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

67. Scene Set

I'm so sorry for the long wait for another update and I really hope at least a few people are still reading and interested in seeing the end of this looooong story! I've gotten reeeaaaallllly busy recently (work, etc.) and haven't had as much time to write. I hoped to finish this story before the summer ended, but that didn't happen (obviously).

I've also been working on a short CxT story to break up the almost exclusively action scenes about to happen. Writing that helps clear my mind since there isn't much to it (mostly fluff and R rated stuff. Will post it when done.)

Before we get started with the final battles, a few things are going to pop up. Even though it'll be brief, I wanted to make sure no one is confused since it's been a while since the anime aired.

This chapter sees the entrance of new numbers. I have not included a lot of Chronos in this story because there isn't much to their personalities, they didn't have a purpose, and some of them only show up briefly in the series. (The anime and manga also have different Chronos numbers.)

Outside of the ones I included in this story, I thought the numbers were bland, or I just didn't know enough about them to write for them. I also wanted to focus on numbers that were more prominent in the manga, not the anime, and the ones that I liked (such as Lin).

I'm going to go over the excluded numbers in case anyone forgot who they were.

Emilio Lowe: Number III - Mentioned in manga, but did not appear until the final battle. In the anime, he only showed up at the end during the (stupid) last four episodes. He uses a bow and arrow. I'm keeping this character, but his personality will be mostly made up since he wasn't shown enough to learn who he was. I can't even remember if he even had any lines.

Anibus: Number VI - The talking wolf. I hated this character. So much. They never explained why he could talk, how he became a number, why he became a number, and he didn't have a weapon, a specialty, or anything! He was just a talking wolf. That was it. He also never appeared in the manga. They never even mentioned a Number VI in the manga from what I remember.

(Sidenote: Eathes is different. They explained he could talk because of the Tao.)

I don't mean to offend those who liked him! This is just my opinion and the reason why he isn't going to be in this story at all. To me he felt so… forced and unnecessary.

Since Anibus won't be in this, I made my own Number VI who is going to be a new recruit. So, if you don't recognize the character, that's because she (yes, she because Chronos is severely lacking in women) is an OC.

David Fapper: Number IX - Only appeared in the anime, uses a deck of cards. I decided to keep him because he was an anime adaptation I didn't mind, but he'll be a new recruit as well because it's my story and I'll do what I want! (He also didn't do much in the anime.)

Beluga Heard: Number XI - Doesn't talk or do much. Uses a huge bazooka. He's in both the manga and anime. The only reason he wasn't used in this story was because he doesn't do much in either the manga or anime. He really only did one thing of significance in the series.

Somewhat spoiler alert: What he did was the same in the anime and manga. He was the one with the bazooka when Creed lost his arm. Since that didn't happen in my story, I didn't see the point in using him.

End of spoiler:

For the last number, I'm giving a bigger spoiler alert for those that have only seen the anime and haven't read the manga (I'm putting this here in case someone reading this plans to go back and read the manga or watch the anime at some point).

SPOILER: Mason Ordrosso: Number XII
The end of the anime when Mason betrayed Chronos and the whole 'Eve arch' and 'Zero Numbers' thing took place (which IMO came out of nowhere and was really, really, really dumb). This did NOT happen in the manga AT ALL.

Other than being the sole survivor of the first Taoish war, Mason didn't do anything in the manga. We never saw him fight and I think he had like one brief conversation with Sephiria. He was there to explain the Taoish war to the readers. That's it. This was why he never came up in my story. He's pretty forgettable in the manga world lol.

Because I never talked about a previous Taoish War and the Eve arch never happened in my story, he won't be in this either. This number will be another OC.

End of spoiler:

Mason (Number XII) will be another new recruit and an OC.

I added the numbers to the end because it's the final battle and of course they would be there. It wouldn't make sense not to have them there. However, they probably won't do much.

Sorry for writing so much before the chapter started! I understand not many people are reading this (the Black Cat fandom is almost non-existent at this point), but I still want those who are reading to not be confused by the new characters.

Anyway, enjoy! I swear we're almost done with the story. I may not be able to post multiple chapters like I am right now, but I'm hoping I can. Thank you so much for sticking through this crazy journey with me.

I do not own Black Cat or its characters.

---

The clacking of boots echoed strenuously against the macadamize floor, each clicking sound becoming more arduous than the last as the owner of said footwear paced impatiently. The abuse the porcelain tiles endured from the shoes traipsing heavily back and forth nearly created craters on the hard surface since each step was more violent than the last.

Echidna frowned as she watched her partner. "Charden… You need to relax. There's no sense in wasting your strength worrying about the current state of our enemies. We'll need every bit of your mental and physical power for the fight."

Seeing the man did not react to her words, the actress sighed and crossed her arms, averting her gaze to the door she knew Doctor was behind instead. Watching Charden pace only furthered her stress.

It's also starting to make me feel a bit sick. Strange, since I've never experienced motion sickness before.

It was especially odd considering she had built up a tolerance after using her portal for so many years. She figured it was a testament to how anxious she was feeling.

It's not just Charden's unease and movements that are making me queasy, it's the enormous amount of stress from the final battle and relying on that damn scientist again.

For the life of her, Echidna couldn't figure out why Charden was entrusting such an important task to such an incompetent man.

Well, I guess incompetent is the wrong word to use. He's proven his intelligence time and time again through his experiments, but when it comes to his plans…

Echidna glanced at her partner, then sighed and rubbed her eyes, feeling sick again when she watched the blonde man tread tensely back and forth.

Should I voice my concerns for his decision to trust Kanzaki? Or will it just lead to another fight?

When the Blood Taoist initially told her they were going to use Doctor's Tao to trap their enemies in his Dreamworld, Echidna was skeptical and made the grave decision to vocalize her hang ups about the plan… and she regretted it as soon as she did.

The way Charden came after me… It was as if he had no idea who I was! As if his brain had dumped all knowledge of my existence or the bond we once shared.

Echidna was heartbroken at the knowledge that she was referring to their bond in past tense.

There's no other way to think about our relationship. It practically is past tense at this point…

The actress sighed and glanced up at Charden, seeing the man's eyes cast to the floor, his brow furrowed in irritation signaling his mind was far from relaxed.

Echidna frowned at her lover, then moved her eyes towards the door again so she wouldn't get dizzy from watching him pace.

Maybe if I approach the topic in a positive light, he'll react more positively.

"Charden… Everything is going to work out… Doctor is going to trap them and weaken them just as we planned."

Charden stopped suddenly. "So… You've changed your mind on the matter?"

Echidna blinked in confusion. If she didn't know better, she would have thought the man's voice sounded a bit eager. As if he was actually taking her opinion into consideration.

He sounds almost… hopeful.

She shook her head, ridding her mind of the buoyant thoughts that came with the potentially sanguine realization, shoving aside the elation that swelled in her heart at the idea that her lover may finally start listening to her again.

He's not hearing me nor is he listening. The inflection in his voice that I'm mistaking for a man seeking comfort in his lover's words is actually a man threatening his underlining. He's making sure I'm staying in line and not questioning his logic.

Echidna removed the frown from her face and nodded. "Yes. I never should have questioned your plan in the first place. There was no excuse for my insubordination."

Talking to Charden is starting to feel like how I had to talk to Creed whenever I even hinted his precious Black Cat wasn't perfect.

Charden looked Echidna up and down. "It eases my heart to know you trust my instincts."

Echidna tossed the man a small smile before he started to pace the room again. "I've always trusted your instincts, Charden. I've never doubted you even for a second."

Seeing Charden had already tuned out of their brief conversation, Echidna sighed again.

At least we didn't fight. Or at least I should say at least he didn't snap at me…

Echidna kept her tormented eyes on the man for a while longer before deciding she could no longer watch him suffer. Since she knew he'd never listen to her laments regarding his mental and emotional state, the actress determined it wasn't worth wasting her breath speaking her inner thoughts out loud.

What's the point of straining my vocal cords to let the man I love know how I'm feeling? It'd only lead to another fight and this might be the last time we're in a room alone together.

Echidna moaned quietly and rested her head in her hands.

Dammit… This… This really might be it…

She looked up at Charden, peeking between her fingers to watch the man's malignant eyes bore a hole through the door's thick surface.

If my plan doesn't work… if those men do intend on killing him, or Chronos gets to him first… This may be it.

Echidna made sure to keep her voice as she sighed since she knew her blubbering would only further frustrate Charden. As much as it hurt to know she had become nothing but a burden to the man, she still loved him enough to keep her arduous feelings to herself.

But, if my plan does work, if they are going to hold true to their preposterous ambition to never kill again and I can get to them before Chronos gets to Charden… then I might be able to save him.

Echidna thought about what it would take to save the rest of the members in her group, but considering how inflexible and adamant they were about destroying Chronos, she knew there was no way she could save both them and her lover.

Maybe I can help Nica. She's been separating herself from the group ever since that girl left with the Black Cat.

Echidna noticed Nica had shut down the moment they returned from their mission with the sweepers, and she knew it had to do with her feelings towards the older, green haired man.

And Aliane's departure was the straw that broke the camel's back.

After losing Sven, Echidna was sure the last thing that kept Nica going was the knowledge that she still had her fake daughter to bemoan their perfidious fates. But, now that Aliane was gone, chances were Nica felt completely alone.

And to make matters worse, she knows she's going to fight that man. She may even have to watch him die.

Echidna glanced at Charden again as a wave of sympathy washed through her.

...I know exactly how she feels.

Echidna was actually surprised Nica stuck around as long as she did. While she didn't engage verbally in any of their meetings nor did she train with any of the Apostles members, she did attend every planning session Charden set up and watched the other Taoists hone their skills.

Lucky for her, Charden hasn't questioned her wavering loyalty. The rest of the Apostles have, but their opinions don't matter to him either. Which in this case is a good thing.

She rested the back of her head against the wall, shutting her eyes as her thoughts ran wild.

I'm assuming she hasn't left because she has nowhere to go. The sweepers wouldn't take her back and I'm sure Chronos would kill her the moment she exposed herself.

She was certain Aliane was dead, and she knew anyone else who decided to leave the Apostles would meet the same fate. Even if the numbers didn't kill any traitors, Charden would.

I'm sure she wants to return to that sweeper, but she must know not only would he never take her back, but she would be killed before she even found him.

Echidna smiled sadly as she felt a tear fall from her eye.

There's no life for us outside of the Apostles…

The woman rolled her head back and forth on the wall, trying to stop the painful thoughts from devouring her heart.

I don't care how many times he tries to reassure me that we'll find peace at the end of this war, I know we won't. Not with the world he's trying to create.

She let out another shaky sigh.

If we don't change our trajectory, there's no future that doesn't involve death and despair.

Echidna squeezed her eyes tight and lightly punched the wall behind her, verbalizing the last of her thoughts.

"No… I can't think like that… This has to work out…"

She opened her eyes and stared at Charden's tense figure, his back facing her as he continued glaring at the door, relieved he didn't seem to hear her. He never did anymore.

For the sake of our love, for the sake of our future together… for the sake of Charden… this will work. It has to.

Echidna wiped away the tears on her cheeks and straightened up, taking a deep breath as she straightened her dress.

Yes, this will work. And I'll take whoever is willing to come with me. If Nica survives, I'll offer her sanctity as well, since out of all the Apostles, I believe she deserves it the most.

Echidna was positive that it was too late for Aliane, but Nica still had a chance to live at least a somewhat peaceful life. Even if it wasn't with the man she loved, she could still live without the fear of Chronos or the Apostles taking away her freedom.

She can come as far as she wants with us, then find her own way.

The actress quickly went down the list of their members, trying to think who else may have been worth saving, or even want saving.

Chances are the Shooting Stars will be killed or arrested, so there's no use in worrying about them. But what about the children?

Echidna winced as she remembered what Doctor had done to them, a cold shiver going down her spine as she remembered how innocent they looked when the madman first brought them to their hideout.

