The Times of Change
Chapter 4
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any o its chatacters
Saris and the boys had arrived back at the hut, discussing what materials they would be needing to build their new home. Koga had a wonderful suggestion; he felt that
locating the remainder of his tribe and bringing them there would help many whom were orphaned and restore the wolves a little of that which they had lost. Saris was estatic with this idea
and immediately agreed. They decided that it would be best if they left in the morning, that way they would have the first light to begin their journey. Washing in the oasis, Saris was
humming a tune that had been on her mind for hours. The sound of her humming, had the boys curious, as they followed the sound to the oasis. Shippo cleared his throat, startling Saris
out her tune. She looked at both the boys in question with a brow raised, then she noticed both looked shy and...'are they blushing?' she thought to herself. 'Hm, probably because I'm
wearing nothing in this huge pond.'
"If you two would like, you may join me in a bath." She said smiling at the two shocked boys.
"Um..are you sure about that Saris? We don't want to intrude or anything. We just heard a soothing sound of your humming and we couldn't help but follow it." Said Koga, whom
was trying to avoid eye contact with Saris. She giggled at their antics and nodded.
"Of course I am sure guys, or I wouldn't have asked. We're pack now, family, so we can bathe together if you'd like. Call it instincts, but I feel as if I need to groom the both of you.
Hehe, especially you Koga, your tail is filled with prickles and twigs." Saris said laughing. Both Shippo and Koga smiled, then undressed and jumped in.
She cleaned and untangled both their tails, then relaxed in the water and watched them play. Suddenly, a thought came to her and she called out to the boys.
"Hey! I just remembered a game! Wanna try it!" She asked. Both nodded and she waded over to them. "Ok, it's called Marco Polo. What you do is pick someone to be it. Since
it's your first times, I'll be it. Alright, now close your eyes, good, ok, now, mask your scents. Great! Now pick a location in the water and try to stay away from me. If I catch or touch you,
you're it. Ok, now, I'm going to call out Marco, when I do, you two reply Polo! I have to follow the sound of your voices to locate you ok? Awesome lets try now." The three spent a
while playing their game, taking turns in being they were finished, they got out and dressed. Saris turned to the boys and asked, "Hungry?" Bth nodded their heads, and she smiled wide.
"Ok, quick question; would you two like to hunt with me? I'm a little tired of rabbit, I was thinking something different."
"We'd love to hunt with you! I was wondering if you might have wanted company." Said Koga.
"Um..I don't really like to hunt." Replied Shippo.
Saris turned to Shippo and said, "Oh, well, that's ok Shippo, you don't have to hunt if you don't want. I feel that it is something you should learn a little further down the road in life anyway.
I was wondering, have you caught fish before?"
"Yea! I love fishing!" he yelled, making Saris giggled from his excitement.
"Awesome! haha, ok, well how about this idea? Shippo, you're in charge of collecting fish, Koga, you're in charge of finding meat for our meal tonight, and I'll gather berries and sticks for
the fire and meat. Once I'm done I'll come and help you two cut and clean the meat. Sounds good?"
Both nodded their heads vigorously while saying yes simultaneously. Shippo was off to go fishing, Koga ran to hunt, and Saris walked to find berries and sticks. She had found not only berries,
but various fruits as well. Once she was satisfied with the amount she had collected she returned to the pond. Shippo had caught many fish!
"Wow Shippo! You caught so many in such a short amount of time! Amazing job! Here let me help you!" she said while power walking over to to him. Shippo nodded and smiled, blushing
from the compliment she had just given him. He felt so peaceful, safe, and warm with Saris. She was turning into a sister to him, and he thanked every Kami for bringing her and Koga
into his young life. 'Maybe things are really going to get better.' He thought hopefully to himself.
Just then, Koga walked into the clearing with a large boar on his back. Saris jumped up, and gaped at the sight."Holy cow Koga! That's one large boar! He must have been a handful huh?!
