Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

Met the Match

Chapter 3

The very fact that they were walking to Taisho-sama's study right now left no doubt in Kagome's mind that he had indeed noticed the momentary slip in their control. For the short time that they took to straighten from their fall, she had prayed to all the kamis known that he hadn't noticed it. But that wasn't meant to be. Immediately changing tactics, she was trying very hard to narrate viable explanations for his suspicions. First and foremost, I need to know exactly what those suspicions are. So, we should probably start by pretending that we don't know what he wished to speak about. But how do I tell this to Sango...

She looked towards Sango to try and communicate her plan to her. But Sango was a little timid and was following Shimu. A more observant look showed that Sango looked even a little releived. That's not good. Look at me! Kagome was frustrated. She felt almost certain that Sango is going to blurt out everything to Taisho-sama. And then ... well... then follows disaster. Her reverie was broken when Shimu opened the shoji screen to what looked like a study and stepped aside for them to enter. Then she bowed and left.

Sango purposefully avoided Kagome's gaze. If she didn't look at her, Kagome couldn't convince her of any more of her plans. She looked ahead and entered the study while Lord Taisho watched them. He wasn't doing anything else, which meant that he was waiting for them and they had his full attention. That piercing gaze shook Kagome's resolve. He distinctly reminded her of her own father's look and she narrowed her eyes. That's not fair! Using that look against me after I mentioned it just last night.

Both ladies bowed politely and at Lord Taisho's indication sat on the cushions in front of his desk. After looking at them in turn, Lord Taisho settled his gaze on Sango. He had a feeling that she was the weaker link. This made Kagome fidget. Lord Taisho wanted to laugh as he caught the movement from the corner of his eye. He was right.

Sango, being the saintly person she was, couldn't stand the scrutiny for much longer. She politely got up, stepped back and sat down a few feet behind Kagome indicating inferiority of rank as ettiquette dictated. And then, she released the charm that Kagome had taught her to hide her scent. Being a human, she had no aura of her own.

Kagome, who had been staring at Sango since before she got up trying to stop her with a look, now glared at her. Now that Sango had exposed herself, she turned her gaze forward again and immediately met Lord Taisho's gaze who was now looking at her. There was amusement in his eyes. He might get furious about the deception but until he knew all the details of the matter, he was going to enjoy this.

As it turned out, Kagome wasn't as devilish as she had thought she was. After a few moments of trying to fight the urge to surrender, futilely of course, she heaved a big sigh and released her own charm. Her mouth pouted petulantly and she said childishly "It's not fair. You are not supposed to know how to use that look on me. I wasn't going to harm anyone."

Hearing this brought a smile to Sango's face. Lord Taisho, however, laughed outright. He thought she looked absolutely ... well ... cute. Controlling his laughter, he brought on a serious mien and said to her "Tell me everything from the beginnning, Lady Kagome I presume?"

Kagome fidgeted a little more. "Yes, my Lord, I am Kagome and you can call me as such. And my friend is Sango and she is the scholar. We just switched names. How did you know that look?"

Chuckling, Lord Taisho said "All parents know that look. Some use it, some don't. Now, why did you decide to hide your identity."

Kagome flushed red when she thought of discussing her mating prospects with Lord Taisho, who was the potential father-in-law.

Kagome and Sango were walking on the corridor that overlooked the front entrance of the castle.

"I am much releived that Lord Taisho knows now. But that certainly doesn't mean that I approve of it." Sango's gaze was pierciing Kagome even as she avoided looking at Sango.

"This is not the place to speak of it. The walls have ears you know and you cannot give us away." Kagome pleaded.

"Fine. Enjoy your little game as long as it lasts. But I will certainly enjoy it when this fails."

"Aren't you the optimist." Kagome said dryly.

Kagome may not have been right about walls having ears but people, or more precisely demons, standing beyond the walls definitely have ears and a certain demon lord had specially sharp ones. Sesshomaru, who was heading towards his father's study, was one level below them and heard this little tete-a-tete between the girls. Having recognized the quiet murmurs as belonging to Lady Kagome, he had decided to pay more attention in lieu of his suspicion of them.

