A Different Fate

by Musal

What if Train didn't know Creed killed Saya? What if he believed it was Chronos? What if Train helped Creed create the Apostles to get revenge on Chronos? What happens when Train learns the truth? CxT

57. Catching Up

Disclaimer: I do not own Black Cat or its characters.

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As soon as Train stepped through the doors, he took a few steps forward before he stopped in front of a wall of glass that cut the square room in half. He frowned at the glass, then looked behind himself to see his companions had decided to give him space. Sephiria, Creed, and Lin were standing a few feet behind him, letting the cat move at his own pace.

If they were standing directly next to me, I might be encouraged to begin before I'm ready.

Train glanced over his shoulder at Creed who gave him a warm smile, which the cat returned immediately. He knew with the strength of his partner's love, he could do anything.

He then turned his gaze to Sephiria and pointed to the glass wall. "What's this for?"

Sephiria took one step forward, but still made sure to keep her distance as she answered his question. "Precautionary measure. It's what we do with all our... special prisoners."

Train didn't need to know what made Aliane special and nodded. "Can she hear us?"

Sephiria shook her head. "No. And she can't see us yet either. You can take your time and prepare yourself. Whenever you're ready, let me know and I'll remove the wall."

Train looked to the ground to see what she meant. It looked like the wall retracted into the floor, and he assumed that's what Number One meant by she'd remove the glass pane.

This seems a bit extreme…

He looked at the petite woman sitting on the other side of the class wall. Aliane was situated on a bench behind several large, thick, metal bars. Her ankles and wrists were shackled together, and she was resting the back of her head against the stone ball behind her. Her eyes were locked onto the ceiling, as if she were counting the tiles like Train had been earlier.

"Is this really all necessary?" Train asked as he set a hand on the glass.

Sephiria nodded, even though she knew Train couldn't see her. "Yes. Like I said, she's a special prisoner and is considered dangerous. Especially considering her abilities, we need to be extra careful."

Train sighed, understanding what she meant. With Aliane's ability to phase through objects, they probably had to take extra safeguards to make sure she didn't escape.

Even though the look on her face says she's given up. I don't think she wants to escape and even if she tried, this place is littered with erasers. There's no way she'd make it out of here.

Train frowned as he noted what Chronos had dressed Aliane in. She was wearing a baggy white shirt with white pants, no shoes, with her hair pulled back and out of her face. The bench she sat on also acted as a bed, which was adorned with white sheets, a white pillow, and a white blanket. The luster of the white vastly contradicted the dark hues of the cell, as if the color was chosen specifically to make the scene look far less bleak than it actually was.

Chronos makes all their prisoners wear white, and I think it's because it contradicts what the assassins wear. As if they want there to be no confusion as to who the prisoners are, and who the assassins are.

Train always thought it was strange that a color that was meant to represent innocence and purity was assigned to their prisoners, but a color that normally delineated death and despair decorated their employees. Black wasn't just covering their assassins, but it embellished every part of their headquarters, which Train always found odd.

I guess it's to make sure they stay cloaked in darkness. But, couldn't they have a splash of color here and there? It would help with the depression all their erasers are surely experiencing.

Train couldn't help but laugh quietly at himself.

I'm starting to sound too much like Creed.

Train also knew that black presented more than just doom and gloom. It also stood for mystery, power, elegance, and sophistication, which the cat knew was what they were probably going for. He also knew that white was often associated with coldness, blandness, and sterility, but he didn't know if that had anything to do with their choice in color scheme for prisoners. He was pretty sure it was just meant to repudiate what they wore.

Why am I thinking so much into Chronos aesthetics? I'm sure they didn't think this much into their cosmetic choices.

Train sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.

I'm stalling...

Even after talking to Creed and Lin, Train wasn't sure what he was going to say. Yes, he had a better grasp on how he felt about her, and he knew what he wanted from her, but he didn't know how to start the conversation.

And looking at her now, I feel like she's a complete stranger. She's definitely not the troubled teen I originally thought she was.

Knowing that Aliane wasn't able to see him, Train took that time to scan the girl's condition and in doing so, realized how she very much did not look like a teenager anymore. The entire time Train had known the woman, she wore baggy clothes that hid her figure, and even though the clothes she was wearing still didn't fit properly, the white gave a bit more insight to what her body actually looked like.

And with her hair pulled back, she looks more her age as well. Right now, the only thing that makes her look like she could pass for a teenager is her size. She's very short and small.

Train's feelings for Creed made it impossible for him to look at anyone else in a non-platonic way, so that wasn't what he was doing by scanning the girl's body. He was looking her over for signs of anger, fear, discomfort, or even disapproval. He was also trying to remind himself that she wasn't who she claimed to be when they first met.

I also think I'm finding yet another reason to stall talking to her.

He was also looking for any signs of injury Chronos may have inflicted on her. While he may have been angry with her, while he may not have trusted her, and while he knew full well she was supposed to be his enemy, he still cared. The Black Cat was a kind hearted, gentle natured person who didn't like to see harm befall anyone, even his enemies.

And I guess a part of me is still seeing her as the confused, scared teen with a personality disorder who lives a hard life with her dysfunctional family. Even after seeing her helpless and hopeless like this, it's hard to distinguish her as anything other than a child.

Just as he was convincing himself he'd never be able to see Aliane as anything more than a troubled child, an image of the woman appearing behind Anastasia with a knife to her neck flashed in front of his eyes, and he felt a wave of rage slowly surfacing.

As that tumultuous tide surged within him, he felt his body begin to flare slightly with an electronic rancor and knew if he didn't get his emotions under control, he'd have a violent breakdown. And that would be especially problematic in the small room they were currently in.

Stop it…

Train began speaking to himself as the image of Anastasia's throat being sliced repeated in his head. Even though Aliane hadn't been the one to do it, she had been the one to instigate it, and he knew if it hadn't been for her initial action, Anastasia might have still been alive

That's not true and you know it… Aliane isn't the one that killed her.

Again, he watched as the old woman's blood spilled on the ground, Aimee's frantic voice screaming in the background for her mother. The girl's wretched, agonized cries filled his ears, and he felt more electrical energy engulf his body. He felt himself slowly falling back into the black abyss he had sought comfort in while he was a prisoner, and he had a sick feeling that if he was commanded to kill at that moment, he might have listened.

Stop it! There was nothing you could do to save her!

Train clenched his fists and shut his eyes, trying to hone in on the voice in his head that was trying to calm him down. The air around him grew agitated, wiping his hair subtly around his face, signaling that he was beginning to lose control of all facets of his Tao. An image of Anastasia falling to the ground arose in his mind's eyes, and he sensed himself plunging more into the darkness.

They were going to kill her no matter what. You know for a fact there was nothing you could do.

As he fell more into his atramentous thoughts, Train heard footsteps approaching from behind, which let him know one of his companions was about to step up to help calm him. He was certain it was Creed, and he didn't want to continue burdening his lover with his emotional instability.

I can do this… I can regain my composure on my own. I don't need someone else to bail me out every time I get a negative thought in my head.

He put his hand up to stop Creed from approaching or playing Saya's song, eyes still shut as he spoke in a controlled tone. "Let me deal with it on my own."

Creed blinked at his beloved, then glanced at Sephiria who had her hand on the hilt of Christ. Lin had taken a few steps towards the cat as well, but did not have his weapon drawn. The look on his face told Creed he didn't know what he could do to bring Train back, but the determination in his eyes was enough to portray his resolve to do whatever he had to.

Creed sighed, taking a step away from his beloved as he pocketed the music box again. "Okay, Train. I trust you."

Train smiled at Creed's faithful statement, the sacchariferous, soothing, alto voice of his lover enough to calm him down and help him find reality again. The encouragement and trust in his Stallion's tone was enough to quell the savage heat around his body, which meant the electrical eminence encircling him was slowly evaporating.

The effect Creed has on me even after all this time is amazing.

His images of Anastasia dying were gradually being replaced with snapshots of his life with Creed. Instead of seeing the old woman murdered in front of his eyes while he stood helpless in front of her, he saw Creed smiling ardently at him and reaching out to caress his cheek. Instead of seeing the woman's blood pooling around his feet, he saw a trail of rose petals that led to the man he loved, and watched as Creed stood there with a bouquet of roses for him.

It wasn't my fault… Creed knows that… I know that…

Instead of smelling the foul stench of death, he took in the sweet scent of roses that mingled sensually with his partner's aroma, and his nostrils were soon filled with the distinctively delectable pheromone of their love making.

He kept his eyes shut as he listened to the soundtrack of all the poetic, loving words Creed had ever spoken to him, which slowly helped re-tether him to the world in which his partner inhabited. Even if Creed was the reason he was coming out of his Cimmerian shade, even if he needed the inadvertent help of his lover to bring him back to the light, he knew he was still doing it on his own.

There's nothing wrong with using his strength and love to guide me back.

He took a deep breath as he continued watching the cinema of his life with Creed play out in front of him, and could feel his heated rage slowly being replaced with a warm love. A smile drifted onto his softening face, and the violent wind came to a stop.

Anastasia wouldn't blame me for her death, so neither should I. She'd even forgive those who killed her. That's just the sort of person she was.

When he felt like his entire body had almost completely returned to normal, he thought back to a question Creed asked him not long ago.

"Is she an enemy of yours?"

He now knew the answer to the question.

No. She's not my enemy. She's a person who was down on their luck, and got taken in by the wrong crowd. Just like Lin and Creed did when they were taken in by the Apostles. Just like I did with Zagine…

Train knew that Lin was happy with his life as a Chronos number and as proud as the cat was of his friend for never killing anyone despite what his career was, the Black Cat knew better than anyone else that the life of an assassin was not one anyone ever really chose. And no matter what Lin said, Train knew if he truly had a choice, he probably would not stay with Chronos. Which he was sure was the case with Aliane joining the Apostles as well.

She proved that when she betrayed them. The life of a killer is never on purpose.

Train opened his eyes and locked them onto the girl's face, noticing she had a tear falling down her cheek as she stared at the ceiling. He frowned, then reached back for Creed's hand, knowing the man wasn't too far behind him.

Creed let out a breath of relief when he saw his beloved calm himself down, then smiled warmly.

He's able to calm himself down on his own now. That's a great sign. I'm so proud of him.

He saw something moving towards him and he instinctively looked down. As soon as he realized it was Train's hand, he reached out and wrapped his fingers around the limb, walking closer to his love.

"Are you okay?" Creed's voice was soothing as he spoke, hoping he hadn't spoken too soon and Train was reaching out to him because he needed help preventing another breakdown.

Train looked over his shoulder and smiled at the man, making Creed's heart pound fiercely in his chest. "I'm good, Creed. And thank you."

Creed blinked in confusion, not sure what his beloved was thanking him for and opened his mouth to question the cat. However, his words remained in his mouth as Train took his hand away and addressed his next words to Sephiria.

"Alright, Sephiria. I'm ready."

Sephiria eyed the cat up and down, an unsettled, alert look in her eyes as she spoke. "Are you sure?"

Train gave the woman a cheeky smile. "Yes. Positive. Remove the wall, please."

Sephiria rolled her eyes at Train's dramatic gesture, but was happy to see he was back to normal. She pulled her hand away from the hilt of her sword and pressed a button that activated the wall's removal. She took a step back and watched as the divider lowered, bringing the prisoner's eyes forward.

When the wall dropped, Aliane saw Train and froze. She did not say anything as their eyes met. Instead, she shuddered and looked away, almost as if she was ashamed of herself for meeting the Black Cat's gaze. There wasn't anything about the golden-eyed man's look that made her uneasy, it was the arduous conversation they were about to have that made her tremble.

