Hey guys! Please, please, please read the note at the end of this chapter. It's important! Thanks. Enjoy the new chapter!

Chapter 12: Awakening Part 1

The following morning, Saya was surprised to find Yue still curled up next to her even though the rest of the hut was abandoned. She wasn't complaining. She quickly readied herself, scooped the waking kitsune, and walked out into the bright, cool morning. She could tell as soon as she stepped outside that autumn was quickly approaching. No longer saturated in the unpleasant humid quality, the air was now crisp and clear. She felt a shiver run through her body. If the weather kept its course, she'd need to return to her time to get warmer clothes. Sighing, Saya glanced around to discover if there was anyone of their group nearby. No such luck. With a shrug, Saya began to aimlessly wander around the village.

The place was thriving with life: some women were meandering around, attempting to purchase the items they required or desired; other women carried sticks and assorted herbs; men hefted large bundle or were busy in the fields. Children dashed between all that was happening, playing games only they understood. A small group of children stood gathered a short distance away, whispering and pointing in Saya's direction. A few of the bolder children ran up to see if they could pet Yue. The small fox seemed to be a huge hit with the kids. Saya smiled a little as Yue drank in their attention. The young kit was beginning to develop a personality as the days passed. It was endearing to watch—even if the kitsune was becoming mischievous and cheeky. At least she was cute. Saya shook her head.

Speaking of at least being cute, Saya hadn't seen hide nor hair of Inuyasha since dinner the previous evening. He hadn't been in the hut when she and the other females had returned from her training session. At the time, Saya hadn't thought anything of it, but now, she was getting mildly worried. If she didn't see him by lunch, she was going to go and look for the hanyou. She nodded her head, mentally affirming the idea in her mind, and was pulled back into reality as Yue bounded up her body to rest upon her shoulder.

Turning to the pup she asked with a smile, "Oh, you finally want your favorite spot back, huh?" Yue simply mewled happily in response. Saya could feel her tails brushing against the back of her head as they swayed with her happiness. It was adorable.

Saya allowed her feet to carry her wherever they saw fit. She ended up wandering into the forest near the training spot Hiyori took her to. She was surprised to find a training area set up for archery. She approached the targets curiously. They felt rather new, and not from this era. They almost felt like the targets her high school used. It was exceedingly odd. She shrugged; oh well. When in Rome and all that…

"What do you think, Yue? Quick archery training? Don't wanna get sloppy. Kami-sama knows Inuyasha would have a field day about that…" Yue made a noise that sounded like agreement to Saya. Well, that settled it. She raced back to Kaede's hut to retrieve her bow and arrows, passing Sango in the process.

"What has you so fired up?"

"Found an archery set up. Gonna train. Care to join?"

The demon slayer considered it for a moment before shaking her head. "I think I shall pass this time. I'm going to use this day to rest before we resume our travels in the morning."

"Okay, suit yourself. See ya later!"

Saya retrieved the items before quickly returning to the training site. She was about to sling the quiver on her back, but Yue let out a bark of protest. It seemed the pup wished to stay. Shrugging, Saya placed the quiver on the ground, pulled out some arrows, and stuck them in the ground beside her. She notched one, took aim, and fired. It wasn't long before she began throwing sacred arrows into the mix. After a few rounds, Saya got into a routine: Shoot a few regular arrows, shoot a sacred arrow, shoot five regulars, shoot two sacred. After depleting her stash, she would retrieve them. After the second round, however, Yue hopped off her head (she moved up there after realizing that she was hindering Saya's shooting ability) and began helping Saya retrieve her arrows. Saya smiled as she turned around to see Yue sitting proudly next to a small pile of arrows. She was surprised the fox had been able to get them without breaking any. Saya stooped down, scratching the pup's head and retrieving the arrows.

"You get an extra treat tonight for your help." Saya chuckled when the pup began wagging her tails excitedly. The miko resumed her training. It wasn't until her stomach began to growl that she realized how late it had become. A glance at the sun—which was now beginning its decent for the day—proved that she had trained past lunch. Oops. She needed the training, though, and it was nice to do things her own way instead of being told what to do and how to do it. Quickly gathering all the arrows and Yue, Saya began her trek back to the village. She made it back before Kaede gave the leftovers to anyone.

"You are lucky you returned when you did. We prepared lunch a little late today."

"Thank you, Kaede-sama."

