Separation
By: SlayerSango23

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters.

A/N: You all have been so patient! I apologize for the inexcusably long delay... For one, I had quite a difficult time with this chapter, and the next will be even more difficult...but I will do my best to get it done as soon as I can. It shouldn't be as long as last time! This chapter is a little angsty and pretty fluffy... I have been in fluff mode lately, for some reason. But anyway, you have been warned! ;)
Hope you enjoy, and please review!

Chapter Eight: Realizations and a Potential Solution

"Aye, Kagome. I see what ye mean."

"Then Sango does carry the Sacred Jewel inside her body?"

Kaede gave a pensive nod. "It would seem that way."

"But how can that be?" she exclaimed.

Kagome, Inuyasha, and Kaede sat in Kaede's hut. They had explained the strange turn of events to the priestess, though she hadn't needed Kagome's input to realize the presence of the Sacred Jewel. She felt it immediately upon coming into contact with Sango.

"It has to be that bastard Naraku behind it!" Inuyasha suddenly barged into the conversation, having been listening silently from across the room up until that point.

Kaede glanced at the exasperated hanyou. "I know not how this transpired, but I do know that I sense the nearly whole jewel coming from inside Sango's body."

Kagome still couldn't believe all of this. "But how could the jewel have gotten inside of Sango, Kaede?"

"I fear that Inuyasha may be right. It may indeed be the demon Naraku responsible for this," she stated somberly.

Inuyasha scowled.

"Ye say that ye destroyed him?" Kaede turned to Inuyasha.

"We were finishing him off for good, and he fell off the cliff, taking Sango with him. But when I searched the bottom of the cliff I found no trace of either Sango or Naraku... Then, a few days later she just showed up back in her village. And I haven't picked up Naraku's scent anywhere..."

Kaede appeared to have had a sudden thought. "As much as I hate to say this, I fear that it may be possible Naraku is using Sango's body to sustain his life."

Kagome gasped. It can't be! Oh, poor Sango! How can we break this news to her?

"Using Sango's body, Kaede? Are you saying that Naraku may somehow be hiding out in Sango's body in order to heal himself?"

Kaede nodded. "Aye, tis possible. He may have merged with her when they fell. His body was likely destroyed."

Inuyasha had been momentarily stunned, but his anger was quickly returning. His knuckles were turning white from clenching his fists.

"Damn that parasitic bastard!"

Kagome shot him a glance. "Inuyasha, calm down. This isn't helping." She turned back to Kaede. "So then, you think that Sango survived the fall because of Naraku...?"

Kaede nodded. "Naraku may indeed have rescued her for the purpose of using her body."

"Well, at least she's alive... So, you think the Sacred Jewel merged into her when Naraku did?"

"Aye. Or perhaps...Naraku has found some way to enter the jewel itself..."

Inuyasha and Kagome could hardly believe their ears. Still, Naraku's abilities never failed to astound them.

"Kaede, what will happen to Sango if Naraku is inside the jewel in her body?" She fidgeted nervously with her collar.

"Hm. Were a human to possess a single shard of the jewel, his or her natural strength and physical abilities would certainly increase. And possessing such a large portion of the jewel, as Sango does, there is no doubt she will be far more powerful than she was before."

"Will Sango be able to handle the Sacred Jewel's power?" Kagome asked, deeply concerned.

"Sango is likely battling the effects of the jewel's power. Though she is neither demon nor a wicked human, Sango does lack the spiritual power and discipline of a trained priestess, so the jewel could easily become tainted and overcome her."

Oh, Sango...

"What about Naraku? If he is inside of the jewel in Sango's body, can he control her?" Inuyasha jumped in once more.

"Tis possible. He may very well use his demonic influence and the power of the Sacred Jewel to make suggestions to Sango. We can only hope that he is currently too weakened for such things... Though, I fear he may attempt to call other demons and may harm Sango in the process."

Inuyasha clenched more tightly. Damn him to hell!

Naraku's continuous deceptions were too much for Inuyasha to bear, especially when they affected those he cared for.

We can't allow that to happen! Kagome was determined, yet fearful. There has to be something we can do!

"Another thing," Kaede began. "If Naraku has entered the Sacred Jewel, then he is undoubtedly battling..."

"The priestess Midoriko!" Kagome nearly shouted.

