Gomen, gomen, GOMEN for the long lack of update! I know it's been pretty slow lately, but I've been focusing on another one of my stories, that, by the way...is now finished..::sob::..

Anywho, I'll try to keep updating on this as fast as I can..the only problem being, I have great ideas for this story...but in order to make it longer than ten chapters, I have to prevent myself from skipping places and creating major time gaps

So, thus my quandry...::sigh::...anyway, thanks to all for their reviews and supports! Like I said before, I'll try to update more frequently.

Hope you enjoy!

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Don't You Know My Face?

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Chapter 8: The Longing to Be Free

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Kagome sat in the empty room, hidden in the corner. For now, she had been granted control over her body, but later she would lose it once more. Sighing, she brought her knees up to her chest, crossing her arms ontop of them and resting her head. Turning it to the side, she closed her eyes, as she revisited each of her memories, joyous in the fact that she now remembered.

She wanted to escape, though, so badly. She wanted to leave, and put all this behind her, she wanted to see Naraku dead. Sighing once more, she stood slowly. That wish was far from being granted. Many people sought Naraku's death, and so far none of them had succeeded.

Her feet dragged as she walked to the small opening in the wooden wall, a window that she had been "blessed" enough to receive. Although looks may be deceiving, a deadly barrier was set up, to prevent her from escaping. So she stood, looking out the window, to the darkened sky above.

The small jangling of chain brought her out of her thoughts, as she angled her body to look through the window to the left. Her eyes widened, as a small scythe pierced the air, spinning and slicing through inanimate objects. Her eyes locked on the owner, Sango's younger brother, Kohaku.

'That's right,' she thought, 'He's still under Naraku's control!...As is I,' she added, as a sad afterthought. She swore that if there was any possible way for her to save him, and herself, that she would do everything in her power to do so.

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InuYasha walked steadily back to the hut. Emerging from the treeline, he entered the wooden house, sitting in a corner. He closed his eyes, deep in thought. If it was true that Naraku had Kagome under his power, what was his intentions? How long would her safety be guaranteed?

He felt the presence of eyes upon him, and he opened his own, staring across the room to Miroku and Sango, who now looked shocked and slightly embarrassed at being caught. He closed his eyes, signaling that they could join him, as the slowly and silently made their way around the small fire.

They sat down infront of him, Sango to his left, Miroku his right. Silence ensued for a few minutes, before Sango finally spoke, her voice a hushed whisper.

"What's going on?" She needn't say more, the all knew the topic.

He sighed, shaking his head slightly. "Naraku has Kagome," he said, as Sango gasped and Miroku flinched.

"He has Kagome-chan?!" her voice an urgent whisper, strained. He nodded, as Miroku spoke up.

"How do you know? Did you see her?"

"Yes," he replied, sounding more gruff than he meant to, "She attacked me. But I know it wasn't her."

Sango shuffled nervously. "How can you be so sure?"

His head raised, as his eyes locked with hers, in a serious gaze. "Because she could've killed me, but she didn't."

Sango nodded slightly, not as much as Miroku, as he mimicked her actions.

"I see..." he said knowingly. "Obviously he has Kagome-sama under some sort of spell, or hallucination."

InuYasha grunted in agreement, as he closed his eyes once more. It was true, she could have killed him. But she hadn't, instead lodging the blade inches away from his head. He breathed out, as he spoke again.

"Either way, we've got to find her and bring her back." Sango's face became one of determination.

"Agreed." Miroku spoke, adding onto the resolution.

"Kagome-sama is a dear friend of ours. There's no way we're leaving her in the hands of that monster." They all nodded solemnly, as InuYasha once again became lost in thought.

'Kagome,', he vowed, 'Wherever you are, I will find you.'

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Kagome sat once more in the dimly light corner of the room. Her head leaned back against the wall, as her eyes remained closed, nothing else to do, and even if there was, she was too tired to. Her eyes opened wide, as a sudden surge of pain emanated from her neck. Her fingers went to her nape, as she desperately began clawing at the skin, producing red scratch marks.

