Chapter 28

Urasue: Part 3

She'd done it! She'd bought some time.

Kagome had no idea how much time, but any delay in Naraku's treachery was worth the effort. And, those disgusting bugs had at least been driven away by hers and Kaede's arrows.

Kagome just hoped it was enough.

"Are you alright?"

Koga's question had Kagome giving him a grateful smile as he pulled her to her feet. He always looked out for her, no-matter what.

"Yes," she answered relieved. "You?"

Koga's bright smile was all the answer she needed. Kagome supposed it was a foolish question. But, no weapon made someone invincible, not even a sparking clawed hand that could take out half a mountainside.

Seriously!

Even now, the dust cloud drifting off the rumble was near shadowing out the sun. But, still, Kagome felt the reflexive need to be sure that Koga was okay. That he was still…..there.

"Ye're weapon is truly impressive, Alpha," Kaede huffed as she tried to catch her breath. "Truly impressive."

The grudging respect in her old mentor's voice had Kagome smothering an amused chuckle between pressed lips. Kaede was always cautious with her praise at the best of times. But, Kagome supposed there were always opportunities for the older priestess to lighten her grip on them every now and again.

Koga just tossed his head with a chuff. "That doesn't get the witch's attention, nothing will."

Again, Kagome could only stare in amazement at the gaping hole in the mountainside. And, she thought Miroku's Kazaana was a horrifying force to deal with. But, apparently, what she deemed as intimidating was growing more and more powerful.

"What are the chances that attack killed the witch before we even got here?" Ginta asked, shading his eyes as he squinted up the caved-in ridge.

However, before anyone had a chance to answer, a sudden chill slinked up Kagome's back.

It was subtle, barely more than a shift in the surrounding breeze. But, the added rattle in her ear was the only warning before link after horrifying link of a chain snaked up from the surrounding grass and wrapped tightly about her with bruising ferocity.

What the—

A jolt of pain, blinding in its agony, shot up Kagome's body causing her knees to buckle under her. The surrounding shouts from the others were all the priestess needed to know they were exposed to the same torture. Even Koga looked barely able to remain on his feet.

Another searing blast wracked Kagome's body, causing her to bend over in pain.

Gritting her teeth to keep her scream silent, Kagome struggled to stay conscious. She couldn't pass out. She couldn't!

And, all at once, the pain stopped.

Swiveling her head from side to side, Kagome quickly took the other huddled forms into account. They were all still alive, if their groans were any indication. In fact, Koga's enraged expression was almost comforting to her.

"What the…..," he snarled as he pulled viciously at the binding. "What is this trickery?!"

"Trickery, indeed," a voice cackled from the surrounding trees, causing every hair on Kagome's head to stand on end.

A skinny figure, barely taller than herself, slowly made its way towards them, the other end of their long chains clutched in its thin gnarled fingers.

Kagome wasn't fooled by the skin the witch wore. This was an it. An Oni, an ogre, an evil creature that would only feed its' need for power and suffering.

This had to be who they were looking for.

"Such pretty catches," the shriveled looking witch tittered as she jerked on her leashes, causing pain to leap up Kagome's bruised ribs. "Ookami are rare enough ingredients. But, such a pretty little piece like the Shikon Jewel was more than I could hope for."

Terror clutched Kagome's throat as she stared down at the glowing orb about her neck. She'd forgotten the Jewel was still with her and apparently, the bauble had slipped free from under her haori. And, was prominently displayed for the witch to stare with a sickening intensity.

"Hey, witch!" Koga shouted. "Finally decided to come out, huh?"

Wide, bugling eyes flicked towards Koga's bound form and Kagome suddenly felt herself prickle with aware terror. She didn't want that witch focusing on Koga. Her attention was too deadly.

"And, those shiny claws of yours are another added prize," the crone smirked. "The perfect addition to my work."

"What work?" Kagome demanded, snapping the witch's focus back to her. "What are you wanting with all of this?"

The ogress cackled with unrestrained glee.

"Is it not obvious, dearie?" she hissed, giving the chains another brutal tug. "Power! What else?"

"Be that why ye tricked Hojo in the village?" Kaede demanded between gritted teeth. "Why ye had him steal my sister's remains from my home?"

The witch, Urasue, snorted derisively. "My work is proceeding in spite of that stupid fool! I wanted the jewel, not those useless ashes!"

The cruel taunt had hope blooming in Kagome's chest. Perhaps, they weren't too late. However, the ogress' smirking grin had that hope dying swiftly.

"No matter, though," she crooned. "I've learned to use anything that can be found. Soon, I will have the Jewel, that weapon, and a powerful servant to do my bidding. And, that will just be the start."

"The hell it will!" Koga snarled as he suddenly leapt to his feet and charge the witch.

However, the ogress lifted her clenched hand, a sudden rush of power racing down the metal lengths and sending that same blinding pain down not only him but Kagome and the others as well.

The attack was so quick, Kagome had no time to fight the scream ripping from her throat as her back tightened viciously and her legs and arms started to shake.

Blissfully, the pain stopped, air rushing back into Kagome's lungs.

Urasue cackled with glee.

"Try again, Alpha," she taunted. "Every time you attack, the pain will start again. And, not just for you. But, for all of them."

Kagome's eyes locked on Koga's blue ones, terror and confusion passing between them. How could they move without harming the others?

Suddenly, Kagome felt herself pitch forward, rock and dirt grinding into her face and shoulder as she was dragged towards the witch.

"Now, let's have that Jewel, dearie," she crowed, pulling the chain like a rope.

"Kagome!" Koga shouted behind her but Kagome paid it no notice. All she could see was the witch's bulging eyes as they stared with horrifying satisfaction.

She needed help. Now!

SSS

"There!" Shipo cheered as he swung the door to his cage open, a proud smile on his round face.

No witch was keeping him locked up. A might warrior never can be kept locked up!

However, before the kit had a chance to truly celebrate his victory, Shipo quickly snapped wide eyes towards the baking clay mound behind him. He had to get rid of….whatever this was.

Searching frantically about the stuffy room, he grinned widely when he spotted a mallet leaning against the nearby table. Perfect!

He'd smash this monstrosity to bits and get out there to help Koga with his own rescue.

Grabbing the handle, the kit hopped over to the sweltering heat of the baking mound. Sweat pricked the side of his head as he raised the tool of his destruction.

"KAGOME!"

Terror gripped Shipo's throat as he jerked his focus towards the door. That was Koga! He sounded like he was in horrible trouble. And, if he needed help, then the others did too!

Dropping the mallet, Shipo scurried towards the door, desperate to reach his friends. That witch couldn't win against them. She couldn't!

Skidding to a stop on the caved-in ridge, Shipo stared in horror as he saw Koga and the others bound with chains, Kagome slowly being dragged towards the crone's skinny form.

This was bad. Very bad!

Anger blistered through the little kitsune, causing his tiny fists to clench at his sides. Well, if it was up to him, he had to act fast.

It was time to be the mighty warrior he was!