Hiya! Thanks for reading this story so far! To all who reviewed: I LOVE YOU!! Thanks so much!
Warning: This chapter is unbeta-ed, because I figured that many people had waited long enough for this. Which, by the way, is the longest chapter so far!
By the way, This chapter was SO much fun to write! I loved intricating everyone's personalitites, but tried to keep them in character! Which reminds me: incywincyspider, you got your wish, which i found funny as i read your review, sonce I had this written a couple days ago. Hope you all enjoy chapter 4 of 31 Days!!
Disclaimer: If I owned Black Cat, Saya would not have died, and her and Train would be living out in the country somewhere with 3 kids. But, they are obviously not, so i quite obviously do not own it.
31 Days: Chapter 4- How You Remind Me
Never made is as a wise man
I couldn't cut it as a poor man stealing
And this is how you remind me
This is how you remind me
Of what I really am
In which the gang in introduced, Saya and Train do not get along, Train threatens people, and Saya sees something...interesting
Car rides were so incredibly boring. Especially rides that seem to never end; they are so long. Especially rides in old, broken down old cars that were in desperate need of an update, yet never got one despite the fact that driver worked for an incredibly powerful organization.
Saya sighed, adjusting in her seat for what felt like the thousandth time that minute. She was trying to be patient, she really was…but she never was the most patient person. "Train, when are we going to get there?" she asked. From the driver's seat, Train sighed slightly.
"When we get there." He answered her, shortly. Saya sighed again, flopping down on the adjacent seats next to her, gazing imploringly up at Train.
"But…can't you go faster…?" She asked, whining a bit. Though she never liked to think of herself as one who whines a lot…she was so bored. At least on normal car-rides, she could move her hands. But not for this ride, no she had to have them tied because, god forbid, she tried to grab the steering wheel and crash the car into a tree, because she just so wanted to die. "Feh…men." she muttered to herself.
"I can only go as fast as the speed limit allows. We're already wanted, so I do not need a cop trying to chase us too. We've already got enough of those on our tail." He replied, annoyance lacing his deep voice. Saya winced at his tone.
"Look, I never really had a say in my capture, so I can't agree with you there. You seem like a…interesting person, but I would rather not be sitting in a car with my hands tied behind my back." She snapped back, a bit more harshly than she had originally intended to.
"And I never wanted to capture a bratty little girl who doesn't know her place, and never listens to what her elders tell her to do, even if it is for her own good. Instead she has to go and run away, then get into trouble and beg for said elder's help." He growled, glowering at her through the rear-view mirror.
Saya blushed in shame, and lowered her gaze, "I...I'm sorry that I did not listen to you. But try to imagine it from my point of view: you just got captured, and have no idea where you are and your captor just killed someone with practiced ease! I was scared!" She exclaimed, begging him to understand her plight.
"I understand. That is why I did not get mad at you." He said to her, golden eyes considerably softer as he glanced at her in the mirror. Saya blushed again, but for an entirely differently reason. And she did not even know why.
"A-ah…ok," she said, her eyes looking at him through the mirror, and Train focused his gaze back onto the road. Both were quiet for a while, and Saya looked out the window, for once appreciating the view of the forest the car was allowing. Her eyes started to droop a bit, since she had not got a whole lot of sleep the past night. Just…one minute… She thought, her head sagging into her sternum, her eyes closing softly.
"We're here," Train's voice cut through the thick silence between the two, the uneasy truce of silence. Hearing no answer, his eyes flicked to the mirror. "Hey, you still alive back there?" What he saw made him smile slightly to himself.
Saya had slipped on her sleep, and was leaning as far to the right as the seatbelt would allow, her hands still behind her back, her head hanging slightly in sleep. Her eyes were closed, her long lashes brushing against her smooth cheeks. Her mouth hung open slightly, but she did not snore, just kept on sleeping silently. He never would have noticed she was asleep, had he not looked back.
Train pulled up into the paved parking lot, and downshifted the car into a stop, and killed the engine. He got out and walked over to Saya's door, pulling the piece of blue metal open. "C'mon. Time to wake up," he said. When Saya did not stir, he sighed, "Ok then, have it your way." And he leaned over, unhooked the seatbelt, grabbed her hands and hauled her out of the car. Saya finally woke at this rude treatment.
