Chapter 32

When the Going Gets Tough….

Shipo couldn't believe he was doing this!

Why in Kami's name he was trekking back up towards his prison was beyond him. But, Koga had given his orders. The old miko wanted to get to the witch's house, and that was where Shipo was taking her. Provided she could keep up.

The slight puffing of breath had Shipo glancing over his shoulder again. The elderly miko was currently leaning against the side of a tree, Ginta standing guard not that far from her. Considering this was her second time needing a break, Shipo was beginning to worry about their goal.

Urasue was dead but….if there was anything Shipo had learned lately, it was never under-estimate an opening when Naraku was in play. He'd spotted the saimyosho buzzing in a great black cloud before Kagome's arrows scared them away. But, that didn't mean he was gone.

Why was Naraku even messing with this, anyway? What could he gain from the witch?

She hadn't been strong enough to defeat Koga. In fact, he almost won too easily. There was the army still undead marching towards the village but, surely, Koga and Kagome could handle that as well….couldn't they?

No-matter how long Shipo thought about it, something seemed off about all of this. If Naraku wanted to just destroy Kagome's village, wouldn't he just do it himself? That was how he'd punished Sango's home for helping her.

But, if that wasn't the goal, what did he want?

"I'm fine," the elderly miko announced as she pushed herself back onto her feet. "Let's continue."

Shipo and Ginta shared a knowing glance before they nodded in agreement. However, the old woman's one good eye was sharper than they thought.

"Something ye both wish to share?" she asked as she puffed along, causing the two yokai to stiffen.

"Just….preparing for every possibility," Ginta quickly informed, keeping his tone soothing.

However, the priestess didn't seem as impressed with it.

"And, ye wonder how to handle a lagging old lady along the way," she informed with a shake of her head. "Ye worry for nothing. I may not be as spry as I used to be. But, I assure ye, I can still hold my own."

Shipo supposed that was true but, unfortunately, the previous battle had left a draining effect on the miko. The pain of Urasue's attack had been harsh.

"Of course, Kaede-sama," Ginta soothed. "But, if there's trouble-"

"We shall face it," the miko announced, taking a deep breath. "Well, come on. Standing here does nothing."

Again, Shipo and Ginta shared a look as Kaede marched on with all the determination of a soldier. This was going to be slow but thankfully they were close. The opening to the hollowed-out cave that served as Urasue's home was just around the corner.

Shipo just hoped they'd find it like he left it.

A distant buzzing cause all three to freeze. The sound was distinct but not loud enough to be too close.

Shipo was grateful for that but a chill crept up his spine as he remembered the one insect that clacked and clicked into the witch's ear inside her home. They knew where it was and couldn't be under-estimated. Also,….was it growing closer?

"Hide," Shipo ordered before he dove into the surrounding trees.

It was only moments later that Ginta and the miko joined him in the brush, right before a small swarm of the insects zipped above them and towards the witch's house.

Shipo could still feel the thrumming down his back as he clenched his tiny hands in front of him. He hated those things. And, if they were heading towards Urasue's lair, then they were about to join them. Maybe this wasn't a good idea, afterall.

"We best hurry," the old miko announced as she pushed to her feet, brushing dirt off her red hakamas.

Shipo blinked up at the wrinkled woman. She had to be kidding!

And, apparently, she sensed his hesitation.

"Ye have served Koga's purpose, child," she informed firmly. "I'll not ask ye to continue if ye wish to go."

The offer was startling but Shipo couldn't deny the appeal in it. He'd done his duty, led the priestess to where she needed to go. However, the growing buzzing just through the surrounding trees was all Shipo needed to remember the danger ahead. The priestess wouldn't make it alone.

Ginta was with her but, he wouldn't be much against insects. Saimyosho weren't like fight a single, large opponent like another ookami, or Urasue. This was a swarm that could surround and pick you off bit by bit. All it took was one sting, and poison would eat you from the inside out.

They'd both be sitting ducks.

Taking a deep breath, Shipo shook his head.

"I'll stay," he announced bravely. "But, we can't just rush in there."

"And, what do ye suggest we do?" Kaede asked, cocking her one visible brow.

