Ginga Densetsu Weed: Smoke and Ruins

"Oh, thank you so much Weed! And, to all of you!"

Weed smiled, thankful that Mel was finally free. They looked happy together, and a pang of sadness struck him like a thorn in his pad as he thought of his own mother. With an inaudible sigh he turned to face Hook, who had a dumbfounded expression on his face. The others too, seemed amazed, and he couldn't figure out why. Then Hook spoke up,

"Weed... we aren't the same as you... I could never... "

Then it dawned on him that it was Blue they were speaking of. He looked over his shoulder at the Malamute, still dead. He had wanted to bury Blue, but there was no possible way he could get the dead dog over the fence for a proper burial in the earth. It pained him to leave the male out there in the street like carrion, but it was out of his paws.

Then, a couple of the pet dogs began to talk about their own children, and having bonds with them. Hearing them talk about family bonds made him think of his own father, and how badly he wanted to meet him.

"Well, I guess it depends on your owner. It's worth being a pet dog if you have the kind of owner that'll risk their neck for you!"

"You got me there, GB!"

Then, Weed pricked his ears as GB said a farewell to Hook, and he looked over at Mel and Lenny, smiling a goodbye to them as he turned to follow the English Setter.

"Wait, Weed!"

The silver Akita inu turned his head to look at Hook, determination set in his gaze.

"I want to be there for you whenever you need my help."

The Akita was confused, they were traveling to Ohu, which was very far away from here. How could Hook possibly be there any time he needed help?

"Huh?"

He questioned, hoping to get an answer. Hook lifted his head and grinned,

"I may be miles away, but for you I'll gladly come running!"

Then without any further words, Hook ran off into the distance, leaving just Smith, GB, Weed, Lenny, and Mel to continue their journey to Ohu. They set off at fast pace, the landscape blurring past them as they raced on towards Ohu. Smith led the way, assuring them that his route was the quickest way to the Ohu Mountains, and from there to Futago Pass. Whenever they would stop to rest he would tell of his adventures as an Ohu soldier, but the stories Weed liked best were of his father's battles and how he always delivered the right amount of justice. Smith was just now telling him about the battle between Akakabuto and his father, and coming to its end.

Weed felt his eyes droop as he heard the familiar ending, and a few moments later he was asleep, snoring quietly. In his dreams, his wishes were made obvious to his subconscious mind. Though he had long gotten over his mother's death, in his dreams she stood together with his father, and all three of them ran about in Ohu's fields. Sadly, his happy fantasy ended when the sun rose, but then he realized that he could see Futago Pass on the horizon. But little did he know that those mountains were not as peaceful as they once had been...

-Ohu Mountains-

"I don't believe it. Gin rescued our village, why would his pack start attacking people?"

"I don't know, Daisuke, but John has been seen leading these dogs. Perhaps that dynamite incident awhile ago triggered their anger..."

"Has Gin been seen?"

"No, but he could very well be the one instigating them."

"Not Gin. He wouldn't do something like that."

"Either way, we need to find a solution before this gets out of hand..."

"Solution?"

"I believe Hidetoshi is taking care of it right now..."

"What?!"

-With Hidetoshi-

BLAM! BLAM! BLAM!

The sound of gunfire rang through the air, and Hidetoshi frowned as the bullets hit their target. The German Shepherd that he used to own, fell cold and lifeless to the ground. John was bleeding from the gunshots and did not stir, but still Hidetoshi stepped up to his former hunting dog and nudged the body with his boot. He watched as the other dogs ran, they were getting smaller by the second as they got farther away. Hidetoshi sighed and looked down again at the body of John. A twinge of guilt struck him as he looked at the dog's dead expression.

"Don't blame me, John. I can't let you do as you please anymore, because I was once your master!"

"No way! Sensei's gunned down John?"

"Yes, Daisuke, just yesterday in the evening. The wild dogs are to be shot down like vermin. I heard that John was just the first..."

