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

73. Overcoming the Odds

A discordant, calamitous scream resounded disturbingly in the background as Lin fell to his knees and began hyperventilating. After taking several pained, maniacal breaths, the petite man's jaw dropped as the contents of his stomach stumbled rebelliously out of his mouth.

Once his body was void of its fluids, he fell forward on his hands and felt the color drain from his face. Within seconds, paralysis took over as a cloud of numbness shrouded his diminutive frame. The world around him dimmed and his vision blurred as vertigo threatened his conscious state.

Behind Number X was Kyoko who had frozen to the spot the moment she saw Creed's blade stab through Train's heart. Her reaction to the event was similar to Lin's, except she did not collapse, nor did she throw up.

Instead, the girl stood rooted to the spot behind Lin, her body trembling as her lips quivered. Even though no sound escaped her lips, she mouthed Train's name over and over again, as if that would somehow awaken the man she admired most.

Several feet away from Train's friends stood Chronos. Even though they weren't as close to the scene as everyone else, they were able to see what happened as clear as day. It was hard to miss considering the big show the drugged lovers were putting on.

Belze stared in disbelief at the shield protruding from Creed's arm, mesmerized by its vigilant eyes that burned with the hot red intensity of a thousand suns. Unlike Creed's Imagine Blade, it had no mouth, just two eyes that bore holes into the soul of whoever dared to look at it.

Behind the silver man laid the lifeless, bleeding form of Train Heartnet. His eyes were shut and his lips were a straight, flat, dull line as his lifeforce continued to seep poignantly from the slice in his chest. The abundance of blood that oozed from the cat's body and soaked the earth was enough to let Number II know Creed had stabbed his blade straight through Train's heart.

Creed's newly formed shield wrapped around his forearm, then snaked behind his body, onto the ground, and coiled around Train's inanimate figure. The shield created an aura around both of the men, encasing them in a bright orange hue. The armor was transparent, yet solid, and Belze could tell he wouldn't be able to break through if he tried.

Is… Creed protecting Heartnet with that thing? Has he… not accepted what he's done?

When Belze glanced at the silver man's face, he saw the absolute destitution on Creed's face that mixed and mingled atrociously with a grueling pain Number II knew he'd never be able to experience in a million lifetimes.

That face says he knows exactly what he's done…

Belze glanced to the portal that had deposited the new plethora of enemies.

It's still open… Now might be our only chance.

Noticing all eyes were currently on Creed, Belze grabbed Sephiria's shoulder, jolting the woman out of her daze.

He gestured towards the open portal. "Sephiria… You need to get to Charden. Now."

Sephiria could not take her eyes off the scene, but managed to respond. "I can't leave you at a time like this. Creed looks like he's about to slip off the deep end."

Belze gave her a slow nod. "Which is exactly why you need to go. He's in no shape to defeat Charden as he is, and Train…" He shook his head to stop himself, knowing finishing the sentence would only hurt his leader. "...You need to go. You're our last hope."

Sephiria gripped her sword. "...What about you?"

Belze gritted his teeth. "I'll finish what you started. And if it comes to it… I'll finish off Creed as well."

Sephiria winced painfully at the man's words, then nodded. "I understand. But…" She stared at Train's dead body. "...Will you be okay?"

Belze tried to give her a confident look, but knew it wasn't possible given the circumstance. "I've brought the best backup I could imagine. We'll be fine."

He gave her a firm look. "Go. I've got this."

Sephiria stared up at the man, then glanced back at Train.

Train…

She felt a tear beginning to fall from her cheek, then sprinted off towards the portal that had opened. With the image of Train's dead body etched into her mind, Sephiria leapt through the black hole, praying to whatever Gods that may have existed to give her the strength she needed to finish off the Apostles.

I'll do it in your honor, Train.

Belze watched his leader disappear into the portal, choosing not to question why it remained open after releasing all those people. As far as he was concerned, it had fulfilled its purpose once the last person stepped out of it.

Belze felt something soft flick lightly against his cheek, bringing his attention away from the portal that had now vanished and to the beasts he had recently tamed.

Aja gave him a skeptical look, followed by a quiet mewl as if she was questioning what her next orders were. Next to her was Aztec, who seemed to be transfixed on the war that had come to a sudden halt upon the Black Cat's demise.

Number II placed a hand on the panther's head, giving her a gentle pat as he stepped closer. "We've stood here long enough. It's time to get back on track."

Aja lowered herself so Belze could jump on top of her, then stood up when she felt the man pat her shoulder. As the beast hovered in the air, Number II gave one last sympathetic look to Creed and Train.

With a pained look on his face, Belze spoke in a soft, sad tone. "I'm sorry, Creed. I wish I could have been of more help to you."

Eve, who had been the closest to the duo when the blade was plunged through Train's heart, stood in stunned shock. She was unable to move, unable to speak, frozen to the ground with her eyes glued to the gunman's lifeless body.

"T… Train…?" She whispered, but it was so quiet, even she did not hear herself. "T… Train…?"

The girl was not aware she was speaking. Her mind had gone blank as images of her life with Train filled her mind. Pictures of Train's cheeky smile, his goofy face, and the mischievous glint in his eyes passed almost maliciously through her head as if her brain was trying to hurt her more by reminding her of what the cat used to look like.

However, they all went by so fast, the Bio-girl didn't have a chance to truly appreciate them.

"Train…?" She questioned again, as if the upwards inflection of her voice would force the cat to wake up.

She heard Lin's scream for only a second before the ringing took over her auditory senses. The ringing became so loud, she was unable to hear anything except it. She was unable to hear what Creed had said to the Bug Taoist, who seemed to be just as shocked as everyone else. But for different reasons.

That was then that Eve's eyes finally let her see what had become of Creed. She blinked a few times, attempting to focus her blurred vision so she could understand what was wrapped around the silver man's body.

"C… Creed…?"

Creed did not acknowledge the girl. Instead, he stood vigilantly in front of Train's body, his eyes glossing over with unshed tears. The sunset aura that surrounded the swordsman's body curved around his back and wrapped around Train's as well. It looked like Creed was trying to protect the gunman.

But… It's too late for that…

Eve's first thoughts sent a wave of agonizing pain down her back.

"Creed… He's already-"

Her words were cut off as Creed released another harrowing scream, the clamorous sound he emitted sounding inhuman. The look in the silverette's eyes matched the tumultuous howl he bellowed, both looking and sounding as if a demon had possessed him.

He… He broke out of the drug… right…?

She watched with an empty expression as Creed threw himself at Shiki, who ripped out a seal to block the Imagine Blade's mouth just before it sunk its teeth into his neck. Despite how detached her soul was from her body, Eve managed to stay grounded and forced logic back into her thoughts.

He is. I saw him reciprocate Train's kiss. He's just… fallen off the deep end because…

Eve shook her head, unwilling to finish her thoughts since a part of her still refused to believe the images her eyes were sending to her brain.

"Creed… Don't… Stop…"

Creed slashed down at the small Taoist over and over again, sparks flying each time his blade met one of Shiki's seals. The miniature man was struggling to keep up with Creed's attacks, and after several more attempts, the swordsman finally made contact.

The Imagine Blade's teeth sliced at Shiki's chest, ripping the small man's clothing off and tearing apart his flesh. Blood littered the air and splattered on the ground as Shiki tried to pull out another seal. However, as he reached into one of his torn wrappings, Creed's blade dug its teeth into his wrist, chomping down and crushing the Taoists' bones.

Shiki released an excruciating howl of pain and fell backwards, dragging his body against the ground as he tried to get away from Creed. The silver man followed after the petite Taoist, eyes glowing with rage and heartbreak.

"You…" He hissed, the orange aura surrounding him growing brighter the closer he got to Shiki. "Will pay…"

Shiki coughed out blood as he dragged his body away from Creed, using the hand he knew wasn't broken to search for more seals. He cursed when he realized he had lost most of what he had left after Creed sliced his shirt open.

Despite the fury at which Creed attacked him, the swordsman's feet were moving slowly. Shiki believed it was because he was saving all his speed and energy for his attacks, but when he looked behind the man, he realized there was something else going on.

The ominous, orange shield that wrapped around Creed's body extended behind his back, creating a tunneled path all the way to the Black Cat. It bulged around Train's body, floating the golden man slightly in the air, his lifeless limbs hanging uselessly at his sides.

Is he walking slow so he doesn't break the shield around Heartnet? Or has he just completely lost it?

While the Tao created armor was transparent and a bit undulated, the way it bent the grass and trembled in the air made Shiki believe it was solid, thus proving its purpose was to protect instead of attack. The shield-like object may have seemed unstable, but Shiki had a feeling that was due to Creed's current mental state.

It must react to his emotions just like his blade does. That's probably why it looks so erratic.

Shiki's thoughts were cut off as Creed's Imagine Blade dug into his shoulder, ripping out another chunk of flesh. He shot the hand that was still intact to the shoulder, trying to stop more blood from leaving his body. Before he had a chance to look away from Train, the silver man sliced horizontally at his abdomen, creating another gash along his stomach.

He screamed again as he used his legs to push his body back, trying to kick himself away from the man he was certain was going to kill him.

Did the Black Cat's death cause him to revert back to his former ways?! Is his goal now to kill us all?!

As he stared into Creed's red, tear stained eyes, Shiki shivered, then winced in pain at the motion caused. It was impossible to tell what his former leader was thinking, and Shiki didn't plan on testing the man's limits.

He's severely injured. How is he able to move so purposefully?!

As Shiki continued gazing into the distraught man's eyes, he realized it was heartbreak and rage that kept him moving forward.

Shit! This isn't good. Where the hell is Maro?!

As if reading his thoughts, Shiki heard the sumo sized man calling out to him.

"SHIKI! COVER YOURSELF!"

Shiki thought that was an odd request, but seeing as he had no choice, he did as he was told.

Shiki pressed his back firmly against the ground and covered his face with his hands. As soon as he did that, he felt an immense compression of force pass over his head and in the direction Creed was standing, signaling his partner had made his move.

However, before Shiki could release an abated sigh, he heard Creed let out another monstrous scream. Between his fingers, the Bug Taoist could see a blazing orange hue passing over his body, shoving aside the gravity ball Maro sent at him.

A massive explosion erupted when Creed's Imagine Shield met Maro's gravity ball, causing another scream to leave Shiki's lips. He felt his chest, stomach, and face being scorched by the collision, burning off whatever was left of his wrappings, leaving only the long, thick fabric around his legs.

As the orange hue grew brighter, Creed's scream grew nearer. The silver man sprinted over Shiki's body and towards his new opponent, the orange channel connecting him to the Black Cat now pinning the Bug Taoist to the ground.