Train frowned when she looked away and took a step forward. He yelped and jumped back when an invisible barrier shocked him, making the Black Cat blink in confusion at Sephiria.

Train watched as Sephiria stepped to another set of buttons. "What the hell was that?!"

Sephiria punched in a combination on the button pad as she answered. "Forgot that you have the Tao too. We have a barrier set up around her cell to make sure she can't use her ability."

Train rolled his eyes. "Doesn't that seem like overkill?"

Sephiria tossed him a serious glare from over her shoulder. "Nothing is an overkill when it comes to the Apostles."

Train sighed and looked back at Aliane who was occasionally glancing up at him and the others. He could tell by the nervous look on her face that she was feeling just as uneasy about their imminent reunion as he was.

Her obvious nervousness actually makes me feel a bit better. It means she must feel some sort of guilt. If she didn't, she'd be reacting much differently.

Train waited for Sephiria to give him the okay and he took a tentative step forward. Feeling nothing shock him, he sighed in relief and stepped to the cell. Creed followed close behind, and as soon as the men were in front of the girl, Sephiria activated the barrier again, then stood against a nearby wall. Lin chose to stay by the door, since he had nothing to say to the girl.

Train stared at Aliane for a second, then sat on the floor, crossing his legs as he leaned forward and pressed his face slightly against the bars. He watched her for a few more moments before sighing and voicing his first question.

"How are you?"

Aliane blinked at the gunman. Out of all the things she expected Train to say to her, that was not one of them. "Umm…"

Train watched as she looked at Sephiria and sighed, realizing she was worried about answering that question in front of Number One. "You can be candid. Sephiria knows what it's like here."

Aliane gave the cat a strange look, still not feeling comfortable being truly honest with how she was, and decided half truths were better than full lies. "I've… been better…"

Train smiled kindly at her. "Guess that's the best response I could hope for."

Aliane continued blinking in confusion.

Hope for?

She didn't understand. Why was he being so nice to her? Why did his voice sound like he didn't have a care in the world? Why did his face soften when he looked at her? Why was he smiling at her?

Why is he acting like he cares about me?

Seeing the girl wasn't speaking and seemed to be lost in some kind of trance, Train reached his hand between the bars and snapped his fingers. Aliane jumped and turned back to face him, embarrassment evident on her young face.

Train chuckled and pulled his hand back. "Are you sure you're okay?"

Aliane stared at him for a second, then sighed. "I never said I was okay. I said I've been better."

Train heard Sephiria make a frustrated noise which made the girl stiffen. He turned his eyes towards Number One and gave her a pleading look. "Sephiria, please."

Sephiria looked at Train out of the corner of her eyes, then back at the girl. It was a quick glance she gave at the cat, but it was enough to let Train know she wasn't going to interfere. Her stern noise at Aliane was probably a reflective action she had for all of her prisoners when they gave her faintest hint of disobedience.

"H-How…" Aliane started, glancing at Sephiria, then Creed, then the floor before finally landing on Train. "How are you… Doing I mean?"

Train smirked and leaned back on his hands. "I've been better."

Aliane smiled a little, even let a small giggle escape her lips at the man's response and cheeky smile. It had been a long time since she had genuinely performed either of those gestures, so the expression kind of hurt her cheeks, and the laugh kind of hurt her throat.

Train's smirk turned into a smile as he watched the girl relax slightly, then noticed a few flickers of energy emitting from the small woman's cuffs. "What's that?"

Aliane looked at her cuffs and sighed. "It's… a precautionary measure as they like to put it."

Train frowned as he pieced together what she meant. "They have the Tao blocking mechanism on them?"

Train didn't know exactly what kind of technology Chronos used to create a forcefield or even cuffs that suppressed the Tao, but he wasn't surprised they were able to get their hands on that kind of technology.

Aliane nodded and lifted her hands slightly, as if that would give Train a better look. "Yeah. And they're always on so I don't escape."

Not that I would if I could… I have nowhere to go.

Train watched her face fall, practically reading her mind as he asked a question. "Does it hurt?"

Aliane shook her head. "No. It feels more… repressive. Stifling. Like there's a weight tied to my body, making me feel heavier than I actually am."

Train snorted. "Yeah, and I know first hand how light you are."

Aliane blushed a little as she remembered all the times she jumped onto Train's lap and turned her head away from the cat. "Sorry… About that…"

Train stared at her for a few minutes before asking a serious question. "Was that… all real?"

Aliane glanced at Train quickly, then looked away again. "What… do you mean specifically?"

Train frowned, realizing her reaction meant at least some of their time with her was real.

I don't know if I should get right into her feelings for me just yet. Maybe give her time to get comfortable and warm up to that topic.

Train also wasn't prepared to talk about something that sensitive yet either. It was probably going to be the hardest thing for them to talk about, so he decided to save it for last.

"How about we start with your relation to Nica and the others. I assume it isn't family?" Train sat up and leaned forward a little so he could get a better look at the woman.

Aliane tensed at the mention of her former comrades, then shook her head. "No, they're not my family. They were just… co-workers, I guess."

Train nodded. "And you were sent to get close to us? Why?"

Aliane blinked at Train since she was pretty sure he knew the answer to that.

Does he just want to hear it from me?

She took a deep breath.

Guess I may as well tell him everything then. Although, I am getting sick of repeating this story. It's also so much harder to repeat it to him specifically. And with Creed sitting right next to him.

She glanced at Creed who's eyes had been locked onto Train the entire time. He was far enough away from the cat to give him enough space to breathe, but close enough that Train knew he was there to give him support if necessary.

She frowned as she began her story. "Because… Charden believed it was the best plan in order to… kidnap you to use as a weapon. And…" She glanced at Creed quickly, then looked at the floor. "...To get you to kill Creed."

Train flinched a little at her words. Even though he worked that much out on his own, it still hurt to hear those words spoken out loud. He knew they planned on using him as a weapon, but he also knew there was probably more to it than that, which he assumed had something to do with Creed. The Apostles considered them both a threat, and possibly thought Train might have been the only one able to kill Creed.

But, what was their plan with him? They should have known he would never hurt me, no matter how far gone I might have been.

It was hard for him to speak, his words getting choked in his mouth as he repeated her words out loud, his voice shaking slightly as he spoke. "And what was their plan with me after that?"

Aliane locked eyes with Train, seeing the pain in their amber depths at the idea that they intended to have him kill his lover. "Are you sure you want to hear this…?"

Train felt Creed's hand slide over to him and he immediately wrapped fingers around it, squeezing them momentarily before pulling away. As much as he loved and craved his partner's touch, he needed to be able to hear what the woman had to say on his own.

I need to be able to prove that I can handle my emotions even when talking about the darkest topic. Otherwise, I'll never be able to face the Apostles.

Train nodded. "Yes. I came here for the truth. So, give it to me straight."

Aliane stared at him, then continued. "Their plan was to have you kill Creed, and hopefully have him weaken you enough that they could kill you. Charden understood that Creed would never hurt you, but he believed if he felt you or your friends were in enough danger, he might at least injure you enough that they could make the final blow."

Train was quiet for a minute, then began to laugh a little. "That was a dumb plan…"

Aliane blinked. "What?"

Train laughed a little more as he pressed his face into his hands. "That's a dumb plan! There's no way any of them could ever get me to hurt my friends let alone Creed! The fact that they thought they could drug me up enough to cause anyone I love any harm is laughable!"

Aliane watched as the cat fell to the floor in laughter, baffled beyond belief that he could find anything humorous about the situation. "But… You did try to hurt Creed." She gave the silver man a quick, curious look. "Didn't he… tell you that?"

Creed nodded his head at the girl and smiled at his beloved, understanding why the girl was confused about Train's reaction, even though he wasn't. "I told him everything, Aliane. Train's humor is just… unique."

Aliane blinked at Creed, then turned back to Train who was regaining his composure. "So then… you know about the battle you and Creed had? And you still think it was a dumb plan?"

Train took a deep breath and sat up. "Yes, I do. Because it didn't work."

Aliane still didn't understand. "But it almost did."

Train rolled his eyes. "Almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, and from what I heard, I didn't have any horseshoes, nor did I have any hand grenades. And the fact is the plan didn't work for exactly the reason I just said. I would never hurt my friends, and I would especially never hurt Creed."

Aliane opened her mouth to protest that Train actually had hurt Creed, but knew it was pointless. Not only was she there to witness how far he went out of his way to not seriously hurt Creed, she knew it wasn't worth arguing with the stubborn cat. His mind was made up, and he wasn't wrong. While he may have technically hurt Creed, it wasn't enough to kill him or even cripple him. In fact, he knowingly and willingly avoided all major arteries and organs that he knew would kill him or cause long lasting injuries.

He was fighting his damndest against the drug. And he won.

On top of that, Creed refused to cause Train any harm. Even when he was bleeding profusely, even when Train was shooting a seemingly endless string of bullets at him, even when Train was burning and slicing him with lightning bolts, even when the gunman was slamming Creed violently to the ground, the swordsman forbade himself from laying a hand on the Black Cat.

Despite the perilousness of Creed's situation, he wouldn't hurt Train, and he wouldn't let his spirit be broken.

Even when the Black Cat had Creed pinned to the ground, gun pointing directly in his face, the silver man told Train he loved him, and gave a last ditch effort to save the golden man from himself. He took each attack with stride, including the one that would have most certainly ended his life, and never gave up on bringing Train back. Their love for each other got them through all the pain, turmoil, darkness, and uncertainty the Apostles forced them to endure, and they came out the other end even stronger.

Doctor underestimated how much they love each other. Charden underestimated how much they love each other. We all did…

"So, I understand what their plan was now, and it sounds like what I already assumed it was, but why did they send you guys?"

Aliane gave the Black Cat a confused look, believing the answer was obvious. "You mean, why did they send me, Nica, and the others?"

Train nodded. "I guess I understand you, Nica, and even Kenneth, but why…" He froze before he said the man's name, feeling the rage inside him boiling, but took another deep breath to calm down. "But… Why Watts? He didn't put on a convincing act. He seemed pretty volatile from the moment we met, and I can't imagine he's a stable man. Had you not had the abusive husband story, we-"

Train stopped, seemed to put something together, then sighed. "...That wasn't part of the original plan, was it?"

Aliane smiled sadly. "No… The original plan was for us to be a family down on our luck to gain your sympathy specifically, and eventually earn the favor of everyone else. Charden believed if you accepted us into your lives, Creed would as well, and the rest of the sweepers would eventually follow. And that would hopefully lead to Chronos trusting us too."

Train looked at Sephiria out of the corner of his eyes, giving her a regretful look as he spoke. "Yeah… No such luck there. Chronos never trusted you…"

Aliane sighed and looked at the ground. "I'm aware…"

Train was quiet for a minute, then continued. "So, you changed your story to be more pathetic than it already was? Why?"

Aliane looked back at Train, wanting to make sure he could see her eyes so he knew she was telling the truth. "Because Watts wasn't being a team player."

Train rolled his eyes. "Big surprise there…"

Aliane chuckled and little. "It wasn't just your trust we were working for. Yes, you were the primary goal, but we knew we had to get through other people in order to get to you and Creed."

Train blinked in confusion. "You mean Sven and Eve?"

Aliane hesitated a second, then shook her head slightly. "Not… just them…"

Train stared at her contrite face, then put more pieces together. "You mean Anastasia?"

Aliane nodded, feeling a tear falling from her eye as she spoke. "Yes… And… I'm… I'm really sorry… about what I did… She… sh-she didn't deserve that… I-If I could go back and stop myself… If I could take the knife away from Watts… I..."

