Supreme Conquest
By Danyealle
(MMF/FanFiction)
Chapter 10
Once she finished her bath and getting dressed Kagome figured she should go rescue Togaou and Sesshomaru from her mother and grandfather. She was sure that by now they both felt as though they had been chewed thoroughly and spit back out. It was fairly certain that they probably needed to get out of the house for a bit.
On her way down stairs, she poked her head into Sota’s room to check on him and Inuyasha. Both were intently involved in the video game they were playing and only gave her short answers when she asked them something so she left them to it and headed down to the kitchen.
When she stepped into the kitchen, the first things he noticed was the slightly shell-shocked look on the two daiyoukai’s faces. That was enough to tell her that her mom and grandpa had probably both chewed on them, but good too most likely. Giving them a bit of a sympathetic smile, she then turned to her mother who was standing at the stove, cooking. “Smells good mom! How much longer before we eat?” She asked.
Turning, the older woman gave her daughter a smile. “Oh, about a half an hour to 45 minutes I would think. What was it Inuyasha liked so much last time he was here? I can’t remember.” She asked her daughter.
“Ramen,” Kagome said with a giggle.
“That’s right! I was going to make some for him. Are he and Sota still playing video games?”
“Oh yeah, they’re deeply engrossed from what I saw before I came down stairs. Sota is kicking his butt and Inuyasha is vowing vengeance for it.” Kagome giggled. “While you finish cooking I’m going to take Togaou and Sesshomaru out and show them around a bit. Then I’ll try to explain all the weird stuff to them. OK?”
“Alright dear. I’ll yell when the food’s ready.”
Turning to the two youkai, she smiled then said, “C’mon, I’ll show you around the shrine then give you the grand tour of the house. “
Not needing any more encouragement to get out of the uncomfortable atmosphere of the kitchen, both daiyoukai’s scrambled to their feet and followed her.
Once out of the house and a ways away from it she said, “I thought you might need rescued from mom and to take a bit of a break.”
Putting a hand on her back, Togaou said, “Indeed, your mother, for being such a small onna, can be rather intimidating.”
Giggling more, Kagome looked at him. “Oh, I know all to well! I figured she was going to chew on you a bit.” Glancing at Sesshomaru, she asked, “You OK?”
Glancing down at the tiny onna, Sesshomaru nodded. “Yes. But I believe I now understand where some of your personality comes from.”
Giggling more, she replied, “Yeah, I admit that I take after my mom quite a bit.” She led them to the God’s tree and sat down then tried to simply explain many of the things they had questions about as simplistically as she could. What she couldn’t explain in a way they could understand she promised to look up after lunch then show them. When they were a bit more relaxed and feeling less stressed out she took them back into the house and gave them a bit of a tour. She also made sure to show them where the bathroom was and explain the function of the things they were going to need to sue. Both of them were fascinated by the indoor plumbing, especially the shower and how you could adjust the temperature of the water.
By the time she finished the ‘grand tour’ it was time for lunch.
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Despite what had happened earlier between the two youkai and the miko’s mother, lunch was actually a very pleasant experience. Mrs. Higurashi seemed to be of the opinion that she had her say on matters so that was that. She was back to being her normal, pleasant self. Though she was nice to all her daughter’s guests, she did pay a bit of special attention to Inuyasha. Mostly, that was because she knew him better than the other two plus it was because he was a good friend of Kagome.
Despite what had happened earlier both Sesshomaru and Togaou found the meal to be enjoyable and relaxing. Kagome sat between them and told them what the unfamiliar foods were and, in a couple cases, how they were prepared. Though neither daiyoukai ate human food both ate some of everything on the table and, for the most part, enjoyed it. But what they really enjoyed came after the main meal-dessert. Because they weren’t prepared for so many people at a meal, Mrs. Higurashi hadn’t been to the store to grab something special so it was going to just be ice cream with fruit toppings. Both Togaou and Sesshomaru were fascinated by the sweet, frozen milk treat and enjoyed it plain. But the fresh fruits that were placed on the table as toppings, most of which they had never heard of, were a hit as well.
The best she could, Kagome explained what the fruits were and fed each of them a pike of them so they could try them before they put it on their ice cream. As it turned out bananas and strawberries were the favorites, both Sesshomaru and Togaou loved them. Inuyasha had encountered ice cream and the toppings before so he piled his dessert high with everything and went to town.
