Hello =] sorry for the long long delay; that was a hectic month =/ but yeah, enjoy =) –AF

Chapter seven

Rin sighed mentally, suddenly feeling every ache and pain on her body. This entire mission seemed so long now; the goal so much further down the road then what she initially had calculated. Her brain swirled.

"I want to help you in this battle looming ahead. I understand you have your general, but you're going to need another good hand."

Sesshomaru's eyes seemed to light up, as if his golden eyes were laughing for his tight lips.

"Are you assuming this Sesshomaru does not have what it takes to defeat my enemies? You are treading across thin ice girl."

The women narrowed her eyes in sudden anger and exasperation.

"My lord, I am only asking to aid you in an imminent war. Please understand that the only motive I have is pleasing my great lord. I only wish to show you my undying admiration for you by fighting for you."

Rin breathed in quickly, and stared into his burning gaze. She was praying this worked; otherwise she had nothing else to use. He was tapping his claws on a high dresser. His lips were still pressed into a tight line.

They opened briefly, but stopped forming characters mid-word when Kanori barged in through the door. The man gave her a long glance before turning to Sesshomaru in an accost manner.

"She was telling the truth. The small fleet marched past one of our border patrols not long ago. They will be here by nightfall."

The lord narrowed his eyes. "Prepare. I want groups all along the border as well. If they try to retreat, I will not let Kaso escape me."

Kanori nodded, and vanished. Rin stood quietly, unsure, wondering what he would say to her.

"Stay here. We will resume this conversation after this nuisance is taken care of."

He seemed to linger then; his eyes glancing around the room and then fell to consider her quietly. Then he left. Outside, the sun was high in the sky, sending out bright rays to light up her 'prison'. It would be at least another few hours before the sun began to set. Rin wondered briefly what she should do.

As of now, Sesshomaru didn't seem remotely interested in her or her skills. Her thin fingers brushed a few unruly strands of hair from her face. Sesshomaru was truly different, or maybe she had perceived him wrong from the start.

Regardless, she was pressed for time. Something major had to happen, and it had to be greatly in her favor. Rin's chocolate eyes studied the intricate pattern on the floors carpet. She suddenly felt much drained, as if all her energy had been thrown in to alter her seemingly nearing and obvious fate.

The bed was inviting now; the delicate sheets were soft as silk in her grasp. Her head gently sank into a pillow, and the effect was almost instantaneous. Her eyes became weak and heavy, her breath began to even out, and her body eagerly accepted the rest. She quietly faded into a haze, and then into a sound sleep.

V

Rin jerked awake. Her heart was pounding painfully, and her eyes darted around the room in search for a window. Her lips pivoted into a downcast when she noted the low sunset. She had almost slept through the night,… maybe.

Her breaths were long and careful; she willed her heart to calm. When the beats slowed from its irregular pace, Rin slipped from the sheets to stand. Her fingers quickly adjusted her askew clothes. With a final tug on a tie, she advanced to the door. A test on the screen rendered it open. The hall was abnormally and eerily quiet.

Her steps created soft pat noises that echoed all around. Outside the beginning of rainfall became apparent. The drops hit the roof and outside walls in quiet click noises. Each drop was heard with such accuracy that Rin almost considered covering her pointed ears.

The lack of people was starting to get to her. Her growing annoyance, however, was cut short when he rounded the corner. Kanori glowered at her, and Rin wondered seriously why he seemed so opposed to her presence.

"Ah, the women as awaken. I was just coming to summon you."

Rin tightened her brow and gazed suspiciously at the general.

"And for what intent?" He ignored her accusing look, and instead turned quickly on his heels.

"Follow me."

He began to stride down the hall, and for a fleeting moment Rin thought of how Sesshomaru's hair would have been flowing perfectly behind him in glittering waves of snow. Kanori led her down a series of halls; each one bearing no difference to the previous one. He slowed his stride briskly, and grasped the handle of a mahogany door. Though he slid it with ease, Rin knew it must have weighed ridiculously.

Her eyes immediately went to the walls as they entered the spacious room; every inch of space was covered in an assorted variety of weapons. There were swords, daggers, crossbows, basilards, halberds, spears, and so many other unknown instruments.

But one caught her eye.

She barely knew her feet were drifting her towards it until she was nearly on it. The twin blades gleamed in the light in places that weren't covered in dust. Each handle looked to be intricately designed; Rin leaned in closer to take in the beauty that was the hilts.

Kanori's voice broke her from the trance she seemed to be in.

"Yes, quiet beautiful aren't they."

