A/N: Chapter 37 of Ginga Densetsu Alayus. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters except my own OCs. Ginga Densetsu Weed along with the other Ginga series belongs to the rightful owner.
Special thanks to the reviewers and to the readers who Fav/Alert this story, I really appreciate it.
Chapter 37: The Raging Stream
Somewhere down the river...
"You were right, Hougen is still alive..." Rocket spoke with dissatisfaction in his voice. He and Weed decided to follow the trail, picking up on the Great Dane's scent immediately. "It's a little unfortunate...but there was nothing you could've done differently."
"Mmmm agreed. There's no point in crying over what happened. The best we can do is move forward and hope to run into him later down the line." Weed said before wiggling his nose a little more to catch more of Hougen's scent being carried by the wind. "Hmm, if he's going downstream...then...shit!"
"What's wrong-?! Hey! Weed!" Rocket watched as the dog ran off, a worried expression on his face. "Slow down! What's going on?!"
"The others!" Weed panted, pouring as much energy as he could into his legs. "Reika, Hiro and Mel...! They're in danger!"
"That smoke, it's over near Gajou." Mel spoke as he stood beside Hiro and Reika. Because the Great Pyrenees was injured by his fight with Kamakiri, he opted out and was sent away to heal. Reika and Mel joined him and the three of them separated from the main group. They were by the healing caves Akame had spoken about and only stood outside to gauge the situation where the main battle was happening.
"Hmm...it must be because of the fire." Hiro replied, his only eye gleaming with concern. "The lightning strikes are more active than any I've ever encountered before."
"Wait...someone's coming from the river." Reika said when her ears twitched and they watched the shape draw nearer and nearer. When the light fell upon their guest they all let out a gasp.
"Hougen!" Hiro snarled when the Great Dane approached. That bastard...
"What the hell?" Hougen growled as he stopped before them. During the walk he let loos some of his anger and now all he could do was move forward and devise a plan. Little did he know he'd stumble upon members of the Ohu army. "It's Reika..."
"Stay back." Hiro spoke and walked forward, prepared to fight. "I'll handle this."
"You're planning on fighting me, in that condition?" asked Hougen, blinking his eyes with surprise. "You must be joking."
"Shut your trap!" Hiro snapped indignantly. "I could kill you 100 times over! Don't underestimate me!"
"Hougen, prepare yourself!" Mel shouted, making the first move before Hiro could. The Golden Retriever pup rushed at his opponent. Smirking, Hougen merely headbutted the runt and knocked him to the side.
"Bastard!" Enraged Hiro rushed forward as well but because he hadn't fully healed it was quite easy for Hougen to grab him by the head. The Great Dane held on tight before closing his jaws, making a sickening crunch.
"Eek!" Reika let out a gasp when she heard Hougen's fangs pierced Hiro's head, watching the blood dribble down the golden fur. "Hiro-san!"
"Hmph. You're just a fatass with spirit." Letting his opponent go, he leaned down to whisper in his ear. "I'll take all of you and send you to the other world. How does that sound?"
"Wait!" Hougen hesitated when Reika spoke up. He glanced her way, looking puzzled. "Please, please...just spare me!"
"You want me to spare you?" He questioned, leaving Hiro alone and focused on her. "Where did this come from?"
"Yes. I was tricked into thinking that the Ohu army would be full of strong and handsome males." She told him, her eyes flattened against her head. "...but in reality, it's just fatasses and kids. It was my mistake."
"Reika..." Hiro whispered, surprised by what he was hearing.
"I like stronger guys!" She wagged her tail excitedly, looking at Hougen with a gleam in her eyes. "Strong males like you!"
"You're falling in love with me?" Hougen spoke, looking a bit doubtful. When she said 'yes' he contemplated it and merely nodded his head with a smile on his face. "I see, I see...wow, what a change in demeanor Reika. I never expected it from you of all dogs..."
"Then, let's leave this trash and go."
"Reika! So that's the kind of girl you were?!" The injured Great Pyrenees shouted from where he lay, anger laced in his voice. "How could you?!"
"That's right. It's too bad!" She replied as Hougen approached her, looking at Hiro with disgust. "There's no way I'd allow myself to fall in love with someone like you!"
