Author's Note: Right, anyways I forgot to enable the anonymous reviews so now everyone is free to review! Kyah!
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Echidna Paras: 17 years old Bandit
Chapter 10:
Train and Eve had a brief eye contact, and she felt she was being torn apart as there were no emotions in Train's eyes except bitter pain, cold and hatred. Sephira ran towards the window wanting to give chase but immediately stopped when she saw Eve slumped on the floor and started crying.
Train sighed in relief that the knight didn't followed, oh yeah; he knew she was knight, who wouldn't if you saw a girl with a sword ready to cut your head off for thieving? He was currently running through the never-ending garden, he slowed down his pace as he remembered what had happened. Eve had lied to him and he being so naïve fell into her trap. Besides Kyoko and Rin, he really did hate women to the core.
He never felt so much at one go, and it had happened when Eve had just suddenly appeared. He didn't know how to describe, all he knows it hurts like hell and he hated it. He wanted to cry but his eyes were so dry and he couldn't at the same time. He glanced back at the castle wishing that the people in it didn't exist; it could have saved him so much trouble. Eve…the young innocent girl who he met that night had lied to him. He felt betrayed and flinched at the sudden pain in his chest. His hand grips his chest tightly as he fell towards the ground, feeling the soft grass. What is this………he never felt this before. It was like someone trying to rip his heart out. He wanted to talk his problem out, Eve had said she was always free but how could he, if Eve was the problem itself.
No, he was a bandit; a puppet there doesn't have feelings; that was what he had been taught since young so why did he doubt himself now? Bandits didn't trust anyone but themselves. He slightly shakes his head as if shaking the pain away and wobbly got up, gaining his balance; he walked slowly to the gate. Kyoko was already at the gate waiting looking bored with several corpses beside her. Her clothes were slightly burned too, probably accidentally burning herself up in the progress.
"KURO-SAMA! There you are, I was getting bored!"
"Kyoko… are you all right?"
"Perfectly fine! It was all so easy to deal with! How weak! There's no fun in it…"
She said while pouting.
"How right you are. I got the object so let's go…"
"Right, can I see please ! I bet is beautiful!"
Train just handed her the box and walked ahead of her.
"WOW! IT'S REALLY BEAUTIFUL!"
Kyoko kept on giving praises, and soon Train was curious, was the necklace that beautiful? It is one of the royal family possessions so being beautiful was natural for it. He gently took the box from Kyoko, and inspected it. He had to admit it was beautiful all right. There were two circles in the middle and sliver-veins were surrounding them, it was as if the veins wanted to protect the circles from the cruel world. However, Train and Kyoko were unaware of a presence retreating into the darkness, which a smirk plastered on her beautiful face.
"Creed would be thrilled to hear this…"
As usual, Charden and Rin were waiting for their arrival. Kyoko run straight to Charden who hugged her tightly in greeting as for Train, he merely took the box out indicating they had completed their mission. Looking at Rin, his thoughts went back to Eve and Jenos, he wondered how Rin would take it, better than him he supposed, after all she was more good-natured than him. He would have greeted Rin on normal days but now he only wanted to get done with his report and kept himself in his room, to brood. He walked past Rin quickly, avoiding her eyes by staring ahead at the door. Rin was surprised at his actions,
"Train! Wait up…! What's wrong with you! Dammit are you so much in seeing Creed that you wouldn't even greet me!
Train paused at the mention of Creed, but kept on walking, he shook his head slightly as though trying to tell Rin she was wrong. Rin was utterly confused, did anything happen on the way?
Rin tried her best to keep up with him but it was too late he had reached the doors and the guard was pushing the doors open. It was one of the rules that once a senior and junior were reporting, no word should be spoken. Rin could only arrange herself neatly, and stood behind Train. But Rin was even more surprise when she saw Creed's disapproving look, Train, himself, also didn't expected that look. All she knew that Creed's look was directed at Train and only him who just stared back with a blank expression. Rin could detect Train's nervous and she knew something was not right. After a few moments Train finally slowly stalked into the halls with the bandits present.
Charden and Kyoko came in and took their seats. Kyoko sensed the atmosphere, she whispered lightly,
"Senior did anything happen when I was out…?"
