The Race For Kagome
By: LadySol
Rating: R
Disclaimer: I think this goes without saying, I don't own Inuyasha and Co. although I do own the good ol' boyz Korii, Mael, and Kentai and the Lady Maekomari. You may borrow them if you so wish, all I require is recognition, so don't go stealin' and claimin' em as yerz! Got that!? Umm, okay point made. Anyway, enjoy the ficcy.
Chapter 11: Inuyasha, My Submissive
Okay, she didn't exactly lie to him, so why was she feeling so guilty?
"Maybe because he poured his heart out to you and you didn't tell him about Tetsusaiga." Kagome grumbled at herself.
"You say somethin', momma?" Shippo peeked up from the hole he had begun digging. The adorable little kit was already up to his head. Kagome giggled and shook her head.
"No, Shippo. Have you reached the other end of the world yet?" Shippo beamed.
"Nope! Not yet! But, I think my technique is improving. Maybe I'll get there before we head out again!" Kagome smiled and Shippo resumed digging. Inuyasha certainly did have a way with children. Inuyasha had gone somewhere with Miroku and hadn't wanted Shippo to tag along. At mention of how Inuyasha bet Shippo couldn't dig through to the other end of the world by the time he was back. The kit had a mission. Kagome was grateful the dirt was flying elsewhere then at her as well. Something tickled Kagome's nose and she looked up from her entertaining son. It smelled like...Honey. Yes, honey and a little bit of cinnamon. It was Sango! Kagome turned in time to see said demon slayer approaching with a solemn look on her face. Kagome stood.
"Sango, are you okay? Is something the matter?" Sango smiled hesitantly, almost nervous.
"Of course not, Kagome. Please sit." What was wrong? Why was Sango being so formal?
"Kagome, Miroku and I reached a decision while we were walking." Kagome stiffened.
"Oh? What decision." Sango folded her hands in her lap.
"Well, we're pretty sure that for now, our journey with you has ended." Kagome jumped as if doused in ice water.
"What!? What do you mean? You're leaving?!?" Sango bit her lip fidgeting. It was entirely out of character for the calm and composed young lady Kagome had come to know.
"No, Kagome. You're leaving...With Inuyasha. Miroku and I are staying here." Kagome felt her eyes begin to well up.
"But why? You're not mad at me or Inuyasha are you?" Sango chuckled softly.
"Of course not. But, it's obvious that what's happened to you and what happened between you and Inuyasha...Well, it's a bigger role then Miroku and I agree we were meant to play." Kagome was now standing up, her fists clenched at her sides.
"So you're leaving me b-because I'm a d-d-demon?" She couldn't help the stuttering sobs that escaped her. Shippo had stopped digging and was peering warily from his hole, his little fox tail tucked between his legs. Sango stood up and wrapped her arms around her friend tightly.
"Yes. Kami help us, Kagome, yes! Miroku and I love you but we can't help you battle Naraku if we're killed in our sleep by some demon who would rape you. Whatever it's going to take to keep you safe, we know Inuyasha will do it. But, Kagome, we can't protect you if we get between you and Inuyasha. Please understand." Kagome didn't say anything, she just clung tighter, burying her face in Sango's robes.
"Inuyasha will return to us when it's time for the battle, but now is the time for you and your mate to find one another." Kagome felt Sango lowering them to the ground.
"My mate? But Inuyasha..."
"Inuyasha loves you, cares for you even, but can he be the demon you need?" Kagome pulled away.
"What are you saying, Sango?" Sango's face was streaked lightly with tears.
"Inuyasha will always be like family to me, but so will you. I need to know my baby sister has someone who can not only protect her, but control her as well." Kagome pushed out of her friend's arms.
"Control me? I don't want-"
"You may not want it, but you need it. Kagome, I've spent almost all my life studying demons. A young demon who has no master to keep it's power in check is like a misguided arrow. Usually a demon's parents reign their offspring until they're old enough to take control of the potent Youkai emotions. Then they find their mate. You're old enough, Kagome, but you've no parents and no one to reign you." Kagome wiped away her tears angrily.
"You're wrong! Inuyasha is perfect! He's all I need!" Kagome received a hard slap across the face.
"Snap out of it, Kagome! You're going to put everyone in danger if you don't come out of this delusion! I know Inuyasha is strong, but he's not as strong as you!" Kagome glared.
"What do you want me to do, Sango!? Run to Sesshomaru!?" Kagome received a blank stare and silence.
"Oh my god! You do, don't you? You want me to give myself to someone like Sesshomaru!" Sango twisted her kimono in her hands.
"Kagome, think about it. Between the two of you Inuyasha has always been the submissive. Perhaps not in power but the Hanyou is so infatuated with you he'd do anything for you. A real mate knows when to put his foot down. If you plan on surviving to fight Naraku you need someone who can claim you and protect you not only from other demons, but from yourself." Sango leaned over and hugged Kagome tightly again.
"Please don't think I can abandon you, that's not it." Kagome nodded.
"I-I guess I u-understand, I mean you have to stay alive for Kohaku. And Miroku needs to stay a-alive period." Sango took Kagome's face in her hands.
"Promise me you'll find someone to protect you, Kagome? Even if it means leaving Inuyasha?" Kagome let out a sob. Hundreds of people could die if she didn't find a true mate. Youkai would literally tear through the country side and villages looking for the creature that would give them immortality. Kagome couldn't have that blood on her hands.
"I promise, Sango. I promise."
