Chapter 27

Fair is Fair

Sango had been in many unusual situations with yokai before. But, she had to admit, this had to be the most surreal thus far.

Ginta had said he wasn't going to let her escape and, to prove his point, he'd actually tied her to a nearby tree while he continued in his mad scramble through the snow.

Sango knew she could easily escape; Kirara was hiding in the drifts, just waiting for her signal to attack if need be. Unfortunately, she could also guess that any move she made, Ginta would be after her in a second. And, considering he'd just left her there, whatever he was looking for had to be that important.

It was too bad that he wasn't sharing what that important thing was.

"If you just tell me what it is you're looking for," Sango called out again. "I could probably help you."

But, like all the other times she'd offered, Ginta refused to answer. In fact, he didn't even acknowledge she'd spoken. Just continued throwing snow in every direction. Which was only causing Sango's irritation to spike.

"I can't see how my helping couldn't speed this along," Sango suggested. "It's not like I have anywhere to go, this deep in ookami territory."

And, again, he wasn't listening. Or, he was listening and didn't care.

"Why are you even here?" Sango snapped, her patience fraying. "Shouldn't you be helping Koga back at the den, anyway?"

Immediately, the hunter stopped digging. The sharp silence throughout the clearing had every hair on Sango's neck standing on end. Like a tethered rabbit, Sango zipped her eyes one way then the other, trying to spy the now quiet predator around her.

However, it was a sudden clawed hand pinning the side of her face against the tree she was tied to that told Sango where the ookami was. And, the prick of those claws against her cheek told he wasn't happy.

"You think I'd be out here alone if I could go to the den?" Ginta hissed, his tone surprisingly cold compared to the shy male Sango remembered. "Do you?"

"No," Sango answered, keeping her voice calm.

The worst thing she could do was give into panic with an enraged ookami.

"Then, stop talking about what you don't know," Ginta ordered before he let go of Sango's head and stomped back through the snow. "And, quit distracting me."

Sango knew she should keep quiet. Her father had taught her it was better to not purposefully provoke ookami when they were agitated, especially if you were at their mercy. However, whatever self-preservation Sango had left had burnt away with her temper.

"Distracting you, from what?" she demanded, her back teeth grinding. "You don't even know what you're looking for. You're just flinging snow about and shouting like a mad man. For help, might I add."

The hunter froze mid step, probably preparing to go for the kill but Sango found she couldn't care anymore.

"Well, you may not want me to be here but here I am," she continued. "And, if you can dig in the snow, so can I. Besides, what else am I going do? Freeze to death?"

Ginta didn't move. And, truth be told, Sango couldn't decide if that was a good or a bad sign. However, if he was going to attack, she supposed it was better he go ahead and get it over with.

"You really want to help?" Ginta asked, his tone still hard. "You really want to try and patch up all the trouble you caused?"

"Me?" Sango snapped. "What are you talking about?"

"The tribes are about to go to war," Ginta informed. "The North thinks Koga murdered one of theirs and is demanding his head for it. This place is where the attack happened. And, I'm trying to find anything that proves he didn't."

Sango blinked as she processed the hunter's words. "I see," she said.

"I have no idea if Koga is aware or not," Ginta continues. "But, the North is planning to swallow us whole, all under their Alpha's power. And, unless I find something, anything, then there is nothing that can stop it."

"What makes you so sure he didn't do it?" Sango asked, watching Ginta's shoulders tense. "He has a temper, afterall."

"Koga would never attack another hunter unprovoked," Ginta countered. "Besides, he was brought back to the den almost half-dead."

"Doesn't that prove he was in a fight?" Sango ventured.

"It would take more than that Beta to wound Koga that badly," Ginta argued. "And, he just couldn't…. He wouldn't…."

Sango sighed. "You're a good and loyal friend, Ginta," she said.

"This was an attack," Ginta stated, ignoring her again. "It had to be. Whatever attacked the den had to have gotten to Koga as well. I just wish I could figure out what it was."

Sango immediately went still. Could it….be that simple?

"I know what attacked you," Sango said, her eyes watching Ginta for any sudden movements.

"How?" he asked, turning slowly towards her. "Are you with them?"

Sango snorted in disgust. "No. But, I can tell you he wouldn't be above leaving some leftover trouble. Naraku loves….leaving an impression."

"Naraku," Ginta asked. "That's who did this?"

"He attacked the den and us," Sango answered. "I can't be certain if this was him too but, it has his touch all over it. And, if he did it then I might have an idea of what you could be looking for."

When Ginta remained still Sango sighed in frustration. "I'm telling you the truth," she stated, tugging her still bound wrist. "If you just untie me, I can be more help to you. Besides, I don't think you've got much time. Warriors from the North have already made it to the den and Koga will have to act soon."

Apparently, the news was enough to snap Ginta to the present because he quickly rushed over towards her and snapped the rope holding her between his claws. However, he then put that clawed hand on Sango's shoulder as she started to rise.

