Author's Note: Yeah, I know I'm taking longer than usual for every now and then to update! I'm really sorry about it! Forgive me!!!! On the other hand thank you for the reviews. I really appreciate it!! Well, without due interruption, let's proceed to the story!!

Chapter 21:

"Well, we should go then before Creed get angry at us."

"Yes, we should."


Well, it took far longer time for Train to get ready. Mainly, he dozed off only for ten minutes after lunch (A/N: Well, you can't blame him, he had a fight with a homicidal, crazy Creed), and having a rushing Rin waking him up wasn't helping him either. He put on his usual coat as this event didn't require any formal clothing, thank goodness. He secured his gun tightly on his thigh and make sure they were fully loaded. Meetings between the leaders are always dangerous as a fight may arouse any time. So attending a meeting also means attending a fight. Rin, being self-conscious as always, have decided to wear on a coat with fur attached at the collar. She didn't want to put on a bad impression at her first meet.

"Rin, are you ready? Did you bring your gun and whip?"

"Yes Train. But I still don't understand why on earth should we bring weapons to a meeting? Are you trying to assassinate someone you despise during the meeting and want me to take your blame when everything is done? How nice of you."

Train gave her a sarcastic glare.

"Yes and I'm hoping the 'person' you mentioned is Creed. Snap your brain out of it, Rin. Sorry to say but yeah, meetings are dangerous. You're lucky if your head is still attached after the meeting. You're even luckier if you came out of the hall alive and not to mention in one piece."

Rin gave him a terrified look.

"That bad, Train?"

"Yes Rin. I won't stop you if you don't want to bring your weapons but don't say I didn't warn you. So there!"

"Um… right. I think I will."

"Good. Now come, we are going to be late if we stand here bickering at each other for another minute."

"Right, right. Let's go."

They both stalked out of the room in a hurried way. They passed by several lower-ranking people doing last minute preparations and soon came to an archway where Creed stood, directing orders. He turned around and smiled as Train and Rin was just a foot away.

"Ah, Train, you are thirty seconds early. Anyways, please stand there, so I can take a good look at you, Rin, you too."

Rin was slightly hesitant but followed slowly when Train followed Creed's orders. Standing into the light, Creed study them closely. Rin was so nervous at Creed's staring that she feared she might faint in the next minute. Seeing her paled face, Train glanced worriedly at her. He opened his mouth to say something but was cut off by Creed,

"Okay, you guys are presentable. And Rin, if you aren't feeling well, perhaps you want to rest a bit and skip this event? It can, of course, kill someone out of boredom or amusement and I certainly don't want to risk it."

Rin gave a tiny smile while shaking her head.

"It is too kind for you, sir. However, this is an important event and it is an honor to attend it as not many had the opportunity. It would be such a waste for such a fine chance. I will therefore watch my back."

Creed just shrugged and gave her a small nod.

"Fine, if you insist. However, don't hesitate when you feel unwell. Take care that goes for you too, Train. Well, I got to go as they are arriving. Train why don't you go and do some last minute check-ups?"

With that, their leader left without another word.

"So let's go and make sure that everything is all right, Rin."

"Sure. Where first?"

"The Hall."

They took about fifteen minutes to make sure that everything is in order and managed to catch sight of littering rubbish on the floor a few times. After a while, Rin glanced at her watch and called out to Train,

"Hey Train, the guests should be around by now, shall we proceed to the hall?"

Train nodded before giving the hall one last look. Unfornately, they would have reached earlier if it wasn't for the roaring laughter coming from the corner. Train frowned in annoyance and turned to Rin,

"And that annoying laughter should be from Kranon coming from Anulle. Be at your best, Rin."

Rin nodded blankly. Something tells her what she is going to see would not be nice. She was interrupted from her thoughts as Train walked towards the hall in a hurried way and beckoned Rin to follow. The laughter was coming nearer and Train's actions were quickened by every minute. Rin had to laugh at Train's reactions. He was trying to avoid Kranon at all cost but to no avail, as Kranon suddenly appeared from the corner. He was slightly bigger builder than Train, and had spike-up red hair; he wore a grey shirt and pants, with an axe attached onto his belt that was hanging pretty loose, and an arrogant smile graced his fine lips. Creed was right behind him with an annoyed look and followed by another person, most likely his right-hand-man, Giko, when she overheard Train and Creed's conversation. His hair was tamer than his lord's hair and was colored white. Giko was a bit more serious-looking and looks overly protective over his lord. Well, that a big difference with Train and Creed. Rin could spot a knife glistering dangerously in his coat. Well, looks like Train was right, everyone had brought their weapons with them. She was getting a bad feeling but turned towards Train,

"Kranon looks fine, and maybe handsome to some girls, so why are you trying to avoid him?"