Train watched as more tears fell down her face, her head lowering again as she buried her face in her bound hands.

"I-I should have just left her alone… She did nothing wrong. She was… so kind to me… so understanding of my non-existent disorder… She did so much for all of us, and asked for nothing in return. She… She was an amazing woman… and I… I…"

She began trembling, curling into a ball as she rocked back and forth like the child Train thought she was.

"She was… the most amazing woman in the world… The only person to ever show me even an iota of kindness. The only person who ever gave a damn about me, the only person who ever made me feel like my life was worthwhile, and I…"

More tears fell from her eyes and she choked on her words, looking and feeling like she was on the verge of throwing up over the idea of what she had done.

"I… killed her…"

Train watched as Aliane's words caught in her throat, making it impossible for the girl to spit them out. However, based on how hard she was crying, Train had a feeling he wouldn't have understood what she was saying even if she was able to speak. Watching the girl writhe into a dark hole at the knowledge of what she did, hearing her inadvertently tell Train her life story sparked empathy in the Black Cat.

Her family may have been a lie, her disorders may have been a lie, and her family may have been a lie, but… her pain and torment weren't. While the story they created may have been fictional, the feelings she was portraying of being a lost, lonely girl were not.

And that was something Train could relate to more than anyone else.

Well… almost anyone else…

He glanced over at his lover who was covering his mouth and clearing fighting back tears of his own. Train knew it had to do partially with remembering the way Anastasia died, and partially because he understood Aliane's feelings towards the old woman. Anastasia was one of the people Creed held closest to his heart, and the idea that she was gone was something the silverette had not quite come to terms with yet.

And it both looks and sounds like Aliane might have the same feelings of heartbreak and tribulation that Creed has. Anastasia did a lot for her.

Train grabbed Creed's hand, wrapping his fingers around it to comfort the man.

...She did a lot for all of us.

Aliane's calamitous state and sorrowful words were forcing both him and his partner to relive their past transgressions. Both he and Creed committed countless crimes they regretted, so who were they to judge someone else for their past sins? Especially when that person obviously regretted it.

Especially when…

"...You didn't kill her." Train stated in a matter-of-fact tone, surprised at the conviction in his voice.

Aliane lifted her head to look at the man, her face red with tears, cheeks flushed with misery as she stared blurry-eyed at the cat. "Wha…?"

Train smiled warmly at her, feeling forgiveness beginning to take over as he watched the woman slowly paste the broken pieces of her heart together. That amnesty he felt towards Aliane graced him with the mercy to show the woman even more kindness than he already was. The personal insight Train was involuntarily blessed by his past life, along with the conspicuous remorse she was feeling was something he couldn't ignore.

"You didn't kill her."

Aliane continued blinking in confusion at the Black Cat. "But, I-"

"-I know what you did, I was there. No need to revive it more than you already have. And because I was there, I know you didn't kill her."

Aliane opened her mouth again to protest, but Train put his hand up to stop her. "I didn't come here to forgive you, nor did I come here to help you forgive yourself. I came here for the truth, and the truth is: You didn't kill her."

Aliane continued staring at the gunman, not sure how to respond to the resolve in his voice, or the apparent unwarranted forgiveness he was ostensibly offering her. Again, she opened her mouth, but immediately closed it when the cat gave her a stubborn look. She could tell he was silently telling her to let the subject go. It was evident he didn't wish to further derail their conversation, or divulge any more of his feelings on the tragedy of Anatasia's death.

He said he didn't come here to forgive me, but it also doesn't sound like he blames me… Does that mean forgiveness was never a prerequisite for this conversation?

When Sephiria informed her Train wanted to talk, she believed the cat was going to scream at her, berate her, or even spit at her. She did not expect him to ask how she was doing and inform her that he held no amnesty towards her for the horrid atrocities she committed.

I don't deserve his kindness…

She looked at her cuffs, chuckling ironically when she realized part of the crime she was being kept prisoner for was something the victim of said crime did not think needed to be forgiven.

I can't tell if that's a good thing or a bad thing, but... I guess either way it doesn't matter much. I didn't expect anyone to forgive me, so hearing Train say he doesn't blame me for Anastasia's death doesn't change anything. I can't seek out their forgiveness, I need to forgive myself.

She glanced at Creed who was smiling fervently at Train.

Still…

Feeling her eyes on him, Creed turned his gaze to Alaine and nodded amicably. "Train's right."

Aliane sighed, able to tell from the look in the swordsman eyes that he did forgive her. Even if it was because his beloved Train did blame her, Aliane felt her body lighten as the avoirdupois of her shame was hoisted from her heart. With Creed's two unambiguous words, the ballast that was fettering the guilt to her heart dichotomized, leaving Aliane feeling almost effervescent.

Having their forgiveness is worth so much to my bedeviled soul...

However, she was wholly aware that the exoneration of her crime in regards to Anastasia was not the only thing she wanted to be absolved of.

"Do you have any family?" Train asked the question even though he was positive what her response was going to be.

Aliane looked back and Train, seeing the cat was no longer holding Creed's hand and shook her head. "No."

Train sighed. "Where are they?"

Aliane frowned. "What do you mean?"

Train cat rolled his eyes. "Well, I understand that your family isn't in the picture, but I also know how biology works. You didn't just suddenly come into existence. Someone had to give birth to you."

Aliane smirked bitterly as she spoke. "True… Do you really want to know?"

She didn't understand why Train was asking her such personal questions, but seeing the gunman nod, she sighed and gave the man a quick summary of her life. "My mother died during childbirth, and my father blamed me, so he abandoned me when I was five-years-old."

Train shook his head in shock. "What?!"

Aliane shrugged her shoulders. "It's true. What reason do I have to lie? Garnering pity from any of you isn't going to work, so I may as well tell you the truth."

Train stared at her for a second, then sighed, knowing what she said was accurate. "What about siblings? Grandparents? Uncles, aunts? Cousins? No one to take you in?"

Aliane shook her head. "No siblings and as far as I know, my grandparents died before I was born, and if I have any aunts, uncles, or cousins, I don't know about them. My father kept me locked in the house after my mother died, so if I have any extended family, I'm sure they don't know I exist. My father abandoned me at a church, and the nuns raised me to be Christian."

She laughed at her own words as the memory of her time at the church played through her head. "Well, taught is a strong word. More like they beat it into me. Didn't work. Don't believe a word of religion now. However, they did well with math and history. Science, not so much."

Train frowned. "Friends?"

Aliane sighed. "No."

Train's look remained the same. "Not even from the church?"

Aliane shook her head. "Nope! All the other kids there hated me because I was hyperactive and a bit… let's just say not normal. To give you an example, I accidentally set fire to the cross while the priest was giving his morning sermon."

Train widened his eyes. "WHAT?!"

Aliane smiled coyly at him. "I said it was an accident…"

Train sighed and rolled his eyes, realizing that was a story for another time. "Acquaintances?"

Aliane was beginning to sense a pattern and rolled her still beet red eyes. "No. Let me just save you the trouble and let you in on a little secret: There's no one. No one that gives a damn about me, no one that's going to care when I die, no one that's mourning my disappearance, and no one who would want to visit, even if they could."

No one that gives a shit about me… Not anymore at least… Not since Anastasia….

Train tilted his head in confusion. "We're here, aren't we?"

Aliane couldn't help the sour laugh that liberated itself from her lips. "This counts?"

Train pouted. "Of course it does! It means I give a shit. If I didn't give a shit, I would have just let you rot here by yourself."

Aliane sighed more indignantly than she intended. "You literally just said you only came here to get the truth. Where in that statement did you say that you gave a shit about my fate?"

Train grimaced a little, realizing the girl had a point. "That's fair…"

And I guess I also said I was here for me and not her… It only changed when I saw the indisputable guilt she felt about Anastasia.

Train was amazed that when he first walked into the room, he nearly had a breakdown at just seeing the girl, yet now, after seeing her shed a few tears and speak a few forlorn words, he found himself wanting to comfort her.

Aliane watched the Black Cat sulk, then sighed and looked up at the ceiling. "Sorry… I didn't mean to sound so bitter. It's kind of hard not to when you're…"

Train noticed the girl ended her sentence a few words short and smiled sympathetically at her. "I understand. It's fine."

Creed's right, I'm too nice. I should hate her, be angry with her. Not wanting to make sure she's okay. I shouldn't be worried about her.

Aliane looked back down at him, a little annoyed at his constant cordial reactions. "Why are you being so nice? I know you're a nice guy, but this is ridiculous! I helped kidnap you, which lead to your subsequent torture and body multilation. Why are you acting like none of that happened?!"

Train smirked as the girl seemingly read his thoughts. When he heard the anger slowly rising in Aliane's voice, he couldn't help but chuckle at it. He was used to his unconditional kindness getting that sort of reaction out of people. Especially people who identified as evil.

Well, I guess in her case, formly evil.

"Do you want me to be angry with you? You're living out your sentence, aren't you? You're being punished for your crimes, so why are you asking me to give you more suffering? I know I don't really know who you are, but I never expected you to portray such masochist behavior."

Aliane watched as the golden man smirked, realizing he was kidding and rolled her eyes. "Guess you're the same damn kooky, annoying cat you were when we first met…"

Train gave her a cheeky smile. "You love it."

Train regretted his words immediately when an awkward silence took command of the room. However, he had gotten used to moving on from awkward silences, and was able to change the subject to a slightly less incommodious topic.

"So… Do you really have the personality disorders you claimed to have?"

Aliane rolled her eyes and leaned back against the wall. "Nope. Unless you count being a sociopath as a personality disorder, I don't."

"Being a sociopath is a personality disorder. It's a term used to describe someone who has antisocial personality disorder."

Both Train and Aliane looked at Lin who was still standing at the door. He gave the duo a strange look. "What? It's true. Sorry, I can't stand when someone is being blatantly ignorant."

"Then explain your feelings for the Black Cat."

Everyone' eyes fell to Sephiria who was giving Number X and knowing look. Train heard Lin make a strangled noise and knew he was blushing, so he chuckled quietly.

"Thanks for your two scents, Number One…" Train addressed his next words to Lin. "I expected that correction to come from Creed, not you."

Creed blinked in confusion at his beloved. "Why?"

Train rolled his eyes. "Because you always need things to be as accurate as possible."

Creed frowned. "Yes, but in this situation it was inappropriate to correct Aliane. It's tense enough as it is. I didn't want to add in a reexamination of her counterfactual statement."

Aliane sighed. "Okay, so I'm a psychopath. Is that better?"

"No necessarily. There's a fine line between sociopath and psychopath. A psychopath is usually characterized as someone who's corporeally violent or puts others in danger. Which, I guess you did do, but when one considers the DSM-5 diagnostic precedent, those symptoms can be found in the ASPD category which encompasses many personality disorders."

All eyes were on Creed as he spoke, who frowned and looked at the ground in embarrassment. "Sorry, I did a lot of research back when I was unstable… I wanted to know which I was…"

Train smiled at his partner. "And what did your research uncover about yourself?"

Creed stared at the floor for a second, then lifted his head to meet Train's gaze, realizing what his love was doing. "It made me realize that I didn't have the tools to properly diagnose myself, so if I wanted to get better, I needed to let it go and work on the parts of me I wanted to improve."

Aliane frowned, not getting the point the men were trying to make. "I feel like that down plays the issues certain people endure on a daily basis. Personality, mental, and emotional disorders are not something you can just will away because you've decided you want to be a better person."

Train sighed and rolled his eyes, leaning back on his hands again. "You literally missed the entire point of the conversation…"

Aliane blinked in confusion. "What?"