...As dark as this may sound, their fate will most likely be the same as the Shooting Stars. While I'm still confident those men and the sweepers won't kill anyone, Sephiria will certainly want everyone with any connection to the Apostles dead.

Echidna shook her head to rid herself of the caliginous thoughts since she knew it wouldn't do her any good. As much as she wished the children could have retained their purity and lived the rest of their lives harmoniously, she knew life had dealt them a wretched set of cards from the day they were born.

Unfortunately, we were the best thing that ever happened to them.

The actress pinched her cheek to get herself out of the depressing facts of the children's' lives.

There's nothing I can do for the lackeys or the children. Other than Nica, is there anyone else?

She knew Shiki and Maro would never want to live in a world in which Chronos still ruled, so it wasn't worth the mental strength to even consider them. Along with that, Watts had never been reasonable, so she crossed him off the list as well.

Even if he wanted to be saved, I wouldn't. He can rot for all I care.

After seeing the way he treated Nica and hearing how deranged and self centered his thoughts were, Echidna harbored nothing but ill will towards the man. If he died, she wouldn't shed a tear.

Killing an old, sick, weak, and defenseless woman in cold blood… even after the Black Cat was giving himself up… that's unconscionable. Even for the Apostles.

She pushed the maniacal man out of her mind as she continued going down the list.

Kenneth is a lost cause as well. He's so insane he may actually end up killing himself either on purpose or by mistake.

She frowned and thought about the rest of their members.

That leaves Leon, Durham, and the monkey. Only one might still be innocent enough to save.

Similar to Shiki and Maro, Durham wasn't the type to give up. He was also too fixated on proving his own worth and showing off his skills that Echidna wouldn't be surprised if he was the first Taoist to go.

As for the monkey… he'll probably high tail it out of here at the first sign that we're losing. And Chronos will probably hunt down him to end his wretched life.

Aside from Nica, Echidna believed Leon was worth saving as well.

He's still young enough to make up for his mistakes. There's still so much left of his life to live… it'd be a shame to see it cut short so soon.

It wasn't hard to find the answer to the question of whether or not the boy's life deserved to be spared. It was more of a question of whether he would survive long enough to reach adulthood.

I'm certain the sweepers won't kill him, especially since he's a child, but I don't think Sephiria will be forgiving. No matter what age he is, I'm certain Chronos sees us all on equal footing.

Thinking about the flying boy reminded her of another boy she wanted to save.

Jax…

Jax presented his own unique conundrum. He had started out innocent and remained that way for quite some time, but the more Doctor worked on him, the more that madman experimented and altered his DNA, the more he strayed from virtuosity.

On top of that, he's no longer a child. As much as I wish to still see him as that, he's grown so much. And it hasn't just been from the passage of time.

The Nanomachines had forced the boy to grow to the point that despite him still being a teenager, he looked to be in his mid to late twenties. Right before her eyes, Echidna watched the boy willingly give up his childhood in hopes that he would be better able to help his hero.

However… there could still be hope for him. Jax will follow Charden wherever he goes, so saving Charden would mean saving them both.

Echidna felt a wistful smile slide across her lips, feeling a bit of hope surge through her.

I can't give up yet. Saving Charden means saving Jax as well. As long as I can save the two of them, everything else will fall into place.

Just as the woman was beginning to feel optimistic, she heard a loud commotion coming from the other side of the door which was soon followed by a jostling of the handle.

Echidna didn't have time to think let alone react as Charden ran towards the door and yanked it open. She wasn't surprised to see Doctor had been the one standing there, but she was shocked to see the state he was in.

"What the hell happened?! You're three hours late!"

Kanzaki attempted to give his leader a dutiful look, but the stress in his eyes made it hard for Echidna to see anything but anger and fear. "We… hit a bit of a snag."

An evil glint shimmered across Charden's eyes as he ground his teeth. "What does that mean?"

As Doctor stepped into the room and smoothed out his coat, Echidna realized how disheveled he looked. While his physical body seemed to be okay and even his clothes appeared to be unharmed, his mental and emotional state seemed to be at war with one another.

Whatever happened must have happened in the dream world since he doesn't seem to be hurt.

Echidna chuckled quietly at the distressed look in the scientist's eyes.

Well, maybe his pride is hurt.

Doctor folded his hands behind his back and attempted to give Charden a reassuring smile. "There's no need to worry, Charden-sama. Our enemies are on their way now and I assure you they have been weakened."

Charden narrowed his eyes at the man as he walked further into the room. "Why do I not believe you?"

Doctor lifted his hand to brush Charden's words away, but stopped when he saw the virulent look in his leader's eyes. "...I understand your concern, but I guarantee the plan worked. All the sweepers and Chronos, have been shown their worst nightmares and broken to an extent."

Charden looked the man up and down. "To an extent… Again, I have to ask, why don't I believe you?"

Doctor sighed and ran his fingers through his sweat covered hair. "There's nothing stopping you from not believing me. You are your own person, Charden-sama."

Charden shot daggers at the man, then glanced out the window. "...I can't help but think that everything you did riled them up more than it broke them down. You know how tenacious and dogmatic those men and Number One are. I find it hard to believe you were able to delve deep enough into their minds to falter their resolve."

Charden Kanzaki nodded, then continued. "Do they know we have the woman? Are they coming for her?"

Doctor sighed and nodded again. "I'm certain they do. They now know we were offering them a wolf in sheep's clothing and considering how intelligent Sephiria and Creed are, I'm positive they've been able to work out that we were using her as bait, and have the real deal locked up."

Charden clenched his fists. "...How do you know for sure?"

Doctor ignored his leader's obvious rage since he knew there was nothing he could do to stop it. "I'm certain they were able to work out I had been feeding information to Eathes about E's mannerisms, and I'm certain at least one of their geniuses was able to figure out that meant we had her captive."

Seeing that Charden didn't believe him, Kanzaki sighed. "Let me put it this way: Even if they don't think we have E hostage, chances are they are angry enough to jump through Echidna's portal and begin this long awaited fight."

Charden glanced over at his partner who had been standing silently against the wall. "Is this true, Darling? Have they entered your portal yet?"

Echidna shut her eyes, making a motion with her wrists as she contacted the portal she opened for the sweepers. "No. Not yet. But I'm leaving it open just as you asked."

Charden nodded at the woman, then turned angry eyes back to Doctor. "And what do we do if they don't come to us? That was part of the plan. To bring the fight to us."

Doctor frowned, then took a deep breath and turned to face his leader. "I'm sure they will jump through the portal at any moment. They're probably just gathering their senses after having their minds warped for so long."

Kanzaki turned to the actress who seemed intent on not looking at him. "Did Eathes escape?"

Echidna closed her eyes to check the portal she sent for the monkey. She chuckled when she realized how quickly her hole had opened and closed. "Yes. He ran out of there like a bat out of Hell."

Won't be surprised if he's looking for an escape already. He's not a very brave Taoist. Then again, can we really blame him? His animal instincts are more keen than the rest of ours.

She chuckled at the image of the monkey running as far away from the Apostles as he could.

Instincts keep animals alive. Honestly, if we were half as smart as a monkey, we'd be running away too.

"I assure you, they will be coming to us. They have no reason not to at this point." Doctor put his hands in the pockets of his lab coat. "I'm sure they want to get this war started just as much as we do."

Charden continued glaring at the man, ready to further berate him before his words were cut off by Echidna.

"They've entered the portal."

Charden turned to his partner with a stern look on his face. "Are you sure?"

Echidna nodded, but did not open her eyes. "Yes. I'm positive. And the number I've counted matches up with the number we expected to survive that encounter. Actually, it's a bit less."

Charden smirked. "Does that mean we weeded out a few of their erasers?"

Echidna opened her eyes and nodded again. "Yes. But I have no idea of knowing if they're dead or not. I only know that they didn't make it through the portal."

Charden widened his smirk and turned towards the door. "Good. Shut the portal and send each of our Taoists their portals. It's time we spread out and get this war started."

The Blood Taoist looked back at his partner and made sure she saw the seriousness in his eyes. "You know where you're sending everyone, correct?"

Echidna refrained from rolling her eyes since she knew it would only add fuel to her lover's fire. "Yes. I remember exactly where you want to send everyone."

Charden eyed the woman curiously as he spoke. "Are you certain? You sound… troubled."

He frowned when he saw the woman turn her gaze away, causing Charden more concern. "...Darling, you do understand why the portals need to be opened in such precise locations, correct?"

Echidna glanced at the man, then gave him a small nod. "Yes. I understand."

How could I not? You only explained it to me literally a thousand times.

Charden made it perfectly clear that every Taoist needed to be brought to an exact location in order for them to meet exactly who her partner wanted them to fight. It was his way of making sure the Black Cat, Creed, and Sephiria would go straight towards him without anyone else getting in the way.

His plan is to create a clear path for those three by preoccupying everyone else with an opponent that matches their skill level so he could wait for the real fight to start. So he doesn't have to worry about the 'weaklings', as he put it.

Truth be told, the only problem Echidna had with their plan was Doctor's part. Charden's idea of spreading out the Apostles and distracting their enemies was, in her opinion, brilliant and coincidentally worked perfectly with what she had in mind.

Other than Sephiria heading towards Charden, the Black Cat and Creed are exactly who I want him to fight. Because I don't think they will kill him.

While it bothered her that Number One would be given the opportunity to kill Charden, she believed that if Train and Creed were with her, they'd be able to prevent that from happening.

Plus, he'll have Jax by his side. I'm sure with the strength he's gathered, that'll be more than enough to distract her.

Charden kept his eyes on the woman since he didn't like the tone of voice she used, but knew she was probably nervous about the upcoming battle. "I'm counting on you, Echidna."

Echidna felt her heart skip a beat when the man used her name. He hadn't heard him in use it months. "...Thank you for that, Charden."

Charden pushed the door open with the palm of his hand, stopping momentarily to look back at his lover, a fleeting, loving smile gliding across his lips as he spoke. "It's time to end Chronos' reign of terror and begin a new era of peace."

Echidna's positive, loving feelings faded as she watched her partner walk out of the room with Doctor following closely after him. Feeling the anxiety, fear, and determination return, the actress clenched her fists momentarily, then quickly spread her fingers apart to open the multiple portals her leader asked her to have prepared.

Once they were all open, the actress snapped her fingers and shut the one their enemies had used and walked towards the door as well, determination blazing in her eyes.

I'll save him. Him and Jax. And I'll make certain we live peacefully. Together.

---

Train was the last to step through the portal, but since he was holding Creed's hand, he wasn't far behind his lover. Although, as soon as his retinas were burned by the sun, the gunman realized it didn't matter much since what they stepped onto was a giant, empty field with a few trees strewn at indiscriminate spots.

Did the portal not work? There's no one here.

"Is this another trap?"

Train glanced over at his partner who was pulling the cat closer to his side, wrapping his arm around the golden man's waist so their bodies were pressed together. He could tell by the firmness of his fiancé's arm and the alertness in his eyes that Creed was concerned someone was going to pop out of nowhere and swoop Train up.

Even after all these months of recovery and honing my skills to perfection, he's still worried someone's going to take me away.

Train sighed and slid his hand up Creed's back until he reached the swordsman's neck, tangling his fingers at the end of his lover's silver locks, making small, circular motions with his digits in hopes it would sooth his Stallion.

I'm not surprised. His nightmare sounded pretty terrible. He's probably still trapped in it.

Train continued to massage his partner's head as he spoke. "Creed, no one's going to take me away again. I promise."

Creed gripped at his beloved tighter, tilting his head to the side so it pressed against Train's. "Not as long as I have anything to say about it..."

Train rolled his eyes, aware Creed didn't know he had spoken those words out loud.

I wish he'd calm down. I know he's worried, but he also knows I can take care of myself.

The cat electrified his fingers slightly as he continued caressing his lover's hair, hoping that would speed up the process of relaxing Creed. They didn't have time for his partner's dramatics.

"Creed…" Train whispered as he slipped his hand to the man's cheek, turning Creed's head so their eyes met.

