Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

Met the Match

Chapter 1

It was a long journey. The palanquin the girls were sitting in was being carried by two bearers on the front and two on the back. Accompanying them were four guards, surrounding the royalty. Not that the girls needed anyone to protect them, but decorum dictated it to be so. They were half a day away from their destination and it was getting closer to midday with every step.

The blue-eyed girl had pitch black tresses and her forehead was adorned by a small downward blue triangle that matched her eyes beautifully. These very eyes were looking at her friend expectantly after having revealed her plan for their stay at the Western Castle.

"You do realize that Lord Higurashi is not going to appreciate your interference with his plans Kagome-chan" said the black-haired, hazel-eyed Sango with her brows slightly drawn in deliberation.

"I do Sango-chan. But he also loves us too much to force me into something that I don't honestly want to do." replied Kagome.

Sango raised an eyebrow at this. Kagome saw that and huffed. "Alright, alright…. He does know how to emotionally blackmail me into doing things. But I am his own blood and I will not be … be… I will find my way out of this predicament." Kagome said decidedly. Sango wanted to laugh at this but settled for an amused smile for her friend's benefit.

Taking the smile as a cue to her friend's consent, Kagome dived into her plan with mischievous eyes. "So, Sango-chan, let's go over this again…."

"Ask Sesshomaru-san to join me in here." Lord Inu Taisho was sitting in his study, a large room lined, except behind him that was a huge window to let in the light, with shelves upon shelves of scrolls on a variety of subjects. The floor was occupied by his wide foot-high work table with comfortable cushions on each side. About twenty feet ahead of his table was the sliding door to the rest of the establishment.

Presently, he heard the door slide and close with minimal of sounds. A figure as tall as him clad in white with long white hair emerged into the room. This figure observed Lord Taisho writing on a scroll and waited patiently for him to acknowledge his presence before saying "You called for me Father."

Lord Taisho had raised his head from his writing to look at his son. He knew his son did not like the subject of what was to follow but luckily for him the conversation was with his elder son and not the younger, who would have voiced his displeasure more vocally.

"Indeed. Sit down, son." He waited while Sesshomaru took a seat on one of the cushions in front of him before continuing. "Firstly, I wish to know your opinions with respect to the disturbances in Sameiru. You returned from your patrol of the area two nights ago. Did you find something of consequence?"

"The majority of the fracas is over food supplies. I noticed a pattern among the southern traders to buy at lower prices and sell at higher ones. Upon further inquiry, it turned out that there has been a crisis in the southern lands due to untimely rains. Rumor has it that Lord Suzaki has declined pleas of support from his subjects. Although, I was successful in balancing the trade, I'm afraid the western lands will feel a pinch on itself due to it." Sesshomaru reported.

Lord Taisho knew his son well and this was not the first conversation of its kind. And yet, it still surprised him a little to hear his son deliver such long reports. The assurance that Sesshomaru was capable of long conversations, although he may choose not to use this ability often, was a consolation.

"Yes. I did anticipate the crisis after the rains but not Lord Suzaki's refusal to help his subjects. But I suppose there is nothing more we can do in the matter." Lord Taisho began contemplating how hard of a pinch was this going to be with his eyes unfocused towards the door.

Sesshomaru kept his silence for a while watching his father in thought. When he felt certain that the Lord has come to the conclusion of his contemplation, he interrupted him by saying "You said 'firstly'. I suppose there is another matter you wished to discuss."

This brought Lord Taisho's focus back to his son's golden orbs. "Not so much to discuss as to mention. Lady Higurashi is due to arrive by sunset this evening." Seeing his son's eyes leave him to settle on something beyond the window behind him, he continued thus. "I do not agree with Lord Higurashi entirely but I should very much like to see his wishes come true."

"Lord Higurashi is not the only one with such wishes. I do not see why I must acknowledge him in particular." countered Sesshomaru.

"True. But it is only a wish. I clarify once more that there is no agreement established between me and him. He is using our recent trade agreement as an excuse. However, there are, more than one, reasons for Lady Higurashi's journey here." Lord Taisho said.

"And what might those be?" Sesshomaru was curious now. He had believed that Lady Higurashi's visit was nothing more than a ploy on the Northern Lord's part to acquire him as a son-in-law. He had met Lord Higurashi only twice and had already impressed him with his abilities. Atleast that is what the Lord had told him. Although, he was not entirely sure why the Lord gave him the compliment when he had done nothing more than participate in discussions between the two Lords. 'You have not seen me in battle.' He had said. And the Northern Lord had smiled and said 'There are skills outside the battlefield I talk of.' Sesshomaru had deduced he meant his tactical skills.

"For one, he fears for his daughter's safety. Then, he also believes that you are just the person for his daughter. He himself said that it was just a wish that you mate Lady Higurashi, and that it would never be imposed on either of you." Lord Taisho waited a moment to let it sink in before continuing. "He wants to atleast achieve the appearance of the possibility of such a tie. If others were to believe and conjure rumors that his daughter was taken, more than half his troubles will be solved. I must agree it is a brilliant way to use the rumor mill to his advantage. I'm sure you realize that with your battle skills, one would think twice before trying to challenge you as her supposed future mate."

"I see. And what is your reason for wishing the same?" Sesshomaru thought about what he had just been told. He did not approve of being used as a shield for a girl's safety, even if just in appearance and even if the said girl was no ordinary one.

Lord Taisho was hoping Sesshomaru would forget about that particular matter. But now he regretted having said it at all. "I wish to handover the Lordship to you. And to do that, you must have a mate." He said matter-of-factly. He wanted to add that he thought it was about time his son had a mate, but decided against it as an afterthought that his son may not like being told so.