"They're saying you're neither a sociopath nor a psychopath. They're insinuating you're just a troubled girl that got taken in by the wrong crowd."

Aliane looked at Lin, baffled as to why the man was being kind to her as well after what she did to the man he loved.

His altruism probably has something to do with his feelings for Train.

She sighed and shrugged her shoulders. "Whatever… For someone who says they didn't come here for me, you sure are going out of her way to make me feel better."

Train smirked, then shrugged his shoulders. "Eh, what can I say? I'm a nice guy."

Aliane rolled her eyes, but smiled a little. "True…"

Another moment of silence passed until Train broke it. "What about everyone else… Were their stories true at all?"

Aliane sighed and went down the list. "I'm pretty sure Kenneth has a few screws loose, but I don't know if he has alteimzers or dementia, I'm pretty sure he's just insane. And Watts was actually too much of himself which, like I said, was the reason we had to change our story. I guarantee you, as much of an asshole you thought he was is as much of an asshole he truly is."

Train nodded. "Makes sense…" He hesitated before he asked his next question, thinking of his green haired friend as he spoke. "And what about Nica?"

Aliane froze the mention of the woman's name. She was the only one in the Apostles she actually gave a damn about, and she was worried about putting her fate in further danger.

Who am I kidding? No matter what I say, it won't change Chronos' mind about her. She became their enemy the moment she joined the Apostles, and her fate will be the same as mine if they catch her…

Still, she wanted to be honest with Train, and made sure he could see the sincerity in her eyes as she spoke. She knew he was silently asking about her feelings for Sven, and Aliane knew without a shadow of a doubt what the truth of those feelings were.

"She loves Sven."

Train wasn't ready to receive such a blunt, apropos response from the woman. "Are you sure?"

Aliane nodded with a conviction she didn't know she still had in her. She thought Chronos had seeped her of the feeling, but thinking about the older woman's feelings for Sven brought any positivity and resolve she had left to the forefront of her mind.

"Yes. Without a doubt. It was originally supposed to be a way to gain his trust since he was the most unwilling to believe us, but she truly fell in love with him. I'm pretty sure it was another reason she came up with the idea to turn Watts into an abusive husband."

Train blinked. "It was her idea to change your narrative?"

Again, Aliane nodded. "Yes. Charden put her in charge of us."

Train stared at the small woman's face, not sure if he believed her. If Nica really did love Sven, it meant his friend wasn't totally deceived by her. It meant that at least to some extent, their relationship and feelings for one another were real.

But, that fact that she might have actually loved him makes the entire situation all the more tragic… Because their current placements in the world have them standing opposite each other. As enemies.

Train glanced at Creed as he thought of that, remembering the time all those years ago when he considered his lover an enemy. He remembered that despite the tsunamic sensations of idolatry he now knew he harbored deep down for the man even back then, it hurt beyond recognition to know he could never act on those potent feelings of love.

Which will probably be exactly how Sven feels when he sees Nica again… And maybe Nica when she sees Sven if what Aliane says is true.

Train locked eyes with her again, staring intently at them to make sure she wasn't lying. It was difficult to trust his instincts when it came to Aliane, but considering how meek and defeated she seemed, he didn't think she was capable of lying.

Lying about Nica's feelings for Sven won't save her. She knows Sephiria won't spare any of the Apostles. The only reason she spared Aliane was because of Creed.

That was something Train was hoping he could stop. He didn't want to kill any of the Apostles, just wanted to put an end to their organization and an end to the seemingly endless war. All he wanted to do was live a peaceful life with the man he loved and the friends he adored.

Train couldn't help but smirk a little at his own thoughts.

I must be the only person in existence that would think about saving their enemies' lives from their allies.

He glanced at Creed and smiled warmly at his lover, who gave him a confused look, most likely baffled by the cat's strange behavior.

Well… maybe not the only person.

Train knew no matter how crazy, unreasonable, or out of line he or his goals might have been, Creed's would always be aligned with his. As long as he had Creed by his side, he'd never be alone in his incongruously farcical views on the world.

Creed and I will make sure no one dies together.

When Creed seemingly read his thoughts and smiled at him, Train felt the all powerful obdurate, fractious typhoon of heat submerge his heart and cascade down his skin, making him understand what the next topic he needed to broach with the woman was.

He turned back to Aliane, a serious, yet empathetic look on his face. "Do you really love me?"

Aliane tensed at his words and felt her skin go cold. There was something about the tone in his voice that made her understand that while he clearly wasn't trying to hurt her feelings, he also was making it clear where he stood. It was that distinct sonority of pity that made her want to shiver and curl her body up into a new ball that was replete with self hate and measliness.

Like he has to remind he could never reciprocate feelings of love for anyone other than Creed.

Aliane had spent a lot of her time thinking about that particular topic. She even had an imaginary conversation with Train in her head, but it always ended with the Black Cat threatening to kill her, or making her feel like she was nothing but scum that cemented abominably to the bottom of his shoe

Despite that… I think I finally have the answer to it. I think I finally understand how I feel about him. About all of them.

She looked Train in the eye, making sure not to blink so he could see the rectitude that resided in them. Still, her words were hesitant as she spoke. "I… don't believe it's fair to say it's love after witnessing what true love is."

She glanced at Creed, then Lin, then Train, letting the gunman know exactly what she was talking about. "I think… what I initially felt was a visceral reaction to lustful feelings. After that, I believe I fell in love with the life you and everyone else graced me with. I believe I grew attached to what you and the rest of your friend represented."

She paused and looked up at the ceiling, smiling wistfully as she remembered what it was like to be tutored on subjects she already knew about by a young, bright girl, sighing at the memories of picking on Kyoko and playfully arguing with her over who deserved the Black Cat. She felt a tear fall from her eyes as she evoked the thoughts of Nica falling in love with Sven, of Anastasia giving her analeptic oboe lessons, of performing a duet on stage with Creed.

Finally, she remembered all the times Train permitted her to crawl onto his lap whenever he felt she needed the comfort, shutting her eyes as she remembered feeling at home for the first time with the Black Cat and his idiosyncratic family.

"It's hard to distinguish the two, but I believe I loved more than just you. I loved you all and I loved the life you lived… and I wished that I could have stayed there."

Even though I knew from the start I never could…

Train could tell she didn't mean to say those last words out loud and sulked on her behalf. "Had our circumstances and chance meeting been different… you might have been able to."

Aliane looked up at Train, not aware she had begun crying again and frowned. "What?"

Train smiled warmly at her, compassion and empathy taking over again as he elaborated. "If we met more organically, we might have actually been able to save you from the Apostles. We might have been able to have you join our little sweeper posse instead."

Aliane began to smile as Train's fantastically fake future swam through her head. Images of her and Kyoko slowly becoming friends surfaced, and she sighed quietly at the sight of her and the teenager going shopping with one another. Despite their age difference, they were approximately the same size, and she couldn't help but think about how much fun it would have been to swap clothes with the girl.

Then, she saw visions of watching Eve grow which caused another tear to fall from her eye. Aside from Train, Eve had been her favorite sweeper. She was always looking out for her like a big sister would to their baby sister, even though the bio-girl was much younger than her. Eve just had a sophisticated worldliness to her that made her act older.

Another picture of Creed and Train getting married began to paint itself in her mind, and she couldn't help but laugh at the image. As much as she knew the men loved each other, she didn't know if that was something in the cards for them. She wasn't even sure if it was something either of them were interested in. They were happy enough just being with each other with no legal documentation of their love attached to the devoted relationship they shared.

Still, seeing Train and Creed kissing at an altar, both looking rakish in their white suits, she laughed a little more, which caught the attention of the Black Cat.

Train frowned and tilted his head in confusion. "What's so funny?"

Aliane shook her head and brushed his words aside. "It's nothing, just… thinking about how strangely dapper you'd both look in white."

Train blinked. "What?"

Aliane laughed a little more as she watched Train look back at Creed, who was giving Train an endearingly discerning look, letting her know the silverette knew exactly what she was thinking. Creed made eye contact with the girl, gave her a quick wink then leaned back on his hands, stretching his legs out as he continued smiling eagerly at his beloved.

Train frowned at his lover, not sure what the meaning behind his quixotic look was, but decided not to question it. He didn't want to get too far off topic, even though he could tell by the look on Aliane's face that she was stuck in her imaginary world of being part of his sweeper family.

I can't blame her. We're the traditional picture perfect dysfunctional family. For someone who's never experienced a real family before, we're an extremely appealing concept.

Train could sympathize with the woman's feelings since for him, finding the little ragtag teams of misfits was nostalgic. It brought back memories of the love he used to feel when his parents were still alive and had he been in Aliane's shoes, he probably would have felt the same wistful feelings she was currently experiencing.

"Do you… think if you met Nica under different circumstances, it would have been different for her as well?"

Train frowned at the hope in Aliane's eyes. "In what respects?"

Aliane sighed and slumped forward a bit. "You know what I mean…"

Seeing her mien slowly crumble from Train's trampling uncertain question, he tried to give her words a bit more weight. However, he still didn't feel like he had appropriate acumen to give her the answer she wanted, but he figured the least he could do was respond.

"I don't think it's my place to say how Sven would feel about her if our meeting had happened under different circumstances. I don't even think it's for me to say how he feels about her right now. We don't talk about her." Train paused, questioning if his words were too blunt, but decided he may as well say them. "He doesn't talk about her."

Aliane kept her focus on Train for a few seconds, then nodded in a slow, somber manner. "I see…"

Train was honestly surprised to see the girl being as empathetic to Nica as she was. As far as he was concerned, Nica abandoned Aliane to her fate. He didn't understand how she could still hold feelings of benevolence towards the older woman.

Who am I to talk? I'm forgiving the woman that helped get me kidnapped!

Train realized that he shouldn't judge her relationship with Nica based on the limited knowledge he had about them and their past. They were both strangers now, and it was completely within the realm of reality that they managed to bond during that time they were pulling the wool over the sweepers' eyes. They did seem to be the closest out of the entire fake family.

And it's possible that aspect of their farce wasn't a lie.

"If I may interject…" Creed added quietly, feeling an affinity for the woman who was not present along with Aliane. "It might not be my place to say this, but I think Nica and Sven's forbidden relationship may have come to fruition if the circumstances were different. He… cared about her. A lot."

Creed knew Sven loved Nica, but he didn't want to say it out loud since he was positive Sven never would. Especially after what happened.

Sven absolutely would have brought Nica into our lives if they had met naturally. He's still hurting from her absence, and tormented by what happened. I have no doubt they'd be together if the situation was different.

Aliane blinked at Creed, feeling the same perplexing feelings about his kindness as she had about Train's. "Why are you being so nice to me?"

I get that Creed is willing to forgive me because Train is, but I didn't expect him to be this nice. If anything, I expected him to hate me more than anyone else.

Creed smiled warmly at her. "Because I've been where you're at before. And the only thing that helped get me through it was with the kindness and understanding others were willing to bless me with."

He turned his amiable gaze from Aliane to Train, reaching out to tuck a few strands of hair behind his ear as he finished his statement. "Forgiveness, kindness, and understanding were what saved me from my reprobate fate… Or should I say from myself. And the very same people that showed me those affable emotions and gave me a second chance are the same people who are showing them to you right now."

Aliane watched as Creed gently caressed his partner's cheek, understanding he was talking about Train, but also realizing he meant more than just the Black Cat. He was talking about Sven, Eve, and Anastasia's music family as well.

"Are you… implying everyone else forgives me…?"

