I do not own Black Cat or its characters.
Echidna watched the large television screen with a vacant expression, the battling figures being nothing more than animated static to the actress. Charden had not ordered Shiki or Maro to join the final battle yet since they had an additional goal to accomplish along with killing as many of their enemies as they could.
How kind of Shiki to send his surveillance bugs out for me before Charden pulled him away.
She glanced at the corner of the screen that held Creed, Train, and Sephiria, watching as they paused to most likely discuss which way they should continue running. Echidna clenched her fists, resisting the urge to open a portal for them to lead them directly to Charden.
I can't do that with Number One so close to them. My plan doesn't involve her at all since I know her top priority is to end Charden's life.
She rolled her eyes as she watched Number One scold the Black Cat while Creed giggled next to him. When Sephiria smacked the back of Train's head and Creed began fussing over him, Echidna sighed and rubbed her eyes.
What a disgusting display of affection. Especially for fighters as skilled as they are.
Despite her sour thoughts, Echidna felt a bit wistful. While she and Charden had never shown their affections in such a childish way, nor had she ever been that close to anyone in the Apostles, it was still a painful reminder of the bond she once had with her lover.
The woman shook her head and gently smacked her cheeks, forcing herself out of her negative thoughts before she started to spiral.
I can't sit here and sulk. I need to stay focused. I need to keep my goal in mind.
She glanced over her shoulder and away from the screen for a moment in the direction Charden and the remaining Taoists were. They were discussing the final plans in a different room and even though the actress knew she was permitted in the meeting, she didn't see the need for her to be there.
No one will listen to what I say anyway. Besides, I need to keep an eye on those men just in case they lose Number One.
Echidna turned to the screen and watched Sephiria grab Train's hair and yank him backwards. There was no audio to the visual, but based on what she knew about the cat's jester personality, she had a feeling he was about to walk in the opposite direction Number One ordered them to go in.
And Heartnet most likely did it just to annoy her. The charming smile on Creed's face is proof of that.
Echidna rubbed her forehead, an annoyed headache slowly creeping up as she spoke. "How can that man annoy me even from this far away?"
And how is he able to be so calm when he knows what he's about to walk into? He knows people will die, yet he's still able to smile that infuriating smile and act so carefree.
As she scrutinized Sephiria and Creed's faces, she was able to tell they were both off their game.
Did Doctor's Dreamworld work? Are they distracted by their nightmares?
Echidna narrowed her eyes as she took each of them in, trying to figure out what they were thinking as they continued walking through the woods. As they moved, Creed grabbed Train's arm and pulled the gunman against him, keeping the cat close as they journeyed.
He's clinging to Heartnet more than usual… And more than I would think someone who is normally very cognizant of his surroundings as Creed.
While her former leader was clearly ready for an attack, it was obvious his mind was consumed with dark thoughts. He seemed more interested in keeping Train close to him than he did in finding their enemies.
And Number One seems almost too focused on finding us. She also seems to be more annoyed with that cat than usual.
The more she studied their faces and the more she read their actions, the more Echidna believed Kanzaki's plan had worked to an extent. However, out of all the people she expected that mans' Dreamworld to work on, it was not Creed and Sephiria.
What did Doctor show them that threw them off this badly?
Echidna sighed and leaned back into the couch she sat on, crossing her legs as she spoke to herself. "Doesn't matter… I just hope Creed gets it together before he gets here."
Echidna was actually agitated Creed was reacting so negatively to Doctor's Dreamworld since it meant he might not be at his best when he finally faced Charden. On the other hand, she was relieved to see Number One was obviously distrubed by whatever she saw in her nightmare.
It's best if Number One is at her worst when she gets to Charden, but I need Creed at his best.
In the perfect world, Echidna wouldn't have had Sephiria make it to Charden at all, but at that moment there wasn't anything she could do. Charden also did not want Echidna to send those three to him yet, but his reasons were different. Now that her partner believed their enemies were mentally and emotionally weakened, he wanted to weaken them physically as well.
And he wants to specifically keep those three separated so the Apostles can deal with the sweepers and Chronos in a more controlled setting. If Heartnet, Creed, or Sephiria are around their allies, it'll be far more difficult to take the others out.
That was one of the reasons Shiki and Maro were still at their hideout. They were going over the specifics of Charden's plan since he wanted to be absolutely sure they understood what their purpose was before he released them, which was to not kill the Black Cat, Creed or Number One.
Not that they could anyway. I don't care how strong Shiki believes they are, they aren't a match for that woman or those men.
