InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Unexpected Encounters ❯ twenty eight ( Chapter 28 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: kittyb78 
Return from whence she came.
Bankotsu and his group return to Airi's homelands and face off against Tanran.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 01.02.2010 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.9K | Visits: 248 | Status: Work In Progress
Return from whence she came.
Bankotsu and his group return to Airi's homelands and face off against Tanran.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 01.02.2010 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.9K | Visits: 248 | Status: Work In Progress
Disclaimer: I do not own the Inuyasha characters, they belong to Rumiko Takahashi. I do own this plot line and all OC’s.
Chapter twenty eight:
Two weeks later:
Airi’s breath hitched when she and the others entered the outskirts of the kingdom. As she had feared Tanran had been neglecting the people. It was evident from the scrawny bodies of the peasants as they drove by.
Bankotsu’s eyes went to the raggedly dressed citizens and he sighed heavily muttering, “Any good leader knows to respect their people.”
Airi agreed, “Hai, but no one claimed Tanran was a good leader.” As her eyes gazed in sorrow at the mistreated state of her people.
Bankotsu nodded and faced his men warning, “Be prepared to fight our way to the castle, if needed.” They all nodded in acknowledgment, and remained silently alert.
Most of the people were far too scared or timid to approach the group of dangerous looking intruders. They watched wide eyed as the Ogre and tank carrying people drew closer.
Airi stood up as did the others. She went to stand where she would be seen and said, “Do not fear us. I have returned to my homelands, and these people with me are my friends. They have come to aid us.”
Noticing the similarity of this woman, to their previous queen, one village woman spoke up querying, “Princess Airi?”
She stood tall and nodded to the woman assuring, “It is I.”
The villager’s eyes widened and a sense of excitement spread throughout the quickly gathering crowd.
--
Tanran and his warriors had just recently returned from battle and acquiring some new territory. They were still in the stables, when they heard a servant running by and crying out, “The princess has returned.”
Tanran’s eyes widened and he bellowed out, “Impossible!”
The servant replied seriously, “Lie milord, she has returned.” and grinned running over to join the gathering crowd.
Tanran grit his jaw and thought angrily, 'Not for long.' as he quickly remounted his steed and led his warriors toward the huge crowd.
Tanran demanded in a deep voice, “What is the meaning of this?! Why are you not working the fields?!” forcing his way through the crowd on his steed.
His eyes widened as he spotted what the commotion was all about. A large tank-like creature was moving through the crowd unhindered. On top of the tank stood a woman he’d hoped to never lay eyes on. He knew from the similarities to his dead cousin’s dead wife, it had to be the child who had escaped.
Airi spoke up addressing the people and said, “Fear not my people, for I have returned.”
Tanran glared at her and moved his horse towards her, stopping as a gigantic mountain of a man moved to stand beside the tank. His eyes widened briefly, before narrowing at the woman and demanding, “Leave these lands immediately!”
Recognizing the voice from her nightmarish memories, and scowling at the face that had been forever etched into her mind, Airi’s blood began to boil with anger and resentment. Slowly she turned to face her parent’s murderer.
Although she was seething on the inside, her outward appearance remained schooled to a calm façade. She was a warrior after all, and any decent warrior knew to enter battle with a cool head. Airi smirked and questioned amused, “Who is going to make me?”
Tanran yelled, “I will!” and turned his horse to face his men, ordering, “Men prepare for battle!” pulling out his sword. His soldiers followed suit, preparing to defend their king.
Bankotsu smirked and instructed Genkotsu to fire a warning. Genkotsu gave his customary response and did as told, with the cannon blast landing just a few feet in front of the arrogant king.
Tanran gaped in shock a brief second, and then demanded angrily, “What is the meaning of all this?” glaring hard at the misfit group of miscreants who dared to invade his lands.
Airi’s eyes glued to his and she replied firmly, “We’re taking back my father’s lands and ending your tyranny,” as she calmly drew her katanas from their sheathes, preparing to face him.
Bankotsu laid a hand on her arm staying her weapons, and keeping her in place with a stern glare. As she nodded to him and relaxed her stance, Bankotsu faced the King and announced seriously, “I shall face you in her stead.” staring directly at the man who had caused his wife such misery.
Because of this man, his Airi has cried many tears and relieved horrible nightmares over and over. Because of this man, his Airi had shown weakness by crying many nights. This man was going to pay for every tear she cried, every night she had been unable to sleep, and for every ounce of pain and suffering she had endured.
Tanran said, “And if I refuse?” eying the warrior cautiously. A woman he could have easily defeated, this man however could prove challenging. A challenge he wasn’t sure he was willing to face.
