Updated: More of Creed's love for Train. Not incredibly important to re-read if you don't want to.
Creed went through with his plan faster than expected. It had only been a couple days and Train now stood in front of the two Taoist Creed mentioned. The four stood deep within an unknown forest far from any civilization.
Quite an odd couple they were. One looked relatively normal. Tall with short, black hair, square glasses and a lab coat. However, that's not what made him strange. It was his eyes. The dark depth seemed to be vacant, as if all life meant nothing. Though Train had to admit, his name certainly fit his looks.
"This is Doctor Kanzaki," Creed explained to Train as if he really cared. "As you can tell from his name, he'll act as our group's Doctor."
"It's a pleasure to meet the legendary Black Cat. Aside from Creed's ravings, I've had the delight of hearing about your legacy in the underworld." The lab coat man held a hand out for Train to shake.
Train ignored the gesture in favor of eyeing the other Taoist behind him. He was definitely different. Extremely short, but with long, platinum hair, wearing what looked like a dress. His face was completely covered in what Train could only assume to bec sheets, revealing just one glowing eye.
Honestly, I can't even tell if it's a child or an adult let alone a man or a woman. That outfit only makes it harder.
"Who's the midget in the sheets?"
He couldn't tell if the midget was scowling under all that fabric or not, but the low growl Train heard made him believe he was. Chuckling, Creed made his way behind the short Taoist, placing a hand on each of his shoulders - perhaps so he wouldn't jump Train.
"This is Shiki. A direct ancestor of Tao and a witness to the Taoish War with Chronos." Creed explained formally.
Train raised an eyebrow, "The Taoish War?"
Well, that answers the question of he'd a child or not.
"Surely you've heard of it," Creed seemed slightly taken aback.
Train shrugged, folding his arms. "Yeah, it was explained to me when I joined Chronos. But I wasn't really listening. So, what's their Tao power?" Train asked Creed the question since he didn't know the other two.
Train wasn't sure why the sheet covered man growled louder and narrowed his only visible eye. He watched as the short man pulled out a sheet of paper with a symbol Train couldn't make out and threw it towards him. He shouted something, but Train didn't really hear as he was completely shocked by the flying paper's explosion into hundreds of bees.
Train's stupor stripped him of the ability to think fast enough to reach for his gun. He knew he must have looked ridiculous swinging his arms around frantically, but it was all he could really do. Being attacked by bees that appeared from nowhere was not something Chronos or Zagine had trained him to handle and not something he readily prepared himself for.
Creed appeared next to him within seconds, slashing his sword in a circular motion around Train. Each bug evaporated into a puff of pink smoke. Once the sky was clean of all bugs - Shiki induced or natural - the swordsman turned on the small Taoist in anger.
"Use any move like that on Train again and it will be your last..." His voice was a venomous growl.
Train stood behind Creed, confused beyond his mind before understanding dwelled on him. He gave Shiki a cheeky smile, earning a stronger glare from the platinum haired midget.
Well, this was a nice start, wasn't it? I think I'll have fun with this little guy.
Creed turned to Train and began checking him over for cuts. The Black Cat sighed and brushed away his worried hands. However, the swordsman remained close to him. So close in fact Train took a step away just so he could breathe.
"Understand now, Black Cat? I summon insects at will." His voice was smug as he spoke, but still with a hint of annoyance.
"Nifty…" Train replied disinterestedly. "So, bug spray is more useful than my gun against you. I'll take note of that."
Creed snickered and put a hand on his cat's shoulder, always looking for any opportunity to touch his cat. Shiki shook with fury which Train chose to ignore and turned his attention back to the Doctor.
"So, what's your dementation?"
Kanzaki merely smiled and adjusted his glasses, "Well, I think that's better left a secret. Surprises are fun, don't you think?"
Train didn't like the way the doctor was looking at him and eyed him warily. It was similar to the look Creed gave him, but there was something less friendly about Kanzaki's gaze. Something that actually made Train back away and closer to Creed, which he never did. This must have made the swordsman happy since Train could hear him let out a happy squee sound and wrap his arm around Train's elbow.
Confused by the reaction, Train pulled his elbow away and decided to step back from both of them. However, when the Doctor's gaze cut through his soul again, Train noticed Creed give the speckled man a dark glare which made the doctor look somewhere else. Train sighed inwardly and made the decision to keep the man at a distance.
Even if that means I need to stay close to Creed. He didn't seem to like the way the Doc is looking at me either.
