Author's Note: Yeah, I know some of you might be cursing me so I sincerely apologized. At the very least please enjoy this chapter that had been stalled for months. I hope my English improved since I am a college student now. Let me know by giving reviews. My favorite character is still Train Heartnet, so expect a lot focus on him. Sorry to anti-Train fans. Anyways, I am going to skip the reviews section for this chapter as I am unsure how many would still be reading this fic. But a grateful thank you to all reviewers and hope you guys are still going to read this.

Chapter 28:

Instead of replying, he struggled to remain balance and head towards his room.


He finally realized how tired his was as Train limped slightly to his room in a pathetic way. He cursed silently as he recalled that he needs to cover a few more levels to reach his room. Why the hell was his room situated so high up anyway? Oh yeah, courtesy of Creed. His luck was just great. As for the junior, Jack was following him like an obedient puppy, ready to help Train whenever he could. Thinking about juniors, that reminds him, where was his junior?

"Where's Rin?"

Jack barely heard the whisper. Train winced at the tone of his raspy voice, he sounded weak. Very weak.

"Rin? Oh your junior? She should be out at this time. I wonder where she went..."

Train managed a small smirk. Of course he knew where Rin would be right now, probably with the royalties. He wondered did any of them knew what he had went through recently. Rin would probably skin him alive, Jenos would punch him really hard and Eve would……
Train's thinking trail off. What will Eve do when she knew what had happen? Would she start babying him? Most likely not, Eve wasn't that type of girl. Start scolding him? Maybe? He didn't know.

"Search for Rin. Tell her that her senior is back."

"Yes sir!"

"Who are you originally under?"

"Uh…that would be Lord Shiki, sir."

With difficulty, he turned around and leaned heavily against the dusty wall, making sure he kept eye contact with this going-to-be-his junior.

"What do you think about your senior? And don't give me any bullshit or crap. I want the absolute truth and if you dare lie to me, I will throw you out of the window right here and now."

Train had said off this through gritted teeth while indicating at a nearby window. Though he doubt if he had enough strength left to throw a child out pf a window, let alone a man. The bandit was obviously surprised at the question and started fidgeting.

"The absolute truth, sir?"

Train glared at the terrified bandit.

"Do you want me to repeat myself?"

With a squeak, he saluted the tired senior.

"No sir! Lord Shiki always ignores me and I find that very discouraging, sir."

Train winced while adjusting to a more comfortable position.

"Do you like serving under him?"

"No sir!"

An answer without hesitation. Perfect.

"That settles then. From this very minute, you are now officially under me, Junior. If question by anyone, you only need to answer it is under MY orders. You may call me by my name but when in times of seriousness, I expect you to call me 'senior'. Rin will teach you things you need to know, yes, including combat and techniques. I may train you myself but that depends on how good and hardworking you really are. If I don't find your results satisfying, you will be immediately demoted back to Shiki's junior. I do not expect you to boast or be arrogant about this and if you do, consequences might only destroy you .Understand?"

The astounded junior could only nod his head.

"Go complete your first task and do not tell her anything else, just let her be aware of my presence would be sufficient."

"Yes sir!"

And the over-joy junior ran off. Jack had dream to be under Lord Train's unit for a long time when he first saw Lord Train battle with Lord Creed the other day but got Shiki instead. He pinched himself and realizing it wasn't dream, he ran even faster with steadfast determination in completing his first task to impress his new senior.


"You still haven't seen him, huh?"

"No."

And the three became silent. It has been five days already but there were still no sign of Train. They didn't know what to do and each day, the atmosphere had gotten tenser.

Rin was snappy, Jenos was annoyed, and Eve was impatient. They already had a few minor arguments which always started by Jenos, unknowingly provoking Rin and always ended with Eve trying to calm them down.

Rin took her coat and gave the royal members a tired smile.

"I guess I better head back, you guys should do the same thing too. Is getting late and the tonight is extremely cold."

Jenos huffed in gloominess and Eve slowly got up.

