Clearly I've been inspired by so many K-dramas lately that I got back into the spirit of writing. If any of you are fans of The Bride of Haebek, you can see how that particular show has influenced this story (wink wink), but this is obviously not a word-for-word re-write of the show. LOL. Without further adieu, I hope you'll enjoy the story!

The Bride of Sesshomaru

Prologue

Sesshomaru was not a god of mercy. It was a well-known fact to all the other deities, who had come to the West to seek his audience. He was cold, calculating, and cruel, and no one wanted to be on the receiving end of his temper. Death was the usual punishment for anyone's impudence, and it was even rumoured that he had even killed a lower level god because he brought him a human sacrifice.

If there was one dalliance that he did not participate in, it was the partaking of the human sacrifice ritual. Not for righteous reasons, to be sure, but just for the simple reason that Sesshomaru despised humans; receiving sacrifices from the human race was sickening to him.

His family was one particular reason why he hated humans, as his father had fallen in love with one. Through the course of his life, his father Toga made it a point to visit Earth often, as if it was his duty to care for his worshippers. His kindness and humility had signed his death warrant when he met a human woman. It was an act that had gotten him killed in the end, by a mysterious third party, though Sesshomaru had no interest in investigating the cause of his death. It was not as though he was close to his father, but knowing that someone from his own bloodline was capable of weakness was enough to close the doors on his relationship with his father forever.

Sesshomaru was different from his father in many, many ways. Whereas his father was compassionate toward others, Sesshomaru was indifferent to the suffering of others. He had no plans to show any kindness towards his worshippers on Earth; kindness was a human emotion and knowing that his father showed human traits was horrific. He was almost glad that his father was dead; he never once used his greatest weapons against his enemies, or even his followers.

But Sesshomaru would not hesitate to use his own. And he did not discriminate – he would gladly show his power in order to distill respect within these sacred spaces.

It was not hard to command the respect and loyalty of the Western deities.

One would have to be a complete fool if they assumed they could betray him and live to tell the tale.

One such fool, whose name was Kirinmaru, believed it was his birthright to inherit the title of Lord of the West. But it was unprecedented for anyone to challenge Sesshomaru, who had inherited his title a mere five hundred years ago after the death of his father, the strongest of all gods.

Court was surely buzzing with the rumours that Kirinmaru was going to attack Sesshomaru, and it did not escape the latter's attention. In fact, he was fairly certain that Kirinmaru was always planning to betray him.

Sesshomaru, who sat upon his throne within the court room – which was decorated with the finest of silks, screen doors, and lamps – merely looked disinterested at best. His golden eyes often showed no emotion, other than anger. His ivory hair flowed down his back, ending just below the waist. Dressed in an ivory kimono with his father's clan – a rouge floral design - stamped into the sleeves, with armour covering his chest, Sesshomaru looked as though he was prepared for battle.

And at his side, was his retainer Jaken, a toad demon who was never unprepared to praise his master. "I'm sure Kirinmaru doesn't actually intend to challenge your reign, my Lord. He is not strong enough to challenge you." Jaken spoke with confidence, though there was a hint of arrogance to be found within his voice.

Of all the servants that Sesshomaru had over the course of five hundred years, Jaken was the only who felt entitled to speak his opinion on various matters. Although he had received punishment from speaking out of turn – whether if it was a rock to the head or an 'accidental drowning' – Jaken found that he still must have a purpose if Sesshomaru kept him alive.

Sesshomaru said nothing to acknowledge Jaken's words, but the glare that he sent in his direction was apparent that if Jaken valued his life that day, he would be quiet.

"SESSHOMARU!"

The doors on the other side of the chamber opened forcefully, revealing the challenger in question. The gods in attendance, who only wished to dine on fine food and sake, stared in the direction of Kirinmaru, who didn't give the appearance he cared regarding proper protocol.

The whole chamber fell silent, as if no one knew how to handle this unexpected situation.

"M-milord, h-he's here," Jaken stuttered, his gawdy yellow eyes taking in the scene, right before disappearing to hide behind the throne which Sesshomaru occupied.

Sesshomaru did not appear to show any annoyance whatsoever that this evening was interrupted. Instead, he blankly stared in Kirinmaru's direction.

Kirinmaru was a demon god of a slightly lower rank than Sesshomaru's family, but that did not mean that he was of no consequence. With wild red-auburn hair, intimidating dark eyes which now burned with anger, and a mask that hid his face (of which no one ever had the misfortune or pleasure to see what he looked like without it), and a temper that could rival his own, Kirinmaru could rival Sesshomaru in his own right. Dressed in a dark purple hakama and equipped with iron armour which covered the majority of his body, Kirinmaru seemed to be the one who was truly prepared to fight to the death.

His strength was not something to be underestimated, as he had fought alongside Sesshomaru's father in the past.

"I presume you know why I have come?" Although he spoke calmly, the aura around Kirinmaru suggested that he was not going to dispense pleasantries.

Sesshomaru merely looked at him, but did not reply to his question. Kirinmaru, however, took it as a sign for him to continue. "Word in the place spreads fast. I have even heard the rumours," Kirinmaru commented, taking a swift look around the chamber, into the eyes of the gods who were surprised at his presence. "You all think that I wish to take the throne for myself." Nothing but the soft murmurs of the deities could be heard echoing in the chamber.