Still, Echidna knew that wouldn't stop either of them from trying to kill them. They were stubborn and egotistical, and wouldn't hesitate to take the opportunity to try and prove that to Charden.
Shiki and Maro's presence is another roadblock. I don't want to send a portal to the Black Cat and Creed until Charden's by himself.
Echidna didn't want extra people around her partner when she sent the men to him. She knew Jax wasn't going to leave his side no matter what, but that was fine with her since saving the boy was part of her plan as well.
And I believe if he sees Charden's defeat first hand, he'll be more inclined to leave with us and seek out a more peaceful life.
Even if she wanted to remove Jax from Charden, there was no way that was going to happen. The boy was too attached to the man, but for once it worked in her favor.
Jax's presence won't be a problem, but the extra baggage around him will be since they'll only make it more difficult for Creed and Heartnet to take Charden down.
Echidna knew it was going to be a tough battle, but she believed the less people around her lover, the better.
It'll be a more even battle if it's Charden and Jax versus Heartnet and Creed. So even if Sephiria is separated from them, I can't send them to Charden until he's alone.
Echidna looked at the other screens and watched as the rest of the sweepers and Chronos fought.
Seems as though the war has started.
She looked over her shoulder again to see if Charden was on his way back yet.
But the main event has yet to begin.
As she looked between the battles, she paused momentarily on the one between Nica, Watts, Kenneth and the sweepers. She frowned at the look in the woman's eyes.
She's battling a war both inside and outside. Was it a good idea to pit her against that man?
The actress looked at Sven and saw he was no better off than Nica was.
Charden has really lost touch with basic human emotions. I don't know why he thought she'd be able to fight that man with no issues.
She frowned when she noticed Number VII was still there, narrowing her eyes slightly in discontent.
I guess not everything is going according to plan. Charden wanted all the Chronos numbers in one spot to go against Doctor, his beasts, and most of the Shoot Stars. He even sent most of the child experiments to them as well.
Even though she never voiced her approval, Echidna agreed with whomever Charden had chosen to put against one another except for Nica and Sven. The only thing that comforted her was seeing how much the green haired sweeper was struggling in the fight.
They might be evenly matched because they're both so distracted by their emotions. However, that sweeper's eye is an issue. He's already avoided several deadly blows because of it.
Deciding it wasn't worth watching one battle, she glanced over to the battle between the youngest members of both groups.
When Leon volunteered to fight Eve I was unsure. However, it seems to be a pretty good match up as well. Assuming that kid can get out of his own way, he might be able to take her down.
Echidna had a feeling that the only reason Leon offered to fight Eve one-on-one was to impress Charden and prove his worth. Since Aliane's betrayal and disappearance, the other members of the group had been on high alert and doing whatever they could to prove their loyalty.
And since that boy has always been relatively quiet, he's probably trying to let Charden know he means business.
Echidna was sure Leon believed that if Charden trusted him, that meant he'd have a reserved spot in the faulty paradise the Blood Taoist promised.
That boy is just as selfish as the rest of us. He may act like he respects Charden, but in reality he's just looking out for himself.
She narrowed her eyes at the boy, regretting thinking about trying to save him.
I wouldn't be surprised if he turned his cloak the second it looks like we were about to lose.
Echidna sighed again and lowered her head into her hands.
If he does, could I blame him? He's still a kid, after all. And he came from nothing. He's simply trying to survive. Just like the rest of us.
The woman lifted her head up and turned her gaze to the battle between Number X, Durham, and Eathes. As she watched them, her eyes widened when she saw a fourth member who should not have been there, let alone alive.
That girl… she's alive?
Echidna sat up and leaned forward, trying to make sure her eyes weren't playing tricks on her.
How did I not see her before? Was she invisible this whole time?
Echidna scooted to the edge of her seat as she anxiously watched the girl fight.
From what I remember, her Tao doesn't last very long. Has she leveled up somehow?
When she saw the girl was fighting alongside Lin, Echidna frowned.
...And she's fighting with Number X? She's helping him?
The actress's eyes moved along with her former comrade, an aporetic feeling taking over as she watched the girl fight.
That means not only did Chronos not execute her, but they recruited her.
Echidna leaned back into the couch, slouching slightly as she rubbed her eyes in frustration. "You've got to be kidding me… Did that girl's feelings for the Black Cat somehow convince Number One to not only spare the girl's life, but bring her into their fold?"
What the hell does that man do to these people?!
Despite how many times Aliane swore she would be able to kill Train, Echidna never truly believed her. The little things the girl did around the cat convinced the actress she had some feelings of compassion for him.
