Chapter 14: Of Truces and Dreams

Saya groaned as a cacophony of sounds assaulted her ears. The chirping of birds and the breeze filtering through the leaves filled her ears. Her brain then began to process the noises closer to her: the scrapping of chopsticks against styrofoam, the rustle to cloth and fur as someone shifted, and the babble of voices. It was far too early for this much racket—she was sure. When she gained the ambition to slowly open her eyes, she clenched them shut again as pain shot through her head. It was painfully bright out this morning. She felt a shadow pass over her face and warily cracked her eyes open again. At first, she didn't realize what she was looking at until the details began to register to her exhausted brain. Hiyori loomed over her, blocking the sun; Sango was directly behind the miko.

"Oh good, you're awake. Would you like some food? I have some ramen for you." Ramen for breakfast? Ew… Chuckling at her face, Hiyori explained, "It's currently lunch. Besides, I figured something light on the stomach would be best for you in your current condition. I would have preferred an actual soup, but Inuyasha refused to allow the time for that. This is, unfortunately, as good as it gets."

Saya blinked in surprise. It was lunch? She moved to push herself up but fell back with a groan as pain shot through her body. Well, this was just a lovely slice of hell, wasn't it?

"Oh dear. I was afraid of that. Sango, could you gently lift her up?" She glanced around. "Hiro? Oh, yes, thank you."

Saya felt herself being lifted off the ground, and a fuzzy wall replacing the ground behind her. At least she was upright now. She redirected her attention forward as she saw Hiyori offer a portion of ramen out to her.

Her throat felt as dry as a desert. "I can…feed my—self," she weakly managed to ground out. Speaking felt like a thousand knives were slicing their way down her throat. Kami, this was painful!

"I'm afraid you can't. You expended a lot of energy last night. Do you remember what happened?"

Saya was silent as she attempted to remember what Hiyori was talking about. She remembered training. She had just discovered a concave part of her energy orb, stuck her hand in, and—her eyes widened.

"I unlocked…my powers, didn't I?"

Hiyori smiled, obviously proud. "Yes, you did. I am quite proud of you for doing so. As a reward, we will postpone all training until after you have recovered. I'm certain you wouldn't be able to manage a minor amount of walking currently—so it is extremely warranted. So, for now, sit back, relax, and recover."

Nodding slowly, Saya gave in. Opening her mouth, she allowed Hiyori to feed her. She felt like a small child again. (She'd be damned if she had to rely on someone for relieving herself.) Once most of her ramen had been eaten, she told Hiyori that she was done. Nodding, the miko stood, and packed up their supplies. As she was about to ask what was going to be done about moving her, she felt arms pick her up. A glance to the side showed Haru. With a small sigh of relief, she relaxed into his arms. She spared another glance to the other side and noticed Hiro giving Haru a gaze that would have murdered the wolf demon if looks could kill. It made her smile in mild amusement. She gave a start when she felt something jump onto her stomach. Glancing down, she relaxed when she saw Yue curling up on her lap. The gentle motion of Haru's steps lulled her back to confines of unconsciousness.

Saya woke some time later—when the group stopped for the night. It was when Haru set her down that her eyes once again popped open. She glanced around before settling her gaze on Haru. He turned toward her as he straightened from rolling out her sleeping bag.

"Ah, decided to grace us with your presence, did you? Sleep well, lazy bones?"

Saya groaned and attempted to sit up, only to collapse again. This being weak thing was really annoying, Saya decided. She felt gentle hands lifting her before she felt herself resting against the furry wall she assumed to be Hiro. Looking up, she saw Hiyori returning to her position by the fire where she was preparing dinner for everyone. It appeared that the miko had won against Inuyasha this time around; she could barely see hints of a soup through the steam that wafted off the pot. She shifted her position to become more comfortable. When she finished, she rested back against Hiro, panting. It seemed that even shifting her position was too much effort for her right now. Well, that sucked. Heaving a sigh, Saya resigned herself to rest while she waited for food.

She was nodding off again when she felt something wet graze against her cheek. Jolting awake, she turned to the side to see a large wolf staring back at her. She gazed, stupefied, at the animal.