"Oh no, I've got to make it to city hall!"

"What for? Daisuke!"

Daisuke ignored Shigreru as he pressed down hard on the gas, feelings of anger stirring in his heart as he drove on. How could they do this to Gin? After they gave Futago Pass to the wild dogs so long ago, they declared Gin and his pack heroes. But yet they so readily took the land back because of the gold, and began shooting the dogs down? As far as they knew, something else could be behind the attacks! No one had blamed Riki or Shiro whenever Akakabuto had attacked before, so why blame Gin and his pack for something he knew they wouldn't do?

Well, whatever the villagers thought, he wouldn't allow them to punish Gin. He finally reached the City Hall and parked his car, surprised to see Sensei standing at the entrance, smoking a cigarette.

"Oh, long time no see? When did you get back?"

"Is it true that you shot John?"

Sensei shifted uncomfortably, and then admitted,

"It's been ten years since John has left my side... I can't tell which one is really him."

"What?"

Hidetoshi nodded behind him, where a couple dead dogs lay. A few men where measuring them, one was writing down notes. Daisuke watched as one of the men lifted a tape measure to the tip of one dog's tail.

"One-hundred and fifty-six centimeters... this one is part Malamute."

"So it's not John.."

Hidetoshi turned to face Daisuke.

"So far this year... I've shot three wild dogs that look like John."

"How could you do that? He was your dog, wasn't he?"

"According to a witness, two mining workers were slaughtered. The witness reported that it was a dog that looked like John, and I can't really argue with them."

"But why would John do that?"

"Apparently he was trying to protect Gin."

Then one of the other men called up,

"Do you have the wanted pictures?"

Daisuke watched with curiosity as Hidetoshi took a couple of photos out of his shirt pocket and handed them to the villager. Then, he handed them to Daisuke.

"They're pictures of the most wanted dogs. And don't worry, you can keep them."

Hidetoshi answered as he began to climb into his car. With a roar of the engine he sped away, to where Daisuke didn't know. Instead his mind was focused on the pictures of... oh no.. those dogs... they were around Gin all the time! A white Kishu with red eyes, John, a Great Dane with a white diamond on its chest...

-With Weed & Co.-

Finally, they had entered the foothills of the Ohu Mountains! But, Smith felt a sense of foreboding as they continued onward through a small village. He could also smell something that was bothering him. It smelled like humans, but also like fire. He felt as if the scent was familiar, but... perhaps it had happened so long ago, he couldn't remember what it was. Shrugging to himself, he picked his way through the back streets and finally, they were running through the woods that led to Futago Pass, and Gajou. He frowned as it began to rain, and he heard Weed and GB shiver. It was beginning to storm, and he cursed mentally, but continued anyway. He was used to the bad weather and cold that came from the falls and winters of Ohu, but GB and Weed, who had been born in a warmer area, were not. Oh well, he thought, they have to toughen up eventually.

But just as he was about to make a sharp turn, a strike of lightning hit a tree in his path. The tree broke and began to fall towards him. Thinking quickly, the Springer Spaniel dodged to the side, but then he realized, that the rain was too thick for his eyes to see through. Damn it, where were Weed and GB? He called out, and was relieved when he got an answer. But the two that ran towards him... were only Mel and Lenny.

"Oh, I'm glad you're safe Smith-san!"

Lenny called, wagging her tail as she approached the older dog. Smith nodded and then asked, if she had seen Weed or GB.

"We were falling a bit behind, but I think I heard GB saying he had to go to the bathroom..."

"Damn it, GB!"

Smith muttered under his breath, and then shook himself. There would be no use of trying to find them now, and the best thing to do was to try and shelter or wait here for them.

"The rain doesn't seem to be letting up, so I guess we have to find shelter until it clears up."

Then Mel spoke up, pleased to be useful for once,

"I saw a cave in the cliff side we just scaled. Do you think that would work!"

