Author's Note: Examinations are over!! My indebt thanks for those who had been reading this fic for the last 18 chapters, and to tell you the truth I didn't really meant it to be this long, there were some chapters that wasn't originally included, for example how Train met Rin. This thought just popped out of nowhere and before I knew it I was writing it down. The story is going to reach its climax! So please be patient, as for those who have the extra time, please give me your thoughts on about the second part of this story!! I really need it!!
Chapter 19:
"Jenos, isn't this a Chronos uniform?"
Jenos nodded quietly. It was indeed a 'Chronos' formal uniform that was worn on special occasions but giving this to Train, might perhaps sound a bit too sudden. In the worst case, Train might be thinking that Chronos was giving free formal clothing to everyone. Jenos wondered where it was kept for all this time and whose does this clothing really belong to. He observed Train as he studied the black clothing.
"Jenos, what am I suppose to do with this?"
"Um, wear it?"
Train gave him a sarcastic look as though Jenos had given him the most stupid answer which of course Jenos did.
"Jenos, clothes are meant for you to wear it. I can't believe you gave me what a five-year-old kid would answer."
"Well, sorry for giving you that kind of impression. But father said that he wishes you to wear it for tomorrow party."
"Wearing it for tomorrow party, won't I be accused for wearing a 'Chronos' formal wear as I'm not one?"
Jenos chuckled lightly.
"That you don't have to worry about it, the people don't exactly know who belong to 'Chronos'."
Train was doubtful. He didn't know what the reason was but he didn't want to wear it, but this is the King they were talking about. Originally, he wasn't the type to obey the King's orders, hell, he break every single rule he could find just to irritate those stupid guards and he still got away with it for the last 12 years but the King had helped them a lot, to invite them to their place must have been a bit trouble for them, as for letting Eve and Jenos to meet them. Well, he certainly didn't have the strength nor the will to disobey the orders that was given to him.
"Fine, I'll wear it when I see your father but I will take it off as soon as I'm done."
Jenos gave a sigh of relief and beamed while Train kept the clothing back neatly. Jenos then handed him a black shirt with a pair of fittings pants.
"I doubt that these cloths would be troublesome for you. The bathroom is on your left."
Train nodded his thanks and headed into the bathroom. No sooner had Jenos chug his clothes back to the drawer, Train was done and satisfied with the clothing. Sleeves that come up to his elbows, a collar that was slightly bigger, showing his tattoo clearly, which he doesn't mind a bit and long black trousers.
"The clothes will be returned to you tomorrow if you don't mind."
"No Train, take it. It can't fit me anyway."
Train looked at the clothes he was wearing and glanced at Jenos. He shrugged and collected his black package.
"Jenos, shouldn't we find the girls now?"
"Yeah, lets go, come on, they should be in Eve's room."
"Your highness, Master Jenos wishes to meet you and your guest."
Eve looked up from her book.
"Oh, are they done? Have they attended to their injuries?"
"Yes, they are your highness."
"Let them in then."
"Very well, your highness, by your leave."
Eve placed her book gently on the table and straightened her dress. She then looks towards the dressing room.
"Rin, the boys are here already. Do you wish to let them see your new dress?"
"I guess I should, I could ask their opinions. Do you think is suitable for me?"
"Definitely, now hush and straightened the dress while I go greet them."
"Okay, thank you Eve."
"You're welcome."
Eve headed to the door when knocking was heard. She casually opened the door and wasn't surprise when a grinning Jenos stood right in front of her.
"Hey, Eve! Are you guys done?"
"Yes, we're almost done, please come in and sit. Rin will be out in a moment in her new dress and wishes to ask for your opinions."
"No problem, bet she's beautiful! Hey Train, don't just stand there! Come in and have some tea!"
Train walked in and settled himself comfortably on the soft cushion. Eve poured the hot tea for both of them and stood back to inspect the boys.
"Now let's see, Jenos, you have a bruise at your left leg, one on the forehead, stomach and an injury at the shoulder. As for Train, you are wet, a scratch and also another injury at the shoulder too. Is there anything I miss?"
Jenos looked at her in shocked.
"Eve, how did you calculated all that?!"
Eve shrugged his comments off casually.
"Simple, you are wearing shorts, your forehead is totally exposed, the way you are seating revealing your stomach slightly, and you are wearing a sleeveless top, allowing me to see your section of injuries. Train's hair is wet; I can clearly see his cheek and the bandages for his shoulder due to the big collar. That should answer your question, Jenos, so is there anything I miss?"
Train smirked.
"He got thrown into the mud."
Eve looked at Jenos amused.
"Oh really, care to enlighten me about that, Jenos? Perhaps carelessness?"
"Hey! That's was so not my fault. Ask him if you want the details!"
Eve smiled in amusement and before they could get further in their conversation, Rin emerged from the dressing room. Seeing Rin, the boys immediately stop talking and stared at her in awe. Rin smirked at the attention she received. Rin was wearing a purplish-pink dress, reaching to her ankles, showing her perfect body and also in succeeding making Jenos drooling. A scarf tightly secured around her neck, connecting to a bracelet on her wrist, a puffy handbag, sparkling diamonds was decorated on her dress, and she wore accessories which Eve had lent it to her. The make-up was perfect in bringing the beauty from the face. In short, she was a sight for sore eyes. She then settled herself beside Train who make space for her.
