The following morning, Saya was rudely awoken from her slumber by Inuyasha nudging her with his foot. "Wake up, we're heading out." Saya groaned before sitting up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
"Sorry, I tried to get to you before Inuyasha, but he beat me to it," apologized Sango as the two went to the nearby stream to freshen up before the group set out for the day.
Saya shook her head, "It's not your fault he can be an ass sometimes. I thank you for trying." Sango smiled in response. The two females returned to the campsite to find Inuyasha and Miroku ready to depart. Saya packed the remainder of her belongings, but looked up when a voice startled her.
"Are we going to leave soon or what?" Haru approached from the woods behind them.
Inuyasha raised his irritated gaze in the wolf demon's direction. "What is this 'we'? Who says you're welcome here?"
Haru smirked before pointing at Saya. "She does." The hanyou reluctantly redirected his attention toward the person indicated.
Saya raised an eyebrow at the wolf demon. "Why get me involved in this?" His only response was a smirk, to which Saya rolled her eyes before turning her attention from one demon to the other. "I do approve of his joining us; more people to battle Naraku. And besides," she added after a pause, "Haru doesn't insult me whenever he speaks to me." Inuyasha simply growled and ordered her to finish packing.
The band of ragtag companions set off a short while later. The still-irritated hanyou took the lead while Miroku followed a short distance behind. The remainder brought up the rear. Yue was draped around Saya's shoulders once again, while Shippo rested upon Sango's. Kirara walked beside her human. The girl from the future and Haru quickly became engaged in conversation, while Sango listened with amusement.
"I still don't understand why you continuously do things that purposely piss him off—and then get me involved! He'll end up hating me, I'm sure."
Haru shook his head with a grin. "Pissing that mutt off amuses me, and I get you involved because it pisses him off even more. Don't worry, he won't hate you." Saya directed an incredulous gaze at the demon. "Who could hate a woman when she fixes amazing food like you do?"
"Thanks for the compliment, but I don't count what I fixed last night as cooking." The statement was accompanied by a roll of her eyes.
"Oh really?"
"Yeah, I hardly count heating water, putting it in pre-seasoned noodles, and waiting for them to soften as cooking. The soup I made a couple of days ago is what I count as cooking."
"It was really good," Sango pipped in.
"Yeah, it was the best," the fox child exclaimed with a grin.
Saya beamed at the two. "Thank you!"
Haru draped an arm over Saya's shoulders. "I guess that means you'll just have to fix some of that delicious soup while I'm around so I can truly gauge your cooking skills."
Saya laughed. "I suppose I will."
When everyone stopped for lunch, Inuyasha turned to the other demon within the group. "Don't you have somewhere else to be, Wolf-Cub?"
Haru grinned before placing one of his arms around Saya. "Nope, just hanging out with my woman."
Saya raised an eyebrow. "Since when am I your woman? I don't recall ever accepting that offer."
"You took Yue back, didn't you?"
Saya's eyes narrowed, but a small smile threatened to pull at her lips. Haru's grin was becoming contagious. "After I told you that I'm taken."
"Which is a lie."
"Completely beside the point!"
"No, I'm pretty sure that is the point."
The two would have continued their banter if Inuyasha had not growled in aggravation, "Would you two shut up?"
"Keep to yourself, Mutt. This discussion is between me and my woman. Go scout ahead or something. Make yourself useful."
"I am not your woman, for the last time!" Her intent was ruined when she began laughing.
Inuyasha's eye began to twitch as his irritation grew. "Why don't you go scout ahead and earn your keep? You ain't done shit since you started following us around."
"I've kept the women happy; that's my job. I'm good at it." Saya and Sango burst out laughing. Grinning cockily, Haru turned back to Inuyasha. "See?" The duo's laughter increased. Inuyasha gnashed his teeth before grabbing the back of Haru's armor and dragging him away from the group.
As the two demons disappeared, Sango turned to Saya. "I almost feel sorry for him."
Saya laughed. "I don't. The idiot brought it upon himself." Sango chuckled in response.
Once the duo returned, the group set out once again. They traveled in relative silence; Haru was the only one making any noise as he muttered curses and complaints beneath his breath. Saya turned to him.
"You do realize you brought all of that upon yourself? Don't go cursing Inuyasha because of your own stupidity." Haru glared. "What? You said those things to purposely irritate him. What he did in response is not my fault; you brought it upon yourself." Saya shrugged. Haru still glared at her. "Oh, you thought I was going to jump in and save you from the big bad dog? No, it was far too amusing watching you getting dragged away by him." Haru huffed. "Don't give me that treatment. You know you would have done the same thing if our positions were switched." Haru huffed again but didn't resume his muttered grumbles. Saya averted her face keep Haru from seeing her smile because of the pouting expression he displayed.
