"Becky! Come back here now!"
"No, mama! I want ice-cream!" A little girl clawed at the ice cream store, gazing at the colourful range of flavours.
"Look! You had some for breakfast already."
Another voice said, "Kagome, you have to be more firm with her."
"I know, mum," Kagome sighed, bending down to pick up her crying daughter. "Come on, Becky. Let's go."
"No!!!!!" Becky wailed, as she grabbed the counter even harder. It began to crask. Kagome gasped, then said resignedly, "Okay, what flavour would you like? Only one, okay?"
The little girl smiled as she tried to make up her mind. "Chocolate and tiramisu!" she declared happily as she pointed at them.
Kagome grabbed her hand, "No, Becky, I said one!"
Ten minutes, the three were sitting in the park, and Becky was halfway through her chocolate and tiramisu cone. It was a typical warm, sunny day. Some icecream had melted and travelled its way down to her chin. Kagome wiped Becky's face which her own mother looked on disapprovingly.
"Kagome," she began, "I don't think icecream is a healthy diet for a four-year old."
Becky said cheerfully, "No grandma, I also eat instant ramen!"
Kagome blushed slightly while Mrs Higurashi rolled her eyes. She continued, "As I said, this sort of fod is not suitable for young kids!"
"Mum, Becky's not full human. I doubt it would affect her much. Plus, she refused to eat anything else. It might just be worse if she doesn't eat anything."
"If you insist and stop giving in so easily she might. Just be more strict, you're spoiling her." She spoke almost harshly, yet her heart melted when her granddaughter smiles at her, icecream moustache and all.
Little Becky was four years old, with long black hair, and as everyone would say, the cutest little thing they ever saw. A ribbon was tired around her head to hide her true identity. She was yet unaware of her powers, though Kagome had been a frequent witness of it, and was becoming alarmed by its gradual increase and found it difficult to control her daughter.
Becky's favourite food was ice-cream, followed closely by ramen (only the instant ones!) and she absolutely refused to eat anything else. Although slightly spoiled by her mother, Becky was very affectionate and cheerful, a natural favourite amongst everyone she came in contact with.
Kagome, undoubtedly fond of her little girl, was also scared of her. Sooner or later, Becky would realise her unusually strong powers and would have questions which Kagome knew she would have the answers for. Yet, she did love her daughter, and had unknowingly, many times, been more lenient than she had meant to.
Becky stared at her mother's pensive face. *She looks so sad. I had to make her feel better* She leaned forward and planted a kiss on Kagome's cheek. Surprised, Kagome smiled and pulled Becky in her arms for a hug. She found a pair of golden eyes staring hers. She gasped, as if startled.
"What's wrong, mama?"
"Huh? Nothing." Kagome turned her face away from Becky's. Her own mother was also looking at her strangely. Kagome said, "Mum, can you take Becky home for me? I just remembered there's something I forgot to do."
Mrs Higurashi nodded, "Okay, but don't be too long. I have to go home and cook dinner for Grandpa and Sota as well." She took Becky's hand and said, "Let's go Becky."
The girl pouted her lips, "No! I want to be with mama!"
Kagome knelt on the ground in front of her daughter. "Be a good girl and follow grandma. I'll just be awhile, okay?"
The girl shook her head hard, and it looked so comical that Kagome would have laughed out loud if it hadn't reminded her of somebody else.
Kagome smiled, "No, Becky. Be a good girl - I'll let you have ramen for dinner tonight!"
"But you let me have that LAST night!" Becky paused, then grinned mischievously. "Can I have extra flavouring then?"
Kagome nodded, much to the annoyance of her mother. "Off you go with grandma then. I'll be back soon!"
Kagome watched as they walked away from the park, Becky holding onto her grandmother's hand so tightly, as if afraid that the other would get lost without HER. As they disappeared from view, Kagome turned and bumped into another person.