Before the Oncoming Storm

By Zaru

Summary: The great Inutaisho has returned full force from the world of spirits. He follows the scent of his youngest son only to become mesmerized by the sweet scent of Sesshomaru's ward left behind in the village.

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. It was created by Rumiko Takahashi.

A/n: This is chapter 2! Yay! It's short but I hope you like it. XD

Chapter 2~~~~~~

There were on the outskirts of the village, Rin staring at the flowers in her hand. Why would her lord lie to her as he did? Inutaisho, the father of her savior, was here standing before her in the flesh with naught a scar upon his being. At least from what she could tell. Supposedly dead and dust by now he was not. Surely there was some questions to be asked.

Inutaisho just glanced down at her. What could this little one be thinking? He wondered. He wanted to ask her, but thought it would invade personal thoughts. Sighing, he resorted to sitting on the grass, waiting for her to continue doing something.

"Lord Sesshomaru spoke to me of your death, Lord Inutaisho. But how can it be that you are here?" Was her little question.

The dog demon, although resting comfortably, stood once again and smiled. "Rin, I would very much like to tell you of how I am here, but at this moment, I wish to meet with my son Inuyasha. Will you still help me?"

With a small smile, she nodded. "I sure will." Grabbing his hand, she led the rest of the way into the village, hoping her fellow villagers would not be frightened of such a handsome demon.

Inuyasha shook his head. "The pearl. Why would they want that? It's father's gravesite. To take such a thing from me. It's become personal." His clawed hand fisted tightly as he shook slightly. "When I find whoever took it, they'll pay with their own lives. I swear it."

Kaede shook her head. "Before ye get yourself into trouble, Inuyasha, perhaps ye should worry about the demon which young Rin is bringing within our village." The old woman pointed a shaky finger toward the entrance.

Everybody stopped speaking, their eyes seeking out whatever Kaede was pointing to. There, coming from over a small hill, was Rin smiling, her hand wrapped together with a big demon who, Inuyasha thought, resembled Sesshomaru a lot.

"Inuyasha, who is that?" Kagome asked, not sure if her husband knew the demon or not. He seemed kind enough not to harm anybody if he was laughing along with the little teenager. "He seems familiar somehow."

The half-demon shook his head. It couldn't be, could it? And if it was, how? How was it possible? The first real time he saw that demon was after the battle with the demon sword Sou'unga, but only appearing in a blinding light almost fading. Was his father truly alive?

"No. There's no way." He whispered.

The pregnant priestess tilted her head, staring at Inuyasha. "What's wrong, Inuyasha?"

"He's dead. He's got to be dead!" His voice rose a few octaves before he leaped into the air, landing gracefully in front of the incoming pair. "Who are you supposed to be? Why are you in this village?"

Rin gasped in surprise. Inuyasha's sudden appearance halted her movements. "You scared me!"

Instinctively, Inutaisho pulled the young Rin behind him, brows narrowing at the interloper who dared disturb their short journey into the village.

"Who are you scaring a young human?" He demanded.

"Rin knows me, demon. Hand her over to me now." The half-breed wasn't quite sure if this was truly his father. He didn't know his scent, so it was hard to be sure.

Sighing, the girl moved away from her new friend, hands up in defense so Inuyasha wouldn't make any sudden movements. "Lord Inuyasha, please. He is not a bad demon. He knows Lord Sesshomaru. And you. He claims to be your father. Isn't that right, Lord Inutaisho?"

Inuyasha growled a little. Could he trust this was possible? Was this really his father? "I don't trust you. Even if you say you are my father, I will not admit to it until I have proof."

Inutaisho's amber eyes averted, peering out the corner. "Perhaps proof is right here."

Sesshomaru was on his way to see Rin whom he hadn't seen for a long time. Since he was done patrolling the Western Lands, he figured dropping in on his young charge would make her happy. Although he would never admit it, seeing her always wanted to put a smile on his face. But he never showed it. Just in his mind the smile was from ear to ear. Her cheery disposition was among the many reasons he kept her with him after such a long time.

With Jaken holding the paper package of the demon lord's gift to Rin, he was ready to make an appearance. Unfortunately, he wondered lately if bringing kimonos as gifts to his lovable ward was enough for her? In the past when he did show up at the village to visit, a gift was always thrown into her arms bringing her smile forth. But his time with her was so short as the demands of those living within his lands kept him away for so long. But this time, he would make time. He would make his stay at least a few days before leaving again. Sesshomaru was sure it would make her happy.

As he and his servant made way, a very familiar scent filled his nostrils bringing his demon forth and halting. Jaken kept walking, bumping into Sesshomaru's legs.

"Ah. My lord?" The green toad gazed upwards.

Father… Quick as the wind, he vaulted into the air, Jaken squeaking in protest before latching onto the fur tail of his master and flew toward the village which housed Rin. Within moments, the demon saw her. His little Rin. Defending a demon from Inuyasha's wrath. His eyes slit as he prepared for a landing within the village.

Everybody glanced over at Sesshomaru whose light whip cracked angrily at the scene before him.

"So, you found a way back from the dead, have you, father?"

Inutaisho smirked a little, eyes twinkling at his youngest son. "Is that proof enough for you, Inuyasha?"

Rin's eyes lit up at the sight of her lord. "Lord Sesshomaru!" The flowers dropped from her loosened fingers, petals flying around her as she ran to him. "Oh, my lord, you have come for me!" Her arms wrapped tightly around his waist, tears welling. "I missed you so much, Lord Sesshomaru!"

At his charge's display of affection, his whip vanished and features softened as a ghost of a smile showed. "Yes, Rin. I have come to see you." His left hand moved to her head, settling it there for a moment before she pulled away.

"There is so much I need to ask you, my lord."

With a heavy sigh, he agreed. "Yes, Rin. We must indeed speak with one another. All of us."

Kaede stepped forward, hands behind her back. "Please, Lord Sesshomaru, allow me to grant you the use of my hut for your talk since I have other work to tend to."

He made a quick nod of his head thanking her. "Come, Rin." He turned, leading the way toward the old priestess' hut.

TBC…

A/n: Is it me, or are these chapters getting shorter and shorter? LOL. I'll make the other ones longer. I promise. For now, please review. Thanks.

Zaru-san