"What right do I have?" Kirinmaru raised his voice, staring straight into Sesshomaru's eyes with disgust. "I believe I have every right."

Sesshomaru had yet to even react to Kirinmaru's words, much less his impudent behaviour.

Instead, Jaken took it upon himself to grumble, "How dare he shows disrespect…"

"Will the mighty Lord Sesshomaru come down from his throne? Or will you choose to be a coward?" It was clear that Kirinmaru was attempting to anger him into a fight. If his words didn't make it obvious, he then drew his sword, pointing it toward Sesshomaru himself. "Or… perhaps it does satisfy you to do nothing, even when one's family suffers?"

"I have no business with you," Sesshomaru replied, scoffing in Kirinmaru's direction. "If you intend to fight me with bitter words and broken promises, I shall see to it that you will suffer."

Kirinmaru grinned from behind his mask, as if he had truly done something to be on the upper hand of the verbal repartee. "Then I suppose I will have to take you down with me."

It was at that moment that he revealed a small black pearl, and Sesshomaru stiffened, knowing what it contained. He narrowed his amber eyes, as he inquired, "Where did you find that?" The chill in his voice would have been enough to terrify anyone around him, yet Kirinmaru was not intimidated.

"This? Well, I know someone who managed to get a hold of it for me. I know how much this pearl means to you, Sesshomaru," Kirinmaru spat out the demon lord's name, as if it were vile. "How long have you been looking for this?"

"You are nothing but a thief! Lord Sesshomaru does not tolerate such lowly behaviour!" Jaken screamed, as at this point he had stopped hiding behind Sesshomaru.

"Oh quiet, imp. Your dear Lord is no stranger to such dalliances. In fact, this very throne is something that he stole," Kirinmaru raised his voice, intending for the visiting gods to overhear his words. "Truthfully, this throne should have been Hyouga's, but his father managed to take it like a prized bone."

Hyouga was an insect, to put it literally; a lower-level deity who managed to challenge Sesshomaru's father in battle three times, before he was banished from the West. Sesshomaru was told that Kirinmaru had helped his father against the challenger, but now it seemed as though his true colours were coming to fruition.

"Can you all respect a god who lies and kills to get what he wants? And can you all respect his son, who does the same with no remorse?" Kirinmaru let out a small chuckle, lowering his sword. "Listen to me, Sesshomaru. Would you rather keep your throne? Your testament to being a god? Or would you prefer this? Your father's legacy?" That last comment was intended to wound Sesshomaru, as he knew what the relationship between Sesshomaru and his father was truly like.

Sesshomaru stood up abruptly from his seat, scaring Jaken in the process, and one arm reaching towards his sword Bakusaiga. "Ridiculous. You honestly believe that threatening me will make a difference?"

At this point, every god in the chamber knew what was about to happen, and they were wise enough to leave these matters alone. The deities knew that they would be in the way of Lord Sesshomaru, so they all managed to leave the chamber as quickly as possible.

"I wouldn't call it a threat. I would call it… bargaining." Kirinmaru paused, nothing that Sesshomaru had no intention of listening to what he had to say. He was just as stubborn as his father, if not more. "But it seems like you care not for this. Your father was a truly heinous god, correct?"

"HOW DARE YOU DISRESPECT LORD TOGA YOU IMPUDENT –"

"Jaken." With that tone of voice, Jaken couldn't help but stand down. Although he never spoke much, Jaken knew just from the tone of voice he used with him alone of when his opinion was not needed.

"I am not committing some act of tyranny just by talking about his misdeeds. And besides, I know that you feel the same way, Sesshomaru."

"Keh. You talk too much." Sesshomaru had no intention of hearing anything more from Kirinmaru. He even knew that he was trying to rile him up to the point of an official challenge being thrown. He finally drew his sword, knowing that he was fully intent to ending this trivial matter.

Sesshomaru was also known for his quick reflexes; but Kirinmaru anticipated he would use his speed to throw him off guard. As a result, he managed to save his own life when his blade clashed with Sesshomaru's.

Kirinmaru, once again from underneath his mask, grinned, pleased that his plan was going smoothly. Of course he had to put his effort into this fight – he knew how strong Sesshomaru was.

To most, it would appear that they started performing a dance, but this was not the case. As their blades continued to swipe against each other, it was obvious that Sesshomaru was attempting to go for the kill.

Kirinmaru managed to push forward, causing Sesshomaru to take a defensive stance. Which was where Kirinmaru wanted him to be.

"If you want this so badly, go and get it," was all what he managed to say, just as a portal opened for him to jump through.

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes, fully aware that this may very well be a trap. Jaken, meanwhile, was shouting the very same concerns. "Lord Sesshomaru, wait!" Yet he was able to drown Jaken out as he swiftly followed Kirinmaru into the portal, leaving Jaken alone in an empty chamber.

It didn't take long for him to process what happened. He burst into tears, muttering to himself, "Oh, why doesn't he listen to his most faithful retainer? He-he could have at least waited to hear my most valuable advice." He blew his nose on the sleeve of his dark brown robes before continuing, "What will happen to him?"

At this point, all he could hope for was the safety of his beloved master.