Chapter 1: A new life

22 years later

A young girl woke to alarm blasting at 6am. A slender hand reached out the bed and turned it off. Getting out of bed and making her way to the bathroom as quiet as possible, she started the shower and got in. Letting the hot water soothe her she prepared herself mentally for the long day ahead of her. Once finished she went back to her room quickly and locked the door. Looking through her closet for her uniform, she put it on once she found it.

"Another day another dollar I guess." She mumbled to herself.

Kagome Takana was a 23-year-old waitress. With long black wavy hair that ended at her lower back with natural blue streaks in it, big hazel eyes that had specks of blue and green, luscious full lips and a body of a goddess. Her slim waist accentuated her full hips and full breast. She stood at 5'3 and liked her height. It gave her an advantage to easily dodge people in crowds.

Kagome grabbed finished getting dressed and put her hair in a sloppy bun atop her head and quietly left the house to her car for work. She lived with her abusive father on the small Miyako Island bordering Japan. Since she could remember her father was never nice or loving. As soon as she was out of diapers, he made her clean the house, learn to cook and stay home alone for hours. At 10 her father kidnapped an elder Miko names Keade and forced her to teach her to master and control her spiritual powers. Keade taught Kagome everything and she excelled. Keade once told her that she would be a better miko than she could ever hope to be. When she was 12 he invited his cousins over to "hang out" with her. Kagome spent 15 hours being touched, groped and caressed by her so called family members. She tried telling her father but he simply beat her and told her she was leading them on. By the time she was 15 she grew a back bone and started fighting her father back. This didn't end well. When she was sleeping that night, he lit her torso on fire and whipped her back until the flames died out. At 16 Kaede went missing. Kagome's heart broke and could only hope she escaped. She continued practicing her spiritual powers in secret and never let her father know just how well she had trained. He thought she was a weak Miko, which made his beatings worse. Kagome has a brought fiery personality with her friends and is the sweetest and most loving person any of her friends know, yet they don't know how badly she wants to get away from her father. Be by death or running away. Kagome was over it.

Arriving at work, a small diner named 'Tamashī no dorobō' she loved her job and often offered to work double shifts to stay away from home as long as possible. Her check her father takes, but she manages to keep her tips. Walking into work she sees her best friend, Jakotsu.

"Good morning, Jak!" Kagome said.

"Kags! I'm so glad you're here I have AMAZING news!" Jakotsu replied barely able to contain his excitement.

"What is it?" Kagome questioned.

"I met someone, and he wants me to go to Kyoto with him! Isn't that exciting! Oh Kagome this is the chance I've been waiting for! And don't think for a second, I'm not taking you with me! Bankotsu owns a restaurant out there and he's already secured us positions! AS MANAGERS!" Oh, Kaggie you have to come with me please please please!" Kagome stood shocked. Her father would surlily kill her if she tried to escape.

"Jak, I don't think I can. I would love to get away, but I don't think I'd be able to get away with Isamu noticing and punishing me." She replied solemnly.

"Kags, you're 23! I don't care how we have to do it. We're leaving. I refuse to let you continue this treatment. I haven't been able to do anything for you and this is me finally helping you out of his clutches. You're coming with me. We leave in a week. Pack the bare necessities and bring it to work and we'll leave from here. He won't suspect a thing." Jakotsu told her sternly.
Kagome told him she'd consider it and let him know by the end of the day.

Work went by quickly for Kagome. Serving always made the time go by fast. She kept thinking about the offer to leave with Jakotsu. She desperately wanted to leave. Her father didn't even let her go to college! After high school she had to start working and give him the money she made.

'I'm a grown ass woman! I'm leaving and there's not a damn thing he can do to stop me!' Kagome thought. She touched the back of her shoulder blade, feeling the welts from the burning and whips a few years ago, she knew this would be dangerous. But she would rather die than stay with her father any longer.
"Hey Kagome! How about you sing the diner a little song liven it up?" Her manager, Kiko, suggested.