Rin glanced back at him, and then returned to the box. Letting her fingers brush a line of dirt down the cool blade, she tilted her head to the side at the pleasure it sent through her fingertips.

"What are they?"

"Demonic falchions. Their names are Aimi and Misaki. Ironic really, as 'lovely' as they seem, they are some picky spirits. No one's been able to wield them in a hundred years."

He seemed to notice the flash of disappointment on her features and grinned.

"You better dash whatever connect you have with them now, and move on to something a little…on your level."

Rin glared at him. Her eyes narrowed at the uttered insult. Turning back to the twins, she flexed her fingers. Anything seemed worth a try when trying to get back at the cocky young general. Rin released a breath, and firmly griped Aimi and Misaki.

The jolt of power that surged through her almost made her gasped out loud, and her immediate thought was to drop the offending metal. Gripping the hilts tighter between her fingers, Rin fought against the pain. It seemed the twins combined to push all of their power through her body. They were trying to reject her.

She clenched her teeth, refusing to give up.

What would Kanori say?

Would she gain a level of respect with Sesshomaru?

The blades gave a final weak surge, and then slowly faded. Soon they rested quietly in her grips. Breathing out, she found her lips turning in a grip. Her eyes found Kanori's, ready to gloat before seeing the distant looking seated there.

He regarded her as if he had just found out her darkest secret.

"They said only one with true loving intent could wield the twins. Hm…interesting."

Rin glared, and held Aimi up to aim her delicate blade at Kanori.

"Do not begin to try to understand me. I assure you, it won't leave you sane."

Kanori regarded her coolly, finally letting a smirk grace his lips. He was on her in seconds; Rin could feel the force of a twin being forced down and the hot sensation of his breath on her ear.

"Rin, was it?"

Rin gasped, and dropped her new weapons. They clattered noisily on the ground as she put her hands on his chest. Her intent was to push him away, until she felt the well defined muscles that were hidden beneath his hoari.

Pressing gently, but entirely too light to push him anywhere, Rin tossed the idea of Kanori in her mind. It wasn't like he was bad looking; he was actually rather handsome… with an evil twist. He pulled away, and she was struck by the deep blue of his eyes.

"Yes. Rin."

"Ah."

He leaned forward again and sniffed her hair and neck. The action surprised the women yet again, but she made no visible sigh. Instead she pressed her fingers harder into his hard chest, hoping that he would leave her personal bubble.

"Would you like to see more?"

The question baffled Rin. She turned her head to catch his eyes, and almost groaned at the serious look he had planted on his amused face. Immediately she dropped her hands, though secretly she missed the feeling of his developed chest. At her look of annoyed disgust, he chucked darkly.

"I was merely joking, Rin. For now, that is…" Kanori then took her hand and brushed his lips over the skin. The chill that came in from there went down her spin and back up. In her mind, Rin was already marking Kanori as dangerous.

He was going to be an element in the way of her real mission. She wasn't going to let a young, undeniably attractive general sway her from her goal. Or so she hoped. Her body was already reacting to his flirtatious, yet serious demeanor.

A moment ago he was annoyed with her very presence, wasn't he?

Rin didn't have time to ponder her thought. Kanori suddenly turned on his heels and was quickly exiting the room. Alarmed, Rin scrambled to pick up her abandoned falchions and follow. Behind him, she admired the black shiny tresses that shifted from side to side as Kanori pressed on.

He was walking briskly; his shoulders were taunt and his head was up, displaying every inch of his title. Rin found it odd that now, after following the same swinging ponytail three times, she was beginning to notice these things about him.

Her brain began to wrap around the possibility that she was growing a liking for the man, but another thought made her believe she was only because he had so erratically come on to her. She shook her head, hoping seeing Sesshomaru would set her free of this dangerous thought.

It was still raining when the two reached the doors that led to the outside. It came down in light flicks of water, hardly harmful. They made their way through the outer protection wall then, and headed for the embankment where she had gazed over the castle not too long ago.

White tents where set up in various areas; Soldiers seemed to be everywhere she looked. They were armed to the teeth, and looked dangerously unstable. Sesshomaru's men looked ruthless. When they finally entered a tent, Rin saw that Sesshomaru was armed too.

His molten eyes followed her movement when she and Kanori entered. Kanori immediately pointed to the twins tied in her obi.

"She was able to tame Aimi and Misaki. Her worth is proving itself already, my lord."

Sesshomaru regarded the blades at her hip for a few long seconds, and then caught their owner's eyes.

"An admirable task, girl."