"Aren't you ashamed?!"
"I have the willpower of a female. The willpower to never go changing my mind..." She told him, a mischevious glint in her eyes.
"Huh? What does that mean?" Hougen questioned, a bit confused by her statement.
"It means this!" Gathering all of her strength she tackled the Great Dane into the river. Hougen let out a gurgle cry as he was being swept away. "You devil!"
"Reika-san!" Mel rushed forward just as Hiro struggled to his feet. The two of them were surprised by the girl's acting but even more so by how well she tricked Hougen. "Reika-san!"
"Please tell this to everyone!" She shouted as the current washed the two of them away. "That this is my way of life!"
"Someone...someone!" Mel shouted at the top of his lungs. Hiro slammed his paw against the ground in frustration. "Please someone! Anyone help!"
"Leave it to me!" Surprised, the two of them watched as Alayus ran passed them in a blur. The German Shepherd took a mighty leap, unafraid of the cold water that rushed to meet her. Surfacing for air she paddled like her life depended on it, focusing on Reika's bobbing head.
Elsewhere...
"Missile, how you holding up?" Jerome asked as he ran side-by-side with Rocket's brother. The German Shepherd had two cuts on his shoulder and cheek but he continued to slash his way, taking down is opponents one at a time.
"I'm doing alright, just wondering what Rocket's up to." was the reply. "I understand that he's your leader's best runner, that what we specialize after all."
"Mmhmm. Your brother has been great and I couldn't be prouder. Of course we started off rough but over time I think I've come to respect you both."
"Thanks, it means a lot coming from you." Missile said as he met the German Shepherd's pace stride for stride. "I wish Jet was here to hear those words as well."
"Jerome! Missile!" The two dogs looked up to see Akame approach them, sweat rolling down his face. "Just the two dogs I have been looking for. Come with me."
"What? Hougen escaped?" Jerome's ears perked up once the Kishu finished explaining. They had gone to higher grounds on top of Gajou so there'd be no interruptions during their discussion."Where did he go?"
"Who knows." Akame replied, tail curled over his paws. "I split up with Weed and Rocket at the ravine but...after that I don't have enough information."
"Then I'll go look, I'm sure you'll be okay with that since you ran all the way over."
"Akame-sama, allow me to go as well! I'll sniff that bastard out right away and if he even thinks of attacking, my speed is outmatched!"
"No Missile, I might need you here. We can't all leave Gajou unattended...besides, it seems like our enemies aren't done yet." The calm Kishu directed his attention to a rogue group of dogs advancing from the woods. They didn't seem to be from any faction but it was obviously clear that they were a threat. "Who knows how long this fighting will continue to go..."
"Very well." Missile bowed his head in acknowledgment. "Then I'll stay put."
"But there is something you can do..." Akame fully turned his attention to the dark furred Borzoi. "Send word to John and have him come over. He should still be at the hot springs."
"Yes!"
"Then Jerome, please go and search for Hougen. Tesshin and I can settle things here and we still have Kyoshiro fighting in the field. We haven't lost any of our generals since I've been getting good word from Ken and Kagetora's group. We should be stable for the time being."
"Jeez, they're such energetic old men..." Kyoshiro noted as Akame padded down to oversee the situation, watching Moss and his sons tackle a couple of Hougen's dogs. Kurotora himself could be seen giving his opponent an earful. After taking care of Bat and Kite, both Tesshin and Ben arrived to support. By now all of Weed's army had converged into one.
"We won't even get a turn..."
"Not that I want to complain but do save some for me!"
"It's only a matter of time before we take Gajou back..." The white Kishu spoke as he turned towards the sky, watching it very carefully.
"Akame...what do you want us to do next?" Tesshin asked.
"I'd say wait it out but something has been bothering me..." Akame mulled over his thoughts before turning to the generals. "I feel as though Weed could potentially be in danger. So I already sent Jerome but you guys go and look for Weed as well. Don't take too many with you. I'm sure everything here would be okay while you're gone."
"I don't see Missile anywhere..." Kyoshiro said, turning his head back and forth with interest.
"He went to get John and should be back as soon as possible."