He gave his lover a smile before glancing around to make sure no one was looking. Sephiria was busy devising a plan with her numbers while his friends were still gathering their thoughts after the nightmares they experienced.

None of the Apostles are here yet and none of us are ready to go ahead, so I may as well make sure Creed is settled enough to move forward.

Train knew whatever Creed's nightmare was, it rattled him pretty bad. And if Creed was still that distracted by his Dreamworld, there was no way he was going to be at his best to face Charden.

Since no one's paying attention to us and Creed very obviously needs my… let's say, 'encouragement', I may as well remind him I'm not going anywhere.

Train looked back at his partner and pulled the man's face closer, tucking a few strands of his resplendent, argent hair behind his creamy ear. The moment Creed's cerulean eyes met his golden ones, Train felt his heart skitter in his chest. No matter how many times he gazed into his lover's eyes, Train would never be able to fathom how dazzling they were.

Besides, why would I ever pass up an opportunity to feel his lips against my own? I'd be lying if I said I couldn't use a smooch before the final battle.

The second he felt his lover's sizzling lips press devotedly against his own, Train smiled and wrapped his arms around Creed's neck to deepen their embrace. When he felt his partner open his mouth, Train immediately slipped his tongue between the other man's sleek, velvety lips.

Creed let out a quiet, serene moan the moment he felt his beloved's tongue gently caressing his own. With the hand that was still on Train's waist, Creed spun his Kitten around and pressed the man against his chest, squeezing the golden man's body as close to his own as he could.

The quick motion caused Train's hand to slip slightly and fall from Creed's neck to his shoulder which he gripped firmly when the other man deepened the kiss. As he felt his lover's tongue explore every inch of his mouth, Train couldn't stop the moan that left his lips and his other hand slid to the back of the silverette's opposite shoulder.

The more Creed probed his mouth, the more Train felt himself getting lost in the other man's heat. He was shocked that even after all the intimate moments they shared together, after all the times he had been within breathing distance of the silver haired beauty, after all the concupiscent kisses and late night marathon love making, Creed was still able to create a flurry of furious butterflies in his stomach and make him feel like a school boy with a crush.

He's just so irresistible…

Train's knees buckled and he moaned more sensuously than he intended when Creed's arms tightened around him. The swordsman tipped his body back slightly, giving Creed more access to his mouth which only furthered the beating drum in his chest that threatened to deafen him.

When he felt Creed moan into his mouth as well, Train knew the kiss had taken a more erotic term than he originally planned.

I didn't think he'd make it this intense! I just wanted to make him feel better, not have him practically make love to my mouth!

Train felt himself tremble as their tongues swirled together, an all too familiar heat building in his lower abdomen that he knew was not appropriate given the situation they were currently in.

Not to mention the company around us and the battle that awaits us. We need to stop before Mother Sephiria catches her two oreny children in the act!

Train gave Creed a few more seconds to savor his flavor before he pulled away. When Creed leaned forward to continue the kiss, Train pinched the man's cheek, using the gesture to keep his partner away.

As much as I want to keep going, we can't.

Creed pouted at his beloved and tried to break free. "Mmhm, Train… That wasn't enough…"

Train pinched a little harder. "It needs to be or else we'll be here all day."

Creed deepened his pout and squeezed Train tighter. "And what's wrong with that?"

Train sighed and put his hand over Creed's mouth to prevent the man from kissing him again. "You know exactly why this isn't the time nor place."

Creed watched as his love glanced towards their comrades and sighed in frustration. "...How dare you start something you had no intention of finishing."

Train patted the man's cheek. "I may have been the one to get the party started, but you're the one that brought the Everclear." He winked at his lover. "We'll have plenty of time to finish when this war is over."

Creed smiled triumphantly, as if he had completed a very illustrious task. "Promise?"

Train nodded and gave the man a cheeky smile. "Promise."

Creed knew the promise was more than a promise to embrace as lover's again. It was a promise that they were going to make it out of that fight alive and together

Creed sighed and pressed his head against Train's. As he stared into his beloved's eyes, he gently ran his fingers through his Kitten's hair, his heart fluttering wildly in his chest at the way Train's felicitous, amber eyes sparkled mischievously up at him.

This man's beauty is a crime against nature...

Creed breathed his beloved. "I tuoi occhi dovrebbero essere un crimine, lo sai…"

Train lightly caressed Creed's cheek. "Divertente... stavo proprio pensando la stessa cosa." (2)

Train leaned forward to kiss Creed's forehead, then straighten himself. "Are you feeling better?"

Creed frowned as Train pulled away, then smiled contentedly as the golden man gave him a kiss on the cheek, engaging him in an innocent hug.

Creed shut his eyes and rested his head against Train's shoulder, kissing his neck gently before speaking. "...I'll be better once this whole thing is over."

Train smiled and squeezed his lover. "Then you better let me go so we can end the pregame and get the party started."

Creed whimpered and pulled Train back against his chest when the cat tried to step away. "No. Not yet. I'm not done holding my precious kitten yet. Besides…"

He tightened his hold on his beloved and he slid one arm up Train's back to grasp onto his shoulder. "...the pregame is always the best part."

Train swallowed as he watched Creed's lips move closer, knowing he wouldn't be able to resist engaging his fiancé in another kiss. However, just as their lips were about to meet again, they were stopped by Sephiria's sharp, bitter words.

"I swear, if the two of you lock yourselves into another wildly indecorous and wholly inappropriate embrace, I'm going to leave you both here to fight off whatever Taoists are unfortunate enough to happen upon your ill-timed entwinement."

Train felt his face turn a bright shade of red and tried to push himself out of Creed's arms, but it seemed the man was hell-bent on keeping him where he was. After trying to dislodge himself a few more times, Train decided to give up the battle against his lover's arms and instead turned his head towards Number One.

"Does your interruption mean we're ready to go?"

"Do we have a plan?" Creed asked as he squeezed Train against his chest, unwilling to relinquish the beautiful man in his arms. "I don't think we should continue without a plan. The fact that we were led to an empty field makes me believe Charden has a plan."

Train sighed, but did not stop Creed from pressing his head protectively against his shoulder.

Guess the kiss didn't work as well as I thought it would. He's still terrified the Apostles are going to jump out and take me. I'd be insulted if I wasn't sure this was directly related to his nightmare.

Train desperately wanted to get Creed out of whatever nightmare Doctor had put him in, and he wanted to do it before they faced Charden.

He'll be dead before he can even draw his blade if he's too concerned with my well being.

Sephiria rolled her eyes at the men's position, but didn't bother to try and break them apart.

It's not like I was any better just now. I was practically clinging to Belze only seconds ago and on the verge of expressing emotions the leader of Chronos should not have for anyone let alone her second in command.

The swordswoman glanced back at the large man who was appearing to remain a respectful distance away from her, but the look in his eyes told a different story. It was clear he wanted to continue with what almost happened between them moments ago, but the disappointment in his eyes made it clear he knew that was not in the cards.

At least not right now.

Sephiria shook her head to rid her heart of the steadfast emotions she was feeling, along with the images of Doctor's nightmare that still tormented her.

Stop being weak. If you keep this up, you'll be no match for the Apostles when you meet them.

"If you two weren't scrutinizing each other's faces, you would have heard us working out the best course of action given the circumstances and already know the conclusion we came to."

Creed squeezed Train's head against his chest shoulder and cocked an eyebrow at the woman, but did not say anything.

I don't know where this attitude of his is coming from, but I'm sure it has something to do with the protective way he's holding Heartnet.

Sephiria sighed and drew her blade, pointing it in the direction of Sven and Rinslet. "First things first: Your friends are to remain as far out of the way as possible. With the exception of the Bio-girl and the fire breathing Taoist, we do not feel it is necessary to involve innocent civilians in a battle as strenuous as what we're about to face."

"WHAT?!" Sven yelled. "Why the hell did we come all this way if you're just gonna stick us on the sidelines?!"

"Agreed."

Sven shot his eyes at Creed and Train who had spoken in unison, gawking at them in shock. "WHAT THE HELL DID YOU JUST SAY?!"

Train frowned and managed to push himself out of Creed's arms enough to give Sven his full attention. "You know we wanted you to stay behind. We've told you that over and over. This was never your fight in the first place, Sven. This is me and Creed's problem. There's no reason for you to get hurt."

Sven glared at the cat and clenched his fists. "And I thought I told you the moment I took both of your sorry asses in, all of your problems became my problem because we became a family."

Train opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by Creed. "We're not saying to stay completely out of the way, Sven. We're just saying-"

Sven slammed his Attache Case on the ground and pointed an angry finger at Creed. "NO! I don't want to hear it! Especially not from either of you!"

He lowered his hand and balled his fingers into a first, images of what they had been through to get to that point swimming through his brain.

He saw Creed cradling a traumatized Train in his arms, Eve wandering aimless throughout the house, eyes listless from lack of sleep. He saw Rinslet trying to calm a distraught Lin who was on the verge of a breakdown over the state of his beloved Black Cat.

Then, he saw Nica. The first woman he had ever truly cared for smiling beautifully at him, laying in his arms at night as he watched the sun's rays slowly envelop her sleeping form. The serene vision quickly changed as the burning star's radiance suddenly turned the woman's skin red, allowing Sven to see for the first time the monster she truly was.

A single tear left his control as he stared at the ground, trying to forget his nightmare. "...You really think we came all this way, did all that training, went through all that pain and suffering only to step aside just when we're about to step into the mouth of the beast?"

He shot his head up and glared at the men, making sure they saw how furious he was at their motion for him to step aside. "You two aren't the only ones who have lost something over the years. You aren't the only ones who made mistakes that can only be redeemed by taking down the Apostles."

Train locked eyes with Sven, frowned as he read the emotions that were painted on his face.

He's right. I can't imagine what Sven's been putting himself through after what happened with Nica. And he must blame himself for my kidnapping, since he trusted Nica…

Train sighed. "Okay, Sven. We understand. We won't ask you to step aside."

Sven let out a relieved breath, then smiled kindly at his younger friend. "Thank you."

Sephiria rubbed his eyes in frustration. "Why did I ever agree to work with such a sentimental group of misfits?"

"Because you need them." Lin piped up from behind the woman. "Because you know their emotions are both their strength and their weakness."

Sephiria glanced at Number X, then sighed as she addressed Sven. "If you insist on taking part in the war, I would like to ask that they at least permit an eraser to be with them at all times."

Seeing Sven was about to protest, Sephiria spoke quickly. "You can complain all you want or say I'm being unreasonable, but the truth of the matter is you are a civilian. And I refuse to let civilians get killed over Chronos' matter."

Sven glared at the woman. "First of all, I already explained this isn't just Chronos' problem. Need I remind you of all the trouble this group has caused my family. And second-"

He pointed towards Creed and Train. "These two dimwits are also civilians, yet you recruited their help to take down the Apostles ages ago! Eve and Kyoko are also civilians, yet you seem more than ready to use them despite their age."

Sephiria glared. "You know just as well as I do that Heartnet and Diskenth are not average civilians and the same can be said for the girls. Besides, the Apostles only exist due to those men's incompetence. It only makes sense they do whatever they can to end them."

"HEY!" Train yelled, then immediately shut up when Sephiria and Sven shot him a deadly look.

Sephiria looked back at Sven. "If you insist on fighting alongside us even knowing the dangers of the situation, then you should at least let me try to do the part of my job that requires me to protect the general public."

Sven opened his mouth to protest again, then sighed in defeat. He realized Number One's request wasn't unreasonable. She was only trying to protect him and his family as best she could, and he couldn't fault her for that.

The older man nodded. "Fine. If it means you won't make us turn around, you can send an eraser with us."

Sephiria gave the man a subtle, but grateful look, ready to speak to the rest of the group. However, just as she was opening her mouth, Train interrupted her.

"So, what else you got planned, Sephy-sama?"

Sephiria shivered at Train's pet name since she knew he was only doing it to annoy her.

