The Requirements for a Perfect Mate by Ai Roku

The New Attractive to Me, is Divine

Sorry this will be a bit rushed!

Thanks once again to everyone who reviewed. I'm sorry that I was unable to respond to your reviews as I had hoped, but I was stuck doing Spring cleaning a few months early!

I'm worried this chapter didn't turn out well. Still, I hope that you'll enjoy it!

Please forgive any grammar, spelling, and/or punctuation errors.

Anyone who knows where the title of this chapter comes from gets a cookie! ;D

 Dedicated to: See03, Kuro Akuma, and LoveAndFaith

Disclaimer: Rumiko Takahashi owns the rights to Inuyasha. But I've been saving up in case she decides to sell them! *Shakes Piggy Bank*

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After spending the past three days traveling with them, I must admit albeit reluctantly, that these humans are quite competent. They are self-sufficient, generally well-mannered, and rather shockingly hygienic.

We have encountered few obstacles thus far, merely a handful of pathetic fools that dared to call them-selves youkai that attacked us for the shards in the Miko's care. Surprisingly enough, it was the slayer and monk who dispatched them, while the Miko moved instinctively to protect the children.

The journey has been a peaceful one thus far; the occasional squabble between the hentai monk and the slayer, and the playful antics of my ward, the fox kit, and the Miko being the only exceptions.

"Oi, bastard!", It seems I have spoken too soon.

"Inuyasha, I see you have finally decided to join us." It is always gratifying for me to see the way my merest utterance causes my half-brothers face to contort in anger. "What the hell is your problem Sesshomaru; where do you get off kidnapping my pack like that, you asshole?!"

Sometimes the hanyou makes it entirely too easy for me to insult him. "I kidnapped them? Did I hit you harder than I thought little brother; do you not recall the reason for the injuries that prevented your arrival until now? This Sesshomaru, has joined my pack with your own, at least until the kumo hanyou has been destroyed, once and for all."

The hanyou relaxes his previously aggressive stance, crossing his arms and placing his hands inside the opposite sleeves of his hoari. Regrettably he also wipes his face clean of all expression save indignation, as he turns his head away, eyes closed, nose in the air, presenting the perfect picture of a pouting pup. "We've been doing just fine without your help, asshole!" Such a typical response, he barks instead of considering the benefits of such an alliance.

He turns his head toward me, opening his eyes, and it is startling to see calculation in his stare as he continues. "Or is it that the great Lord high and mighty wants our help because he isn't strong enough to kill a mere Half-breed? Pfft, my feared older brother is afraid of the big bad kumo, ahaha!"

While the insolent fool braes like an ass, I grip the hilt of Bakusaiga. How dare he imply that I, Lord Sesshomaru ruler of the Western Lands, would fear anyone, least of all that pitiful excuse for a hanyou; someone so vile and weak that he borrows the power of the jewel, and uses others to do his dirty work?

Apparently the beating I delivered previously was insufficient in showing the ignorant pup his place. In that case I shall have to make this lesson a far more memorable one. I feel the feral smile trying to reach my lips, but before I can act on my revenge, the Miko's angered voice interrupts me.

"SIT! Inuyasha, what is your problem, can't you see this alliance makes sense? We're fighting the same enemy; if we combine our forces we stand a better chance of defeating Naraku!"

The Miko's outburst surprises me, though perhaps it should not. She stands facing my idiot half-brother with her hands on her hips, pouty lips pursed, hair in disarray, cheeks slightly flushed, and wide blue eyes on fire with her anger. I cannot stop myself from noticing how magnificent she looks in her anger.

It is not the first time I have seen her this way; her righteous fury was at that time, directed at me in the hanyou's defense. I had believed that she was nothing but another foolish human wench, who else but a fool would ally themselves with Inuyasha, after all.

However, my past assumption has been proven false, for I have borne witness to the Miko's wit and intelligence first-hand. With that knowledge, seeing her display that same fierceness on my behalf, I now see the beauty I had not allowed myself to acknowledge before.

Inexplicable warmth spreads throughout my body at this revelation, and I simply cannot find it within myself to feel disgusted for thinking a human woman beautiful.

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I'm so mad! Why, why is he always like this? He knew damn well Sesshomaru was joining us, yet he comes bellowing in, spouting nonsense about Sesshomaru kidnapping us!

