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

71. Ready, Set

"UUUGH! So bored! Where the hell are these damn Taoists?! Aren't we supposed to be their main targets? WHY AREN'T THERE HERE?!"

Sephiria glared at the empty space in front of her since she didn't want to expend the energy it would take to spin around and face Train. She also knew it didn't matter since she knew the petulant face he was making all too well. Seeing it would only infuriate her further.

Creed wrapped his arm around his beloved's elbow. "I'm sure boring you out of your mind is part of their plan, Kitten."

Train sighed and rested his head against Creed's, as they continued to aimlessly wander. "You really think Charden's plan is to bore me to death? If that's the case, the Apostles win because I'm about to die!"

For emphasis, Train collapsed his body against Creed, causing the silver man to stumble slightly and wrap both arms around the cat's waist. Train rested his head against his lover's shoulder, shutting his eyes as he laid defeatedly against the silver man.

Despite his adoration for Train's dramatics, Creed frowned. "Train… What are you-"

"Just leave me…" Train wailed as he shut his eyes and relaxed into his partner's embrace. "Charden's plan is too brilliant… I'm a goner! There's no way I'll be able to survive this intense and never ending torrent of boredom!"

Train languidly wrapped his arms around Creed's waist, cuddling further into his lover. Even though his dramatic behavior was all in jest, the cat still took the time to enjoy the warmth Creed provided.

Will the butterflies ever ever cease whenever he's holding me?

He buried his head into Creed's neck. "...I'm sorry to leave you like this, Creed, but there's no way I can outlast the dullness Charden has forced upon me."

Sephiria sighed. "Who would have thought tedium would be the end of the Black Cat?"

Creed smiled as he held Train against his chest. "I'm surprised to hear you say that, Sephiria. If anything could kill the infamous Number XIII, it's boredom."

Creed kissed the top of Train's head and pressed his face against his lover's chocolate locks, hungrily breathing in his scent. "It's the only enemy in his life he has yet to beat."

Feeling a bit playful himself, Creed lowered his lips to Train's ear and whispered. "But, never fear, my love, I know exactly how to save you from boredom's wicked and deadly fate…"

In Creed's opinion, the squeak Train let out when he pinched the cat's rear was adorable.

Train felt his face get hot and he pushed away from his lover, giving the swordsman a disapproving look.

Creed widened his salacious smirk and squeezed Train's rear a little harder. "What's wrong, my love? Don't you want to be rescued?"

Train bit his lip as Creed's tongue licked his ear, then subtly punched the silverette's chest.

Creed chuckled. "Still feeling bored, Black Cat?"

Sephiria was several feet ahead of the men, but still knew exactly what was happening. In the few hours they had been trekking randomly through the woods, she had learned the men had a hard time keeping their hands to themselves.

Is imminent death still not enough to keep those two alert? Do I need to walk around with a bucket of water to throw on them every time they start touching?

Number One rolled her eyes and finally turned around to face the lovers. "Is it at all possible to keep your libidos in check long enough for us to find the Apostles? You're both like promiscuous teenagers."

And I'm the stressed out big sister who's worried the adults will show up at any moment and get us all in trouble.

Creed frowned. "Knowing what could be around any corner… Can you blame us?"

Sephiria frowned as well, realizing what Creed meant.

...They both know they could die today.

As she watched the men embrace, an image of Belze shot briefly in front of her eyes, causing Sephiria to shake her head.

"Damnit…" She muttered.

How can I cast stones at them when I'm guilty of the same sin? The only difference is Belze isn't here for me to embrace.

Since they parted, Sephiria had been foolishly distracted by similar thoughts of her second in command. There were even times her imbecilic thoughts caused her to idiotically trip over a root or a rock.

She sighed again. "I understand more than you realize, Creed…"

Creed lifted his head from Train's hair and opened his mouth to question her, but was cut off.

"But, this is not the time to get distracted by our bleak fate. If you are, you will leave us vulnerable and our demise will be assured instead of potential."

Creed frowned as he watched Sephiria walk further away. "She seems… off, don't you think, Train?"

Train lifted his head from Creed's chest. "I guess that depends what you mean by 'off', because Sephiria has always seemed 'on' to me."

Creed chuckled and pulled Train away from his chest, then rested both his hands on either side of his beloved's face. He pressed their foreheads together and smiled reverently at his fiancé, massaging each of Train's cheeks gently as he let out a long, contented sigh.

His heart brimmed with sultry embers that never failed to seize his soul every time Train's resplendent, golden eyes met his. Creed's stomach somersaulted wildly as he silently obsessed over his lover's beauty, his spirit getting lost in the boundless depths of Train's amber abyss.

How can he bewitch me even in a moment where bewitchment could mean certain death?

Creed moved his lips closer to his gorgeous lover. "La tua bellezza e il tuo fascino sono davvero ingiusti, Train Heartnet…" (1)

Train frowned despite the passionate inferno burning inside him, growing more concerned over his lover's inability to focus on something other than him. "Speaking of being off, are you-"

His words were muffled as Creed pressed their lips together. Train knew it was unwise to indulge his partner when the Apostles could drop down on them at any moment, but emotionally, he was incapable of turning away any affections Creed offered.

However, after a few seconds, Train pulled away and gave the man a worried look. "Creed… What's wrong?"

Creed pouted at his beloved. "What do you mean?"

Train sighed. "I mean this. It isn't like you to lose sight of what's important."

Creed deepened his frown. "What are you talking about? I'm always distracted by you, Train. How can I not be? Besides, you are what's important. Now more than ever."

Train frowned as well. "That's not what I mean. What I mean is it's not like you to ignore impending danger. It's not like you to forget the beast we're up against and use me as an excuse to not have a plan ready."

Creed sighed. "I'm… sorry, Train. I know I'm being clingy and I know this is not the time for me to be distracted, it's just…"

Images of Train's bloody body passed before his eyes. "...I can't get out of the Hell Doctor put us in. I… Didn't think he'd be able to get to me so easily."

Creed trembled as he took a step towards Train, resting his head against the cat's board chest. "...It's my fault for wearing my weakness on my sleeve. I need to be stronger. For our family, for you… for our future together…"

Train felt his heart shatter, then wrapped his arms around Creed's back. "...You're not weak, Creed. But, you do need to get it together because I refuse to give up the future we promised to each other."

He brought their hands between their faces, showing his lover the matching rings residing on their fingers. "I will not allow anything to jeopardize what we have, and what we will have together. Not Chronos, not the Apostles, not even your depressed, pessimistic thoughts."

Creed smiled as Train's other hand brushed a tear away. "Together?"

Train returned his lover's smile. "Always… Now come on, let's get going before Sephiria gets too far ahead. We don't want to be separated from her."

Creed allowed Train to pull him along, matching the quickness of his love's steps as they slowly caught up to Chronos' stubborn leader. He stared at the back of Train's head as they walked, smiling resolutely as he tried to focus on the positive things in his life.

Rins… Kyoko… Sven, Eve… Even Lin and especially Train. I need to focus so I can see them all on the other side. I need to get it together so we can all live happily together.

Creed let out a long, quiet breath as he centered his thoughts on the people he loved. He smiled and squeezed his beloved's hand tighter, feeling his confident thoughts smothering his negative voice.

His heart filled with warmth again as his beloved gave him his trademark cheeky smile.

I won't leave Train's side.

A thought occurred to Creed that he was compelled to speak. "Train… I think Sephiria is off for the same reason I'm off."

Train blinked in confusion at his partner, keeping his voice low as he spoke. "What?"

Creed pulled Train closer and whispered. He knew Number One had excellent hearing, and he didn't want to be scolded or lectured again.

"What else could it be? I've seen her trip a few times over branches and rocks, and it should take a lot more than a measly root to trip her."

Train blinked at Sephiria. "True… I think I caught a few of those missteps as well, but… doesn't it also seem odd for Sephiria to be thrown off by a little trauma?"

Creed sighed. "I don't think Sephiria's life has been full of just a little trauma. If anything, she's had it worse than anyone else. And she certainly isn't the kind of person that would deal with the emotions attached to that level of trauma in a healthy way."

Train frowned. "I guess that's true, but… I find it hard to believe she'd allow someone like Doctor to get to her."

Creed shrugged. "I'm having a hard time believing it as well, but I can't think of anything else it might be. She was also showing a more vulnerable side to Belze before we split off, and I have a feeling that might be attached to whatever her dream was as well."

Train stopped his steps when he heard that. "Wait, what?"

Creed rolled his eyes, then pulled Train along with him. "You're telling me you didn't see it? The heat between them was so intense I could barely watch! Then again… I guess I was trapped in a blaze of my own creation."

Train rolled his eyes as well when Creed kissed his fingers. "Get your head out of the gutter. You're telling me Sephiria actually showed… affections towards Belze?"

Back when he was a member of Chronos, Train believed Belze was always by Sephiria's side out of necessity or orders. However, after he began his relationship with Creed and discovered what it was like to be in love, Train could tell it was more than that.

To think Sephiria could return those feelings… That's insane.

"I know it sounds crazy for a woman as closed off as Sephiria to feel something that powerful, but after what I saw, I can't deny it's true anymore. She's still human. A secretly soft hearted human at that."

Train smiled as he watched his former leader trek through the forest. He couldn't deny the validity of his partner's statement, and he had first hand experience of how caring she was.

She's put her head on the chopping block for her numbers several times. She even did it for me and Creed, and we both betrayed her in what was surely an unforgivable way in her eyes.

Number One's loyalty for Chronos was unwavering, so the fact that she was able to not only forgive Train and Creed, but went out of her way to keep them safe from the Elder's wrath was proof of her kindness. It was proof she was capable of feeling affection for others.

And she was always extra close to Belze. I caught them in compromising situations before. I just never understood what it meant.

The cat smiled as he watched Sephiria. "She definitely is a softy, and I've definitely felt a chemistry between her and Belze."

Creed nodded. "And as someone who is easily distracted when the person they love is not around, I feel safe in saying she's not only still distressed from Doctor's Dreamworld, but also consumed with worry over Belze's fate."

Train sighed. "Okay, I can't argue with your logic. Never have been able to."

Creed smiled as they finally stepped up behind Sephiria, speaking in his normal volume. "It's hard to argue with me since I'm always right."

"I wouldn't go that far, Diskenth. I can think of plenty of times you've been wrong. Would you like me to start listing a few? Because the first one on my list has to do with how we are currently wandering aimlessly through a seemingly endless forest."

Creed frowned. "No need, Sephiria. I'm aware of my imperfections."

Sephiria did not look back at them. "Good. Because we don't have time for such a long list. Does the fact that you're walking so close to me mean you're ready for a fight?"

Train smirked. "It does!"

Sephiria rolled her eyes at the cat's enthusiasm, still annoyed by his upbeat demeanor despite their austere situation.

He's always been like this. Even when he was a number, he always cracked a joke no matter how dire the circumstance.

