Black Cat Fan Fiction ❯ A Different Fate ❯ A Pointless Strength ( Chapter 9 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Disclaimer: I do not own Black Cat


When he saw Creed fifteen minutes ago, the swordsman had told Train to wait in the meeting area with the rest of the Apostles, claiming he’d be down in a moment. However, sitting here with the rest of the group was starting to wear on his last nerves. If it hadn’t been for the fact that half of the group had a distinct distaste for him, and one was simply, overly obsessed, he might have been a little calmer.


“Kuro-sama, you never answered my question,” Kyoko pointed out as she leaned over the loveseat Train was laying on.


“Which question? You’ve asked me over a hundred!” It was hard to believe one person could annoy him this much. He’d never been so close to shooting a woman in his life before. Calling her a woman is an insult to the female sex. But I guess physically she is, so I gotta live with that fact…unfortunately.


“How old are you?” She answered leaning closely to his face.


Train put his hand to the side of her face–and though not painfully–pushed her away. He didn’t care how mean that was, she was entirely too close. “I did answer that question. I said ‘older than you’.”


Kyoko stomped a foot on the ground, “That’s not an answer! I need a number!”


“Even if I gave you a number, nothing would change, so what’s the point?” Train groaned, looking at her out of the corner of his eye, “Are you saying if I said I was forty, you’d leave me alone?”


Kyoko jumped over the couch and squeezed Train, “Of course not! I’d love you no matter what!”


The gunman growled so loudly, that he was surprised Creed didn’t come running down to see what was wrong. The young girl fell on the floor with a loud thump as Train pushed her off and turned on his side, away from Kyoko.


“But Kuro-sama, it’s a loveseat. It’s where lovers are supposed to sit together! You should make room for me.” Kyoko pouted.


“The fact that there’s even a loveseat in an area meant for meetings is weird in itself. Don’t make it weirder by saying such things.” Train said, his back still facing her.


As she continued pouting, Charden approached her, “Kyoko-san, please control yourself. Creed should be down momentarily with our plans.” He said as he helped the girl up.


Train could have hugged the tall blonde as he heard Kyoko agreeing halfheartedly and going with him. He seriously didn’t know how much longer Hades would have stayed put.


“As much as the Black Cat’s discomfort pleases me, I agree with Charden. Leave him be for the moment while we wait for Creed,” Shiki said from a chair located in the opposite of Train’s position. He looked over at Train and asked, “What did he say to you before sending you down here?”


Train just shrugged his shoulders, “Pretty much nothing. He said to come here and wait; that he’d be down in a minute. I didn’t ask what we were doing.”


Echidna scoffed, “What kind of partnership is it, when one of the partners doesn’t bother hearing the plans in full detail, and therefore unable to relay them?”


Maro couldn’t help but add, “I agree with Echidna. When I saw you coming down I actually got excited thinking we would be getting started.”


“Although I haven’t stayed in this house with the rest of our group, I believe this is the first time I’ve seen you without Creed in the past couple of days,” Charden commented as he shifted out of his conversation with Kyoko, and back to that of the group, “It may just be me, but you two always seem to be together.”


“It’s not just you, Charden. Those two are around each other, more than they’re around anyone else.” The actress added, sounding as if affronted.


Train couldn’t deny that. Ever since they had started the group, Creed and Train did pretty much everything together. Train wanted to think that it was no different from before, but that wasn’t true. When they were with Chronos, Train was only around Creed during missions, and even then it was only because Chronos didn’t give him a choice. Seeing him outside of that, simply meant the sliver haired man had most likely been following him.


He was always following me. Like a lost puppy. The Black Cat shook his head at the thought. It was different from Kyoko’s, though. Still annoying, but at least Creed would never tackle me to the ground or call me stupid names.


Focusing back on the group, he pointlessly trieddefend himself, “I’d like to point out that Creed is usually following me.”“I don’t see you pushing him away.” noted Shiki, thinking back to’s refusal of Kyoko. “I think if Creed’s presenceannoyingyou’d findway to get away from him.”He couldn’t fight against that either.The proof was in his past.Back when Creed followed him in Chronos, Train would either ignore him completely, or disappear when he wasn’t looking.But now, he sometimes engaged inofconversations. And ever sinceevents on the roof several nights ago, he had even begun startingcouple of them himself.“I still question what kind of partnership it is, when one of the partners takes no interest in the mission at hand…” Echidna said, still sounding irritated.“Creed and I work differently than most partners do.”


Am I actually defending my partnership with Creed?


“Despite what you may think, I am half the mission. Creed plans it, I act it out.”


I’m still talking?What’s going on?


“While I‘m taking the action, Creed usually covers my back.Pretty much, he is the brains and shield, while I am the brawns and action.”“To put it simply, if Train didn’t have me, he’d throw caution into the wind and jump right into danger, and without Train, I would probably plan too much and get led astray on something not worthwhile.”


Everyone’s attention was brought to the doorway.Everyone that is, except Train, who already knew who was standing there.“Isn’t that right, Train?”