"You're right. Let's go. Will you be alright going home alone?"

"Don't worry about me. I will be alright. See you tomorrow night."

"Alright."

And the two parties parted their ways.


"Where do you think he is?"

"I don't know. I can't believe that he had been missing for five days already. He better be ready when we meet again, I am going to knock some sense into his thick skull that he shouldn't make everyone worry about him every single minute."

Eve let out a small humorless laugh. She really missed Train and was sick with worry at his whereabouts. Moreover, Eve was sympathetic towards Rin who had looked so thin lately. She knew Rin was very upset but what could Eve do? She wasn't as strong as Jenos; she couldn't go barging into the bandit's headquarters and demanded where Train was, although the thought itself was tempting. She wasn't Rin, a junior to Train and can easily gather informative news that might have something to with Train. She was ready to sacrifice everything just to bring the older bandit back home where she and Rin could tend to his inner wounds and Jenos could bring some life into him again. She felt useless and helpless; she couldn't find Train because she lacks the ability to do so. What can she do to ease the pain? Nothing. So now all she could do is to wait for Train to come home. The least she could do is welcome him back when he returns with open arms and a smile. She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up from the sidewalk to Jenos' smiling face,

"He will be alright."

And those few comforting words were enough for her.


Rin slowly walked towards her room. She wanted and needed to think. Maybe there were clues that Train had left behind but she had missed it? Maybe someone else knew about Train's location but Rin didn't have a chance to ask the person? There were so many possibilities that Rin was getting a headache. It grew worse when she heard her name being called. She turned around ready to snap at the intruder.

"What do you want?! No need for you to scream my name in the middle of the night!! I'm not deaf!"

"Madam Rin! Madam Rin…!"

"What do you want?! Hurry and speak!"

Rin snapped at the panting bandit. He had obviously been running, in search for her. But what would a bandit want with her? She was certain she did no wrong.

"Lo...Lord Train…!"

Rin's tired eyes immediately widened at the name of her senior. She grabbed at the poor junior's shoulders with so much strength that the junior cried out in pain.

"What about Train?! Did you see him?! Answer me, bandit!"

The bandit finally gained his composure back despite his aching shoulders.

"He asked me to transfer a message to you. Lord Train is in his room."

Rin didn't wait until he was finished and quickly ran towards the direction of Train's room. Without knocking, she burst into the room, in time to see Train looking out of the window. Without waiting for greetings, she had run and hugged him so tight that she was surprised that Train didn't scream. The senior was slightly annoyed and tried to untangle her but failed to and that is when he noticed it.

"Why are you…crying? It was only…five days. Surely nothing terrible had…happened during my absence, right?"

Train's voice was such a comfort to her and she felt lighter, like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

"TRAIN! Where were you?! You had been gone for five days! No sign and message! Do you know how worried Charden and Kyoko are?! Do you know how upset Jenos and Eve were?! How could you do this to them?! How could you be so calm?! Did you know how much trouble you have caused?! I was so worried!! I was so, so, so worried…"

And Rin went silent, tired at her own outburst.

"Where…were you…all this time?"

Train managed a small smile.

"I'm sorry…for causing you so much…distress. I was…merely…given a harder assignment. That's all."

"But why that long? You always take two days to finish it, no matter how hard the mission is."

Train gave a weary sigh. His raspy voice was starting to break.

"Let's not go into that…topic. Is late already…why not you retire first… and then we can talk tomorrow."

Rin smiled.

"Alright. Good nigh-"

She stopped and Train gave her a questioning glance.

"Anything wrong?"

"Train, what's that?"

Train grimaced at what Rin was pointing. He had only managed to reach his bedroom when Rin had suddenly burst in. He hadn't time to change his clothes and therefore, no time to clean the blood stains. He was hoping Rin wouldn't notice the changes in his voice and his physical body. However, looks like his 'oh-brilliant-plan' had failed miserably.

Apparently, he had underestimated his Junior's observant skills. He jumped when he felt hands on shoulders.

