Kagura was still wary as night fell, brandishing her fan as she paced the living room. She'd convinced Kagome to set up a barrier around him, marked by talismans as a further precaution, though their mother had advised against it.
"It's unnecessary," Emiko said from the kitchen.
"Tell that to his teeth," Kagura muttered, crossing her arms. Noticing the tension in her sister's shoulders, Kagome pulled her into a hug. "What're you doing?"
"I know you're just worried about me," Kagome said, rubbing their cheeks together.
It took a moment before Kagura relaxed, letting out a long sigh. "Somebody has to."
"And you're the best at it," Kagome said with a smile, giving her one last squeeze before settling down in front of the beast. His breathing had evened out since his wounds had healed, proving he was still alive, but he'd yet to regain consciousness.
She rubbed her chest, still not used to the lack of discomfort, then reached through the barrier to place her hand on his muzzle. Please be alright, she thought, stroking the silver fur. He was the size of a bear, though she'd never seen one with this colouring before.
Kagome's heart leapt into her throat as the beast finally stirred, leaning into the touch before his eyes fluttered open.
Crimson irises still surrounded teal pupils, giving him a fearful expression, especially with the jagged stripes on his cheeks, but he simply stared at her, then pressed his nose into the centre of her palm.
"Hello," she murmured, welcoming the touch. "How're you feeling?"