think we have had enough excitement for one day, but if anyone has any ideas how to locate Naraku, I am all ears."
Sango looked at her and suggested, "We should all head off into different directions, scouting around for rumors concerning Naraku and such."
Miroku looked at Sango, nodded and agreed, "Good idea, my lovely Sango."
Bankotsu turned and faced the group and added, "Okay, so we split into groups then. Smaller groups of say 3 people per group, and scout around."
Koga turned his attention back to the group and agreed, "Alright, but who goes with who?"
Kagome sighed heavily and faced the group and suggested, "We should have at least one member per group, that isn't normally with the others."
Sango nodded and said, "I agree." with a dead serious look in her chocolate brown eyes.
Miroku faced Kagome and added, "That is a very wise idea, Lady Kagome."
Inuyasha, who had been listening in the tree; jumped down, stormed over and commanded determinedly, "Kagome stays with me!" He looked at Kagome, and added seriously, "That way I can protect you!" Kagome and the others all nodded. Inuyasha faced the group and decreed, "Miroku, Sango, you both go with Koga!" They both nodded.
Bankotsu held Inuyasha's gaze and informed him, "Then Cathy goes with me! This way both of the priestesses are protected!"
Inuyasha agreed, "Fine, now for the others."
Bankotsu turned to address his men and commanded, "Suikotsu, you go with Inuyasha! Jakotsu, you will head east!"
Koga turned to the wolves and decreed, "Ginta, you go with Jakotsu! Hakkaku, you go with Cathy!" Suikotsu, Jakotsu, Ginta, and Hakkaku, all grumbled and nodded.
Bankotsu turned to Renkotsu and demanded, "Renkotsu, you are going with Jakotsu and Hakkaku!"
Renkotsu nodded and acknowledged, "Yes, big brother."
Kitty sighed heavily, and nodded. Inuyasha looked at everyone and said, "Alright, the groups are decided! Now Kagome, Suikotsu, and I, will head north!"
Bankotsu also looked at everyone and declared, "We will go south!"
Sango looked at Miroku and mentioned, "That leaves us with the west!"
Everyone nodded. Bankotsu instructed, "Good! Now, we should ALL turn in for the night, and head out at first light!"
Everyone once again agreed. Inuyasha then walked off to and rested against a tree with his sword in his arm against his chest. Koga walked off to and rested with his wolves, as did Ginta, and Hakkaku. Bankotsu walked off to and rested with his back against a tree, sitting up with his Banryuu against his shoulder, and an arm around it much like Inuyasha was holding his sword. Kitty walked over to and stretched out beside Bankotsu, with her Hiraiku within easy reach. Sango, Kagome, and Miroku, all slept in their sleeping bags around the fire. Suikotsu, Renkotsu, and Jakotsu, all slept on their blankets in a circle just off to the side of the camp fire's reach. Koga, Inuyasha, and Bankotsu stayed alert, in case of trouble as they did not trust the others completely, but rested all through the night.

The next day...

Inuyasha, Bankotsu, and Kouga, woke everyone up at first light. Everyone then ate breakfast and got ready to leave. Inuyasha faced the groups and demanded, "Everyone meet back at Kaede's village in a week! Now move out!"
Koga bristled glared at Inuyasha and warned him, "Watch who you are ordering, mutt!"
Cathy looked at Bankotsu and informed, "I know the location of Kaede's village. I can show you where it is when the time comes, Bankotsu."
Bankotsu nodded and demanded, "Let's move out then!" Turning to his men, he added sternly, "And remember guys: no killing! We are only looking for information this time!" Jakotsu pouted, Renkotsu said "Boring"; and Suikotsu nodded.
Everyone split into their groups and set off.

With Inuyasha and his group...

Inuyasha stared Suikotsu dead in the eye and demanded, "You had better not go psycho on us, Suikotsu!"
Suikotsu glared at him and scoffed, "I wouldn't give you a reason to hurt my little sister!"
Inuyasha returned his glare and warned, "You better not!"
Kagome sighed heavily and said, "Inuyasha, can't you be just a little nicer? We are all on the same side, after all."
Inuyasha huffed, and they continued on their way north.

With Sango and co...