Yeah right, he's just ticked off about the beat down Sesshomaru gave him the other day, so to save his pride he's acting like a brat! Right, great strategy, that'll prove you're the better man...er, youkai!

I take a deep breath trying to regain my composure, as I watch Inuyasha climb from his crater. "What the hell, Kagome? Why are you on the bastard's side, he's our enemy too; or don't you remember? He's always making my life miserable, he used a youkai disguised as my Mother to find our father's tomb! He tried everything he could to get the Tetsusaiga, knowing it was rightfully mine, even going so far as to ally himself with Naraku! For Kami's sake wench, even over-looking all of that, how could you forget he's tried to kill you?!"

By the end he's practically roaring, and I know my reply will likely only make things worse, but I can't stop the words from pouring from my mouth. "So have you Inuyasha, or did you forget the reason you're wearing that lovely little accessory around your neck?"

I watch his eyes widen and his face drain of color. I know that this particular subject is taboo between us, and the part of me that still yearns for his love begs me to stop, to take back the words that have hurt him. But while I regret causing him pain, I have to make him see reason, and if this is the only way to do it then so be it.

"I remember quite clearly the things Sesshomaru has done to us since I met him, Inuyasha. I will never agree with the way he's treated you or the methods he's used to achieve his goals, but I refuse to hold the past against him. If I couldn't forgive those that have hurt me I wouldn't be here now with all of you, I would have run home to my own time and found some way to seal the well, and I would never have returned. We wouldn't even be friends now, if I only ever allowed myself to see the bad things, if I had never looked past your hard exterior and seen the amazing and truly good person you are. Inuyasha please, all I'm asking is that you put aside your differences and sibling rivalry temporarily, so that we can defeat Naraku together." I can hear the pleading in my voice and know it must be visible in my eyes as I stare at him.

"Keh, I don't need the bastard's help for that, I can beat Naraku alone!" Suddenly I can't look at him anymore, and I drop my head to stare at my feet, trying not to cry. After all this time, and all we've been through together, this is still how he feels?

Before I can stop it, the traitorous thought that maybe, if I were more like Kikyo he'd need me, enters my mind, piercing my heart with a now familiar pain. "I see, even when we've all stood fighting beside, with, and for you, you still believe you've gotten this far all alone?" My voice is now toneless and empty; its coldness could rival even Sesshomaru's at the moment. A part of me is relieved it didn't come out as a pathetic whimper, but the rest of me is too frightened of the fact that the emptiness beginning to take root within my heart, has spread to my voice as well.

"Believe whatever you want, Inuyasha, but everyone here has just as much right to end Naraku's existence as you do. You won't be the only one to stand against him when the time comes." Noticing that Inuyasha is being uncharacteristically quiet, I finally raise my head to look at him again, and what I see comes as a shock. For one of the few times since I've known him I see true fear in his eyes.

"K-Kagome, that's not...I just...I wasn't- I didn't mean it like that! Please, I-" The part of me that's broken and scarred every time he leaves me to go to Kikyo, the part that shrivels a little bit more with every unfavorable comparison and cruel insult, demands that I let him suffer. But, I can't do that, because he doesn't realize how much he hurts me, not really. Because in the end, I'm the one who chose to stay by his side, even knowing the pain I would suffer; but, most of all because I would make that same choice even now.

I inwardly sigh disgustedly at my own weakness, while I look at Inuyasha and smile, absolving him of all guilt with only a few words. "I know, Yasha. It's okay, just please give this a chance."

"Fine, whatever let's just get going already!" He squats down to let me get on his back, I hesitate for a moment, but I know if I refuse he'll be hurt again, so I place my knees at his waist and put my hands on his shoulders. It's not long before we're air-borne, I can only hope that the others are following, and that Sesshomaru isn't angry that Inuyasha is taking the lead.

I'm grateful that the wind rushing past my face, immediately wipes away the one tear I allow my breaking heart.

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As darkness falls and the camp becomes silent, I find myself brooding over the days' events. The first troublesome matter is these nagging feelings of regret and shame. In my long life I have rarely regretted anything, in fact the first time I can remember feeling regret had been when I found Rin's body after she had been mangled by wolves. True shame I have felt only twice before. The first had been when my great sire had died protecting his human mistress, and their hanyou child. The second had been when I failed to protect Rin, and she died a second time.