"Aye. So, he may very well have his hands full. Even so, Priestess Midoriko is likely struggling as well, continuing her battle with the other demons and now with Naraku, as well."

"We have to get Naraku and that jewel out of her! Then Sango and Midoriko won't have to battle with him, and I can finally finish him off! How can we do it, Kaede?" Inuyasha shouted, with renewed confidence.

"Inuyasha, tis not so simple."

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"What could they be talking about in there, Miroku?" Sango asked, as she leaned against a tree outside Kaede's hut.

"Maybe it's a surprise to welcome you back, Sango!" Shippo chimed cheerfully from atop her shoulder.

Sango gave the small fox child a smile.

"If so, why would they be excluding us, Shippo?" Miroku pointed out.

"Yeah, you're right! I wonder what it could be then..."

"Only one way to find out." She headed toward the hut.

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Sango entered Kaede's hut, Shippo still on her shoulder, and Miroku following close behind. The trio walked in just in time to hear Kaede suggest that perhaps she and Miroku could do something.

"Please, do whatever is necessary, Kaede," Sango calmly stated. Her resolve was strong, her expression completely serious, but her eyes begged to be free of all this.

"Sango..." Kagome hadn't expected her, but it couldn't be delayed any longer.

"It's Naraku, isn't it?" Sango asked.

Kaede nodded. "Tis likely." She then went on to explain her theory to Sango and the others. Afterward, all remained silent for a moment and looked to Sango.

She was deep in thought, having taken up residence alone in a corner. She hugged her knees against her chest. I had a feeling...

Miroku gazed at her sorrowfully. It pained him so to think of her being in this situation. Her expression was blank, and he could tell that she was attempting to keep her composure and summon all her strength. Yet, he knew that inside she was not feeling so confident. He knew this was one of her worst fears and that Sango would rather die than be Naraku's puppet. He feared the ramifications of her hearing such news... After all, she had tried to "free" her brother before from Naraku's grasp... Would she consider suicide again? He desperately hoped she would not try something so foolish. Surely she would not... Surely she could not do such a thing to him!

He mentally berated himself for his selfish thought. It was her he should be considering, not himself. He should not even be thinking such things!

"Sango, there may be a solution." Kaede began.

Sango looked up and met her gaze.

"Perhaps Miroku and I could exorcize the demonic presence from you..."

"Do you really think you could, Kaede?"

"I know not, but tis possible. Miroku, would ye assist me?"

Miroku looked to Sango and felt encouraged.

"I will do whatever it takes to free Sango."

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Shippo, Kagome, and Inuyasha helped Kaede gather the necessary herbs she needed. Miroku had stayed with Sango. She remained in the corner of Kaede's hut. Miroku had begun to pace, but at Sango's behest he'd stopped. He now meditated near her.

"Sango, are you sure you want to go through with this?" he asked when he finally spoke.

"Of course. I'm willing to try anything."

"It may be painful," he said.

She couldn't understand why he was treating her so delicately and tiptoeing around the issue. Did he think her too weak to deal with all this?

"Pain doesn't concern me. I have experienced pain before..."

He gazed at her sadly, knowing all too well the physical and emotional trauma she'd suffered. He wished she hadn't had to experience it and hated being the cause of further pain...

"What does concern me," she continued, "is the thought of harming any one of you... I don't think I could live with myself, and being a slave to Naraku's whims...that is a fate worse than death to me."

It was just as he had suspected. Still, death being preferred or not, he couldn't allow it... He'd thought he lost her once, and it had nearly destroyed him. His training had taught him to accept death as a natural part of life, yet he felt he could never accept the loss of Sango. She was one earthly possession he knew he could never renounce.

"Miroku, do you think this will work?" Her resolve was slowly fading, only to reveal uncertainty, great anxiety, and a hint of fear.

He didn't know how to answer. Were it any normal demon, he felt confident he could drive it from her, but this was no ordinary demon, and now they were dealing with the powers of a very near completed Sacred Jewel.

"I hope so, Sango," he replied, knowing it would not be very encouraging.

She simply nodded and turned away. "Well, if it comes down to it, please don't hesitate to..."

Miroku interrupted her. "To what, Sango?" He almost seemed angry at the insinuation.

She looked at him for a moment. "To stop me. By whatever means necessary. If Naraku takes control..."

"Sango, do you actually think I could harm you?"

She grinned. Miroku, don't be a fool...