Inuyasha walked at the front of the party, but he had still heard what the girl had said to the annoying wolf. It surprised the hanyou that the girl sided with Inuyasha; he had figured she would take the annoying wolf's side. It was unexpected. Perhaps she wasn't as annoying as he originally thought.
"Geez," came a whispered groan. "How long do you think we're going to be walking? We've already walked more today than we did yesterday."
Strike that, Inuyasha thought with his left eye beginning to twitch, she's still as annoying as I thought.
"I don't know, Saya-chan, but I know we'll be stopping soon. Night is drawing near, and we have to find a site and set up camp before the sky darkens. Do you think you can hold on for a little while longer?"
"I guess I have no choice, but as long as we stop soon, I think I'll be okay. I'm just not used to this much daily activity." The girl gave an airy chuckle. "It seems that I'm out of shape."
"What are you talking about? You look great to me," came the wolf's response. It appeared the other demon was over his irritation with the girl. Inuyasha may not have seen his face, but he was certain the wolf was grinning slyly. A soft smack was heard, confirming his suspicion.
"Letcher." The trio's soft laughter filtered toward the hanyou.
Inuyasha was thankful when he spotted a decent campsite a short distance away. "We're stopping over there for the night. Let's get a move on it. It's going to be dark soon."
"It wouldn't be if we had stopped sooner," came a soft grumble under the girl's breath. Inuyasha turned her with a glare. Her eyes widened before she scurried after Sango. Serves her right for complaining so much!
The campsite was assembled quickly, and the girl made ramen once again for dinner. Everyone ate in silence. Inuyasha's ears began twitching, and he was suddenly alerted to the fact that not only was the group quiet, so was the entire surrounding area. It was far too quiet. Something was wrong. He used all of his senses in attempt to figure out what was happening. When the stench of death and decay suddenly assaulted his nose, it took all his willpower not to cry aloud. It was strong; really strong. Instead, he stood with a growl.
"Some thing's comin'. Get ready." Everyone scrambled to gather everything and finish their measly dinner; some ramen was left unfinished due to lack of time. Inuyasha glanced at the unfinished ramen with a hint of regret; it was such a shame to let something so delicious go to waste, but it was necessary. Everyone soon stood poised, ready for any attack that would come their way.
"I sense shards headed this way," the girl murmured.
Saya began to fidget as the feeling of the shards drew closer. Something about them was…off. She didn't know what it was; she had felt the same way with the other demon that possessed a shard, but the off-feeling was intensified for these shards. Perhaps it was because there were more than one? No, that was not it. A glance to her right showed Haru standing in a defensive position slightly before her. She had not felt this way when Haru had appeared, and he had two shards on him. What was going on?
Her question was soon answered when a roar reverberated within the surrounding area. It caused Saya's legs to almost buckle beneath her. Haru was at her side in an instant, an arm around her waist to keep her steady. "You okay?" He did not look at her, but Saya knew he was worried. He must have sensed a change in her stance. She strengthened her resolve and stood straighter. After receiving a nod, Haru took a step away.
The demon made its appearance. Its body was humanoid, but specific aspects were animalistic. Its legs were that of a large mammal; Saya could not determine which type. Instead of clothing, thick, dark fur covered its body. Its eyes were a bleak, stormy gray. It had talons for nails. Saya could not study it for long because it was accompanied by a thick, dark smog that seeped out and spread, giving it a large girth of space. Everyone jumped back to avoid the invading miasma. The demon's eyes swept by each member of the group until they rested upon Saya, upon whose neck Yue was curled around.
A malicious grin appeared on the demon's face, revealing sharp, pointed fangs. "Oh good. You saved me the trouble of finding the little brat. Give it to me, and I'll consider making your deaths swift and painless."
"Like hell you're getting anything," growled Haru as he took a step to block Saya from the opposing demon's view.
It looked at Haru with a bored expression. "If it isn't the wolf cub. Where's your pops? Too scared to come out and fight himself?" Haru growled, baring his fangs. The demon chuckled; its lips curling up to bare its fangs. "Oh, please, little pup. You hold no threat to me." Its eyes swept the group once more. "In fact, none of you stand a chance against me. It's best to give up now than to suffer through a painful ending." Haru's body tensed before he jumped at the demon. It knocked him aside with ease. "Who's next?"
