He panicked. All he could do was sit there as the strange man wearing a mask threw his mother over his shoulder before running at a breakneck pace out of town. He could have done something. Although it was not a demon, Shippo found himself scared. As he sat there in the mud, he watched his furry friend, Kirara, chase after. She was a member of the team; nothing scared her, and here he was, just watching with fright.

"I have to get Inuyasha and the others!" Standing, the youth ran out of the area and toward the Stock Pot Inn, where he was sure his friends were waiting. The only help he could bring was telling the others. It's not like he'd go out after the man, but he should have. Shippo knew Kirara would take care of it. Besides, someone had to warn the others, if not him, then who?

The Inn came into view, and the youth descended the stairs without fail of falling. As soon as he rushed past the window, he drew back and peered inside with shock. There, lying on the wooden floor, was Inuyasha. Pain was etched on his face, and he shook as if he were frozen to the bone. Both Anju and Kafei were hunched over him worriedly. There were no signs of Sango and Miroku.

"Oh no! Inuyasha is sick and both Miroku and Sango are nowhere to be seen! What do I do?" Scared beyond his wits, Shippo knew he had to go after the man who took his surrogate mother, but the only problem with that was he didn't know where he was now. "By now, he could be anywhere!" Not only that, but Kagome was probably in deep trouble. What was he going to do?

With so much running through his head, he ran in circles, hitting himself over the head. "Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!"

"Inuyasha?" Kafei called his name, but the half demon would not respond. "What's wrong with him? He was fine a few moments ago," he explained to his wife, who placed Inuyasha's arm around her shoulder.

"I'm not sure. Let's hurry him to the bed!"

By this time, Sango and Miroku came hurdling from the dining room. At first they had been drinking some tea, while conversing in light conversation, but then a sudden crash from the main lobby startled them. They thought the noise sounded like someone fell; they were right. Hanging limply while Anju and Kafei helped him to stand, Sango and Miroku wondered what happened to their friend. Only a second ago, Inuyasha explained he was going to go out to find Kagome and the others, but that would not happen soon.

"Inuyasha?" Sango worriedly called. "What happened?"

"Don't know? He has a dreadful fever," Anju explained as she and her husband stumbled to the back room in which Granny occupied. Because the other rooms were upstairs, Anju thought it was best to not use the stairs in his condition. "Could one of you open the door?"

Without a second to spare, Miroku held the door open for them.

A bright fire warmed the room in which granny sat in front of. The room was small but enough to get around in. A bright red carpet was laid out before the fire, and a giant bed with giant pillows was placed against the far corner of the room. Against the wall just ahead of them was a small table with books and paper scattered on it, and a small bookcase beside the wall.

"Oh Tortus, is something wrong?" granny asked as she closed her book, glancing at her granddaughter and son-in-law as they gently placed the half-breed on her bed.

She nodded. "I'm sorry, but Inuyasha will have to stay here for a while. I'm afraid he's gotten ill," she explained. "Granny, I'll take you to one of the guest rooms. Is that okay?" The only room Anju could think of was her grandmother's, since it was the only bedroom on the first floor.

"No. I'm fine just where I am. Hurry along and make some tea and honey for the child."

While Anju left the room, Miroku looked upon his ill friend whose face was flushed terribly with a fever. "This is dreadful. I wonder what caused this. Only a moment ago he was fine."

"Looks like we won't be leaving first thing in the morning," Sango explained with sympathy. Casually, she took a seat on a chair next to the bed, while Miroku prayed.

"I warned you children, but you didn't listen," Granny explained as she began reading her book.

Ending his prayer, Miroku went to stand beside the old lady in her wheelchair. Kneeling down, he asked her softly. "Tell me, you seem to be aware of the evil lurking around the town, right?"

"That is correct young lad," she replied.

"I see. Some of the town's people don't seem concerned that something is not right, but you do?"

Nodding, she turned her tired eyes toward the monk beside her. "Of course I am. I've lived here all my life and I know for a fact more people will fall just like your friend in bed."

Worried, Sango pressed a hand to the half demon's head. "That's horrible. We have to stop it."

"But it is something that cannot be stopped," the old lady explained. "I tell you it is very wicked, and I have avoided such tragedies."

"Really?" Miroku asked. "How is that?"

Hearing this, she laughed. "Why, it's quite simple," she explained with mirth. "Keep yourself far away from it!"

Both Sango and Miroku stared at one another. In their minds, they knew running away was wrong. In fact, they'd have to face it head on, anyway.

