Black Cat Fan Fiction ❯ A Different Fate ❯ Love Breaks Bodies ( Chapter 12 )

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

Disclaimer: I do not own Black Cat, but I do own the new XIII, Kazuki, which I don’t think is much of an accomplishment.


Train would have been relishing in the cool wind that brushed past and savoring the sun’s hot rays, if it hadn’t been for the fact that he was staring down at the building where their first blow would commence. He and the “circus freaks” were standing atop a grandiloquent building, waiting for the word from Creed.


Suddenly, the Black Cat felt someone near him, but he could tell who it was before the unseen man even spoke.


“Are you ready for this, Train?” He asked in a cool voice.


Train kept his eyes on the building as he spoke, “Security seems tight.”


“Sephiria has been searching for us, after all. She’s smart enough to figure out this might be when we’ll show up.” He eyed his partner curiously, “Is that a problem?”


The gunman clenched his fist, determination mixed with rage beginning to flow through his veins. “The more the merrier.”


Creed both knew and adored that look in Train’s eyes. It was the look that had made Creed fall in love with him. He knew his Cat’s patience was wearing thin, and so he decided to get this show on the road.


Spinning around, he smiled sinisterly at his Stars, “Take your positions and wait for the signal.”


Echidna placed her elbow on her arm, touching her fingers to her lips lightly, “But you still haven’t told us what this signal is.”


Creed continued to smile that malevolent smile at her, “You’ll know it when you see it.”


That seemed to appease Echidna and everyone else in the group. The actress opened up a gate for her comrades which they all stepped through. She gave Creed one last look, sighing sadly as she saw his attention drawn back to Train, and stepped through the dimensional fissure herself.


Creed went to stand next to his beloved again, eyeing him intently out of the corner of his eye. “Well, Train?”


The look in his Cat’s eyes never changed as a malicious half-smile swept across his lips. “Let’s do this…” he said after seeing his group all in position on the ground.


Train aimed his gun upwards nonchalantly and fired one shot. The bullet hit the dead center, of the engine of a helicopter flying overhead, causing it to explode. Creed took half a second to be in awe of the awesome explosion Train had created, before looking down to the building below, seeing his comrades starting their mini battles with any security official they could.


Creed laughed venomously, “This is our first step towards our final goal, Train! Let’s have some fun, shall we?”


“You don’t have to tell me twice.” Train answered as he leapt from the building with Creed following closely behind.


Using the confusion brought on by their fellow members and their own godlike speed, both men were able to reach their desired location undetected. Kicking the door down, Train quickly threw a flash grenade inside, blinding anyone within range. The Black Cat fired shots at the blinded security, taking them out as easily as if it was from point-blank range. Creed meanwhile pulled his out his Imagine Blade and proceeded to stylishly slash and impale those who Train ignored.


Once everyman they could sense had been eliminated, neither man moved from their positions. They didn’t let their guards drop, as the smoke and bright light, brought on by the grenade vanished, and they could clearly see the occupants of the room.


Train growled as the figure of a young, feminine woman dressed in black came into focus. “Sephiria…”


Standing in the middle of the room was Number I, surrounded by a select few other Numbers. Her sword was raised in the air, standing in a position that told Train she blocked all the bullets he fired. The posture of the other members showed they had evaded both Train and Creed’s attacks as well.


The idea of attacking blind enemies was short lived. He knew the moment he threw the grenade in, the room was not full of the people they thought it would be. Creed must have known too, he’s good enough to figure that out as fast as I did. He must have given his sword visible shape so he could surprise the Numbers later. Train couldn’t help but smile at that thought. Creed really loved showing off his powers to people, so he would want to be able to see their faces when they witnessed a sword with no blade.


That was when Train fully took in the group around Sephiria. Belze stood next to Sephiria, as usual, with Baldor and Kranz beside him. On the other side of Sephiria stood a man Train had never seen before.


He seemed pretty young, maybe a little younger than Train. His hair was bright blonde, cut to the shoulder, with a long face. Instead of classic black sunglasses, this kid chose to wear red ones. His tattoo was placed on his right cheek. Train laughed mentally at the image. I would understand if his number was a little smaller, but putting a Roman numeral thirteen across someone’s face seems just cruel to me.


His position didn’t seem too threatening. He looked more so like he was bored than anything else. His weapons weren’t even drawn. Train could see two Black sai attached to each of his long legs. How’d he evade the attack then?


Train smiled, “A trap, huh? So you finally found us.”


“We’ve been aware of your location for several days now. I had a feeling you’d make your first move here. The timing was just too perfect.” Sephiria said, Christ’s blade still aimed in a defensive position.


“Is your organization really that corrupt where it takes you half a year to find two runaways?” Creed said with his trademark sinister smile. “Guess I should expect nothing more, from garbage like you.”


Sephiria ignored that comment, “Train Heartnet, Creed Diskenth: Are you aware of the fate of a traitor to Chronos?”


“You’re one, to talk of betrayal.” Train spat as his eyes became colder than ice.


Number I narrowed her eyes at that statement, then pointed her sword between the two ex-Chronos members, “I’ve given you your warning. If you choose not to listen, then you two will feel the wrath of the Chronos Numbers.”


She ran towards the two partners at incredible speed. Train and Creed were barely able to dodge to the side in time. Her sword nicked Train’s shoulder a little, but barely enough to draw blood.


Train had almost no time to react as he sprung into the air, avoiding Baldor’s Heimdall. The Black Cat folded his arms as he peered down at the Numbers’ shocked faces.


“You guys either must be desperate or stupid to use the ‘Collateral Twins’ for two traitors like us,” Train chided.


“What the hell?! Since when can you fly?!” Baldor shouted from below.


“A lot has happened…and there are a lot of things, you don’t know.” Creed said from behind, before swiping through the air, taking a big chunk out of Baldor’s shoulder.


The tall man jumped back, and stared at Creed in disbelief as he raised the invisible blade to his mouth, licking the blood off.


“Don’t tell me…Tao?” Sephiria sounded like she was in denial as she looked up at Train, “Heartnet, is this what you’ve been reduced to? Joining forces with a man like this and obtaining a power as inhuman as Tao?”


Train narrowed his eyes at the woman. For some reason, the way she talked about Creed really provoked him. How dare she–Saya’s murderer–even dare to judge me, or Creed?! He tightened his grip around Hades, “At least Creed’s never betrayed me like you did!”