Sesshomaru did not know how to answer this. There was indeed an inherent compliment in the statement that his father considered him ready for such an endeavor, but it wasn't a welcome thought that his father wished to give up the lordship. Besides, being Lord of the Western Lands was a full time responsibility. He would have to forego his solitary voyages across the lands which were not always for patrolling. He decided this was a good point to veer the conversation in a different direction. He could not end it completely not being the one to have started it. "Is there anything else you wish to discuss with me?"

"There is one thing I wish you to know before her arrival. Lady Higurashi has some fraction of humanity in her." Lord Taisho said and received the promptly raised eyebrow from his son at this. "I mean one of her ancestors was human. This fact is not known to many because for some generations, her elders have been demon enough to make distinguishing difficult for the majority of the demon population. They have come a long way from the typical hanyou appearance. As I understand, their demonic ability is only short of an ability to transform."

Lord Taisho then told him that there was nothing else and that he may go. He watched as his son left his study and sighed. He had not met Lady Higurashi but he had heard that she was a beautiful girl. He only hoped she was not all beauty and no brains. He did not want his son into something regrettable for all his life.

Sesshomaru left his father's study analyzing the information provided. The northern lord has some guts to think that I, this Sesshomaru, would ever agree to mate anybody with even an ounce of humanity in them. But it certainly would be interesting to observe the effects of such a combination. Sesshomaru was desperately trying to get out of this predicament prior to this meeting with his father. But now he felt reassured. He could now say no and not think twice about it. Many females had met his rejection and this would be no different. He headed towards the dojo to let the sunset find him there.

The convoy was now within sight of the front gate of the castle. There was still a little while left for the sun to set completely. The lower end of the orange sun had just touched the horizon. A cry was raised to announce their approach from the sentry stationed at the gate and the other sentries below prepared to open the gate though it was not going to be opened until the identity of the guest was confirmed.

One of the front guards approached the gatekeeper and handed a scroll with the royal seal of the Northern lands on it. The gatekeeper nodded and signaled to open the gate. The convoy proceeded into the castle grounds and stopped a ways from the entrance to the castle. The bearers lowered the palanquin and out stepped the two ladies. The bearers and the guards bowed to Lady Higurashi together. The ladies dipped their heads in appreciation and started to walk towards the castle entrance where they could see three figures awaiting their approach. Both of them were royally dressed in kimonos made of the finest of silks that could be found. While their graceful steps were bringing them closer to their hosts, Sango-chan was feeling a little nervous about what she was to do next. She gave Kagome-chan a reproachful look for making her do this and Kagome-chan gave her back one of her expectant pleading looks for which Sango-chan had fallen in this trap in the first place.

When they were close enough to their hosts, the blue-eyed girl remained a step behind the hazel-eyed one. Then they both bowed and the hazel-eyed girl, after standing straight again, said "Lord Inu Taisho, I bring you the compliments of Lord Higurashi. He wished me to convey his regards to you."

"Lady Higurashi, I welcome you to the western lands and whole-heartedly thank your father for his regards." Lord Taisho had noticed that the other girl had stood up along with the Lady as an equal. To avoid misconception, he decided to ask. "Might I ask who your companion is?"

"Yes. Lady Sango is a scholar from my father's court and a very dear friend. She has graciously consented to accompany me on this journey. Although, she is required by my father to see to my needs while away, I hope she will be treated with no less respect than that which you deem myself worthy of." said the real Sango.

"Indeed. One who has earned such respect from the northern lord himself should be granted it."

During this exchange of pleasantries, Kagome was measuring up the men in front of her. She found Lord Taisho to be exactly as she expected; Lord in every sense of the word. Then she looked at his sons. Both of them were equally handsome but she noticed that the eyes of the taller and older one were far more intense and were sizing up the supposed Lady Higurashi. The slightly shorter one had an indifferently curious look on his face. Such observation would have been considered impertinent if either of them had noticed it but fortunately for Kagome, their attention was solely set on Sango. Most likely the men believed her to be an inferior and had decided to ignore her. It was only when Lord Taisho requested an introduction that they all looked at her. That is when she lowered her eyes and bowed again slightly when Sango introduced her giving her own name. She thought it was clever of Sango to ensure her comfort along with her own.

"Thank you, milord. I offer you my gratitude for your generosity which I find on par with Lord Higurashi himself." Kagome offered politely.

Lord Taisho smiled and raised his right hand. A female approached from somewhere to his right. "Shimu will show you to your chambers. She will remain in your service during your stay here. I also advise you seek us should you ever need our assistance. The same goes for you Lady Sango."

"Please, milord, I implore you not to address us with such honorifics. I find it rather unnerving. I'm sure milady agrees with me." said Kagome. Sango did agree with her and was glad that she said it. She was as such finding the whole affair unnerving. She said "Indeed I agree with her, milord. We are but pups and are yet to earn such addresses. I beg you to call us Kagome-chan and Sango-chan as we are accustomed to."

Lord Taisho couldn't help but feel warm at their sweetness. He gave a hearty smile and stepped aside to allow Shimu to lead them away while saying "Your politeness has put you in my good graces already Kagome-chan."

Shimu bowed and started leading the way. Kagome and Sango followed her inside.

After a while, Sesshomaru said "Why should they hide their scent and not their aura?" Though, his eyes had been trained on Lady Higurashi, his senses did not fail to notice that they had been hiding their scent and that their aura was also being greatly held in control if not hidden completely.

"I should like to know that myself, son." said Lord Taisho.

AN: Please do review. I can use the encouragement. :) Thank You.