"Aren't these blood stains?"

Rin knew she had hit the nail when Train had suddenly got quiet and backed away, trying to increase the distance between them. Rin felt like she was threatening and invading a frightened child's personal space which was true in a way as she constantly forgets that Train is just few years older than her due to his level of maturity and seriousness.

"This is your blood, isn't it? Let me see your back, Train."

"No."

Oh and how could she have forgotten the fact that they were both stubborn to the core. Like senior like junior. They both glared at each other, both refusing to back down. Rin broke off the eye contact first and stood back. She noticed that her senior's clothes were ripped at some places; his clothes were obviously stained with blood. Not only that, there were dark circles under his eyes, his body was far too thin, and too pale for her liking. He was sweating a lot despite the cool air flowing through the windows. The worst part was he looks like he was going to collapse any moment. It was a wonder he was still standing. Rin was furious. Furious at herself for not noticing these major details and whoever who had done this to Train.

"Train, admit it, you didn't go for an assignment, did you? It was something else, wasn't it?"

Train looked away and that was enough for Rin.

"It was Creed, wasn't it? Only Creed can and would do this to you! The psychotic and obsessive bastard! Where is he?! I'll slaughter him! I wi-"

"Junior."

Rin stopped.

"You shouldn't insult your leader like that, no matter what he had done."

Rin glared at Train with utmost disgust.

"Even if he is your leader, don't you think that this is a bit too much?! Look at yourself, skin and bones and you need the wall to support yourself! You can barely stand! Even your voice is raspy! He's a monster! Yet you still respect him?! I can't believe you!! Ho-"

"JUNIOR!"

Rin reluctantly bit her lip and stopped.

"To respect him is one of my duties. Do not ever question my doings again."

Rin leered at him.

"So you are still going to be his faithful right-hand-man after all you have been through? Still going to listen to his orders? Still going to be his lap-dog and do all his dirty work?"

Train cringed inwardly at Rin's choice of words but refused to show it. The words had stung and were hurtful; however, he would answer in dignity as any senior would.

"If is needed, I will do everything I can in my power."

Rin huffed angrily and sat in Train's favorite chair as he went off to change once his sense that his junior was ignoring him. Rin regretted for yelling at her senior but felt her anger flared up again as she sort her thoughts. Why was Train so intent in serving Creed? Is there a purpose or a reason why Train always defended his Lord when they got into an argument similar to this one? Was there a deep dark secret between them? No! It doesn't matter at all! In the end, Train suffered at the grasp and wrath of Creed!
Although Train doesn't know it, he, himself was actually the youngest among everyone emotionally, yet older than many with his personality and attitude. Only a child would hide his sorrows and pain within himself and refuse to display any weakness and emotions. For what purpose does Train does this brave, selfless and difficult act? To remain strong, to be respected, to have a place within the society, to have an identity and to be feared of with just a glance of his face or with just a mention of his name. A child's common dreams and fantasies. Train is the child and he isn't aware of it. He was forced to grow up in a horrible environment, as a result, he instantly forced himself to lock his child-like ways and attitude within his lost memories and presumed to throw away the key so Train would be rid of it. This had happened when he had first held Hades and knew at once that the life he was once used to was permanently destroyed. In the end, the cruel cold man known as 'Black Cat was actually just a child struggling to survive and cope with his sinful acts.

A noise distracted Rin's musings and she whipped around quickly to see that Train had slammed his hand against the shower door in an attempt to steady himself. She didn't know why she was reluctant in helping Train. Maybe it was because Train would probably asked her to back off and replied that he could handle it. Maybe it was because she was still angry at him. She thought of all the possibilities but return to reality when a voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Aren't you going to sleep?"

"Aren't you going to eat?

Both glared at each other again. Train let out a tired sigh,

"Look, Rin. Is late, do me a favor and go to bed. I need my 'beauty sleep'."

Failing in hiding her small laugh, she stood up, with the intention of leaving the room but stopped in mid-steps, and Train waited patiently.