As their conversation progressed, his doubt took deeper root. Although, the fact that his father knew whatever the matter was, should have calmed him, it didn't help much. The seed of suspicion was planted and it bothered him. He had to know everything going on in the castle and someone plotting something right under his very sensitive nose bothered him. He determined to speak to Lord Taisho about this and find out what the matter was. Surely, his father would tell him everything the first opportunity he got and he was certainly not averse to presenting him with just such an opportunity as soon as may be.

Having decided so, he resumed his original direction towards his father's study after ascertaining that the ladies had fallen silent. Shortly, he reached his destination and attempted to determine whether his father would mind an unannounced interruption. All he deduced from standing for a moment outside the study door was that his father was writing due to the distinct sound of brush strokes. But, seeing as his curiosity was insurmountable at this very moment, he slid open the door and stepped within, and closed the door behind him.

He could immediately detect two additional scents in the room. So, they did reveal themselves. He waited patiently for his father to finish his scroll, after which his father addressed him, "What brings you here, son?"

Now, Sesshomaru couldn't very well tell his father that he was here because he had overheard a conversation of their guests; so, he prevaricated. "I understand that you had a discussion with our guests."

"I did."

It seemed his father wasn't willing to volunteer information. It irritated him. "What did they wish to talk about, father?" Well, he didn't know who had instigated the meeting, but he might as well believe that it was their guests.

"Oh, I talked to them about my friend, Lord Higurashi; it is good to hear about one's friends." Sesshomaru didn't even blink, he obviously suspected there was more. "And, I verified their identities. I can assure you they are alright."

Sesshomaru was currently being bothered by a niggling sensation at the back of his mind which insisted that something was not quite right with the picture. He re-examined the scents in the room. All he could conclude was that there were indeed two scents, both female, one human and one demonic. His beast, for some reason, seemed to sigh for the demonic scent, as if in contentment. A further irritant in his opinion.

"Safety should not be an issue within our castle. Why should they continue to hide themselves?"

Lord Taisho had no answer to that question and was just thinking that he would have to reveal all when he thought of an improvisation. "Hm, it seems that Lady Higurashi prefers her unique condition to remain unknown. She isn't ashamed of her origins, per se, but she believes that the Western Lands are far less tolerating of humanity than the North and she would rather not face acrimony when this visit is not likely to lead to a mating. She led me to understand that she is as averse to being your mate as you are to being hers." Yes, divert and distract. Let's see what do you make of that. Ah, there it is.

Sesshomaru frowned. SHE does not want ME. WHO DOES SHE THINK SHE IS? No, she must think she is unsuitable for this Sesshomaru, and I would certainly not accept her; that is why she herself declined ... but NO offer was made TO decline... SHE is averse to mating ME... no female is averse to mating me... That brought his thought process to a halt. He couldn't believe that he felt offended due to a mere girl. Her opinion is of no consequence. He relaxed his frown and looked at his father.

"No one within the castle would dare insult an honoured guest."

"And yet my own two sons cannot see eye to eye. How can I reassure them when I, myself, have failed time and again to keep my own child from glares and innuendos?" Sesshomaru averted his eyes to the desk in between them. He was quite aware of the implied accusation. "I am tolerant, son, not blind. I cannot change your opinion, neither will I ever force you to behave against your will. But I do hope that someday you would see right from wrong."

I did not come here to be chastised. But he wasn't happy with how the conversation had progressed. "I am content with your assurances. Please, excuse me now, father. We will meet at dinner if there is nothing you need me for."

"No, you may go. You will hear from me if I have need of you."

Sesshomaru took his leave from his father's study. He had a lot on his mind. In particular, what his father had implied about his treatment of his half-brother. Inuyasha was ninety-six summers old now, barely into his youth. Perhaps, it was time to re-evaluate his reasons for hating the hanyou. Think of the devil and it shows up... but the pup was not the devil maybe.

