AfterShock

Inuyasha felt the vibrations in the ground, the sounds muffled by the walls of the club. "They're here."

Miroku heard his whispered words but he did not panic. He simply stood and announced to everyone that the battle was about to begin. He used inspirational words to raise everyone's moral, to entice adrenaline to flow through their veins before the enemy descended upon their building. To a less seasoned warrior the noise from the building may have been terrifying, but Inuyasha knew the ones fast approaching would hear their yelling as death cries.

*****

Hakkai could feel them. So many demons were about to invade his master's lands. A presence appeared next to him. The red-head may look young, but Hakkai knew Kurama was much older than him.

"I didn't expect so many." Kurama whispered.

"Scared?" Hakkai asked. It wasn't a taunt, but an honest question.

"A bit, and you?"

Hakkai turned to the red-head, "Terrified."

Kurama nodded. Ever since the first fight they fought together, Kurama had been intrigued by this man. They had talked many times since then, slowly getting to know each other. So now, as they stood on the roof of the mansion with an army of demons fast approaching, Kurama knew that Hakkai did not fear them. He feared his suppressed demon. He wished he could comfort the man, but words were weak against such emotion.

Kurama reached over to the self-made demon. Grabbing Hakkai's chin he pressed his mouth upon thin soft lips. The man's wide eyes amused Kurama. Leaning back, he smiled, "Fear aside, I expect you to survive this battle. Worry not over your demon, I will tame him."

With those words, Hakkai's heart stuttered in his chest as Kurama gave him a cocky smile and jumped from the roof. Letting his lips twitch upwards, Hakkai suppressed a chuckle, then followed Kurama. Landing on the ground he watched as the red hair on Kurama's head slowly faded to white, releasing Kurama's demon powers. He wished he could feel so at ease, but his own demon powers were chaotic, and bloodthirsty. With a shiver he reached up and pulled the ear cuffs off.

*****

Itachi watched Yammy lay over an unconscious Sephiroth as he gasped for air. It had filled him with joy as the large man had wrung such wonderful screams from Sephiroth. There was only one moment he thought he would have to step in. Yammy had yanked the knife from Sephiroth and drove it back into the man barely two inches from the first hole, but Yammy just continued his torture.

A man came into the warehouse, "Sesshomaru is here with others."

Itachi smiled, "Kill the others and bring me Sesshomaru."

Yammy pulled from Sephiroth's body and fixed his cloths. With a grin he yanked the knife from Sephiroth and grabbed the unconscious man. He dropped him onto the floor by the demon lord on his way out the door.

*****

Kariya stood on a nearby building overlooking the Aftershock. He could hear them inside, their courageous yells muffled by the walls of the club.

"Nothing more than weaklings pumping themselves up to die." Kariya turned to the man beside him. Hidan was the Akatsuki member Itachi put in charge for the gang members. He was nothing more than a bloodthirsty idiot.

"Do not underestimate our adversary."

The man snorted, "And you shouldn't over estimate them. There are too many of us for them to handle. What was Ryukotsusei thinking by sending us all here?"

Kariya had to agree, but then again he was almost positive those who went with Ryukotsusei were all demons, leaving only the humans, however extraordinary, to fight the group here. "It matters not. Send in the first wave."

Hidan's face split into a sinister smile barely a breath before he disappeared. The first group would rush against the walls of the building like the powerful waves of the ocean. No matter how strong the defense, walls would always crumble under such power. Kariya turned to one of his men, "We will invade from the roof."

*****

Mugen watched as Jin tensed up from the first blast against the exterior walls. Then Jin looked up to the ceiling. He turned to Mugen and nodded his head and walked towards the back of the club. Mugen didn't need to ask why. He knew. Jin was going to go meet Kariya in battle. Mugen followed, knowing Kariya would not be alone.

*****

Sesshomaru and Byakuya tore through the first line of defense around the warehouse district and moved towards the port. Shikamaru used his shadows to ferret out anyone who was hiding while firing at them. Out of the corner of his eyes, Sesshomaru saw Kimimaro enter the building from above. Than, a large fist came out of the darkness causing Sesshomaru to jump back. A large man smirked at him, "Damn, I was hoping to make it quick."

Sesshomaru was about to say something snide when the scent of blood and semen reached his nose. His inner demon roared at the familiar scent of Sephiroth's blood. Sesshomaru surged forward and caught another swing from the man. "What did you do to Sephiroth?"

Yammy's face broke into a sneer, "Your bitch was fun, but you may not be able to use his ass for a while."

Sesshomaru couldn't control the rage that flooded his system, but he enjoyed the look of terror on Yammy's face seconds before he removed the man's head from his shoulders.

*****

Inuyasha saw the first crack form in the wall of his club. The building was old, but strong. A strength he had re-enforced. It took a great deal of effort on the enemies part but the wall soon collapsed, leaving metal beams standing like bared teeth. Bricks littered the ground and floor as dust plumbed from the gaping hole. Bullets flew into the building but the barriers blocked the measly projectiles. It had taken a very long while to erect those, but Inuyasha knew they would not hold for long. Hoisting his massive sword over his shoulder he gave Miroku a smile.