Inuyasha charged, Tetsusaiga drawn and raised. The demon met Inuyasha's blade with its talons and a feral grin. Inuyasha was tossed back, and Sango charged forward, Hiraikotsu raised while Miroku threw sutra at it. Hiraikotsu was deflected, and the sutras were incinerated by the miasma. Saya notched an arrow before she loosed it, aiming for the demon's head. It was blown off course by the miasma, but still managed to nick one of its legs. It howled in pain before turning an enraged gaze in Saya's direction. The miasma surged toward her before completely engulfing her. The last thing she heard before the miasma swallowed her was the group calling out her name.
Once the miasma surrounded her, Saya expected to open her eyes and see pearly gates before her. However, she saw nothing. Glancing down, she noticed that she could see herself clearly, as if the miasma could not touch her. She reached up her hand to feel if Yue was still resting upon her shoulders. Saya breathed a sigh of relief when the soft fur of her kitsune brushed against her fingers. Yue nudged them, just awaking from slumber. Saya glanced around again, but upon sighting no changes, she began to grow frustrated.
What was going on? Surely she was supposed to die from that, and yet, here she was. She also did not understand why she could see herself through the smog that surrounded her. Nothing else was visible; it was as if she had suddenly been swallowed by a void. There was nothing near her; she could not even sense the Shikon fragments anymore.
Inuyasha let out a fierce growl. The demon would pay for what it just did. Haru seemed to share Inuyasha's train of thought.
"You bastard!" Haru howled before charging the demon again. Inuyasha joined directly behind the wolf demon. The two fought against the demon, but no matter how much they tried, they could not seem to get passed the miasma. Miroku stepped forward and advised everyone to get behind him.
"Don't even think about it, Monk! I'm not dealing with your sorry ass if you get poisoned by getting rid of this shit!" Miroku pressed his lips together in frustration.
"Someone needs to do something!"
"You're right, and we're getting there. Don't worry about it, Man." Haru gave an easy grin as his wolves arrived, and the lot returned to the action.
"That was close! I almost didn't make it here in time," a voice sounded to her left, accompanied by a giggle. Turning in the direction of the voice, she spotted a female around her age dressed in silver miko robes with red and gold accents that adorned the outfit. The miko approached her. "Are you all right?"
Saya blinked in surprise. The female looked like Hikari, complete with the same facial structure and blue eyes. However, as Saya examined the stranger's face more closely, she could detect slight differences. For one, the shade of blue for her eyes was slightly lighter. Another was that the two's hair were different: Hikari had black hair with blue highlights; this girl had dark auburn hair. She also wore her hair in a high ponytail that was held in place with a string. Her hair also seemed to be longer than Hikari's, but she couldn't be sure because Hikari never wore her hair down.
"Hey, are you all right?" The female asked again. Saya snapped out of her stupor.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry."
The girl sighed in relief. "Good." Saya then noticed something that had previously been disregarded when comparing the miko to Hikari.
"You're surrounded by the same light that I am! Is this your doing?" The girl looked at her confused.
"What are you questioning exactly?"
"We're surrounded by nothing but impenetrable darkness, and yet we can still see ourselves. Is that your doing?"
The girl smiled. "Why don't we leave this place and continue this conversation another time?" Saya sighed, not liking the idea of having her questions left unanswered, but agreed nonetheless. She did need to get back to everyone.
"How do you suggest we do that?"
"You have miko powers as well, correct?" When Saya nodded slowly, the miko continued, "Close your eyes and imagine your power as water." Saya raised an eyebrow. "Just follow along, please. I would like to leave as well." Shrugging, Saya closed her eyes and did as she was told. "Now imagine the water gathering, traveling into your hands. Picture the water collecting and forming spheres there." After a pause, she continued, "Now, I want you to reach for your arrows and fire one. Keep your eyes closed! There is no target to see—just shoot." After Saya had done so, she felt incredibly heavy and tired. She began panting with exertion. "Now you may open your eyes."
Saya did as she was instructed to find herself and the miko out of the impenetrable darkness and staring at her group members gazing at her in wonder while the opposing demon appeared annoyed. Saya stood and looked at the demon that attacked her. "That was a really cheap trick. You shouldn't have done that."
"Oh really? Who's gonna stop me? You? Please. You couldn't hurt a fly."
Saya's eyes narrowed. She reached for an arrow and notched it. Exhaling, she drew back and fired. The arrow flew through the air, a soft purple-pink glow to it. Once it reached the miasma, a straight path was cleared as it soared directly toward the demon, who dodged the arrow. Haru and Inuyasha jumped at their chance to make their way through the smog and began battling the demon head-on. Haru's wolves followed closely behind.
