That year was fun. It was probably the most fun Emiko had ever had. She and Inuyasha had turned eight. Her baby sister Ichigo, named after the child's favorite food, turned three. Inuyasha liked playing with Emiko and helping her take care of Ichigo when her parents were busy. Inuyasha's mother grew to love the girls as well.
"Why is your hair blonde?" Inuyasha had asked one day.
"Why is your hair white?" Was Emiko's response.
Inuyasha Shrugged, "I was born that way."
"That's what my parents say." Emiko smiled, "that I was born with blonde hair." Then she leans in close and whispers like she was telling a secret, which she kind of was. "Ahiru, the village miko says otherwise. She says that when I was born I was very sick. I didn't cry and I wouldn't open my eyes." She blinked those brown eyes now, "My mother and father prayed for days, until one night, a glowing figure appeared and touched me. My hair turned golden and I began to wail. Ahiru says my parents never spoke of it because they were afraid of what the other villagers might think."
Inuyasha was silent for a moment, then he said, "They should be afraid, considering how everyone treats me." After realizing what he had said, he added, "sorry." With a slight blush.
"It's okay." Emiko gazed up at the clouds, "I understand." She laid her small hand over his clawed one. "I wish I could make them stop being so mean to you and your mother." She says sadly.
"Your kindness is enough." Inuyasha assured her.
She smiled, "Thanks." She got up and pulled Inuyasha up beside her. "Let's go get my sister."
Inuyasha's mother was sad. The young girl called Emkio made her son Happy when she could barely comfort him. "My dear Inuyasha," She said to herself, "How I wish I could do more for you." But all she could do was feed him and give him a place to call home. Emiko did the rest. Inuyasha's mother was grateful to the girl even though her son now relied upon the child more than the woman.
You make him so happy, and I am glad. She thought watching her son and Emiko play with Ichigo one day. she found her self thinking that a lot. She also found it harder and harder to deny the guilt of not being able to make her son happy.
She cried at night sometimes. inuyasha caught her once. He stared at her weeping her little corner of the four room home. She wept well into the night, he watched. He stayed until she turned around and saw him there. "Oh Inuyasha." His mother sobbed, "I'm so sorry." He ran to her he then and they wept together until they both fell asleep.
The next morning, Inuyasha's mother left him for a while she picked herbs in the forest. When she returned, she found that he had stirred. But instead of going to find Emiko like she'd thought he would, he'd waited paciently for her to return.
"Why aren't you with Emiko?" She asked him. He walked up and gave her a big hug.
"I still need you Mommy." It was a name he hadn't used in years. This caused her to break out in tears all over again. But after that she didn't cry at night any longer. She knew in her heart Inuyasha was getting older and wouldn't always rely on her. She gave thanks for Emiko, she kind daughter of the chieftain, many times over. When she was gone, or no longer needed, he'd always have Emiko.