The Times of Change

Chapter 5

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of its characters

She flew as fast as her wings could go through the sky towards her sanctuary. She could feel both auras were coming after her and fast. With one more loud howl to the sky she dove towards

the ground. At first it only looked as plains, but as soon as she came closer to the barrier, it became visible. She stopped at the front of the barrier, lowering her pack to the ground. Once they were settled

she turned to Shippo, speaking in inu she told him, "Shippo, take the pack and go to the hut. I will be right behind you in a moment."

Shippo nodded and immediately led the others into the forest. Once they were out of sight Saris turned noticing then that both Koga and Ayame were fast approaching in whirlwinds with other wolves

hot on their trails. Satisfied they had made it back, she flew away from the forest, attempting to lead the intruders away from her two auras were almost there and she wanted to draw them away

Finding a clearing she stopped and landed, waiting patiently for the two beings. Not much longer, two orbs flashed before her and landed in a bright light revealing two inudaiyoukais. They look strangely

familiar but she pushed that in the back of her mind quickly, for she did not know or remember anyone other than Koga and Shippo. She waited patiently, for one of them to speak, the awkward silence deafening.

Both Toga and Sesshoumaru were breathless once they had landed. They were not expecting the sight that was before them. Sesshoumaru was confused, for wasn't she human when he had first found her in the

sky? What exactly was she? She had several different scents now on top of her otherworldly floral scent. Toga was thinking the same thing when he was startled from his thoughts by her voice.

"Is there a reason why you two have sought me out?" Saris asked, slightly irritated by their lack of words. 'Weren't they the ones hunting me down like prey? Now they stand before me, staring as if

they have no speech skills?' she thought to herself. To her relief, it was the bulkier one whom answered her.

"We have been searching for you for a while now. I want to thank you for helping me defeat Ryokuttessei Lady..."

"Saris, just...Saris. Well, you are welcome, although I'm afraid that I do not recall such an event."

Both daiyoukais tilted their heads to the side wondering why she had no memory. Then Toga remembered she had fallen down a waterfall after crashing into the mountain. Maybe she had suffered some

minor memory loss from the impacts. "I am Toga, Inu no Taisho, and lord of the Western lands, this is my son and heir, Sesshoumaru."

Saris locked eyes with Sessoumaru, taking in a sharp breath as something had flashed before her eyes. But as soon as it had came, it was gone. Realizing her time was wearing thin, she nodded at both of them

then said,"Well it was very nice meeting the both of you, but I am sorry my time is short, so would you please answer my previous question?"

"Do not speak to your betters as such. You are beneath us and will answer any questions we have until we say you may leave our presence," hissed Sesshoumaru, irritated with this ningens lack of respect.

Saris' aura spiked with her anger and irritation, causing her eyes to change. Giving him a deadly glare, she responded, "I do not require your permission to take my leave. You hold no power over me, and should do well to

remember that." She snarled right back.

To say that he was shocked was an understatement. Sesshoumaru couldn't even respond he was so astonished by her smirked finding it amusing that someone was putting his pup in his place. Realizing, that things may

get out of hand between the two, he quickly sought to lighten the atmosphere.

"Lady Saris, please excuse his words, for we are only anxious to learn of you. We thought you dead since we have not seen you in several months."

Saris gazed into Togas eyes, looking for the truth in his soul. Satisfied with what she saw, she nodded and gave them both a dazzling smile as best as she could.

"Please, Lord Toga, forgive my brashness. The constant fighting has taken its toll upon me, and has made me forget my manners. There is no excuse." She said, shaking her head in shame. "I would be happy to answer any questions

you may have for me, for I have a few for you as well. I am heading back to my sanctuary and pack, you both are welcome to come and sate your curiosities if you wish." With a low, respectful bow to both of the dais, she rose and s

stepped back, transforming for swift travel.

Both inus were astonished at the sight before had seen any creature as she before. No inu, ookami, or kitsune had wings and seven tails! So enthralled with her they both were, that they failed to notice

that she had already taken flight into the air. Crashing back to reality, both Toga and Sesshoumaru formed their clouds beneath them with their youki, hot on pursuit. During mid-flight, Toga turned to Sesshoumaru and and asked, "

For what reason were you rude to her, Sesshoumaru? She has done nothing wrong against you." There was no response from Sesshoumaru, for he didn't know the answer to the question himself. His instincts had rose, demanding

her submission unexpectedly, making him say things that he wasn't intending to say. 'So strange,' he thought internally, 'she's somehow caused my beast to stir a bit. Nothing good cam come from this, then again, maybe good can.'

~WwW~

Pacing back and forth in front of the forest line, Koga was on edge. 'Who were those two orbs following Saris? Does she need me? Why can I not feel her aura?! It's as if she just, disappeared off of the face of the world. Is

she concealing it purposely from us so we can't locate and help her? Agh! This is maddening!'eye

Feeling and sensing his emotions and aura going haywire and ready to blow, Ayame lightly touched Kogas shoulder and gave him a small smile. With a serious look in her eyes, she said, "Koga, I am sure she'll be back. Just try

to be calm and clear minded." Immediately, he started to calm and relax, realizing that he was starting to lose himself and she was able to subdue him. With a small smile in return he nodded his head and turned his attention back into

the distance, grateful to have one as Ayame by his side.

Ayames heart swelled with happiness and pride at the fact that she was able to bring her beloved some sense of peace, even if that love is unrequited. With an internal sigh, she turned her attention back to the horizon, losing herself to her thoughts.

