Chapter 25

What Must Be Done

The air about the clearing was still once the light of pure reiki dissipated. It was a soothing calm but a deceptive one Kagome recognized all too well. Like the eye of a great storm.

The danger was at ease but far from over.

"Well done, my lady," the appreciative tone of the hoshi behind her praised. "I must admit I quite under-estimated your abilities."

Kagome looked back towards the small cluster of friends that were trying to right themselves from the wreckage. It was a mercy they were still alive. One she knew that monster,….Naraku, wouldn't allow to happen again.

Kagome knew what she had to do. She just hoped it wasn't too late.

"Ginta is still out but he seems to be fine," Sango informed with a nod. "We can leave him here to be discovered, easily."

"Then, we can leave," the hoshi, Miroku, replied relieved.

"Not yet," Kagome answered as she looked towards the peak of the den, barely visible in the distance.

"What?" Sango huffed.

"My lady, I really must disagree," Miroku argued calmly. "We have had limited luck as of late. We should take the opportunity presented to us."

"We have to run," Sango added.

"I'm tired of running," Kagome replied, her tone breathless.

It was the truth. How many years had it been? How long had she fled from village to village, abandoning her own, to outrun an enemy that was determined to catch her? How long had she surrounded herself in yokai, hoping it would throw him off her trail? And, it had all been for nothing.

Time wasted. Time that could have been used to strengthening her abilities; to training her mind and spirit to prepare for finally facing the monster that refused to leave her. Instead, she had crouched in the corner like a scared child; covering her eyes in the hope it would mean he was equally blind.

That had to stop.

"What other option do we have, my lady?" Miroku asked, compassion softening his steady gaze.

"You've seen what he can do," Sango replied. "We're no match for him, now."

"No, we're not," Kagome agreed. "And, that is my fault."

"Your fault?" Sango asked in shock.

"I did exactly what he wanted," Kagome informed. "I ran and ran and ran. And, when I couldn't run anymore, I hid. I held myself back, thinking I could keep him from noticing my abilities. And, in doing so, I let my strength diminish. If I could defeat him before, I can't now. Not without the proper training."

"Kagome," Sango soothed, placing her hand on the priestess' shoulder.

"It's true," Kagome added. "I let myself stagnate and gave him the advantage. That's why…. I do need to leave. But, not to run.
'I need to train. Strengthen my skills. If I can do that, then I can defeat him."

"It makes sense but, where could you—"

"Hoshi," Kagome interrupted, looking the slightly surprised monk in the eye. "You said once you could take me somewhere where no yokai could find me. Were you serious?"

"Of course, my lady," Miroku replied calmly. "You would be perfectly safe there."

"I'm not worried about my own safety, Master hoshi," Kagome corrected. "But, I need to train. Could I do so there? Winter will be here soon. And, that will slow Naraku down. This is….an opportunity, as you stated. And, I need to take all I can."

Miroku nodded swiftly. "I can show the way now, my lady," he offered.

Kagome shook her head. "Not yet," she countered. "There's one more thing I have to do."

"You'll never make it back in time," Sango argued. "The wolf tribe is lost."

Kagome hated to admit it but, the taijiya had a point. The trip back to the den would take most of the day but, she had to know. If Naraku's treachery had delved that deep then—

A swiftly approaching figure from the sky had the small group tensing in preparation. Was it a stray Bird of Paradise? Or, some monstrosity far worse?

However, the closer it grew, Kagome smiled with relief and Sango rushed forward, waving her arm back and forth to flag the approaching nekomata.

"Kirara!" Sango cried with joy as she wrapped her arms about the large feline's neck. "I'm so glad you're alright."

Kagome came up and lightly patted the loyal nekomata's flank with affection. It had been too long since she'd seen the lovable yokai. Kirara had been with Sango since she was a child and Kagome had never seen the two apart as long as they had been the last few days.

It was good they were back together.

As if sensing the miko's thoughts, the neko nuzzled her pointed face against Kagome's chest in return.

Kagome giggled at the soft fur tickling her chin. "I've missed you too, Kirara."

In fact,… this was perfect.