This man does everything in his power to try my patience. He's exactly like a little brother.

Her thoughts forced images of her nightmare to return which she quickly shoved aside so she could speak. "...Again, if you were listening to me earlier, you'd understand that I came to a conclusion, not a plan."

Train pouted at her as Creed pulled his head back against his shoulder. "Okay, then what's your conclusion, oh wise and superior Number One?"

Sephiria glared, but ignored the cat's childish antics and Creed's possessive behavior to speak. "It's clear the Apostles want us to bring the fight to them, yet here we are, standing in an empty field alone. That is strange."

Train rolled his eyes as Creed gently pet his hair. "Ya think?"

Sephiria shot him another warning look, then continued. "As strange as it is, I'm fairly certain that means they plan to either ambush us all at once, or separate us as best they can. Knowing how Charden works, I'm certain that the latter is true."

Creed squeezed Train tighter and eyed Sephiria wearily. "Are you suggesting that we separate ourselves strategically before they do it forcibly?"

Sephiria locked eyes with Creed. "I am. And I think we should separate in a way that works to our advantage."

Lin was beginning to feel a bit nervous since he believed that meant he might not be able to keep an eye on Train. "Meaning...?"

Sephiria glanced at Number X. "Meaning we should do our best to stick with those whose skills compliment one another."

Creed breathed a sigh of relief and pressed his head against Train's. "Can't argue with that."

Sephiria glanced at Creed for a quick second, then addressed the rest of the group. "I will be heading straight for Charden."

"Alone?"

She turned to Belze who had been quiet up until that moment. She did not say anything, but the profound nod was enough to answer his question.

Number II clenched his fist and took a step towards her. "No. I will be accompanying you."

Sephiria put a hand up to stop him. "No. No matter how strong Charden has gotten, I am more than enough to take him down. The sweepers and Chronos need you with everyone else."

Belze was about to protest again, but Train interrupted. "Well, you can't stop Creed and myself from tagging along. We don't take orders from you, remember?"

Sephiria looked at Train from the corner of her eye. She wasn't surprised to hear him say that, nor was she surprised to see Creed agreed, but she was still a bit disappointed by it.

I know they're going to attempt to stop me from killing Charden, but maybe I can make it there before them and be done with the task before they have a chance to object.

"Very well." Sephiria said as she turned on her heel and began making in way through the field. "I can't stop you from doing whatever you want."

As she walked away, she pointed a sword at the rest of her team. "If you run into any of the children the Apostles have been holding hostage, show restraint. We can't ignore the possibility that they have all been held against their will."

Train smiled when he heard Sephiria say that, grateful she was keeping her promise.

Now, as long as we can prevent too many people from being killed, we'll be in good shape.

Train's eyes widened as a thought occurred to him. "WAIT! What about E?!"

Sephiria looked over her shoulder at Train. "What about her?"

Train frowned and finally shoved Creed off. "We're going to find and save her, right? She's another innocent civilian. She has absolutely nothing to do with any of this!"

Her only crime was showing kindness to me…

Sephiria gave Train a strange look, then nodded. "Of course we're going to save her. In fact, I've already assigned a very capable individual to the case. One that I know would never fail in a task that's so important to you."

Train cocked an eyebrow, then jumped when he felt a petite hand squeeze his shoulder. He looked down to see Lin smiling reassuringly at him, his fingers gently patting him as he spoke.

"I'll get her back safely, Train. I promise."

Train smiled at his friend, then patted his hand briefly. "Thank you."

"Hey! I'm helping too!" Aliane chimed in as she raised her hand in the air. "Lin may be the reason we get to her, but I'll be the reason we get out."

"Well, isn't this a cute display of emotions? Have you already forgotten the reason you're here?"

All eyes shot over to the new voice, weapons drawn at the ready as a man hiding in a tree laughed maniacally. Most of the individuals recognized the voice immediately, but Sephiria was the first one to react.

Knowing the voice came from a tree just a few feet away from her, Number One ran forward and leapt into the air, slicing at the leaf littered branch she knew the man was cloaking himself with. Like a knife through butter, the branch fell and landed with a loud crash.

However, the man did not fall with it and Sephiria flipped her body in the air, just barely dodging a dagger that was thrown at her face. Seeing another aimed at her chest, Sephiria threw her blade forward and sliced it away, then landed on the severed remains of the branch she had cut down.

Knowing exactly where the man had run too, Sephiria pushed herself off the tree and towards her enemy, noticing Belze was already on top of it. She saw Number II dodge several daggers that were being thrown at him, slicing and dicing the air between him and the Taoist.

Where is everyone else?! Why are none of the other numbers attacking right now?!

As Sephiria scanned the area to see what her numbers were doing, a wall of dirt shot up from the ground around her, eclipsing the sun and obscuring her view.

Another laugh entered her ears which belonged to another man she knew. "The rats have come to play! And it looks like I've caught a cute one!"

Sephiria ignored the man's comment and sliced a whole in the dirt directly in front of her. Lucky for her, it seemed as though the Taoist didn't make the wall too thick to cut through.

As soon as she was free, she saw Train running full speed in the direction she knew Belze was.

"GET BACK HERE YOU BASTARD!"

"TRAIN, STOP!"

Sephiria watched as the Black Cat threw himself at the man with daggers, leapt into the air, and shot several bullets at him. Number One glared at the gunman, angry that even when faced with the man that killed someone both he and his lover were attached to, he still purposefully aimed at non-lethal areas.

Can't bring yourself to do it even after knowing what the man did?

Running several feet after Train was Sven who seemed desperate to calm the cat down. It was clear he knew what was running through Train's head as he chased down Anastasia's killer, but the way he was acting made Sephiria question for a moment if the golden eyed man truly didn't intend to kill him.

No, he wouldn't. Surely his friends know that.

Watts laughed as Kenneth threw another wall of dirt between him and the Black Cat, preventing an electric blast from hitting him full on. "What's wrong, Black Cat?! Did you miss me?"

Watts screamed out a curse as a blade made contact with his back, creating a large slice on his back, the shallow cut causing blood to seep from his skin and stain his shirt. He spun around and threw a dagger in the direction of the blade, even though he knew it wasn't going to be enough to stop the man's second attack.

"DAMMIT, WOMAN! WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?!"

Train was too filled with rage to truly comprehend what the man was saying and he flared his body with as much electricity as he could. He felt the air around him spin wildly as he aimed Hades in the direction the man was running, the barrel of his gun glowing with a bright, yellow hue as he activated his Nanomachines and combined them with his trusty weapon.

He'll pay… He'll pay for what he did to Anastasia…

"TRAIN STOP!"

Train deactivated his Tao and his Nanomachines when he saw Creed jump in front of him and wrap his arms around his hand, forcing the cat's arm down.

The gunman blinked at his partner, then yanked his arm away. "What the hell are you doing?!"

Creed growled at his beloved then grabbed Train's wrist, pulling the hand that held Hades towards him instead of the open field. "I'm the one who should be asking that question! Were you really just about to use your Nano-Blast on that scumbag?!"

Train blinked a few more times, then looked down at Hades in disbelief. "I… I don-"

"-We agreed to use that only in the most dire situation! We agreed it was too powerful and too dangerous to use freely!"

Train continued staring at his gun, suddenly realizing how impulsive he was being. "I…"

"YOU COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED, TRAIN!"

Train gripped his fingers and yelled at his partner. "I WOULD HAVE BEEN FINE, CREED!"

He felt his arm beginning to shake and tears burnt his eyes. "...You know what he did to her. You know what he did to me… To us. HOW CAN YOU BE SO CALM WHEN-"

Train stopped when he looked up at his fiancé, seeing the utter devastation in Creed's eyes. The calm spots of lavender Train loved so much had turned to bright specks of red, and for a moment he could see a bit of his Stallion's rage had returned.

However, it was a fleeting emotion and wasn't what worried Train the most. What worried Train was the poignant anguish that was indisputably palpable pain in the man's delicate, blue eyes. With just one brief glance, Train was able to tell the man he loved was anything but calm.

But he's keeping his composure because he knows nothing we do to that man will bring Anastasia back.

"Creed…" Train whispered, unaware of who else was still around them, who was fighting who, or even that the war had started around them. "Creed… I'm sorry. I… I just forg-"

Creed wrapped his arms around Train's back and pulled the cat against his chest, squeezing him tightly as he spoke in a shaky whisper. "Don't forget the promise we made to each other. Don't forget what's to come after this war… The life you promised we'd live."

As Creed ran his fingers through Train's hair, he made sure his beloved could feel the metal ring press against his head. "Stay alive, Train. Because if you don't… I don't know how I'll go on."

Train sighed, then wrapped his arms around Creed's waist, returning the man's embrace. "Okay, Creed… I promise I'll keep my cool, and I promise I won't die."

Creed firmed his grip on the man, ignoring the overture of the war happening around them. "Promise on your promise."

Train rolled his eyes, pulled away from his lover enough that he could stick his pinky out to the silver man. "I'll do you one better, I'll pinky promise."

Creed blinked at his Kitten's finger, then smiled. He locked his pinky with his fiancé's, then pressed his forehead against Train's. "If you break this promise, I get to keep your pinky."

Train smirked. "That's dark. Especially since I intend on letting you keep more than just my pinky with this promise."

Creed smiled warmly at his lover, shutting his eyes for a moment as he took in a deep breath.

Just as he was about to pull away from his beloved, he felt Train harshly shoving him to the side. As soon as Train's hands made contact with his chest, Creed already had his Imagine Blade drawn, but only at level one, since that was all he had time for.

He swiped his sword in the air to block a literal rain of daggers that was falling on them, his ears filling with the sound of thunder and gunshots, signaling his beloved was treating the small knives with the same care Creed was.

Once they were sure all the daggers were gone, both men pointed their weapons at a smirking Watts, who seemed to already be healing from the minor wound inflicted on him.

Watts widened his smirk as he balanced a tower of daggers on his index finger, tilting his head to the side slightly as he spoke in a condescending tone. "Awww, how cute? Even in the heat of battle, you love birds manage to find time to douse each other in your sickening affections."

Train gave the man a cheeky smile. "What happened to your eye? Lose it in a bet?"

Watts glared at the cat as he placed a hand over his eyepatch. "...Just a flesh wound. Don't let my minor affliction hold you back, Black Cat."

Train smirked and ran forward, sparking left hand while his right hand aimed Hades straight ahead. Creed ran off the moment Train did, leveling his blade up to its second form as he ran directly at the man who had nearly ruined his life.

Watts remained there for only a second before he let out another hideous laugh, then jumped backwards and into a portal. Before Train or Creed could reach him, the black hole disappeared, taking the monster with it.

Both Creed and Train skidded to a halt as the Black Cat let out an angry curse.

"Where the hell did he go?!"

Creed looked around the area, his eyes alert as he searched for any sign of the man. "...I don't know. But, Train… Have you noticed how empty the area suddenly got?"

Train blinked at his partner. "What are you talking-"

The cat stopped himself as he scanned the area as well, realizing what Creed was talking about. "What the…"

Nevermind that asshole…

"Where the hell did everyone go?" Train lowered his arm slightly as he looked up into the trees, hoping he'd see some sign of life.

"They've been slowly disappearing through random portals." Sephiria's voice was cold, but calm. "As if they're being invited to their own private event."

Train turned to stare at Number One, noticing her eyes were on anything but him. "What do you mean? An invitation to what?!"

Creed stared at the sky for a second, then sighed. "It's too late to assign buddies, Sephiria."

Train turned angrily to his partner. "What do you mean?! We didn't even have a chance to pair up and split off!"

Creed frowned and ran his fingers through his hair. "I know, Train… But-"

"-That doesn't matter anymore. What matters is that Charden has clearly chosen for us to be together and purposefully made it so nothing would get in our way."

Train turned to Sephiria and gave her a small glare. "It does matter since we don't know where Sven and the others are!"

Sephiria glanced at the cat. "The only thing we can do is trust that they can handle themselves."

