Author's Note: Okay, if there are no other comments, I'll just continue on blindly, with what I see fit. I hope you like. Take note that putting Naraku and Sango in some sort of pairing will have to take a lot of time and serious effort. So...NO LAUGHING-at my efforts. If they were to be more believable, they would have to work at it. But of course, ideas will have to come into mind.

On the last note; this fiction is focussing on character development, and plot. This is certainly not hurried, and if you get bored-I have no idea on what you can do.

Disclaimer: I, Candide Avedo do not own anything that has to do with Inuyasha. But that's on my wish list...Yes, I'll happily dream...

-

Sango, Where Art Thou? - Part 1

-

Kagura could hear the exterminator's footsteps behind her like the heavy, rhythmic beatings of a drum. Step, swagger, step, swagger. Right now, in her opinion, much more important things could be done. Instead, she had to be stuck babysitting a human. Especially one that seemed to require a lot of maintainance.

"I thought you said that we'd be there soon." said Sango, listening to her own voice echo through the dark halls.

"I said that. Now stop asking me or I won't take you there at all." snapped Kagura, almost losing her patience. She stopped just in front of Naraku's quarters, and saw a white figure materialize outside his door. "Kanna." she addressed, as the Girl of the Void looked up at her emotionlessly. "Is Naraku inside?"

"He is expecting you." Kanna replied, looking at Sango directly into her eyes. The mirror she held in her hand reflected Sango's tired, wary face. "He wants a word with the taija." then, without any other word, she left, vanishing into thin air.

Sango could hardly feel any kind of emotion towards the little girl. She had done many evil deeds, but surely it cannot be by choice? Kanna looked too young to commit such things by will. It was another thing Sango wanted to make sure Naraku would pay for. Even though Kanna is another part of Naraku himself, she would not allow another child to be burdened by his nature.

Kagura watched as the exterminator walked inside. She really thought that this exterminator had what they call, 'guts'. True, Naraku didn't have control over her heart, but he had control over her brother. From what she heard from Naraku, Kohaku was the only person in Sango's life that kept her going. An eternal flame of emotion, forever burning with the desire to persevere. It was also the exterminator's obvious weakness. Kagura knew very well from watching other people's experiences that having something like love stand in your way was only trouble. Love can only bring devastation to anyone. Perhaps in another time-like that place the reincarnated priestess came from, maybe love was something safer there?

Kagura scrunched her nose in disgust. Thinking about topics that would make Naraku laugh if he were to look into her mind was not what she intended.

Getting back to her original orders from him, she left off out of the castle, to keep watch over the taija's companions, and to keep them as far away as possible.

-

After the realization that Sango was gone, the group had been restless, eager to carry on with their search. They would have gotten far by now, but with Kagome's condition, there was not much any of them could do. Some place to rest was a good idea, but the area they were at for now; it would seem impossible to even find a place they could consider as comfortable. Not only that, but the clouds were once again moving towards them, making travelling more hazardous.

Finally, after a full day of travelling through the thorny undergrowth and uneven trails, they came upon a wide valley. Just resting comfortably between the two smooth sloping hills was a large village, with at least fifty small homes. Rice paddies lined the outside of the village, where many farmers seemed to be busy working. Children chased each other all around, giggling merrily.

"This looks like a good place to rest, don't you think?" Miroku said happily, eyeing the place carefully. "Maybe we can also take this chance to make a good profit."

"Can it, Miroku, I don't know about you, but I think we should try to pay for our lodgings this time." said Inuyasha, leading the way towards the village. "I don't want to have this on my conscience."

Kagome giggled, resting on Kirara's back. She rested her backon Sango's hiraikotsu-one that they found a few hours earlier. "I didn't know you had a conscience, Inuyasha. Maybe we're rubbing off you." Inuyasha scowled, making Kagome stop, but she smiled instead. "Hey, think of it as a compliment."

"I'll take it as a compliment, but hear this; There's now way in hell I'm going soft." Inuyasha muttered, as they caught up with him.

"Whatever you say, Inuyasha." replied Kagome.

