AfterShock

A/N: I apologize for taking so long to upload this chapter. Sephiroth and Sesshomaru were proving to be very stubborn and refused to co-operate with me. Sheeh, sometimes characters are a pain in the ass.

***********************************************************************************

Sesshomaru jerked awake to the sound of his cell phone ringing. Raising to his elbows, he reached for the offending piece of plastic sitting on the nightstand. Squinting his sleep blurred eyes, Sesshomaru sighed. Did Byakuya never sleep in?

"Good morning Byakuya." He answered as he rolled to his back and covered his eyes from the early morning sun rays.

"I have information for you. Please meet me in my office." Byakuya said then ended the phone call before Sesshomaru could say a word. Frowning, Sesshomaru held his phone out to look at the screen. That was unusually rude of his friend. Noting the time, he was surprised Byakuya had anything for him so quickly. Sesshomaru left the bed and picked up his cloths. Dressing quickly, he left the room of the guest house on the Kuchiki compound. He was still irritated that Byakuya had insisted he stay there. Byakuya had even threatened to tie him down to keep him close by, stating that they didn't need Sephiroth finding his demon ass before they found the boys. Fighting back a yawn, Sesshomaru hoped the information was really worth the abrupt waking.

Hanging up the phone, Byakuya sat back in his chair to wait for Sesshomaru. Looking up to Reno and Rude as they stood at the far wall, he observed his men's actions. Reno kept his head down, but Byakuya watched him sending questioning glances at his partner. The way the red head was acting, Byakuya could tell that the young man had done more than 'see' the boys at the brothel, and now the red head was trying to judge his partners response. Too bad the dark man was a brick wall, showing no emotion behind his dark glasses. Byakuya had guessed long ago that Reno desired the larger man, but it seemed Rude either didn't notice or he didn't share the same feelings. Byakuya kind of felt bad for Reno, unrequited love was difficult for someone to bare, especially when that person was close to you. Byakuya looked over to the door as Sesshomaru walked in. Yes it was very difficult to bare.

***********************************************************************************

Shikamaru felt like he could breath easy for the first time in the last two days. Chad had really come through for him with the location of where the boys were being hid. Now all that was left to do was get back to the den, let Inutaicho know what he had learned, and formulate a plan to obtain the triplets flesh deeds. This day was looking better by the minute. Usually he wasn't such an optimist, but with a smile on his face he walked down the street with his head back, enjoying the beautiful blue sky. Nothing could possibly go wrong now.

***********************************************************************************

Sesshomaru sighed as he leaned back in the chair. Looking over the men in Byakuya's office, he was a little disheartened by the news the red head named Reno had given him. "This will be a problem."

"I agree, my friend. The only way to free a deeded whore is to purchase them or for them to pay off their debt. And if my guess is right, Itachi has added such a high interest to their contract that it would be impossible for them to ever pay it off." Byakuya agreed as he leaned back against his desk.

"I can not try to purchase the deeds myself. Itachi would immediately hide them away and we would loose them again."

"This is true. However, I do have a plan to purchase them. The problem is when Itachi finds out what I have done he will come after the Kuchiki clan again and this time he will do everything in his power to wipe ever last one of us from the planet." Byakuya said. When Itachi was much younger he had convinced his uncle, who led the Akatsuki, that the Kuchiki clan desired their power and territory. The resulting war had nearly destroyed them. Byakuya had spent so much time rebuilding everything they had lost. Now, through all his efforts, the Kuchiki clan was second only to the demon dogs in financial and political power. The only thing he lacked was the shear man power to establish himself in the underworld. In that one aspect his family was still weak and that pissed him off to no end. He just didn't have his fathers head for the less savory things of the world.

"I understand. You do not have the man power to stop the attack he would unleash on your people." Sesshomaru said. Standing, he stood before his dearest friend, "Then you will have my protection."

"I do not wish to be rude to you my friend, but you do not possess the necessary power to protect what is mine." Byakuya said with a gentle smile. He knew Sesshomaru had even less to do with the underworld than he did. Over the years Sesshomaru had done nothing but complain about his fathers choices and was very vocal about refusing to follow the great Inutaicho's footsteps. That being said, the knowing smirk on Sesshomaru's face confused him and worried him.