Creed pried his eyes away from his beautiful Kitten's face so he could look in the woman's eyes. "If they don't forgive you now, they will in time. That's just the kind of people they are. Always forgiving, always compassionate, always accepting and understanding of the dark shadows still anchored to our hearts."

Aliane looked away from Creed to Sephiria. "I think we both know that even with everyone's forgiveness, my fate will not end the same as yours…"

Creed glanced at Sephiria, his hand still on Train's cheek as he frowned. He knew Aliane was right, but he didn't want to say it. The stern look on Sephiria's face was all the evidence he needed to know the ex-Apostles was correct.

I can't expect her story to end well… But at least we can make it a bit easier for her to endure by showing her compassion. I'm sure that's one of the reasons Train's doing it. Also, like he said himself, he's just too nice a guy.

Creed wasn't sure why his brian segwayed to the question he was about to ask, but he couldn't fight a niggling doubt that was tickling that back of his brain.

I did tell myself I was going to mention this to Sephiria when we saw her. Train's childish behavior just distracted me from bringing it up earlier.

Creed realized the conversation about Aliane's fate was going to take a dark turn, so he figured now might have been the best time to bring up his recent doubts about a different woman. He could tell Train was about to start asking the hard hitting questions of what happened to him while he was with the Apostles, and there might have not been another change to bring up his question after that. Train might be too distraught to talk about it.

And we definitely need to talk about it, so I may as well get it over with now. Especially if this has anything to do with the Apostles, Aliane might know something about it. And she seems more than willing to tell us anything we want to know.

Creed eyed the woman behind the bars curiously. "Have you ever heard Charden mention a woman named Effie?"

Aliane blinked in confusion at Creed. "Effie?"

Creed nodded. "Yes. Effie Mayberry. Does the name sound familiar?"

Train gawked at his lover, boggled as to what his old friend had to do with the Apostles or why he would bring her up at that precise moment.

I went far out of my way when I met her to make sure she didn't know anything about my past including the Apostles.

"Creed, what does that have to do with anything?"

Creed gave his beloved a slightly uneasy look. "I… Don't know. Call it a hunch, if you will, but I've been uneasy with her messages to me…"

Train blinked. "What do you mean?"

Creed let out a stressed sigh and ran his fingers through his hair. "To be honest, I don't know. Maybe it's due to the fact that we've been tricked by the Apostles before, but I can't shake this feeling that E hasn't been the one messaging me."

Train continued giving his lover a bewildered look. "Why?"

Creed threw his hands up in the air, not sure how else to explain his gut instinct to the cat. "I don't know, Train! I just do. You should know better than anyone else you can't explain gut feelings. There's just something telling me to find out more about before we see her again, and I was wondering if Aliane knew anything about her."

Before Aliane could respond, Sephiria stepped into the conversation, pushing herself away from the wall so she could make her presence known. "Who is Effie Mayberry?"

Train frowned at Number One. "An old friend of mine. I met her during those six months after leaving the Apostles. She was the reason I became a sweeper. I may not have known her long, but she was a good friend."

Sephiria looked from Train to Creed. "Why do you think she has something to do with the Apostles? From what Heartnet described, he met her while you were still running the Apostles. And if she had anything to do with the Taoists, wouldn't you have known about her and therefore we would have as well?"

Creed nodded in agreement. It didn't make sense that E was a spy like Aliane since she met Train while he was still leading the Apostles. Creed had no idea the woman even existed until Train mentioned her, and with how separated she was from their past, it didn't make sense that she'd have anything to do with the terrorists.

Not to mention the town she lives in isn't even on most maps. It seems far too big of a coincidence that Charden just happened upon her and managed to somehow convince her to betray us after she befriends and bonded with Train. Still…

He thought about the recent messages he had been receiving from her, the poised eagerness her texts held seemed very unlike the woman he had spent so many months getting to know. While she was always excited at the prospect of seeing Train again, the way she talked about their meeting was strange. She seemed both keen to meet up, but at the same time hesitant. As if she wasn't ready yet, but wanted to make sure Creed didn't forget about her.

I haven't forgotten about her in all these months, why would I forget about her now?

Creed locked eyes with Sephiria. "I know, Sephiria, but… I can't get rid of this doubt I have. I don't know what it is, but I just have this nagging feeling that something isn't right with her."

Train frowned at his partner. "With E?"

Creed turned back to his love and frowned. "Yes…"

Train felt his heart freeze a little at his lover's words and even shivered a little at the serious look Creed was giving him. "What… Do you think it is?"

Creed sighed and rubbed his cat's shoulder. "I don't know… That's why I'm asking."

Sephiria stepped back into the conversation as she directed her command at Aliane. "Answer his question."

Aliane stared in confusion at Sephiria, then looked at Creed and Train, frowning at the worried looks on their faces. "I've never heard that name before in my life."

Sephiria glowered at the girl, then turned back to Creed. "Does that ease your burden at all?"

Creed shook his head. "No. But, I also don't think she's lying."

Sephiria rolled her eyes. "You two are being far too merciful towards this woman. How do you know this isn't part of another trap?"

Train sighed. "That's a pretty elaborate trap…"

Sephiria glared at the cat. "So was the one to capture you yet, here we are."

Train returned the woman's glare, wanting to counter that Aliane helping rescue him and handing herself over to Chronos was far more elaborate than befriending and betraying them, but he knew it wasn't worth it. She'd have some other kind of counter for the cat.

"You're sure you never heard that name before?" Creed asked, moving a little closer to the bars as he spoke. "Not even in passing? You haven't heard anyone say that name ever?"

Aliane frowned and shook her head. "No. That's a pretty unique name. I wouldn't forget it."

Creed sighed and leaned back. "Then what the hell is going on…?"

Sephiria stared at Creed's back as she spoke. "What is your gut telling you?"

Creed didn't bother to look back at her as he answered. "Just that something isn't right... She's both talking like herself, but not talking like herself. As if she's trying to work extra hard to be herself. Does that make sense?"

Sephiria nodded. "It makes an eerie amount of sense." She paused for a minute as she thought, then continued. "Have you set up a time to meet with her?"

Creed shook his head. "No. But she said she'll be ready to meet up soon."

Sephiria glanced at Train, who's eyes were locked onto the swordsman, then looked at Creed again. "Set up a time and inform me immediately. We'll bring back up just in case."

Train blinked and turned to Sephiria. "Is that necessary? It was supposed to just be us. Do you really think we can't handle it on our own?"

Sephiria rolled her eyes. "Your opinion about situations like this is vetoed from here on out. You've proven you're far too trusting and naive when it comes to your friends." She saw Train was about to open his mouth again and slapped the wall next to her. "I will not argue with you on this, Black Cat. Understand?"

Creed held his breath, worried his love's trauma may return and he might take Sephiria's orders too literally. The conversation with Aliane had opened up a lot of old wounds, and he didn't think it was unreasonable to believe his beloved might have slipped away from them a bit.

However, when he saw Train roll his eyes and give the woman a sarcastic salute, he breathed a sigh of relief. "Aye, aye, Captn'..."

Creed smiled warmly at his beloved, then turned to Number One. "I'll let you know right away."

"DOES THIS MEAN I GET TO USE MY ABILITIES SOON?!" He reached out and grabbed Creed's hand, his motions so quick they made the silverette jump. "CAN WE TRAIN SOON?!"

Creed blinked wildly at his love, again about to speak, but was cut off by Sephiria. "I think we'll need to train to prepare for this. All of us. Including both of you and the sweepers if they intend on being a part of the war. I also think we'll need to come up with a plan just in case. So, maybe hold off on picking an exact time until we're ready."

Train only barely registered what the woman said, since his eyes were still glued to Creed. He knew no matter what Sephiria said, they may not be enough to persuade his partner, so he was waiting on Creed's response.

Creed saw the eagerness in his love's eyes, then sighed as he looked over his shoulder at Number One. "Can I train one-on-one with Train before we train together? Just to make sure he's ready to use his Tao without losing control?"

Sephiria raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure you can handle him on your own if he loses control?"

Creed smiled confidently. "Yes. I did it before, I can do it again. I'd actually prefer if it were just us so no one else gets hurt."

Sephiria nodded in understanding, then leaned back against the wall. "That's fine. We need to come up with a plan first anyway. When Heartnet's ready, we can run through the plan together, then you can set up a time with the woman."

Creed gave her a sweet smile. "Sounds good."

He jumped again as Train suddenly let go of his hands and leapt into the air, punching his fist upwards as he floated himself slightly out of pure joy. "WOOOOO! FINALLY, SOME ACTION!"

Aliane watched as Creed smiled warmly at the cat and Lin giggled adoringly while Sephiria rolled her eyes. She was hesitant to ask her question, but decided the worst thing that could happen was being told no. "Can… I help…?"

Sephiria was the first to respond to the prisoner. "No."

Creed watched as the girl's demeanor shifted from excited to defeated and frowned. "What exactly did you have in mind?"

Aliane glanced at Sephiria, noticing the woman was giving her a calm, but deadly look and carefully answered Creed. "I-I don't know exactly how I'd help, but I'm sure Sephiria could make some use of me…"

Sephiria took a step forward and made sure the venom could be heard in her voice. "The fact that you are offering your services makes me believe this is all an elaborate plan."

"Why?" Creed asked, genuinely curious why she felt that way."

Sephiria glowered at Creed. "You of all people should know why…"

Creed sighed. "I understand why you might feel that way, but logically, it doesn't make sense."

Sephiria's look did not change, but she wanted to hear more of what the man had to say. "And why is that?"

Creed turned his body away slightly, ignoring his beloved as the cat continued to celebrate, deciding to make Lin join in on his party as he spoke eagerly to the number, even spinning the shorter man around. Lin didn't mind his overly enthusiastic behavior at all. He was beaming brightly at the gunman, overjoyed Train was choosing to celebrate with him specifically.

"Because if this is part of their plan, it is now at the point of being too elaborate to ever work." Creed crossed his legs as he spoke to the woman.

Sephiria sighed. "And we've been here before, Diskenth. Nothing is too elaborate when it comes to the Apostles."

Creed shook his head. "No, you're not understanding what I mean."

Sephiria gestured with her hand for him to continue. "Then be more specific in your reasoning."

Creed sighed and rubbed his eyes, a little frustrated that Sephiria's mistrust for the girl was outweighing her logic. "In order for this specific plan to work, they'd have to rely on the fact that I'd not only become suspicious of E, but ask Aliane about if so she could offer her help. That's a stretch, even for the Apostles. I didn't even intend on asking her about it until just now, which means they'd have to be absolutely perfect in predicting my actions. So, the idea that you think Aliane is involved in this supposed complex plan at all is absolutely absurd. And to be honest, I can't even see the logic behind her getting caught as being a part of their plan."

Sephiria frowned. "Why's that?"

Creed glanced at his beloved who was now messing with Lin's hair. "Because when they had Train, they were ahead of us. Why would they purposefully give him up and give us Aliane?"

Sephiria rolled her eyes. "To lull us into a false sense of security by giving us back one of our strongest allies along with handing over someone who you already bonded with."

Creed sighed and turned back to Sephiria. "You're essentially saying they took Train, made him stronger, and gave him back along with a prisoner. Don't you see how ridiculous that is? By don't that, they gave us all the cards."

He looked at Train out of the corner of his eye as he spoke. "Doctor's desire to turn Train into a weapon was strong even while we were running the Apostles. Do you really think it makes sense he'd willingly give up one of his most prized experiments? Especially when it didn't even sound like he was done with Train."

He frowned and looked back at Number One. "Not only do I understand the kind of madman Doctor is, but I also know when Aliane brought me to the hideout, he did not intend to give Train up. He wanted Train to kill me and bring my head back to Charden to please him. There's no way in hell Kanzaki would have ever given up Train."