Inuyasha tore his sword through every inch of the demon he could get to, while Haru landed powerful kicks that resulted in sounds of breaking bones. The wolves tore into the demon at every chance open to then, ripping fur and flesh. However, the demon would not be defeated so easily. With every attack the lot dished out, the demon took multiple swipes with its talons at the duo. Numerous attacks landed on all of the combatants, and several of Haru's wolves were injured.
Saya and Sango searched for an opportunity to attack, but none arrived without the potential of hitting one of their companions. Frustrated that she could not assist more, Saya began firing several arrows through the miasma in an attempt to clear it away.
The demon knocked Inuyasha and Haru away and grinned. "I haven't had to use this much effort in a fight in a while—it's a shame you will all have to die."
"Don't get cocky, bastard. You're only that strong because of the shards that you possess," called Saya.
"You can see them? I'm impressed. Perhaps I won't kill you but will use you to find more fragments."
"Over my dead body,"
A malicious grin stretched across its face, "That could be arranged."
"Where are the shards?" called Inuyasha. Saya looked over the demon. She saw a dark glow near the heart. She relayed the information back to Inuyasha. Grinning, the hanyou attacked once again. Haru and his wolves surged forward with killer instinct.
The demon summoned more youki and pushed the group away from him. He turned to race toward Saya. Said female's eyes widened as she realized there was no way she could move out of the way fast enough. She heard everyone shout her name, but it sounded as if they were at a distance. Her entire focus was on the approaching demon with full intention of killing her. She notched an arrow in hopes of warding it off with a sacred arrow, but paused when the demon was stopped short by a shimmering, translucent, white-gold barrier. Confused, Saya glanced around to see the miko with one of her arms outstretched in her direction. She also seemed to be muttering something beneath her breath. Saya took the shot set before her, and watched as the demon screamed while it disintegrated.
The barrier dropped, and Saya stepped forward.
"Wait, Saya-san, it would be unwise to touch them with your bare—" Miroku began but cut himself off when Saya stooped down and picked up the larger fragment bare-handed. The darkened glow which surrounded the fragment previously vanished instantaneously and was replaced with the soft, pink glow that normally accompanied the Shikon no Tama. Saya turned to look at Miroku with a questioning look.
"I'm sorry, were you saying something?"
He shook his head slowly. "No, I wasn't." She really is Kagome-sama's daughter, thought the bemused monk. Saya shrugged before joining the rest of the group, placing the fragment with the rest of them around her neck.
The miko dressed in silver stood off to the side and observed the group's interactions. After a while of observing, she decided to properly introduce herself. As she approached the group, Inuyasha and Haru turned toward her and stood in a defensive position.
"Who are you, and what do you want?" Haru asked with eyes narrowed.
The miko smiled. "My name is Hiyori, and I am here to train Saya." The group stared at her in confusion.
Saya gazed at her. "What kind of training are you talking about? Because I don't think I need a whole lot. I'm doing pretty great on my own." Inuyasha scoffed, and Saya glared at him. Hiyori approached Saya, completely bypassing Inuyasha and Haru. When she stood a foot away, Hiyori used her fingers to flick the air. Saya was sent skidding yards away. Looking up, Saya stared at Hiyori in amazement.
"You still have much to learn." Saya's irritation, which had already been initiated by the hanyou, grew which caused her to scowl and narrow her eyes in a glare. Hiyori simply smiled. "I can teach you if you wish. The power I just displayed is lying dormant inside you. If you allow me to train you, that power will be available to you at all times. You can accomplish great things, if you are willing to have me assist you." Saya studied the miko before her for a few seconds.
As Saya observed Hiyori, she could not find any nefarious intentions within her voice or expressions. She stepped forward to accept her offer of teaching when Inuyasha stepped in front of her. "What the hell are you thinking, Saya? She could have killed you, but you want to have her train you? Are you really that dense? You don't even know her!"
Saya stared at Inuyasha with an odd expression on her face. "You called me by my name."
Inuyasha stared at her in disbelief. "Did you not hear a word I said, wench? You don't know her!"
"I heard you. I also liked it more when you called me by my name, which is not wench by the way," Saya added irritably. "I don't care that I have just met her. She's saved my life. Twice! Besides, she could have just killed me if she wanted to, but I'm clearly still alive. She obviously doesn't want me dead."
"I agree with Inuyasha, Saya-san. We do not know this woman. She could just be trying to lull you into a false sense of security before she tried to kill you," Miroku interjected.
"What is it with you people and thinking everyone is out to kill me?" Saya demanded. "She reminds me of someone that I know, and she honestly doesn't look like she would hurt me. I'm accepting her offer, and you all can just get over it." Turning to Hiyori, Saya asked, "When do we start our training?"
