A/N: Chapter 40 of Ginga Densetsu Alayus. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters except my own OCs. Ginga Densetsu Weed and the other Ginga series belongs to the rightful owners.

Special thanks to the reviewers and to the readers who Fav/Alert this story, I really appreciate it. There is a finale after this so look forward to that!

Chapter 40: The Silver Legend

Through the woods...

"C'mon! We need to hurry!"

"That goddamn Hougen...! He's not getting away with this!"

"Please watch your step, it's a little treacherous around here." Jerome spoke as he ran alongside Alayus, making sure she was okay. Because of her wound she was kinda limping while running. It wasn't noticeable but her speed gave a clue that she wasn't as fast as she could possibly be. "Let me know if you need assistance of any kind."

"This burnt smell..." She murmured and the dogs looked at the charred trees that surrounded them as they continued on their way. In a clearing they were greeted with burnt corpses of dogs that never made it out, their furs scorched to black by the flames. "So this is what the forest fire did...it's so sad..."

This is what a war is? Weed thought as he took in the sad reality of what the fighting had done. He had to tear his gaze away to focus on what is happening in front of him. At this rate, the Spring of Ohu will never come...and I want everyone to witness it...

"Gajou's coming up!" Tesshin's voice cut through and the group skidded to a halt just on the edge. Their eyes wide open to see the Ohu army fighting against Hougen who currently had a dog's head in his jaws. "What the-?!"

"It's Hougen!"

"You bunch of annoying shit heads!" The Great Dane crowed after killing the nearest dog, ripping out its neck and tossing the body aside. He was completely surrounded by red colored snow as the bodies of those he had murdered lay at his feet. "I'll beat and beat and beat you all to death!"

"He's a damn monster..." Kyoshiro uttered as the group watched the bloody massacre with wide eyes. "You can't even compare his strength to anyone else."

"We need to go and help them." Alayus said, running forward with Jerome by her side. Ryu and Ryo ran not too far behind them. "To lose anymore soldiers by Hougen's fangs...this war needs to come to a close!"

"Follow her, we need to divert Hougen's attention from the others. If this continues more lives will be lost!" Weed willed his legs to move as well, spurring the others to join him. " Everyone split up!"

"You are all a bunch of dumbasses!" Hougen was shouting, glaring at his opponents and goaded them into attacking him. Some of the dogs did rush him but were swiftly killed, leading others to back up. "I'll crush you like fleas! Heeheeehee!"

"Bastard...!"

"Hanji! Heita!"

"Brother!" Both dogs turned to see Ryu running up to them and wagged their tails in greeting. They performed their duty well and escorted Reika to the battlefield upon her request. From there Hiro joined up and the two of them exchanged pleasantries, the Great Pyrenees promising to protect her with his very life. "And Ryo too!"

"Ahhhh, more measly shits have appeared." Hougen sneered when he noticed the sibling reunion, openly mocking the entire army without a care in the world. "No matter how many of you show up I'll just increase my number of kills! So who's first?! Or are all of you just pussies with your tails between your legs?! Heehahahaha!"

"Son of a...!"

"No Ryo!" Alayus held her down, refusing to let the dog throw herself at Hougen. She herself was angry but she refused to let her emotions get the best out of her. "Control yourself! Control!"

"Hougen!" Kurotora yelled at him, his lips pulled back in a snarl. He stood right between Ben and Cross after jumping down Gajou alongside Akame and John. "It's too late for you now! Since you're a leader accept your defeat with honor!"

"Shut up you old fart!" Hougen retorted, sneering at the old Kai. "Do you wanna be killed too? I heard it's your time to shine!"

"Why you...!" A tick mark appeared on his head as he bunched his muscles prepared to fight. "C'mere so I can tear a hole in your hide!"

"Cool it, Kurotora!" John ordered, stopping him in his tracks. "Don't fall down to his pathetic level."

"Oh John I didn't see you there." Hougen spoke sweetly, getting the old Shepherd to look at him with a disgust look on his face. "Why don't we finish that fight from that time before? I'll be sure to kill you the right way and not leave you half dead!"

"That's enough, Hougen!" Weed spoke, getting everyone to look up. The young leader had placed himself on top of Gajou with Kyoshiro and Tesshin beside him. The skies rumbled above giving him a demanding presence. "Hougen, just how long do you intend to keep fighting this useless battle?"

