Apostles of the Stars

The Apostles of the Stars are a group of villains in the "Black Cat" manga and anime series. In Japanese, they are known as "Hoshi no Shito" (星の使徒).

Creed Diskenth

Creed is the leader of the Apostles of the Stars, which seeks to make revolution, not only to overthrow Chronos, but change the world's leadership by "incompetent people". Back when Train was the XIII Chrono Number and Creed was an eraser, he admired him to the point of calling him "his partner", even though their relationship was far from close. Creed captured Rinslet to make Train meet with him at Lunafort Tower, in their first encounter after many years; he wants him to join the Apostles Of The Stars. Creed has a choker that looks like Train's, which reflects his recent and disturbing obsession with him. He borders on the insane, but Creed is at his most disturbing at times when we know what he says must be the truth. When Creed was young, he was abused by his mother. It's unknown in the manga if he kills his mother or not but he ends up on the streets. There he is abused by police as a way for them to release tension.

Creed also possesses enigmatic and frightening powers that stem from his manipulation of Chi through Tao, which manifest themselves in his 'Imagine Blade, which was originally called the Kotetsu', which varies between four levels through the story (Lv. 1, the blue transparent blade, Lv.2, the black blade with the shark-shaped demon-head, Lv.3,the form where it's not exactly a blade, but a giant cutting mutant arm implanted into Creed , and Lv. Max, the strongest form where the arm creates a light blade similar to a lightsaber). His ultimate ambition is to elevate his nanomachines in his body to a level where he would become immortal and rule the world forever. Creed's Tao Power is called "Sword". His Imagine Blade is shattered by Train in his final battle (When it is in Level Max), when Train ignores all warnings from Dr. Tearju not to use his Rail Gun more than three times a day not to destabilize his electric power (Which would prevent him from using his Rail Gun ability ever again), and charges all his power in Hades to fire the most powerful bolt of electricity he could, which not just breaks Creed's blade, but also depletes most of his Ki, allowing him to barely stand. Eve then uses her powers to remove the immortality nanomachines from Creed, to turn him back into a human. Creed then flees with Echidna to a quiet place. Due to the damage taken, Creed eventually has to use a wheelchair.

;Creed Diskenth in the Animeanime voices|Shinichiro Miki|Chris Patton Creed is just as dangerous and insane in the anime, but the plot doesn't show his Imagine Blade levels (Although we see its four forms). Creed is not finished by Train's Rail Gun, as it does not appear in the Anime, but by an Orichalcon bullet given to him Sephiria which he deflects off Sephiria's Christ breaking off the tip to prevent her from stabbing Creed while shattering his Imagine Blade. In Creed's childhood, it is much more understood that he murdered his mother. When his mother was furious, he came up to her and gave her a bouquet of flowers to cheer her up, but she refused them and took them up and slapped Creed hard on the face with them. After she finished, Creed had an evil glow in his eye and he killed her. Creed then became overcome with fear and ran away to avoid the police.

Creed undergoes a complete reversal of personality after Eve removes the nanomachines from him. His symbol becomes a white rose instead of a red one, and he makes one last appearance during the Eden incident, entering Eden when Mason is fighting Train and Sven, taking over the fight and allowing the two to proceed to save Eve.At the end of the show Creed is seen living peacefully in the country with Echidna.

Charden Flamberg

;Charden Flamberg in the MangaCharden is recognizable by his sunglasses and silk top hat (though he is very attractive, almost effeminate, when not wearing them). He wields the power to control blood, including blood drawn from his enemies. Early in the manga, he fights Belze together with Kyoko, although the battle has no outcome due to the intervention of Shiki to bring both members back to the Apostles' helicopter. Later, he sees that Durham is killed after he is taken down by Train. He leaves the Apostles of the Stars, together with Kyoko, over an ideological split with Creed, as he considers Creed's bloodlust is blinding his original sense of justice that formed the Apostles of the Stars, but continues to battle Chronos. He meets Train and Sven later in the plot. In the last chapter of the series Charden is seen coughing up blood, implying that he is dying. Charden's Tao Power is called "Blood".

;Charden Flamberg in the Anime "Voiced by: "Sho Hayami (Japanese), Kent Williams (English) Same as in the manga, except the battle against Belze does not take place, and his leaving of the Apostles takes place at a different time. He makes a reappearance near the end of the anime, though his trademark sunglasses and silk top hat are no longer worn as well as him keeping his hair tied back. He decides to aid Train and the group in the cause of stopping Eden, by fighting the Zero numbers at the end, while Train and Sven head for the upper levels to save Eve.

Kyōko Kirisaki

;Kyoko Kirisaki in the MangaKyōko is an energetic, bubbly high school student who has the ability to create and control fire. She is so carefree that she will kill the enemies of the Apostles without a second thought. She leaves the Apostles of the Stars with Charden so he won't be lonely. Kyōko starts to like Train when she first meets him, and falls in love with him when he saves her from a thief. Train doesn't return her feelings, and gets very exsasperated with her when she tries to flirt with him. However, due to her feelings, she commits herself to Train's own personal philosophy to not kill senselessly. Kyōko's Tao Power is called "Heat". Like several other "Black Cat" characters, Kyoko has a counterpart in the Yabuki collaborative manga "To Love-Ru" as Magical Kyoko-chan, a witch with flame powers.