Suddenly, a loud and powerful howl startled her out of her thoughts and brought her back to reality. In the distance, both could see and sense Saris, but they were not sure of the company that was behind her.

~WwW~

'Why are they just standing outside the barrier?' Saris thought to herself as she approached her destination. Once she landed she could still smell the lingering remnants of Kogas' anxiety. "Did something happen? Are you well?" She asked

Koga with great concern. Seeing the concern in her face, Koga began to feel embarrassed and slightly guilty for not having a real urgent reason for being outside of the safety of the barrier. Unsure of what to say, Ayame spoke for him, saving

from his awkward situation.

"We were worried for you Saris. We were unable to smell your scent or feel your aura."She gazed into Saris' eyes, hoping she understood that it was just a little more than what she was revealing verbally. Saris blushed, then smiled wide and

nodded her head. Turning to Koga, she stepped closer and embraced him firmly. A growl was heard from behind her, though she simply ignored it, being caught in her moment. Once she stepped away she gave Ayame a hug as, making the ookami

blush furiously. Saris stepped back once more and said, "I apologize for worrying all of you. I was unsure of whom was pursuing me, so in an attempt to lead them away from you, I blocked my scent and aura. Only my power could be sensed if

I released it. Koga, Prince of the Northern Lands, Ayame, princess of the Eastern Lands, I would like to introduce Lord Inu no Taisho, Lord of the Western Lands, and Sessoumaru-sama, heir of the Western Lands." She said,

introducing her new guests. Kogas eyes went wide, while both Toga and Sesshoumarus narrowed. Feeling uncomfortable where this situation was turning, Saris spoke up immediately.

"Um...Toga-sama, Sesshoumaru-sama, do you two know Koga?" Saris asked nervously.

"Indeed we do. I was told all wolf clans perished as of late, by the dragon clan. It has been a few hundred summers since I've seen Prince Koga and the other tribes. I am very relieved to see that the dragons failed in their attempt in your

extermination, Koga. I am also wondering as to how it is you two know each other, Saris?"

Saris almost didn't hear what he said, she was busy trying to focus on why her ears were ringing along with a dull throb in her head. Shaking her head slightly, she responded, only guessing what the basics of his question was. "Um, not to be rude

milord, but could we possibly get to my sanctuary, I'm having trouble focusing, honestly."

Now that he actually looked at her, she did look pale, and she was sweating. With a firm nod, she started to lead the way, creating an opening in the barrier. Once inside, more wolves greeted her with howls and yips; demons howling as well. Ignoring

the pain, she smiled and transformed into a smaller version of her wolf form, and howled to the sky. Everyone joined save for Toga and Sesshoumaru, whom were shocked at the amount of demons present behind this barrier they had never

Wih one last howl, Saris took off at a decent but fast run, almost as if it were a chase for prey. All the others ran after, even Toga and Sesshoumaru, releshing in the rush of blood and excitement of the chase.

'This is such a thrill!' Saris thought to herself as she ran. 'It feels so exhilarating, I can't get enough.' She closed her eyes as she ran, listening to everything around her, the smells of everything in the forest, and the feel of the forest floor on her paws.

Realizing she was fast approaching the oasis, she slowed to a jog, spreading her wings out to help decrease her speed. Once she stopped, she transformed back into her humanoid form, turning to her right to be met with the eyes of Toga and Sesshoumaru.

'Hm, I wonder who would win in a race?' she thought to herself, gifting both inus with a wicked grin for a moment, only to replace it with a firm look. She smelled blood, her blood. It was dripping from her nose. With a quick swiftness she turned

to her left and licked the blood form her nose to the top of her mouth.

Toga had smelled blood and looked to Saris, only to find her turning back towards the other direction, waiting for her remaining pack. He narrowed his eyes at her,for he knew it was hers. Starting to speak up, he was interrupted by Kogas tornado

whirling to the side of her, then it diminished, leaving Koga with a toothy smile. Saris giggled then turned to the rest of the new pack and smiled. After motioning for Shippo to stand amongst her and Koga, she began her little speech. "Good afternoon,

my name is Saris, and I would personally like to welcome you all to my sanctuary. I know it doesn't look like much now but if you would just follow me, I would like to show you something." Turning and walking towards the hut, everyone gave each other

small glances, wondering how they were going to fit in the small hut.

Shippo and Koga laughed lightly, hearing all the comments. Once at the opening in the back of the cave, Saris turned, her eyes shinning bright with excitement and anticipation. When everyone was in she waved her left hand, revealing the large clear

opening to a path. 'Ooos and Ahhs' were heard through out the cave. She led the way once more, walking into a dense forest, though the air was pure. Finally, she led them to the stream, from which you could see the mountain and waterfall. Everyone

gasped at the sigh before them. Indeed, a castle or fortress here, for it was magnificent.

"Welcome to what I like to call, Paradise. Please, settle yourselves in and get comfortable. I must take care of a few things first, then perhaps we may dine and discuss the next step to our future." Leaving the crowd of praise and happiness, Saris stopped

in front of Toga and Sesshoumaru, bowed then politely said, "My Lords, please forgive me for this request, but may we perhaps have our talk after I wash? I need to replenish my energy, I'm feeling slightly drained."

Toga smiled and nodded saying, "That is acceptable, Lady Saris, we can wait."

Saris smiled and bowed, rising again she says, " It would be most joyous, if you two would stay for the evening hunt. I am sure you would enjoy it."

Sesshoumaru was the one to answer her, intrigued by her invitation, "That is accetpable."

Toga nodded in agreeance, smiling as well. Saris smiled back then turned and walked into the dense forest again.