Bankotsu grinned evilly and replied seriously, “Then my men and I will go to war with you.” indicating his team with a lazy wave of his hand, including the ogre Kyokotsu, who looked very intimidating, and was obviously eager to battle.
Tanran’s men felt their horses growing restless underneath them and had their hands full just keeping the horses in place.
Airi pointed out, “It would endanger the people,” with disapproval heavily laced in her tone. Bankotsu gave her a look telling her to trust him. She sighed and nodded.
Bankotsu used a hand to encompass all of his warriors again, and said, “All of us could face off against you and your men, losing most of your men in the process.” He tapped Banryu lightly against his shoulder and finished, “Or, you and I could face of one on one in hand to hand combat.”
Smirking as he added, “The winner of course, will become the undisputed King, and is free to do whatever he wishes to with the loser.”
Airi added solemnly, “The rest of these men with me, will help to ensure that none of your warriors try to interfere.”
Tanran demanded, “Why should I chance my throne against someone who has no legal claim to it?”
Airi placed a hand on Bankotsu’s shoulder, and announced seriously, “Because he is my husband, and therefore entitled to challenge you for the throne.” holding up the marriage scroll for all to see.
Tanran’s eyes narrowed at her and he argued, “You have no right to my kingdom. You abandoned them.” stabbing an accusing finger in her direction.
Her eyes lit with fire and she replied angrily, “I didn’t run away, I was taken away.” Adding, “Which only happened because you murdered my parent’s and would have done the same to me,” as she clenched her fists by her sides.
A complete silence fell over the crowd. Tanran yelled, “You have no proof!”
Airi sneered back, “Actually I do.” and held up her wrist, revealing the scar to the crowd, explaining, “This is the same wound that you inflicted on me days before they were killed in a fire that you set.”
The crowd began whispering that if she hadn’t been there, she’d have had no knowledge of the fire being what killed them.
She explained, “Luckily my grandfather arrived in time to spare me the same fate which you dealt my parents. The fire blazed hot enough that I felt as if my skin would burst into flames. And I smelt the acrid smoke even as we were putting distance between us and you. You were also shouting profanities as you discovered me missing.”
Tanran’s face became red with anger and he bellowed, “Enough!” facing Bankotsu, he demanded, “What makes you think you and your monstrous men can defeat me and my army?” adding smugly, “We vastly out number you even now.”
Bankotsu’s teeth gleamed white against his tanned face as he replied smugly, “Because no man alive can beat the Schichinatai.” sending the crowd into another buzz of whispers as they gaped openly at the men.
Tanran sneered, “The Schichinatai are dead you fool.”
Bankotsu said amused, “We were, but as you can plainly see we are no longer.” as he hopped off of Genkotsu and motioned for the man to make his choice.
Tanran said, “I will face Airi only.” As his hate filled eyes landed on the woman who was causing him such trouble.
Bankotsu snorted and said adamantly, “Lie, my wife isn’t fighting anyone, while she’s pregnant. You’re stuck with me.” grinning at the man’s stunned look.
The crowd began buzzing excitedly as they watched the men verbally spar a while longer.
Tanran wasn’t about to face the man one on one and risk losing. His army far outnumbered theirs, so he opted for a full out war, by saying, “We will meet you on the battlefield at sunrise.” and motioned for his men to follow him.
Bankotsu looked disappointed and called out warning, “If you try to run, I will hunt you down.” smirking as he watched fear enter the man’s eyes.
Airi yelled out, “Lie! This ends here and now!” Glaring at the man who was solely responsible for the brutal deaths of both of her parents with pure anger and hate, she challenged, “Tanran act like a man and face him now, one on one, or prove to everyone in attendance what a coward you really are.”
Her eyes were cold and unforgiving, though lit with flames of a dangerous anger being carefully controlled.
His eyes narrowed at her and he hissed angrily, “You dare insult me on my lands?!” Drawing his sword he kicked the horse, which ran forward. He growled, “You will learn your place, bitch!” intending to strike at her.
She smirked and ducked his strike, holding the weapon in place with one of her own, and smirked landing her own strike, as her Katana nicked his cheek. As tempted as she was to end his miserable life right now, she wanted to watch this man suffer and pay for his crimes.
His killing her parents is what drove her to this level of cruelty. His cruel treatment of their people only added to her determination that he suffer.
She didn’t want Tanran crying foul on account of having received a serious injury just before facing the wrath of her husband. So, the tip of her blade only cut deep enough to break the skin and allow a small line of blood to bloom on his face.