Kagome smiled and proceeded to the stage. Tamashī no dorobō was a diner by day and a bar by night. Tables adorned the room, a small island bar, a very small square left open for dancing and a small stage for karaoke nights at the bar. She loved it here. She started singing here a month after she started. Jakotsu had heard her singing when she was cleaning one night and told her she had an angelic voice and to start singing. Stepping on stage and up to the mic Kagome started singing a cover of 'Sweet Caroline'.

Where it began
I can't begin to know when
But then, I know it's growing strong
Was in the spring
And spring became the summer
Who'd have believed you'd come along?
Hands touchin' hands
Reachin' out, touchin' me, touchin' you
Sweet Caroline (ba-ba-ba)
Good times never seemed so good
(So good, so good, so good)
I've been inclined (ba-ba-ba)
To believe they never would
But now, I look at the night
And it don't seem so lonely
We fill it up with only two
And when I hurt
Hurtin' runs off my shoulders
How can I hurt when I'm holdin' you?
Oh, hey
Sweet Caroline (ba-ba-ba)
Good times never seemed so good
(So good, so good, so good)
I've been inclined (ba-ba-ba)
To believe they never would
Oh no, no
Ooh
So good, so good, so good
Good times never seemed so good
So good, so good, so good
So good, so good, so good

The patrons of the diner clapped. They loved hearing her sing. She smiled and walked off stage and straight to Jakotsu.

"I'll go. I'll bring my bag Friday. This can't fail though Jak." Kagome told him.

"Kaggie, you'll come to work Saturday morning and Bankotsu is picking us up around noon and going straight to the airport. We will be long gone before Isamu realizes you're gone." Jakotsu replied. Kagome smiled and nodded. This would work, it had to.

Arriving home around 7pm, Kagome went to start dinner knowing her father would complain if she didn't. Pulling out steak and asparagus she started cooking, cleaning up her mess as she went so her father couldn't find a reason to beat her.

"I'm so pathetic, I'm an adult trapped at home with my oh so loving father." She mumbled to herself as she seared the cast iron pan with butter for the steaks. 45 minutes later everything was prepared, and she made her father's plate and put it in the oven to stay hot, another thing he liked to beat her for, his food not being piping hot. Just as she finished her small portion of asparagus, she heard the front door slam open.

"OH KAGOMEEEEEEE!" He father yelled.

Kagome inwardly groaned and walked to the living room to meet her father. "Hello Sir, I have just finished dinner." She greeted. Taking a look at him his clothes were dirty and disheveled, his eyes blood shot, and the smell of alcohol reached her from across the small room. Kagome knew this wouldn't be a good night. When Isamu came home like this, he found any reason to put his hands on her. She attempted to excuse herself but to no avail. When she started for the stairs, he grabbed her arm and told her she'd be sitting with him while he ate.
Sitting stiffly across from she avoided eye contact at all costs. She started thinking about what Kyoto would be like. She was an excellent Miko and a hard worker. She knew she could find something. Helping out shrines when she didn't have to work at the restaurant Bankotsu owned to get out there and experience the world. She needed to conceal her aura when she went to Kyoto, the city as well as Tokyo were the most populated with demons. She didn't want anyone afraid of talking to her or her help. While in deep thought she absentmindedly fingered her necklace. A sun resting in a crescent moon. She always loved this necklace and never took it off. So deep in thought she never heard her father calling her name, unit it was too late.

He reached over and grabbed her by the hair yanking her to her feet. She yelped out in pain and looked into the angry eyes of her father.
"Not paying attention huh?" He slurred.
She chanced a glance at his plate and sure enough there was a bottle of rum next to his now empty plate. This was going to be a hard night.

Isamu threw her to the ground and stepped on her back, pinning her to the floor. He started with a few slaps and punches, not hearing any signs of pain from her he increased his strength. Adding kicking and hair pulling for good measure. All he got in response was a few whimpers.

"You're just like her! Your rotten excuse of a mother! Never listened!" He yelled in outrage. "You were supposed to be worth something but you're nothing! Your powers aren't even where they should be! I should have left you with that cheating whore and her demon lover. You were supposed to be the next Midoriko! Your mother should be happy you're not in her life." He continued the abuse.

