Disclaimer: Nope, not mine.  *Sniffle* Oh well, perhaps someday?

 

 

Ancient Deceptions

Episode 3— Naraku’s Plan

 

 

Kagome landed at the bottom of the well with the girls and Tenchi Masaki. She looked to see if everyone was all right. “Okay, this way.” She began climbing out of the well.

 

The first thing the girls and Tenchi saw was the bright blue sky. The air was clean and fresh. It usually smelled of smog, construction, and other various dirty smells. There was no loud racket going on. It was peaceful and they could definitely hear the birds singing loud and clear. Tenchi lifted his shirt to make sure the sword Tenchi was still fastened to his side and before Kagome could see what he was doing he readjusted his shirt so that it was covering his weapon. The four of them followed Kagome towards a village.

 

 

Back in the village Sasami was standing with Ryoko away from those three people, Sango, Miroku and Inuyasha, she didn’t quite trust them yet, so she and Ryoko just stuck with one another. The nice woman Sango had invited them back to a village where they could be among friends. Sasami saw Ryoko had a large rock that resembled a stone tablet on the ground and was carving something into it. “Ryoko, what are you doing?”

 

“I am writing a note to Tenchi, from what that old woman said it’s a very good chance that Tenchi will read my note especially if it is carved in stone from where ever in the time that he is in. Since this has already happened.”

 

“I’m confused.” Sasami smiled.

 

“Well me too, but I’m just doing what I think is correct. That woman better know what she’s talking about or else I’ll have to beat some sense into her as to not make a fool out of me.” Ryoko said while carving her note.

 

Sasami glanced around and noticed that dog eared boy glaring at them. “That Inuyasha fellow keeps giving us nasty stares.”

 

“Oh, who cares about that jackass?  I just want to get back to my Tenchi and keep that prissy princess sister of yours away from him. She always tries to poison his mind against me every chance she gets, and five hundred years is definitely enough time to do that.”

 

Shaking her head, Sasami sighed, “Oh don’t think that, Tenchi cares about all of us.” She blushed. “And we all care about him so we shouldn’t doubt him and his feelings for each one of us.”

 

“Yeah, whatever,” Ryoko said, still carving. A bit of movement caught her attention and in a flash she looked up. Coming towards them was that girl that they had met. What was her name? Kogimee? Oh well it didn’t matter to Ryoko what her name was. She was ecstatic that Tenchi was with her. “Tenchi!!” She zoomed over to him and glomped him so hard that he fell over with her landing on top of him. She hugged and groped him.

 

“Ahhh, Ryoko!! Settle down; come on, not in front of the others.”

 

It was as if she didn’t hear his pleas and keep her embrace tight on him. “Oooh I’m so glad you are here, Tenchi!” She pressed her cheek up against his. Ryoko then felt a sharp pain on her ear and a terrible pulling sensation. “Oww!”  Ryoko had pulled Tenchi up into a sitting position and still had her arms locked around his neck.

 

Ayeka had her fingernails digging into Ryoko’s ear trying to pull her away from Tenchi “Get off of him you she-demon, leave Lord Tenchi alone.” Ayeka had lost her grip on Ryoko’s ear since Ryoko herself was pulling her own ear away from Ayeka’s grasp.

 

“Back off princess, Tenchi is mine!”

 

“No he’s not, get away from him this minute!” Ayeka stomped her foot and then too looped her arms around his neck and started pulling him in her direction.

 

Sango came up and stood next to Sasami, “Are they always behaving like this?”

 

Sasami nodded, “Oh yes, this is nothing though. They get a lot worse.” She sighed looking down at her feet and a wave of sadness engulfed her. She wished she could be more outgoing like her sister and Ryoko. To be able to fight for someone she cared about.  Maybe not like how those two were acting, which was like a bunch of fools, but if she were more assertive maybe Tenchi would love her.

 

Kagome cleared her throat but that didn’t even faze the two women out of their argument over the boy. She looked around and found Inuyasha looking oddly at Washu; she was leaning over looking at him.