"Yeah, Shipo," Ginta added softly. "Have you got any more surprises?"

Before Shipo could shake his head, he stopped in consideration. Surprises, huh?

They definitely needed a plan of attack that didn't put them at the disadvantage. But, if they could scatter the swarm…..

"Actually, I think I do," Shipo declared with pride. "But, we're doing this my way."

This time it was Ginta and Kaede that shared a look before they focused solely on the little kit again.

"Ye're way has worked thus far, child," Kaede announced. "What do ye have in mind?"

SSS

Koga didn't think he'd ever run so fast in his life.

The clay soldiers were easy enough to bypass, they were about as alert as statues anyway. But, even though they weren't fast, they didn't have the same hesitations as the usual army. Nothing seemed to stop them. Terrain was merely distance to cover. And, if Kagome's village was to have any chance against the attack, they had to be warned and prepared.

Even running out of their reach was tricky to Koga, because they couldn't risk the delay. And, Kagome clinging to his neck was just more reason to be careful. Her safety couldn't be ignored.

"Will we make it?" she whispered against his ear, trying to hide the tremor in her tone.

Koga nodded sharply. "Just a little further," he answered.

"How many were there?" Kagome asked. "I…. I couldn't get a good look."

Koga supposed that was fair. He was running so fast, he was surprised, Kagome could even talk against the wind whipping against her head and ears.

"A lot," Koga answered, not sure the exact number would help. "Nothing we can't handle."

"Right," Kagome whispered, probably not intending for Koga to hear. But, he did none the less.

Tightening his grip around her, Koga leaned down towards her ear.

"They won't make it," he vowed. "I won't let them."

"Big words," she answered with a forced smile.

"That I always keep," he answered. "Especially to my woman."

Koga felt Kagome go still in his arms. For a moment, he wondered if he'd pushed too far. However, she just nodded against his neck and leaned further into his hold.

"That you do," she whispered. "That you do."

Immediately, the village was spotted in the distance. They'd made it with time to spare. Feeling an extra boost of energy, Koga leapt up into the air, pushing himself further. They'd make it. They had to.

He had a promise to keep, afterall.

SSS

All previous activity about the village was nothing compared to the sudden flurry that seemed to explode all around. Sango was used to preparation of attack but these villagers had obliviously never dealt with anything like a battle before. They were causing more panic than anything.

Men ran in every direction, carrying gardening tools and who knew what else, to what Sango guessed was supposed to be designated defense points. Unfortunately, they were so chaotic, there were some places that needed weapons and others that had too many.

Mothers tried to grab their children and seal themselves in their homes. But, they were so spread out, they might as well be easy targets.

This was….disastrous.

"You done in there?" Hakkaku's roughened voice asked as he and the elderly Higurashi tried to maneuver through the chaos.

Sango shrugged. "I am," she answered. "But, Miroku won't leave Hojo."

Hakkaku shook his head as he looked about. "He might have the better idea," he muttered. "This is ridiculous."

"They have no idea what they're doing," Sango stated.

"They're getting themselves killed, is what they're doing," Hakkaku stated.

"Well, then," the elderly Higurashi announced suddenly. "Fix it, then."

Sango and Hakkaku blinked in stunned silence as they tried to grasp the old man's challenge. Fix this? He had to be kidding!

A sudden crash, however, caused Sango to sigh.

Fine!

The village elder was shouting commands about the square, stirring the chaos further rather than helping. With a deep huff, Sango marched towards him, her weapon strapped to her back as she let out a piercing whistle.

The sound caused all activity to freeze, many covering their ears in cringing pain. However, Sango took the rare opportunity of silence.

"Listen carefully," she called. "If battle is coming, you need to remain calm. You!"

She pointed to one of the men, struggling to keep hold of the tools in his hand.

"Take those to the other side," she ordered sharply. "They need them more."

The man didn't hesitate.

"You!" she pointed to another, a jug of something in his hands. "Get three other men to gather the women and children and secure them in the village's center. If they can't all be together, pick the closest grouping of houses to keep them all in the village's center."

The man blinked a few times before leaping into action. On and on, Sango went, giving instruction and the people following without delay.