"Good work, Mel. Lead the way."

"Who's there?"

GB called, trying to sound menacing. Weed looked about curiously, but didn't see anything. Then, a shadowy shape dashed past the corner of his eye, and he turned his head to look. GB let out a whimper, then growled,

"Show yourself!"

Weed watched the process repeat itself, all the while the identity of the strangers picking at his mind. Who were they? Why weren't they answering GB? Then, an idea came to the silver Akita. He found some high grass and gestured to it. Catching on to his plan, GB dove into it, crouching low. Weed hid next to him, waiting for the strangers to catch up. And sure enough, a pack of dogs, lead by a Great Dane, came passing by. Weed tensed up as the Great Dane ran into view, calling,

"Shit, maybe they've smelled us out!"

Then he ran right past their hiding spot, making GB yelp in surprise. The Dane skidded to a stop and pricked his ears. Weed noticed that the Dane had two huge scars stretching across his face, and he was abnormally large as he towered over himself and GB. Oh, no, he saw us, Weed thought fearfully as the dog narrowed its eyes at them.

"Tell us where your buddies are, and we'll let you go!"

Silence.

"Well? Just be honest and we'll let you go!"

"But aren't we in Ohu? Aren't we all supposed to be friends?"

The Great Dane sighed impatiently and announced,

"My name is Ken! My father was the legendary Ben, the boss's right hand man!"

Weed's eyes widened, as Smith had often talked about Ben in the stories of Ohu. Then he realized that Ken did indeed resemble Ben quite a bit, from the description Smith-san had given him. As if reading his thoughts, Ken continued impatiently,

"I know I look just like my father... but I'm not as patient as he is!"

He growled, biting onto Weed's neck and forcing him into the ground. Weed felt a rush of fear as GB called out his name, but then instinct kicked in. He twisted his body out of Ken's grip and bit him in the chest, making the larger dog yelp in pain. Weed then landed onto the ground, but then he felt an unexplained anger, and he launched himself at Ken once more. He took hold of Ken's neck and bit down hard, ignoring GB's protests. Summoning all his strength, the tiny Akita lifted the Great Dane off the ground and intended to throw him, but the much larger dog's weight forced him to release Ken onto the ground. The Great Dane looked up in surprise at Weed, who in turn looked disgusted.

"I don't believe it! This is so hideous..."

"And he's still a kid too!"

Ken, however, was silent. Then,

"I can't believe this... that little brat threw me over... and he's so small..."

Weed lifted his head and retorted,

"You know what I can't believe? That ex-soldiers were such losers!"

"SAY THAT AGAIN YOU LITTLE BRAT!"

Ken yelled as he threw himself at Weed. Weed used his small size to his advantage and began to dodge Ken's attacks, but unfortunately Ken caught him with one large paw. Weed went flying as Ken taunted,

"Heh, you're quick kid! But this isn't going to be the same as last time!"

Then Ken proceeded to smack Weed with his large paws, grinning as he began to pummel the smart-mouthed kid.

"Hey, stop you guys! C'mon, he's just a kid!"

"Then why don't you tell us, then?"

"What are you, GAH!"

"Don't lie!"

Then it was GB's turn to receive a beating. He yelped in pain, and watched as Weed tried to release himself from Ken's grip. Just as Ken was throwing Weed into the air, his teeth sunk into the Akita's tail, a dark shadow came flying out of the air. Without a word it snatched Weed and began to tumble down the cliff side, towards the waterfall. Weed gasped as he felt water rush past him, and if he weren't so frightened he would have screamed. He at last fell into the water with a splash, and made his way to the surface. He was relieved to discover he was close to the bank, and slipped onto it. But then, he heard a gruff voice.

"Hey, are you okay?"

Weed was scared to look over and see who it was, so he said nothing. A paw planted itself on the side of his head, and the stranger called more roughly,

"HEY!"

