AMSND :: Coupling

Here at last is the section that is essentially, the basis for this entire site. The reasons and explanations of why I and others in general think these two would make a totally awesome pairing. Ironic, how Kikyou is one of the most hated characters in this series and Sesshoumaru one of the most loved, but match-making knows no social class nor boundary if the will to love is strong enough. To start us all off on this trek, I will list ten of the most basic reasons of why they would go well together. Following that, I will go more into depth on the reasons I think need to be further explained. Lastly, you will not only hear my own personal synopsis of the two in a relationship and the likelihood of it working out but also a variety of circumstances and instances that could bring (and keep) them together.

1. Kiykou is pretty. Sesshoumaru is pretty. Pretty people (at least in anime) belong together.

2. Kikyou and Sesshoumaru both harbor a deep resentment for InuYasha and a hatred for Naraku.

3. Three letters; R.I.N.

4. Both are elegant, highly sophisticated, and enigmatic.

5. Sesshoumaru claims to hate humans but Kikyou is no ordinary human. Kikyou has fallen sucker for the silver hair and the golden eyes in the past; the brother's resemblance could only draw the miko in.

6. Kikyou being dead and Sesshoumaru owning Tenseiga just a coincidence? I think not.

7. This is a semi-stupid reason but...If people can fathom Kagome/ Sesshoumaru (which, face it: that's gonna' happen around the time Miroku never has a dirty thought again) they can certainly fathom Sesshoumaru/Kikyou.

8. Sesshoumaru needs Kikyou's burning spirit to melt his icy heart and Kikyou needs Sesshoumaru's icy heart to freeze her burning hatred.

9. Though he an esteemed taiyoukai and she an esteemed but human miko (with extraordinary might and abilities, I might add), they keep one another's power in check.

10. While Takahashi-sama is known for her predictable yet loveable couplings, she's also been known to pull a few odd ones out of her hat of creative resources and fuel a fan frenzy.

Okay, as mentioned above, this is the area where I provide you with a more "in-depth" explanation of the reasons above. As would only be natural, the explanations below correctly match up with the reasons below, though I suppose it would be slightly more creative to order them in importance. In any case, it's more practical and easier to understand, so this is the way it shall be done.

1. You know it, I know it, pretty much everyone knows it. Knows what? That manga-ka have an unhealthy tendency to pair pretty people up together. Now whether their personality is as sweet as their looks is another story, but in the end, most deserve each other. And even if one of the two is supposed to be a geeky or nerdy character, chances are they're actually quite cute. Of course I'm sure there are several exceptions to this little rule, so don't jump down my throat, all you non-believers/supporters. I just happen to be stating it as a general rule, 'cause most often, it is.

2. Both want to kill InuYasha...both want to kill Naraku. It just so happens that both hate Naraku more. In fact, I'd describe both of their feelings towards InuYasha as resentment rather than hatred. Sesshoumaru resents InuYasha because of the whole deal with their father and the swords, Kikyou resents InuYasha because not only did he live through their betrayal but he fell for Kagome. As another general 'rule of thumb', people who work together towards a common cause or goal tend to like each other (doesn't even have to be platonic) or at least grow to like each other. Even if the two (or more, even) don't exactly come out of the rift best buddies for life, I've noticed that all parties involved seem to like/respect each other just a little bit more. In Sesshoumaru and Kikyou's case, if they were given the chance at a permanent or at least more stable alliance, just who knows what might become if it? Even if they only achieve friendship at this stage, they are more likely to fall for each other this way.

3. Sesshoumaru might not be babysitter extraordinare but no one in their right minds can claim that the taiyoukai does not genuinely care for Rin. And if you think Kikyou doesn't have a soft spot for/fawn over all the little village kids then you need to have your eyes checked. The point of the matter is, that even if one party is rather unwilling to admit it, both are good with kids to the point where it is almost unnatural. In the manga, the two met because of Rin. I will go into more detail on this later, but Rin most certainly could be an essential factor in hooking these two up. For instance, if Kikyou found a hurt Rin and took care of her until she could return her to Sesshoumaru, Sesshoumaru's begrudging thanks could lead to more and more meetings between the two of them until they perhaps, allow their stubborn little selves to realize they have reason number two going for them. In any case, you know for a fact Rin would put a super good word in for Kikyou to Sesshoumaru and that if Rin put in a good word for Sesshoumaru to Kikyou, it would probably peak her interest enough for her to purposefully begin to hang around. Kikyou has shown herself to be awfully curious in the past, even about things that don't quite concern her and her mission. So who knows. Like I said, Rin could end up being the hammer that wedged these two nails together.

