Author's Note: Hey guys, really sorry for the late update! I recently got hooked on lots of online games due to the holiday!! Forgive me!! As for the fan fiction, well, what can I say? Everything is going great. Reviews are going great since my friend; Chidori had decided to amuse me by sending many reviews, exact number is 9. Chapters are going really well and I'm very grateful for that. However, I still need help as I need to know the readers opinions about the sequel to this story. If it continues, then I will just start on my next story and end this story permanently!! So please review!!
Chapter 20:
Something tells her that tomorrow would be interesting.
"Good night."
The next day was incredibly hectic. Even the usually calm Train had lost its patience quite a number of times. If it was not for Rin, many would have not lived to see the next day. Taking in charge of the preparations was a normal thing but attending this special event was her first time and she was feeling slightly nervous. Creed had said that this experience would have been good for Rin and Train was ever so grateful that she was there. Rin sighed in annoyance as she saw another bandit placing the chairs at the wrong place.
"Hey you! Don't place the chairs there! Upper front!"
"Sorry Madam! Right away!"
Rin wondered if she could handled this stress any longer, she had been up at eight, not enough sleep for a bandit, and was ordered to take charge in the hall preparations as Rin's sense of style and creativity was well known in the headquarters. She decided to take a five-minute break and headed of to see how her senior was doing. Her senior was reluctantly send of to ensure that everything was fine in their battle grounds, in case anyone wishes to have a duel with someone else as they meet annually, and often don't visit each other. On her way, she had seen other seniors and juniors busy with their work too. Rin soon came to an archway that was leading to the outside, towards the battle grounds. She saw the same scenery as people was rushing about. However, they were more tensed than the people at the halls; perhaps is due to Train giving orders and not cheerful Rin. She soon spotted her senior at a distance, closely inspecting the amours and weapons that were displayed at the front of their storage room. He was so absorbed in his inspection that he didn't detect her's footsteps. Rin, finding this funny, decided to stand right behind him. She could here him muttering as he inspects them closely one by one, from amours to weapons.
"This one is…is a bit crooked...don't think they will notice it…they are idiots after all…damn this one is completely rusted….who's the moron on duty…I'll boil him in hot water…this one need more cleaning up…what is this? A weapon? Is all black! Who's the imbecile on duty…!"
Train continuing muttering curses and Rin couldn't help giggling silently. Deciding to end her game, she jumped right beside him. Train finally noticing her sudden movement, immediately dropped the sword he was holding and ended up landing on his foot.
"Shit! Rin, don't scare people when they are doing their work! What the hell are you doing here anyways?! Shouldn't you be in the hall giving orders? "
Train winced as he pressed slightly on his foot, the sword was heavy, all right. Rin burst out laughing at Train's carelessness.
"Train , is times like that I think that taking risks are worth! Is not everyday that I get to see you so careless!"
Train growled and dumped the sword in a pile of rusted weapons.
"So are you done with your chores, Rin?"
"Almost done! I just have to inspect the hall! What about you?"
"I only need to make sure the battle grounds are good enough as I'm done with the weapons and amours. What time is it?"
Train walked towards the battle grounds and kneeled down. He placed his hand on the ground gently, trying to feel its hardness.
"Well, is two. Lunch is at half past two, so better make sure you are done by then."
"Fine. I just have to find an opponent to fight."
"An opponent? What for, Train?"
Train stood up and gave her a sarcastic look.
"To find out if the ground is good enough, Rin."
Rin gave him a sheepish look.
"Oh yeah, sorry. Silly of me. So who do you plan to find?"
"I'm not too sure but perhaps Charden if he is done with his chores."
"Oh, then you have to wait a bit because he was still busy when I passed him."
"That's troubling to hear. I can't fight the lower ranks because the fight won't last more than five seconds. I can't fight with a junior either as it won't help much, I need someone who is the same rank as me."
"Well, I can help you find the other seniors but they are pretty hostile, Train."
"No, I don't want you getting into trouble or hurt with the other seniors, Rin. Is better you don't get involved, perhaps I should go find them myself. What a pain."