His eyes widened and his hand went to his face coming back with a tiny thin line of blood on it. He growled, “How dare you?!” moving to strike her again.
Bankotsu smirked and quickly thrust Banryu between his wife and her would be attacker, saying amused, “Well I did promise that you would get to draw first blood on him.” giving her a sheepish grin.
She eyed her parent’s murdered with disdain and a cool demeanor, replying, “Hai you did.” She withdrew and replaced the katana in her sheathe, as she said in a dismissing tone, “He’s all yours.” nodding to her husband, before moving to sit up on Kyokotsu’s large shoulder, where she intended to watch the show from.
Bankotsu chuckled and faced his opponent asking lazily, “With or without weapons, either way?” With a casual shrug he added cockily, “Though you might have more of a chance of survival without them.” flicking Banryu to gleam dangerously in the sunlight.
His laid back eyes became dark and he informed his opponent icily, “But you will face me now, whether you want to or not!” motioning with Banryu at the man’s throat just not breaking the skin, he declared dangerously, “No one ever attacks my wife, without answering to me for it.” He removed Banryu driving it into the ground, before cracking his fists in a threatening manner, watching the man dismount.
Knowing he had no choice, Tanran reluctantly got off his horse and growled, “Everyone stay back.” intending to teach the uncouth lad some manners.
Bankotsu smirked as he watched the man tossing his sword and sheathe to the ground. Both had a hidden weapon on them. They ran at each other and Tanran punched toward the kid, missing as the mercenary ducked grinning and punched his stomach.
Tanran’s eyes widened and he doubled over, hissing angrily, “Damn you to hell.” coughing as he tried to regain his breath.
Bankotsu smirked warning, “For your sake Tanran, I hope that wasn’t your best shot.” motioning for the man to bring it on.
Insulted, Tanran scoffed and stood up replying haughtily, “Not even close, kid.”
Bankotsu’s smirk became a flat expression with cold eyes as he said, “I’m not a kid.” He ran over and kicked towards the man, who jumped into the air to avoid the leg, and landed, throwing another punch towards the young upstart.
This blow landed on Bankotsu’s shoulder and he just smirked, before grabbing the fist and twisting it, planting a punch of his own at the man’s face, breaking his nose, with a sickening crunch noise.
Tanran screamed out angrily, “Damn you!” and ripped his sore limb away from the kid.
Bankotsu grinned sheepishly and taunted, “Hey it’s not my fault that you have such a weak punch.”
He was just toying with the guy for now. He had every intention of intending making this man suffer greatly. First he was going to destroy every ounce of this man’s pride. Then he was going to take the man the one thing that mattered above all else to him- his kingdom. And then finally he would take the man’s life. So he decided to just enjoy himself a bit first, by playing with his victim.
Bankotsu had purposefully allowed the guy hit him, to build up a false confidence in himself, just so that Bankotsu could rip that away from him too. He had no intention of losing to a coward like this man, and it he wasn’t about to let the jerk live either, not after making his wife suffer so much. His opponent was a walking dead man, it was only by his whim, that the man stood even now, as Bankotsu was still pulling his own punches.
The crowd watched awed as the newcomer and their King fought exchanging blows. Each member of the crowd was draw in by the battle and watched eagerly.
Airi sat on Kyokotsu’s shoulder and yawned thinking, 'So he’s toying with him a bit first, eh?' smirking as she thought, 'The playful Bankotsu is relatively safe. It’s when he becomes serious, that you may as well bend over and kiss your ass goodbye.'
Jakotsu sat at the head spot on his tank like comrade and watched boredly as his leader toyed with the victim. 'When is he going to get serious?' he wondered.
Laying back he muttered, “Let me know when he decides to quit toying with the guy,” and closed his eyes taking a cat nap.
Suikotsu nodded and watched in morbid satisfaction as his leader verbally sparred with the guy, while toying with his opponent. He thought amused, 'He can be such a kid at times.' Adding, 'But he’s far from being a child. This should prove interesting.' and continued watching the battle below.
Twenty minutes later, Tanran had bruises on both arms and his face and he scoffed, “Is this the best you’ve got, kid?”
Bankotsu’s playfulness disappeared and he replied darkly, “I told you I’m not a kid!” Smirking he added, “And I’m done playing now.” His childlike mannerism vanished and in its place stood the cold blooded mercenary leader, with his trade mark deadly smirk.
--
Airi thought, “Finally.” and sat up straighter to watch the show.
Suikotsu nudged Jakotsu with a foot and said, “Hey, he’s ready to get serious now.”