As Train shot at Sephiria, Creed felt the all too familiar guilt settle in his gut again. He trusts me now, but that trust is misled. I would never do anything to hurt him, but somehow I ended up doing just that–in order to get him back… And I can’t even tell him the truth…


The bullets shot at Sephiria clanked to the floor as she cut them all in half. Train dived from his position in the air, but was forced to fly to the side as Baldor shot his rocket powered hammer at him again. As it followed after him, Train made a swish of his hand, causing the weapon to fly back at Baldor. Number VIII jumped to the side, just in time to avoid the blow.


Train planted himself back on the ground and shot his trademark death glare at the man, “I only want Sephiria.”


“Train!” Creed shouted as he leapt towards his partner.


He noticed that he was too far away to stop Kranz’s vibrating knife from slicing Train’s neck, so he used his imagine blade to cut Number IV’s hand. Kranz pulled his hand back and glared at Creed, who returned the gesture tenfold. Seems a little pointless to use an invisible blade against a blind man, but he doesn’t seem to be able to sense it as he could a normal sword.


“Thanks, Creed.” Train said as he leapt into the air again, soaring back over to Sephiria’s direction.


Landing in front of his former leader, he strengthened his glare. Sephiria aimed the pointed tip of her sword at Train, an intent look in her eyes.


“What is your qualm with me?” She asked, keeping her voice calm and collected.


“I’m sick of this little charade you and you’re group keep playing. Stop acting dumb!” Train yelled as he fired more shots at Sephiria.


His bullets weren’t block by her, however. Both Belze and the new XIII stepped in front of her to deflect the bullets.


Train growled at the two “bodyguards”. “What? Sephiria can’t take care of herself? Since when was the great Number I such a coward?”


“We deserve an explanation, Heartnet. Why are you after Sephiria? Why did you betray us? Why are you actually cooperating with Creed Diskenth?”


His hold on Hades was so tight by now that his hand shook, “One, I didn’t betray you. I wasn’t going to stay that much longer anyway. And two, you guys really want to continue with this game, I’ll flat out tell you. You murdered Saya!”


The look on Sephiria’s face changed only slightly, his words triggering a lost memory. But Train’s voice interrupted it, as he continued. “Ring a bell now, Number I? And I’m working with Creed, because he’s the only one, out of your weapon-happy little groupies, that ever seemed to give a damn about me!”


Train flew above Number II and XIII, and over to where Sephiria still stood. He launched himself down at incredible speed, Hades ready to strike her against the head. Sephiria was too fast and blocked the blow with Christ.


As their weapons were crossed and Sephiria looked into Train’s glowing eyes, she could tell there was nothing but cold hatred there. But even then, she couldn’t help but ask, “Why do you think I killed that sweeper girl?”


“I thought you’d be done playing innocent…” He growled, gritting his teeth in hatred.


Sephiria’s calm, emotionless face only fed Train’s anger, “Answer me Heartnet. Why do you think I killed her?”


Train slashed his gun to the side, breaking the cross between their weapons and spinning to her side. “Who else would have done it?! Who else could have known I made contact with her?! Who else had a reason?! Even if the reason was selfish and cold-hearted…”


That’s when realization hit her. She looked to the side where Baldor and Kranz were desperately trying to figure out the location of Creed’s sword. Creed…


Before she could speak her thoughts, Train leaped at her again. She sliced her sword through the air between them, halting the Ex-Chronos Number’s movements.


“There is someone else who could have done it. You need to listen to me, Heartnet.” Sephiria said in a demanding voice.


The tone of the female swordsman’s voice cut through Train’s last nerves, “You can’t tell me what to do anymore, Sephiria! Stop trying to lie and protect yourself!”


He dodged to the side of her blade, using his powers to push it to the side. As he ran back towards his target, he was forced to jump back on one hand, avoiding another thrust from Belze.


Train now glared at Number II, “How many times do I have to say it? My only opponent is Sephiria.”


“You fight Sephiria, you fight the rest of us.” said a new voice from behind and Train was barely able to jump in time to avoid an attack from his replacement.


Train once again, floated in the air as he glared down at the new XIII, “Take my advice kid, and get out. Chronos will only use you for their own goals.”


The blonde kid spun his two sai around on one finger, “Why should it matter, if our goals are the same? And don‘t call me a kid, my name is Kazuki (1). Don‘t forget it.” That said, he threw the two trident-like blades at Train, who made them crash to the ground, lodging them there.


Train couldn’t help but laugh as he looked back over to Sephiria, “This is who you had replace me? I gotta say, I’m a little insulted.”


“Don’t underestimate me just yet!” the kid shouted at him, his face slightly red.


To Train’s shock, the sai he planted into the ground had boosted itself back up and was making their way towards Train again. He has little rockets attached to the pointed ends? Okay, that’s pretty clever, but can he control it like Baldor controls Heimdall?


His question was answered as the weapon followed after him. Deciding it was humiliating to run, Train stopped and faced his pursuer, then caught them between his two fingers.


Spinning it around so he held it right, Train smiled, “You have a thing for the young ones, Sephiria?”


Not looking at her, he threw the sai in her direction, not needing to know the New XIII stopped them in time. Train landed gracefully on the ground and eyed the trio that stood before him.


“I take it I won’t be able to get fight Sephiria alone, will I?” Seeing neither Number move, Train frowned, “Fine. I didn’t really want to fight you, but if you give me no choice, I guess I have to.”


Creed turned his head to see Train battling I, II and the new XIII by himself. I can’t let him battle them alone, especially Belze and Sephiria. I don’t know much about this new Number, but I do know I and II and are the best they have. (That was excluding Train, of course, but he wasn’t a Number anymore.)


Springing to the side to avoid another blow from Baldor’s hammer, Creed stabbed his sword down between the chains, stopping it from moving any further. The swordsman and the Number stared each other down. I have to get at least one of them away from Train, preferably Belze.


If he distracted Train’s replacement, that would still leave his beloved to deal with the two most powerful Numbers. That’s what Creed didn’t want. And Train wants to fight Sephiria, so I need to get Belze away at the least.


Remembering the battle he was currently part of, Creed used his sword in the ground as leverage to jump and avoid a thrust from Kranz, using his momentum to kick Baldor in the chest. As Baldor fell, Creed pull his sword out of the ground and dashed towards the battle Train was having. He could already hear Baldor stirring, along with several curses thrown at him.


Creed stopped and spun back around to face the duo, “Now, now, is that really the language, men such as yourselves should be using? No wait, scratch that, it’s probably the only language you know.”


As expected, Baldor growled and launched Heimdall back at him. Creed smiled and leapt into the air, causing the weapon to wiz past the backs of Number II and XIII, who were currently double teaming Train. Creed then ran in front of the two Numbers, Heimdall still following, he glanced at Train, a slight wink in his eye.