"So, what do you guys think? Jenos?"
"Rin! You look great! Just like a doll! Absolutely smashing!!"
"Thank you for your comments. Train?"
Train smiled lightly at her.
"Echidna looks like an old hag compared to you."
Rin beamed, she doesn't get praises like that every day so she was downright pleased.
"Thanks! But Echidna is still beautiful!"
Train nodded and went back to drinking his tea. He had to admit, it was one of the finest tea he had ever taste though tea wasn't his favorite beverage, milk would be the first choice for him. Train glanced at a sulking Jenos on instinct. He smirked and nudged Rin in her ribs softly who was talking intently about the party with Eve. Rin followed her gaze and chuckled silently.
"What's the matter, Jenos? Cat got your tongue?"
"I wish it was."
He answered sulkily. Train then emerged himself into a conversation with Eve, giving them personal space.
"So Jenos, anything you want to share with me?"
"Is not fair! I gave you a compliment, and you accept it casually. But when Train gives you a compliment, you act so enthusiastic about it! Unfair!!"
Rin burst out laughing upon hearing Jenos' answer.
"Jealous? You must understand, Train is my senior and a man of a few words, so getting a compliment from him is an honor. However, in your case you are different. You dish out any comments you like to any lady."
Jenos gave her a sulky look and looked away annoyed. Rin laughed lightly.
"However, I know from my heart that your comments are true and I gladly accept them!"
Jenos brightened up immediately.
"That's really comforting to hear, Rin!"
They both smiled brightly at each other. Before long, Train turn towards Rin.
"Rin, sorry to spoil your fun but we should really head back. Is close to evening."
"What is that time already? And I was having so much fun!"
Rin's whining was making Train regretting his words but orders were orders. Jenos grinned and placed a hand on Rin shoulder.
"Hey, don't worry; we are going to see each other tomorrow again, right? So you don't have to miss me too much!"
Jenos was immediately pushed and fell to the floor due to his imbalance, amusing Eve and Train.
"Who's going to miss you?!"
"But Rin, that's a terrible thing to say!"
Rin strike a victory pose.
"Sorry Jenos but this is a free country!"
Jenos sulked and walked away in a dejected form while muttering,
"Someone should change the rules!"
Eve stood up and spoke,
"I shall see you to the door then."
Rin chimed in happily.
"Much appreciated! Can I leave the cloths here? I don't want anyone to see them."
Eve nodded with a gentle smile.
"Please do. I wanted to suggest it too."
Rin then swiftly changed back to her usual clothes and folded her dress neatly and placed it on the table. The small group then found their way to the main entrance.
"Well, I guess we will see you tomorrow at the party at six sharp, yes?"
"Yes Eve but we might be a bit late. Won't we Train?"
Seeing both the confused looks given to him by their hosts, he sighed and replied in a drawl manner,
"We have something important to attend for tomorrow. As we are unsure what time it ends, we will rush here once it is done."
Eve gave him a small smile.
"Please take your time. We wouldn't wish both of you to trouble yourselves with our event but we do hope you will attend it as soon as possible."
"That we understood. My regards to your parents. Rin, lets go and don't waste any time."
"Right! Bye Eve, Jenos! See you tomorrow!"
"We are awfully late, aren't we?"
"Yes, that's why we should hurry. Anyways, don't make any sound when I report to Creed. Understand?"
"Yes Senior."
They tried reaching their headquarters as fast as possible as they knew they were late. It was dinner time and the bandits always eat together just in case there were any announcements. Creed greeted them with a disapprove look when they entered the dining hall. Everyone stopped eating and Rin felt uncomfortable with the staring. Late absentees were very rare as Creed insist on being punctual. Train stopped until he was right in front of Creed as late attendees were to report. Creed flashed a smirk at Train and pushed his chair slightly.
"So Train, you do not that being late is not a very good habit. So perhaps you would like to explain yourself?"
"I didn't keep track of time."
Creed faked a surprise look.
"Didn't keep track of time? That sounds weird in your case as you are more punctual than I. So where did you go today?"
"Nowhere."
Train answered coldly.
"But you have gone since the morning till the evening with your junior, have you not?"
"Yes."
"And?"
"We went walking."
"Oh really? And does your so-called walking have anything to do with the scratch on your beautiful face? I'm sure that the scratch wasn't there yesterday."
Train felt silent. It was scary for Creed to say that. He makes it as though he had been tracking on every Train's movement. Creed chuckle lightly sending chills to the bandits. Chuckling wasn't very suitable for Creed and they all know it. Deciding to end his fun with his stubborn right-hand-man, it was time to eat, questions can be asked later, especially about that scratch.
"Very well, seeing that you are uncomfortable with my questions, let's presume with our eating without any further delay. Train and Rin, please take your seat."
