The Times of Change

Chapter 6

Disclaimer: Nope, don't own 'em

'It's raining.' Saris thought to herself as she stalked her prey. Feeling excitement course through her at the thought the sweet coppery taste that was to come. Those that stayed behind were preparing

for the feast of the hunt. 'I'm not too far ahead, though I can not feel nor smell the Western Lords auras and scent.' With a scoff, she grinned, fangs glistening in the moonlight. 'So, they thought to watch me with

out my knowledge, huh? Well, two can play that game.' With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she wrapped her aura around herself, concealing her sent and making herself almost undetectable. Leaving her prey, but making

sure to keep track of its location, she closed her eyes and followed the pull on her soul.

Two sets of golden eyes were startled whilst scanning the small grove. With a smirk, Toga though to himself, 'So, she has discovered us and wishes to play. Well then, let it begin.' Sesshoumaru grinned

ferociously as the feeling of excitement rushed through him, upon his realization of her intentions. Closing his eyes to revel in the rush, he opened them revealing two red tinted orbs. Looking at Saris' prey he then noticed a pair

of red tinted, rainbow eyes staring back at him right beyond the grinned, then was gone with in the blink of an eye. Saris grinned, then let out a small burst of energy, causing the bear to run. Sesshoumaru

narrowed his eyes, wondering what she was doing.

Saris smiled and took three steps back. As soon as her foot hit the ground, his father appeared in the spot where she was, staring down at her in awe. Her smile widened a bit before she transformed and took

off after her prey. Eyes tinting red, both Toga and Sesshoumaru sped after her. Saris let out a soft laugh from her excitement then increased her speed to catch her prey. She had just broken the forest line when she caught

sight of the bear. It was crossing a river, attempting to reach its cave. With one last burst of energy, she caught up to it and sank her fangs into its neck, attempting to suffocate it. The bear thrashed and roared in its pain, fighting

with all its might. Saris bit down harder on its neck, determined to end its suffering. Taking the chance to look up, she noticed two bear cubs exiting the cave in an attempt to save the one caught in her dath grip. The bear roared

at the cubs, halting their progress towards them immediately. With a wail, the bear came to its death, leaving her cubs orphaned. The scent and feeling of despair suffocated Saris, causing her to change into her humanoid form

and howl to the moon. With a lone blood tear streaking down her left cheek, she bent over the bear and placed her hands on its neck. She repaired its neck and beckoned its spirit to return, creating a blinding white light to form

around them.

Once the light receded, Saris removed her hands and rose, stepping back to give the revived creature a moment to gather itself. The bear, startled and confused, looked at Saris, then turned to her cubs upon hearing

their cries. She rose and ran towards them, nuzzling each with her nose, showing her love. With one last look at Saris the bear turned and led her cubs back to the safety of their home. Saris was startled out of her musing when she

heard a snort. She turned and realized that she had an audience the entire time. Sesshoumaru approached her and spoke first. "For what reason did waste your energy and power to revive your food?' A little offended by the tone of his

voice, she noticed that Toga also had a look of curiosity in his eyes. With a sigh, she responded, "Food they may be, my lord, but a living, feeling, creature it also is. I can not feast upon the bear, knowing that I had orphaned her

cubs, which would have killed them in the end as well.

"Ah, I see now," replied Toga, "it was guilt and remorse that caused you to resurrect the bear. How...humane. Would it not be beneficial to just her cubs as well, considering that in time they will inevitably die?" Saris

could not help the feeling of disgust upon hearing their question. 'Do they truly value life so little?' she asked herself. 'Or was it pointless, as Toga says, to have returned the bears life to her?' She couldn't help but feel anger rise within herself.

Not just from their questions, but mostly, from her questions of herself. With a hot look in her eyes, and with a tinge of red, she replied, "No, it is not pointless, as you were implying, to ressurect the bear. With great power comes specific obligations,

compassion is one. One life is as important as a thousand. Life should be cherished, not taken for granted. It is what makes us with power, that much different from those who are not granted the gift." Before either inu could respond, a howl could be

heard, as the hunt had ended. With one last look of uncertainty to both Daiyoukai, Saris took off without another word.

-wWw-

The feast was delicious, and joyous as everyone had their fill. Afterwards, she found herself surrounded by curious eyes. Although, Togas and Sesshoumarus stare had something more to it, she that it would arise

sooner or later, she decided to calm the intense atmosphere. "Well, I hope everyone enjoyed their meal as I have. And wonderful job, by the way, on the hunt. we have too many skilled youkai among us." She said with a slight giggle, earning

laughs and giggles from the crowd. "Um, as I have said before, I will clarify so that no one will be confused. Although, if you find that you do not understand, then please feel free to question by raising your hand." Many looked confused and startled, by

her way of making each feel as important than the other. It caused her to giggle once more, but then stopped and became serious.

