Author's Note: How did you guys like that chapter…hopefully it was good enough…anyway…here's the 12th chapter!
Chapter 12
"RIN!"
Rin continued running through the streets, hoping to lose Jenos in the busy crowds. She can't believe that Jenos was there as though waiting for someone, or more like waiting for her. It was kind of creepy that Jenos knew where she would be heading. Did he hire some professional spies to keep track of Train and her? Well, if that's so, he would regret it, she was familiarize with this place while Jenos was his first time coming here. The best part is that this place is a complete maze though is actually built in a basic structure. Hah! Let's see how royalty beat that!
It was true that this place was a complete maze. No sooner than five minutes, Jenos was totally lost through the alleys.
"Drat! Where am I? I have to find her quickly. I know I'm in public and I know that Sephira had warned me not to use my weapon in the presence of people unless it is an emergency but I also know that I don't really care so…"
Jenos then quickly ran to a less crowded street, he took out a black glove and with a wave of his hand, tight silver strings was seen and immediately secured themselves on top of a building. With a light tug he was lifted up, giving him a clear view. Now he had most of the advantage at Rin's little game. He is at the top while Rin is on ground. Jenos was quite surprise that it was built in such simple structure. He really did felt like slicing the builder's of this village brain to pieces.
But now was not the time for this, he had a little thief to look for. He knew that Rin wasn't trained like him so she would not expect Jenos to jumped through roof to roof. He had to admit though Rin was pretty good, he shouldn't have underestimate the bandit-thief, but it was time to put this little game to an end when he spotted someone running. Without much difficulty, he caught up and landed right in front of her. Rin was surprised as Jenos suddenly appeared in front of her and immediately screamed.
"Madame Sephira, what on earth are you thinking about…?"
"Oh Belze is it…nothing just brooding."
"Brooding about that young man?"
"Unbelievable Belze you can read my mind perfectly…perhaps that's why I chose you as my assistant in the beginning…"
"Enough with the small talk, what is it that you are troubled at…?"
"Not much actually, what was his name again…I keep forgetting…"
"Train Heartnet."
"Oh yes…the trouble is, I felt like I heard it somewhere before…Belze what do you think?"
"Perhaps some research might help you…?"
"…A good suggestion…would you care to join me?"
"If you wish…"
"Let's go then…"
"Well, what do you want?"
"What?"
"Well, you followed me here so you must have some business with me, now talk!"
Jenos sat there, eye twitching. Rin can be so immature at times. They were sitting cross-leg staring at each other. Previously, Jenos had insisted for a conversation after blocking Rin half-way through the run. Rin, in a huff, led him to the outskirts of town, towards the forest where they can talk in peace.
"Rin…you can be so childish and immature at times like this…"
"Well…I'm so sorry that my behavior is not good enough for you, your highness…"
"Look Rin, stop it don't call me that, I hate it…"
"Sorry Prince, what should I call you then? Your Majesty?"
"Rin, Jenos would be fine…"
"What…you want me to call the royalty by their names…if I do that I would be begging for Death itself to knock on my door…"
"Rin…please…"
Rin just glared at him and sat at a nearby tree. It was a clear night, and it was enough to see each other face. Rin gave Jenos a look which clearly stated: Well-what-are-you-waiting-for-!You-think-I-have-great-hearing-?But-sorry-to-dissapoint-you-I-don't-!So-get-your-ass-over-here-!
Jenos slightly laugh; oh Rin was way beyond cute sometimes. At least it was a good sign. He then cautiously walks over, and Rin edged to the side as much as possible.
"So talk…"
"All right…firstly…I apologized for not telling you the truth…because I feared your reaction towards us…please this is a first time for me to interact with commoners…I beg you to forgive me but if you do not wished to…It's your choice…and yours alone…"
"Jenos…look at me…"
Jenos hesitate, he had avoided her eyes for the entire time and now she wants to look at him? Nonetheless, he slowly look up, only to be punched at. He was shocked. She must really hate me. And with a 'thud' Jenos landed heavily on the ground and continue lying on the ground, not wanting to get up. He thought twice when he saw Rin's hand, and timidly takes it. Rin then forced him up and glare right at him,
"Jenos, do you know why I punched your face…?"
"……………I must say I don't know or maybe you just hate me for what I done…"
"I would rather killed myself then said those hurting words to you…"
Jenos was slightly taken back.
"Jenos…what makes you think Train and I won't accept you and Eve as royalties…it is the same as us…you accept us being bandits…something far worse than royalties if you ask me…we could have put you in danger…but you still accepted us so what had make you think that we won't…...royalty…Train and I don't give a thought about it…Train would had still treat you like a friend even though he's cold…and you guys are not those snotty bastards that really act the opposite of royalty…you guys are kind and caring at heart…so why are you ashamed of telling us…if you would have just told us we could have avoided all these troubles…"
Jenos stared at her and gave her a small sad smile.