Swallowing her distaste for his lack of use of her name, Rin smiled.

"I request, my lord, that I take control of the blades for my personal uses."

The corners of his mouth seemed to curve downward, as if she was asking an unappealing question. Silently, he nodded. Not knowing that he was thinking, Rin gave him a curt nod back in acknowledgement.

"Also, Rin, lord Sesshomaru."

At that statement Sesshomaru turned and found Kanori staring dauntingly at the girl. He leaned in close, and in response Kanori perked his ear.

"She has asked to help out my general. I do not care whether she stays or goes so I leave the decision on your shoulders. I have important matters to handle."

Kanori nodded, apparently pleased with the arrangements. Rin watched the two conversed, growing tired of being treated like a ghost. Her ear twitched, and she tilted her head. A whistling sound was in the air. It sounded far away, but as time past the sound became more pronounced.

Her voice rang out in the tent. "Arrows!"

Kanori's head snapped up first, and then the arrows shredded through the cloth of the tent. Someone jerked her arm, and she fell into a warm body. The sound of objects hitting something hard filled her ears. A stray arrow grazed her left arm, and she pressed herself closer to whoever had shielded her.

The rain was coming through now, faster and harder then it had been a few minutes ago. By the time the arrow shower thinned out to a stop, Rin was thoroughly soaked. Her hoari and hakama clung to her body tightly, and her hair was pasted over her forehead and down her back.

"What a sight." Kanori stood up and took a quick glace at the table he had thrown in front of her. His eyes returned to her then, a small grin on his lips. And that's when she realized Sesshomaru was the warm body she was clinging to.

She met his eyes slowly; she took in his wet appearance and stoic features. Her arm was still wrapped around his chest. She snatched her arms back and stood up quickly from him. The twins banged against each other from the sudden movement.

"My thanks, my lord."

His gaze didn't make her feel any better about the situation. He rose slowly then; those long exotic locks dripping water innocently down his back. Drawing her attention away, Rin discovered the tent had been shredded by the arrows. Outside the soldiers were scattering, but then seemed to form dozens of organized group.

The sound of metal scraping against wood drew her attention back before her. Sesshomaru held his blade tightly in one strong grip; his eyes seemed to glaze over and darken. Kanori repeated the same action, and pointed his blade towards the tree line.

Though she couldn't see them, Rin could smell that same smell of the fleet she had experienced on that hill. They were here.

"Kaso, what will you do now?" Sesshomaru raised his blade, and flashed out of sight.

V

Sesshomaru was, as Rin discovered not too far into the battle, a monster on the battlefield. Every skillful swing of his pulsing sword always left some poor demon brutally dismembered. He was already busy dispatching enemies when she and Kanori reached the scene.

Kanori quickly busied himself with a nearby group, and Rin just stood quietly. Technically, this was the first time she'd ever been in a confrontation like this; it mesmerized her completely. A demon, noticing her moment of broken concentration, attempted to swing his weapon widely at her in hopes of an easy kill.

Her chocolate eyes blinked at the sudden threat, and before she could think her hands were swinging the twins outward; their sharpened blades cut through the demon like butter. It fell to the ground in three heaps in front of her, and Rin could feel her heart speeding up.

The adrenaline was pulsing through her veins now. Leaping into a crowd of dark ugly youkai, she began mastering a technique that was Aimi and Misaki. After a few dozen kills, Rin was moving with the grace and skill of a tenured warrior.

She flicked her wrist and sent Misaki through a leg while Aimi aided in a rolling head. At one point, she found herself giggling. The clearing was starting to get sparse. 500 was not a very big fleet. Across the field Kanori was cutting down some of the last demons. When he caught her looking he gave her wide grin.

She shuddered, in disgust or attraction she did not know, and averted her eyes. She then found Sesshomaru a while away, crouching down over what appeared to be a wounded enemy. As she approached, the conversation flowed to her ears.

"Where is Kaso?"

The demon just looked on, past Sesshomaru and at her. Sesshomaru turned his head to glance at her, and then directed his attention back on the dying demon.

"I'm losing patience. Where is Kaso?"

The demon kept his eyes locked on Rin; his gaze never wavered. Sesshomaru, who apparently had enough, raked his glowing green talons across the demon's face. She watched with some amusement as the unfortunate victim howled out painfully, and then slowly died.

The death was torturous, but Sesshomaru didn't look satisfied. He stood, and turned towards her. His golden orbs fell on the blood strained twins at her side. Nether said anything. As awkward as the silence was for her, Rin knew it was the normal everyday moment with Sesshomaru. He liked silence.

