Inuyasha does not belong to me. Rumiko Takahashi owns the rights. ^_^ Enjoy the story, minna-san!

Sealed Away

Chapter Six

By: Lazuli

lazulidreamer@yahoo.com

               Inuyasha leaned against the wall, watching Kagome sleep. She had finally given in after crying in his arms. His own heart ached at the feeling that the both of them shared. Was it so strange when their souls were intertwined? He loved her—needed to be with her, but she was of the living and he was of the dead. He could feel her pulled to him, bits of her lost in him, some of him lost in her. What was going to happen to them?

               He remembered all to clearly how it ended between him and Kikyo. Four hundred years of pain to live through until Kagome came and started healing him of it. He knew that she held Kikyou’s soul after her dreams started. After he relived the nightmare of his sealing over and over again. He couldn’t find himself to resent her, though. Even dreaming, Kagome saw herself separate from Kikyou. Even though they were so much alike.

               They had both been alone because of something unique about them. Kikyou with her extraordinary miko power, guarding the Shikon no Tama—put her at odds with everyone else. Separated her, worshipped her and saw her as an object claimed by the gods. And she was—only the gods were fit to look upon her. An ordinary man was not allowed that privilege. Why had he been blessed? Why had he been allowed to look upon her, touch her, hold her? And have her return the feelings he had for her? It wasn’t fair for either of them—Kagome was wrong when she talked about Kikyou. They could never be together because there wasn’t the acceptance they needed. They were too different, and neither could be asked to give up their world for the other.

               Kagome—Kagome was shunned because of the power that she held inside of her, because of the Shikon no Tama and the stories that surrounded her because of him. He was the one to blame for her unhappiness. She was connected to him—even know he could feel the tie that bound the two of them together. It was almost visible, tangible. Kagome grew up in a world that he never could have dreamed existed—he had been blind to everything until she was there, until her soul touched his and she let him see through her eyes. He saw her family and friends—the people who loved her and at the same time rejected her. He wanted to protect her, and not just because of the bond they had. He wanted to do it because she was Kagome, and he had grown to know and love Kagome.

               He moved over to her, lightly touching her cheek with the tips of his fingertips, making sure his claws didn’t hurt her. She was the only thing that was real and solid to him. It was as if the rest of the world was a dream, and Kagome was the only link to reality. Why was she still keeping him around? She had the power to destroy him—like he should be destroyed. His soul wasn’t worthy of being attached to hers, but she obviously thought differently with the fierceness that she clung to him. If he closed his eyes and concentrated, he could hear her thoughts whispering at the edge of her mind.

Inuyasha… don’t leave… He started at his name on her mind and stroked her face gently. When had he gotten so protective of her so that even her tears, her sadness bothered him? “Kagome—stupid girl.” He muttered. “You need to be with the living, not the dead, girl.” His words only served to make her more edgy and he sighed her name softly before leaning against the wall again.

**

               Kagome was dreaming of Inuyasha—of how he was before and how he was now. The two separate images merged in her mind, filling it with him. She knew herself as Kikyou more clearly asleep than when she was awake. She knew it and looked at the person she was—and turned away. It dissatisfied her, that she could be such a cold person. Uncaring, unfeeling. No matter what Inuyasha saw in her—he was the one warming her up. He was the one making her care about human feelings, not the other way around. And it was repaid cruelly by the lack of trust that was shown in the end.

               He had been so lonely then—so needing someone that was kind. Through all their conversations of now, she learned of his mother and how she died. Of what he went through alone, pushed away by youkai and humans, instead of accepted by both. How when he heard of the Shikon no Tama, he thought he found a way to be happy, to be accepted. He thought his brother might accept him once he showed his full youkai self. Things ended in tragedy still. He destroyed the rest of his family with his bare hands.

               He was different now—but not so different. He was still hurt—terribly. He died by what he saw betrayal and lack of trust. The lack of trust that had been shown to him his entire life. He trusted her though. Now he trusted her—even though he knew who she was before. He still trusted her, pushed himself closer to her until she wasn’t sure there was a separate part to them anymore. What had he achieved in death that he could not in life? He was bound to a girl even after the jewel had released him. After the spell had played out, by her own fault she bound him to her. She wanted to give him a second chance at life. Not at the old one he had before, but a new one.