Sephiria was quiet for a minute, then nodded unwillingly. "Okay… But, I still don't see how the girl coming with us to meet this friend of yours would benefit us. Or how it isn't a part of their plan. She'll just betray us again."

Creed rolled his eyes. "And if she does, you can kill her."

Sephiria was strangely comforted by Aliane's shudder. "She could disappear and run away."

Creed sighed. "And if you really thought she was that much of a threat or a flight risk, you would have killed her by now. The fact that she's still alive either means you're not done with her yet, or you realize she's not threat, and don't intend on erasing her at all. We all know how much you hate unnecessary deaths."

Aliane felt a bit of hope spark in her chest at Creed's words, and she looked at Sephiria for confirmation. However, the woman's face remained illegible, and the Chronos' leader's eyes remained on Creed.

Seeing Number One didn't respond, but was still listening, Creed went on. "This supposed plan is also contingent on the fact that you'd even let us talk to Aliane. So, not only would the Apostles have to expect me to catch on to E and bring it up to Aliane, but they'd also have to rely on the fact that I'd be given the opportunity to be in contact with her by the world's most stubborn, mistrusting woman."

Creed thought about his words, nodding as he agreed with himself. "Even if they somehow managed to convince Doctor to let Train go, and give us our strongest asset back, they would then have to rely on too many factors after Aliane was captured so make that ludicrous plan work. If they wanted to use E to lure us out, it wouldn't have anything to do with Aliane."

Sephiria stared at Creed for a moment, unwilling to admit outwardly that he was correct and decided to ask a question instead. "You don't think the Apostles have anything to do with this woman you keep mentioning? Even if your gut is telling you something isn't right?"

Creed shook his head. "I didn't say that. I think it's possible this might have something to do with the Apostles, and maybe E is trying to lure us out, but beyond that I don't know."

He looked at Aliane out of the corner of his eye. "But, if it is a trap… I actually think she'd be of great help."

Sephiria looked at Aliane, her eyes filled with disturts as she spoke. "How so?"

Creed turned back to Sephiria. "Because they wouldn't expect you to trust her enough to not only release her, but let her help." He looked at Aliane and smirked. "Besides that, her powers are very useful. If this is a trap, not only will they not expect her to be there, but they won't know she's there until it's too late. She could be the saving grace we need if things go south."

Sephiria glanced at Aliane, quick enough that the girl didn't notice it, and locked eyes with Creed again. Every bit of what he said was accurate, and she couldn't think of a single way to refute any of his points. And she desperately wanted to, since she really didn't want to make the woman a part of their plan.

But, he's right about everything. There's no way they'd give up the Black Cat, especially when they made him stronger. If anything, they would have killed him so he wouldn't fall back into our hands.

And as much as she hated to admit it, the idea that taking Aliane prisoner was a part of the Apostles' plan was starting to become more and more implausible even for her. She was sure if it were true, Aliane would have been making more demands and giving them insider information less. While the ex-Apostle made it clear she didn't know a lot, she made sure to tell Sephiria every tiny detail that came to mind.

She's literally asked for nothing while she's been here and unless she's had something to tell me, she's been as quiet as a mouse. As much as I hate to admit it, she's been our most well behaved prisoner.

Originally, Sephiria believed her conformity meant she was trying to get on Sephira's good side, but now that Creed shined the light in her eyes, she realized how preposterous that sounded. Hearing the swordsman's logic, she was able to realize she had been reacting out of her inherent mistrust of everything relating to the Apostles, along with the protracted chagrin she still felt over being duped by the Taoist.

And the fact that they were successful in capturing Train despite my protests not to trust this girl has made it impossible for me to listen to anything the sweepers have to say.

Before Train was kidnapped, Sephiria used to turn to Creed for his opinion on numerous matters. However, given the recent events they were forced to weather, her faith in the man's logic wavered slightly. While Creed was still one of the most logical, resourceful, intelligent people she knew, she also knew when it came to Train, a bit of his aptitude and judgement went out the window. No matter how much more stable the silverette had become, he could still act a bit crazy when it came to the Black Cat.

But, if I keep refusing to listen to them, we'll end up with a worse relationship than what Aliane has described is happening in the Apostles. If we're going to win, I need to trust them again.

Sephiria made her look at the prisoner known, and she glared at the woman slightly.

She won't get away. I'll make sure of it.

Sephiria finally turned back to Creed. "I'll see if there's a way to work the girl into our plans."

Creed smiled gratefully at Sephiria. He was glad to hear the woman had come around to his logic, especially since he had been able to tell she hadn't been trusting him as much recently.

Ironically, I think all this nonsense with the Apostles has brought us closer together. Who knows? If we win, maybe we'll be close enough that she actually will leave me and Train alone.

He shook his head at his own thoughts.

No, when we win, maybe she'll trust us enough to let us live peacefully together. I need to stay positive that this will all work out in the end. That all our pain and misery will be worth it.

He turned to his beloved who was still messing around with Lin and smiled.

By the end of this contradicting, harrowing fairytale, I will live happily ever after with my prince.

He looked back to Sephiria. "Thank you for listening, Sephiria."

Number One nodded her head slightly, a silent understanding passing between them as she looked at her subordinate and the Black Cat. "How soon can you be ready to train with the rest of us, Black Cat?"

Train looked at Sephiria, his arm around Lin's neck as he held the number captive in an intense noogie. "What?"

Sephiria sighed in frustration. "...You didn't listen to anything we just said, did you?"

Train let go of Lin, much to the smaller man's displeasure, and walked back over to Creed and Number One. "No. It sounded like you guys were making some sort of plan, so I tuned out and decided to celebrate my newest form of freedom with Lin. What's this about training with you? I thought I was training with Creed first."

Creed giggled and decided to answer his love's question, since he could tell Sephiria's patience for the man had been worn out for the day, and he had endless patience for Train. "You are. But, I think Sephiria's trying to figure out a timeline of when we can train as part of her precautionary plan in case meeting E is a trap."

Train frowned as he stepped next to his partner and took a seat on the floor next to him. His conversation with Aliane wasn't over yet, but he wanted to put the idea of E luring them into an ambush to bed. He didn't want to think the woman was betraying them or possibly being used, but after being a prisoner to the Apostles, he knew he couldn't write anything off.

"Do you really think E is tricking us…? You don't think it's too far fetched of an idea that she's been fooling me this entire time?"

Creed frowned at the pain in his love's voice, then gently cupped Train's cheek as he spoke. "I don't think she's been fooling you this entire time. If she was, she would have been more present in your life instead of a few chance meetings years ago."

Train's fears were only alleviated slightly, since Creed was being too vague to fully relieve his stress. "Then, what could it possibly be? Do you really think the Apostles somehow got their hands on her and are using her as bait?"

Creed sighed and caressed his beloved's cheek. "...I don't know, Train. Saying it out loud, it sounds completely insane and improbable, but we can't take any more chances. Especially with how close we are to the finish line."

Train took in a deep breath, pressing his face into Creed's hand. "You're right. Better safe than sorry, right?"

Creed nodded. "Right. And if it turns out to be nothing, then the worst thing that could happen is we are overly prepared to meet with an old friend and we're a bit embarrassed at being wrong. But, no matter what, whether we're walking into an ambush with the Apostles, or we're making a fool of ourselves while we meet with a friend, we'll be doing it together…"

Train's smiled when Creed's sentence trailed off, finishing it for him like he did thousands of times in the past. "Always…"

Train allowed Creed to pull him forward so he could kiss his forehead, then looked at Sephiria. "Your question isn't something I can answer right now. I need to see how I handle training with Creed first."

Sephiria nodded. "Keep us updated on your progress and I'll keep you updated on ours."

Train gave her a cheeky smile, then finally turned back to Aliane. Riding the wave of heat Creed had kindled in his chest with his ardent words and warm lips, along with the joy and relief he felt at being able to train with his partner again, made entering the final topic of conversation with the woman seem effortless.

"Aliane,tell me everything that happened to me while I was the Apostles' prisoner."

Aliane flinched at Train's words, gawking at the man in disbelief as she asked him to repeat his far too sanguine words for an inordinately dark topic of conversation. "What?"

Train smiled at her and turned his body to fully face her. "You heard me. I want to know everything that happened to me while I was at the Apostles' layer. Don't spare my feelings by leaving out details. When I say I want to know everything, I mean I want to know everything."

Aliane continued staring in shock at him as she spoke. "...Are you sure?"

Train could hear the uneasiness in her voice and realized the discussion was going to be almost as hard for her as it was for him. Nevertheless, he nodded firmly and moved closer to the bars.

"Yes. Tell me."

Aliane glanced at Creed who was scooting his body towards Train, then took the cat's hand into his lap and pressed their bodies against one another. She then looked at Sephiria who was still leaning against the wall, but obviously paying attention to whatever the girl had to say. Next, her eyes landed on Number X's, who had finally moved away from the door and towards the cell, standing close enough to Train that he could comfort the gunman if he needed it, but not so much that he infringed on the couple's proximity.

Finally, her eyes landed back on Train and she opened her mouth to question the man again. She shut it quickly when she saw the fierce perseverance radiating intensely in his eyes and knew without a shadow of a doubt, he meant what he said.

She lowered her head. "Okay… If you're really that sure…" Aliane sighed in slight annoyance. "Talk about being a masochist…"

When she heard Train chuckle, he lifted her head and met his gaze. "I'll tell you everything. But, don't blame me for the nightmares."

Train gave her a cheeky smile and brushed her words away. "Those will never stop. I've learned to live with them."

Aliane returned the cat's large smile with a small one and took another deep breath as she hesitantly began telling Train his own tragic story.

---

Train rested his head against the bark of the tree he sat in, staring despondently ahead, barely registering the scintillating stars shimmering illustriously in the dark azure sky, as if mocking him with their brilliant, optimistic presence.

They returned to the sweeper hideout hours ago, and the sun had already set. Creed and Lin stepped out for about an hour after they entered the home and returned with what Train assumed was a plentiful amount of food. He was surprised the men had come to an agreement to go shopping together, and couldn't help but laugh at the image of Creed and Lin arguing over what they were going to buy.

That would have been a sight to see. Sort of sorry I missed it, but they slipped out the same time I did.

When they got back, Train assumed they didn't look for him because they were starting dinner. Train thought about joining them, but he needed time to be alone in the tall tree that resided a few yards away from the house. As much as he wanted to spend time with his friends, he really needed time to himself so he could fully absorb the tragic tale Aliane wove for him.

"Before I start, what do you remember?"

Train frowned. "I remember waking up there, tied to a rubber bed, being infected with that drug and the Nanomachines, and that bastard beating the shit out of me. After that, it starts to get foggy. I remember bits and pieces, but not too much."

Aliane sighed. "Do you remember being forced to stay awake while the bots merged with your body?"

The feeling of his insides being set on fire caused the Black Cat to grimace abruptly, leaning forward as he clutched his stomach tightly, as if he could still feel the lava being poured into his veins again. He felt himself trembling when his memories brought back the pain of said lava hardening inside him, turning into rocks and gravel that brought on an agonizing, heavy feeling.

"I… remember… how it felt, but… I don't remember what happened during that time…"

Aliane waited for the cat to compose himself, then went on. "That's when he… tested your pain threshold…"

Train shivered as the woman's words swam through his head. He could feel the knives Kanzaki cut into him with, murmuring quiet words of throes as he slowly curled himself into a ball. He was desperately trying to escape the acuminous objects Doctor was attempting to skewer him with, treating the cat as if he were a piece of meat and he was the butcher testing for pinkness. However, it seemed that no matter how many times the knife came out salmon hue, the slaughterer wasn't satisfied with his tenderness.