"As the heir to the Yokai, you will be protected by me and all whom I command." Sesshomaru said, holding out his hand.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Byakuya said as he grasped Sesshomaru's wrist.
Sesshomaru wrapped his clawed fingers around Byakuya's wrist and said, "I could no no other than protect my family with everything I have. If that means I must join my father in his world, I will do so."

Byakuya nodded, "Thank you my friend." Byakuya felt humbled by what his dear friend was about to do just to protect him, the Kuchiki clan, and Sephiroth's brothers.

Sesshomaru smiled, "You're welcome my brother."

***********************************************************************************

Kimimaro entered his Lord's office, the demon sat in his chair behind the large desk with his head leaned back on the head rest of the black chair. From here, Kimimaro could feel Lord Inutaicho's dark brooding mood like an evil spirit sucking the air from the room.

"What is it?" His lord growled without looking at him. Kimimaro jumped from the harsh tone in his Lord's voice, then floundered for the reason he had come into the office.

"What is it!?" Inutaicho barked again, his voice more hostile as he looked up at him, eyes narrowed. Kimimaro's mind refused to remember the reason he had come here, so he decided to rely on his gut instinct. "My lord, if I may be so bold, but you seem to be upset. Has something happened?" Approaching the desk, Kimimaro shivered at the lethal look his Lord gave him, "My lord, you can confide in me."

Inutaicho watched Kimimaro as he cautiously approached him. No one ever had the courage to come near him when his mood was so dark, but Kimimaro was different. His loyalty was beyond question, he would venture through the pits of hell, body broken and battered, all to simply make him smile. Closing his eyes he wrestled with his roaring demon, pushing it deeper within him. He needed his head clear when Shikamaru finally showed up to give his report. Letting out a deep sigh, Inutaicho felt his muscles begin to relax and his mood lighten ever so slightly. Opening his eyes, he gave Kimimaro a small smile, "I am sorry if I worried you."

Kimimaro came around the desk and knelt at Inutaicho's feet, "Ever since your meeting with Nara you have been troubled. Is there a threat I should prepare for?"

Inutaicho watched as Kimimaro absentmindedly ran his finger over a hidden blade while his green eyes glowed with his fierce desire to protect Inutaicho. "No, Kimimaro. There is no threat beyond the usual."

Kimimaro's body relaxed visibly, "Then what troubles you so, my Lord."

"The truth is Shikamaru has informed me of children I have fathered without knowing." Inutaicho said before he could censor himself. He wasn't sure why he needed to tell Kimimaro, but the words just kept flowing from him on a whispered breath, "I have three sons, triplets, who have lived for the last twenty years. Years I'll never be a part of, years I will never get back."

Kimimaro felt a jolt of shock roll through him. This was the first time his lord had trusted him with something so personal. Placing his hand on Lord Inutaicho's knee to give some form of comfort, "I apologize my lord. That would be troubling news to be told. Do you know where they are?"

"Shikamaru is looking for them now." Inutaicho said with a sigh. The feel of Kimimaro's hand on his knee was distracting. Inutaicho knew Kimimaro only thought of protecting him, both physically and emotionally. So it was understandable that when his Lord was suffering he would want nothing more than to help his ailing Lord. The pale hand laying ever so gently on his knee meant nothing more than that, but as Inutaicho looked down into the man's face, he wanted more from Kimimaro, had always wanted more.

Reaching out he cupped Kimimaro's cheek in his hand, the soft texture of Kimimaro's skin was as heavenly as it was deceptive. Sliding his thumb along Kimimaro's cheekbone, Inutaicho gently caressed the man's face, then rubbed his thumb along the red tattoo lining the under side of his eye. "You are a very handsome young man."

Kimimaro gave him a startled look, then blushed and looked away, "Thank you my Lord, but it is not true."

"How so?" Inutaicho asked as he slid his hand down the side of Kimimaro's neck and around to cup the back of his head. The soft strands of white hair caressed his hand, hair he had been dreaming of touching for a long time.

"I am scarred from head to toe and have much blood on my hands." Kimimaro said his green eyes raising to meet Inutaicho's amber ones.