Her eyes squeezed shut in pain, as tears began welling in the corners of her eyes from the intensity. Her fingers left her neck in favour of her head, as she grasped it tightly. She squeezed, her head bowing forward into her legs, as she whimpered in pain. Her head felt like it was going to explode, her body parts on fire.

She stopped, suddenly, as her hands feel limp at her sides. Standing, her head remained down, as she walked towards the small door across from her. As she neared it, a small click echoed through the vast room, as the door opened, without an owner. Her head slowly rose, as she entered the doorway. Leveling with the dim light completely, if one looked at her eyes, they would see not the warm brown eyes with the hidden shine that normally inhabited them...but a dull brown, with nothing more than an empty gaze.

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Entering the front yard, she found herself standing infront of the entire team of Naraku's. Kagura and Kanna stood on his left, Kohaku on his right. Her lifeless body stopped infront of him, as he silently motioned her to the side. Taking her place beside Kohaku, she watched, her mind spinning, as the sky above them darkened severely.

The clouds dispersed in a singled spot, as hundreds of demons poured down from the skies. They screeched and howled, and as much as she wanted to, she couldn't make her body cover her ears. They landed on the ground, inside the mansion's walls as Naraku stepped forward to them. They hissed at his presence, before falling silent, and flying back into the clouds in hiding.

He turned to them, as he walked back, but coming to stop infront of Kagome. He dismissed the others, as they took their leave, before motioning for to follow him. Walking closely behind, she followed his lead as he lead her into a separate part of the mansion.

He strode into a small hut at a remote location within the walls, as she followed inside. She slowly looked around, or rather her body did, as she mentally took note. There was one window, only big enough to let in a reasonable amount of light to see, and another smaller wall that divided the hut into two. A full length case rested against the side wall, and she vaguely noted that it resembled a dresser from her time.

Her body waited for his command, as he opened the doors, pulling out a pile of clothes. He called her over, and her body obeyed, stopping at his side. He placed the pile of clothes in her arms, as her body stood motionless, but her mind raced.

'Wha-...what?'

"Do not think that because I've equipped you with clothes that I will take pity upon you. I believe you'll find these easier to move around in. And step behind the wall before you change...I do have my decency."

Her body silently slid around the divider, as she mentally blew out her breath. She had actually thought she might have to change infront of him...mental shudder. Slipping off her previous sweat pants and shirt, she slid on the form-fitting outfit. Placing the various plates and accessories on, she found herself knowing exactly where everything went. When she finished, she realized that she wore a demon slayer's outfit, much like Sango's...with a few differences.

The catsuit underneath was still a pitch black, but her shoulder plates and knee guards were a solid, golden yellow, bright enough to be seen even in the dark of night. The blocker infront of her stomach was also golden, but had a design around the inner edges like a floral pattern. Her elbow pads, also golden, were held in place by a gray-silver sash, a similar one tied around her waist. A sun's emblem was embroidered on the left shoulder, she noticed, as she slipped the top button in its respective hole. She tied another sash around each foot, like a bandage, as she slipped her sword into the sash around her waist. Grabbing a spare piece of the silken material, she pulled her hair up into a high ponytail, as it fell over to graze her neck softly. Her bangs framed her face, swaying slightly with her movements, as she stepped out from behind the divider.

Naraku smirked slightly at her image, as he turned to the door, her following suit. "You look ready to slay any demon that approaches you now. Here, take this as well." He didn't turn, but his hand came out, tossing a package towards her. Her body caught it with ease, due to her new skills, as she opened it. Two small daggers lay inside the fabric, as well as another katana, with a handle of matching colours.

She slid the other sword into her sash, on the opposite side, as she placed both daggers on opposite sides of her legs, in the piece of fabric around her shin guards. She followed after Naraku, as they crossed the yard. It was when they neared the entrance of the mansion, that she suddenly felt sick to her stomach. She had had this feeling before, as she slumped to the ground on her knees, her hands out infront of her, holding her up...barely.

