A/N: Chapter 30 of Ginga Densetsu Alayus. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters except my OCs. GDW and the other Ginga series belong to the rightful owner.

Special thanks to the reviewers and to the readers who Fav/Alert this story, I really appreciate it.

Holy crap, I haven't updated this story in about 5 months...Sorry about that and thank you very much for being patient with me! This chapter is hopefully longer than usual.

Chapter 30: Infiltrating Gajou

Recap from the previous chapter...

After knowing the location of Hougen's army, Weed organized a special team filled with a couple of selected members, and attempted to take down the Great Dane using his special move, the Battouga. However, the plan had ended in failure due to a desperate effort in defense on Hougen's part. Meanwhile, upset and furious about not being picked for the attack team, Kyoshiro left the Ohu army to join Hougen's side under the watchful eye of Alayus. To make sure he understood the Kishu's true intention, Toube recovered majority of his strength during his stay with the enemy and began to move out. Now let's continue the story...

Outskirts of Gajou...

"It's fucking cold."

"Oh geez, I can't feel my toes anymore!"

"This is hopeless!"

"Don't give up! Hougen-sama's counting on us for success."

"Since when has Hougen cared about us? We're basically his slave." On his way towards Hougen's territory, Toube came across Kamakiri's team still investigating the river for any sign of Weed's scent. Most of the dogs in the river were trembling as the water came up to their chest, others just kept watch from the riverbank since they had no courage to actually go into the water.

"I quit!" Kamakiri yelled in frustration as he jumped out of the freezing river, shaking his body to get rid of the excessive liquid. "Damn! I can't keep searching for a kid I'll never find, can I?!"

...heh. What a dumbass. Toube thought as he turned away. "Hmm?" He turned his head to spot a dog hiding within the shadows, watching him with a piercing gaze. "Who's there?"

"I'm not sure if you've heard of me but I'm not an enemy." The dog spoke as she stepped out into the light. "My name is Alayus."

"Alayus?" Toube repeated as the German Shepherd padded up to him. "The one that called Musashi from Shikoku?"

"That's right."

"I'm Toube." The fighter dog introduced himself in return. "I've heard a couple of things about you."

"I know a few things about you as well. You're planning to contact Kamakiri to ask about Kyoshiro, right?" Alayus asked, getting a surprised expression from the dog before her. "That dog doesn't have the intention of betraying Weed, I could see it in his eyes. Even though Hougen doesn't have his paws on the Leader, I can only assume that he hopes to scout out what's on Hougen's agenda."

"Hmmm. I thought so." Toube agreed before walking off, ending the conversation right then and there.

"If you go back, you'll probably die!" The German Shepherd called after him, causing him to stop.

"Whatever. I'm the one they call the Demon. I'm not gonna fall out like a weakling."

That guy...Alayus thought as she watched the dog disappear through the snowy fields. The fighter dog padded along until he intersected Kamakiri's team at the next snowbank, getting gasps and surprised comments from the dogs themselves.

"Toube!" Kamakiri exclaimed as the fighter dog joined the ranks looking as good as new. After holding a brief conversation with him the group started their trek back to Hougen. By now, the snow began to fall a little bit harder, covering the pelts of the dogs white.

"They're back!" A lookout scout exclaimed from where he stood high above the rest, his sharp eyesight allowed him to see a plethora of figures through the blanket of snowfall. Hougen and the other two generals Bat and Kite, looked up at the call from where they stood in front of Gajou. "Buruge's group has arrived!"

So that's Gajou...? Kyoshiro thought as he ran behind the pack, his gaze focused on the towering structure coming up into view. It's my first time seeing it in person...I feel really honored...

"Hougen, we have arrived!" Buruge announced as he brought his team to a halt, dipping his head low in respect towards his leader.

"You're late!" The Great Dane snapped irritably. "Where the hell have you been?!"

"I'm very sorry." Buruge apologized quickly as he explained the situation. "We ran into someone that was fighting against the Ohu army."

So that's Hougen, huh? Kyoshiro watched the interaction between the two intently. Seems like Weed failed, since he's still standing. In that case, I'll take down that damn Great Dane myself! He licked his lips in anticipation. At that moment, Bat's ears twitched and the dog's head swiveled towards Buruge's team like a beacon.

