It took me a while to get Chapter 8 up because I got a lot of lyrics up on it. Oh, and I'm sorry I forgot the "Blades of Blood" attack. Once I finish up the story, I'll do some editing.

Chapter 9: A Test of Strength

Maria went to go train in the dojo with her swords. She felt like she needed to blow off some steam.

She practiced her basics with her swords, and then she made her swords become one and practiced that. She kept on practicing until she felt like she hit another sword. It turned out she did; she hit Sesshomaru's Tenseiga, with Sesshomaru wielding it.

Maria then restrained her sword and parted it back into two. She placed them back in their sheathes and said, "You surprised me."

Sesshomaru placed Tenseiga back in its sheathe and said, "Do you usually train by yourself?"

"When I needed to relax, yes," she replied. "Do you need something?"

"No," said a stern Sesshomaru, "I just wanted to get more answers out of you."

"Answers?" said Maria. "About what?"

"Your powers and your aura changing. Why do they change?"

"My powers don't change. They appear and disappear sometimes. Training developed my aura with the god of thunder, Raiden, and my beliefs. It changes when I use too much power. There's also only one part of my aura that I never figured out."

"That's very unusual for a warrior that can't figure out her own aura."

"I can only figure out certain parts of my aura. I didn't say I couldn't figure out all of it. Probably it came from one of my parents."

"You don't even know your own parents?"

"They died when I was a baby. They were both killed by someone."

"Probably one of your parents have special powers, and maybe they were killed because of it."

She glared at him. "Don't be a smart-ass. Some humans at least can show their emotions to…anyone."

"Then if you can show me your emotions, show me your powers." Then he pulled out his Tokujin sword.

The battle was on! Sesshomaru swung his sword at Maria. Maria ducked and, without using her weapons, tripped Sesshomaru. He fell, but he got back up. He tried to stab Maria, but she dodged his every move and attacked with punches and kicks. He managed to hit her with the hilt of the Tokujin, but that didn't stop her. The battle ended in a draw.

Both of them were very tired. Sesshomaru said, "You are a lot stronger than I thought."

"So are you," said Maria.

Sesshomaru walked towards Maria and grabbed her hand and helped her stand up. "It was an honor battling you."

"Likewise." As Maria tried to leave, Sesshomaru still had a tight grip on her hand. Maria blushed a little and said, "I'll need my hand."

He released her hand and allowed her to go. Why can't I get her out of my head? he thought to himself.

If any of you are extreme Sesshomaru lovers, be a little gentle on the flames. Please R&R!