Slightly re-written. Added in more of Creed's obsession. Some foreshadowing. Kind of important to re-read for the foreshadowing.
Creed sat on his lumpy gray couch within the confines of his room, sketch book sitting on his lap as he finished another drawing of Train. He smiled proudly, he ripped it out of the book, placing it on his bed to the growing pile of portraits of his beloved that rested next to him. The floor was littered in discarded drawings of his cat. Those were the ones he deemed unworthy of existing since they couldn't compare to the majesty of his love.
The swordsman began his next drawing. This one was going to be him in Train's arms. Since the only way Creed could ever see his fantasies come to reality were on paper, he drew them as often as possible. There was even an unfinished painting of him and Train in the corner of his room he had started a while ago, but couldn't concentrate on it right now. He hadn't seen his cat in over a week and Creed was beginning to lose his mind. That was why he was drawing so many pictures.
If I can't see Train, then I need to keep drawing him to keep myself sane.
However, it had been long enough that this was starting to not be enough. His rage was growing and he was becoming more impatient with his lack of perfection in his drawings. Creed growled and crumpled up the paper, throwing it on the ground with the other trash. He didn't draw Train's eyes right, so the artwork could not stay in this world any longer.
If I don't see Train soon, I'm going to explode...
The silver man sighed and ran his fingers through his hair, gazing at the ceiling until he decided to turn on the television. He didn't watch it often, but maybe he'd see something on the news that pointed to his beloved's whereabouts.
Switching the electronic box on, he began flipping aimlessly through the channels on his scratchy TV, stopping only at the mention or appearance of a train or black cat. He also lingered on any news channels, hoping he would see some sign of his beloved. Seeing nothing, he felt the rage boil inside him again and he threw the remote to the ground, shattering it to pieces. He glared at the broken object and whimpered loudly as he fell back onto his bed.
Where, oh where has my cat gone?
The silver haired man sank further into the bed, dropping his hand along the side as he settled on a cat show he was forced to watch due to the broken remote. He smiled longingly as a black cat appeared on the screen. It instantly became his favorite as he rooted for its victory.
He whined sadly and reached for the screen as if Train would appear from it. "Train…"
Creed sighed for the millionth time. He was bored. Bored and lonely and he was only lonely when Train wasn't around. That's how he was before he met the Black Cat and that's how he was now. An empty shell without his beloved. His world was meaningless without Train. Creed's sun was gone and he felt like a plant that was writhing up and dying without the heat of his beloved.
He whimpered again and stared out his window, hoping to see a cloud that was shaped like his beloved.
Stupid Chronos with all their stupid people. Why haven't we been given a mission? Even catching a purse snatcher with Train would be enough. Just something.. anything, that would allow me to see my precious cat again…
Creed shot up in his bed as he thought of something horrifying.
Maybe Train's getting solo missions and doesn't need me?! Or worse, what if he has a new partner and I haven't been informed yet?!
Creed actually felt himself starting to cry at that thought. The day they were no longer partners was the day Creed would go completely over the edge, and he already felt it starting to happen. He pictured Train standing back to back with someone else. He saw his beloved protecting them from a flying bullet and pulling whoever this garbage person was to the side to prevent them from being punched in the face.
The swordsman clutched his silver hair tightly and felt his body beginning to shake.
No! No, stop it! If that were the case they would have told you by now. Chronos works quickly. They wouldn't wait a week to reassign Train and not tell me. If he had a new partner, I would have already been introduced to a new one as well.
He breathed deeply, calming himself down as he wiped a tear from his eye and began to contemplate over his beloved again. Creed reminisced fondly about the moments they shared together. All the missions they've been through, all the times they faced death together, the times they've seen death together, their conversations.
Well, most of our conversations consist of my ramblings on how perfect Train is… Which he is.
A small frown formed on the swordsman's face at an unrelated thought. Train seemed to be changing. Though his personality, sense of humor and laid back attitude was essentially the same, the way he handled missions was slightly different. Like the Merriam mission. Though Train killed the target flawlessly as usual, he seemed a little troubled after the man had fallen down dead.