"I did not mention this earlier, but now seems as good a time as ever." She ducked under a low hanging branch. "Each of the numbers have been equipped with a recording of that song, just in case you slip back into that unstable state again."

Train frowned and ducked under the same branch. "Do you really think that's necessary?"

Sephiria nodded. "Yes. You can never be too safe. However, the point seems moot now considering we've been separated from them."

She glanced to the side in hopes she'd see some sign of Belze.

Creed smiled and brought Train's fingers up to his lips again. "No need to fret, Sephiria. If something were to set Train off again, I'll sing to him like I do every night."

Creed giggled at the blush painting itself across Train's cheeks, then turned back to Sephiria. "Not that I think that's going to happen. It's been a long time since Train's had an episode. I'm sure the drug is completely out of his system."

Train nodded. "It is! I'm telling you that neither of you need to worry. I'm fine!"

Sephira brushed the man's words away. "There's no such thing as being too safe."

Train rolled his eyes. "Whatever… By the way, do you have any idea where we're going?"

Sephiria shook her head. "No. I've been hoping we'd see some sign of a battle that we could join since I'm certain everyone else is fighting right now. But so far it's been disturbingly quiet."

Creed nodded in agreement. "I've noticed that too. It's a bit unnerving to not hear or see anything. Not a gunshot, not an explosion, nothing."

Train stepped over a fallen branch. "Do you think it's possible they're not in this forest anymore?"

Creed frowned. "I didn't want to say it out loud for fear of it being true, but… yes, I think it's possible."

Sephiria nodded. "That's actually what I've believed this entire time. It would make sense for everyone else to be warped as far away as possible so they wouldn't interrupt our fight with Charden. I'm sure he wants to take the three of us down himself."

Creed sighed. "And he doesn't care who kills the others since he doesn't think they're worth his time."

Train cocked an eyebrow. "How can you be so sure that's his thought process?"

Creed gave his beloved a sad smile. "...Because I've been in the same dark hole. And I have a feeling Charden has dug himself deeper."

He gently caressed Train's cheek with the back of his hand. "And he doesn't have someone like you to keep him grounded. While I'm sure his feelings for Echidna are true, she's not the type of person to keep someone tethered to reality."

Train cocked an eyebrow in confusion. "Why do you sound so confident about that?"

Creed sighed. "Because I know her. She probably went along for so long because she's an enabler. She didn't draw a clear line for him like you did with me and the Nanomachines so by the time he crossed it, it was too late. Like a parent who doesn't set boundaries, she didn't make it clear what her limits were. As far as Charden is concerned, they're on the same page."

Train frowned. "And what makes you think she isn't on the same page?"

Creed shrugged. "Because I've had enough forced conversations with her to realize she would not be okay with how far Charden has gone. I'm positive kidnapping those children was not something she was okay with."

Train sighed. "...And she did it because she's so helplessly in love with him, right?"

Train saw Creed nod uncomfortably, aware his lover was thinking back to when Echidna had those intense feelings towards him. Creed probably knew first hand how the actress handled her affections, since he was once on the receiving end of them.

"Echidna is the type of person that when she loves someone, she'll do whatever they say with little to no questions asked. She devotes herself completely to them, and never thinks of what the consequences could be if she keeps catering to them."

Sephiria clenched her fists. "She's just as guilty as Charden. Stop humanizing her."

Creed frowned, opening his mouth to defend himself, but stopped when Sephiria tensed and put a hand up. Both men pulled their weapons out, ready to fight.

They waited in silence for a few more seconds before Train spoke. "Sephiria, what-"

"Shh!" The woman said, her ears perking at the distinct sound of what she believed to be a portal opening.

But why don't I see it

She scanned the area looking for the portal, perplexed why she was able to hear it, but could not see it.

Is she capable of making her portals invisible?

She took a slow, small step forward, then stopped when Creed shouted her name.

"SEPHIRIA!"

Her eyes shot in the direction of Creed, then up towards the sky as a massive black hole opened above their heads. They aimed their weapons up, waiting for a Taoist to drop from it, but were greeted with nothing.

After a few more seconds Train growled. "Screw this! I'm going up there!"

"TRAIN, WAIT!"

Just as the cat was about to fly towards the hole, Creed yanked him back as a swarm of bugs spilled out of the hole.

Train reacted quickly as he swiped his arm to one side, using his wind ability to shove away as many bugs as he could. With his other hand, he aimed Hades at the remaining insects, removing them from the sky as well.

As Train began attacking, Creed upgraded his sword up to its highest level and extended it towards the portal, using the mouth of his Imagine Blade to consume as many of the bugs as he could.

Noticing the men had the bugs covered, Sephiria searched the sky for Echidna. She didn't know if the actress was going to be there, but she figured it was worth at least looking for her.

She ran towards the closest tree and climbed to the top, looking beyond the portal to see if there was anyone behind it. Seeing nothing but empty sky, Sephiria looked back at the ground to check on her comrades.

How many bugs can that Taoist produce?

The wall of bugs was so thick it was difficult to tell where the swarm ended and the portal began. The horde may as well have been a storm cloud since it was pitch black and seemingly endless. The only reason she could tell it wasn't a cloud was the fact that small particles within it were moving.

When Sephiria made a move to help her comrades, she felt an extensive amount of pressure being applied to her body. It was so extreme she couldn't even lift her sword arm, and she could feel the branch she was kneeling on beginning to snap.

"Shit…" She muttered, figuring out who was behind the change in gravity.

She gritted her teeth and clenched her fists as the branch cracked. After a few more seconds, the branch finally snapped and fell to the ground, taking the number with it.

When she landed, she fell directly on her face and chest, which forced the air out of her. Again, she tried to stand, but it seemed the Taoist did not intend to let her go. As she tried to push herself off the ground, she heard the fat man let out an angry grunt, and the pressure around her lessened.

The moment she felt the weight on her body lift, Sephiria leapt up and slashed a swarm of bugs out of the air. It was clear the swarm was heading straight towards her, attempting to take advantage of her vulnerable state.

She spun around and sliced another swarm out of the sky, then leapt in the air to cut another that was above her head. When she landed on the ground, she ran in the direction of the portal, praying she could get to it before it closed.

Charden's behind that portal. I know it!

Sephiria was thrown aside and against a tree, but she lightened the blow by digging her sword into the ground.

The blade slowed her down enough that her back only lightly brushed against the tree, which gave her enough time to roll out of the way to avoid the gravity ball sent by Maro. The only reason she was able to see it was due to the leaves that were trapped in it.

Sephiria heard Train cackling in the distance, then rolled her eyes as he watched the cat strike a swarm of bugs out of the sky with the bolt. The gunman's attack wasn't what bothered her, it was the fact that he clearly didn't aim it well and nearly struck a tree.

This place is filled with dead leaves and grass. If he's not careful, he'll set something on fire.

Train floated himself in the sky and crossed his arms against his chest, smirking merrily at Shiki. "Hey! Long time no see! Have you grown?"

Shiki gritted his teeth and dug his nails into the large bug he sat on. "I'm going to enjoy watching the life drain from your insufferable eyes…"

Train pouted and pointed to his eyes. "These eyes? You're calling these eyes insufferable?! That harsh, don't ya think?"

The cat smirked again, making sure it was as cheeky as he could possibly make it. "Besides, I'm pretty sure Charden wouldn't want you to be the one to end my life. I'm certain he wants to do that himself."

Shiki growled and threw an arm forward, launching another wave of bugs at the cat.

Train did not react to the attack, since he could see his fiancé's sword coming towards them. The smirk remained painted on his slim lips as Creed's Imagine Blade ate the bugs that were zooming towards him.

The gunman chuckled as the sword turned to him, its tongue lolling out with hope evident in its eyes, giving him the same lovesick, puppy dog look Creed always gave him. He could tell the lively blade was looking for approval from Train, so he booped what would have been its nose.

The sword had literal heart in its eyes as it shrunk back down to Creed, the Black Cat looking down at his partner and winking playfully. Creed blew his beloved a kiss, then leapt to the side to avoid an attack from Maro.

Train looked back to Shiki who was already throwing another wave of bugs at him, which the cat was easily able to zap out of the sky with another lightning bolt.

The golden man held his sparking fingers up towards the Bug Taoist, as if to show him what he had done. "I'm like a giant bug zapper!"

Shiki growled even louder and screamed. "SHUT YOUR UNBEARABLE CHIT CHAT, CAT!"

Train sparked his whole body, aiming his weapon at the Taoist who flew the giant bug at him.

"It's about time we got this party started…"

I just wish Charden would show his damn face soon!

He looked down at his lover, watching as Creed taunted Maro so Sephiria could get a slice at the massive man's shoulder. He smiled, his heart filling with affection as he thought about his future with the man he loved.

I want to end this so I can start my life with him.

Train looked back up at Shiki and flared his body, prepared to throw everything he had at the Taoist to bring them to the next stage of the fight.

---

Lin grunted as he tripped over a branch. It was the third time he had done that, and that particular branch was the smallest one yet.

I can barely lift my feet, and not all my bleeding has stopped.

He took in a deep breath, wincing at the sharp pain that shot through his broken ribs. In an attempt to mask the agony he was in, Number X pressed his hand firmly against his stomach.

This isn't good… This really isn't good…

Again, he stumbled forward, catching himself on a tree before he fell. He paused his steps for a moment to lean against the tree, shutting his eyes as sweat poured down his forehead. The simple act of walking felt like an Olympic event.

I'm a mess. I can barely keep my eyes open let alone walk

He was getting more and more worried he was going to collapse and if that happened, he knew he wouldn't have had the strength to get himself back up.

And I can't give up until I fulfill my promise to Train. I have to find E and bring her home.

The petite man flinched as another wave of pain flowed through him, and he let out a slow breath in hopes that would quell the tormenting agony that plagued his small frame.

I need medical attention before I pass out.

Lin had been inwardly praying he'd run into Train or Eve so they could heal him. Although, in actuality, he just wanted Train.

I could use Train's support and soothing presence. Now more than ever.

Lin tilted his head to the sky and allowed the sun to warm his beaten and bruised face.

"Train…"

"Are you okay?"

Lin lowered his head. "Do you really need to ask such a pointless question?"

Aliane frowned. "We can stop and take a break."

Lin rolled his eyes and winced at the pain it caused his head "Like we have the luxury for that. Have you suddenly figured out how to heal me more thoroughly with your Tao?"

The girl sighed and shook her head. She knew his stress was causing him to speak harshly, so she wasn't going to let it bother her. "No… But, it looks like you could use a rest."

Lin sighed. "We already took one. We need to keep moving."

Aliane deepened her frown as she stepped towards the number. While she understood why he was stressed, he didn't appreciate how stupid he was being.

"And what do you play on doing once you get there? Do you really think the Apostles are going to let you in and hand over E?"

Lin gave her a strained look. "No, but I'm hoping Chronos will be there by the time we get there and cause enough of a distraction that we can slip in and find her. That's what we need your Tao for. And that's also why that monkey is still here."

"Hey! What do you mean by that?!"