"Hougen, there's an enemy spy here."

"What?" Hougen narrowed his eyes menacingly. "Who is it?"

"In exchange for my blindness, I have something called 'the Mind's eye'." Bat explained has he walked forward, prompting some of Buruge's members to move out of the way. "Nobody can deceive me." He came to a halt, staring straight in Kyoshiro's direction. "You?"

"Tasuke! You...!" Buruge said in shock, looking at the Kishu with wide eyes. "How can this be?"

"Now that you mention it, he looks familiar..."

"Some of those markings look old..."

"He wasn't even bleeding when we allowed him to join us...just who is this guy?"

"Hey hey, just look at these wounds!" Kyoshiro spoke defensively as some of the members approached him, eying him like a piece of meat. "These are bite wounds from my fight with the Ohu army! Buruge-sama, please say something!"

"Is that all you have to say?" Bat asked, seeming unamused at the Kisu's attempt to persuade them that he was one of them. "My Mind's eye can see straight through your heart."

"Keep talking, you idiot!" Kyoshiro snapped, channeling his anger on the Weimaraner that towered over him. Suddenly Hougen pounced, sinking his teeth into the white dog's neck and slammed him against the ground. "Arrrgh!"

"Hougen-sama, he really had been fighting against the Ohu army!" Buruge spoke up on his behalf as he watched the one-sided fight.

"Quit making a fuss!" The Great Dane growled, slamming Kyoshiro again and again on the ground. "I don't give a shit who he is! It depends on whether I like him or not!"

"Why don't you let me clean that guy up?" A voice spoke, getting Hougen's attention as he let go of Kyoshiro's scruff. "Hougen, it's me."

"Toube! You bastard!" The Great Dane exclaimed in shock. "You're still alive after falling from that cliff!?" He turned his attention to Kamakiri in an instant. "So, you found him instead of the kid, Kamakiri? What the hell do you have in that empty head of yours?!"

"I'm sorry sir." Kamakiri stated without any signs of remorse in his voice. "My team and I did scour the entire river for at least an hour."

"I have nowhere to go anymore." Toube spoke, making sure he stay submitted in front of Hougen. "I just returned here to see if I might be able to work for you once again."

"You turned against me before, didn't you?" Hougen said with doubt in his voice. "What makes you think I can trust you again?"

"It was stupid of me to try and go against you. I'm currently regretting that." Toube replied.

That bastard. Kyoshiro silently growled as he laid on the ground at Hougen's feet. What is he doing here?

"I see. Then..." Sinking his teeth into the white fur, the Great Dane threw his opponent towards the fighter dog with a growl. "kill him."

"As you wish." Toube replied and gripped Kyoshiro's head with his teeth. The Kishu's eyes widened with horror and struggled to get out of the hold. "The Ohu army has brought me nothing but dishonor. If I don't kill them, I can't die in peace!"

"You piece of shit!" Kyoshiro snapped angrily.

That's right, Kyoshiro. Tobe conveyed his thoughts to him, getting the Kishu's attention. Don't hold back. I came here to rescue you so start up a crazy rage. Get them to start believing in us!

Heh! So that's how it is! Using his front paws, Kyoshiro flipped over so that he stood firmly on his feet. "Quit bullshitting, you lot! You're making a mistake if you think I'll keep quiet and let you take me down! I'm Kyoshiro of Shiga!"

"What?!" At that introduction, Buruge looked utterly bewildered.

"I see...so you're from Shiga. And the one known as 'Kyoshiro the Silver'." Hougen mused, keeping his eyes glued on the fight.

"Yes!" Kyoshiro said as he butted heads against Toube.

"Hougen..." Bat padded up to the Great Dane with a feint hint of concern in his voice. The two fighters rolled around in the snow, trying to make sure their fight looked believable but Toube could sense that he had to bring it to a close.

You still alright?

Yeah. Kyoshiro replied.

I have a feeling that they're starting to not believe so I'm gonna knock you out for now.

What?! Kyoshiro's eyes widened just as the fighter dog slammed him to the ground roughly. Damn it!

Don't worry, it'll only hurt a little. Picking the Kishu up by the back of his neck and holding him high into the air, Toube noticed a well-sized rock nearby. Tough it out! "RRRAHHHHH!"