Kagome laid there taking it until he mentioned her mother. He always told her she was dead. Based on his words she figured she wasn't. Finding strength inside her she didn't know she had she erected a barrier to bounce Isamu off her. He hit the wall and looked at her even more pissed off. She summoned her powers and used them to hold him in place against the wall.

"What happened to my mother?" She demanded.
He smirked in his drunken state he'd tell her alright. "Your whore of a mother left me for a demon. She took your brothers and left you with me." He chuckled. "She never wanted you you're nothing and even she knows it. You're worthless and she's out living her life carefree." He continued.

Kagome felt outraged. He had told her, her mother was dead! And she finds out she's alive and she has brothers? No this couldn't be happening. Using her Miko energy to throw him into the table, knocking him unconscious, she ran upstairs and began throwing what she could find into a duffle bag. She wasn't waiting until Friday. She finished packing, grabbed her bag, and ran out the door never stopping to check on Isamu, running to the diner a few blocks away. She ran inside and met the owner, Kiko, and immediately told him she needed to use the phone. She called Jakotsu.

"Jakotsu! It's terrible." She cried. "My mother is alive he lied to me! I have to leave now, he'll never let me live. I finally fought back Jak; he'll kill me when he comes to. Can Bank take us to Kyoto sooner? I have to leave! I have to find my mother! I need to know if it's true."

Jakotsu told Kagome he'd be right there to pick her up. Since Ismau doesn't know where he lives, she'd be safe while he called Bankotsu to see if he can pick them up sooner. Kagome thanked him, hung up and went to the back office to wait for him.

Jakotsu felt his heart stop when Kagome had called and told him what happened. He always tried to get her away from him, but the Island was so small there was nowhere for her to live without him finding her. He quickly called bankotsu and told him they needed to be picked up sooner. Bankotsu agreed and informed him to be at the airport first thing in the morning. Thanking him then hanging up, Jakotsu grabbed his keys and left to get Kagome. His heart pounding the whole time hoping she would be okay when he reached her. It wasn't long before he reached the diner. He ran inside looking for Kagome, when Kiko approached him. She told him Kagome took refuge in the back office and for them to leave out the back. She hugged him goodbye and told him she'd miss him and to make sure he called and checked up on her from time to time. Smiling at her Jakotsu made his way to the office, opening the door the sight before him tore his heart in two. There was Kagome, sitting at the desk bruises starting to form on her pale arms and legs. Her hair messy from the fight, blood coming from her nose and a puffy red eye, sure to be black by morning. He called out to her and she ran to hug him crying into his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and held her for a few moments. Kagome was like the little sister he's always wanted, seeing her so broken made him feel broken. She lived her whole life like this and when she met Jakotsu she felt comfortable enough to tell him her story. It took a few months and lots of questioning bruises he saw but she opened up, nonetheless. He took her under his wing and showed her how to live while still under Isamu's relentless control. He introduced her to singing. Something she found she loved. It was the perfect hobby for her. She made it clear she never wanted to be famous but singing at the diner and bar was perfect for her to let out her pain and suffering. His heart broke as her sobs made her lose her balance and fall to her knees. He sank to the floor with her never letting her go.

"I'm here Kaggie, it's gonna be okay. Sshh ssshh I promise it'll be okay." He consoled. Kagome looked up at him through teary eyes and nodded. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She had to pull herself together so they could get out of there and onto their new life.

Leaving the diner 20 minutes later Kagome and Jakotsu arrived at his condo where he quickly packed the few belongings he still had yet to pack. They put their bags in the car and left to the airport. Bankotsu had arranged a private jet to take them to Kyoto. Kagome was nervous. She'd never been in a plane (that she could remember at least) and what would happen if Ismau found her? She had no idea who her mother was or where she was. She sighed to herself and figured it was a lost hope. Upon arriving at the airport, they went to waited to be told the jet was ready. Sitting in an uncomfortable chair Kagome looked over at Jakotsu next to her and decided it had been silent for too long.

"So Jakotsu, what does Bankotsu do? I mean to be able to afford a private jet he must be pretty well off." She asked.