Lin and Aliane both shot a glare at the primate, causing him to twitch. Their scowl was all Eathes needed to see to get himself in line again.

"Nevermind… I understand." He held up his bound hands. "Could you at least loosen these restraints a little?"

In a rush to restrain the man, Number X ripped the bottom of his shirt and tied the monkey's wrists as tightly as he could. Aliane also helped him tear a piece of his leather jacket off, which they used to reinforce the binding on his wrists and tie up his ankles as well.

The binds may not have been much, but they were the best Lin could do given their lack of resources. And considering how physically weak Eathes was, they don't think he'd break out any time soon.

Lin knew if Eathes transformed himself into someone bigger or stronger, he'd easily be able to bust out of his binds. However, at the moment he was being compliant, which was also something Lin didn't think was going to change.

He wants to live, and he believes what I said about Sephiria is true.

Lin shut his eyes.

It is true. I'll make sure it's true. I'll protect his life not just because it's what Train would do, but also because it's the right thing to do.

He opened his eyes and turned a glare towards the Taoist. "No chance, Monkey."

Eathes frowned. "So cruel… I already agreed to help you despite knowing what Charden will do to me. Isn't that enough?"

It was Aliane's turn to roll her eyes. "Considering your fate with Chronos will be the same if not worse, no, it's not enough."

Lin knew Eathes was going to panic since he promised him something different, so he spoke immediately after Aliane's statement. "Only if you don't do as we say. If you help us get to E, I'm sure Sephiria will spare your life."

He gave Aliane a stern look, hoping she'd understand his subtle hint about the promise he made to Eathes. "And living your life as a prisoner is better than death, isn't it?"

Eathes sighed, then nodded. "Yes… At least if I'm a prisoner, I'm alive."

Lin nodded as well. "Besides, being a prisoner of Chronos isn't so bad. You get three square meals a day, outdoor activities with good behavior, and if you're really well behaved, they'll provide you with books and games."

Eathes' ears perked at that statement. "What… kind of games?"

Aliane, now understanding what Lin was doing, answered for the number. "While I was there and providing them with all the information on the Apostles that I could, Sephiria let me play not just board games, but she gave me a few hours of video games."

She glanced at Lin as she spoke. "It really wasn't that bad once they realized I was going to cooperate. They only treat the prisoners who are disobedient harshly. After a while, it didn't really feel like I was a prisoner. More of a ward to Chronos."

The monkey smiled, then nodded a bit more enthusiastically. "Okay! I promise I'll help as long as it means Sephiria won't kill me. Because Charden… won't be forgiving."

Lin smirked, then pushed himself away from the tree to continue their journey. "I assure you Sephiria is far more forgiving of sins than Charden is. Especially if the one asking for forgiveness is willing to help Chronos in whatever way possible."

Eathes blinked at Lin as the small man limped away. "Do you… do you think she'd let me join Chronos?"

Lin didn't stop walking since he knew if he did, he'd collapse. "Do you mean becoming a number, or just an eraser?"

Eathes followed close behind Lin, twisting his wrists slightly in their makeshift binds. "Either or, I don't care. But, I'm willing to do that if it means sparing my life! Honestly, the life of a number or an eraser doesn't seem that bad. How is it? Really?"

Lin frowned.

Would Sephiria hire a Taoist as a number or even eraser?

Number X shrugged. "I don't have much personal insight about the eraser life considering I was recruited as a number, but from what I've seen, they're pretty well off. Assuming you're okay with that type of lifestyle."

Before Eathes could answer, Aliane interrupted. "You were never an eraser? They made you a number immediately?"

Lin nodded. "Yup. Now, I will premise this story with the fact that they were short on numbers after Train left, but when Sephiria found me, she saw a lot of potential in me, and decided I'd make a great number."

Aliane cocked an eyebrow. "She decided that after just meeting you?"

Lin shook his head. "No. She decided that after she saw me in action. I spent my entire life training myself in every form of self defense, and I guess it paid off."

It's not like I had a choice. No one else was going to protect me.

Lin shoved back the memories of his traumatic childhood and continued. "Sephiria was impressed how skilled I was with no formal training, so I didn't have to go through the traditional initiation of being an eraser like the others, so I can't say much for that particular lifestyle."

"So… Do you think she'd make me an eraser at the least…?"

Lin glanced over his shoulder at the monkey, but stopped the moment he realized how much it hurt.

Damnit… I can't believe how the most mundane movements hurt. Where are you, Train?

Lin took a breath and winced at the pain. "It would be a long journey, but… maybe. With a lot of good behavior and constant compliance, she might open that up to you."

I don't know if that's true or not, but it's not worth having a conversation about right now.

Eathes smirked, then nodded. "Okay! That's what I'll do then! I'll earn Sephiria's trust and work my way to becoming an eraser."

Aliane rolled her eyes. "Geeze, you sure turned quickly. You better pray Charden doesn't get to you before the battle is over."

The monkey gave her a small glare. "I could say the same for you. And didn't you turn coat for a man that will never look your way? At least I'm betraying the Apostles so I can live! Not so I can pine after someone who barely knows my name."

Aliane gritted her teeth. "You don't know anything about the choices I made…"

Eathes rolled his eyes. "Whatever. You won't change my mind or my new goal. It's the best course of action I have to live."

"Probably the only one…" Lin muttered as he continued limping forward.

It's getting harder and harder to keep this pace up… I don't know how much longer I can last.

Lin's vision was beginning to go, and his head was throbbing painfully against his skull. His skin was stained with the blood that continued to drip from his body, clotting against the fabric of his shirt, forcing it to cling to his flesh.

At least two of my ribs are broken and my shoulder is definitely dislocated. I'm starting to think if I don't find Eve or Train, I won't be able to keep my promise…

Number X bit his lower lip and inadvertently slowed his steps.

I can't slow down. I need to keep going. I need to rescue E and get back to Train.

His thoughts promptly became consumed with thoughts of his Sweet Love, and he tried to use the strength Train gave him to keep moving. He pictured Train's eyes floating celestially in front of him, heard the enchanting man's melodic laughter fill his ears, and imagined what it was like to have the cat's revitalizing arms wrap fixedly around him.

Train…

Lin grimaced again from the pain infesting his body, stopping his steps a moment as he waited for the next wave of dizziness to pass. He felt pathetic at how easily lightheaded he became.

Train… Where are you? I need you...

"What was that?"

Lin blinked a few times in an attempt to focus on Aliane's worried face, but it was no use. The girl's face was too blurry, which he knew was due to blood loss.

Shit, did I say that out loud? Am I not even aware of what I'm saying anymore?

Lin waited a moment to see if they responded to what he believed were his inner thoughts, then sighed in relief when he was greeted with silence.

Good. At least I'm not that bad off yet.

The number shook his head and took another step forward. "Nothing. Let's keep moving. Are we going the right way, Monkey?"

Eathes frowned. "Can't you call me by my name? We might even be on the same team soon!"

Aliane sighed and walked behind Lin. "Shut up and answer his question, Monkey."

Eathes shrugged. "I told you before, I don't know. I've really just been making educated guesses."

Lin shoved past the primate, unaware that their shoulders collided as he spoke. "Then keep making them. You're the best bet we've got right now."

Aliane watched as Lin walked away from them, the small man's steps unsteady, his figure slumped forward with one arm wrapped tightly around his waist.

"He's not doing good…"

Aliane was surprised to hear Eathes say that, but she ignored his statement and pushed his back so he stumbled forward. "Less talking, more walking."

Aliane's worried eyes remained locked onto Lin.

He's right. If we don't find help soon, Lin might not make it…

Aliane sighed and pushed Eathes again. "You better be right about which way we're going, Monkey…"

---

Echidna lightly punched the small table she sat at as she watched a television that was attached to one of Shiki's spy bugs. Charden made sure the Taoist left them two screens that gave them a view of the battles taking place.

One screen was dedicated to the fights occurring between the sweepers, Chronos, and the Apostles, while the other was fully dedicated to the Black Cat, Creed, Sephiria, and their Taoist opponents. And Echidna was currently one-hundred percent focused on that screen.

She clenched her jaw as she began tapping her fingers impatiently on the table, infuriated she was unable to make any moves with her portals without Charden noticing.

They were so far away from Sephiria just now… That would have been the perfect time to separate them.

"Is everything alright, Dear?"

Echidna turned to her partner and smiled despite. "Nothing, Darling. I'm just itching to get the battle started."

Charden frowned. "Have Shiki and Maro not started their battle yet?"

Echidna shook her head. "No. They're currently hiding in the forest, and I'm sure they have eyes on the Black Cat and Creed, but they haven't made a move yet."

Charden cocked an eyebrow and leaned closer to the screen that held their former leaders and Sephiria on it. "And why is that?"

Echidna leaned back in her chair so her partner could get a better look at the screen. "Because Shiki has a plan involving my portals and his bugs. He asked me to open a portal on his signal so he could release a swarm of bugs on our enemies."

Charden deepened his frown. "If he's already there hiding from the Black Cat, how is he going to send bugs through a portal from our side?"

Echidna gestured towards a door on the other side of the room Charden knew led to a broom closet. "He has a swarm set up in there. He's controlling them remotely and will send a signal to them to pour out of the portal when he sees it open on his side."

Charden blinked in confusion. "He can do that?"

Echidna shrugged. "I guess. I don't entirely understand how his powers work, but if he says it'll work, I believe him."

Seeing that Charden was unconvinced, the actress continued. "What reason does he have to lie? He wants those three dead just as much as we do, and he wanted the Black Cat dead back when he was one of our leaders."

Charden mulled that thought over for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "True. But, what does he think the bugs are going to do? What's the purpose of this plan?"

Echidna looked back to the screen, noticing the spy bugs were floating high enough that she could see Sephiria and their former leaders, then in the distance Maro and Shiki hiding amongst the trees.

They're catching up with Sephira… I lost my moment.

She frowned and answered the man's question. "He said he wants to overwhelm them with his bugs in hopes that would distract them enough so he and Maro can bounce from the shadows."

Again, Charden thought about what she said, then nodded again. "That's not a bad plan, but… why wouldn't he tell me?"

He glanced at Echidna from the corner of his eye. "Why would he tell you and not me?"

Echidna slumped forward as she watched Creed and Train walk behind Sephiria, inwardly distraught that she missed her opportunity to bring the men to Charden without Number One.

She had been watching the men obsessively, waiting for the moment they separated from the swordswoman, but it seemed like fate had other things in mind. When Charden pulled her away to be alone with him and Jax, she had a feeling her plan was going to fall apart.

Even if I tried to open a portal right now, Charden would notice and question me. And by question, I mean fight with me and possibly even hurt me… or worse.

She shivered at the thought. Charden had never lifted a hand to her, and never even hinted that he ever would, but she had a feeling if he found out she was planning to betray him, she wouldn't put it past him to kill her.

Charden cleared his throat, causing Echidna to jump and turn to him.

