Flash back to two years ago
The wind carried the metallic scent of blood to Sesshoumaru's nose. It was tainted with corruption and began to turn sour as its owner started to deteriorate.
He stopped on the footpath leading to where his ward was now residing with the priestess. Ah-Un snorted and shook their heads and waited for their master to resume the journey. The demon lord's beast of burden carried food, pelts, and clothing for his ward. She had been boarding with the older woman for almost eight moon cycles now and was steadily growing out of her old kimonos.
A strong pulse of holy power caused Sesshoumaru to go rigid. Once another breeze brought pure blood to his senses, he was positive he knew the source of the brawl. If the priestess was engaged in battle, then that meant his ward was in danger. The demon lord bolted ahead leaving the dragon to continue the trek alone at their own relaxed pace.
As he grew closer to the origin of his distress a strangled screech reached his ears. A moment of panic stuck Sesshoumaru's heart and he became a blur of white and red. He crashed into the clearing, sword drawn and eager to slaughter those who dare threaten his ward. What he was not prepared for was the disturbing sight that met his bloodshot eyes.
What was left of a herd of wild boar demons covered the lush greenery outside of the small hut. Charred remains were scattered in a semi-circle showing evidence of where a formidable barrier had been erected. The few that made it within the enclosure of spiritual energy were equally as unlucky. The boars had met a violent and gruesome end with what appeared to be a butcher knife and holy powers. One swine was still struggling to drag its mangled body away from its attacker while letting out an ear-piercing wail. A quick slice from a bloody blade brought silence to the glade. Standing in the center of the massacre was the priestess Kagome. She slowly stood above her last victim and jerked her head in his direction.
Scarlet clashed with sapphire.
Splashes of blood and gore covered her head to toe. Her once white cotton robe was soaked crimson with rips and tears revealing the wounds she sustained during the fight. Ebony hair appeared wet with sweat and blood causing it to stick to her face and neck. The lifeblood of her enemies was smeared across her nose and cheeks like war paint signifying her victory and a warning to others.
She was magnificent.
The lack of bow or other means of protection meant the attack happened so quickly Kagome had to use what was on hand as a weapon. Sesshoumaru was impressed that she was able to hold her own against so many while maintaining a barrier around her home to keep Rin safe from harm. He remembered the pride he felt in that moment even as her heated gaze felt like it was piercing right through him.
That was the day Sesshoumaru's primitive side acknowledged Kagome as an Alpha. When he had returned one moon cycle later, he presented the priestess with an ornamental jade hair comb.
The memories of that day began to affect him in a way he had not been prepared for. Sesshoumaru shot up and backed away from the priestess he had just been straddling on the forest floor. The urge to dominate her had returned but for an entirely different reason, one the demon lord did not want to act upon.
Kagome stayed where she had been thrown on the ground and was trying to figure out why Sesshoumaru had jumped off her like she was a leper. He dragged her away and was tossed around like a ragdoll, made her feel ungrateful for gifts she never asked for, was told she was embarrassing him in front of his staff, and then he practically threw himself away from her without a word. Now Kagome couldn't wait for the stupid dog to leave.
Sesshoumaru's baritone voice cut through the tension in the air. "Come. This One wishes to spend his last few hours with Rin before departing." The demon's tone sounded like he was blaming her for taking away time with his precious ward.
She began to feel around for something hard to throw at the demon lord, but he was already out of sight.