"ARRRGH!" Kyoshiro yelped as his head connected with the rock, his entire body tingled from the impact. Letting out one last gasp of air, he fell over unconscious with his eyes rolled up into his head.

"Heh. Brat." Toube smirked, admiring his work as the audience members watched with open mouths.

"What's the matter?" Hougen asked him in a displeased tone of voice. "I thought I ordered you to kill him."

"If this is indeed the Kyoshiro you think he is, wouldn't it be a better plan to not kill him right away?" Toube countered almost sweetly. "Since you don't have Gin in your hands, I think it would be wiser to hold onto him as hostage for now."

"Oh? And what are we gonna do with him?"

"Why don't we execute him in front of the entire Ohu army?" Toube offered, causing the Great Dane to throw his head back in laughter.

"Ahaha! You think of some pretty good ideas. Alright! Throw that kid into the lookout!" Hougen ordered two dogs who went to work, latching onto the unconscious dog's limbs and dragged him off. "Kamakiri, I need to have a word with you. Come inside."

"Yes sir." The Wolfhound replied quickly before gazing at Toube's back in a confused manner. That Toube...isn't he gonna hold a grudge against Hougen for what happened between them? Shaking his head, he padded in after the leader with a huff. How boring...

"What's this?" One of the dogs who was ordered to throw the prisoner in, frowned as he felt a rock underneath his hind leg shake a bit.

"Be careful." His buddy warned even though his mouth was filled with the white fur. "That rock's been loose recently."

"Gajou is so old, it's structure is weakening..." The first dog complained as they finally dragged Kyoshiro into the deepest chamber of the place and left him there for the duration of his stay.

"Yeah, we'll have to repair it soon."

Somewhere else...

"Now?"

"Yeah. Weed decided that now's the best time to take action." Akame agreed from where he was taking shelter in a cave by the river, surrounded by a couple of his old friends and some of Weed's friends as well. "From what I gathered, Toube and Kyoshiro are in the midst of the enemy's territory. We can't miss this chance."

"Toube for sure, but Kyoshiro?" One of the dogs asked.

"Weed doesn't think that Kyoshiro betrayed us." Akame explained before turning his head towards the entrance. "As an added bonus, the weather is going to be stormy. Scents will disappear, footprints will vanish. These conditions are good for staying hidden."

"So are we just going to rescue them from Hougen's clutches?" GB asked him.

"Mmmm." Akame dipped his head affirmatively. "Along the way, try to cut down Hougen's forces as much as you can. The more the better but I don't want you all to take risks. Make sure to retreat when called to."

I wonder how everything's going...Weed thought as he looked up towards the dark skies with a silent expression. Kyoshiro...Toube...

"Weed." The young leader turned to see Akame and everyone from the cave standing behind him. "It's time." Nodding his head in agreement, the two dogs raced off through the forest after Weed gave orders to the others.

"There's a secret passage?" Weed asked as they proceeded forward.

"Yeah. Gajou has a secret passage leading into it that only the top Generals know about." Akame told him. "We'll use that to our advantage." They soon reached a particular large tree that towered over the rest.

"Is this it...?" Weed asked.

"Mmhmm." The Kishu nodded and used his paw to scrap away the wall of snow, revealing a dark tunnel. "In here. This passage connects directly to the middle of Gajou." As they padded in, the younger of the two couldn't help but gasp in amazement.

"It's glowing..." He observed, looking at the glowing patches attached to the rocks.

"It's luminous moss." Akame explained. "Thanks to this, we can travel along this path easily. However after we reach the end, it's inaccessible. It might even be impossible to carry an injured person though here, but we can't give up."

"Mmph!" Kyoshiro winced as a water droplet dripped into his eye and he blinked a couple of times to get use to the bad lighting. He had regained consciousness but his head was still spinning from the hard hit. Ugghh...my aching head. What the hell Toube...

"Oh, a shift change?" A voice caught his attention and he watched as two dogs exchanged words before switching out. "2 hours, then..." Outside the blizzard wind howled and battered the dogs left outside on Hougen's order forcing them to dig holes and bunker down. The weather conditions were so bad that there were no guards as they huddled inside to keep out of the snowstorm. As if on cue, Toube's eyes widened and he got up from where he was currently sleeping.