She blinked in confusion at her lover, who rolled his eyes and voiced his question again. "Why would Shiki tell you his plan and not me?"

Echidna stared at her partner for several moments, aware the answer would only infuriate him.

Because he knows you wouldn't listen and would veto his plan. Then, if he went through with it anyway, even if it worked, you'd explode on him later and end his life along with Maro's.

Echidna agreed that Shiki's plan was solid and didn't question why he trusted her with it instead of Charden.

Can't say I blame him for not mentioning this to Charden…

She sighed and finally answered the Blood Taoist's question. "He probably didn't want to bore you with the details. It was a solid plan, so I gave it the go ahead."

She gave the man a skeptical look. "Is that not something I'm permitted to do?"

Charden continued staring at the woman, then shook his head. "No. That's fine. And I agree it's a solid plan. I am just displeased that he did not disclose it to me."

Echidna frowned. "I'm sure he'll apologize as soon as he gets back."

Charden waved her words away and slumped in his chair, watching as their enemies waded their way through the woods. He glanced over his shoulder at Jax, who was standing a few feet away from the blonde man with his arms folded obediently behind his back.

He glanced quickly at Echidna again, then back at his protégé. "Jax, do me a favor and get us some wine."

Jax blinked in confusion at his mentor. "...Wine?"

Charden nodded. "Yes, wine. It's been a while since Echidna and I had a moment alone. And considering the massive event that's about to take place, I think this calls for celebration."

Echidna was just as perplexed as Jax was, and decided to voice her confusion as well. "Charden… do you really think this is the appropriate time for that? We need to have all our wits about us if we're going to be our best when they get here."

Charden frowned, then nodded in agreement. "True… make it tea, Jax. Chamomile tea with a bit of lavender mixed in it. To calm our nerves."

Echidna jumped a little when Charden squeezed her knee, a gesture he had not done in such a long time, she forgot what it felt like to have his hand placed on her. She was so shocked by the gesture, that she had to look down to make sure she wasn't just imagining it.

Is he really trying to have a peaceful moment with me before chaos breaks loose in our home?

Jax nodded, then quietly stepped out of the room. Echidna was only aware Jax had left the room because she heard the door shut behind him. She was too entranced with the fact that Charden's hand was still on her knee.

Is this a dream?

"Charden… Are… are you sure?"

Charden frowned. "Of course I'm sure. While tea isn't exactly the kind of celebration I would like, I agree we shouldn't sully our minds with poison at a time like this. There will be plenty of time for that after the war is won."

Echidna felt herself smile despite the pain in her heart and the stress that consumed her soul.

I… guess I can enjoy a moment alone with him.

"Is that the signal?"

Echidna turned to the screen upon hearing Charden's statement, noticing Shiki throwing an arm in the air and flicking his wrist in the same motion she used to open a portal.

Understanding his silent request, the actress stuck her hand out and opened a portal where she knew the swarm of bugs were. She waved her other arm in the air as well, flicking that wrist in circular motion to open a portal right above their enemies head.

Charden smirked as he watched the sweepers and Sephiria defend themselves against the swarm. They weren't having too much of a hard time knocking the bugs out of the sky, but they were certainly distracted by the commotion.

When Sephiria leapt away and towards a tree, Charden frowned. "What is she doing?"

Echidna sighed. "Probably trying to see if someone's going to come out of the portal."

Charden smirked when he saw Number One crash to the ground, sure it was due to Maro's gravitational Tao. "Shiki's plan seems to be going well."

Echidna nodded, feeling bold enough to snuggle slightly into the man. "It appears so."

As the battle began between their biggest threats and their strongest Taoists, Charden's eyes wandered to the other screen. He smirked when he noticed the state a different number was in.

"Number X might not be long for this world… I wonder how the Black Cat will react when he hears of his death…"

Echidna turned to the screen her partner was looking at. "He certainly has seen better days. That grenade really did a number on him."

Charden snickered. "Maybe we should send him to the Black Cat. To break his spirit a little."

Echidna pushed herself away from her lover and gave him a strange look. "Are you sure?"

Charden nodded. "Not now, but if the fight doesn't seem to be going in our direction, maybe we should let Number X pay his ex-lover a visit."

Echidna frowned, then glanced at the screen. "If we do that, Heartnet could possibly heal him."

Charden waved her words away. "As I said before, don't do it unless it looks like the fight isn't going our way. Even if he does somehow manage to get his hands on Lin, it would take him a very long time to heal all his wounds."

Echidna stared at the screen for a moment longer, then nodded in agreement. "Okay. Just let me know if you'd like me to send Number X to Heartnet."

As she leaned back against her partner, the door opened again and Jax reappeared with a tray in hand. Not only did it hold tea, but the boy had two small plates piled with cookies. He placed it on the table in front of Echidna and Charden, then stepped back behind his mentor.

Charden gave his protégé a grateful nod, then took one of the mugs in his hand.

He turned to Echidna and held it up to her, giving the woman a genuine smile. "I promise to give you a better celebration once the war is over."

Echidna felt her heart lighten as she saw a bit of her partner's true self come back, momentarily overjoyed to have the man back. Even if it was just for a few minutes.

"I know you will, Charden…"

This moment may be fleeting, he may snap at any moment but for now, I'll enjoy the kindness he has to offer me.

She clinked her mug with Charden's, taking a small sip as she glanced at their enemies.

I'll keep my eyes peeled for any openings. I won't give up my plan, since I'm certain it will assure our peaceful future together.

---

Train shot himself up in the air, a puff of dirt exploding from the impact at his upwards leap.

He floated above Maro's head and smirked. "I have to say, it's kind of fun fighting you again. I think I missed it."

Maro growled. "Will you shut your despicable mouth and fight me like you mean it?!"

Train gave an innocent smile. "That was rude. Have you always been this rude?"

The cat tapped his chin in thought. "Actually… I can't remember any of our interactions while we were comrades. Either you're just that forgettable, or we never had a real conversation."

Maro roared and threw his arms forward, launching a wall of gravity at the Black Cat. "SHUT YOUR INSUFFERABLE TRAP!"

Train cackled and threw himself higher in the air, causing Maro's attack to completely miss. He continued laughing as the Taoist threw two more walls at him, amused that he had successfully annoyed Maro to the point where he wasn't able to make sound decisions in his assaults.

It's far too easy to get under his skin.

When he was with the Apostles, he trained with Maro quite often, which taught him a lot about how the fat man fought. It was strangely comforting for Train to see the Taoist's fighting tactics hadn't really changed.

His attacks are stronger, but his techniques are the same.

Train dodged another attack, smirking as she darted swiftly through the air.

On the other hand… I've changed quite a bit. Not just my abilities, but my technique. And if I could beat him back then, I can definitely beat him now.

The cat chuckled at his own thoughts as he dodged another gravity wall. When he was with the Apostles, he never lost a training session against Maro. And since it seemed as though the gravity bender hadn't changed much, Train knew his win was assured.

As Train flew away from yet another attack, he snickered at his enemy. The golden man knew Maro's fighting style centered around pinning down his opponents, so he knew if he kept moving, the fight would be over in no time.

And maybe if I can pin him down, it'll be over before I know it, and I can join Creed in his fight with Shiki.

Train scanned the area in hopes he'd be able to spot his lover. They lost each other only a few minutes ago, but to Train it felt like an eternity.

Where is he? Is he okay?

Even though he knew Creed could take care of himself, Train was worried. It looked like Shiki may have leveled up his Tao, and he knew the Bug Taoist wanted nothing more than to kill all three of them.

Added to that, both Creed and Sephiria have been severely thrown off their game. I just hope with their combined abilities, they'll be able to defeat Shiki.

If they weren't able to, Train was going to be sure to end his fight with Maro quickly, so he could lend his comrades a hand.

Hold on, Creed… I promise I'll be by your side soon.

Train cursed to himself as he narrowly avoided another attack, then let out a sigh of relief.

I need to stop being distracted by Creed's absence. Otherwise I won't be able to join him.

He looked back down at Maro.

I trust Creed. I trust that he'll be okay, and that I'll see him soon.

"Can't pin down what you can't catch!" Train winked at the Taoist, then flew higher into the air.

Maro clenched his fists in frustration, his arms shaking with rage as he widened his stance. "YOU CAN'T RUN FOREVER, BLACK CAT!"

Train's smirk turned into a cheeky grin as he watched the man prepare another attack. He sparked his body and licked his lips, his chocolate locks whipping around his face as he turned one of his arms into a shield.

"Who said anything about running?"

Train's words went unheard as Maro threw both of his arms forward and launched a powerful gravity wave at the cat. Train electrified his shield and thrust it in front of himself, using it to block the wave.

The Black Cat pressed his body into the attack, the wind whipping around his shield and soaring past him. The attack mostly missed him, but it still managed to snag his sleeves and pants enough to create small tears in them.

Train widened his smirk and flared his body more, sending most of the electrical blaze to his shield arm. As he did that, the air hitting his shield flared wildly and bounced off and to the sides of him. However, with nowhere to travel, the sparks died off quickly, creating nothing more than a brief firework show.

Train steadied his arm and continued taking the force of Maro's attack. As he held his position, the cat intensified the electricity he was transmitting to his shield, his Tao creating even more light and forming an outline of sparks around his arm.

Train's body generated a beautiful, yet unnecessarily gaudy scene as Maro's gravitational assault continued colliding with his electrified shield. As the pressure from the large man's attacks continued pounding against the Black Cat's arm, more and more vibrant, brilliant sparks splashed against Train's shield.

Despite how superfluous as the blaze was, Train couldn't help but admire its artistry.

Creed must be making me more mushy than I realized. Something as simple and small as this shouldn't spark any kind of maudlin feelings in me.

The gunman remained like that until he felt the attack end, then glanced over his shield to see Maro's reaction to his extravagant blocking tactic. Train knew the only thing he needed to do to avoid the attack was fly away, but he instead chose to make it an overly dramatic display of useless electric flashes.

Seeing the angry look on Maro's face, Train pouted. "What's that face about?"

Maro gritted his teeth, his face turning a bright shade of red as he spoke. "What the hell was all that?! Why choose such an arbitrary tactic like that?!"

With a cheeky smile still on his face, Train shrugged. "It was more fun than simply flying away."

Train flicked his shield arm to the side and turned it back to normal, then flung it forward to shoot out a long, thick sheet of ice. He aimed it at Maro's large frame, twisting his hand around and bending his arm towards his body.

With that quick motion, Train was able to wrap a sheet of ice around Maro's waist and arms, pinning the man's limbs to his body as the sumo wrestler let out an annoyed growl. He used his other arm to create another sheet of ice that he aimed at the Taoist's legs, wrapping ice around the large man's knees, pinning them together as well.

Still floating above Maro, Train yanked his arm backwards to pull the man's legs out from underneath him. As he did that, the cat shoved his other arm forward and pushed Maro's upper body onto the ground, watching as the obese man landed on the ground with a loud crash.