Shiki struggled beneath the barrier, clawing with his unbroken hand in an attempt to get out from underneath the board, unsteady armor. The orange tunnel-like shield burned his flesh and charred his skin, nearly tearing the meat off his bones as he tried to dig his way out.

So hot! Why is it hot?!

After a few more excruciating seconds, Shiki finally clawed his way to freedom and panted for air. He rolled onto all fours, wincing as he applied pressure to his broken wrist and scanned the area for his partner.

When he heard Creed's heinous scream, Shiki jerked his head in the direction it had come from. He watched in horror as the swordsman stabbed his Imagine Blade into Maro's shoulder, pinning the man to a tree.

Maro toiled against the tree and wrapped his meat fingers around Creed's blade, attempting to pull it out. When Creed felt his captive trying to free himself, he applied more pressure to his blade and brought his shield arm forward, pressing it against Maro's obese chest.

Maro howled in pain and gritted his teeth as the shield scalded his chest, branding him with a large circle. The Imagine Shield's eyes imprinted on his skin as the smell of burnt flesh filled the sky.

Tears spilled relentlessly down Creed's cheeks as he spoke. "You… You took him from me…"

He lowered his head, the never ending salty liquid muddying the Earth. "I… couldn't protect him…"

The swordsman's shield burned brighter at those words, as if it were responding to his depressing statement. Creed lifted his head and glanced over his shoulder where his beloved was, wretchedness filling his chest as he choked on another sob.

"Train…" Creed whispered as he pushed his body harder into Maro's, unable to hear the man's strained curses behind the painful screams in his head. "Train… I'm so sorry…"

Despite how far away he now was from his fiancé, Creed's shield remained wrapped around the cat's body. It curved and twisted around a few trees, quaking slightly in the sunlight, its heat setting small fires all along the grass.

Train…

Creed gasped painfully and turned away from his beloved.

Train…

"CREED!"

Creed's eyes shot up when his name called, but he did not ease up on Maro. Directly above his head he saw Eve flying, her white wings reflecting beautifully off the sunlight. Had Creed not been so distraught, he would have noticed how elegant she looked floating in the clear blue sky.

Creed narrowed his eyes and applied more pressure to his opponent. "GET OUT OF HERE, EVE!"

Eve returned the man's glare and spat out her next words. "LIKE HELL I WILL! WHAT MAKES YOU THINK I'M GOING TO LEAVE YOU IN A PLACE LIKE THIS?!"

Creed gritted his teeth and shook his head, lowering his gaze to the ground as more tears fell. "It… It doesn't matter…"

It's okay, Eve… Please don't worry about me…

He choked on another sob and dug his blade further into Maro's shoulder. "Nothing matters… Nothing matters anymore…"

I'll be happy again soon… I just… need to finish this…

Creed raised his head and looked up at Eve. "JUST GET OUT OF HERE AND LET ME DO WHAT I NEED TO DO!"

Let me get this over with so I can be with Train again…

Eve growled, able to tell what the man was thinking just by looking at his face. "IS THAT WHAT TRAIN WOULD WANT?!"

Creed froze and stopped digging her blade and shield into Maro. "Train…"

No… he wouldn't want me to take a life…

He raised his eyes to meet Maro's, guilt taking over as he took in the damage he had done. "I… I don't want to take a life…"

But… I also don't want to live without him…

Creed glanced over his shoulder again, watching as his Kitten's graceful body hovered celestially in his protective, apricot aura. Like an angel with its wings clipped. Even with the life drained from his body, Train looked as beautiful as ever.

I… can't live without him...

"Don't forget who you are, Creed! Who he was!"

Eve's words made the dagger in Creed's heart twist crudely and yank itself out, only for it to replant itself in a slightly fresher section of his heart. Despite the pain, Creed laughed bitterly at the girl, annoyed that his mind couldn't seem to focus on one emotion.

"I will never forget who he is…"

I refuse to speak of him in the past tense because our tenses will be the same soon...

Creed lifted his head and stared at the sky, a despondent, yet resolved smile skating across his pale lips. "...And I'll be joining him soon."

Eve's eyes widened when Creed said those words. "CREED, NO! DON'T-"

Her words were cut off as Creed yanked his blade out of Maro's shoulder and sliced one of Shiki's massive bugs out of the sky. His sword devoured the bug in one bite, then twisted its body around to face the small Taoist.

His blade and shield were getting stronger the more powerful his emotions got, and the more resolved his spirit became.

Eve watched for only a few more seconds before turning back to Train's body, her mind going a million miles a minute. With one last glance at Creed, she twisted her body around and flew towards Train, determined to not let another friend die.

Maybe it's not too late… Maybe if I can just get through that shield…

The silver man glared at Shiki who stood a few feet away from him, panting wildly as his body struggled to stay upright. One of his arms hung limply at the side while his other wrapped around his abdomen, attempting to keep what little blood he had left in his body.

Creed turned away from Maro, his emotions shifting again as he took several slow, steady steps towards the man.

I won't let my shield leave Train's body. I will protect him even in death.

As he took meticulous, firm steps towards Shiki, he felt his body being shoved aside by one of Maro's gravity wall attacks. His feet skidded against the ground as he turned his head to face the fat man, snarling savagely at the Sumo Taoist.

Is it… really worth fighting without Train…?

Creed lifted his shield arm to cut off Maro's gravity attack, then stabbed his blade forward. He extended it until it reached his opponent's thigh, stabbing it into the meaty flesh there, pinning him against the same tree again.

What does it matter if I win if Train isn't here? The fact that he isn't here means I've already lost…

Again, Creed's body was thrown to the side when Shiki threw a giant wasp at him, it's stinger mere inches from his face before his shield reacted on its own to protect him. The silver man slashed the wasp's stinger off, twisting his body around so he could smack his shield into its thorax.

The bug let out a harrowing screech as Creed's shield burnt its body, then vanished right before the swordsman's eyes. The silverette turned his heated glare to Shiki, who had fallen to his knees, but kept the determined look in his eyes.

Nothing matters… Why am I even trying?

With those thoughts in mind, Creed looked back at Maro, watching as the man gasped for breath, his leg pinned to the tree as sweat pooled down his face.

Even though I can't feel it, I can tell I'm injured. Even if I find the will to fight, my body will collapse out of pure exhaustion.

Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Shiki weakly summoning another bug which was far smaller than the last.

Despite that, I… could beat them both now, but…

He glanced between the two men, his inner turmoil matching their outer.

No… No, I couldn't. Because they have resolve. They have a reason to keep going after this war. But I…

He turned to the sky, another tear rolling down his pallid cheeks, his heart beating painfully in his chest, begging Creed to put it out of its misery.

I… Have nothing…

He did not think of Sven, Kyoko, or Rinslet. He did not think of Eve, or his music friends, or the music school his mentor had entrusted to him. He did not think of the life he had worked hard for, since it was all made possible by one person.

I lost… the spark… that kindled my happiness…

Creed shut his eyes and relaxed his body, aware Shiki's new bug was approaching fast.

I lost Train…

He pulled his blade out Maro's body and lowered both of his arms, leaving himself prone to the two attacks coming from either side. He opened his eyes and kept them glued to the sky, searching the clouds for a sign of his beloved.

Creed smiled as the sun playfully peaked out from behind a cloud, its warm rays teasing his body and warming his aching heart. For a moment, he could feel Train smiling at him, could feel his beloved's compassionate, amber eyes shining magnificently down on him, as if beckoning him to the other world.

Train…

He stared at the sky for a moment longer before lowering his head, a serene calmness taking over as he gave his Imagine Blade a sympathetic look. Seeing the salty balls of liquid falling from its eyes, noticing the empty, yet hysterical, tormented expression on its normally maniacal face, Creed smiled.

"It's okay…" He whispered, even though he knew he was talking to himself. "We can see him… We can see him right now, if we wanted to…"

The Imagine Blade seemed to brighten a bit at that statement, hope entering its eyes as he waited for Creed to finish his statement.

Creed lowered his arm, breaking eye contact with the sword. "That's right… We can see him soon…"

He deactivated his Imagine Blade, then turned to the other arm which still had the shield wrapped around it. Unlike his Imagine Blade, the shield was giving him an impassioned, steadfast look, ready to defend Creed and anything else he stood for.

Creed turned his gaze in the direction the shield curved towards, but did not look at the end where he knew Train laid. He couldn't look at his beloved's dead body anymore.

He locked eyes with his shield again, and smiled. "Don't worry… There's nothing left to defend… There's nothing…"

With that solemn sentence spoken, Creed lowered his other arm and deactivated his Imagine Shield, breaking his last tether to Train and to the waking world.

Train… I'll see you soon...

Creed glanced to the side and noticed Maro had been readying what looked to be a massive attack. Turning his head in the opposite direction, he saw Shiki's new bug was only a few feet away. He knew he could easily block both attacks, but had no intention of saving himself.

I have no intention of staying on a planet that does not hold Train anymore…

Creed turned his face to the ground, then shut his eyes, accepting his fate and preparing his body for the physical pain that was sure to come.

No matter what they do to me, no matter how much their attacks may hurt, it will be nowhere near the pain I'm in at Train's departure from his world…

Fear did not fill his body, nor did anxiety or hesitancy tickly his heart. All he could feel was the calming presence of his beloved surrounding his broken frame.

A beautiful presence… Whose life I ended with his own hands…

Creed lowered his head and looked down at his trembling hands, transfixed by the blood that stained his porcelain skin.

Train's blood… Train's blood taints my hands…

He balled them up into fists and brought them to his face, letting out a deep breath as he imagined what it would be like to hold Train in his arms again.

"Train…" He whispered as he heard Maro scream and release his attack, Shiki's bug buzzing close behind him. "Train… I'm coming…"

"LIKE HELL YOU ARE!"

Creed lifted his head and shot his eyes open upon hearing that voice. It was the only voice in the world that was powerful enough to set his heart and soul on fire. When he opened his eyes, he saw a mysterious, dark figure sprinting towards him.

However, a combination of staring at the sun too long and his broken mental state made it impossible for him to make out exactly who or even what was running towards him.

Creed continued staring at the blurred figure, but before he could distinguish whether or not his ears were singing honey-coated lies to him, or his eyes were playing cruel tricks, the black object wrapped around him and flung him into the air.

As Creed felt his body being flown upwards, beneath him he could hear Shiki's bug let out a horrendous screech as Maro's gravity attack made contact with it. That was soon followed by an intense argument between the Taoist, but the black figure had flown Creed too far away to hear what they were squabbling about.

Did they… Did they say Black Cat…?

Creed was too distraught to believe anything he was hearing or seeing. Even the comforting warmth of the arms surrounding him, the familiar strength they held almost enough to make him weep with joy, was not enough to bring him back to reality.