"That does not spoil your beauty." Inutaicho said as he slowly leaned forward, "Not to me." He whispered as he pulled Kimimaro up and covered the soft mouth with his.

Kimimaro's eyes widened in shock as Lord Inutaicho kissed him. What was his Lord doing? Why would he be willing to kiss someone so dirty, so unworthy? A light nibble on his bottom lip sent a shiver down his spine, the shockwaves of the act were playing havoc with him. The hand on the back of his neck tightened around his hair, pulling his head back sharply while drawing a gasp from his lips. His Lord took complete advantage of him, thrusting his tongue into Kimimaro's mouth. Growling low in his throat, Kimimaro snapped. Wrapping his arms around his Lord, he let all the years of buried feelings surge to the surface as he kissed Lord Inutaicho back.

Inutaicho growled as Kimimaro dueled with his tongue, giving as much as he received. Hands buried in his hair, Kimimaro crawled up onto his lap as the human fought for control of the kiss. Gripping Kimimaro's hair tighter, Inutaicho pulled back hard, separating them. Green eyes looked down at him, clouded over with lust, and something deeper, something Inutaicho never expected to see.

Kimimaro was panting hard as his Lord sat beneath him staring into his eyes. He wanted to pull his Lord close to him and devour that mouth. He squirmed in Lord Inutaicho's lap as the demon continued to stare at him. Why was he just looking at him? Had he done something wrong?

"You love me." Kimimaro froze at his Lords words. Eyes wide he let go of Lord Inutaicho's hair, dropping his arms to his side. How did he know? Did he say it out loud? "Kimimaro?" Lord Inutaicho questioned.

"M...m...my Lord?" He stuttered as those amber eyes held him hostage. "I....I... Please my Lord, I swear I will not...."

Inutaicho's hand covered his mouth, "How long have you hidden your feelings for me?"

Kimimaro wanted desperately to deny it, but the look in Lord Inutaicho's eyes forbid him from lying to him. Feeling a lump form in his stomach, he swallowed hard and answered, "From the moment you pulled me up from the ground in that ally."

Inutaicho watched the fear bleed into Kimimaro's eyes from the confession. He remembered that day well. His car had been stuck in traffic. Sitting in the back seat, Inutaicho had stared out the window, boredom riding him hard. Then, in the shadows of the ally, he saw a group of people. It looked like they were beating on someone. Without another thought, he left the car. A heartbeat later Inutaicho had dispatched every one of the men in the group. Looking down, he saw a young boy laying on the ground, his body broken and bloody. The boys white hair, dirty and matted, stuck to his face, but it was his eyes that enthralled Inutaicho. A vibrant green that held a defiance that baffled him. How could so small a human take such a beating and still want to fight back? And how could he just leave the boy laying there in the filthy ally? Picking the boy up, Inutaicho had taken him to the den to heal and eventually to join their ranks.

Reaching up he gently slid his thumb along Kimimaro's bottom lip. Kimimaro's lips parted with a shuttering sigh. Jerking the man down, Inutaicho took his mouth in a fierce kiss. Invading Kimimaro's mouth, and claiming the pale man as his own. Dropping his hands to Kimimaro's firm ass, Inutaicho stood and sat the human on the desk. Inutaicho trailed kisses from Kimimaro's mouth to his chin, from chin to his ear where he took the fleshy lobe into his mouth, scraping a fang along the sensitive surface.

Kimimaro shivered as his Lords hot mouth and tongue tortured its way down his neck. He knew deep inside that his Lord didn't share his love but Kimimaro didn't care. He would take this moment and savor it for as long as he could. That day in the ally, so many years ago, when the Akatsuki had beaten him until he nearly died was the best day of his life. The angel now nipping and sucking on his neck had appeared, shining a beautiful beacon of light into his blackened soul. His Lord was the only being on this world he would follow into any layer of hell. Feeling his shirt fall open, Kimimaro ventured a look down as Lord Inutaicho raked his claws up Kimimaro's sides.