Train opened his mouth to protest, but stopped when Creed put a hand on his shoulder. "She's right, Train. We need to trust them. Like Sven said, they've been training for this day. I'm sure they can handle themselves."

Train stared at his partner for a moment, then sighed. "If Charden wants us to come to him, why didn't he send a portal for us? Why not give us an easier path?"

Sephiria stepped past the cat. "He doesn't want to make it easy for us. He just wants to give us the opportunity to get there before anyone else."

Train watched as the woman walked past him, opening his mouth to speak again, but was shut down as Sephiria continued her sentence.

"I'm sure there will be obstacles along the way. Obstacles I'm certain Charden is assuming won't kill us, but weaken us before we get to him."

He's already tried to weaken us mentally, now he wants to weaken us physically.

Sephiria clenched her fists. "He's toying with us. He has been since the moment we arrived in the woods. And I'm sure he's toying with everyone else as well."

Hang in there, Belze… I'll be sure to find you once this is all over. I promise.

Train watched as the woman walked away, again opening his mouth to speak, but was stopped by Creed's finger tendergly grabbing his shoulder.

"Train… I don't think Sephiria is in the right state to keep responding."

Train blinked at his lover. "How can you tell? She's always so… closed off."

Creed sighed and glanced at Number One as he spoke. "...Just trust me. I can tell."

Train frowned as well, then slowly followed after the woman. "Fine. I'll keep my mouth shut on the matter. But, I think it's incredibly stupid that despite Charden wanting us to go directly to him, he's still making us fight."

Creed followed after his beloved. "It's not when you look at it from his point of view. He's already messed with us mentally, he may as well mess with us physically too."

Train sighed, keeping his eyes on Sephiria as they moved forward. "He could have done that by keeping us all together."

Creed shook his head. "Not if he wants to get rid of everyone else as well. Doing it this way gives him all the control. He's separated us from our friends, which I'm sure he knows will distract us with worry, and doing it this way will allow him to split up our strong members."

Train rolled his eyes. "Yet, he chose to let the strongest three march straight towards him."

Creed sighed again. "But like Sephiria said, not without a fight. I'm sure this won't be an easy journey. We have no idea what's ahead of us."

Train frowned. "...Guess that means we need to stay on our toes and prove to them Doctor's nightmares didn't work."

Creed winced at his beloved's words, remembering how not long ago, he heard Train's mellifluous voice speak degradingly discordant words.

It was just a dream. Just a terrible, awful, horrific dream.

He glanced at his fiancé, then reached his hand out to wrap his fingers around Train's. He let out a breath of relief when he felt his golden love tangled their fingers together, then smiled warmly when Train gave his fingers a reassuring squeeze.

Train's here. He's here by my side as he should be.

Creed squeezed Train's fingers in return, then brought his eyes forward in an attempt to replace his dred with determination.

As long as I have Train, I can go on. As long as he stays by my side, there's nothing in this world that could ever steal away my resolve.

He smiled and gripped both his beloved and his sword.

As long as Train graces me and this world with his presence, I will not falter, and I will not give in to my fears.

Those were the thoughts Creed chose to cling to in order to keep the foreboding feeling that was fermenting deep in his heart at bay.

---

Lin steadied himself and immediately drew his weapon the moment his feet hit the ground, a panicked, distraught look on his face as he scanned the area.

"Train?!"

As Number X searched the new area for his Sweetness, he flicked his cloak in the air.

The last thing I saw before complete darkness was Train running at Watts. What happened?!

While Lin's personal top priority was to make sure Train was safe, he knew Sephiria's mission for him was of extreme importance as well, which meant he needed to know where his assigned partner was.

I don't see that girl anywhere.

He knew he had been sent through one of Echidna's portals, but he had no idea where he was, or why he was alone. He believed there was an explicit purpose to him being dropped unceremoniously through that portal, but he didn't know what that purpose was.

They wanted to separate us, that much is clear, and I'm sure Watts was there to act as a distraction for Train and the sweepers so they could split us. But, I don't know what their plan is for me.

Lin took several cautious steps forward.

Do they intend to corner and overwhelm me with Taoist? Is Doctor going to trap me in his Dreamworld again?

Lin shivered at that idea. Images of his Sweetness being torture in the most gruesome, macabre ways possible flooding his mind as he remained helplessly chained to a wall, forced to watch Train slowly die. He saw his sweet love being ripped apart piece by piece only to be put back together, just so Number X could watch all over again.

To make matters worse, I can still feel my various foster fathers' hands all over me… I don't know how Kanzaki was able to dig up such deeply buried memories, but he was nearly successful in traumatizing me all over again.

As soon as Lin had woken up from the nightmare, the first thing he did was search for Train. However, he didn't have time to hold the man he loved since it was clear Sephiria and the other numbers were leaping into action. Not only that, it was obvious the coveted cat was too preoccupied comforting his lover.

Lin shook his head to stop himself from spiraling down a different dismal hole.

Train's fine. Even if the Apostles separate him from the rest of the group, now more than ever he's capable of taking care of himself.

Lin also was certain that Train wasn't alone. With how he and Creed were clinging to each other, Number X didn't think it was possible to separate them even if the entirety of the Apostles and Shooting Stars showed up to pry them apart.

The image of the quick, but passionate kiss the men shared before they were separated flashed painfully through Lin's head and he slapped himself in the face.

Don't get distracted!

Lin tried to replace the visions of his nightmare Train with images of the real Train. The one he knew and loved. The petite man shut his eyes to give himself a moment, picturing the gunman's glorious, golden eyes burning magnificently into his own, the cat's cheeky smile shining brightly as he played with Lin's hair.

Lin smiled and gently touched the top of his head.

I can feel his fingers teasing me… He teases me in more ways than one, and I don't think he's even aware of what that does to me.

While Lin loved the small bits of attention Train paid him and wouldn't give it up for anything in the world, it pained him at the same time. However, it was a joyful kind of pain, since it was meant to act as reassurance as to how much he meant to the Black Cat.

Train may not love me the way I love him, never has and never will, but… He cares about me. I definitely rent a lot of space in his heart.

Lin let out a slow, relaxed sigh and opened his eyes, determination taking over again as images of his Sweetness continued pervading his mind.

Okay, first things first: I need to find that girl so we can save E. That's what I need to focus on.

Lin smiled coyly as he spoke his next thoughts. "Would it be too much to ask for a small kiss from Train as a reward if I succeed?"

"I think it will be! You saw that make out session between him and Creed just now, didn't you?"

Lin threw his weapon forward at the unidentified voice, even though he couldn't see where said individual was. However, when he heard a feminine yelp come from the direction he threw his cloak, Number X rolled his eyes and pulled it back.

"Exactly how long have you been standing there?"

Aliane smirked and turned off her invisibility. "Pretty much since the moment we went through the portal."

Lin cocked an eyebrow. "Since we went through the portal? You went through with me?"

Aliane nodded. "Yup! Sephiria said we needed to stick together, right?"

Lin looked the Taoist up and down. "She didn't really get to finish saying who we should make sure to stick with, but… I guess it was heavily implied."

Aliane frowned at Lin's back as he continued taking careful steps forward. "Are you disappointed that you didn't get to stay with Train?"

Lin glanced over his shoulder at the woman. "Of course I am. Are you saying you're not?"

Aliane frowned. "Maybe a little, but… I'm clearly not as obsessed with him as you are. Anything I could ever feel for him looks like a stupid crush compared to what you feel for him."

Lin rolled his eyes. "I don't know if I should be insulted by that statement or not."

Aliane pouted as she caught up to the number, making sure to keep her voice low since that was what Lin was doing. "Which part of my statement was insulting?"

Lin sighed. "The part where you said I'm obsessed with Train. I'm not obsessed with him, I'm in love with him. Aren't you as well?"

Aliane deepened her frown. "...I'm tired of being asked that question."

Lin wasn't sure where he was going, but he was hoping his instincts would lead him in the right direction. "Why?"

Aliane phased herself through a tree as she spoke. "Because it's a more loaded question than everyone realizes. It's true that I deeply care about Train and it's hard to ignore how gorgeous he is. I mean, his eyes alone are-"

"-Yeah, I get it. Train is unreasonably stunning. I don't need to hear you gush about him."

Aliane rolled her eyes.

He probably doesn't want to be reminded of how amazing Train is not only because he already knows, but because it'll just remind him of what he doesn't have.

Feeling sympathy for the man, Aliane changed the direction of her sentence. "It's not just Train that I grew attached to, it's all of them. It's the lifestyle they have, the world they live in."

She smiled as she remembered her time with the sweepers, listening to the stories of the life they led as Creed served them what had to be the most delicious meal she had ever had.

"It's the warmth and welcome they provide. The environment they present… and the family they offer."

They have a habit of taking in misfits and never letting them go. Even after said misfit betrayed them.

Lin looked back at the Taoist, understanding exactly where her thoughts went and gave her a small smile. "It's hard not to get attached to them, and Train makes it difficult not to love him."

Aliane shrugged. "As I said, I don't know if what I feel for him is love. After seeing how you, Creed, and even Kyoko act around him, I'm not sure I can equal that level of devotion."

Lin felt his smile sadden as he spoke. "Train's heart is definitely a coveted treasure…"

Aliane nodded, then continued. "So, do you know where we're going, or are we just walking blindly through the forest?"

Lin used his weapon to push some brush aside as he spoke. "Honestly, I'm just making educated guesses. It's obvious the Apostles wanted to separate me from the rest of the group, so I'm certain there's someone lurking out here, ready to pounce at any moment."

Aliane smirked. "Little did they know I'd be tagging along."

Lin couldn't help but snicker. "How exactly did you manage to get through the portal? I'm certain they intended for me to be alone and I could have sworn you were visible when I was dropped through."

Aliane rolled her eyes as she mumbled her next words. "How would you know? Your gaze was too fixated on Train to see anything else…"

"What?" Lin asked as he continued moving forward.

Aliane brushed her own words aside. "Nothing. I turned myself invisible the moment I heard Watts' voice. He seemed too busy riling Train and the other's up to notice I was there, so I took that moment to activate my Tao and cling to you."

Lin frowned and glanced back at her. "You clung to me? Why didn't I feel you?"

Aliane rolled her eyes again. "It's just a figure of speech. I didn't physically grab you. I jumped directly behind you the second I turned invisible and the next thing I knew, I was being dropped through the portal along with you."

The small woman rubbed her lower back as she spoke. "You need to teach me how to land as gracefully as you did. I fell right on my ass and now my back is killing me."

Lin snickered again as he lightly stepped on a twig, making sure it didn't snap as he spoke. "I can't teach something that comes so instinctively to me."

Aliane chuckled. "Do you get dropped in holes often?"

Lin shrugged. "Let's just say a lot of floors seem to disappear when you're a member of Chronos. Especially when you're the person that tends to make it disappear."

Aliane smiled at the man, imagining him destroying the floor under his feet to complete a mission.

Guess I can see why Train is so attached to him and why Creed is a bit jealous of him. He's similar to Train, but a bit more refined.

When Aliane was informed she was going to be working with Number X, she was worried considering her attachment to the Black Cat and Lin's obvious unwavering love for the man. She was concerned he'd treat her with complete disregard and utter contempt, especially after what she did to the man he loved.

He's probably setting those feelings of animosity aside so we can complete our mission. A mission he knows if for Train. He'll go right back to hating my guts when this is all over.

She gave the number a sad look, feeling unmitigated sympathy for the man.

Everything he does is for Train and while I'm certain he wants to make sure an innocent person's life isn't ended, I know Train is at the forefront of his mind.

When Lin turned his head to scan the area, Aliane felt her heart weep for the man, seeing the stalwart valor in his eyes, knowing Train was the only thing that kept him going.

To love someone that deeply… to be that devoted to someone even knowing their heart has, and will always belong to another… I can't imagine living that life every day.

She frowned as she continued watching Lin move forward.

The strength his man has is remarkable. No wonder Charden wanted to get rid of him quickly.

