The Power of Seven

A/N: Sorry for the long time between updates. I should be able to do so more often. I already have the next few chapters done. Depending on reviews is when I'll get them out. Thanks for being patient.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

**** Day Twenty-Seven Cont. ****


Kagome couldn't force herself to move, it was almost too much for her to take in. How could it be possible? Why would Hiei care about her, she was almost sure she sensed something deeper. But he never showed anything towards her that indicated that she meant anything to him. Was the walls around his emotions that thick? "Hiei?" She screamed when Sano appeared out of nowhere, slamming shoulder first into the hybrid.


Mukuro finally stood up leaving her chair seeing both men go down. She hadn't called out believing Hiei was aware of the man's movements. He must have been distracted completely with whatever it was he was looking at. Hiei was a powerful youkai but Sano was no average human. The blow caught Hiei in the middle, it had to hurt. Sano made up in strength what he lacked in spiritual power.


Kagome watched Sano land a punch across Hiei's stunned face. Blood flew out of the now busted lips, sending the shorter man into a rage. A swift kick sent Sano through the air to land across the room. "Stop it!" She didn't want to see them fight, there was no call for it. Hiei spat some blood on the floor ignoring her protests. "Hiei, he's no match for you and you know it."


"The fool started it, I will finish it." Hiei knew the man stood no chance against him but obvious he wanted a fight. Sano shouldn't have taken him by surprise, he'd pay for slight. This was the only way they were going to get past this. If Hiei wanted, Sano wouldn't lay another hand on him, no more sucker-punches. The taller man was getting up ready for more. Instead of moving aside he stood ready to take every punch the man had to dish out. He'd enjoy throwing his own, see how much the human could take.


Sano knew he wasn't going to move, Hiei was going to let the punch land. Great, time for a slug fest. His knuckles scraped across teeth as the blow landed. The wince was kept silent, him not wanting to show any sign of weakness. Both men knew the girl was watching, her eyes glued to the two men about to fight.


Mukuro smiled as the blows began, Hiei taking over the fight. The little man was pounding his fist into Sano's stomach as solid hits slammed into Hiei's face. Neither was dodging the attacks, straight out offense was being used. She had to give the human credit he was withstanding the beating. A normal man would have crumbled under the first blow. She wondered how long it would be before the girl tried to interfere with the brawl.


Kagome wasn't sure how much more she could watch, it was a good thing she couldn't really see what was happening. Both men were moving too fast for her to keep track. All she saw of Hiei's blows was a blurry motion, she could only imagine how many blows he was delivering to the other man. Sano suddenly landed on his back, a groan of pain filled the room. "Stop that's enough." She couldn't take anymore of this, it was too much. They had no reason to fight. Her feet began to move as both men lunged for each other once more, prepared to go another round. Her pleas went ignored as she ran up to them. Neither man planning on calling the fight anytime soon.


Mukuro frowned as the girl ran towards the sparring men, she was going to get herself hurt. "Move out of the way." The miko didn't heed her warning, as soon as the last word fell; Hiei sent a blast into Sano's stomach launching the man back, straight into the girl. Mukuro screamed but it was too late to stop the damage. The large man slammed into the girl knocking her back along with him. Mukuro heard the sound of breaking bones as the large man landed on the girl. "You fools!"


Kagome groaned, what the hell was that? Someone had just drove a truck over her, her head was pounding. She tried to move and winced in pain, something heavy was crushing her. Okay, the truck parked on her corpse. Suddenly the weight was removed allowing her to breath. Mukuro's voice was heard. 'She's asking what's broken. Did I break something?' Hands went to probing her appendages, they reached her arms. "My wrist hurts."


Mukuro frowned, she'd gotten off lucky. Only her wrist was broken, a few cracked ribs but she would be fine. "Let me pick you up and take you to get healed." The miko nodded giving her consent. She turned back to Hiei, who was standing beside her, "You may finish now. You two should be more careful. Stupid of you to hurt the woman you are fighting over."

