Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha

Chapter 2: Her Hero

11 years later...

Inuyasha was awaiting the arrival of Kikyo. She would be here soon. He ran loftily through the grass to find some flowers for Kikyo. Inuyasha sniffed at a purple one he had just picked up. He dropped the flower with a distasteful grunt. He gazed around him. All of the flowers were the same. He plopped down on the lush grass. He was about to lay his hand down when something caught his eye. It was a beautiful golden flower. He didn't know how he had missed it before. He sniffed it. Smiling with approval, he picked the flower.

"Darn it." he said realizing that Kikyo would be there any minute. He rushed to their meeting spot. He sat waiting. He began to grow worried. Something was happening that had never happened in eleven years. Kikyo was late.

A bad feeling grew in the pit of his stomach. Was she okay? Would he have to go to the village? Making his desicion he tucked the golden flower into his clothes where it wouldn't be harmed. He dashed off. Not too long after his hard running he heard voices. Running in the direction of them, he picked up speed. Kikyo's beautiful scent became evident. So did another familiar scent. One of the scents he could not, however, recognise. Crouching as though not to be seen he watched the scene. Kikyo was held back, pinned to a rock by the foul smelling flowers. They were alive! Or were they? The more Inuyasha looked he saw that the floweres were not alive. They were being controlled by an evil looking woman.

"Tsubaki," Kikyo said quite calmly, "Do you really think that you can beat me with flowers? You will not get the Shikon no Tama from me."

"Hah. Don't make me laugh Kikyo.You think you can stop me." Tsubaki cried with a swift movement of her hands. Suddenly the flowers began to multiply and swarm over Kikyo. There was a flash of brilliant light followed by injured screams.

"The Jewel will be mine." Tsubaki said triumphantly. A grin spread across her face. There was no way Kikyo could keep the jewel from her.

Inuyasha who had sat quiet through all of this was about to jump from his cover to help Kikyo. Something told him not to however. He was about to find out why. The earth began to tremble as the roots of the purple flowers began to rot.

Tsubaki's grin faded from her face. "What is happening?!"

Soon all around flowers were laying rotted. Kikyo was nowhere to be seen. Suddenly she appeared in front of Tsubaki.

"I told you that flowers could not stop me. You foul wretch." Kikyo said. She notched an arrow into he bow and shot. Her aim was true. Peirced by an arrow Tsubaki fell. Kikyo turned her back on the fallen body.

Inuyasha ran over to Kikyo who was beginning to fatigue due to her overuse of spiritual power.

"Kikyo, I was so worried- I mean I didn't know what had happened to you."

"So you were watching that whole time and you didn't help me?" Kikyo asked sounding outraged.

"Uhhh, I knew you could handle it yourself."

Kikyo began laughing. "It's okay Inuyasha. She wasn't even a worthy opponent. However..." They sat down to rest against a tree trunk. Inuyasha moved closer to Kikyo. The air around them was cool and refreshing. Night was beginning to fall. Finally curiosity got the better of Inuyasha.

"Kikyo, it may not be any of my business but what is the Shikon no Tama?"

"I was expecting you to ask that question sooner. Anyway it is a very powerful jewel. Put into the wrong hands could cast the world into darkness. Put into the right hands it could be purified. That is my job. To protect and to purify the jewel. It has, as you have seen, put me into danger. I can protect myself from many things but not all. I have a favor to ask of you Inuyasha."

"Yes Kikyo,"

"Will you come with me on my journey to purify the jewel. You can help me protect it. I have heard of a great Temple in the west. The temple holds the Sacred Fire of Midoriko. It is a long journey but I trust that you will accompany me." Kikyo's tone was that of sincerity.

"Yes Kikyo I shall accompany you. I will be with you through every step of the way. I will be the one to protect you. Count on me Kikyo."

"Oh thank you Inuyasha, your my hero."

Inuyasha pulled out the flower he had picked. Kikyo took it in her hands hugging it gently. She looked at Inuyasha. Inuyasha gazed back. They sat staring at each other for a few moments before Inuyasha grabbed Kikyo gently placing his lips on hers. Chills ran down her spine. She wasn't sure if she liked this or not. She decided she did. She felt his tongue delve deeper into her mouth. She let him. Finally they broke the kiss and began to pack for their journey each vowing to follow each other to the very end.

I hope you have enjoyed my story so far. The real adventure begins here.