Warning: This chapter contains suggestive situations, incest, and possible triggers. Please read at your own will.

Chapter 22: Take a Bow (Part Two)

That was quite a show

Very entertaining

But it's over now

Go on and Take a Bow

The Night Before…

At approximately 8:57p.m. Kagome found herself in her usual booth at her Aunt's restaurant, only this time she was alone. The shop was closed, and she took this time to reflect on the events of the last few days. Sesshoumaru had asked if she wanted company, and though her heart screamed for her to say yes, she declined and stated she wanted to spend time with her Aunt. Although he kept his face pretty stoic, the worry in his eyes almost made her reconsider.

She was so very tired of being a burden.

She was sure that Sesshoumaru was wondering what he had gotten himself into; hell even she was wondering what she had done in her past life to endure such a fate. Seriously!? The daughter of the God of Evil? How fucked up is that?

She wouldn't be surprised if she started sprouting horns and breathing fire!

Ok…so she wasn't a dragon, but she wasn't far off.

Slowly she gripped the tendrils of her hair and fought the urge to scream. What was she supposed to do?

Honestly, a small-very small- part of her was elated to know that her father was actually alive; however, that small part was drowned out by the knowledge that he raped and tortured her mother and expected her to embrace darkness. In a way, it was funny. She was a miko, an embodiment of purity and light, but was spawned by a being of darkness. Would she technically be a dark miko then?

"Ye look to be lost in thought child. Would you like to share your struggle?"

Jumping, she looked up to see her Great Aunt Kaede standing beside her, holding a bowl of udon. Apologizing, Kagome quickly grabbed the bowl from the woman and said her thanks. She motioned for her Aunt to sit across from her and then took a deep breath.

"Aunt Kaede, I am confused. I-" She honestly didn't know where to start. Obviously, she trusted her Great Aunt enough to share her story, but could she air out all of her mother's dirty laundry?

"Ye do not have to share everything dear one, just what is troubling you? Is it that handsome demon of yours?"

Kagome didn't even attempt to hide her blush.

"Ano, no-well-he is part of it yes but not what I am confused about." She put down her spoon and cleared her throat, preparing to tell her Aunt the entire story. After an hour od explaining and-more or less-trying to compose herself she asked,

"Am I a dark miko? Is that why I have these…thoughts?"

She watched with tearful eyes as her Aunt grasped her hand and gave it a little squeeze of reassurance. Kaede's heart broke for the girl before her and for her own niece who had to bear the weight of silence on what she had been through. She couldn't imagine.

"Inside each of us, there is the seed for good and evil. It is a constant struggle for which will win and one cannot exist without the other." Kaede tightened her grip on the young woman's hand slightly, "There is goodness inside of you Kagome, no matter who your father is. Now, it is far too late for you to be out and about right now. I have a spare bedroom you may use to rest for a bit."

Kagome's watery smile widened a bit and she gave Kaede's hand a squeeze back in thanks,

"Thank you Kaede-san I really appreciate it." Relaxing, Kagome figured she would let Alexis know that she wouldn't be back at the dorm tonight or even after her first the next day. She reached in her pocket intent on sending her roomie a text but noticed she didn't have it on her. Frowning she shrugged and decided to go the old fashion way. She was thankful that she could remember numbers.

Moments later Alexis had picked up the phone and she told her that she was spending the night at her Aunts and would see her after her first class tomorrow. After receiving a response, she placed her phone back on the hook and followed after her aunt content with getting some much-needed rest.

Kaede seemed to sense this so instead of showing her around, she walked her niece to the spare bedroom, grabbed a blanket and pillow, and tucked her in for the night. She bid her sweet dreams before disappearing down the hall and into her own room.

Kagome made herself comfortable and quickly drifted off to sleep.

~AYL~

"Wake up, my pet"

"Kagome, wake up sweetie"

A low moan echoed through the room and a hand came up to pull the covers up and over her head. She just needed five more minutes.

"Come on, Kagome you can't hide from me forever" The voice spoke up once again. Kagome, even still, refused to wake up. She was so tired.

"Kagome!" The deep yell, shocked her into sitting position, her bangs wet and stuck to her forehead. Her vision was blurry, and she rubbed at her eyes fiercely to see just who the hell was calling her.

As her vision cleared, blonde hair and blue eyes stood out to her and she found herself moving backwards and away from the man who created her. Why did he keep popping up in her dreams?

"Curiosity killed the cat, my pet. Besides, I am trying to spend some time with my one and only daughter; should a man be punished for doing so?" His voice was smooth and calming but she could see something sinister within his grin. She wondered how many people fell victim to his façade. Her eyes followed him as he moved around the orange striped patterned room. She knew she should be on guard, knew that he was an evil man, but the sudden sense of comfort and belonging threatened to break down her defenses.

Why were her instincts around him so conflicted?

His dark chuckle startled her and she cursed inwardly. How could she forget that her creator was also a mind-reader.

"Actually child, you are the only one this ability works with. You are a part of me and therefore an extension of my power. There is nothing you can hide from me; no feelings you can deny." His blue eyes darkened a bit as he looked over her form,

"Tell me, my pet. Is there a young man after your suit?"