Train doesn't show emotions towards the death of some worthless human. Normally, my cat would kill them, then go home and sleep. Even showing an ounce of sympathy is odd for the Black Cat.
It was disconcerting for Creed. If Train lost his killer instinct, who knows what would happen to him?
No, I know what would happen to him...
Creed shuddered at that thought, but decided it would never happen.
Nodding confidently, he turned back to the cat show which now had a black and white cat playing together. Creed smiled wistful at the image, quickly making a connection to Train as the black cat and Creed as the white one. He giggled when the black one pinned the white one down. It reminded him of the times they would train together and his beloved always won.
However his thoughts changed once more as he sighed again, his heart aching for his beloved once more. He glanced out the window, searching the sky again for any sign of where his cat was. Seeing the answer wasn't there, Creed growled and stood from his bed, grabbing his sword as he did so.
Another quick search around town couldn't hurt, right?
Deciding it couldn't and left his apartment with a new resolve.
I'll find you, Train. If it's the last thing I do.
Train lay there on the hard, steel bed and thin mattress tossing and turning over the thoughts that swam through his troubled mind. The conversation that just took place had been more than aggravating.
"You are our pet. Chronos is your master."
Train's throat was beginning to hurt from all the growls he uttered.
Just a pet, huh?
On a recent solo mission, Train was ordered to kill another random soul. This one was considered far less dangerous than that smuggler, hence it being a solo mission.
What's so wrong about letting that loser live? He was just that. A loser. And after that threat of mine, he won't be causing anymore problems for anyone.
The golden eyed man smirked at the memory of the man's chubby face as he told him to get out of town. He was shaking uncontrollably as his eyes glanced around at his fallen comrades, all of which were still alive.
Train turned on his side so he was facing the cold, dreary wall. The lack of seeing anything amusing allowed Train's thoughts to analyze his actions more thoroughly, despite knowing that was the reason he was locked in this godforsaken room in the first place. He sighed heavily.
Was I wrong? Should I have killed that man as well as his comrades? Even now they seem harmless. They posed no threat to Chronos or its order. They were just a waste of time and bullets.
Not only his actions, or lack thereof, infuriated the Elders, but Train's sass-talk affected their demeanor as well. They weren't used to someone speaking to them as if they were nothing special.
Injured their precious pride, did I? Suppose they don't like free-thinking…Or free living for that matter.
Train growled again, ignoring the hurt it caused his throat. He balled his hand into a fist and pounded the mattress he laid on.
What is so wrong about wanting to live freely? Why couldn't I live my life the way I want? It is my life after all. I belong to no one.
He thought about Saya and the happy life she lived. She was so carefree and laid back and Train had finally figured out why. She had freedom.
Freedom…
Funny how a seven letter word could have such an impact on a person. Like a paperclip to a magnet, Train was drawn to it. Deciding not to think too much more into the matter, the Black Cat rested his head into the pillow and allowed sleep to take him over.
Creed arrived at the Chronos Headquarters seeing as Train wasn't at his apartment or anywhere around it or any of his normal relaxing spots. He questioned any and every living soul he came across, but had no luck. After receiving the same answer from the fiftieth person, the unbalanced man lost a little more of his sanity weights and decided to check headquarters
"What do you mean it's confidential? I'm his partner. How can you keep the whereabouts of him from me?!" Creed was close to strangling the pathetic man.
He was worthless anyway, who would miss him?
"Sorry, but I cannot tell you." Replied the random Chronos crony as he turned and walked away from Creed.
The swordsman watched the man go, focusing all his energy into not slicing him in half. He needed to find Train first.
Keep your priorities in check, Creed. Train comes first. Once you find him, you can kill this useless bastard.
Breathing hard in order to regain his equilibrium, he made a mental note to memorize the low-life's face so he could come back for him later.
Creed knew something was wrong. Why would Train's whereabouts be kept private? Especially from Creed. The assassin had checked everywhere. Every hall, room, alcove, window, corner. He even climbed up to the roof and searched there. He knew how much his cat loved high places.
