He should've known, should've been more careful.
The miko's power was otherworldly, both ancient and fresh; even she could not explain all its nuances.
And yet he'd placed her in the same category as everyone else, assuming things would go on as they had been.
Cursing his complacency, Sesshoumaru landed in the western gardens, heart pounding as he prepared himself for the impending battle, and nearly stumbling at the sight before him.
The inuyoukai he knew would be there was curled up amongst the rubble, the miko's arms wrapped around its muzzle as she cooed and whispered words of reassurance.