Disclaimer: This story is based on "Inuyasha," copyrighted by Rumiko Takahashi. No infringement of copyright intended or implied.


Onslaught

Lightning smashed through every opening and crevice, followed immediately by thunder that shook every timber. Aimiko let go of a nipple, ears flattened as she yowled in pain. Hands clapped over ringing ears, and people cringed.

Wind and rain hurled themselves against the hut sending sprays of water through the gap in the slightly open entrance, and through the hole in the roof, despite the covering. Three people scrambled to their feet: Rin running to the entrance to close the shoji, Shippo to dash to the corner furthest away from the combined intake, while Kagome merely backed away enough to get Aimiko out of the rain zone. Only Kaede remained next to the fire pit, heaving a great sigh as she glanced upwards at the source of her new dampness.

The storm continued to hammer the hut, and presumably the entire village. The fire spat and smoked its displeasure against the drips and mist; Shippo crouched in the corner, while Rin struggled to hold the door panel against the battering of the wind. Aimiko continued to wail, uncomforted by her mother's hugging and petting, her volume outclassed.

No one knew how long it took, before the wild fury faded to something more like normal. Rin released the quieting door, to search for drying cloths. Shippo relaxed, and Kagome sighed in relief as the baby's wails dwindled to hiccuping sobs.

They relaxed too soon. One and all-save Kaede-yelped as the shoji slammed back. Fading lightning momentarily backlit pristine, white silks and soaked fire-rat.

"Sesshomaru-sama!"

"Wah!"

"Inuyasha!"

The taiyoukai gave Kagome a withering look as he reached up and pulled Inuyasha's limp form off his shoulder by the collar of his robe."Do not panic, miko," he said in a faintly bored tone. "He is only stunned." He released his grip, and Inuyasha crumpled soundlessly.

The fussy baby abruptly transferred to her arms as Kagome hurried to check on her unconscious mate, Kaede gently bounced the baby while calmly looking up at the disgruntled youkai. "Thank-you for bringing him back, Sesshomaru-sama. No sign of Miroku? I assume he saw the signs of the storm, and chose to take shelter."

"This Sesshomaru would not know." His silks as clean and pristine as if he hadn't been in the middle of a maelstrom, the taiyoukai glanced at the girl hovering near him. "You are well, Rin?"

She smiled up at him. "Quite well, my lord. Inuyasha-sama's hut is very sturdy."

He gave a barely perceptible nod. "I will return." Lightning flashed, and the taiyoukai vanished.

The storm faded. Silence reigned, until Aimiko reminded everyone she was still hungry.

Life returned to something resembling normalcy.


Author's Note: This was written for FirstTweak, for the prompt "Thunder and Lightening." A shorter version of this piece was posted on July 13, 2011. It takes place some days after chapter eight of this series, "Trust". (10/5/2011)