The Seven: Wanted Dead or Alive

Title: Old drinking buddy

Prompt and Word Count: Oath-579

Characters: Jakotsu and Bankotsu

Summary: Part 71 of The Seven

Prompt Summary: Bankotsu and Jakotsu plan out their next move.

Won second place for prompt!

"What do you mean?" Bankotsu questioned, a bit concerned by his new friend's words and tone of voice. He couldn't imagine whatever had gotten to him had been caused by the man from the orphanage, but he couldn't think of anything else that might have happened recently to make him sound so defeated.

Sighing softly to himself, Jakotsu stood and made his way over to the still open window, making a mental note to put the glass back in later. Staring out into the silent yard, he explained, "Yesterday while I was in town, I found out what happened to my mother. She returned about five years ago and is buried in the town's cemetery."

"Oh man. I'm really sorry to hear that," Bankotsu told him honestly; knowing exactly how it feels to lose a parent. Much to his surprised, Jakotsu laughed. It wasn't a humorous laugh but a dark, unfeeling chuckle.



"I'm not. Five years ago I was still at the orphanage and my mother could have come for me at any time. She chose not to. She hated me so much that she allowed my life to become what it has. Until I can let go of this anger I have toward her, I won't be at peace in this house. But for now it doesn't matter for as long as you let me, I want to continue traveling with you.

"Once your mission is over, then I will come home," Jakotsu informed him before a thought sprung to mind. Smirking to himself, he continued, "You could always come back with me, you know. This place sure could use a man's touch."

Smiling, Bankotsu replied, "We'll see about that later. But for now, if we want to be able to keep traveling together, we're gonna need to get a second horse. Having to carry two riders all of the time is starting to take a toll on her."

"Actually I might have an idea about that. Been thinking it would be a good idea to get a horse of my own for a whole now. There was this man that came through town and stopped at the saloon a few times while I was there. He would sit at the bar drinking and chatting with me. He said that he didn't live that far away and that I was welcome to stop by if I was ever passing through. I mean it wasn't a blood oath or anything, but he won't mind us stopping by.

"We don't have anywhere near enough money even together to buy a horse, but we could probably be able to work for him in order to pay one off. He's a cattle rancher so he should have extras." Jakotsu waited silently for a moment until Bankotsu nodded in agreement before he continued, "Sounds like we have a plan, then. We'll start out first thing in the morning. I don't want to disappear tonight just in case the sheriff comes back with any questions."

Nodding in understanding, Bankotsu suggested they get some sleep since they would be heading out early. Without another word, the two made their way to the only bed; laying down on opposite ends after throwing the ruined blanket onto the floor. Neither of them made mention about the fact that they would be sharing the same bed as there was only one bed to begin with and both were far more interested in the prospect of taking a nap.