Chapter 3

Authors Note: I don't own InuYasha….but I do own some Advil for my headache!

Previously: "Kagome…here?" Kouga sniffed the air.

"I can smell Kagome!" Shippo yelled to Miroku and Sango.

Chapter 3

Kagome climber up the well, and sat on the ground, leaning against it, "Where is everyone?"

A whirlwind appeared in front of her, "Kagome!" Koga said happily.

"Oh hello, Kouga. It's been a while" she stood up.

"It's been forever!"

"Have you seen InuYasha?"

"Oh, that mutt? Haven't seen him since you left."

"What about Sango, Miroku, and Shippo?"

"Ah, they moved back to the demon slayer's village, but InuYasha is not with them."

"I'd like to see them."

Kouga picked Kagome up, "Let's go then!" She loved the feeling, it was like being set free. The wind blew on her face and through her hair. Though something didn't feel right, 'I loved it when InuYasha carried me.' She thought.

"We're almost there," he stated

"Thanks," she replied, smiling.

"Hey, you guys!" Kagome yelled happily.

"Hi, Kagome, we missed you!" Miroku, Sango, and Shippo shouted together, added by a mew from Kirara.

"It's nice to see you guys again, too," Kagome hugged each of them. Except for Miroku, who spread his arms out wide, waiting for his hug, "Miroku, I haven't forgotten that you're a pervert. Nice try though!" Kagome laughed.

"Kehehe…" Miroku laughed nervously, he had actually hoped she'd forgotten.

"Let's go get some tea," Sango suggested.

Kagome drank her tea in no time, "Where's InuYasha?" she asked.

"I haven't seen him since I yelled at him because he made you leave," Sango responded.

"You hit him, too," Miroku added accusingly.

"He deserved it!" Sango defended, folding her arms across her chest defiantly.

"Kouga…" Kagome gave him a sad look.

"Huh?" Kouga spat out in utter confusion.

"Please find him! Please!" she pleaded with a sadly.

"If it'll make you happy I'll do it," he said, annoyed. He sniffed the air for what seemed forever. He spun around several times, just following where his nose told him to. Then the wolf pointed to a mountain north of them, "Okay. He's there somewhere on that mountain. The whole thing stinks of dog breath's blood," he said, still annoyed that he was going to see InuYasha again.

"Wait, Kagome! You still want to see him, after all the things he's done to you?" Sango asked.

"Yes, I….I just want to make sure he's okay," she replied, "And I want all of you to come."

Sango sighed and hopped on Kirara, as did Miroku and Shippo. And after about 5 minutes they reached the mountain.

"Let's check the middle of the mountain, his scent is stronger there," Kouga stated. They walked past numerous caves me might be in, but looked to no avail.

"Kouga, where is I-," Kagome whined but was interrupted.

"That one," Kouga said pointing to a cave. They all walked inside.

"InuYasha!" Kagome called, she saw his fire rat kimono in the darkness, "InuYasha, there you are! It's been so l-," Kagome stopped and gasped.

She looked at InuYasha. His kimono had grown too big for him, obviously he had gotten a lot skinnier. His body was torn and pale, and was bandaged poorly. You could see places on his body where the bone stuck out, and claw and stab wounds that never healed. Old scars looked as if they were going to reopen. The fire rat kimono was torn and tattered, never healed or sewn back up. There were bags under his eyes from the lack of much needed sleep. His ears were drooped, and couldn't manage to perk up, and his beautiful white hair was tangled and matted.

The rest of the group stepped into the cave and were equally shocked, even Kouga. 'How did dog boy-…what happened to him?' Kouga's thoughts were as readable to him in his mind, as it was on his face to others. For once in his life, he felt sorry for InuYasha.

"Yes, it's been a long time. I've missed you, Kagome," InuYasha finally managed to say. Looking directly at Kagome she could see the hanyou's once vibrant golden eyes were dulled.