Instead of blushing like she usually did, Kagome remained on guard. What was he talking about?

Amatsu sat down on the edge of the bed, suddenly interested in his cuticles,

"This Sesshoumaru character that you cried out for during our last encounter darling. Is he after your suit?" When no response was heard, Amatsu stood and walked over to his daughter, his blue eyes boring into her own, "I don't like to be ignored."

Kagome wiped her eyes again and looked away, "I don't know"

Amatsu nodded. Her thoughts had not betrayed her words and for that he was elated. If the boy did not make his suit known, then he would have no problem with telling him to back off. His daughter was not available.

"Fascinating. Are you interested in him my dear?" He watched intently as her cheeks turned scarlet and forced down a snarl at her reaction. Foolish girl. There was no room for her and any other but him. As her creator, he would own her emotionally, mentally, and physically. She would have no other.

She was his and he'd be damned if he let anyone take her away from him. He looked her then-really looked at her- and felt something stir within him.

Even though she was from his seed, he saw her as a very desirable woman. Her long raven hair was unbound and draped across the bed almost swallowing her figure. Her long lashes swept over cerulean eyes while her cute button nose flared as his stare continued. Her pink lips parted and her tongue came out to moisten them. His own blue eyes followed the motion closely.

Swiftly, he moved to sit directly in front of her on the bed, letting his hand caress her cheek softly. A soft gasp from her lips and her eyes widened in fear. He grabbed her chin when she tried to look away from him and smirked.

"What do you see in this boy, hm? Is he good-looking? Does he protect you?" Each question, he moved his other hand to caress different parts of her body; slowly making his way towards the curve of her breast, "Does he make you feel things? Does he touch you in places you've never been touched before dear daughter?" His hand slowly stroked her mound and without warning gave a small squeeze and teased it lightly; pinching where appropriate. She gasped again and his hold tightened on her as she tried to move away.

"S-stop! L-let me go!"

Amatsu merely laughed, retracting his hand from her body. He watched in amusement as she scurried away from him; her eyes watering as she came to terms with what just happened and what he did.

He loved the look of fear in her eyes as she gazed at him; and he wanted to smile knowing that it was he who put that ther

He loved scaring her.

He stood as though nothing out of the ordinary happened and walked over towards the door. He had not planned on touching her so intimately yet but his little seed had gotten the better of him. He could hardly resist her sirens call. The mention of this 'Sesshoumaru' character didn't make it any better. His need to establish claim on his daughter was overwhelming, but he had to remember that he wanted her on his side and not against him.

He knew just what to do.

"I must go my dear, but do not fret, I will be back."

He turned to face her ignoring how she flinched when he brought his hand up to rub his chin,

"An honest enemy is better than a false friend. Do you know who your true friends are?"

~AYL~

She woke with a start her hair damp and pressed against her cheek. Her clothes stuck to her skin and her palms were moist. Instinctively, she covered her chest, abhorred by her father's bold move to touch her and choked out a sob.

She couldn't believe he touched her like that.

For some reason, she believed herself to be safe from his perversion, since she was born from him; however, she now knew it to be false.

He was a sick god.

Yanking off the covers, she moved to stand up. Her entire back was wet from sweat and she no longer required rest. She just wanted to take a shower and wash off any remnants of her father. Grabbing her keys to her dorm and her jacket she walked out of the room her aunt provided her with and found her sound asleep on the couch.

Deciding it was better to leave her be, she made quick but silent steps out the door and towards the exit. She had called for a ride share and waited by the door until the car arrived. After three minutes the described car pulled up and she got in confirming he rname and address. The ride would be around twenty minutes and she decided to listen to the radio to clear her mind.

It was currently five in the morning and she doubted Alexis would be up at this time of day anyway. That girl could sleep through a world war if she wanted to. She heard herself sigh as she thought of her dear friend. She was so grateful to had met Alexis. The young woman had given her back some of the confidence she used to have as a child before it was taen down by the bullies in her school. Her self esteem level rose to at least a moderate level with all the make up tips and multiple compliments about her appearance she received from the girl and she couldn't have asked for a better friend. She was all about uplifting another person and it was a blessing that she found someone who felt the same.

Dragging her thoughts from Alexis, she thought of her father once again and felt herself shudder in repulsion. Though it was a dream, she could still feel his hands on her and she wanted to be clean.

Should she tell someone what happened?

Though it was a stretch, she really didn't want to upset her mother and she certainly didn't want Sesshoumaru to know that she had been touched inappropriately by her own father. Aside from being absolutely disgusted, she was embarrassed that he was the first male to touch her intimately.

Could she tell Alexis?

She wasn't sure if she would believe her. Seriously, how could one confess that they are the daughter of an evil god?

She shook her head. For now, she would leave that secret between her and Sesshoumaru. She didn't want to risk anyone else getting hurt especially not her friends.

"Here we are miss"

Kagome jumped at the unsuspected voice and smiled politely at the driver before exiting the vehicle. She slid her key through the key sensor and got on the elevator to her floor. Instead of a shower, she opted for a bath. A nice hot soak would be better to relax her nerves while erasing the images of her father away.