 

“What an amazing specimen you will make, ooh the samples I could get.” Washu couldn’t wait to take this interesting boy apart. “Are these real?” She reached up ready to grab a hold of his ears when he jumped away from her.

 

“Hands off me human,” Inuyasha spat.

 

Washu grinned, “So feisty.”

 

Mihoshi sniffled, “Oh Ryoko, Ayeka please stop fighting, I can’t take it anymore.”  She rubbed her eyes. “You two shouldn’t be doing that, you two should be friends.”

 

“What?!” both Ayeka and Ryoko yelled at the same time.

 

“You want me to be friends with that, that space pirate, that demon that that evil woman!?” Ayeka shouted.

 

Ryoko stood with her hands planted firmly on her hips, “Oh stop trying to flatter me it will get you no where.”

 

Miroku went and stood in between Ayeka and Ryoko, “Ladies, ladies, there is no need to fight over one man. There are many more here.”

 

Ryoko glared at him, “What like you?” She snickered, “ha yeah, keep dreamin’.”

 

Ayeka looked at the holy man, “As if you could compare to Lord Tenchi, who are you by the way?”

 

With a charming smile Miroku stood before Ayeka, “My fair maiden, I am but a humble monk.”

 

“Don’t listen to him.” Kagome said to Ayeka, “He is quite the letch”

 

Sasami saw that Tenchi was finally free of Ayeka and Ryoko and hurried to his side, “Are you all right Tenchi, did they hurt you too much?”

 

Tenchi smiled and got to his feet, “Not any more than usual.”

 

“Ryoko and I have some bad news; remember those crystal pieces you gave us?  There were stolen.”

 

“Stolen?” Tenchi put his hand on her shoulder.

 

Sasami felt the blush rising to her cheeks. “Yes, some really strange enemy ripped them from our necks.

 

Kagome turned around hearing the conversation between Sasami and Tenchi. “What did your enemy look like?” She had a feeling she knew who it was.

 

“It was Naraku.” Inuyasha said having avoided another grab from Washu and went to stand next to Kagome. “Keep that pink haired wench away from me she keeps trying to grab and touch me.”

 

“Welcome to my world.” Tenchi mumbled quietly to himself hearing Sasami giggle, obviously she had heard him.

 

Inuyasha glared at Washu and then turned his glare upon Kagome. “Just who are these humans?”

 

“Just a tour group that visited the shrine; they had lost their two friends down the well.”

 

“Yes I met them.” Inuyasha growled. 

 

Kagome sighed, “They come from my time so please try to be nice.”

 

“Feh,” he looked away from them. “I hate them already.”

 

“Don’t mind him,” Kagome said to Tenchi and the girls that were standing by him.

 

Feeling insulted by the dog demon Sasami bent down and picked up Ryo-Ohki and started walking away from group she didn’t even do anything to that stupid boy and already he had tried to injure her with his words as well as physically. As her foot left the ground tiny flowers seemed to appear. From a hovel near by the old woman Kaede noticed this and she came towards Sasami.  

 

“Hold up there young woman, might I have a word with ye?” Kaede said. She saw Sasami turn around with that bunny creature sitting atop her head and a kind look in her eyes.

 

“Yes, what is it?” Sasami said.

 

“I notice thee are not like other humans here, are thee a Miko?”

 

Sasami looked away from the old woman. She couldn’t really tell her the truth of what she was and where she came from. She returned her gaze to Kaede, “I suppose you could say that.”

 

“Ye come from the future with Kagome. Ye must be really advanced. How many years are ye child?”

 

The blue haired young lady was slightly confused, “Do you mean my age?” Sasami saw the old woman nod. “Oh about sixteen I suppose.”

 

“Ye are not sure?”

 

“No! I am sure of my age. Sixteen yes, that is right.” She felt very uncomfortable with all these questions. Sasami wasn’t prepared to be asked any of this in her whole time being on the Earth. The only one to ever really know the truth is Tenchi and his family; she didn’t count on any of this happening. “If you excuse me I really must be going.”  Sasami rushed off to go and meet up with Tenchi and the rest of the girls.