Inuyasha had just come out of the Hall of Scrolls after returning his previous scroll and getting another one he wished to read. He also wanted to check if Lady Sango had left something to be brought out of the Hall. He wouldn't have gone in there but he had a perfect excuse now. He had taken only a few steps away from the Hall when he was interrupted by none other than his brother - half-brother - as he was constantly reminded.

"Inuyasha." Sesshomaru called him. He never addressed the hanyou by name if he could avoid it but the recent words from his father were too fresh to be ignored. Maybe the pup would prove his stupidity again to stamp down his sense of guilt. He also noticed that Inuyasha - not the half-breed had a scroll in his hand and had just exited the Hall of Scrolls. That piqued his interest. He didn't know that the pup was interested in written work. Of course, he could read and write as he was taught those skills at an early age as appropriate.

They both stared at each other before Sesshomaru took a step towards Inuyasha. I'm not taking the first step - it is just the way I was originally headed.

Inuyasha was surprised beyond words. First, Sesshomaru had addressed him by name in the absence of an audience. Then, instead of stating his purpose from right where he was standing, he moved towards himself. And, now Sesshomaru was standing looking at him intently, instead of just going ahead as was his wont.

"What do you have with you?" Sesshomaru asked. Being driven by guilt is quite a nuisance, he decided.

Inuyasha stood straighter, not wanting to look intimidated. "It is a scroll from the Northern Lands about their administrative structure." Sesshomaru was still looking at him as if expecting more.

"I don't recall ever seeing you in the Hall of Scrolls."

"Keh... aren't you well informed. Besides, Lady Sango had asked for something to read. I had shown her in earlier."

Irritating whelp. "You will be joining me for training from tomorrow. I expect you in the dojo at sunrise. Do not tarry."

Inuyasha was stunned at the whole series of events since he came out of the library. Sesshomaru had asked him to join him in training. An unprecedented event. He tried to find something in his face but except his eyes, that seemed to be uncertain, nothing there was distinctive. Then, he looked down trying to figure out if he should answer in some way. It had been like a command and not a question. That is when he noticed the end of Sesshomaru's mokomoko twitching. He really is unsure of what he is doing. Some involuntary things can never be controlled, just like Inuyasha's ears were twitching without his realisation. Finally, Inuyasha answered. Let's see where this goes before dismissing it.

"I have been training with Shiro sensei in the mornings. Does he know about this?"

"He will be informed." And with that Sesshomaru made to go on his way.

"Alright." Inuyasha was confused to some degree. But, he was more curious than confused. He watched as Sesshomaru went out of sight around the next bend. He then took off in the direction of his own rooms as he originally intended to do. He wasn't sure if the scroll in his hand could distract him from what had just happened but he would try.

At dinner that evening, at least three members were not quite themselves. The only two who felt any measure of complacency were Taisho-sama and Sango-chan. Taisho-sama had noted the obvious disturbance on his younger son's countenance and the not so obvious one on his elder son's. He felt he had some inkling of his eldest's thoughts but as to his youngest's, he had no clue. Nonetheless, he looked as sanguine with three grumpy pups as he would be with two grumpy pups. Ah, the joys of fatherhood...

On the other hand, Sango-chan was feeling more than a little relieved that an elder (aka Taisho-sama) knew, and hence her share of responsibility in this entire juvenile scheme (yes, Kagome is barely of age afterall) was significantly reduced.

The other three were feeling quite introspective for reasons they were quite unwilling to share with others. And so, the meal progressed rather quietly with only occasional mundane sentences being exchanged.

Sesshomaru eyed the sun just now peeking out of the eastern horizon as he walked towards the dojo the next morning. The decision to train the hanyo had been impulsive and he had already thoroughly chastised himself for succumbing to the guilt invoked by his father's words yesterday. However, he was not one to go back on his word and since, he arranged this in the first place, he would go. For all he knew, the whelp might be inept altogether and he could tell him to train further with Shiro-sensei and promise a future assessment again.

