Author's Note: Hi there~ This is another fic I managed to write for last year's Nanowrimo. However, I've done some extensive editing for this story so I hope that the story and details are mostly accurate to a point and the rest is all made up by me. I've always wondered how things came to be for the Harvenheit sisters every since I read the book the first time and so here is my attempt at writing multiple chapters to bring you on an adventure through my mind, lol. So hope you enjoy! Again, any review is well appreciated so thank you so much for taking your time to read my story~3
Spoiler warning: If you have not read the book yet, please refrain from reading this fic.
Disclaimer: Chrno Crusade © Moriyama Daisuke
New York 1924
A jewel summoner. One would be considered a vexen for holding such powers amongst the common people; the summoning and manipulation of a beast or warrior through the use of a jewel created by her own hands. Then again, there were demons alike that lurked the current world causing deception, lustful seduction and murder. The long red-headed beauty, standing five foot six with an abundance of assets, was the talk of the City- New York- for she was a hunter and to some a savior from these monsters; fighting day to day for one purpose only; to find someone.
The rattling of the tall windows from a chilly September breeze, a slender leg peeked from beneath the warm rose-scented water as she shifted her weight in the tub. A deep sigh passing her lips, Satella tilted her head back to stare up at the rather blank ceiling of her six floor mansion. Till this day she hadn't forgotten. Ten years. Ten long years and the moment she thought she had a lead was gone in a flash. It was back to square one in finding her; her dear sister, Florette Harvenheit. Her eyes settled to a solemn daze as she thought further. No, it was to search for the culprit; the hornless demon that had stolen everything from her. Her parents. Her sister. Her home. Everything matched too, or so she thought. The violent outburst, hornless and a demon of all things, yet this one was caring, sweet, adorable and much too human to have done such a thing.
She closed her eyes. Besides, there was little chance that her sister was even alive at this point and yet her heart subconsciously continued to seek for her. Satella sank lower into the water as she accepted that fate yet again. Feeling her fingers begin to shrivel, she slowly rose from the tub and carefully stepped out to retrieve the neatly folded robe beside the sink. A sudden chill running up her spine, she quickly wrapped herself in warmth and headed straight for her room down the long red-carpeted hall decorated with an occasional antique displayed besides a plant.
It was only moments after that that Steiner, her loyal butler of many years, gently knocked on her door and patiently awaited her response.
"Come in, Steiner." Satella called from her well polished Mahogany vanity. Now dressed in her usual reserved light-blue night gown, she was in the middle of combing her damp hair and fussing over the split ends when the elderly butler entered and gave a small bow with a smile. "Miss Satella, I've brewed some fresh tea if you would like to have some. It'll surely warm you."
The calming scent coming from the hall brought a small smile to her face. "Thank you. I'll have some in the living room." Satella softly replied, placing the brush down. A cup of Kamillentee, Chamomile herbal tea, poured into her favorite Dresden Demitasse Cup after a long tough day was the perfect closure to the night. The butler kindly waited for her to join him by the door and escorted her to the desired room before excusing himself to head towards the kitchen. Whether it was a word of advice, reassurance through a small gesture or other, she appreciated how Steiner seemed to know exactly what she needed at any given time. Her only family left, he had taken upon himself to continue to care for her even after that day. Surely, he had his own family that missed him dearly, having followed her all the way to America from Germany. But truth be told, she wouldn't have made it this far without his support and love. She owed him greatly.
Entering the lavished living area, Satella took a seat on the Louis Xv sofa décor with silky red fabric near the fireplace. The oak framed mantel brightly lite up from the flames dancing below it, she quietly stared through the screen while Steiner brought over her tea. The somber look on her face only made the butler's bushy gray eyebrows scrunch in worry. This was perhaps not a good day for her, he silently thought to himself as he carefully placed the tray onto the table. Standing beside the sofa, he too glanced towards the fireplace until she finally realized he had returned.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Thank you, Steiner." Satella came out of her deep thoughts as she gracefully picked up the saucer and took a hold of her cup to sip. A satisfied smile replacing her gloominess, she complimented with a light chuckle. "Delicious as always."
