The Third Clause:

Another Lapse In Judgment

"The Roaring Twenties. An era in which science has not yet illuminated the dark of night. This is just part of the story of those who fight against the dwellers in darkness."

Rosette Christopher is an exorcist nun for the Magdalene Order's militia, with her faithful partner Chrono at her side. The two share the same sadness, and have taken it upon themselves to erase the tragedy that bonded them together. Through their journeys, they have befriended Azmaria Hendric, a young Portuguese girl with the ability to heal by singing. They have also encountered Satella Harvenheit, a jewel summoner from Germany who has a score to settle with a demon without horns. With Azmaria a militia apprentice to Rosette, and Satella tagging along until Rosette pays back a monumental debt in the form of a dozen broken pieces of art, they four are a ragtag team of misfits – each one special in their own way.

The four have made it to Chicago, after surviving an attack by the demon Sinner Rizelle, who works for Aion. With more clues leading Rosette to her kidnapped brother Joshua, she is getting hopeful that at last she will be able to rescue him. Chrono begins to fall into a reserved silence – being a former Sinner, he is trying to fathom Aion's plans for Joshua. They are able to survive another battle against two of Pandemonium's Pursuers, who are after the Sinners. Every step is more dangerous, and the path becomes even harder to drag through, with only pure will and determination fueling each one of them.

"I think…" Satella wheezed, her long elegant scarlet hair hanging down before her face, "that's the last one…" She breathed heavily, pushing a large heavy suitcase into a white room, sunlight streaming in through the window.

"These are so heavy!" Azmaria said, putting her pink cap on the bed, lying down. A boy walked over to her, smiling. He had a red headband on his forehead, his hair a bluish violet, so long that it was braided. The most distinguishing features of him, however, was his pointed ears, and his deep crimson eyes that had catlike pupils.

"Yeah," Chrono agreed, "it is a lot of stuff."

"What's with you all?" a spunky sixteen year old blonde shouted, storming into the room. "Are you all tired?" Satella rose from leaning on the giant suitcase, a vein pumping dangerously on her forehead.

"Listen, just because you didn't move a finger doesn't mean the rest of us are as energetic!" she shouted. Rosette glared back.

Chrono sighed, moving forward as the two began to scuffle. He pushed Rosette out, after removing her thumbs from Satella's cheeks, pulling Satella's thumbs out likewise.

"Let me at her," she growled, "don't stop me Chrono! Let me at that crazy woman!" Chrono smiled, and lifted his face to hers.

"C'mon, let's go somewhere for a while," he whispered softly. Rosette was starting to blush, as Chrono got his coat, walking down the hall. He turned around, when he noticed she wasn't following him.

"Rosette?" he asked. She snapped back to reality, nodding.

"Hold on, let me get my jacket," she said. Her hand slipped three times on the doorknob, before finally opening the door to her room. She walked in, her heart thumping against her chest. She closed her eyes, her heartbeat going back to its normal pulse.

She didn't know why she got so nervous. All he did was… well, she'd leave that thought for later. She regained her composure, walking from the door.

She walked past her mirror, grabbing her light blue sweater, when she caught a look of herself in the reflection. She stood in front of it, staring at herself.

Her face was cut up from her last two battles. Faint, red, pencil thin scars were over her cheek, her hair unevenly cut. She ran her hand through her golden blonde hair, her hair tied back on the back of her hair in two ponytail like things. She wondered… how did she look without them?

She was dressed in a white cotton shirt, an old pocket watch dangling from a chain on her neck. She had a violet skirt that went down to halfway to her calf. She tugged at the end of the skirt.

Something was on the edge of her mind. She peeped her head out the door, to the waiting Chrono.

"Um, can you wait a little bit longer?" she asked, smiling. Chrono blinked, then nodded.

"Yeah, sure," he said, confused. She gave him a last smile, before closing the door, leaving him standing slightly bewildered in the hallway.

Satella slinked behind Chrono, putting his arms around his neck.

"So, Chrono," Satella said mischievously, "where are you going?" Chrono pulled away, Satella laughing.