Jakotsu bolted up smirking and said happily, “Finally!” getting in a better position to watch.
--
The crowd fell silent as a dark, ominous aura began to radiate from the braid haired mercenary.
Tanran demanded, “What do you mean you’re done playing?” as his hands fisted at his side.
Bankotsu cracked his knuckles into fists and repeated calmly, “I’m ready to be serious now.” smirking wider as he watched the outrage fill his opponent’s eyes.
Tanran bellowed out angrily, “You mean you’ve been toying with me all this time?!” eyes flashing with flames of anger and nostrils flaring as he realized this boy had just made a fool of him.
Bankotsu grinned. “Yup.” and dodged the charging man’s fist. He caught the fist and twisted the man’s arm behind his back, making him scream out in pain and anger.
Bankotsu chuckled, “Aw did I do that?” before snapping the arm and saying amused, “Oops.” laughing at the man’s angry curses.
Tanran freed his arm and fell to the ground, kicking the mercenary’s legs, causing him to fall to the ground.
Bankotsu smirked and flipped back to his feet, sending a kick of his own, to the opponent’s knee cap, snapping it too.
--
Tanran’s soldiers, moved to try and aide their king, but were stopped by a warning blast from Genkotsu. Jakotsu glared at them and said amused, “Tsk tsk, no interfering.” Turning serious he ordered, “Stay right there.” eyes promising pain if they didn’t, as his hand went to the hilt of Jakotsuo.
The men’s eyes widened and they stayed put, watching helplessly as their king was tortured before the very shocked crowd.
--
Tanran cried out again and his good hand pulled out his knife and he started flailing the knife to keep his attacker at bay.
Bankotsu scoffed, “That puny blade won’t hurt me, old man.”Knocking the blade away, before adding insult to injury and slamming the flat palm of his hand onto the broken knee, sending intense pain through the guy’s body, as he said, “That’s for trying to use a blade on me.”
He smirked twisting the broken arm, and said, “That’s for killing my wife’s parents.” Laughing maniacally as he continued by snapping each of the man’s fingers one by one and saying, “That’s for daring to attack my wife.”
Tanran’s eyes filled with moisture as he demanded, “What kind of animal are you?” trying to ignore the pain wracking his body.
Bankotsu’s blue eyes practically laughed as fear swept like wild fire through Tanran’s brown ones. He was very much enjoying the screams of pain as he continued working on making the man suffer.
Tanran began contorting his body in sickly ways, as the mercenary continued working on the man, stripping him of any sense of pride. In fact, Bankotsu continued stripping him of anything but pain, horror, and fear.
Bankotsu’s hand aimed for the man’s throat as he said, “You lose Tanran.” moving to hit certain nerve points, paralyzing the man temporarily, so he couldn’t move, but would continue to suffer in agonizing pain, while he continued his work, grounding out loud enough for everyone to hear, “You should have never hurt my wife.”
Another agonized scream of pain and fear ripped from the tortured man’s lips, as Bankotsu broke the next bone, relishing the cries and whimpering of his victim, completely indifferent to the man’s pains.
When it became too much for Airi to bear, she yelled loudly, “Enough Bankotsu. I think he has paid for his crimes, including those committed against the people.”
Bankotsu frowned at having his fun interrupted. He turned to her and noticed the pale look of her face and sighed heavily pouting as he thought sulkily, “There goes my fun.”
“Put the fool out of his misery before I end up losing my lunch.” She pleaded, with a hand dropping to her stomach, as the other went to cover her mouth.
Huffing Bankotsu stabbed his fingers through the flesh of the man’s neck and ripped it out growling, “Now die!” He ignored the blood coating his fingers and tossed the flesh to the ground, before facing the warriors who had served their lord asking, “Any takers?”
They all had huge eyes as they shook their heads no and began running away on their horses. Bankotsu pouted at not having anyone else to fight.
Jakotsu hopped off the tank and walked over slapping him on the back as he said, “Cheer up big brother. After all you’re now the new king.”
Bankotsu muttered, “Oh joy,” a bit sarcastically, and stomped off towards Airi, who was just hopping from Kyokotsu’s hand, to land gracefully on her feet.
She stood up facing the people and said, “Your time of suffering has come to an end. Bow now, to your new king.” before ruining over and launching herself into her husband’s chest.
The people immediately bowed in respect to their new king, slightly creeping Bankotsu out.
As he felt something barrel into his chest, Bankotsu blinked and laughed catching Airi in his arms and spinning her around, as he said, “You’re people are free and the murderer is dead now.”