Saya was going to miss the woman's cooking when they set back out for their travels the following morning. It sure as hell beat instant ramen any day!

A thought occurred to her as she accepted a bowl of food. "Oh! I completely forgot! I'm so sorry; I didn't help you this morning with the ill. I even promised to do so."

The older woman waved her concerns away. "There was not much to help. Besides, I could have woken you up if I required your assistance. You were fine to sleep."

Saya reluctantly accepted the elderly miko's response before eating her food. Once she finished, she asked Kaede if everyone had not shown up for lunch. The elderly woman responded that Inuyasha and Hiyori had been missing. She hummed in thought, thanking the older woman, and taking her leave—Yue once again on her shoulders. Saya wandered mindlessly back toward the forest. She supposed she would stick with the plan she decided upon earlier and look for the missing hanyou. She walked around, hoping to randomly bump into the silver-haired male, but to no avail. That is, until she approached the well and heard a murmur of voices. She redirected herself toward the voices, slowing her steps and cautiously approaching the area. As she got closer, she could discern the voices and what they were saying. One was male. Inuyasha! The other was a female she had never heard before. She got as close as she dared before she stopped to listen and watch.

"—appeared again. I had begun to wonder if Naraku had actually managed to kill you."

"Keh, like that bastard could do anything."

The woman hummed in response. Saya took the moment to take in her appearance: Straight, black hair that fell past her waist, held back with a white ribbon. A slim body that was clad in the same miko garments Kaede wore. The small amount of skin shown was pale—almost deathly so. Her eyes, however, was the thing that struck Saya the most; they were the exact same color as her mother's. Saya quickly covered her mouth as a quiet gasp escaped her lips. The last thing she wanted was to be found spying on Inuyasha, of all people. When she saw the woman's head begin to turn, Saya quickly ducked behind a tree to stay out of view.

The woman turned her head and swept her eyes past where Saya hid herself. She had to repress a shudder. The woman may have the same color of eyes as her mother, but their eyes were not the same. Her mother's eyes were kind, warm, and soft. This woman had cold, hard eyes that seemed to radiate waves of distrust and barely concealed malice.

When it appeared the woman couldn't find anything amiss, she returned her attention to the hanyou. "I spoke with my sister this morning. She shared with me that your group just recently returned after disappearing for thirty years. She also mentioned that my reincarnation was no longer with your group. Instead, some child is with you? Have you really fallen that far, Inuyasha, that you would stoop so low as to receive help from a child?"

Saya tensed and had to keep herself from blowing her cover. This woman was a bitch! Then what the woman said registered. Reincarnation. So, this was Kikyo. Saya was suddenly glad that the bitch had died so her mother could be born. This woman wasn't nearly as great as everyone made her out to be. Yue nudged her head against Saya's chin, drawing her attention away from her thoughts and back to the conversation happening just beyond the cover of the thickets.

"Saya ain't a child. She's the same age you are!"

"Were, you mean. I no longer have an age, Inuyasha." Her tone was maliciously humored.

Saya saw Inuyasha shift uncomfortably. "Yeah, were…"

"Who is this girl? Kaede did not share her origins when she mentioned her."

"Kagome's daughter."

"My reincarnation had a child?"

"In her time. She can't pass through the well."

"Pity."

Inuyasha was about to speak, but Saya had enough and left—not particularly caring if she was heard due to her anger. She stomped her way back to Kaede's hut, snatched up her belongings, and stormed out. Sango and Miroku glanced at one another before Sango stood and followed the irritated female.

"Saya-chan! Wait up!"

Heaving a sigh in a fruitless attempt at calming down, Saya paused and turned toward Sango. "What's up?"

"Is everything alright? You seem quite…upset."

The agitated female huffed. "I just had the misfortune of overhearing Inuyasha talk to Kikyo. I just want to go home for the night. I'll be back in the morning." Some of the tension left her shoulders once she had vocalized her annoyance. "I also need to get some warmer clothing. Hiyori was right the other night; it's getting colder out. I only have summer clothes with me right now. I need to get a sweatshirt or something."

Sango nodded, though it was obvious to Saya that the demon slayer only understood half of what she had said. "That is unfortunate, indeed. Kagome would always leave after Kikyo appeared. I wish you a good night, then. I will see you when you return in the morning."