"So, you're still alive?" Hougen growled in response. "And so is that other brat..." He noticed Alayus among the crowd and felt his blood boil knowing that both brats had escaped death. "This world we were born on is a weak place. It doesn't matter how you win, just as long as you do!"

"What do you propose?" Weed asked.

"Kid, since you're also a leader, fight me face to face." Hougen spoke, his mouth salivating at the thought of crushing his opponent. "But not just you...the other one as well."

"Huh?" Alayus blinked when she notice him looking at her. "Me? I'm not a leader so why are you challenging me?"

"I have yet to pay you back girlie..." There was a nasty glint in the Great Dane's eyes and he licked his lips. "I intent to do it in full."

"How dare you get so arrogant!" Tesshin argued getting voices of agreement from fellow comrades. "A scum like you doesn't deserve the title of leader!"

"I'll accept the one on one fight with you you bastard!" Kyoshiro and Jerome shouted at the same time.

"Stop it." Weed said before focusing his gaze on Hougen, noticing the smirk on his opponent's face. "I accept your challenge."

"And you...? Do you accept?" Hougen turned to address his other challenger.

"Very well." Alayus stepped forward, trying to not let any pain show. It was bad enough that she couldn't seek treatment but now she was called to a fight that she couldn't back down from. "I accept."

"Weed, don't do anything stupid!" Akame shouted up to him as Jerome also asked Alayus to not over do it. "You don't know the outcome of this fight!"

"It's alright. This is the only option we have to stop this battle and I want it to end as soon as possible." Weed replied, not letting his eyes wonder but settled solely on Hougen. "Too many of our friends were killed for this war,

"Quit whining!" John snapped to others who were attempting to voice their own concerns. "Hougen has issued his challenging as as a leader it must be accepted without complaints! Now get back and give them room!"

"Oho~ You aren't one to agree with this so quickly John." Hougen smiled when the others fell silent and obeyed his command, given a wide birth for the fighters to fight on. "I hope you have a good seat as I rip your daughter apart."

"My daughter is strong enough to kick your ass." The shepherd answered back without a shadow of a doubt.

"Such strong words...then I'll really enjoy to see the emotions change." The Great Dane planted his feet firmly in the ground as Alayus took her place in front of Gajou. "It doesn't matter who goes, I can fight you both at the exact same time!"

"Don't interfere everyone, Alayus and I...we'll handle this!" Weed ordered, making sure his comrades understood as they watched anxiously. With the winds whirling around he continued to stare down the Great Dane before making his move, running down the face of Gajou and gaining speed.

"Well done for coming down to greet me, Kid! I'm so happy I could cry!" Hougen praised.

"Just watch, Hougen!" Weed yelled as he jumped into the air, curling up into a ball and spun. "Zetsu Tenrou Battouga!"

"I've seen your technique multiple times! I can see right through it!" Hougen growled and hopped to the side, however Weed unfurled his body. Landing lightly on the ground the Akita/Kishu Inu mixed twisted around and attacked. The Great Dane couldn't retaliate fast enough as Weed continued to hop around using his speed as an advantage.

Well done Weed, faking a Battouga and going on the offense! Alayus smiled as the dogs all cheered with excitement. She hadn't moved from her spot as she watched, waiting for a chance to attack and not get in Weed's way. Since your body's small, getting pinned will mean the end, therefore keeping your body moving is the best course of action!

"That's enough!" Hougen snarled after allowing his opponent to hit him multiple times, bringing an end to Weed's attack with his jaws but he only ended up with a mouthful of snow. "Pah pah! Where'd-?!"

"Eat this Hougen!" Weed had jumped at the last minute, gaining enough speed and strength to perform his technique. "Zetsu Tenrou Battouga!" Blood flew into the air once the attack hit its mark and Weed crashed into the ground, his chest heaving for breath at the recoil. Hougen himself seemed to be laying on the ground, head buried in the snow. The surrounding dogs cheered, excited to finally call the end to the war however their happiness fell away when the Great Dane got back to his feet.

"You...how dare you come along and do that!" Hougen snarled when he turned his head, fixing his gaze on Weed. There was no mercy at all in his eyes, he was set to kill.

"Urrrrgh..." Weed grunted as he tried to stand back up. After performing the Battouga it saps a lot of energy and strength out of him.

