AfterShock

Mugen sat at the bar nursing his drink while watching the crowd in the mirror behind the alcohol. Today was supposed to be his day off but Inuyasha was here. He crunched the ice with his teeth in frustration. That damned child had been told by his father to stay home, but no, the brat had come out.

Mugen was not sure how much Inutaicho had told his youngest son. Mugen snorted, guess he had to think of Inuyasha differently because he was no longer the youngest male. Guessing by Inuyasha's refusal to stay home and his wondering the floor of the club greeting patrons, Mugen believed Inutaicho was not entirely open about Yokai business with Inuyasha. So here Mugen sat, trying to pretend he was only here because he was bored.

A glass was slammed on the counter in front of him making him jump inside. Looking up into Jin's angry eyes, Mugen narrowed his, "What?"

"Are you going to finish that or are you going to tell me why you're really here?"

"Fuck off." He growled then turned his back on his favorite bartender. He didn't want to be an asshole to the man, but maybe if he pissed Jin off bad enough, Jin would leave him alone for the rest of the night. He had a job to do and though he feared very little, Mugen feared Inutaicho's wrath. He would not fail protecting Inuyasha.

As his eyes roamed the crowd, Mugen was assessing everyone. Who was here to drown their emotions and those who were here to cause trouble. So far no one seemed even slightly interested in harming the Yokai heir. Lifting his glass he downed the contents and felt a sickness in his stomach. He couldn't believe he was actually praying no one tried anything to harm Inuyasha. Perhaps he needed another drink.

Before he could turn and demand another, someone grabbed his shirt from behind. Gagging from his shirt digging into his throat, Mugen turned to see Jin as the dark haired man dragged him to the door to the kitchen. Shooting a glance over his shoulder, Mugen sighed. There was no way to avoid this without drawing more attention. He followed Jin through the kitchen and into the storage room. As soon as the door shut Jin gave his shirt a hard jerk sending him stumbling into the opposite wall. Just as he righted himself, the man grabbed him again and tossed him to the floor.

Mugen felt his temper rise as Jin dropped onto his stomach, his long legs bracketing him at his ribs. Tucking his hands behind his head, Mugen smirked, "If you wanted a ride that bad, you could have just asked."

Jin's eyes narrowed, "Why are you watching Inuyasha so closely?"

"I don't know what you're talkin'bout." Mugen snarled as he moved to toss Jin off him, but Jin grabbed his wrists and slammed them into the floor by his head, "Let go."

Jin leaned closer, "Answer the question."

Mugen felt relieved that the door to the storage room opened, but when he tilted his head up he groaned. Miroku and Sakura entered shutting the door behind them. Now what?

"Answer Jin's question Mugen." Miroku demanded as he crossed his arms. He glanced between the two standing by the door then lowered his gaze to Jin.

"Mugen, who is after Inuyasha?" Sakura's soft voice filled the room, giving the tension between them a life of its own. "Please Mugen. We care for him and can share your burden."

"Do you feel we are not worthy of helping." Jin added.

Mugen closed his eyes and whispered no. He had seen Sakura fight, knew Miroku had a deadly temper when it came to Inuyasha, but it was the man holding him down that had sealed his mouth. Jin was a powerful fighter when he wanted to be. Mugen had accidentally discovered their skinny bartenders secret months ago.

He had been going to his favorite Mom and Pop dinner when he walked by the local dojo. A casual glance had ended with a double take when he recognized one of the men inside. Jin was fighting six men with a wooden sword. His moves were elegant, almost poetic as he delivered blow after blow. No one in the room could match him. He would kick, punch, chop, and swing at any opponent. It was that moment he had begun pursuing Jin. Had fallen for the dark haired samurai.

Opening his eyes he looked into Jin's determined ones, "I was ordered to protect Inuyasha by his father."

"Who is after him?" Jin asked. His features gentling as he released Mugen's wrists.

"Itachi?" Sakura asked. Mugen jerked his head up, surprised by the pink haired woman's question, "It is him."

Mugen nodded, "It is."

Sakura sighed as she sat on the floor, "That's not all is it, Mugen? You really need to tell us what is going on."

Nodding Mugen looked up at Jin. "As much as I enjoy your ass on my lap, I would like to sit up now."

He felt a flush of enjoyment at Jin's blush. Sitting up, Mugen told them what was going on, leaving no details out. He even told them who was being guarded.