Maro released a homicidal howl as his feet were jerked unceremoniously into the air, but his upper body remained lying prone on the ground. The large Taoist struggled against his ice prison as his body remained pinned in a slightly bent position.

Train snickered as he watched his opponent attempt to break free. "Man, that looks soooo uncomfortable."

The position Train forced the man in looked awkward and cumbersome, but not painful.

Knowing a little pain wouldn't kill the man, Train adjusted his arms slightly, forcing Maro's body to bend even more as the meaty Taoist let out another annoyed growl. The Taoist's fat folds curled and tucked against themselves, creating an unpleasant vision for the cat to behold.

Train grimaced as Maro struggled, his bulging stomach rippling grotesquely like the ocean just before a cataclysmic storm. "This is an assault on my eyes! I'm starting to regret putting you in this position. How does that belly of yours fold like that? It's both unsettling and impressive!"

Maro let out another embittered growl as his knees locked above him, his lower body blocking his view of the Black Cat. "ARGH! YOU GOD DAMN FUCKING BASTARD!"

Train laughed. "I'm glad I used this technique so much on Creed during our training sessions. It really paid off! I never thought I'd be able to pin down a behemoth like you."

Maro tried to roll his body back and forth. "AARRRGGH! LET ME GO YOU CRETIN!"

Train frowned. "Really? That's the insult you're going with? How lame…"

Train could tell his comments aided in enraging the Taoist, which compelled him to keep talking. "Then again, you never had the wittiest comebacks. Guess it's not your fault your brain is duller than a sack of feathers."

Maro howled in frustration as he tried to adjust his arms in a way that permitted him to use his Tao to attack Train. Realizing he couldn't, he barked out another cascade of curses.

"UURRGGH! SHUT YOU REPREHENSIBLE MOUTH YOU IRRITATING, MORONIC CAT!" He tried to bend his arms in an attempt to break the ice wrapped around them. "YOUR VOICE IS INTOLERABLE! IT'S GRATING MY EARS!"

Train knew his blithful laughter sent another wave of fury down Maro's spine. "As entertaining as it is to mess with you, I can't fool around all day. I'd like to make sure my fiancé is okay."

Maro suddenly stopped struggling, his face going pale as he spoke. "...Excuse me?"

Train smirked and wiggled the finger with his ring on it. "You didn't hear? I figured the news would have reached you by now. Creed did the very cliché act of proposing to me in the most mushy, romantic way possible."

The Taoist's face paled even more and he struggled harder against his icy binds. "GOD DAMNIT, SHUT UP! I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR TRIVIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THAT PATHETIC, MADMAN!"

Train frowned again. "Then why did you ask?"

Seeing Maro snarl even harder, Train shrugged and continued. "Also, Creed isn't, nor has he ever been pathetic, and he certainly isn't the same man he was when we were with the Apostles."

A peaceful, loving look passed the gunman's face as he thought of his lover. "He's who he's supposed to be now. Who he was always meant to be."

Before this world and everyone in it tried to fucked him over...

Train's thoughts were cut off as Maro let out an emphatic scream. "WOULD YOU STOP TALKING AND FIGHT ME LIKE A MAN?!"

Train frowned. "First of all, don't perpetuate the appalling stigma of toxic masculinity. Second, I fail to see how this isn't properly fighting you. Would you prefer if the situation was a bit more ominous?"

The golden man thickened the slowly melting ice wrapped around Maro, then expanded it so it coiled around the rest of the massive man's body.

The permafrost crept up Maro's arms and down his legs, encasing his shoulders and thighs in a chilly embrace. With each passing second, more and more ice sheathed Maro's massive frame, leaving very little of his plump flesh exposed.

Maro threw the cat a deadly glare. "How is this more ominous?! If it were almost anyone else trapping me, the situation might be more dire, but I know for a fact that you won't kill me!"

Train let out an exasperated sigh. "You really take the fun out of everything… What else do I need to do to make this fight more fun?"

Maro narrowed his eyes. "Unless you decide to kill me, this fight has reached its entertainment peak."

The Black Cat returned Maro's glare with a smirk. "Is that so? What a shame… I've been so looking forward to fighting you again. It's been far too long since I've kicked your ass!"

Train flared his golden eyes with an intense blue, letting the large man know what he was about to do. Just to make sure they were on the same page, Train glanced down at his electrified hands that were encased in ice and widened his smirk.

"We've lost our spark, Maro... Maybe this will help bring the sizzle back into our relationship!"

I've practiced this move with Creed a lot as well. However, I never followed through with it because I was too worried about hurting him.

Maro had a feeling he knew what Train's plan was, but he didn't understand how it was going to work. "Ice isn't a good conductor for electricity, you dimwitted cat!"

Train rolled his eyes. "I know that! But where do you think ice comes from?"

Maro cocked an eyebrow at the gunman's words. He knew what Train was hinting at, but as far as he knew, the cat didn't have any fire or heated abilities that would allow him to melt the ice. And even if he did, Maro would slip away as soon as the ice turned into water.

Train concentrated on the Nanomachines in his hands, the tips of his fingers turning a purplish, blue hue that slowly expanded to the rest of his limb. With his eyes locked onto his digits, Train watched as his healing bots activated, smirking as the ice around them began to melt at an accelerated rate.

I need to remember to thank Eve for showing me how to use the healing bots for something other than healing.

He waited a few more seconds as he watched the ice melt, knowing he had to be quick if it was going to work. As soon as he saw the ice around his fingers turn into water, he electrified his hands and focused on sending the lightning shocks down the former sheet of glacier.

Maro's eyes widened as he watched Train's ice turn into water, which the cat sent rapid lightning shocks down. The Taoist fought harder against the ice he was still wrapped around, angry it had not melted yet. He wanted to break himself free before he was assaulted with electricity.

Train tried to speed up the melting ice, but found it impossible to keep his Nanomachines hot enough to thaw it quickly. The amount of ice he needed to pin Maro down was too much for him to melt with just his Nanomachines.

After a few more moments of struggling and with a powerful flex of his mammoth arm, the sumo sized man snapped the ice around his upper body and broke himself free. With his arms free, it was much easier to break the ice around his lower body through the use of his Tao.

He shot his arms forward and sent a small gravity wall at the ice around his legs, shattering the ice and releasing his legs. He was on his feet within seconds, running to the side before Train's electrified water could reach him.

The grass and dirt in the spot he had once resided burnt and sizzled as the Black Cat's attack made contact with the ground. Without hesitation, Maro threw his arms forward and sent a ball of gravity at the floating gunman, who was still preoccupied with his previous attack.

Train narrowly dodged the attack, twisting his body to the side seconds before it hit him. It wasn't long until Maro sent a second ball at him, forcing Train to launch himself higher in the air to avoid it.

Once up there, Train frowned down at his opponent. "That's a shame… it didn't work."

Maro rubbed the back of his head, gingerly fingering a lump he felt forming from a rock he landed on when Train pushed him down. "What didn't work? Your stupidly flamboyant attack or my well aimed Gravity Balls?"

Train snickered like a child. "You said balls…" Seeing the man fume at his juvenile words, the cat tapped his chin in thought. "To answer your question, I guess both… Ahh, whatever! Doesn't matter. Let's keep going! It's just starting to get interesting."

Train ignored the curses and insults Maro threw at him and sighed as he floated away from another gravity attack. He narrowly dodged the next three sent at him, but that was only because he was too bored to pay attention.

I wonder if Creed and Sephiria are having as easy a time with Shiki as I am with Maro? Maybe I shouldn't worry about them being too distracted to fight.

The cat dodged another attack and threw himself high in the air, scanning the area once more in hopes he'd be able to spot his comrades.

They can't have gone far.

"STOP RUNNING AWAY AND FIGHT ME!"

Train glared down at his opponent. "Give a minute, will ya?!"

He could hear the sumo Taoist scream more obscenities at him, which he effortlessly ignored as he flew higher into the air, avoiding another one of Maro's attacks. The wall of gravity he sent at the gunman crashed into a tree, causing leaves and branches to litter the sky Train hovered in.

The golden man let out an annoyed growl and looked back down at Maro. "Seriously! Can you just be patient?! I'll resume our fight momentarily!"

Again, Train ignored Maro's venomous words as she spun his body around, hoping he'd see some sign of his partner and Sephiria.

In the distance, he could see the leaves of a tree vibrating as a swarm of bugs flew out of them. Soon after that, he saw Creed's Imagine Blade hungrily consume them, then watched as the tree the bugs vacated from was sliced down.

Train smirked.

I wonder which one of them cut it down?

The cat's smile turned into a frown as he watched his lover's blade cackle above the trees. The relief he felt at knowing his comrades were okay turned into bewilderment as a thought occurred to him.

Why is their fight still going on? Don't they both want this to end quickly?

His immediate answer was that Sephiria and Creed were too distracted by their melancholy thoughts to fight at their best, but after what he just saw, he didn't think that was true. They seemed to be doing pretty well, which only compounded his confusion.

I'm sure Creed wants to end the fight so he can get back to me, and I know Sephiria wants to get to Charden, so what's taking them so long?

The reason Train didn't finish his fight with Maro yet was because he was having fun toying with the man. He always enjoyed messing with his enemies before he defeated them, especially when the battle was turning out to be as humdrum as the one he was currently in.

I'm the only one who would dawdle in a situation like this! What's their excuse?

Train dodged another attack from Maro, then glared down at the man. "I said I will be with you in a minute! Hold your damn horses!"

Train didn't know if Maro said anything in return to his statement since he was too preoccupied with what he saw happening in the battle between Shiki and his comrades.

The short Taoist flew above the trees on a giant bug and threw a seal. Almost immediately after that happened, Train saw Sephiria leap out of a tree and slice the seal out of the sky. She then threw her body forward and aimed the tip of her blade at Shiki's mummy wrapped head.

Train could feel his body beginning to move towards the duo in a futile attempt to save the Bug Taoist's life, but stopped when he saw Creed jump out of the same tree and shove Sephiria's blade aside with his own.

It was quick and Train could barely read their lips, but as the two fell to the ground, he could tell why their battle hadn't ended yet.

Creed keeps stopping Sephiria from killing Shiki. And if he's too busy making sure she doesn't kill Shiki, he's too preoccupied to properly defend himself.

As skilled and strong as Creed was, Train knew his partner could only do so much if he was distract by his thoughts, and preventing a murder from taking place.

Train released a painful grunt as a ball of gravity landed violently against his back, sending him several feet forward and pushing his body toward the ground. He was able to steady himself before he fell, then shook his head and rubbed the spot on his back Maro's attack hit,

He turned his body around to face the man, glaring as if Maro had no right to attack him. "OUCH! That was uncalled for! I was just making sure my lover is safe! Aren't you at all worried about yours?!"

Despite the rage he was feeling, Maro cocked an eyebrow. "What the fuck are you talking about, Cat?"

Train rolled his eyes as if it were obvious. "I'm talking about you and that miniature Taoist! What else would I be talking about?"

Maro stared at the cat for a few seconds until he figured out what Train was implying. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, widening his stance as he spoke in a sharp, savage tone.