"I'll beat you soundly." The Great Dane spoke as he moved, each step left a bloody footprint in the ground. "Even when you're dead I'll still continue to beat you."

"Hougen!" He paused, turning to see Alayus running at him, her lips pulled back. She saw her opportunity to strike and took it. "Don't forget, you're fighting me as well!" She slammed her shoulder into him, knocking him away.

"Bitch...you wanna go first?!" He growled, shaking the snow off his pelt.

"Everyone, don't let him get close to both of them!" Tesshin yelled and the Ohu Army closed in, lips pulled back to show gleaming white fangs.

"Don't interfere!" A resounding voice boomed, forcing everyone to stop. Gin had made it to the battle just in time, staring at the fight with extreme calmness. "This is a fight between leaders and Hougen's other condition. Don't interfere with it!"

"Father..." Weed whispered when he looked at the leader.

"Heh, you sure you're fine with that Gin?" Hougen asked, unnerved by Gin's presence. "I've already asked John if he was okay but it seems today's my lucky day. I get to shred children of both the leader and his right hand man! Heehee!"

"It's not going to go your way so easily." was Gin's reply as he looked at Weed. "Weed! Show me, now. Show me the soul of a bear-hound."

Father...you said my name for the first time...Weed stared at him with renown strength, feeling his blood boil from deep within. "Yes!"

"You as well Alayus." John said as he made his way to Gin's side, curling his tail over his paws like he had been doing out of habit all those years. "You aren't a bear-hound by any means but nonetheless...I expect you to give it everything you got!"

"Yes!" She replied, taking a stronger stance and prepared to attack.

"You got some bravery...I'll give you that." Hougen spoke as Weed stood back up, his eyes flickering over to Alayus for a minute but he was mainly interested in Weed. "These wounds you gave me...I'll return the pain a hundred times worse!"

"Heup!" Weed jumped to avoid the bite but a huge gust of wind occurred, knocking him off balance in midair. Oh no...! I'm left defenseless in this position!

You're mine! Seizing his chance the Great Dane rose on his hind legs, gripping his opponent by the tail and slamming him back towards the ground. Weed yelped before he was dragged across and lifted back up into the air. "You're nothing more than an inexperienced little shit!" He repeatedly beat Weed against the ground, putting more and more energy into his swings.

"Hougen!" Alayus sank her teeth into the Dane's exposed side, forcing him to clamp down harder on Weed. She put a lot of force into her bite, nearly knocking the Dane over but he held his ground.

"Why you...!" With Weed still able to attack by sinking his fangs into Hougen's head by utilizing his flexible upper body and Alayus grinding her jaws against his side pain from both ends were running through at an exponential amount.

"Let go!" Alayus growled and bit harder till blood ran down her chin. She also had both paws digging into his side for a better grip. "Let him go!"

"You little shiiiiiiiits!" Slamming Weed down a couple more times Hougen finally let go of him before twisting around, snapping his jaws around the shepherd's side. The two dogs were interlocked with each other however Alayus had formulated a plan ahead of time which was why she allowed him to bite her. She refused to let go and let Hougen do all the work.

That's it...! Pull me off! She could smile as she felt him tug, wincing and hoping that she herself won't get ripped apart. Her fangs were clasped tightly in the dog's side so there's no doubt that he was definitely hurting. Use your strength and pull me off!

"LET. GO!" With only last yank Hougen pulled the Shepherd off and with her came a chunk of his side. He threw her aside before looking at the large gash and screamed with agony. "AHHHHHHHH!"

"Peh!" She spat out the portion of Hougen she managed to rip off onto the ground, wiping her mouth with a paw. "How foul."

"You...YOOOOU!"

"Gah!" Alayus yelped when Hougen slammed into her, his broad shoulder digging deep into her chest. Crashing on her back she rolled to the side and attempted to avoid his fangs but he managed to snap her hind leg. "Ugh!"

"You can't escape me!" He howled and did the same thing to her that he did to Weed. "I'll beat you and beat you and beat you to death!"

"Aaagh! Gah!" Alayus grunted every time her back connected with the ground, the snow no longer giving her padding and instead the bare rocks nipped at her skin. I've been thrown by Hougen before, this is nothing...! I can do this!

"How long is he planning on keeping that up?" Kyoshiro asked before looking at John. "We can't let him do as he pleases! That's your daughter isn't she?!"