               But… she didn’t want him to leave her. She couldn’t stand the thought of him being away from her, even though she knew it wasn’t fair to him to be stuck in the position that he was. She wanted him near her always, but her power would allow her to carry through the wish that was for him. A second chance at life, rebirth—love and trust. She felt the shining power of the jewel within her and she cupped the energy in the palm of her hands. She knew what she wanted to use it for—if only Inuyasha would agree.

               For she wasn’t sure if he wasn’t. He was dead set against her using the jewel, saying it would be better left with her. He didn’t want to hurt her. He didn’t want to risk her soul getting taken into the jewel—and she knew the underlying fear that he had about himself. He didn’t want to be stuck in the same prison as before if the jewel was used on him. She couldn’t blame him—he had been distilled into the pure essence of himself—there was nothing left but the soul she wanted to free. Who knew where it would go?

               But…still… the image of Inuyasha flared before her eyes again, and she bit her lip. She wanted to help him—to make him happy. His dreams couldn’t all come true again—she was sure that was more power than the tiny jewel had. She forcibly pushed herself away, looking at the shimmering image of Inuyasha leaning against the wall, his eyes staring into hers, as if he knew what she had been dreaming about. She shook her head slightly and got out of bed to kneel next to him.

               “We’ll find a way.” She whispered.

**

               The next morning was a holiday from school, so she didn’t have to deal with anyone. She didn’t want to, especially after her report. She looked at Inuyasha and sighed softly. “Inuyasha…don’t dissuade me with this—but I know what I’m going to do with the jewel.”

               Inuyasha’s eyes met hers, wide and startled. “No!” He yelled. “You’re not allowed to use it. I can’t…” He was hushed when Kagome put gentle fingers over his mouth.

               “Inuyasha—we can’t be together like this and I want to make you happy.” She moved away from him, and then stood up, Inuyasha mirroring her movement perfectly. She frowned and tried to get away from him, but he followed her every move.

               “Kagome—I can’t let you hurt yourself like this. Aren’t you even aware of what could happen? I don’t want you hurt!” He exclaimed, holding her close to him. “I don’t want to lose you.” He whispered.

               She looked up at him. “Inuyasha…this isn’t fair to you. You should be able to live—and…and my wish is a good one.” She swallowed painfully. “It will make you so happy…” Her voice broke on the last word, and a few tears slipped down her face.

               “It doesn’t seem to be making you happy.” He muttered, brushing the tears away carefully. “Kagome—you’re hurting—I can feel it. Do you think I can be happy when you’re hurting? Damn it, girl—we’re connected. You can’t just make some stupid wish without thinking of how it’s gonna hurt you.”

               Kagome shook her head. “You’re more important. You deserver this more.” She hesitantly kissed his cheek before pulling away to stare at him. “I can use the jewel without hurting myself. I’m going to use it, Inuyasha.”

               His expression was pained. “I don’t want to lose you.” He murmered again. “I can’t lose you! We’ve been together for too long, Kagome. Please…” His eyes pleaded with her to listen to him, to not do this idiotic thing.

               Biting her lip, she touched his face. “You’ll see, Inuyasha. It’s for the best.” She closed her eyes and cupped her hands in front of her, calling on the power of the jewel. Inuyasha had to back away slightly because of the power that emanated from her. Her whole body seemed alive with burning—white hot flames and tears ran down her face as she tried to keep from crying out.

               Her eyes opened to stare at Inuyasha as she made her wish. “I love you.” She whispered. His shocked gaze was the last thing she saw before he vanished. The power within her vanished as she collapsed to the cold wooden planks of the floor. She was completely alone.

**

**

               Kagome slumped over her desk, eyes shut as the teacher droned on about Japan and the economy. Why is this important again? I don’t really care about the economy or how its going to hell. Argh! I just want this day to be over.

               There were a few glances thrown her way, but nobody even said anything to her anymore. Ever since she made her wish—she fell into a depression. She tried to force herself into cheerfulness, but it was hard and her efforts fell short and it was painfully obvious. At least when she was ‘crazy’ she was happy and cheerful talking to herself. Now it seemed that she had no one to go to. And nobody knew how to deal with that.