"Then what are we waiting for." Tesshin nudged the battle-scarred Kishu with his snout. "We'll go and search for Weed. Ken and Kagetora are coming with us as well." He bowed his head to Akame. "I leave the rest in your hands."
"We might as well take GB too!" Kyoshiro said. "Knowing him, he'd be elated to be by Weed's side!"
Meanwhile...
It had been a while since Alayus jumped into the river, leaving an injured Hiro and Mel behind. The two dogs just slumped against the cold ground unable to move as the snow collected on their furs.
"I couldn't do anything to help..." Hiro finally spoke, breaking the silence between them. While he lay he contemplated everything that had happened and berated himself for not being helpful. "Forgive me, Reika..."
"It's because I'm too weak..." Mel lamented sadly. "I wish...I wish I was stronger...!"
"Hiro! Mel!" Weed shouted as he ran up to them. "Reika-san! Answer me!"
"Weed! We're over here!" Mel shouted.
"Why are you wounded? Who did this to you all?" Weed questioned.
"It was Hougen wasn't it?" Rocket said, getting affirmative nods from them. "Weed, now we know that he definitely came through here."
"Don't worry about us though, we need to get Reika-san!" Mel said, getting their attention. It was weird that they found both males but the only female disappeared. "Please, she needs to be saved!"
"To protect us, Reika jumped into the raging stream to force Hougen away from here." explained Hiro. "After that, Alayus jumped in and since then we haven't seen or heard from any of them..."
"Alayus came back for us?! She's fully healed from the hot springs?" Weed asked, getting a nod from Mel. "Rocket, please look after them! I'll go on ahead!" without another word, he ran off, disappearing out of sight. The currents got rougher and faster the more Alayus paddled after the two dogs before her.
"God damn it...I finally escaped..." Hougen growled before noticing Reika floating along. She had either passed out or tired herself from swimming. "However..." Dipping below the surface, the Great Dane grabbed her and made his way to the shore.
Because she wasn't too far away Alayus managed to watch Hougen hoist himself onto dry land. Her eyes honed in on Reika's body which the Great Dane had used as a stepping stone. Smirking he pushed her away with a hind leg, shaking off the excess water droplets and continued on his way.
"You worthless son of a bitch!" The German Shepherd growled and swam faster, passing the Great Dane who lifted his head in surprise. "Reika! Reika!"
"The two of you can just die together!" He snorted with laughter and made his way to higher ground. "See ya!"
"Bastard...!" Taking a deep breath she dove down, swimming underneath the passed out female. Pushing up against her both dogs rose to the surface and Alayus looked around frantically for something to grab onto. Shit...there's a snow cave up ahead...not something I want to go into...If we go in, we won't come out alive!
Coming up to a large rock in the middle of the stream, she planted her paws firmly against it, feeling the raging water push against her and Reika. The German Shepherd had to make sure Reika didn't fall off while not letting her own paws slip. If she did, the two of them would be swept even further and into the caves which she didn't want to happen.
"Alayus! Reika-san!"
"Weed?" Alayus turned to see the dog just on the opposite side of the bank. Relief swept through her body knowing that he'd save them. "Weed! Reika's body temperature is dropping fast! She won't last much longer if we stay like this!"
"Wait there! I got an idea!" Weed hurried off, eying a long but sturdy branch of a dead tree not too far away. Jumping up, he swung his body around and around until the branch had been severed. Gripping it in his mouth he rushed back and held it steady over the raging water. "Grab this branch! I'll direct you to safety!"
"Mmm!" Alayus nodded her head and gripped the branch tight. Angling his head Weed made sure that they reached to bank, watching as the German Shepherd tossed Reika gently out of the water before following suit and shook the water from her pelt.
Alright! They're saved! Dropping the branch he raced to them immediately. "Alayus are you okay?"
"I'll look after her Weed." Alayus replied after she dragged Reika further from the edge. She couldn't risk falling in a second time. "You go after Hougen, he shouldn't have gotten far. You'll catch up in no time."
"Eh? But...!"
"Please go, we'll be okay. He went up the slope not too far from here, you can't miss it." Then she smiled warmly at him. "Please Weed, we can't let him continue like this. When you do engage with him...never let your guard down."