"Oh, thank you, Hiro. I was just about to wake her up. Soup is ready. Would you care for some?"

Saya turned her head forward to see Hiyori approaching her with a steaming bowl. The light miko sat before her and carefully offered a spoonful of the broth. Saya just as carefully partook of the offered meal. She was surprised she finished the entire bowl. With how little she ate of the ramen that morning, Saya figured that her appetite was waning due to exhaustion. She appeared to be wrong.

Hiyori stood, gathering the dishes, and returned to the pot to get herself a bowl. Saya was perplexed. Hiyori had seen to feeding her before getting something for herself? That was…odd.

"Thank you."

Hiyori looked at her with confusion. "For what?"

"For feeding me before yourself. You didn't have to. You could have eaten first. I was about to fall back asleep."

Hiyori shrugged. "It was no trouble. Besides, the better you eat, the sooner you will recover."

Saya nodded slowly before turning her attention to the wolf—who gave a small huff as it laid its head down. "Did you say this is Hiro?"

Hiyori smiled. "Yes, that is him. He's quite bigger now, isn't he?"

"How?"

"He is a special wolf, able to transform his size much like Kirara."

Saya slowly nodded her head. "Well, that's…cool."

Hiyori laughed. "It certainly comes in handy at times."

"I'm sure."

Hiyori sent a smile her way. "You have eaten now. Do you require anything else? If not, I suggest sleeping. You will require a lot to recover your strength. Tomorrow when we break again, I can attempt to speed the process along, but I do not know how well it will work; my healing barrier may not work for energy depletion."

Saya nodded, already beginning to feel drowsy, but knew that it was probably wise to relieve herself before she slept again. "Um…I do have one thing I need." Hiyori gazed at her questioningly. Saya's face began to color. Well, this was going to be embarrassing… "I have to…ah…go…"

Saya saw the males all glance at her with puzzled expressions. Sango wasn't much better. After a minute of awkward silence, as Saya refused to explain further, Hiyori lit up with understanding.

"Oh! I apologize for not thinking of such things before. I'm assuming you would not like help, but I fear that you may require it anyway. At least for today. Hiro will help for the most part. Hiro, if you please?"

The wolf turned his head toward Saya. After a moment's hesitation, she attempted to pull herself up using his head to assist her. She got about a third of the way up before her legs and arms began trembling with fatigue. She was thankful when she felt arms easily pull her the rest of the way up to her feet. Glancing back, she saw Haru was behind her. She bit back a sigh. Hiyori was instantly at her side, taking the arm that wasn't clinging onto Hiro.

The light miko glanced back to Haru. "Thank you for catching her, but I will take over from here."

Inuyasha watched the interaction between Hiyori and Saya silently. There was something Hiyori was hiding. He could tell by the way she acted and reacted around Saya. The light miko was exceedingly protective of her. She had not allowed anyone else to carry her; the only reason Haru had been able to carry her earlier was because he hadn't given Hiyori the opportunity to protest. He had simply stated that he would carry Saya right before she had woken up. Hiyori had looked like she had wanted to protest but hadn't been able. Once Saya had been fed, Haru hadn't waited for a moment before he scooped her up. It seemed to Inuyasha, that even Hiro was protective of Saya; he could still remember the look Hiro had given the wolf demon as Haru scooped up Saya. If looks could kill…

Inuyasha shook his head. That was a look he never wanted directed at him, that was sure. But it still raised questions in the hanyou's mind: What was going on that the two wouldn't tell everyone, and why were they both so over protective of Saya? He was determined to find out what was going on. Unfortunately, the questions weren't likely to be answered right away.

Haru tried to protest, saying that he could just carry Saya to wherever Hiyori was taking her. Saya shocked everyone when she said that he would not be carrying her anywhere right now, nor should anyone follow them. Hiyori then grabbed Saya's bag and led Hiro and Saya away from the group and into the trees near the back of the campsite.