Rin let out a laugh as Train ignored her and frowned at his choices. He didn't want to fight with the doctor, not of fear but Train dislike him. The doctor wouldn't fight with him anyway, he was always so busy. That leaves him with a last choice, Shiki. Well, he doesn't dislike him as much as Doctor. So trapped with the last choice, he stretched slightly but stopped when he hear a voice that he so dreaded to hear.
"Perhaps I can be your opponent, Train?"
He stood up and turned around to meet the intruder and narrowed his eyes as his spoke his name harshly.
"Creed…"
It was the same hectic atmosphere at the royalties. The servants were extremely busy with the preparations for the grand party. They would be expecting most of the villagers to attend and perhaps some royalties from the nearby towns. Sephira was mainly in charge of the whole mansion and was assisted by Belze. Through the busy morning, only Jenos, Queen Tearju, Sephira and Belze remain calm. Eve was helping the maids in arranging the flowers in each room, so the room would look refreshing. The King was busy inspecting each room, making sure they were presentable to the guests. Sephira and Belze were directing the servants where to go. The cooperation from the two knights was incredible as they could keep the palace in order, avoiding chaos. Queen Tearju was forced to remain in her room as her body was weak and Jenos was left out. The reason? Instead of helping out, he flirts with the other maids. Eve had sternly told Jenos to stay in his room for the entire morning, much to his disappointment. Eve was almost finishing with the final touches with the flower arrangements when Sephira entered the room. Giving Eve a bow,
"Your highness."
"Please stand, Knight Sephira. What is it that you have come?"
Sephira smiled lightly before pulling out a paper.
"I'm told by one of the messengers that your cousins are paying a visit during the party."
"Oh, who might they be?"
"Michael and Elizabeth, your Highness."
Eve let out a sigh of frustration. Michael and Elizabeth were coming? That would have totally ruined her day that she had waited so long. It wasn't their first time to hold a party but this time, the bandits were attending. She didn't hold any personal grudge towards her naïve cousins but they had embarrass her and Jenos countless of times. They were both flirty towards the opposite sex which gave their parents a hard time. As for Jenos, his flirting was excellent as he can make any woman blush within a minute however, on the other hand her cousins' flirting could make someone go sick. Making it worse, they were arrogant about their status and wealth. Little did they know that Eve and Jenos' wealth was ten times theirs. However, to save them for embarrassment, they had kept quiet. She did recall that Michael had once flirted with her when they first met. She didn't know how she felt, but right after they left, Eve rushed to the bathroom to puke. It was pretty the same with Jenos with Elizabeth.
"Princess?"
Eve didn't answer, she was still deep in her thoughts.
"Princess?"
Louder this time, yet no response.
"Princess Eve!"
"Wha…What?"
Eve snapped and turned towards Sephira with an apologetic gesture causing Sephira to smile.
"I was wondering what my Lady was thinking?"
"Oh nothing, I just hope that everything will go smoothly for tonight's party."
"Rest assured, my Lady. Everything would be fine."
Eve closed her eyes and smile gently.
"Of course. With your guidance, everything had gone so well. We wouldn't have been able to done this much without you and Belze, my indebt thanks to both of you, Knight."
"Your gratefulness is too much, my Lady, but I'm very glad to hear that, I will transfer the message when I meet Belze. If you will excuse me, I will be on my way."
"All right."
"By your leave."
Sephira left, leaving Eve alone to deal with her own thoughts. With a sigh, she turned and walked before muttering,
"It will be a long day…"
"So how about it, Train? Want to go for it? After all, is been two years since we last fought with each other and it ended in a tie, has it not?"
Train looked uncertain as Creed advanced and he backed off slightly. Train tried to keep his voice steady but to no avail as he reasoned with Creed.
"I don't think is necessary for you to come and help me with my petty chores. However, not to bother you, I will find another senior to help me. Till then, please rest in your room as you are one of the leaders. So if you don't mind, I will be on my way as lunch will be near."
Train hurriedly walked off but was stopped as his wrist was immediately grabbed.