Train got the drift and pushed the Chronos members back with his mind, who crashed into the chain behind them. Before they could act, Creed ran to one side of the Numbers where Heimdall had turned, and slammed his sword through the chains once again. Train took that opportunity to run to the opposite end and grasped that part of the chain around his hand, pushing it into Belze and Kazuki.


It was an embarrassing display as the two Chronos assassins flipped over the chain and landed face first on the floor. Train’s moment of fun was interrupted as Sephiria sliced past his head. He turned and smiled to her, “So, you finally gonna fight me yourself?”


“It was never my intention to avoid you.” She answered with a stern face.


As Creed watched Train slam his gun backwards into Sephiria he sighed in relief. Train was able to get his battle alone with the woman. I’ll let him duke it out with her. The biggest problem now, is my battle.


He looked around to the surrounding Numbers and smiled evilly, “So, who wants at me first?”


Belze answered his question by jabbing towards his stomach, making Creed jump backwards. He was forced to jump again as Kranz stabbed at his head, then again as the new XIII sliced at his back.


Deciding it was the best option in this scenario, Creed leapt into the air, only to be quickly followed by Baldor’s Heimdall. Damn, this is gonna be difficult. But if it gives Train his awaited moment, I’m willing to play it out.


Creed slashed his sword, causing the rocket-boosted hammer to fall to the side. Baldor made it spin around Creed’s head, nailing the pale man on the other side. Creed crashed to the floor, but rolled over as Belze jammed his Gungnir in the location his head once was. He flipped himself backwards and cut his sword through the air, blocking XIII’s sai that were thrown at him.


Practically pinned to the wall now by the Numbers, Creed cursed in his head. Damn, what next?


Belze stepped forward, “There’s no use in fighting now, Diskenth. You may as well give up. It’ll be less trouble for us, and less painful for you if you do.”


Creed couldn’t stop the manic laugh that left his throat, “Do you not know me at all, Belze? Since when have I ever given up?”


The sliver haired man vanished from his cornered position quickly as he ran to the side and up a wall. Flipping himself in the air, he landed behind his opponents and sliced at their backs, creating deep wounds.


Creed continued his laughter, “It’s hard to block a weapon you can’t see, isn’t it?”


Train turned at the sound of Creed’s laughter. He seems to be all right, but I really wish he wouldn’t take them all on himself. Where the hell is the rest of our group? Train was beginning to get paranoid. Creed had been fighting off four Numbers by himself now too long for comfort. Though he seemed fine, Train wasn’t sure how much longer his friend could fight them off.


Feeling the wind wisp around him, Train fell to the side to avoid a blow from Sephiria. Damn it, I’m getting distracted by Creed’s battle. Why can’t he just lure some over here? I’ll take them off his hands.


“Why are you being distracted by Diskenth?” Sephiria’s cool voice asked from behind.


Train turned to meet her gaze, “Creed’s my partner and frankly, I don’t feel like having him killed today.”


“I never thought I’d hear those words leave your mouth. What is it that makes you trust Creed so?”


The Black Cat gritted his teeth, “I thought I explained that. Creed was the only one who seemed to care about me in Chronos, and always steps up to help me no matter what the odds. I owe him.”


Sephiria lowered her sword slightly, “Did you ever stop to think, that this is all a façade put on by your partner?”


Train narrowed his eyes, “What sense does that make? Creed’s the only person that hasn’t lied to me, the only person that has helped me, and the only person that has shown some type of concern for my wellbeing. The real question is: why in the hell should I trust you?!”


Sephiria slashed her sword at Train once more, who easily jumped away. “Because I know the truth.”


Train was baffled by this statement, but distracted yet again as he heard a small cry of pain leave Creed’s voice. But as he turned to see what had happened, he felt a blade stab him in the stomach, though not very deeply. He made a gurgled noise at the pain, pulling Sephiria’s sword out immediately.


Creed heard Train’s cry, and turned his eyes toward him too. He watched as his Cat gripped his stomach painfully and saw blood leak through his fingers. Panicked, he yelled out, “TRAIN!”


He couldn’t make his way over to his beloved as his opponents stopped him. His anger grew higher and higher as he continued to block and dodge attacks thrown at him, keeping him from getting to his Train. He growled as one hit him to the ground and backwards, father away from Train.


No… He’s hurt. Please let me get to him. What if he’s been seriously wounded? I need to save him. I need to help him. He was shaking with rage as his eyes became blinded by fury and began to streak with crimson, as he saw more of Train’s blood drip to the floor.


DRIP…


DRIP…


At that moment, something broke within him and Creed let out a bloodcurdling scream that caused everyone in the room, to freeze. A flash of blinding light surrounded Creed, causing everyone to cover their eyes, even as it died down a couple minutes later. When the light was gone, Creed stood there with a disturbing look on his face, and a new sword in hand. The new blade was animate, and had pointy teeth and a tongue sticking out, its saliva falling to the ground like that of a rabid wolf’s. The look in its motionless eyes reflected the ones in Creed’s.


The swordsman only stood there a moment longer, his voice distorted and lowered in deep anger, as he spoke in a threatening tone. “Let me get to Train.”


A chill passed through most of the Numbers, and Creed slashed his sword behind his back, cutting deep into their chests and knocking them to the ground. He made his way silently over to Train, whose battle with Sephiria had ended the moment Creed released his bone chilling scream. The crazed swordsman only made it a few feet, before Belze attacked from behind, wedging his weapon deep into the other man’s shoulder.


Creed turned unflinchingly, and glared at his attacker with almost completely red, frenzied eyes. He gripped Gungnir tightly, causing blood to well from his palm, as he pulled the spear out, and promptly threw it in the air, along with Belze.


Number II was able to land without trouble, and watched as Creed eyed him with poisonous eyes. He couldn’t help but flinch, ever so slightly…


“Don’t get in my way, unless you want to die.” Creed’s voice was dark and empty of everything except loathing as he spoke.


Changing his course back to his desired one, Creed approached Train, the arctic, slaughterer look in his eyes quickly changed to the kind, caring one Train had seen so many times before.


His partner bent down slightly in order to see Train’s eyes from his slouching position. Looking down at the wound he held pressure on, Creed removed his hand.


“Are you okay, Train?” He asked as he inspected the small wound.


Train was too in shock to notice Creed had lifted his shirt up a little, to get a better look. He blinked in confusion before finding his voice to ask the question everyone in the room had been thinking, “Creed… what the hell is that?”


“You’re not bleeding too bad… still; we need to fix it before you lose more blood.” Creed didn’t seem to hear his question.


Train tried a different approach, “It’s not a big deal, and the blade didn’t pierce that deep. Now answer my question: What the hell is that?”


