Daddy's Little Girl
Disclaimer: Iron Man and Inuyasha, belong to their respective owners. I never have, and never will, own any part of them. Thank you.
Summary: What would it be like if Kagome's dad was someone else? Someone known? Someone famous? What would happen if Kagome met him? How would her life be different? Kagome/Various-Fathers-from-Various-Places Inuyasha/x-over, Pairings possible
Daughter of a Genius
Tony Stark, son of the late Howard Stark. A boy genius who started MIT at the ripe, young age of fifteen. He inherited his father's company, Stark Industries, when he was only twenty-one. In the short years to follow, he turned it into a multi-million dollar industry. He continued to defy all expectations and repeatedly mesmerized America and the world with his inventions and discoveries in the world of technology.
It was years later that brought the, now, thirty-seven-year-old mastermind to invent what was now known worldwide as the Iron Man suit. Many had tried, and failed, to recreate such an accomplishment, and it only served to reinforce the world's belief that Tony Stark was one of a kind, and would continue to be unmatched in his intellect and knowledge for advanced technology.
And yet, Tony thought glumly to himself, why do I find myself here at the Advanced Technology Expo in Tokyo, Japan? Looking around, he couldn't find anything that he hadn't either built, or had plans for sitting on some shelf at home. It was a waste of time in his opinion. He had many other things he would rather be doing. Pepper was waiting and he could not keep her for too long. Of course, she was the one who made him go. She said something about not backing out of a commitment. She may be his wife, but she was still his assistant. He still was not sure exactly how that one happened, but he was glad for it every day. At least every day, except for today.
Now he was stuck in Tokyo, Japan playing a judge for the competitors. It wasn't even that important. Sure the winner of the competition would get a job in his company, and it also allowed others to get a look at a person's work and possibly hire them for their own business or to buy their invention. It also helped that each and every one of the participants were geniuses in their own right. He remembered visiting a competition similar to this one about twenty years ago. He was only twenty-years-old and had come with his father to do exactly what he was doing now.
His father would walk around and look at all the various weapons and technology that the competitors provided, while Tony ambled about looking at all the beautiful women he could find. If he remembered correctly, which he did, he had met one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen while at that competition. Her name was Mai; she was not a participant in the competition, but was there as support for a friend.
The two of them ended up talking, and he found that there was more to her than met the eye. She was not as smart as the rest of the people there, but she was not unintelligent. He discovered that she was studying to be a doctor, and went on to explain her plans for future schooling. She was only nineteen and attending the Tokyo University of Medicine as a second year. Sure, he had graduated MIT by that age, but it was still impressive.
Since he was going to be in Japan for a week, Tony had asked her on a date. She had refused profusely, until her friend forced her to agree. They ended up having a few dates while he was in town. And in the end, one thing led to another and she ended up in his hotel suite. She was gone before the morning and he had never felt so bad for his actions. He tried to find her to apologize, but his efforts were for naught.
After returning to America, through work and eventually taking over the company, he ended up forgetting about her. Tony wondered why his thoughts only now brought her up. It could be because he was back in Tokyo, Japan where they first met. It could be because it was the exact Expo that he had visited when meeting her. It could be because it was also in the same building as it was before. It could also be because he was standing in the almost exact place he had met her for the first time. Or it could be because he was staring at an almost exact replica of her just a few feet away sitting in a booth and displaying her invention.
He almost had to shake himself to make sure he wasn't seeing things. But no, the girl – woman – standing a mere fifteen feet in front of him, looked exactly as Mai had nearly eighteen years ago. Just change the striking blue eyes to a dark brown, and the long, wavy hair to a short, shoulder length, straight cut, they could be twins. He blinked when those blue eyes were focused on his own similar color. Tony watched as surprise shown in those blue eyes, before she turned away to answer a question that was asked of her and proceeded to ignore him, even as he stood only three feet from her table.
He didn't even realize he was so close, but now that he was, Tony used the time to at least take a look at her invention. What he saw stunned him. It was positively genius. The idea and design was nothing like he had ever seen. And he had seen many in his almost forty years of life.