During all this, the Black Cat hadn't really noticed Shiki still shooting daggers at him. "Tao is not a 'dementation,' as you so ignorantly put. It is an ability far beyond any other. It is the most powerful weapon out there."
He looked at Creed out of the corner of his eye and asked sternly. "How can you be certain this man is a reliable ally? His disrespect and joking manner alone shows he's not fit for the Tao."
Creed's eyes threw daggers that made Shiki's look like spoons. "Train is my partner. He will lead this group by my side as we destroy Chronos together. He is a man who should be respected by everyone. No matter who they are..." He paused, allowing a sinister smile to curve his lips. "If anything, the Tao disrespects him."
It was hard to believe the bug user could get any more offended, but he managed. Though he kept his lips shut - the fabric helped him in that department - Train could tell he desperately wanted to rip both Creed and Train a new one. Obviously, he was smart enough not to mess with two ex-Chronos members who were becoming his comrades, no matter how wonderful he knew the Tao to be.
That's when Shiki's last words hit Train's ears. "What does he mean, 'fit for the Tao'?"
Creed's eyes softened as he looked at Train. "I thought you understood, my dear Train. Our group will be Tao based. The members will all have a special ability induced by the power of the Tao."
Train made a strangled noise that told Creed his cat wasn't too fond of the idea.
"You have to understand, Train, we're going to need as much firepower as possible to dispose of Chronos. I know you're stronger than anyone else, but I don't want to take the chance of you fighting all the numbers without more of an advantage." Creed reached out and cupped Train's cheek gently. "I want you to have an ability they don't know of."
Train smacked his hand away and he was still unconvinced. "So, am I to understand that you'll be taking it as well?"
Creed frowned at Train's removal of his hand, but smiled at the question. "I already have, my dear. Just yesterday. That's why it took an extra day for us to meet here. I wanted to surprise you with my ability."
Okay, he needs to stop calling me 'dear', but I'm surprised at how quickly he set this all up. He had even less time than I realized.
Train seemed interested as he raised his brow, hinting for Creed to continue. The swordsman's smile turned into a cocky one as he pulled out his sword. Train looked at it bewildered.
"Creed, there's no blade on that hilt. What happened to Kotetsu?"
"I still have Kotetsu, don't worry about that, dear Train. This is my new sword." He eyed what seemed to be the air and smirked. "And technically there is a blade, you just can't see it." Creed replied with an air of pride.
His love eyed the hilt as if Creed was crazy. "Is it invisible?"
The swordsman chuckled quietly, shaking his head. "No, but I guess that's close."
He grabbed his beloved's shoulders and turned him so he was facing a tree in the distance. Train looked at him uneasily as the silver man lingered a bit too long in his hold, but turned his eyes where his partner was pointing nonetheless. With one last squeeze of his cat's shoulder, Creed swung the hilt through the air, causing a tree in the far distance to split in half, falling to the ground with a deafening roar. Train watched the tree fall in shock, then looked back to Creed.
"I call it 'Imagine Blade.' I can control the length and shape of it by manipulating my Chi. Pretty much, I use my imagination to create the blade." He turned to Train and tilted his head innocently. "What do you think?"
By his tone of voice, Train knew if he didn't give positive feedback, Creed would give him that sad, desperate look he hated.
"Impressive…" He didn't have to act too much, because it really was a remarkable power.
Creed's face brightened to a blinding level and he took Train's hand gently in his, as if to thank him for the compliment, petting his love's strong digits as he spoke. "You do remember how Tao works, don't you?" He had explained it to him numerous times to make sure his cat understood the concept of it.
"Yeah, but to be honest, I didn't really understand until now." Train replied as he ripped his hand away from Creed.
He's getting more handsy lately.
"Incompetent cat." Shiki growled under his breath.
"Midget maggot man." Train smirked through his smart ass response.
Both Doctor and Creed laughed, the latter adding a small sigh at the end, the former's eyes still glinting at his love in an concerning way. Creed threw another warning look at the doctor, then beamed happily at his beloved, brushing off a leaf that had fallen on his flawless shoulder. The swordsman could tell his cat and Shiki wouldn't get along, but Train was capable of dealing with people he didn't like.
Honestly, Train seems more like he's just having fun pushing Shiki's buttons whereas Shiki seems to just dislike Train.
It was hard for Creed to admit that someone could actually not like Train, but as long as Shiki kept his hands - or bugs - to himself, Creed would just enjoy the entertainment Train made it into.
Doctor better keep his hands to himself as well… Why does he keep eying my cat when he doesn't think I'm looking?