Miroku snarled inside knowing what was coming. Sure enough, his mate sung his sword releasing a powerful blast at the enemy, but to his surprise, it was joined with many others. Looking around, he hadn't realized how many had long range attacks similar to his mates. The blows were devastating, but the enemy recovered, abandoning modern weapons in favor of more traditional. Most guns were traded for swords, knives, staffs, and varying specialized weapons.

*****

Byakuya had given Shikamaru a moments window to get into the warehouse and turned to let Sesshomaru know when he felt his heart skip a beat. Sesshomaru let out a roar as his demonic power consumed him, changing his body. The man before Sesshomaru screamed as the demon went for him. Byakuya cringed as his friend tore the man's head from his body with powerful jaws and flung it away. Fear surrounded him as Itachi's men realized they had no hope. Byakuya turned and rushed into the warehouse to warn Shikamaru.

*****

Shunsui arrived at the Aftershock to see the battle in full swing. The amount of power radiating from the area sent an exited chill along his veins. Quickly assessing, he turned to the men who had been sent with him. "Zabuza, Haku. Go to the roof. The men up there seem more to your liking." They nodded and sped off, "Grimmjow, was it?"

"Ya." The blue-haired man answered while giving him an annoyed look.

"How about we tear into the ones on the ground?" The feral smile he received was an answer all on its own, but the snarled, hell ya, confirmed it. With his own smile, Shunsui Kyoraku jumped into the fray.

*****

Itachi frowned as men began running from the warehouse away from the fight. Standing, he took a step towards the door but Kisame's body rocketed into the room, coming to a stop at his feet. There was no life in his lovers accusing eyes, the cavity of his chest was exposed. A grinding sound reached his ears, looking up his eyes widened as a giant white dog forced its way into the warehouse.

"Can't be." The demon dog looked over to where Sephiroth and Inutaicho lay then turned back to him. The roar that echoed through the building was deafening. Activating his sharingan, Itachi tried to ensnare Sesshomaru in the power of his eyes but the demon's power surged, brushing of his attempt. He cursed as he jumped away from Sesshomaru's attack.

*****

Reno and Rude stood just inside the mansion. It was their job to stop anyone who got through the forces outside from advancing further into the mansion.

"I really hate being in here."

Rude's mouth twitched at the corners from hearing his partners indignant words. "It can't be helped. We're strong, but demons are a bit outside our skill-set."

The red-head sighed, "I'm aware of that." His bright blue eyes watched the battle raging just outside. "Besides, Hakkai scares me when he's like this. I wonder if he can tell his allies from his enemies?"

Rude snorted at the statement. He often wondered the same thing, but it appeared the self-made demon was killing only the enemy. Hearing the door to the central stronghold, Rude turned to see the black-haired butler of Inutaicho's exit the safe haven. "You need to get back inside."

"I'm afraid not. My ladies orders were to assist in the battle." The man continued walking towards the door as his eyes began to glow. Rude felt a shiver run down his spine. Then hellish eyes turned to him. Just who the hell was this man? What was he?

A sinful knowing smile crossed the man's face, "I'm just one hell of a butler."

Reno gasped as the man's form changed only slightly, but the effect was all the more bone chilling. The demon butler exited the mansion, taking his evil aura with him.

"I think he's scarier than Hakkai." Rude turned to his partner nodding his agreement.

*****

Shikamaru watched in shock as Sesshomaru entered the warehouse in demon form. Turning as Byakuya came to him, "What happened?"

"I don't know. He just went berserk and started tearing into the enemy." Byakuya looked around the wall they were hiding behind, "There is no one else here. Come on."

They came around the wall and rushed towards Inutaicho and Sephiroth. It was then Byakuya saw Sephiroth and understood what had driven his friend insane. Byakuya dropped beside Inutaicho and saw the chains. Cursing he looked around for something to use to release the locks. He saw Shikamaru step towards Sephiroth and barked, "Don't touch him."

Shikamaru turned surprised eyes on him, "In the state he is in, Sesshomaru will kill you if Sephiroth's scent is on you."

Shikamaru nodded then brought his hands up, controlling the shadows to pull Sephiroth closer to them to defend him against any attack.

*****

Goku was on his back as a group of enemy tried to chop him to pieces. He growled in frustration while blocking attack after attack. Completely unable to get out of his vulnerable position. A war cry followed by a roaring sound came from his right. The enemy standing there screamed as their bodies were split in half giving Goku just enough time to push back his attackers and gain his feet.

"My dear, are you doing alright?"

Goku spared his savior a quick glance, then groaned, "What the hell are you doing here?"

The red-headed man from the band smirked as he raised his chainsaw. "Why saving my little saru."

Snarling, Goku raised his fist at the man, "I'm not a damned monkey you bastard."

"Ah, Grell is so sad you are angry," The red-head said with a pout, "I only wanted to help."

Goku turned as an enemy attacked. Ever since that day he gave the food-stealing, muscle-head a beat-down, this weirdo had been dogging his every step. Goku smiled when he heard the chainsaw roar to life, but still the crazy stalker had saved his ass. Maybe he wasn't so bad after all.