Overhead, the wind-user ducked behind the trees as Inuyasha turned around to assess the forest one more time. He may be imagining it, but his senses just caught something behind them.

"Come on, Inuyasha, what are you waiting for?" called Kagome.

"Coming, just wait, will ya?"

Villagers stopped as they saw the group come by, whispering to each other. Farmers stopped what they were doing to see what the commotion was all about. Some children ran away quickly to their parents, who looked wary.

"Hey, did you see that? Demons!" an old man said, whispering to his wife. "Where's an exterminator when you need it?"

Shippo, nervous, jumped up on Kagome's arms, and Inuyasha's ears twitched.

"How about that girl over there? Her clothes are definitely not from around here!" a girl said loudly amidst her other friends.

Kagome blushed, and Inuyasha bristled beside her. Instinctively, Kagome held his arm to keep him at bay. She smiled at a small child, who was looking at her curiously.

"Koan! Goodness, what are you doing there? Get back here." his protective mother said roughly, tugging on her son's arm. "Demons with humans...Honestly..."

The group noiselessly continued to walk down what looked like the main path through the houses, feeling as though their welcome wasn't what they expected. They attracted more people as they went along, and the whispers became more and more somewhat docile.

"Someone, call the Mistress!" shouted someone from the crowd as Inuyasha and the others finally stopped. The group were wondering the same thing. Who was the so-called Mistress?

"No need, no need, I'm right here." an deep voice emitted from the crowd, but it seemed as though she was nowhere to be seen. A figure stepped from behind a particularly tall man.

It was an old woman, dressed in a fine purple silk kimono. She was tall and wiry, but there seemed to be no use for a cane, as she stood up straight-backed, obviously with importance. Her face was somewhat quite devoid of wrinkles, meaning that she lived a quite sheltered life. The only ones that were most noticeable were around her eyes, and lips. Lips that were set in a jovial smile, with eyes that emitted some traces of warmth.

"There's no reason why we should have an audience now, is there? You're embarrassing them." she said, raising her eyebrows at her people, who looked down, and left abruptly, muttering hurried apologies. Only the tall man stayed with her, obviously her bodyguard.

"What's up with your people? Aren't they used to seeing demons like me?" said Inuyasha, staring at the woman with deep dislike. He didn't appreciate the way they were whispering about him like he couldn't hear. "If you're teaching them like that, I'm outta here. I'm not going to waste my time on a village that's got these kinds of people."

"Inuyasha. You can't address the elderly like that." hissed Kagome, climbing down from Kirara's back.

"Yeah, well, her people started it." he replied, now turning to glare at her.

"Inuyasha." interrupted Miroku, who was studying the old woman in front of them. She was just watching their sqabble with faint interest. "Um, I apologize for my friend, he's very sensitive about it when humans talk about him like that."

The woman nodded understandingly. "Of course, I understand. In return, I also apologize. My people are too fearful, and isolated for their own good." she sighed. "I'm afraid it's my fault; But there's never been a demon sighted that could strike any sort of fear."

"Excuse me?" asked Kagome curiously.

She waved her had carelessly in the air. "Oh, don't bother me. Just the rantings of a lonely old woman. Now, let's see. You're wanting a place to stay, do you not?" she looked curiously at Inuyasha, Kirara, and Shippo, who cuddled closer in Kagome's arms.

"It would be very much appreciated, thank you." replied Miroku, as Inuyasha helped Kagome back on Kirara. "If we will be imposing however..."

"Nonsense. You're not imposing. Heavens knows I need something useful to do with my time. Now, come on. My home isn't very far from here. It's only a distance beyond this village." the old woman led the way, and her guard followed her, noiselessly, and with no objection to the invited group.

Miroku followed, with Kirara close behind him, wagging her tail at the promise of a warm place to stay. Inuyasha, still seething, found that he was outnumbered, and that there was no other choice.

"There better be food." he said, hurrying to catch up to them.

-

Kagura smiled. So this was where they were staying. Naraku knew all along...