Creed looked up at his beloved who pointed at the blade in his hand. Creed eyed it as well, “You know…I’m not sure. I think it’s the next level of the Imagine Blade.”


“Next level?! You mean there’s more than just the one?” Train asked, aghast.


“I believe so…” Creed wasn’t completely sure on this either. He’d never see it before. In his rage to get to Train, his mind had splintered and this is what came about.


The rest of the numbers seemed to be getting out of their stupor, as Baldor shot his Heimdall at the two partners. Creed spun around and caught the hammer in the mouth of his sword. As he began to laugh, so did his blade which spit it back out at Baldor.


Number VIII was too shocked by the sword’s move to jump out of the way in time. His own weapon smashed him in the stomach then into the wall. Train was in shock too, unable to avoid another blow dealt by Sephiria. This one was from the back of her sword to the side of his head, throwing him across the room. Train rolled a couple times before regaining his posture.


Creed saw Train fly out of the corner of his eye, making him worry further. Where the hell is the rest of our group? They should be in here helping us fight the Numbers. That was the reason we trained so hard. “Train, we should leave. Your wound could open more if we continue.”


Train growled in annoyance, “I’m fine, Creed! Stop worrying and let me fight.”


Train twirled into the air, averting a thrust made by Belze, who decided to help out his leader once more. He wasn’t the only one, as Kazuki’s sai came flying at Train. The Black Cat bent backwards causing the weapon to fly over his body, but wound up getting socked in the stomach with Baldor’s weapon at the same time, slamming him to the ground. Train rolled to the side, in an attempt to free himself from this sudden onslaught, only to have Kranz appeared out of nowhere, and slice him along the side with his vibrating knife.


The gunman let out a cry of pain as he stopped and knelt on one knee. He glared at the surrounding Numbers, who apparently all wished to help Sephiria in any way they could. Damn, what the hell?! All of a sudden Creed’s old news and I’m the target? I didn’t want them all to come after me, just a few so Creed wouldn’t have to fight off so many. Or is it…that they don’t want to face Creed and his unpredictability anymore?


The Black Cat stood, determined to take them all on at once if he had to, but that’s when he noticed Sephiria was not among those in front of him. Where the hell did she…?


A small stab to his back turned his attention to what was going on behind him. Train’s eyes went wide as he saw Creed standing with his back to him, his body acting as both a defense and a shield for the Cat. Looking down, he noticed Sephiria’s sword had pierced right through Creed’s torso to the hilt, the point of the saber protruding bloodily through the man’s coat. The jab he had felt, was only the apex of the blade, the majority of the metal buried deep in his partner’s body. It cut all the way through, only pricking me…that hit was meant for me but he stepped in the way; he was protecting me, like he always said he would. He watched in stunned silence, as Creed’s blood began to pour out of him.


Train was too horrified to notice the movement stirring behind him. However, Creed did notice and quickly pulling Christ out by the handle and throwing it to the ground, before grabbing Train by the shoulder and twisting him around his body. He was rewarded for his quick movement, with two black sai that had been meant for Train, stabbing him deeply in his body. They cut towards his stomach and chest, scraping against bone and flesh, as they traveled all the way up to just below his neck. As they sat inside him, Kazuki twisted them with his boosters, before shooting them back out in frustration, that he hadn’t been able to get his intended target.


The brutality set against Creed wasn’t finished as he pushed Train to the ground, protecting him from a stab through the chest by Belze. The weapon found itself lodged deep within Creed’s upper body, seeming as if only inches from the vital spot. Creed pulled the spear out roughly, causing him stumble forward a little. He threw the weapon back at Number II weakly, who caught it with ease.


Train felt an anguish and vehemence he had never felt before well up strongly within him, as he watched his partner’s blood readily escape all his wounds. Sweat dripped from the man’s face, as his breathless lungs fought urgently for air. His eyes were so dazed by the sight of his partner’s blood, he once again wasn’t able to act in time for an attack, causing Creed’s hand to reach out and guard Train’s exposed neck. He was saved from Kranz’s throwing knife, meant for the jugular vein, and was now skewered in the swordsman’s hand.


The movements of the vibrating blade made it quick and easy for it to dive completely through Creed’s bones. The switch to turn the blade off was now too deep into the pale man’s palm, making it impossible to stop it from moving. Creed gritted his teeth as the pain of a vibrating blade shot throughout his entire hand, until he plucked the object out with agony, throwing it to the ground.


Creed turned his blue eyes to Train, now full of nothing but pain and worry. He attempted to steady his voice he looked at his beloved, “Are you…okay, Train?”


Train was speechless, something within him was slowly snapping. Creed had just taken multiple lethal blows, all for the sake of saving his life. Train had never had anyone do that for him ever. With every strike that Creed received, a steaming ferocity and wrath within him became hotter and more dangerous than he had ever felt before. He had only felt this kind of anger once before–the night of Saya’s murder. Yet, even then, he had kept a lid on it, before something happened that he regretted. However, this time, it was getting beyond his control. And the thing was, he simply let it…


But before Train could say or do anything, Creed grasped his arm firmly, picking him off the floor and throwing him to the other side, rescuing him from Baldor’s flying hammer. Heimdall nailed Creed in the side of his body, making him fly across the room and slam, head first, into the wall.


Baldor chuckled as he summoned his weapon back to him, “Aiming for the Black Cat is much more fun, knowing Diskenth will just step in the way.” He caught his hammer as he smiled over at Creed. “Let’s see the Tao cure that.”


A sudden gunshot went off, the bullet nailing Baldor straight between the shoulder blades, barely missing his heart. The man went to the ground in an instant, clutched his bloody chest, the wound being a through-and-through.


Everyone’s attention turned back to Heartnet, who held Hades firmly in his hand, a whiff of smoke wafting from the barrel. Every Number, including Numbers I and II, had to take a step back from the simple intensity of the young man’s eyes. In all the time they had worked together, Sephiria had never seen such ire in the Black Cat’s golden eyes before. Even his famed “Death Glance” which caused even the most hardened criminals to defecate themselves, was tame in comparison to the gaze he was giving them now…


Train slowly backed up, with his gun prepared to mortally wound whoever moved. Purposely stepping on the injured Number VIII, he made his way over to his fallen partner.


He spoke, his voice low and extremely deadly, “If any of you, so much as touch him. I swear on all that I hold sacred, I WILL kill you.”