They were still within his earing range when they stopped. He knew that Haru was listening as well from the minutely narrowed gaze he was sending in the direction the females had departed. He heard a small amount of quiet fussing and shuffling before the sound of running water registered in his ears. He fought off the blush that threatened to overtake his face, redirecting his attention to Haru. The wolf demon had the same expression on his face. There was a silent agreement that passed between them that they would not talk about this moment. That it never. happened.

The two demons made themselves redirect their attention mostly away from the females in the woods and onto other things. Yue caught his attention at once. She had been sleeping peacefully beside Saya until they left. The pup perked up after a couple of seconds, as if she noticed Saya's absence. She stuck her nose in the air, her ears twitching in an effort to find her missing adopted mother. She apparently found her because the pup instantly relaxed before dropping her head back down.

The two were gone for several minutes longer before they returned with Saya looking a little relieved and in different clothes. Hiyori settled her down back in her place with Hiro behind her as a pillow and Yue curling up in her lap. After assured that Saya was comfortable and situated for the night, Hiyori returned to her place and picked up her nearly forgotten food. Now was his chance.

With his questions bubbling on the surface, he approached Hiyori as she had finished her meal and was gathering the dishes. Inuyasha grabbed the remaining ones. She looked at him in bewilderment. Inuyasha supposed the reaction was warranted; he was not normally one to volunteer to assist in washing the utensils. She gave him a curious glance before leaving camp to head to the nearby stream.

"What is it you wished to discuss with me, Inuyasha?" She did not look up from her task as she asked the question.

Using the tact he was infamous for, he asked, "What are you hiding?"

This time, she did glance in his direction. She studied his face for a moment before resuming her work. "All will come to light with time. For now, know that everything I do is for the betterment of the group—especially Saya."

Inuyasha narrowed his eyes at the miko. His ears twitched as he concentrated on her pulse. It was unwavering. She also did not radiate waves of stress or nerves. She was not lying—but that didn't mean she was telling the whole truth, either…

"Why are you so protective of her?"

She spared him a sideways glance before resuming her task. "You mean to tell me that you are not protective of her? I have seen the way you go out of your way to assure her safety, and when you have gotten angry because she was put into a dangerous situation. I also see the way you have watched over her from afar last night and again all day today."

"Don't change the subject. Answer my question, wench." He was silently proud of himself for not blushing.

An odd smile crossed her features. It was a knowing smile, and it unnerved him. He tried his best not to let it show. "Very well. I care for Saya deeply. She is like a sister to me. I may not have spent a lengthy amount of time here, but I have grown exceedingly attached to her quite quickly."

"That don't explain why you wouldn't let anyone carry her earlier."

"I simply wished to keep an eye on her. I had been worried that she would take a turn for the worst and wanted to be at hand in case that happened. It was nothing against anyone else; I just wished to ensure she would have treatment immediately should she require it."

Inuyasha narrowed his eyes again but couldn't detect anything amiss. "Why would she need treatment?"

Hiyori fully stopped what she was doing and gave her undivided attention to the hanyou. "Inuyasha, surely you had realized that last night was extremely dangerous for her?" When he narrowed his eyes but did not comment, she tsked. "Inuyasha, Saya's energy was dangerously low last night. All of her spiritual powers were released." She sighed when he continued to stare at her in a mildly confused manner.

"Think of it like this: picture your wind scar. How much energy and power are in that attack." He nodded. "Now take that energy and power and trap it within a sphere about this big." She placed her hands about 20 centimeters apart, fingers curled in to represent the sphere. "That energy would find its way out sooner or later, and when it did, it would explode." He understood the concept. It would wreak havoc on anything and everything around it. "Now imagine that sphere inside your body before it exploded. Not a fun concept, right?" He swallowed, slowly shaking his head. "That is more or less what happened to Saya when she released her spiritual power. The only difference between the two, is that she can control hers, even when it explodes."

"How the hell could she do that? You said she wasn't able to use her powers."

"You're right; control was the wrong word. Influence is more accurate in this circumstance." She paused for a moment, glancing in the direction of the camp. "You realize that if she didn't influence her power, almost everyone in that camp would be dead, injured, or permanently purified. You would have become human. Permanently."