Yet, when Inuyasha brought up the times I've tried to kill the Miko, I felt a pang of regret in my chest, and when she in turn spoke words of forgiveness I felt shame join that regret. She was my enemy at those times, and under those circumstances I would not change my actions even if I could, however I wish I had seen her true worth back then.

She alone pulled Tetsusaiga from my fathers' tomb, at the time this intrigued me but I came to believe it was simply my father's way of ensuring I could not take the sword. After all, my sire's weakness for human females was obvious, the proof being Inuyasha's very existence. Now knowing the true sentience of all of my father's fangs, I know there had to be something specific about the Miko that allowed her to pull Tetsusaiga free, though what that is exactly remains a mystery to me. Why would a demon sword respond to a miko?

Secondly, the miko's odd behavior. After the hanyou foolishly declared that he alone could kill Naraku, the miko's usually warm, expressive voice had become cold and toneless. The scents' of sadness, regret, and emotional pain had rolled off her body in waves. She seemingly forgave the fool, yet the light in her eyes was dimmed and remains so even now. If the others have taken notice of this, they have not shown it. Though when the half-breed had run off after the evening meal, on a so-called patrol, it seemed they attepmted to distract the Miko in any way possible.

It was not hard for me to guess why this was, when I caught the smell of purity, graveyard soil, and clay on the wind. The slayer finally succeeded in gaining the Miko's attention by enticing her with a trip to the hot spring that I had made certain was nearby when I chose this clearing in which to make camp. It is only the monk and I in the clearing, as I sent the fire neko and Ah-Un to guard the Miko, slayer, kit, and Rin while they bathe. Jaken has been unconscious since I hit him with a small rock, after he further upset the Miko by alluding that her attire made it seem as though she was a woman of low morals.

The monk's voice intrudes upon my solitude. "Lord Sesshomaru, forgive me if I am over-stepping my bounds, but you seem troubled. May I perhaps be of some assistance to you?" How perceptive for a human. Perhaps, seeking his council on the Miko would be wise. He has known, and traveled with her for several years now, he may have some of the answers I seek.

"The Miko has not been herself since this afternoon when the hanyou joined us. As pack leader, This Sesshomaru is concerned for her well-being."

"Ah, I see, in that case you needn't concern yourself, my Lord. While it's true Inuyasha very easily, and for the most part unknowingly hurts Lady Kagome, she has a very forgiving nature and will likely be back to normal in the morning. If she was not as forgiving a person it's highly unlikely any of us would have become friends. In fact in all likely-hood, despite our common foe, we may have become enemies instead of companions."

Is he referring to what the Miko said earlier about the hanyou having tried to kill her? "Explain."

"Oh of course, well from what I understand each of us have either been responsible for causing Lady Kagome harm, or nearly doing so at some point in our acquaintance. The first was Inuyasha as you no doubt heard earlier. Not long after Lady Kagome released him from the Goshinboku, he nearly killed her while trying to take the Shikon jewel for himself. That's why he wears the subjugation beads; although he'd never deliberately harm her now. The second was Shippo. He attempted to steal the jewel shards Kagome possessed for himself, in order to take revenge on the youkai that murdered his father. However, he unknowingly put her in danger from those same youkai. The third was I. I had chanced upon Kagome, and saw the shards she carried; so I set a trap for her and Inuyasha, in order to steal them. I had hoped that collecting the shards would eventually lead me to Naraku, but my selfish actions led to Lady Kagome nearly being devoured by my kazaana. The fourth was my dearest Sango. Naraku told her it was Inuyasha that had destroyed her village. Seeking revenge she attacked him, and endangered the rest of us. Later Naraku threatened her brother's life if she did not steal the Tetsusaiga from Inuyasha and bring it to him. She went to his castle, after successfully taking it, intending to kill him. Unfortunately, he was stronger than she had anticipated, and he was also using her brother Kohaku as a pawn. When the rest of us caught up to her and joined in the battle we very nearly died. It was Lady Kagome who saved us by purifying his miasma; she also nearly destroyed him on that occasion. There was also you, my Lord but naturally you are already familiar with that story." By the time the monk has finished I could hear the rest of the pack returning from the hot spring.