4. Most likely, this is the simplest of all my explanations. Borrowing a phrase from the above reason/explanation, you'd have to be pretty much blind to deny that both Kikyou and Sesshoumaru are elegant, highly sophistcated and enigmatic. But I'll break it down just to raise the chances of me having the last word on the non-believers. Anyone who has seen the way Sesshoumaru fights knows that, despite any gruesomeness, his movements are very fluid and graceful. It's not just on the battlefield that Sesshoumaru adopts this elegant style. He is often described as being aristocratic, meaning he has highly refined tastes and manners. Which all that "highly refined" stuff pretty much translates to being elegant. As for Kikyou, she even more so than Sesshoumaru, perhaps, absolutely reeks of elegance. All mikos are elegant and refined in nature, not to mention they carry almost pefect posture. If that doesn't make one elegant, than I don't know what does. And moving on...While this only requires me stating 'to be elegant you have to be highly sophisticated and we've already proven that they're that', I'll provide a few extra examples just for the sake of it all. Sesshoumaru clearly has highly sophisticated tastes; we've seen it not only in the way he dresses, but in his choice of weapons and his way of fighting as well. Sophisticated to the point where he literally drips elegance, forcibly or not, explains everything for him. I will save us a little time by saying that the same applies to Kikyou, though. Also, there can be no mistake that both are highly, highly enigmatic. Which, for those of you who didn't know, means mysterious. No one knows for sure yet the exact circumstances surrounding Sesshoumaru's past. One barely knows his present. As for Kikyou, aside from knowing she was a miko who protected the Shikon no Tama, cared for Onigumo and loved InuYasha, what does one know about her past? For example, what happened to her and Kaede's parents? How was she chosen to be a miko? Did she even want to at first? That pretty much sums up this monster of a section.

5. Wow, we're on number five already. Oh how time flies. Anyway, enough of that little deal, let's get to the real meat of this explanation, shall we? We all know of Sesshoumaru's annoyance towards other youkai let alone his hatred for humans. But, as much as us fans love the miko, can she even be considered to be human anymore? Yes, she has a human soul, but she's sort of passed that point, I think. It's more or less, to me at least, that her struggle to stay "alive" long enough to destroy Naraku and drag InuYasha back to hell with her rather symbolizes her struggle to retain her humanity. For while she has half a soul left, she's not quite as in tune with the living world as she should be. Sure, she feels basic emotions and such, but as she herself claimed: because she died hating, that hate will never relinquish. Meaning that though she's back from the dead, she's not alive enough to be able to fully comprehend forgiveness and such. But to get a little bit more on track, even if Kikyou is only human, she's probably one of the strongest humans out there. Sesshoumaru doesn't even appear to be interested in other youkai, which his indifference towards Kagura can be attributed to, so I can't quite claim he has the 'Barbie Doll' taste, but perhaps if he found that a human such as Kikyou was that strong, it would intrigue him to the point where he could, momentarily at the very least, give up his prejudices and further look into her. Now onto Kikyou's side of this reason. I'm not saying that it would be Sesshoumaru's looks alone that would attract the miko, but you can't deny that they'd help greatly, even if they only caused her to give him a second look. One might think that him resembling InuYasha would be a big turn-off as far as attractions go, seeing how she hates the hanyou and all, but Kikyou has proven that not only does she not hate InuYasha as much as she'd like everyone (including herself) to believe, but as she is more or less obsessed with InuYasha to the point where she frequently tries to make good on her promise to drag him to hell, that Sesshoumaru's startling resemblance might attract her, if it was only to fuel her InuYasha obsession at first. However, I believe that in time she would grow to appreciate Sesshoumaru's more mature looks rather than base her attraction on a similarity. That is not to say I am going against my original point that Kikyou may be a sucker for the golden eyes and silver hair. Eh, let's let this point lie at this before we further confuse ourselves.

6. Ah, here at last to the reason which quite a few fans of this pairing attribute to their first consideration of these two as a couple. Also the main factor in a lot of fanfiction between the two (including one of my own): to get Sesshoumaru and Kikyou to care for each other enough despite who/what they are before they give each other a chance to explore a life together with each other has who/what they truly are. I can see a basic romance developing between the living Sesshoumaru and the dead Kikyou but for it to get to the point where they can seriously claim they love each other, Sesshoumaru has to know what the real Kikyou is like just as much as Kikyou needs to know how the real her responds and feels about him. That is where Tenseiga comes in. Sesshoumaru gives Kikyou the chance at the life she never got and Kikyou in return gives Sesshoumaru the love he never had. It's a win-win sitatuation and is so self-explanatory I can move right along to the next explanation.

