Echoes: Bankotsu VI

DISCLAIMER: Inuyasha and all of the characters featured in this fanfic are the property of Takahashi Rumiko, Sunrise, Viz and all other respective copyright owners. I do not lay claim to these characters in any way, shape or form.

Glossary

Jingasa - a lightweight helmet that resembles an upturned wok. Usually worn by soldiers when encamped or travelling.

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Bankotsu VI

He'd lost him.

He'd turned his back on Jakotsu as soon as he was out of sight. The path was a gentle one without many slopes or turns. The few woodcutters and travellers he glimpsed were easy enough to avoid. He hadn't caught so much as a sniff of a youkai or any bandits.

He still couldn't relax for a second.

He didn't even tell me his name. The more he'd asked, the less he'd told him. The past was the only subject that could leave Jakotsu speechless. And no wonder. His anger, his shock, his silences... they all made far more sense than he'd like.

He was no stranger to having blood on his hands. He'd killed his first man at eight, his second not long after. Yet he'd never turned his blade on a friend. Blood was one thing. Betrayal...

The trickle of a stream brought him back to the present. His feet ached, his throat parched and his canteen was running dangerously low. He swallowed the last few drops and checked his bearings. Judging by the sun's westward path, it was already the middle of the afternoon.

He followed the water's trill around another bend. He was met with a babbling brook, a large clearing and what might have once passed for a temple.

A temple with two bandits on guard duty.

He ducked behind a nearby tree. The guards were too bored - or drunk - to notice. He took stock of the temple or what was left of it. Ruin would be a compliment. Only the main building still had a roof, if you could call it that. The others made the village's watchtower look sturdy. Still, there was no telling how many other bandits it could hide. Better take the long way round.

He inched along the edge of the clearing, keeping as low as his bisento would allow. The bandits' voices rose in laughter as he approached. Wood smoke drifted up from the ruined courtyard, accompanied by a hint of fresh-roasted fish. His stomach couldn't help but gurgle. He'd had neither the time nor the appetite for food since the village. He was more than happy to kill for a quick meal.

He drew closer and pressed his back against the temple's rear wall. He was still too far away for a good look but the wall had more than enough cracks.

He took a glance through one of them. That gave him a clear view through the open doorway. He made out four men, maybe five, clustered around a campfire. Taking them on alone could be a risk. Leaving them could be an even bigger one.

Besides, the food might not be the only thing worth taking.

At least he had another escape route handy. A dirt path wound away to his left, onward into depths of the forest. He'd get there before they could, if he had to. He wasn't one to run from a fight but this wasn't a good day for taking chances. He pressed his face against the crack and strained to catch the conversation.

"-not worth the men if you ask me," a one-eyed bandit muttered.

"Aye, there's richer pickings nearby," said another.

A third snorted. "Rich? That dungheap?"

"Enough." The leader put up his hand.

He had to be the leader to manage keeping that lot quiet. He was no more striking than the rest of his scruffy bunch. His arms and armour were just as plain as his face. Only by the wolf pelt clasped around his shoulders set him apart from the others.

Now there was an unfortunate piece of luck. The wolf in his den. He waited for Akayoru to break the silence.

"Did you find Takashi?" Akayoru's voice held little expectation.

The one-eyed bandit made a noise that was half sigh half groan. "Deader than dirt."

Akayoru didn't flinch a muscle. "Had it coming if you ask me." He reached for a jug of sake and refilled his bowl. He held it out to his companion.

One-eye accepted the jug and emptied the dregs. He heaved a contented sigh. "Thanks, boss." He wiped his mouth and tossed the jug aside. "Never did find his head though."

"Ah, don't fret yourself. Not like he used it much." Akayoru shook his head and took another draught of sake.

Laughter rang through the clearing. Another bandit leaned across to whisper something into Akayoru's ear. The laughter doubled.

Bankotsu gritted his teeth. They'd meet the same fate soon enough. He just needed to get a little closer. He inched towards the corner of the building, towards the largest of the gaps. He should be able to slip inside without too much trouble.

And so he did. None of the bandits gave him so much as a glance. He allowed himself a tiny sigh of relief.

An arm slipped round his neck.

His yell was stopped by a beefy hand. The man's arm tightened into a chokehold. Bankotsu gasped as his breath was cut off. He dropped his bisento and made a grab for his attacker's forearm.

"Try anything and you'll-"

He dropped into a crouch and threw him over his shoulder. The man slammed to the floor. He let loose a yell of his own as Bankotsu snapped his elbow across his knee.

That got their attention.

The bandits' gazes snapped towards the temple as one. Two of them scrambled for their weapons. Akayoru threw his bowl aside and reached for his sword. The others sat gawping, their eyes as wide as their mouths.

"Did I just-"

"We all did." Akayoru's tone brooked no argument. "In there. Now."

Bankotsu grabbed his bisento and drove it into the wounded man's chest. He choked out another scream. He kicked the dying man aside. He may be clear of the doorway but they'd come running soon enough. Better to meet them there.

He caught the first one right in the gut. Another bandit was on him in a flash. He blocked his sword with his haft and forced him back. Hewas skewered on one of his charging comrades' spears.