"You think I don't know my own kid?" John asked, tilting his head at the question. "Quit joking."

"You quit joking!" The battle-scarred Kishu snapped, his fur spreading out with anger. "How can you calmly sit there and watch her take a beating?!"

"Woooah!" GB exclaimed once Hougen got tired and threw Alayus aside like a rag-doll. He looked rugged and the amount of blood from his side was getting bigger and bigger. "He's staggering! The previous wound that Alayus gave him is having an effect!"

"Really?! Then you can win without a doubt!" Kyoshiro exclaimed with excitement, turning to see where Weed had fallen, Alayus not too far away from him. "C'mon you two! Don't rest now!"

"Uuuugh...W...Weed..." Alayus turned to see that he still hasn't regained conscious, his head buried in the snow. She herself could see black spot in her vision and shook her head. Damn it...how much longer till he goes down?!

"You, stay down and let me toy with him." Hougen suddenly slammed a paw down on her head before picking Weed up. Tossing him into the air he proceeded to use his fangs to mercilessly rip and cut into his body. The air was filled with his laughter as he continued to juggle and toy with his opponent. "Come on come on! I'm getting bored here Kid! Are you awake yet?! Don't play dead with me!"

"Grrrrrrrr...Hougen..." Alayus growled as she tried to stand, getting his attention. She flinched when Weed's bloody body fell in front of her. "Weed..."

"Hehehe, I just thought of a game!" Tossing Weed back into the air as high as he could, Hougen gripped Alayus' tail and waited for the right moment to strike. "Batter up!" Pivoting on his hind leg he swung her like a bat, smashing Weed in the process and sent him flying. "That better be a home-run!"

"Weed!"

"Weed!" The dogs all turned in shock as his body slammed against Gajou with a sickening crack before falling to the ground with a thud.

"Now it's your turn, you little bitch." Changing his grip so that the shepherd was held by the back of her neck, Hougen ran towards Gajou itself. His blood was boiling and his legs were on overdrive. "See if you can withstand this!"

"He's not planning...!"

"She's gonna die!"

"Raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" With his eyes the Great Dane picked a good looking stone and went for it, making sure to put the shepherd ahead of him. His ears blocked out the other dogs telling him to stop and he went full force in his attack. "Go and die!"

WHAM!

"Aaaaahh...gaaah..." Alayus felt her eyes rolling to the back of her head once she made contact with the rocky surface. Blood trickled down her face as her body fell limply to the ground, her limbs twitching slightly.

"Alayus-sama!"

"Alayus!"

"Tch...is that all you got?" Hougen growled looking at both of his opponents with a sneer. "I'm disappointed really!"

"Don't, Kyoshiro!" Gin ordered when the battle-scarred Kishu ran towards Hougen, a blood thirsty look in his eyes. "Don't interfere, that was the promise."

"What the hell are you thinking?! Don't be stupid!" Kyoshiro yelled back with fury. "Your son and his daughter are almost beaten to death. Are you gonna let that happen?! Is that how a father should act?!"

"You can call me a demon. But this is something Weed said straight from his own heart..." Gin replied, although deep down he too wanted nothing more than to help his son. "When a real fighter says something, he says it with dignity."

"Don't think of my daughter as anything less, I'm proud of her for what she has done so far." John said, not even looking at Kyoshiro but instead focused on Alayus. "In this battle she's capable to handle things on her own and she has just as much heart and spirit as Weed. You just need to believe in your fighters."

"Huh? What crap are you spouting?" Hougen turned, looking at them with crazed eyes. "John, Gin...I've taken you two lightly and you just watched your children get roughed up by me! There's no way in hell they'll ever get back on their feet!"

"Y...You...You're wrong..."

"That's right, that's the way." John nodded his head as Alayus struggled to her feet. Bit by bit she staggered until she was able to turn and face Hougen. Blood pooling around her feet but her eyes were shining with fire. Hougen turned at the sound of her voice, lips pulled back with anger. "What did I say Hougen? My daughter is strong enough...to kick your ass."

"Weed...you okay?" Alayus asked, watching him also get back to his feet. Although he looked worse off he looked calm and collective and he stood on all fours panting.

Yes, that's right. Hold your ground until the end, that's what makes a real fighter...Now Weed, show that scum what a real fighter can do.