*****

Itachi couldn't do anything but run from the damned beast. Looking around he saw Byakuya and Shikamaru still trying to free the demon lord. Snarling he jumped from another attack and spotted a place to tuck into to give him some kind of advantage. Turning towards Sesshomaru he jumped back again and debated if he could make it to the tight place. Eyes drifting back to Inutaicho, he made a snap decision. Raising his gun he fired.

*****

Gin stood at Sakura's back breathing heavily. The floor of the club was becoming slick from the bodily fluids of the enemy. A quick glance around told him their numbers may have reduced slightly, but the enemy was taking heavy casualties. They had seriously underestimated the fight within them.

From where he stood, Gin could see many of the employees of the Aftershock come out victorious in their skirmishes. The band members had joined them when the red-head Gojyo had shown up with Carmen, the waitress. They pretty much stayed in a group destroying enemy after enemy. The tiny bouncer, Goku, fought in another corner with the crazy band member. He bit back a laugh as the crazy red-head brandished a chainsaw. Then there was the orange-haired Yokai street general and his friends. Gin had seen Ichigo and Chad fight before at another club. Those two always fought well together.

Ducking a swing at his head, Gin quickly grabbed Sakura, pulling her down with him. She quickly adjusted her downward motion into an attack, sweeping the man's legs from under him. Gin finished him off as he blocked an attack at Sakura. It had been so long since he had fought to his full potential, so long since he had ever needed to. The sweet song of the adrenaline surging through his veins was welcome. Rising, his snakeish smile showed to all around him that he was really enjoying this. Perhaps after this fight he might join with the Yokai; if they had fun like this.

Seeing Inuyasha fighting near the ruined wall of the Aftershock changed Gin's mind. No, he would join with this Hanyo. After all, wasn't he the one who held the respect of his lovers?

*****

Kimimaro had dispatched some of the retreating men when he returned to the rafters of the warehouse to see Sesshomaru chasing down Itachi. Looking around he saw Byakuya and Shikamaru working on the chains binding his mate and started towards them. A glint of light caught his attention. Seeing the gun in Itachi's hand, Kimimaro burst into action. Diving down he covered Inutaicho as he knocked Byakuya away with a kick when the report of the gun echoed through the warehouse.

*****

Ikkaku stood with Yumichika and the Yokai boy Kiba. They were panting from the battle, but their smiles had never once left their faces.

"You two aren't so bad."

Ikkaku spared the dark-haired boy a quick glance. The man's face and body didn't change much, but the canine features he had seen before were more pronounced, "You're not so bad yourself."

The demon boy smiled his toothy grin, "Ya? Watch this."

The boy exploded into motion. His moves looking like a violent torrent of wind, much like a tornado laying on its side.

"Quit gawking and fight." Yumichika snarled from his side. "You can fight him later."

Ikkaku laughed wildly as he tore into the enemy. Oh yes, he would challenge the Yokai boy after this. What fun that battle will be.

*****

Inukimi sat in the Kuchiki home with Mai in her lap. Her daughter was shaking in fear from the sounds of battle outside the home. Turning, she looked at the three boys as they entertained the pink haired child of Zaraki. She had been surprised when she realized who they were and had kept her eyes on them ever since. They all held some of her husbands features but they resembled their mother the most. The one with the longest hair came over to sit beside her. "My name is Yazoo, may I ask for your daughter's name?"

His smile was disarming, just like his father's, "Her name is Mai."

He leaned down to look at her daughter, "That is such a beautiful name. Yachiru said she has met you before and she is worried about you. Are you okay?"

Inukimi felt her daughters shaking slow slightly as she looked over at the pink haired child, "Yes."

"That is good." Yazoo said with a smile. Then there was another loud rumble causing Mai to hold her mother tight again. "Adults cam be very scary when they argue, huh?"

Mai's shaking ceased as they both stared at the boy, "They make all kinds of loud noises and make the ground shake with their nonsense. Makes them seem like giant babies, doesn't it?"

Mai actually giggled but she still jumped when there was another loud noise.

"Don't worry. They will stop soon enough." Yazoo said as he touched Mai's hand.

Her little fingers wrapped around his as she whispered, "Okay."

Inukimi felt her heart melt as this boy did the one thing she couldn't do. In her own fear she failed to relieve her daughter's fear. The more time that passed the more her daughter calmed and the more she realized how special this boy was. She looked to the other two boys then back to Yazoo and realized her own faults. These three where Inutaicho's children. Children he would willingly allow to stay ignorant of their past, all to make her happy. Then there was Inuyasha. She had refused to acknowledge that boy, refused to allow him to meet Mai because she did not believe he was worthy. If she lost her husband tonight, they would be all she had left of him.

Raising her chin, she decided that would change. These three and Inuyasha were her husbands children and that made them her family too. She would accept them and allow them into her life, into Mai's life. Mai would have four more brothers to watch over her, and Inukimi would have four more males to help her protect her daughter.