7.
When he reached the top of the hill and crossed the red gate, he saw the yard quiet and empty, but he could feel someone was observing him. Without prompting he started walking towards the side of the traditional house. He didn't need to walk in through the front door, he could use the sliding ones leading straight to Kaede's meeting chamber where his nose was telling him the old woman was. And more important - where Kagome was. It was so relieving to catch scents of her and their friends and no stench of blood or illness.
"Oi, stupid, where are you going?" Shippou demanded to know.
"Shut up. You wanted to see Mama, right?" Inuyasha shrugged and almost knocked him off his perch. The fox remained quiet, letting Inuyasha carry him behind the corner of the house. The hanyou leapt to the raised floor before the sliding door, but didn't open it. Sango did. She had a bandage around her left forearm and a few bruises here and there, but she was alive. Inuyasha sighed in relief and inhaled the scent of uneasiness, worry and tension from behind her.
"Hi, Slayer," Shippou greeted. "I brought a stray puppy."
"You didn't even tie your catch," said Ayame who walked from behind Inuyasha. The hanyou growled at her softly, but the kitsune waved his hand.
"There was no need, the first thing he did after waking up was try to sneak away to come back home. Such a good doggie, always going back to his mistress." Inuyasha grabbed the kitsune and threw him at Ayame.
"Here! Skin him and make some gloves!" he spat, then turned to face Sango again. The girl was observing him quietly. His ears drooped. "Kagome...? What happened, Sango?"
The girl grabbed his hand and dragged him inside.