"For those of you whom do not know of my identity, you may call me Saris. I vow to restore your proud home and glory to all of you. With this location, we will build a new fortress, a new castle, a new palace to call home

as you once did. Once that goal has been reached, we must train. The future of paradise is just beyond, and we will meet it together, this I promise you. Now please, find your bearings, and rest now for tomorrow is a new day with a lot to do. I bid you

good night and sweet dreams, my pack." The crowd howled, clapped, and yelled for the one they saw as their sister, their queen, their Alpha.

With a nod at her pack, she walked towards the Western Lords and motioned for them to follow. As she was walking her guests to the exit, she noticed that both the ryu youkai were following as well. Not only them but Koga, Shippo, Ayame,

and Choro as well. 'I'm guessing they have more to say to me,' she thought to herself as she made the vines and jagged trees and bushes part to the tunnel.

Now sitting in the main room of the hut, Saris smiled after starting a nice warm fire and pot of tea. She made one glance among her companions with a smile, then asked with a serious look, "Now watashi no yujin, what

is it you wish to discuss?" Choro, startling everyone out of their shock at her forwardness, spoke first. "Saris, tell me, do you know who or what you are?" with the sharp, shake of her head, he proceeded. "Saris-sama, you are what we normally call 'Kami

kissed', where the kami has gifted their powers to a lesser being that is worthy." Saris scrunched her brows, trying to get a grasp on what he was saying. Toga began to speak then, breaking the silence. "I agree Choro-sama, she is definitely what the seers

would call 'kami kissed.' Although I do not understand the seven different energies that rediate from her, it is confusing to say the least."

Choro, if he even could, narrowed his eyes upon Saris a little harder, realizing what Toga spoke of to be truth. Turning to Toga, he replied, "That is something I can not answer, for I am as confused as you Toga-sama."

"Either way," Sesshoumaru piped in, "each are extremely dangerous. As are the two ryu youkai." He glared at the young dragons, making the little one slightly shiver with fear. The older one glared at Sesshoumaru, causing said prince to growl. Saris

spoke then, releasing a soothing feeling of her aura with each sentence, in an attempt to calm them down. "They were under attack when I had come upon them Sesshoumaru-sama. They are under my protection and part of my pack." Looking to the oldest

dragon, whom was clearly a teenager, she asked for his name with a warm smile. Startled at first, the eldest stammered to speak when the younger one stood and spoke for him.

"This is my bother, Naga, and I am Tatsu." replied the little one. "We are the last of the Suiro clan, and our uncle,Hanja-sama, head of the Ryo clan, ordered our parents death and the capture of Ryugu Palace." Naga had spoken

then, swallowing the pain and anguish for their parents. "As soon as we had breached land," he continued, "we were ambushed by the group led by the snake youkai." Turning to Saris, he says, "Lady Saris, thank you not only saving my brother, but also for

bringing back from the crossroads between life and death. We are forever in your debt, and will follow you until you release us or death takes us." Saris, though honored of such devotion spoke up, "I accept your companionship with great pride and honor,

Naga-sama, and Tatsu-sama. I not only think of you two as pack, but as family as well. This betrayal will not go unpunished, and your palace will be returned to you." Turning to Toga, she questioned, "Toga-sama, I find that I have trouble controlling

my powers, as it seems they are connected to my emotions. I was...uh, was wondering, if perhaps you would know of one who is friendly, and patient enough to help me get a better understanding and control of it."

Before Toga was able to respond, Sesshoumaru spoke in his stead. "We would be honored for you to come to the Western Palace, where this one may assist you in understanding your power." Toga glared at Sesshoumaru for his interruption

and found himself growling. "I agree with my pup," he said, emphasizing the word pup, once he was done growling, " we would be happy to assist you. I am positive with the both of us, we can help you control you power." Saris smile before a frown appeared

on her face. "Um, is there a possibility that we could do these lessons here, or at least somewhere near my pack? I do not wish to leave them for long periods of time since they are just settling in and rebuilding their homes." Toga thought of this for a moment, she

was right, to leave her pack now would make them angry and lethargic. "Hm, that is acceptable. Sesshoumaru and I shall take turns coming to you here, it would be during our patrols that we come." "Perfect!", Saris exclaimed, "When shall we start?"

"We can begin upon the next moon cycle, which should be about fourteen days from this one. In the meantime, Sesshoumaru and I will collect any information we can about our enemies and their plans. I suggest staying within this barrier is best not just

for your pack, my dear, but for you as well." Upon her confused look, he elaborated. "With the power you contain, many will be searching for you to somehow gain that power or have it for their own."

Her brows rose into her bangs, as her eyes widened with understanding. A dark blush appeared on her face and she nodded at him. More questions were asked, and answered in the fire light of the night. When everyone seemed sated with the

information they gained they began to grow weary. With soft good byes, and promises to return within the next week or so, the two inu Daiyoukai left in their orb forms, back to the Western Palace. Choro and Ayame left them in the hut, while they returned to

the rest of the pack. Saris smiled as Koga and Shippo were becoming fast friends with Naga and Tatsu; it warmed her heart. Sitting in the corner, watching her boys, she started to drift off into the land of dreams with a smile on her face. She never moved

or made a noise when the boys came and huddled around her, following her into the land of dreams as well.