She bent down kissing his chin and said, “Hai thank you.”
He smirked and replied, “Well let’s go check out our new home.” and she smiled leading him towards the castle.
--
A/N: Okay that’s chapter twenty eight. One more left which will be the epilogue. I hope everyone is enjoying this story! XD
Chapter twenty eight:
Two weeks later:
Airi’s breath hitched when she and the others entered the outskirts of the kingdom. As she had feared Tanran had been neglecting the people. It was evident from the scrawny bodies of the peasants as they drove by.
Bankotsu’s eyes went to the raggedly dressed citizens and he sighed heavily muttering, “Any good leader knows to respect their people.”
Airi agreed, “Hai, but no one claimed Tanran was a good leader.” As her eyes gazed in sorrow at the mistreated state of her people.
Bankotsu nodded and faced his men warning, “Be prepared to fight our way to the castle, if needed.” They all nodded in acknowledgment, and remained silently alert.
Most of the people were far too scared or timid to approach the group of dangerous looking intruders. They watched wide eyed as the Ogre and tank carrying people drew closer.
Airi stood up as did the others. She went to stand where she would be seen and said, “Do not fear us. I have returned to my homelands, and these people with me are my friends. They have come to aid us.”
Noticing the similarity of this woman, to their previous queen, one village woman spoke up querying, “Princess Airi?”
She stood tall and nodded to the woman assuring, “It is I.”
The villager’s eyes widened and a sense of excitement spread throughout the quickly gathering crowd.
--
Tanran and his warriors had just recently returned from battle and acquiring some new territory. They were still in the stables, when they heard a servant running by and crying out, “The princess has returned.”
Tanran’s eyes widened and he bellowed out, “Impossible!”
The servant replied seriously, “Lie milord, she has returned.” and grinned running over to join the gathering crowd.
Tanran grit his jaw and thought angrily, 'Not for long.' as he quickly remounted his steed and led his warriors toward the huge crowd.
Tanran demanded in a deep voice, “What is the meaning of this?! Why are you not working the fields?!” forcing his way through the crowd on his steed.
His eyes widened as he spotted what the commotion was all about. A large tank-like creature was moving through the crowd unhindered. On top of the tank stood a woman he’d hoped to never lay eyes on. He knew from the similarities to his dead cousin’s dead wife, it had to be the child who had escaped.
Airi spoke up addressing the people and said, “Fear not my people, for I have returned.”
Tanran glared at her and moved his horse towards her, stopping as a gigantic mountain of a man moved to stand beside the tank. His eyes widened briefly, before narrowing at the woman and demanding, “Leave these lands immediately!”
Recognizing the voice from her nightmarish memories, and scowling at the face that had been forever etched into her mind, Airi’s blood began to boil with anger and resentment. Slowly she turned to face her parent’s murderer.
Although she was seething on the inside, her outward appearance remained schooled to a calm façade. She was a warrior after all, and any decent warrior knew to enter battle with a cool head. Airi smirked and questioned amused, “Who is going to make me?”
Tanran yelled, “I will!” and turned his horse to face his men, ordering, “Men prepare for battle!” pulling out his sword. His soldiers followed suit, preparing to defend their king.
Bankotsu smirked and instructed Genkotsu to fire a warning. Genkotsu gave his customary response and did as told, with the cannon blast landing just a few feet in front of the arrogant king.
Tanran gaped in shock a brief second, and then demanded angrily, “What is the meaning of all this?” glaring hard at the misfit group of miscreants who dared to invade his lands.
Airi’s eyes glued to his and she replied firmly, “We’re taking back my father’s lands and ending your tyranny,” as she calmly drew her katanas from their sheathes, preparing to face him.
Bankotsu laid a hand on her arm staying her weapons, and keeping her in place with a stern glare. As she nodded to him and relaxed her stance, Bankotsu faced the King and announced seriously, “I shall face you in her stead.” staring directly at the man who had caused his wife such misery.
Because of this man, his Airi has cried many tears and relieved horrible nightmares over and over. Because of this man, his Airi had shown weakness by crying many nights. This man was going to pay for every tear she cried, every night she had been unable to sleep, and for every ounce of pain and suffering she had endured.
Tanran said, “And if I refuse?” eying the warrior cautiously. A woman he could have easily defeated, this man however could prove challenging. A challenge he wasn’t sure he was willing to face.
Bankotsu grinned evilly and replied seriously, “Then my men and I will go to war with you.” indicating his team with a lazy wave of his hand, including the ogre Kyokotsu, who looked very intimidating, and was obviously eager to battle.