 

Unaware to Kaede as she watched Sasami heading back towards her group someone else was watching her too. Not only was he watching Sasami he was also watching the other Juraian princess, Ayeka.  Oh yes he knew of them all right. He knew he would not get close to any of that power since the demon Ryoko and that boy was with them plus that miko who resembled Kikyou and her hanyou Inuyasha. The girls were well protected. He needed a way to get the two royal highnesses away. He needed someone or something much stronger than the lot of them to bring the girls to him. A crafty plan was forming in his genius mind.

 

 

After Sasami had returned to the group, the introductions had been made as much as to anyone’s knowledge the girls living in Tenchi’s house were just housemates. Tenchi didn’t need anyone knowing the truth that the girls were aliens. Kaede brought out celebratory bottles of Sake to greet their new guests with. Ryoko was one of the first to help herself to some.

 

 

Naraku stood facing the Lord of the Western Lands, Sesshoumaru. “There are two who hold extreme power within the palms of their hands, I want that power.”

 

Sesshoumaru looked impassive. “I do not see why you have sought me out for your foolish desires.”

 

“Because I can use you, you can bring them to me at my palace.”

 

“Why would I do that?” Sesshoumaru said with no emotion. “You do realize that half breeds do not use one such as I.”

 

“If you bring me the human women, I will grant you what you desire most” He paused for a dramatic effect “The Tetsusaiga…”

 

“How can one such as you promise me a sword which is not even in your grasp?”

 

Naraku smirked, “Once the girls are in my grasp no doubt the owner of that sword will be on his way to rescue them. It will be easily obtained once he is dead.”

 

Sesshoumaru looked down on the baboon pelted half breed. “So your strategy is not fool proof. There is a chance for mistakes. I do not accept mistakes. ” He growled, the mere thought of humans disgusted him.

 

“No I assure you, the sword will be yours. I can guarantee it.”

 

No emotions were splayed across Sesshoumaru’s face as he considered the proposal. He really wanted his father’s sword. “If anything goes wrong, I will cut out your throat.” A slight smirk could be seen on his face. Just the thought of causing injury was enough to make the demon lord smile.

 

Naraku nodded, “Indeed. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He then went on to describe the two humans he needed. The place of his residence was very far from here and it would in deed take several days of traveling. Naraku also promised that Sesshoumaru could kill Inuyasha as well if he were take the women to him at the palace. He knew the demon lord would not object to the idea. Playing with one’s weakness was rather an easy task. Especially since Naraku knew how to do it. He smirked evilly.

 

 

Ryoko’s face was bright red as she finished off the rest of the Sake with a satisfied “Ah! I told you I could drink more than the lot of you.”

 

Miroku nodded, “Boy will you be sick tomorrow.”

 

She patted Miroku on the back a little too hard that he shifted forward and his face went into the dirt, “Ha, ha I like you monk, you’re so funny.”

 

“Ryoko never has a hangover.” Mihoshi said with a giggle. “She can drink more than anyone. Ayeka even lost a drinking bet to her, I remember.”

 

Ayeka who’s face was also red from drinking. “Be quiet you incompetent patrol woman.”

 

Mihoshi sniffled.

 

“Aww Ayeka, why do you have to be so mean to Mihoshi?  It’s not like she can help it.” Tenchi said.

 

With a gasp Ayeka looked down, with regret. Her head bowed. “Oh forgive me Lord Tenchi I didn’t mean to be so rude.”

 

Ryoko sputtered and laughed loudly, “You not be rude? Ha!”

 

“Oh you be quiet, Miss Ryoko you don’t know what it’s like to be sweet and demure.” Ayeka said. “You’re nothing but a…a.”

 

“A…a what?” Ryoko glared.

 

“Never mind…”

 

“Yeah that’s what I thought; you think your so perfect, little miss prissy pants.”  Ryoko stood.