Him and the other sweepers. Other than Nica, I could tell Aliane had grown attached to those people.
The difference between Aliane and Nica was who they were attached to. While it was clear Aliane favored the Black Cat, it was also evident she had formed a bond with both Kyoko and Eve as well. She also spent a lot of time with Creed, even performing duets with the man.
Nica, on the other hand, really only got attached to that older man. It's true it seemed like she liked the rest of the group, but that man was the one that softened her heart.
The only reason Echidna knew the extent to which Aliane bonded with their enemies was because Nica told her. At first the only reason Nica kept her informed was to stay true to their mission, but after a while, Echidna could tell the woman wanted someone to talk to.
Because she was feeling guilty for growing a strong attachment to that sweeper.
As Echidna watched Lin and Aliane fight Eathes and Durham, she couldn't help but chuckle. "This doesn't change anything about the girl's fate."
Before that moment, the entirety of the Apostles were convinced Aliane was dead, but Charden had made it clear that if for some reason it turned out she wasn't, he'd quickly change that.
And judging from the way Durham and Eathes are trying to kill her, they understand completely what Charden's orders would be.
Echidna frowned and leaned back into the couch again, crossing her arms against her chest as she watched the war rage on.
Poor girl probably knows she's not going to make it out of this alive. I wonder why she hasn't tried to run away?
The woman's ears perked when she heard footsteps behind her and did not move when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"How is the war going?"
Echidna did not look up at her lover as she spoke. "About how you expected. However, it seems we have an uninvited guest."
I doubt Charden will have much of a reaction to this. He doesn't care about her life or anyone else's, so what does it matter if I point her out to him?
Charden looked at the corner of the screen his partner was referring to and frowned. "She's alive? Why?"
Echidna shrugged. "I'm not entirely sure, but I have a feeling it has something to do with her affection for the Black Cat and his friends. Nica made it clear she enjoyed being with them."
Charden glared at the screen. "...What the hell does the Black Cat do to these people? How does she sway so many to his side without even batting an eye?"
Echidna couldn't help the bitter chuckle that left her lips. "I swear, that man is some sort of thaumaturge. It's the only way I can explain why people fall on their knees so readily for him."
Charden took his hand away from the woman and stepped around the couch. "Are you ready, my dear?"
Echidna gave the man a confused look as he took a seat next to her. "For what?"
He attempted to smile warmly at the woman, but he was no longer capable of making such kind expression. "For the next stage."
Echidna blinked at the man, then turned around to see Doctor, Jax, and the beasts standing there, but frowned at the two missing Apostles. "What about Shiki and Maro?"
Charden stretched his arms on the back of the couch and sighed as he spoke. "We're not ready to send them off yet. Shiki is still preparing his bugs with the new version of the drug."
Doctor rolled his eyes. "I think you're relying too much on that woman's upgrade to my masterpiece. She's nowhere near my level of genius."
Charden shot a vicious glare at the scientist. "...Whether that's true or not is irrelevant. The fact of the matter is you abandoned us and Hue stepped up in your absence. We wouldn't have lasted as long as we did without her expertise."
Echidna smiled as she looked at Charden out of the corner of her eye.
Guess he's realized how useful that woman is. She's also a hell of a lot less trouble than Kanzaki is.
Ever since Hue helped save Charden's life, Echidna had even less respect for Doctor. Other than his Tao, she didn't see the point in having him around anymore.
And I'm hoping he's killed in the war. The world will be better off without him.
Echidna made sure not to speak any of her thoughts out loud, but she silently began wondering if there was a way to save Allie Hue as well.
Doctor sighed, choosing to respond submissively instead of defensively. "I understand, Charden-sama. My beauties and I are ready to go whenever you are."
Charden glared at the scientist for a moment longer, then turned back to the screen, watching as Number II and his fellow assassin's stumbled through another part of the forest. "I guess that man's had enough time to wallow in his self hate about losing his precious leader. You can open a portal for them."
Echidna nodded as well, then stretched her arm out. "Shall I open one for the rest of the Apostles as well?"
Charden shook his head. "No. As I said before, Shiki and Maro will be sent out a bit later. However, you can open a portal for the rest of the Shooting Stars and the children. They will all be sent to the same spot with the numbers."
Echidna stared at Charden for a moment, then stretched out her other arm. She shut her eyes and sliced the air in front of her, but the portals did not appear anywhere near her. One of them opened next to Doctor and his monsters, and the other she knew opened in front of their low level comrades and the children.