Train looked over his shoulder at Creed. He could tell the man had walked in during the ending part of their conversation. I’ve never seen his face that bright and happy before. Waving a hand in the air as an offhanded greeting toward Creed, before turning back to his original position, the dark haired young man was still trying to figure out why he felt he needed to say what he did.


It was almost as if I wanted everything to be clear. Like I wanted everyone to know how we worked. It doesn’t matter too much, so why’d I say anything?


Creed walked over to where Train lay and sat himself on the couch’s arm, “Train is unpredictable and really doesn’t listen to plans. You don’t know this, but I did tell Train what was going on, he just didn’t listen.”


“That just proves your partnership doesn’t work.” Echidna just wouldn’t accept their reasoning.


Creed sounded offended, “Quite the opposite, it’s just another example of why we work well together. I know Train doesn’t listen and I know he’ll do something completely different, so I just plan around that to our advantage. Not only that, my protection of him allows Train the freedom to continue as he pleases.” He paused, smiling at Train’s back, “But since our goals are the same as well as our will to never give up, his risky actions help speed up our missions.”


“If you know I don’t listen, then why do you continue to tell me what you have cooked up?” Train added, looking up slightly at Creed.


“I can always pray for the day that you do listen. Though I guess maybe if you did my plans would be ruined since I’m so used to switching them around.” Creed added jokingly. He was just so happy his Train seemed to be starting to understand why they made such a great team.


“I don’t like plans…” Train muttered as if he were a child being told what to do. “They take the fun out of everything.”


Creed patted his head like a puppy, “I know you don’t, that’s why I’m always ready for it.”


Train slapped his hand aside, but in a friendly manner. A thought suddenly hit Train that he found odd. Am I actually considering Creed a friend? It was beginning to seem that way. Had someone told the Black Cat that he would actually be calling Creed a friend and accepting their partnership back in Chronos, he either would have called them crazy or shot them–or maybe both. It’s different now. I can’t believe I kinda feel like I can trust Creed. The only person I had ever considered a friend was Saya.


Still smiling happily, Creed turned his attention back to everyone in the room, “Well, as I said before, I do have our next actions planned.” His Apostles, save for Train, became serious as he spoke, “We won’t be taking action against Chronos just yet. I don’t feel we’re quite ready.”


“Not ready?” Shiki’s voice lowered to controlled anger, “Everyone present beholds the power of Tao. That alone is enough to take Chronos down.”


“Everyone in the room holds the power of Tao only recently.” Charden added, apparently seeing where Creed was going with his idea. “It’s a bit suicide, to think that we could take on Chronos head to head, with abilities that we’ve only just uncovered.”


Creed nodded approvingly, “Our enemies are not to be underestimated. Both Train and I were among them once, so we’ve seen firsthand the capabilities the Numbers have.” he crossed his slim legs, letting his arms followed suit. “We will be able to fight them, but we just need more time.”


“So, you’re saying that you want us to hone our skills further?” Shiki responded, still sounding a little angry.


Creed nodded again, “Yes, while Train and I gather more strength, I would like to ask everyone else to master their abilities.”


“What?” Train said, turning over to look up at Creed, “More fire power? Are you sure you’re not overestimating Chronos?”


“He told you this already so you should know,” Maro said condescendingly, “Why do you choose now to listen?”


The cat shrugged his shoulders and sat up fully, leaning against the arm Creed sat on. Grinning, Creed was the one who answered the question, “Train’s attention is very random. Just like his actions, you can’t predict when he’ll listen. You could say he listens when he‘s interested.” He looked down at Train, “Understand now why I insist on telling you my plans even though I know you won’t listen?”


The corner of Train’s lip quirked up a bit in a sort of half-smile, making Creed’s stomach flip as he realized that Train understood, even if he wouldn’t say it. Maybe he’ll start to realize how much I understand him. It may still just be a dream for Creed to hope for, but he had never been this close to Train before. That fact made him happy beyond reckoning. For Creed, the distance was still too far and Train still wasn’t completely accepting him, but he wouldn’t let his hopes die.


“Let me get this straight,” Shiki stepped in again, “Are you saying that while you two gain access to more weapons, you want us to practice?” He narrowed his one eye, “Maro and I have had these abilities our whole lives. We should be the only ones who don’t need the practice.”


“You can never have too much control, Shiki.” Charden added calmly. He seemed to be one of the few who agreed with this idea. “The more control we have, the better.”


“That’s more reason those two should be practicing instead of gaining more weapons,” stated the midget sized Taoist.


“Don’t misunderstand me, Shiki. Train and I won’t be neglecting our powers either,” Creed’s voice was calm. “Yes for the next couple days we will be obtaining new strength, but we’ll also be sparring with each other to make sure our own abilities don’t fall behind the count. As for you and Maro, I’ve thought of that as well. I would like you two to find any opportunity that would be ample time to act against Chronos. Research and find any events there may be and contact me as soon as you do.” Scanning his group, he smiled sinisterly, “I’m sure once that moment is found, we’ll be ready.”


The bug Taoist was only silent for a moment longer, before agreeing with the rest of his comrades.


--------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------


 220;Torneo Ludman, right?” Train questioned to make sure he got the name correctly.