"Hey! Wha- where's the fire?!" she exclaimed, eyes blurry from sleep. When she got a look at the person who was holding her, her eyes finally came into focus, "Oh, hey Train. Might I ask what you're doing, pulling a lady so rudely?" She admonished.
"Hmmm…" Train looked around, "I don't see any ladies." He stated, looking at her, one eyebrow raised.
Saya fumed, "N-no ladies!? Excuse Me!"
Train nodded, and spun her around, completely ignoring the affronted look she was shooting at him. "You're excused. Now hold still, so I can cut these." And with that, the ropes fell off her wrists, from a simple flick of his knife. "C'mon." He said, turning and waking toward the large building.
Saya spun around, and jogged to catch up with his long strides. She paused when she got a look at the building. "Uh, Train…shouldn't we not go in here? I mean…you don't want to get caught…do you?" She questioned, looking up at him.
Train smirked, and looked down at her. "Yes, I do not want to be caught. But this place is special."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, the only people who know of it are Chronos Numbers or sweepers that work for Chronos." He told her, swinging the door open and holding it for her.
"Oh…that would make sense." She muttered as she walked inside, immediately assaulted by the smell of old cigarettes and alcohol. She looked up at Train for guidance.
"Welcome," He said, "To the Amontillado." Saya nodded again, and walked behind Train, letting him lead the way…and was once again assaulted. But not but smells this time-oh no…but he did smell really nice- it was by a man.
"Hey there, Hon. What're you doing in a place like this?" He asked her, his teeth sparkling as he smiled charmingly at her. Or, at least, he meant it to be charming. Saya did not find it at all attractive.
She looked around for Train, her eyes pleading for help, but he had his back to her, talking to a taller- and older- man in a tan suit with…green hair…? It just kept getting weirder and weirder…
"Umm…no thanks." she mumbled, blushing a bit. The man was really handsome, with longish black hair, a black suit and a yellow striped tie.
He smiled a bit more gently at her, "So, why are you here? Your not…" he started, but following her gaze, he saw Train, "Ah. Sorry…I didn't mean to scare you." he said, a bit despondently, rubbing the back of his neck in shame.
"It's ok," Saya told him, smiling widely at him, "I was just attacked by two groups of men within a three hour period…so I'm a bit…" she trailed off, still smiling. The man smiled at her again, and Saya felt- for the first time- that she liked him. Not like, like but he was kind and seemed to be chivalrous- though a bit amorous for her taste.
"Oh! I'm so sorry! I forgot to introduce myself. Come sit with me," He said, walking over to the bar and Saya followed him, "I'm Jenos. Jenos Hazard." He told her as he sat on one of the wooden bar stools, gesturing for Saya to do the same.
"I'm Saya Minatsuki. Nice to meet you." she said, holding out her hand, and shaking Jenos'.
"Now, how about a drink for the pretty lady, eh?" He asked. Saya shook her head.
"I'm not of legal drinking age."
"oh?" Jenos looked surprised, "I thought you were. You look to be around 20. If you don't mind my asking…how old are you?" he inquired.
"I'm 16." she answered. Jenos looked stunned.
"Black Cat…capturing a 16 year old…" Saya heard him mutter to himself, "What…must not be a Chronos mission…" he looked back up at her.
"Do you know why you are captured?"
"No. Apparently it's 'Customer Confidentiality'." Saya mocked, quoting with her fingers, her voice dropping a couple of octaves. Whatever Jenos said in response was drowned out by a loud yell.
"JENOS HAZARD!" A woman yelled, sprinting up to the pair, and smacking him upside the head with her small red hand-bag, "YOU PERVERT! LEAVE POOR, DEFENSELESS WOMEN ALONE!"
Saya felt a bit affronted at this; she was hardly defenseless. She looked at the woman beating up poor Jenos, and realized this must be his girlfriend. They seemed to fit one-another.