Saya smiled as the rest of the tension left her body. "Thanks, Sango-chan." She then reached over and gave the unprepared female a hug. She started departing toward the well but stopped and glanced back at Sango. "Oh, and Sango?" The other female turned around. "If anyone, especially Inuyasha, asks where I am, just say I had to go home for something. Leave out the thing about Kikyo for me?"

Sango smiled. "Of course. Good night, Saya-chan."

"Good night, Sango-chan." Saya waited until Sango had resumed her trip back to Kaede's before she returned to her own journey to the well. With one last glance around to make sure the coast was clear, Saya hopped into the well.

When she reappeared on the other side, Saya hopped out and made her way into the house.

"I'm back!"

She heard a noise and turned to the side to see her family coming in to welcome her. Daichi instantly ran up to her and hugged her legs. When she straightened from hugging her little brother, her mother instantly grabbed her in a hug. A sudden shifting around her shoulders alerted Saya to a presence she had become used to. Her mother seemed to become aware of it as well as she pulled back with a start to stare at her shoulders where Yue rested.

"Oh! Who's this cutie?"

"Momma, meet Yue. I kinda inherited her from her mother when I saved them from some wolves."

Kagome's face lit up with a giant smile. "She's such a cute little thing!"

Saya laughed. "Yeah, and I think she knows it too."

"Can I hold her?"

Saya shrugged. "If she'll let you."

Kagome carefully reached forward and pulled Yue from around her shoulders. Once that task was completed, Kagome turned her and held her like a baby. Yue didn't seem to mind; she mewled happily, her tails swishing from side to side in a happy and lazy manner. Saya laughed as her mother began to coo at the fox pup.

As Kagome continued to fawn over the young kitsune, her father stepped forward to give her a hug as well. Stepping back, he asked how long she would be staying with them this time.

"Ah," Saya said while scratching the back of her neck in a sheepish manner. "I'm only here for the night. I needed to restock and get some warmer clothes. It's starting to get cooler out." Her parents nodded in understanding. After a moment's pause, she added quietly, "That, and I ran into Kikyo for the first time."

Kagome was instantly in action mode: she told both males that she and Saya were going to have a talk up in her room and, under no circumstances, were they to be bothered. She then herded Saya out of the kitchen and up into her room—all the while, still holding Yue like a baby. Once in the confines of the bedroom, Kagome closed the door, set Yue down on the mattress next to Saya, and pulled her computer chair over to sit across from her.

"So, what happened?"

Saya proceeded to tell her mother all about what she had heard in the conversation between Inuyasha and Kikyo. By the time she finished, she was huffing a little. Yue crawled onto her lap and licked her hand. Saya absently scratched the kitsune while she worked on calming herself down.

The first thing out of her mother's mouth was not what she had expected: "So, she still hasn't changed after all these years…"

Saya figured her mother was mainly muttering to herself, but she treated the statement as a question and answered anyway. "I guess not. I don't understand how Inuyasha could like someone like that. She's a bitch!"

Kagome chuckled, though it seemed to lack most humor. "Yes, it seems that way. What I had learned from Kaede, was that when she was alive, she was much different than she is now. It seems that coming back to life has only awakened her malice and spite." The older female shook her head in what appeared to be pity. "I just hope she realizes what's actually going on." She spared her daughter a wary glance. "When I saw her last, she still believed Inuyasha to be the one at fault for everything between them. It wasn't, as we both know. Be careful around her, Saya. I don't know what all she's capable of, and I honestly don't want you to have to find out the hard way. She's not someone to take lightly."

Saya slowly nodded her head in understanding. "Are you saying she's dangerous for me?"

"No, I wouldn't think so, but we never know with her. I'd just be careful."

"Okay."

There was a span of silence between the two as they processed what had been spoken. Kagome decided to break it. "So, tell me exactly how you got to keep this little cutie?" Saya smiled before she began the tale of how Yue came about to be in her care.

The following morning, Saya stirred from her slumber with the annoying sound of her alarm. Oh, how she didn't miss it. Shutting it off with a slap, she stretched before slipping out of the bed and heading to the bathroom. She kept the doors cracked in case Yue followed her; she had a feeling the pup would do so after not finding her upon waking. Her hunch was correct when she heard a quiet whine from outside the curtains several minutes later. Chuckling quietly, Saya reached out, scooped up the kit, and placed her on the floor behind her in the shower. Saya had to stop herself from laughing aloud when Yue began to attack some of the bubbles on the floor when they got too close to her. She was just so cute; it was a shame she might not like her in a bit…