“Yes, Train. I’ve agreed to aid his research on a new weapon, and he’s agreed to supply me with nanomachine information.” Creed paused and looked at Train skeptically, “You do remember what nanomachines are, don’t you?”


Train attempted to look offended, “Of course I do. I’m not stupid.”


“Train, that’s not what I meant and you know it. Stop trying to make me feel bad.”
Even though Creed knew Train was messing with him, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt at the idea of upsetting his cat.


Train smiled mischievously, “But you just make it so easy. All I have to do, is give you the puppy-dog look, and you fall apart.”


The image popped in Creed’s head and he suddenly felt his face get hot. In an attempt to hide it from Train, he looked in the direction Ludman had gone, hoping he’d return so Train wouldn’t take advantage of his weakness. He understands me more than he realizes. He may not know why I am the way I am, but he knows what is me.


That thought made his face burn a little more and he sat his elbow on the chair’s arm, resting his cheek on his hand. I don’t fluster–ever–yet he’s able to make me warm all over with just a simple look.


It didn’t matter that he hid his flushed face, since Train didn’t seem to care. He stretched his legs out, arms behind his head as he looked up at the bright blue sky. “I’m starting to get bored. Where’d that guy go?”


“Be patient, Train. He said he was going to get his prototype to show us.” Creed’s face had cooled a bit and he turned his head forward. “I’d like to see where all my funding has gotten him.”


“You paid him?” Train questioned, turning to Creed.


“Well, not him. He hired someone and I financed her research. That’s what the exchange was. I pay her and he gives me the results I want.” Creed said in a business-like manner.


Looking back at the sky, the gunman said, “Still, that’s technically paying him…just not directly.”


Creed shrugged, “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”


“I still choose not to question where you got all this money from.” Even though he had a pretty good idea of how Creed obtained it, he didn’t feel like inquiring about the matter.


Creed chuckled and eyed Train, “Someone out to destroy an organization like Chronos, shouldn’t be picky about abiding by the law.”


“Those were basically my thoughts. It doesn’t matter anyway since it can’t really be taken back.” Train turned to Creed, “So, you’ve never see it before?”


Creed shook his head, “No, but Torneo’s told me about it. It’s completely made of nanomachines with powers that match the Tao, if not actually surpassing it. It has the ability to take the form of anything it wants. Also, like the Tao, its defense system allows it to take a bullet without harm.” He paused and turned to Train as well, “However, he said it’s still in development.”


Train’s eyes widened only for a second before he looked passed Creed to where Torneo had gone. Seems my cat has become a little curious. He loved that curiosity. It was one of the qualities that made Train, Train. It could often get Train into trouble, but with Creed by his side, curiosity wouldn’t kill his cat.


As if sensing Train’s interest himself, Torneo returned with several guards behind him. His already unpleasant face looked even more unpleasant.


“I’m sorry, gentlemen, but it appears my little weapon has disappeared.” he explained with controlled anger.


“How does a weapon disappear?” Train asked dryly. “What kind of security system do you have here?”


“Clearly, not a very proficient one.” the short fat man stated through gritted teeth, as he glared daggers at his guards. “We’re in the midst of tracking her down. We have an idea of where she might be.”


Her? His weapon is human? And a female at that? Train was beginning to get interested.


“Is there something you’re not telling us, Mr. Ludman?” Creed questioned as if he were the man’s boss.


Torneo’s actions were no different than if he were an employee being scolded, “Of course not! I was just about to inform you of our situation.”


Creed raised an eyebrow at the word ‘situation’ as Torneo stuttered his story, “Well, for quite some time now we’ve been having problems with break-ins. It seems two people, a sweeper and a thief, managed to make contact with her. Security cameras caught them on film and I was able to get their identities. I’m not positive on this, but I think it’s safe to say they were after my weapon, and she is probably with them now.”


Sweeper? Train’s interest was hooked now. He stood and asked without looking at Ludman, “So where do you think she is? My curiosity has been peaked.”


“Well, the location we have is quite immense,” he fat man explained, “That’s why several of my men are searching.” He tried to suck up to Train as he made a respectful hand gesture, “This is not a matter for someone with stature such as yours should concern yourself with.”


Still not looking at Ludman, Train folded his arms, “I want to see why I was dragged here in the first place. Plus, I highly doubt this little group of yours is capable of catching a weapon that seems to be so ‘cream of the crop’.”


Creed stood as well, “I’ll have to agree with Train. After hearing what’s really been going on in your domain all this time, I can‘t honestly say I trust you or your corporation.”


The short man seemed panicked by Creed’s statement, “I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t find this a manner you need to worry yourself with. You’re quite busy men and I assumed inflicting my own problems on yourself would only burden you.”


This guy tries so hard at kissing ass. It might have worked on anyone else, but Creed’s not the type to be swayed by compliments coming from a man like this. Train eyed Creed as he narrowed his eyes at Torneo. He decided it was best to step in before the man said something else that proved he screwed up, and decidedly Creed killed him.


“Well, you’re burdening us now, so you might as well tell us where you think she is.”


Torneo, seeming to sense Creed’s murderous rage beginning to surface, pulled out a picture as well as a map, “This is her photo and a map of the location we believe she’s hiding in. You are very welcomed to take both. If you find her, please return her safely.”