From what he could see, it was a machine that could drain the energy from an object and convert it to energy to use elsewhere. For example, she was using the machine to drain the power from a simple plant and converting the energy of photosynthesis to become energy used by the cell phone battery. Granted, the plant did not offer the phone much energy, but it was the idea that counted. It was ingenious. The schematics and working drawings were a work of art in and of themselves. It was similar to solar power, yet completely different at the same time. She also had examples showing the machine taking power from a car battery and transferring into a plant to help it grow faster.
His curiosity piqued; Tony Stark moved to take a closer look at the machine standing behind her. It was by no means small, but it did not take up the whole room either. It was a couple feet taller than him and about four feet in diameter. There were many different colored tubes and wires coming out here and there, and the screen lit up with a picture of the plant she had removed the energy from and the battery she placed it into. The plant (what was left of it after having its energy drained out) was sitting in a compartment on the left of the machine, while the battery was on the opposite side in its own compartment, both could clearly be seen through the thick, glass window.
He stepped around the table and over the rope keeping others from touching the inventor's machines. Tony Stark was actually grateful that he was a judge at the Expo. It gave him automatic access to anywhere and everywhere. He moved around the machine, trying to find out how it ticked. He was a bit disappointed when he could see nothing to give away its inner workings. His hands twitched at the thought of opening it up and seeing what was in it and how it worked. From his vantage point he could see some sort of power core in the center of the machine. Tony could not get a close enough look at it to truly get a handle of what it was used for, but it almost reminded him of the arc reactor.
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
Tony jumped a bit at the unexpected voice. Turning, he was not all surprised to see the young woman standing beside him and staring at the center of the machine with a small smile on her face. Now that he had a closer look at her, he could see that she was much younger than he originally thought, maybe sixteen or seventeen at the most. It surprised him.
"Yes, it is," he replied without really thinking about it.
She turned her bright blue eyes – he swore he had seen eyes such as hers before – and offered him a smile. She took a step back and bowed her head as she greeted him, "My name is Kagome Higurashi."
He held out his hand and waited for her to grasp it. "Tony Stark."
She laughed and he was amazed with how beautiful and clear the sound was. "Yes, Mr. Stark, I know who you are. I would be a fool if I didn't."
Her Japanese accent was strong, but he could still easily understand her. "You speak very good English." He couldn't stop the comment from escaping his mouth.
Kagome smiled before replying, "Yes, my father was an American my mother met years ago, and ever since I was little I always wanted to learn the language. That way, when I meet him, we will be able to understand each other. Even if he knows how to speak Japanese, as a kid I still wanted to learn English. I've been speaking English since I was five and it only gets better. "
"Hmm, well your mother has my thanks for allowing you to learn. You may need it in a few weeks."
She tilted her head to the side and asked curiously, "Oh? Why?"
"I want you to work for me in America," he said bluntly.
Kagome couldn't help but laugh loudly. When she saw that he looked completely serious, her laughter died down and she stared at him with wide eyes. "You're serious?" she asked incredulously.
"Of course I am, Miss Higurashi. I do not joke when it comes to certain subjects, possible future associates being one of them."
"Hmm and why do you want me to work for you, Mr. Stark?" Kagome questioned with a tilt of her head. She couldn't think of any good enough reason for him to want her to work for him. Her invention may have been impressive to most, but that didn't mean the rest of her work was even remotely as remarkable.
He looked at her for a moment to see if she was seriously questioning his decision. When he saw that she was completely serious, he replied, "You have talent. That is blaringly obvious to me. Take this machine for example. This particular machine is simply just for show, much like the arc reactor that used to sit at Stark Enterprises. It worked but not even slightly as good as my smaller version."
She gazed at him emotionlessly for a moment, before a small smile made its way onto her lips. "You are every bit as intelligent as I have heard, Mr. Stark. Not that I had my doubts, but to have figured that out would have taken some brains."
"Not really," he replied casually. "If you looked closely, you could easily tell that many of those wires and tubes are simply for show, and the real heart of the machine, the part that makes it work, is in the center. With that, you can figure out that the outer shell is really not what is needed. The center power source is what makes the machine tick. However, the inner workings of that power source I cannot figure out."