Quickly glancing towards the weaponry and supplies strapped to the large yokai's back like a saddle, Kagome was over-joyed to spy a bow with a full quiver.

"Kirara," Kagome quickly replied, causing the neko to cock her head to the side in confusion. "I need your help."

SSS

He wouldn't get away!

Koga wasn't about to let this sadistic bastard get away with the damage he'd done. However, the jumpy son-of-a-bitch was harder to catch than the enraged Alpha anticipated.

Right when he was within striking distance, the fool would slip away into a nearby shadow or suddenly behind Koga. How was he able to do this?

"This is pointless, wolf," the figure taunted as he zipped away from Koga's swiping claws. "You've lost."

"Shut up!" Koga snarled as he kicked off the ground to lunge after the retreating figure.

"You have nothing to fight for," he continued, suddenly appearing behind the Alpha. "Your tribe is gone. The woman is lost."

Koga responded with a sharp swinging kick. His foot connected with worn fur for a moment before the figure vanished into a nearby shadow.

"Your body is about to give out," the figure's voice added. "You're broken-down, helpless, weak. You can barely draw breath."

"You want to know what I think," Koga huffed as he struggled to breathe through his burning lungs. "I think you're full of shit. That my tribe is not as gone as you assume."

"Foolish," the voice taunted from the other side of him.

"You want to know what else?" Koga puffed as he glared in the new direction, leaning on a nearby tree for support. "I think there's a reason you keep hoppin' around. I think that if I ever landed a good solid blow on you, even in my 'broken-down' state, I could finish you."

The answering silence gave Koga hope. Maybe he had figured his enemy out. He just had to keep him distracted.

"That's it, isn't it?" Koga called through gritted teeth. "You're not as powerful as you think. You're just a quick, little coward that can't hold up against a real warrior."

The continuing silence was enough to bolster the Alpha's pride.

"Well?!" he shouted towards the darkening sky. "Nothing to say, now?
'You're the one who's weak. You are a sham, a shadow, a fake. Too scared to even give your name in a fight."

And, thank-goodness for that. The way Koga's vision was starting to spin and water wasn't a good sign to the weary Alpha. He wasn't sure how much longer his legs would stay up-right.

Shipo's bright-haired head cautiously popped out from behind a nearby rock, turning one way then the other. That was a good sign. The kit wouldn't come out if danger was around. The little trickster had too big a streak of self-preservation.

Koga released the sigh of relief as he gripped his side, shaking his head.

"Weak," he muttered under his breath.

However, sooner did the word slip out then blinding pain erupted from the Alpha's chest.

"Koga!" Shipo shrieked as the kit stared in wide-eyed horror.

As if in a daze, Koga slowly looked down at his chest-plate, a thick dark tentacle of pure evil energy sticking through his chest. The suffocating shadow looming behind him slowly moved in closer.

"Strong enough for you?" the figure breathed against Koga's ear.

Koga wished he had some remark to return with but it was taking everything he had to breathe. This only seemed to increase the bastard's enjoyment.

"You should have quit while you were ahead," the male chuckled before tossing Koga's body across the clearing like a discarded doll.

"Koga!" Shipo cried.

Koga struggled to sit up but a sudden weight slammed against his chest, the figure looming over him like a great white bird of prey.

"You want a name, wolf?" he asked with a sickening satisfaction. "When you go to your Ancestors, tell them Naraku sent you."

Just when Koga took a breath to speak, another blast of horrifying pain blasted through his chest, searing through him like fire. All the control in the world couldn't keep the yell of agony from ripping from him.

SSS

Wind slapped about Kagome's face with a chilling bite as she clung to the fur on Kirara's back. They were almost there.

The nekomata had required some convincing but not as much as Sango did. Thankfully, Miroku was able to reason through the young hunter's initial hysteria. Kagome had to do this. She had to see the den for herself. Unfortunately, a part of her shuddered at what she may find.

Naraku was merciless. All Kagome had to do was remember Sango's village and that was a perfect testament to his blood-thirsty ruthlessness. But, if there was any chance she could spare them, save them from the obvious attack the monster was planning…..

Of all the nightmarish visions that filled the priestess' imagination, nothing prepared her for the reality she saw through a break in the freezing clouds.