Good job Koga! Wow, both of you are pretty freaking amazing! Did ya know that?!" She exclaimed loudly, while laughing. Koga blushed and thanked her, but then stopped and turned his
head to the side in confusion.
" 'Pretty freaking amazing' Saris? That's a new phrase I haven't heard." he said looking at her. Then Shippo piped in and said,"Yea, she also said 'holy cow', which is kind of strange, but her
scent is what really gets me. Don't think I've smelled it anywhere before." Koga nodded agreeing with Shippo, while looking at Saris. She looked towards the ground and spoke softly,"I
don't remember much of anything after falling from the sky. So, I'm really sorry if I say or do something that's not normal to you guys ok?" She looked into both of their eyes hoping that her
peculiarity wouldn't be something that would cause problems between them. She cared for them as brothers and would tell them if she knew what exactly she was. The boys nodded and gave her large
smiles. They proceeded with their evening with supper, talks, games, then sleep. Shippo, was having nightmares, waking both Saris and Koga. They took turns comforting the kit until he was
sound asleep. Then they too fell into the realm of dreams.
The next morning they awoke happy, warm, and content in a way that none of them had felt in a very long time. Saris rose, washed up, and started breakfast. Koga and Shippo ate fast, cleaned up,
then gathered their things, ready to leave. Saris laughed a little at their enthusiasm, gathered her things as well and gave them a nod. She led the way, keeping the boys behind her, assuring herself and them
of their protection. Once out of the forest, she looked back to it realizing that it was no longer visible.
'Yep, definitely enchanted.' She thought to herself. The boys looked a little startled and cautious by it and stayed close to her heels. For miles they had traveled until they finally came upon a village
with surprisingly, both hanyous and ningen.
'Wonderful! This is how the world is supposed to be! Everyone living together as one, because in truth, we are all one.' Saris' eyes flashed, unbeknownst to her, her happiness reaching her soul at this
sight. The fuchsia of her eyes thinned out and expanded, letting the rainbow become the prominent color of her eyes, her pupils as silver as the moon. Kogas' breath hitched and Shippo gasped, grabbing
Saris' sleeve. She stopped and looked at the two, confused by their shocked expressions. They pulled her into an area surrounded by trees immediately, being cautious not to draw attention. Once there
Koga had Saris face him, his eyes widening. Her eyes had changed back to their fuchsia color!
"Ok Saris, We pulled you here because of your eyes. Your eyes turned to a rainbow color, the center was silver!" said Koga
"Yea, and your face had daiyoukai crests the same color as your eyes! It was very pretty but scary, I sensed magic...unknown magic. How about you Koga, did you smell any magic?" asked Shippo
"You know I can't sense magic like you,Shippo. Kitsune's are more connected to the arts of magic than most other canines. Well, wolves atleast, though I do believe that some inu practice magics
as well, even dark magic. But Saris, I don't really know what that was all about but you have to keep your power in check, or we can be seen as enemies to some. Do you know what I mean?" Koga
asked Saris. Nodding, she replied, "Mhm, I believe I do. They fear what they don't know or understand, especially something or someone new, like me. Well, I...kinda don't really know how to
control my power Koga." She lowered her head feeling bad. "I kinda just fell out of the sky some weeks ago and crashed here. I don't remember anything about who, what, and where I am and am from."
She gave a sad small chuckle, "Ha, I'm not even sure my name is even Saris, guys. It just...seemed familiar so it's what I stuck with. But I promise, I will learn how to control my power and until
I do I'll do my best with managing it. I think it's connected to my emotions, that's how I was able to transform into my other form and saved you two. I...I became enraged...and...I, I saw red." She
stopped, not really wanting to relive the ordeal. It scared her that it had felt so good killing those evil men and severing the leader as well. 'I did let him live though, didn't I?' She questioned herself. 'I did,
does that count for anything? No, I don't think it ever will.' She answered herself, suddenly feeling low. Both boys picked up on her sad mood, a blood tear rolled down her left check. Koga wiped it with
the tip of his claw, drawing her attention.