Train was the one to grab them first and Creed leaned over his shoulder. He was definitely interested as he eyed the little blonde girl staring blankly at him.


-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------


For Sven, this situation was surreal. He sat in his tiny hideout with the infamous thief-for-hire, Rinslet Walker, along with a little blonde girl Sven had only recently met, after managing to sneak into Torneo Ludman’s mansion.


“What are we supposed to do with her?” Rins asked watching the young girl sleep. “Do you plan on keeping her?”


“Stop talking about her like she’s a dog.” Sven said, watching the child as well. How could anyone expect him to believe that this little girl was a bio-weapon? When he first saw her, the only thing he saw was a small, naïve girl. How could Ludman do something like this to a child?


“How do you think she found us?” Rinslet said as she brushed some hair out of the girl’s eyes. “When I came to go over another plan to sneak into Torneo’s place, I was not prepared to see this bio-girl asleep on your couch.”


“How do you think I felt when I opened the door to her?” Sven leaned his head back and sighed, “I’m not sure how she did it, but apparently she followed me.”


The thief watched the girl a moment longer before turning to Sven, “You didn’t answer my question. What do you plan on doing with her?”


Sven reset his gaze to the bio-girl, “To be honest, I’m not sure. The only thing I know for sure is that I can’t let Torneo take her back.”


“You’ve seen what she’s capable of, are you really willing to let her stay?” Rinslet seemed to be trying to warn Sven of the dangers involved.


“She’s just a kid, Rinslet. Despite all that power, she’s just a little girl.” Sven knew this was true. The way the girl looked when she first saw him and Rins, was as if she’d never seen people before.


The young girl’s eyes slowly began to open, signaling she was waking up. She squinted at the bright light as she scanned the room. Seeing Sven, she smiled a little. The sweeper smiled back as a thought occurred to him.


Standing, he looked down at Eve, “How about we go to the park?”


She blinked at him confused, “Park?”


“Yeah, the park. You know, with trees and flowers and grass and people.”


All that seemed too much for the girl to take. She blinked again and stared at Sven in amazement. He chuckled as he fixed his hat and helped the girl up, “Come on, I’ll show you. You’re in for a real treat.” Taking her out might be good for her. Let her see the world a little. I’ll figure out what to do after that.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------


The location given to Creed and Train was indeed big, Ludman didn’t lie about that. Train was beginning to get irritated as they walked all over the city searching for the girl.


“Where is this brat? Did Ludman just send us on a wild goose chase?” Train growled in annoyance. He knew a child couldn’t be a weapon.


“Be patient, Train, this city is big,” Creed was trying to sound calm, but he was a little irritated himself. I swear, if Torneo did send us on a wild goose chase, he’ll be dead before nightfall.


“Well, we’ve already checked every building and alcove this damn place has to offer. What’s left?”


Creed pictured the area’s layout in his mind, “I believe the only places left to check are the park and that small inn up ahead.”


“Two places? Perfect. You go to the inn and I’ll check the park.”


Though it was a good idea, Creed didn’t like it. He had been enjoying walking around the city with Train, just having a friendly conversation. Even if we are technically on a mission, it’s nice just spending time with him.


“We’ve gone this far, why don’t we finish the search together?” Creed added in hopes of changing Train’s mind.


Train just shook his head, “No, my interest has become a scratch that needs to be itched. The sooner we find this weapon, the better.”


The swordsman sighed in defeat, “All right, Train. If that’s what you want.” Creed made a semi-sad gesture in one direction, “The park is over that way. The inn we need to check is only a couple blocks ahead.” A couple too far. “The inn isn’t very big at all. In fact, I might be done before you.”


“All right, if you do finish before I do, just look for me in the park. If I finish, I’ll meet you in front of the inn,” Train began to make his way towards the park.


Creed watched him go, sighed again and begrudgingly made his way towards the inn. He was determined to make this quick so he wouldn’t be away from Train long.


------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------


“ How’s the ice cream?” Sven asked the young girl next to him. She wasn’t listening, she was too busy inhaling her sugary substance.


The sweeper laughed and ate his ice cream. He still didn’t know what to do with her. If I was being reasonable, I’d just take her back to that mansion and forget this whole thing ever happened. But I can’t do that. Sven eyed the girl again. It’s not her fault she is the way she is and I can’t just let Torneo have her.


That’s when he noticed what a mess she made of herself from the ice cream. Smiling, he stood and turned to her, “I’ll go get you something to clean yourself up with. Maybe I’ll even buy you something else to eat.”


The girl merely stared up at Sven bewildered. Sven patted her on the head and made his way to the ice cream vendor.


----------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------


Train entered the park, groaning as he realized how huge it was. I have to search all of this? This is gonna take forever…


Stepping further inside, he decided the best way to start, was to ask around. No one seemed to know where the girl was, until he asked a couple of teens hanging out by a tree.


“Oh, I remember seeing her earlier. She was with some old guy, probably her father,” said a teen boy with blonde hair.


Father? If Train was right in his theory of what she was, the only person who could really be her father, was Torneo. Did he find her before us?