Creed moved to stand between Kanzaki and Train a bit more, trying to block the man's view of his beloved. Seeing the harsh look the silver man was giving him, the Doctor decided to look away again, not wanting to invoke the ex-assassin's wrath.
Ending his little spat with Shiki, Train redirected his attention back to Creed when he noticed his partner had moved close to him again.
"How do you go about obtaining this oh so wonderful ability?" The sarcasm in his voice made Shiki pull out more seals only to put them away regretfully as Creed threw him another stern look.
It was at this point Doctor finally spoke instead of just gawking at Train. "It's quite simple really." He reached into his lab coat and pulled out a small, cream colored bottle with weird designs drawn on it, a liquid sloshing quietly inside. "All you need to do is drink this."
Train eyed the bottle warily before Creed spoke up, seemingly continuing Doctor's explanation. "Yes, my dear Train, you drink that. But there is a little more to it."
He placed a hand on his shoulder either to comfort or prepare him for something. "Once you drink it, you will fall into a deep sleep, a coma of sorts, for a couple days. When you awaken, your body will have reached its potential."
"If you awaken..." Shiki added and the hint of distaste in his voice caused Creed to shoot fiery eyes at him.
Train didn't like the sound of this and turned to Creed skeptically, asking a silent question the man surely knew.
Once again, Doctor interrupted. "If your body has the hidden potential of the Tao, then you'll do just as Creed said. You'll awaken with a new ability."
Train looked past Creed and at the Doctor now. "And if my body doesn't have hidden potential?"
Creed turned Train's head back to face his and looked into his eyes. With one hand still on his shoulder, he used his other to hold his cheek gently, hoping that would comfort his beloved.
"That's not something you need to worry about, my dear about Train. I know you'll be fine. I'm sure of it. There isn't anything in this world you can't beat." He used his thumb to caress his cat's cheek tenderly. "You're simply too perfect for anything to ever beat you...
Train narrowed his eyes and pushed Creed's hands off him again. "I still want to know. I want to know exactly what I'm getting myself into."
Shiki seemed to take pleasure in breaking the news to the Black Cat. "I already told you, Cat. You won't wake up." Train turned his head to the Taoist who he could have sworn was smirking. "In other words, you'll die."
"Shiki…" Creed grumbled threateningly.
He wanted to be the one to tell Train. He was going to ease his love into the idea even though he knew it wouldn't happen.
Damn Shiki, how dare he disrespect Train further?! If he wasn't so useful I would kill him right now!
"Is that so?" Train lowered his head deep in thought.
"What's wrong, Black Cat? Scared?" Shiki taunted.
Creed was about ready to forget his usefulness and cut the little man in half. However, Train locked his golden eyes to Creed's light ones, making the silver man swoon lovingly.
Those eyes will never fail to make me weak in the knees...
"If I'm going to drink that concoction, aren't I going to need a place to pass out?"
Creed blinked in surprise. He didn't expect Train to accept the Tao so quickly. He had prepared more convincing arguments, but that didn't seem necessary now.
Wait, did I honestly think something like death would scare the Black Cat away? This is Train. When he sets his sights on something, he doesn't give up until it's done.
Creed smiled at that thought and ran his index finger through his love's hair delicately.
Just like me.
Smile still present and ignoring the glare he received from touching Train again, Creed gently spun his love around in the opposite direction.
"That's taken care of too, Train. I've been able to… commandeer a hideout for us."
Glancing over his shoulder at Creed, frowning at the tight hands on his shoulders, Train decided it was best not to ask what he meant by 'commandeer.' He knew what that meant.
They had been walking in the forest for what felt like hours. Well, at least to Train it did. Walking wasn't the issue. He was used to traveling all over the city for hours on end. The problem was he was bored. The city had a lot of life in it, so there was always something to look at or do.
And I usually had Saya with me…
"Train?" Creed's concerned voice interrupted his wistful thoughts. "What's wrong, my dear?"
Train growled at him. "I told you to stop calling me 'dear…'" He rolled his eyes as Creed's sad look. "How much farther is this place?"
"Don't worry, Train, we're almost there." He left out the 'dear' part, but felt sad doing it. "It has to be deep in these woods for a reason. We need to make sure Chronos can't find us so easily."
He knew his love wasn't the most patient person in the world, but that didn't bother Creed one bit. He accepted and loved everything about Train. After all, he said before, Train was utter perfection.
"What's wrong? Not used to this much exercise?" Shiki sneered as he spoke. Each time Train had opened his mouth to speak or sighed in boredom, Shiki would growl equally as loud.