The bandit dropped his spear in shock. The dead man thudded to the ground. The others stopped in their tracks. Bankotsu planted himself in the doorway and fixed them with a challenging stare. The bandits eyes' widened in response. One of them looked to his leader.

Akayoru met his challenge with his spear.

Bankotsu had no choice but to dart aside. The spear shot through the doorway and buried itself in the wall. Another crack for its collection.

The bandits cheered and surged forwards. He'd be dead meat if he turned back. He met the first two head on. He cut them down before they could release their spears.

There was a scream as another bandit crashed to the ground. Bankotsu didn't catch who or what hit him. He pressed on, lopping the head from another bandit's spear. The bandit's head soon joined it in the dirt.

Akayoru yelled a command. Three more bandits shot out from the remains of a storehouse. He should've known. If more of them were hiding-

A shout came from his left. He caught a glimpse of two bandits struck down by... a samurai? A swordsman at any rate. He forced his attention back to his opponents. No time to watch.

There was a rush of air behind him. He spun to parry a sword meant for his head. One-eye strained against him, cursing. He bulled him back into the campfire. He ended the bandit's screams in a single slash. That left-

He turned to face Akayoru's upraised katana. The bandit gave him the briefest hint of a smile.

Right before his arm was torn off in an arc of blood.

Akayoru's  scream ripped through the clearing. His sword fell from his grasp and clattered to the ground. His body crashed down to join it. Bankotsu barely had time to dodge.

No one else rushed to challenge him. Akayoru thrashed and writhed as he clutched his bleeding stump. The remaining bandits lay dead or dying in their own blood. Bankotsu let out his breath and turned to thank his rescuer.

The samurai greeted him with an all-too-familiar grin.

Bankotsu recoiled like a whip. He flipped backwards and landed a couple of feet from the footpath. He caught his balance and levelled his bisento at the samurai.

He almost dropped it when Iwakami lowered his sword.

Iwakami's grin faded into a smirk. He plunged his katana into Akayoru's neck without taking his eyes from Bankotsu. The bandit sputtered and fell silent. He knelt down and wiped his blade on the dead man's clothes. He watched Bankotsu from the corner of his eye, daring him to come closer.

Bankotsu fixed him with a glare.

"Relax, kid. I've already got what I came for." Iwakami's amusement was as plain as the summer day. He carried on wiping his sword.

"Oh yeah?" Bankotsu's voice was much steadier than his heartbeat. He scanned the clearing for any signs of movement. Nothing, except for him and this bastard. At least the footpath was at his back. Still...

Iwakami gave a chuckle. "Well, a little thanks wouldn't hurt." He sheathed his sword and rose to his feet.

Bankotsu tensed as he approached the campfire. Iwakami tsked and shook his head.

"Honestly, you'd think I was the one trying to run you through back there."  He inspected the fish and took a skewer, followed by a bite. "Good job the Daimyou thought you could do with a little backup."

Bankotsu's glare sharpened. "I don't need your help, old man."

Iwakami's smirk was growing by the second. "You sure about that?" He took a step towards him and held out the skewer. Bankotsu made no move to take it.

"Hell, we're on the same side, aren't we?"

Bankotsu raised his bisento. "I said I don't need you."

Iwakami heaved a sigh. "Sheesh, you're nearly as jumpy as Mako-chan." He tossed the skewer over his shoulder. "Where'd he run off to, anyway? Not like him to miss out on a good bloodbath."

Bankotsu kept his face as steady as he could. "Beats me. I haven't seen him since yesterday."

"Oh, haven't you now?" Iwakami's tone dripped sarcasm. "I wonder why?" The smirk returned to his face.

"Just give it a rest. Jakotsu's long gone." His voice managed not to betray him.

Iwakami gave a low chuckle. "Not much of a liar, are you?" He took another step forwards. Bankotsu's shoulders stiffened as he drew closer.

Iwakami pursed his lips in mock sympathy. He made a soft tut. "Aw, what's the matter, sweetie? He try something you don't like?"

Bankotsu's teeth clenched. "Jakotsu isn't like-"

"Like what? Me?" Iwakami shook his head. His eyes were alight with amusement. "Believe me, I'm not the one you want to be afraid of, kid."

Bankotsu's jaw grew tighter. "Like hell I'd-"

"But of course you'd believe Mako-chan." Iwakami's laughter held nothing but scorn. He paused to catch his breath. "Oh man. You really are cute."

Bankotsu swallowed his annoyance. "I don't have time for this shit."

Iwakami stifled his laughter. "You sure about that, kid? There's plenty you don't know about 'Jakotsu'."

Bankotsu's eyes narrowed. "And what do you know, old man?"

"Oh? Well, let's see..." Iwakami let the pause hang for a moment. "His name?"

There was no hiding his surprise. Iwakami gave him another grin.

"You might want to head someplace quieter for your little chats in future."

The samurai sidled closer. Bankotsu's knuckles grew white. He backed away.