After the woman finally knocked Jenos unconscious, she dragged him from his seat. "I apologize for anything this perv has done; buying drinks, getting drunk, promising at sleep with you, or any sort of sexual harassment." The woman snarled the last word, kicking Jenos as she did. Saya gulped and nodded her head.
"No, we just talked. He was quite kind, compared to my monotonic captor." she said, glancing briefly at Train, who was still in conversation with green-haired hat-man. The woman's mouth opened a bit in shock.
"Oh…so you're Heartnet's target…or captive, I should say…" she muttered. Saya briefly wondered why everyone was acting this way. "oh! I'm Rinslet Walker. But you can call me Rin!" She exclaimed, holding out her hand, and Saya shook it, looking the woman up and down.
Rinslet was a bit taller than her, and much more curvy. She had collar-bone length purple hair- again with the weird colors?! Was that a regulation around here? Weird hair?- and wore a tight, navel showing turquoise shirt with a black stripe down the front, with a matching mini-skirt, and black heels. Her eyes were a beautiful turquoise, just a few shades lighter than her outfit, and wore a red heart necklace the was hanging from a gold chain.
"It's nice to meet you." Saya said conversationally. Rin smiled at her, and- leaving Jenos, whom was still out cold- sat on the stool opposite Saya, grabbing Jenos' alcoholic drink and taking a long pull.
"Ah. That was refreshing. Now, I bet Jenos was an ass and didn't order you anything. What would you like?" Rin asked Saya, who got the feeling that she had just made a new friend.
"Um…I'm not of legal age…" she said, thinking that she should put a sign on her forehead stating that she was underage, just so people would stop asking. Not that it was annoying…but she got the feeling that she would be asked a lot more this night.
"Really?" Rin asked, looking perplexed.
"Yah, I'm only 16." Rin smiled at Saya, who was taken aback by this.
"Cool. I have an underage friend! Whoo!" She yelled, leaping up off the chair. Saya leaned back, her eyes growing wide.
"Uh…" she said, feeling a little horrified, "I think that Rin might be a light-weight…" And her suspicion was shown true when Rin bounded over, grabbed Jenos' drink, and downed it. "Uh…Rin…" Saya said, smiling a bit sympathetically, "Maybe that's enough alcohol…" But apparently not enough to quench Rin. She ordered another drink, some blue slushy-like drink. And downed it. Saya winced as she dropped the glass onto the counter and took her head in her hands.
"Wooaaahhh…that…hurts….heh…my head…hurts…" she said, a look of shock on her pretty face. Saya looked at the bartender for help, but only got a patronizing stare as she continued to methodically clean the glasses.
"Not much you can do, once she's started." The bartender said, and Saya looked at her nametag, reading the name Annotte silently to herself.
Saya heard a thump, and looked around in time to see Rin trip over a still out Jenos and fall to the floor. Who, once she hit the floor, started laughing insanely.
Annotte sighed, and walked over to the small swinging door, and walked out and over to Rin. "Stupid girl…" she muttered, picking up the still laughing Rin and carried her back inside the bar, and opened the door behind her, "I'm taking her up to my room. She'll be back down later, since she recovers quickly…for a light-weight. Stay by Train, some men in here are rough sweepers who have no manners." And she turned around, closing the door behind her.
Saya nodded, and hopped off the barstool, stepping around Jenos- who looked like he might be waking up- and walked into the dining hall in search of Train. She did not have to look far.
Train was at the pool table, playing with the hat-guy. By the looks of it, Train was winning.
"Aw man, how come you're always so good at this, yet your catch phrase is that you bring bad luck?" The man whined, leaning against his pole like he had just run a marathon.
"Well, my luck rubs off on other people. I carry it, but it does not affect me." Train said with a grin, smacking one of the balls into a hole. As he leaned over, Saya got a good look down his shirt, which caused her to blush and look down, faltering in her step.
She gulped and closed her eyes for a moment, "Ok Saya, this guy is your captor. He may be hot, but he is a killer. C'mon now, get real." she muttered to herself, smacking her face lightly. And was consequently ran into by someone.
"Hey watch it!" A guy yelled as Saya slammed her eyes open, and looked at the man. He was tall, with white hair styled into a Mohawk and wore loose, baggy clothing.