Rin straightened herself and tried not to choke with her own emotions.

"Train, you must think I'm a naïve fool but for you and only you, I'll keep my temper in check even if I do meet Creed face-to-face, so please do get well soon, if not for my sake then for Eve. I'm sure she wouldn't want to see you like this."

With an embarrassing blush, she quickly walked out. Leaving the surprised Train alone, he smiled fondly and looked out the window.

"She had grown from a brat to a well-mannered lady without me realizing it."


The Next Day…


"Train, get your ass up!"

The high-pitched scream had woken Train up, all right, but he refused to admit defeat and rolled away to shut out the noise.

"Oh now, you're ignoring me, huh? Well, guess what, you are going to get up and have your breakfast, with fever or not."

Train groaned.

"Yes, I know about your fever and you are strong enough to get up to at least eat your food."

A muffled voice came from the sheets.

"Leave me alone."

"No can do! Now up!"

Train groaned as he felt his warm comforter being tugged and got up swiftly to avoid his warmth being snatched away. He almost fell when his breakfast was shoved in his face.

"You should thank me for taking the liberty of letting you have your breakfast in bed! So you can show your deepest appreciation and eat your food, you know!"

Staring at in the face were eggs and sausages that was intended to make a smiley face although Train felt like the face was grimacing, instead of smiling. Nevertheless, he reluctantly picked his fork and tried to turn the egg over but failed to do so and ended with the yoke bursting out. Rin frowned at the sight of him.

"You know, Train, you should stop playing with your food and start eating. Now quit being like an eight-year old child and eat. Your food will get cold!"

Train gave a long sigh, placed his fork down and slumped on his pillows.

"Wish I was."

"Well, look at the bright side, at least you can take care of yourself, I think?"

Rin smiled sheepishly as she drew the curtains apart, allowing the sun rays to pass through, causing Train to shrink further into his comfortable bed and reluctantly ate his breakfast. Instead of feeling better, he felt worse. Rin looked at him with a worried expression as Train brought a hand up to stop him from vomiting.

"Train, are you alright?! Is better if you throw it all out, it will be worse if you swallow it back and that's gross! Come on!"

Rin took his wrist and pulled him up and hurriedly pushed him to the bathroom. After making sure Train was inside, she stepped out and closed the door.

Rin leaned against the door and gave a long sigh. It wasn't fair. It never was when it comes to her senior. She never knew anything about him. Not a single thing. Not even his birthday. He just refused to tell anyone his personal details and it was pure unfairness. On the other hand, if anyone were to ask Train anything about his junior, he could probably answer every single question from her favorite food till her secret ambitions as if reciting from a piece of script.

"He understands me more than himself. Why can't he realize that? Is still too early to give up, Train. Realize this fact and don't ever give up."


Pain.

That was what he felt as he vomited contents of his eaten breakfast out. His chest hurts terrible as thought someone was squeezing his lungs out. Not only that, he felt like he just vomited his internal organs out too in which Train grimaced with a disgusted look. When he was sure he stomach didn't wanted to torture him anymore, he cleaned himself and just slumped himself on the floor in pure exhaustion. He would need time to gain his strength back and do more practicing with Hades too. He needed the additional practice. Needed to be stronger than ever. Needed to hone his skills. A lot of effort is needed for this but he was determined. No one can stop him to make himself stronger. Not Rin. Not Creed. Not Jenos. Not even Eve.

Eve…

He missed her terribly and yearned to see her. He quickly shook his head in disbelief in what he was thinking. As much as he didn't want to admit it, Creed was right. He was getting weaker, emotionally and physically. He was much too relax and his emotions are being guarded too loose. He was sure, that was not what a bandit is supposed be. With determination, he would exceed his own limitations and excel within the aspect of combat skills. However, he would need to understand himself better first, and that means facing his past, no matter how cruel it was. And for this reason, he needed to be much stronger.

-End-of-Chapter-