"Not that I know off…I think the rest are as clueless as us, one thing for sure he isn't very pleased with Black Cat…"
"Will he be alright…?"
"Only Heaven will tell…"
And they glanced back with worried looks. Train gently placed the box on the table but Creed wasn't interested about the box but more on Train and his actions. As all attention was directed towards at them, Train felt very uncomfortable about the whole thing and straightened slightly when Creed started speaking,
"Train, I'm glad you completed your mission, but I heard there were some slight disturbances…"
"Slight disturbances?"
"Echidna, my junior was passing by and had observed slightly…… Eve, does this name ring a bell?"
Train was speechless, he glared at Echidna who smirked back, he felt like ripping her apart to the bones. Echidna was Creed's junior, it was obvious that she was loyal and taken a liking towards Creed, even if he was a lunatic insane freak. This doesn't matter much to her. Because of Creed and Train closely relationship, Echidna despises Train, vice versa, that's why they keep creation trouble towards each other. He answered slightly irritated,
"It does not concern with or anything about the mission…and not with you…"
Everyone was shocked at Train's reply, gasps were silently heard through the quiet hall. Creed, however just smirked at his response.
"Train, Train you were at my side during the longest periods yet you are still so stubborn, even the newcomers were not so hard to deal with…"
Train just kept silent.
"So Train, if what I heard was true, you know what you will be facing, as you of all the people should know the rules…Rin?…I believe you had some connection with it too…"
Rin could only bow her head in shame and embarrassment.
"So what are your punishments…as you broke the rules…"
Rin stared at the floor hard, she knew she was the cause of this, Train did previously met Eve but Rin had dragged Train out that night, if it wasn't for her maybe they wouldn't have met and deepened their relationship. She swallowed hard and took a step forward. All eyes were on her, even Train looked at her, surprise, she knew what the consequences of her doings but she had to save Train, he had helped her in many situations, this time she should repay the debt.
"I…..I …forced Train to go out with me, so it isn't his fault, is all mine. Punish me not him!"
Creed smirked at the words. Rin didn't like that look at all. However, she glared back with determination not wanting to show her fear towards her leader though she was shaking slightly.
"Very well, if you say so. Then I should get rid of you, don't I? I guess Train would have done better without you…"
Those words felt like someone had given her a slap. Train would have been better without her? Sure Train was sometimes annoyed at her, even she could tell, but to this extend that Train didn't need her at the first place. Wasn't she Train's most trusted friend and junior……? She felt like crying, was she a nuisance to Train, even to Charden and Kyoko? Creed slowly got up and aimed his sword at her.
"Farewell Rin. You were quite a talented bandit but I'm afraid you give too much trouble for us. Don't worry I'll make sure it painless."
Creed's sword glowed as the length was rapidly increasing, and it was coming at Rin's direction who couldn't do anything about it as the effects of the previous words still linger in her head. Charden and Kyoko shouted in union,
"RIN!"
It was then she was snapped out of her thoughts, Rin's eyes widened at the blade which was coming at her direction. So this is the end for me already! Rinslet Walker's life coming to an end…… pathetic! …Dad, Mom I'm sorry, as your only child, I couldn't fulfill your wishes as a renowned thief, Charden, Kyoko it was really great knowing you……, Jenos, Eve, even though you lied to us I'm sure you have your reasons…it was really wonderful that I could meet you guys…Train…aren't you happy, you can finally get rid of me…though I know I will miss you the most, you heartless bastard!
A single tear was seen. She scoffed slightly, since when did she cry? But she couldn't help it, her life ending so suddenly, she wanted to do more than this! She closed her eyes tightly, and waited for the pain and everything would be over in a few seconds. She heard weapons clanking, what had happened? She felt nothing, absolutely nothing. Was she in heaven already? She slowly opened her eyes, fearing what sight might greet her. And she didn't expect the sight that stood before her.
Train had taken his gun and was currently parrying Creed's attack, preventing it from touching Rin. She could only stared in amazement, why did Train risked his life protecting her? Kyoko and Charden was quite relieved that Train had managed to prevent anything serious happening, however they now worried Train's safety, as defying Creed's actions only means death, however in Train's case perhaps something else. The rest were pretty much surprised at Train's actions, even Doctor. As for Creed himself, he was angered by Train's actions, but he calmed down as he drops his sword and Train lowered his gun.