Smith-san...Weed closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he reopened them, his eyes were filled with the spirits of his comrades, those who had fallen in battle. The violent winds blew across the battle field, forcing the surrounding dogs to hunker down.

"Weed?"

"Yeah, I'm alright." He replied, giving Alayus a firm nod. "Let's end this fight."

"You...you little shits!" Hougen paused, noticing the spirits surrounding him. They were angry spirits with determined looks in their eyes and it honestly scared him. "W-W-What's going on?! Who the hell are you dead bastards?!"

I hope you're prepared for what's coming to you. Smith whispered, looking Hougen straight in the eye. Even in death Smith still held a high authority over Hougen and he knew that. Because this will be your last battle.

"Don't shit with me! I'll keep on fighting if I want to!" The Great Dane howled, attempting to bite at the spirits but all he got was empty air. "God damn it! Why won't you go away?!"

Hougen...a soul full of justice is very heavy. Smith stated with a firm voice, appearing before the Great Dane in a crouching position. We continue to live on through the ones who hold pure hearts...

"Hougen! Prepare yourself!" Weed took a running start, gaining speed with each step. The Great Dane could see the spirit army staring him down through Weed's eyes and couldn't help but flinch. Alayus crouched low, eyes closed and ears pointed forward. She was channeling as much energy as she could, not rushing anything but making sure she got the timing right.

What-?! The Battouga...?! "Ooof!" Hougen quickly hit the deck as Weed flew overhead. There were a couple of collective gasps when Weed missed and the Great Dane looked up with glee. "Heh, I win!"

"We lost...is this really...is it really the end?" Kyoshiro uttered like he couldn't believe it. It was in that moment that the winds blew the other way, bowling some of the dogs over and even forced Hougen to stand firm. Thanks to the mighty gust Weed's Battouga turned around like a boomerang.

"Hougen!" Weed proclaimed as he thundered towards his enemy, a look of surprise on the Dane's face. "This Battouga isn't dead!"

"Lets see you try to take two on as once!" Alayus opened her eyes and ran forward, her powerful legs driving her. Jumping she rotated her entire body, creating a distinct vortex that opened up into a star-shaped opening. Hougen was immobilized, unsure on how to dodge both. His very core had been shaken and even if he screamed at his legs to run they just couldn't. He was stuck in a checkmate.

"That is...!" Gin blinked once before looking at John. "Did you teach her that Battouga?"

"Heh...you know damn well I don't have a talent bone in my body." John laughed in response, a playful smirk on his lips. "You gotta thank her grandfather for passing it on to her!"

"Metsu Hen'i Battoga/ Zetsu Tenrou Battouga!" Both hit their marks, Weed sinking his fangs right into Hougen's skull while Alayus dealt damage across the body, her fangs leaving deep cuts in the spotted hide. Time seemed to be at a standstill as Hougen let out a gasp, blood flying out of his head like a fountain. Finally he gave way and collapsed on the ground.

After the battle...

Both Weed and Alayus were gravely injured as they also collapsed on the ground, their chests heaving as they fought for breath. It was unheard of in history of Ohu that two dogs who learned two different Battougas defeated one single enemy together. Well after this fight, the dogs of Ohu who witnessed it all will surely pass it down for generations to come.

"They did it...they finally did it." Akame whispered, finding his voice after the display of power. "At last...we can rejoice."

"Those kids...They brought down that son of a bitch!" Kyoshiro began to cry as he ran towards Weed, the others from the army doing the same. "Well done, Weed! You and Alayus were great! Really great!"

"Kyoshiro?" Weed looked at his comrade with tired eyes, noting the tears falling from his eyes.

"Damn it you got us worried!"

"Don't ever scare us like that again!"

"Alayus!"

"Jerome!" She pushed herself to a sitting position, feeling his paws wrap around her in a hug. "J-Jerome?"

"Thank goodness." Jerome whispered as he hugged her tight. "I thought I lost you. I was really scared." Alayus smiled and returned his hug. Everyone got a chance to congratulate the winners, tears streaming down their faces. It had been a dream and the nightmare can finally go away...or so they thought.

"Ahhhhhh!" Reika suddenly shrieked, getting everyone's attention as she pointed with a shaky paw. She stayed a little further back, not wanting to smother and overwhelm the fighters but movement out of the corner of her eye caused her to scream. "Hougen's still alive!"