-

Sango could feel the hairs behind her neck prickle again. Only this time she didn't have to fear with not knowing where he would pop up. Naraku was there, in front of her, staring out the dark windows of his room. Slouched against the wall, with one leg propped up, and an arm layed out on top of it. For a moment there, the demon actually looked harmless.

Ha. Laughable.

What now?

"Taija. Tell me. What are you going to do now?" asked Naraku's voice suddenly, making her shiver lightly. His tone carried a bit of amusement laced with curiosity.

"What do you mean?" asked Sango, stepping forward. She ignored the demonic aura that was emnating from him. "I'm not going anywhere. Not until the others find me and destroy you."

"My, such bold words. I don't think that such a thing will ever happen. Believe me, you'd be dead before they even come here. I'd make sure of that." Naraku kept his gaze into the window, watching the purple haze of his miasma go by. "You can't get far with any of your plans."

"Hah." Sango huffed, stepping closer, marvelling at her bravery. She was unarmed, afterall. "You know what they say; 'Keep your friends close, but you enemies closer.' I don't plan on going anywhere."

"Yes, well, one can't believe such things now, can you? Besides. Have you ever imagined what your future would still hold? If you managed to destroy me, I would have given your brother the same fate." Naraku now crossed his legs, facing her. He held her gaze, wanting her to surrender her will to fight.

Only to cause her more anger.

"Don't TOY with me." snarled Sango, clenching her hands. "I'm not as stupid as you think. I KNOW you're the one who set that mind trick on me. You can't deny it." hurt and anger threatened to cloud her thoughts and judgement once again.

"I don't wish to deny it. Though I am quite satisfied that you are in the slightest bit perceptive." Naraku gave her an apprasing look. "Heh. You weren't the same person as you were the last time we met. That time, I was thouroughly disappointed, but entertained. I must say your brother's aim is much better than before."

"I'm disappointed that you didn't kill me on the spot." Sango could feel her heart beating harder. How dare he discuss this like they were talking about the weather!

"Like I said," Naraku stood up, towering before Sango, making her get into a defensive crouch. "I have plans for you."

"Oh? I'm sure it doesn't involve a scheme like Inuyasha's and Kikyo's, does it?" Sango said, with sarcasm. Sango knew he wasn't going to let her off easy, especially when she said that.

Naraku's eyes narrowed, but his face remained impassive. "Your attitude amazes me." he drew closer, but Sango refused to move.

"It shouldn't; Everyone who you'll encounter will have the same attitude, I'm sure."

"Such attitude got you into trouble. Taija, I need you to do something for me." Naraku returned to his spot at the window, then watching her intently.

-

A small banquet was set up on their behalf, in the old woman's home.

"Is everything alright?"

"Yes, thank you. It's delicious, right, Inuyasha?" Kagome grinned at the hanyou, who was too busy to answer as he wolfed down parts of his food. "We really really are thankful, Lady-er-"

"Farica." the old woman smiled, kneeling beside Miroku. "I've always been called something else other than my name; It makes me think that I've lost it during the long years. So, tell me, what brings you to this place?"

"Well, you see, we've been in search of a dear friend of ours." replied Miroku, while a little Kirara meowled.

"Oh, indeed?" The Lady whispered. "I'm sorry. I've not seen or heard of any lost person around here."

"Is that so?" asked Inuyasha bluntly. "I don't know whether to believe that or-"

"Inuyasha!" said Kagome, repproachfully. "What has gotten into you?"

Inuyasha shrugged. He didn't really know what was his problem, either. "I don't know; Something's just nagging at me, that's all." He set his sights around the ornately decorated room, where a large garden was, beyond some open doors. A small arbutus tree leaned against the roof, creating a cool shade against the current heat of the sun.

"Miroku, are you okay?" asked Kagome, after a few moments. The monk was lost in the heat of his thoughts, as he racked his brains out for more possibilies as to where Sango could be.