Sango felt a hand on her butt squeezing it. She reached out, and forcefully slapped Miroku across the face. She glared at him and screeched, "Hentai!" with anger visible in her eyes.
Koga winced spun around to face them and then angrily grabbed Miroku by the collar, saying in an annoyed voice, "Damn you, lech, can it already! My ears are gonna bleed if this yelling keeps up!" glaring into his eyes.
Sango blushed, embarrassed, and mumbled, "Sorry."
Koga looked at her and retorted, "Whatever, let's just keep going." And he dropped Miroku to the ground. Miroku got up wide-eyed, dusted himself off, and they set off to wards the west again. This time Koga walked beside Sango, and Miroku was ahead of them. This was so Koga could keep the monk in line.

With Jakotsu and co...

Jakotsu was walking and whined, "I would have rather gone with my sweet Inuyasha!"
Renkotsu glaring at him and snapped annoyed, "Shut the hell up already, Jakotsu!"
Jakotsu turned to glare at him and said angrily, "You shut up Renkotsu!"
Ginta looked at them both like they were nuts and queried, "Uh guys, don't you think we should concentrate on the village up ahead, instead of bickering?"
Jakotsu and Renkotsu both turned to glare at him and yelled, "SHUT UP!"
Ginta shrugged and walked on ahead. A few minutes later they came across the village. A few meters away, Ginta faced his companions and questioned, "So who's gonna go scout around? I can't, because I am a demon and they will clam up from fear."
Renkotsu sighed and said, "I will! Jakotsu, stay here and behave!"
Jakotsu pouted and retorted, "You can't tell me what to do, Renkotsu!"
Renkotsu had already walked into the village and approached a woman that was outside hanging the laundry. He asked, "Hey, wench! What's been happening around here?"
She spun around to see who had spoken so harshly and eyes wide with fear ran to her husband afraid of the stranger. He walked out to Renkotsu then looked him tin the eye and questioned, "You are new here, right?"
Renkotsu looked at him and said, "Yeah, passing through; actually looking for an old friend."
The husband nodded and mentioned, "My wife tells me you were asking about what's been happening here."
Renkotsu became annoyed and stated, "Yeah I did, so spit it out already!"
The husband looked at him and said, "Nothing, now leave and don't come back or I will send the guards after you!"
Renkotsu stormed back over to the others. He proclaimed, "That was a big waste of time! Lets go!" So they set off again.

With Bankotsu and co...

Hakkaku stopped and faced Bankotsu and announced, "There is a village nearby. I can smell humans and lots of them!"
Kitty also stopped and nodded and questioned, "So, who is gonna scout for info?"
Bankotsu stopped and responded, "I am. And if they don't want to tell me, I will make them tell me!" with an evil glint in his eyes.
Kitty rolled her eyes and informed, "Sheesh, Ban, you should really try being nicer to people. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar! Forget it, I will go with you to make sure you aren't so harsh with these poor people."
Bankotsu scowled at her and said, "I don't need no woman butting into my affairs!" feeling slightly perturbed.
Kitty crossed her arms in front of her chest, narrowed her gaze at him and retorted, "This woman don't need no pig headed man scaring off potential leads!' She then turned on her heel and walked toward the village, leaving behind a stunned Hakkaku and a somewhat irritated Bankotsu.

At the village...