"Saris, it's ok, Shippo and I, we're here for you for as long as you'll let us. Your memories, they in time will return, you'll see, I promise. Until then, let's try to deal what's in front of us, neh?"
Saris startled laughing softly and gave Koga a tight embrace, then Shippo one as well. Whipping off her face of invisible dirt, she smiled and said, "You're right! Live in the here and now, one day at
a time." With that she headed towards the village with Koga and Shippo on each side. Entering the village, Koga had them stop at a vender whom sold clothing. Using a few coins from his and Shippos'
stash, he bought eah of them traveling clothes. Satisfied with their attire, they proceeded to try and locate the scent of wolves. Koga knew that usually, wolves would set their den far, but not too far from
civilizations. That way they may keep the privacy and protection of their pack. 'Although, most wolves preferred the mountains as well,' Koga thought to himself. Finally catching a scent, he turned to the others.
"Hey, I smell a familiar scent towards the woods further into the forest." With that said, both Saris and Shippo nodded. After walking through the dense forest for almost twenty five minutes the trio came
to a stream. Deciding to get a drink at the stream they all drank their fill, taking turns keeping watch for anyone. Koga stood in a rush by that familiar scent hitting his nose again. Moments later, a young girl
with reddish brown hair and green eyes appeared out of the forest. She wore white fur around her shoulders, complimenting her white tail. She had two white wolves behind her, but an elder wolf stood tall and
proud before them. Koga stepped in front of Saris, drawing their stares from Saris to him.
"Ayame, Choro, I've found you. It is good to see that both of you are in good health." Koga stated, keeping their attention.
"Yes, we were able to escape the massacre and have been hiding in different locations for almost thirty suns and moons. Avoiding demon murderers has been quite difficult. We are honestly lucky to still be breathing."
Replied Ayame. "Koga, who are your companions?" She asked narrowing her eyes at Saris. From her perspective, Saris was very pretty and a possible rival since she seemed only a bit older than Koga, but still
mate compatible. Slowly brushing her aura against the strange girls she gasped and her eyes widened. 'There's no way this girl is so powerful! She looks like a normal demon but which, I can't tell. Also, her
scent, it doesn't smell like anything in this world.'
Koga was about to respond when Saris stepped forward. She literally could feel and see what Ayame was thinking, and she wanted to set this girl, who ever she was, straight. Being as polite as possible but still
on gaurd she replied. "Hello, my name is Saris. I am a friend of Shippo," she pointed to the kit," and Koga. We happened upon each other a few weeks ago and have been kinda sticking together since then, hehe. I am
terribly sorry for what you and your tribes have gone through and continue to endure. Amends will be made, this I promise." As she said that last statement her aura flared, her eyes turned once again, then it was over.
Ayame gasped while the younger wolves whimpered. Choro nodded his head and grinned, his black eyes sparkling like stars. Saris smiled wider and said,"We have a a place where no one can get through or enter
with out our knowledge. We were looking to build a castle and/or fortress, which ever or both, and we need strong people to not only help with the construction of this but to also live and be free, safe, happy, and proud.
With this home, your tribes can once again flourish and be restored to the glory it once was. Is this something you think you could live with?" Saris asked, looking hopeful..
Ayame hesitated to respond because of her apprehension of Saris. She knew that this was probably a really good offer, rebuilding their tribe was something that was very important if they wanted to be able to take back
their lands. Saris sensed and seen Ayames apprehension towards her, for it was almost suffocating her. She couldn't understand why this girl was so wary of her when she didn't even know her. Becoming slighlty irritated
by the girls behavior, she turned her focus to Choro, hoping to get some sort of response from them.