7. This too, seems fairly self-explanatory and therefore, looks like it'll be another fairly short explanation. In fact, I can only imagine I'd have to say a few things more before I can successfully satisfy the masses. Look: I've seem some pretty wierd-ass couplings out there, most of which are actually only probable in a few continuities (a.k.a. tailor-made stories or A/U's). To be a truly probably coupling, one must be able to think of at least a dozen ways to get their said coupling together in canon circumstances before it can even begin to be considered. And I say, even the most rabid anti-Kikyou/Sesshoumaru fan out there could see that these two have enough similarities and differences to provide the proper chemistry for a canon-romance. In any case, I'm just gonna sum it up in one more line: If people have the right to invent some of those wierd-ass couplings and say they work, then I and my fellow Sesshoumaru/Kikyou fans have just as much right to our own claims.

8. Even the most rabid of Sesshoumaru fans must admit he's rather a stuff-shirt, just as even the most rabid Kikyou fans must admit she's... a tad over-zealous, to put it lightly. I've been ranting on for awhile now about their similarities, but now it's time to delve into that age-old saying, "Opposites attract." Sesshoumaru might be seen as cold-hearted while Kikyou may be seen as over-passionate. And both are true, even their most loyal fans can not deny that. So, like Takahashi-sama's usual traditional 'cat-n-dog' pairings, don't you think these two apply? I mean, couldn't Sesshoumaru's cool, calculating and all-together methodical nature quell the fire that rages in Kikyou's heart; quench her thirst for revenge? And simultaneously, couldn't Kikyou's fiery spirit draw Sesshoumaru out of his carefully constructed shell; melt his icy heart and teach him to love? These two have every right to each other's faults as they do their own merits. After all, when you love someone, you take the bad along with the good and you can even learn to mold each other's sometimes not-so-respectable traits into something to be truly proud of.

9. Back to the whole power issue. Both Kikyou and Sesshoumaru are undoubtedly strong. And, since they both possess such extraordinary powers, could this not keep each other's in check and bring harmony and balance to their relationship? If neither can overpower and dominate over the other, there is less of a chance that any skirmishes they get in might wedge them apart because the more "in check" they are, the less the chance of them even getting in a lasting fight is, because both are bound to, inwardly at least, realize who was right and who was wrong, if either were, in any run-ins they might have. And because there is no feeling of dominance in the relationship, that would mean both would feel less-inclined to defend their own might against the other, meaning they would be less likely to snap something out without thinking, thus lowering the probability of a fight right there. As equals in power, things just check out.

10. And here we finally are: the last of the long-winded point explanations. Mind you, there's still more to come, but at least we've already breached a great portion of the metaphorical wall. This both compares and contrasts things said in reason number eight, so don't be surprised if, at points, you see me contracting things I've said because if you really stop and think about it, Kikyou/Sesshoumaru can be considered both a traditional pairing and a rare one. Hopefully I won't go off on too bad a tangent and will be able to focus on their rarity aspect as opposed to the traditional "opposites attract" deal mentioned in number eight. In fact, I think I have to go all the way back to something I said in the very first paragraph of this section. Now who here is as amazed as me that I could remember something I typed over an hour and a half ago, with such precision. But eh, that's getting a tad off track. Anyway, as Kikyou is one of the most hated characters of this series and Sesshoumaru one of the most loved, just the irony of them being a couple is enough to credit Takahashi-sama for if she so chose to make so many people's obsessions by actually hooking thse two up. I mean, that reason right there is enough to speak for the rarity of this coupling's value. Also what makes it so damn interesting. In any case, it's a totally improbable pairing yet it is so probable at the same time. Which gets one's little brain ticking because Takahashi is known to serve up pairings like that. Now I know I promised this would focus on their rare qualities as a coupling, and because I believe I did just that, I have to brush one one little thing that would make them a common-type pairing. I'll give you a hint; not only did I say it just a few sentences ago, but I've mentioned it a few times before. Because they being together is so improbable that it is probable, doesn't that make the pairing itself probable? For example, aren't Miroku and Sango so improbable it's probable? Aren't InuYasha and Kagome? Isn't it just the same with a majority of all the pairings out there in anime? And with that little piece of food for thought, I end this section.

But oh, I warned you we weren't done here. I warned you nice and good that we were going to be far from done once the reasons were taken care of. You can't deny it, 'cause I know I said it, several times in fact. So if you hadn't a long time back, buckle your seatbelts kiddies because this is going to be another hellishly long ride. And if you know me, you know I always make do on my promises, so let's get this party started, shall we?