"I don't think I want to be told about exercise by someone who's the size of a six year old." Train's answer only made Shiki angrier.
"Now, now boys... We really are almost there." Doctor answered with the same patients Creed had. With the looks the silver man kept noticing the doctor was giving his beloved, Creed had a feeling it was for slightly similar reasons of his own.
Creed growled lowly.
The Doctor better learn his place real soon...
Train let out yet another tired sigh causing Creed to look over at him and frown. He moved closer to his cat, wrapping his arm around his waist as he walked beside him. The Black Cat looked down at his arm which was pulling him against Creed's body slightly, as if he was trying to lessen the burden of his walking.
Train jumped a little when his partner made contact and looked at Creed stunned. "What are you doing…?"
Creed smiled sweetly at him. "I'm helping you. You must be tired. You haven't had much rest since we left Chronos. I don't blame you for being tired."
Train continued looking at him awkwardly, then removed Creed's arm from his body. "I'm fine, Creed…"
The swordsman frowned sadly and made one more attempt to help his beloved. He twirled his arm around Train's strong bicep, his other hand holding his cat's fingers tenderly, as if he was leading the gunman through the woods.
"Let me help, Train. You can even lean on me if you want."
"I'm not a baby, Creed." Train added sourly as he pushed him off a little more forcefully this time.
Being helped through the woods by a grown man - not to mention a man the same size as him - was the most humiliating thing Train could imagine.
Especially when there's nothing wrong with me. I'm just bored.
He looked at Creed through the corner of his eyes strangely. Creed looked so dejected at Train's refusal to let him hold him and the cat couldn't figure out why. He noticed his partner had been getting a little too free with his physical advances, but for the life of him, Train couldn't figure out where this newfound freedom came from.
Is he still trying to comfort me after Saya?
"Could've fooled me." Shiki's mumbled thoughts broke Train out of his own.
"You're one phone call away from being exterminated, young man!" Train scolded.
Shiki grumbled some more anti-Train thoughts that the Black Cat chose to ignore this time. However, Train's attention was caught when a large building started to come into focus. The closer they got, the bigger the building got. When it was in complete view, Train felt his eyes go wide. Lifting his head to see the top, Train stumbled back and was caught by Creed, who was happy to have the guman back in his arms.
This wasn't an ordinary hideout. This was a castle, pointed towers and all. Train honestly didn't think a place like this actually existed. It was as if Creed simply opened a fairy tale book and extracted the King's castle. The only thing that was missing were the gargoyles, a moat, and a drawbridge.
Still gazing up at the place, Train couldn't help but voice a question he deliberately avoided earlier. "Creed... Exactly how did you get this place?"
Creed was happy that Train didn't notice he had slipped his arms around his waist to change their position into a small hug. Creed pulled him closer against his chest and pressed the side of his face lightly against Train's chocolate hair. He sighed quietly as the smell of his cat entered his nostrils, the warmth of Train almost unbearable as he used every bit of strength he had to not ravage the man's body right then and there.
Hearing his question, Creed smiled proudly, not releasing his hold on his beloved partner. "I have my ways, Train. Why are you so shocked?"
"Well, when you said 'hideout,' I didn't think you meant a mansion. This place is huge!"
Train pushed himself out of Creed's arms, much to the pale man's dismay and approached the building slowly. Creed watched him walk away sadly, looking at the empty place in his arms his love once occupied. When he heard the awe in Train's voice, he smiled again, following quickly after his love.
"Why the hell did you get something this big?" Train was too distracted by the mansion and he wasn't really paying attention to where he was walking.
This caused him to trip a little over a rock on the ground, but Creed was by his side in an instant, scooping one arm under Train's elbow, the other around his waist once more. The silver man held him tightly as he walked towards the giant doors with his beloved.
"Well, we will be having quite a large group, my dear. Doctor and Shiki have already given several people thought to have Tao potential the drug. Not only that, I wanted a place that would give you all the comforts you deserve." Creed tucked a piece of Train's behind his ear and sighed blissfully. "We'll be gathering those potentials soon."
Seeing Train still staring at the mansion in stunned silence, not taking any notice of the loving touches he was giving him, Creed began to worry. "Do you not like it, Train?"
"It's not that..." Train explained, never taking his eyes off the massive building, not noticing when Creed ran another loving finger through his hair. "I just don't think we need something this extravagant. I won't even know what to do with all this space."