She smiled wryly, before saying, "There is a bit more to it than that, but no one else has even gotten that far in their assessment of my machine. The inner power that makes the whole process possible is an incredible piece of work. And I'm afraid that I can't show you how it works. That would be like you giving me the plans to your Iron Man suit and the arc reactor. It just isn't going to happen," she stated with a smile.
Before he could respond to her statement, they were interrupted by a voice calling her name. Kagome turned from the man in front of her to greet the person calling out to her. A smile lit up her face as she easily recognized the person coming closer to her. Moving swiftly, Kagome was on the other side of the ropes and opening her arms in preparation for the hug she knew was coming.
"Kagome! I'm glad we finally made it here. Mom lost track of time while grocery shopping after she picked me up from my soccer game, and by the time she realized what time it was, we were already late. Sorry we weren't here in the beginning," Souta explained regretfully. He didn't want to miss seeing her machine in the competition. Luckily, they did not miss the announcement of the winners.
Kagome only laughed before pulling him along with her as she moved back to her side of the rope. "Don't worry Squirt. I'm just glad you made it." She looked around in confusion before turning her gaze back to her brother. "Where's Mom anyway?"
"Oh, she saw something she wanted to take a closer look at and I left her so I could find you."
Kagome smiled humorously as she pictured her mother getting sidetracked. Her mother did have a thing for inventions. And cute, fuzzy, puppy-dog ears. Needless to say, her mother was a bit disappointed when she found out that Kagome was not marrying Inuyasha and thus, giving her puppy-eared grandchildren.
Kagome was pulled out of her thoughts, by the clearing of a throat. Blushing a bit in embarrassment when she realized that she had completely ignored her "guest," Kagome turned to him with a small, apologetic bow and said, "Sorry about that Mr. Stark. This is my brother, Souta Higurashi. Souta, this is–" Kagome didn't get the chance to finish her sentence before her brother interrupted her.
"Tony Stark. I know who he is Sis. I would have to be a fool not to."
Tony blinked for a moment as he took in the similarities between the two siblings. He watched as they bantered playfully, and he couldn't help the small smile that came across his face. It was more of a small smirk than anything else, but it was something. Watching the two of them interact, made him realize that he actually wanted kids of his own. Of course, with the way his life was going at the moment, he was not sure if he had time to raise a child. He wondered what his wife would think. Only one way to find out, he would have to ask her when he called later.
He was pulled once more from his thoughts when he heard a feminine voice call out the names of the two people in front of him.
"Kagome, Souta, there you two are. I have been looking everywhere for you Souta, what did I say about wandering off, hmm?" Mrs. Higurashi scolded the twelve-year-old.
Souta looked guiltily at the floor before offering her an apologetic smile. "Sorry Momma, but I had to see Kagome. She refused to show us her invention at home, and I have been dying to see it for nearly a month."
Kagome laughed at her brother's antics before ruffling his hair and saying, "It hasn't been that bad. I did give you small hints. But this one was supposed to be a surprise."
"Yeah, yeah. Will you just show us already?" he asked impatiently. He loved his sister greatly, but she had been keeping him from her "secret laboratory" for over a month! He hadn't been able to play his games down there for too long. Her computer did have the best picture and the sound quality was stupendous. But every time he tried to get in, he got zapped for his efforts. She could be really mean at times.
With an indulgent smile, Kagome ushered him over to the machine so he could clearly see what was happening. While the two of them were thoroughly engaged with her machine, Tony was stuck starring at the woman he had just been thinking about a few minutes prior.
It couldn't be her, could it? Tony tried to come up with an answer as they each stood staring into each other's surprised eyes. "Mai?"
Mrs. Higurashi sighed as she looked around the large building the Expo was being held in. She had not been in the building for almost two decades and she found it a bit ironic that the last time she was there was when she met Kagome's father; the, now, infamous Tony Stark.
She still couldn't believe what had happened all those years ago. And she still felt bad for it. Her friend told her that she did nothing wrong, and that it was a normal occurrence for girls in college to have one-night stands. Mai had always disagreed. But there was just something about Tony that had drawn her in. And she understood easily how he could be such a ladies' man. Even all the way in Japan she heard about Tony Stark, and his reputation always seemed to follow him. It had slowed down a bit once he married his assistant, but his character was still the same. Only now, it was only toward his wife.