It's not Train… It can't be Train… He's… Gone…

Creed shut his eyes and buried his face into the board, muscular chest his mind was desperately trying to convince him was the one that consoled him every night. He turned his head and pressed his ear against the spot he believed the mystery person's heart to be, another tear rolling down his cheeks as the recognizable rhythm resounded softly in his ear.

It's… It's not him…

His spirit began revivifying and his heart lurched with joy when the arms squeezed him tighter, their velvety, robust fingers clinging firmly to Creed's waist and back. When the silver man felt one of the hands tangle in his hair, gently massaging his scalp, Creed whimpered and dug his fingers into the stranger's shirt.

No… It's not Train! This isn't Train! STOP TRYING TO TRICK ME!

Another tear fell down his cheek as he gagged on another sob, burying his face as far into the ample chest that seemed insistent on convincing him of a reality Creed knew possibly be true.

It's Eve. The only person remaining on this planet that can fly is Eve.

Creed felt his body being settled on the ground, his back placed gently against what he could only assume was a tree. When he felt the figure attempt to pull itself away, Creed clung harder to it, knowing when he saw Eve's face, he'd completely fall apart.

I might just activate my Imagine Blade and stab myself in the heart. It only seems fair that I end my life the same way I ended Train's!

"STOP IT, EVE! STOP TRYING TO CONVINCE ME TO LIVE! STOP TRYING TO CONVINCE ME YOU ARE TRAIN!"

Creed released a loud, ugly sob and pressed his face into the individual's chest, his heart and soul screaming with joy at the familiar scent that entered his nostrils.

However, his mind worked hard to silence his inner ecstasy, repressing the exultation Creed desperately wanted to feel.

"This isn't fair, Eve…" Creed mumbled, punching the Bio-girl's chest. "It's not fair! Why are you disguising yourself as Train?! Are you trying to hurt me?! Are you punishing me for what I did to Train?! To our family?!"

Creed continued punching the girl's chest, ignoring his instincts as they continued to scream at him to look up and stare into his beloved's glorious, golden eyes.

I can't do that… That will be too much! I can't see Train's eyes when I know they aren't real…

"Just… Just stop it, Eve…" Creed whispered as he lowered his fists, his arms falling limp at his side as he wept into the girl's counterfeit chest. "Just… Let me die… Let me go…"

Despite the numbing pain he was in, Creed smiled. "...Let me be with Train… Please…"

It's where I belong…

"...Well, I guess that is true. You do belong where I am. And where I am is right here."

Creed, unaware he had spoken those words out loud, winced at the sweet, dulcet voice that entered his ears, goosebumps prickling his skin at the melodic sound.

Why are you being so cruel, Eve?

The quiet chuckle Eve let out created a whirlwind of emotions in Creed, but the biggest sensation he felt was that of butterflies flapping sanguinely in his stomach. His heart skipped several beats as the arms wrapped around his shoulders again and pressed Creed against the fraudulent chest.

"I'm starting to get a bit offended that you think I'm Eve. Am I really that soft and small, or has she gotten bigger and rougher than I thought?"

Creed froze when he heard the individual say that. The flame of hope began flickering in his heart again, squelching the misanthropic, negative thoughts that had been suppressing any optimism he dared to feel.

No… It… can't be…

"I… Held your body in my arms…" Creed mumbled, slowly pulling his face away from the person's chest. "Your blood… stains my hands…"

And the image of your lifeless body contaminates my soul…

An impatient hand wrapped around his chin and yanked his head up, forcing his lugubrious blue eyes to meet the tenacious golden ones that shined staunchly at him.

The moment Creed's azure irises met Train's amber ones, relief and delectation inundated him. His heart overflowed with serenity and fidelity, his soul burning with ardent desire as he gazed expectantly into his Kitten's eyes.

The way the golden man's eyes sparkled devotedly at him, the way their amber, angelic color reflected magically against the sun, the way they warmed Creed's benumbed heart, the way they roused his comatose soul was something the silverette couldn't ignore.

Nothing in the universe can awaken my spirits like those eyes.

"T…" Creed whispered as he watched his lover's smile curve upwards.

No matter how hard anyone may try, even the most skilled doppelganger could never mimic the tender, passionate playfulness Train Heartnet's eyes possess.

"T… Train…?"

Train chuckled again, sending pleasurable shivers down Creed's body. "In the flesh! Sorry to disappoint you by revealing I'm not Eve, but you were hysterical. I couldn't let you keep thinking that!"

Train's face slackened, his tempting lips ebbing downward as he squeezed Creed's cheeks together, forcing the silver man's lips to pucker like a fish. The cat then began shaking his partner's head, his voice coming out firm and annoyed, letting Creed know how disappointed he was.

"What the hell were you thinking?! I was dead for what, thirty minutes?! Twenty?! And you already gave up?!"

He squeezed Creed's cheeks tighter, not caring if he was hurting the man. "My body wasn't even cold yet and you were trying to throw your life away! I'm so angry with you that if I didn't take a vow to never kill again, I might just shoot you in the head!"

Creed felt more tears falling from his eyes, but knew they were no longer tears of sadness.

Thank God…

The silver man continued crying, but began to laugh slightly at his beloved's irritated face. "I'm sorry…"

Train narrowed his eyes, then sparked his fingers with a subtle level of electricity and shocked his fiancé's face. "I'm sorry, you were mumbling. Speak up!"

Creed laughed a little louder, the sparks assaulting his face causing him zero pain as he continued staring into his beloved's flawless eyes. "I said I'm sorry, Train! But, what else was I supposed to do?! I thought you were dead!"

Despite hearing his partner laugh, he could tell Creed was still struggling with what he believed was reality. It was clear his fiancé was having a hard time getting over his death, even though he wasn't dead.

Well, I guess I was for a little bit.

Train had been close to death before, but never like that before. Not only did he shake Death's hand, but he walked through the door that led to the other side and stepped through the threshold of what would have been his soul's eternity.

I even wiped my feet on the door mat! If it hadn't been for Saya screaming at me until I went back, I might have kept going.

He chuckled as the image of the sweeper girl's red face filled his mind. She screamed so many rude obscenities at him, Train wasn't sure why he ever thought she was sweet in the first place. He actually learned a few new words from her verbal assault.

Thank you… Saya… For saving me again.

Train looked gratefully up at the sky.

I don't know how I'll ever repay you for all that you've done for me. For us.

Train sighed as he felt Creed tremble in his arms, kissing the swordsman's head in an attempt to calm him down.

He's really a mess, but can I honestly say I would have reacted any different?

Train didn't think he would relinquish his life if Creed died, but then again, he didn't think Creed would have done that either. His lover had come a long way from their time at Chronos and the Apostles, and he truly believed that the dark part of his Stallion was long gone.

I guess it's not fair to say what I would and would not have done in his situation. Especially considering the details of it.

Not only was Train dead, but Creed was the one that did it. Creed was the one that plunged his blade into the cat's heart, stopping it from beating and pumping blood through his veins. To make the whole scenario even worse, the blade that coated itself in Train's blood wasn't a real blade. I was Creed's hand transformed into a blade.

He ended my life with his own hand. Literally.

Even if it was only temporary, Creed had been the one to kill the man he loved, and Train couldn't even begin to imagine what that was like.

Even though I was apparently doing the same thing to him, I can't imagine what it felt like to succeed in killing him. And even if he was under that drug's influence, he wouldn't care because he still did it.

Train sighed as he watched his partner weep and laugh in his hand, sympathy flooding his soul as he continued squeezing his fiancé's face.

...I can't be mad at him.

Train removed his fingers from the man's face and gently placed the palms of his hands on either side of Creed's cheeks. Moving their faces closer together, Train pressed their foreheads together, smiling adoringly at his partner.

Still, that's not a good enough reason to forfeit your life.

While staring at his Stallion, Train activated his healing bots and began curing some of his partner's wounds, then finally answered Creed's question.

"...You don't give up. You never give up. You've come too far and worked too hard for the life you have to give up. Even if I'm gone, that doesn't change the life you built for yourself. That doesn't change the responsibilities you have outside of me, and it doesn't change the friendships and bonds you made without my help."

Train made sure his lips brushed against his lover's as he spoke. "You're strong, Creed. Stronger than you think. Stronger than anyone else I know, and more people care about you than you realize. You can't give up. No matter what."

Creed whimpered as he felt his Kitten's lips lightly peck his own, the heat of his beloved's Nanomachines soothing his aching body.

Can't let him heal me for too long. He needs those bots for himself.

He leaned into his lover's sultry hands. "But… I… Thought… And I was the one-"

Train placed his index finger over Creed's lips to prevent him from finishing his statement. "I know what happened, Creed. Eve was able to fill me in before I saved your ass."

Creed gave Train a confused look. "Wha…?"

Train wrapped his arms around Creed's back, keeping his healing bots active as he spoke. "My Nanomachines and Tao never stopped working to heal the wound. They just needed help from our Princess."

Again, Creed blinked in confusion. "But, Eve's at her limit. How did she-"

Train pinched Creed's cheek. "Have more faith in our girl! After all, she's not a kid anymore!"

Creed continued blinking at his lover, then looked around to see if he could see the Bio-girl.

I can still hear the battle, but I can't see anyone.

As if reading his thoughts, Train answered Creed's unspoken concerns. "I flew us far enough away that we can jump back in at any point, but are secluded enough that we can take a break and calm down. Also so I could heal you a bit."

Creed frowned, but leaned into Train's hand that caressed his cheek. "What about everyone else? Don't they need us?"

Train then took Creed's hand into his own, kissing it gently as he healed a nasty gash on it. "The rest of Chronos showed up. Also, did you know Belze tamed Aja and Aztec? I think that means…"

Doctor is dead.

He didn't have a lot of time to talk to Eve, but he was able to get all the important parts of what happened while he was out.

He found out that the rest of Chronos and the Apostles had leapt through a portal, Belze had Kanzaki's creatures under his control, he briefly died, Creed had gone insane, and Sephiria disappeared.

We'll need to track her down, but right now, I need to be here for Creed.

Creed sighed, his body relaxing as he finally accepted his beloved was alive. "...Kanzaki must have been erased. That's the only reason those beasts would leave him and if Belze is controlling them… he must have been the one to finish him off."

Train nodded. "My thoughts exactly."

Train didn't have time to fully reflect on how he felt about Doctor's death, especially since he had not been outright told that was the case. They were only making educated guesses.

I also haven't had the time, nor will I any time soon to find out what happened. But, still… I guess I feel…

"Relieved…"

Train smiled at his partner who had spoken his thoughts out loud. "Is that… bad?"

Creed shook his head and placed his hands on Train's cheeks. "No. It's not. But, we can talk more about that later. Now isn't the time to delve into how we feel about that man's departure from this world."