Aliane smirked as she remembered the lengths her former leader went through to remove Lin from the picture, happy that it didn't work.

I think what Charden did made Lin and Train stronger.

"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?"

"While I appreciate you keeping your voice low, you need to stop mumbling. It's making me think you're saying unsavory things about me under your breath."

Aliane let out a mildly annoyed sigh. "Why would I say unsavory things about a man that could kill me with the flick of his wrist?"

Lin smiled, glad the Taoist respected his strength. "Despite my career choice, I have not killed anyone, and do not intend to kill today."

Aliane blinked in shock at the man. She knew Lin had never killed before, but she didn't know he had no intention of killing during their final battle. "Really?"

Lin gave her a firm nod. "Really."

Aliane, not believing what she was hearing, continued asking questions. "Why?"

Lin gave a wistful smile. "Because it would upset Train."

Aliane rolled her eyes.

Should have seen that coming.

"Even though you know Sephiria's direct orders are to kill the Apostles?"

Lin nodded again. "Yes."

Aliane frowned. "Won't you get in trouble? Or, as I've heard Train and Creed put it, 'punished'?"

Another nod. "Yes. And I don't care. I don't intend to stay with Chronos after this war is over."

Aliane stopped in her steps, frozen upon hearing Number X's confession. "...What?"

Lin stopped as well and turned to face her, an unflinching conviction in his dark eyes. "I'm leaving Chronos when this war is over and becoming a sweeper."

Aliane shook her head and stuck her finger in her ear as if there was something stuck in it. "I'm sorry, come again?"

Lin smiled warmly as he looked peacefully at the sky. "Train and the others have already made me a part of their family. I've been living as a sweeper for years since I've followed them and considering I've never killed and never will kill since it would upset Train, what other choice do I have?"

Aliane frowned. "You could just stay a number and continue not to kill."

Lin shook his head. "That's never going to happen. There's no way I can continue to live the life of a Chronos' assassin and not kill. With the life I lead, it's not a matter of if I kill, it's a matter of when."

Lin turned back around and continued moving forward. "And if I stayed with Chronos and I did end up killing, I'd never be able to look Train in the eyes again. I know he'd forgive me, but… I also know something will change between us if I do."

He shivered at the idea. "No matter what he says, if I kill someone, Train would look at me differently. There would be more distance placed between us than there already is and… I can't live with that."

I can't live with the idea of never being able to look into his eyes again… I can't live with the fact that all his smiles would be less bright if he finds out I killed someone.

"But, you can't just leave Chronos!" Aliane said in a harsh whisper. "It's not like when Train and Creed left they were just… suddenly free! Even now, doesn't their freedom hinge on the success of this war?"

Lin nodded. "Yes, that's all true and I'm fully aware that it won't be easy but…"

An image of Train's cheeky smile passed in front of his eyes, and he smiled. "...It'll be worth it if I can stay by his side. If I can continue to see him smile at me in such a warm, friendly way… As long as I know the special smile I know he reserves for me doesn't change… it'll be worth all the trouble I'll go through."

Lin froze when he realized he said that all out loud. "...Sorry, that was more private information than I intended to share."

Aliane watched Lin quietly for a moment, then sighed. "It's fine. There's no denying how you feel for Train, so nothing you said was a surprise. It's not like it's any of my business anyway."

And it's not like there's anything I can do about it even if I wanted to. When this war is over, if I'm still alive, I'll just go back to being a prisoner.

"I'm also positive Sephiria already knows what my intentions are."

Aliane blinked at Lin. "What?"

Lin shrugged. "Like you said, there's no denying where my heart lies and what I want out of life. Besides that, the Elders hate me and I'm sure they have no intention of keeping me a number if I keep running away to be with Train. Which I absolutely intend to do. That means I'll continue to disobey orders and fail missions, so I may as well leave before they order Sephiria to erase me."

Aliane shook her head, not understanding the man's logic. "And leaving Chronos will make that any less of an option for her?"

Again, Lin shrugged. "Don't know. But I do know she cares about Train as if he was her brother, which means she'd be more inclined to listen to him when he vouches for me."

He ducked under a branch as he smiled. "Sephiria doesn't even need to hear it from Train. She'll understand why I'm making the decision to leave, and I'm pretty sure she'll find a way to keep me safe."

Aliane was still confused and even though she knew everything Lin was saying had nothing to do with her, she was curious. "And wouldn't that just put her in danger?"

Lin frowned. "Yes… But, I trust Sephiria, and I trust that she'll make everything work out."

Aliane sighed. "You guys take too much advantage of her kindness."

Lin sighed and nodded. "I know..."

"The day she decides to let you all go is the day her life will become infinitely less stressful."

Lin chuckled at the girl's statement. "True. But, she'll never do that. She loves us."

Aliane twitched at hearing that statement since it was strange to think Number One actually experienced emotions as strong as love.

Well, she is human. And ironically a very caring human. Despite her job description, her intentions are pure.

"So, what's the plan? Continue moving forward until someone reveals themselves?"

Lin nodded. "That or until we happen upon a very obvious 'final battle' looking location. But, before we find that, I need to make one thing perfectly clear."

He stopped and turned around to face Aliane again, making sure her eyes were locked onto his as he spoke. "Whoever it is we are up against, whoever they are sending to kill us, I will not allow you to kill anyone. Understood?"

Aliane stared up at the man, twitching slightly at the determined resolve in his eyes, knowing he was giving her a command, not a request.

Honestly… I don't want to kill anyone either.

The time she spent with the sweepers had softened her. As she thought back to the person she used to be, she shivered at how cold hearted and malicious she was. The dark thoughts that once determined her every move had become nothing more than a distant, unpalatable memory she wished she could purge from her mind.

I spent so much time hating the world and everyone in it, I never realized what the emotional and mental repercussion could be if I ever actually did.

She nodded. "Understood. I'm only just earning the sweepers' trust back, the last thing I want is to lose it again. Besides, it doesn't matter what I do today. My fate is unchanging."

Lin frowned, sad that he couldn't give her any reassurance since he knew it was true, then turned back around. "Good. Let's keep going. I have a feeling we're reaching our destination."

Aliane frowned and followed him again. "What makes you think that?"

Lin looked ahead as far as he could and smirked at the clearing he saw just a few feet ahead. "Because I've played enough video games to know what a final battle field looks like."

"Oh, good! You're here! I was about to contact Charden and let him know you got lost!"

Lin threw his cloak in front of his face to block a bullet that was aimed at his head, watching as it fell with electrical sparks to the ground. He looked up a tree to see Durham aiming a gun at him, the man's face obscured by his trademark cowboy hat and beak mask.

However, he knew the voice speaking to him did not belong to the gunman, and he turned his head in the direction it came from to see Eathes hanging from a tree with his tail.

Number X narrowed his eyes as he spoke. "Oh, you're finally letting us see your real face? No wonder you change your appearance so often. Even for a monkey, you're quite repulsive."

Eathes frowned as he swung himself around the tree's appendage and crouched on top of the branch. "Ouch! That hurts! What ugly words leaving such a cute human's face!"

Lin glared at the monkey, throwing his cloak forward in an attempt to slice the branch he hung from. "Don't even think about it, Monkey! My heart belongs to another!"

Eathes cackled wildly as his branch fell, leaping into the air and avoiding several more slices from the number as he spoke. "Don't get the wrong idea, Number X! While human's fascinate me, I have no intention of mating with one! That's gross."

He continued laughing as he leapt into the air again, quickly climbing up a tree and hiding deep within its leaves. "Besides, we both know how your specific taste in men is…"

Lin felt his body flare with rage as the Taoist revealed himself again, not shocked at all whose face the monkey had chosen to steal, but determined to not give him the same reaction he had the first time they met.

Eathes smiled at Lin with the cheeky grin Number X was crazy about, the golden eyes he adored beaming wickedly at him. "Think you can keep your head straight while you fight your beloved Black Cat?"

---

"SVEN!"

Eve was in crisis mode. The last thing she remembered was being pushed through a portal by Kenneth, but not before she saw something that truly horrified her.

"SVEN! SVEN, CAN YOU HEAR ME?!"

Eve wasn't the type to scream or even panic, but the look on her guardian's face when he saw who she believed they were all going to fight awoke a stampede of terror deep in her heart she had never felt before.

The girl cursed and activated her Nanomachines to sprout two large wings from her shoulder blades. She crouched low to the ground, then launched herself up into the air until she reached the top of the trees.

Once she was above the greenery, Eve began flapping her wings, her pink eyes scanning the area in a panicked frenzy.

"Damnit…"

I can't see him. Is this part of Charden's plan? Does he not want me to fight them?

Eve began flying around, keeping her eyes on the ground as she searched for the man amongst the trees. While she knew spotting Sven specifically might not be possible from her elevated level, she was hoping that there might have been enough of a commotion around him that she could see instead.

I trust that everyone else is okay. I have to trust that they are since after what I saw before I was shoved away from Sven... I'm not sure he will be.

The girl continued scanning the area, praying she'd see the man before anything drastic happened.

Hopefully he isn't alone. Last I saw, he had Kyoko and Rinslet with him. Jenos might still be there as well if Lady Luck has taken a break from her obsession with Train and come to grace us with her presence.

Before she was shoved through yet another portal that took her away from the sweepers, Eve noticed Jenos had wrapped his arms protectively around Rinslet. But, she wasn't there long enough to see whether or not the number was forced away from Rinslet like how she was forced away from Sven.

What was it that Watts said before I got pushed away?

Eve kept her eyes to the ground, slowing the speed of her flying to make sure she didn't miss anything.

After I was pulled through the first portal by Sven, I heard Watts say I wasn't supposed to be there.

When Watts made his appearance, Hell quickly broke loose as Train and Creed chased the man down. Eve immediately tried to spring into action, but Kenneth's sudden arrival created even more chaos to the already tumultuous situation, preventing the Nano-girl from reacting as swiftly as she wanted to.

Things got crazy fast. I think I saw Creed calming Train down, but after that, everything became a blur.

When she saw Watts disappear through a portal, she felt Sven grab her arm and yank her backwards, confusing the girl for a moment. However, when she turned around to question the man, she saw a portal opening behind him, which silenced any questions she had. Before she could blink, they were both dropped through a new portal.

Even if I wanted to react, I couldn't. Sven's grip was firm and determined. There was no way I would have been able to break free before falling through.

When they reappeared in a new location, Eve was happy the man dragged her with him. Not only did she not want to be separated from her guardian, but she was relieved to know they were still together once she saw who else was there with them.

The first people she saw were Kyoko, Rinslet, and Jenos, who all looked just as confused as Eve. When she scanned the area, it was easy to figure out that they had all been brought to the same location. However, judging by the way Number VII was clinging to the thief, Eve wasn't sure if he was supposed to be there.

Which could mean the fact that Sven grabbed me might be the only reason I was taken through that specific portal. Based on Watts' reaction, I think they wanted me to go somewhere else.

Eve stopped for a moment as she hovered in the air, giving herself a more precise view as she searched for the older man.

...I wanted to stay with Sven. Especially after who else I saw was there.

She wasn't surprised to see Watts was there, nor was she surprised to see Kenneth, which meant the third person she saw shouldn't have been a shock either, but nonetheless it was.

I guess shock isn't the right word. It was fear. Worry.

Just before Watts yelled at the air to remove Eve from the scene, the girl was able to see the last individual who was occupying the other traitors.

Nica. Nica was there. And the moment Sven saw her he…

Eve continued flying, the heartbroken look on Sven's face tattooed to her mind's eye. The only time she had seen the man look that pained was when he found out Nica had betrayed him. The last and only time she saw that much hurt in his eyes was when Nica broke his heart.

The Bio-girl continued moving briskly through the air, confused how she had been unable to spot anyone during what was sure to be a battle of epic proportions.

How far did they transport me? Am I even in the same forest anymore?

Eve knew Echidna's powers were sufficient enough to move her to another continent, and she was beginning to worry that was what happened.

