Love and Deception

Whenever Sai remembered Isamu's betrayal, the pain was still there but hidden behind her need for revenge. After her conversion with Naraku, she had hunted down the two lovers with her new lord's promised aid and dispatched them to the afterlife as they had tried to do to her. However, revenge would not be as sweet if she was not able to inflict the same pain upon Isamu as she had done to Sai. She wanted to break Isamu's heart as her heart was, too, broken, so her once beloved golden female could fully understand her grievous crimes.

As Isamu watched, Sai murdered her snake lover before her unbelieving, golden eyes. To hear Isamu's cry of mourning and watched sadness cross her face went a long way of making her feel the same pain Sai had felt as she had lain in her own pool of blood, watching Isamu turn her back on Sai.

Sai killed the one she thought she loved above all others afterwards. Then the pain had swamped her, bringing her to her knees, staining them with Isamu's blood.

Sai shook her head to try and dispel unwanted recollections. Then another thought skated across her mind. Perhaps the miko's light could save her battered heart.

Just thinking of the miko banished all those painful memories as new possibilities took shape. Or tried to. Sai was forever indebted to Naraku for giving her new life and exacting vengeance. She couldn't just turn around and be disloyal to her lord and master. She had sworn her allegiance to him and refused to dishonor that agreement.

Besides...

Hadn't Naraku told her he was in a similar situation as she? He was shunned for being a half-breed as she had been shunned for her sexual preference. And now, as he attempted to become a full demon, he was hunted down. Though being a full demon herself, she had never thought less of a hanyou or human. It was not their fault they were born to that linage. As it was not her fault she was born with an affinity towards her own gender.

She thought it was grossly unfair that Naraku was being hunted for trying to correct what many held against him. The human blood that ran through his veins.

Normally, she didn't associate herself with another's problems, but Naraku's plight was so similar in discrimination as hers that she couldn't help but feel sympathetic. She would help him become the full demon he sought, and then ask to be free of service to pursue the miko with a clear conscious.

Surely her debt would be repaid after he rose to the ranks of full demons?

Even though honor demanded she not betray her lord, she still yearned for the miko whose light Sai sought to wrap herself in; though, she knew not why she yearned for it so adamantly.

All of a sudden, the miasma ended and she went on full alert, not wishing to be caught off guard should Sesshomaru-sama somehow be close on her trail. Thoughts of the dog lord brought a flash of anger in her. She had no idea what he had planned for the little miko and vowed to avenge her should he do her any harm.

She was not particularly worried about her miko being forced into sexual relations with the Killing Perfection because everyone knew of his dislike for ningens. No, she worried he would hurt or abuse her in some other way. Her miko was injured when she had been forced to leave her behind.

Sai had almost taken her miko with her, but she knew Kagome would not have come willingly. And there was still her oath to Naraku to consider.

Sai didn't realize she was smiling as she thought about her miko.

Then she frowned. Her miko? Why was she being so possessive of one ningen who obviously was among those who hated her lord and was not interested in Sai as a woman? What if this ningen betrayed her just as Isamu had done? A cold chill went down her spine at the thought. She wouldn't be able to handle another such treachery. Her heart would surely be lost forever.

Then her fear of being betrayed for love again dissipated when Sai remembered the miko's light, her kind nature. Surely such a creature could never be capable of such despicable actions? The more she thought on it, the more she was able to convince herself of the miko's worth. Her miko.

All at once, she saw the barrier created by Sesshomaru-sama when he had called forth a challenge to all demonesses for miles and miles around to take up the challenge and fight for the right of becoming his mate. Sai was uncertain if he had succeeded in finding her, but as long as he left her miko unharmed, then she could care less.

She saw movement on the other side of the barrier and stopped, then took cover behind a tree, uncertain at first if they be friend or foe. Hidden, she gazed upon what appeared to be a monk, demon slayer, a fire cat, small kitsune, and a hanyou if his dog ears were anything to go by.

Then she ceased to breathe as she caught sight of the hanyou's glorious mane. It was silver as was Sesshomaru-sama's. Her eyes narrowed in understanding. He was the Western Lord's half-brother and another one of Naraku's enemies just like his rag tag companions. She was filled with anger towards the companions, especially Inuyasha, a fellow half-breed, who dared try to kill one of his own kind, her lord Naraku.

This dog demon before her filled her with such hate, for he was a hypocrite. Her lord told her all about this one. How he, too, wished to become a full demon, yet denied another the same ambition. Her lip curled back in a snarl as her nails bit deep into the bark of the tree she hid behind. Her own feelings of unjust treatment threatened to consume her reason.

Kagome.

Thoughts of her miko came back to her, banishing most of her pent up rage. If her miko was the Shikon no Miko, then this bunch were her companions. A gleam entered her eye that was all too brief as she again realized her interest with Kagome clashed with Naraku's.