Scooping the pup up, she started scrubbing her fur to clean away all the dirt and grime that had accumulated in the white fur over time. She was surprised to find the kit bearing with the treatment. Not once did she make a fuss. Even after she rinsed away the suds. She just drip-dried for a while—though the look of disgruntlement was clearly seen. Saya finished her shower, thanking herself for thinking ahead to grab another towel for the fox. Turning off the water, Saya was awarded another spray as Yue shook off. Sighing, Saya wrapped herself up in towels quickly so she could focus on drying Yue. Turning around, towel in hand, Saya froze. Before her was a giant puffball with a face were Yue once stood. Biting her lip to keep from laughing, she draped the towel over the fox and rubbed what little remained of the water off the small body. Once satisfied, she cocooned the pup in the towel and stepped out to finished getting ready. Saya made quick work of readying herself for the day before redirecting her attention to the cocooned kit that rested on the vanity beside her. Yue didn't seem to mind being swaddled in the towel; she seemed quite content to simply lay there and enjoy the warmth. Scooping the bundle beside her, Saya headed downstairs in hopes of finding a spare brush to use to get rid of the floof that was bound to happen when she tried to dry the kit.

She walked into the kitchen and smiled in relief upon sighting her mother at the stove. "Oh, thank kami-sama. I was worried I would have to dig around. Do you know if we have a spare brush that I could use for fluffball here? She's gonna need some serious TLC to get rid of all the poof that happened."

Kagome turned with a smile before her eyes went wide at the sight of Saya carrying Yue around in a towel. Turning eyes to her daughter, she asked silently with a raised eyebrow what happened. Saya looked sheepish.

"She was dirty and wanted to be with me while I was showering, so I figured, why not?" Both of her mother's eyebrows rose. "She was beginning to look more gray than white, and it was driving me nuts. She needed to get cleaned."

"You mean she's supposed to be white? I thought she was gray…"

"My point made."

"Oh dear." There was a sigh. "Well, you're in luck. I kept the brush from Buyo the Second when he passed. I was thinking about throwing it away, but it's lucky I didn't. It's in the closet up top so Daichi couldn't reach. I'll take her, so you can get it."

Saya happily handed the pup to her mother with a warning of "Be good for Grandma" before she walked away to get the brush, Kagome chuckling behind her as she left. When she retrieved the object in question, she returned to the kitchen to see her mother still cooking while holding Yue with one arm. Saya retrieved the kitsune and made to leave when a question from her mother brought her up short.

"Grandma, huh?"

"Oh, well, I'm basically her mom now, and you're my mother, so it seemed to fit…?"

Kagome gave a quiet laugh. "I suppose I'll take being a grandmother to a fox for now over being an actual grandmother when you just graduated a couple of months ago." Giving another smile, Kagome turned her attention back to the stove. "Hurry up with her. I'll have your breakfast finished here soon. Didn't want you leaving on an empty stomach."

Saya loved her mother. She was the greatest. Those thoughts in mind, Saya rushed back upstairs to dry Yue off with a hairdryer so it would speed things up a bit. Saya was surprised to find the kit actually enjoyed the hairdryer and brushing. It was a nice surprise; she had been expecting to have to fight her tooth and nail just to dry her off in a reasonable amount of time. Once that task was complete, Saya rushed back to her room to finish packing her bag. She grabbed another small bag to place all the food items; she figured it would be better and easier than trying to stuff them all in one bag. Dashing back downstairs, she finished the same time her mother did, surprised to find both males in her family down there as well.

"Oh good, you made it just in time. Breakfast is done." Upon seeing her surprised face, her mother smiled. "We didn't want to miss you leaving, so everyone got up early to make sure we were around when you left again."

Saya smiled gratefully. She really did love her family. The meal was an unusually fast and quiet ordeal—Saya blamed it on the fact that half of the people present were still trying to wake up. She managed to finish her meal and pack a bunch of dried fruits and vegetables (she really couldn't have a better mother, she was convinced) as well as many instant ramen in her spare bag. Saya also managed to grab several suckers as well, remembering her promise to Shippo. Receiving hugs one last time (and several head scratches for Yue), Saya departed back to the Feudal Era.

Once resurfacing on the other side, Saya scratched Yue's head where she was positioned around her shoulders once again and started back to Kaede's hut.