Train nodded in agreement, then slid his arms around Creed's neck, his bots still active as he pulled the man closer to his body. "Are you okay?"

Creed stared at his beloved for a bit, breathing in his Kitten's scent, relishing the warmth his body emitted, reveling in the pressure his arms provided his neck. He moved his lips closer to the golden man, letting out a quiet breath, before pressing them against Train's.

Train parted his lips the moment he noticed Creed was moving closer, knowing immediately what his partner's intentions were. It wasn't the first time they had engaged in a kiss during the battle, and he knew it was more inappropriate now than it was any of the other times, but he didn't care.

He wanted Creed. He needed Creed.

He let out a quiet moan as he felt Creed's tongue slide into his mouth, massaging his hot, wet muscle as he pressed their chests flush against one another.

We both need this. We need to feel each other, taste each other… Now more than ever.

Train wrapped his legs around Creed's waist, crawling onto his Stallion's lap as he tangled his fingers in the silver man's hair, his Nanomachines still working to heal his partner. He had sustained an extensive amount of injuries, and Train was working hard to fix what he could.

Creed slid his arms down Train's neck and to his back, then gripped gently at the skin there, pressing their lower bodies together and leaning his beloved back slightly. Train had still not deactivated his Nanomachines, so the heat encasing Creed was not just that of pleasure, but also of physical relief.

Train let out a satisfied mewl as Creed deepened the kiss, gripping firmly at his fiancé's silky, silver locks, ignoring the dirt, blood, and debris that matted it. Train arched his back and squeezed Creed closer to his body, wanting nothing more than to taste every inch of the man.

Hearing his Kitten moan and feeling the man arch his back, Creed used one arm to wrap around Train's waist while the other continued caressing his delicate, bruised cheek. He pressed their bodies as close as he possibly could, determined to ward away any doubt about Train's safety.

His body throbbed with pain and his muscles trembled with fatigue, but he didn't care. The heat Train's body provided was enough to forget the turmoil he was in. Even if it was simply a fleeting moment in time, it was enough.

He's alive…

Creed pressed his lips harder against Train's, his tongue dancing, twirling, and massaging every curve in the Black Cat's mouth.

Train is alive! He's alive!

He smiled as he felt a tear fall down his cheek, which Train wiped away. The gunman tangled his fingers back into Creed's hair, pulling the silver man's mouth firmly, yet gently against his own, deciding he was going to do whatever it took to convince his lover that he wasn't dead.

"My Stallion…" Train whispered between their pecks. "I love you… I love you, Creed…"

Creed's heart soared as he kissed his beloved, being both gentle, yet firm. He didn't want to hurt his Kitten, but his body craved the feel of Train's lips against his own. His heart wanted nothing more than to leap out of his chest and into Train's, his soul desperate to intertwine itself with the Black Cat's.

"I love you, Creed…" Train whispered again and again, the words quick enough that their lips never had to be parted for long for him to say it. "I love you… And I'm not going anywhere…"

Never again…

Train yanked Creed roughly, yet kindly against his face, twirling his tongue around the silver man's. The entire time, he made sure to continue healing his lover with his bots.

I'm never going to put him through that again.

As much as Train wanted to continue kissing his partner, his body was beginning to protest. He knew it needed to end soon.

"Oh, my sweet, precious, darling Kitten…" Creed whispered. "I love you, I love you, I love you."

Train smiled and tightened his hold on the silver man, shoving aside the pain he was in in favor of the pleasure Creed was providing him.

Right now, I don't care about the war. I don't care about Chronos, I don't care about the Apostles…

He rolled his tongue with Creed's as their mouths danced hungrily with one another.

Right now, all I care about is him. All I care about is us and this moment we're sharing together.

Even though it wasn't the first time Train almost died, it was the first time he could have legally been declared dead. That fact brought on a reality he did not wish to face. A reality that even after all of his newly acquired Godlike abilities, he was still mortal.

Death could take him at any moment. Despite all the strength he had acquired, death would still always have the upper hand.

I won't leave him again.

Train's resolute thoughts shone through his kiss, portraying his inner thoughts to Creed as powerfully and evidently as if he had spoken them out loud.

I will never leave him again.

Creed widened his smile, deepened the kiss, and felt another tear roll down his cheek. He applied a different level of pressure to his Kitten, letting the golden man know he heard his silent message.

I know, Train…

Creed swirled his tongue around Train's again, pressing their chests together so they could feel their hearts beating against one another.

And I believe you, my love…

After a few more seconds, both men gasped into each other's mouths as their bodies began to fall. The world around them went dark, until Train's back landed harshly on a hard, marble floor, Creed's body landing roughly on top of him.

The moment they hit the ground, Train's Nanomachines deactivated, leaving most of Creed's wounds unattended. While he was able to heal the more severe ones, it wasn't enough to put the silver man at his best.

The men let out a crude burst of air when they landed, immediately preparing themselves for an attack. Train ripped Hades off his thigh and sparked his body while Creed turned on his Imagine Blade and Imagine Shield.

While the Black Cat aimed his gun and electrified hands in one direction, Creed pointed his sword in the other, the blade's solemn face replaced with determination and relief upon realizing Train was alive.

Creed shoved his shield arm in the air, using it to create a forcefield around himself and Train. Now that he was feeling lucid and stable, the orange aura casted off his arm was more sturdy and firm. Instead of trembling in the air, it gleamed brightly against the dim lights in the mysterious room they were dropped in.

Seeing the aura out of the corner of his eye, Train turned his head and cocked an eyebrow. "What… The hell is that?"

Creed smirked, but did not look at his beloved. Instead, he pressed his body protectively against Train's, focusing more strength behind the orange bubble that surrounded them.

"I think my Tao leveled up again after what happened. The best way I can describe it is that it's some sort of armor. Shiki's bugs and Maro's gravity attacks bounced off it, and it also created a crater in the ground when I extended it to you."

He glanced at Train out of the corner of his eye. "I'm thinking of calling it the Imagine Shield."

Train gave the shield a perplexed look. "...Seems a bit repetitive, but considering we don't have the time to bounce names off each other, it's fine."

Despite the peril they were surely in, curiosity got the best of the cat and he deactivated his lightning hands and gently touched the barrier with his finger tips. The moment he made contact with the rampart, Train yanked his arm away and brought his fingers to his lips.

He pouted and sucked on them for a moment, completely forgetting they needed to figure out what happened to them. "Why is it hot?!"

"I don't know. Something about my passion to keep you safe?" Creed said in a hushed voice as he scanned the area outside of the orange aura.

Train mewled painfully at his fingers, then put them in his lover's face. "You burnt them!"

Creed glared at his Kitten, ignoring Train's pathetic, cute face. "Shh! Be quiet! Someone's coming!"

Train frowned at his partner, then turned his head when he heard the distinct sound of shoes clicking on marble. He reactivated his Tao again, his fingers sparking threateningly in the direction of the sound as he raised the arm holding Hades once more.

Train cocked the trigger and spoke in a commanding tone, despite the childishness of his words. "Hark! Who goes there?!"

Creed rolled his eyes at his beloved's words, but smiled despite himself.

I'm so happy to hear his infantile words again.

A feminine sigh could be heard from the shadows of the room. "Only you could remind me why I despise you so much even after all this time…"

After a few more slow, careful steps, Echidna revealed herself from the darkness. Her hands were up in the air, body at ease as he gave the men a look of reprieve. It was clear she was going out of her way to show them she was unarmed and did not pose a danger, but Creed and Train knew better.

Echidna held her hands up higher as she finished her sentence. "...Even when I've come to ask for a favor."

Train frowned in confusion at the woman, but did not lower his gun or hand. He didn't know if his attacks could break through Creed's barrier, but he didn't care. Especially since he knew Creed would drop it the moment a battle broke out.

"What do you mean? What could you possibly want with us? Other than our lives, that is."

Creed winced at his beloved's words and added more strength to his shield, thickening it to the point where it was beginning to get hard to see the actress clearly.

I won't let her or anyone else lay a finger on Train.

Echidna frowned when she noticed the men had not changed their disposition, and raised her hands higher. "You can offer far more than you realize…"

She lowered her head, staring at the ground as she spoke. "...You can offer us peace."

Train cocked an eyebrow at the woman's mumbled words, barely hearing her over the beating of Creed's heart against his ear. "What the hell are you talking about?! Now isn't the time to be beating around the bush!"

Echidna sighed again, then raised her head, giving them a stronger look. "You're right. There's no time for idle chit-chat. I brought you here for a reason."

Train glared. "Which is…?"

Echidna glanced between the men for a few moments, her heart breaking at the closeness they shared, even in the heat of battle.

I can tell just by looking in Creed's eyes he's prepared to die to keep Train safe. And Train refuses to give up the life he promised to share with Creed.

She began to think of Charden and the life she wanted to live with them, wistfulness and envy taking over, making her momentarily forget why she brought their enemies to her.

Echidna stood up a little taller. "Seeing as you both seem to be in good enough shape to share such a passionate kiss, I figured that meant you were feeling well enough to end this war once and for all. And with as few deaths as possible."

It was Creed's turn to give the woman a confused look. "Don't tell me Charden's trying to lead us in with talks of peace. Is he going to bargain E's life for ours?"

Echidna shook her head. "No. Like I said, this will be with as few deaths as poss-"

"-Yeah, right!" Train shouted, his golden eyes sparking with steadfast intent. "In what world are we supposed to believe that Charden would want to broker peace with us?!"

Echidna bit her lower lip, a single tear falling down her cheek as she lowered her head. "...It's true. Charden's idea of peace is quite the opposite of peace. He wants nothing more than to watch you and your friends die in the most slow, painful way possible."

Creed narrowed his eyes and extended his blade a little more, watching as it easily pierced his shield. "Then why should we listen to anything you say? Why shouldn't we just cut you down right here and now?"

There's gotta be back up waiting. That's why she hasn't made a move yet.

Moments of agonizing silence passed between them until Echidna spoke again. "...Because Charden doesn't know I'm here, nor does he know you're here… let alone alive."

Creed and Train blinked at the woman, unsure of what to say, or how to react to the woman's words.

Hearing more silence, Echidna took in a deep breath and asked another question. "Tell me… Do you still have no intention to kill?"

Train nodded. "That's correct. Now more than ever, since leaving you all alive will somehow insult a lot of psychopaths like the Apostles."

Echidna let out another deep breath. "Does that include Charden?"

Creed nodded. "Yes."

Echidna took in one more deep breath. "Even… if he tries to kill you? Even if he's grown significantly in strength and has no intention of letting either of you leave here alive?"

Neither of the men hesitated to answer, responding to the woman as one. "Yes."

