It was a while before she'd stopped shaking.
"Are you sure it wasn't your imagination?" Kagura asked.
Kagome vehemently shook her head. "It wasn't a spirit, it was solid. And—" She wanted to say terrifying, but the lack of discomfort in her chest had her hesitating.
The creature hadn't attacked, barely moving from the edge of the bank. It had merely stared, teal and crimson unblinking, its presence enough to make her forget all her training.
"What did it look like?" Her mother placed a cup of tea in her hands, warmth seeping through her fingertips and dispelling the chill.
"A large dog, but more. With marks on its face," Kagome whispered. "Definitely youkai. But I've never felt youki that strong before."
Kagura crossed her arms. "And it only showed up after I left?"
Kagome nodded, taking a sip of her drink. "It was like everything went quiet. Not even the grass was moving! Except at the other end of the lake—but it didn't feel like an elemental. It was nothing like you."
Her sister's frown increased, but it was Emiko who spoke up. "There are many kinds of creatures we haven't come across. Perhaps you should recheck the scrolls."
"Mama, I've read them a thousand times. They never mentioned anything like what I saw today."
"It's strange that it didn't follow you," Kagura said, brow furrowing. "You were easy prey." Kagome glared at her, and she shrugged. "What? You're the one who froze! If it was as big as you say, it could've trampled you with one paw!"
Kagome pursed her lips. "It was distracted. Guess it found something more appetizing."
"Maybe it was protecting you."