Kagome peered over the edge of the well, and took in a sight she had not expected. Before her appeared a forest engulfed in flames. There was smoke in the air, and black ash covered the ground.
"Kagome!" called a voice from the middle of the burning field of ash. It was Miroku, who was running over to the well. "You have returned." He gave a slight bow to her as she rose out of the well. "Come with me. Inu-Yasha is gravely injured."
"What happened to the forest?" asked Kagome, letting the ash fall through her fingers. "It's all burnt down."
"Inu-Yasha fought Naraku here a few hours ago for a Shikon shard. Unfortunately, Naraku got the better of the fight. Now Inu-Yasha is in the village receiving treatment from Kaede. Come."
The two dashed to the village, past all the ash covered field where Inu-Yasha and Naraku apparently had their fight. They entered town, and headed toward the Infirmary hut. Here, a crowd was gathered around the straw hut. Miroku and Kagome went to the center of the crowd, only to find Inu-Yasha lying on a bed, Kaede kneeling at his side.
"You're back, Kagome. We thought you would never return," greeted Kaede.
Kagome gazed down Inu-Yasha's body, finding bloodstains on his clothes. "Is Inu-Yasha alright?"
"He has sustained critical injury, but he'll be fine in a day or two. Meanwhile, we just have to keep him from fighting."
The crowd around Inu-Yasha quickly diminished back to their homes. Soon, it was only Kagome and Inu-Yasha alone in the room. She knelt down beside him, and laid her head on his chest. Despite him being unconscious, Inu-Yasha's presence comforted Kagome. She closed her eyes, and nodded off into a light sleep.