Tanran’s men felt their horses growing restless underneath them and had their hands full just keeping the horses in place.
Airi pointed out, “It would endanger the people,” with disapproval heavily laced in her tone. Bankotsu gave her a look telling her to trust him. She sighed and nodded.
Bankotsu used a hand to encompass all of his warriors again, and said, “All of us could face off against you and your men, losing most of your men in the process.” He tapped Banryu lightly against his shoulder and finished, “Or, you and I could face of one on one in hand to hand combat.”
Smirking as he added, “The winner of course, will become the undisputed King, and is free to do whatever he wishes to with the loser.”
Airi added solemnly, “The rest of these men with me, will help to ensure that none of your warriors try to interfere.”
Tanran demanded, “Why should I chance my throne against someone who has no legal claim to it?”
Airi placed a hand on Bankotsu’s shoulder, and announced seriously, “Because he is my husband, and therefore entitled to challenge you for the throne.” holding up the marriage scroll for all to see.
Tanran’s eyes narrowed at her and he argued, “You have no right to my kingdom. You abandoned them.” stabbing an accusing finger in her direction.
Her eyes lit with fire and she replied angrily, “I didn’t run away, I was taken away.” Adding, “Which only happened because you murdered my parent’s and would have done the same to me,” as she clenched her fists by her sides.
A complete silence fell over the crowd. Tanran yelled, “You have no proof!”
Airi sneered back, “Actually I do.” and held up her wrist, revealing the scar to the crowd, explaining, “This is the same wound that you inflicted on me days before they were killed in a fire that you set.”
The crowd began whispering that if she hadn’t been there, she’d have had no knowledge of the fire being what killed them.
She explained, “Luckily my grandfather arrived in time to spare me the same fate which you dealt my parents. The fire blazed hot enough that I felt as if my skin would burst into flames. And I smelt the acrid smoke even as we were putting distance between us and you. You were also shouting profanities as you discovered me missing.”
Tanran’s face became red with anger and he bellowed, “Enough!” facing Bankotsu, he demanded, “What makes you think you and your monstrous men can defeat me and my army?” adding smugly, “We vastly out number you even now.”
Bankotsu’s teeth gleamed white against his tanned face as he replied smugly, “Because no man alive can beat the Schichinatai.” sending the crowd into another buzz of whispers as they gaped openly at the men.
Tanran sneered, “The Schichinatai are dead you fool.”
Bankotsu said amused, “We were, but as you can plainly see we are no longer.” as he hopped off of Genkotsu and motioned for the man to make his choice.
Tanran said, “I will face Airi only.” As his hate filled eyes landed on the woman who was causing him such trouble.
Bankotsu snorted and said adamantly, “Lie, my wife isn’t fighting anyone, while she’s pregnant. You’re stuck with me.” grinning at the man’s stunned look.
The crowd began buzzing excitedly as they watched the men verbally spar a while longer.
Tanran wasn’t about to face the man one on one and risk losing. His army far outnumbered theirs, so he opted for a full out war, by saying, “We will meet you on the battlefield at sunrise.” and motioned for his men to follow him.
Bankotsu looked disappointed and called out warning, “If you try to run, I will hunt you down.” smirking as he watched fear enter the man’s eyes.
Airi yelled out, “Lie! This ends here and now!” Glaring at the man who was solely responsible for the brutal deaths of both of her parents with pure anger and hate, she challenged, “Tanran act like a man and face him now, one on one, or prove to everyone in attendance what a coward you really are.”
Her eyes were cold and unforgiving, though lit with flames of a dangerous anger being carefully controlled.
His eyes narrowed at her and he hissed angrily, “You dare insult me on my lands?!” Drawing his sword he kicked the horse, which ran forward. He growled, “You will learn your place, bitch!” intending to strike at her.
She smirked and ducked his strike, holding the weapon in place with one of her own, and smirked landing her own strike, as her Katana nicked his cheek. As tempted as she was to end his miserable life right now, she wanted to watch this man suffer and pay for his crimes.
His killing her parents is what drove her to this level of cruelty. His cruel treatment of their people only added to her determination that he suffer.
She didn’t want Tanran crying foul on account of having received a serious injury just before facing the wrath of her husband. So, the tip of her blade only cut deep enough to break the skin and allow a small line of blood to bloom on his face.
His eyes widened and his hand went to his face coming back with a tiny thin line of blood on it. He growled, “How dare you?!” moving to strike her again.
Bankotsu smirked and quickly thrust Banryu between his wife and her would be attacker, saying amused, “Well I did promise that you would get to draw first blood on him.” giving her a sheepish grin.