Choro gruffed at Ayame, making her blush in embarrassment from her behavior. Ayame smiled and responded, "I think that is something we can agree to Saris, where is this location?"
Saris smiled and replied, " Well, Ayame, it's actually not that far from here. But the forest is within a barrier which makes it invisible to all who is not my pack."
" Ok, I know where there are more of us, I can go and gather them to bring them with us. Koga? Would you like to accompany me? We have alot of catching up to do." She said smiling with a pleading
expression on her face. Koga really did not want to go with Ayame. She had always had feeling for him but it was not reciprocated. Hr grandfather wanted them to mate and unite both wolf tribes. Which is
understandable and extremely common. On the other hand, it would probably be a good inspiration for the other wolves to see a familiar face to lessen their apprehension as well. With that thought he agreed, cutting a
glance at Saris and Shippo. Saris smiled and said, "That works perfect, that way Koga can lead you all to the forest and we'll all meet there. Sounds good?" With a look at everyone, including the two wolves in
the back since they're pack as well. With confirmations from everyone she smiled bright, showing her happiness from her soul.
"Ayame and I can use our tornadoes to travel fast but you guys won't be able to with gramps." Koga stated, worried and starting to reconsider his plans to go with Ayame.
Saris noticed Kogas uneasiness and sought to comfort him. "Don't worry Koga, I'll fix that." The next second, Saris had changed into her wolf form, her wings reaching the tip of the trees. Once the transformation
was over she stood a good nine feet tall, her wings reaching the tree tops when she stretched them out. Everyone stood in awe as Choro bowed to Saris, causing both of the smaller wolves to bow as well. Ayame, starting
to come out of her stupor, bowed to Saris as well in confusion. Saris bowed in return, confused as well but feeling very honored, then wrapped her large tail around Shippo and Choro, lifting them softly off the ground..
Once they were settled,Saris turned her rainbow eyes upon Koga and Ayame.
Koga was at a loss for words. He didn't remember much of her form from that day, having fallen uconcious due to the wounds he obtained. In his eyes, Saris' true form was magnificent, almost as if she were a kami herself.
Perhaps, she was a inugami? Those were extremely rare, coming only from the gods themsleves. Children of the Gods his parents called them. They produced the stongest pups, which would also have the power of the gods.
Saris lowly barked at Koga and Ayame, causing them to focus. With a nod of her head, she turned, flapped her wings, then flew into the distance. Koga, Ayame, and her two wolf companions set off in search of the
rest of their tribe.
They had been flying for almost fifteen minutes when Saris caught the scent of blood, fear, and desperation in the air. Shippo had called out Saris' name, letting her know of his nervousness. She nodded her head once,
then pushed out a little of her aura over Choro and Shippo to comfort them. Once they were settled she changed her direction towards the scent. It wasn't very far, perhaps four and a half miles away from the barrier. She
quickly came upon the area and stood horrified by the sight before her. Youkai, hanyou, and ningen bandits were torturing a little dragon youkai! There was another one, slightly older than the one being tortured, lying on the
ground bleeding. She could not only hear, but she could actually feel his heart beat fading. His soul was calling out in pain and she felt every ounce of it. Something snapped within her, she dove onto the ground, and transformed.
Shippo feared for Saris' life, 'these were bad men, with bad bosses. She couldn't possibly take them on!' Rushing forward to attempt grabbing her, he gasped when he realized he couldn't reach her. He and Choro were in an
invisible barrier. Looking up at Saris with tears in his eyes, he gasped again. Saris did not look like his Saris! Her eyes, though rainbow with silver in the middle, were drenched in a blood crimson color. Upon her forehead
was a blood red moon, and her hair was the color of blood as well.
Her aura spiraled around her, suffocating the area, killing some of the humans. Her sheer rage reaching extreme heights, in which increased the her powers. Just her aura started to burn the skin off of both ningen and hanyou.