The den was…..filled with evil.

Dark miasma, a sickening terror that Kagome was only too familiar with, over-flowed like black oozing smock through the whole mountain. Many from the tribe were scattered throughout the surrounding area, undoubtedly escaped from the living death filling their home.

From the height she was currently flying at, Kagome couldn't tell if she recognized any individually but the fact there were some alive gave her a soothing sense of relief. But, that also meant she had no idea who was alive.

Koga, Ayumu, Hakkaku and so many others. They could be dead already….or away and oblivious to this torture happening.

This was Naraku's revenge; the attack the Jubokko was talking about. Kagome had no idea how many within were dead or dying but that couldn't distract her now.

She had to do this. She couldn't give Koga what he wanted. She couldn't stay. But she could save what was left of his people. Kagome just prayed Koga was alive somewhere.

He had to be. The Alpha was too stubborn to die. More importantly, Koga was too stubborn to die.

A gentle smile warmed Kagome's face as the image of Koga's cocky grin filled her mind. The warmth in those cerulean eyes, the playfulness in his smirk. He was fine. He had to be. Kagome couldn't take the thought of him not being.

Snapping out of her revelry, Kagome straightened on Kirara's back, slipping the bow off from her shoulders. Quickly knocking an arrow, Kagome aimed for the top opening in the mountain. It was the high air shaft that the Birds of Paradise had taken her into. And, now, it was the ookami tribe's only chance.

"This is for you, Koga," she whispered softly before releasing the arrow in a straight-shot that sped through the cold air like a blazing star to the miasma-filled hole.

The result was instantaneous.

Kagome didn't wait to count how many survived the attack. She couldn't take the chance. Naraku could be nearby and that was a risk she refused to make. He'd done enough to these people.

Thankfully, Kirara was up to the task of rushing back towards the border.

The whip of wind grew sharper, causing Kagome to clench her eyes shut to block out the sting. Shivers raced down her back as the first dusting of flakes brushed her cheek. Snow.

Snow was good. Snow would keep them in the den and give Kagome the chance to leave. She should be relieved by it….shouldn't she?

A familiar figure in the distance snapped Kagome from her thoughts and she prepared herself as Kirara swiftly but carefully made her decent.

Miroku and Sango were right where they said they'd be and Kagome was more than ready to proceed. If she delayed anymore, she didn't trust what her choices would be.

"I take it, it worked," Miroku replied with a steady smile as Kirara made a smooth landing.

Kagome nodded. "Yes," she answered. "The den is safe."

"And, the Alpha?" Miroku asked.

Kagome worried her lower lip. "I didn't see him….perhaps—"

"You can't take the chance, Kagome," Sango interrupted. "If he survived the attack, he will be looking for who did it. And, he won't let you out of his sight after this. You have to go. Now."

She was right. Kagome knew she was right. There was no putting it off now. But, why was the thought of leaving putting a horrible ache in her chest?

"Kirara will take the hoshi and you where you need to go," Sango added, all business. "Just tell her where you want to go."

"What about you?" Kagome argued.

Sango just shook her head. "I'm staying behind," she informed. "Someone needs to make sure the tribe don't follow you. Don't worry, I know how to throw a trail."

"But—"

"Kirara will come back for me," Sango promised. "I just need to buy time till then."

Looked like the taijiya had taken everything into account.

"Ginta?" Kagome quickly asked as Miroku climbed up behind her.

"He's fine," Sango reassured. "We propped him up against a nearby tree. With any luck, he'll wake up on his own or the others will find him."

Kagome nodded in grudging agreement, a light smattering of snow starting to float to the ground.

"My lady," Miroku prompted gently. "Are you ready?"

So, that was it. Nothing more. The thought was a disheartening one to Kagome.

Why was she resisting the urge to leave? She had to. It was the only way to prepare to take down Naraku once and for all. But, still, the knot in her chest twisted at the choice.

But, that didn't matter. Kagome didn't belong here. She'd been avoiding the inevitable but that didn't make it hurt any less. She just had to grow up.

"Yes," she breathed with a fortifying breath. "Let's go."