"Don't you dare lump the respect Shiki and I have for one another with the prevented freak show of a relationship you and Diskenth have!"

Train gripped his heart as he feigned pain. "Ouch! Your words hurt more than your attacks! What a vicious tongue you have." He winked at the man. "...Bet Shiki likes that."

Maro's face paled and he tossed his colossal arms in the air, his fingers spread apart as he screamed. "SHUT YOUR DISGUSTING MOUTH, CAT!"

Train felt a familiar, immense pressure pin his arms and legs were together and his body quickly fell towards a cracked tree stump on the ground.

Knowing Maro planned to impale him on the spiked stump, Train flicked his fingers out and sent two small electrical bolts at his opponent. It wasn't much, but he knew it would be enough to stop Maro's attack and therefore his descent.

One of his bolts hit Maro on his left peck and the other hit his arm, causing the man to flinch and stumble away. Train reacted quickly, taking advantage of the man's brief floundering as he flung himself back into the air.

As Train floated above his enemy, he gave the large man a sympathetic smile. "I'm never going to judge who someone chooses to share a bed with, even when the coupling is as gross as yours. That being said…"

He leaned forward, giving the man a curious look. "...How does it even work? I mean, you're easily a hundred times his size. You don't… squish him or something during your intimate moments?"

Maro's entire body convulsed with rage and he threw both his hands up. "I SAID SHUT UP!"

Train cackled as he avoided the attack. "I guess if Shiki is the top, it might be safer, but I can't imagine how he'd accomplish that with someone that much bigger than him. I would imagine he'd have to rid a bug or something to even reach you.

He grimaced at the image. "That… is something I'd paid money to never see."

Train was doing his best to keep his playful façade going, hoping Maro didn't see the worried look in his eyes. He found himself constantly glancing over to the other fight, praying his fiancé was okay.

I can't keep messing around with Maro. I need to get to Creed and help him.

The cat's ears perked as he heard the air around him whistle, signaling Maro had launched another attack at him. Instead of avoiding it, Train spun around and threw a lightning bolt at it, causing it to frantically spark, then disappear.

It's too bad his attacks don't conduct electricity well. But, at least I can dissipate them with a lightning attack.

Train gave the man a disapproving look. "Tsk… You really are a lousy partner. You realize Shiki is fighting Creed and Sephiria alone, right? You're not at all worried about him?"

Maro clenched his fists, the air around him visibly shifting, which told Train he was about to launch a powerful attack. "Shiki can take care of himself. Besides, we both know your precious partner is too pathetic to kill him anyway."

Train chose to ignore Maro's dig at his fiancé and shrugged. "That may be true, but you know that's not Sephiria's plan."

Maro let out a quiet growl, his image beginning to blur as he readied his next attack. "...Don't go pushing your insecurities on me, Black Cat. Just because you can't trust your partner enough to know he can hold his own, doesn't mean I can't trust mine."

His body vibrated as he spoke. "But. I guess I'd be worried too if my partner was a pathetic good-for-nothing like yours. I wouldn't be surprised if he was groveling at Shiki's feet right now."

Train knew Maro was trying to throw him off guard by disparaging Creed, but he wasn't going to let it work.

I've heard people say worse things about him. Hell, I've said worse things about him.

Feeling a twitch of remorse surface in his heart, Train shook his head, then smiled. "Aww, that's actually kind of sweet. It's nice hearing you trust Shiki that much. Do I hear wedding bells? I can talk to Creed about having a double wedding!"

Train frowned, his arms falling defeatedly at his sides as he finished his statement. "Wait… that's going to be impossible to do with you and your beloved behind Chronos' bars… Oh well!"

The entire time they had been talking, the air around Maro had been growing so thick that his image was becoming muddy. If Train hadn't already been staring at him, he might not have known where the Taoist was.

Does that mean Maro can't see me either?

It was only the air surrounding Maro that looked different. The rest appeared normal. Still, it gave Train hope that maybe his image was blurry to Maro.

I need to get to Creed, and now's as good a time as any. Besides that, I don't know what this attack he's amping up is going to be, and I don't want to stick around and find out.

Whether or not Maro could see him was immaterial to Train. The Taoist would follow him the moment he realized he was gone.

With that thought in mind, Train spun around and flew in the direction of the other battle. Almost immediately after he did that, he heard Maro let out a boisterous, barbaric roar and his body was suddenly flung forward.

Train let out a muffled shout as his legs flipped above his head, his body rotating in the air several times as he tried to regain his flying. When he revolved in the air a third time, his eyes widened at the scene behind him.

When he finally steadied his body, Train quickly glanced over his shoulder to study the forest behind him, but did not stop flying forward.

The trees behind him had either been completely shattered by Maro's attack, or were bent to the side as if the fat man was Moses parting the sea. The grass had been torn up and the ground hollowed out, creating a lengthy, deep depression in the earth.

It's a good thing I decided to run!

Train moved the air around him quicker so he would fly faster, but kept peeking over his shoulder to see if Maro was following him. The fact that he wasn't being stalked by his opponent worried him.

Can he do that more than once? Or is it like my Railgun and can only be used a certain amount of times?

He grimaced at the possibility of Maro being able to use that attack multiple times, since he couldn't think of a single way he could avoid or counter it

Maybe Creed's Imagine Blade could consume it, or grow big enough to swipe it away?

With his thoughts back on his partner, Train shook his head and focused on the cluster of trees he knew his silver Stallion was.

Movement out of the corner of Train's eye brought his attention towards the ground. The trees below him were bending and twisting, the leaves trembling by a force the Black Cat could not see, but knew what was causing it.

Maro's using his Tao to shove the trees aside so he can keep up with me.

Train pushed that thought aside and continued flying forward, glancing down every so often to make sure Maro wasn't preparing another one of those attacks. Seeing nothing by trees arching and shaking, Train brought his eyes back to the location he knew his partner was.

Hang on Creed, I'm coming.

"DAMNIT, DISKENTH! LET ME DO MY JOB!"

"I'm sorry, but my job prohibits me from letting you do your job! Besides, you promised Train and myself that-"

"I said I would spare whoever I could. Mainly the children. What makes you think this man deserves saving?"

"EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE!"

Train frowned at his fiancé's last words, knowing they came from his heart.

If I didn't take him in all those years ago when he left the Apostles… If I didn't give him a second chance, where would Creed be right now?

Train shook his head to rid himself of the depressing thoughts. Thinking about his lover's bleak, alternate future rattled his soul and broke his heart.

They must be close if I can hear them arguing.

The Black Cat's golden eyes scanned the area below. His head darted to the side when he saw a thick, black line skim the air a few feet below him. The gunman's ears perked at the distinct sound the dark line made.

Buzzing. That must be another swarm!

Train stopped flying forward and began lowering his body, following close behind the swarm. A few feet beyond them, he could see Creed and Sephiria arguing, and his heart wept for the distraught look in his partner's eyes.

He's exhausted… Mentally and emotionally.

While his body looked unharmed, his clothes, hair, and skin was covered in dirt and sweat. His eyes were wide with distress, and his face looked as though he had been carrying the world on his shoulders.

Creed may not have been physically injured, but he certainly looked emotionally and mentally worn out.

And he's so distracted he doesn't see Shiki's swarm coming right at him!

Since the bugs had served their purpose of leading him to the duo, Train decided to zap them out of the sky. He flew through the air with both his arms extended, electrocuting all the insects until they were completely disposed of.

When they were all gone, his view of Creed and Sephiria was clear, and he watched as the swordsman turned in his direction.

Creed's sword was drawn and his stance was tense, but as soon as he locked eyes with Train, his expression immediately relaxed, and his eyes filled with a tenderness that never failed to captivate the Black Cat's heart.

Train landed gracefully on the ground and approached his lover, arms spread out as if welcoming Creed to them. "Hey there, Handsome! Come here often?"

Creed smiled at his beloved and quickly stepped towards Train, his empty and aching heart replenishing with love as he stared into the delicious man's eyes. "Just out for a stroll with this stubborn woman. But, I could use the company of a strong, exquisite specimen on a man such as yourself."

He placed both his hands on the cat's cheeks. "I much prefer the company of beautiful men, anyway…"

Train smiled and pressed his forehead against Creed's. "Are you hurt?"

Creed sighed. "Only emotionally… I'm better now that I know you're safe."

Creed and Train's ears perked when they heard rapid footsteps approaching from behind the silver man and they prepared their weapons.

However, Sephiria acted first as she leapt over both their heads and sliced one of Shiki's seals out of the sky. She then spun her sword in the air and cut a sizable bug in half, its remains landing repugnantly on either side of her.

Number One flicked her sword to the side, cleaning it of the verdant mucus that coated its otherwise unblemished steel as she spoke. "Is this really the best time for you two to be flirting? Where's Maro?"

Train frowned as he turned to face the woman. "Not far behind. And I think he's leveled up his abilities."

Sephiria tightened her hold on Christ. "Figures… I think Shiki has as well."

Train frowned and stood protectively in front of Creed. "Well, I don't know what you've been going through with Shiki, but Maro destroyed a good chunk of the forest back there."

Sephiria cocked an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Just as Train was about to answer the woman's question, he saw the air behind Sephiria blur slightly. "MOVE, SEPHIRIA!"

Train wrapped his arm around Creed's waist and flew them both in the air, pressing the silver man firmly against his chest. Without looking down, Train squeezed his lover tight, and continued launching them in the air until they were hovering above the trees.

Once he was certain they were safe from Maro's attack, he looked down to see if Sephiria was safe as well. Hearing the woman release her infamous efficacious battle cry, Train sighed in relief.

I don't know how she avoided the attack, but she's fine.

Looking down at the ground, Train saw the area they once resided had the grass torn up and trees leaning to the side. One tree was uprooted and looking as though it was about to fall over, but it was hanging on by a thread.

It's not as bad as the other side of the forest, but that was still pretty bad.

"What the hell was that?" Creed asked with an astonished voice, his arms wrapping securely around Train's neck.

Train turned to his partner, his heart relieved that Creed was safe. "Maro... Told you I think he leveled up."

Creed frowned as he scanned the area. "I didn't think it was possible for those two to level up."

Train frowned. "Why?"

Creed's blue eyes were brimming with confusion. "Because they are organic Taoist. Unlike us, they were born with the Tao, and I thought those born with the Tao reached their potential the moment they were born. I always believed they could only master the ability they had been naturally blessed with, not level it up."

Train kept his worried eyes on his partner as he spoke. "It could just be that they've fully mastered their powers and discovered what else they could do. Is there really a way of telling whether they've leveled up or finally mastered it?"

Creed frowned and turned back to his beloved. "Guess there isn't. But either way, it doesn't matter. The fact is they are both stronger than before, and we need to lend our former leader a hand."

Train nodded in agreement, then gave the man a concerned look. "Are you sure you're okay?"