"Train…Train…"
Creed sat back and shook his head slightly as though Train had done the biggest mistake in his life which everyone knew Train just did. Train tightened his hold on his gun, how he hated his voice!
"So may you explain your actions?"
Train kept silent, he really didn't know, he wasn't the type that saves people.
A long tense silence greeted them.
"Train, my patience is running dangerously thin…"
Creed had waited several minutes for the answer. After a few more minutes, he got up from his chair gracefully and walked towards Train who was currently staring at the floor. Rin, obviously in Creed's way, stepped to the side allowing Creed to past by, Train, however, did not budged. Creed grabbed his chin roughly and forcing Train to stare back at him.
"Your eyes are probably the most beautiful thing I have ever since, yet there is so much hate towards me, yes? So why did you save Rin…care to answer me…?"
Train knew he was out of options, seeing Creed's actions, he felt anger rising inside him, he hated all this. There were rules, rules and more rules, and the worst part was he had to obey a certain person comments. How he urged to kill the man then stood before him, but he couldn't. He was forced to swear loyalty to this man years ago, and he was not one to break these promises. However, he still felt anger. He glared back at Creed,
"It doesn't matter much, does it? After all like you said she was potential so why are you ending her life so sudden!" Train spat.
Just after he had said those words, he was immediately slapped across the cheek. He wasn't that surprise at that brutal contact, it was more like he expected it; he glared at Creed who was looking at him furious! Creed gritted his teeth as his spoke,
"Train, doesn't mean that being next in line to me give you the privilege of being so rude to me! Watch your mouth before you speak to me, your leader, do you hear me loud and clear!"
Train slightly nodded, holding a not caring expression as Creed left the room.
Slowly the bandits got up and left the room, some were smirking at him obviously happy at what had happened, some looked at him in awe at his bravery, while some just walk away not wanting to get near or involved with him. Kyoko, Charden, Rin and Train were the last to leave the room. Rin ran up to Train and was about to touch the sore flesh when Train stopped her mid-way indicating he was all right. Rin could only looked down in shame and embarrassment while Charden and Kyoko walk up to him, seeing Train's sore cheek, Charden shook his head slightly, smiling at the same time,
"You know, I'm thankful you could save Rin but not putting yourself in danger as well, but you look uneven would you like me to slap the other cheek so you would look nicer?"
Charden smirked while Train just glared at him.
"KURO-SAMA! ARE YOU OKAY ! DOES IT HURT ! CREED IS SUCH A BIG BULLY!"
Kyoko was practically fusing about him. Rin however was quiet; Train noticed the look and sighed slightly,
"Perhaps we should all retire especially Kyoko as she done so much today, hmm?"
"I guess so; good night…sleep well…"
"We will…"
Train then walked off with a tearful Rin behind him.
They had been walking for quite some time within the tense atmosrhere. Train glanced at Rin, who was still looking ashamed; he decided to break the silence,
"Are you all right?"
"You…are asking me this when you are the one who is injured! Please don't mock me! I beg of you!"
"Rin, calm down…Creed is not here anymore…you can stop worrying…"
At that Train saw tears slowly sliding down from her cheeks, he gently pulled her into his embrace, Rin was surprised but cuddled towards Train's warmth.
"Rin…There's no point inholding back your tears…"
It was at that Rin grabbed tightly of Train's leather coat to keep the cold out, and started crying silently. Train only held her, keeping her safe.
It was after a while that Rin had stopped crying, and smile at Train gratefully.
"Train…thank you…"
"…..."
"Train?"
Train glanced at her.
"Train, am……..I…a nuisance to you?"
Train didn't looked surprise at her question, he had expected it. And he knew that whatever answer he provides would make a big difference in her life.
"……No Rin….you are not…in fact I'm glad that you are here…you are my first friend even though you are my junior who always annoyed me at any chance you get…"
Rin stood in awe and surprise at his answer, Train however only continuing walking as if nothing had happened. Rin whispered a light 'Thank You' and run ahead to catch up with Train.
-End of Chapter-