"I'll send word as soon as I can," Sango promised as she clasped Kagome's hand in comfort. "Just be ready when it's time."

"I will," Kagome promised.

With a smile and a nod, Sango stepped back as Kirara lunged up into the swirling air, running on the wintery wind that propelled them farther and farther away from the mountain peaks.

Glancing back over her shoulder, Kagome felt the sting of tears prick the corners of her eyes. It was really happening. She just hoped Koga would forgive her one day.

"I'm sorry," she whispered softly, closing her eyes against the burn that would be the wind. "Good-bye, Koga."

If the hoshi heard her plea, he gave no indication. And, for that, Kagome swore she would always be grateful.

SSS

Shipo grunted and groaned as he continued to drag the heavy body behind him. The muscles in his tiny arms strained as sweat started to mingle with the beginning sprinkling of snow.

Why did the barbarian have to be so heavy?

However, that was a rant for another time. It was up to him to save the Alpha's life and he couldn't waste a moment.

It had been luck, pure and simple, that the wolf was still alive.

That monster, Naraku, had the kill. He had it. Shipo would forever remember the image of the horrifying shape, cloaked in white fur and surrounded by long black vaporous tentacles, pinning Koga to the ground and sending tainted pain into the agonizing Alpha.

However, a flash of light, bigger brighter and closer, saved him. The flare had been huge, filling the whole sky with pure power. And, without a second thought, Naraku lunged off of his catch and raced off through the shadows towards the source.

The resulting silence was bone-chilling. Everywhere Shipo looked there was dead or dying, both for the ookami in the clearing and nature itself. A part of his instincts told him to run, to flee. But, that would mean Koga would die before the first snow finished falling.

Shipo didn't always like the Alpha but he owed him. That was why he was currently trying to drag a body easily three times his size. He had to be crazy!

A swooping wind brushed up Shipo's spine, causing the kit to shudder as the feeling reminded him of Naraku's eyes. The glimpse had been brief but the cold detachment had been unavoidable. He felt no remorse, no conviction of what he was about to do.

Shipo made a mental note to never come in contact with that hateful….whatever he was, again.

A haunting moan had Shipo bristling with terror as he snapped his gaze one way or the other, desperate to hide from any possible attack. However, there was nothing.

A strong wind rushed by, causing the sound to fill the air again. But, this time, Shipo's pointed ears twitched as he tried to locate the sound. A rattling rustle to his left revealed the mouth of a cave; their salvation!

Gathering all the strength he had left, Shipo pulled and tugged the prone Alpha into the dark cave, settling him carefully on the smooth floor. Leaning against a rocky wall, the little kit took a break to catch his breath.

He'd done it! He'd gotten Koga to a safe place. Now, he just needed to patch him up.

A pained groan from the ookami in question had Shipo scurrying to his side.

"Koga," he cried hopefully. "Koga, are you alright? I mean, I know you're not alright but—"

"Naraku," Koga snarled in blind-pain. "Naraku!"

"He's not here," Shipo reassured. "He left."

"Naraku, Naraku," Koga continued to grunt in a darkness-induced chant.

It was as if he was still fighting his enemy, claws straining to slash and fangs ready to tear. But, there was no enemy to kill. He was taken by his nightmares.

"Just stay here," Shipo replied, hoping the stubborn Alpha would hear that much. "I'm going to get help. You need to be healed."

Shipo knew the reasoning was a waste of time. Koga still persisted in his endless, mad chant of the monster's name. Searching for the one he wanted to kill in his dreams. But, at least, the Alpha was weak enough to not be able to stand. That would mean he would still be there when Shipo came back with help; help they needed.

"I'll be right back, Koga," Shipo promised once the ookami's ravings died down to angry whimpers and shudders. "You just hang on till then. Remember, Kagome needs you."

With that, the kit bounded out of the cave, zipping through the beginnings of white snow-fall.

It was probably best then he didn't hear the Alpha's dream-ravings shift to other nightmares. Visions more horrible than he could imagine. Visions of the pure, the beautiful, the right just out of his reach; forever lost to him.

"Kagome….. Kagome….. Kagome..."

(To be continued in Wolf and Miko part 4. Hope to see you all soon.)