Getting up, he padded silently past the rest of the sleeping dogs and glanced around to make sure that he wasn't being followed. His nose led him to a crack through the structure and, glancing around once more to make sure he was in the clear, he entered. Unfortunately for him, he wasn't as careful as he should have been as Bat padded straight to Hougen's chamber. The Great Dane was currently asleep on his back with his paws straight into the air.

"Hougen, Toube has started moving as I had previously expected." The Weimaraner spoke as he relayed his message. Hougen rolled over and gave his general his full attention. "He didn't notice the watch dog, and is approaching the prisoner's location."

"You go too." Hougen ordered after he heard what he needed to hear. "Don't kill the prisoner otherwise we don't have any advantage over the Ohu army."

"Yes." Bat bowed and took his leave. Quickly rousing his team from their sleep, he had them run through the pathways of Gajou. However because of how old the structure was, the loose stone from earlier gave way, sending a good chuck of Bat's army to fall to the lower level. Akame and Weed were suddenly separated as the rocks came crashing down.

"You're...!" One of them looked up to see Weed standing there with a look of shock on his face. "An enemy! Bat-sama, an enemy!"

"After them!" Bat yelled as Weed rushed off, prompting a couple more of Bat's subordinates to give chase.

Akame-san, please save Kyoshiro. Weed thought as he continued running. The Kishu in turn, stared at the huge pile of rocks with worry before continuing down his own path.

Meanwhile...

"Stay down." Toube spoke as he knocked the guard out and entered the chamber.

"Toube, I've been waiting for you." Kyoshiro said with relief as he got to his feet.

"Glad to see that you're not too hurt." The fighter dog replied. "C'mon, we're leaving right now."

"Toube!" A voice called out to them and then noticed a large amount of dogs standing near the entrance. "Why didn't you take your revenge on Hougen?"

"Kamakiri!" Toube scowled when he saw the dog's giant outline.

"Seems you're getting kinda dull." The Irish Wolfhound sneered as the Tosa stood firmly to challenge him, lips pulled over to show off razor sharp fangs. The rummaging of rocks alerted them of another presence and a white head popped up from the newly created hole.

"Akame-san!" Kyoshiro exclaimed when he recognized the familiar face.

"Toube, Kyoshiro! Hurry!" The Kishu spoke in a commanding voice, angling his head towards the lower level. "There's no time to waste!"

"What?!" Kamakiri spat as the two dogs turned tail and disappeared. "God damn it! Wait right there!" Waiting till Kyoshiro and Toube were a little ahead of him, Akame stayed behind to remove another piece of wood, dislodging the loose rocks and causing their pursuers to come to a halt since their path was blocked.

"Let's go." The white Kishu said when the other two waited for him. "This way."

"Why are you here, Akame-san?" Kyoshiro asked him, prompting the Kishu to explain that he already predicted what would happen and planned accordingly with Weed. "With Weed? Where is he now?"

"We split up about half way so he's acting as a decoy."

"What?!" Kyoshiro's ears perked up in surprise just as the three of them appeared before a large spacial opening. There was a river that ran right through the middle and a gust of wind began circulating through the air, ruffling their coats. "Brrrr! It's freezing here!"

"This is..." Toube looked around in confusion since he's never been somewhere underneath the Gajou before.

"We should be safe..." Akame told them before something caught his attention and he turned to look over his shoulder.

"Pursuers?" Kyoshiro asked, watching the older dog's expression closely.

From the sound of the paw steps, it might be Bat...or perhaps Kamakiri. "Yes." Akame nodded his head as he gave them specific instructions. "You guys cross the water and go straight. After a while, you'll reach the passageway. Go through the hole in the wall, then the luminous moss will lead you the rest of the way."

"And you, Akame?" Toube asked him.

"Don't worry about me. Now, hurry!" He assured them and made sure they crossed safely, watching them disappeared before he himself got into position, jumping up to higher grounds and waited for his opponents. No sooner had the other two disappeared Bat and half of his team bursts through.

"There." Bat tilted his head up to see Akame, who jumped towards the ceiling where large amounts of crystallized icicles hung. Utilizing his speed and power, he dislodged most of them and sent them hurling downwards at his enemies. Most of them yelped with horror and ran around in panic to avoid being stabbed. When the smoke cleared Akame was gone. "Let's follow."