**** Day Twenty-Eight ****

Rin turned the corner and groaned in annoyance. She was officially lost in the huge building, just her luck. Sango had asked her to join her for a walk into town to purchase a few things but she wanted to let Yomi know first before heading out. Using her training she was sure she felt him in this direction. Her search had led her down a flight of stairs into some type of basement. There were many hallways, locked doors and no way out. The staircase she'd taken on the way down had disappeared on her. It didn't matter which way she took, it only led her to more hallways.


Sango was surely searching for her by now, more than twenty minutes had passed since her departure. Maybe she should try calling out, maybe someone could tell her how to get out. The only problem was she hadn't come across anyone in over ten minutes. The next person she passed she'd ask for directions. Feeling a little better coming to that decision, she listened in for the sound of another presence.


The sound of something scraping across the floor was heard, odd. Wanting to investigate she took the next corner. "Hello?" Nothing greeted her, she was sure she'd heard something. She could barely make out Yomi's presence, he was moving away from her at a fast pace. "Dammit, Rin is going to miss him!" She stomped her foot, needing to take her aggression out on something. All this way for nothing, he was leaving.


He'd made her promise not to wander off alone without someone with her. It was her fault she was lost and alone, but she'd only been wanting to inform him so he wouldn't get angry with her for disobeying. If she ever got out of here she'd end up heading out with Sango anyways. This what she got for trying to please him. Taking a deep breath she called out again praying someone would hear her plea. The building was only so big, she'd find the exit eventually.


Yomi was already so far away she'd never reach him in time. Who knew what time he'd decide to head back. No doubt he was checking on the patrols. "Rin can't get upset. Finding the way out will be best." Trying to put on a happier disposition she began humming to herself. As she continued to walk the strange scrapping sound was coming closer. The harsh noise was soon echoing off the walls surrounding her. The hairs on the nape of her neck began to stand on end. Something bad was coming her way. Picking up the pace she rounded the next corner only to freeze.


At the edge of the next hall not even twenty feet away was a sight to cause her blood to run cold. Two large wolves stood staring at her, fangs were bared. Large brown eyes took in the way their eyes glowed a bright red and saliva had begun to descend as they caught her scent. Intense terror crept along her spine, her feet wouldn't move. The largest of the two took a menacing step forward. Flashbacks of being chased down filled her mind, she was sure she could already fill their hot breath around her throat.


Panic forced her feet to finally budge as they sprung forward. Not caring where the halls led now she ran as fast as humanly possible. The sound of their breath was echoing in her ears. Their breath labored as they ran her down. She didn't want to die, not this way. This time her lord wouldn't be around to save her. No longer able to focus on finding Yomi, she had no idea if he could make it in time or if he was even aware of her predicament.


She wasn't sure how long she'd been running. Probably less than a minute but it felt like hours as her chest pounded, the sound throbbing in her head. Over the sound of her own heartbeat she heard the menacing growl of the beasts following. There was no need to turn around, she could feel them closing the distance. Another minute and they'd be on her, she was no match for their speed. It wasn't fair, she might stand a fighting chance against one but two?


Shock filled her body as something slammed hard into her back. The floor met her chest, forcing the air from her lungs. She screamed feeling something pierce her shoulder. Hot breath rushed over her cheeks as the large wolf gave a quick jerk of it's head. Pain filled her senses intensifying her fear; they were going to kill her again. Had her lord wasted his time training her only for her to allow two wild animals to bring death? Bringing a hand up, it quickly latched onto the snout tearing her flesh. Anger filled her when it growled in response. A scream cleared the long hallway as the other one latched onto her ankle. Biting back tears she focused her power into the palm holding the muzzle. The yelp was heard along with the smell of burning meat.