She eyed her parent’s murdered with disdain and a cool demeanor, replying, “Hai you did.” She withdrew and replaced the katana in her sheathe, as she said in a dismissing tone, “He’s all yours.” nodding to her husband, before moving to sit up on Kyokotsu’s large shoulder, where she intended to watch the show from.
Bankotsu chuckled and faced his opponent asking lazily, “With or without weapons, either way?” With a casual shrug he added cockily, “Though you might have more of a chance of survival without them.” flicking Banryu to gleam dangerously in the sunlight.
His laid back eyes became dark and he informed his opponent icily, “But you will face me now, whether you want to or not!” motioning with Banryu at the man’s throat just not breaking the skin, he declared dangerously, “No one ever attacks my wife, without answering to me for it.” He removed Banryu driving it into the ground, before cracking his fists in a threatening manner, watching the man dismount.
Knowing he had no choice, Tanran reluctantly got off his horse and growled, “Everyone stay back.” intending to teach the uncouth lad some manners.
Bankotsu smirked as he watched the man tossing his sword and sheathe to the ground. Both had a hidden weapon on them. They ran at each other and Tanran punched toward the kid, missing as the mercenary ducked grinning and punched his stomach.
Tanran’s eyes widened and he doubled over, hissing angrily, “Damn you to hell.” coughing as he tried to regain his breath.
Bankotsu smirked warning, “For your sake Tanran, I hope that wasn’t your best shot.” motioning for the man to bring it on.
Insulted, Tanran scoffed and stood up replying haughtily, “Not even close, kid.”
Bankotsu’s smirk became a flat expression with cold eyes as he said, “I’m not a kid.” He ran over and kicked towards the man, who jumped into the air to avoid the leg, and landed, throwing another punch towards the young upstart.
This blow landed on Bankotsu’s shoulder and he just smirked, before grabbing the fist and twisting it, planting a punch of his own at the man’s face, breaking his nose, with a sickening crunch noise.
Tanran screamed out angrily, “Damn you!” and ripped his sore limb away from the kid.
Bankotsu grinned sheepishly and taunted, “Hey it’s not my fault that you have such a weak punch.”
He was just toying with the guy for now. He had every intention of intending making this man suffer greatly. First he was going to destroy every ounce of this man’s pride. Then he was going to take the man the one thing that mattered above all else to him- his kingdom. And then finally he would take the man’s life. So he decided to just enjoy himself a bit first, by playing with his victim.
Bankotsu had purposefully allowed the guy hit him, to build up a false confidence in himself, just so that Bankotsu could rip that away from him too. He had no intention of losing to a coward like this man, and it he wasn’t about to let the jerk live either, not after making his wife suffer so much. His opponent was a walking dead man, it was only by his whim, that the man stood even now, as Bankotsu was still pulling his own punches.
The crowd watched awed as the newcomer and their King fought exchanging blows. Each member of the crowd was draw in by the battle and watched eagerly.
Airi sat on Kyokotsu’s shoulder and yawned thinking, 'So he’s toying with him a bit first, eh?' smirking as she thought, 'The playful Bankotsu is relatively safe. It’s when he becomes serious, that you may as well bend over and kiss your ass goodbye.'
Jakotsu sat at the head spot on his tank like comrade and watched boredly as his leader toyed with the victim. 'When is he going to get serious?' he wondered.
Laying back he muttered, “Let me know when he decides to quit toying with the guy,” and closed his eyes taking a cat nap.
Suikotsu nodded and watched in morbid satisfaction as his leader verbally sparred with the guy, while toying with his opponent. He thought amused, 'He can be such a kid at times.' Adding, 'But he’s far from being a child. This should prove interesting.' and continued watching the battle below.
Twenty minutes later, Tanran had bruises on both arms and his face and he scoffed, “Is this the best you’ve got, kid?”
Bankotsu’s playfulness disappeared and he replied darkly, “I told you I’m not a kid!” Smirking he added, “And I’m done playing now.” His childlike mannerism vanished and in its place stood the cold blooded mercenary leader, with his trade mark deadly smirk.
--
Airi thought, “Finally.” and sat up straighter to watch the show.
Suikotsu nudged Jakotsu with a foot and said, “Hey, he’s ready to get serious now.”
Jakotsu bolted up smirking and said happily, “Finally!” getting in a better position to watch.
--
The crowd fell silent as a dark, ominous aura began to radiate from the braid haired mercenary.
Tanran demanded, “What do you mean you’re done playing?” as his hands fisted at his side.