Steiner feeling a sense of relief to see her smile again, carefully decided to prod. He knew well it wasn't his place to, but the butler's genuine concern for this master gave him the courage to proceed. "Is something the matter, miss? If you do not mind these old ears of mine, they are here to listen." he offered.
"Steiner…" Her smile slightly wavering, her eyes slowly dropped to the tea in her hand. "I'm just tired. That's all. I didn't mean to worry you." An index finger tracing a short distance back and forth on the golden rim of the teacup, she remained silent for another minute before speaking again. "Ten years." she began. "Can you believe it's been ten years already?" She forced a small chuckle with pain in her eyes as a single tear slid down her cheek. With a hand on her shoulder, he quietly responded with a "Yes, it has, indeed." as he remained beside her to console. Her hands shaking, she managed to place the cup down before spilling it and neatly folded them back in her lap. Her fingers slowly curling into a fist, she was furious inside of just how close it was only to have it slip passed her. A part of her wanted to blame Chrno for everything despite knowing how wrong it was to. It was all their fault. Damn demons doing as they pleased.
The image was as vivid as yesterday. The cold night. The fire. Her sister in his hand, head down and draped like some rag doll. The young Satella of age nine, clueless to why this stranger had done this could only continuously cry and desperately call her name. One arm reached out while on her knees as the other carefully supported her mother's head, she watched him carry her off into the dark night. Never to be seen again. The next thing she knew Steiner was calling to her, having passed out from exhaustion. He gave her the coat on his back and carried her off to safety after jumping into the fire to come rescue her.
Rosette's stupid face was the only thing that truly brought her out of her despair as a small smile crept at the corner of her lip. Satella could see her now, scolding her for even remotely thinking that it was Chrno. They had mentioned that he had been sleeping at a grave sight for fifty years. She could only imagine why he had been there this whole time verses anywhere else. He too had a story of his own, with a dark mysterious past. Never would she have imagined who was truly responsible for her misfortune at the time; plotting away even now on the opposite side of the country as she sat there reminiscing of her lost past.
San Francisco, California. 1924.
Removing his glasses and leaning back in his brown buttoned leather and sturdy mahogany framed desk chair with a turn, Aion heaved a heavy sigh as he finished reading up on the last bit of the article written on the astral line. A hand rubbing his tired face and massaging his own temple on both ends, an eerie chuckle came from the pale-haired sinner as he thought over the material he had just read. The amount of information obtained through the numerous researches done over the years, by these humans nonetheless, was about to pay off. Even with short lives, they persisted on seeking the truth, knowing well that they'll never see the day when its ugly head would be revealed, specifically by his hands. Such pathetic and sad beings. He lowered the hand covering his face and turned his chair to glance up at the overflowing bookshelf. His eyes softened a moment in thought, almost sorrowfully. The thought of her dominating his mind again. Lilith. He had to shake it off.
Rarely catching such sight of her master, Fiore slowly walked in with a tray in hand as she softly inquired. "Is something the matter, Master Aion?" He gave a slight tilt of his head towards the maid and a brief smile. "Hm? It's nothing, Fi. Don't be concerned." Aion allowed her to set his coffee before him as a sly eye closely watched her.
Fiore; a maid, a limiter to Joshua Christopher and, more significantly, a jewel summoner. The woman was reborn only to dance to his tune as he pulled the strings from above; his doll to use at his own disposal and a worthy addition to his 'team'. She was to never feel and simply do, but unfortunately innate characteristics were hard to erase. Though not spoken, the message she often sent were as clear as glass. After all, she was still quite easy to 'read' especially for him.
The dismissing response to her inquiry wasn't false by any means, however. There truly wasn't anything wrong with the situation at hand. The apostles were smoothly being acquired one by one and the other sinners were loyally taking on their given roles. All was going according to plan. "Thanks." Aion took the mug and brought it closer to his lips to blow. Thinking deeper, none of this was ever possible without Fiore. She was an essential performer to his act to go beyond.
Viede's mention of their past senior was the start of it all.