"He works for Ashi Corp. he's their financial advisor for the Kyoto branch. He owns the restaurant we'll be working at from his family. He updated it and made it SUPER classy it's one of the most popular places in Kyoto. Oh Kaggie, we're gonna meet so many amazing people and have a great life! I'm so excited!" Was his enthusiastic reply.

"Wow things are really gonna change for us Jak." She smiled softly then frowned. "Hey where will we be living?"

"Oh, sweetie don't even worry about that Bank set us up an apartment in the building the Takahashi's own. 'Tashio Apartments' it's beautiful he's shown me pictures! He got us a penthouse! With a beautiful view, a studio for us to dance and sing in! A HUGE kitchen, two bedrooms and access to the rooftop pool and the GYM! You're gonna love it! And once we get situated, we are DEF hitting the mall you are in desperate need of a wardrobe update!" He giggled.

Kagome looked down at her jeans and playboy bunny t shirt then back at him. "What's wrong with my wardrobe?" She shot at him.
"Sweetie, you are a grown woman about to be free and have access to the WORLD! New clothes, a phone, shoes, bags and jewelry is a must. Oh my you can even get your hair and nails done now!" Jakotsu squealed and clapped his hands together.

Before Kagome could reply a flight attendant came and informed them their flight was ready. They gathered their belongings and headed to the runway to board. As Kagome stepped into the plane behind Jakotsu. She looked back at the island she was leaving. She grew up here, albeit not the best childhood, but this was the only home she'd ever known. She was so excited for the new journey about to take place. She just hoped Isamu wouldn't find her. She made her way to her seat and fastened her seatbelt. Jakotsu passed her a blanket and told her to get comfy. While the ride was only two to three hours she needed to rest. He informed her he'd wake her up when they landed. With a smile in response, she leaned back, covered herself in the blanket and closed her eyes welcoming sleep.

Three hours later

Kagome awoke to a nudge on her shoulder, shaking the offending hand away from her she tried to turn and stay sleeping.
"Tsk tsk, wake up Kaggy our new life awaits!" Jakotsu exclaimed.
That woke her up. She opened her eyes and seen Jakotsu's smiling face. She returned the smile tiredly and got up ready to start her new life.

They got out their seats and left the plane. Walking into the runway towards the building, Kagome took in the new environment Briefly. They weren't at a regular airport like they boarded, no they were at a PRIVATE AIRPORT. Seriously how rich is this guy? It was slightly colder here than on the island. You could definitely tell summer was ending and fall was making its presence known. A sleek black limo waited for them not too far away. A man handed her and Jakotsu their bags as they made their way to the limo, only to be stopped in their tracks 15 feet from the limo. The door opened and out stepped a very handsome man. His dark brown eyes lighting up at the sight of them. Kagome took in his appearance. A purple tattoo on his forehead, a plus sign? Or a star? Who knows, long thick black hair hung down his back in a single braid at the nape of his neck and a chiseled jawline. His outfit consisted of black jeans with a white shirt with purple stars and a black leather jacket to top it off. On his feet he had a pair of white Nike Air Force 1's. Kagome was awe struck. Who was this man?

Jakotsu screamed happily. "BANK BABY!" Jakotsu ran into his arms.
'Oh, this is Bankotsu? I never would have imagined we swung that way based off his appearance.' Kagome thought. She slowly approached the two embracing men. Bankotsu look at her and smiled showing his pearly whites.

"Hi, you must be Kagome. Jakotsu has told me so much about you. I'm Bankotsu." He greeted her and stuck his hand out for her to shake.
"Hi Bankotsu, it's very nice to meet you." She replied shaking his hand. His hands were firm and slightly callous. He gave her another big smile and told them to get into the limo so they could see their new home. Kagome and Jakotsu hurried into the warm vehicle and buckled in. Shutting the door once he got in Bankotsu tapped the divider to let the driver know he could take off now.