"Do you actually think I could live with myself if I harmed you? Or any of the others? I would welcome death readily before that!"

"I'm not going to allow you to die, Sango, so stop talking that way. And you need not fear for us, either. That being said, I want you to promise me something..."

"Name it."

"I want you to promise me that you're going to fight this with me. I want you to promise not to give up..."

Her eyes never left his. She knew she would fight with all that she had, but how far could she allow it to go? Would she have any options? So far, things had seemed normal, aside from the visions. But how long would it last? Was Naraku simply waiting around for the opportune moment?

She recalled what Midoriko had said, and her words coupled with the thought of Miroku and the others by her side brought renewed hope. Midoriko was battling with all her might, and her friends were doing all in their power to free her, as well. She couldn't disappoint them. With every last ounce of her strength, she would fight his influence.

"I promise."

Miroku seemed satisfied; he moved closer until he was mere inches away, and he put an arm around her shoulders. He added slight pressure with his fingertips, coaxing her to lean against him. She obliged, lowering her head to his shoulder. She closed her eyes, wishing time would stand still...

He turned to place a kiss upon the top of her head, then leaned his head against hers. Miroku began running his fingers tenderly up and down her lean, muscular arm.

"Sango," Miroku began, almost inaudibly, as if he suspected she'd fallen asleep.

"Hm?" she mumbled peacefully.

"You know that I meant everything...when I asked you..."

She opened her eyes and looked up at him. She gazed into his for a moment.

"Yes, I know that you did."

He looked at her somberly, his emotions threatening to get the better of him.

He couldn't lose her again... "Sango, when I thought that you were..."

But she didn't allow him to continue. "Miroku, it's ok. I'm alive. There's no need to talk of such things..."

She wasn't sure why she didn't allow him to finish. Was she simply trying to reassure him and calm that emotionally unstable look in his eyes? Perhaps she didn't want to know how he'd reacted to her apparent death.

And she still didn't know how all this would turn out. It wasn't over yet. She felt as though it would be wrong to allow him to pour his heart out when they might simply be separated again.

But often times, few words needed to be exchanged between the lovers. They'd been through so much together. They'd traveled hundreds of miles next to one another, fought side-by-side in a countless number of battles, risked their lives for one another on so many occasions... And they knew one another. They understood one another, perhaps better than anyone..

They had reached the point where words were no longer necessary.

End of Chapter

Review Responses:

Falln4DarkAngel: Thank you so much! Yes, how could I just kill her off just like that?

Hopeless-Savage: Glad you liked it. Yes, I thought it would be an interesting concept. Thanks for saying the part with Inuyasha was perfect! I had a little difficulty with that part.

Mizuumi13: Yeah, glowing flesh...I know...maybe that didn't come out right, but you know how Kagome sees the "glow" of the jewel when someone has one in them... Also, 'ano' may not have been translated exactly right, but it is more of an interjection like that. 'It'll be ok' would actually be Daijobu-desu (Don't worry/That's ok, so something similar to that). In regard to monks supposed to be "free from the sin of intoxication," since when does Miroku act EXACTLY as a monk should? And you have to remember two things 1) He obviously does drink (watch the first episode he was in), and 2) The guy is grief-stricken! Who is to say how he would act if he lost something so precious... He may not be completely strong and monk-like. Grief does funny things to people. Finally, I know part of Miroku's character is the lecher, but there is obviously more to him, deep-down. I think it is entirely possible he could restrain himself when the situation called for it. Sorry for the confusing-ness, and I hope you liked this chapter!

Demon Exterminator Barbie: Thank you! I'm glad Inuyasha wasn't OOC. Wasn't the third movie great? And yeah, I watched it in Japanese first, too.

bestofbothworlds: Thank you. More Inuyasha challenges to come, especially when I start writing some stories focused more on him, which I plan to do.

x0ChibbiNekoMouse0x: Thank you so much! Glad you like my portrayal of the characters. I feel as though I have a good handle on them, but putting that into words is another thing... Sorry about the cliffies... As a fellow reader, I ABSOLUTELY understand your frustration... I honestly don't purposely try and be super evil with them... I usually just end a chapter when I feel like I am at a good stopping point, where a transition is needed. Or else, when I run out of ideas for the time being. I know this chapter was kind of a semi-cliffie, but I want to get the exorcism perfect, so I apologize. Hope you enjoyed anyway, and hope to hear from you! Bai bai!