"Hmm… This wound seems to be healing far faster than the other one… I wonder why that is."

He vibrated violently when heard Doctor's twisted voice reverberate against his skull and suddenly saw the lunatic welding a knife in one hand and a syringe in the other, hovering above him like an seraph of death with a maniacal, corrupt, deranged look in his eyes. Train knew the snarl the psychopath sketched crudely on his face was meant to be interperted as a smile from the presenter's point of view, but the gunman couldn't see it as anything other than what it truly was: The wild look of a barbarian about to dig in on their fresh kill.

"Ah, I see! The Nanomachines are centralizing around the non-dominant side of your body because they're identifying that as weaker. Well, there's only one way to fix that!"

Train liberated a vulgar growl from his lips when he felt Doctor stab him with another needle, injecting him with more of the Nanomachines he never consented to. As he felt his body begin to spark with an electrical rage, Train knew he was beginning to lose control of his emotions and tried to shake himself of the memory.

"There, that's better. Now, you'll heal perfectly on each side. You should be thanking me, Black Cat. I'm about to make you unstoppable. Immortal even! I could have done the same for Creed if didn't listen to you all those years ago. I guess you can also consider this revenge for trying to keep the Nanomachines from me."

The traumatized golden man winced and whimpered as his mind became plagued with the suppressed memories that lived in the dark corners of his subconscious. The conversation with Aliane had opened the floodgates to his misery and torment, and he was now swimming fruitlessly in the unrelenting storm of his tragedy. Try as he might to re-seal the unyielding conduit residing in his psyche, his body felt too weak to halt the storm, too powerless to fight back against the inexorable monsoon.

"You bastard…."

"Now, does that sound like something you should be saying to the man that is about to make you a God? Isn't that what your beloved partner has always regarded you as anyway? Think of this as my way of making Creed-sama's views of you come to fruition."

When he felt the maniac scientist take the knife and wedge it deep into his flesh, Train flinched violently as his eyes glanced down at his arm that was still wrapped around his stomach. He quickly removed his arms from around his abdomen, and clamped his fingers tightly around his forearm, desperately trying to prevent his unseen life force from exiting his body.

"Leave Creed's name out of your mouth…"

Despite his best efforts to shield his vision from the malformation Kanzaki was trying to impose on him, he was able to clearly see the knife slice into his sinew and muscle, all the way down to his bone. The cat gripped even tighter at his arm, rocking back and forth slightly as his body flared intensely with electricity.

"Can't you see this is what Creed wanted from the beginning? Wasn't it his idea to bring the Nanomachines to the Apostles in the first place? I'm just finishing what he tried to start."

He knew he was losing more and more control of his emotions as his demented memories played like a horror movie in his head, but he was finding it harder and harder to ignore his emotional wreckage when he heard Kanzaki's sick voice repeat his lover's name over nad over again. As if he was trying to taint the warmth hearing Creed's name formed in his heart.

As more of Doctor's heinous words crawled through his head, Train clutched tightly at his hair and shook his head back and forth, rejecting the reality the scientist was attempting to inflict on him. He felt the heat of the electricity that was engulfing his body intensify, then shivered at the chilly wind that was beginning to wipe a bit more ominiously around him. He knew if he didn't do something quick, he'd end up burning down the tree he sat in… Or worse…

Train lifted his head and glanced at the sweeper house, thinking of the people he loved that resided within its comforting walls. He took a deep breath and started to talk himself down off the metaphoricalledge he stood on due to the concealed memories that were only jus surfacing.

"Creed turned them away when I asked him… Creed never wanted that for me… Creed only ever wanted to help me… to keep me safe. He would never mutilate me like that…"

As he spoke, he imagined the silver man was holding him, caressing him, kissing him. Even if it wasn't real, feeling the other man's lithe, soothing hands brushing against every inch of his skin, his strong arms holding the cat firmly against the silverette's lean chest was enough to make the wind swishing around his figure to slow to a stop. When he felt Creed's lips brush against his ear, giving him a small, loving kiss before whispering his canonizing works, the sparks around his body faded.

"Creed loves me… He'd never do anything to hurt me…"

When he felt his body relaxing, he slowly untangled his fingers from his hair and pulled his arms away from his body. Train lifted his head to gaze at the stars in the sky, able to appreciate their beauty a bit more now that he had weathered a small portion of the storm that still lived in his beleaguered heart.

"Do you remember being denied water and food?"

Train shook his head.

"Do you remember me feeding you for the first time? Before Doctor said you were ready?"

Again, Train shook his head.

Aliane frowned at the cat, then lowered her head. "Let's just say… it didn't end well…"

He knew the memory of being starved probably should have brought on another slue of negative emotions, but instead he smiled. After Aliane walked him through the days he was denied food, something almost as much as he loved Creed, the memories of his malnutrition gradually returned to him. It seemed that his mind needed a few hours to fully comprehend what the woman told him before his subconscious allowed it access into his brain.

Train thought about the girl's words and felt gratefulness take over his heart where pain and turmoil once inhabited his soul. The memories of Aliane feeding him and protecting him as much as she could returned to him. He remembered the woman spoon feeding him the gruel he was forced to eat, and remembered watching her walk around Doctor's lab aimlessly with a garbage bag filled with the evidence of his attempted escape. He also remembered the girl giving him a gentle kiss before slipping out of his prison to get help.

That was also around the time Aliane mentioned Watts started taking care of him. He shivered at the thought, vaguely recalling the man stomping on his food then kicking it over to him. He remembered the bastard ordering him to cause harm to himself, but since it directly contradicted what Charden and Doctor told him to do, it didn't work.

Those memories don't bother me that much. Watts is a sad, lonely man who's going to die with misery and pain as his only companion. It's hard to feel anything but contempt for him.

While Train knew there was a small part of him that was still frightened of seeing Doctor again, he knew he'd be able to face Watts with no problem. In fact, he was looking forward to it. He had a few choice words for the man, and he couldn't wait to let the murderer have it.

Well, I guess it's not so much as words as it is bullets…

Train frowned as he remembered a question he asked the woman about the leaders of the Apostles.

"Why don't I remember Charden or Echidna being there? Weren't they giving me orders along with Doctor?"

Aliane shook her head. "No. They actually weren't really ever around you. Echidna only stopped by the first time and maybe one other time, and Charden was only there a handful of times to see what Doctor was doing with you. And even then, he never stayed very long."

Train raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

Aliane shrugged her shoulders. "Not sure. The only guess I could make is they wanted to use you as a weapon, but didn't want to see what had to be done to get them there. It was really Kanzaki that wanted to conduct as many experiments on you as possible.

The woman grimaced as she thought of Doctor, then continued. "Kanzaki was the main reason we took you captive. Charden was ready to give up on the plan just like everyone else, and was even talking about pulling us out of our mission. The only reason he didn't was because he wanted to shut Doctor up by giving him what he wanted."

Train didn't need to question the woman as to what Kanzaki wanted. He made it clear from the moment the Black Cat joined the Apostles what he wanted from the gunman, and it was anything but friendly. He had a feeling the only reason the scientist agreed to join Creed in creating the Apostles was to have even the slightest chance of getting his hands on the legendary assassin.

He shivered again and forced his thoughts away from Doctor, which was a difficult task to accomplish since the man still infested his nightmares. Still, he managed to accomplish the task by looking back to the house that held his friends, imagining what they were doing and smiling warmly.

Creed and Lin are probably going crazy making me as much food as possible. They both seemed particularly affected by the idea that I was starved, so I wouldn't be surprised if I walked into a feast.

Rinslet was staying with them while she continued to recover, and Train knew the thief was probably rolling her eyes at his current and formed lover bickering over what to make all while stopping Kyoko from burning down the kitchen.

And Kyoko is probably getting yelled at by Sven along with both Creed and Lin.

He chuckled when the vision of Sven yelling at them for making a mess or using too much of their money to buy the ingredients to make the feast, then nodded in agreement with Eve's voice that was telling the older man they'd be fine and Train deserved the gluttonous meal.

Yeah, Sven, shut up! I deserve to be spoiled! Don't you know I was starved by the Apostles?

He and Creed discussed spending the night at the music school so they could be alone, but after hearing what happened to him while he was a prisoner along with what he put his friends through at the docks, he wanted to be with the rest of their family. As much as he wanted to be alone with his lover, he really needed to be with the sweepers. It helped quell the guilt he felt about causing them the tremendous amount of grief and suffering he had.

Even though logically I know it isn't my fault, and even though I knew they don't blame me, it still hurts knowing what I did to them at the docks… Or Creed in that field…

Creed told him about the docks and the field before Aliane did, but the girl gave him the insight story of what the Apostles' plan was. Apparently, they were intending to test his new abilities and his willingness to obey an order to kill… and it didn't work. Train not only refused to kill, but nearly broke himself out of his drug induced state when he heard Saya's song.

My loved one nearly got themselves killed all for a test. They put their lives on the line to save me while all the Apostles were doing was testing my obedience… Testing the power they forced on me to use for their own gain.

Train clenched his fists tightly at the idea of his friends experiencing pain all because the Taoists were taking the Black Cat on a practice run. All that pain the sweepers went through that night, both physically and mentaly, happened because the Apostles were measuring how far they could push Train.

But, it didn't work. I didn't kill anyone and in the end, they brought me home. Creed brought me home…

He felt his entire body lighten and lift at the thought of his lover, and a small, peaceful smile graced his once tortured lips. While he knew all of his friends had been through a lot, he knew Creed had been through the most pain and misery while he was gone. And even though the swordsman may have thought he was useless the first four days, Train knew that wasn't true.

He was hurt. He was paralyzed with pain. His body shut down and he had no control over it…

"Train? What are you doing up there?"

Train's heart skipped a beat when he heard that voice and wondered briefly if he'd ever stop reacting that way to the man's nectarous, euphonious timbre. He leaned over the high, thick branch he was sitting on, and smiled down at his partner.

"Just thinking."

Creed frowned, holding what looked to be a glass chocolate milk as he spoke to his beloved.

"But why this tree? Why not the roof?"

Train shrugged. "Not sure. Guess I just wanted a change of scenery. I don't want to become too much of a creature of habit. Otherwise I'll be easy to stalk. You should know that better than anyone else."

Creed pouted up at his love. "I never stalked you…"

Train gave his partner a coy look. "Liar."

Creed sighed and rolled his eyes. "Whatever…"

Train laughed and asked another question. "If you're not a stalker, how were you able to find me up here? I've never been to this tree before, and it's a few yards away from the house."

Creed stiffen slightly at his love's words, then blushed lightly and looked away. "...I just have a knack for being able to find you."

Train rolled his eyes. "Suuuure…"

Train could see the cute smile on his lover's face before he turned to the cat with concern in his eyes. "Are you okay?"

Train wanted to roll his eyes, but he knew that wasn't fair since Creed had every right to be worried about him.

I may not have had a breakdown after talking to Aliane and living through my traumatic encounter with the Apostles, but it was an emotionally draining day. It's fair that he's concerned.

He smiled reassuringly and nodded slightly. "Yes, Creed, I'm fine. I won't lie to you and say I didn't just have a moment, but I'm good now. I was able to calm myself down again."

Creed felt a dagger twist in his heart at what his beloved said. "Are you sure?"

Train nodded a little more visibly that time. "Yes, I'm sure. You've seen me do it. You know I'm capable of bringing myself out of that state now."

Creed sighed, then walked closer to the tree. "Okay, Train. I trust you."