“Yeah, some guy with green hair. Or maybe it was olive, I dunno.”


Olive hair definitely wasn’t Torneo. It had to be either that thief or that sweeper he was told had broken into Ludman’s mansion.


“He had an eye patch, too. Weird huh?” the boy continued.


Train looked at him perplexed, “Eye patch?”


“Yeah, I thought it was strange too. Who seriously wears an eye patch?” questioned the other boy, who was wearing glasses.


“That’s not nice; he could have something wrong with it. It’s not like he’s trying to make a fashion statement,” scolded a short girl with short hair.


“He better not be, with that color hair. Not to mention his suit was wrinkly,” added a taller girl with long, dark hair.


“All right, I get it; he’s not a good dresser. Where did you last see them?” Train was annoyed by the teens’ inability to focus, but he’d just become more interested. I’ve meet someone with olive hair and an eye patch before, though only one time. The chances of seeing that man again seemed slim, but who else walks around looking like that? I really am indebted to him.


The one with glasses seemed to be deep in thought, “I saw them at the ice cream vendor when I was in line. The little girl seemed to be amazed or confused when he gave her some.”


The tall girl chimed in, “Yeah, she did, almost as if she’d never seen ice cream before. What kind of a father is that guy?”


“Could we please focus?” Train could tell the subject was going to be changed again and chose to stop it quickly. What’s with this age group and their annoyance to me? I’m glad I didn’t go to high school now.


“Oh, isn’t that the girl over there?” The short girl pointed to a park bench seated near a large fountain.


Train turned his head in the direction of her finger and spotted the small, blonde girl the picture held. Barely thanking the kids, he made his way over to her.


Each step he took caused the girl to become clearer and Train to become more confused. Only feet away, Train was baffled beyond his wildest dreams. This is the all powerful weapon Torneo has been searching restlessly for?


She was so small. The picture didn’t show how small she was. Her hair was practically stark yellow and her eyes held a magenta color. Her face was covered in ice cream as she continued licking her cone happily. He was stunned. How could he think this was a weapon?


Stepping closer to her caught the child’s attention. She looked up at Train with the same eyes she held while eating her ice cream. Train didn’t know how he should act. If she really was Torneo’s weapon, he would have to be careful. Especially after what Creed had told him. Being cautious around a girl this small makes me feel like a wimp.


Looking down at the girl, he decided the only way to treat this was as if talking to a child. He knelt down to her height and asked, “Are you Eve?”


She blinked at him and nodded slowly. She seems a little scared, Train thought. Why would a weapon as powerful as her be scared? Screw that, why would a weapon like her be eating ice cream in a park?


“Who are you?” She questioned curiously, but also fearfully. “I can smell blood on you.”


Those words caused Train’s eyes to go wide and face to turn pale. She smells blood? Does she know I’m an assassin? That could explain why she was so scared.


“I’m… here to take you somewhere…” He couldn’t really finish his sentence. Something about this girl caught him off guard. When he heard weapon, he didn’t expect this.


“Take me where?” She asked, confused.


Train wanted to explain to her that he was taking her back to Torneo, but there was a nagging voice in the back of his mind fighting against that. Telling him that bringing her back would only cause trouble and this girl’s life was already screwed up enough.


“Who are you?” Train’s thoughts were interrupted by a question already asked.


He looked over his shoulder and saw the man the teens were talking about. His eyes nearly fell to the ground as he turned fully. The other’s facial expression was no different from Train’s as his jaw dropped to the ground.


“You!” They both said at the same time in shock.


“You’re Train!” He said shocked.


“And you’re that guy that helped Saya!” Train never learned his name. All he knew was what he looked like and that he helped Saya.


The eye patched man smiled and stuck out a hand for Train, “You never did hear my name, did you? I’m Sven Vollfied.”


Train smiled as well and took the offered hand, “Though you already know my name, I guess I’ll introduce myself. I’m Train Heartnet.” Releasing the hand, Train turned his gaze to the side, “Sorry I never tracked you down. I meant to, but I kinda got… caught up in something.”


Sven raised an eyebrow at Train as the younger man turned his eyes and smiled gratefully, “Thank you.”


The older seemed surprised, “For what?”


“For helping Saya. For trying to protect her. Knowing her, she probably told you to leave and any other person would have, but you obviously didn’t and for that, I’m indebted to you.”


Sven was still shocked from the first thank you and Train’s little speech only made him more surprised. He smiled, however, and patted Train on the shoulder, “What kind of gentleman would I be to leave a woman in danger?”


“Probably a normal one…” Train said with a small laugh.


Sven laughed as well before adding, “I kind of wanted to track you down too, but I never really got the chance. Not long after I got out of the hospital, a job of sorts opened up. With my profession, I need to take them while I can and I figured I’d find you after it was finished. Of course, one thing led to another and I never got around to it.”


This suddenly reminded Train of back when Saya used to mention jobs. He also remembered Saya talking about having to move around a lot and how sweeping jobs were never definite because another sweeper could take it before you got there. He still couldn’t understand why she was a sweeper if it was so difficult.