"I'm fine, it's just; I'm thinking that Sango wouldn't just run off without telling anyone of us first." the monk answered solemnly, barely moving his lips. Kagome put a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"It's okay, Miroku. We all feel the same way-ERK!" Kagome froze, as she felt the familiar handstroke on her behind. "You LECHER!"

-

"Ow..." groaned Miroku, nursing a large handprint on his face.

"Serves you right." mumbled Inuyasha, as they relaxed in their separate room. The late afternoon soon gave way to night, and it was a reassuring thought at least that they had a good place to stay for the night. "I don't understand you sometimes, Miroku. I just don't."

"The urges of a man are hard to control, Inuyasha." the monk replied wisely. Inuyasha snorted.

"Heh, yeah? Then why am I not sporting a handprint on my face like you?" he scoffed.

Miroku's eyes gave a sneaky glint. "We all know you've been waiting for the right moment...You're just too chicken to show how much of a man you really are. Perhaps you are swinging on a different side?"

"You take that back-"

"OW! No! Not my FACE!"

In the other room, Kagome was busy redressing her wounds. Her bed was set up next to Shippo's, as Kirara slept soundly beside her. The firecat had enough adventure for today, let alone worry about her lost friend. She knew Sango would be worried too, if the situation was vice-versa.

"Aw, Kagome, I don't know if anyone can sleep through this!" whined Shippo, covering his ears in annoyance as Inuyasha's and Miroku's voices drifted noisily into their room.

"Don't worry, Shippo. They'll get back to normal soon enough." said Kagome, as she remade her dressings. "That's just their way of showing concern."

"It's a weird way-I'm glad I'm not like them."

"Of course you're not."

A particularly loud yelp from Miroku sent a twitch to Kagome's eye. It was getting too far. People were sleeping, for god's sakes!

"Inuyasha!" yelled Kagome, through the wall that divided their rooms. "SIT!"

A strangled yell followed shortly after.

"AHHHHUUGGAHHHH!-KAGOME!"

"Thanks, Kagome." sighed the kitsune, snuggling into his blanket.

Kagome placed her things back into her bag, knowing that the coming day would prove much more promising that the last.

"Anytime, Shippo."

-

Sango could feel another bruise coming on. Then again, she should have known better than to have let her mouth fly off like that again. Her feelings clouded her thoughts for too many times. But she couldn't blame herself. No, she knew exactly what he was trying to do to her.

Naraku was trying to get her to submit to him. To submit to his desires. To treat her like one of his puppets. Sango knew she couldn't. Not unless she had to buy more time. Time was something she didn't know how much she had. Surely Kagome and the others didn't know of her location.

She carefully nursed her body, shivering at the light fabric of her clothes. At least most of the ache in her body was gone. Or perhaps she was so used to it that her body became immune?

At the thought of pain, Sango felt her heart skip a beat.

'Maybe...I can see Kohaku again...Even just for a little while...'

A lop-sided smile spread across her face. Yes, even if the Kohaku she didn't know was still there, at least-at least she could pretend.

-

Kagura could feel the same excitement flowing in her veins, just as it had in her last battle. Only this time, it was for something else. Calmly, she walked into the village, taking note of the deserted surroundings. Yes, these folk are very isolated indeed. Not a sign of hardship, nothing whatsoever.

"Insecure humans." Kagura mumbled. Her gaze fell upon a dimly lit alley between a place that looked like a small restaurant, and a blacksmith shop. Quietly, ( which was totally against her usual tactics ) she crept near the shadows, hoping to ensnare some unfortunate soul.

"You know, baka, I don't know why we even bother going to this restaurant." said a man's voice, gruffly. "Those vegetables are at least a week too old!"

"Well, you didn't pay, so what's the problem?" said the other, in a low whisper. "Besides, it's nothing that-"

"Good evening." said Kagura, stepping out of the shadows. These two were certainly of no trouble to her.

The two men looked appraisingly at her. One of them was tall and quite well-built, with a short mustache. The other was short and chunky, with a small scar on his left cheek with in the shape of a half circle.

"Well, hello youself." replied the short one. "What is a young woman like you doing out in a night as late as this?" he gave her a "friendly" smile.