;Kyoko Kirisaki in the Animeanime voices|Chiemi Chiba|Monica Rial Kyōko's primary difference in the anime is that she was never shown to have killed anybody. Even when attacking soldiers with the rest of the Apostles, she seemed to deliberately avoid actually killing people. She was also never given the ultimatum to join the Chronos Numbers (which was a test by Sephiria). Her crush on Train started when he saved her from a gang of thugs, and she thought he was extremely handsome. The crush is intensified in the anime in which she usually tries to kiss him, only to be kissing a cat used as a shield by Train. Train still doesn't return her feelings, but is much calmer, and doesn't seem to mind her as much. She makes a reappearance alongside Charden to help Train near the final Eden plot.

hiki

;Shiki in the MangaShiki was one of the members of the Tao clan whose ancestors survived the war against Chronos 25 years ago (she confesses to Train in their battle that if she was old enough, she would have participated in the war, though). As a Master-Level Taoshi, Shiki manipulates her Chi (even though her gender can't be determined in the first volumes due to her garb, later on the story she reveals his identity- Chapter 144). Shiki's main form of offense is through the use of insect summoning, and as such, her Tao Power is called "Insect". However, besides her insects, she masters the usage of ink seals, using them for manipulating her Ki in various ways, ranging from creating a seal sword to creating an energy blast.

;Shiki in the Animeanime voices|Mayumi Yamaguchi|Greg Ayres Shiki is portrayed as a male in the Anime.Shiki's backstory is not revealed in the anime. He also does not fight Train or show any kind of major role in the Apostles of The Stars, as he is part of the elite team summoned by Mason to put into motion the Eden project, although he is often seen using his insects to gather information for Creed. He fights Anubis, and later appears alongside with the Zero numbers inside Eden to stop the heroes.

Durham Glaster

;In the MangaDurham can channel his Chi through his precious revolver, allowing him to fire destructive balls of energy without regard to ammunition. His mask also contains a hidden gun in case of emergencies. He heads off to face Train in a part of the story in order to prove that Train is not as great as he sounds. He finds and beats Annette and searches her computer for Train's hideout address, where he finds Eve, whom he beats. He writes a message to Train on the wall, with Eve's blood, for Train to meet him at a forest near the town they are currently in. He is killed by Creed for his selfish insolence, by challenging Train to a gun duel. Durham's Tao Power is called "Shot". His death triggers the exit of Charden and Kyoko from the Apostles of The Stars.

;In the Animeanime voices|Shinya Fukumatsu|R. Bruce Elliott The same as in the manga, except that when he heads off to face Train, he does not torture Annette or Eve. Because of this, he is a more sympathetic character in the anime.

Maro

;In the MangaMaro is a Taoshi from the Forbidden Continent, being the only Apostle of The Stars who has actually seen Shiki's face before she lifts her mask. He can use his ability, "Gravity" to crush whole squads of men, when his fearsome muscles do not suffice. He greatly resents being referred to as fat, as well as people laughing (including Train & River) at his Forbidden Continent traditional garb, which resembles a sumo outfit.

;In the Animeanime voices|Yasuhiko Kawazu|Brad Jackson Same as in the manga, save for the fact that he fights David Pepper on Craken Island instead of Train, and most likely dies during that battle.

Echidna Parass

;In the MangaEchidna is an ex-actress whose Tao Power, "Gate", consists of literally creating gates from one area to another. People can pass through, or she can stick a body part through to attack from an unexpected angle. She was once a famous actress who starred in many major films and won numerous awards. She blindly follows Creed in his acts, not minding his sometimes psychopathic attitude.

;In the Anime anime voices|Atsuko Tanaka|Stephanie Young Same as in the manga, except for the role she plays in the final Eden part. It is hinted several times that Echidna has feelings for Creed. Creed asks her why she let Eve take out the nanomachines in his body, she replies that she wanted him to stay human, and she would protect him. When Mason is about to deliver a fatal blow to Creed, she suddenly appears and takes the blow for him. That is when Creed realizes how much she loves him. The show ends with her and Creed living on a small country side together.

Leon Elliott

;In the MangaLeon is a young boy with a great distrust of adults and society, as he is a not only the survivor of a war, but was abused by his mother and later, the police (the father seems to have left her or died). He travels on a snowboard, and has the power to control air, managing to suffocate people, control air currents, among many things. Leon's Tao Power is called "Wind". Leon leaves Apostles of the Stars after Eve makes a deal with him then defeats him. However, he later comes back to the Apostle headquarters and saves Train and Creed from sliding off a roof using his "Wind."

;In the Animeanime voices|Junko Minagawa|Aaron Dismuke He is part of a group of orphans that includes Tim Vertical. Constantly being ignored or abused by the "adults" of society, Leon sought more power so that he could better protect his friends. Ironically, after he did gain this power, he had to leave his friends behind so that he could help the Apostles remake the world. Near the final part of the story, Leon's the one who volunteers to get the fireworks for Eve to hear to trigger a reaction that would stop her from uniting with Eden. He is saved by Train when he is at the limit of his strength and is about to be taken down by two monsters from Eden.