All things considered, I think the Sesshoumaru/Kikyou coupling is in fact, one of the few perfect relationships out there, in both anime and real life. Not only could I describe them as singing to the same tune, I could describe them as two pieces of the same puzzle. Their similarities and differences compliment each other in such a way that even through every last squabble they have, they could always find a compromising solution. Plus, as touched many times in the above, he could quench her vengeful fire and she could melt his frozen heart. But does that mean they would cancel each other out in every way so as to make their passion extinguish? It's highly unlikely, because people tend to gravitate more towards those with similar interests just as much as those with very opposite interests. In other words, I think their similarities would keep each other interested for a very, very long to come whilst their opposite qualities would provide just enough friction to keep the fire burning hot. I can see them as the two old goats on that "A Diamond Is Forever" commercial simply because of all this. Some may say otherwise because Kikyou apparently did not have enough trust in InuYasha in the first place, but Kikyou's a big girl and I'm sure she's learned from her mistakes. That in itself is another reason why I think their relationship would last; obviously she'd have enough faith in it in the first place to even start it. So to sum up everything I just said: these two have enough chemistry and maturity between them to keep it burning.

Ooh, yay, more lists. Luckily for those of you who stuck with me this far don't have to pull out your hair in fear of more long-winded explanations following this all up. I'm not here, in this category, anyway, to set the standards of the circumstances. At this point I'm just giving your creative little minds something to feast on. So without further ado, I proudly present a list that will surely grow in the future (so check back often, *hint hint*). A list composed entirely of ways these two could meet and fall in love. The section you've been waiting for. Don't deny it. I can see it in your beady little eyes. These, by the way, make great basis for fanfiction (another *hint hint*).

1. A chance meeting at some beautiful natural location, where they exchange words in a heated verbal war until they both conclude their similiar interests are reason enough to call for an alliance, however temporary.

2. An injured Rin is cared for by Kikyou until she is able to be safely returned to Sesshoumaru. Upon which Rin pesters Sesshoumaru until he permits her to invite Kikyou to stay and she does, if only because she can not deny the child or she is curious of Sesshoumaru because of the stories Rin has told her and desires to discover his true nature for herself.

3. An injured Sesshoumaru is found by Kikyou and he is oddly enough reminded of Rin through her caring ways and lithe hands, prompting him to be a tad softer than he normally would be, thus earning the miko's sympathy and curiosity.

4. They either knew each other somehow before InuYasha came or knew each other at the same time. In one case, they fell for each other but Sesshoumaru denied it, thus why she never killed InuYasha and fell for him, because she was strongly reminded of Sesshoumaru. Or, he fell in love with her but she chose InuYasha. Both would help explain his intense hatred for the hanyou but the last reason particularly so.

5. Sesshoumaru kidnapped Kikyou as part of a perfect plan to both lure InuYasha to him and blackmail him. Kikyou could not leave because it would upset Rin and memories of what happened with Sayo plague her, prompting her stay. In time, they fall for one another, though they do not show it in but the most subtle ways at first.

6. Sesshoumaru comes across an injured Kikyou and is about to dismiss her when he senses she is dead but is so taken aback when she stirs that he sticks around to ask questions. About to leave, Rin pops out of nowhere, forcing him to bring the miko home so she can recover.

7. Sesshoumaru decides to do something utterly shocking. Seduce Kikyou to make his brother angry and break his spirit. As these types of stories always go, things backfire and he finds himself genuinely smitten.

8. Kikyou decides to do something utterly shocking. Seduce Sesshoumaru to make InuYasha angry and come running straight into the pits of hell. As these types of stories go, things backfire and she finds herself genuinely smitten.

9. Sesshoumaru goes to kill Naraku at the same time that Kikyou does. At first the two are pitted against each other until they realize they could join forces and bring Naraku down for sure.

10. Kikyou and Sesshoumaru met some time ago and developed a loose friendship with as many holes as swiss cheese. When Kikyou is in trouble, kidnapped by Naraku, Sesshoumaru surprisingly comes to her rescue.

Whoah, done at last. Thanks for sticking with me, if you read all the way down here. I'm sure it was tough listening to me blather on, rather boringly at times, I'm sure, but I hope you got something out of it at least, and if I convinced just one person these two make an ideal pair, than my purpose is fulfilled. If you disagree with any of the above, please: keep it to yourself. I'm sure I care even less about your opinions than you do mine. Oh, and one more thing. If you liked those ten ideas I just listed, I'd just like to take this time to remind you that I'll probably be adding more in the future so feel free to check back.