There's just one hall left.
Creed sighed tiredly. There was no way Train would be down there. The hall had only one room in it: The Disciplinary Room.
Why would Train be there?
In Creed's desperation to find the Black Cat, he walked resolutely down the hall to the single room on the left side. He peeked through the small window into the narrow room, grimacing at the padding on the walls which only made it smaller. He could tell the padding made it sound proof, but couldn't possibly make it comfortable. Creed saw a toilet was placed at the very end and a small, steel bed with a thin mattress on top to the left.
On further inspection of the bed, he noticed it was occupied. Creed's heart froze and his face drained its color as he eyed the sleeping figure. Though he was facing the wall, Creed knew that dark, spiky hair and slim form anywhere. It was definitely his Train.
Needing to get to Train, Creed gasped the doorknob hard and turned it violently. Finding that useless, but not wanting to give up, he resorted to relying on his beloved sword to free his sleeping cat.
"Creed Diskenth, what do you think you're doing?"
Creed turned his head wildly to reveal who had interrupted him. Sephiria Arks stood there with an incriminating look in her steel blue eyes as she studied Creed. She held a tray of food Creed which he assumed was for Train.
He won't eat that. He already told me he stopped eating what they gave him.
His eye widened at the thought, since it meant something else.
That means if he's been locked up for as long as I think he has been, my beloved hasn't eaten in over a week!
The swordsman turned to face the swordswoman completely, a new level of rage boiling in his gut. He pointed angrily towards the room where Train was locked up, allowing his fury to shine brightly as his normally blue eyes changed into the dangerous crimson hue they took on whenever he was this mad.
"Why the hell is Train locked up?!"
He doesn't even have a proper bed! I hope that doesn't hurt his back...
"That does not concern you." Sephiria replied in a calm tone.
Creed gripped his sword tighter, which was aimed at the door in an attempt to control his anger enough not to decapitate the woman instantly. Sephiria was not one to be taken so lightly. However, he was getting sick of hearing Train's business was not his business. Everything about or involving Train was his business.
"Why does a matter involving my partner not concern me?! I want to know what happened!" Creed screamed as he slammed his sword on the door, knowing it wouldn't wake Train due to the silence the room created for its occupants.
Sephiria, sensing the madman's rising homicidal rage, came to the conclusion that it was best to tell him at least some of the Black Cat's situation. Who knows what he'd do in this current state of mind?
That's a question that needs no answer. It's obvious what he'd do. This place would be in chaos within seconds.
"Train was recently sent on a solo mission to dispose of an enemy of Chronos..."
Sephiria started slowly, knowing that even saying that to Creed was a risk. She knew of his dedication to the Black Cat and wasn't sure how he'd react to the fact that Train went on a mission without him. Last time that happened Sephiria, had to leave a meeting with the Elders quickly to stop his rampage. She was scolded severely for losing control over an underling and Number One knew she couldn't let that happen again.
Creed is not stable, but his skills are admirable. I can't let him lose control here. If he does, I'll have to put an end to him quickly…
She let her hand fall to her sword subtly, just in case that statement was enough to send him over the edge. Seeing it didn't, she continued.
"On that mission, Heartnet deliberately disobeyed orders and spared the target. After this disobedience, the Elders ordered he appear before them, allowing him a chance to explain his actions and offer another chance to complete the mission. Not only did he refuse their offer, but he mocked them."
Creed had to get over the fact that Train had been on a mission without him. That was hard, but the last time he lost control when his love was sent off without him, he was beaten pretty badly by almost every number they had available and the building was nearly destroyed. Creed already saw her reaching for her sword in preparation and glared a little harder at her. He didn't want to fight the entire team off again, but he couldn't let Sephiria know that. The silver man needed answers and if Sephiria knew he was concerned about fighting her, he wouldn't get them.
Then, he thought about how Number One said Train failed a mission.
No, not failed. He allowed that person to live. But why?
He scowled at Sephiria, grinding his teeth as he spoke. "So you locked him up? Train doesn't deserve to be locked up. He hates being confined to one place!"