By the Kami, these people needed training. But, at least things were progressing in the right direction. Even the village head had stepped aside without a fight. Probably figured this was more than he had bargained for. That suited Sango just fine. She was tired of his trouble.

Hakkaku was helping with how to improve a make-shift fence blockade the men were trying to quickly rig up when dust in the distance caught Sango's eye.

She'd know that trail of dust anywhere.

"Yokai!" a yell rang through the village.

Sango quickly raised her hand to stop the growing panic.

"It's Koga," she called. "Let him in!"

The fact it looked like Koga was on his own had Sango's defenses rising but she was willing to hear what he had to say once he get inside the village. He had to know what was going on.

The rushing wind whistled in her ears when dust kicked up and spun about the square. However, when Sango could finally see, she was relieved to see Koga had Kagome in his arms as well.

That relief was immediately squashed when said miko rushed to her feet, taking a few shay steps from the Alpha.

"An army….is coming…" she huffed.

Sango looked to Koga, hoping to hear it was an exaggeration of some sort. However, the ookami's eyes were sharp as flint as he nodded in agreement, causing Sango's spine to lock in terror.

"How long have we got?" Sango asked.

"A few hours," Koga answered. "Maybe."

Sango could see there was more Koga wasn't saying. But, the worried glare in Kagome's eyes had him delaying.

"Kagome," Sango replied. "Why don't you let your grandfather know you're alright? He's been unmoving in his post with Hakkaku."

"Grandpa," Kagome sighed as she shook her head. "I'll try to send him back to mom and Souta."

Sango nodded in agreement as Kagome rushed off. When she was out of sight, Sango leveled her hard gaze back to Koga.

"How bad is it?" she asked.

Koga shook his head. "They can't reach the village. The humans won't stand a chance."

"Then, we need to stop them beforehand," Sango announced. "Out in the open."

Koga grunted in agreement. "Kagome and I can go out to the forefront," he announced. "Cut down their numbers first."

"I'll help," Sango announced.

Koga shook his head. "You need to stay here," he answered. "The villagers listen to you. They trust you. If any of those walking clay pots get through, they're going to need your guidance. Hakkaku will stay too."

"What about you two?" Sango demanded. "If they're numbers are that big, you can't take them all on your own."

Koga was silent for a moment, giving Sango a thrill of satisfaction. He'd give in. He'd have to.

"Where's the monk?"

The question was like a stone in her stomach. "What?" she asked.

"Miroku," Koga chuffed. "Where is he? We could use that wind weapon of his."

Sango released an irritated huff.

"Hojo's dying," she answered tersely. "He refuses to leave him."

"Why?" Koga asked.

Sango shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe he fears Hojo will give into despair and become a yokai at his final moments. Maybe he's trying to be compassionate. Maybe he just refuses to fight, I don't know. But, since the village head won't see Hojo, Miroku isn't budging."

A low growl rumbled in Koga's chest as his sharp eyes glittered in irritated fury. A quick glance and he spotted the village leader lifting a bit of the fencing.

Sango's first instinct was to try and stop him as she saw Koga march towards the unsuspecting male. However, a part of her was curious to see what would happen. Maybe, a good scare was what he needed.

No sooner was Koga behind him, than the man was jerked back by the back of his collar, causing his hands to flay in startled panic.

"What the—"

As soon as he turned, the village head's face turned ghostly pale as he stared into the Alpha's practically glowing eyes.

Sango wondered momentarily if the ookami would just rip him apart right there.

"Listen carefully," Koga ground out. "There is an undead army marching on your village and none of us have time to waste. I need the hoshi with me, defending your damn people but he won't move till you give your last words to your son.
'I don't care what you think or feel. I don't care if you want to run and piss yourself in terror. But, you will walk into that house and do whatever the hell the hoshi wants you to do or I will gut you here myself, and save the approaching army the trouble. You got that?"

The human male didn't say a word. He only nodded in horrified agreement before Koga shoved him in the direction of his house. Sango was sure she never saw the man move as fast as when he rushed to get away from the irate yokai.

"And, tell the hoshi to get his ass out here," Koga ordered behind him. "Now!"