His eyes widened at the knowledge. She was right, of course. He just hadn't considered it. "How?"

"Hm?"

"How was she able to influence it?"

"It was instinct. She wasn't even aware of doing it. Her body and mind were aware of what was happening and took precautions. They made sure that the wave of spiritual energy that exploded from her body would not harm any of those that she considered friends or allies. That was why instead of being purified completely, you only lost your demonic senses. Her power was aware that if she were allowed to release the full force of it, over half of those that she holds dear would die or become permanently affected. She couldn't—wouldn't—allow that."

He nodded and decided to let the matter go. The two were silent the remainder of the time at the stream. She stood once finished but didn't collect her pile quite yet. He eyed her warily as she slowly approached him, arms neatly tucked into her sleeves as he had a habit of doing occasionally. She stopped before him and offered him a hand.

"Could we possibly call a truce?"

"For what?"

She giggled at his suspicious tone. "Your suspicions, for one. I do not have any ill will toward anyone in this group. I only wish to make friends and help everyone by any means possible."

Inuyasha gazed at her offered hand. He still didn't trust her, but he honestly had no physical proof for his suspicions. It almost seemed all for naught. Reluctantly, he stretched one hand forward to grasp hers in his. His unease only increased with the smile that crossed her lips. On anyone else, it would not have been unnerving. But on her… She just seemed far too…happy…with his acceptance. He pulled his hand away quickly, stuffing them in the sleeves of his robe. He turned back to his small stack, collected them, and headed back to camp. He was aware that Hiyori had done the same. Both were silent on the return trip to camp.

It was dusk by the time the two returned. Everyone else had already set up camp. Sango and Miroku had laid out their bed rolls, and Haru took a place near Saya—but not too close. Hiro was diligently accomplishing his job as a protective pillow, and Saya appeared to be out for the count.

Inuyasha made his way to a tree on the edge of the campsite. Climbing several branches at a time, Inuyasha settled himself near the top. Finding a comfortable position quickly, he surveyed the area with his senses to reassure himself that all was fine. He settled into a light sleep, keeping one ear out for danger as everyone slept.

Inuyasha blinked golden eyes open before narrowing them in confusion. Something was off. He didn't know what it was, but something about the land around him wasn't right. His senses drank in the details as his eyes swept through the area. He was in an open patch—a clearing of sorts. There were trees and bushes all around him, but there were no sounds. No wildlife, demons, or even humans.

His body snapped to attention when he heard the rustling of the brush behind him. He turned, ready to attack should there be a need, but froze when Kikyo slowly made her way out of the greenery. Her body was dirty as if she had been in a tussle with something. She had a few minor cuts along her arms and face, but nothing life-threatening. Still, the sight caused his heart to jump into his throat. He saw her lips move, as if she were attempting to say something, but no sound came out. He rushed forward as her knees suddenly gave way. He caught her just before she hit the ground. Holding her close, Inuyasha examined her face. Suddenly, he was no longer holding Kikyo, but a young Kagome. Blinking in confusion, he was about to ask what the hell was going on, when Kagome, too, disappeared.

Startled, Inuyasha stood, pivoting around in an attempt to catch any sort of movement or clue as to where Kagome had just disappeared. Then he saw Saya. She didn't say anything—didn't even attempt, as Kikyo had—but simply stood in place. Her arms were held casually behind her back, mirth in her eyes, and a large smile on her face. He was suddenly struck—she was beautiful. How had he not noticed that before? How could he have not seen that?!

She reached forward—as if offering her hand for him to join her. He took a step forward, hand reaching out of its own accord. He gripped her hand in his. It…felt perfect. Right. Like it was made to be there. He shook his head. That was just preposterous! There was no way that she was made for him. The idea was just ludicrous! And yet… As he gazed into her eyes, some quiet part of his mind argued that it was true, and that she was his.

Inuyasha's eyes snapped open as faint rays of sunlight filtered over his face. His breathing was shallow, his senses were on high alert, and he was sure he looked mildly crazed. He violently shook his head. He had to get the intense feelings out of his head. It was a rare feat for him to dream; normally, he didn't sleep deep enough for such a luxury. The weirdest part was the fact that he couldn't remember all the details of the dream. He just recalled vague shapes and a feeling of possessive protection. He shook his head again.