The ride to the apartment building was pleasant. Kagome found out Bankotsu and Jakotsu met on a dating site. They immediately clicked and Bankotsu often visited Jakotsu on the island. After months he grew tired of the distance and decided it was time for Jakotsu to be closer to him so they could further their relationship. Jakotsu said he was never leaving the island unless he had Kagome in tow and had been planning a way for her to come with him when he finally did leave. When Bankotsu told him to pack up and come to Kyoto, he immediately told him he wouldn't leave Kagome. To which Bankotsu told him to bring her with and that's how they ended up here.

Arriving at the apartment building, the driver opened the door and let them out. Kagome stepped out and looked at the building in awe. The structure stood about 50 stories high and took up the whole block. A valet and door man stood under the covered entrance, tall white podiums lined the building perimeter, and two large white dog statues were placed on either side of the French doors. The building itself was a hue of grey with white and gold accents. Walking through the lobby as a bell man grabbed their bags, Kagome was stunned by the floor was covered with Lux Touch tile and the walls a cream color. A giant crystal chandelier hug from the ceiling. Kagome knew This place had to be extremely expensive and briefly wondered how they would afford the rent here.

Bankotsu led them to the top floor, and they stepped into the hallway. There were only 4 doors on this floor.

'Four apartments for this whole floor!?' Kagome thought stunned.

Bankotsu led them to the very last door on the right. Using the keys, he opened the door and Jakotsu squealed in excitement and Kagome's jaw dropped. Walking into the spacious living room they saw marbled floors, pure white walls, a 75-inch flat screen tv under a silver and diamond crusted fireplace, matching end tables and a coffee table surrounded the plush velvet couch. On the window hung black, grey, and white curtains that were currently opened to let the light in. Stepping towards the kitchen, it held a double door stainless steel refrigerator with what she assumed was a produce drawer and freezer, stainless steel microwave and flat top oven. The counters were a deep black with diamond knobs that Kagome hoped were faux diamonds or cubic zirconium at least. On the counters were the latest appliances, a light pink air fryer, a touch screen toaster, and much to Kagome's excitement, a Breville expression machine and a Mr. Coffee Frappe machine. Kagome had been wanting one for SO LONG. In the middle of the kitchen stood an island countertop, the side had a built-in wine rack, mini fridge, shelves, and baskets. Was that a full bar she saw?

"Go look at your rooms." Bankotsu told them while nodding to the hallway.

The hallway started at the living room and went back to the end of the apartment. Four doors accompanied the hallway. Walking to the door with a Giant crystal mirrored K, that Kagome assumed was her room, she opened the door and saw dark green walls with a black trim and grey doors, a king size bed with forest green silk sheets and a thick dark grey comforter blanket, four fluffy pillows in the same green were accompanied by dark grey silk covered body pillow and a black throw pillow sat right in front of them all. A thick black plush throw blanket was folded across the foot of the bed. Right at the foot of the bed sat a black plush bench that looked like it also had storage. On the floor above the wood panel flooring was a green, black, and grey marble rug that took up almost the entire room. On either side of her bed were black-stained wood nightstands accompanied by a chandelier style lamp. Looking to the left of the bed was a walk-in closet she was sure would fit her old room in and a private bathroom. Between the two doors sat a single grey desk with a fluffy black chair. Equipped with the latest laptop, a printer, and various trinkets to tie it in together, on the wall above the desk was a whiteboard calendar, that Kagome was very grateful for. To the right along the wall was a black vanity and stool, a horizontal dresser and a vertical lingerie chest. Looking in front of the bed was a mounted 55-inch tv and underneath was a black fireplace tv stand with two cabinets and four shelves.

Across the hall Jakotsu squealed higher than before and she walked over to see his room. His room was almost exactly like Kagome's, but his colors were purple pink and silver. 'Very fitting for Jakotsu.' Kagome thought as she smiled at him.

Turning to Bankotsu she asked, "so how much a month is this gonna cost us?" She looked at her hands, twisting her fingers around each other "This place looks extremely expensive and I'm very grateful, but I don't know how we could possibly afford this."