No. There's no way they would do that. The Apostles want me dead just as much as they want the rest of us dead. Maybe they want to single me out because of my Nanomachines, but they wouldn't want to completely remove me from the war.

Removing her from the fight didn't eliminate her as a problem. It just put off the problem that would inevitably return with a vengeance.

Echidna's portals could move me as far away as they wanted and still send wave after wave of Taoists at me. While it may be hard for me to get back to them, they can reach me no matter where I am.

Eve shivered at the idea, then clenched her fists.

I have to believe Sven is still close. Believing otherwise won't help anything.

If she wanted to find Sven, she couldn't be thinking pessimistic thoughts.

I'm sure they want me here. Just like they want everyone else here.

No matter what their plan was, Eve wasn't going to submit. If she could find Sven and stop him from falling apart as he battled with the woman he obviously still loved, she wasn't going to wait.

I have to find Sven.

As Eve soared through the air, she put her arms up and let out a shocked scream as a powerful gust of air threw her backwards. As she tumbled unadroitly through the air, Eve tried to focus her gaze on one thing, hoping that would help quel the unease in her eyes.

When she felt another gust of wind smack her straight in the face, Eve was able to tell the blasts were intentional and quickly turned one of her arms into a shield. Just as another squall was about to hit her, Eve managed to block it with her shield.

The fact that she was airborne made it impossible for her to keep her body in one place, so even though the second blast did not send her reeling like the first one, it still forced her back another several feet.

As Eve waited for the attack to end, she opened two holes in her shield that were just big enough for her eyes. She closed the holes when she saw who she was up against.

His name's Leon, right? Why am I going against him? Is this part of Charden's plan?

After several minutes the boy had either run out of stem, or Eve was pushed far enough away that his wind attack was no longer effective. The wind died down enough that Eve was able to pull her shield away and set herself upright. It seemed in the madness of his assault, she had someone gotten turned upside down.

Eve glared at the boy, turning her other arm into a sword as she spoke. "Really? They've decided to pit me against the child of the group? I'm insulted."

Leon growled and clenched his fists, the skateboard under his feet the only thing keeping him in the air. "...I'm not a child."

Eve rolled her eyes at the boy's immature response. "And I'm not amused. Where are my friends?"

Leon hardened his glare for a moment before smirking wickedly. "Friends? You call those pathetic sweepers your friends?"

He put his hands behind his head. "At least the Black Cat and Creed are strong enough to earn respect. But that old man and those women… I don't understand why you're attached to them."

Eve narrowed her eyes. "What the hell do you care who I chose to call my friends?"

Leon matched her glare. "...I hate seeing potential like yours wasted on weak adults like those people."

Eve lessened her glare and smirked a little, sure she looked very similar to Train in that moment. "Oh, so that's it? You've got a little crush on me?"

Eve couldn't help but snicker at the boy's confused look, understanding immediately why Train spoke that way to his opponents. "So, was it you that convinced Charden to pit us against each other? Because you wanted to be closer to me?"

Eve enjoyed the hint of red that unabashedly painted his youthful cheeks. "I'd be flattered if it wasn't so creepy. Considering I'm pretty sure we've only met… maybe once?"

She patted her chin in thought, enjoying the fact that she could feel the boy getting flustered. "...Yeah, I think I remember fighting you once. Was it back when that dinosaur went nuts, right? Wait, were you there?"

I'm glad I've spent so much time studying Train's interaction with his enemies. It's fun to mess with them.

Who Eve used to be would have never spoken so superciliously to her opponent. She would have put on her trademark emotionless face and immediately gotten serious.

Yet here I am, enjoying messing with this boy as much as I possibly can.

Leon growled and threw his arm forward, sending another gust of wind at the girl. "SHUT UP! YOU'RE JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE! WEAK AND UNNECESSARY!"

Eve dodged the blast by throwing herself higher in the air, flapping her wings wildly as she stared down at the boy. She rolled her eyes as he sent another blast at her, able to tell his attacks were coming from the immature anger he was feeling.

They're so impulsive and clumsy. He's just reacting to his childish emotions.

Eve threw herself forward and landed behind the boy, slicing her blade at his back which he dodged. Leon spun around and threw another blast at her, which she was able to avoid again by throwing herself to the side and shoving her shield in front of her face.

Once the wind died down, Eve glanced around her shield at the boy. "If you really want to fight me, I suggest you set your childish emotions aside and take me seriously."

Leon narrowed his eyes and clenched his fists. "If you keep disrespecting me, I'll be forced to put you down."

Eve rolled her eyes. "I'm not a sick cat…" She locked eyes with the boy and smirked. "If you can't take it, then I suggest you don't dish it out. You insult my family, then I'll insult your."

Leon growled and threw himself at the girl. "SHUT UP YOU STUPID BRAT!"

Eve's smirk disappeared from her face as she readied herself for impact.

Hold on a bit longer, Sven… I'll find you. I promise.

---

Sven was frozen as a bitter cold sensation skittered grotesquely down his spine. The moment his eyes met those of the woman who had utterly wrecked and wholly demolished his heart, the sweeper felt the insurmountable wave of agony that had nearly once crippled him return.

"N… Nica…"

I can't fall apart so easily. Especially not now...

Sven had spent so much time and effort trying to get over the woman standing in front of him, tried so hard to recover from the unconscionable betrayal she had ruthlessly thrust upon him that he had neglected to put thought into what it would be like to see her again.

Eve tried to warn me… She tried to talk to me about the possibility of seeing her again.

Sven was too lost in his own thoughts to get a read on how the woman was feeling, but then again, he wasn't sure he'd be able to absorb her outward emotions even if he was fully present.

Creed also tried to talk to me about seeing Nica again but, I was too stubborn… too proud to admit how hard this was going to be.

Instead of confronting his emotions, Sven shoved them down and instead focused on honing his Vision Eye and combat skills. He was too focused on making sure he was at his physical peak to realize he wasn't emotionally ready.

I should have listened to Eve… to Creed… I should have worked on my inner strength instead of concentrating so much on my outward strength.

Sven was too stunned to realize he had pulled out his Attache Case.

Nica tried to look away from the sweeper, but she couldn't. The moment she betrayed them, she began the arduous task of preparing for the moment she'd have to face Sven again. The man she had hurt in the most unforgivable way possible.

What I did to him wasn't even a part of the original plan. I'm the one that came up with that plan. I did that on my own... And I did it without any regard to his feelings.

Nica winced when she saw the devastation in the man's eyes, hoping that would be enough to get her to finally break the intense eye contact they were engaged in, but it wasn't enough.

I deserve his hatred. To ask for forgiveness is a selfish dream.

Watts glanced between the two, then rolled his eyes and smacked the back of the woman's head. "Are we just going to stand here staring at each other all day, or are we going to fight?"

Hearing the man's venomous voice broke Sven out of his daze. "Just waiting for you to make the first move..."

Watts snickered. "What's with the attitude? I thought you'd be grateful I was giving you a moment to reunite. I know how close the two of you were after all."

Sven growled at the suggestive gesture the Taoist made with his hands, ignoring Kenneth's laughter as he spoke. "Shouldn't you be off killing more sick old ladies? Or beating a defenseless man? Preferably one who's chained and unable to fight back?"

Watts smirked. "I don't know what lies the Black Cat has been telling you, but I think you should hear both sides of the story before you jump to any rash conclusions."

Sven narrowed his eyes. "When it's scum like you, I'll take whatever I'm offered at face value."

Watts glared, then glanced at the thief who had a gun aimed at Kenneth, Jenos standing defensively next to her with his gloves ready. His eyes were vigilant, yet cautious as they darted between the Taoists.

Watts grinded his teeth when he saw the assassin, throwing his head back and as he yelled up at the sky. "ECHIDNA! WHY IS THIS MAN HERE?! THAT WASN'T CHARDEN'S PLAN!"

Sven tightened his hold on his Attache Case. It was aimed directly at Nica, but his eyes were no longer on the woman. "You said something similar before that old man pushed Eve through a portal. What the hell do you have planned?"

Watts lowered his eyes and gave the man an exacerbated look. "You seriously haven't figured it out yet? Come on, I'm sure even that bratty teen over there knows what's going on."

Sven glanced at Kyoko who was breathing out a steady stream of fire, seemingly waiting for the go ahead from Sven to attack.

They're separating us, that much is obvious. But, why would they want to send Eve and Jenos away? Do they have specific opponents in mind for us?

Sven noted the malicious smirk on Watts' face as the man nodded slightly, as if he were reading the sweepers' thoughts.

They're trying to split up the stronger members of our party. That's why they sent Eve away. They probably sent her to someone they believed could deal with her.

Sven gritted his teeth. "So, the ones deemed weak were left with the Apostles' scraps?"

Watts glared at Sven, opening his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by Kenneth.

"Scraps attract wolves! But they can also act as a pretty good distraction!"

Watts turned a confused look to Kenneth, then sighed. "...I think I get what you're saying, but you could have said it in a much more comprehensible way."

Sven glanced at Kenneth as he cackled.

He means they were sent to us because of the relationship we had. Charden believes we'll be in emotional turmoil fighting these people. He thought it would throw us off our game.

That confirmed why Eve was sent away. Creed and Train aside, not only was she indisputably stronger than the other sweepers, but she might have been the one most mentally and emotionally prepared to handle their former friends.

Makes sense they'd want to single her out, but…

He looked up to the sky, a part of him praying he'd be able to spot the girl gliding through the air.

Hang on Eve. I'll finish up here and find you.

Sven glared back down at Watts. "Are we gonna get started or what?"

Watts looked back at Sven and smirked, then eyed Jenos wearily. "...What the hell is that damn woman doing?"

Jenos glared at Watts and stood in front of Rinslet. "If you think there's a being strong enough to pry me away from Rins, you're in for a rude awakening."

Watts cursed and turned back to Sven. "Fine, whatever. Even with that number here, it won't be enough to stop us."

The man snapped his fingers and created a wall of daggers behind him. He licked his lips in anticipation. "...You have no idea how long I've been waiting for this moment. I only wish the Black Cat were here to witness it."

Sven took a step forward as he felt the earth rumbling beneath him, signaling that Kenneth was ready as well. "No matter. I'll finish you off quickly so I can watch that damn cat and his infuriating partner fall at Charden's hand. If I'm fast enough, maybe I'll even be given the chance to dig one of my daggers into each of their hearts."

Sven ground his teeth and ripped his eyepatch off, throwing it to the side as he activated his Vision Eye. "...I won't let you ever lay a finger on my family!"

---

Belze slashed Gungir in front of him, slicing the brush that blocked their path in half, giving him and the other numbers enough room to walk through.

This forest is dense. Is that on purpose? Are they hoping it'll get in the way during battle?

He sliced another large pile of forest debri and stepped over its ravaged remains.

If they believe that's the case, then they're more foolish than I thought. They'll be just as distracted by the excess greenery as we will be.

Belze glanced over his shoulder to see his fellow numbers having no issues getting through the forest, then turned his gaze forward again.

This won't stop Sephiria either. I wonder if she's found Charden yet.

Belze clenched his fists as he went over the previous events.

I made a dive for Sephiria, but was shoved through a portal before I could get to her. I don't know if she planned on separating from me, but I would have rather she been the one that forced us apart. Not the Apostles.

The last thing he remembered before being transported through a portal with the other numbers was fighting the Taoist who betrayed the sweepers.

Does that mean Sephiria is alone? Are they trying to separate the strongest members?

Belze shook his head to rid himself of the anxious thoughts regarding his leader.

I can't worry about what's happening to her. She wouldn't want me to. I have to concentrate on the task at hand.

Number II sliced a few more bushes out of the way as he spoke to the numbers behind him. "Has anyone seen any sign of the Apostles?"

Baldor was the first to answer. "No. All's been quiet."

"I think it's going to sound cliché to say but… it's been too quiet." Kranz frowned as he stepped over a large root, tilting his head to the side to allow more noise to enter his ears.

Belze frowned at the blind man.