"You watch it! You ran into me!" Saya exclaimed, her dignity getting the better of her.
The man snarled, "You stupid girl! Learn respect for your elders!"
Saya snorted patronizingly. "Please. That's all you are, my elder."
The man lose it. "Why you-" He snarled, raising a fist to punch her. Saya stood, narrowing her eyes and raising her arms in defense. But his arm never did move.
"Must you always get into fights?" Train's baritone asked as he twisted the man's arm over his shoulder. Saya blinked, and frowned at him.
"I don't need your help!" she snapped.
"Oh, really?" Train asked, roughly tugging on the man's arm, and the man cried out with pain in response. Train snarled harshly into the man's pierced ear, "You better leave the lady alone. Apologize, and be on your way."
"No!" The man snapped back, a last ditch attempt in bravery. Train pulled out his Hades and jammed it against the man's ear.
"Apologize to her." He snarled, his arms twisting slightly as the man tried to get free. Train cocked his gun in response.
Saya watched this I horrified fixation, her hands covering her mouth. Train's friend had not moved to help either man. She looked back at the stalemate two, and saw the Mohawk man was sweating in fear; Train's eyes glowed angrily. Just a minute ago, he had been happy- playing pool- but now he was the killer XIII again.
"T-Train…it's ok…really…he just bumped me…" She said, reaching out and touching Train's tense arm, expecting him to strike at her. But he did just the opposite: he relaxed slightly.
"Apologize to her." He growled again- but with less ferocity, and the man nodded hastily.
"I-I'm so sorry, miss. It-It won't happen again…" The man stuttered, and Train released him. The man ran quickly for the exit, as if he was afraid Train would take back the offer to let him leave.
Saya sighed in relief. "You did not have to do that…I was fine." she said, her voice loosing volume as she talked.
Train looked down at her, "Oh really? It certainly looked like you needed help."
"I did not," Saya stated, her hands on her yukata covered hips, "I was just acting defenseless."
"I never said you were defenseless, just in need of help." Train said patronizingly. Saya sighed in frustration.
"Oh, so now you're twisting my words around!"
"No, It's what you said."
"No, I said I was acting defenseless!"
"Nope, your posture had no guard, practically screaming: 'Someone, help me!'"
"No. It. Was. Not!"
"Yes. It. Was."
The two were toe-to-toe now, glaring into each other's eyes with enough anger to light a fire. At least, Saya's eyes were. Train looked mildly annoyed, which seemed to be a shock for all who had stopped to watch the argument.
Train smirked at Saya, who was trying to look intimidating, but it was really hard to do if the person is taller than you. And an assassin.
"I really was fine." Saya muttered, crossing her arms.
Train smirked, "That means I win."
"No," Saya countered, "It just means that I'm more mature than you." Train- who looked flabbergasted at her stealing his thunder- opened his mouth to say a witty retort, but was cut off.
"Yes. Girls are approximately six years older, than men, in mental state." A girl stated, who looked a bit too young to know these things. Saya blinked, taking I the pretty girl. She had long blond hair- that reached her knees- that she wore down except for the black ribbon that held part of her hair in a half-ponytail; pretty, round amber eyes; clear skin and looked at be about 10. But her clothing was reminiscent of Rinslet, with a short, black, lacey turtle-necked dress with long sleeves, and had mid-thigh length black stockings.
"Wha…" Saya remarked, showing her intelligence. At least, up against this girl, who was obviously a child prodigy.
The young girl stuck out her hand. "I'm Eve." She said in an oddly monotone voice. Saya shook her small hand, surprised at the grip it held.
"I'm Saya Minatsuki. I'm 16, so I'm not of legal drinking age, thank you." she told the girl, who looked a little weirded out. Saya laughed slightly, rubbing her neck, "Sorry, reflexive action. I've been asked twice so far if I want a drink, so…"
Eve nodded, understanding, "Yes. I have yet to be asked that question myself, though, since I appear to be 10 or 11."
Saya smiled at the younger girl.