When it subsided, she blinked, as she found herself yet again in control of her body. She turned her hand over, a thin layer of dust covering her palm, as she looked up at Naraku in confusion. His back remained to her, as he stopped walking.

"I shall give you control over your body before they arrive. I figure that you deserve to have some waking moments of your life left before you die of pain and sorrow. Do not venture far, and don't even think about escaping. For though you may be out of my control for now, I will be watching you." With that said, he continued into the doorway, turning right, before disappearing from her view.

She sat in the dusty ground surrounding the inner walls. She couldn't move, her brain numb, as her face slowly turned to one of agony and sorrow, as she pounded her fist into the ground. She let out a cry, as she sobbed angrily into the dirt. She hit the ground again, this time less weak, as she slowly crumpled to the earth below. She lay, with silent tears down her face, as she realized that she had no choice in the matter. Whether she wanted or not...InuYasha would die.

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She found herself wandering aimlessly around the mansion's extensive yards. Sighing for the umpteenth time, she trudged on, not caring if she got lost. She figured that if she maybe wore herself out before hand, she might die before any harm came to InuYasha...her beloved. Shuffling to the side of one building, she pressed her back against it, closing her eyes, as her body slowly slid down the sideboards.

As she touched the ground, her entire body collapsed, as she brought he legs up, absently locking her arms around them. She tilted her head back, as she closed her eyes. Memories came to her easily now, as she recalled his face, the way he would smile, they way she could tell if something was wrong. But she became disturbed as she tried to picture him, his body...but to no avail. His red clothes faded, as his hair turned into nothingness, blending into the background of her mind.

She breathed out gently, as she suddenly realized that she would give anything at that moment to be in his arms. To feel him hold her tight, as her worries melted away. To take a deep breath, and inhale the air around him, one of pine and the fresh air...the scent belonging to only him. She wrapped her arms around herself, as she slumped forward slightly, her head bobbing downwards. Oh...how she missed him. His praise, his concern, his insults, his presence, him.

She pushed back tears bitterly, as she forced herself not to cry. Crying wouldn't help. It wouldn't change the fact that she was trapped in a bitter nightmare she called reality. She realized sadly that she would never be able to be with him, their fates destined to someone else. But still, in the back of her heart, a small piece glimmered.

When Pandora's box was opened, many spiteful things flew out. Disease, illness, evil, greed, jealousy; They attacked people viciously, sparing no-one, offering nothing to ease the pain. But then, amidst all the pain and suffering, a small fairy exited the box, her light glowing brightly in the dark world. Her love luminated the area miles over, as she flew around the world, bringing a shining light to even the darkest corners of the planet. For as long as you held hope, you held your own freedom and happiness in your hands.

The small hope in the back of heart is what kept her going. A small reminder that there was a way to escape the evil planned for them. Her love was strong, an undying love, in times of betrayal and hardship, it held fast.

Her head raised slowly as she realized that she could still save them. The ones she loved. She had been able to alter the course of her weapon before...if she believed enough, and truly concentrated, maybe there was a way that she could pure the shard within her body, and regain control of herself.

Her hand absently drifted to the back of her neck. A small lump had formed, covering the entrance wound. Everytime her fingers grazed it, a shock would run through them. She brought her hand back to her lap, as she closed her eyes once more.

She wouldn't lose faith. She had to be strong. She wanted to see everyone again, to live with everyone again, in a world lacking troubles and grief. She wanted to spend the rest of her life with her family, both here and in her own time. She wanted to talk to them, have fun with them, to grow old with them. She wanted...

She sighed, as she slowly rocked forward onto the balls of her feet. She wanted, she wanted...she sounded awfully greedy to herself. But if that was being greedy...then she wanted the world in her hands.