Many fell to their deaths as she approached the leader, for he was able to manage just barely. But when she stopped before him, her form changing once more. His eyes widened when she had transformed, for her hair was now
a pure white, her eye were no longer drowned in crimson, but white. Though he could still see the rainbow and moon silver pupil. She had wings, as large as the tree tops and as wide as the clearing when stretched out. He was
breathless and immobile gazing into her eyes. In that instant he witnessed his life from an out of body point of view. All the blood, tears, pain, he had caused he witnessed, then he started to feel pain. Coming back to reality, he
noticed the strange woman was now kneeling before the dragon demon he had just slain. Her hand was upon his head, where a small white light started to appear.
She looked up from the boy, anger and determination in her eyes. She stood and walked towards the Snake youkai and stopped before him.
"I am known as many, but you will know me as Akira Goddess of life. You have proven that you do not deserve the gift that has been given to you by the kamis, life. I will take that gift back." With that said, Akira placed her
hands upon his head, ignoring his pained gasp when she started draining his life force from his body. During this she was reciting a chant to ensure that this soul found piece and would reincarnate in another time. Once done, she removed
her hand, holding what looked to be a stained orb floating in the air. With low spoken words the orb grew brighter until it became crystal clear, a result of being purified and cleansed. Once satisfied, Akira walked towards the boy
and gently placed the orb on his chest with both hands. Once done she rose and walked away to the largest tree in the area, a god tee. She turned and sat, her back against the tree, closing her eyes. As she relaxed for a moment to gain
her energy, she started to transform again, changing her features in the process. Slowly she pushed her aura on the tree, surrounding it as a blanket. The god tree creaked and cracked, the leaves blowing in an non existent wind, as a green light
slowly poured from the tree, surrounding what was now Saris. Shippo and Choro were both approaching Saris slowly, though Choro was old, and Shippo was nervous. Once before her, Shippo whispered her name in an attempt
to gain her attention. When she opened her eyes, they were the same fuchsia that he was used to. Shippo let out a breath he was holding as Saris smiled at him, he smiled widely back.
"What happened?"Saris asked, feeling extremely exhausted. Just as Shippo was about to answer, the two young dragon youkais had appeared before her. The smallest one immediately latched onto her, making her gasp but smile. She rubbed
his back out of instinct and felt his tiny body start to shake from exhaustion as well. About to speak again, she froze when a very strong but slightly familiar aura was approaching. Out of instinct she transformed into her wolf form immediately,
shocking everyone within the clearing. With her seven tails she quickly grabbed each being lightly but firm and jumped into the air with enormous speed. She did not know this aura, familiar it may be, but if the need came she could not
protect her pack in the state she was in. Her last move drained a lot out of her, but not all. She would fight to the death if need be. With great strength, she howled to the rest of her pack, knowing they would hear her and follow.
Both sensed it, as they were leaving the castle. Their eyes tinted red, as they both looked at one another. Speaking in inu, Toga and Sesshoumaru took off to where the scent was coming from. It was more intense this time, no poison, but
power. Power that rivaled their own, even more, as Toga thought about it. Flying throught the air as fast as they could they landed in the area within moments. It was not on their lands but it was close enough. Both daiyoukais sniffed the air,
startled at what they were discovering.
"How can someone do something this disastrous with just their aura?" Sesshoumaru thought aloud to himself.
"Indeed. The scent changes at least three to four times. Though, the scents smell celestial for some reason." Toga replied, approaching the only being lying on the ground with out burns. Upon closer inspection, Toga sensed a magic he hadn't sensed before,
and looking at the snake youkai, he deduced his life had been pulled from him unwillingly. 'What in this world has the power to drain life like this?' Just then both daiyoukais raised their heads to the sky when a strong, loud howl came from the distance.
Both looked at one another then shot off towards the one who was responsible. They knew whom it was they were chasing, for they had been searching for her for a very long time. Her scent coated the entire area, there was no mistaking this time. It was her.