"Betray me and run," he warned, "and I will hunt you down, no-matter where you go."

"Deal," Sango agreed, eager to finally get some feeling back into her feet again.

"I keep smelling something that isn't supposed to be here," Ginta said as he turned back towards the mangled clearing. "I think that might be it but I can't seem to find it in all of this snow."

"I've been sensing an evil presence here, as well," Sango stated as she rubbed her wrists and followed. "You may be right in thinking it's what you need."

"Then, dig," Ginta ordered, causing Sango to snap her gaze towards him. "You wanted to help. So, help."

Sango sighed as she started to study the shredded snow.

"I think I preferred it when you ignored me," she muttered.

"And, I preferred it before you betrayed us," Ginta countered. "I guess we both don't get our wish."

"I didn't betray you," Sango stated, stepping cautiously over a large mound.

"No?" Ginta challenged as he moved the other way. "And, what would you call taking Koga's woman hostage while we were attacked?"

"She's not a hostage," Sango argued with a roll of her eyes.

"Then, what is she?" Ginta demanded.

"Safe," Sango stated.

"From Naraku?" Ginta ventured cautiously.

"From all of this," Sango said, refusing to go any-further with her explanation.

"Including Koga," Ginta accused.

Sango shrugged. The hunter could think what he liked. However, he didn't seem willing to let it go.

"Bring her back," he demanded, causing Sango to still.

"Excuse me?" Sango asked, her tone tight.

"When this is all over, bring her back to Koga," Ginta stated calmly.

"No," Sango answered, tossing a nearby stick to the side.

"Why?" Ginta demanded.

"I can't."

"You will if Koga makes you," Ginta countered.

"How could he possibly make me?" Sango demanded. "Look, I'm helping you clear Koga's name. But, my help ends there. Once you have what you need, our deal is done."

"Fine," Ginta stated, his face coldly calm. "Then, once you're finished, you will be my prisoner again. And, Koga will deal with you as he wants."

"Fine," Sango agreed, turning back to the snow.

She was tempted to tell the frustrating male that she wasn't about to hang around long enough to be made a prisoner again. However, Kirara remaining undetected was the better plan. If Ginta didn't know she was about, then he wouldn't plan for her. And, Sango would have her moment to escape and finally get out of these damned mountains.

Right when Sango was wondering if she could ram the back of the hunter's head with some ice, a flash of something dark glinted in the glowing white ground.

Swallowing low, Sango clawed at the cold casing till a long thin shard, like a crystalline dart as pitch black as Naraku's heart, winked up from the frozen dirt.

"Ginta?" Sango called. "Ginta!"

"What?" he demanded with a huff.

"I think this is it," she stated, staring at the tainted thing with open disdain as the hunter rushed to her side.

Ginta snarled in disgust as he covered his nose and mouth. "That's it alright. What is that thing?"

"Proof," Sango stated as she dug a cloth out of her pocket and carefully wrapped it about the cold dart.

Ginta took it deftly between his claws, glaring at it as if it were poison itself.

"This is what killed Taro," he ventured, fingers trembling. "This….could save Koga."

"Would it be enough?" Sango asked, causing the hunter to snap his gaze towards her. "I mean, it obviously was used but, wouldn't they argue that it could have already been there?"

"There's blood on it," Ginta argued. "It has to be Taro's."

"Alright, but—"

Approaching voices had the two immediately stiffen. As he clenched his hand about the shard, Ginta snatched Sango by the arm and dragged her down behind a nearby snowdrift. Before Sango had a chance to ask what he was doing, the hunter's fist slammed against the top of the drift, raining snow down on the two of them.

"What are you—"

"Shh!" Ginta hissed before they heard the heavy stomping of footsteps in the snow above them.

"This way," a voice called, causing Sango to hold her breath.

She didn't recognized the male that led the group of hunters but there was no denying Koga's sharp eyes that were scanning the surrounding area. He, along with a handful of males, followed the other through the snow all the way to the surrounding trees.

The group seemed determined but grim in their trek, which had Sango swallowing through the tightening of her throat. They were heading North. Which meant, they were also running out of time.

The bright orange head hopping behind the group had Sango suddenly gripping Ginta's arm, startling the hunter.

"Wha-"

"Him," Sango interrupted, pointing a freezing finger towards the little kitsune. "We need him."

Ginta quirked a dark brow at her as if he was certain she'd lost her mind but Sango just gave his arm a hard shake.

"He was with Koga during the attack," she whispered. "If there's anyone who could help us, it's him."

"But, how do we get him away from the others?" Ginta asked, his eyes now holding a determined light. "If Koga find us, we're dead."

Sango had to admit, he had a point. Even if Koga was willing to believe they were trying to help, he still had bad-blood with both of them. Especially her. Ginta could possibly talk his way into being spared, but not her. Not with Kagome gone and not coming back.

However, Kirara's tiny head popping out from behind a nearby tree had Sango fighting the urge to grin.

"I got this," Sango stated as she started to pull herself out of the snow.