"No where," he replied defensively. Satella laughed, putting her hands on her hips.

"Aw, don't worry," she said, "I get it. You don't have to say anything." Satella smiled, swinging her long hair back.

"Although, if you do need someone else," she said slyly, winking at him, "I'm right here." Chrono said nothing, as she walked away. He shook his head. She was a funny woman. Well, not a woman, exactly. She was only nineteen.

"Okay!" Rosette said, coming out of her room, "Let's go!" Chrono turned around, turning red.

Rosette had a blue dress on, that went from a thin strap that led down her shoulders to her chest, a V neck that stopped just above the middle of her chest. The dress was all one piece that stopped at the middle of her thigh. Her hair was let down, falling over her shoulders gently. She was blushing slightly, her hand on her hip.

"What?" she asked defensively.

"Aren't you supposed to be a nun?" Chrono asked. Rosette popped him on the head, knocking his headband off. He picked himself off the floor, nursing his head.

She grabbed Chrono's hand, their fingers interlocking.

"Let's go," she repeated. Chrono nodded, the two of them walking out into the Chicago air.

Chrono smiled as they made their way through the streets. They walked close together, enjoying their own company more than anything else. Rosette stopped, standing in front of a store.

"Hey, Chrono," Rosette said, "Look at that." Chrono looked at what she was looking at.

They stood in front of a clothes shop, a few suits showcased in the window. They were slick black suits, with a little bowtie in the middle of the neck. Chrono blinked.

"They're clothes," Chrono stated. Rosette rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, but don't you ever get tired of wearing that?" she asked, pulling on his sleeve. He looked down. He liked his red tunic. Not that he had much of a choice on how it looked, for certain reasons.

"C'mon, let's get you a new suit," she said, pulling him in. They were instantly beset by suits left and right. There were racks of one after the other, a man straight and skinny as a stick walking over to them.

"Hello, Miss, Sir," he said, giving a slight bow. "How may I help you today?" Rosette pulled Chrono in front of her, putting her hands firmly on his shoulders.

"Do you think you could find something nice for him to wear?" Rosette asked. The man looked him up and down, measuring him with a strip of measuring tape.

"And this will be in child's size?" the man asked. Chrono frowned, suppressing his frustration. Rosette smiled.

"Of course," she replied, ignoring the dark look Chrono gave her. The man nodded, disappearing. Chrono instantly turned on her, going off.

"Rosette? How do expect to pay for this?" he cried. Rosette grinned.

"With this," she said, producing a wad of money. Chrono stared slack jawed at her, gazing at the cash wide eyed.

"Did you steal that?" he cried incredulously. Rosette laughed.

"I call it borrowing," she said. Chrono didn't change his expression. She rolled her eyes. "Satella won't notice."

The man came back, a small suit in his hands. He displayed it to them, and Rosette's eyes lit up. It was a navy blue suit, a white cotton shirt underneath. It was exactly Chrono's size. When he put it on, it fit perfectly. Rosette smiled. He looked so handsome.

"Thank you!" Rosette said. "How much is it?" The man smiled, bowing slightly.

"For such a pretty face, not a penny charged," he said looking at her expectantly. Rosette nodded.

"Thank you!" she said, then bolted out the door with Chrono being dragged along with her.

"Let's stop here," Chrono said. They sat in a small park, a few kids playing in the middle of the grass. People walked along the sidewalk, talking. Rosette sat next to him.

She rested her head on his shoulder, reaching down, clasping his hand. He squeezed her hand, saying nothing. The breeze whispered by them, throwing a few leaves up.

Rosette nuzzled against his neck, sighing.

"You look good," she said softly.

"…you're supposed to be a nun," he replied.

She put her smoldering fist back down, Chrono's eye turning from red to violet as a bruise began to form around it. She leaned back, her loose hair swaying in the wind.

"Just one more stop," she said. Chrono nodded, his bangs covering his eyes.

"Once we're in San Francisco," he said lowly, "we'll have to…" He didn't finish. They both knew what they had to do.