 

Ayeka grunted and also stood, “Oh well at least I am gentle not like you who’s rough and dangerous; as if Lord Tenchi would ever choose you, you heathen.”

 

“What?!” Ryoko formed a fist and tried to punch Ayeka in the face but was stopped by the princesses’ force field.

 

A loud annoying laughter came from Ayeka. “Ha, as if you could hurt me.”

 

“Oh I’ll do more than just hurt you.” Ryoko lifted her hands and a energy ball started forming in between them. It sizzled and pulsed with power. “The only thing left of you will be a stain on the Earth.”

 

Kagome was watching the other members of Tenchi’s group who looked uninterested in what was going on. Sasami was playing a card game with Mihoshi. She didn’t seem at all worried about what was going to happen. “Well aren’t you going to stop them?” 

 

Mihoshi looked up and shrugged, “No, they always do this. We’re quite used to it.”

 

“I can’t believe it, what kind of people are you?” Sango said looking at the fighting Ayeka and Ryoko.

 

Inuyasha was sitting away from them, resting against the tree trunk. He had never met anyone quite like them, even the many demons he had faced were nothing like these people. It was as if they weren’t even human, not demon, not anything. Their scent was definitely human, but they possessed something unearthly, almost pulled out of many a ghost story. He just hoped that they finished whatever it was they were doing here and would get out of his life. He did not need this kind of confusion. He needed to concentrate on getting the jewel shards.

 

Ayeka and Ryoko were lying on the ground, both looking quite defeated. Everyone had jumped away when they had attacked each other.

 

“I think it is time for sleep.” Miroku suggested, “You all look like you could use it.”

 

Mihoshi giggled, “That’s a good idea, I can always use a nap.”

 

“Lady Keade,” Ayeka spoke up. “Where may we retire for the night?”

 

Keade pointed to the hut that usually Kagome and Sango sleep in. “If ye are tired ye may go in that one.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

Sasami was still sitting next to the fire, “I think I’ll sleep out here. It seems so pleasant and warm. I wouldn’t want to be cooped up in a hut on a night like this.”

 

“You know that is not a bad idea.” Kagome said to Sasami. “It is a wonderful night I shall join you out here as well.”

 

With a smile Sasami sat down and looked into the fire.

 

Kagome and the other villagers had brought blankets and bedding for the visitors. Kagome placed hers right near Sasami’s. She noticed the blue haired girl looking up at the stars. “Those sure are pretty; you don’t see anything like this back in present day Tokyo.”

 

Sasami smiled, “I don’t visit Tokyo all that much. I am used to seeing the stars. It doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate them any less.”

 

Kagome smiled, she looked around at the new group of people. Ryoko looked like she was asleep her back up against Mihoshi while Ayeka was lying down on the bedding the blanket covering the lower half of her face. Kagome noticed Washu was typing on some kind of invisible computer she wondered what someone like her was up to.

 

“Universal domination,” Kagome heard Sasami say, snapping her out of her thoughts. She felt the dark haired girl turn and look at her. Obviously wondering how she knew what she was thinking. “How did you know what I was thinking?”

 

“I didn’t, just you were staring at her for a long time with this fixed expression on your face. It’s only natural to question what our resident mad scientist is up to. She really is a genius.”

 

Kagome nodded slowly as her gaze wandered to Tenchi who was not sleeping. He was standing up, fighting with what looked like just a hilt of a sword. No blade. He was impressive as he sliced through the air. “Do all of the girls who live with you fight over that boy?” She looked back at Sasami whose cheeks tinged pink, “I was just wondering what was so special about him that makes you all apparently love him and want to be with him.”

 

Sasami smiled also watching Tenchi, “He is the kindest hearted, strongest, most wonderful man I have ever known. In all of my life no one has even come close to having what he has.” She turned to Kagome, “I don’t really know how to explain it, just when you are around him you never want to leave him. Of course he doesn’t see me as anything other than a sister; I was but a child when I arrived on his…” She paused, almost telling the truth. “On his doorstep with my sister Ayeka, so I guess I took the role as his little sister. It is like I never change in his eyes, he will always see me as a ten year old little girl.” Her voice was filled with regret.