"I won't...I won't die!" Hougen growled as he attempted to get back on his feet, blood pouring through every single wound on his body. The other dogs quickly circled the downed opponent, jeering at him but he ignored the taunts and focused on standing. "You little fuckers...you won't get rid of me that easily!"

"Weed." Gin spoke as he stood over Hougen, looking at his son. "Do it. You have to put an end to this."

"Ehh?"

"This is a battle." Gin explained without any emotion. He did have more experience fighting than his son did so he was used to this kind of situation. "This is what it means to live."

"I can't do it, Father!" Weed replied after seeing how pathetic Hougen was as he stood trembling before Gin. "I can't do it!"

"I see. Alayus?" He turned his attention to the shepherd. "Will you do it?"

"I...I..." Alayus looked at Hougen first, then Weed, then Jerome and then John. She read their facial expressions before coming to her own decision. "I will also refuse."

"Then we have no choice. I'll do it." Gin pressed Hougen against the ground, his jaws wrapped around the dog's neck. The others cheered him on, calling for Hougen's life. "There's nothing you can do to compensate for the crimes you've committed! I'll take your life!"

"No..." Weed whispered, getting to his feet. "No!"

"Weed! What are you doing?!" Kyoshiro shouted as Gin was shoved to the side by his own son. "Have you lost your mind?!"

"Look at how stupid you're being!" Weed looked at them with fury. "Shame on you all! Father, and everyone else...you're being just as bad as Hougen!"

"Just as bad as Hougen?" Hiro repeated, looking at Weed as if he grew two heads. "How so? He killed a lot of our comrades and he almost murdered you and Alayus together...!"

"Regardless of reason murder is not justice!" Weed argued firmly.

"We've been with Weed long enough, I thought we knew of his sense of justice." Alayus spoke up from where she sat. "It's just as he says, if you kill just because you can not forgive then wars will continue."

"Right...so please, let's have the hearts to forgive." Weed looked at them with hopefulness. Some of the dogs hung their heads with shame, no doubt admitting to letting their anger get the best of them and clouding their judgement. "That's what kindness is isn't it? Kindness will definitely get to them! That's going to change the future!"

"That's the theory of Paradise." Akame said as he stared at Weed thoughtfully. "But once, there was someone who pursued that."

"Oh yeah, I know that person too." Kurotora added with a small smirk. "Wow, never thought I'd be able to see something like this."

"He's someone just like you." Ben noted with agreement. "Why, that's why you two are so similar!"

"Huh? Really, who was it?" Weed watched as the dogs pointed their gaze towards Gin. His eyes lit up with surprise. "Father?"

"When everyone else is about to give up, the fighter who becomes the role model is the true leader." Gin stated in a clear voice so everyone could hear him. "Weed, you just surpassed me."

"Eh?!"

"From today, you're the leader!"

"EH?!"

"Haha, you should see the look on your face!" Alayus praised, lowering her body to bow to him. "Well done Weed!" One by one all the members of the Ohu army lowered themselves before their new leader. However leadership wasn't passed down regardless of power, Weed has become the third generation leader of Ohu.

"Everyone..." Weed spoke, unsure of what to say. He never knew that one day he'd become the leader. Frankly it was overwhelming even for him.

"Huh, Hougen's gone!" Akame noted and where the Great Dane was supposed to be was just an empty hole. The other dogs looked around before the sound of the said dog rang over their heads.

"You shit-faced Dogs of Ohu! Go ahead and be in your comedy club!" Hougen yelled down as he stood on top of Gajou like he was king. In his broken state it is safe to assume that he was a zombie. "Making a fool outta me...I'll kill and kill and kill! I'll massacre every one of you bastards!"

"He's insane..."

"I'll kill if you'd let me!"

"Fool! Weed already said no!"

Hmmmm...Alayus tilted her head up when the skies rumbled and nasty lightning crawled among the clouds like tendrils. Looks like a huge lightning strike is about to fall this time...

"I'll make every one of you regret letting me live! This world will continue to be under the reign of me! Hougen! Bwahahaha! Heeehahahaha!" Hougen tilted his head and laughed long and loud. However the Heavens above didn't acknowledge him as the leader and sent down a mighty lightning strike. The Great Dane tensed up before falling over, his heart falling silent within his chest and his eyes rolling up into his head.

"Well that was...shocking...to say the least." GB commented when there was silence.

