Disclaimer: The characters of Inuyasha are owned by Rumiko Takahashi, but this story belongs to me. Parts of this story are based on my true events.

When the Rain Fell

Chapter Four: And the Rain Kept Falling

The rain whipped around her, stinging her skin as Kagome held her brother close. He, in turn, held Boyu's cage to his chest as tightly as he could. No words came to her as she watched solemnly as her mother comforted her grandfather across from them. Never had he seemed quite so old and frail.

Where were they going? Would they ever see home again?

The boat slowly passed over the roof of her neighbor's car, Kagome's heart beat harder as her eyes refused to close to the horror.

She wanted Inuyasha.

The family rode in silence across the water, the whipping wind and the beating water the only sounds around. Other families in other boats were heading in the same direction. A few people were swimming, one man was swimming with his large golden dog next to him. Kagome smiled at that.

"Someone will take you to shelter up ahead," the man steering the boat finally said. "We need to get back out there."

"Thank you," Kagome's mother said loudly over the wind, "Thank you so much." The rest of the family echoed their thanks.

Kagome helped Souta out of the boat, then climbed out with a splash. It was only at that moment that she realized that her entire family was still in their pajamas. Then again, so were most of the people in the boats. She supposed it was better than a skirt. With a sigh she picked up the bag they managed to pack and followed after her family.

The family of four (and the cat) stood feeling lost and alone in the rain.

"Where do we go, Mama?"

"I'm not sure, Souta, dear."

Kagome looked around. Shelter from the rain would be a good start. The guy from the boat said someone would take them to shelter. But who?

Suddenly a man took the bag from Kagome's hand. The young miko spun around and grabbed it back.

"Hey!"

"Follow me!" he said with a smile.

Feeling a bit ashamed for her initial reaction, Kagome let go of the bag and followed with the rest of her family. Another person came to help Mama with the cooler, and yet another came with a blanket for Grandpa. Souta, however, refused to give up Buyo's carrier. After walking some distance people started coming out with umbrellas for the people coming from the boats. Garages were opening to shelter people from the storm. Kagome and her family were brought into one the open garage shelters.

Kagome nearly cried at the kindness, but fear and weariness eclipsed all other emotions.

"Oh, you poor dears!" said a warm voice.

Towels were handed out. Kagome gratefully took one. She wished she could remember the woman's face, but she was so cold and exhausted, all she could do was sit on the floor and try to find some warmth. Souta sat next to her. Mama and Grandpa soon followed, Boyu's cage never out of touching range. Together they huddled for warmth and comfort.

A television was on in the back playing news about the storm. Voices chattered about when the next truck was coming to take refugees to the shelter. The shelters are filling up. There's no room. The truck isn't big enough for everyone. Has anyone seen this girl's family? She lost her family! The road is closed. The water is too deep! We can't get through. He tried to swim back. Wires fell, electrocuted. Trapped in an attic, drowned. They found a body. Lost. Drowned. Dead.

Kagome covered her ears and dropped her head to her raised knees. She wanted Inuyasha. She wanted his courage and his strength. She was scared.

"Are we going to die?" came a trembling whisper?

Kagome sharply inhaled, then bonked her head on her brother's.

"Of course not!" she said. Then she shook her head, sprinkling him with rain water, giving her an excuse to wipe her face of tears. "We are made of stronger stuff than that! Don't you remember those fierce warrior moves Inuyasha taught you?"

Souta laughed, "Yeah!" He made an attempt at Blades of Blood that had Kagome patting his head.

"Last truck!"

Kagome looked up and met her Mama's scared eyes. Together they stood and walked to the truck, trying their best to keep Grandpa out of the rain. He had been silent so far and it had been very worrying. He was NEVER silent.

"Sorry Ma'am, there's only room for two."

"Kagome..." Mama's voice trembled.

"We all go," Kagome said." She looked at the small dark space that was the compartment in the back of the truck where he would likely be storing Buyo and other items. Then she looked at the man with the truck. "My brother and I can ride in the back."

"Not safe, kid."

Kagome continued to look at the man. "My brother and I will ride in the back." Then she paused, closed her eyes, and bowed to him gratefully. "Thank you."

He rolled his head from side to side, then opened up the tailgate and waved her in. It was dark, it smelled, and there might have been other living things in there... but she wasn't about to let her family get separated.

"You're almost as brave as Inuyasha," Souta whispered.

"Keh," Kagome giggled.

They smiled at each other and rode the rest of the way in silence.

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Kagome.

She was everything to him.

She needed him.

Please don't separate us now.

Inuyasha punched the ground, furious at the barrier keeping him from his mate.

Of course, he knew she was his mate. He probably always knew. Since the first time she looked him in the eyes and smiled. The first time she took his clawed hand in her soft fragile hand. She gave him her absolute trust.

She didn't see just a man.

Or just a demon.

She just saw Inuyasha.

And right now, she needed him.

SO START WITH THE MAGIC ALREADY, WELL!

Inuyasha growled.

They were connected by more than magic.

Their souls were connected.

And right now, his soul needed hers to keep him from turning into a demon that would bring FIRE DOWN FROM THE HEAVENS AND RAZE THIS WORLD TO ASH... oh... the ground is giving!

Hang on Kagome!

I'm on my way!

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Author's Note:

When the men in the boats came to take us away, I didn't know if I would ever see my home again. Staying calm to catch a cat while you are panicking is very difficult, by the way. Since I have more than one I had to make sure I caught the more skittish one first.

I remember being stunned at seeing the best in people. Strangers helping strangers.

One thing I left out was that a cameraman approached me as I stepped off the boat and asked if he could interview me. I said no in a rather horrified voice. Then he apologized and moved on to the next person.