Sephiria glowered as she answered Creed's barely controlled anger. "He is to be locked up for ten days to think over the wrongs he has committed. These are direct orders from your masters. You will obey them."
Creed scowled even harder at the idea of his beloved committing a wrong and he was supposed to just accept it. He felt his rage building to an inconceivable level. The blonde could sense this and adjusted herself to a slight fighting stance. She didn't want to fight him in her masters' home, but she would if she had to.
"It's already been eight days, Creed. He will be released in two more." Sephiria answered flat toned, hoping that would calm the man before things got out of hand and this building was destroyed by Creed's fury.
"I know basic math…" Creed said through clenched teeth. "How long he has left means nothing because you will release him now!"
"It's not your decision to make, Diskenth…" Warned Number One.
The two stared at each other. Sephiria's controlled emotions and insistence that Train was none of his business was draining Creed's already drained patients and the silver man's threatening words were concerning Sephiria.
After several minutes of staring, Creed finally let out a sigh. He didn't want to fight her, but he still needed to know what was going on in his beloved's heart.
"Do you know the cause of Train's change of heart?"
The blonde woman narrowed her eyes and sighed inwardly. The man's obsession with the Black Cat was infuriating and she didn't know how Train tolerated it.
Well, the Black Cat doesn't really have a choice. We put them together because we knew Train would be able to handle Creed's unpredictable manner better than anyone else. Also, if we paired Train with anyone else, Creed would have most likely killed them.
However, it was clear Creed wouldn't leave without knowing the Black Cat's situation in full detail. And if she didn't give him what he wanted, not only would this end in a battle, but her masters would punish her for losing control of one of their assassins.
And this punishment will be far more severe than what it was last time...
"Seems you don't know everything about thirteen after all." The swordsman let out an angry growl. "We've recently discovered that he has made contact with a young sweeper girl. They appear to be good friends."
Creed felt his heart break. "What do you mean by, 'good'? How good is 'good'...?"
Sephiria narrowed her eyes further. "She seems to have some influence over the choices he makes."
She remembered the dark haired assassin's comments on freedom and frowned inwardly, knowing he had said the exact wrong thing to the Elders.
Freedom is strictly forbidden in Chronos.
Creed's favored sword dropped slightly as his arm went weak.
Sweeper girl? Good friend? Influencing? Train is being influenced by a sweeper girl who is a good friend?
This was too much for Creed to handle. He felt his eyes swell with tears and his soul had left his body. The silver man's already bruised and aching heart couldn't take this news. This was the push that would send him over the edge and once he fell, he knew there was no coming back. Not unless Train was going to be there waiting for him with open arms.
Calm down. Maybe you misunderstood. Train won't abandon you. Especially for some random whore.
"What exactly do you mean by influencing?"
The desperate man's questions were really tingling at Sephiria's last nerves. "Influencing means exactly what it means. He was speaking of freedom." Sephiria gripped her sword gently, feeling Creed's fury getting worse. "You know how dangerous speaking like that to the Elders is…"
So it's true…?
Creed didn't misinterpret. His beloved was being swept away by some whore. Train was going to leave him for some strange woman neither of them knew.
No! I won't let her have him! Train is my partner! We are meant to be together! How dare she think she can just come out of nowhere and take him away from me?!
He looked straight into her blue eyes. "And what have you done about this woman?"
Sephiria cocked an eyebrow. "What makes you think we would do something to her? She's no threat to Chronos."
"But she's a threat to Train! The Black Cat! Your strongest eraser!"
Sephiria tightened her hold on Christ and strengthened her glare at the man. "She is not a threat to Chronos…"
She repeated her words, knowing there was nothing more to say to the unhinged man. Either he was going to attack, or walk away. Now was the time to find out. Sephiria assumed a ready stance and analyzed Creed's stance, just to make sure he wasn't about to make a move.
There was a deafening pause as Creed eyed the ground, his demeanor unpredictable.
"Who is she?"
It seemed more like a demand than a question.
"You've heard enough."
