Chapter 10

Rin was getting pissed. Those stupid flames didn't want to submit to him, no matter which approach he'd choose. It was like trying to teach a wild wolf to play with a ball, when it only snarled at you and tore everything to pieces. Growling with frustration, he decided on a risky plan.

The blue flames enveloped him and he let them. Rin turned his gold ones completely off and waited. The pain hit him full force. He was burning again, this sensation so terrifying and familiar. When he felt he was loosing control of himself, he exploded with power, letting go of the bright light symbolizing his angel side. If the flames could, they would act surprised but they only hissed, swirling around.

Gabriel had to jump away from the kid when the blue flames intensified so much his hands burned as well. Absentmindedly using his healing powers to stop the pain, he tried to grab Rin again. He noticed gold light with relief and decided to let him be. It seemed the fight wasn't over yet.

Rin finally got the right idea. It wasn't much about beating them to submission. Sure, power was needed to keep them at bay and to keep sane but it wasn't the key. He remembered his dealings with Satan, when he possessed his mind. Attacking did nothing. It was a force of will that was needed. He focused on the feeling, on his memory of that fight. He was panicked then but it was determination which worked. Seeing his brother dying made adrenaline rush in his veins and his resolve had became strong like a solid stone. Rin took a deep breath and focused on his hatred towards Satan. It burned within his chest with a steady fire. Everything about him seemed to be connected somehow to flames, he mused. Another emotion filled him – care for his brother, for his friends, for Bon. It was all for them after all. With that, his determination build itself, becoming a force he could use. Recognizing this feeling, he pushed at the flames, not with fire, or power, or anything else but his own will. You will obey me now.

Gabriel rushed to his side when he saw Rin falling down. The blue flames were around him but when he caught the kid, he had found them not hurting his hands anymore. He heard a groan and looked down at Rin's face. Blue eyes full of satanic powers gazed back at him. The archangel was about to bind him again when Rin grinned. This was a cocky smile he knew so well.

"I did it." He beamed and Gabriel sighed with relief. He helped him up on his feet, he was still a little unsteady but happy as ever. And proud of himself.

"I'm glad you managed it. But you need to be careful now." Gabriel warned him with a small frown. "This power is different than ours. It won't stay calm and obedient. You need to be aware and in control, try not to loose your cool." Rin nodded, his face grim.

He knew that winning this fight was hard and it didn't mean he was safe now. On his self control depended a lot. But he was confident he will make it, failure was not an option.

After checking Rin over, Gabriel let him go and rest. The boy was still shaking a little, his steps unsteady. He felt like he was training non stop for a week, so exhausted he could barely keep his eyes open. Rin couldn't even turn his flames off so they won't swirl around his body. He fell asleep instantly, just as his head hit a pillow.

It took him two days of constant exercises on control with Lily to be able to turn off and on his flames at will. Rin had found those harder than before. His emotions were in chaos, he never knew when he would react unexpectedly to something. Some times he would snarl and yell, when Akane angered him or Shin got too close, other times he would be uninterested and calm, making even a stoic Lily uneasy. At least his attraction to Shin was easier to deal with. Sure, he still thought the man was hot, but now his body only reacted to it's rightful mate – Rin was glad he's seen Bon before he'd left. His demonic side couldn't wait to get back and claim his lover. He was so messed up, but happier than before. Indifference wasn't something he wanted to experience all the time.

Since Akane sneaked up on him while he slept and dredged some funny powder at him, he was a light sleeper. He still remembered the prank and how his skin itched for a whole day. So when he felt someone touching his face, even though he was in deep slumber, he awoke.

He shot his eyes open and met the most beautiful irises he's ever seen. Startled, he opened his mouth to ask a question but lips crashing on his stopped him.

**Just a short sex scene, sorry for cutting it out but I'm still not sure it can be posted here. Write to me and I will send it to you ;) **

Rin was glad that his passion for Bon didn't disappear, it was just hidden along with his demonic power. Taking a few deep breaths, he dragged himself to the bathroom.

Another month passed on training, his blue flames gave him little problems, he could use them as precise as before. His only concern was to keep them obedient, so he had to control his temperament – it was as bad as when he was human or maybe even worse. Akane was whining at him, saying that he was too hard to figure out now. Rin always made fun of her, acting even more strange just to irritate her. They were good friends.