Train growled slightly while placing himself right beside Creed and Rin right beside Train. Creed gave him a smile before continuing. The rest resume with their loud chatter. Rin really didn't have anyone to chat to as Kyoko and Charden was sitting at her opposite. She didn't think that Creed would like it if she were to walk there. She glanced at Train and saw Creed chattering seriously with Train, probably about today incidents or perhaps about tomorrow meeting. So all she could is wait until Train settles his discussion with Creed. Even though Train doesn't talk much, she felt more comfortable with him then anyone else.
"So Train, now that no one is watching or hearing our conversation, care to enlighten me?"
Train placed his utensils on the plate and with a sigh,
"We really didn't go anywhere."
Creed was obviously getting a little impatient.
"Train, I'm not a fool. Those cloths are not yours are they?"
Train cursed while muttered under his breath,
"Thought you were the biggest fool I've ever met…"
"Yes?"
"Nothing."
Creed let out a defeated sigh.
"Fine, fine. I'll leave you alone but not for long. One more thing, I hope you don't forget the meeting tomorrow. Though is unlikely you forget such a dull event."
Train nodded.
"Are you aware of the people present?"
"No."
"Not surprising, I knew it only this morning."
"Then who is attending this event?"
"Kranon from the town of Anulle accompanied by his right-hand-man Giko, next is Sarika from Leires accompanied by Timon, third is Mato from Pulata accompanied by Kinto, fourth is Lotte from Keko accompanied by Hina, following them is Haniko from Ciriko accompanied by Kazuka and then lastly is us. That's it."
Train gave a frustrated sigh as he heard who was coming.
"Kranon the arrogant, Sarika the selfish, Mato the lazy, Lotte the clueless, Haniko the sensible and you the horrible."
Creed smirked amusingly at Train's words.
"Train, you have a way with words alright. The only sensible one is only Haniko and the rest are completely useless. I wonder how they get chose for leaders. Is no wonder I have to send you there annually to them to make sure everything is in order."
Train sighed in depress as he recalled his trips to the different places. He had to solve all their problems for them as though he was the ultimate genius. To make things worse, Rin couldn't tag along, at least he would have someone to talk or maybe someone he knew. During his task, everyone was staring at him as though he was some kind of alien. Was it that weird to see someone from another town to help them achieve a satisfying goal? Hell, he was clearly wasting time when the muscled-morons came to challenge him to a duel which he obviously win without scratches.
"Train?"
Train was snapped back from his thoughts.
"Yes?"
"Please try not to create any episodes during the meeting? It would really be faster if everything went well."
"I try to but they gave me unwelcome stares, it can't be helped."
Creed growled slightly. He had remembered one foolish leader who gave Train inappropriate stares and was so sure he was flirting with Train, causing his right-hand-man uncomfortable. He got so annoyed that he disposed of him during the meeting in front of everyone. After that, Creed gain respect and fear from each leader and they never bother him or Train, well not all. As some still give Train rude stares, almost as if they hate him to the core which Train couldn't explain why.
"Well, let's leave it at that. I'm retiring, see that nothing happens during my absence, Train."
Train nodded as he watched Creed left his place. He didn't felt like eating his dinner, it was slimy, gross and disgusting.
"What's wrong? Dinner not good enough?"
Without looking up, he nodded. He heard a laugh and glared at Rin.
"Don't mock me, Junior."
"Sorry Senior, but your looks untouched. Perhaps we should just wait for everyone to leave?"
"That's my duty. You may go if you are tired."
"Nah, I'll stay and accompany you."
Train gave her a small smile. He really did appreciate her company. So they waited until the last one leaves before retiring themselves. They walked in silence until reaching their respective rooms.
"Rin, be ready by noon. It takes a while to set up the preparations. Then by four, it starts, please be in your best as they are important guests even though they acts like childish idiots. And don't disrespect them, I know you well enough that once you see someone you dislike, you tend to be rude. Not that I blame you, I was pretty rude when I first met them though they deserved it."
Rin let out a heart laugh. It was really funny to hear Train talked like that. Though he may be stern, he was like her when he was young. Rebellious and not bothered by others critics. Train gave her a glare before muttering a soft 'good night' and retired to his room. Rin just stood there, feeling excited about tomorrow events. Something tells her that tomorrow would be interesting.
"Good night."
-End-of-Chapter-
Reviews:
Mayab: I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR REVIEW. AT FIRST I THOUGH THE FIGHTING PARTS SUCKS BUT REALLY, I'M ABSOULTELY HAPPY YOU THOUGHT THAT WAY!! AND YES TRAIN WILL SOON LEARN ALMOST ABOUT EVERYTHING IF POSSIBLE, AFTER ALL HE'S MY MAIN FAVOURITE CHARACTER!!
Rilafbrk: THANX FOR YOUR REVIEW! IT GIVES ME MOTIVATION AND HAPPINESS THAT PEOPLE OUT THERE ENJOY MY STORY.
Mama: THANX FOR READING ALL THE CHAPTERS!! I SO AGREE WITH YOU ABOUT TRAIN!!KYYYAAAAAH!!
Chidori: SWEATDROPPED VERY MUCH THANKS FOR YOUR ER……OVERLOADING REVIEWS!! I'M GRATEFUL FOR YOUR AHEM…REVIEWS!!