Creed locked eyes with his beloved, smiling tenderly as he leaned closer to the golden man. He gingerly pressed his lips against Train's, applying a subtle amount of pressure so he could feel more of his lover's soothing heat. The kiss didn't last long, but it was sweet and tender enough to comfort Train's worried heart.

When Creed pulled away, he placed his hand against the cat's cheek, delicately caressing it as he spoke. "I am now. And I will be as long as you stay by my side."

Train gave Creed a confident smile, loosening his hold on his partner. "Ready?"

Knowing exactly what Train was going to do, Creed nodded and activated his Imagine Blade to level three. "Ready."

Using his Tao, Train pushed Creed away from him and towards a nearby tree. The swordsman extended his blade towards a branch and wrapped its mouth around it, dangling his body from the large plant's appendage.

Creed swung his body a few times, then released his sword's hold on the branch and landed lightly on the ground. He saw Sephiria and Maro duking it out, noticing the sumo sized Taoist was covered in lacerations, but Number One looked relatively unharmed.

Even with his advanced powers, he still doesn't seem to be a match for Sephiria.

When he saw the woman falling to her knees and stabbing her blade into the ground, he frowned and ran towards them. The air around Sephiria was blurred, which was a sure sign that Maro was trying to pin her to the ground.

Creed ran full speed at the man, then threw himself in the air and over the downed woman, extending his blade again so he could slice at Maro's massive stomach.

Creed watched as the tip of his blade made contact with Maro's flesh, creating a large gash on it as blood slowly seeped from the wound. The silverette landed in front of Sephiria, who was standing up and preparing herself for another attack.

Not wanting to give the Taoist a chance to recover, Creed lifted his blade high in the air, opening its wide, toothy mouth that drooled upon seeing Maro's meaty flesh. Creed sliced it down on the sumo man, aiming it at his shoulder.

Maro let out another painful cry as Creed's blade bit into his shoulder, taking a small chunk of flesh with it when Creed pulled it away. The obese man threw an arm forward in an attempt to pin Creed to the ground, but the silverette leapt into the air again and hurled himself above Maro's head.

Creed smirked at the man as he flipped above the Taoist's head in the air, landing on the other side of Maro and slicing at his back. He left a large gash there that released more blood into the folds of his fat.

Creed's ears perked when he heard a faint buzzing sound getting closer to him, but his sword reacted before he could.

The Imagine Blade acted on its own as it bent itself in half, chomping at a small bug that was only a few inches away from his neck. It was so small that Creed wasn't even sure if it was a bug, or a speck of dust that had been kicked up during the fight.

The silver man gave his blade a confused look, not used to it reacting on its own.

And to react that way for something that small? I could barely see it. I'm not sure how I even heard it.

His other ear perked when he heard buzzing coming from the other side of his face, but again his sword reacted before he could and ate that bug as well.

Again, the swordsman frowned in confusion. "Why the dramatics? It's just one tiny bug…"

His Imagine Blade gave him a panicked look, as if it were trying to tell him something.

It's only supposed to react to my emotions and instincts. Does this mean my instincts are reacting to something I'm too distracted to notice?

Creed scanned the sky to look for Train, his heart racing as he searched.

Is it just my paranoia about Train being in trouble?

"DISKENTH! GET BACK INTO THE FIGHT!"

Creed turned his gaze back to Sephiria who was putting on quite the acrobatic show to avoid Maro's never ending gravity attacks. None of the fat man's attacks were very big, but considering how the trees they hit instead of Sephiria shattered, Creed would tell they were powerful.

Deciding he didn't have time to question the attempts of Shiki's tiniest bugs trying to munch on his flesh, nor did he have the mental capacity to understand his sword's strange actions, Creed ran at Maro's again.

Creed extended his blade enough so its toothy mouth was inches from Maro's neck. With a mischievous smirk on his face, the silver man mentally commanded his sword to stick its tongue out and lick the back of the Taoist's neck, snickering as Maro's gargantuan hand reached back and smacked the slimy appendage away.

The large man turned around and glared at Creed, who had an infuriating cheeky smile on his face.

Maro clenched his fists and stumbled towards the man, blood and dirt covering his body as he attempted to raise his weakened hand. "Between you and your partner, I think I'm getting an ulcer."

Creed frowned. "With a diet like yours, how can you be sure it's not just heartburn or indigestion?"

Maro's vision was blurring from blood loss, but his rage kept him moving forward. "You useless… pathetic… piece of trash…"

Creed pouted and readied his blade. "I forgot how mean you can be."

Train must have really worn him out. If I can get one last hit in, he might be down for the count. Then we just have to deal with Shiki.

Creed scanned the sky again in hopes he'd see his beloved.

I thought you were going to stay by my side this time, Train…

As the swordsman raised his blade to attack, aiming the blunt end at Maro's head in hopes it would knock him out and end the fight, his weapon again acted on its own. It turned around and chomped at the air behind Creed's neck, eating what the silverette assumed was another small bug.

Creed cursed as he tried to regain control of his blade, which was curving around his body again to eat yet another bug.

What the hell is going on?! Why is the Imagine Blade obsessed with these small bugs?!

Maro's low chuckle entered his ears. "Looks like your sword isn't listening to you. Guess it has taken a liking to Shiki's bugs. That, or it's revolting against you."

Creed cursed again as he tried to pull his blade back around, but it was more focused on eating the small bugs surrounding him than listening to him. On top of that, Shiki's small bugs seemed to be growing more eager to taste his flesh, yet instead of coming in swarms, they came one by one, each having their own go at Creed's neck.

It's as if they're trying to sneak up on me. But why?

That thought made Creed weary of the bugs and a little grateful his blade was protecting him. However, he was frustrated since he couldn't use his weapon to defend himself against Maro.

Damnit! What the hell is going on?!

Maro lifted his trembling arms and slammed them towards the ground, pushing Creed down and pinning him to the dirt. The silver man grunted in pain when his face made contact with the earth, trying to push himself up, but unable to fight the force of Maro's attack.

Where the hell is Sephiria?! Where's Train?!

Creed felt his blade circling the air around him, searching for more of those hungry bugs. As his sword fought the meager insects, Creed felt his defenseless body get pushed further into the ground, his fingers digging into the dirt and grass.

The swordsman tried to claw himself out, but his efforts were futile.

He struggled for a few more seconds, then felt the air around him lessen dramatically as Maro let out a scream. As soon as Creed felt the tyrannical gravity disappear, he stood up and yanked his blade back towards him, locking angry eyes with it.

"Get it together!" Creed whispered heatedly at the object, smacking the dull end slightly with the back of his hand.

Creed felt an arm slide around his waist and fly him in the air. He didn't struggle since he knew there was only one person who was capable of making him fly.

Train sat them on a tree's branch, grabbing the silver man's shoulders as he checked him over. "Are you okay?!"

Confused at his love's concern, Creed cupped each of Train's cheeks. "Yes, Train, I'm fine. I told you before that I'm fine. Why do you look so worried? It's my job to be unduly concerned for your safety. Not you to be inordinately concerned about mine."

Train sighed in relief. "It looked like your blade was reacting erratically and since I know it reacts to your emotions, I was worried something happened to you."

Creed frowned at his blade, who was giving Train the same love sick puppy look it always did.

At least that is still normal…

"I don't know why it's acting like that. It keeps eating these small bugs that seem-"

"-Insistent on biting you?"

Creed blinked in confusion at his beloved. "Yeah… How did you-"

"-I think Shiki is up to something." Train said as he scanned the air around them, searching for more bugs. "It's like the swarms and seals he keeps sending at me are a distraction for these nearly microscopic bugs that are obsessed with biting me."

Creed deepened his frown and glanced at his sword that was still smiling rapturously at Train. "You sound so certain…"

Train placed his hands on top of Creed's, which were still resting on his cheeks. "Just a gut feeling… Maybe it's nothing."

Creed studied the beautiful man's perfect features for a moment, then pressed their foreheads together. "I trust your instincts, Train. If you feel like Shiki is up to something, he's probably up to something."

Creed lifted his head and widened his eyes slightly as a thought occurred to him. "Now that I think about it… Shiki was sending these small bugs after me before you arrived as well."

Train looked back at his lover. "Really?"

Creed slowly nodded his head. "Yeah… And my Imagine Blade was acting up as well, but it wasn't as drastic as it was just now. I assumed it was because I was worried about you."

Train frowned, then looked at the ground. "Guess we need to watch each other's backs now more than ever."

Creed nodded, breathing in Train for a quick second, then unwillingly pulled away. "We better join the fray again before Mama Sephiria notices and scolds us again."

Train gave his partner one last smirk, then leapt from the tree and landed directly between Shiki and Sephiria. He glanced back at Number One, who gave him an annoyed look, but immediately turned away as Maro sent another wall of gravity at her.

The woman darted to the side and ran at the man, sword drawn and slashing at his already wounded body.

Creed, seeing Sephiria had Maro covered, looked to his beloved, who was having a blast annoying Shiki with his childish antics.

Train cackled wildly as he cartwheeled away from a seal. "MISSED ME! MISSED ME! NOW YOU GOTTA- Oh… wait no, never mind, I don't want that last part from you."

Shiki growled and threw another seal in the air which released a new swarm of bugs. "YOUR LIFE ENDS HERE, BLACK CAT!"

Creed took that moment to re-enter the fight, jumping out of the tree and into the sky, extending his blade to slice the Bug Taoist's seal in half. It split in two, sparking slightly as he ripped it apart, then landed on the ground next to his Kitten.

The silver man glared at Shiki. "...If you really want to end his life, you're going to have to work on your aim."

Shiki narrowed his eyes at the silverette, then reached into his coat and pulled out more seals. He threw two of them in the direction of Creed and Train, who sliced and shot them out of the air.

While they were distracted with the first two seals, Shiki aimed two more at the ground a few feet in front of his enemies. As soon as the seals landed on the dirt, they exploded in a large cloud of smoke, revealing two colossal centipede-like creatures.

Steam spiraled from the monstrous bugs' mammoth bodies, a horrific clicking sound emitting from their nauseating maws. Their heads twitched eerily in unison as their legs drummed unnervingly against the ground.

Behind them, Shiki stood with his arms crossed against his small chest, giving the creatures a proud look.

Train grimaced as he stared at the disgusting anomalies. "Gross."

Creed smirked. "We've fought worse."

Train glanced between his partner at the bugs. "When the hell have we fought something more disgusting than those things?!"

Creed chuckled. "I'd say you did just a few minutes ago with Maro."

Train chuckled. "Fair enough. Guess these things do look more cuddly than that man." He gave Shiki an apologetic look. "Sorry! Didn't mean to offend your lover!"

Shiki clenched his fists, unfolded his arms and pointed in the directions of the duo. "STRIKE!"

The bugs let out a ghastly screech and scurried towards Creed and Train. Creed readied his blade as Train sparked his body and charged at the creatures. The silver man ran forward as well, but stopped when his blade bent backwards and began chomping at the air again.

Creed jerked his head around and growled in frustration. "Again with this?! Now's not the time to be distracted by the little things in life!"