Hiyori smiled. "Tomorrow morning before everyone departs for the day. You will need to eat and rest tonight because you will need it for the morning."
"How early are we talking?"
Hiyori smiled. "Possibly before the sun rises." Saya groaned. Hiyori walked back toward the woods that surrounded the group. "Now, if you will excuse me, I was tending to some other business before I came here. I shall see you in the morning, Saya-chan." With that, the mysterious miko disappeared into the forest. Inuyasha's eyes narrowed.
He was not keen to allow the miko out of his sight—especially if she was to train Saya. Only Kami knew what would happen to the girl if the two were left alone. Miroku approached the hanyou, placing a hand upon his shoulder.
"I am slightly worried for the safety of everyone should that miko continue with our group. We should be careful."
"We shall tread carefully, Hoshi-sama. If this Hiyori proves to be a threat, she will be dealt with," Sango assured the monk as she joined the duo. Miroku nodded and would contain his anxieties and reservations for their newest ally for now.
Saya was off to the side and ignoring everyone, consumed by her own thoughts as she was. "Before sunrise? She's crazy! I mean, after sunrise I might be able to do, but before? No chance in hell," the girl muttered to herself.
So this was requested by my beta, who stayed up late with me on multiple nights brainstorming ideas for this story. Some things that we came up with were amusing but would not actually fit within the storyline. So I decided I would still put some of them out there in the form of bonus scenes for you all! You're welcome! After all, I am here for your entertainment. *Starts playing Adam Lambert in the background* But seriously, folks, there will not always be a bonus scene; they will just randomly be throughout the story for the extra scenes that I enjoy the most. I sincerely hope you all enjoy these bonus snippets as much as we have. Enjoy!
The miko smiled. "My name is Hiyori, and I'm here to train Saya." The group stared at her in confusion.
Saya gazed at her. "What the hell are you talking about? I'm fine like I am. Did you not see me destroy that demon? Obviously, I can take care of myself." Inuyasha scoffed, and Saya turned to him with a glare. Hiyori approached Saya, completely ignoring and bypassing the rest of the group. When she stood a short distance away, Hiyori extended her arm before flicking the air before her. Saya was sent skidding yards away. Raising her head, Saya stared at Hiyori in shock.
"You have a lot to learn," stated Hiyori crossing her arms. Saya's eyes narrowed in agitation, and a scowl became apparent on her face. "I can teach you if you'd like. The power that I showed, you could have as well. I can sense that you have much power lying dormant within you. I would bring them out and train you to control them. What do you say?"
Saya stared at Hiyori blankly for a few seconds before she dashed toward her. Grasping her hands, Saya exclaimed, "Teach me your ways, Sensei!"
Hiyori stared at Saya with a mixture of exasperation and disbelief. The miko sighed, "Oh boy…"
Inuyasha grabbed onto Saya and dragged her away from Hiyori. "What the hell are you thinking, Saya? She could have killed you, but you are wanting to have her train you? Are you really that dense? You don't even know her!"
Saya stared at Inuyasha with an odd look on her face. "You called me by my name."
Inuyasha stared at her in disbelief. "Did you hear a word I said, wench? You don't know her!"
Saya sighed, "Yeah, I heard ya, and my name is Saya, not wench. You used it once already, just keep using it. I also don't care that I've just met her. She's saved my life. Twice! Not only that, but she reminds me of someone that I know." Inuyasha and Haru looked at her as if she were stupid. "What? Have you seen at that face? Does that look like the face of a cold-blooded killer? I certainly don't think so! Look at her! She's adorable!" Both demons continued to stare blankly at Saya. Ignoring the duo, Saya turned to Hiyori who stood waiting patiently. "When we gonna start training?"
Hiyori smiled. "Tomorrow morning before everyone starts getting ready to depart. You will need to eat and rest today because you are going to need it tomorrow."
Saya stared at Hiyori blankly. "How early are we talking?"
Hiyori's smile widened. "Before sunrise."
Saya groaned. "I don't know if I can do that…"
Hiyori giggled. "Which do you prefer? Improving your abilities or sleeping?"
A pained and indecisive expression crossed her features. "That's a tough choice…" Hiyori giggled again.
So there you have it: the next chapter (plus first ever bonus scene!). I apologize for taking forever and a day to post this chapter. It's been a little rough for me to get motivated to write for this story. Not only have I started working two jobs, the motivation to write in general has become...sparse. I would really appreciate some encouragement, and if anyone finds anything that sounded off, was difficult to understand, or even something you liked, please let me know via review! I'm going to try to motivate myself to get back into this story regularly, but a little help from you guys would definitely help. Thanks everyone, and until next time! :D