Train gave her a skeptical look and backed a bit as he saw the smaller group coming closer.

"His ego is too much for me to bear."

Train stated grimly and Rin hide a giggle upon his words as the smaller group had noticed them. Creed suddenly looked happy,

"Train, Rin, how nice to see you here. Perhaps if both of you would entertain Master Kranon and Giko, if would allow me to greet the other guests as well."

And before anyone could reply, he had walked off in a hurried way leaving them there. Train glared at his leader's dramatic leaving but was brought back to earth when he heard Kranon,

"Ah, you must be 'Black Cat', Master Creed's right-hand-man, and who might this young and beautiful lady, hmm?"

Train twitched and replied with an annoyed frown,

"She is my junior, Rinslet Walker, she is, however, a newbie in this meeting, do pray that you would be easy on her, my Lord."

A smirk was shown towards the duo.

"Ah, still as disrespectful as ever, aren't you, 'Black Cat'? Normal seniors whom I passed would have bowed to me but till this day, you have never bowed towards me or to any other seniors. Do you still remember that time when I had given you a wink and do you know how you replied? Eight bullets through my favorite coat! Impressive, though. You were pretty feisty in your actions and I did so adore that. I would have thought it was love at first sight. What a pity. And back to the actual topic, so you are named Rinslet, young lady?"

"Yes, it is an honor to meet you, my Lord."

"Well, well, well, looks like you are already like your senior himself but you are such a stunning lady. We don't have many beautiful girls like you in my place, perhaps you would like to join me in my wonderful country?"

Rin took a step backwards.

"Uh, that would not be necessary, my Lord. I'm quite happy here if you don't mind."

"But, Rinslet, don't you think I would be more suitable than your senior or your leader? My skills are way much better than the other two. I'm also much richer and can provide a life that has much more luxury in this 'dinky' place."

Rin started to panic and was thankful when Train interrupted.

"My Lord, if you could refrain from disturbing my junior, I would be thankful as I'm sure that you can see her uneasiness, she is after all, which I had already told you, a newbie."

Kranon turned and gave Train a smirk of amusement.

"Well, I don't see why should I stop, I'm offering dear Rinslet, a nicer place than yours, a better companion than you, a better status than a junior, so why are you stopping me, if you were to care for her, surely you would understand, my dear 'Black Cat'?"

Train twitched again and put on a small fake smile.

"Let me put it this way, My Lord. I would make sure that your coat won't be the only one having eight bullet holes, I could arrange it and make sure that the bullets are planted on you, My Lord. And I ensure you, my sire, that not even Giko can stop it."

Giko who had been silent all the time, now stepped forward, not to forget growling.

"You dare threaten My Lord, a senior no less!!!?"

Rin was terrified at the sudden outburst from the quiet senior. However, Train just gave him a confident smirk.

"Please don't be angry. I'm merely defending my junior who is my responsibility. And though I threaten your Lord, he should have known that playing with fire get burned in the end. That is all I merely I'm saying, of course, indirectly."

Those words were added in a mocking tone, and those words have done their job as Giko clenched his hands tightly.

"How dare you! My Lord is one of the top leaders and you just a stupid cat that is stuck at senior rank! You may be the youngest to reach the rank of seniors, but don't get too vain for your own good!You insolen-"

"Giko! SILENCE!"

Hearing Kranon's command, Giko immediately went silent before glaring at Train. Kranon then turned towards his right-hand-man with a stern look.

"Giko, shame on you! You mustn't be rude to our hosts who had so kindly sacrificed their time and home for our petty meeting. Not to forget, we are in their territories after all so calm down. Although I do appreciate you for standing up for me. Now, let's go, as I do understand, that you might need to go greet the other guests, 'Black Cat'."

Train nodded.

"Well, a thousand apologies to the infamous 'Black Cat' and the gorgeous Rinslet for taking up your time. I look forward to our next meeting."

Train gave them a small smile much to Rin's surprise.

"Till then."

Rin stared at them leaving before heaving a sigh of relief and looked at Train surprised.

"Train, why did you go provoked him for? What happens if we were in trouble and they don't come to our aide?"

"That, Rin, you don't have to worry about it. They won't abandon us just because of one small fight so don't worry about it."

"But is still not good to provoke people, since when did you become so evil, Train?"

"Old habits die hard."

"Old habits die hard? You mean you do this every year?"

"Yes. And Rin? Before you say anymore, that's how we greet each other. Although we backstab them, we all are really close friends."