With that said, he held up one hand, and with a force far stronger than any he’d ever produced, he sent a telekinetic blast towards the Chronos Numbers, sending their flailing bodies across the building, and straight into the back wall. Sephiria could hear the sound of bones cracking, and flesh ripping, as she and her men slammed into the plywood and fell onto the floor, dry wall and debris fell onto them from the craters their bodies had formed on impact. As she flitted between consciousnesses, she thought to herself, that she had never seen this side of Heartnet before, and that bothered her…


Seeing that his attack had been quite affective, the rage slowly drained out of Train as he looked back over to his partner lying on the ground, a bloody, beaten mess. Crap! He thought, as he ran over to the spot Creed laid. He pulled him out of the wall, before holding his crushed body in his arms. He noticed how his once silver hair was now stained red as more blood escaped his mouth. Creed’s nose looked broken and parts of his jaw shattered. Train could already see massive bruises forming on his cheek and his right eye was beginning to swell.


“Creed! Creed, damn it, say something! Open your eyes!”


Creed’s breathing was slow, but his battered chest was still beating steadily.


He shook the man slightly, trying once again to get some motion out of his partner. “Wake up, you bastard! Don’t fucking do this to me!”


One blue eye opened slowly, as the other was swollen shut. “Train…are you… okay?”


He’s still asking about me? What the hell? He just took an entire onslaught meant to kill! He needs to worry about plain living right now…


Train’s voice cracked as he spoke, “You idiot, you’re the one who just got attacked by half of the Chronos Numbers. Stop worrying about me for once! Concentrate on breathing!”


Creed smiled weakly and closed his eye again, snuggling into Train’s warm body as much as he could as darkness began to take him over. “That’s good… you seem fine.”


Train watched Creed’s eye closed and saw his chest barely moving, body relaxing completely against him. He felt his voice crack further as he screamed, “DON’T YOU CLOSE YOUR EYES! STAY WITH ME!” He actually felt a tear slip from his control, “You’ve never left my side even when I didn’t want you there, so don’t do it now!”


As if on cue, the rest of the Apostles of the Stars ran through the door Train had kicked down. They looked around the room, hoping to spot either Creed or Train.


“Morons! What took you so long?!” Train shouted to them from the other side of the room, catching their attention.


Echidna gasped as she saw the shape Creed was in as the others looked around in awe at the collateral damage that had been caused by the fight between Numbers and their leaders. Heading over to them, Train held Creed tightly, but gently so he wouldn’t jar so much. As he came closer, Echidna made her way over to the duo, kneeling to the ground to get a better look at Creed.


As she saw the bloody pile that was her leader, she looked at Train regretfully, “I’m sorry, but the other Numbers arrived outside. We got caught up in that–”


“Shut up, I don’t want to hear your excuses right now!” Train had only looked at the woman for a moment before turning panicked eyes back on Creed.


She reached to check his pulse, but Train smacked her hand away violently, “Make yourself useful for once, and open the gate!”


His voice was both severe and terrifying as he spoke, making Echidna both angry and scared, “What the hell happened to Creed?”


“Don’t ask questions, and just open the damn gate! Creed needs medical attention now, and your attitude is not helping!!”


Echidna looked down at Creed again before looking back to Train’s lethal eyes. “Where to?”


“Not the mansion. Creed’s told you the locations to the other places he’s set up, right? Open to one of them.”


“Which one?”


“What difference does it make?! Just take us as far from here as possible! NOW!”


Echidna nodded and opened a slit in the air. Train jumped through and shouted at the rest of the Apostles without looking back, “We’re leaving. Hurry up before I leave all you miscreants behind.”


Creed’s body was pressed up close to Train’s, his head buried into his shoulder and his hands gripping at his shirt tightly. Somehow, Train managed to pull him closer; as if afraid he would disappear in his arms. Don’t you die on me, Creed. Hang in there just a little longer…


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


The moment they arrived at the new hideout, Train ran to Doctor’s lab and placed Creed on one of the beds, where the scientist immediately began examining the man. He had to wave Train out of there, since all he was doing was pacing back and forth, asking repetitive questions.


His disposition was no different outside the room than inside. The only difference was his face was paler and his hands shook slightly. The Black Cat continued to pace in the same spot in front of the door leading to Doctor’s lab and Creed’s hospital, almost creating a dip where he walked.


Echidna was leaning against the wall next to the door, arms folded as she watched Train pace. She was worried about Creed too, but Train seemed to be near a nervous breakdown.


Watching the Cat only a moment longer, the actress decided to ask, “What happened?”


Train didn’t seem to hear her voice. He was too trapped in his own thoughts. His face was thoughtful, yet blank. No one would be able to interpret what the look meant. So many emotions shot through it, yet he seemed void of all feelings. As if he wasn’t even there.


The female Taoist tried again, “I’m sorry, but the other Numbers arrived outside. We didn’t know that would happen, so we weren’t prepared and they delayed out entrance.”


Seeing no response from Train, Echidna sighed. There was no way she was going to get answers or explain herself this way. Even if she tried to force Train to reply, it would most likely end in her death. What the hell happened to make the Black Cat this worried and Creed that injured?


Finally, the door leading to Doctor’s lab opened. The creaking of the door was the only thing that was able to wake Train’s consciousness.


He eyed Kanzaki impatiently, “Well?”


Doctor gestured for Train to enter, who wasted no time in doing so. He walked briskly over to the bed Creed lay on and stared down at pale face. The blood covering him was gone now, making it seem as if he were just sleeping. Or… Train thought and turned hurriedly to Doctor.


He seemed to know what Train was thinking and answered, “If you would calm yourself, you would see he’s still breathing. Though he’s not in good shape, he isn’t dead either. But he’s hanging on by a string; when you brought him in he had already gone into shock but I was able to get him through it. In order to stay at least in the critical to serious status, he’s going to need a blood transfusion.”


Train looked up at him questioningly, “Blood?”


“His blood flow is really low…without a transfusion, his probability for survival is pretty slim. Even Tao can’t react fast enough to compensate with this. However, Creed’s blood type is pretty rare, in fact he has the rarest in the world: Type AB negative. Barely one percent of this entire continent has this blood type.”


Train couldn’t believe this. Of all the people in the world, my partner had to be the one with the rarest blood. “Tell me where I can get it.”


Doctor smiled at Heartnet’s urgency and bluntness, “I don’t think it’s necessary to steal any as of now. While none of our blood types are compatible with Diskenth’s, you have blood type O negative, correct?”


“Yes, I guess so, what of it?”


Kanzaki went over to the table and began to collect some equipment. “That would make your blood not only the universal donor, but also the second rarest blood type in the world. You should thank fate that you’re not an O positive. Sit down next to him please.”


Train stood his ground, “What exactly does all that mean, and how will this help Creed?”


Doctor smiled back at him, “It mean’s you’re the only one here, who’s compatible. You’re the only one who can save his life.”