"That will be taken care of too, my dear. I've set up practice rooms specific for each ability I know our comrades to have. The rest are on reserve. Also, everyone will have their own bedroom. Not to mention there's still all the common rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens." Seeing his cat still did not notice his caresses, Creed indulged himself in his urges a bit more as he traced his love's jawline with his index finger. "You could say it's all the comforts of home, plus some..."
"You really did accomplish a lot in these few days..."
Train was still in shock. Creed had contacted the Taoists, obtained the ability himself and not only 'commandeered' a hideout - well really a mansion - but taken the liberty of setting up all the rooms.
How could he do so much in such a short amount of time? Why would he do so much in such a short amount of time?
"It was for you, Train... A few days is more than enough time to accomplish something if it's for you."
Train wasn't sure if Creed meant to voice those thoughts, but he heard them loud and clear. It made Train a little uncomfortable. He'd never really had someone go this out of their way for him.
Actually, I don't think I've ever had anyone go this out of their way for me. The closest person was Saya and this is definitely beyond something she would do for me.
Creed sighed contentedly as he wrapped his arm tighter around Train and pulled him closer. He rested his chin on his beloved's shoulder and gazed at him adoringly.
"Care to take a look around?"
Finally taking note of what Creed had been doing to him, Train removed himself from his partner's grasp and stepped towards the large silver doors. The second his foot hit the marble floor, his jaw followed soon after. This certainly wasn't the kind of place where the outside and inside didn't match. They were both equally as huge.
A spiral staircase adorned the left side of the main hall and a straight one to the right, the railings looked as if they were made of diamond and the room was covered in flamboyant decorations. Looking up at the ceiling made Train dizzy, but he was able to get a good view of the stained glass sunroof. Doors coated the wall, each leading to a room Train assumed would be just as unnecessarily big.
Creed saw the overwhelming look in Train's golden orbs again and walked in front of him. "How about a full tour?"
Train shook his head. "Might be pointless. I doubt I'll remember where everything is..."
Laughing, Creed took a hold of Train's hand, bringing it to his cheek so he could press his love's fingers lightly against his soft skin. "Then allow me to show you just a couple of the rooms."
Before Train could pull his hand away, Creed dragged him into what looked like the living room, leaving the other two men to roam as they pleased. More decorative figures splattered across this room along with a long, leather couch. Across from the couch was a flat screen television that took up the entire wall. Several chairs surrounded the black couch varying from throne like to simple wooden ones.
"This is the living area. It pretty much means what the name says." Creed explained to Train and he tangled their fingers together. "This room will be a place you can relax."
The gunman was finally able to pull his hand away and walked over to the long couch. squeezing it. Once verifying that it was in suitable condition, Train swung himself over with one hand, landing on it with a quiet squish.
Bouncing up and down, he smiled. "Cool..." He mumbled to himself.
Creed couldn't help but smile at this, feeling his thoughts obsess about his beloved, even though he was sitting right in front of him.
I almost forgot how cute Train can be...
Leaning over the couch next to Train, he smiled widely. "How would you like to see the kitchen next?"
That seemed to perk Train up as he gave a joyful smile. "Now that's my kind of room!"
Creed giggled and took his hand again, ignoring Train as he protested against needing to hold hands as they explored the house.
The tour had taken all day and Train didn't even see everything. It finally came to an end at what Creed said was Train's room. Moving into the room, the Black Cat's eyes widened for the millionth time that day.
Though he hadn't seen every room yet, this one had been the biggest of all he had seen. His bed looked like it was king sized with black and gold pillows stacked along the headboard. The sheets and blankets were black with gold trimmings and four golden pillars stuck out of each corner, holding up a black cover with gold tassels.
Over to the right of the room was a double pan window that was almost as long as the wall. The sill - which was covered in decorative pillows - stuck out enough to allow at least two people to sit and gaze outside. It was no surprise that the shades were black and gold too.
Like the other rooms, it had little knickknacks, but they were all cats. Train was happy to note there weren't nearly as much as the rest of the rooms had. He only counted three or four. Beside the bed was a small, wooden nightstand with five drawers and a black lamp on top. There was also a black sitting chair with a golden outline.
He sputtered when he saw the painting that hung above his bed. It was a portrait of himself, holding Hades in the air, standing triumphantly as his coat wrapped hauntingly around him.
Train pointed at it. "What the hell is that…?"
Creed followed his love's point and smiled. "Do you like it? I painted it myself."
The Black Cat froze, not sure what to say at first, but knowing what he wanted to happen to it. "Creed… Take it down."
The swordsman frowned. "Why, my dear?"
Train sighed. "I told you to stop calling me that…" He rubbed his temples in frustration. "Because it's weird to have a painting of yourself in your own room."