Inutaicho enjoyed the taste of the human now panting raggedly on his desk. Sliding his hands around to Kimimaro's chest, Inutaicho slowly pushed him flat on the desk. Kimimaro was a picture of lethal beauty. His slender pale body was criss crossed with so many scars, most from his life as an Yokai, but some, like the vicious one across his side, came from a life before Inutaicho had found him. A life Kimimaro refused to talk about. Sliding his hand across Kimimaro's soft skin, Inutaicho enjoyed the different textures of this man, velvety skin covering steel strong muscle with pale ridges of scars breaking the soft surface now and then. Moving higher, Inutaicho's hands rubbed harshly over Kimimaro's pale erect nipples eliciting a soft moan from the human. The buds, barely darker than Kimimaro's skin, drew Inutaicho's attention.

Kimimaro watched his Lord devour his body with his amber eyes. Slowly, Lord Inutaicho lowered himself as his eyes looked up seeking Kimimaro's green orbs. A pink tongue snaked out and swirled around the nub sending surges of electrical charges along Kimimaro's nerves. Suddenly, Inutaicho's mouth latched onto the sensitive spot. Kimimaro threw his head back with a startled cry, his back arching, trying to get more of the wicked sensation. Tears threatened to spill forth from the overpowering feelings rushing through his body and soul. Hands burying themselves in his Lords silver locks, Kimimaro was happy, he was finally going to be with the one being he loved.

***********************************************************************************

Shikamaru got out of his car in the garage of the den, pulling the cigarette out of his mouth, he spotted Sesshomaru walking into the building with three other men. Frowning he headed towards the doors to see what would bring Inutaicho's eldest to the one place everyone knew he never wanted to be.

***********************************************************************************

Sesshomaru was snarling by the time he entered the hallway where his father's office was. It seemed like every idiot in this place was trying to get in his way. First the receptionist had refused to let Byakuya any further than the entry way, then every village idiot ever born stopped him. Seriously couldn't they tell who he was simply by looking at him?

"Stop." Another idiot barked, "Lord Inutaicho is not admitting anyone at this time."

His temper snapped, with a growl, Sesshomaru grabbed the Yokai henchman and threw him into the doors of his father's office. The wooden portal snapped open with a thunderous bang as the man slid across the floor and slammed into his fathers desk. Stepping in, Sesshomaru saw his father stand from behind his desk where he had Kimimaro spread out like a decadent meal. The white haired assassin, acting on shear instinct, jumped to his feet on the desk and launched a cluster of shuriken at him. Sidestepping the dark projectiles, Sesshomaru felt one of the deadly blades skim his clothing as it flew by, burying itself deep into the wall behind him. The human would have sent another barrage but his father grabbed his hand.

"Son, why have you come here?" His father asked, a barley suppressed growl in his voice.

"After some consideration, I have decided to take you up on your offer to join the Yokai."

"This could not wait?" Inutaicho asked darkly as Kimimaro slid from the desk.

"No." Sesshomaru said harshly as he walked up to his father, "However there is something I need for you to do for me in return."

"And what is that?" Sesshomaru could tell his father was holding onto his temper with an iron will. If he had been thinking rationally himself, he would have left his father alone. However, in his defiance he decided to touch off the unstable time bomb.

"I have located Sephiroth's brothers and I need your help. Itachi is holding them captive to keep Sephiroth under control. He has them held at a brothel named Rhain."

The fury burning his his fathers eyes made him actually take a step back as Inutaicho snarled, "What?"

"Father, they are deeded whores."


Shikamaru came up to the door of Inutaicho's office as Sesshomaru blurted out the information Shikamaru was going to 'gently' tell the Yokai Lord. Shikamaru hit the floor as Inutaicho's temper hit critical mass and exploded. With a roar, Inutaicho slammed his fists into the desk, shattering it with his fury. Damned idiot son, couldn't he have broken it to his father in a different way. Shikamaru covered his head as debris rained down around him, only then remembering that Sesshomaru didn't know that the triplets were his half brothers. Shit, shit, shit.

Kimimaro watched with wide eyes as his Lord exploded. Eyes a burning hellish red, Lord Inutaicho's body began to shimmer as his demon fought to take over. Looking over to Sesshomaru, Kimimaro could see the confusion and fear in the young demons eyes. So, he didn't know about the boys being Inutaicho's sons. Turning back to his lord, he fought his overpowering need to run, and stepped closer to his Lord. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around his Lords body and held him. "My lord, please calm yourself before you harm your most loyal members and your son."