"Mmm...well alright, I got it. I'm counting on you." with that he turned around and ran off, throwing little puffs of snow with his paws. Once he had gone, Alayus gently put her ear next to Reika and heard the faint beating. It wasn't much but it was a good sign that the dog was still alive.
It's hard but please hold on a bit longer...Reika. Gripping her by the scruff of the neck, Alayus proceeded to get the water out of the dog's lungs forcefully slamming her body against the snow-covered ground. After a couple more hits Reika expelled the water and was placed on the ground gently.
"W-W-Where...?"
"You're awake."
"Alayus-sama..." She turned with surprise, looking at the German Shepherd who stood beside her. "When did you...? Did you save me?"
"I don't have time to explain but you're safe for now." She tilted her head to the sky and howled, loud and long. The mountains seemed to echo once she had finished and she waited a couple of minutes before turning her attention to Reika. "That should be enough...Don't worry, I sent out a call to a couple of friends. Rest here and they'll come pick you up."
"What do you plan to do now...?" Reika asked, tucking her paws under her chest to keep warm.
"I'm going after Weed, he was here as well. But against Hougen, he'll need all the help he can get." Giving her a curt nod, Alayus raced away and followed the trail that would lead her to both Weed and Hougen.
Back at Gajou...
Hougen's army now consisted of 300 dogs. With Jerome and Missile off to do their task Akame was left to led around 100 soldiers of his own. With the lightning and thunder above the Ohu army were at a slight disadvantage but since they had defeated 3 generals the tides were changing. The winning streaks kept them in high spirits.
"Hmm...I wonder what the situation on the war is." Hougen muttered once he had a good view of Gajou. Breaking into a run he was about to made a decision of where to go when his nose caught the stench of another dog. Eying a large boulder he licked his lips and sneaked forward silently.
"God damn...it's so cold..." A large dog shivered behind the covering, snot dribbling down his face as he heard the distant thunder. "And I'm alone...I wish it was warmer...achoo!" A patch of snow fell on his snout followed by a chuckle that didn't belong to him. Shaking off the snow and leaping in fright he looked up to see Hougen towering above him. "Hougen-sama!"
"Are you part of my army?"
"I'm Harunosuke, from Bat's army."
"What's a follower of Bat's group doing way out here?" Hougen's eyes narrowed and he leap down to confront the other, lips pulled back in anger. "Don't tell me you decided to run away..."
"N-N-No! Bat was defeated by some Kai-dogs...and then..."
"So in the end you did run away...!"
"W...W..Wait, please spare me!" Harunosuke cowered before him, awaiting for the blow that never came. He slowly opened his eyes to see Hougen gazing at him thoughtfully.
"Hmmm...Be grateful that you're a Great Dane like me. Here are my orders, go and escape along the river with all your might."
"But why..."
"Do as you're told. No questions asked." Hougen snapped, spurring Harunosuke to bolt in the direction he was told to go. Once the dog disappeared Hougen grabbed a nearby branch that still had its leaves and swiped away his own tracks. The clever mutt tossed the branch when he deemed his tracks to be fully gone and went on his way. Even if Bat and the others were defeated, if I returned to the battlefield then the war situation will change. I must hurry then!
"These tracks seemed to be leading towards a river...did Hougen go take a dip again?" Weed continued to run with his eyes focused on the paw prints ahead of him. Coming up to the fork in the road right next to a big rock he no doubt followed the tracks opposite of where Hougen went. "He won't get away from me this time!"
Half an hour later Alayus followed the same path and came across the river herself. Putting her nose to the ground she sniffed a couple of times, her eyebrows scrunched together in confusion. Turning her head right and left she continued to sniff.
This scent is different...it's not even Hougen's...What's going on? She walked around some more, following the weird smell until her eyes spotted the branch. She turned to look back and realized that Weed had been tricked. Now her options were to either follow Weed and tell him or continue going and catch up with Hougen.
"I don't have the time to tell Weed, I have to stop Hougen. Weed would figure it out and by the time I wait for him who knows what Hougen would be doing." Nodding to herself with confidence, she took off running down the right path.
"I found you!"
"Ehhh?!" Harunosuke looked up from where he was drinking water from the icicles at Weed's voice, watching the runt prepare his Battouga. Who's that...?!