It took only a few seconds before everything began to click in Train’s guilt-ridden mind. He promptly pulled over a chair and sat down, taking off his coat and laying out his bare arms, mumbling under his breath. “Why didn’t you just say that to begin with…?”




It took a half an hour before the transfusion was done. It had taken a lot out of him, but the reward of hearing the heart monitor beep with a strong and steady pulse was enough for him. Train, though lightheaded from all the blood loss, felt no regrets about it. If he could have given his own heart to save Creed, he would have done it without a single second thought. It was the least he could do…


While Doctor was throwing away all of the used disposable equipment, he asked another question, while putting his aching arm through the sleeve of his coat once again. “What else is wrong with him?”


The scientist walked over to a table filled with medical utensils and took a long hypodermic needle from off of it. “He has a major cerebral contusion. His lower mandible has been dislocated, and his nasal septum has been broken. His second, third, forth, and seventh ribs have comminuted fractures, while ribs five, ten, and nineteen are simply complete fractures. His upper right phalanx, has linear fractures on the third and forth metacarpals, and there were two major puncture wounds to his high and middle epigastria area, which were inches away from being lethal. This ended up causing a class III hemorrhage and internal bleeding. Luckily, most of the other lacerations weren’t as deep as originally thought, so there’s no need to worry too much about those. Yet, we still need to look out for infection.”


Train looked at the man, clearly not understanding a word, but only knowing that it sounded really bad. From the sounds of it, Creed just barely avoided Death’s door…


Doctor paused in his explanation to inject Creed with some type of medicine. He looked at Train’s distrustful face and smiled, despite the fact that it didn’t seem to ease the Cat at all. “Don’t jump to conclusions, this is merely to numb the pain in his sleep.”


He then placed the now hypo in the trash unit, ignoring Train’s unconvinced glare. “The cerebral contusion…uh, head injury, seems to be the worst of the wounds. While the Tao has already started to heal most of the wounds, the one to his skull has put him in a Level five coma, which is pretty serious. There was some bleeding in the brain, caused by several broken capillaries and a hairline cerebral fracture, but it was nothing I couldn’t stop with a little pressure release. However, that wasn’t able to stop him from going into a comatose state.”


Train watched his friend’s peaceful face. If he didn’t know better, he’d think he was just sleeping. There was a large bruise on his cheek and his hair was a mess, but that didn’t change the angelic look Creed held. Staring at his temple, he saw through the skull and messy hair to the bleeding Doctor had said he already stopped, then to the swollen eye, where the inflammation seemed to have died down only a little. The wounds inflicted by Chronos Numbers, didn’t look any better to Train as he watched them intently.


He forced his eyes to look away, and instead stared down to Creed’s bare chest, heavy bandages wrapped around the areas where he had been stabbed. But to Train’s eye, he could still see the wounds given to him by Belze and Sephiria as if they were still fresh and uncovered. To Train, the injuries caused by Kazuki’s weapons looked like accents to horrible damage already done.


His eyes turned over to Creed’s arm, which had an IV drip and transfusion needle in it. The hand Kranz’s knife sliced through was bandaged up, but not to Train’s eyes. Train saw the hand as exposed, with the broken bones sticking out of flesh.


Doctor stepped up behind him, “Though I’m hesitant to move him, I think that after six or seven days, it’d be much better for Creed if he was placed in a softer bed. This examining table won’t be good for his muscles when he awakens.”


Train only stared down at Creed for a moment longer before standing, “I’ll take him up to his room once I figure out which one it is. It won’t be hard. As soon as I find mine, his will be the one next to it.”


The gunman left the room, passing by Echidna without a second glance. The actress waited a second, before stepping into the lab herself, eyeing Doctor from the doorway.


“Ah, Ms. Parass, I should have known you wouldn’t be far behind.” Doctor greeted her with a smile.


She walked over to Creed and looked down at his closed lids, “Is he okay?”


“He’s in a coma.” Doctor stated bluntly.


The actress turned to him, distressed at this statement, but he merely laughed, “He should wake up when the Tao finishes healing him. Though that will take some time, and when he does regain consciousness, he’ll probably need some rehabilitation.”


Echidna seemed calmer at that and turned back to face Creed. She moved some hair from his eyes before speaking. “…Did Heartnet tell you what happened?”


“I didn’t ask.” he answered frankly again. “My job is to just heal him, not get the full story on what happened.”


“Train seemed to be feeling guilty over something. Like this was his fault. That was really the only thing I could gauge from his expression. Well, other than complete distress.” Echidna said.


“Knowing Creed’s protectiveness of Train and Train’s risky nature, I assume Creed was using his body as a shield for his partner.” Doctor replied emotionlessly.


“That would make sense…” Echidna said in a hushed voice as she sat next to Creed. “Still, I want to hear the story from Heartnet.”


The door was slammed back open, revealing Train who walked up to Creed without a looking at either of the two in the room. Still not looking at Doctor, Train asked, “I’m having his room prepared. Are you sure he can’t be moved sooner?”


Doctor replied matter-of-factly, “To do so any sooner, would kill him. His body is too fragile right now. However, you found his room awfully fast.”


“It wasn’t too hard; it was the only one with a piano in it.” Train mumbled half to himself, with a small smile at a memory.


Echidna was forced to move from her spot as Train moved to stand next to Creed. He lightly stroked the swordsman face gently.


Feeling it was her time to exit, Echidna left the room, but not before seeing Creed clearly smile and rest the side of his face against Train’s hand. She sighed almost visibly. Does he know it’s Train, even when he’s in a coma?


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


Train stayed by Creed’s side almost the entire time inside the medical ward. On the first night, while he was sleeping out of pure exhaustion, Doctor healed the Black Cat’s wounds, and gave him a shot of antibiotic to take care of any infections. Train hardly noticed the bandages the next day, all his attention taken by watching over his partner.


Exactly a week later, Creed was moved back to his room personally by Train. The Cat now sat in a lounge chair next to Creed’s bed, as his partner slept. His forehead was placed in his hands as his elbows rested on his knees. He had been sitting like that for almost two hours now, while Echidna was standing at the doorway, watching.


After a couple more minutes, she tried voicing her question once more, “What happened?”


Train was silent for a few more seconds before speaking in a quiet voice, “It’s my fault. I was too wrapped up in my revenge to listen to Creed, when he said we should leave. He…sacrificed himself for me…”


As the Cat spoke, he seemed to be trying to control his emotions, but failing. His voiced was cracked the entire time and one of his knees began to shake.


“So he did use himself as a shield…” Echidna said to herself. It didn’t matter, since Train seemed to have already forgotten she was in the room.