 

“I’m sorry.” Kagome patted Sasami on the back.

 

“But I will always hold him in my heart and hope for the day he sees me as a real woman and not just a child.”

 

With a sigh Kagome turned and faced Sasami, “I have an idea of how you feel. I care deeply for someone but there is always someone else in the way. It’s hard but you hope and pray that someday that person will love you back.” Kagome quietly said and she looked up towards the tree where Inuyasha was sleeping. Or so she thought he was sleeping.

 

Sasami eyes followed the path Kagome’s did and it ended up in that tree where that rude jerk was sleeping. “You are in love with that guy, but he’s so cruel.”

 

Kagome smiled, “He’s a little rough it is true, I think its from not wanting to trust anyone. He was part of a great betrayal that wasn’t his fault at all but underneath the crude and arrogant exterior is gentle person. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for those he cared about. You just have to break down the walls and you’ll see. He’s not quite that bad.”

 

“I guess some people like abuse.” Sasami said and immediately regretted it. She looked right at Kagome. “Oh I’m sorry I shouldn’t have said anything like that.”

 

“It’s all right. But it really is not how it looks.” Kagome did feel a twinge of hurt with Sasami’s words, but it was her opinion and if that’s what she thought who was she to change her ideas? “I think we should get some sleep.”

 

“I agree,” Inuyasha said from up in the tree. “And then you…” He glared at Sasami “And your happy little family can get lost.”

 

“You know.” Sasami had enough of that boy’s tongue, “I did not want to come here in the first place, I was pulled in so whatever problem you have. Get over it. We will be gone tomorrow but not because of you, you stupid head.”

 

“What did you call me?” Inuyasha growled.

 

Kagome sighed, “Inuyasha shh, you’ll wake everyone up.” She said softly.

 

“Feh, so what? That girl I don’t like her. I should just pick her up and shove her down the well right now.”

 

Tenchi turned around as he heard, “If you touch her…” Tenchi warned waving his sword Tenchi at him not even finishing his threat.

 

Inuyasha smirked, “Oh what are you going to do with that, there’s no blade. Now mine on the other hand.” He patted the Tetsusaiga at his side.

 

“Just be quiet everyone!” Kagome shouted looking up at Inuyasha, “Please no more fighting and let’s just get some rest.” She wondered why Inuyasha hated them so much, they seemed like really nice people to her. Maybe there was a reason he reacted so angry towards them, she would pay closer attention to them in the morning to see why. 

 

Sasami had been awake for who knows how long, she could hear the quiet snoring from those around her. Her eye lids finally felt heavy just as she closed them, she heard Ryoko’s voice and Sasami’s eyes snapped open.

 

“Tenchi…” Ryoko said standing up next to him and she grabbed his hand holding it tightly in hers. “Everyone is asleep,” She purred and looked towards the woods. “So come on.” She started pulling him unaware of Sasami watching them

 

“Ryoko we can’t go in there, we know nothing about this area.” He resisted a little but knew it would be useless to resist completely.

 

Ryoko grabbed his arm tighter, “Oh come on your party pooper, stop being such a wimp.” She started dragging him into the woods.

 

Sasami sat up and looked around, the need to follow Tenchi and Ryoko was strong, but she wasn’t stupid. This was an area that they were not familiar with. So she grabbed her pink backpack that held her retractable staff and a few other weapons and put it on just in case there was danger. She quietly got to her feet and followed after them.

 

 They had gone deeper into the woods with Sasami inconspicuously following them, off in the distance she saw them standing over by what looked like a hot spring, she wondered how far from the village they actually were. She ducked down behind a bush and pushed it apart watching them.

 

“Oh Tenchi…” Ryoko said, “We are completely alone now, no one to interrupt us.  No prissy princess to bother us.” And then she pounced, holding him tightly almost knocking Tenchi off balance. “I could do anything to you out here.”