That’s when he remembered Torneo saying a sweeper and thief broke into his mansion. I find it hard to believe that this man is a thief. “Tell me, are you by any chance a sweeper?”


Sven seemed surprised again before he asked, “How’d you know?”


Train eyed the girl sitting on the bench behind them, watching the conversation intently, “How do you know this girl?”


The sweeper was puzzled by this before understanding hit, “Are you working for Torneo Ludman?” Sven changed his disposition slightly, as if ready for a battle to commence.


Looking back at Sven, Train spoke again, “In a sense you could say he works for me. Or my partner, I dunno how it works exactly.” It still felt weird to be referring to Creed as his partner, but Train couldn’t really deny that fact.


Sven couldn’t decide if his guard should go up or down at that statement, “So, am I right in assuming you’re here to take Eve back?”


Staring a Sven a moment longer, Train turned to the girl. She just seemed so confused and amazed by everything around her. The conversation the adults were having looked as if it scared her.


“I was, I guess… But…” The Black Cat was the type of person to trust his instincts. The moment he met Torneo, he got a bad vibe which became stronger after seeing what his weapon was. I can’t find it in me to turn her over to that man. My gut says no.


The sweeper saw the look in Train’s eyes and went at ease. He could tell he was going through the same thing Sven had gone through when he first met Eve. Though he couldn’t say for sure if Train had seen the girl’s powers, but it seemed pretty obvious that this was their first meeting and Eve hadn’t shown anything she could do yet.


“Could you at least tell me why she’s with you?”


Sven quirked his lips and thought for a moment, “To be honest, I don‘t know. I just opened my door and bam, there she was.”


“You must have made an impact on her.” Train laughed a little. Glancing at Eve again, he turned away, “Well, it doesn’t really matter to me, but you can bet Torneo’s men will be after her. If you plan on keeping her, I suggest you get as far from this city as you can.”


The sweeper raised an eyebrow, “Won’t your partner be after her too?”


Train stopped, paused for a moment, then looked over his shoulder at Sven, “We can keep this a secret between us. I’m pretty sure I can convince him to end the relationship we have with Torneo.”


He still hadn’t seen what the nanomachines could do, but after having a personal encounter with a weapon of their making was supposed to be, he couldn’t exactly say it was his cup of tea. What Creed told me about them seems pretty similar to Tao anyway. Why do we need it?


“Train,” the gunman looked in the direction where his name was called to see Creed. The swordsman smiled and made his way towards Train.


As he got closer, he stopped. Train followed his gaze towards Sven whose shocked expression quickly turned into a panicked one as Creed’s turned into one of hatred and anger.


Train was at a lost as to why these two were acting this way. He was about to say something when the loud screeching of a car entered their ears.


“We’ve finally found her signal, Boss Torneo. We’re closing in on her as we speak,” a man with short, white hair and suit to match said into a phone as he stepped out of a black car. Not long after that, several other black cars pulled up as well, filling the park with what seemed like hundreds of Torneo’s body guards.


They quickly approached Train and company with the white suited man leading, causing all three to forget the encounter that just took place. He sighed in relief as he spotted Eve.


“There you are, Eve. You shouldn’t have run off like that,” he grasped her arm and pulled her up, “Come now, we’re leaving.”


As he began to walk away, Eve yanked her arm back a little, “No,” she muttered half angry, half pleading.


“No? What do you mean, ‘no‘? You’re father is waiting for you. He’s been worried sick. Now come on.” He clearly pulled too hard as Eve’s face contorted in pain.


Sven growled and lunged at the man, pulling Eve free from his grasp. Shoving the child behind him, he narrowed his eye.


The man with white hair glared at Sven, “You’re the one that was caught on Boss Torneo’s security cameras. So we were right in assuming that Eve was with you.”


The sweeper continued to glare, “I won’t stand by and allow you to take a young girl against her will. If Eve chooses to stay with me, then I’ll do anything I can to protect her.”


It was then Creed finally noticed the small girl hiding behind the man he failed to kill. So this is Torneo’s weapon? I’m at a loss as to why he would choose such a small child as the host for nanomachines. Actually, he didn’t really choose her, that scientist did I guess.


The man after Eve glared at Sven in return, “If you won’t hand her over, then we’ll just take her by force.” He snapped his fingers, signaling for the guards to pounce on Sven.


As a handful leapt towards the sweeper, he took out his attaché case and fired rapid shots at them. It was amazing how quickly the park emptied at the sound of gunfire.


The few that jumped at him were quickly replaced with more behind him, catching Sven off guard. Just as Creed was about to help take Sven into custody, he stopped as he saw Train guarding Sven’s back, much like Creed had always guarded Train’s.


He watched as his cat made a swipe with his hand, sending the surrounding guards to the ground. As Train fired a few rounds of Hades at them, Creed’s heart nearly broke in two.


Why is he protecting this man? Was he an accomplice of that witch’s and he’s got Train under his spell now?


Creed was confused and hurt as he looked at Sven in rage, ready to slice a whole in his chest. The man looked just as confused as Creed was as he asked, “What are you doing?”


“Get Eve outta here, I can take care of these scum.” he said seriously.