Bankotsu cracked his knuckles into fists and repeated calmly, “I’m ready to be serious now.” smirking wider as he watched the outrage fill his opponent’s eyes.
Tanran bellowed out angrily, “You mean you’ve been toying with me all this time?!” eyes flashing with flames of anger and nostrils flaring as he realized this boy had just made a fool of him.
Bankotsu grinned. “Yup.” and dodged the charging man’s fist. He caught the fist and twisted the man’s arm behind his back, making him scream out in pain and anger.
Bankotsu chuckled, “Aw did I do that?” before snapping the arm and saying amused, “Oops.” laughing at the man’s angry curses.
Tanran freed his arm and fell to the ground, kicking the mercenary’s legs, causing him to fall to the ground.
Bankotsu smirked and flipped back to his feet, sending a kick of his own, to the opponent’s knee cap, snapping it too.
--
Tanran’s soldiers, moved to try and aide their king, but were stopped by a warning blast from Genkotsu. Jakotsu glared at them and said amused, “Tsk tsk, no interfering.” Turning serious he ordered, “Stay right there.” eyes promising pain if they didn’t, as his hand went to the hilt of Jakotsuo.
The men’s eyes widened and they stayed put, watching helplessly as their king was tortured before the very shocked crowd.
--
Tanran cried out again and his good hand pulled out his knife and he started flailing the knife to keep his attacker at bay.
Bankotsu scoffed, “That puny blade won’t hurt me, old man.”Knocking the blade away, before adding insult to injury and slamming the flat palm of his hand onto the broken knee, sending intense pain through the guy’s body, as he said, “That’s for trying to use a blade on me.”
He smirked twisting the broken arm, and said, “That’s for killing my wife’s parents.” Laughing maniacally as he continued by snapping each of the man’s fingers one by one and saying, “That’s for daring to attack my wife.”
Tanran’s eyes filled with moisture as he demanded, “What kind of animal are you?” trying to ignore the pain wracking his body.
Bankotsu’s blue eyes practically laughed as fear swept like wild fire through Tanran’s brown ones. He was very much enjoying the screams of pain as he continued working on making the man suffer.
Tanran began contorting his body in sickly ways, as the mercenary continued working on the man, stripping him of any sense of pride. In fact, Bankotsu continued stripping him of anything but pain, horror, and fear.
Bankotsu’s hand aimed for the man’s throat as he said, “You lose Tanran.” moving to hit certain nerve points, paralyzing the man temporarily, so he couldn’t move, but would continue to suffer in agonizing pain, while he continued his work, grounding out loud enough for everyone to hear, “You should have never hurt my wife.”
Another agonized scream of pain and fear ripped from the tortured man’s lips, as Bankotsu broke the next bone, relishing the cries and whimpering of his victim, completely indifferent to the man’s pains.
When it became too much for Airi to bear, she yelled loudly, “Enough Bankotsu. I think he has paid for his crimes, including those committed against the people.”
Bankotsu frowned at having his fun interrupted. He turned to her and noticed the pale look of her face and sighed heavily pouting as he thought sulkily, “There goes my fun.”
“Put the fool out of his misery before I end up losing my lunch.” She pleaded, with a hand dropping to her stomach, as the other went to cover her mouth.
Huffing Bankotsu stabbed his fingers through the flesh of the man’s neck and ripped it out growling, “Now die!” He ignored the blood coating his fingers and tossed the flesh to the ground, before facing the warriors who had served their lord asking, “Any takers?”
They all had huge eyes as they shook their heads no and began running away on their horses. Bankotsu pouted at not having anyone else to fight.
Jakotsu hopped off the tank and walked over slapping him on the back as he said, “Cheer up big brother. After all you’re now the new king.”
Bankotsu muttered, “Oh joy,” a bit sarcastically, and stomped off towards Airi, who was just hopping from Kyokotsu’s hand, to land gracefully on her feet.
She stood up facing the people and said, “Your time of suffering has come to an end. Bow now, to your new king.” before ruining over and launching herself into her husband’s chest.
The people immediately bowed in respect to their new king, slightly creeping Bankotsu out.
As he felt something barrel into his chest, Bankotsu blinked and laughed catching Airi in his arms and spinning her around, as he said, “You’re people are free and the murderer is dead now.”
She bent down kissing his chin and said, “Hai thank you.”
He smirked and replied, “Well let’s go check out our new home.” and she smiled leading him towards the castle.
--
A/N: Okay that’s chapter twenty eight. One more left which will be the epilogue. I hope everyone is enjoying this story! XD