During their conversation, Kafei busied himself with covering Inuyasha with two thick blankets. For a fever like his, he would have to sweat it out.

While he continued running in circles, Shippo suddenly noticed a shadow looming over him. With fright, he turned around, and before he could run, he stared into blue eyes.

"Shippo?" Serena just stared at him. "Why were you hitting yourself? Are you okay?"

Before either Link or Serena knew what hit them, Shippo burst into tears and latched himself onto Link's tunic. "It's awful! Please, help!"

"What is it? Did something happen?" The fairy asked with alarm.

"Kagome! She was kidnapped!"

Link just stood there with his heart pounding in his ears. The girl he fell for was kidnapped? When had this taken place? 'Who would've…'

Distressed, the pink fairy bobbed up and down. "What? Where were you guys last? Did you get a good look at the creep? Which way did he run?" She couldn't help but ask so many questions of the boy. To hear such a thing happen, it was despicable. Even if she hardly knew these people, she still possessed feelings.

Wiping the tears from his eyes, Shippo continued to sob. "In the northern part of town… I think. No one was there but me, Kagome and Kirara," he explained as he unlatched himself from Link's tunic. "Some guy came up behind us wearing a mask over his eyes."

"What else?" She asked. "Did you get a good look at his appearance?"

"He was bald, and he wore a white long-sleeved shirt and blue pants…" he explained. "He ran out of town really fast with her, and Kirara went after him, but…" Shippo knew he had acted cowardly and did nothing to help, and he was ashamed of himself.

"But? But, what?"

Tears sprung from the child's eyes again. "Inuyasha's is sick and I can't find the others!"

Before the two knew what to think, Link darted past them and into the Milk Bar. Link was running toward the exit, where the guard was positioned on duty. In his mind, he wandered why the guard in the north part of town did nothing to stop such a dreadful act. Of course, something almost similar happened four years ago, only no one was kidnapped.

An elderly lady who owned the Bomb Shop in town was crossing the north part of town. The man, whom Link assumed kidnapped Kagome, robbed the old lady and forcefully pushed her to the ground. Lucky for her, he was in the area. He put an end to his thieving that night, but he ended up getting away. The guard that had been on duty was half asleep during the time.

Noticing his leave, the two chased after. While both Link and Serena could dart past the guard, for Shippo, it was another matter. The second Shippo tried to run past the armored man, he was caught in mid-run.

"Sorry, but children may not leave town at nightfall, especially without a weapon. Also, they certainly may not leave without the accompaniment of an adult."

Surprised, Shippo squirmed in his armored grip. "Let go! I have to save my friend!"

Of course, the guard laughed, thinking it was some game he was playing. "Sorry, but I'm afraid it's too dangerous. Why don't you run home now? I'm sure your mom is worried sick about you."

"That's what I'm trying to tell you! My mom was kidnapped by some creepy guy wearing a mask! I have to save her!"

Again, all Shippo received was more laughter, which upset him even more. "I'm not lying!"

"If such a thing were to happen, one of our guards would have taken care of the perpetrator!" He shook his head at the boy.

After waiting for the guard to stop his laughter at something that was not funny, he sent Shippo on his way. Of course, two could play this game. The moment Shippo marched behind the Milk Bar, out of sight, he transformed. "Now try to stop me!"

"Link! Where are you going?" Serena called from behind. "Will you stop already!"

Doing just that, Link stopped, though he scowled as his partner. There was no time to stop, and she knew that. But she seemed like she was having difficulty chasing after.

Finally, sitting on his shoulder, she sighed. "Man, you run fast. Just hold up. Now, where are you heading? You acted like you knew just where to go find the creep."

"I do," he replied. Turning his gaze past the six pillars leading into a wasteland ahead, Link pointed. "He's headed for Ikana."

"Ikana? What's that?" Though this was not her first time here in Clock Town, she had never explored any further than the woods outside town.

"A haunted wasteland. That man who kidnapped her is a known thief around these parts. His hideout is near there."

"Really?" she asked with surprise. "He's a thief alright, but does he normally kidnap people, or is it a hobby of his?"

Hearing this, Link shook his head from side to side. 'Not that I'm aware. All I know is he's up to no good again. But I've never heard of him kidnapping people before. What reason would he have to?' Horrible thoughts ran through his mind in very descriptive images. A scene played out where he was plotting to sell her, or worse. If his only priority was to kill her, he would have done so there in town.