Sven seemed unconvinced as he looked around at the number of guards circling them, “But–”


“Not ‘but’s, I told you I’ve got it under control. My conscious won’t allow me to let a little girl leave with people like this.” he peeked over his shoulder at Sven and smiled that smile that always made Creed’s heart melt. “Think of this as a way of repaying my debt.”


Repaying his debt? What does he mean? Creed also couldn’t figure out what Train meant by his conscious holding him back from taking Eve, but seeing Train deflect bullets shot at him compelled Creed to attack the source.


Once the guards were put out of their misery, Creed sent a death glare at Sven and a smile at Train. Train didn’t seem to notice the look he gave Sven and smiled in return, giving Creed the urge to squeeze him.


“Go, Sven. We’ve got this,” he wasn’t sure if Creed was fully aware of the situation, but he knew Creed never left Train to do a battle alone, no matter who he was fighting. As for the nanomachines, we’ll discuss that later.


Sven was once again staring at Creed in fear mixed with anger. He remembered all too well that night when he first met the psycho, and he couldn’t figure out how Train knew him, let alone why Train was fighting alongside him. No…Could this guy be his partner?


He didn’t want to believe it, but everything seemed to be pointing in that direction. Does Train not know what happened? If that’s the case, I can’t in good conscious let him leave with that man either.


Before he could even open his mouth, he was forced to grab Eve and dodge a barrage of bullets aimed at him. He covered the bio-girl, gritting his teeth as a few bullets scrapped against his skin.


Seeing the pain on Sven’s face, Eve looked at him, worried “Sven? Are you hurt?”


He opened his one eye to her and smiled, “They’re just scratches Eve, nothing to worry about. I’ve had worse.”


Pulling the girl up, he felt a bullet smash right through his shoulder, cutting clear through. He cried out in pain as he gripped his bleeding shoulder. Eve felt another hand grasp her elbow firmly and pull her away.


Staring at Sven a moment longer aghast, she looked over at the owner of the arm. She was being dragged away by the same man and Eve wasn’t about to take that.


“NO!” She screamed and shape shifted her arm into a giant blade. Slicing down in the air, she managed to hit the man’s shoulder which forced him to let go. She ran back over to Sven and eyed his wound with concern.


Train saw the scene since he was trying to stop the men from shooting Sven. So that’s her power, huh? He looked back down at the small child and old man in guilt mixed with amazement. Guilt because he wasn’t able to prevent Sven from being shot, and amazement at the girl’s powers.


He brought Hades up, deflecting yet another bullet and shot at the shooter, striking him through the heart. Turning back to Sven, he shouted, “Take her and go, Sven. Now!”


Sven tried to speak again, but was cut off as another shower of bullets made their way towards him and Eve. Eve stepped in front of him, forming a shield to block the bullets.


Train fired at the men shooting at the duo and looked at Sven angrily, “NOW OLD MAN!”


Sven only eyed Train and Creed a moment longer before standing shakily and grabbing Eve. As he made a run for it, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of worry. Not worry over the outcome of the battle taking place, worry over what the future held for Train. All I can do is hope I see him again. I don’t think he really knows what happened that night


Creed watched Sven run off, making sure he was out of sight completely. He was still confused why Train stepped to his aid, but at the time all he could think about was protecting and helping his partner. No matter what happened, Creed would stick by Train’s side. If Train was going to fight these people, he would cover his back the whole way.


More than half the guards were gone now, chasing after Sven and the bio-weapon. It was pointless since their main man was badly injured and Train wouldn’t allow any others to get past the park entrance. It was pretty clear Sven and company would get away safely. Creed cursed at that thought. He didn’t really care what became of the bio-girl too much, but he wouldn’t mind seeing Sven fall.


With one last quick motion of his imagine blade, the remaining guards fell to the ground with a thump. Turning back to Train, he saw his cat facing the man in white who appeared to be attempting to yell at him.


“What is the meaning of this?! Aren’t you on Boss Torneo’s side?! I thought you went to retrieve the girl, not kill all our men and let her leave with that sweeper!” His face was turning purple as he screamed. Apparently he wasn’t aware, that he was talking to the Black Cat.


Train shrugged and faced away from him, “I had a change of heart. People do that, you know.”


The man’s face turned even purpler as he tried to yell at Train once again. Train spun back around to look at him, and Creed just knew Train had flashed him his death eyes because he saw a dark stain forming in the seat of the man’s pants. Works every time, Creed thought maliciously.


“Just go crawling back to your precious boss with this little story in mind and a message: Consider our relationship over.” that said, Train turned and made his way towards a bewildered Creed.


As he approached, Creed opened his mouth to say something, but was silence by Train’s halting hand in his face, “We’re leaving, Creed.”


----------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------


“What do you mean, no nanomachines?” Creed was completely baffled. Between the events that took place hours ago and Train telling him the nanomachines were pointless, Creed was utterly lost.


Train sipped on his milk and looked to the evening sky. Creed wanted to call the scene romantic seeing the once blue sky was now half orange, half black with a full moon clearly visible. He could even see a few stars beginning to form. In fact, when Train had told Creed to come to the roof to have a little chat, Creed got his hopes up. Bringing up nanomachines really dashed those hopes. I practically ran up the stairs to get here. The swordsman frowned slightly.