Clawed hands bit into his arms, but he didn't let go. Burying his head against Lord Inutaicho's chest he begged again, "Please my lord."

Inutaicho fought hard to bring his inner demon to heel, but the damned beast was relentless. When slender arms wrapped around his body and a soft pleading voice reached his ears, the demon inside began to calm. Looking down he saw Kimimaro wrapped around him, his warm body holding him tenderly but tightly. "My lord, please be calm."

With a soft sigh his demon backed off. Eyes wide, Inutaicho looked down at the human who had dared death to coral the beast he would have become, but even more shocking was that it listened to Kimimaro. Relaxing his grip on Kimimaro's arms, he noticed the spots of red where his claws bit into the humans soft skin. Hating himself for causing Kimimaro any pain, Inutaicho wrapped his arms around his humans body, he whispered, "Thank you Kimimaro."

Inutaicho felt the smile Kimimaro gave against his chest, "You are welcome my Lord."

Looking up at his son, Inutaicho narrowed his eyes, "You were saying?"

***********************************************************************************

Shikamaru watched his lord closely as Sesshomaru told his father all the information he had. The demon seemed to be in control now, but he knew how quickly that would change if they provoked his inner demon again. "Do you have anything to add Shikamaru?"

"My sources information matched your sons but according to another source, one of the boys has been marked for disposal." Shikamaru answered as he kept his eyes on Inutaicho. His amber eyes flashed slightly but Inutaicho remained in control.

"I see." Inutaicho said as he looked down at the floor. Damn Zaraki, if it were not for his ignorance Itachi would never have gained the power he now possessed. Now that bastard had everyone by the balls with his thorough entrapment. Looking up at Sesshomaru, his eyes narrowed on his son. The boy had worked quickly to find the triplets, and if he was right, his son had already formulated a way of getting the boys back. But why would he willingly join the Yokai ranks to do so? "My son, I am guessing you have a plan, what I do not know is why you need me."

"I do have a way of purchasing the boys legally, but the person I intend to use will need protection beyond what I alone can provide." Sesshomaru admitted. "I intend to use Byakuya Kuchiki to acquire the boys flesh deeds."

Inutaicho nodded, finally understanding why Sesshomaru had come to him. The Kuchiki clan was once a very powerful family, that is until the Akatsuki had nearly obliterated them. The eldest son was the only heir to survive the purge, and one of his son's dearest friends. "Very well. Byakuya Kuchiki and his clan will have the protection of the Yokai. Now let us plot the retrieval of Sephiroth's brothers. Shikamaru, bring Lord Kuchiki to my office."

Byakuya sat in a chair in the front end of the building waiting for Sesshomaru. He had felt the sudden surge of demonic energy moments ago, it still sent a shiver of apprehension down his spine. He could tell that it was not his friends, no, this was much more powerful. No wonder the demon commanded the respect of so many. The demonic energy was nearly crippling to everyone who felt its crushing force. Sesshomaru must have told his father what Reno had told them earlier, but why would the Yokai Lord loose his temper in such a way?

A door opened drawing his attention as a dark haired man stood in the opening. "Lord Kuchiki would you please come with me?"

Standing, Byakuya walked towards the man with Reno and Rude at his heels. The dark haired man looked them over almost like he would object to the presence of the others, but he stepped aside, allowing the three of them to pass through the door. "I am Shikamaru Nara. Lord Inutaicho is awaiting you in his office."

Shikamaru said as he turned to lead them down the hall. This was the first time Byakuya had ever been within the Yokai den. It was not exactly what he had expected. The walls were plain with few pictures adorning their neutral colored surfaces. The floors were carpeted in a soft, tan color. He wasn't sure why, but he had expected something more..... well more demonic. Loud paintings of hellish battles, maybe even dark wood floors and dimly lit sconces on the walls. Looking back, he wasn't sure why he would be expecting something like that. He had been to Lord Inutaicho's home to visit Sesshomaru. The place was breathtaking in its beauty, so he shouldn't be surprised about the appearance of the Yokai den.