No matter how bad she felt about what happened, Mai would do it all over again if only to have Kagome again. She was such a wonderful child, and Mai was grateful every single day that she was given such a precious, undeserved gift. Kagome had been her light when her mother died from heart failure; she had been the reason for her to keep her going. Kagome had even been the one that eventually led Mai to finding her future husband.
He was three years older than Mai. Kagome was two at the time and she had easily wormed her way into his heart and he into hers. They were married a year later and Souta was born a year and a half after they were married. They were happy for the next five years until her husband died in a car accident. He was on his way to work when another car spun out of control and collided with the driver's side of his car. He died a few hours after being admitted to the hospital.
Again, Kagome had been her light, as was Souta. And only through the love of her children and father-in-law, was she able to pull herself out of the pit she had found herself in. It was around that time that Kagome took up inventing. She was only eleven, but she took to electronics like a duck to water. Mai could not understand how Kagome had such a knack for electronics but couldn't do an Algebra problem to save her life. She got that from her mother.
Kagome already knew that Souta's father and her father was not the same person, and Mai was always surprised at her insight and intelligence in certain areas. Even at the age of five, Kagome had understood and even asked who her father was. Mai never did tell her, but Kagome said nothing. Though she knew that deep down Kagome wanted to know her father, she didn't bring it up because she didn't want to be a burden and possibly cause her mother hurt.
Mai was sure that Kagome got her talent for inventing from her father, even if Kagome didn't know it. Kagome never forgot the father she did grow up with, but secretly she wished that she could meet her real father. She wanted to make him as proud of her as her other father and her mother had been. Kagome just wanted to meet him.
When her adventures in the past began, that idea slowly drifted farther away. As did her inventing and other leisurely activities. Kagome found it enough of a chore to keep her grades up while also putting back together the broken jewel. She had no time for her machines, and her thoughts rarely ever returned to her father.
It wasn't until her quest in the past was over and she was forced back into her time, that she began to take up inventing once more. She had nothing else to do, and tinkering with her tools and equipment, helped take her mind off of her dearly missed friends in the past. It wasn't long before she came up with an idea for a type of energy source that was partially based off of her miko powers. She tweaked and tinkered with various uses before finally landing on one that truly struck her. When the time came around, Kagome entered her invention into a junior completion at her school. From there, she was asked to display her work at the Advanced Technology Expo in Tokyo. Something her mother was quite ecstatic about.
Her mother was always proud of her children's achievements and always strived to be there for support. This time was no different, except for the fact that they had been running later than she wanted. Mai almost smacked herself for losing track of time. How could that even happen when grocery shopping? She didn't know, but it was obviously possible. Souta was not too happy that they were late for the set up of Kagome's machine. He seemed quite eager to see it. So it did not truly surprise her, when she turned around after looking at a rather peculiar looking contraption, to find that her son was not where she had left him. She was not surprised to find him already by his elder sister and talking animatedly to her about why they were late. It did not surprise her when Souta practically demanded that she show him her machine. It did surprised her, however, when she noticed the presence of an unexpected person standing behind her daughter and staring straight into Mai's surprised, brown eyes.
"Mai?" he asked stunned.
"Wait, Mom how does Tony Stark, the Tony Stark know your name?" Souta asked with eyes wide in wonder as he turned his attention from Kagome's explanation to stare from his mother to Tony Stark and back again.
Mai did not answer her son and could only stare with wide-eyes as Tony looked from her to her daughter. When surprise and recognition shown in his light-blue eyes, she knew that he figured it out. She should have expected it; he was a genius after all.
Kagome looked from her mother to the now wide-eyed genius trying to figure out what was going on. Setting her gaze on her mother, she asked tentatively but firmly, "Mom?" She wanted to know what was going on and she wanted to know now.
Mai dragged her gaze from the man in front of her and turned to her daughter. "Kagome..." She didn't know what to say. What could she say? "Dear, this is your father that I haven't seen for over seventeen years. He didn't know you existed until he just figured it out." She wasn't sure how that would go over.
Kagome's brows furrowed as she looked away from her mother and turned to the man standing to her left. She was surprised to see him studying her with such intensity that it took her breath away. Why was he looking at her like that?