"Hn," later that night after the others had gone to sleep, I still sat pondering on the Miko. The monk's words had given me an even broader view of her personality. I despise that she has such an effect on me! I should not care about her thoughts or feelings, she is nothing to me! Why, then am I still lingering over the puzzle she unexpectedly presents? I have no answer, and this disturbs me.

I hear the Miko rise from her strange bedding just after the moon has reached its highest point. She seems to be heading toward the hot spring. When she is out of sight I rise, deciding to follow her.

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I tried, but I'm just too restless to sleep. Finally I decide to go for a walk, hoping that maybe the fresh air and exercise will help make me sleepy. I walk to a small clearing that I noticed when Sango, the kids, and I were on our way to the hot spring earlier.

Just as I'm about to sit down and enjoy the view, a voice behind me nearly makes me jump out of my skin. "Miko, I believe I have told you once already, that it is unwise to walk by yourself after dark." "Geez, give me a heart attack, why don't you; don't you ever make noise when you move?!" I turn to see Sesshomaru wearing the same arrogant smirk as when he helped me with my algebra, and my heart starts beating faster.

It amuses me that I have startled the girl; and I must remember to ask her what manner of ailment a heart attack is. I am glad to see the spark has returned to her eyes at last, the blank emptiness was unsettling. I smirk at the miko's returned fire."You should be grateful miko; This Sesshomaru has gone out of his way to ensure your safety." Her eyes widen and I can hear her heartbeat accelerate as she realizes her folly.

Well, I suppose he does have a point. I didn't even take my bow with me this time, ugh stupid kagome! "Thank you, Lord Sesshomaru. Would you care to join me?" I offer to share my moonlit paradise, as I finally manage to take a seat on the lush grass. "Hn," he offers me his standard response as he takes a seat on my left. The moon is so bright tonight, and there are so many stars.

As she offers her gratitude, and issues her invitation, she lowers herself to the ground near my feet. I watch the moonlight play across her face, and cannot stop myself from noticing that like anger, moonlight becomes her. I seat myself to the miko's left, and watch her from the corner of my eye as she stares up at the sky, her eyes tracing across the multitude of stars, as if searching for one in particular. "Why are you not asleep, miko?"

I'm startled from my constellation search at his voice. Staring blankly ahead I answer him. "She's close." He raises an eyebrow at my response, so I continue. "Kikyo, she's close and I can feel the tug on my soul. As I'm sure you can imagine it's not a very comfortable feeling."

Left unsaid, is that she is aware that the half-breed is with the clay woman. I can see the blankness beginning to creep back into her eyes. Having gotten rid of it once, I refuse to allow her sadness to claim her again. Perhaps if I were to give her something else to focus on, she could overcome it. "Miko, it is time I tell you of my reason for joining with your pack." Ocean colored eyes darken in confusion, before realization replaces it. "This Sesshomaru, seeks your expert advice on a matter of a personal nature." The response is immediate.

"Okay, in that case may I ask what this personal matter is?"

"I am being forced to find a mate before the years' end." I can see shock enter the miko's eyes upon my revelation.

Well, that was unexpected. That was probably the last thing I expected the youkai Lord to say! "My Lord, I'm afraid I don't really understand how I can be of help to you."

"I overheard you reading from some kind of tome about finding the perfect mate, when I came to retrieve Rin from you a few days past. As your people are so knowledgeable on the subject, it is my belief that you will be invaluable in assisting me to find a suitable female." Disbelief is clear on the miko's face as she turns slightly toward me.

Say what?! "Right, so let me get this straight, you overheard me reading from a women's magazine, so now you want my help in picking up youkai girls?" I can't help it, I know I'm risking my life but I just can't help it, I burst out laughing! I mean come on the youkai Lord of the West, just asked me to be his wingman! By this point I'm rolling around in the grass, and I feel the murderous youki of a very pissed off Sesshomaru surrounding me. I try to regain my composure. I sit up and wipe the tears from my eyes.

I am unsure what she means by 'picking up', but the mocking in her statement is clear. I feel my anger rise as she proceeds to laugh uproariously, while rolling on the ground like a half-wit. I feel my youki release in waves from my body and I do nothing to prevent it. It seems I have made a grievous error in placing my trust in the miko. I should have known better, in the end she is only a mere human after all. I watch with bitterness as she struggles to reign in her laughter. "P-please forgive me, Lord Sesshomaru. I meant no offense; I simply find it ironic that you would seek help finding a mate from a woman like me. The male I've devoted myself to for three years, prefers the company of the clay visage of his first love, to mine. I don't think I'm qualified to give advice on anyone's love life. Besides I have only vague knowledge of youkai mating rituals." She was not mocking me...but herself? For some strange and ludicrous reason, this upsets me more than when I believed her laughter to be at my expense.

