you`re to die for
He was fierce, Rin could give him that. The power behind his defense was amazing, and his nerves resisted with a fierce excitement tinging the edge of his blade as steel crossed steel. They had to break apart or risk another attack from either side. He assumed wrongly that there would be a moment to recover; blue eyes didn`t catch that foot. It was foolish to think they would limit themselves to knives, but he didn`t think Akira would break out the Bl@ster skills right away. Seeing him fighting like this brought back memories. Images on the back of his eyelids that distracted him, made him break his focus. It was just like those times he was hard pressed for training, had bothered Kazui to spar with him so he could sharpen his skills. And he would always scold him to work to not overwork himself… that face in front of him was so much like his. Enduring the hit to his side, Rin bit his lip at the pain that stung him. Thankfully, the shock brought him back to reality. Now it was definitely time to bring out the big guns. But first, he couldn`t help the smile that suddenly lit up his face in the moment he had to spare after his brain registered that something had smacked into him. Funny how you could fight against pain when your adrenaline was pumping, especially in front of someone who got his blood going for other reasons. ”Wow, you`re really something, Akira!”
And he was off again; as he gained his momentum once more, he went with the flow of the strike to gain distance. It had thrown him off his game, so he had to re-strategize in a moment`s notice. He wasn`t a former team leader for nothing: quick thinking had always made him feel so excited, especially when things didn`t go according to plan. He circled once more, attempting to deliver a strike with his knee in return. In a moment`s notice was he following up with a slash at his shoulder that skewed upward when he saw Akira suddenly kneel in response — he wasn`t supposed to do that!
Akira took the lull between strikes to catch his breath and center himself. Briefly did he listen to what Rin was saying, finding it odd he wanted to comment on that now. Well, he wasn't going to boast nor bask in the appreciation at a time like this though despite that thought, he thanked Rin with a nod and relaxed features. A small sigh left his lips and Akira commented that he knew Rin was a force to be reckoned with and he didn't intend to take him lightly. Rin may be able to fool others easily but Akira knew better -- he wasn't going to underestimate anyone no matter what they looked like or how they acted. In and out of battle, the same person could be entirely different depending.
Taking another moment to collect himself, Akira took a step or two back before Rin was off again. His eyes struggled to catch up to him for a few beats but eventually caught him just in the nick of time. He reacted quickly and attempted to deflect this attack but only ducked to avoid. It was the best option, even if that meant he'd be hit. Well, it'd only be a minor scratch at best -- he'd be fine, he was sure. Yet when blue eyes darted up, he managed to catch the expression his opponent held.
"Rin? Why are you --?"
Before he could finish, there was the damage done to his face. It wasn't anything severe but he was bleeding. Akira flinched instinctively of course, reeling back as quickly as he could and wiping the blood on his coat sleeve. He mentally kicked himself for having been caught off guard like that -- Rin's speed was really something. Akira's adrenaline definitely fell now but he was determined to pick back up. . .still, there was something about the way Rin had looked at him in that brief instant. -- He couldn't help but ask.
"Just now. . .Rin, is something wrong?"