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After lunch Kagome handed over her dirty laundry to her mother then disappeared up to her room to study for a while. Inuyasha went outside with Sota. The boy was going to teach the hanyou to play soccer. Though they were going to go up with Kagome so she could explain some of the things to them like she promised, Sesshomaru wanted to talk to his father alone about a few things so they went outside to walk around a bit before they went to join their miko.
Seating themselves on the steps that led down to the shrine, they were close to the house and could easily watch Inuyasha and Sota play but they were far enough away that no one would be able to hear what they were saying unless they started shouting, something wasn’t going to happen.
Watching his youngest pup trying to master the game and not use his hands made the older daiyoukai grin and gave him a couple chuckles. This whole experience had been quite the adventure already and he was having the time of his life even taking into account the unpleasantness with the miko’s mother.
Sesshomaru too watched the hanyou and young ningen play, smirking. It was indeed a bit amusing to watch. But he quickly focused on what he wanted to talk to his father about. Ordering his thoughts, he formulated the way he wanted to about the whole thing then cleared his throat to get his sire’s attention.
Chuckling at a move that left Inuyasha landing on his butt, Togaou was pulled back by his oldest pups attempt to get his attention. Focusing on him, he asked, “Is there something you want to talk about son?” Though he really wasn’t sure what the topic may be he had an inkling what it may be about.
Nodding, Sesshomaru said, “Yes father, there is.”
Settling back, Togaou fully focused on his eldest. “What would you like to talk about?”
After a bracing breath, the younger daiyoukai launched in. “I would like to talk about the miko and our relationship with her.
“From what I remember you saying about the arrangement when you proposed the whole thing, when it finally gets into the mating area I’m to be the first mate and the dominate one, yes?”
“That’s right,” Togaou said with a nod.
“With that being the case I’m seeing a problem at this time,” Sesshomaru told his sire pointedly.
Arching an eyebrow, Togaou asked, “Oh? What problems are you having with it?”
Fixing his gaze on his father, eh said, voice a bit cold, “I cannot see how you expect me to get close enough to her to become the alpha and gain her trust then her permission for such a thing if you monopolize all her time and ensure she focuses wholly on you all the time. I do understand that there are issues between her and I but I cannot be expected to work on things if I have to compete with you all time to even get her to notice me.
“Then there is the fact that you have already seemingly assumed the alpha role with her. I understand that there are issues at this point, yes, but it will be all the harder for me to take on that role later on because of your roll now.” Though his tone contained the respect that should be present when speaking to his father and someone that wielded the power he did, there was enough of a bite to it to let his sire know how adamant he was about the whole topic.
Looking at Sesshomaru, Togaou thought about what he had just said to him. The first thing that came to mind was the realization that his pup was jealous of him and his relationship with Kagome. That was a good sign if there ever was one! But, as he thought about what had been said, there were questions it raised as well. Keeping a calm expression on his face, he asked, “Hypothetically, how do you think we should be going about this then Sesshomaru? Keep in mind the fact that she is frightened of you and the fact that she will barely look at you at this point, let alone be comfortable enough to spend any kind of time alone with you. Then add to the situation the way and manner you speak to her plus the fact that she had to say something to you about your reluctance to even use her name.”
Brow furrowed slightly, Sesshomaru glanced away to think about what he had just been asked. Really, he wasn’t sure how he would go about changing things about the current situation and the way it was playing out. Finally, he admitted, “I’m not sure how I would go about it honestly. But, perhaps, a word from you on my behalf could go a long ways…”
Interrupting, Togaou shook his head. “No! I will do no such thing! I told you the first time we discussed this that I would not intercede on your behalf. You will be doing it on your own.”
“I do not see how a good word on my behalf is interceding in any way. Inuyasha certainly spoke his mind about me without you stepping in and putting a stop to it.” He stated, a small touch of bitterness in his voice.
“Kagome and Inuyasha were having a private conversation about the situation she found herself in. I was not going to step in and say anything.” He stated pointedly. Deciding that this was not a time line of conversation that would end well or lead anywhere good, Togaou changed the topic. Thinking over what his pup had said, eh thought that, perhaps, his son may well have a couple valid points that should be dealt with. “Alright,” he said, what things do you think should change to ensure your roll as the future dominate mate?”