Weed turned his head and his eyes widened, and then the stranger's eyes softened. He removed his paw and stepped back, as if in apology.

"Oh... are you OK?"

Weed then realized, that GB was no longer with him. He looked left and right for his friend, but he was gone.

"GB? Where's GB?"

The male lowered his head and apologized,

"I'm sorry, kid. I couldn't do too much since I was by myself... it was hard enough rescuing you."

Weed lowered his own head and dug at the soft earth with one paw. Then he remembered the stranger and smiled, for he realized that he hadn't yet thanked him.

"It's okay. My name is Weed, thank you for rescuing me Mister..."

The dog chuckled, and lifted his head.

"Please, kid. My name is Kagetora, and I am a black-furred Kai ken. We must be linked by fate, because you have the tora-ge fur also. Therefore, we are friends."

Weed wagged his tail, he liked this Kagetora, and was surprised by his gesture. How different this guy was from Ken! Then Kagetora turned and gestured for him to follow.

"We've got to get moving, kid. They'll follow you anywhere."

"Where are we going?"

Kagetora smiled as he declared,

"We are going to the Utopia, Weed. The real Utopia!"

Weed silently trekked after Kagetora, all the while thinking about GB. He was worried for his friend, as the last he had seen of him was when Ken's followers had been choking him. Kagetora noticed his worried expression and barked,

"Hey, cheer up. Soon you'll meet our comrades, and then we can find your friend."

"But.. I can't help but worry about him. I'm sorry, I have to find GB!"

Weed called, turning to run back the way they had come. Before he could go much farther than an inch, Kagetora's strong jaws latched onto his neck. Weed yipped in surprise as Kagetora growled,

"Don't be stupid, kid! I'm the one who saved your life, and I know personally that these mountains aren't safe to wander about alone!"

Then, as if realizing his anger, he abruptly dropped Weed and ducked his head in apology.

"Uh, sorry Weed. Forgive me, I don't mean to get so mad. Kai blood, y'know?"

Weed gave a reassuring smile, but in his heart he was still desperately worried for GB. But then something Kagetora had said bothered him.

"But this is Utopia right? Why isn't it safe?"

Kagetora sat back and scratched one ear.

"It's a long story, but I can tell that you're strong enough to hear the harsh reality of it. Sit down and listen."

Weed did as he was asked and listened as Kagetora began his story...

"A while ago, a monster attacked Futago Pass. Kaibutsu, as it was dubbed, laid seige to Gajou and slaughtered all the dogs in the area. Fire blazed through the forest, leaving nothing behind but ruin of the forest that surrounded Gajou. Myself and Ken were sent to lead the few that couldn't fight to safety, knowing that the three leaders would put an end to the monster. Following Gin's orders, I waited on the edge of the Gajou area, ready to come rushing into battle. Finally, I grew impatient and set out for Gajou myself. Ken told me it wasn't a good idea, but I ignored him. I knew he would follow the rules no matter what, even if it wasn't the best thing to do. Well, when I got there..."

"What did you see?"

Kagetora lowered his head, and muttered,

"Destruction. I saw the broken and battered corpses of my fellow comrades. Some had been eaten, others were barely alive but beyond saving. One begged me to destroy him, and I complied. I had hoped that some had survived, that the rest had escaped... but then I learned that every single soldier that had stayed behind had given their life to protect us. To ensure our safety. Then I began to look for Akame, John, and Gin himself. I climbed a tree and searched for him, until at last I began to turn back. And you know who I saw?"

"The coward had run, and so had his comrades. They hadn't even tried to fight Kaibutsu. They didn't even try to help the other soldiers escape!"

Weed stiffened and his fur stood on end. Was his father really... a coward? It couldn't be true! His father had killed a giant demon bear at his age, so why would he back down from a monster? Were all the stories his mother told lies? Or was Kagetora himself the liar? No, he didn't believe Kagetora would lie... and neither would his mom. But then none of it made sense!