I may not have leveled up my Tao like Charden has, but I have improved it enough to be able to open portals from a distance.
When she felt Doctor and his beasts step through, she shut it before anyone else could enter through the other side. She waited a few more minutes to let the last of the Shooting Stars step through the other one, then shut that as well.
Charden chuckled. "Number II doesn't look pleased right now…"
Echidna opened her eyes and glanced at the screen, watching as the assassins' began their isolated war with Doctor and his beasts. "Is that really going to be enough to keep Chronos at bay? Isn't Kanzaki still drained from before?"
I'm surprised he can even stand up right now.
Charden nodded. "Yes, it will be plenty. The idea is to overwhelm them with numbers. They're almost completely out of low level erasers, which means the numbers have no choice but to take on more than one opponent."
Echidna sighed.
I'm sure they've been trained to deal with worse, but I can't say that out loud.
She looked at the beasts on the screen. "Why wouldn't you send those two after the Black Cat and Creed? Since they can hypnotize them, wouldn't they be the best opponents for them?"
Charden shook his head. "I don't believe that's true anymore. Considering they've both been able to break out of their hypnotic gaze rather easily in the past and they've beaten the Chronos drug, I don't think using the beasts' control over them will work."
He leaned back into the couch as he watched the war. "Our enemies have evolved enough that we have to resort to new tactics. We can't keep using the same trick over and over again."
Echidna nodded in understanding as she watched the monsters take on Chronos. "That's why you plan on using Hue's refinement of the drug on those men? Because you don't think the old drug or the beasts will work?"
Charden nodded. "Yes. In fact, I'm positive neither will work since we both know they've improved considerably. If they could defeat both before, they can certainly defeat both now."
Echidna frowned. Even though she understood and agreed with her lover, she was still a bit weary of trying something new so close to the end of the game.
None of it will matter if my plan works.
Echidna stared at Train and Creed as they walked side by side through the forest, praying her plan was going to work.
"Charden-sama, Shiki and Maro are here."
Charden looked over the couch towards his protege and smiled. "Are you ready?"
Shiki stepped forward and nodded. "Yes."
Charden gave him a skeptical look. "Are you just saying that because you're itching to get your hands on the Black Cat and Creed?"
Shiki forced back the urge to sigh in annoyance since he didn't want to set his leader off. "As much as I'm looking forward to fighting the Black Cat, the excitement is extinguished by the knowledge that I am not permitted to end either of their lives."
Charden nodded. "That's right. Those men are to be left to me, Jax, and Echidna."
Echidna blinked in shock and turned rapidly to her partner. "What?"
The men in the room ignored her, yet again, as they continued their conversation.
Shiki clenched his fists, but nodded obediently. "Understood. Then you can send us whenever you're ready."
Charden turned to Echidna and nodded. The actress blinked a few more times, then quickly opened up another portal for the men to step through. As soon as they disappeared through the black hole, she turned to Charden.
"What did you mean by your last statement? Do you intend for me to fight alongside you against those three?"
Charden gave her a slightly confused and minorly annoyed look. "Of course. You're my partner, Echidna. I intend to have you by my side until the very end."
Echidna watched as the man stood up and walked away from her, patting Jax on the shoulder as he stepped through the door. He glanced back at the woman and gestured for her to follow.
Echidna glanced between Charden and the screen a few times, then sighed quietly as she followed after her partner.
If I want to keep an eye on those two to search for the right moment to bring them to Charden, I'll need to slip away from Charden at some point.
Echidna clenched her fists and lowered her head.
...But now it's going to be even harder with Shiki and Maro with them. Should I have made a move sooner?
"Are you coming, my dear?"
Echidna looked at her partner, then nodded quickly. "Yes, Darling…"
She fixed her dress, eyes glancing to the screen as she tried to think of a solution to her new dilemma. Sensing her partner's impatience, the actress walked around the couch and towards the man, then stepped through the door Charden held open for her
She paused in the doorway and gave the screen one last apprehensive look, frowning as she watched Creed and Train escort one another through the forest. Neither of the men needed help from the other to get through the forest, but they offered it to each other nonetheless. Just as an excuse to be near the other.
That's what partners and lovers do… support each other no matter what.
The actress stared at the staunch look of determination that was composed inexorably in their enemy's resolute eyes, then glanced at Charden, allowing a bit of hope to rear its ugly head in her heart.
Seeing nothing but furor and violence in her lover's eyes, Echidna sighed and lowered her head, stepping through the door as she tried to come up with another plan.
...I'll figure something out. I know I will.