Though not really pleased with the way the conversation as a whole was progressing, Sesshomaru forced that aside and focused on the current question. “Nothing complex or do I see it as some things that she would have a problem with. Rather than the three of us sleeping in your bed at night it should be mine. Though I know my time is more tied up than yours is and I have more duties to attend to give you more time to be with her, I should still be the one to decide some things, such as who carries her. I would also like to spend time alone with her as well. Not a lot at first, just a little at a time until she’s comfortable enough to spend more time alone with me then I would like to spend some nights alone with her as I’m sure you would like as well.
“No, that isn’t all but they are minor things that I would at least like to start with. They will show that my roll in this whole thing is more than just being in the background and being on your leash,” Sesshomaru stated quietly, eyes locked on his father’s.
Gazing at his oldest pup, Togaou turned over in his mind what Sesshomaru had just said to him. Truthfully, what he was asking for wasn’t all that much or untold. Plus, honestly they were the way things should be done with Sesshomaru destined to be the dominate mate. Up until it was mentioned he hadn’t really thought about it because he was used to being the dominate partner in relationships. And that was the role he had assumed in this relationship. Yes, to an extent, that was warranted to start things off and get Kagome used to the situation. But now that she accepted that and had agreed to being courted then, really, Sesshomaru should be starting to take the dominate roll in that. Yes, because of her apprehension of Sesshomaru still, and the fact that she was reluctant to be around him, things would have to be modified slightly until she grew more comfortable. But he did have to start taking a step or two back to show that it was his pup that was the dominate one, even though that was something he wasn’t used to and he really didn’t know how to do such a thing.
Nodding, Togaou conceded, “You’re right and we’ll start to modify a few things here and there. As she grows more comfortable, we’ll change them even more.”
Satisfied, Sesshomaru nodded. “Very good.” Now he felt a bit better about some things. At least everyone would start realizing that he was the one that was in charge of the whole thing finally and not just because his father said that was the way things were.
“While we do that, however, you’re going to need to work on things with Kagome and improve her trust in you.” Togaou told him bluntly.
“That I understand father,” Sesshomaru told him with a nod.
“Just some suggestions from me on that… I can tell that her attitude towards you bothers you. I think everyone can tell that actually. But that’s going to change when yours towards her changes. She isn’t used to the ‘regal’ attitude you convey nor, from the look of it, does she like it. Try talking to her, not down to her. Look at what you’ve seen of how she interacts with her family, that’s what she’s used to, not a gruff attitude or how things are done in our time. Yes, to a point, she’s going to have to adjust to the way things are done in our time but I can assure you this is an area she’s not going to do that in. She will reject the whole scheme before she does that.” Togaou warned him.
“I believe your right father,” Sesshomaru said with a nod. Really, if the power she would gain by the mating where the lure to her she would have accepted it by now. Since that wasn’t the case, normal ways were going to have to be modified and he was going to have to work with this differently. Then there were the conditions his father had laid down for the whole thing. So he was going to need to go about this a way he wasn’t sued to. The rub of that was that he wasn’t sure where to start.
Watching his pup closely, Togaou knew the boy was far out of his depths with this. Throw Sesshomaru into a battle and he was fine, the same with any other of the duties he had to attend to as part of being a lord and he wouldn’t have a problem. But he had skills in this area at all so he was probably clueless as to how to proceed. Yes, since Sesshomaru had come of age he had attracted females of all kinds because of the way he looked. Most were even willing to ignore his cold and violent nature to be close to him but, as far as he knew, his pup hadn’t allowed that and ignored them. Nor, as far as he knew anyway, had the boy learned about women or what they liked. Despite what he had told Sesshomaru when the whole scheme had come about, he was going to help him a bit, just not the way the boy wanted is all.
Looking at his son, Togaou lowered his voice a bit to let Sesshomaru know there was no way anyone would be able to overhear what he said. “She’s intelligent Sesshomaru. Just start asking her questions about stuff you see here and conversation will come easy. The more you talk to more relaxed she’s going to get around you.”
Saying nothing, Sesshomaru nodded. But he did file that suggestion away as something to try.
“Inuyasha tells me that she uses a bow to defend herself but is still learning to master it. When we return to the Fortress why don’t you offer to help her. I’m sure that she would welcome a bit of assistance. You’re a master with the bow and could most assuredly help her improve her skills. Plus it will give you time alone together and show her she can trust you.”