Miroku rubbed his thumb over his lip as he frowned, "How much do you know of Itachi's fighting abilities, followers, strategies. Anything we could use to our benefit."

"I don't. He tends to send his minions to do his work. He has close ties to an assassin guild run by a man named... " He snapped his fingers as he said K a couple of times.

"Kariya." Jin supplied.

"Yes. That's it." Mugen said with a frown, "You know him?"

Jin nodded. "He crippled my sensei when I was a child. Nearly killed him."

Mugen frowned as he looked between the three sharing the room with him. How could Lord Inutaicho not know about the knowledge the people around Inuyasha had?

A smile crossed his face as he realized the truth. Laughing at the old dogs cunning nature.

"What's so damn funny?" Sakura hissed.

"Inuyasha's dad." They all gave him comically confused looks. "He only sent me to guard Inuyasha."

Mugen wasn't surprised when Jin smiled, "He had us all investigated."

"I don't know whether to be insulted or flattered." Sakura said as she crossed her arms.

"I believe flattered would be the answer. He knew we would protect Inuyasha." Miroku said as he looked down at Sakura, "Everyone in Aftershock would protect him."

Sakura smiled up at Miroku.

Mugen leaned back on his hands. Sometimes he was a bit behind when it came to strategy, but when he looked around the room, he didn't feel so bad about it. All this time he had allies. People who were so in tune with their environment they could tell when his actions had changed.

"We should spread the word." Sakura said as she stood.

"I agree." Miroku added as he opened the door.

Then Mugen's smile faltered at the sight on the other side of the door.

"Inuyasha." Miroku said in surprise. By the look on the hanyo's face, Miroku knew he hadn't just arrived at the doorway. Those amber eyes dropped to Mugen's with fury.

"How long have you been ordered as my guard?"

"Inuyasha..." Miroku started, but Inuyasha raised his hand while his eyes continued to bore into Mugen's.

"Not long. Bout a week, maybe two." Mugen answered. A little shocked at how much the boys aura matched his father's.

"So you didn't come to work here on his orders?"

"Well, I did but for totally different reasons." Mugen said with a smirk.

"And they are?"

"I'm a bit of a fighter and he thought a break from the Yokai would change my mind."

Inuyasha snorted, "I think that backfired. So when this in over are you going back?"

The room became quiet as Mugen smiled, "Fuck no. You don't tell me to knock it off."

Inuyasha nodded. "I would prefer if any orders your previous employer gave you would be brought to my attention from this day forward."

"You got it boss." Mugen said with a mocking salute. With that, Inuyasha left followed by Miroku and Sakura.

Mugen dropped his head back and closed his eyes. He didn't want to admit it, but he felt like a ton of bricks had been lifted from his shoulders. Without realizing it, he had made a home here with these people, a place he wanted to protect. Turning his head, he looked at Jin. He would be telling his 'previous employer' that he would no longer answer to him. Inuyasha and his motley crew were now his new gang. His family. Reaching up he slid his hand across Jin's cheek. The man's eyes closed slightly as he moved into the touch. Mugen was home.

*****

Inuyasha stopped in the kitchen and turned to Sakura and Miroku. "Tell who you feel needs to know. Give them the option to stay at home with pay. Those who are afraid to be here until this turf war is ended should not fear losing their jobs. Be as discrete as possible. I don't think these bastards will attack while the public are here. They don't need the headache law enforcement would bring."

Miroku felt admiration for his boyfriend and nodded.

"I'll do it." Sakura said as she reached out and placed her hand on Inuyasha's shoulder, "I don't think many will take you up on that offer. Most of us have come from dark pasts. Pasts we were able to shed when you hired us Inuyasha."

"I don't want anyone here because they feel obligated.

"Inuyasha. They don't feel that way." Miroku said, "They would stay because you are family, and family protects their own."

Inuyasha's eyes meet Sakura's as she nodded. Dropping her hand, she left the kitchen.

"Family." Inuyasha whispered. Miroku's arm snaked around his waist. Yes, family.

*****

Sesshomaru laid on the bed, arms wrapped around a slumbering Sephiroth. They had been waiting for so long for word on Zaraki, hours that had felt like days. Every minute that ticked by drained a little more hope that Zaraki would survive his injuries.