"Train, I DO mind. Did I not hear that you are finding for Shiki? Unfornately he is still busy scouting the area. Perhaps you would like to reconsider your choice, besides you need a person of the same rank and not lower to achieve your goal, right?"
Train gave a sigh and knew he was cornered with one decision left, a fight with Creed. Train was a person who loves danger and so does Creed. However, in thirty minutes time, it will be lunch time.
"Fine but we won't have much time."
"Don't worry, we'll stop when anyone get a scratch on the other opponent. Fair enough, Train?"
"Fine. Rin, if we don't stop at the right time, shout for me. Got it?"
Rin nodded while backing off. She knew how dangerous it was to stand close to them. The bandits that were present were whispering excitedly, it wasn't everyday they get a chance to see this battle so they quickly went off and called to their friends.
"Hey guys, a battle is going to begin at the battle grounds! Come and see, is between our leader and 'Black Cat'! Come on! Hurry up so you wont miss it!!"
Before long, the entire community was there, even the seniors and juniors. Charden seeing the scene, chuckled lightly to himself. Kyoko who was right beside him, glanced at him in an innocent way.
"What are you laughing about, Charden-san?"
"Nothing, is just that we are all busy with our chores and suddenly Creed and 'Black Cat' are going to engage themselves in a fight. Is quite ironic, don't you think?"
"Hmm, but we should be thankful that Kuro-sama and Creed created such a distraction!"
"How right you are, Kyoko-san."
They watched as Creed and Train took their stances, leaving a large distance between each other. Creed noticing the crowd, gave Train a smirk.
"So Train, since everyone's here, want to let them see a manifest show that they will never forget?"
Train replied with a glare.
"You are asking for a death wish."
"As always."
Within seconds, they were both right in front of each other with their weapons ready and shocking their audience at their inhuman speed. Creed's thrusts were rapid and if Train let down his guard just for a second, he was a goner. Train leapt further a distance and fired some shots, as predicted, none when through Creed' solid defense. Creed licked his lips in lust and headed towards Train swiftly. With 'Imagine Blade' position high in the air, Train had no other choice and parried the oncoming attack. They struggled as their strength was somewhat equal and with luck Train managed to win it.
He quickly ducked and before Creed could react, he landed a blow on his leader's stomach. Creed feeling the pain quickly retreated and crouched. Train took a few quick steps back and stables his balance and excitement. He had to admit, only when fighting with Creed, the overwhelming excitement always came to him. It wasn't that surprising as Creed was really an excellent fighter, just a bit crazy and obsessive. Well, game over for Creed, right? He heard several sounds of encouragement form the crowd, looks like he had supporters after all. He focused back when he heard laughter,
"Looks like I getting a bit rusty, Train. But the game is not over yet, a scratch was what I said, remember?"
Train cursed silently and tightened his hold on 'Hades'. He had forgotten about the rules. Well, he was sure this time Creed wouldn't go easy on him anymore. He glanced at Rin who signaled to him that they were left with twenty minutes. Well, piece of cake? Definitely not. Creed stretched lightly before sending a long-distance attack which Train dodged easily. He then dashed towards his right-hand-man and started landing uncountable strong blows which Train had met on with defense, using 'Hades' as a shield. Creed then swings his sword, missing Train's head by a few centimeters as Train ducked. Refusing to give Train time to relax, he turn around gracefully before striking from underneath. Train foresee the attack, jumped and balance himself lightly on Creed's blade, and presume to jumped towards the air.
With agility, he turns around, aimed and fired shots. Creed hearing the shots leaped into safety and jumped towards Train who was taken back by Creed's actions. Taking his rare given chance, he quickly jumped behind the unsuspecting Train. With a smirk, he brought his blade down on his enemy, hoping to destroy the pride which 'Black Cat' so tightly cling to. Train knew he couldn't dodge the attack; he swiftly looked around, spotting any way he could get out of this situation. Spotting the trees that stood near him, he threw his gun towards a branch. His actions must have shocked everyone, because he heard a number of loud gasps coming from the crowd, including Creed. Still airborne, he gritted his teeth and aimed as best he could, he sighed in relief as 'Hades' tightened its hold on the branch. With a pull, Train dodged Creed's attack and landed himself right below the tree. He glanced at Creed who landed lightly with a scowl on his face. With a smirk, he tugged gently at his rope and 'Hades' came dropping in his hand. The crowd gave such a big applause at swift Train's actions that perhaps the entire neighborhood heard them.