“I’ve seen what they can do Creed, and I don’t think it’s worth it. The Tao pretty much allows us to do the same thing, but at least it keeps us human to a point,” placing the milk down, he leaned back on his hands. “Aside from that, the idea of Torneo being our source of information leaves a bad taste in my mouth.”


Creed frowned at Train this time, “I agree he’s not the best source of power, but we were only using him for a little while. After getting a certain amount of information, we were going to cut him loose.” Though Creed was trying to sound professional, he couldn’t help but pout in his head. I don’t wanna talk about business. Especially with this scene.


“You just don’t understand, do you?” Creed flinched at Train’s words, “That fact that we’re doing the same thing a man like that is doing, makes me uncomfortable.”


Creed still didn’t quite understand, making Train sigh, “He was using a small child in order to achieve his own goals. That girl’s powers were inhuman, worse than the Tao. As much as I want to get Chronos, I’m not willing to work with a man who would sacrifice a little girl–no matter how short the relationship would be–or turn myself completely inhuman.”


It was a few seconds before Creed finally understood. Even back in Chronos, Train had a soft spot for women and children. He wouldn’t involve any innocent bystanders, and would never harm a woman or a child. Creed had never understood that quality about Train and he often saw it as a weakness, but he knew it was nevertheless true.


Train was also the type that took care of his missions in a humanly manner. Well, his strength and abilities were inhuman, but he never ended a mission in an inhuman fashion, just impressively.


At Creed’s silence, Train decided to say what he thought would get the man to agree, “Remember earlier today how we discussed our partnership?”


Creed’s eyes light up at the thought. He remembered every word of that conversation. Just hearing Train refer to them as partners, made the whole world shine a beautiful golden color. He nodded, trying to keep his enthusiasm to a minimum.


“We came to an agreement that you help keep me from doing something too risky and endangering myself and I help you move the mission along and keep you from doing something unnecessary.” Train could tell this was working as Creed’s face was bright with happiness. Now facing Creed, he continued, “This is one of those unnecessary things, Creed.”


Creed looked at Train a moment longer perplexed which made Train elaborate, “You are right in saying Chronos is not an enemy to be underestimated. Had you not talked me out of it, I might have ran in that building by myself, taking on every Number at once. I can’t guarantee I would be here now, had that happened.” Though Train had a hard time admitting it, doing that was something even someone like him couldn’t take on. Every Chronos Number at once, plus their lackeys, is not something I think I could survive. I do owe Creed for stopping me before I did that.


Even in Train’s sadness and desperation upon Saya’s death, Creed was there to keep him under control so he wouldn’t do something stupid. The more I think about it, the more I realize how lucky I was to have Creed there.


“Even though I have all the faith of the world in you, I wasn’t about to let you do something that was a certain death sentence.” Creed said, smiling at Train.


“Back to the reason we can work together,” Train added, “Although you’re right about Chronos’ strength, you’re also wrong about how much strength we need to defeat them. What we have now is enough.”


“But, Train, I just want to be sure.” Creed tried to explain in vain.


“I am sure. You said it yourself, we’re both ex-Chronos members so we already know how they work added to the fact that we have abilities they don‘t know of. Not only that, we’re in the shadows. Right now, they don’t know what’s happening with us, giving us the time to figure out our next move.” Train lay down on the rooftop placing his hands behind his head, “We have enough, Creed. Figuring you’re the brains of the two of us, I thought you’d realize that too. Perfecting our abilities to the fullest should be fine.”


Creed watched Train as he lay there with his eyes closed. Pulling his legs up to his chest, he spoke, “So you really don’t want us to use the nanomachines?”


“It’s useless. With the devotion and strength of the comrades we’ve gathered, we should be fine. I’m all up for perfecting my new power, but that’s all I feel we need to do. That and one of your ‘oh so wonderful’ plans.”


Though he knew Train was being sarcastic, he could tell there was some sincerity behind his words. He wrapped his arms around his knees, “All right, Train. If you really don’t want to use them and if you really think it’s unnecessary, we won’t. I trust your judgment completely.” He didn’t want Train to go along with something that made him uncomfortable.


Looking over at his love, he could see him smile smugly as if some plan of his had worked. Creed sighed, placing his chin on his slender limbs, “I know I can get a little overzealous, especially if it’s something for you. I just tend to lose myself when it’s a matter concerning you.”


“I’m starting to learn that,” Train replied, his eyes still closed. “That’s probably why I’m here, Creed…to keep you from going over the bend.”


“I’d be lost without you…” Creed said in a half-whisper.


He wasn’t sure if Train heard him, but it didn’t matter. It was as though Train seemed to realize that without him, Creed would be a complete mess. I can’t say what might have happened to me without Train. Without him, I would just die…


Watching Train beneath the now starlit sky, his breathing showed signs of sleep, Creed smiled lovingly. He brushed the bangs out of Train’s eyes, gently outlining the side of his face with the tips of his fingers. It’s amazing how easily he can remind me of why I love him so much.