"Are… you scared?" she asked. Chrono didn't instantly respond.

"Of course," he finally answered, "I'm always scared. There's always a chance of losing you." Rosette smiled, leaning over to Chrono, brushing against his cheek.

"Not… right now," she whispered gently. Chrono moved his face, his nose brushing by hers. They held there for a few seconds, before parting.

"Yeah… I guess…" he said. She leaned back on his shoulder, Chrono placing her hand on his leg, holding it with both of his hands. He didn't say anything, and neither did she. The comfortable silence was their conversation.

Chrono froze. He slowly stood up, grimacing. Rosette stared at him. She had seen that look before. She then felt it.

A presence she hadn't felt in four years.

They both turned around, an eagle hiding in the branches of the trees. Its eyes were shining a bright red, the eagle perfectly hidden in the shadows from a passerby.

"Hey," they both heard a deep mocking voice, "you're just as stupid as ever, aren't you, Chrono?" Chrono grimaced, clenching his hands.

"Aion," he seethed. They heard laughter, no one else but them affected by it.

"Oh look at you," the bird cocked its head, as though it were talking, "all dressed up… with Rosette Christopher!" The eagle cawed, flapping its wings.

"I haven't seen you in years, ever since you were a little kid," he said with malicious laughter. Rosette trembled in anger, staring heatedly at the eagle.

"Damn you," she said, her words dripping with hate, "where's Joshua?!" The bird flapped its wings, bringing its head back.

"Oh him," he said in a bored voice, "don't worry – he's fine. At least," he laughed, "as fine as he can be." Rosette clenched her hands. She didn't have her gun. Her trigger finger was itching to pull something she didn't have.

"What did you come here for?" Chrono asked.

"Why, to see an old friend," Aion said, "just like last time. I didn't think you'd notice me."

"Yeah, right," Chrono said, "what do you want Aion?" The bird flapped its wings, taking flight.

"I think Viede and Genai will tell you that," Aion said, taking off.

"Viede… and Genai?" Rosette repeated. They both heard a crunch, turning around. Chrono froze, staring in shock at what he saw.

Two men stood in front of them, about only a foot away. One was tall and broad, his hair tied back, his jaw squared and his eyes staring impassively ahead. The other was shorter, dressed as though in a Western novel. His eyes were covered with some kind of cloth which looked eerily enough as though it were nailed into his face. Neither of them looked normal.

"Viede? Genai?" Chrono cried out.

"Yeah," the one that looked like a Westerner said, "long time no see. Wish it were longer." He snickered, his face turning back to a dark scowl.

"You killed Rizelle," Genai said, "I've got something special planned out for you, missy." He glared at Rosette, despite having his eyes covered.

"Watch it," Viede said, putting his arm out, "remember what Master Aion said." Genai threw his arm away.

"I don't care if he wants us to keep a low profile. I'm going to give her the punishment I have planned out!" Genai growled. Chrono stepped in front of Rosette.

"Rosette, go back now," he said.

"But, I don't have the pocket watch," she said, "If I leave you, you can't possibly–"

"Rosette," Chrono repeated firmly, standing between Genai and Rosette, "go back now."

"Fine by me," Genai said, "I don't mind. Go ahead and run. I'll find you." Rosette stepped back, as Genai gave her a grin, his teeth sharp as razors.

"Yeah, right."

She put her arms around Chrono, clasping her hands with his.

"We're not going to be alone," she whispered, "never alone."

Genai smirked.

"Suit yourself," he said, bearing his sharpened teeth.

He struck instantly without warning. Chrono was thrown up into the air, Genai leaping, flying past him. He carried Chrono up with him, his hands clenched around his neck. He then tossed him, breaking trees with his body. Chrono rolled, eventually stopping in the street.

"Too bad," he said disappointed, "I thought I would get a chance to go all out." He stopped, the wind blowing through the park. He saw his shadow grow longer, a blue hue coming from behind him.

Genai fell back, tumbling onto the grass. He roared in anger, putting his head up. A bright blue light blinded him, as he stared at a sparkling diamond that was making its way to the park.