Sesshomaru wouldn't say he would be happy the man died, but he sure as hell wouldn't be the least bit sad. He didn't know much about Sephiroth's past with the man, but what little bit he had seen since meeting Sephiroth at Aftershock had tainted Sesshomaru's feelings. The man would do the whole world a service by dying, but seeing the little pink haired girl laying in Kagura's arms made him feel like a terrible person. No child deserved to loose a parent who so obviously loved their child. How could he know that? A murderous father with no heart wouldn't have sent his female child into hiding. A child not one soul outside Zaraki's circle knew existed. Zaraki may not be the kindest man on this planet but he was a father just like Sesshomaru's. A man who protected his family.

Sesshomaru sighed. Zaraki wasn't really that much different from Inutaicho. They were both powerful businessmen, underworld kings, and both had their hands in things Sesshomaru hated with a passion. Illegal things that he had agreed to get involved in order to save the man now laying in his arms. He hated Zaraki, but it was hate born from knowing that man had once been his mates lover.

Sephiroth's reaction over the assassination attempt was only fueling his hatred, his jealousy. Closing his eyes he inhaled his mates scent. The calming effect was welcome. Sesshomaru had heard of this particular event. The scent of ones mate could calm an enraged demon. The mates nearness gave them balance.

Footsteps in the hallway drew his attention. Raising his head from Sephiroth's, Sesshomaru watched the door. The handle turned quietly, then his father entered the room. Almost immediately, Sephiroth was awake. Eyes raced around the room before settling on Inutaicho, "Is he..."

Sephiroth's arms tightened around Sesshomaru. "No. He has survived surgery and transport. Lady Tsunade is watching him closely and refuses to allow any visitors tonight. She said it is Zaraki's will to live that can make a difference in his chances."

"Thank you." Sephiroth said as he sagged in Sesshomaru's arms. "Will we be able to visit him?"

"I'll talk to Tsunade. We are keeping his status secret now. It has already been reported he did not survive his surgery on the news. So it will be difficult to get anyone in to visit, but we can make it happen." Inutaicho turned to leave and nodded when Sephiroth thanked him again.

"How are you holding up?" Sesshomaru asked as he stroked Sephiroth's hair.

"I'm okay." Sephiroth answered. "I know he will pull through."

Sephiroth could feel Sesshomaru's tension in his body as he lay there. "I know you are probably unhappy he survived, and do not like how I feel. I'm sorry." He felt Sesshomaru snort as the demon's arms wrapped tighter around him.

"I won't deny it, but my reason's have nothing to do with what he does in his life. I want to crush him for being a part of your life. Good or bad, he has touched you and that is why I wish for his death."

Sephiroth sat up to stare down at his demon in surprise. There was so much emotion tainting Sesshomaru's voice. Sesshomaru reached up and cupped his cheek, "That being said. I did pray he would survive for the sake of your feelings."

Sephiroth felt a comfortable warmth pass through his body and settle in his heart. Closing his eyes he pushed his cheek further into Sesshomaru's caress.

"It is going to be a long day tomorrow, get some sleep," Sesshomaru's voice was a low whisper as he pulled Sephiroth down to lay with him.

*****

Sakura was tired as she entered her home. The T.V. was on, playing quietly while Sasuke sat on the sofa reading, Gin's head in his lap. Gin's long body lay across the sofa with his legs draped over the armrest. Green and black eyes turned to her.

"Rough day?" Gin asked as he began to sit up.

"You could say that." Sakura answered as she crossed the room. Sasuke's eyes narrowed while he sat his book down. "Your brother is causing trouble again."

Sasuke tensed up from her words. She explained what had occurred. Sasuke had suspected his brother may have been a part of the gang war that had been reported on the news, a war that had resulted in Zaraki's death.

"Inuyasha offered to anyone working at the club to stay home with pay if they felt uncomfortable."

Sasuke snorted lightly as he looked to Sakura. He could see Gin smirking from his seat on the other side of Sakura. "I can guess how you responded."

"You turned him down," Sasuke stated.

"Of course I did. I will not let anyone hurt him. Inuyasha has done so much for me. Fore everyone at the Aftershock. We will protect him."

Sasuke pulled Sakura against him, "And you will. Inuyasha is lucky to have so many people who love him so much."

"Ya, kinda makes me jealous." Gin said as he began to lay back down. "I'm going to poke around, see if I can find the little weasel. But not tonight." He dropped his head on Sakura's lap.

Sakura smiled as she ran her fingers through Gin's hair. She laid her head on Sasuke's shoulder as she tried to calm her racing mind. She prayed the Yokai would find Itachi and quickly.