"Rin…I appreciate that you understand…but things are not always that easy for us…even though we are of royal family…we still have issues and parents to worry about…we are not allowed much freedom as bandits…"
"That is where you are wrong…Jenos…you tend to think that you had the worst problem but in reality there are more people having worse problems than yours…if you want to have more freedom…fight for it…Jenos…fight for it…not for meeting me…nor your parents…but for yourself…we bandits have life that are not as easy as you think…we have to deal with emotions and erase any that dare to resurface…we are taught not to give pity to our victims…if we are to wipe twenty chosen people…we wipe them off without leaving anything behind…even if it means killing a child…I too fight for my freedom…in reality bandits aren't grant with freedom every time…Train and I sneak out every chance we get…though when we come back we would be reprimanded by our leader but we consider our time well spent…"
Jenos was definitely dumbfounded at Rin.
"Wow…I didn't know that bandits were so strong and strict. I'm thankful I am fortunate …"
"Yes…Jenos be thankful…that is the first step in leading you to true freedom…"
"…Bandits sure knows a lot…"
"Experience...child…Experience…"
"I'm not a child! I am older than you!"
"Ah sorry…but you remind me of one!"
"Rin…talk about adding insult to injury…that was mean of you…you are just trying to imply that I'm childish…"
"Hah! It took you that long to realize that…!"
"Rin! Get back here! How dare you…! You are insulting the prince indirectly…you should be grateful that you even know me!"
"Hah…I'm as grateful as flies to trash…"
"Rin…you ask for it!"
Rin went off laughing with Jenos chasing right behind her. They were both thankful that the misunderstanding between had been solved. With a few leaps and taunting, Jenos fell down. Rin smirked and from a tree, landed right in front of him.
"Hah! Take that Royalty! I win! Loser-Kyah!
Rin screamed as Jenos grab her right feet and pull her down. She glared at him playfully then sat up right. Jenos just positioned himself, lying down on his stomach and glanced at the moon.
"Rin…thank you…"
"…No problem…however…we should worry about something else…"
"Oh…you mean…Train and Eve…?"
"Yeah…I can't say much about Train…he always cold what about Eve…"
"Well…she is very depressed and worries much, she hardly talks now…but it is quite obvious…she stopped going to the library instead she just stayed in her room…"
"Ah…I see…poor girl…"
"…About Train…are you sure there's nothing strange happening…?"
"Well…I could say this…he had originally despises women from the begining except for me and another comrade of mine but ever since that incident….I think he is convinced that he is right…in women give to much trouble..."
"That is bad…"
"I guess so..."
"…Say Rin do you really go plundering around everyday?"
"Not really, depends on the amount of clients…"
"So you guys have to do missions everyday…?"
"Not always…depends how dangerous the mission…if it is a piece of cake soldiers can do it…if it is a bit difficult than the juniors will complete it…if it is dangerous…seniors are sent for the mission…if it is very dangerous senior and junior will go together…and for the last final and rare option…if it is too dangerous…then our leader will do it himself and if he want someone to accompany him it is up to him…after all he is the leader…but if he is absent than Train will accomplish...without much trouble...
"I see...I didn't know that bandits have so much in traditions…"
"So learn now, prince! Is rare that a bandit and a royalty can meet so let's make use of our time together and learned more about each other!"
"I do agree with you."
"So now is my turn…what do you do on normal days?"
"Me….ummm…well I wake up…clean myself…perhaps study a bit…talk to Eve…or hang around the castle…or flirt with the maids a bit or perhaps head out and stretch a bit with games…then some training …and meeting with you guys to end the day…"
"Wow………"
"What…?"
"I didn't know that life in the castle was going to be that boring..."
"Hey what do you expect…!"
"Something more adventurous? How do you ever live through that?"
"Don't know…meeting with you guys is the only thing I look forward to…"
"Why I must say I'm pleased to hear that…if I was you I would have thought the same…by the way…what training did you go through…?"
"Oh…umm…fighting?"
"Oh cool…are you learning for fun…or perhaps something else…do you participate in wars?"
"I'm in the army silly, of course I have too…though I had to beg my father to let me in…"
"I don't blamed your father…is strange for a prince wanting to join...why…?"
"Why? To protect Eve…of course!"
"What a loving brother…!"
"Hey cut that sickening sweet tone…"
"I'm hurt…so what army do you go for…I heard that the castle had several categories…unlike the bandits…attacking army? Defense army? Or something else…?"
"Wow…you are quite knowledgeable for a bandit aren't you…?"
"Hey don't underestimate me…I have my information network…so?"
"I'm in Chronos."
"What!"
"Rin…?"
"You're in Chronos…?"
"Yeah…so what…?"
"Idiot! Don't you know the laws of this town…! No one is allowed to mingle with a 'Chronos' unless you want to die early! God…how dense can you get!"
At this Rin got up and gave Jenos a heated glare and presume to walk of.
"Rin…wait…! Rin please wait…Father had given changes to the laws…!"
"It doesn't make a difference! Do you know how mighty 'Chronos' is! The group who managed to bring peace and harmony to the people for the last ten years when they were organized! They are the enemies of the bandits! Who knows maybe you like the rest want to see the bandits destroyed and vanquished!"