Shin's obsession didn't lessen, but he was unhappy when he realized Rin stopped blushing around him and sending him glances. The man kept close though, training with him or just talking. Rin was immune to the guy's charm now, so he could actually enjoy his company.

Finally, he could have his beloved sword back. Sure, knife was fun and all, but it couldn't compare to Kurikara. When he grabbed it his flames swirled around happily. He felt like he was getting his friend back.

Katsu was a strange person, he decided after their first lesson. Every one of his teachers acted like his friends would, but not him. The man was serious and strict, demanding discipline and hard work. He was a typical soldier, used to taking and giving orders and the first thing he told Rin was that he wouldn't baby-sit him like others did. Even though he was shorter than Rin, it was obvious he thought himself better than the kid he was to teach.

Fighting with his sword again was as easy as before, but it seemed that his every move was wrong in some sense. He got reprimanded and scowled at, having to change his style so Katsu would let him off the hook. After just a few hours he was tired and irritated, feeling his anger bubbling just beyond the surface of his self control. One more insult and he was sure to snap.

Fortunately, Katsu decided then that it was enough for a first lesson. He gave Rin books he should read. The boy snorted at that – learning sword fighting from books? That man was insane.

After that, his happy days at the Academy seemed to be over. He was spending almost all his time with Katsu, as Lily said she taught him everything she could and Akane disappeared somewhere, saying she will be back next month. That left him only with Shin as company – not that he didn't enjoy talking with him, but too much time with the man could get on his nerves. Gabriel was calm and pleasant to be around but he had his own business to attend to, so Rin didn't met him often.

With so much time spending with people that easily irritated him, he started to miss home more and more. He wanted to speak with Yukio or spend time with Bon, he would be happy even with Amaimon right now. His days contained training, reading boring books or training so more with Shin.

Rin had never imagined he would be so happy to see Akane. The funny girl was like a sun, her smile brightening his mood instantly. He could forget for a moment how much he missed his boyfriend or brother, she had a tendency to keep your mind occupied all the time.

Training with Katsu was still a pain, no matter how much time has passed, he couldn't get used to the warrior's way of doing things. But he was learning a lot, he had to admit. Not just techniques and practical information – the man taught him how to think strategically, defense and offence – practically everything a good solder should know. Reading all those books had been a pain in the ass – Rin hated to learn from texts but he managed. With so much going around him, he didn't notice when the year passed by.

With so much time, he figured out how to control his emotions so he could be sure his blue flames won't rebel. It left him a little empty at first, but he decided it was better than those unpredictable reactions he had earlier. He could feel more sane, sometimes almost like his old self.

"I guess you are good enough." Stated Katsu, lying on the ground in defeat with Kurikara at his throat. Rin grinned at that and helped the man up. Dusting himself off, he said "Do you feel ready to be tested by Gabriel-sama?"

Rin paused for a moment. That would be a final test, after that it was only war on his path. He was scared, even though he would never admit that out loud. Sure, he has learned a lot and was much better than before, but was he really so strong to go against Satan? The bastard had such an incredible power it was terrifying… Rin took a deep breath, straightened up and nodded.

"I believe I am ready."

"Good. Then let's give it one more week of training to see if you really are." Katsu smirked at his dejected face and left. Rin sighed and took a training stance to practice swings some more.

"Akane, I'm so nervous!" He whined while they were waiting for Gabriel to show up. This last week of intense training has made Rin's confidence in his skills stronger but it didn't erase fear completely. "What if I lose?"

"Then you do. It's not like you will be fighting to death! Cheer up, Rin, I saw how you fight, you are freaking awesome!" Akane grinned, patting his back in a friendly affection. "So take a deep breath and focus on yourself, forget about doubts! You can do it!" Rin had to smile at her obvious enthusiasm and optimism. Taking her advice, he used one of quick meditation exercises to relax and clear his mind. When he opened his eyes, Gabriel was already there.

"Good morning, Rin. I hope you are ready for a test?" He nodded, standing few meters away from him, taking a fighting stance. The archangel took his sword out and did the same. Everyone who came to witness, held their breaths with anticipation.