Shaking in anticipation, she reached her door and was about to place her key in when she heard shouting.

'What the-'

"No, I'm not ready Ban. This isn't right. I can't do this to her"

Kagome was confused. Do what? To who? She pressed her ear against the door so that she could hear a little better.

"I know she's your friend Alex. I get it; really, I do. But can you honestly betray your own family for some girl you just met? Think about it. What other choice do you have?"

Kagome could feel her heart thumping in her chest. She hoped that they weren't talking about her. Why would they be talking about her?! She didn't understand.

"But Ban! Kagome isn't the one who started this! We did! It was our choices, it was our mistakes, and it was our-

"Shut up Alex! You don't know what you're talking about okay?"

"What are you trying to say Ban? That all of this was somehow Kagome's fau-

"I'm warning you Alexis, just shut up!"

Kagome felt her heart drop into the pit of her stomach. They were arguing about her! What had she done to them? She thought that they were her friends. Her hands were shaking, and she didn't know what to do or think. Had everything been a lie? Were they both out to get her all along?

She suppressed a bitter laugh. How could she be so stupid? She was a fool to think that she could have genuine friends with her luck. She fought off the immense sadness she felt at being betrayed and became angry. How could they do this to her? Was she a joke to everyone?

She ignored the continued yelling and took a deep breath. She wasn't going to hide anymore. She wasn't going to let anyone walk all over her or play her for a fool. Not again, never again. She took a deep breath and inserted her key into the door. She was going to confront this and she was going to figure out what they wanted from her. Then she would be done. She was just so tired of everything and everyone.

"I know Alex. I know. There is nothing I can do to change what I've done but at least allow me to explain-

"What more could you possibly have to tell me?! Huh? What else is there?"

"That's what I would like to know"

She watched with veiled satisfaction when Alexis' froze and Bankotsu glared at her from there position on the floor. She returned his glare full force and waited for someone to continue.

"Kagome?"

Kagome quickly adverted her gaze to Alexis who looked absolutely heartbroken at the sight of her. A small part of her felt bad for putting that look on her face but a larger part screamed that she deserved this. They weren't her true friends. They never were.

She waited, hoping that someone would begin speaking, but when it became apparent that they would not she closed the door and crossed her arms over her chest. She wanted answers and she wanted them now. She glanced back at the glaring Bankotsu and narrowed her eyes at him. Although they hadn't had much interaction in the past she assumed that they were at least on friendly terms. It was apparent that she was wrong. He looked upon her with such a glare that it almost made her falter. What had she done to him that was so bad?

After a few moments, Alexis spoke up. Her voice wavering slightly,

"H-how much did you hear?"

Kagome switched her gaze back the woman and rose an eyebrow, "Enough to know that you all were never my friends." She wanted to smile at the wince she gave. Her voice was soft but firm and it left no room for argument.

Alexis got up and walked over to Kagome, her hazel eyes glossed over with unshed tears, "Kagome, I didn't want to do any of this. When Naraku had sent us to collect you I could never imagine that you would mean so much to me in so little time."

Kagome's brow furrowed in confusion, as Bankotsu stood to his feet. She made note to watch him carefully as she spoke to Alexis.

"Who is Naraku?"

Bankotsu moved closer to the women then, "Someone you don't want to cross." He turned to Alexis and sighed, "I understand you want to do the right thing Alexis but it just doesn't fit my agenda." He turned to Kagome and frowned, "You're coming with me." He reached out to grab her and Alexis surged forward blocking Kagome from his grasp.

"Kagome is innocent Bankotsu and I will not let you send her off to be with that scum"

Bankotsu huffed in annoyance, "We don't have a choice! It's either her or us!" He was so frustrated. Can't she see that he was going out of his way to get her family back? Can't she tell that he was doing this all for her?

"You're wrong. Don't you see what he's doing to you? He's playing you like the fool you are! Do you really think that he was going to set you free? Do you think you can just go back to being a normal guy?"

Bankotsu turned his gaze away from Kagome and eyes Alexis warily, "What are you trying to say?"

Alexis pushed Kagome behind her and faced Bankotsu head on, "You will never be free of him and even in the off chance that you are free you won't live a peaceful life. You killed people Ban! You're an escapee and a threat to society. If Naraku doesn't kill you…someone will. Think about it. How many people want you dead?"

Bankotsu turned away from her and frowned. He was positive that there were many people who would rather see him dead right now and he wouldn't blame them, He had done some pretty fucked up things over the years.

But…he had enjoyed every second of it.

This was his life and if he had to do it all over again he wouldn't change a thing. Finding his resolve, Bankotsu squared his shoulders.

"It doesn't matter. I'm taking her to Naraku and if you won't help me then you're just in my way"

He moved quickly, but to Kagome everything happened in slow motion. She watched in horror as Bankotsu grabbed Alexis by the neck and, in one fluid motion, twisted it until a crack was heard and Aleixs' body hit the ground with a thud.

"No!"

A/N: Yup...This story has a mind of its own I swear. I just wonder...could this trigger Kagome's untapped power?