"Eve!" Saya heard a cry from behind her and turned to see the hat-man walking up to the three. Now he was closer Saya could see a black patch covering his right eye, and he wore a tan suit and matching hat. But the green hair…everyone here had something unusual about them…suddenly, Saya felt very plain.
"Hi!" The man said as he reached them, grinning widely as he swung a black briefcase in his left hand, a cigarette hanging from his mouth, "Nice to meet you. I'm Sven Volfied." The man said, holding out his hand, which Saya shook, feeling déjà vu.
"Saya Minatsuki." She said with a bright smile. Train seemed to finally wake from his shocked stupor.
"We should get going." he said, and gestured for Saya to follow. She, on the other hand, ha dno intention of going anywhere.
"No." she stated, folding her arms and frowning at Train, who turned to look back at her, a mildly surprised look crossing his face.
"Excuse me?" He asked, quirking an eyebrow.
"You're excused. But I'm not leaving." She said, turning her head to the side.
"Yes, you are." Train said, stepping back toward her.
"No." Saya replied, wishing she knew of a good retort. Wasn't this pretty much the same argument they had not that long ago?
Train sighed, and- quicker than her eye could see- darted forward and grabbed her upper arm. "Let's go." He told her shortly, almost dragging her to the exit.
Saya, try as she might, could not escape from his vice-like grasp. She really wanted to be mature about this but….
She planted her feet on the floor, and slid onto her butt. Train, who was not willing to drag her across the ground- yet -looked down at her, amusement clear on his face.
"What…are you doing?" he asked, smirking a little. Saya grumbled a bit from her position on the floor.
"I'm not going. I actually met some nice people, and I would prefer to stay with them." She told him flatly, trying to leave no room for argument.
"Oh, really? Well, to bad. We have to get going." Train said, and with a surprisingly strong tug, pulled her to her feet. But only for a moment, since the velocity caused her to go up…and to fall back down, onto her face.
Train snorted, trying to keep from laughing. Saya sighed from the ground, and twisted her head to glare at him.
"See? I'm not going."
"Don't think that I'm not afraid to drag you across the ground." Train told her warningly.
Sven and Eve, who had been watching this exchange with amazement, chuckled to themselves at Train's comment. Yes, Train might try to drag Saya, but he would not find an easy time of it, that was for sure.
"Sven…do you think…?" Eve asked him, looking at him imploringly, her eyes telling him the rest of her unfinished sentence. Sven grinned, and nodded.
"You do need female company…and Rinslet isn't the best role model. This girl, one who is not afraid of the Black Cat, might be good." Sven said thoughtfully, "It's amazing, what that girl can do. I've never seen Train so…"
"Alive?" Eve offered.
"Yes. I've never seen him with an actual emotion. Do you think she is…?" Sven asked, looking down at his partner and daughter-figure.
"I don't think so, Sven." Eve said, and Sven sighed in sadness, "I know so." She finished, and Sven looked up again, hope in his green eye.
"Well then, I'll go and talk to them." he said, and turned to walk up the pair, only to stop short, biting back a laugh.
Saya planted her feet and butt, growling lightly as she was dragged across the wooden floor. Or, at least, attempted to be dragged.
Train sighed, pausing to catch his breath. He was fit, but this girl…she was so stubborn. How was it that she was not listening to him? Was she not afraid? He looked back at her, golden eyes alight with curiosity. "Why don't you make this easier on the both of us, and get up, hm?" he offered.
Saya frowned at him, speaking through her gritted teeth, "No. I won't," She dead-panned, tugging against Train's hand that still gripped her arm, " Would you mind letting go of me? I'm loosing blood to my arm."
Train looked at her flatly. "Um, let me think about this…no. Not until you come with me," Seeing her glare he continued, "Your arm can just have less blood than the rest of your body."
Saya bared her teeth in a wolf-like snarl. She opened her mouth to speak, but was cut off by Sven's rough voice.
"Hey…do you guys need a hotel room for the night?" Sven asked, looking humorously at the bickering pair.
Train frowned at him. "No…we'll manage." he ground out, tugging harshly on Saya's arm.
"No. I want to stay with them. What harm can it do?" She asked, pleading Train with her eyes.