Rin had to admit that an archangel in a fight was a beautiful sight to behold. His hair in disarray, deep concentration marking his features, each step taken with thought and consideration. After a few minutes Rin was sure Gabriel was a great strategist. He acted like he had at last four moves figured out ahead of time. Any chance the boy might get to attack he would defend without a problem or gracefully dodge. Half an hour of trying to get to him and Rin was already irritated.

Gabriel charged seeing his opponent's weakness. Rin remembered one of Katsu's lesson: when an enemy is attacking straight on it might mean two things – one, they are charging head on with pure strength, then you should use their momentum against them and their force to throw them off balance, or second, they have a clever plan and you should think twice about attacking – sometimes it's better to dodge and see what happens. Knowing the angel it was the second option. With a split second decision Rin took off in the air. It seemed to surprise Gabriel as they were fighting on the ground till now. Seeing an advantage, Rin attacked. Adding his demon flames to Kurikara blade gave a deadly combination.

Gabriel was caught off guard by this and Rin managed to get a first cut. He slashed at his shoulder and the blood seeped out. The boy instantly felt guilty about it but didn't lose his concentration.

The archangel didn't let him get a second attack through. Parrying his next swing with his own sword he added a golden ray as an surprise. With a gasp Rin tried to move out of the way but was too slow. Piercing pain shot through his side, leaving burns and wounds. Hissing, he flew higher. Gabriel was looking up at him not spreading his wings. It seemed he wanted the boy to attack first.

When he decided to dive, suddenly too quick for him to react, Gabriel flew up and cut his wing. This wound was much worse than any other he got till then. He was about to fall and hit the ground hard but by a sheer will power he kept swinging until he landed on his feet. Gabriel was ready to attack him.

The fight continued for over an hour, leaving bleeding wounds and exhaustion in it's wake. Rin was frustrated and tired and Gabriel looked worse for wear. Yet, none of them was ready to give up.

It took next half an hour for Rin to get another chance at a good attack. The archangel has lost his footing for a moment and the boy took full advantage of it, charging head on without a second thought and tacking him to the ground. They rolled, fighting with their bodies instead of swords and by some miracle Rin landed on top of the man. Grinning down at him, he brought Kurikara forward and placed it at his throat. Everything ceased movement.

"Does it mean I win or do I have to slash your throat to make it official?" Rin asked him cockily and the angel laughed at that.

"Don't be so sure of yourself." He said and pressed his sword firmly against Rin's side. The boy's smile fell of and he frowned. They eyed each other for a moment and then as quick as it disappeared the grin was back.

"Oh really? And what would you say to this?" Rin activated his blue flames, concentrating hard. They enveloped his whole frame and then moved with a hiss towards Gabriel. The man's eyes widened at that and it seemed he believed Rin would burn him. But he took extra care just to scare him, not doing any actual damage. The temperature of the flames might have felt uncomfortable for an angel but wasn't harmful. "As you can tell I'm in full control of my flames. I could burn you to a crisp before you'd even think about stabbing me. And even if you managed, you'd be dead and I could heal. So, do you surrender?"

With a sigh, Gabriel nodded. "Yes, I do. I guess you are a winner of this fight."

"Yes!" With a happy grin, Rin turned off his flames, stood up and jumped in excitement. Gabriel got to his feet as well and dusting his robe off he smiled at the kid. Just when Rin wasn't looking, he attacked without a warning.

Just pure instinct saved Rin from getting badly hurt. He swirled around and took off in the air, even though his wounded wing protested with stabs of pain. After that, he dived down and managed to knocked out his sword with a well placed kick.

"Alright, I admit it. You truly won." Gabriel said, smiling widely. Rin eyed him with caution this time, not wanting to turn his back on him again. With a laugh, Gabriel took his fallen sword and left the place, saying he will speak with him later. Rin took a deep breath and sat down, exhausted and bleeding. He couldn't believe he won against an archangel – this fight was the hardest one he had ever took a part of. Even getting Satan out of his head seemed a walk in a park comparing to this. All tension leaving him, the blood lose eventually got to him and he fainted.