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I thank Zephyr Blue, Suryasree, Sayeessha, and Tanvi for their reviews and suggestions.
Chapter-3
The Milky Shield.
It was a rocky shore, the air filled with the smell of weeds. An old man got down from a dilapidated boat and entered the dark cave in front of him. It took him a few minutes to get used to with the darkness there. He muttered a few words, apparently the password, as the door opened revealing a room illuminated with candles.
'What is the news Zippo?' said a cold voice.
'My m-Mast-ter', he said a stammering voice, hastily dropping to his knees, 'I don't have any information, I b-beg you, pl-lease forgive me.'
'You know what, I don't have any reason to keep you alive,' said the cold voice, making the old man tremble with fear and blubber like a kid.
'My family…'
'Shut up Zippo, your duty as a "Crimson Reaper" is more important than your pathetic family,' said the cold voice, amused by the pleadings of that old man.
There was a purple flash of light and the man called Zippo dropped dead on the floor, clutching his bleeding throat, his face showing the expression of fear and pain.
'Armis, I hope you have better news,' said the cold voice, turning towards a lean man wearing black robes.
'Yes my Lord, there is no trace of magical concealment near Emiya's residence but it is possible that they have not activated the shield to lure us,' he said.
'Very well then, send few of our men to attack that house, before we launch the main attack,' said the cold voice, indicating Armis to leave.
O0o00o.
Several miles away in Emiya's residence he, Archer, Rin and Saber were busy making arrangement for completing the shield. Luckily, it was Sunday and there were no customers. This shield, designed by Rin enabled to trace the presence of unholy sorcery within its territory and weaken it. It was supposed to act like primary defense. They made four pillars around the fence and a vessel was kept in the centre of the house. No one knew the purpose of this arrangement except Rin, who was the only qualified sorcerer.
By noon, all the rituals were complete and they could see a pearly sheen emitted from the vessel.
'We have completed the preparation of the shield, I just need to transfer the connection to Shirou's body as he is the owner of this house,' said Rin.
'How will you do that?' asked Shirou.
'There is a way, but I don't think Saber will like it,' said Rin looking at her.
'What is it, Rin?' asked Saber.
'The rules dictate that we should have a physical contact to transfer the connection. A kiss will do,' said Rin quickly.
'Its OK with me then,' said Saber.
'Why don't you both leave us alone for half an hour?' suggested Rin.
'WHAT! You need that much time for a kiss?' exclaimed Archer.
'Leave them alone Archer, let's have a walk outside,' said Saber.
0o0oo0.
Rin took Shirou towards the corridors; she suddenly stopped walking, turned around and pressed him against the wall.
There was a determined glint in her eyes that he'd never seen before, and a slow smile spread across her features.
'We have to continue till you feel an electric shock in your body, at that point you'll know the transfer is complete,' said Rin.
Shirou became instantly aware that every part of her body was pressed against his, and he
wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her in place.
"What was it Archer said about kissing?" she asked huskily, her lips so close to his that he could feel her warm breath. The temperature in the corridor must have risen ten degrees, and he didn't understand how his body could be so warm and yet still shivering.
'I don't remember,' said Shirou honestly. He felt her lips crushed into his, His hands moved up and down the length of her back, the need to touch every part of her was all consuming, and Shirou lost himself in the passion of the kiss. Rin wound her fingers through his hair, and her body seemed to mould against his as if she were liquid. His heart thrummed in his chest, and he felt his knees growing weak. Thankfully, he was still pressed against the wall. He thought it would be entirely unmanly if he collapsed from the intensity of her kisses.
He had no idea how long they kissed — morning could have dawned for all he knew — before he felt the electric shock, Rin pulled back, panting. She put her arm against the wall for support, resting her head on his chest. It took several minutes for both of them to calm down and catch their breath. 'I don't think I've ever been kissed like that,' said Rin, he could see a pretty blush staining her.
0o00o0
It was well past the lunch time when four of them sat for lunch. Much to Rin and Shirou's relief, Saber and Archer didn't ask any awkward questions. They finished eating quickly and Rin communicated with the Association, exchanging details of the recent developments. They were told that two more were sent to Shirou's house to increase the protection there. There was an entire team protecting the bracelet and the Association thought that four person were just too less to protect the jewel.
After a little rest; they were sitting in the drawing room, playing cards. Archer refused to join them and was sitting outside with a sulky face, apparently from the lack of action.
He expected tricks, battles and all violent things to happen while protecting the jewel but so far, he was disappointed. Cheerful voices of Shirou and others grew louder with every instant, making him scowl.
Something around the fence made him look keenly, hazy outlines of few people was growing clearer. It seemed a small group was approaching the shield; he happily went inside to tell about the attack.
"Hey kids, we have some unwanted visitors,' said Archer, smirking at the sight of cards over the table.
'Yes, big boy. Why don't you take care of all of them?' said Saber. It was quite unusual for Saber to crack jokes or taunt others, it left Rin speechless and Archer surprised. Saber didn't like the looks on their face and hastily added, 'let's go out and check'.
By the time they reached out, those masked-men had already crossed the barrier; there were eight of them, all looking uncomfortable because of the nature of the shield.
'Only eight weaklings, Tohsaka your shield actually works,' said Archer in his arrogant fashion.
'I know, I can see them, Mr. Fucking genius,' snapped Rin.
The four of them allowed the men to come closer, with the purpose of weakening them further. Once they were near the house, they launched the attack. Archer and Shirou traced the Kansho and Bakuya for the initial attack. Rin started shooting hazy black orbs from her. Before Saber could join the fight, the intruders were running in the opposite direction. It was clear that they never intended to fight. They gathered sufficient data about the shield and fled.
Archer looked disappointed, Rin worried and Shirou puzzled. Saber however indicated over the other side of the fence, 'look, we have other visitors too'.
The outline of the new group grew clearer and they were surprised to see that it was none other than that of Rider followed by Shinji. They came nearer and muttered the password of the Association. Rin lowered the shield and they joined the group.
'It seems, you managed to scare them away, without our help,' said Shinji smirking.
'You filthy coward, what are you doing here?' asked Shirou in a cold voice. He never forgot his comments on Saber and Sakura and had no intention of forgiving him.
'Now, that is hardly a way to greet your old friend who is sent here to protect your neck,' said Shinji in a sneering voice.
--
--X—
Coming up: Chapter-4 "Body and Soul"
Sensing his opportunity, Shinji quietly entered the kitchen where Rin was cooking alone. He couldn't help thinking of her and today was his best chance.
(A.N) I hope you liked this chapter. I am bit disappointed about the reviews, to be honest with you. Anyway, I hope you'll support me this time. I think I am confusing you with the pairings; this is Shirou X Rin with a bit of Shinji X Rin in the coming chapters.
Before leaving, click that "magical button" and review it. Flames welcomed.