“We would have been there sooner, but the rest of the Numbers arrived. We were forced to fight them off. They left though, for unknown reasons.” Echidna tried explaining once more, though it didn’t make her feel any less guilty. “Charden says he thinks they had a silent signal as when to leave.”


Train waved a hand at her, as if saying he didn’t really care. He would have yelled, or even hurt her if he wasn’t so tired. The Black Cat sighed even louder and sunk deeper into the chair. He felt weak, emotionally drained as he stared up at the ceiling. Movement from Creed caused him to look over quickly. His partner’s uninjured hand was stretched towards him, grasping in the air as if reaching for something. The longing look on his face made Train’s heart ache. What is it that he wants?


It was then he noticed how close his partner’s hand was to his own. Thinking back to when he was in his own short blackout, Train reached his hand out and took hold of Creed’s. Creed immediately wrapped his hand around Train’s and his body relaxed. A smile crept across the man’s thin lips as his head turn towards Train. Judging by the look on the injured man’s face, Train could tell he was having another good dream.


Train smiled and wrapped his fingers around Creed’s hand as well, grasping it just as tightly as the pale man’s were around his.


Echidna’s chest hurt as she watched the scene before her. Train seemed to be warming up to Creed quite a lot lately, and this last incident only deepened their relationship. I still don’t want to give up. I still don’t want to admit to myself, that he’ll never return my feelings.


“You need to accept this as a lost cause, Ms. Parass, before you give yourself a tumor.”


The voice that suddenly spoke behind her was one she recognized. Charden stood at the doorway, watching the scene along with her. He smiled at her before speaking again, “After witnessing this display, I can safely say Train’s feelings are changing. I’m sure you’ve noticed him acting a little different around Creed lately, but this has to be the warmest I’ve seen him act towards the man.”


She turned back to the two partners, Creed’s eyes shut, as his head was still turned facing Train, a smile still on his lips. Train’s head leaned back as he closed his eyes, seemingly falling asleep, but still holding firmly to Creed’s hand.


Charden placed a hand on her shoulder, knocking her out of her daze. “The heart wants what it wants, Echidna. A longing as strong as the one his holds, there’s no way to change it. It’s best you learn to just move on.”


With one last graceful smile, he left the room silently. Echidna looked at the scene a moment longer, before following after the blood Taoist. She decided it was best to let Creed get some rest, especially when the man comforting him was the one most suited for the job.


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


Two and a half weeks had passed since their attack against Chronos and Train hadn’t left Creed’s side for hardly a minute. The only time he got up, was to fetch Creed water or to use the bathroom. All the food he was served was barely touched, as his guilty heart wouldn’t allow his stomach to keep it down, when he remembered Creed wasn’t able to eat because of him.


He must be starving. Since his jaw is better I’d feed him if I could make him swallow. I don’t want to take the risk of having him choke. Giving him water was different. A liquid was easy to massage down Creed’s throat. The IV was feeding Creed for now, and though it was liquid food, it kept the man alive.


His hand was still wrapped around Creed’s. Every time he let go, his partner would start to whimper uncontrollably until he held it again. Then the whimpering would be replaced with a happy smile. If I didn’t know better, I would say he was awake. He always knows when I leave because that’s when he starts to throw little tantrums.


Train adjusted himself in the chair he sat on slightly, resettling the pillow and blanket around himself. After he discovered the chair was a recliner, he quickly made it his new bed next to Creed. He would sleep there every night, just in case Creed took a turn for the worse, or the more desired option: woke up. Doctor says he’s getting better. He even said he might wake up soon. Train didn’t want to get his hopes up though.


The rest of his group made visits to see how Creed was doing. Shiki and Maro, however, only seemed to stop by to see if their other leader had woken up yet so they could plan their next move. Train’s reply was always an angry, “I don’t know” followed by his infamous death glare. He couldn’t stand how the only thing on their minds was when the next attack on Chronos would be.


Not that I’m any better. Creed’s in this condition because of my stupid want for vengeance. I should have listened to him. He still wanted to attack Chronos, but for another reason now. Yes, he desperately wanted to avenge Saya’s death, but now he wanted to make them suffer, for making Creed suffer. He just wanted their existence to end, for so coldly trying to end that of his friends.


Looking at Creed, he had the sudden urge to fix his untamed hair. Creed was the type to keep things neat and his hair was no exception. Yes, it would get unruly at times, but that would only happen when something distressful occurred, and Creed slipped into his unstable state. Train was always the one to get him out of that. He wouldn’t want to leave his hair unmanaged all this time. Though I don’t think I’m the type to tame hair.


Nevertheless, Train decided to help his injured partner out. Leaning forward, he lifted Creed’s head up and pressed strands of hair down gently. After they were back in place, he started to smooth out his bangs. His hair’s grown, Train noted.


He watched Creed’s face as he slept. Train had never taken the time to notice this before, but everything about the man’s head was light, almost contrasting his personality. His skin was a fair, creamy color, and his hair was bright silver, with slightly darker highlights. Not only that, his eyes possessed an amazing crystal-like blue with a small hint of crimson in them, which intensified with the amount of passion he acquired. He was glad to note that his one swollen eye was back to normal since he was afraid he wouldn’t be able to see out of it again.


Why did I start noticing all this now? I’ve known him since I was eighteen. Though I guess I barely noticed Creed was alive back then. The warming sensation Train was becoming used to and even enjoying, started to build in his heart again, spreading throughout his entire body. He smiled at the feeling, still watching Creed’s slumbering face.


The Black Cat closed his eyes before he let himself fall to sleep. Using his powers, he turned the lights off. If he got up from his position, Creed would start to whine again and every time he did, Train’s heart would break, and then he’d feel even more guilty than he already did.


With that thought, he simply held Creed’s hand tighter as sleep took over.


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


Blue eyes opened slowly in a darkened room. Looking over to a window, he could easily see that it was the middle of the night. Feeling something pulling at his hand, Creed looked over to see his Cat lying asleep on a chair, pillow beneath his head and blanket draped over his body. The moon and stars shining through the window illuminated his face, making Train’s exquisite features seem fragile. Well, in fact, his Cat did look slightly fragile; his body slightly emaciated, and his appearance was haggard and drawn.


Looking down, he noticed how Train’s hand was holding tightly to his. He felt his whole disposition brighten and tried moving closer to the beautiful limb, wanting to nuzzle his face in it. He groaned in pain as he tried moving, which stirred his love awake. Creed pouted inwardly, as he knew it wouldn’t be happening now.


Train stretched and opened his eyes. Seeing Creed awake, he raised himself on one hand, “You’re awake?”