Iwakami's grin widened. "Ah, don't shit yourself kid. You're no good to me dead." A glint rose in his eyes as he approached him. "Now how about you start talking, hmm? Save yourself a little trouble."

This had gone far enough. He may not know where he stood with Jakotsu but he wasn't about to give Iwakami any more ground. He hardened his stare and readied himself to spring.  

"How about you shut the f-"

Iwakami's hand shot to his scabbard.

Bankotsu leapt back to avoid his strike. He stumbled over a stray root. There was a muted click as a net sprang around him.

Shit.

He went straight for his knife. The ropes gave like thread. The bisento remained caught. He slashed himself free and landed ready to strike.

Only for three men to rush from the undergrowth to surround him.

Iwakami's grin was more infuriating than ever. "Not bad, kid."

Bankotsu breathed out a curse. No doubt they'd been waiting for the bandits to drink themselves even stupider but they weren't about to pass him up either. Kill the Daimyou's men and he was sure to wind up with a price on his head. This could get tricky.

The men remained silent, waiting. Their faces were half-hidden by scarves and jingasa. Each levelled a stout spear at him.

Iwakami merely chuckled. He waved his men forwards.

The spearmen charged. Bankotsu sheathed his blade and went for the man on his right.

His surprise was all the advantage he needed. He dodged past his thrust and grabbed the spear's haft with both hands. He twisted it out of his grip and smacked him across the face with its butt. The spearman slammed to the ground.

He spun to face the others. He caught one clean in the chest with his haft. The man crashed straight into the nearest tree.

The other stumbled aside. He caught his footing and levelled his spear at Bankotsu, his eyes alert for an opening. Bankotsu wasn't about to give him one. He kept his gaze trained on the man's face as he weighed up his options.

Iwakami continued to watch, his smirk never straying from his face. He'd make his move once the spearman was down. Taking on the small fry without bloodshed was simple enough but this guy...

The spearman saw his chance. He threw himself into a headlong thrust.

Bankotsu slipped aside. The spearman spun to face him. His second thrust was met with a parry. He was about to counterattack when the man gave a muffled gasp.

He shoved the spearman aside. An arrow whistled past his shoulder. The spearman wasn't so lucky. He dropped his weapon and clutched his wounded arm.

Bankotsu took his chance. He thwacked his haft into the man's knee. He shot behind him to avoid another arrow. He dropped the spear and drew his knife. He twisted the man's good arm behind his back. His knife went straight to his throat.

Iwakami raised an eyebrow. He made no move to attack. Bankotsu still didn't take his eyes from him. He steadied himself as the undergrowth rustled to his left.

"Show yourself. Or he dies."

Another man stepped from the shadows, a fully drawn longbow in his hands. His scarf did little to hide the tension in his jaw. He kept his sights fixed on Bankotsu.

Bankotsu pressed his knife into the spearman's neck. A strangled noise escaped his throat.

The archer paused. His bow remained taut. Bankotsu caught his breath as recognition dawned in his eyes.

"Damn it, Daisuke!" Hiroshi's voice was thick with frustration. "Didn't I tell you to-"

"Daisuke?"

The spearman made a sound that might have been a moan. "Please..."

Bankotsu swallowed a curse. No wonder those shinobi had snuck up on them so easily. Daisuke had better count himself lucky. That arrow was the only thing standing between him and a slit throat. He tightened his grip as Hiroshi fixed him with a look of pure contempt.

"I knew you two were nothing but trouble." Hiroshi's glare was a sharp as his arrows. "Leave him, boy. Bluffing won't save you."

Bankotsu returned the glare. "I'm no good to him dead."

Iwakami let out a sigh. "Well, you've got me there." His face didn't show the slightest sign of strain. If anything, he was more amused than ever. "Save your arm, Hiroshi. He's not going anywhere."

Hiroshi didn't draw back an inch. His glare stayed fixed on Bankotsu. "Iwakami-sama..."

Daisuke gave another moan. His body was beginning to shake. "Please, I-I didn't want to -"

Pity Daisuke didn't know when to shut up. Bankotsu twisted his arm a little tighter.

"Wait, you - you don't understand!" Daisuke bit back a yelp as the blade nipped his flesh. Even that couldn't keep him from trembling. "My wife - m-my daughter... please..."

Iwakami gave another sigh. "Didn't I tell you, kid? That bastard isn't worth fighting over." His eyes weren't laughing now. "Drop the knife while you still can."

Bankotsu pressed his knife deeper. A drop of blood trickled down Daisuke's neck. "One more step and he dies."

Daisuke let out a whimper. "Please..."

"Is that so?" Iwakami's tone was much too calm for his liking. "Well, I can't have you slitting the peasants open, can I?"

Hiroshi's eyes grew wary. He cast a glance at Iwakami. The samurai looked almost bored. Bankotsu steadied his grip as Hiroshi's hand wavered.

Daisuke's voice deserted him. His wits followed suit. Bankotsu suppressed a wince as the last of Daisuke's feeble courage ran down his legs.

Iwakami gave a tsk. "Honestly. If you want a job doing..." He pressed his palm to his forehead.

His other hand went to his sword.

                oooooooooooo

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I update every Sunday.