 

Tenchi’s eyes were wide, “Ryoko, um could you not look at me like that.” He felt her hands wandering, “And certainly don’t touch anything.”

 

“But I like touching you,” Her golden orbs stared directly into his brown, “I know you like it, so don’t resist me.”

 

“Ryoko control yourself,” he said trying to push her away from him.

 

She smirked, “All right, just do one thing that I want and then we can go back to that village.”

 

Tenchi knew he was going to regret this, of course if he didn’t agree to what she wanted there was a good chance she would totally jump him and well he couldn’t have that. Wait, why couldn’t he have that? He looked at her again she was an attractive woman, why was he always telling her no and to get off of him. Then he remembered why, he didn’t want to hurt any of them since he had not made up his mind yet. But whatever she wanted couldn’t be that bad, could it?  He decided to risk it. “All right, what do you want?”

 

“I want...” she let her eyes wander his entire body and she pressed closer to him. “You to kiss me, and none of that kissing on the cheek crap. I mean a real kiss, a lover’s kiss.” She purred.

 

Tenchi gulped well perhaps he could just make it quick. Yeah he would do it quickly and it would be over and he could go back and get some sleep. Shaking nervously he leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers. He was amazed this was, was nice. Really nice.  His mind went on shutdown and out of instinct his arms wrapped tightly around her, drawing her in closer crushing her body to his.

 

 He heard her moan and it nearly drove him insane. Tenchi opened her mouth with his, and thrust his tongue inside her mouth was so sweet he had to have more. She responded to his kiss which again made him hotter, his tongue slipping and sliding against hers as he kissed her harder. The need of air was attacking him wildly and he regretfully tore his mouth from hers, breathing hard he stared into her eyes.

 

“How was that?” He asked.

 

Ryoko looked dazed, “uh…” her mouth tingled and she felt so good, she didn’t really understand the question since her mind was still focused on what just happened between them. “What was the question?”

 

For some reason he felt proud that he could make Ryoko’s mind fizzle out for a moment. “We should get back to the village.” Without thinking about it he reached down and clasped Ryoko’s hand in his. She didn’t even argue when he led her back the way they came.

 

Sasami pulled her head out of the bushes, feeling the stinging of tears erupt in her eyes. She sank to the floor on her knees. Her head hung low and one tear fell making a tiny wet spot on her kimono.  She should have known that would have happened with one of them, Ryoko or her sister. 

 

Why did she even follow them when she knew what was going to happen out here. She wiped her eyes with a slender finger. This one moment in time will be forever burned into her mind. All she wanted to do was go home and wrap herself in her blankets in her warm, soft bed. Pulling her self together, she took a deep breath and the tears stopped flowing. She stood and brushed the leaves and grass off her kimono and turned around rather quickly and crashed into something rather hard, sending her back to the ground landing on her rear with a hard thud.

 

“What in Tokimi’s name?” Sasami murmured, looking over and rubbing the now sensitive area. Was there a tree or something that she didn’t see? She looked in the direction of the tree and wait that wasn’t a tree trunk. Her gaze found dark shoes, white silk pants and she lifted her sight to just who it was that had blocked her path. She was staring up into a face she did not recognize. He was tall, his hair as long as hers but a nice luxurious shade of silver.  He had on what looked like battle armor, which seemed to fit what she assumed was a powerfully hard and fit body, it seemed to glove him. It was as if she were looking up at a god. And well whoever he was, he was staring down at her with a cold, cruel look in his eyes. She sucked in a nervous breath of air, her eyes widened when a clawed hand reached out for her.

 

********

Next time on Ancient Deceptions:

 

“What were you two doing out there anyway?” Ayeka looked at them suspiciously. 

 

“Nothing,” Tenchi said.

 

“Well it doesn’t matter I need to find my sister.”

 

“She probably just went to use the bathroom and hasn’t come back yet.” Washu suggested

 

Ayeka shook her head, “No, I know something is wrong I can feel it.  And I am going to look for her.”  With that Ayeka turned on her heels and headed towards the woods.

 

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