She walked into the village and started looking around. A villager spotted her and not recognizing her, he walked over and greeted, "Hey beautiful, you are new here, aren't you?"
She turned to face him and smiled and replied, "Just passing through, really. But I was wondering what news this town has?"
He smiled and suggested, "Have a drink with me, and I can fill you in on everything about this village."
Kitty smiled charmingly and countered, "I don't drink. But I will pay for you a drink, if you give me the latest news."
The man thought this over and said, "Sure thing, sweetheart." and eyed her with obvious interest.
Bankotsu walked up looked at the man and warned him seriously, "Hey pal, she's already taken! So watch it!" As he wrapped his arm around Kitty's waist possessively, he pulled her back to him.
The man appeared shocked by the display. He looked at Kitty and responded, "Oh well, how 'bout that drink, doll?"
Bankotsu, still looking at the man, said, "Sure, let's go babe!" He took Kitty's hand and dragged her into the tavern with him and the villager. He walked over to an empty table and ordered sake, as did the villager. Kitty paid then turned to the man and queried sweetly:
"Now, about the news?"
The man smiled and responded, "Ah yes; well the headman's daughter had a baby boy recently, and the priestess is missing."
Kitty frowned and questioned, "How long has the priestess been missing?"
The man replied, "A week now. Rumor has it that she went into the woods, and was attacked by a hoard of demons. But, no one knows for certain."
Kitty began to feel a strange feeling and began looking around cautiously, while the men conversed. Bankotsu, out of the corner of his eye noticed her unease, and continued to question the man, "Where at in the woods?"
The man answered, "About ten miles south of here. She has been gone a week and hasn't been seen or heard from since."
Kitty turned her attention back to the men and queried, "Why did she go to the woods alone?"
The man replied, "All the guards were off dealing with an army of invaders from the lord of the castle from the south. He has been trying to take this village and enslave us for the last few months, and rumor has it he has allied himself with a powerful demon!"
Bankotsu demanded, "Where do I find this castle and lord?"
The man answered, "Twenty miles south of here. But beware; if he has allied his self with demons, he won't be easy to defeat!"
Bankotsu laughed and bragged, "I can defeat him and his demons, no sweat!"
Kitty looked at him and informed, "You mean WE! We are a team, remember?"
The man's eyes widened in shock and he exclaimed, "Surely no man would put such a beauty in harm's way?"
Kitty faced the man, smiled and replied, "Relax, I am a demon slayer after all!"
The man questioned, confused, "I thought the slayers village was destroyed years ago?"
Kitty nodded and confirmed, "Correct, but a few of us survived and are still doing what we are trained for." She threw the man a few gold coins on the table, and said, "Next drink is on us!"
The man grinned and bemoaned, "Alas; a beautiful slayer, and generous as well! Too bad you are taken!"
Bankotsu cast the man one last warning glance, and then stood up, pulled Kitty along behind him over to Hakkaku, who was told what they had managed to find out.

With Hakkaku...

Bankotsu looked at them seriously and suggested, "We should head for the castle at first light."
Kitty agreed, "Yes, but along the way we must try to find the place where this priestess was last said to be; if a hoard of demons did attack then something is very wrong here."
Bankotsu sighed heavily and said in bored voice, "Fine, but only because it is along the way!"
Kitty nodded. Hakkaku queried, "How could a priestess go off into the woods alone?"
Kitty looked at Hakkaku and responded, "That is what I intend to find out!" her eyes shining with determination,
Bankotsu suggested, "We should take a room in the village for the night."
Kitty shook her head adamantly. She informed him, "No Ban, I don't think that is a wise move. Something about that place seemed a little...off to me. And I have learned to trust those feelings. I think we should camp out AWAY from the village! That man seemed okay, but something in the tavern was very wrong!"
Bankotsu looked into their eyes and acknowledged, "I had noticed you looking around a bit, and wondered what was up."
Kitty nodded. She said, "Something is VERY wrong here. No priestess in her right mind would ever go into the woods alone, let alone for a week, and I felt evil in the atmosphere in the tavern but couldn't pin point it. I don't like this, guys! Something is definitely wrong in that village!"
Hakkaku looked at her and added, "I feel it too; even from here I feel an evil presence!"
Bankotsu looked at them. He thought it over and then ordered, "Let's go then!"
Kitty suggested, "Let's move out then and start heading to wards the castle. A few hours of daylight are still left. "
Bankotsu nodded, "Good, I hate wasting time! Let's move out!"
Everyone moved out and stayed very alert while heading toward the spot where the priestess was rumored to have disappeared.

Elsewhere...

"My lord, what shall we do about the villagers?" Sasha asked while looking at the afore mentioned man.
"Sasha, have you anything to report then?" queried the Lord of the castle of the south, Nenji.
"Yes my lord. Today a strange woman showed up, and asked a villager about the priestess. She had a strange man with her as well." responded Sasha.
Nenji stared her in the eye and said: "I see. Sasha, what exactly did the villager tell them?"
Sasha replied, "Everything about the priestess missing, where she was last seen, and the rumors concerning you and a demons alliance."
Nenji grew angry and demanded, "Sasha, bring this villager to me at once!"
Sasha bowed and said, "As you command, my lord!" She left as she was commanded to.
Nenji paced angrily and demanded, "Mushi! Report to Madame at once! Tell her we may have a problem!"
Mushi bowed and left to do as he had been ordered.

With Inuyasha and co again...