Souta's eyes slid from one to the other before he blurted out in impatience, "Will someone please tell me what's going on?"
His voice snapped them out of their thoughts long enough for them to see that a small crowd had gathered to see what was happening. Kagome blushed a bit in embarrassment from all the attention, while Tony Stark only ignored them. Her mother and brother didn't pay too much attention to them either. But that could have been because her mother was still staring with apprehension at Tony and her brother was facing away from the crowd and didn't notice.
Tony Stark couldn't tear his eyes away from her. Kagome was his daughter? How? Well he knew how, but when? No, he knew that too. But... how could it happen? Tony mentally shook his head. He was asking himself too many stupid questions. His brain had shut down on him, and he was unable to truly process what was happening.
He had a daughter. And she was standing right in front of him. It would explain the eyes, as well as the similarities to her mother. But why did Mai never tell him? He found that it hurt a bit knowing that he had a daughter that he never got to watch grow up. And yet, he was almost glad for that too. What kind of life would she have had if she lived with him?
His thoughts were drawn away from what could have been when her little brother, no half-brother, interrupted the silence with his question. Turning his blue eyes from Kagome, Tony looked into the brown eyes of her mother. "I would also like to know what is going on," he said sternly. He was pretty sure his assumption was correct, if the look in her eyes was anything to go by, but he wanted to make sure.
Mrs. Higurashi looked between her two children and back to the man in front of her. Sighing, she absently began to ring her hands together as she said, "Maybe we should get something to eat before I say anything. I don't think now is the time, nor the place for such a conversation."
Kagome's suspicion grew as she listened to her mother. What was going on? "Mother, I can't just leave you know. And Mr. Stark has to finish looking at the other competitors. Why can't you just say whatever it is now?"
Tony mentally disagreed; he had no reason to look at the others. He already found who he was going to hire. The fact that she was his daughter only made it all the more worthwhile.
Mai sighed before saying, "This isn't the place for such a conversation." Looking at Tony, she continued, "We have much to discuss."
Knowing that she wouldn't get more out of her mother than she already did, Kagome sighed before relenting. "Fine, we will talk elsewhere. But you will have to wait until the Expo is over. You guys came late, so I only have another hour or so before it's over. You can go look at the other machines until then. We will meet back here and then we will go get something to eat. Okay?" Kagome asked while looking between the three of them. Souta agreed readily; he wanted to know what was going on! Her mother seemed a bit reluctant, but accepted. Tony agreed as well, after explaining that he had to wait a bit longer to give his opinion in the judging. It wouldn't take much longer; he already knew what he was going to say.
The four of them split up and Kagome couldn't help but rub her temples. She was getting a major headache. And, somehow, she knew that it was only the beginning.
The ticking of the clock and the clatter of tinkling glasses and cutlery, followed by the hum of conversation were the only sounds that surrounded the small group of four as they sat at their table in the corner of the small café. Kagome shared a look with her brother sitting across from her before looking to their mother, who was holding her tea in her hands and staring at the table top. Tony sat to Kagome's left as he idly sipped at his coffee.
"Mother, are you going to tell us what all this is about?" Kagome asked when the silence became unbearable.
Mai glanced at her daughter before sneaking a small look at Tony. Sighing, she set her cup on the table before saying, "I met Ton– Mr. Stark, at an exposition, similar to this one, eighteen years ago. You remember my friend Suki? She had entered and I was there to see her. Mr. Stark and I met and even went out to dinner a few times. We spent quite a bit of time together while he was in Japan and we got to know each other fairly well. And well..." Mai couldn't seem to bring herself to say it out loud. Looking to her daughter, she watched as confusion crossed her features, before recognition set in, followed by surprise.
Kagome's blue eyes widened as she came to the conclusion. Not truly believing what her mind was telling her, she looked from her mother to Mr. Stark and back again. "But that's not..."
"It is," her mother said confirmedly.
Kagome only blinked before her gaze settled to the person sitting to her left who was silently studying her again. Only this time, she understood the look.
Souta sat exasperatedly in his seat as his mother and sister held a confusing conversation between themselves. He wanted to know what was going on, and they weren't telling him anything. Pouting, Souta crossed his arms and demanded, "What are you all talking about? What is going on?"