"Oh GB..." The other dogs laughed as they gazed up at Gajou and welcomed the passing of the storm. Paradise has now been completely rid of evil and the dogs can live peacefully.

The next couple of days...

Winter has finally blown over and Spring within Ohu has started. The snow melted, the empty waterfalls now had flowing water and flowers have bloomed. Forests that had been burned during the thunder had new born trees with their flowering leaves. The remaining soldiers of Ohu retreated to the mountains to lay their fallen comrades to rest where they belonged. The enemies that either been captured or detained as hostages of war were released and they disappeared to live their life anew.

"Rest peacefully in the grounds of Ohu." Gin finished his prayers, sitting before some freshly made graves for the fallen. The others also sat around with their own prayers waiting to be said.

"Well...and Hougen..." Akame added, noting the grave made for the Great Dane. "He may have caused us a lot of pain but in the end, he still deserved something."

"I guess he did..." John huffed with annoyance. "Although we gave him way more chances than he actually deserved."

"John."

"Don't fight me on this Gin, you know exactly how I felt about digging him a grave." The old shepherd grunted before turning on his heels. "Come get me when the meeting starts I'm gonna go search for that daughter of mine." Not too far away Alayus and Jerome were enjoying a lovely walk on their own. The wounds the shepherd sustained during the fight had begun to heal, even the wound on her flank got smaller after taking a dip in the hot spring. Jerome looked happier than he ever could.

"So this is the Spring of Ohu." Alayus said as they stepped out in the wide open field. A sea of grass and blooming flowers underneath the blue skies, it really was Paradise. "It's so beautiful."

"It is." Jerome agreed as he allowed the sun's rays to warm his fur. "To be able to witness it with my own eyes, words can't possibly describe how I feel."

"A lot of things have happened...I wonder how long it'll take for everything to return back to normal." She replied, leaning against him when the warm winds blew around them. "I guess we'll see one day at a time, right?"

"There's still work to be done. Now that Weed's the leader I'm sure there are things he wants to put into movement." He nodded his head in agreement, pressing his cheek against the top of her head. "The scars of war is still visible and to the friends we have lost...we have to pay our respects before we leave on our next assignment."

"Heh, you should have seen how mad my father was when Weed asked if a grave to be dug for Hougen." Alayus laughed when she remembered what had happened. "Oh man, he was pissed."

"I've never seen him pop a blood vessel so fast." Jerome laughed along, enjoying the sound of her laugh. The two of them stayed together, enjoying the scenery as well as each others company.

"Hey Jerome..."

"Hmm?" He turned his head down, only for his nose to touch hers. There was a brief pause as the touch sent an electric pulse throughout both their bodies. His heart seemed to be thudding rapidly in his chest.

"You're it!" She bounded away across the field with laughter. It took awhile for Jerome to get it but soon he was running after her as well.

In the shadows...

"I'm so happy for Alayus-sama, she's finally enjoying herself."

"Does that mean we'll have to go back to our home soon? We aren't really needed to be honest."

"This place is much better than any of the places we've been to. It'd be a shame if we were to head back."

"You're more than welcomed to stay here." Ryu, Ryo, Hanji and Heita all turned to see John padding up to greet them. He had been searching for his daughter when his nosed picked up her scent and his ears caught words. "Of course I have no right to say what you can and can't do. We're all adults here."

"Really? We can stay?" Ryo asked, her tail wagging with excitement. "Here in Paradise?"

"I don't see why not. I'm sure the leader wouldn't object." John smiled and while the four of them talked among themselves in excited voices, he peered out to where Alayus and Jerome were running in the fields playing their game of tag. It made his heart soar seeing his daughter with a smile upon her face.

You see that Rue? He thought as he watched them play together, feeling the winds swirling around him and smiled. They remind me of us when we were younger...and your grandfather would run in and ruin the moment every chance he got...

"By the way John-san, do you expect grandchildren anytime soon?" Ryo asked innocently, jolting him out of his thoughts.

"What makes you say that?"

"Well it looks like Jerome— "

"To think the moment I gave you my blessings...you go ahead and do that sort of thing...JEROME YOU BASTARD!" John rushed out in a hurry without bothering to hear the rest of the sentence, scaring the two dogs who stopped mid-play. They didn't expect the old shepherd to charge at them with such a scary looking expression. To be honest they were lost in their own little world so they didn't notice anybody watching them. "IT'S TOO SOON!"