Creed's voice sounded on the verge of tears. "You… Don't like it…?"
"Creed…" Train's voice was strained as he spoke. "That's… That's not what I mean. I don't want it hanging in my room. Okay?"
The silver man still looked sad, but nodded nonetheless. "I'll have it taken down…"
Train sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Creed…"
How can he not see that's weird? Who hangs a portrait of themselves in their own bedroom?
Knowing there wasn't anything more he could say to make his partner feel better, he made his way further in the room.
Creed, still sad, remained at the door, watching as his beloved explored his room. He held his breath, hoping Train wouldn't find anything else wrong with it.
Finally, he spoke. "Is everything else to your liking?" He asked worriedly.
"I'll give you one thing..." Train said as he walked out of his closet. "You really do have a specific taste for people, don't you?"
Creed smiled broadly and made his way to the window. Opening it, Train relished in the warm air that rushed past his face and basked in the sunlight that shot through. The silver haired man gestured for Train to follow as he stepped outside. Walking over to the window, he noticed a walkway that spun around to a small stairway that led to the roof.
"I put you on the top floor for a reason, Train. I know you love being on roof tops, so I thought you'd enjoy this."
Following Creed up the stairs, he understood what he meant. From the outside, it didn't look as if there would be any place on the roof to lay, but the swordsman managed to find one. It appeared to be the only flat part of the roof, which also happened to be in the perfect location. Half of it was covered in a shadow formed from one of the pointed towers, blocking the sun if it ever became too much for the cat while the other half allowed full access to it.
Train stepped into the middle of what was now his roof and watched the horizon. The sun was setting, giving the sky a beautiful azure color. Train smiled peacefully, knowing he'd be up there a lot.
Train was only half aware when Creed appeared next to him, his crystal eyes gazing wistfully at the cat.
"Do you like it, Train?"
There wasn't really much else for Train to say other than "Yeah..."
He looked down at the ground below and saw Doctor and Shiki had taken it upon themselves to explore the outside of the fortress. "Seems like you've really gone out of your way..."
"It's not out of the way if it's for you, Train. I'm just so happy you like it." That said, Creed turned completely to face Train, taking his hands into his own as he continued staring at him longingly "So… Are you prepared for the Tao now?"
With all this being piled on him, Train had actually forgotten about that little tidbit of information. He was still iffy on the matter. He didn't really feel he needed the extra ability. Plus, he felt like it was a bit inhuman after watching what Creed and the others could do.
Turning back to the sunset as he took his hand away from Creed, he sighed. "You really think it'll help?"
"It'll get us to the final goal quicker, Train. I'm sure of it." Creed replied reassuringly, taking a step closer to his love in hopes of finding another moment to embrace him under the amorous glow of the setting sun.
"As I explained before, it'll be a good advantage to have an ability they aren't aware of. Fighting a foe that already knows your style is a disadvantage. With this, we'll know how they work, but they'll need to figure us out."
That did make sense, even though he didn't say it. He really did want his vengeance against Chronos as soon as possible. After several minutes of thinking, Train let out a sigh.
"All right, let's get it over with then."
It had only been five hours since Train had taken the drug and his body didn't seem to be handling it too well. He lay in his bed unconscious, sweating and shaking uncontrollably. Creed sat next to him with a damp towel, patting his cat's head gently in an effort to lower his fever and clean the sweat off his face.
As soon as Train went down, Creed was ready to take care of him. He had everything he needed to comfort his cat, including water and milk. However, he was not prepared for his beloved to react so terribly so quickly. The fear he felt for Train was worse than he had ever felt before. Creed felt like he was dying seeing his partner like this.
He's going to be okay… He has to be okay…
Creed kept trying to calm himself, but it wasn't working. All he could do was think of the worst case scenarios. He was even prepared to jump off the roof if Train didn't wake up. The silver man didn't see the point in going on if he didn't have Train by his side.
What worth would life be without him?
"Do you have any idea why he's reacting this way?" Creed asked the Doctor, worried eyes still on Train.
"There could be several reasons, but my hypothesis is: The Tao is supposed to make you reach your maximum potential, which I assume the Black Cat had already accomplished on his own. Adding more strength caused a conflict within his body. Like adding more air to an over inflated balloon." Doctor explained while checking Train's pulse.
He walked away from the duo to grab a syringe he had resting on a silver table he brought in. He turned back to Train and gave him the dose of liquid it held.
"If this is the case, it could have two results: Hs body could accept the extra strength and become even stronger or the Tao could tear him apart."