If Kranz can't hear anything that means our enemy has either mastered their stealth ability, or no one's here.

He was aware that didn't mean anything, since their enemy could be transported to a new location within seconds.

Which is why we can't let our guard down.

"Do you think Sephiria is okay?"

Belze glanced at Number XIII. "Sephiria wouldn't want us to be distracted with the uncertainty of her situation. Besides, if anyone is able to take care of themselves, it's our leader."

Kanzuki frowned as he walked alongside Number II. "Aren't you worried about her?"

Belze gave him a warning look, but kept his mouth closed. He knew about the young man's inappropriate feelings for their leader, and didn't like how he was challenging Belze's feelings with a simple question.

If his feelings for Sephiria are inappropriate… then what are mine?

"Number II, if you don't mind my asking, where exactly are we going?"

Belze looked to the side at Nizer, who was walking a few steps behind him. "We're not going anywhere. We're merely wandering until the Apostles decide to make their appearance."

"So, are we trying to lure them out?" Baldor's voice came from behind, a little louder than it had before since it was clear the man believed they were trying to be found.

Belze shook his head. "Not necessarily. I'm sure Charden sent us away for a reason. Now, it's just a matter of waiting for the enemy to reveal themselves."

Kranz stopped walking and readied his weapon. "Then wouldn't it make more sense to stay in one spot and wait for them to attack?"

Kanzuki nodded in agreement. "I concur with Number IV. If we keep moving blindly forward, we might walk right into a trap. No offense, Kranz."

If Kranz would have rolled his eyes he could. "If that brat agrees with me, I'm probably wrong."

"Hey!" Kanzuki shouted as he turned around to face the older man. "Sephiria picked me specifically to follow in the Black Cat's footsteps! She wouldn't have done that if she didn't think I was up for the task."

"I'm still waiting for you to fill those shoes." Baldor added as he leapt over a large root. "Other than matching his irritatingly childish nature, you don't measure up to the Black cat at all."

Number XIII turned to Number VIII. "You can't compare apples to oranges."

Baldor shrugged and walked past the man. "You can when you're trying to make a pie. And I think this war is definitely a situation when we need a pie, not juice."

Kanzuki glared at the man as walked past him, then mumbled his next words. "Orange meringue pie exists, you know… and it's quite delicious if you ask me."

"Well, no one asked you, so shut up and keep moving."

Kanzuki was shoved forward by a rather large man who he had never heard speak. Beluga pushed him a few more times, not bothering to look at the smaller man.

Beluga glared at Beluga. "Same goes for you. First time I hear you speak, and it isn't even worth the breath you used to speak it."

Beluga had been at every meeting Sephiria called, yet never said a word. He always showed up just before it started, then stood silently to the side until it was over. He had zero connections with anyone in the group, and it seemed he liked it that way.

Number XIII had never even seen the man in action. The final battle was going to be the first time he saw him fight.

Kanzuki glanced to the side at the rest of the numbers, the ones he had never met before that moment.

Emilio has been a part of Chronos for while, but I've never seen him in action. He's also never been a part of any of our Chronos meetings because he was always on a mission.

Kanzuki saw movement out of the corner of his eyes coming from the top of the tree. Had he not known who it was, he would have attacked the foreign object. But, since he knew Emilio chose to travel quietly and preferred staying in the trees, Number XIII didn't question it.

The height and cover the trees provide is perfect for his archery.

"Jeeze, I know he likes to travel through the trees, but does he have to be so quiet about it? Randomly seeing a shadow hovering over my head is… disconcerting."

Kanzuki looked at the woman who had spoken. She was a heavy set, older woman that didn't reach more than five feet tall. She had short, red hair and creamy white skin so pale Number XIII believed she spent most of her time indoors. On her cheek was a number VI tattoo and at her side were two boomerangs and a slingshot, giving the number the aura of a mischief-making boy rather than a fully grown assassin woman.

Kanzuki watched as Emilio jumped from tree to tree, stopping every so often to scan the area. "Doesn't bother me as long as he gets the job done, and it shouldn't bother you either, Nova."

The woman named Nova shrugged and continued walking, deciding not to engage in any further conversation with Kanzuki.

Another voice entered Number XIII's ear, and he winced slightly at the chipper tone it held.

"Emilio certainly won't disappoint, trust me!"

The next new recruit grabbed his shoulder and smirked at him. "My partner isn't one to be messed with! You'll see soon enough!"

The man rolled his eyes and pushed Number IX's hand off his shoulder. "Don't touch me."

David laughed and smacked the man's back. "Don't be so tense! This battle will be over before you know it, and you'll be back to worshipping the ground Number One walks on in no time! Until then, don't start counting us newbies out. You'll have to work with us when this is all over."

Kanzuki gave the man a warning look. "I'm not doubting anyone's skills. Sephiria wouldn't have recruited either of you if you didn't have talent."

Number IX, also known as David, frowned. "So testy… You need to get laid."

Kanzuki growled and was about to retaliate until Belze interrupted him.

"Stop before you even started, XIII. Now is not the time to defend your honor. We have far more pressing matters to attend to."

Kanzuki stuck his tongue out at David's smirk, but did not say anything else. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the last new recruit walking silently next to him. He blinked in confusion, not sure where she had come from.

Marisol, right? Was that the new Number XII's name?

As far as Kanzuki knew, Marisol didn't speak. He didn't know if that was by choice or not, but he also didn't care. Similar to Emilio as long as the woman did her job, Number XIII didn't care about anything else she had to offer.

She does seem a bit young to be a member of Chronos. I think she's our youngest one.

Marisol stood almost as tall as Belze with a buzzed haircut and dark complexion. From what little hair she had, Kanzuki could see it was black, and her eyes were a deep brown that blended sublimely with her long lashes. She was a rather attractive woman, but the hollow look in her eyes took away from her genetically superior features.

Kanzuki glanced at the woman's hand to see the Number XII tattoo, then looked away when the woman turned to him. The pernicious look in her eyes was enough to make the man turn his away in case she decided to take offense to his curious stare.

She wouldn't attack after hearing Belze scold us, would she?

He looked at the woman out of the corner of his eye, then twitched at her deadly look.

...That woman is terrifying.

A smack on the back of his head brought Kanzuki's attention back to Beluga, who seemed to notice Number XIII hadn't been present. Based on the judgmental look on the large man's face, he didn't appear to appreciate Kanzuki's lack of focus.

"Listen to Number II and focus. If you worry about the new recruits, you'll be dead in seconds."

Kanzuki watched Beluga walk away. "I'll never understand that man… He's both protective and coarse towards all of us."

Still, he's right. Even though this is the first mission for those three, they'll do fine.

Kanzuki tightened his grip on his weapon when he heard Emilio's whistle and saw Belze suddenly stop. He scanned the area for signs of their enemies and noticed the rest of the numbers had stopped as well. Each one of the numbers had their weapons prepared to attack, and the few erasers they had left were readying themselves as well.

"My, my, so many numbers, so little time! Maybe Charden should have assigned more Taoists to this battle."

Belze leapt into the air and thrust his weapon forward, moving quickly in hopes the man behind the voice wouldn't have time to retaliate. However, at the moment he knew his Gungir was supposed to make contact with his target, he was swiped to the side by a monstrous paw.

Number II reacted in enough time to narrowly avoid the beast's claws by using the long handle of his weapon to block the panther's attack. But, the sear size of the beast was enough to send the large man flying several feet in the air until his back met with a tree.

Belze grunted as he fell down the tree, grabbing a branch before he hit the ground to make his landing more graceful. He crouched on the ground and looked up at Doctor as the scientist stood on top of Aja. The panther was floating in the air, electrical sparks glimmering around the beast as her tail flicked impatiently.

Belze remembered the first time he saw the creature she was nearly as big as a building. But right now, she was only about two times bigger than the average panther.

The sweepers have also confirmed she can shrink to the size of a house cat.

His eyes widened when a thought occurred to him.

Can that wolf do the same thing? I don't see it anywhere.

Doctor snickered as she watched Number II search the area, the rest of the numbers aiming their weapons at the scientist. "Where are you looking, Number II? I'm up here!"

Belze turned his gaze back to the madman. "Where are Sephiria and the others?"

Kanzaki scratched behind Aja's ear. "Geeze, talk about a one tracked mind. Why don't you worry about the battle right in front of you instead of the one you can't see?"

Belze glanced to the side when he saw another black hole open several yards away from him. Out of it poured what looked to be close to a hundred people, each of them armed to the tooth.

That must be the shooting stars… No, wait, are those children?

As the pile of Shooting Stars emptied the portal, Belze noticed behind the large group of adults was an equally large group of children. Just based on appearance, Number II was able to surmise their ages ranged from ten-years-old to about nineteen.

Nineteen may not be technically considered a child, but knowing the Apostles took these kids in a few years ago means they may be mentally younger than they look.

The looks in their eyes told a story of children who had lost their voice and their freedom before they even had a chance to experience it. Children who had only been given one path in life, children who had their freedom of choice stripped away before they were born.

They were weak when the Apostles found them, nothing more than tadpoles in a pond that the Apostles captured and caged for their own selfish purposes. For their sick experimentations.

Belze clenched his fists as he watched the last of the children exit the hole. They began circling the numbers and preparing for battle. While the members of the Shoot Stars were armed with various weapons, the children appeared to be unarmed.

No, they aren't unarmed. They've been given the Tao and Nanomachines. They might be more dangerous than Doctor.

He glanced back at the scientist who had been smirking at him the entire time, still unsure where Kanzaki's other pet was.

I can't attack so impulsively like I did just now. That other creature could jump out at any moment, and I have no idea what ability the Tao has given these children.

Belze tightened his hold on his weapon as he glared up at Doctor. "Are you sure you're up for this, Kanzaki? You didn't spread yourself too thin by trapping us in your dream world?"

Doctor brushed his hand in the air to dismiss the number's words. "Who said anything about me fighting? I'm here to make sure my beautiful creations fulfill their life's goal."

"Are you talking about the children, or your monsters?"

Doctor turned his gaze from Belze to Kranz, who had been the next to speak. "I thought that was obvious."

Kranz clenched his fists, but did not say anything in return.

Doctor frowned as he scanned the numbers, noticing they were missing one. "Strange… It seems the whole party isn't here. I wonder what that woman did wrong now?"

Belze didn't know what Kanzaki was talking about, but he didn't care. He was growing tired of the useless banter they were exchanging and desperately wanted to get the fight started.

I can't get ahead of myself. There's more to this battle than ending Doctor's life. Sephiria gave us extra orders before we left Chronos Headquarters.

Sephiria made it clear to the numbers that they were not to kill the children. In fact, she told them they were to go easy on the experiments and try to set as many free as possible.

That was one of the Black Cat and Creed's conditions for working with us, and Sephiria is keen on keeping her promise to those men.

Belze made sure to make hasty eye contact with the rest of his team, quietly confirming they remembered what their mission was.

Doctor's will die alongside his beasts, but we will make sure to spare as many of these children's lives as possible

Number II looked up at Kanzaki, but was really searching the sky for his leader.

I promise to stay true to my word, Sephiria.

He lowered his gaze to meet Kanzaki's, who was giving him a knowing smirk.

...And I'll make sure to see you again. No matter what.

"Is Charden's plan for you to stand there uselessly on your disgusting beast, or are we going to get started?"

Doctor chuckled and fixed his glasses, lowering his head slightly as he widened his smirk. "While I would have much preferred going after the Black Cat, I can't defy Charden-sama's orders anymore. Not if I value my life."

He raised his head again. "No matter. I'm sure we'll be able to wrap it up here quickly so I can watch Creed and Train fall at each other's feet."

Doctor licked his lips and smirked at the fatal look in Belze's eyes, excitement flowing through him at the knowledge he'd get to see the life drain from the man's tenacious eyes.

"Töten." (3)

---

Translations:

1. "Your eyes should be a crime you know…"

2. "Funny... I was just thinking the same thing."

3. "Kill."