Creed smiled playfully at his beloved, “No, I’m still asleep. This is just a dream.”


His partner frowned, “Well, I had to make sure this wasn’t a dream before I got excited. Last time I confused my dream with reality, I nearly broke your window in frustration.”


Creed looked at his Cat confused. Did he dream of me waking up? That wouldn’t have been much different from Creed’s dream then. His entire dream consisted of Train being with him as more than he already was.


“Ow!”


Train’s exclamation of pain made Creed turn his head painfully quick to look at him. Apparently, his love had pinched himself to make sure he was really awake. The pale man sighed happily, but also painfully as his muscles ached and his entire body seemed to be manageably throbbing. He really did think this was just a dream. That means he’s been waiting for me to wake up.


The gunman readjusted himself, tugging at Creed’s hand which was still firmly grasping his, a huge, tender smile forming on his face. “You are really awake! You’ve been in a coma for over two weeks now. Doctor said you would wake up soon, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up in fear of…well anyway, you also seem to be making a faster recovery than expected. I assumed it was because of me, since every time I left your side, you seemed to do a little worse, but when I stayed, you got much better. That was one of the reasons I decided to sleep here.”


Seeing that smile made his pulse go double-time, as Creed slanted his lips. “One of the reasons?”


Train seemed embarrassed to continue, “The other reason was…I just wanted to make sure you didn’t take a turn for the worst, and I wanted to make sure you had someone there when you woke up. I haven’t left this room for more than five minutes since you’ve been out.”


Creed honestly thought if he weren’t in so much pain, he would have kissed Train. His heart was beating fast and he was sure his eyes were showing complete gratefulness and love, as he looked over at Train. The best part was, his look didn’t seem to bother Train. In fact, it earned him another smile. And he still hasn’t let go of my hand. Oh, if only I had the strength to move closer.


Suddenly, Creed remembered what happened. His look of love turned into a look of concern as he asked, “Are you okay?”


That question seemed to throw Train back, “Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be?”


“You were injured too in the battle. Did you get medical attention right away?”


Train sighed tiredly, “Would you stop worrying about me? My wounds were nothing compared to yours. The Tao in my system was able to fix them okay. Your injuries required more effort to heal. You almost died, Creed.”


The sadness and regret in Train’s voice made Creed’s chest burst with pain. I made him worry. I feel horrible.


“How do you feel?”


Creed was taken off guard by the question of concern. He smiled warmly at his Cat, “My body aches, but I’m okay.”


Train made a relieved sound at that. Even though Creed wasn’t completely better, he was at least glad to see he was awake and talking properly. He might not be able to move very well, but he will in due time. I’ll help him recover.


Then, another thought occurred to Creed, “What happened with Sephiria and the other Numbers? They didn’t hurt you anymore did they?”


Train let out another tired sigh, “No, I…took care of them. They’re not dead unfortunately, but they have their share of wounds to lick.”


Creed arched an eyebrow at him, “You, ‘took care’ of them?”


Train smiled, “I couldn’t stand it anymore; how Chronos was making you suffer and I kinda snapped. After that, I was too concerned for you to worry about anything else. You’re wellbeing has been the only thing on my mind since that day. That, and how to get vengeance on the Numbers, for how they tortured you.”


Creed’s spirits soared at Train’s words. Now he was after Chronos for him, too. Even though I can tell he still wants revenge for that witch, I’m part of it too now. He felt the all too familiar guilt rise within him again at the thought of Saya. Creed was still glad she was dead and glad she was no longer in Train’s life, trying to seduce him, but he felt also felt bad about lying to Train for all this time.


“I’m sorry.” Creed said, for more reasons than Train knew. “I didn’t mean to worry you. I didn’t mean to take you away from your original goals. You should have left me where I was, and taken care of Sephiria. You shouldn’t have let me get in the way.”


Creed felt a very small slap on his head. One meant to scold, but not hurt. He looked over at his beloved Cat, making a stubborn face.


Train’s face was that of friendly concern, “Idiot, why do you think I would abandon you for scum like Chronos? I care about you more than that.”


The smile on Creed’s face was so big; he thought his cheeks would burst. Train’s next words were filled with antagonism, but made they Creed’s happiness seem almost like it should be illegal. “You scared me big time, Creed. As well as pissed me off. What’s wrong with you?! Why would you sacrifice yourself like that for me, and then have the balls to ask how I was? If you pull another stunt like that again, I’ll be sure to smack you hard enough that you won’t wake up.”


Feeling like he was on the brink of tears of happiness, Creed said, “Okay, Train.”


“Good,” the Cat replied as he lay back down on the chair, his own eyes threatening to well up once again.


As he watched Train’s eyes close, he had to ask another question that just occurred to him. “How was Sephiria able to get a hit in on you? The one to your stomach?”


Creed remembered that moment all too well. It was when level two of his Imagine Blade was revealed. He nearly lost it then.


Train hesitated for a moment, before answering his question. “I got distracted by your battle. I didn’t like you fighting all those Numbers at once. Don’t ever do that again either. If you put yourself at such risks again in my favor, I’ll be sure to be the one that kills you.”


But Train’s words lacked conviction as he spoke. He knew his beloved Cat only meant that as a warning: to never put himself in such a dangerous situation again. It only means he cares about me…he cares about me a lot. He was concerned about me, and he didn’t leave my side for a moment. “Now you know how I feel.”


“What do you mean?” Train asked.


“When you take such risks, what you’re feeling now is similar to how I feel. You always say how I need to calm down before I give myself a heart attack, but now you know how I feel, don’t you?”


Train smiled, “Touché, I guess. But it’s in my nature Creed, you know that.”


Creed smiled and nodded, even though it hurt his muscles to do so. Suddenly, he was reminded of a moment that happened back when they first began their journey. “Isn’t this moment reminiscent, Train?”


Train opened his golden eyes to Creed’s blue ones and smiled, “Yeah, just reversed positions. I do have to find ways to make up for everything you’ve done for me. I don’t feel like letting you have all the one ups.” He closed his eyes again, “Besides, I couldn’t leave your side knowing all you would do is cry and moan until I came back… That really annoyed me…”


Creed watched as his love fell asleep, totally exhausted. His beloved’s chest rose and fell slowly, making him desire badly to kiss his cheek, to pet his hair, or to just touch his face…any type of intimate contact would have sufficed. But his aching body would allow him to do none of that. So instead, he contented himself with just tiredly falling asleep alongside Train…their hands still firmly clasped together.


(1) I looked up Japanese names and that one said it meant, “first of a new generation,” “pleasant peace,” “shining one” but I picked it for the “first of a new generation“ part. I figured it was right since he’s the new XIII