Kagome blinked again and looked to her brother. Hardly believing what she was saying, Kagome told him quietly in shock, "Tony Stark is my father."
Souta blinked as well before his eyes widened and he exclaimed, "What?"
"Souta, quiet. There are other people here," his mother scolded.
He only scowled a bit before turning to his sister. "How is that even possible?"
"Well, you see, when two people love each other –" Tony began, but was stopped by a swift kick in the shin. Mai looked at him with a frown while Kagome tried to stifle a laugh behind her hand. Tony smirked before clearing his throat and further explaining, "Like your mother said, I met her eighteen years ago and during our time together I got her pregnant with your sister, my daughter. Though, this is the first I've heard of it," Tony said almost accusingly.
"I didn't want to be a burden. And besides, you were very busy and wouldn't have had time to take care of her. It was easier in the long run for the both of us if I didn't tell you. I never even told her you were her father. I was planning on telling her eventually and letting her decide what to do, but it would seem that my choice was taken away from me."
Tony didn't truly know what to think. He did not like the fact that he didn't know he had a daughter all this time, but he was glad that he was at least able to meet her. And now that she was coming to work for him, he would be able to get to know her better. Of course, he had to let her mother know that first. After all, Kagome was only seventeen and therefore still under the care of her mother.
"I understand. But I would like the chance to get to know her, if that is all right. I have offered her a job in the States to come and work for me. With your permission, I would like her to start as soon as possible."
Mai didn't know what to say. She couldn't very well rob them of the chance to get to know each other, but did she really want her daughter living in the United States? It was so far, and she wouldn't be able to see her very often. But, Mai supposed, this was better than Kagome's trips to the past. When she went through the well, there was no way to contact her. But with her in America and in the same time period, she would only be a phone call away. Looking to her daughter, she saw the almost pleading look she was sending to her. Kagome wanted to go. And Mai couldn't deny her the opportunity.
"All right, she can go. But she has to call often so I know she is all right. And you have to come visit," she said to her daughter.
Kagome smiled a large smile before launching herself into her mother's arms with a quiet squeal. "Thank you, thank you, thank you. Don't worry Momma; I will call you as often as I can. And we can easily send each other messages and such. Souta knows how to work the computers; he can help you." Souta smiled at the prospect of using her workstation. It was way better than his mom's.
The rest of their lunch continued with getting to know each other and catching up on their lives, while also making plans for Tony's return to America with Kagome. Kagome found herself leaving lunch and her family with a spring in her step. A smile firmly set on her face. She returned to the Expo and the rest of the day went by smoothly as she packed up and moved her machine out. She was later informed that she won first place, though she cared very little for the news. Her excitement in meeting her father and getting a chance to get to know him, overrode her excitement for placing first in a competition that meant very little to her to begin with. Besides, she thought that the results were a little unfair. Her father was the judge after all.
As Kagome made her way home, she couldn't stop the smile from remaining on her face. Walking up the long set of stairs, Kagome mentally went over a list of all that she wanted to bring with her to California as well as all she wanted to do with her father. That thought alone brought a content smile to her face. She finally met her father, and she would be living with him for an unidentified amount of time.
Though she was surprised that he was Tony Stark, she found that it also didn't surprise her all that much. When she thought about it, everything seemed to fit and it made sense to her. Her aptitude for electronics was a huge give away. As were her blue eyes. She absently wondered what else she got from him. Kagome was truly glad she didn't inherit his perverseness.
As Kagome greeted her family and they sat down to dinner, she couldn't help but think about what her new journey would bring. And what sort of changes were in store for her. Only time would tell, and she couldn't help but be eager for the next few days to move faster so she could start her new life with her father. Her mind would not stop working on all the possible scenarios of her trip, and it would only slow when she was actually in California and was able to calm herself. But at the moment, all she could do was wait. And waiting was never an easy task for her.
A new chapter in her life was about to open up. This time there would be no Inuyasha, no Shikon, no Naraku, no traveling five hundred years into the past through a dingy, old, magical well. No, this time all she had to worry about was being the daughter of the legendary Tony Stark. She could only hope that she survived.
Exodus 20:12
"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you."