Echidna nodded, smiling a little as she spoke. "Okay… Then I made the right choice."

She stretched her arm out and opened another portal. "Through this portal you will find Sephiria fighting Charden and Jax on her own. She's… not doing well."

Train frowned. "Is she…?"

Echidna turned to the Black Cat and frowned. "She's not dead… yet. But, it's only a matter of time."

Train felt his heart beginning to pick up speed and his instincts told him to run headfirst into the portal and drag Sephiria out of there.

I can't let Echidna know my true emotions. This could all just be a trap. Sephiria wouldn't die that easily.

When he found out Sephiria disappeared, Train had a feeling the woman had run ahead to fight Charden, but he also knew she wasn't in the best physical condition when she did that.

However, he was also positive the Number One he knew and respected wouldn't go down without a fight.

After fighting Shiki and Maro by herself for as long as she did, and after getting between me and Creed, I know she's gotta be hurting. But, if anyone can hold out until backup arrives, it's Sephiria Arks.

Creed snarled at the actress, choosing to look intimidating instead of worried as he spoke. "Why are you letting us interrupt the fight? Don't you want her dead?"

Echidna looked at Creed out of the corner of her eye, regretful tears filling them as she spoke. "No. I do not. The death of Sephiria means the death of Chronos."

Creed shook his head in disbelief, lessening the strength of his shield as he spoke. "Isn't that what you want?"

Echidna shook her head. "No. Not anymore…"

Hearing more silence, she knew her answer wasn't good enough, and the men weren't going to move without more of an explanation. "The death of Chronos means the victory of the Apostles… And the victory of the Apostles means… the death of Charden…"

The permanent death of the man he once was…

Train stared at the woman's doleful face for a few seconds, then smiled in understanding. "Understood. We'll stop him before it's too late, and bring him back to you. Okay?"

Creed jerked his head to stare at his beloved, ready to scream angry questions at him, but stopped when he saw the look on Train's face. He glanced between his Kitten and the actress, realization falling on him.

He turned to Echidna and backed up Train's promise. "That's right. We won't let him do something he'll regret, and we won't let him leave you alone."

Echidna looked Creed directly in the eyes, a bountiful of emotions passing through her emerald orbs. She and Creed had been through a lot over the past several years, and while their bond had never been as strong as she originally wanted, she still knew the man understood her better than most people.

After a moment of silence, the actress gave him an indebted smile, and nodded. "Thank you."

Creed returned the woman's smile with a cordial one of his own, then deactivated his shield and pushed himself off Train. He reached a hand out to his beloved, helping the man up even though he knew Train didn't need it.

Before they stepped through, Train spoke. "Since we're doing you a favor, can you thank us by returning one of your own?"

Echidna nodded. "You want me to release that woman we have captive, right?"

Train sighed in relief, since Echidna was speaking of E in the present tense, not the past. "Yes. Also…"

He took a step towards the actress. "Can you heal Sephiria? If we pass her to you through one of your portals, can you please do whatever you can to keep her alive?"

Echidna nodded again. "Yes, of course. Like I said before, I don't want her to die. Her death will ruin my life."

It will ruin Charden.

Train smiled. "Thank you…"

The Black Cat turned to his portal and his fiancé, smiling at the man he loved more than anything or anyone else in the world.

Creed returned his smile and extended a hand to the golden man. "Are you ready, my love?"

Train smirked, sparking his entire body as he accepted his partner's hand. "Always."

---

Sephiria pushed herself up on her hands, turned her head to the side, and spat out a wad of blood. She stared at the floor for a moment, catching her breath as she wiped the corner of her mouth with the back of her hand.

This is bad…

"Is our time reaching its end?" The soft, unforgiving voice of Charden echoed prophetically against the tall walls and high ceiling of the room.

The room was perfect for their battle. It was completely empty, devoid of any furniture or obstacles with a smooth, flat floor. It was also well lit. Windows painted the walls, extending from the ceiling to the floor, giving them plenty of natural light to illuminate the room.

If that wasn't enough, there were also radiant lights scattered along the ceiling, scaring away every shadow that dared to slither in the room. It was easy to tell why the portal she jumped through led to that room, since it was clear it was made specifically for fights such as the one she was currently having.

Had it not been for the fact that she entered the fight already severely damaged, Sephiria would have been thrilled to have their final battle in such an impeccable setting.

But with the condition I'm in… There's no way I can enjoy the scene or room.

She knew Eve did what she could to heal her wounds and Sephiria was grateful, but…

It wasn't enough. It wasn't enough to prepare me for Charden. He's… Far stronger than I ever anticipated. He's practically immortal.

Sephiria bit her bottom lip to prevent herself from wincing at the pain searing through her body. Even though the wretchedness of her condition was obvious, she was doing her best to appear as though her wounds were merely scratches she could easily brush off.

This is really bad…

Charden's calamitous laugh reverberated hideously against Sephiria's ears. "Hide it all you want , Ms. Arks. It's clear you're knocking at death's door."

Sephiria balled her hands into tight fists, gritting her teeth as she fought back another tremor of pain that forced its way through her body. "...I'm disappointed that you think so little of me, Mr. Flamberg."

Again, Charden chuckled, his feet clicking ominously against the marble floor. "Oh, quite the contrary, Number One. I think the world of you."

He continued walking towards the woman, smirking proudly at her feeble figure that subtly trembled on the ground. "That's why I'm going so far out of my way to personally take care of you. That's why I brought you here by yourself. So I could have my own private viewing of the death of Chronos' leader."

His smirk turned sinister as he finished his statement. "You didn't think Echidna left the portal open that long by accident, did you?"

Sephiria returned his smirk. "Is that so? Well then, I'm honored to be treated with such privilege from the Apostles' esteemed leader."

Is that also why he hasn't killed me yet? I'm weak enough that he could take control of my blood and suffocate me. Why hasn't he even attempted to do that?

Charden's words were confirming her suspicions.

Since the moment she stepped through the portal, she knew something wasn't right. Not only did it not make sense that the black hole remained open just long enough for her to step through, but as soon as she did, the woman responsible for opening it was nowhere to be seen.

And with how quickly it closed after I stepped through, I'm shocked to see Parass isn't here, and now I'm positive Charden had no intention of anyone else through it.

Even though Sephiria knew she could not believe everything Charden said, she did believe that the Blood Taoist wanted her to be there alone.

Except we're not alone.

Sephiria locked eyes with the young man standing in the opposite corner of the room. So far, he contributed very little to the battle, and it was clear he was waiting for Charden to give him the signal.

"However, I have to say I'm a bit insulted about the guard dog in the corner, considering his presence does not allow us to truly be alone."

Charden snickered, stopping a few feet away from the woman. "Oh, don't worry about Jax. He's just here to witness the demise of Chronos. Think of it as like a learning experience for an inexperienced, but talented student."

Sephiria gritted her teeth again. "My death will not mean the end of Chronos. My Numbers are still alive."

She looked over her shoulder to stare Charden straight in his malicious, red eyes. "And Number II has done a fine job taming Kanzaki's creatures. It's a shame after all the work your organization went through to create them, it only took the fall of one coward to turn their allegiance."

Charden brushed the woman's words aside. "I'm not concerned with Aja or Aztec's loyalty. Once I eliminate you, the rest of the Numbers will fall soon after. And as soon as those beasts see me kill their new master, they will become loyal to me."

The Blood Taoist widened smirked, a rampage of furious intent shining robustly in his eyes. "I'm far more worthy of leading those impressive creatures than that useless doctor or your precious second in command and soon, they will see that with their own eyes."

He brought his hand to his face, watching the blood flow from his wrist and twist around his fingers, extending and sharpening as if they were claws. "...Chronos' will fall to their knees as soon as they hear of your demise, which will remove all the power and influence the Elders have on the world, forcing them to bend to my will."

Charden's voice was filled with virulent resolve. "After all, the Elder's power comes from the Numbers. Without them, they are nothing more than a few old men incapable of doing anything of real significance."

He shrugged. "Then again, I'm sure you already understood the Elders never really had any true power from the beginning. That must be one of the reasons they chose you to lead the Numbers. Because they knew you believed in what they were doing, and would never try to overthrow them."

Charden chuckled. "Which I'm sure you could have done with the help of your assassins. Especially with how devoted they are to you and not to the Elders."

He brushed his own words aside. "But, I digress…"

The Blood Taoist paused for a second, a moment of sickening glee passing across his face as he continued. "And with the death of the Black Cat, Creed's never-ending delirium is assured, leaving him trapped in his own hopeless hysteria…"

He stared at Number One, visions of the future he was trying to create dancing before his eyes. "...Which will make ending his life effortless, thus eradicating the final threats to the Apostles."

He stepped within arms reach of the woman, extending his blood claws towards the woman, but did not make contact with Number One's flesh yet. He knew he could end her life with one swift motion, but that would have been wholly satisfying. He wasn't done with her yet.

Charden's eyes gleamed with malevolent intent. "And once the world hears we have deposed the Numbers' leader, bent the Elders to our will, killed the infamous Black Cat along with his beloved partner, we will finally be the ones in control…"

He extended his blood claws further, only a few inches away from Sephiria's neck as he finished his manic monologue.

"...I will finally be the one in control. And I will change this world for the better! I will save it from Chronos' oppressive tyranny, and grant freedom to the pathetic fools of this planet! Poor souls who have gone far too long of never experiencing what true freedom feels like."

Every word the man spoke shook Sephiria to her core and made her physically sick. However, she had expelled far too much bile to lurch up anything else, and her body was too weak to continue trembling. It was even beginning to be too much effort to stay conscious let alone react to her opponent's words.

But, there was a particular part of his harangue that struck an agonizingly discordant chord in Sephiria's heart.

Train… So, he's really… dead…

She leapt through the portal so quickly that she didn't have a chance to properly survey the Black Cat's situation, which left a small glimmer of hope deep in her chest.

Even as she battled Charden, even as blood seeped from her every pore, and life slowly drained from her body, a meager flicker of confidence shined brightly in her heart. A paltry speckle of faith that Train had somehow survived and would leap through a portal at any moment.

He's survived more dire situations. Was it really too much of me to ask that he survived that?

Sephiria choked back a cough, refusing to let Charden know how weak she felt, despite how obvious it was.

Am I really that much of a fool to believe Heartnet could still be alive after what I witnessed?

Charden's spiteful snicker threw the woman from her despondent thoughts as she gripped her fingers around Christ.

"What's wrong, Ms. Arks? Have you nothing to say in return?" He extended his blood claws further, lightly tickling the woman's skin as he spoke. "Cat got your tongue?"

Sephiria growled as she pushed herself up, ignoring the Blood Taoist's sick laughter at his own imbecilic joke as she rolled over to block his claw attack. She thrust her blade forward and between Charden's protruding, sharp nails, preventing him from slicing her throat open even though it was obvious that was not his goal.

