"Do we have enough for dinner?"
Kagome looked at their net; there hadn't been many fish in the lake today, but if they separated the skin, they could use it as an extra side dish. "I think so. We'll have to hunt again tomorrow, though."
"You say that like it's a bad thing," Kagura grinned, already buzzing with excitement.
"We need to collect the fruit before the first frost," she reminded her.
Kagura shrugged, then got to her feet, taking the net with her. "So I'll go hunting, and you can check the apples."
"Mama wants us to stick together."
"That was when we were kids. I can take care of myself." Kagura paused, ruby eyes narrowing as she looked over her shoulder. "And so can you."
Kagome pursed her lips, then scrambled to gather the rest of their gear, her sister having already disappeared between the trees. It wasn't like she was afraid of going out on her own, but their cottage within the barrier was secure.
Safe.
She rubbed her chest as she stood, casting one last glance at the water, and silently wishing Kagura's hunt would be successful. The winter months were harsh, the constant snowstorms making it hard to even leave the house in the first place. They had to collect as much supplies as possible to ensure their survival.
A tingle of youki was her only warning, her breath seizing in her lungs moments before the creature emerged from the treeline.