Thankfully, more of it tumbled down over the hunter, shielding his eyes as he struggled to get out. Taking the chance, Sango quickly gestured towards Kirara, signaling for her to get the kit's attention.

They'd developed this system for years, perfected messages as simple as 'stay' and as complicated as full list of instructions. It was their secret, their way to talk that went beyond everything else. And, it didn't fail her then, either.

Nodding in understanding, Kirara zipped out of sight just as the hunter sprang up for air.

"What was that?" he demanded, trying to shake snow out of the furred wrappings about his legs and feet.

"Come on," Sango ordered, taking to the nearby trees. "We'll draw him out this way."

"We'll what?" Ginta demanded before racing after her. "Hey!"

Sango tried to keep her breathing even as she forced her thoughts to go through her next steps. She'd draw the kid out, get what help he could give, and make her escape. The job would be done and so would she.

She wasn't fooled by the hunter's willingness to follow her. He had to know something was up but there was no way he saw her message.

A nearby cluster of trees looked like the perfect cover as Sango dove behind them, Ginta crouching beside her.

"Now, what?" he asked, with a soft huff.

A sharp crack had both of them stiffening. However, Sango quickly released a lilting whistle. Ginta looked like he was ready to take her head off but Sango didn't have the time to play this game much longer.

Sending another soft song into the air, Sango was relieved when Shipo's bright head suddenly popped up around them.

Sango watched as the kit's face went from annoyed, to shocked, to quickly infuriated as he spotted Ginta with her.

"What are you two doing here?" he demanded, tiny fists resting on his hips. "If anyone sees either of you—"

"Wait, you knew she was here?" Ginta demanded, causing the child to suddenly pale before he puffed up his tiny chest.

"I should tell Koga you're both here and get rid of you both at the same time," he stated.

However, Sango knew to call the kitsune's bluff.

"We think we've found proof to help Koga," she said, waiting for the kit to come down off his high horse.

"How?" he asked, wide eyes blinking.

Sango looked towards Ginta's suspicious face. "Show him."

With a soft snort, the hunter pulled out the dark shard, causing the kit to scuttle away.

"That's it," he said, his small hand covering his nose. "That's the thing that killed Taro. It made his body walk without him."

Ginta suddenly snatched his fingers away as if the hateful thing had burned him. However, before it could land in the snow, Sango caught it and wrapped the dart in the shredded cloth she'd had around her hands.

"Do you think this will be enough?" Sango asked, meeting Shipo's wide eyes. "I mean, it killed Taro but could it prove Koga didn't do it?"

"It doesn't have his scent on it," Shipo said however the slight pucker between his brows had Sango worried.

"Is there anything else you can remember?" she asked. "Anything about the fight?"

"It all happened so fast," Shipo said. "Naraku killed Taro and when all was said and done, he left Koga for dead. I'll never forget that look on Koga's face when he saw that…. dark thing sticking out of his chest."

Immediately, Sango straightened. "His chest?" she asked. "You're sure?"

"Yeah," Shipo answered with a shudder. "Went entirely through him."

"And, his armor?" she asked, causing both yokai to blink at her.

"What?" Ginta asked.

"Yeah," Shipo declared, realization shining in his green eyes. "It went right through the metal."

"Which means it probably left a scent," Sango pressed as she watched the same realization flare in Ginta's grey gaze.

"And, if the same scent was on both of them," Ginta breathed in relief.

"Then, it proves they were both attacked," Shipo finished with glee. "And, Koga didn't do it."

"We need Koga's chest-plate," Sango stated with a nod. "Where is it?"

"There's a cave near here," Shipo stated after a few moments. "I managed to drag Koga into it after he was injured. I had to take his armor off to treat his wound before I went for help."

"So, it could still be in the cave," Ginta suggested, hope rising in his voice.

Shipo nodded. "It could."

"Shipo, we need you to go get it," Sango ordered. "If you can remember where it is—"

"Oh, I remember," Shipo declared. "I'll never forget that trek."

"Can you find it in the snow?" Sango asked.

"Easy," the kit stated, his chest puffing up with pride.

"Go get it and we'll wait for you here," Ginta ordered softly.

Sango didn't bother correcting the hunter on how 'we' were not doing anything. As soon as Shipo was out of sight, she was done. Instead, she just met Shipo's curious eyes with a smile and nodded reassuringly to the little kit.

Whatever he saw in her face must have helped because Shipo just nodded and scurried off into the snow, out of sight.

Sighing to herself, Sango started to rise to her feet when a blinding pain suddenly exploded across the back of her skull. As she tried to lift her pounding head out of the frozen carpet clinging to her front, Sango blinked through the encroaching darkness as a large stick thudded beside her.

"I'm sorry," Ginta's soft voice cut through her haze, despite the growing black. "The deal is done. But, we're not finished, yet."

Sango supposed she should have seen that coming as her vision went entirely under. But still, when she woke up, she was going to give him hell for this.