Kanzaki

;In the MangaThe mysterious "Doctor" is a highly talented scientist who is interested in nanomachines. His desire to know reaches the level of psychosis, and he cares little for any lives he may take or destroy in his pursuit. He reattaches Train's right arm after it is severed by Creed's Imagine Blade, at Creed's request, and later captures Eve, intending to dissect her. The Doc's Tao Power is called "Warp World," and it allows him to literally create an alternate world where everything he imagines becomes reality. He can also pull memories from the minds of those trapped in the Warp World, and bring those into reality as well. He has no relation with Dr. Tearju or the creation of Eve or Eden in the manga.

;In the Animeanime voices|Yuu Mizushima|J. Michael Tatum The Doctor appears to be the same as in the manga. He never reattached Train's arm (since that scene never happened in the anime) nor did he capture or attempt to dissect Eve. However, he plays a major role in the Eden project, as he is the one who controls Adam's actions towards uniting Eve with Eden, by simply playing pool. After talking to Dr. Tearju through his computer screen, where it is revealed he was the one who retrieved Eden's data that Dr. Tearju tried to destroy, he participates in the battle between the heroes and the Zero Numbers, where he transforms himself into a monster (although only his transformation is seen in one scene, circumstantially, and is never seen in full-body). He looks quite similar to Kilnorton from The Law of Ueki minus the ponytail.

Eathes

Eathes is another member of the Apostles who only appears in the manga. Though he is a monkey, drinking the Tao potion has given him the ability to understand the human language. Not only that, but he also has the power to transform into a clone of a person, complete with their knowledge as well as their physical appearance. In order to do this, however, his "soul" needs to have come into contact with them. He uses this Tao power - fittingly known as "Copy" - to take Tearju Lunatique's knowledge of nanomachine technology for the Apostles. He wears some sort of pirate's hat, which remains even when he transforms.

Preta Ghoul

;In the MangaPreta was a clergyman who murdered 16 people. The Apostles broke him out of jail and through the drinking of Shinkitou (The drink that may let someone gain a Tao Power or just die), gave him the Tao Power "Decay," which allows him to rot anything he touches. He is defeated by River with his "Sonic Fist" ability, which allows him to damage Preta without touching him, therefore not exposing himself to his corrosive power.

;In the Animeanime voices|Susumu Chiba|Taliesin Jaffe He appeared very early on in the anime, and was captured by Saya with some assistance from Train. However, sometime before the final battle against the Apostles, he joins them and appears on Craken Island. Due to his obsession with seeking vengeance against Saya, he accidentally mistakes Silphy for the deceased sweeper, and attempts to kill her. Sven intervenes, and takes advantage of Preta's "hallucinations" by having Eve transform into a kimono similar to Saya's. During the distraction, Sven seizes the opportunity to take Preta's clothes, that are anti-acid, and wrap them around his hands to make a pair of "gloves" that are impervious to Preta's corrosive powers. From there, he easily defeats Preta.

Igor Planter

anime voices|Jin Horikawa|Mark Lancaster An ecoterrorist who only appeared in the anime. He was freed from jail by the Apostles, and told by Charden and Kyoko that his way of "repaying" them would be to drink the Tao potion they offered. He refused at first, intent on living an ordinary life as a gardener. However, he eventually changed his mind and drank the potion, gaining the power to manipulate and control plants. He engaged in a short battle with Train, Eve and Sven, which ended abruptly when his body fell subject to the side effect of the potion, and he literally decomposed into a small, wrinkled sort of tree. Despite his extremism toward protecting the environment, he did have a genuinely compassionate side, as shown when he gently scolded a little girl for picking his flowers, instead of growing as angry as he did with Train and Eve.

Deek Slasky

;In the MangaDeek wields the power to control ice. He can attack using shards of ice, create an ice barrier around his body or even freeze his enemies with his touch. He joined the Apostles after they helped him escape from prison, where he was sentenced for 120 years for murdering four girls in his freezer. He battles Sven after the sweepers get separated after the boat's explosion, and almost kills Sylphie by attacking her with an attack that gradually freezes her body, but Sven manages to defeat him before Sylphie's body is entirely consumed in ice, saving her. He is defeated by Sven in the attack on Creed's island

hooting Star Unit

;In the MangaThe Shooting Star Unit is a team of bodyguards assembled by Creed to support the activities of the Apostles of the Stars. Although they cannot use "Tao" powers like the other Apostles, they are highly trained in combat, and wear special armored suits that can even absorb the impact of a hand grenade. They were used in the Apostles' attack on the World Congress, and a group of six of them supported Echidna and Eathes in their attack on Dr. Tearju Lunatique's residence. ;In the AnimeAlthough they do appear in the anime, they are mostly cannon fodder. It is not known if they actually possess special armor, as everyone that fights them has weapons or abilities that allow them to damage them regardless of their kind of armor (Chronos Numbers' weapons, River's Sonic Fist, for example).