Bad Puppies Never Prosper

**Last Chapter**

The reluctant miko beside him had been the only true friend he had ever known. Sure there were others close to him, but with Kagome he could be himself without fear of ridicule or betrayal. The girl deserved better and Sesshomaru knew it. He clenched his jaw and tapped a black claw on the wheel in thought. Another couple of blocks passes by in a grey haze before a cruel smile spreads across the Western Prince’s lips.

“Don’t worry, Kagome.” Sesshomaru whispered gently, his eyes flicking to Kagome’s resting form. “I will personally see to it that Inuyasha suffers for what he has done...I promise you.”

**On with the story**

Chapter 2
“Regrouping”

The icy chill of the rain beat against the faint warmth of the car as it wheeled to a stop in a shadowed alley. Reaching into the backseat of the car, Sesshomaru swept up Kagome’s bag in one hand and settled the strap against one shoulder as he reached for Kagome’s sleeping form. He slowly released her from the seatbelt before getting out of his side of the car and leaping across puddles to Kagome’s door. Gathering Kagome into his arms, Sesshomaru checked to be sure her coat remained in place before running down the alley and out onto the flooded sidewalk. He sighed in relief upon seeing the doorman to his building.

It was wonderful being one of the more dominant tenants of the apartments...he had ‘insisted’ that the owners let him park in the alley due to impossible parking conditions surrounding the area. Not to mention that he also carried the luxury of having his band practice within his home. The spacious penthouse apartment took up the entire top floor of the building and was only accessible by elevator.

The doorman smiled good-naturedly at the drenched form of the young musician. His dark skin contrasted greatly against his snowy hair; while his green eyes sparkled with life and laughter.

“Personally I think a boat would have been more suitable than a car today, Sir.”

“Very cute, Lenny.” The soaked Inu growled good-naturedly as he passed through the offered open door, and into the marble floored lobby. “Have Jaken meet me at the front door, will you?”

The doorman gave a curt nod and smirk before turning to a phone and quickly dialing. After a catching the narrowed eyes of Sesshomaru, the elevator attendant promptly closed his gaping mouth and diverted his eyes to send the elevator to its appropriate level. Freezing puddles formed at the Western Prince’s feet as the broken miko in his arms slept on, blissfully unaware of the world around her. With another low growl to the boy, Sesshomaru briskly stepped from the elevator and into the vacant hallway of his private loft.

The grand doors of ivory and black flew open as a short, toad-like demon ran forward, squeaking out orders to two attendants with towels and robes. His beady eyes rested on Kagome for a split second, a small frown and flash of concern painting his wrinkled face. Out of all the humans in the world, Jaken could only handle a select few like his master could.

The miko, Kagome, had been a great friend and confidant to his master over their years of friendship. After the death of the youngest of the siblings, Rin, Sesshomaru had fallen into a deep darkness in which only Kagome’s voice could reach him. Rin, being Sesshomaru’s youngest sibling and only sister, had held a special place in his heart. Upon her death due to a rare bone-marrow disease, the master had demanded use of his father’s sword to bring her back. Despite Inu no Tashio’s warnings that the sword had not woken for centuries, Sesshomaru had tried but had held no success. He had never fully recovered from her lose, and often blamed it on Inu no Tashio himself.

The Inu Youkai growled warningly before handing off Kagome to an attendant and snatching a towel of his own. Before Jaken could leave to see to Kagome’s care, Sesshomaru had called him back.

“Have the guest room next to mine prepared for her, Jaken. She will be staying with us for a while.”

“It’s the half-breed again...isn’t it Lord Sesshomaru?” Jaken’s voice held an underlining sorrow and anger in it that was rarely ever witnessed. He sighed deeply at the nod of the Western Prince’s head. “Very well, Master. The studio as well?” Another nod and the demon was gone, leaving Sesshomaru to his thoughts.

The studio was a large room set up as both a music room and art studio. As he and Kagome both attended the same art school, Sesshomaru had taken it upon himself to set up a space in which they could both work and keep each other company. Words were rarely needed in such circumstances. Simply the feel of having another beating heart in the room seemed to help open the mind and soul. Without another word to anyone, he spun on his heel to head for Kagome’s room as he continued to towel-dry his hair. As he reached the door he dropped the soaked material, realizing how futile it was to bother considering how long he had kept his hair. Sesshomaru didn’t care if he was in fact an Inu Youkai, he would not stoop as low as to shake himself dry. Unlike one certain half-breed he knew. Opening the door slightly, he was able to see that Kagome had been dressed for bed, her bandages replaced, and tucked in. It seems that Jaken really did care for the girl. Closing the door slowly, he smiled as the said toad appeared at his side.

“I have taken the liberty of having some dry clothes placed on your bed for you, my Lord. The studio is ready, and all of the young lady’s things have been settled. Do you require anything else this evening?” Jaken’s eyes were keen and did not miss the slight frown that fell on his Lord’s brow. “Is something wrong, my Lord?”

“I do not think I am going to be able to bring her back on my own, Jaken.” Sesshomaru’s voice rose in the dimly lit hallway as he turned and began the trek to his own room, his retainer following behind. “Her friends will be a key part to her recovery. I will take the liberty of calling them in the morning.” Turning to the short demon as he opened his bedroom door, he sighed softly. “If she wakes before I do, be sure to come get me.”

“Yes, my Lord. Have a good night.” Jaken bowed low before departing towards his own quarters.

Sesshomaru peeled the soaked clothes from his chilled skin, but decided against a shower due to his newfound exhaustion. Pulling on the clothes Jaken had left for him, he made his way across the cold wooden floor to the bathroom to continue the battle of drying his hair. His thoughts became befuddled and stretched as his gaze fell on his own reflection; visions of a broken Kagome spun through his mind. The creature staring back at him held a face of no remorse, kindness, or warmth. The reflection belied the torrent of emotions that raged beneath; rarely shown to anyone regardless of their connections. The pale lips thinned slightly in recognition. Without another glance, Sesshomaru turned and left the darkened bathroom for the comfort of his bed.

To Be Continued….


A.N. Rather bland I suppose, but it’s just some underthought I had had for the story. Things will pick up very soon. I promise.