"I don't care anything about that! Rin please!"
"Jenos I can't believe you didn't tell me that sooner!"
"RIN!"
Rin kept on walking obviously fuming with anger, she was waling at such a speed that Jenos had a hard time catching up. He didn't know about Chronos being enemies to her clan, he couldnt blamed her though, one can never be too careful . At a final attempt, Jenos lunged forward and grab onto her shoulder, and turned her around as gently as he could if it wasn't for Rin who was struggling out of his grasp. Rin then glared at him and spat,
"Let go!"
"No! Please Rin you must understand!"
"I understand enough, now just leave me alone!"
"RIN!"
It was at that point, Jenos banished all the hateful words by sealing their lips together. Rin stared at him in shock as Jenos embrace her gently, giving Rin enough personal space. Jenos feared what her reaction was, he wished he could stopped but his body was not following his orders, he just felt warm and comfort when his met her lips...as thopugh there were nothing to dicuss about.
On the other hand, Rin also had her side of problems. It wasn't surprising if this is your first kiss, and another thing is she didn't know whether Jenos is worthy of it or not. But it felt right. And unconsciously she slowly responded, bit by bit. And soon Jenos break the kiss and they both panted for air. Rin was blushing and glared at him. Jenos saw that look but couldn't help smiling despite Rin being angry at him.
"First kiss?"
"Yes but thanks to you I lost it…there goes my dream of saving it for a really handsome dude…"
"Aren't I handsome enough ?"
"Unfornately no, you are not up to my expectations…"
"I'm hurt.."
"………"
"Look Rin…please let me explain…"
"I rather you explain about the kiss."
At that Jenos flashed a smirk at her.
"Well…you wouldn't want to stop…"
"Well I'm sure you have others way to stop me!"
"Well…I prefer this method!"
Rin looked away, trying to hide her blush but failing miserably.
"So explain!"
"Rin…I'm sorry but I didn't think about we being the enemies, please forgive. I would do anything you say!"
"Oh really…then run around that bushes three times while squatting then walk around it like a dog."
"Hey…you are taking advantage aren't you…?"
"Whatever…I forgive you okay…? Happy?"
"Very!"
Rin then slowly walked back to the town with a sigh, today was quite tiring for her and wished to retire early.
"Hey Rin?"
"What is it?"
"What about those two?"
"Those two difficult idiots?"
"If you are talking about Train and Eve…then you are right..."
"Hmm…what should we do…………………………………………………………………………I know!"
"What…did you thought of a plan?"
"Listen Jenos…"
At this Rin pulled Jenos closed and whispered excitedly to him. Jenos' face which was previously filled with confusion was then replaced with excitement at every minute.
"Rin! You are a genius!"
"Yep, glad you noticed!"
"Anyway…we do this tomorrow?"
"Yep the faster the better!"
"Okay…! See you tomorrow!"
And they both left for the night.
"Belze…did you find out anything…I don't have any leads…"
"I apologized…but no."
"Never mind…oh drat the name is killing me but is so familiar! I'm sure I seen it somewhere!"
At this Sephira sat heavily on a chair, they had been going through several books in the quiet library for any leads but so far…..zilch. Belze just stood beside as Sephira glanced at the window.
"Perhaps we should save this tomorrow…it is rather late…"
"No…I want to solve this…or I won't be able to sleep for the night…there must be a lead over here!"
"Very well…I will accompany you."
"Please Belze…if you are in need of rest please retire early…if I need something I will summoned the servants…so please if you must you can go…I can't drag you down with me…"
"Nonsense…please continue…"
Sephira smiled gratefully at his loyalty who nodded in response. She, however, rest her head on the table and thought back about the young man. What had been so strange and unique about him…that would make her searched the entire library. Yes…it was his name…but there was something else and the problem was she didn't know what was it. She knew she had to retire sooner or later because she had to get up early tomorrow and alert the people about the new set of rules.
Train…Train…Train…this name haunted her like a ghost and she getting tired by every minute. Wait a minute…she did recalled of him having something braced onto his left collarbone. What was it…? Sephira frowned as she thought deeply. And then she suddenly jumped up as though someone had thrust a sword into her back. With a calm face she faced Belze, though excitement was clearly shown in her eyes. Oh she was good in controlling her emotions…that was another thing she was known for.
"Belze…can you please bring me the 'The Royal Histories' on the top shelf?"
"Very well…"
As Belze handed her the thick book, she quickly went through pages by pages, while muttering to herself.
"Madame…have you found something by chance?"
At that Sephira stopped completely, as her finger slowly traced through the names that is visible on that page. She gasped in excitement and shock at the same time. Sephira was clearly speechless with the result. Slowly, she glanced at the confused Belze,
"Belze, please tell the king that we urgently request his audience…he is going to be speechless at my findings as I was! This is truely a extrodinary finding!"
And as she stalked out of the library, Belze could only followed not knowing what was going on.
-End-of-Chapter-