Using all her strength the bottom of her free foot was brought down upon the one trying to make a chewtoy of her foot. It backed up as the pain shot up it's nose causing the eyes to water. Rin flipped over onto her back as the larger one went for her throat, tired of playing with it's meal. Tiny fingers wrapped around the jaw holding it at bay. Knowing she was no match in strength she had to think quick or it would tear her throat out. Taking a quick chance her left hand reached for the burnt area. While holding the bottom jaw with her right hand, it caused the teeth to press into her palms. The blood oozing from the punctures was causing the wolf's lust for blood to increase. Using the small but daint fingernails of her left hand, they scraped across the already agitated skin. The feel of the tearing meat was ignored as she fought back. Tactics reversed as the wolf tried to back away.


Rin felt a moments retrieve only to realize the second wolf was coming to assist it's mate. Both hands still held the first one off, she was out of options. A scream filled the air as it pounced straight for her face. Closing her eyes, she waited for the pain to begin. Instead a loud thump was heard by another growl. The yelp forced her eyes open and sigh in relief. Kirara had the other wolf pinned to the floor, tearing at the neck. Fur went flying as both fought for leverage.


Out the corner of her eyes she saw a something black appear. The wolf upon her made a loud whimpering noise. The jaw in her hand began to slacken as the sound of metal stabbing through bone was heard. The beast was kicked off her, the shaggy black fur swayed as it toppled to the floor. Pity filled her as Sango plunged the sword in the chest. Four paws thrashed wildly, a gurgling sound filled the air. Relief filled her knowing that her friend had come to find her.


Sango pulled out the blade and turned to assist Kirara. Her help wasn't needed it seemed; Kirara was staring down at the other wolf. A large hole in the neck was allowing blood to pool onto the floor. The neko watched as life drained from the animal, never taking her eyes from the prone form. Sango went down next to Rin. "How bad are you hurt?" It took placing a hand on the uninjured shoulder to snap the tiny girl out of it.


"Rin is alive." Thanks to them coming in time. The pain in her shoulder had lessened to a slight throb. This time she had been the one to walk away. Somewhere she'd found the strength to fight for her life this time. Giving Sango a small grin she turned from the corpse. What didn't kill you, made you stronger. Stupid wolves! How did they get in the building anyways? Hadn't Yomi ordered Kouga to remove them? The color was different than those she'd seen with the wolf youkai.


Sango helped her stand taking care not to injure the wounded ankle. "Lean on me, let's get out of here before more come." Not to mention she felt two strong auras fast approaching them. One had to be Yomi, he'd have felt her panic. Luckily, she'd sent Kirara to track Rin by using the girl's scent. Two halls over the neko had transformed and growled. Without waiting Kirara had ran off, Sango fast on her heels. Seeing Kirara fighting and Rin pinned beneath a wolf had scared her. What if she had gone with her first instinct and waited for the girl to simply return? Then Rin would have died. "You did good back there. You had to be scared out of your mind."


"Yes, Rin thought she'd die again. Plus, they still have stinky breath." Rin felt elated at Sango's slight snicker. Feeling light all of a sudden she felt laughter building in her chest. She'd just been confronted with her worst fear and won. She had alot to be happy about. Minus a few holes, she'd walked away from the ambush. "Did Rin kick ass?"


Sango laughed at the pride in her voice. They were fine and this time without the assistance of others. Rin might not be the best fighter but she had guts. The two would be there any second, not that they were needed now. Who needed men? Mirth filled her hearing Rin's giggles burst forth. "I'm not sure about the ass but you did a number on the face. Might have been kinder just to hand it a mint."


"Nope, he smelled worse than Jaken after eating those weeds he likes." She let the laughter come knowing Sango was having the same mental flash back as herself. A year before Koenma had shown up Jaken had returned to the village carrying a basked filled with weeds. Kagome had called them stink weeds but he stated it was a special treat. Against the miko's protests he'd eaten the whole batch refusing the stew prepared for dinner. Later that night he'd been kicked out of the hut. The smells he'd been emitting had caused the whole place to reak of rotten eggs left sitting in the sun for a few days.


"Ewww," Sango joined in the laughter. Kirara looked up from the corpse satisified after poking it a few times with her paw that it wasn't going to get up. Her head cocked to the side watching both women. The neko saw nothing funny in the situation. Both were acting foolish for no reason. Sango let out a heavy sigh feeling better. Her mouth formed an 'O' when the two men rounded the corner. "Hi."