Train swallowed when he got a look at her green eyes, open wide and glittery in the glow from the sun and artificial light inside. He sighed, lowering his gaze, feeling his anger waning. "Ok. We can stay with them." He told her, and she gave him her 1000-watt smile.
"Thank you, Train!" She exclaimed, leaping to her feet and skipping over to Eve.
Train dislodged his hand from her arm, briefly wondering how she was feeling no pain at the moment. He wrung out the cramping appendage, and looked at Sven, giving him a light glare, "Now look what you did. You had to go and be a gentleman." Train admonished him lightly, joking a bit.
Sven grinned, "Well, when you live by the code of chivalry, you have to help every lady in distress. Including the infamous assassin Black Cat's captive, if it is a woman."
Train shook his head, "You and your chivalry are rubbing off on me. I never used to be this soft." He said, not looking the least bit sad about the change.
"Well, that's what you get," Sven said, "For hanging out with a sweeper like me."
Train sighed, and nodded. "ok," he said, turning back to the exuberant Saya, "We should be going now." he said, and Saya skipped along behind him.
"What are you doing?" Eve asked her curiously.
"Skipping!" Saya exclaimed, dancing along.
"What…is skipping?" Eve questioned. Saya almost fell over in shock.
"You- you don't know what skipping is?" She asked, appalled. Eve nodded. Saya twirled around to face a surprised looking Sven, "How could you not teach her what skipping is?!" she admonished, somehow skipping backwards, even as she spoke.
"Uh…" was Sven's smart retort.
"Can…you teach me, Saya?" Eve asked. Saya whirled around to look at the girl.
"Of course!" She exclaimed with a grin, "Since this big oaf obviously hasn't taught you anything useful!" And Saya proceeded to show Eve the fine art of skipping, as the foursome walked up to the sweeper hotel, and their large room.
By the time they had reached the green hotel door, Eve had understood how to skip, and was doing it quite well.
"Yay!" Eve exclaimed happily as she skipped into the room with Saya close behind, right past an astonished looking Sven and Train.
"Ok…" Train said, shaking his head, and trying to hide his smile, "I have a feeling that my sanity isn't going to last this trip."
Sven nodded. "Mine as well."
Saya looked up at the two, still skipping around the room. "Loose you sanity? Why, you've already lost it!" she exclaimed, hiding her grin with her hand. Somehow, she managed not to trip, even in her yukata.
Train raised his eyebrows at the girl. "Well, why not. Let's humor you. Just remember, yours isn't in safe hands, either." He quipped, "Anyway, I need to take a shower." he said, walking in and over to the bathroom. "Shout if you're being jumped again."
Saya frowned, the memory still fresh in her mind.
"Hey, Eve, could you stay with Saya? I've got something important to do." Sven asked the girl. She nodded, finally halting her newfound talent.
"Yes, I will stay. But what important thing?" She asked, "Run out of cigarettes?"
Sven blanched, "Uh…well…you see…" he said, looking sheepish.
Eve sighed, "I get it. Go ahead." Sven smiled at her and jogged away, closing the door with a light slam. "I'll go into the kitchen, to find something for you to eat. You must be hungry."
Saya opened her mouth, but her stomach replied for her. "Uh…I haven't eaten in a while…since…" She trailed off, thinking, "Tuesday." And it was Friday now. No winder she was hungry.
Eve had long since left to the kitched, leaving Saya to her thoughts.
"I need to run to the deli at the corner," Eve's soft voice said, and Saya woke from her daydream, "We're almost out of milk. Will you be ok on your own?"
Saya nodded from her seat on the couch. "Yeah. Heh, that sounds weird coming from a 10 year old."
Eve nodded, ignoring her jibe, and walked out the door. Saya leaned back against the cushion, closing her eyes for a moment. The sound of a door opening caused her eyes to fly open, and get a good look at Train. Train, who only had a towel around his waist.
Rin and Jenos were SO much bloody fun to write. I may have to do a one-shot on them. Anywho, you know the drill. If you've read this far, please review!
Again, thanks to those who reviewed and supported me! Hands out Train plushies