It was clear he did not intend to kill her yet.

Sephiria gave the man the most malignant, carcinogenic glare she could muster behind her pain, using whatever strength she had left to push the man away. Their eyes locked, nefarious sparks igniting between them as Number One slowly pushed herself off the ground.

The swordswoman gritted her teeth as she spoke. "This is not the end… You will not succeed in your twisted goals."

She sat up straight, her arms quaking violently as continued pushing the man back. "I… cannot allow it. I will not allow it!"

For Chronos. For my numbers.

Sephiria felt the flicker of hope come back as she saw her numbers stand at attention before her, complete dedication evident on each of their tenacious faces. The only difference was now, it wasn't hope that seared her heart; it was determination. Determination to stop the monster before her from destroying the world she worked so hard to protect.

For the safety of the world. For the innocent citizens who just want to live their lives peacefully.

Images of the sweepers crossed Sephiria's eyes, the strength in her arms returning as she watched them enjoy a meal together. Her heart beat rapidly with valor as she stood herself up, visions of Eve, Kyoko, and Sven flashing before her eyes, giving her the resolve she needed to keep push harder.

For Belze…

She saw Number II standing over her, his robust arms wrapping vigilantly, yet affectionately around her. She could feel his warm breath wafting against her chilled cheek, unaware of how cold the blood loss made her until she felt the contradicting, soothing heat the man offered her. Even though he wasn't there, she could feel his lips press against her own, breathing a bit more life back into her.

For Creed.

The last image that passed through her mind was that of her former prized assassin. The youngest person to ever be inducted as a number, the first number to have been given a pseudonym by the public based purely on his skills and talents, the first number she had gone out of her way to take under her wing, to purposefully watch out for.

The first person to break through the thick wall she put up between herself and the world after her brother's death. The person to make her feel like a big sister again. The person who reminded her what it was like to care again.

For Train. If not for anything else, I'll succeed for Train.

She narrowed her eyes, making sure they never left Charden's, ignoring the stoic look on the man's face as she applied more pressure behind her sword.

In his honor… I'll win!

Number One stood intensely against Charden, a blaze of rancor flaring between them as Sephiria spoke. "You will die here, Charden Flamberg!"

Charden gave the woman a toothy, malicious grin. "There's that spirit I've been missing! I was starting to get worried that I smothered that tenacious flame of yours before I had a chance to be burnt by it!"

He pushed back against the woman with his blood claws, shoving her off and away from him as he leapt backwards. He threw both his arms up in the air, shooting more blood out of his wrists that solidified in the air and turned into whips.

With a sinister smirk on his lips, Charden threw them down on Sephiria, aiming them both at her chest. Sephiria leapt backwards, ignoring the pain in her legs as she dodged the Taoist's blood whips. She knew one of her ankles was broken and both her thighs were sliced open like a fresh piece of meat at a butcher shop, but Number One didn't let that stop her from moving.

I won't lose! I can't lose!

More images of her numbers and the sweepers past across her vision. She saw Lin attempting to feed Train a cookie with Creed standing protectively behind the man, scowling at Number X, who seemed more than content to annoy the silverette.

I need to keep going.

She rolled to the side, forcing back a grunt of pain as she landed on her dislocated shoulder, kicking herself back in the air to avoid another attack from Charden. The man's whips crashed forcefully onto the ground, smashing the marble tile into ashes as dust billowed above it.

Sephiria landed on her feet again, shoving aside the wave of agony that threatened to overcome her when she fell on her broken ankle. She thrust her blade in front of her face again, preventing the next onslaught of slashes from ripping her flesh to shreds as she stumbled backwards.

I can't give up! I have to keep fighting!

Images of her numbers arguing over seating at a meeting flashed before her eyes. She often watched her assassins interact from behind closed doors before she started a meeting, mostly to see if they were ready, but also to entertain herself with their banter. It never failed to put a smile on her face.

And that moment was no different.

Despite the pain she was in and the injuries that riddled her body, Sephiria smiled at the fictitious scene of Lin teasing Baldor with his seemingly endless knowledge of pop culture as the large man clenched his hand in a tight fist.

I will win.

Sephiria held back a cry of pain when Charden's next attack cut into her shoulder, ripping out a hefty chunk of flesh as blood exploded out of her veins. She bit her lower lip and clutched at the wound, then spun around to avoid another attack.

I must win!

Number One spun around again and sliced Christ forward, the blade landing directly on the man's whip and cutting it in half. Without wasting a second, Sephiria sprinted towards her opponent, planting her feet firmly on the ground with each step she took.

She kept her eyes glued onto Charden, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce. When she noticed the man was attempting to create another blood whip, she threw herself high in the air and above her enemy. For whatever reason, it seemed as though he was having a hard time reactivating his weapon, which Sephiria was going to take advantage of.

I can't lose!

The swordswoman tilted her blade so the tip of it was aimed at the Blood Taoist's head, keeping her locked eyes onto the man, clinging to consciousness as firmly as she could as she floated in the air. It was difficult to see Charden behind her blurred vision, but she didn't care. She needed to land the blow.

It's probably a trap.

Sephiria ignored her inner logic. She was determined to land just one blow on the man.

I have to try. I can't keep playing offense.

Up until that moment, Sephiria had not managed to lay a single blow on the Blood Taoist. She had spent the entire battle defending herself and staying alive.

If I can just land one blow on him… I can end this!

As her body fell towards the man, she prepared for impact, shoving her blade downwards in hopes she'd make contact with Charden's head. At that point, she had lost so much blood that she couldn't see anything clearly anymore. All she could do was pretend she was focused on the man and pray her blade would wedge itself into his skull.

With just one blow, I can end this!

Sephiria braced her body, but when she felt a warm liquid wrap around her shoulders and pin her arms together, her heart stopped.

No…

Number One's body was slammed to the ground, her head hitting the hard marble as blood splattered from her mouth. She felt the sticky liquid around her tighten, squeezing more air and blood from her lungs as her rips let out an ominous crack.

No…!

Sephiria shut her eyes and gritted her teeth, attempting to breathe between her bouts of pain. She tried to relax her body and mind, pulling out every physiological trick she knew to get her through the agony of being snapped in half.

I… I can't breathe…

After a few minutes, Charden lessened the hold he had on her and Sephiria reacted quickly. Despite how badly her body begged for her to give up, despite how excruciating the pain was, Sephiria shoved the dismal thoughts aside and scrambled to her feet.

She held Christ firmly at her side, cutting away the new blood whips Charden had hastily re-created. Although they didn't feel as strong as the previous ones, Sephiria knew she was in no condition to test just how strong they were.

I have to win… I have to-

Her thoughts were cut off as one of Charden's whips wrapped around her ankle and pulled her to the ground. She landed face first onto the hard ground, feeling her nose break on impact as she yanked her foot away from the whip.

She rolled over and sliced at the blood, freeing her ankle as Charden let out a proud cackle.

"Is this all that the notorious Number One has come to? A pathetic heap of blood and flesh wallowing on the ground?"

Sephiria gritted her teeth as she pulled herself away from the man, clawing at the ground with one hand while the other held her blade protectively in front of herself. She used the leg that was less injured to push herself away, panting as she tried to focus her vision on the Taoist.

Not like this…

She released a war cry as she slashed Charden's blood whip away, somersaulting her body backwards and springing herself back up on her feet. As soon as she landed, she slashed her blade wildly in the air, cutting off each one of the man's attacks as she continued backing away from him.

Not like this. Not in a place like this!

Sephiria was actually a bit grateful her body was beginning to shut down since it created a numbing effect. In any other situation, being unable to feel anything would have been a warning to stop. However, at that moment, she was thankful since it made it less painful for her to move.

Number One glared at Charden as she sliced away each one of the Blood Taoist's attacks, her arms moving on their own as she carefully stepped backwards. Even she was impressed with how perfectly in sync her body was with her instincts. All her years of training were paying off.

I will not die…

She swiped another attack away, skillfully spinning her body around and blocking an attack aimed at her temple.

Not here… Not today!

She spun around again and cut the whip in half, then ducked to avoid the other one aimed at her neck. Again, she spun around and stabbed her blade in the air, shoving the blood whip into the air as she let out a vicious, but determined wail.

I WILL NOT DIE IN A PLACE LIKE THIS!

As she twisted around again, she faulted slightly, giving her opponent the chance he needed to land a blow on her.

Charden's blood whip slashed through the air again, slicing Sephiria's tattered coat and splitting her flesh in half.

No…!

The woman couldn't help the pathetic cry that left her lips and she fell to her knees, grunting painfully as she landed on her broken limbs.

I… I can't… Not here… Not now…!

She used Christ to keep herself upright, but she could feel the rest of her body beginning to shut down. Her arms were shaking uncontrollably, her lungs burning for oxygen as blood, sweat, and tears rushed down every inch of her body.

I… I can't… die here…

Without looking, Sephiria could tell Charden's whip was still embedded in her back. As she lurched forward, she could feel the blood being sucked from her body.

Not here… I will not die here…!

"How disappointing…"

Sephiria could only barely hear Charden's muttered discontent as she shook on the ground.

"I truly expected more of you, Sephiria Arks…"

The swordswoman clenched her fists, then immediately unclenched them when she realized she didn't have the strength to sustain the motion.

I… I can't…

"Oh well. Guess you were only human, after all."

As she trembled on the cold, hard, marble floor, clinging desperately to consciousness and Christ, she could feel her life being both literally and figuratively sucked from her body.

Train… Creed…

As she lost control of all her faculties, as a deep, never-ending numbness took over, leaving the leader of Chronos nothing more than an empty shell of the person she once was.

Belze…

Her traitorous eyes allowed a tear to escape, a gentle sob leaving her lungs as she prepared for Death's icy embrace. The whip remained logged in her back, but she could no longer feel the blood being sucked from her.

"Belze…" She whispered to herself, another tear rolling down her cold, pale cheeks as she spoke. "I… I'm sorry…"

Those were the last words she permitted herself, and the last thoughts she allowed her mind to cling to. It was comforting to think of her second in command during her last moments on Earth, and she decided to imagine she was falling into Belze's warm, soothing embrace instead of Death's cold, dead hands.

Goodbye… Belze…

Just as she expected to fall into the dark abyss and never return, she felt the whip being yanked out of her back as two lean arms wrapped around her waist. Shortly after that, she was flown into the air, her body enveloped by a sea of warmth that seemed hell-bent on securing her.

"Hang on, Sephiria!"

Sephiria was too tired to open her eyes, but the voice was one she recognized. "Heart…net…?"