Thus, he was pleasantly surprised to see Inuyasha already in the dojo in training hakama and a sheen of sweat on his torso, which suggested that he hadn't been idle while waiting for his appearance. Giving a curt nod to his half-brother, he told him that they will start with forms. He chose to stand across from Inuyasha so they faced each other in order to better assess his half-brother's ability. They had both been trained by Shiro-sensei, so, Sesshomaru expected Inuyasha to know the forms at least, if not to have them perfected.

Unknown to Sesshomaru was the fact that Inuyasha, although regularly and vigorously trained with Shiro-sensei, he also watched both his brother and father train whenever he could. He had not yet seen, let alone participate in, a real battle; not counting the friendly tournaments held at one palace or another. His diligence had paid off today. Knowing the kind of perfection Sesshomaru was a stickler for, he had come early to practice all his forms and stances, and even some moves of katana. The lack of criticism from Sesshomaru with his first step into the dojo was akin to praise.

Sesshomaru, after critically assessing Inuyasha's movements and balance, decided that he was adequate. Of course, his standard for 'adequate' work was so high that it would rank excellent with any other judge. As it was, Sesshomaru was in a relatively unfamiliar situation as he had never, since he had fully grown at least, faced someone still growing. Inuyasha was just shy of his shoulders still and was expected to grow over the next century to match heights with his brother and father. Sesshomaru could not, as yet, make conclusive decision on his physical strength but, for now, his forms were not lacking.

They spent the next significant while training and the sun had reached well above into the sky. Sesshomaru, after completing complex and lengthy movements with wooden katana, told Inuyasha that they will regulate their breathing before heading for bath and breakfast. Just as their heartbeats came their normal rhythm and they moved to pick their respective haori, they heard the approach of someone to the dojo. The slight clink suggested, it was a guard and, indeed, in the doorframe appeared the head guard.

Seeing the head guard at the entrance gave him the impression that his father might have requested for him. The head guard approached a few feet into the dojo and bowed.

"My Lord, there is a wolf demon at the gates who insists that he is the prince of the wolf tribe from the northern lands. I do not recognize him and there don't seem to be any prior arrangements for his arrival. He is 'requesting' entrance, my Lord."

The way the guard said 'requesting' made Sesshomaru certain that the 'request' was more a demand. "Did he identify himself?"

"Yes, my Lord. He said his name is Kouga and…."

"The name is correct for the wolf prince. What makes you hesitate?"

"My Lord, he is insisting on a meeting with you specifically. I did offer to bring him to Taisho-sama, but he declined."

Sesshomaru frowned. "Very well. Escort him to the front yard. I will meet him there shortly." The last he had seen the wolf prince, he had been a pup only a few decades old. But, he distinctly remembered the unconventional attire he chose to wear. Fur made perfect sense for the northern cold but fur that barely covered one's body made no sense at all. Although he was a demon, running around in that, let alone a prince running around in that.

Telling Inuyasha that he may do as he pleases, Sesshomaru headed to the nearest bathhouse not far from the dojo. He made quick work of the necessary activity and then changed into his regular attire, which he had instructed to a servant to fetch from his chambers.

As he approached the front yard seemingly at leisure, he spotted the prince. Of course, why did I expect anything different? … maybe because the prince is now two feet taller than I remember and seems to have grown.

"Prince Kouga, I was told that you requested an audience with me."

"Lord Sesshomaru, you were told correctly. I am come here to challenge you for the right to mate the beautiful Lady Kagome."

A/N: I know it has been forever since I got back to this but it was a combination of my muse running off on me and RL demanding too much of my attention. I have no concrete time chart for this story but I hope to finish it... soonish... It is fully plotted and will probably be 10-12 chapters , comments are always welcome, maybe some pokes and kicks here and there to keep me going...