Sai had orders to kill Inuyasha and his friends at any means necessary.

She, also, had a desire to integrate herself with them, to gain more knowledge on her miko in hopes to get to know her miko more and better her suit.

All this inner conflict was making her head ache. She tried to listen in on their conversation to gleam some understanding from how they interact, but they just seemed to argue and bicker between themselves, mixed with voiced worry for Kagome.

To hear her beloved's name come out of the hanyou's lips didn't sit well with her. Why her miko insisted on accompanying this brash fool was beyond her. She gritted her teeth when a memory of a conversation with Naraku-sama surfaced. He had said her miko was in love with Inuyasha.

Sai couldn't understand the appeal. Her miko was the type of person to see beyond any pleasing feature to the heart of someone and care for them on that level, yet her heart was held captive by this half-breed who dared criticize another for his one desires. Perhaps her miko was a bit gullible? Too trusting? It was possible she had no notion of the hanyou's true nature.

Again her mind fought with itself. On one hand, she would love nothing more than showing her miko Inuyasha's true character, proving his unworthiness, but, too, she didn't want to make her miko feel hurt over his betrayal. Sai knew how painful that could be. However, how could she allow her miko to live a lie? Wouldn't it be much better to open her love's eyes to Inuyasha's deceit?

Her mind was made up. She would not allow her miko to continue with this charade.

Though it was slightly frustrating, Sai was far from daunted. She had little to fear from this group. She knew them to be an all too trusting sort, especially when she had news about their miko.

No, her miko.

A plan quickly formed in her mind. Sai knew this business of killing her miko's companions would look badly on herself in Kagome's eyes, but if she masqueraded as another, than her miko would never know it was Sai who had done the killing. In fact, she could comfort her miko in her grief and somehow become more in the ningen's eyes!

The thought of befriending Inuyasha and his gang only to betray them in the end didn't bother her in the least. In fact the thought didn't linger, and for that she didn't have to wonder why she would use the same vile trickery as Isamu. Every time her mind tried to grasp that elusive thought, a shadow crossed her mind, making her forget the attempt.

Her mind set firmly on the course she had set for herself, Sai once again used the power given to her by Naraku to change her form into one of the many females she had absorbed. She chose Akahana, the last demoness she had taken into her body since she was most pleased with this form. Even her clothes changed as she took her new persona.

Long black hair tide back in a red ribbon, a beautiful crimson kimono adorned with light pink flowers above her red obi while the skirt of her kimono was graced with flower petal. Her obi was red as well and had a purple cloth peaking above and below it. Her kimono was loose fitted around her legs to be unencumbered while fighting.

Satisfied, she stepped from behind her hiding place to glide slowly towards the companions but stopping just a few feet from Sesshomaru-sama's protective shield. They saw her almost instantly, scrambling to their feet defensively, and glared at her approach.

"Who the hell are you?" demanded the hanyou, who faced her with sword at the ready.

Sai knew to be careful around the blade after being told its destructive power; though, it almost seemed impossible such a sword could exist. However, Naraku-sama would never lie to her about such things. He wanted her to succeed in killing Inuyasha not fail.

"Why do you draw your sword against me, half-demon?" Sai asked in Akahana's regal voice.

"I asked you a question first!" was Inuyasha's childish reply.

Then the monk, Miroku she thought she remembered his name to be, stepped forward to place his hand on his friend's red clad shoulder. "There is no need to be so hostile, Inuyasha. Perhaps she will know what this barrier is all about."

Sai watched as the monk ignored Inuyasha's grumbling and took a step in her direction in an action that commanded attention. He bowed to her before speaking. "I am sorry for my friend's impatience, but we have important business to attend to. This barrier, however, impedes us. We were wondering about its origins, and why it was constructed. If you would enlighten us, dear lady, we will be on our way."

So, the monk sought to sweet talk the information out of me, Sai thought. She may have smiled any other time at the ridiculous notion that a male could ever beguile her. Instead, she decided to play along, but only in such a way to manipulate the situation in her favor.

"If you would tell your companions to put away their weapons, I would be more inclined to step outside Sesshomaru-sama's barrier to converse with you, monk," Sai answered, knowing using the Western Lord's name would invoke a reaction from them. She also knew there was no love loose between the two inu brothers.

As expected, the companions gasped and gaped at her a few seconds before all were talking at once, demanding answers from her.

"Sesshomaru, that bastard!" Inuyasha exclaimed.

"We have to go save her," Shippo wailed.

"What would Sesshomaru want with Kagome?" Sango asked.

"Tell us what's going on right..." Inuyasha started to demand when Miroku hit the ground hard with his staff and cleared his throat loudly to get everyone's attention.

"That's enough everyone," Miroku said in a strong voice. "There is no need to act so abhorrently in front of a lady. Inuyasha, Sango, please put aside your weapons."