She hissed when she felt the familiar sensation of warm worms entering her body, soothingly sizzling her from the inside as the Black Cat spoke.

"Shut up! Save your strength. We're here to help."

Again, Sephiria tried to open her eyes, but was unable to. "We…? Belze…?"

Train sighed, seeing the woman desperately looking around for the man even though her eyes were closed. "No, not Belze. Me and Creed. But don't worry, Belze is holding down the fort with those beasts. I'm sure they'll be finished up in no time."

Sephiria managed to smile behind the pain and rested her head against what she could only assume was Train's shoulder. "That's… Good…"

Train smiled at the woman, making sure his healing bots stayed activated. He watched the color slowly return to his former leader, relief flooding through him at the knowledge they made it to her just in time.

I won't be able to fully heal her, but at least I can prevent her from dying.

Train knew he didn't have the strength or time he needed to properly heal his former leader, but at least he could stave off death for a little while.

"Don't worry, Sephiria…"

Instinctively, he leaned forward and lightly kissed the woman's forehead. It was a gesture he had never done before, and one he knew Number One would not be happy to receive, but he couldn't help himself. He just was so happy knowing they got to her before it was too late.

Train pulled away from the woman, lowering their bodies back to the ground, eying the portal he and Creed just leapt through. "Rest now…"

He glanced to the opposite corner of the room, watching as Creed pushed Charden back, making sure the Blood Taoist stayed far away so they could save Sephiria.

The cat turned back to the portal and gently placed Number One into the hole, watching as Echidna's hands reached out and took a light hold of her. The actress stuck her head through as well, locking eyes with the cat before pulling Sephiria into the hole.

Before Sephiria was wholly engulfed by the darkness, Train reached out and cupped her cheek. "Creed and I can take it from here…"

With that last sentence spoken, Train nodded at Echidna, who gave him a reassuring look. Train returned the woman's look, mouthing his thanks as he pulled his hands back.

Their eyes remained on one another for a moment longer, sharing an unspoken promise before the green haired woman disappeared with Sephiria.

Train stared at the hole until it was gone, then sparked his body. He spun around on his heels and flew himself towards the battle his partner had already started.

He hovered above Creed and Charden, watching as the man he loved used his blade to sweep aside a wave of blood their opponent sent at him. Train dove down to join the fight.

However, just as he was about to enter the fray, he felt a force wrap around his body and pull him back. Confused, Train sparked his body even more, breaking the hold on whatever trapped him and spun around to see what it was.

Train frowned when he saw what looked to be a teen boy. "Who the hell are you?"

Jax glared at the cat, then began floating in the air as well. "You don't remember me…?"

Train squinted at the boy, then widened his eyes as his memory slowly returned. "You're… that kid… from-"

"-Yes. The one you and your friends worked hard to save while your ex-boyfriend died at your side."

Jax smirked as he sparked his body, Train's heart sinking at how perfectly it mimicked his powers.

"Allow me to repay the kindness you once showed me, Black Cat!"

---

Eve grunted as she buried her feet into the ground and held her shield arm in front of her petite body, bearing the brunt of Maro's attack. It was weaker than his previous attacks, but with how exhausted she was feeling, it felt just as strong as the rest of his attacks.

Weather through it… Weather through it!

When she felt the wall of gravity on the other end of her shield lessen, Eve shoved her arm upwards and threw herself in the air. The Bio-girl flapped her wings and soared away as quickly as she could. She could feel the air around her had gotten heavier, and knew that meant she was about to be pinned down.

I don't know if my body can take another attack like that.

Eve stared down at her opponent, mentally and physically preparing herself for another attack. As she studied Maro's haggard state, she noticed how deplorable he looked.

The sumo sized man was covered in blood, dirt, and soot, the muscles in his arms twitched and trembled from fatigue as sweat poured down his chubby face. His chest heaved wildly and his cheeks had turned a bright shade of red, but the rest of his face was pale beyond belief.

Eve frowned as she soared away from the man.

He's lost too much blood. He's not going to last much longer at this rate.

The girl sighed as she watched the man struggle to lift his arms to launch another attack at her. Despite the dramatics of the war, despite the hell that man and his team had turned their lives into, Eve pitied him.

I don't want anyone to die.

An image of Kenneth's lifeless body flashed before her eyes and she shook her head. Her goals for the war had not changed: She wanted to spare as many lives as possible.

And with Creed and Train gone, that doesn't leave many people here who will have the same goal in mind.

Eve scanned the area in search of her friends, wanting to make sure they were okay. She knew Sven and Rinslet were out for the count and she wouldn't be seeing them again, but she wanted to make sure the rest of them were okay.

Not that there are many left in this fight…

Most of her current allies were Chronos, but Kyoko was still there, and that was who she was looking for. She knew Chronos would be fine, especially with Belze controlling Doctor's beasts.

Still don't know how he managed that.

Noticing Maro had fallen to his knees and attempting to catch his breath, Eve figured it was safe to look for her friend. Last she saw Kyoko, she was fighting side-by-side with Lin, who was only just getting himself together after finding out Train was still alive.

He's alive… Train's alive. He's alive and fine and with Creed.

A biting pain stabbed through her heart when she thought about her feline friend. Even though she knew Train was alive and reunited with Creed, even though she knew he was off fighting the final battle with Sephiria, Eve couldn't get the image of the Black Cat's dead body out of her head.

I'm glad I was able to resurrect him. Although, it did deplete my powers quite dramatically. I don't know how much longer I can last either.

As she took a breath, Eve clutched her side at the pain shooting through her ribs. She knew they had been broken several times now and even though the wounds were healed, it didn't take the pain away.

Breathe through it… breathe through it…

"WHAT'S WRONG LITTLE GIRL?! CAN'T TAKE THE HEAT?"

Eve turned her attention back to Maro, frowning as she watched him try to stand and ready another attack.

He looks more sad than terrifying.

The girl frowned as she watched Maro struggle to lift his arms. "I should be the one saying that to you. It's not too late to give up."

On top of watching Jenos kill Kenneth, Eve had seen countless Shooting Stars die, and an endless number of Chronos easers eliminated as well. She didn't know how much more death and blood shed her heart could take.

At least the children are still alive…

Maro narrowed his eyes, giving the girl a deadly look as he lifted his arms. "LIKE HELL I'LL GIVE UP! WE'RE ALMOST THERE!"

Eve growled and flew herself higher in the air, hoping that would be enough to get her out of the Taoist's range. She had learned in the short time they had been fighting that his gravitational pull could only go so far. If she stayed out of its range, he wouldn't be able to touch her.

However, as she flew into the air, she felt the weight of the air around her increase dramatically and pull her back down to the Earth. She was about a hundred feet in the air, and she knew falling from that height, especially with the pathetic shape she was in, she'd surely die.

The Bio-girl cursed to herself and tried to flap her wings, but to no avail. She watched helplessly as the ground got closer and closer, shoving her shield arm forward, praying that would be enough to protect her.

As Eve shut her eyes and prepared for impact, she shot them back open quickly when she felt the air around her lessen and something broad, warm, and soft wrapping around her thin waist.

She blinked a few times in confusion, piecing together immediately what happened when she saw Belze flying on Aja directly in front of her. Just before she hit the ground, the panther flicked her tail out and grabbed Eve, preventing the girl from hitting the ground.

But, how did they stop the gravity?

Looking beyond Number II and the large cat, Eve saw what happened. Aztec had sprung into action, viciously slashing his Swordtail at Maro, slicing the large Taoist's chest and stomach open. More blood pooled out of the massive man's body as he stumbled back in an attempt to avoid the wolf's attacks.

Eve gritted her teeth and punched Aja's tail, hoping that would get Belze's attention. "DON'T KILL HIM!"

Belze glanced down at the girl and Eve was able to get a good look at the shape he was in. Similar to Maro, Number II was covered in blood and sweat, his face pale and his clothes tattered, but the determination in his eyes were shining brighter than ever.

Number II gave Eve a condescending look. "Why?"

Eve growled. "Because it's wrong!"

Belze's look changed from condescending to annoyed. "I don't have time to debate morality with you, Child. I have a job to do."

Eve glared daggers at the man's back. "I'm not a child…"

Belze did not respond to the girl. Instead, she heard him whisper a quiet command in German that Eve was easily able to translate. He had ordered Aja to release her hold on the Bio-girl.

As soon as Number II spoke that soft direction, Eve heard Aja let out a quiet mewl as she slowly uncurled her tail and gently placed the girl on the ground. She could tell the panther was doing it very deliberately, as if her master's command meant for her to be as gentle as possible.

With his back facing Eve, Belze said one last thing to her. "I know that, despite your appearance, you have far more worldly experience than some of the most seasoned war heroes. However, the world is not as simple as you wish to think it is. Sometimes you have to do things you pray you'd never have to do."

He glanced over his shoulder at the girl and gave her a stern look. "Get your priorities straight and go help your friends. She's just as innocent as you are, and I'm not sure how much longer she and Number X can last. They need your strength."

With that said, Belze gave Aja another command, flew himself away from the Bio-girl, and towards Maro. The sumo sized man was going toe-to-toe with Aztec. It was clear the Taoist wasn't going to last much longer. And with Belze coming to lend a hand with Aja, Eve knew he was a goner.

No… I can't watch more people die!

Just as Eve was about to leap in and protect her enemy from a fate she didn't want to witness again, she heard a high pitched, agonized scream coming from behind her.

Eve turned around and saw Kyoko being thrown to the ground by an unknown force. The Firebreather was about a hundred feet away from her, but the shrill yowl she let out was loud enough to be heard from miles away.

The teen was crawling backwards and away from whatever tossed her in the air and to the ground like a rag doll, and Eve could tell from just a quick glance she wasn't doing well. Just like everyone else, her dainty, young face was covered in blood and looking years beyond her age.

Shit! Her Tao can't keep up with her injuries any more.

Eve glanced over her shoulder at Belze, certain that if she left Maro's life would end, but positive that if she didn't jump to Kyoko's aid, her friend's short time on that planet would be over.

"Get your priorities straight… They need your strength."

With Belze's voice ringing in her ears, Eve cursed and turned away from Number II's battle and sprinted towards her young friend.

No matter what, I need to put my family first!

Eve opened her wings and flapped them to propel her body forward faster, determined to reach her friend before it was too late. A few feet away from Kyoko's downed figure, Eve could see another young person step out from the trees.

His eyes were glowing a bright shade of purple, and the tips of his fingers sparkled wildly with the same hue that extended down to his elbow. Surrounding both of his arms was a thick fog of dark purple, making the sparkling, lighter shade stand out more.

He smirked down at Kyoko and shoved both his arms forward, pushing the teen further away from him. The teen's back slid against the ground, slicing open her back as more blood spilled from her body.