“I believe that’s something I can do,” Sesshomaru said with a nod. Indeed, it was. He was very good with a bow. If she needed help with her archery skills, he was the perfect one to help her improve them.
Continuing on, Togaou told him, “From what I’ve seen so far she likes to be paid attention to and complimented, not really that much different than onnas in our time.”
Nodding, Sesshomaru said nothing but filed that away for use as well. Though it was as his father suspected and he really knew nothing about how to go about working with her to win her over, suggestions were something he would listen to though there was no way he was going to ask for help. But, the way he saw it, once he got the ball rolling with her then got a feel for her personality he would be able to work with it on his own. But, realistically, even with his father’s hints he wasn’t sure how to go about anything without the apprehension that may well make the situation worse with a misstep. There was so much at stake for him that errors he may make which could make the process longer weren’t acceptable to him.
Understanding that his son was under a great deal of pressure, from both him and personally, Togaou felt that was enough for a while. He would wait for another time to dispense any other advice or suggestions. Instead, he waited to see if there was anything else Sesshomaru wanted to discuss. After several minutes of waiting, he was sure that there wasn’t going to be anything else so he was going to move on. Stretching a bit, he stood up. “I believe I’m going to go try that shower thing Kagome showed us earlier.”
Standing, Sesshomaru nodded then followed his sire into the house.
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After another quick lesson from Kagome about how to work the knobs and what was used for what, Togaou was ready and excited to take his very first shower.
When she was done with that, she went back to her room she found Sesshomaru prowling around in it, looking at all the unfamiliar things. After giving him a small smile, she sat back down at her desk and resumed studying.
While the daiyoukai roamed around her room, examining all the odd things he was watching her out of the corner of his eyes. Though he was fascinated by all the odd and unique things, he was seeing mostly he was trying to find a way to start a conversation with her. Though there were many things he was seeing he wanted to ask about he really wasn’t sure how to start it off.
Suddenly, he was startled by the sound of something kicking on then running and a blowing nose. Looking around, brow furrowed, eh tried to place where the noise was coming from. The nearest he could finally place it was it seemed to be coming from below the floor somewhere. Not liking not knowing where it was coming from or what it was, he asked, “What’s that noise?”
Looking over at him, she asked, “What noise?”
“A blowing sound.” He said, still trying to better place where it was coming from.
Concentrating, she tried to hear what he was talking about. After a minute or so she was finally able to place what it was. “Oh! That’s the air conditioning kicking on. It’s nothing to worry about.” She told him as she went back to her books.
Looking at her back, he asked, “What is an air conditioner?”
Giggling, she stood up and walked over to the vent in the floor by her back and motioned him over. Then she began to explain. “An air conditioner blows out cold air to keep the house a comfortable temperature when it’s hot outside.”
Walking over to her, he tried to figure out how such a thing could be but knew of nothing that could do such a thing.
When he was next to her, she grabbed his hand and held it over the vent so he could feel the cool air blowing out of it. “That’s it blowing out air,” she told him.
Feeling the cool air blowing up against his hand, he could understand how the blowing air could cool a room such as this but not how anyone could harness the air. “How is this done?”
“Ill find something to explain it to you,” she told him then walked back over to the desk. Getting on the computer, she found a web page that explained it fairly simply. Having him pull a chair over by her, she showed him how to use the buttons to scroll the page then let him read it as his pace while she went back to studying.
After a few minutes she began to hear a sound that resembled a songbird being strangled. “What is that awful nose?” She asked, looking around to try to figure out where it was coming from.
Concentrating, Sesshomaru placed it quickly enough. “That’s father singing.” He told her then went back to reading.
Unable to help herself, Kagome started to giggle. The more she heard it and the louder it got the more she giggled. Within minutes, she was leaning against Sesshomaru, laughing so hard there were tears.
Looking at her, smirking, Sesshomaru leaned down and whispered in her ear, “Father doesn’t realize how bad he sings.”
“Oh Kami!” Was all she was able to spit out between bouts of laughter.
“It will be our secret,” he told her. “Don’t say anything.”
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About 20 minutes later, a very happy Togaou walked back into the miko’s bedroom, humming to himself. When he got in the door, he saw Kagome sprawled against Sesshomaru laughing so hard she had to gasp for air and had tears running down her face. When she glanced at him, she began to laugh harder. Sesshomaru just looked at him, smirking but said nothing. Though confused as to what the laughter was brought on by he saw this as a good situation and said nothing.
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