"Well, what are you doing standing here for?" She questioned as she glanced around their surroundings. To be honest, she was tired of standing outside the entrance to the town. "Lead the way—"

"Wait!" Inuyasha's voice carried from behind them, surprising them to no end. He stood outside the opening with worry laced in his countenance.

Serena was just surprised to see the half-breed standing. "I thought you were sick? Listen, we'll save her, don't worry! Now get back in bed before you get even sicker!"

"No!" Before the two knew what to expect, a blast of pink smoke filled their eyes suddenly. When it cleared, they found a surprising sight, and it wasn't Inuyasha.

"Shippo?" Serena couldn't help but fly around him. "Wait, how did you do that?"

Sighing from her forgetfulness, Shippo fumed impatiently. "I'm a fox demon. I'm able to transform into anything, remember?"

"Oh. Well, that sure is helpful, but what are you doing out here? You should go back to and find your friends and let them know about this." Although it was sweet of the tyke to want to go out and save his friend, but it was dangerous. Shippo was only a little boy compared to Link. "It's dangerous out here, especially at night."

"I can't! Kagome needs help, and who knows what you guys will come upon out there! Now way, I'm going with you!" he explained. "Now let's go!"

Surprised by his words, Serena bobbed up and down. "You're too young. Besides, you don't even have a weapon."

Fisting his tiny hands, Shippo pointed an accusing finger at her. "I'll have you know that I'm older than what I look! Demons age differently. I may look eight, but I've had a lot of experience!" He exclaimed with his chest puffed out. "I'm not weak!"

Scratching his head, Link shrugged to his fairy companion and led the way toward the haunted waste land of Ikana.

Serena sighed and followed her partner, with the small fox following behind closely. "Just stay close."

Even as they ran toward the canyon up ahead, Link realized that the distance between them was great, especially with the night upon them. While he'd traveled to Ikana before, he knew it would take hours just to climb the terrain in order to rescue Kagome. 'If there was ever a time I needed Epona, it'd be now.' Link thought sourly. Years ago, he left his horse at Romani's Ranch, and she's been there ever since. Of course, if his ocarina still held its power, he might have used the song of soaring to get there faster.

"Do you know where you're going, Link?" Shippo asked from behind. Even as he followed the boy, he felt like there was a wedge placed between them. He never spoke, not once to him. Link was a mystery to Shippo.

Link nodded, and while continuing on, he took a glanced at the kid. What was remarkable was that Shippo had insisted in accompanying him and Serena. Though it may seem foolish, but his intentions were pure and righteous. Link had to hand it to him for pushing away his fear and putting his friends at the forefront.

Doubtful, the kitsune looked around. "Really? So you know where to find this guy?"

"Of course he does," Replied Serena, who now sat on his hat. "Link's been in Termina for four years now. Of course I've never heard of the kidnapper, but apparently Link does, and I guess he knows where his hideout is." Noticing the worry on the child's expression, Serena muttered softly to him. "Don't worry. We'll save her."

With this being the first time not traveling with his companions, Shippo found himself on a mission with Link; the boy who does not speak and a fairy that seemed to know everything you needed to know.

Still following closely, Shippo's eyes fell toward the six high pillars leading to what appeared like red mountains in the distance. 'Don't worry, Kagome. We're coming.'

A noise drifted to Serena's ears, and she suddenly shuddered. "Link, we're not alone."

Hearing the same noise, Shippo glanced around, but he could not make heads or tails of where it was coming from. "What is that?"

A blue flame appeared in the darkness ahead of them, causing them to halt in their steps. It moved about in a sideways motion as if performing some kind of dance. Another flame, followed by four more, appeared side by side, mimicking the first. As they approached, the three got a better view of the creature. Six skulls were headed right for them, with black bat wings attached to either side of their head.

Even more terrified, Shippo gave a cry of alarm. "What's that?" His knees buckled underneath him.

"Blue Bubbles," Serena explained. "They'll curse you if they touch you. You won't be able to move. The best way to kill it is with a light arrow."

"There's six of them! And we don't have light arrows, do we? Kagome has them, but they're back at the Inn."

Serena nodded. "Actually, Link has light arrows, but he doesn't use them. They consume a lot of energy and magic for him. So, he can just hit them with regular arrows, but it'll probably be a waste."

Bewildered by her words, he asked, "What do you mean?"

"There's a high chance we'll come upon more of these guys up ahead, so it's best to save our arrows and magic." Serene flew up ahead, over the skulls. She knew their heads were too heavy for their wings to carry them even higher, which was good for her. "There's a huge fence up ahead, but how are we going to get over it?"