"And ever since I've been gathering followers to help overthrow Gin's leadership. We cannot have a fearful coward as leader! We need a strong and brave leader to help us take down Kaibutsu!"

Weed blinked, trying to hide his shock. He bit his tongue, trying not to give away the fact that Gin was his father. But that meant... that Ken was on his father's side? That didn't make any sense either, they way that he had attacked himself and GB, and his father had always wanted peace... and yet Kagetora had treated him so well on their first encounter, yet he wanted to overthrow his father? It was so confusing for the tiny Akita, but thankfully he didn't have to think about it as Kagetora commanded him to follow. He did so, not saying a word the entire time. At last they came to a tall rock, a towering cliff that Kagetora declared was their meeting place. Weed spied a couple of dogs at its peak, watching them intently.

Finally they came to the top of the cliff and they were immediately surrounded by Kagetora's friends. Among them was a Collie who stepped forward, but didn't say anything. His eyes were strangely cat-like as he looked Weed over, and a small smile graced his lips. But he remained silent as one dog, a pale brown mutt with a darker brown muzzle, spoke up,

"Who's the brat, Kage?"

Weed stiffened and bared his teeth, but a warning from Kagetora made him back down.

"Watch your mouth, Koeda. This kid's name is Weed, and he has natural athletic ability. I saw him throw Ken over myself, and that's why I risked my neck to save him."

"Weed huh? Strange name..."

The offender, Koeda (and he was the one with the strange name...) glanced at him doubtfully, but Weed wasn't paying attention. Instead he was looking at the Collie, who's eyes were twinkling. Apparently, he wasn't surprised. Weed felt a little better, knowing that someone could see potential in him, even if he was younger and smaller than everyone else.

"I know he'll be the one we can count on someday!"

Kagetora declared, nudging Weed. Then the Collie whispered, half to himself,

"They look so much alike... could it be possible..."

Weed titled his head, and then the Collie noticed that he had been listening. He nodded to the edge of the cliff, and Weed followed, curious about this stranger. Once they were apart from the group, he watched as the collie pointed out Futago Pass.

"That there, is Futago Pass. Long ago, I fought in the battle against Akakabuto, under Gin himself. When I saw you, I was reminded so much of him... are you his son?"

Weed nodded hesitantly, not sure if this was exactly a good idea. Not too long ago Kagetora had talked of overthrowing his father's leadership, and he wasn't too sure if that was the best thing to do, or what he wanted to do himself. But as he lifted his head to look the Collie in the eyes, he felt that he could trust him. After all, this guy had been friends with his father...

"Mister... what is your name?"

"Oh.. forgive my rudeness. My name is Wilson."

"Wilson..."

Weed murmured, as if to help remember the name. Then he was about to ask Wilson how he had ended up in Kagetora's pack, but Koeda was calling for him, and not too politely.

"Oi, Brat! Kage wants me to show you where your goin' to sleep, so get over here!"

Wilson shook his head, and apologized,

"Forgive him, Weed. Koeda's a bit thorny, but he's actually a nice guy once you get to know him. Oh, and Weed,"

He called as Weed began to follow the mutt. The silver Akita looked over his shoulder as Wilson offered,

"If you ever need my help, you've got it."

He nodded happily, and then set off.

-With Smith, Mel, and Lenny-

"Mother... mother hold on!"

Smith winced as he heard a scenario that was too familiar to him. Why was he so damn useless at times like these? If only Akame were here... but he opened his eyes sadly and watched as Lenny finally succumbed to her sickness, the one she had told him of. It had been eating at her, she knew, and that is why she had set out to find her son... to be with him in her last days. He sighed as Mel began to cry and wail, but patiently settled himself down on the ground. Much as he wanted to reunite with Weed and GB, he knew that Mel needed some time to grieve. He could only hope the two of them hadn't gotten into any trouble...