"Over here, hurry!"

"Don't let him get away!"

"Tch. What the hell are they doing?" Roused by the yelling, Hougen got to his feet with annoyance. "Useless bunch...I better deal with this myself."

"Akame-san!" Weed shouted when he noticed the dog approaching from the other side.

"Weed, this way!" Not loosing momentum, the Kishu led his leader through the winding tunnels.

"What happened to the other two?" Weed asked him.

"They're going out the way we came in." Akame stated as they came out of an opening near the top. Upon descending, Weed ran right by Hougen. Time seemed to stop as the two dogs made eye contact but Weed continued to run without thinking too much about it.

"What?!" The Great Dane uttered as he watched the white and blue/white streaks disappear from his line of sight, his lips curling up into a furious snarl. "That little shit..."

Outside...

"So it leads here, huh?" Kyoshiro muttered as he and Toube came out of the tree hole and into the blizzard. "Damn, this storm is really going at it hard."

"Kyoshiro, you move on ahead." Toube spoke after listening for a minute.

"What? Why?" The Kishu asked in confusion.

"Someone is coming. I'll hold them off so you can get back to the Ohu army."

"Bullshit!" Kyoshiro snapped, his fur bristling with anger. "I'm not gonna let you die here for me to escape!"

"You fool!" Toube barked back. "Hurry up and get out of here!"

"No! I'm gonna fight too!"

"With that body?" Kyoshiro nodded his head, determined to fight to the death if needed. "You're mistaken. Now isn't the time for Weed to lose any comrades because he's gonna need all the help he can get and you are no exception."

"Toube! You're a part of this army too!"

"No. I helped you for the sake of Weed and the Ohu army. I am no longer a part of either side." Toube shook his head. "Weed is still just a kid. He needs support from you, as the Leader that you are!" The two of them shuddered as howling and yelling of voices came out from the hole.

Shit...! What am I to do!? The Kishu thought hard about his decision. What am I to do?!

"I'm begging you, Kyoshiro. I'm 100 times stronger than your injured self!" Toube told him in a pleading tone. "Just leave this to me."

"Toube...!" Kyoshiro gazed into the fighter dog's eyes and saw that there were no more hesitation.

"Don't worry. Who do you think I am?" The Tosa grinned and turned his back to the Kishu. Seeing that he couldn't force the dog to change his mind, Kyoshiro turn and ran, tears collecting near his eyes.

Damn it! Damn it! He cried on the inside as his paws kicked up puffs of snow behind him. Toube...! Toube...! Don't die, Toube!

"Toube! Where the hell are you?!" Kamakiri yelled as he burst at the scene, looking around through the blizzard as the rest of his group followed. "Come out! You damn mutt!"

"You called?" Toube growled as he stood gallantly a few feet away. "Hougen's little bitch servant?"

"What did you call me?"

"I'm not wrong am I?" Toube continued, his mouth curling up into a smirk since he knew that his words were getting underneath his opponent's fur. "We all know you lick his paws to gain favoritism when in actuality you hope that he'll go away and make you leader of Gajou."

"Bah...Where is Kyoshiro?"

"Who knows...But you're not going to take another step forward."

"You bastard!"

"How dare you bad-mouth Kamakiri-san!" At that moment, the dogs under the Irish Wolfhound's command rushed forward, mouths open to take a bite out of the fighter dog's hide. Unfazed by how many opponents rushed him, Toube swung his head left and right, even using his claws to tear the dogs apart.

"There's only one of him!" Kamakiri shouted with encouragement as his subordinates rushed past him. "Do whatever it takes to bring him down!"

"I'll say this again!" Toube stood stead-fast as he knocked another dog to the side. "What's the point of being in Hougen's army? They don't have an ounce of compassion! Everyone is just encouraging each other for no reason. It's a mistake to be with Hougen!"

"You don't need shit like compassion to fight." Kamakiri argued, rallying his troops together. "Hurry up and kill him! He's right on Death's door!"

"I have no regrets dying here!" The Tosa proclaimed as he felt his collar rip off and threw his attackers off. "I have no regrets dying as part of the Ohu army!"