"Leave that to me!" Shippo exclaimed and with a poof, he transformed into a giant pink ball with crazy eyes. "Get on!"

Somewhat dubious of the fox child, Link got on top of the newly transformed Shippo and rose high in the sky. 'Amazing. So he's able to transform into anything. The Great Fairy also made his transformations more efficient. I wonder what else he can transform into.'

Serena was just joyous over his transformation. "Wow! That's amazing! Can you transform into objects too?"

"Yeah. You name it."

As they flew over a few fences, Shippo landed and Link hopped off, and Shippo transformed back into his normal self.

"Great, there are more of them!" Shippo whined the moment they came upon seven more in an open area. As if having an epiphany, Shippo reached into his shirt and pulled out his red mask with yellow narrowed eyes painted on them. Even as he went to place it on his face, he could still see thanks to Kagome's cut work. "Bring them on!"

Seeing this, Serena sweat dropped. Whatever worked for him, worked for him, she guessed.

Reaching for his quiver on his back, Link gripped it in one hand and reached for his arrow. With careful accuracy, he aimed and released, letting his arrow soar through the air toward a Blue Bubble.

When it made contact, Shippo jumped for joy. "You did it!"

"Link was always good with a bow and arrow," commented Serena, who now sat on Shippo's head.

Shippo took his eyes away from Link. "Where did he learn to use them?"

"He never said." Was her reply.

Suddenly, while Link busied himself with the skulls, a flock of birds swooped down toward them from behind. Noticing the danger, Link turned and concentrated on his arrow before taking aim and firing. As the arrow headed straight for the flock, fire surrounded the arrowhead, and the birds suddenly burst into flames.

"I didn't know magic existed here," Shippo explained as he watched the flame above vanish. "Were those crows? I've never heard of birds just attacking people."

Shaking her head, Serena began explaining to Shippo while Link took care of the rest of the skulls that blocked their path ahead. "Those were Guays. They attack people often. Even if you have a shield to block their attacks, they'll just bounce off and continue where they left off."

Absorbing this useful information, Shippo realized he would need to learn more about all the beasts in this world. They were different alright they weren't demons. At least these monsters weren't as bad as the demons back in the feudal era; the beasts here were much weaker. An idea came to him. 'If they're not demons, then what do I have to be afraid of?' Shippo's eyes fell on Link. 'He's not the least bit scared. What am I doing just standing around? I should help!'

With newfound confidence burning within him, Shippo leaped forward and scampered past Link, who turned and gave him a bewildered and stupefied look. The thought of helping Kagome pushed him to attack the nearest skull. "Take this! Fox fire!"

His flame surged from his form and surrounded the skull, but to his surprise, his magic did not do what he expected it would. The moment his flame connected with his enemy, the foul skull opened its mouth and absorbed the flame as if it was nothing but a tasty snack.

"Shippo!" Serena called from behind. "Fire is useless against those! You'll have to try something else!" she shouted.

Gulping, Shippo reached into his shirt quickly as he searched for a weapon that might help him prevail. A roughness caressed his fingers, and he withdrew the object from his shirt and aimed it high above his head. "Take this!" The moment the skull charged toward the fox child, Shippo threw the cylinder object from his grasp.

A sudden minor explosion filled the area, causing both Link and Serena to cover their eyes as dirt flew past them. As soon as the dust cleared, they both glanced at the small child who stood standing with his back facing them.

"What was that?"

Blinking, Shippo pulled out his small firecracker and awed at it. Usually his fire bombs were weak, but now they were more powerful. "Wow." Looking up, he found the creepy flying skull gone; he defeated it just like that. "I did it?"

"Amazing! What did you throw Shippo?" Serena bounded over toward his still form.

Turning around, Shippo held out his firecracker. He couldn't help but smile in triumph. "My fire bombs! The Great Fairy wasn't kidding when she said she would give me a boost of power! But, I thought it was just for my transformation?"

"Well, it sure is helpful! Good job, Shippo!" Serena congratulated.

Blushing, Shippo nodded before turning around to scan the area, but it was empty. "Now which way do we—" Before he could finish, the ground beneath him suddenly shook. Shippo suddenly had a terrible feeling. This shaking was different; it wasn't an earthquake. "Feels like there's something underneath—"

A skeletal hand pushed through the dirt under Shippo's feet, causing him to fall back in new found terror. Before he could scramble away, another hand shot up, grabbing his leg in a tight grip.