Inuyasha sniffed the air, growled eyes narrowed, drew his sword and said, "Kagura...!" Kagome drew her bow and notched an arrow and prepared for an attack.
Kagura emerged from above the tree tops. She looked at them and said, "Inuyasha, your nose is as strong as ever, I see!"
Inuyasha glared at her and demanded, "What the hell do you want now!?"
Kagura responded, "Shut up and listen! I haven't much time! Naraku is after the priestess!"
Inuyasha became concerned and yelled, "Kikyo!?"
Kagura snorted and said, "Not that clay pot! The other one!"
Kagome's eyes widened and she came to a realization and asked, "Cathy!?"
Kagura stared her in the eye and replied, "Yes, that one! He has set a trap and she and her group are walking right into it! He intends to take control of her and her powers! Go quickly to the south; do not waste any more time! Head to wards the castle and avoid the village where he has spies. Now go! If he finds out my part in this he will kill me I must go!" With that she flew off.
Suikotsu stared Inuyasha dead in the eye and informed him determinedly, "We must save little sister!"
Kagome turned to Inuyasha and added, "Quickly, Inuyasha!"
Inuyasha nodded, then knelt down and said, "Climb on, Kagome!" Kagome climbed on Inuyasha's back and they took off to wards the south.

With Koga and co...

Koga looked anxious and announced, "There's someone close by."
Miroku nodded and added, "It's a demonic aura!"
Sango readied her Hiraikotsu and prepared for battle.
Sesshomaru appeared out of the trees then faced them and demanded, "What are you doing in my lands!?"
Sango faced him and replied, "Scouting for rumors of Naraku, and any other information we can find."
Sesshomaru blankly informed, "He is in the south; that is where I am headed now."
Miroku looked at him and asked, "How do you know this!?"
Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at the monk and warned him, "Do not dare to question this Sesshomaru again human or you shall pay the price for your insolence!"
Koga immediately exclaimed, "Shit! Cathy! She is in the south with that weakling human! Hakkaku won't be much better in a fight! We must get to her fast!" And with that, Koga whirl winded off to wards the south.
Sango yelled, "Bankotsu is not an easy opponent!" But Koga was already gone.
Sesshomaru glared at Sango and demanded, "Why would the priestess Cathy be working with Naraku's pawn?"
Miroku held his gaze and responded, "Long story. To sum it up the remaining Band of Seven are human again and are now our allies- Cathy's doing of course, the ally thing."
Sango added, "Cathy, Bankotsu and Hakkaku went south."
Sesshomaru took action and demanded, "We must hurry then! Move out!" He summoned his cloud beneath him and took off to wards the south.
Sango said, "Kirara, let's go!" Kirara transformed and Sango and Miroku climbed onto her back and she took off to wards the south.

Back at the castle in the south...

"My lord, I have brought the villager as you commanded." said Sasha while holding said villager.
Nenji mentioned, "Very well, Sasha you may leave for now." Sasha bowed and took her leave. Nenji faced the villager and demanded, "You, tell me EVERYTHING you told the woman and man today or I will make you suffer terribly!"
The villager's eyes wide with fear and he stammered, "Pl...please don't hurt me!"
Nenji firmly demanded, "SPEAK, now!" The villager nodded and repeated everything he had told the couple. Nenji asked, "Tell me of this woman, what did she say of her and her companion?"
The villager replied, "She claimed to be a demon slayer and he claimed to be able to beat you and the demons no sweat. He looked quite strong, and his hair was in a long braid. Her hair was as long as his but in a high ponytail, and I remember thinking she was quite a beauty."
Nenji raised a brow and queried, "And their names!?"
The villager held his gaze and said, "They never mentioned them!"
Nenji in disbelief scoffed and yelled, "You expect me to believe they talked with you, and never once mentioned each other's names?"
The villager answered, "It's the truth, sire!"
Nenji narrowed his gaze and yelled, "Sasha!"
Sasha appeared and said, "Yes my lord?"
Nenji faced her and ordered, "Dispose of this lout! Immediately!"
The villager panicked and yelled, "No please! I have told you everything I swear it!"
Nenji waved his hand and Sasha dragged the screaming villager into the woods and killed him with a fist through his stomach. Sasha returned and informed Nenji, "It is done, milord!"
Nenji replied, "Good! Now, wench, get yourself to my chambers and make ready for me. I shall join you soon!"
Sasha grinned and said, "Aye milord, I shall await you!" She walked off to his chambers, undressed and got into bed, eagerly awaiting her lord and lover's arrival.

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