Not being able to put up with his blank face any longer, Rin turned to leave. A glint from the tree line made her stop. Her eyes narrowed on the place where she saw the disturbance. The glint happened again, only this time what looked like a white ball of energy shot out of the dark void.

Once her mind registered that it was an attack and that it was an attack meant for Sesshomaru, she no longer controlled her body. In seconds, she was pushing the late reacting taiyoukai away to stand in his place. The attack hit hard; her vision blurred and the ground scraped her knees when she fell.

There was a blearing pain in her side, and it was numbing her entire body. She looked up to find a blurry Sesshomaru blinking at her, and then his head turned towards the tree line. She fell unconscious just as he shot away from her.

V

Sesshomaru ran his hand through his hair, and pinched his nose at the bridge. It was nearly a week after the small battle, and Rin had yet to awaken. Her body already healed from Kaso's attack. He grunted, suddenly annoyed again. An attack that was for him. She had no reason to take it for him, as if saying he couldn't handle such a weak assault.

He was extremely annoyed with her.

Yet,

Here he was, sitting in her room and watching her pale still body. He tried to convince himself it was only to berate her when she awoke and immediately tell her to leave. As it seems, even a great lord could not lie, even to himself.

He had seen the way she moved on the battlefield. He could compare it to an intricate dance; her body weaving in and out while her arms swung her new weapons with non- practiced grace. Admittedly, she appealed to his senses.

Now, he was curious. Who exactly was this girl, and where did she come from? His eyes returned to her face, noting that some strands of hair had fallen over her eyes. He thought, and then leaned forward to softy brush the hair away.

He assumed his cold touch was felt in her coma, because she shuddered. Her eyes popped open suddenly, and he felt her hand tightly clench around his outstretched arm. She looked bewildered. Sesshomaru assumed his stoic look, and shot her a dark glare.

"You are not to touch me unless I deem you fit to, women."

At the sound of his voice, she released his arm and glared back. Her eyes traveled around, and then down at herself before meeting his again.

"I must have displeased you my lord, for you to be sitting at my bedside."

She was successful in annoying him; he rose from his perch on the side of the bed.

"I merely wanted to see if you looked as terrible as the maids say."
The smirk on his lips was ghostly, but present for her suddenly sour face. She sat up and rubbed her head. Then suddenly, she remembered being on a field, pushing Sesshomaru, and then nothing.

"Wha…"

Looking up, Rin discovered no one there. Blinking, she frowned and threw back her sheets.

Jerk.

She was tying her hoari when Kanori walked through the door. She mustered up the best glare she could and threw it at him.

"Even this week you're still so aggressive."

He shot her a smile filled with pearly white teeth and fangs before plopping down on the bed. Rin gave him a look.

"I haven't known you a week."

He gave her a thorough eye down before looking back at her face.

"Are you sure? That hit must have knocked out a few of your remaining brain cells."

Rin frowned, and ignored his insult. Maybe that's why everything was so hazy. Had she been in a coma? For how long?

Kanori seemed to read her mind; his claws tore tiny holes in the bed sheets.

"After that courageously stupid stunt you pulled, you fainted. Turned out it was Kaso being a sneaky bastard. He of course was aiming for Sesshomaru, but, well you know why it missed. Anyway, you've been in here for almost a week."

He took in her analyzing look, and watched as her eyes focused on nothing in particular. He stood, and smirked when he was able to get a hairs length away before her noticing. Her eyes narrowed.

"Any reason why you're this close, General?"

He gazed openly at her lips. His crystal eyes flashed back to hers, and Rin watched frozenly as he licked his lips. She signed, and attempted to take a step back. His hands slid around her waist, and pressed her securely against his chest.

Rin, Surprised from the contact, gasped.

"Kanori, please relea…"

The feel of his lips on hers stopped her words. Her mind shuffled a bit, baffled by how entirely soft and warm his lips were. Her brain was quickly losing to the growing, for lack of a better word; want for the man holding her.

He growled softly, and Rin felt his tongue prodding at her lips. She gasped, and immediately regretted it. His tongue shot in, feeling every inch of her mouth before playing with her own muscle. Ashamedly, Rin felt her self start to respond.

A deep grunt at the door made all the sense flow right back into her mind. Pushing Kanori back and stumbling, Rin feared the worst. She was still catching her breath when she locked eyes with Sesshomaru.

Though his face was pale and clear, his eyes were livid.

Sorry for the shortness; I wanted to give you guys something before I re focus on SAT's. Review please =]