He fixed his glasses as he put the empty syringe in his pocket, his eyes still on Train's sweating and pained face. "That doesn't mean he didn't have Tao potential, it just means his body could take no more strength."
Creed frowned at the explanation and watched as Train made a particularly violent twitch, tightening his hand into a fist before relaxing it once more. In an attempt to comfort the man, Creed slid his hand in Train's and allowed him to squeeze as tight as he liked, his other hand patting his head with a cold towel, putting it down every so often so he could pet his hair soothingly.
"Couldn't you give him something to dull the pain?" Creed growled impatiently.
The scientist merely sighed. "What do you think I just gave him? Anything else could make him worse."
Creed felt Train's hand dig into his so tightly the nails broke his skin. It didn't bother Creed because it seemed to ease Train's pain. He dabbed the cloth on his forehead again, wiping away the sweat that beaded across it, then caressed his cheek lovingly. The Black Cat's breathing sped up a little and he gritted his teeth in his sleep.
"All we can do, Creed, is wait and see what happens."
Doctor gave Train another look Creed did not appreciate. Feeling protective, Creed sat up and leaned across his cat, putting the arm holding the towel on the other side of his beloved so he was hovering on top of his cat. He glared lethally at the man, locking eyes so the doctor knew Train belonged to him and no one else.
Kanzaki didn't need another warning as he left the room, closing it silently behind him.
Creed sat back down and looked at Train as he shook and squeezed Creed's hand again. His body relaxed a bit before quickly tensing up again and tossing widely. Creed was able to grab him before he rolled off the bed and set him back into place.
Using the cloth he wiped some sweat that had slipped down his cat's neck. He then brought Train's trembling hand to his lips and kissed it lightly. Seeing his cat's face contort in pain again, Creed leaned forward and pressed his forehead against his beloved's, making sure Train still had his hand to squeeze as his other hand caressed his cheek.
"I love you, Train…" He kissed his forehead tenderly, lingering a little before he pulled away. "Please wake up…"
The only response Creed got was a tremble of pain, followed by a quiet whimper. The silver man rested his head so it was on Train's chest, listening to his rapid heartbeat as he stared desperately at his beautiful, yet anodized face.
Creed felt a single tear leave his eye. "Please don't leave me, my love… I can't do this without you…"
Creed kissed Train's hand again, sighed as he kept his eyes glued on to his beloved. Needless to say Creed didn't leave his side for a minute.
Cat-like eyes opened slowly as they adjusted to the light in the room. Train felt like his head had just been thrown in an old blender with rusted blades and his body felt like he had just run a 'round the world marathon. He groaned as he placed a hand to his forehead.
Sitting up, he felt something heavy grasping his hand and resting on his chest. He looked over to see Creed asleep on top of him, looking as bad as Train felt. Glancing down at his hand again, he noticed Creed was holding it firmly, as if letting go was not an option.
Sliding his hand free, Train sat up slowly, leaning back on the many pillows that covered his bed. He didn't know what to do about the man's head on his chest, but that seemed to solve itself as Train's shuffling seemed to wake Creed as he yawned loudly.
After stretching, Creed seemed to realize the absence of Train's hand and looked over at him. "Train, you're awake! How do you feel?"
"Other than the fact that my head is pounding louder than a freshman's after their first college party and my body like it was beaten with a bat, I'm fine." Train replied, hand still on his head.
Creed placed the back of his hand on Train's forehead and smiled slightly. "Your fever's gone," he mumbled quietly. "I can get you something for your head as long as the Doctor says it's all right."
Creed handed him a glass of water and Train noticed a glass of milk was resting on the nightstand as well. The cat took the water and drank it quickly, still eying Creed curiously.
"Is there anything else you want?"
Train was taken aback by the eagerness in Creed's voice and his current physical state. The silver man always worked so hard to make sure he looked good at all times, but right now he looked a mess. It seemed like he hadn't slept at all and his body was so emotionally drained there was nothing left.
"I… I guess I'm kind of hungry…?"
Creed smiled genuinely, squeezing his love's hand tenderly. "That makes sense. You've been out for three days. I'm actually quite hungry myself."
Train continued looking Creed up and down before he left the room hurriedly, noticing even more what terrible shape he was in. His face was drawn and tired and his clothes looked dirty. Though his eyes showed with relief at Train's awakening, they looked like they had been lifeless before.
He gazed out the window into the bright morning sky and had an urge to feel the wind in his face. He attempted to get up, only to fall back down. His body still ached - though Train was at an utter loss as to why.