Shikamaru stopped by an open door not far down the hall and held his hand out for Byakuya to proceed him. Looking at the wall opposite the door, Byakuya frowned. Were those shuriken buried in the tan surface? Turning he walked through the door and looked around the room. It looked like a war zone in here. There were splinters of wood and debris scattered everywhere.

"I apologize for the mess Lord Kuchiki, there was a slight altercation with my inner demon." Byakuya looked up at Inutaicho. Slight altercation? He would hate to see what would happen if there was an all out war. "Please have a seat."

Byakuya looked over to the sofa where Sesshomaru sat and joined him on the plush surface. "Thank you for joining us. Sesshomaru has told me you will help to rescue Sephiroth's brothers."

"Yes Lord Inutaicho."

"Please just call me Inutaicho." The demon as he crossed his arms and leaned against the far wall. "For what you are about to do your clan will be under Yokai protection for as long as you need us."

Byakuya let out the breath he hadn't realized he was holding. To have their protection meant a great deal to him, but mostly it meant he finally had someone he could consult should he ever need advise on the underworld.

"Thank you Inutaicho." Byakuya said, inclining his head in a small bow.

***********************************************************************************

Sephiroth was pissed as he sat in his car in the parking lot of Demon Dog Marketing. Where the hell was Sesshomaru? He had been searching for the bastard demon all freaking day! He wasn't home, he wasn't at work, he wasn't at the club, he seemed to vanish of the surface of the freaking planet!

Starting his car he headed back to Sesshomaru's home. What was he going to do if he couldn't find Sesshomaru? Parking in the driveway, Sephiroth stared up at the home. "Where are you?"

Getting out of the car, Sephiroth walked up to the door and rang the door bell, but there was still no answer. Looking around, he pulled out his kit and began to pick the lock. The last time he had done this had been one hell of a night for him. Shivering from the memory, Sephiroth opened the door and stepped in. The alarm panel by the door chirped slightly. Frowning, Sephiroth didn't remember having to deal with that last time, quickly, he rewired it to keep the system from going off.

Walking room to room, Sephiroth searched the house looking for Sesshomaru, but the demon was not home. With a heavy sigh, Sephiroth sat on the sofa to wait for Sesshomaru to return.

***********************************************************************************

Byakuya sat quietly on the sofa waiting for another member of his personal guard to arrive. They had decided that he would send an unknown worker to Rhain to request the services of the boys. Reno was a known member so he could not go, and Rude refused to leave Byakuya's side. So he had called on Hakkai, one of the few men who could handle such a request without fail.

Inutaicho had long ago left the room, leaving only Sesshomaru, Rude, Reno and himself. Through the conversation they had, Byakuya could tell Inutaicho was keeping tight control over his temper, and from the fearful glances the Yokai members were giving their lord, Byakuya knew that his state of being was not normal. Why would the Yokai Lord be so angered over this situation? For all he knew these boys were complete strangers to him, the only tie they had to the Yokai was through Sesshomaru and Sephiroth's relationship. There was something Inutaicho was not telling them.

"Lord Kuchiki." A voice called from the door as the dark haired man walked in. "You have sent for me?" Hakkai asked as he approached Byakuya.

"Sesshomaru, your father needs you to join the meeting to introduce you to the members of the Yokai." Shikamaru said from Hakkai's side.

Byakuya stood as Sesshomaru rose from the sofa. Holding his hand out he took his friends hand, "I will see you in a moment my friend."

"Thank you Sesshomaru for all you are doing." Byakuya said as he pulled the demon into a hug.

"I'm counting on you brother." Sesshomaru said as he left the room.

Hakkai joined him with a confused look in his eyes. "Lord Kuchiki?"

Hakkai was one of the few people... well beings, in the world who had guessed his true feelings for the demon, but he kept it to himself. For that reason alone, Byakuya knew Hakkai was perfect for this mission. Hakkai's calm personality, coupled with his fierce loyalty made this being the only one Byakuya would trust.

"I have an unusual assignment for you, my friend. I need you to go to Rhain and order three very specific individual's for me." Byakuya said as he handed Hakkai an envelope.