A glance down assured him that everyone was still sleeping. He quickly made his way to the stream to splash some water on his face in hopes of clearing his head. (He didn't notice Hiyori popping an eye open to watch him pass by with a sly but joyful smile on her face. She closed her eyes again a moment later, but the smile remained.) He took a deep breath of the cool, morning air as the water chilled his face. His shoulders instantly released some of the tension that had been building since waking. Rolling his shoulders relieved the remaining tension. Why was he so tense? He was never this tense in the morning. Not even after a battle. The only thing he could think of was that dream.

His brows furrowed in thought. What was it about that dream that made him so edgy? He closed his eyes to attempt to recall more of it. He remembered standing in a forest clearing. That was vivid to him. What followed wasn't. He recalled a figure coming toward him, but he couldn't for the life of him remember who it was. It was aggravating! He gritted his teeth together in agitation and concentrated harder. Miko clothes came to mind. Kikyo. It had to have been her. But why was he feeling so intensely? He had never felt that intense of emotions for the dead miko. Yes, he loved her. That was obvious. But never this…much? That wasn't the right word. He loved her deeply; she was his first love, after all. It had to be something after that, but he couldn't remember anything else.

He gave up, shaking his head with a sigh. It was obvious to him that he was getting nowhere discovering more about the dream. It was best to simply leave it be and move on. He needed to get everyone up, so they could resume their travel. Standing, he made his way back to everyone.

He was surprised to see Hiyori up and feeding Saya some type of mush when he arrived. He smelled the air. It smelled warm and heavily of strong spices. Saya seemed to like it; she ate all that was given to her. Haru stood a short distance away, arms crossed and a scowl on his face. The wolf demon looked away from the females when Inuyasha approached.

"Morning, Mutt-face."

Inuyasha grunted in response, causing Haru to send him an amused expression.

"What, wolf got your tongue?"

Inuyasha narrowed his eyes at the wolf demon, prepared to yell at him, but paused. His face may have shown amusement and arrogance, but his eyes were tense. He was radiating the scent of nerves and worry. What could cause the wolf to—

"Okay, Haru. Saya has been fed. Did you still wish to carry her today?"

Both males turned to see Hiyori standing and looking at the wolf demon expectantly.

"Yes." Haru stepped forward, some of his worry and unease fading. It seemed Saya was the cause.

Inuyasha was suddenly hit by a wave of anger. Why should Haru get to carry Saya? His thoughts paused, and he blinked in confusion. Where the hell had that come from? Why should he care who was carrying that wench? He shouldn't! But why did he? He growled under his breath and purposely walked ahead of Haru and his burden. As he passed them, he surveyed the others: Sango and Miroku were busy packing or gulping down a quick bit of food. Hiro trailed quietly behind everyone as Shippo rode on his back. Inuyasha was mildly shocked at that; Shippo typically chose to travel on the shoulder of either Sango or Miroku—or Saya's on occasion. He shrugged the matter away before continuing his observations. His gaze paused on Hiyori, who held Yue for Saya as she was not able to hold the pup currently. That wasn't what held his attention. It was the shit-eating grin that she was attempting to hide but failing miserably. It unnerved him. It was as if she could read his thoughts, and it creeped him out. He instantly turned around and hurried to scout ahead of the group.

Haru watched Inuyasha hurry away like he was being chased by fire. His eyebrows were near his hairline, he was so surprised. Curious, he turned to Hiyoriand silently raised an eyebrow in question. The light miko shrugged as best she could with Yue resting in her arms.

"I haven't the slightest idea what's going on with him."

Haru could tell she wasn't being truthful but shrugged the matter away. It was obvious that Inuyasha had just momentarily lost what little brains he had.

I am so sorry that it's taken so long for me to update this story. My life has been crazy as of late. I just moved out, we don't have wifi, and things are just crazy in general. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Let me know what you think via comments! Thanks!