Bankotsu let out a deep chuckle "Don't worry about it. The rent is about $1700 with everything included and Wi-Fi. I pulled some strings with the Takahashi's and the youngest and I are good friends. They agreed and set a decent priced rent for you guys. This rent only goes into effect in 2 months after you guys have started working and everything. Took a hell of a lot of convincing." He shook his head to himself. "But I managed." He smiled at them.

Kagome and Jakotsu looked at each other and gave Bankotsu a group hug. He chuckled and told them to get some rest as he'd be bringing them to the restaurant in two days to get them started. He knew how rough the last day was for them, especially Kagome, and he decided to give them a couple days of rest and relaxation before bringing them into work. With that he left for his own home.

Finally alone Kagome turned to Jakotsu and wrapped him in a bear hug as she let her tears fall. This was a huge change for her and she was beyond grateful but also overwhelmed. Just yesterday she was a pathetic excuse of a grown woman and today she was free. She was away from Isamu's controlling grasp and able to do what she pleased. She could be a normal 23-year-old. Jakotsu stood there and held her. Assuring her quietly that their lives are changing for the better and everything will be okay.

Three months had passed and Kagome and Jakotsu were thriving. The restaurant they managed was called 'Shikon' and they also served there. A large restaurant serving 5-star meals. They quickly got into the swings of things, managing and serving with ease. They would rotate often; one would do the business in the back and the other would serve when they both were there. They covered each other's days off and the pay was amazing. They were easily able to afford their apartment and go shopping for new clothing, shoes, and extra things they wanted around the house. A full fridge and pantry was something neither of them have ever had and they loved every minute of it.

"Jak and Kag I have an announcement!" Bankotsu said as he strolled into the restaurant office. Mentioned persons looked up and questioned what was going on.

"The Takahashi's and Higurashi's are coming into town to check on the branch here in Kyoto and they most likely will be stopping at the restaurant." His grinned slightly as he continued "I don't know when they'll be stopping by, but they are flying into town tonight and will be here for the next few days so please be on high alert."

"Oh, this is exciting! I've heard amazing things of Ashi Corp! I've always been particularly intrigued by their technology products. I can't wait to meet the masterminds behind it!" Kagome clapped excitedly.

"Oh, this is amazing! I hear the youngest Takahashi has the CUTEST ears! Oh, don't look at me like that Bank, you know I love you and only have eyes for you." Jakotsu retorted.

Bankotsu shrugged as Kagome questioned what Jakotsu meant by his hears. She knew demons existed, but she figured they all had pointed ears aside their head.

"He's a half demon. He has puppy ears on his head. Quite the chick magnet for him." Bankotsu supplied.

"Oh well we'll be ready for them the get here Bank! You can count on us!" Kagome exclaimed, hiding her interest in this demon's ears they spoke about.

"Great. I'll see you guys later I have a few things to finish up in the office." And with that Bankotsu vanished out the restaurant leaving Kagome and Jakotsu to their work.

A week had passed and no sign of the famous Ashi party. It was 7:30 and the restaurant was extremely busy. Both Kagome and Jakotsu were on the floor helping serve. The hostess asked Kagome to take the large party that had just walked in at table 19 and she agreed. Most of the wait staff was stretched thin with the dinner rush they had received, how a large party managed to get in and seated immediately was beyond her. After making sure Jakotsu could handle some of her tables, Kagome made her way to the table waiting for her.

"Good evening, my name is Kagome I'll be your waitress this evening. Can I get you started on any drinks while you look over the menu?" She politely greeted.

Fifteen pairs of eyes snapped up to look at her. Kagome felt a little uneasy as one handed absently went to her pendant to keep her calm. They stared at her intensely before one of them spoke.

"Hello, I am Toga Takahashi, and this is my clan. May we get some water to start." Toga, his name was, answered her. Kagome jotted it down on her notepad and smiled at them as she left to quickly get their drinks. On her way to the kitchen her mind began racing. She was NOT expecting them to come tonight of all nights. She had to make sure this was perfect for them. As she hurried, she never noticed the eyes following her every move.

A/N: I hope you guys liked it. Please leave a review!
Disclaimer: I do not own inuyasha, its characters, any songs or appliances mentioned