Chapter 3

Come Out, Come Out….

He'd been generous. Down-right damned indulgent of her wishes and whims. But, now, Naraku had given about as much as he was ever willing to give.

All winter, he had poked and prodded at the holy barrier surrounding the miko's new hiding place. He'd come close but close was no-longer enough. He'd get what he wanted!

That was why he was currently digging in the frost-packed earth. He needed the right bait.

The melting of snow had opened the chance to crack through the frozen coating of ice preserving his prize through the winter. Now, Naraku would reap the benefits.

A final blow to the icy exterior and he grinned in victory. Careful as if he was holding rare treasure, Naraku cradled the circular nest in his hands.

This was a prize greater than any gem, however. Riches were worthless next to the potential residing within this nest. The sudden warning of buzzing within the structure had Naraku grinning behind his hood.

"Calm yourselves," he soothed in oily calm. "You have rested long enough. I have need for your help, now."

While the violent vibrations ceased in Naraku's palms, he could still hear the low rhythmic thrumming within the hive.

"That's it," he continued with satisfaction. "Your Master has returned. And, you, have much to do."

All at once, the round nest in Naraku's palm sprang to life as a long, black cloud flew from the tiny entrance; growing and spreading till the swarm filled the air, shading the cloaked figure from the sun over-head.

"The miko has been found but she needs to be drawn out," the Master informed his underlings. "Go to the village. Leave nothing. Let her see what delaying the inevitable brings."

Like distant thunder, the swarm swirled and flowed through the air, thrumming and buzzing towards the target of their aggression. The possibilities had Naraku smirking in satisfaction. The pain and terror would be palatable on his tongue.

"If you won't let me in, my dear," Naraku crooned on the breeze. "Then, I will summon you. Come to me. Now."

SSS

The shudder that ran down the hoshi's back had him turning towards the barrier that had shielded them all those months. There was no missing the chilling wave of terror that rushed through the air. Whether he wanted to or not.

It was a talent Miroku had honed as finely as a blade. The black evil of yokai was close-by. That wasn't anything new for the shrine. They were a safe place against their evil. But, this was….active.

Like an attack!

"Go," Miroku heard the voice of his mentor order behind him, causing him to turn and study the old monk.

"You can sense it, can't you?" Mushin continued. "The rise in yokai in the area. Go and stop it. The village will need you."

The order wasn't a surprise to Miroku. He was having the same thoughts himself. However, the determined voice of the miko they were sheltering took him for a loop.

"I'm coming with you," she informed as if daring Miroku to argue as she shouldered a bow.

Miroku wasn't sure he had the energy. When Kagome got an idea in her head, there was no changing it. In a way, it reminded the hoshi of Koga. But, that was neither here nor there.

"Of course," Mushin replied before Miroku could utter a word. "You better hurry. There won't be much time."

Miroku knew this had to be a trap. It was too big an opportunity. Naraku would be sitting out there, waiting for them to step out from behind the barrier that protected them all these months. However, this was what all the training was for.

Miroku just hoped they were ready.

SSS

"How much farther?" Koga snarled as he scanned the area for what had to be the hundredth time.

Despite the advantage the ookami Alpha knew they had, there was no way he was going to allow his men to be taken by surprise again. Besides, with the taijiya leading them out of their territory, there was no-telling if she had another trick waiting for them.

That was why he'd sent the kit out ahead, to scout the area. If there was anything off, Shipo would find it.

"We're close," the taijiya replied in a sulking, defeated tone.

It was obvious she hated going along with this plan, and Koga didn't blame her. Defeat was never easy to accept. But still, the Alpha wasn't sure how much longer he could deal with her pitiful pouting.

Where was the female that gave him the run-about all winter?

The transformation was grating on his nerves. What did she expect him to do? Give up?!

That wasn't in Koga's nature; neither as an Alpha or an ookami. They never gave up. And, the sooner this woman came to accept that, the sooner they could quit wasting each-other's time.

Right when Koga was about to open his mouth to tell her just that, a distinct call in the distance snapped his and the others with him's attention towards the little, bounding form of the kit racing back.

Stepping to the front of the group, Koga crossed his arms in preparation as Ginta and Hakkaku took their places on either side of him.

The Alpha had to admit, it was good to have his friend back where he belonged, even if Ginta was a bit dower now. But, that would settle with time. Koga had no doubt.

"Koga!" Shipo called as he started to huff at the Alpha's feet.

"Find anything?" Koga asked, eyes glinting as they shifted towards the taijiya in suspicion.

"A village…." the kit huffed. "under attack….. yokai…."

Koga chuffed in irritation. What did he care if other yokai picked off a random human village? It was an obstacle in their way, nothing more.

"What village?" the taijiya demanded, terror widening her eyes.

"Not far," Shipo answered with a swallow of breath. "There's a river that feeds into a wide cave at the base of some green hills."

"What difference does it make?" Koga snarled as he turned towards the suddenly alert female. "We have somewhere to be, remember?"

"Yes, and that village is right next to where we were going," Sango countered.

"So, we'll go around it," Koga replied with a shrug, causing both betas to blink up at him in surprise.

"Are you serious?" Sango snapped, eyes blazing in disbelief.

"They're goners anyway," Koga informed. "What's the point in going to clean up a lost cause?"

"Uh, Koga," Hakkaku quickly interrupted the woman from whatever answer she had. "She said this village was right beside wherever sister Kagome was hiding, right?"

Koga shrugged in agreement. "Yeah, so?"

"Well,…." Ginta added as if waiting for his Alpha to grasp whatever he was saying.

Koga pressed his lips together in frustration. If they had something to say, then they needed to just spit it out.

"If we know of the attack, don't you think Kagome does as well?" Sango finally snapped with a shake of her head.

"And, that she might go to the fight to try and save them," Ginta added, even though he threw a displeased glare in the woman's direction.

Koga blinked in stunned realization as he tried to grasp what the others were suggesting.

They were right. Kagome would hear the attack and would want to help. Possibly at the risk of her own life. She'd done it for them, several times. Why wouldn't she for a village of humans?

On top of that, an attack could mean Naraku was nearby. And, if he was, then Kagome was in danger!

Like the snapping of a thread, Koga suddenly turned in the direction he saw Shipo come from and raced off in a sharp blast of wind behind him. The others would catch up when they could. But, he didn't have the time to wait on them.

Kagome was in danger. She needed him. And, he wasn't failing her again!