"KURO-SAMA IS THE BEST!! DID YOU SEE THAT? I BET CREED WAS ALSO SURPRISED!!"
Kyoko tugged excitedly at Charden's clothes, causing him to chuckled.
"How true. I didn't think he would managed to escaped from that blow but he did it. Perhaps that's why he was named 'Black Cat'. However..."
"However?"
"However, Creed is not too happy with it. I doubt if Train-san will be able to dodged the next attack."
They glanced back at the fight and indeed Creed didn't look very happy at how things were going. Creed glared at Rin.
"How much time do we have?"
"5 more minutes."
Came the nervous reply.
"Well, we should end this, don't you think? I'll make you beg for mercy at the end of this fight, Train."
Ending in an alluring tone, he disappeared and soon enough reappeared behind Train. Sensing Creed's presence behind him, Train dodged the slashes that came from behind. He quickly went forward and glanced back at Creed who gave him another smirk, and vanished due to his speed. He turned back to the front and was met with Creed's face inches away from his. On instincts, he retreated quickly and regained his nervous breathing. Well, his leader was serious this time. What total luck for a black cat. He wasn't allowed to stop as Creed came to him like a predator towards its prey. They both parried and attacked when they detect a chance at each other. However, the vicious battle finally came to an end when Train managed to block Creed's attack with 'Imagine Blade' positioned really close to Train's face if it wasn't for 'Hades'. Train might had lost his head if he didnt block that attck.
"Lunch Time!!"
Creed seeing Train's flushed face due to nervous and exhaustion, gave him a lustful smirk as he lowered his sword,
"So Train how's the ground? Good enough?"
"Appears so."
As Train, too lowered his gun. With a peck at his check, Creed went off.
"Be ready at half past three and wait at the gate entrance with your junior."
Train scowled as the crowd gave a thunderous applause and went of for lunch. Rin, Charden, and Kyoko came rushing by.
"Train, are you okay?"
"Just sore muscles."
"Goodness, thought he was going to kill you or something."
"I'm too hard to kill, even Creed find that difficult."
"Yeah, I can see that."
Train gave her a glare.
"Train-san, that was a good fight and also a distraction. Did you ask him to fight with you?"
"No, Charden. He requested as I was told you were busy at the first place and so were Shiki and Doctor."
"I see. How are you feeling? Better I hope?"
"Not so, perhaps worst due to tiredness."
"That's unfortunate, Train-san. Well, you can rest after lunch."
"I guess so."
"KURO-SAMA! THAT WAS TOTALLY COOL!! YOU ARE THE BEST!!"
Train nodded slightly and watched Kyoko jumped up and down in excitement. Rin glanced at her watch,
"Well, we should go then before Creed get angry at us."
"Yes, we should."
-End-of-Chapter-
Reviews:
Mama: DON'T WORRY ABOUT TRAIN, HE WILL CATCH UP SOON ENOUGH!! HE'S A BANDIT AFTER ALL!!THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!I REALLY APPRECIATE IT!!
Mayab: I'M REALLY GLAD YOU FELT THAT WAY!! I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS CHAPTER TOO!!
Rilafbrk: THANK YOU SO MUCH!! THE 'ROOM' WHICH TRAIN SO SO AFRAID OF WILL COME IN THE LAST FEW CHAPTERS!! IF YOU WONDERING ABOUT 'MEMORIES' THE NECKLACE, IS NOT REALLY MUCH...BUT IF I'M DOING A SEQUEL, THAT I'M LIGHTLY TOO MENTIONED THE NECKLACE AGAIN, OR IN THIS LAST CHAPTER!!"