Kagura returned it, feeling the muscles in her face tighten. "What do you say to a friendly stroll outside? I heard the rice fields are beautiful at this time."

"If you say so, lady, we wouldn't want you to get into trouble now, would we?" said the tall one to the short man.

"Yes, it would be something against our conscience to decline." smiled the other.

"Excellent." smiled Kagura, leading the way. There was no way she was going to let them touch her, definitely not. Naraku's using too much of his time in making the taija's spirits diminish that could make even her begin to doubt about his ideas.

Slowly and wordlessly Kagura led them through the many houses that lined the small dirt roads, straining to hear any sound. The village leader's main house was quite a distance away, so she needn't worry about Inuyasha and the others. Of course, being careful never hurt anyone.

"So, miss, where are you from? I've never seen you from this place before..." began the tall man, hurrying to catch up to her.

"I just don't go out a lot." replied Kagura stiffly, not turning back. They were getting close to the rice fields, and soon she would have to end this nonsense.

"Well, Jhurdan," came the short man's voice a few moments later, "I have to go back. My wife would be looking for me soon, and she'll be furious." he then turned to Kagura, bowing his head politely. "Nice meeting you, miss, perhaps we can meet again someday."

Kagura frowned. This was new. Unexpected, really. A man, loyal to his wife? What of the other one?

"Wait." said Kagura, giving them a sweet smile. "Won't you just stay for a few more minutes?"

Jhurdan's face showed confusion at her persistency.

The short man smiled back apologetically. "Really, sorry, miss, no can do. She'll make me sleep outside." he joked. Without another word he walked away, arms swinging slowly about.

"Sorry, boys, but this has to stop." Kagura said loudly, making them both look at her as though she had completely lost her mind.

In truth, Kagura did sort of lose her mind. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get the thought of getting away out of her mind. The jobs that Naraku had given her were now something that she didn't take much interest in anymore.

"What do you mean; 'Has to stop'?" asked Jhurdan, looking at her closely. "Who are you, anyway?"

Kagura laughed. "Funny you should ask, human." she emphasized on the word, taking out her fan from the folds of her clothes.

"A-A-A DEMON!" shouted the other, stepping back fearfully. "W-What's a demon-"

"Forget the question." snapped Kagura, taking out the feather from her hair. "Come with me, or die."

"I'd rather die than follow a demon." said Jhurdan, as he and his friend stood together, unable to see if they truly do stand a change against her.

"I don't think your friend feels the same." replied Kagura, acknowledging the short man, who fidgeted nervously. "I imagine he's thinking of his wife, and how disappointed she'll be when she finds out that he's dead."

The two friends looked at each other, in complete loss. Jhurdan's friend had a family to look after, and he didn't; he didn't want to take that chance. Maybe she would spare them in the future?

-

'What a way to wake up in the morning.'

Kagome woke up to a woman's distressed cry that echoed through the whole house. Without a moment's hesitation, she ran over to the main room, where she found Inuyasha and Miroku there already, restraining a frantic woman, shouting feverishly at a tired Farica. Guards stood at the ready, waiting for any signal of sort to escort the woman out of her court, dead or alive.

The woman's face was looking despairingly at Farica, while she clawed at the restraining hands.

Farica, however, looked at her with a drained expression, only listening with half-interest.

"I'm sure your husband has only gone out early; possibly before the crack of dawn. Go back to your home before your children will wonder where you have gone." said Farica solemnly, looking tiredly into the woman's eyes.

"It's-It's not possible!" the woman wailed, and Inuyasha's ears twitched in pain. "MY husband has never failed to wake me up when he gets home! He also never fails to leave without me knowing it in the morning, either!" she slumped, as though in defeat. "I can't rest until I know where he is, and... until he's back safe."

Inuyasha and Miroku let her go, watching her weep on the ground, wrapping her arms around herself, still staring hopefully at Farica.

"Why... How could such a thing happen?" asked Kagome, and everyone else turned to her, signalling her arrival.

"Maybe a demon got to them?" wondered Miroku out loud, and winced as the woman beside him wailed in fear.