He tried to yank his sword away and turned his head back towards Train. The cat was zapping, shooting, and freezing the bugs all by himself, all while using his wind attack to keep Shiki's seals at bay.

We need to help Train! You know there's nothing more important than keeping Train safe, right?!

As he tried to pull his blade to the battle his beloved was currently fighting, Creed saw a look of determination in the sword's cartoonish eyes.

He… does think he's protecting Train. But from what? What's so dangerous about these flies?

Creed glanced at his beloved, who had successfully shot a hole through one of the bugs' torso as he pinned the other down with his wind ability.

How could these mosquitoes be more threatening than those things?

"HEY CREED! What's the hold up?!"

Creed glared at his blade. "This nuisance of a sword is acting up again! I'll be there soon!"

Train frowned at Creed, watching as the silver man struggled with his blade that seemed more interested in biting the allegedly empty sky. Without looking, he aimed his gun over his shoulder, and shot at one of the large bugs directly through its eye.

He looked over his shoulders at Shiki and frowned. "Do you care to explain what the hell these small bugs of yours are about?"

Train could tell the man was giving him a confused look beneath his wrappings. "Small bugs? What are you talking about? The only time I use small bugs is when they are in swarms. Why would I waste my time sending small bugs after you when big ones work so much better?"

The Black Cat's ears perked when he heard raucous buzzing coming from behind him. Apparently while he was focused on his partner's inability to control his blade, Shiki threw another seal, which formed another bug just as large as the centipedes.

Only difference was, the new bug looked like a wasp.

Train leapt to the side as the wasp charged at him, narrowly avoiding its massive stinger. From the quick look he got of the wasp's needle, Train could tell it was not something he wanted to mess with.

This one seems faster than the others. Damnit Imagine Blade, get it together!

Train had successfully taken care of one of the centipedes, but the other one was still alive. He was actually surprised at how easy the first one went down, but now that there was a giant wasp to contend with, he wasn't sure how effortlessly he'd be able to deal with the other one.

Train leapt into the air and hovered above the centipede as it attempted to latch onto his arm with its imposing gullet, uncomfortable with how close he was to the creature's deadly fangs.

As he flew, Train's ears perked again when he heard the wasp's buzzing quickly approaching from his left. Without turning his gaze away from his lover, Train shot his left hand out and sent a lightning bolt at the flying menace.

His lightning attack landed directly on the wasp's back, burning its wings to a crisp, forcing it out of the sky. As it teetered towards the ground, it began to slowly turn into dust, as if it only needed one hit to take it down.

"Huh… That was a lot weaker than I expected it to be."

All of the bugs he's sent at me have been that way. Just like the centipede, they've all been a cinch to take care of.

Hearing the second centipede scurrying beneath him, Train turned towards the remaining centipede. With a disappointed frown on his face, the cat flicked his left head in an upwards motion, launching the large bug into the air.

The gunman watched as it shot up to his line of sight, then swatted his hand down, slamming the bug back onto the hard Earth. It burst upon impact, but instead of splattering the way a bug normally would, it disintegrated similarly to the wasp.

When Train turned to check on Creed, he jumped when he saw the Imagine Blade gingerly munching the air next to his ear. Train blinked at the sword, locking eyes with it as it, once again, gave him a puppy dog look.

In the distance behind the blade, Train could see his lover giving him a concerned look. Train gave the silver man a two finger salute and a wink, letting Creed know he was okay.

Creed smiled at his beloved, but was forced to jump away as Shiki tossed a seal that released another giant wasp. His Imagine Blade unwillingly twisted away from Train and towards its master, attacking the air quickly before going after the wasp.

Train frowned as he watched his partner battle the bug, sparking his fingers and zapping the air next to him as another small bug tried to bite him. "What is up with these damn bugs?"

Train's attention was brought upwards as a portal opened above his head. He aimed Hades at the hole, prepared to be attacked from above, then widened his eyes at what fell out.

He quickly put his gun away and extended his arms, flying himself in the air to catch the falling man. With a gentle thump, the petite frame of Number X landed in his arms, his body bloody and bruised, his clothes torn and tattered, and his hair matted with various liquids.

"Lin?!" Train asked in a panicked tone as he lowered their bodies to the ground. "Lin?! Lin, can you hear me?! Are you okay?!"

Lin's eyes were shut, but a small, weak smile spread across his lips the moment he heard Train's voice. "Do… I look okay?"

Train frowned as he sat himself on the ground and positioned his former lover so he was sitting on his lap. He leaned Lin's body against his chest, placing the man's bloody head against his shoulder as he gingerly wrapped his arms around the small man.

Train held the man close, panic filling his eyes as he took his former lover in. The only time he had seen the man in worse shape was when he was impaled. "What the hell happened?!"

Lin's smile never faded as he relaxed into Train's arms, the pain in his body lessening as he settled into his Sweet Love's embrace. "This… is the result of fighting… two Taoists… with no healing abilities… and refusing to kill them…"

Train's heard stopped when he heard that. "You didn't kill them?!"

Lin shook his head. "No… I haven't killed before, and I won't start now… I refuse. I don't want to be a killer and… I don't want you to look at me differently…"

Train activated his healing bots, concentrating them into the assassin's body. "Idiot… I could never look at you differently. Were you alone? Who were you fighting?"

Lin wanted to be annoyed at how many consecutive questions his Sweetness was asking him, but the warmth of Train's arms and his Nanomachines made that impossible. "I was fighting… Eathes and Durham… I was with Aliane…"

He took in a painful sigh as he spoke. "I'm… I'm sorry I didn't keep my promise, Train… I'm sorry I didn't get to E…"

Train continued concentrating on healing his friend's body, forgetting about the war happening around him. "Shut up. Don't worry about that right now. Worry about breathing."

Train's heart was beating fast as he healed his friend. "Why aren't they with you? Where are they now?"

Lin shrugged, the pain in his body dwindling as Train slowly healed him. His breathing was feeling less labored, which made it easier for him to talk. "I don't know. Eathes was helping us find the Apostles hideout and just as I was about to pass out, I fell through a portal."

Train shook his head in confusion. "I have so many questions about what you just said, but right now it doesn't matter. What matters is that you don't die."

Lin chuckled, the gesture only slightly painful as his body shined brightly with a beautiful shade of blue. He opened his and gazed longingly at Train, letting out a peaceful sigh as he snuggled his face as far into Train's chest as he could.

"I'm so happy you're okay, Train…"

Train did not stop Lin from snuggling into his chest. "While I may not completely understand what's going on, I'm happy that you fell into my lap before it was too late."

Lin giggled, feeling a bit of his old self come back and Train healed him. "I'll never not be happy to fall into your lap, Train."

Train rolled his eyes, but smiled as Lin shut his eyes. "I expect nothing less of you."

As he healed Lin, he felt a burning sensation sting the back of his neck. The feeling was annoying enough that his hand instinctively slapped the spot it came from, but not so painful he deactivated his healing bots.

He brought his hand back to his face, frowning at the small black smug he saw between his fingers. "What the…?"

Lin opened his eyes when he felt Train move, frowning at his Sweet Love's confused look. "What's wrong?"

Train shook his head and wiped his hand on his thigh, then placed it back on Lin's shoulder, healing the gash on his flesh. "Just a mosquito. Nothing serio-"

Train cut off his own sentence as a thought occurred to him. "Shit, was that Shiki…?"

Lin frowned, opening his mouth to speak but grunted instead when Train dropped him. Train healed him enough that he could push himself up with his hands, which he did as he tried to get a better look at Train's face.

"Train…?" Lin asked as the cat slowly curled into a ball. "Train… Train, what's wrong?"

Train's arms were beginning to tremble as a familiar feeling of empty, unfounded aggression took over. His mind filled with violent thoughts and when he peaked between his fingers, he noticed that his vision was blurring and his body felt cold.

"Lin…" Train whispered, trying to use the last of his authentic self to warn the man. "…Run."

Lin blinked a fews times in confusion at his Sweetness, then ran to the side when he saw Train reach for his gun. He scrambled away from the Black Cat as Train's body sparked with electricity, the gunman summoning a bolt of lightning that narrowly missed Lin's leg.

He rolled over and watched as Train hovered in the air, the cat's normally warm, golden eyes turning cold and dark. The only time Lin had seen Train in such a volatile state was when they rescued him from the Apostles.

"What… the hell is going on, Train?!"

The cat did not answer as his eyes turned a malicious shade of blue, his hair fraying and circling his face as if he were a fallen angel. Lin tried to approach his Sweetness, but was yanked backwards by an unseen force.

Before he could react, Number X was pulled behind a tree by said force, his head slamming against the bark as a harsh voice entered his ear.

"What the fuck happened to Train?!"

Lin recognized the voice and couldn't help the harsh tone he used to respond. "How the fuck should I know?! One minute I was nearly dying, the next Train was healing me, and now this!"

Creed glowered at the man, then turned to his beloved who was still hovering. "...Did that bug get him?"

Lin cocked an eyebrow. "What?"

Creed ignored the man's question and stepped out from behind the tree, slowly approaching his beloved. He spoke in a calm, loving tone, hoping that would reach his partner.

"Train… What's going on? What happened?"

Train's response was not one Creed was expecting. It was as if his voice triggered something in the cat, awakening a beast the swordsman had never seen before.

Creed leapt out of the way to dodge a lightning bolt, his Imagine Blade weeping as it swallowed the bullets Train shot at him. Next thing Creed knew, he was being shoved against the tree Lin hid behind as the gunman threw a gust of wind at him.

Creed grunted, then sprinted to the side to avoid another bolt. The attack hit the tree and split it in half, revealing Lin who had pulled out his cloak at the last minute to protect himself.

The silver man glanced over his shoulder as he ran.

What the hell is going on?! Does this have something to do with those damn bugs?

Creed glanced at his sword who seemed distracted by Train's sudden change in demeanor. That didn't surprise the silver man since he was confused as well.

It has to… What else could it be? But… how?

As Creed ran away from his partner, he winced when he felt a sting on the side of his neck. Instinctively, he slapped at his skin, glancing down at his hand to see what he killed.

Seeing a black smudge, he frowned. "What the…?"

As he ran, Creed felt his heart stop momentarily and his body freeze. The silverette dropped his sword and fell to his knees, his body going cold as his vision blurred. All the distressed thoughts that consumed him mere moments ago were swiftly replaced with thought of violence and murder as the world around him faded.

No… Train…

Creed tried to cling to the feelings of love he had for his fiancé, but as darkness took over, he found it more and more difficult to keep Train's dazzling smile in his mind.

What… is going… on…

Shiki's sinister voice entered his ear. "I guess Number X was meant to be a distraction for the Black Cat… And it looks like it turned into a two for one deal."

The Bug Taoist's voice sounded distant, but Creed could hear the last thing the man said. "...It's going to be fun watching you kill the Black Cat."

---

Translations:

"Your beauty and allure is truly unfair, Train Heartnet…"