At the end of my speech, I chance a look at Sesshomaru's face, and I just stare. I have never appreciated just how well the crescent moon adorning his forehead suits him, but sitting here seeing how the moonlight seems to pay his every feature homage I can't help but take notice. I've always known he was gorgeous, but with the moonlight shining on him he looks like a Kami of the moon. He could be a part of the pale silvery light around us, if not for the warm splashes of color in his haori and markings, and those fierce golden eyes...with his looks I don't understand why he would even need my help finding a female!

Before I can berate her for her misconceptions, she looks up at me and freezes. For several frozen moments, she traces my every feature with care, awe lighting up her face, and a blush upon her cheeks. I feel an inordinate amount of pride that she finds my looks pleasing, as my beast begins to preen within me. "Miko, I believed you to be intelligent, do not disprove my opinion. The hanyou's foolishness, and lacking taste have nothing to do with you. That aside it is not romantic advice I seek from you, I merely want to find a female that embodies the qualities that were listed in your tome." Even before she speaks, I sense her acquiescence.

I know saying no would most likely be pointless, besides this just might be fun, and I have to admit his words have made me feel a bit better. The worry that I'm somehow inadequate has eased, and I decide to give in. "Fine, if you're really sure you want my help, I'll do everything I can to help you find your perfect mate."

She says that as though her cooperation was ever in doubt. "Of course you will miko."

Arrogant youkai, but the happiness that has taken the place of the spreading emptiness, is worth putting up with any amount of arrogance. After a few moments of basking in the moonlight in companionable silence, I can't resist poking fun at the Inu Lord at my side. Really, it's just so easy! "...So, you think I'm smart huh? Wow, what would the other youkai Lords say if they found out that you've been complimenting a lowly human, how scandalous!" I add a look of mock horror for effect, and watch as Sesshomaru raises that blasted eyebrow again.

"Miko, don't be cute. You're useless chatter is disturbing the peaceful atmosphere." A devilish smile lifts the corners of her lips, as mischief sparkles in her once empty eyes.

Dare I do it? ...Yep! Hmm, maybe I have a subconscious death wish? I should really ask Eri next time I'm home, she's into psychology. "Oh, so now I'm smart AND cute!" A low growl comes from the irritated male next to me. "Miko!", Once again I succumb to a laughing fit. Feeling suddenly energized I jump to my feet and begin spinning around in the field. "What are you doing, miko?" I smile and while still spinning, I reply, "I'm happy, so I'm dancing!" I never would have believed it would be Sesshomaru of all people who could make me feel truly happy again! Then again I've always had a soft-spot for the moon.

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Her musical laughter fills the small clearing as she twirls beneath the moonlight. The image she presents, spinning and twirling across the gilded clearing is indescribable. I had previously believed her to be beautiful for a human. Now watching her dance, wild and free to the song of the night, as the moonlight caresses her every curve like an ardent lover, I see how wrong I was. She surpasses every standard of mere beauty, whether human or youkai. She holds the kind of beauty only the kami themselves possess, pure and untainted; utterly impossible to describe in mere words, and I simply cannot tear my eyes away from her divine enchantment, the spell this human girl creates with nothing more than the beauty of her soul. I feel my eyes soften upon her, and my lips form the first true smile they have held since before my sire's death. I neither prevent, nor hide it; it is a smile of both contentment and conquest. For, the sight of this ethereal dancer's, divine beauty belongs only to the moon, my beast, and I.

TBC

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Beauty:

Kagome: Pass

Sesshomaru: Pass ;D

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Glossary:

Haori: A loose, typically knee-length, kimono jacket

Kumo: Spider

Hentai: Pervert, or perverted

Goshinboku: Sacred Tree

Kazaana: Wind Tunnel

Youkai: Demon

Miko: Priestess

Kami: God/Gods

Hanyou: Half-human, Half-Demon

Neko: Cat

Inu: Dog

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Thanks for reading!