They never said anything about being sore all over...
After trying several times to get up, he decided it wasn't worth it and contented himself with looking outside. The sun looked so inviting and he urged in his mind for the window to open. As Train pictured the panes opening, he was shocked to actually see the lock come undone and the window fly open. He jumped and stared in amazement.
He watched as the curtains wafted in the wind in shock. The hushed wiping sound made his head pound again and he wished the curtains were tied to the wall. To his further amazement, the small ropes floated in the air before they wrapped themselves around the dark pieces of fabric. That's when a thought occurred to Train.
Wait, that's right, Tao. Is this my ability?
Not sure of himself, Train eyed the lamp next to him. With a flick of the wrist, the lamp jumped in the air and landed back down wobbly. Becoming a little more confident, Train made another gesture that he hoped would keep the lamp up and it did. Train slowly slashed his hand through the air, causing the lamp to follow suit. The gunman smiled smugly.
So, is this my power?
He pointed one finger in the air and made a circular motion which caused the lamp to twirl in the air. Deciding that was enough of that, Train guided the lamp back to the nightstand.
It was then the door reopened and Creed walked in with two trays of food and a bottle of aspirin. "Doctor said it was all right for you to have an aspirin, but-" Creed was cut off as the tray holding milk flew from his hands and onto Train's lap.
Creed looked as if he also thought the place was haunted as he watched Train take a sip of his milk and swallow an aspirin. He looked at Creed over the rim and gave a cocky smile.
"I think I found out what my ability is." To further prove his point, he cut his food without using his hands and closed the door behind Creed.
The swordsman watched as Train's knife and fork sliced at his pancakes and blinked. "Telekinetic powers?"
"I think it's more than that. It feels like it's more of a control of gravity. Like I'm able to remove the gravitational pull from an object and control it to my will."
He didn't know how to explain it, but calling it telekinetic felt wrong. He also felt like he had more to come, a hidden potential he didn't know about yet. He shrugged his shoulders and took a bite of food.
Oh well. Time will tell.
Still wide eyed, Creed sat down next to him, placing his own tray of food on his lap.
Feeling a bit chilled, Train made a quick gesture with his hands, closing the window with a loud clunk. The noise made Creed jump and Train laugh.
Until I figure out the depths of my power, this is gonna be fun!
Creed noticed his smugness and smiled, then frowned down at his food. "Train, I'm sorry. I didn't think that was going to happen to you." At Train's puzzled look, Creed continued. "You were out for the time we estimated, but we had no idea your body would react the way it did. You were a real mess, Train and I'm sorry."
"Well that explains the soreness..." Train replied through a mouthful of food. "Though when I woke up, I could have sworn you were the one who was sick."
Creed laughed weakly. "I guess I can see why you would think that. I was just so worried about you, Train... Doctor said he was about to sedate me so I wouldn't give myself a heart attack."
Train gave a muffled laugh, but stopped when he noticed Creed's bruised and cut hand. He looked at it warily before remembering he woke up squeezing it tighter than he thought possible.
"What happened to your hand?"
Creed blinked again and looked up at Train then back down to his hand. "Oh, that? Well while you were asleep, I noticed you squeezing your fist really tight. So tight I thought you were going to cut through the palm." Creed made a fist out his black and blue hand. "You were already in so much pain that I didn't want you to injure yourself further, so I let you squeeze mine instead."
It was Train's turn to blink. That statement really surprised him. Train knew he had strong hands - he needed to for Hades - but Creed's hand was definitely not delicate. He needed rough hands for swordsmanship and at the moment, the pale man's hands were not something to envy.
I can't believe he let me squeeze his hand instead of my own. It wouldn't have been a big deal if I cut my hand, but the state of his hand definitely looks like a big deal.
A strong throb passed through Train's head causing him to flinch and Creed to sputter more apologies as he hovered worried hands along the Black Cat's body.
Train put up a hand to stop Creed's ranting and touches while his other gripped his head painfully. "Shut it with the apologies and stop with the worried hands. I drank that stuff myself. You didn't force it down my throat."
"Still, I think I should have seen this as a possible consequence." Creed answered guiltily, reaching out to touch Train's head lovingly.
Train sighed and decided it wasn't worth fighting over. Feeling Creed's hands massaging his temples, the cat felt himself relax slightly and sighed, then realized what was happening and pushed his partner away.
"I told you to stop with the worried hands…"
Creed apologized again and Train ignored it. His head hurt too much to deal with Creed's melodrama. Instead he chose to eat his food with the help of his new abilities.