Sango wasn't sure what had awoken her. The moon was shining into the window barely lighting up the room. Instincts told her that there was no immediate threat. Movement was seen from the doorway. Shura's voice was heard as he traveled towards the bed. She was surprised she'd woken up this time. Usually, he came and went before she even knew he was there. His request the other day flashed briefly through her mind. Things had been a little different since that day. Could she really hope that he'd spoken the truth?


Patiently she waited for him to undress and climb into the bed. Disappointment filled her when he remained on his side. Maybe he'd just meant on working on a frienship and not a relationship. Deep down she'd been hoping for the latter. Was it wrong to want to him to care? Years had gone by since Miroku had been taken. He'd no doubt want her to be happy. The tiny strings pulling at her heart caused a sigh. She wasn't sure if it was possible to have that with him but every emotion in her soul said she wanted to try with the youkai. Through his cold demeanor, hateful words and contempt she'd managed to look past all that. Somewhere underneath all the baggage was someone that touched her heart.


Shura felt her tense, disappointment coming off of her in waves. He'd hoped not to wake her upon coming to bed. After a long conference with his dad he needed some sleep. He also wanted to wait before moving forward. Give her time to accept him before bedding her once more. Kouga had been called to appear before them. His father had been irate to find Rin wounded and the dead animals in the hall. He'd attacked the wolf youkai before asking questions. After a short dispute it came in the open, the wolves hadn't been his. Which still left the question; whom had sent the wolves into Gandara?


They both had their guess but couldn't prove it. Shura was angered to think that Kichi was still trying to harm Rin. The woman would gain nothing by the girl's death. Yomi would never give her what she sought. He was tempted to take the matter into his own hands and kill her. It was within his right to take her life. She betrayed the bond daily by fornicating with other males. If she made another attempt to injure Sango then he wouldn't hesitate to strike.


Sango didn't know if he would welcome the contact but hated laying so far from him. Inching closer, his body stiffened but he didn't make a sound. Seeing it as him accepting the small move, she shifted until her body was pressed against his side. The cool feel of his flesh was comforting to the touch. It felt wonderful to finally lay next to him. Circumstances had been keeping him from her. Not to mention Yomi. Her movements were almost shy as she brought her arm around to embrace his waist.


A few minutes ticked by while neither moved. Sango waiting patiently to see if he'd return the embrace; Shura debating if she would allow him to. He knew he didn't deserve the affection being shown. Not after everything he'd put her through. How could he have been so stupid to believe that he was in love with Kichi? Lust was something anyone could feel. The feelings the slayer invoked in him were foreign and strange but strong. Was he in love with the human he'd sworn to hate? Love was a feeling never experienced before. He wasn't even sure if he loved his father. He respected and cared but love had never crossed him mind. As Sango clung to him, it felt so right. No matter how things turned out in the end, he would do what it took to keep her at his side.


Sango was about to give up when he rolled over onto his side in order to face her. Her heart soared when he placed a hand across the swell of her cheek. The caress was gentle, the fingertips stopping to play with a few wayward strands of hair. It was hard for her to believe this was the same man she'd met upon arriving. Was it possible for someone to change that much? Or perhaps this person had been there all along just hiding. She turned to meet the mouth that was slowly making it's way towards her own. The kiss was timid, a mere brushing of the lips.


Shura felt his desires spring to life. The slightest kiss and his body ached for her. As much as he craved the woman in his arms he wouldn't take her. Just claiming her body was no longer enough. The next time he took her to his bed, he'd have all of her. It would take time for her to love him. Even if it took centuries he was willing to wait. Placing a quick kiss on her forehead, he wrapped his arms around her. Having no other choice she rested her head upon his shoulder. "Get some sleep, babe."

Next Chapter: Hiei takes matters into his own hands and Kenji makes a decision...... Please read and review.