Annoyed, Inuyasha covered his ears, moving to stand next to Kagome. "Weren't you listening before, Miroku? The demons that ever do come are known not to be dangerous."

"Then what?" asked Kagome, kneeling next to the woman. "I think we should at least try to find him and see what happened. I wouldn't know what to do if the woman I love disappears, and I don't know where they are." she blushed. Kagome had no doubts as to where that loved one of hers was; he would probably seek out one of his other loved one. No names mentioned, of course.

The woman's crying slowed, and she grasped Kagome's hands, hoping to make sure that she was hearing the truth. Farica, however, just nodded, and her men withdrew, returning to their recent task. Then, she beckoned them inside.

Shippo was waiting with Kirara, who was mewling softly. They were refreshed and ready for another day of searching for Sango.

All plans were on hold as they led the woman in, quickly getting some tea to calm the nerves. She knelt down taking in the tea and she finally settled in.

Farica sat at a table at the end of the room, folding her hands patiently in front of her. Kagome, Inuyasha, and Miroku sat on a table to the opposite of the crying wife, waiting for some sort of answer.

"So, Lady Farica, what do you intend to do with her husband?" asked Miroku, deciding to get on with the point."Surely you plan on doing something?"

Farica sighed, as she mulled things over. "I'm afraid even if I tried, there's not much I can do."

"What?" asked Inuyasha, in confusion. "What do you mean, you can't do anything?"

"It's only by chance that I landed this position anyways. It's also only by luck that no troubles has passed me by; Until now." she replied, looking regretfully at them.

"You should try, it's always worth a try. Surely you don't expect that taking care of a village is easy?" asked Kagome uncertainly. Then, an excited gleam appeared in her eyes. "Say, Inuyasha-"

"What?" snapped the dog demon, resting his head lazily on his arm. "Don't continue, because I know exactly what you're going to say. 'Inuyasha, we should help them out, we can do it, and since you're here, we're sure to get it done! I just know that none of the demons stand a chance against your awesome strenght!' "

"I'm sure Kagome doesn't mean that." said Miroku, laughing at the hanyou.

"Uh, no, not exactly." smiled Kagome. "But it would be good if we could help out-I mean, we are looking for Sango as well, right? It could be sort of like a double search and rescue!"

"Hahaha, if you're talking about Sango, I'm sure she won't need any rescuing-" Miroku stopped short, frowning. "Hang on. Don't you find it weird that both Sango and this man go missing? Not to scare you, or anything, but isn't it a bit weird? Almost on the same day, too."

Inuyasha frowned at this as well. "You know, Miroku, you're right." he stared at them all, watching their faces cast worried expressions despite the bright cheery sunlight that blazed into the room. "This could be worth looking into, especially if it involves jewel shards."

"Wait...Who are you, anyways?" asked Farica, confused.

The group glanced at each other.

"Let's just say that we're on a journey to hunt for the Shikon jewel shards." Kagome replied happily, smiling at the now-silent woman. "We're here to get your husband back."

-

C.A.:Hm, this is really an extra-long chappie, I just had to cut it in half, because I thought it would get too boring if it exceeds a certain length. Well, I'll just stay here and wait for people to say they want the other half...Another pairing is also introduced into the next chapter.

Tries with all her might to prise open Naraku's 'emotion' box with a monkey wrench Alright, an extra long one, just because, well, I did put this off for a while. ; Comments? Now, morolen...Hm... Come to think of it, I think I've seen your review before. I just can't remember where. Ah, the signs of aging. Forgetfulness. Oh, but I remember reading "Soledad" from Thunk. It's one of my favourites. ( Favourites listed on my-eh, Favourites in the profile )

I also apologize, but I completely notice that Kagura so far seems to dominate this...Not what I am intending to do for very long, however, but she plays a part. I don't know how big, honestly. This fic is writing itself. I'm just going along with it.

I don't really like showing Sango as something of a "weak" person, because she is definitely something else other than "weak."

Well, thanks again, and please, read and review!