"Hougen, prepare yourself!" Weed didn't break stride, curling up and spinning towards the frightened dog. Noticing something was off he lost concentration, showering Harunosuke with a blanket of snow by landing in front of him but didn't do any harm. "You're not Hougen?!"
"I'm not Hougen-sama!" Harunosuke popped his head out of the snow, looking as if he were about to cry. "I just followed his orders and escaped in this direction."
"Then where did he go?!"
"I split from him on the way here, following the river. He probably went the other way. There was a big rock there..."
So that's how it is...! Damn that Hougen and his sly tricks! Weed's eyes lit up in realization and he jumped up. "S-Sorry for scaring you and thanks for the tip!"
Hot spring...
John decided to take a dip himself, relaxing within the warm liquid without a care in the world. He thought about things, chuckled at other thoughts but overall felt proud of what he had accomplished. He couldn't wait for the war to be over and spend time with his kid. He even thought about a father-daughter outing, taking her to parts of the world that he used to travel to. Everything was going to be perfect.
"Hmm...Who's there?" John turned when he heard movement, lips curling up to show his fangs. When the snow cleared he found himself looking at Kite, Buruge and Bat. "Oh? Hougen's generals I presume based on appearance. Well you seemed to come at the right time...thought I get some action as well." He hoisted himself out and stood tall, ears forward and tail up.
"Hang on there, John-sama." Missile spoke as he stood next to the three. "There's no need to be hostile."
"Missile! So you didn't go and die on me!"
"Of course not, who do you think I am?! Anyways, I was sent by Akame-sama when I came across these guys." Missile gestured to the injured generals. "They won't do anything harmful since well...as you can tell..." After pacing in front of the dogs, taking note of the damages and wounds John nodded in understand.
"Well then, what are you three waiting for?" Kite, Bat and Buruge all turned to look at John with surprise. "Get in there. I may be Gin's right hand man but I'm sure he'd do the exact same thing so in the stead of my Leader, I grant you permission."
"R-Really?"
"You'd allow us in?"
"Even if I only took a little dip the hot spring will heal feelings that were hurt, as well as physical damage. Now get in, I won't repeat myself. If you hesitate I will throw you in."
"After everything we've done to both the Ohu army...and to you as well...you'd still show us this kindness?" Kite asked.
"A leader is one who shows kindness to everyone, even to the ones who harmed him. Gin's heart is large enough, he's shown that time after time. I can do the same, it'll just be forced." John replied, sitting with his tail over his paws. "Now if you're done..."
"Y-Yes...t-thank you..." The three took their steps and eased into the springs, allowing the waters to do their magic.
"Well done John, that's something I didn't expect out of you."
"Gin!"
"Leader-sama!" John and Missile looked up to see their Leader standing proudly above them. Even the wounded generals turned to see him.
"Hey wait...what did you mean by that huh?!" The old Shepherd growled. "I can show just as much sympathy as you can!"
"If you did I wonder if you had been leader instead of me."
"Bastard!" Gin laughed at his old friend and turned his attention to the others. "Please take all the time you need to heal. You've suffered a lot."
"Did you get what you needed done?" John asked his old friend. "Haven't heard from you in awhile."
"Mmm." Gin nodded. "I was making my way back to Gajou myself but stopped by when I picked up your scent."
"Leader-sama, if I may..." Missile really didn't want to come between them but he himself had a mission to complete. "John-sama is needed on Akame-sama's orders."
"It seems that way huh." Gin smiled before approaching the springs, getting surprised looks from Kite, Bat and Buruge. "John, you can leave things here. Go to where Akame is."
"What about you?"
"I'm gonna relax for a bit and perhaps engage in a nice chat." was the reply and Gin slid in, making himself comfortable. "Afterwords I'll meet you at Gajou."
"Very well. Then I hope you all enjoy." John bowed his head and gestured for Missile to follow. The two dogs trekked down the snowy steps, making their way in the direction of battle. "Don't fall behind now Missile."
"You seem to be in very good spirits, John-sama." Missile replied, their trots gradually becoming full fledged runs.
"Ha! My body is crammed with spirit!" The German Shepherd laughed. "Besides, good things are about to happen and I wanna witness them with my own two eyes!"