Circling Kyoko's neck was the same purple fog that coiled around the young man's arms, letting Eve know he was using some sort of telekinetic Tao to control the Firebreather's body.

However, she didn't have time to contemplate what the boy's powers were. She needed to get to Kyoko.

As Eve flew closer to the duo, she could see Kyoko throwing her arms to her throat, clutching wildly at the purple fog encasing her supple neck.

It looks like he's choking her!

Eve increased the speed of her flapping and quickly approached the scene. When she was only a few feet away from the teen, she reached her hands out and grabbed Kyoko's shoulders. With whatever strength she had left, Eve yanked her friend away just before the boy could finish her off.

Eve wasn't sure how the strange boy's Tao worked, but as soon as she pulled Kyoko to safety, she saw the purple fog wrapped around her neck disappear. It seemed as though whatever his Tao was or however it worked, Eve managed to break her friend free of it in just the nick of time.

The Nano-girl slid her arms underneath Kyoko's and wrapped her hands around the girl's chest. Eve pulled her friend into the air, her wings still flapping as she hovered them both a few feet above the child Taoist.

I can't fly her much higher than this… I'm too tired.

Eve narrowed her eyes at the Taoist who seemed to be infuriated with her, and she matched the glare he was throwing at her. However, his look of rage quickly changed to curiosity as he tilted his head slightly.

He blinked a few times, then voiced a sincere question. "Are you… That girl made entirely of Nanomachines?"

Eve hardened her glare as she lowered her body to the ground, certain she wasn't going to be able to keep herself afloat for very long. Once her feet touched the ground, Eve gently set Kyoko down, allowing the teen to kneel and catch her breath.

Maybe if I let Kyoko rest on the ground for a bit, it'll give her Tao time to heal at least some of her wounds.

Even though Eve didn't want to entertain the person who tried to kill a member of her family, she figured if she did, it could give Kyoko more time to rest.

Eve turned away from Kyoko and back to the person speaking to her. "You've heard of me?"

The Taoist looked as though he was trying to beam with delight, but it was coming off far more psychotic than pure. "Of course I have! All of us have! You were the primary topic of conversation among us."

Eve cocked an eyebrow, genuinely curious what the Taoist was talking about. "Who…?"

The boy smirked and gestured around himself, as if welcoming people she could not see. "Why, the Children of the Apostles, of course!"

Eve continued staring at the Taoist, her body on high alert, ready for him to attack at any moment. She really wanted to help heal Kyoko, but she knew with how weak she was feeling and how injured the girl appeared to be, there wasn't much she could do.

I'm beginning to lose the strength to heal my own body. I can't heal someone else's as well.

Eve gave the man a stern look. "...The Children of the Apostles? Who is that?"

Eve was easily able to decipher who the man was talking about, but she wanted to stall for as long as possible.

Come on Kyoko, get it together!

When the Bio-girl looked down to check on her friend, she turned her gaze in a slightly different direction after a subtle movement caught her eye.

Eve turned her arm into a shield again and lifted it to the side of her body. She took a step backwards and towards Kyoko, shifting her stance to a protective one. Despite how tired she was and how depleted her Nanomachines were, Eve was determined to keep her friend safe.

I will protect my family. We will all get out of this alive.

From the corner of her eye, Eve could see a girl that looked to be about the same age as her. She had dark skin, dark eyes, and dark hair, with a bit more muscle tone to her arms that Eve knew was due to a combination of the Tao and Nanomachines. It happened to Train as well.

The girl's eyes were glowing an ominous shade of red and her skin brightened to match the same hue as her irises. The grin on her face mirrored the haunting aura that surrounded her body.

However, before Eve could address her newest opponent, a flash from another spot in the woods caught her attention.

The next person she saw was a boy who looked to be a few years younger, but far shorter. He had light, red hair, pale eyes, and pale skin that was littered with freckles. His short body contradicted the muscular arms he had, making Eve feel a bit uncomfortable. However, other than his negating appearance, there wasn't very much else off to him.

Eve heard a branch cracking as a third child emerged from the wood. She was a teenager about the same age as Kyoko, except far taller with long raven hair, green eyes, and slightly tanned skin. She was exceedingly thin, especially considering Eve was fairly certain they all were merged with the Tao and Nanomachines.

As she stepped closer to Eve, her long, dark hair began lifting from her head, knotting together and twisting grotesquely. The more her hair writhed and slithered, the more it looked as though it was made of snakes. As if the teen was Medusa reborn.

Creepy…

Eve anxiously glanced between the newcomers, turning her other arm into a sword as she took a closer step towards Kyoko.

The Taoist that had been speaking to her began quietly laughing and addressed Eve's barely hidden unease. "These are the Children of the Apostles. Well… Some of them, anyway. There are more scattered throughout the woods putting a quick end to your Chronos allies."

The man glanced at his comrades, a sadistic smile planted on his face as he spoke. "But, I have to say these are some of our best Children… And we were given specific orders to take you down if we saw you were still alive."

"What did you do to Leon?"

Eve turned her head to look at the girl who was speaking. Her adolescent face was contorted in narrowly concealed rage, but her eyes were filled with pained curiosity. With just one look at the girl, Eve could tell she cared for the boy Taoist.

Eve locked eyes with the girl, speaking in a stern, commanding voice. "...He's off to create a better life for himself."

The girl frowned in confusion, her face lightening for a moment before she gave a small, knowing smile. Eve watched as the Taoist shook her head to rid herself of the pleased look, quickly turning it back to one of vehement determination.

"So, you left him alive? Pfft, Charden was right. You are too sentimental." The young Taoist sighed and folded his arms across his chest. "...What a waste of strength and power."

Eve turned a heated glare to her enemy. "Empathy is not a weakness."

The teen made an annoyed sound. "I'm sure that's what those useless sweepers have taught you. Tell me, is that old man still alive? Did you abandon him?"

Eve hardened her glare, but refused to acknowledge anything he said. "What's your name?"

He cocked an eyebrow. "Why?"

Eve raised her sword arm and pointed it at him, sensing movement coming from Kyoko and knowing the teen was preparing herself to fight again. "Because I don't want to fight someone without knowing their name."

His curious look slowly molded itself into a smirk as he bowed. "My apologies! Of course I can give you a name. Luke, at your service."

"Annie." Said the girl with red eyes, her body still surrounded by a prophetic, maroon aura.

Her introduction was short, and Eve had a feeling she wasn't going to be getting much more out of the girl.

But, there's something about her that makes me think I can get through to her like I did to Leon…

"I'm Noah!" The enthusiastic voice came from the other side of Eve, the boy smiling broadly at her, as if he didn't have a care in the world. "Nice ta meet cha'! Your strength is legendary!"

The teen girl with snake hair tsked in irritation, then spoke in an impatient tone. "Charlotte. Although, I don't see the point in knowing my name when you and your friend won't be alive for much longer. Are we done exchanging pleasantries?"

Eve stared daggers at the girl, taking another step closer to Kyoko as she heard the teen stand herself up. "Sorry, are we boring you?"

The teen narrowed her eyes and clenched her fists, her snake-like hair squirming repulsively as she spoke. "Terribly."

Luke spoke next, his perverse laughter making it difficult to understand the beginning half of his sentence. "Don't worry, Char-Char, we're going to get this party started. Just giving that other girl time to recover after our little bout."

Charlotte gave the teen boy a strange look, then glanced at Kyoko who was standing back to back with Eve. "Why? You should have just taken her out when she was down."

Again, Luke laughed between his words. "Where's the fun in that?! I want to play with her a little more. She's cute!"

Eve grimaced, feeling even more protective of Kyoko.

The more he laughs, the more insane he sounds.

The teen named Charlotte rolled her eyes. "Well, she seems fine now, so can we get started?"

Luke's laughter suddenly stopped and his expression became serious. He smirked at Eve, who kept intense eye contact with him. He aimed both his purple shrouded hands at the girls, smirking as he took a small step forward.

"Yes… Let's end this once and for all."

---

Aliane stared up at the tall building which Eathes claimed belonged to the Apostles. She was still holding onto the monkey's arm, her Tao activated as her fingers dug into her captives dirty, tangled fur.

Charden must have upgraded. They used to live in a three story house, not a mansion.

"This place is huge…" Aliane's word were quiet, but she knew Eathes could still hear her.

The monkey nodded. "Charden needed to get us a bigger place. The kids were growing at a rapid pace, and we needed more room. It's not much to look at on the inside, but it's spacious."

Aliane felt her fingers dig into the monkey's fur, ignoring his quiet whimpers and struggles. Her nerves and anxiety were beginning to get the better of her.

I wish Train, Lin, or even Sephiria were here… I don't think I can do this alone.

While she knew she technically wasn't alone since Eathes was there, it certainly didn't feel that way. Probably because she knew Eathes wasn't a reliable ally.

Calm down… take a deep breath. You'll be okay. Sephiria helped you train for this moment. Besides…

She clenched her other fists and lightened her hold on the monkey.

Train's relying on you. You need to save that woman before it's too late.

"Thanks for lessening your vice grip on me, but shouldn't we get going? I can't promise what shape the Black Cat's friend is in."

Aliane stared at the building for a few more seconds before letting out a long, alleviating sigh. "Yes. Let's go."

I wonder how everyone else is doing…

She took a step forward, activating her phasing ability as she tightened her hold on Eathes again, transferring her powers to him. While her hold on the primate was strong, it wasn't enough to hurt him.

I wonder if Train and Creed are here fighting Charden.

As she stepped towards the building, an explosion from the top floor brought both their attention up. Bricks fell from top level, littering the sky and raining down on the unlikely duo.

Lucky for them, Aliane's transparent ability was already activated, which kept them safe from any falling debris. She felt Eathes twitch and try to jump away, but she held him still and gave him an annoyed look.

"You're fine. We need to keep going. It looks like the final battle has started. And I don't know what Charden will do with E to entice Train into violence."

Guess they are here…

She looked up at where the explosion came from, leaning her body back slightly in hopes she'd be able to see the Black Cat or his lover.

Please be safe, guys…

It hurt that Lin was not there to help her, but she knew he wouldn't want her to give up. Especially since they were doing it for Train.

In the meantime, I'll make sure to keep my promise.

She watched a few more bricks fall. "Don't you guys go dying on me…"

"What?" Eathes said, confusion consuming his vision as he spoke.

Aliane frowned. "Nothing. Don't worry about it. Let's get inside and find E. The sooner we get to her, the sooner we'll be able to end this war."

And the closer the sweepers will be to their peaceful, happily ever after.

She knew there was no happy ending for her, but she also knew she didn't deserve it after what she did. At that point, she was working for her friend's happy ending. Her fate didn't matter.

With a determined look on her face, Aliane pulled Eathes through the building.