I'm glad more people are liking my story. I hope I don't let you down! I don't own Inuyasha. . . .

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Chapter 6: I want to be your hero

Inuyasha was walking in the forest with his mother. His mother had a sad and worried face. She usually did.

"Why are you sad mother?" Inuyasha asked that question a lot, but he never got an answer.

"I'm not sad. How can I be on such a beautiful day and with you by me?" She answered smiling.

"Why are we walking in the forest today mother?"

"I thought it would be nice to visit the lake. We haven't been there in awhile, have we?"

"No, we haven't. You really like the lake, don't you mother?"

"Yes. I do."

"Why?"

"Oh, I guess a lot of reasons. Water is refreshing, isn't it? And so beautiful when it is calm. Like a giant mirror. Does that make me vain? Going to the lake to see my reflection?" She asked teasingly.

"You mother? Never!" Inuyasha shouted back, causing his mother to giggle.

"Thank you. Did you know that I met your father by the lake?"

"No."

"One day I went to visit the lake. I sat in my favorite tree and just stared and dreamed all day. But when the sun was setting, I had to make myself go home. I didn't really want to leave, but I had to, before my family worried. On my way back, a demon attacked me. I would have died for sure, if your father hadn't shown up."

"And you fell in love?"

"Yes. He was my hero. I think a girl has trouble not falling in love with her hero."

"Why?"

"You know, for a half dog demon, you're being really curious." his mother teased him.

"Mother, why?" Inuyasha pressed.

"I don't think anyone really knows. They have ideas and guesses, but no one really knows."

"When will we see father again?"

"I don't know." she answered, looking at the sky, searching for the answer herself.

"Well then, until he returns, I'll be your hero!"

Inuyasha's mother looked at him and giggled, "You don't have to do that."

"But why not?"

Inuyasha looked at his mother. They had come to the lake clearing and were standing there. Inuyasha's mother looked at him and then pulled him into a tight hug.

"Because I already love you. And I have my hero. But there's a girl out there that needs a hero. And there will be a time when you come into her life. Because you'll be destined to be her hero."

She let him go and walked up to the lake. Inuyasha started to follow, but yelled in surprise.

"What's the matter Inuyasha?" his mother asked.

"It's nothing. . .but. . .my face is getting yet and I haven't even touched the water.

Inuyasha's mother smiled.

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Inuyasha opened his eyes to see Inuki's snout in his face.

"Stop licking my face!" Inuyasha yelled, pushing Inuki away. Inuki, satisfied that Inuyasha was awake, went over to the lake and started to drink next to Kirara.

Inuyasha sat there for a few minutes, remembering his dream. Then went over next to the drinking creatures and cupped his hands and gathered some water.

"You don't know how refreshing." he muttered before splashing his face. Looking up at the sky, he let his mind wonder. His dream reminded him of Kikyo. "I wasn't much of a hero, was I?" he asked the pup who ignored him and continued drinking. "I just hope that's changed."

Kirara looked up and stared at Inuyasha. He looked at her.

"Let's go back to Kaede's. Maybe we'll find some food."

Inuyasha started to walk away with Kirara. After a few seconds, Inuki realized that they were leaving and ran to catch up.

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When they got inside, Inuyasha sniffed out some food in Kagome's backpack. Luckily it wasn't to deep, so she couldn't accuse him of rummaging through her stuff. He and Inuki were the only ones to eat. Kirara just went over and laid down by the wall. After eating their fill, they joined Kirara by the wall. Inuyasha sat there and stared into the dying fire.

"What are ye doing up this early?" Kaede spoke from the doorway.

"Huh? Oh, it's just you. Did you get the map done?"

"Aye. I finished the map. I was just bringing it and Kagome's book to put with her stuff she left in here. That way, they'll have everything together, and won't need me."

"What do you mean?"

Kaede chuckled, "I mean, I just stayed up all night and am exhausted. I doubt anyone would be able to wake me up. And if ye should leave while I'm still sleeping, I wish ye all good luck, and I shall be praying for success. But I will also continue looking for a substitute Nashinka herb."

Kaede covered her mouth that went into a big yawn and she left to her room for a well deserved rest.

Inuyasha went back to watching the fire die.

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Sango was the first to wake. After making breakfast and finding the map, she went to wake everyone else. They had planned to leave as soon as possible. After eating and re-packing everything, Kirara transformed and everyone climbed on. Shippo wasn't about to cry, so instead, he cheered for them to be victorious in their findings. Inuki didn't really know what was going on, but when he tried to chase after the flying Kirara to have Shippo hold him back and tell him that he couldn't go, Inuki started to whimper.

"It's alright Inuki. They'll be back soon." Shippo said positively, still fighting back the tears himself. "Come one Inuki, let's go see if anyone needs our help. After all, that's why we stayed behind! And since Kaede is sleeping, let's go offer our services to those in need!"

Inuki barked in agreement, and they both ran around the village to see if anyone needed their help.