Hakkai frowned as he took the envelope from Byakuya, "You are sending me to a brothel for whores?"

"They are three boys who are dear to Sesshomaru and they need rescuing." Byakuya said a little harshly as he looked into Hakkai's green eyes. "They were forced to sign flesh deeds and we are going to do all we can to release them from their fate."

"I am sorry Byakuya, I shouldn't have questioned it." Hakkai said feeling a little guilty over his callous words. "I will do as you ask."

"Thank you Hakkai. Set it up for tomorrow night if possible, and definitely not at the brothel." Byakuya said with a shiver. He wanted to avoid having to have sex with the boys if it was possible. They had been through enough already.

***********************************************************************************

Hakkai entered the brothel after paying the exorbitant cover charge, walking up to the counter he waved over the bartender. "I wish to speak to the manager."

The man looked him over then nodded and left. Hakkai turned to look over the brothel with his hands behind his back. He hated places like this, places were people could be purchased for deeds most never wanted to do.

"I am Seto, may I help you?" A man asked as he approached with another close behind.

"I have been sent here on my Lord's request. He had heard of a group of young men from a dear friend of his. He requests their services." Hakkai said as he stared at the small weak man.

"Really, do you know the whores names?" Seto asked as he took in Hakkai's expensive suit and greed filled the mans eyes.

"They are three silver-haired brothers named Kai, Ari, and Janri." Hakkai said as he clasped his hands tighter behind his back.

"One of them is not here at the moment, but the other two are available."

"I'm sorry sir, but my Lord was very firm. It will be all three or none at all." Hakkai said firmly, "I was also instructed to inform you he would be willing to pay the highest price for an evening with them."

Seto sputtered, his eyes bugging out of his head, "You are joking."

"I am not."

The manager brought his hand up to play with his goatee. "I will be unable to get to the other whore until tomorrow. Would tomorrow night be acceptable?"

"Yes." Hakkai answered, "My Lord also requests they be brought to him. He does not wish to be seen coming into a brothel."

"I'm sorry but they cannot be taken to your Lord, perhaps he would be willing to go to the Clarion hotel. We could have the penthouse suite reserved for him. That will of course cost more." Seto said with a smirk.

"That will be acceptable."

"Good." The manager said clapping his hands together. "Then tomorrow night at nine at the Clarion. What name shall I put on the reservation?"

"Lord Byakuya Kuchiki." Hakkai said as he began to walk away. Stopping he turned with a smile, "Oh yes, one other thing. Do not try to substitute anyone, my Lord will know and the consequences will be dire. He is a very rich and powerful man. Destroying your tiny brothel will be nothing to him..." with a sinister smile he added, "or to me."

The manager shivered at the menacing look the dark haired man gave him. Watching him leave the brothel without even looking back the manager turned to his assistant, "Do we know who Byakuya Kuchiki is?"

"Sssssir." His assistant, Drago, stuttered, "He isn't just rich, he is fucking phenomenally rich, as in buy this country and sell it for parts rich."

"Really."

"Yes."

Seto chuckled, "Go to Itachi's tomorrow afternoon when he is away and pick up Kadaj, then retrieve his brothers. They have a job to do."

"Itachi will not be happy."

"I don't give a flying fuck. Those boys are mine to do with as I please. They will bring in a very nice sum tomorrow night." Then manager said as he turned his gaze to where Loz was sitting with one of the clients, then to the room where Yazoo was entertaining his brothers client. At least he would get one last decent priced job out of that one before he was given to one of the Lords of Pain.

***********************************************************************************

That night Byakuya demanded Sesshomaru come back to his home for the night, again using Sephiroth as the reason to keep him close. Sesshomaru's mind drifted off as he thought about his silver haired lover. Sephiroth was out there somewhere unsuspecting of what Sesshomaru was doing to free him from Itachi's cruel grasp. He wanted to call Sephiroth to tell him what he was planning, but he couldn't. He didn't know if Itachi monitored Sephiroth's phone, or had the man watched. Laying on the bed, Sesshomaru tried to go to sleep, but the anxiety churning in his stomach refused to let him. He prayed tomorrow would go as planned.

***********************************************************************************
A/N: Thank you for reading :) Feel free to leave a comment.