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The next morning, InuYasha, Sango and Miroku set out to find where Kagome was being held. Sango and Miroku rode on Kilala, while InuYasha ran underneath, as they steadily crossed the lands at a fast pace.

Relying on InuYasha's nose and information from nearby villages, they headed in what they believed was the right direction, hoping that it was. For hours they had been crossing land, and Kilala was beginning to tire.

"InuYasha!" Sango called from above, "Kilala's getting tired! We all are! We need to take a break!"

"There's no time!" he called back, his own voice ragged, "We don't have time to waste! Kagome's depending on us!"

"InuYasha, we would be no good if we were tired at the gates of Naraku! We need to rest a bit before continuing." Miroku's came from above, and InuYasha growled in annoyance.

"Fine! Set down in that opening over there!"

Kilala landed, and as soon as Miroku and Sango were off, she transformed to her smaller form, and jumped on Sango's shoulder for some rest. She mewled softly, as she lay, her eyes closed in exhaustion. Miroku fell to the ground dramatically, as he spread his legs out infront of him, leaning back on his hands. Sango sat down on a small log, as she became deep in thought.

InuYasha, however, jumped to the branches of a nearby tree to catch his breath and regain his bearings. He swallowed, it doing nothing to moisten his dry throat, as he breathed heavily. He had, infact, been tired, but his need to find Kagome had pushed the fact to the back of his mind, and now, he felt like fainting. But he wouldn't stop searching for her. He had vowed to find her, and he would.

He sat in the branches of the tree for several minutes, as they waited, becoming increasingly desperate without the smallest clue of where to head. InuYasha slumped his head back against the trunk, as a small thud resounded. He closed his eyes as he sat in silence, trying to recall her face to his mind's eye.

Her warm black hair, brown eyes, pink lips...no, wait...her ebony hair, soft, warm brown eyes, full pink lips...

He shook his head. He was turning into a goddamn Miroku! He breathed deep the crisp mountain air. That was another reason he preferred his time to hers, the air was so fresh, the waters sparkling. There was no icky breeze or stale winds, and the water didn't need the purification. He breathed in again, as his heart slowly began to relax from its overtime. He smiled, as he began to breathe out, before-

'Wait...'

He sniffed the air, turning around slightly, as he pin-pointed the direction. His eyes narrowed before closing, as he frowned in concentration, sniffing the air lightly. There was no mistaking it. He'd recognize the scent of that filth anywhere.

"Oy, Miroku, Sango," he called down. Their heads turned to look up at him, as he continued. "I can smell Kagura. She's headed South-East."

He jumped down, as Kilala leapt off Sango's shoulder, instantly transforming to her larger version in a burst of flames, as Sango and Miroku jumped on in a second. She took to the air, as InuYasha lead them on ground. He followed the scent, his heart beginning to beat faster in his chest.

'Please be alive Kagome...wait for me, I'm coming.'

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Kagura flew high above the trees, fully aware of the fact that she was upwind. After all, that had been the plan. She smirked, as Kanna behind her turned the mirror towards her, revealing the motions of InuYasha and the others. She smiled evilly, as she flew onwards, leading them towards Naraku's mansion.

'Like lamb to the slaughter,' she noted, as she rose higher into the air.

As she gained height, the empty spot in her chest twitched painfully. She closed her eyes, and solemnly placed a fisted hand over her chest. She frowned, as she opened her eyes once more. She longed to be free. She was the wind, dancing through the skies...now held back on a chain. She would free herself and become one with the skies once more.

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Sorry for the long post-update time...I was kinda wrapped up in school, and then I had sports, and then I was working on S.t.w.f...::sigh::...anywho, please let me know what you think!

Oh, and btw, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask them in your reviews...I'll answer any that you might have to clear up any confusion, and hopefully make the story better for you to enjoy!

Thanks to all for bearing with me! Please R&R, etc. etc.,...the next chapter will come soon!

Luv yaz!

Moshi