Sango was slightly less hesitant to do as the monk said but Inuyasha flat out refused, but a punch to his thick skull from the demon slayer had him grumbling and sheathing his sword.

Satisfied, Miroku turned away from his companions to speak to the demoness, to try and salvage the situation, not wanting her to think imparting valuable information a waste of her time. "Excuse my companions once more, dear lady, but we have a friend who is missing. If you would step out, we shall strive to be more civil. We are in need of your knowledge about this barrier, and what has transpired within."

Sai let them sweat a few moments before quietly stepping out, but still close enough to enter again if she was unsuccessful with her plans.

The monk smiled, relieved at her actions, and motioned for his friends to move back to put a respectful distance between them. Even in the shadowed evening he could see she was very beautiful, but he could tell she was very dangerous so thought better of propositioning her.

"You want to know about the reasons behind this barrier, monk?" Sai asked.

Before he could answer, she continued, "Sesshomaru-sama had summoned all able bodied demonesses to fight for the honor of becoming his mate if they so desired. He erected this barrier so that the fighting would go on uninterrupted."

Short and to the point as any regal lady, Sai did not want them to become suspicious if she acted as if they were already friends. They would feel grateful for her assistance and follow her lead, she was sure.

Surprisingly none of the monk's companions interrupted again after she had imparted this shocking news. Apparently, he had some standing in this small pack.

"Thank you for imparting this news to us, but I'm afraid to say that I am a bit confused. You see we are searching for a human girl, a miko, whose scent leads beyond this barrier. If only demonesses are allowed entry, then why was our friend able to pass through?" asked Miroku.

"A miko, you say? I saw such a being in strange garb inside the barrier not so long ago," Sai said.

She could see the monk's growing excitement at her words and the agitation of his silent companions longing to speak but remaining quiet, allowing the monk to be their spokesperson.

"Can you tell us anything about her involvement?" asked Miroku.

"I do not know why the miko was allowed entrance. However, if your aim is to reclaim her, that might be difficult to accomplish," Sai told them.

Unable to keep silent, so filled with worry was he, Inuyasha demanded, "And why is that?"

Sai allowed her attention to move to the hanyou.

"I was witness to Sesshomaru-sama taking her."

Resuming control of the conversation once more before Inuyasha could interrupt again, Miroku asked, "Do you know where he has taken her?"

"I do not," Sai answered.

She could visibly see the tension rise in the companions as the unknown weighed heavily upon them. She smirked inwardly before she offered, "Though, I may be of further assistance. If Sesshomaru-sama steps outside for any length of time, the barrier will collapse, signifying he has found his mate and has taken her to his residence. When his barrier falls, I will help you find her."

"And why would you do that?" demanded Inuyasha, mistrusting this demoness' motives.

Sai raised her nose to him as she caught his gaze before answering. "I, too, wish to know why a ningen miko was allowed inside Sesshomaru-sama's barrier. I doubt she was able to force herself in."

"If you try to hurt her..." Inuyasha began threateningly, but Miroku interrupted him. "Enough, Inuyasha."

Then Sai smirked at Inuyasha as she told him, "I also doubt your hanyou nose could find her amongst the stench of blood and death. I will find the miko and obtain my answers with or without your presence. It is, of course, your choice."

"Stop being a pain and let her help us, Inuyasha," yelled the little fox kit.

"Shut up, you little brat," returned Inuyasha.

"Stop fighting you two. This won't help us find Kagome," said Sango, finally breaking her silence.

Turning to Inuyasha, Miroku asked, "It's your decision Inuyasha if we need her help or not, but before you let pride answer for you, think first of Kagome. We need to find her before she comes to harm if she hasn't already."

Inuyasha was silent a moment, struggling with his pride. Obviously, he wanted to claim he didn't need help, but what if he wasn't able to catch Kagome's scent? Then he'd have to waste a trip to hunt down Sesshomaru and demand answers. Then he remembered he had no idea where his brother's stronghold was. He gritted his teeth at his own weakness. If only he was a full demon, he wouldn't need anyone's help in finding her!

"Keh, fine, we'll find her together," Inuyasha said gruffly, afraid for his friend's safety.

Sai was hard pressed not to laugh at how easy this was, but instead suggested, "It'll probably be daybreak before Sesshomaru-sama's barrier falls. I suggest you get some sleep." Then she passed between them and started walking away.

"Hey! Where do you think you're goin'?! I thought you said you'd help," screamed Inuyasha.

Without turning or slowing her pace, she answered, "I will allow you all to rest peacefully without having to worry that I may kill you in your sleep." Then she was gone.

"As if I'm going to sleep anyway," grumbled Inuyasha.

"Do you think she'll be back?" asked Shippo.

"I'm sure she will," Sango said, trying to reassure them both.