She knew everything she said should have been enough for Creed, but it probably wasn't. Her stance strengthened as she mentally and physically prepared herself for a fight she did not want.
"Who-is-she?" Creed repeated, emphasizing each word.
The young Chronos leader could feel the heat Creed's anger was emitting. She knew if Creed didn't receive an answer he would kill or injure everyone and anyone within Chronos headquarters he could get his hands on.
With the exception of Train who would undoubtedly be set free. Then the Elders would order him to be killed… Most likely by me since I'm the only match for him among us.
That was certainly something Sephiria did not want. While she knew the Black Cat was wrong in his actions and words, she had a soft spot for him more so than the other numbers. He was just a kid when he joined and there was a mothering instinct she had when it came to his well being. She always went easier on him than the others, and the idea of having to hunt him down to kill him did not sit well with her.
But, I'll do it if I have to. And I'll kill Creed right here and now if I need to.
"What do you intend to do with the information?" Sephiria trusted Creed about as far as she could flick him.
Creed's silence was unnerving and Sephiria felt the evidentiable was about to happen.
If I don't tell him, it's certain that countless people will die tonight and the Elders will not be pleased. If I do tell him… I can't exactly promise the sweeper girl's survival. Still, that's one life versus hundreds. But if Creed killed the girl, he'd become Train's enemy. Creed must be aware of that.
Not only would being Trian's enemy upset Creed, but Chronos would have two powerfully members fighting each other. Two powerful members that are supposed to be partners nonetheless. And two powerful members she'd have to erase.
Chronos can't afford that…
"WHO IS SHE?!" Creed screamed so loud, Sephiria was surprised that numbers didn't come running to start a fight.
I need to stop this before that happens.
He lifted his head and pointed Kotetsu straight at her neck, but Sephiria never flinched. She didn't want to fight Creed in her master's building, but upon weighing her choices, Sephiria came to an unavoidable conclusion. She didn't like it, but the life of an insignificant sweeper girl against countless lives of many necessary Chronos members forced her hand.
"Saya Minatuski."
Hearing the name, Creed finally lowered his sword and bowed politely. "Thank you, Ms. Arks."
Creed glanced once more through the small window that allowed viewing access to Train's room at his slumbering cat. To his utter delight, the Black Cat was now facing his way, allowing Creed to gaze upon his pretty face for a moment. The swordsman sighed happily.
It's amazing how quickly he can change my emotions from complete anger to total happiness...
He gracefully passed by the leader of Chronos and made his way towards the exit, a new resolve taking over his body.
Sephiria watched him go, sighing in relief. Despite knowing there wouldn't be a fight tonight, her stomach twisted into a tight knot and her heart became heavy. She was unable to determine if the results of her words would be positive or negative, but there really was no choice.
Besides, if the outcome is him leaving without a pile of bodies next to him and the Elders not questioning my ability to lead again, I think it's the quicker and quieter option.
That was her job as the leader of Chronos. Deal with things as quietly and quickly as possible. And giving Creed a name seemed to accomplish that goal.
Remembering the tray of food in her hand and her purpose for being here, she unlocked Train's cell, after making sure Creed really was gone, and stepped inside. She walked up to the sleeping cat and placed the food next to Train on the bed, then quickly left the room, never making eye contact.
She shut the door and stood outside, peering through the window and watched as Train woke up and spied the food. He stared at his meal, but did not eat it. The Black Cat had barely eaten anything she had given him during his lock up. It seemed like he was eating just enough to keep him alive until it was time to be released.
She sighed, deciding the cat's eating habits didn't concern her. He was still coherent and seemed to be healthy enough and she had bigger things on her mind.
Despite knowing she did the right thing, she couldn't stop the pang of regret that coursed through her as she watched Train fall back on his bed in an attempt to sleep.
Was giving Creed a name the right choice…?
Slowly, she began to walk away.
Only time will tell. We'll see what Creed's next course of action is. And that will determine Train's course of action.
She knew what Creed was most likely going to do, but she didn't know if this fate was better than the other.
This path won't lead to the end of Chronos, I need to keep my priorities straight. Nothing is more important than Chronos.