"That's how you greet each other? Are you insane?!"

Train shrugged at Rin's surprised look.

"Yeah. We all know that the meeting is going to be boring, so we try roughing up everyone, so the meeting won't be too tensed. That is just how the ways things are. If you still doubt me, look at Giko later, he would be more relaxed since he let out his anger already."

Rin gave Train a big smile.

"Wow, Train, you can be so nice at times."

"Aren't I always?"

"Yeah, right."

Train chuckled slightly before entering the hall. Rin wasn't surprised when Kranon and Giko was there sitting, trying to be comfortable and also gave Train and Rin a smile and nod when they took their seats across them. Rin was really speechless at Giko's behavior. Don't judge its book by its cover? As time passes, the hall gradually started flowing with more people, Train and Rin didn't get to talk to most of the leaders and seniors as they all came in at the same time, took their seats and was quickly engrossed with their own conversations. Within a few minutes, Creed took his place and all attention was diverted to him due to respect for him.

"Very well, leaders and seniors from all around the contiment, since everyone is here, without due, let's start our annual meeting."


"Eve, do I look presentable?"

"For the tenth time, yes brother. Now do please keep quiet and allowed me to concentrate."

Jenos looked at her with a questionably look.

"What on earth are you concentrating for?"

Eve gave a lazy sigh.

"I'm concentrating on clothes, my dear clueless brother. Unlike fortunate men, ladies and women have to dress very sophisticated just for the sake of a good reputation and impression which can prove terribly annoying."

Jenos let out a chuckled and sat comfortably on Eve's bed.

"Look at the bright side, Eve! You look simply beautiful! You're definitely going tonight many secret admirers tonight. I'm proud to be your brother!"

Eve looked at him strangely, before turning around with a huff but secretly she was glad that her brother was proud of her.

"They can do whatever they want; I don't care a single thing about them! They are just some spoiled rich little lords."

Jenos hearing this went silent for a while. Eve, not used to the silence turned to look at him but was met with a smug smirk. She didn't like that look.

"Ah, that must have meant that your innocent heart had already belong to Train, isn't it, Eve?"

WHAM! THUCK! PANG! CRASH!

Silence.


"Ah, Your Majesty, forgive me but can you please help me carry this vase to the next room? I'm kind of busy right now."

"Sure thing, Sep!"

Jenos took the huge vase and place it on the grand table. With a pat with his hands, he came back and saw Sephira ticking on a piece of paper. She then looked up and gave an amused chuckle.

"Your Majesty must have said something wrong in front of the princess."

Jenos raised a curious eyebrow.

"And how did you figure that out?"

"You got a bruise at your left eye, Your Majesty.

"What?! Really?! Is it that obvious? Crazy Eve! To think today is the party!"

"Your Majesty? As I know Eve, she is a calm and patient person, so what probably had made her throw a vase at you?"

"Is not my fault!"

Sephira gave another chuckle. She enjoyed her work here, even though she was busy for most of the days. Life was cheerful and free in the palace. Sephira felt fortunate that she could work here until she drew her last breath.

"How do you know is a vase anyway?"

"Your Majesty has some broken pieces in your hair."

"What?!"

Jenos ran off with a worried look. She never knew that Jenos was self-conscious about his appearance. The happy-go-lucky prince didn't really care much about life but when in times of emergencies that is when his talents will come. It was this that he was voted to become one of the 'Chronos'. Sephira checked her watch and noticed that it was close to five. All the preparations were complete and the servants look neat in their uniforms. The food smelled delicious and ready to go. The musical group was ready to play when the dance is on so that means she was the only one left.

Though she hates to admit, she was pretty filthy and even detects some smudges on her uniform that she was so proud of. Well, she had been up for three nights, does it explain everything? Well, maybe it does but it was still no excuse for an honorable knight to be so dirty. Well, of to her bathroom she go and get herself all cleaned up! After forty-five minutes, she was all cleaned up and refreshed. Checking on her uniform one last time, she went out of her room and got herself ready to greet the guests that were arriving somewhere this time.

-End-of-Chapter-

Reviews:

Mayab: THANX AGAIN FOR THE REVIEW!! I'LL TRIED TO DO MY BEST TO MAKE THAT PASRT AS INTERESTING AS POSSIBLE!!!

Mama: THANX! I HOPE YOU ENJOED THIS NEW CHAPTER!!

Rilafbrk: I HOPE I CAN DO ANOTHER SEQUEL TOO! KYOKO IS ALWAYS THE NUMBER ONE FAN FOR TRAIN!! YAY!!