"That's it! Crush him, like that!" Kamakiri's excitement was short lived as Toube emerged underneath the pile of dogs, crushing one's neck as he did so. Blood flowed down his face but he didn't back down.

"I'll show you the true meaning of a dog filled with the wrath of anger!" He spoke threateningly. As dogs continually sunk their teeth in him he blocked out all thoughts of pain and instead, counted how many opponents he had killed. "25...26! 27! Kamakiri, come and fight me!" He looked around but the dog was nowhere to be found. "Where did he go?"

"Over here, you half-dead shit!" Toube lifted his head to see the Irish Wolfhound descend upon him. "You monster! I'll skip your death prayer!"

"Very well!" Toube snarled and got into an attack stance. "I'm ready!"

"Arrrrrrgh!"

"Stop!"

"Help me!" Suddenly wailing occurred within the ranks, throwing Kamakiri's aim off and Toube managed to avoid a death blow. Looking up, the fighting duo was faced by a sudden whirlwind of snow which blinded their vision with sheets of white frost.

"What the hell?!" Kamakiri stepped back as the cold lashed out at his face. "Shit?!"

What's going on...? Toube thought before noticing a group of dogs by his side. "Who...Who are you lot?"

"We're under Alayus-sama's orders to come to your aid. I'm Ryo." The dog on his left introduced himself. "Quick, this winter storm wouldn't last long."

"I will not flee." Toube spoke as he stood right were he was. "I refuse to turn my back on my enemies."

"Toube-san, please reconsider!" Another dog on his right, a female, begged him. "Don't throw your life away!"

"I'm not." Toube stated without waver in his voice. "My life has been a meaningful one. Allow me to put my life on the line for Ohu!"

"I can't let you."

"Who are you to judge my life?" Toube growled a warning. "A prideful dog like me...please let me do this for the Ohu army."

"Toube..." He turned to see Alayus standing before him, gazing at him with thoughtful eyes. "I understand but, did you promise someone that you'd return to the Ohu army?"

Be careful. Don't die...we're all waiting for your return. Mel's words echoed through the fighter dog's mind and he looked at the ground deep in thought.

"Mel..." The fighter dog whispered as he pictured the cheerful Golden Retriever pup.

"That's right." Alayus nodded her head in encouragement. "Please. Let's continue later when you are fully healed."

"Please, Toube-san!" The other dogs pleaded along side her.

"Very well..." He finally made his mind and dipped his head slightly. "It seems like this demon...will not be going to Hell today."

"YOU AREN'T ESCAPING ME!" Kamakiri's voice suddenly roared out and they looked up to see the large shape lunging at them through the mist with his paws outstretched. "TOUBE!"

"What the?!"

"Toube-san! We need to go!" Ryo urged him, carefully placing his shoulder near the heavily bleeding Tosa for support. He took a couple weak steps forward but he couldn't help but look over his shoulder at the approaching Wolfhound. In that split second, Alayus spurred past them, lips pulled back. There was a flash before the female shepherd found herself laying on the ground with a deep gnash down that went from her shoulder to her hind leg.

"Heh!" Kamakiri smirked before wincing in pain himself and a flood of blood gushed down the right side of his head. The shepherd's fangs slashed his own shoulder and as an extra bonus, slashed his right ear in half. "M-M-My ear...! My ear!"

"Alayus-dono!"

"Alayus-sama!" Hanji and Heita yelled and came to a halt, bunching their muscles to run back to help their leader as the Wolfhound pinned his opponent down.

"Keep going!" Alayus screamed as the dogs looked over their shoulders with horror. "Don't worry about me! Hurry!"

"Alayus-san!"

"Alayus!"

"GO!" She yelled at them as she winced in pain, feeling her own blood staining the ground around her. "DON"T LOOK BACK!"

"We need to go!" Ryo spoke as he spurred the others to run, making sure Toube was okay. The fighter dog had used almost all of his energy in the fight so he was a little slow. "We won't let...Alayus-sama's sacrifice...be in vain!"

"Heh...well, I guess I could give you props for reckless courage..." Kamakiri growled into her ear, pressing his claws deeper against her head. He saw no meaning in chasing after flies when one important piece was in his paws. "However...you are going to be our prisoner of war. And Hougen is gonna be so thrilled to see you."