               The bell finally ran and signaled the end of class and she listlessly gathered her books and walked quietly out of the classroom, ignoring the other students that had taunted her three months before. She needed to get home—to the sanctuary of her bedroom. There were slight whispers as she hurried down the street, raindrops hitting the ground. She didn’t care…

               An umbrella made its way over her head and she looked up at Hojo, surprised. “Hojo-kun…” Her voice trailed off. He had left her alone since the festival. She wondered he was coming up to her now of all times. Didn’t he sense that she wanted to be alone?

               “Higurashi-san…. You lost him, didn’t you?” His voice was very quiet. Kagome nodded slowly. “He meant a lot to you, I know…” Voice trailing off, he squeezed her hand as he walked her up to her shrine. “Things will get better.” He gave her a winning smile and left quickly, leaving Kagome to stare at him, wondering what that was all about. But strangely enough—Hojo’s words gave her comfort and she found herself smiling as she walked in the door.

**

Seven months later

**

“I’m going to be late!”  Kagome hurried down the street to the library where she was working part time. After Hojo’s unexpected words Kagome had thrown herself headlong into life—not letting it depress her any longer. It hurt still that Inuyasha was no longer with her, but she tried to live in the knowledge that she did the right thing, that he was happy. She freed him from a spell that should have never been placed upon him.

She dreamt about him sometimes—about him, but she knew that he wasn’t in her dreams like before. Coming to a stop in front of the library steps she hurried up them two and three at a time. She hadn’t been late for work ever and didn’t want to make a bad impression now.

Soukano Seirei looked up as she walked in the door, smiling and pointing towards the back room. “You’re just in time.” He mouthed and she smiled gratefully at him as she resumed a more leisurely pace. Seirei went back to his book as Kagome hurried to the back.

Once her lunch break came, Kagome plopped down beside Seirei gratefully. “You’re a lifesaver. I didn’t know where I was supposed to start today.” She handed him a bento box she made for him. “Here’s your payment.” She teased.

He took the proffered meal and chopsticks gratefully. “You are wonderful.” He insisted, eating the rice and rolled omelets—salad and takoyaki. She watched him with amusement as he tore into the meal, propping her chin up with a hand.

“One of these days you have to make lunch for yourself.” She teased. “Or have your mother make it.” He rolled his eyes and continued to eat the meal.

“And pass up your delicious meals?” He asked in horror. “You’re too good at this. I couldn’t give it up.” He finished off the meal and smiled happily at her. “You’re so good to me.” He wiped his mouth clean with the offered napkin and then raised an eyebrow at her. “You’ve hardly touched your meal.”

Kagome blushed and looked down at the lunchbox. “I…I’m not really hungry.” She lied. Seirei fixed her with a look and she had to fight the blush from deepening. “Really, I’m not, Seirei…” Her voice trailed off.

Seirei was looking at her with concern. “Kagome—I know you better then anyone else. If you don’t start eating, I’m going to shove it down your throat and to hell with what people are going to say.” Kagome blinked in surprise for a few moments, knowing that he was capable of carrying out his threat.

She meekly picked a piece of rolled omelet with her chopsticks and started eating. Seirei was staring at her the entire time, not letting his intense gaze off of her until she finished the entire meal.

“You’re pushy.” She muttered. He grinned at tapped her nose. “No, just a concerned friend.”  He pulled the boxes away, stacking the neatly and wrapping them back in the cloth. “Now if you would just do that every day I wouldn’t have to threaten you.”  His eyes danced with amusement as she mock glared at him and took back her bento boxes.

“Seirei….” Her nose wrinkled but she smiled at him. “Thanks for caring.” She said softly. “No one has cared since In—.” Her voice broke off abruptly. “Nevermind. You’re a good friend.” She squeezed his hand gently and moved to go back to the washroom to clean up before going back to work.

Seirei shook his head as he went back to his book. “Kagome…” Seirei did know Kagome better than anybody. He helped cheer her up and make sure that she didn’t fall into the depression she was so prone to. He could easily see it on her face, in her eyes—and his heart went out to her. He wanted to help her—so he took care of her. Even though they were only a year apart, he acted like her big  brother and tried to make her smile and take care of herself by eating or seeing that the world wasn’t a horrible place, even if you lost someone close to you.

**

Note-- Soukano Seirei—basic meaning is ‘lost soul/spirt”