Sio ran like she never ran before. She chased the dark figure carrying her mother down deep into the forest right by her village. The leaves weren't green anymore, more like a dark gray. The branches were so thick that not even the slightest shimmer of sun light could shine through. Roots stuck up from the poorly soiled ground making the pathway an obstacle. Everything was eerie yet silent and not a human soul was in sight.

"Mommy!" Sio screamed for her mother but got no answer. Tears dripped from her eyes as she pushed through the tangled branches. She pushed herself but wasn't fast enough to catch up with the figure. Finally the figure disappeared into the blackness leaving Sio running blindly. "Mommy, don't leave me!" she screamed into the nothingness. At last, she stopped to catch her breath.

"So, you desire your mother back do you not?" the figure asked in an evil yet calm sort of voice.

Sio turned surprisingly at the sound of the voice, "Where's my mommy and where have you taken her?" she tried to sound brave and confident but at the end it all came out shaky and frightened.

The figure gave a heinous chuckle, "Don't worry little one. Your mother will be returned to you shortly. In the meanwhile, I have a little task for you."

"Will I get my mommy back if I do it?"

"What a smart little girl you are. Here's the deal. There is a band of travelers heading to your village. There is a young monk who most likely will stop to flirt with the woman but your job is focused on the half demon." Its voice seemed to accent the half demon a lot.

Sios eyes widened. A demon? Is he dangerous? A scared and worried look appeared on her face.

But the figure caught that and gave another chuckle, "Don't be frightened young one. The half demon is not known to attack puny human girls. Now listen carefully, he will be carrying a sword called the Tetsaiga. I would like you to bring it to me and only then will your mother be returned. From past experiences, I trust you will recognize the young women traveling with them." With that he turned to leave.

Sios mind clicked a question, "Wait where will I find you?" she called after him.

"Oh, you won't my darling. I will find you," the figure said while continuing backing up into the darkness. Followed close behind was a swarm of poisonous insects. He left leaving Sio slumped down on the ground weeping away.

As she waddled back to the village, tears rolled out nonstop streaking her cheeks wet. Her brain ached from crying. Suddenly something caught her eye. A small herb stuck out from beneath the roots. Sio ran and grabbed it for she knew what to do. Her memory flashed back. What was her name again? Oh yes, Kikyo. The strangest priestess I've ever seen. She was as kind as gold but quite odd at the same time. Sio was the only one that spotted her as she was surrounded by soul stealers. Ever since then, Sio just couldn't get her out of her mind. Kikyo had taught her how to use roots and herb. Now it was time to put Sios newly gained knowledge to use. Sio stopped by the river. She had to make this convincing. If the elders saw her tears than they'll know something's wrong.

SLAP!

"Hey what was that for?" the hand print on Miroku's cheek burned bright red.

Sango gave him a bitter look, "Flirting with the women again? Huh, serves you right," she said raising a fist.

Inuyasha yawned, "This is a waste of time. This place stinks with Narakus smell and you don't need a nose to smell it. Miroku, speed it up with the flirting. I want to get on the hunt as soon as possible."

Sango turned, "Inuyasha! I can't believe you would encourage him!"

Sio listened intensely. What? Naraku? It that the name of the demon that took my mommy? She stepped out from her hiding place and gasped.

Kagome turned to the little girl, "Hello there!"

Sios face drained of its colour, "Ki-Kikyo?" with that she turned and ran in the opposite direction leaving Kagome as confused as ever.

Inuyasha smelt the soup that lay in front of him, "So delicious!" he exclaimed while digging in.

Kagome picked up her chopsticks, "Well, we shouldn't let him have all the energy."

Sio waited outside the cabin until she heard six bodies drop before entering.

Oh! Such a cute little kitty! Sio picked up Kirara and made her dance across the table. Then using a patch of cloth from her kimono, she made the cutest dress for her making Kirara look like a doll most girls would die for. Sio stepped back and grinned in satisfaction. Perfect! She stepped back some more but stepped on Inuyasha's head. Oh! Such cute doggy ears. I think I'll give them a quick squeeze. She giggled happily feeling the soft fur under her fingers. But her laughter stopped when she caught a glimpse of the black sword peeking out from under the red cloth. The image of Naraku filled her brain and tears immediately started pouring out. She grabbed the sword and raced out of the cabin before anyone saw her. Into the forest and in the direction of where she went before. Mommy! Mommy, I'm coming!