Saya arrived just as Miroku and Sango exited the hut with Shippo and Kirara not far behind. There was another voice among them, but she couldn't see who it belonged to. It sounded familiar. A sharp pain on her neck caused her to react instinctively and smack it. Glancing down, she noticed a large flea on her hand. She, regretfully, screamed in shock and fear. Damn bugs…

After the others consoled her and allowed her to understand that the flea she smashed was affiliated with Inuyasha, she had to keep herself from snorting at the irony; a flea demon helping a dog demon. Oh boy…

Once introductions were quickly made, Myoga went back to what he had been saying before Saya's arrival.

"As I was saying, I don't have much time to tell you all this before Master Inuyasha arrives once again. The reason why Inuyasha transformed was because Tessaiga broke. The sword helps keep his demon blood in check—even more so now that his fang is a part of it. He must never lose Tessaiga, lest he wants to transform again."

"Shouldn't we tell him this? It's kinda important for him to know."

"No, Master Inuyasha mustn't know!"

Saya frowned at the statement. That was hardly fair. The information was vital to Inuyasha, even if he might not like it. It was most certainly not something that should be kept from him, but if Myoga thought that he shouldn't be told... She sighed. She would keep the secret, but if she noticed that he should be told for any reason whatsoever, she would. She stated such fact aloud.

"No! You mustn't!"

"And why not? He deserves to know."

"He would decide to just transform and use his claws."

Saya frowned at the thought. She wanted to say that Inuyasha wouldn't do that but knew better. Finally, she relented with a long sigh. "Fine, but if he shows signs of needing to know, we'll tell him."

"Agreed."

It was that moment that Yue turned to the side. Saya turned as well, spotting Inuyasha making his way back to the village from the forest.

"Well, it looks like we finished this discussion just in time. Here comes Inuyasha."

Everyone turned to watch the approaching hanyou. Upon reaching the group, Inuyasha glanced around to see everyone ready to depart.

"Good, let's go."

Saya stood while rolling her eyes. Ever the patient one, that one. "We can't leave yet. Hiyori isn't back from who knows where. She won't know where to meet up with us. We have to wait for her."

"Keh. I could care less about that miko. Let's go."

Saya narrowed her eyes at the hanyou. "I don't know about that, Inuyasha. If we don't wait for Hiyori, then I'll just continue to be a pain in your rear end. After all, you would have me leave my teacher behind. I'm not much better now than I was a few months ago. Do you really want to deal with me being this useless? What if an enemy comes and I suddenly—"

"Fine! We'll wait for the miko! But if she doesn't show soon, we're leaving without her ass!"

Saya sent a sunny smile Inuyasha's way. "Thank you, Inuyasha."

The hanyou grumbled beneath his breath as he stalked away—presumable to scout ahead and decide which direction to travel. Once Inuyasha was out of earshot, Sango turned a worried glance at Saya.

"Surely, you don't believe anything about what you just said to Inuyasha, do you? You are far from useless!"

Saya smiled at Sango's concern. "I only said that to make sure that we stayed to wait for Hiyori. I don't believe any of it. While I haven't progressed much in the spiritual side of things, I know for a fact that my endurance, speed, and reflexes have all shot through the roof in comparison thanks to the training sessions I've had to put up with."

"Glad to hear that you enjoyed them so. I could continue the regimen if you so desired."

Miroku, Sango, and Saya all squawked and jumped apart in fright when Hiyori's voice suddenly appeared behind them. They turned around to see her smiling innocently. That woman is gonna be the death of me, Saya thought.

Hey everyone. I hate to be that person, but I really need the feedback. I would like to get some reviews for this chapter. I don't really even care what it is. I just need to know that people are still reading this. I can see it on the stats, but I haven't gotten any feedback from anyone but my beta. I would like at least three (3) reviews before I'm willing to post the next chapter.

That being said, it's NaNoWriMo, and I have every intention of writing every day this month. In this story and in my other story (my Draco story that I've been rewriting). So I have plans to update at least twice this month-but that won't happen if I don't get the reviews and feedback that I need. I love you all, and I want to keep writing this story. But it's really hard to keep pushing myself to work on it if I don't know if many people are even reading and enjoying it. I really enjoyed writing and had been looking forward to writing the next chapter since I started writing this story. It's by far one of my favorites that I've written thus far, and I can't wait to share it with you all, so please, just review.

If you find a part that you really like, hate, think needs improvement, please let me know! Thank you guys, and I'm sorry for having to do this, but I don't see any other way. Until next time guys.

~Saph