Chapter 6: Don't die

Train POV

It was 6.30 am. I was sitting on the sofa, waiting for Rinslet. Sven was sitting in front of me while smoking. We had prepared all the stuffs for the mission, ready for the perilous actions.

I saw Princess stood, leaning her back against the wall. She often saw the window if Rinslet would came.

Truly, I wanted to tell Sven the exact incident few hours ago. It was important for him to know. The enemy knew about N.S. It meant that Princess was in danger. We couldn't leave her alone here, although letting her go with us was not the best solution, but at least, I - I meant - we could make sure she was safe.

The mission looked riskier, considering the existence of N.S. Was Jock Morris the one who created N.S.? It would be worst if he also rebuilt Eden, the giant nanomachine.

I had secretly told Annette about this by phone. She promised to take care of Princess, but was that enough?

"Hey, Train!" Sven called me, making me go back to the reality.

"What is it?"

"That's my line. What happens to you? You look so thoughtful."

"Well, it's …." I scratched the back of my head. I felt Princess glared at me.

"Just spill it out!" Sven demanded.

"MORNING!" Rinslet happily greeted.

Silently I was relieved. Rinslet came on the right time.

"Hello, Sweetie!" She gave Princess a bone crushing hug. She glanced at Sven and me. "Ready?"

Sven and I nodded.

Sven started the car. Rinslet and I were filling the baggage with the stuffs.

"Train, will you take the car or your motorcycle?" Rinslet questioned.

"My bike." I replied.

"I want to buy cigarettes. I'll go first. Meet me at the usual kiosk I always buy, Train," Sven said while Rinslet was sitting beside him, strapping herself. "Bye, Eve. Take care of yourself."

Princess nodded, seeing Rinslet was waving goodbye to her.

The car drew farther and farther away from Princess and me. It was time for me to be ready.

"Here." Princess gave me my backpack.

"Thanks." I hung it on my back, then checked the tires and the brake. "Okay. Everything's fine."

I sat on my bike, wearing my goggles and starting the engine.

"Be careful," she said hesitantly, as if she didn't want me to go.

"I can say the same thing to you."

"Don't die."

I was amazed. How could she think that?

"You think I'll die?" I chuckled. "You had underestimated Black Cat."

"Considering the former incident, I think your mission is related to the nano data. That's why you don't want me to join you. I'm sure it's Sven's idea as the mission is special, the tough and very serious one. I am right, am I?"

I quietly admired her sharpness. Lying to her was a bad idea. Indeed.

She continued, "I didn't mean to underestimate you. I'm just reminding Sven and you that there is someone waiting for your return alive. Don't disappoint her."

It was the first time I could not be smart enough to respond. They greatly affected me. I knew that Sven was important. But, how about me? Did I deserve to be waited by someone? Did I deserve to be made sure that I would return alive? Was my life so important … for someone …?

"Do you hear me?" She questioned.

"Y-yeah."

In fact, I was tempted to ask about who someone that she said was (although I already knew), making an amusing situation. But seeing her serious and anxious face, I chose to be quite.

"Don't worry. We'll be okay, and we'll return alive, if that's what you wish, Princess."

Then the sudden action happened. She kissed my cheek as quick as she turned around, making her back faced me.

"Bye." She said, walking and entering the house.

For a moment, I felt like the time stopped. Did she realize what she has just done? But slowly, my head bent over the ground, hiding my eyes with my bangs, but unsuccessfully hiding my sincere smile.

Thank you for worrying us, Princess. We would make sure that we would never disappoint you.

A/N: To be continued …