Train broadened his smile. "That's all I need to keep my grounded, Creed."

The swordsman returned his love's smile and began climbing the tree, balancing the glass he was holding in one hand as he effortlessly made his way to his beloved. Once he was there, he smirked at the hand Train offered him and placed the glass in. He heard Train make a charming mewl and sighed contentedly at the affection sound.

Once he knew his Kitten had secured the glass in his hand, Creed pulled himself up onto the branch next to the gunman, sitting next to the cat and smiled contentedly at him. "Are you ready to come inside yet?"

Train sighed and rested his head on Creed's shoulder. "Is the food ready yet?"

Creed giggled and ran his fingers through Train's hair. "No yet. It's a process with those people."

Train rolled his eyes. "Has Kyoko set anything on fire?"

Creed giggled again. "No, but she certainly gave it the old college try."

Train laughed. "Did Rins stop her?"

Creed chuckled. "Yes."

"Because Sven was too busy yelling at you and Lin for spending too much money on food?"

Creed blinked. "Did your Tao level up again? Do you have x-ray vision or something now?"

Train laughed loudly and gently smacked his partner. "I don't need x-ray vision to know the mess you guys create in that house." He snuggled further into his Stallion and smiled warmly. "Do you know how much longer Rins plans on gracing us with her presence?"

Even though she was still recovering, Train knew she liked to be by herself as often as possible, so the fact that she was still with them was a shock to the cat.

Creed smiled at his Kitten and continued caressing his hair. "She said tonight is her last night. She's almost fully recovered and said she can't take much more of our shenanigans."

Train chuckled. "Makes sense…"

Creed was quiet for a minute, then asked his love a question. "Do you know if Lin plans on staying with us?"

Train shrugged. "No idea. We haven't talked about it. I'm sure he plans on at least spending the night here just like we do, but beyond that I don't know. And I'm not sure if he'd want to stay here once he finds out we're moving out together."

Creed sighed. "That's going to be a tough conversation."

Train frowned. "I know, but he can handle it. We've both had worse conversations. Both with each other, and other people."

Creed smiled lovingly and kissed Train's head. "How'd you know we were cooking?"

Train rolled his eyes and smiled peacefully at the way his partner's fingers danced between his locks. "Because I know you and Lin well enough to understand you're poor little hearts were broken at the idea of me being deprived of food for a few hours let alone days."

Creed frowned and kissed his beloved's head. "I don't think it's unreasonable to want to shower you with something you love after what you've been through."

Train smirked and kissed his lover's neck, letting his lips linger slightly to add a more amorous feel to the gesture. "Is that why you finally decided to join me out here?"

Creed purred at the feeling of his lover's lips pressing against his neck, even pressed Train's face harder against his skin by placing his hand on the back of the cat's neck. When he felt his Kitten suck gently at his flesh and nibble slightly, he moaned in pleasure and cupped his beloved's cheek with his other hand.

"I was trying to give you time to yourself, but had I known this was going to be my welcoming, I would have come up sooner…"

Train chuckled and trialed his lips up to Creed's ear, nipping slightly at his lobe before whispering in his ear. "You know you're always welcomed to keep me company, my Stallion… But, thank you for giving me space. I needed it."

Creed purred at his love's lips, turning his head so he could catch the next kiss Train was going to give him with his lips. Using the hands that were still on the cat's face, the silver man deepened the kiss by pulling Train closer and slipping his tongue between his smooth, soft lips. A petite, happy smile graced his pale lips when he felt Train return his kiss, forever enthralled with the fact that Train Heartnet loved him enough to embrace him like that.

I could live for a million years and still feel like I'm in some kind of euphoric dream when he kisses me… His taste and touch will eternally bewitch me.

When Train finally pulled away, Creed swooned at the way his beloved's breath washed against his face. "Mmm… Smetterò mai di essere intossicato dalla tua presenza?" (1)

Train smiled and nestled his head back into his partner's neck. "Spero di no. Non sono sicuro che saprei cosa fare se non fossi ubriaco di me tutto il tempo." (2)

Creed giggled and pressed his face into Train's hair, breathing in his beloved as he spoke. "That's good, 'cause I can't imagine a world without you…"

Train smiled and nuzzled further into his lover, forgetting about the drink he was holding in his hand as he felt Creed's arms wrap around his waist, pulling the cat closer to his body. Train melded into his lover, scooting his body closer and locking their dangling ankles together as he shut his eyes. He didn't realize how tired he felt until he had the warm of the man next to him.

"Hmm, so sleepy…"

Creed nearly fainted from the cuteness his Kitten was displaying, but managed to keep his balance and hold Train closer to his body. "I don't blame you, it's been a long day."

Train sighed tranquilly when he felt Creed's fingers outline his jaw. "Nah, I blame you. You're so warm and soft and cuddly. Like a big, silver teddy bear."

Creed chuckled and kissed the top of Train's head. "Oh? Am I a bear now? Not a stallion?"

Train smirked, but kept his eyes closed. "One person can be two things…"

Creed smirked as well, repeating the words Train had said to him in the past in very similar situations. "That's a contradiction, Train."

Despite the fact that his eyes were closed, Train rolled them. "How dare you steal my schtick."

Creed chuckled at his beloved, continuing to caress Train's hair and cheek as often as he could, slipping in a kiss every so often, and looked at the untouched glass he was holding. "Aren't you going to have your milk?"

Train blinked his eyes open, then lifted his head to look at the glass. "Why chocolate milk?"

Creed pressed his face against Train's cheek, smiling warmly as he kissed his beloved's cheek. "Chocolate stimulates the production of endorphins and creates feelings of pleasure."

Train moaned quietly when Creed placed his tongue on his neck, trailing it up to his jaw, then finally landing on his cheek to give it another light kiss. "So, you're trying to warm me up?"

Creed shrugged, then nuzzled Trian's face again. "Maybe for later. But for now, I just wanted to give you something that might help improve your mood. I know you said you're fine, but I can tell you're in emotional turmoil. I figured if I used the natural healing powers of chocolate combined with your obsessive love for milk, I might be able to replace some of those painful feelings with pleasurable ones."

Train trembled from the warmth his lover was giving him with each of his kisses, then pressed their foreheads together. "There's other ways you can replace my pain with pleasure…"

Creed smirked and brushed his lips against Train's as he spoke. "Considering there are other people who want to help you as well, and you know I'll never share you with anyone, I think food and milk are a safe and acceptable substitute… For now."

Train chuckled and kissed Creed, deepening it quickly as he twirled his tongue around his partner's before pulling away. "To be continued, then."

Creed rested his chin on Train's shoulder, his arms still wrapped around his beloved's waist as he watched the gunman drink his beverage. "Dinner will be done soon anyway. And Lin's making you a cake."

Train raised an eyebrow as he downed the glass. "A cake? Why?"

Creed shrugged and wiped the milk off his Kitten's lips. "He said he wanted to. It's actually turning out to be pretty extravagant. Sven is quite angry with him for the mess he created."

Train laughed, happy to hear he knew his friends well enough to know what they were doing in the kitchen without even being there. "Did Eve stand up for what Lin was doing?"

Creed nodded. "Yup. She's got both Lin and the cake's back."

Train smiled and finished the rest of his drink. "I understand he's trying to do whatever he can to make me feel better, but why a cake? Aren't they usually reserved for celebratory things?"

Creed shrugged again. "Well, considering your favorite thing is milk and literally anyone can give you that, I can see why he'd want to do something extra. And, aren't we kind of celebrating?"

Train cocked an eyebrow at him. "What could we possibly be celebrating after today?"

Creed smiled adoringly at his beloved and took Train's chin in his hand, rubbing his smooth skin with his thumb. "We're celebrating the big step you took today. And you took it so well. Despite the immense amount of stress you were under, you took it all in stride and came out the other end stronger than ever. We're all proud of you."

Train rolled his eyes. "Jeeze, you make it sound like I'm a high schooler who just graduated…"

Creed giggled and kissed Train's forehead. "Come on, Train. You know it's true. You were very brave today."

Train chuckled as Creed kissed his forehead over and over again. "Now you're making it sound like I'm a child who made it through their first dentist appointment."

Creed sighed and pinched Train's cheek. "Stop it. You know what I mean. You should be proud of yourself too. And you should want to celebrate just as much as we do."

Train grinned at his lover and pinched his cheek as well. "I am proud of myself. That's exactly what I've been doing up in this tree. I've been patting myself on the back."

Creed stared at his love's face for a second, then laughed merrily at the scene they were creating. "So, you'll accept Lin's random cake then?"

Train smirked. "Why would I ever turn cake away?"

Creed smiled, kissed his love on the lips, then pressed their foreheads together. "You're sure you're okay?"

Train nodded and rested his hand on Creed's chest, feeling his lover's heart beat against the palm and sighing blissfully. "Yes. I'm fine. And as long as I have you by my side, I will always be more than fine."

They remained like that for a few seconds, gazing affectionate into each other's eyes, smiling fondly at one another before pressing their lips back against one another. They allowed themselves to get lost in the kiss rather quickly, dissolving into the smoldering fire that rose in their chests as they tasted one another, amalgamating their bodies as Train wrapped his arms around the swordsman's neck. Creed tightened his hold on his kitten, pressed his chests against one another so he could feel Train's heart beat against his own, the coolness of the air the only relief to the heat that was consuming their souls.

"You two need to untangle yourselves and get inside. Dinner's ready."

Creed growled in frustration at the voice, turning to look down at Rinslet who was smiling knowingly at the men. "You have the worst timing."

The thief put her hands up and began to walk back to the house. "Hey, I'm just the messenger. Lin was going to come out here himself, but I had a feeling that was a bad idea and decided to spare him the pain."

Train laughed. "Oh, it's painful watching us?"

Rinslet brushed his words away. "Not for me! But, our sweet little number would have had his heart broken all over again."

Train frowned as she walked away. "How did you even find us up here?"

Rinslet shrugged and shouted back. "Luck!"

Train smiled at the woman, then laughed.

Either my luck transcends to those I care most about, or I'm more predictable than I thought. Might not be a good thing since that means the Apostles might be able to find me.

Train shook his head of the thought since he knew it wouldn't matter soon. Their fates were aligned, so they were bound to meet again.

Except next time, it'll hopefully be the last.

Train heard his lover sigh sadly, then rolled his eyes and turned back to the swordsman, smiling adoringly at Creed's distraught demeanor over the sudden end of their kiss. "To be continued?"

Creed's pout turned into a smile as he wrapped his fingers around his Kitten's, and gestured for them to jump out of the tree. "Shall we?"

Train smirked and nodded. "Let's shall! I want that cake."

Creed returned his love's smirk and pressed his foreheads together as he spoke. "You can have your cake, and eat it too."

Train rolled his eyes and flicked Creed's forward, then jumped out of the tree. "Stop talking and lets go eat!"

Creed watched his beloved walk away for a second, smiling playfully at the cat before jumping out of the tree and towards Train. He landed a few feet in front of the cat, then began running. "First one there gets the first slice!"

Train blinked at his partner, then ran after him. "THAT'S NOT FAIR! YOU GOT A HEAD START!"

Creed smirked over his shoulder at Train. "I did not! You jumped down first!"

Train growled. "BUT IT'S MY CAKE!

Creed laughed merrily and began skipping. "Then you better run faster!"

Train's scowl turned into a happy smile as he watched Creed skip off.

Today turned out to be a good day after all…

---

Translation:

(1) "Will I ever cease to be intoxicated by your presence?"

(2) "I hope not. I'm not sure I'd know what to do if weren't drunk on me all the time."