"Laden!"

A giant blue knight swiped appeared, swiping its sword down, aiming for Viede. Viede moved, a giant trench appearing in the park. Satella moved forward, her glove shining bright.

"Erlöshen!" Satella cried, swinging her arm. The jewel knight moved, swinging its lance forward. Viede cried out, a loud explosion of light blinding everything.

Viede was holding the tip of the lance in his palms, a trickle of blood running down his hand. Genai moved away, backing up to where Viede was. They grimaced, then began to walk away.

"Oh yeah," Genai said, turning back, "Aion wanted me to tell you this." He smirked, turning away.

"See you at the carnival."

"How did you find us?" Rosette asked, plopping down on the bed. Satella winced, her eye twitching.

"How could I not?" she cried out. "Do you think I wouldn't have noticed you stole some of my money, not to mention one of my summoning jewels?" Rosette laughed, the blood red ruby in her hand. She had found it after the jewel dropped out of the wad of cash she "borrowed."

"Yeah, thanks, it really helped," she said, handing it back to Satella. She fumed, her fist trembling, Rosette a longing target for her punch.

A ringing sound interrupted the next would-be fight. Chrono turned, the phone on his weapon crate ringing. He picked it up, listening to the voice on the other side. He frowned, handing it over to Rosette.

"It's for you," he said, "Sister Kate's on the other line."

"What?" Rosette cried. She snatched the receiver, pressing it to her ear.

"Sister Kate?" Rosette asked.

"Sister Rosette, what happened?" a nearly screeching voice issued from the phone, Rosette having to hold it away from her ear unless she wanted to go deaf.

"Um… with what, exactly?" Rosette asked. She could visualize Sister Kate snap her pen in half in frustration.

"I just received word from the Chicago branch. It was reported that you were in an encounter with two demons in the Chicago Park!" Sister Kate shouted from the other side. Rosette gave a nervous laugh.

"Oh yeah, that. Um… we survived?" she answered. Another frustrated scream issued from the phone.

"Obviously," she said acidly. Sister Kate sighed, giving up her grilling. "Is Chrono there?" Rosette turned surprised to him. Sister Kate didn't really like him. Why would she ask about him?

"Yes," Rosette answered.

"The Elder wishes to speak to him," Sister Kate said, "can you put him on?" Rosette handed Chrono the phone.

"Hello?" Chrono answered.

"Chrono," he could hear The Elder's voice say, "Did Rosette release the seal?"

"No," Chrono told him, confused, "why?" It was kind of a dumb question. He knew why The Elder would ask if she released the seal, especially at such a dangerous time.

"Just checking. That's good," he sighed, "but I have to tell you something about your execution." Chrono froze. His execution?

"Elder, what do you mean?" Chrono asked. The Elder sighed.

"We couldn't do it," he said guiltily, "The Bishop's Council has begun writing up a new order. The Sinner Chrono must now be considered as any other demon – an enemy that must be eliminated."

Chrono nearly dropped the phone.

"There is some good news," he said, "we were able to buy you some time. I say that you and Rosette leave Chicago immediately before the Branch there begins to hunt you down."

"…okay," Chrono said. He could hear The Elder keep speaking, but he slammed the phone down without listening. Rosette and Azmaria looked at him. They could tell something was up.

"I have to go," Chrono said. He put his jacket on, about to walk out. A hand grabbed him around the wrist, pulling him back.

"Hey, hold up," Rosette said, "what do you mean, you have to go?" Chrono looked down, unable to look her in the eyes.

"I have to go. Just leave it at that," he said, walking out. Rosette said nothing as he stepped out the door, his red tunic bundled up in his arm, staring at the floor as he closed the door in silence.

"Is something wrong with Chrono?" Azmaria asked. Satella said nothing, staring after Rosette as she ran out the room, following him. Rosette finally caught up to Chrono, pulling him aside forcefully.

"Hey," she said angrily, "you get a phone call and then you suddenly have to leave? Why don't you tell me what's wrong?" Chrono pulled away, grimacing. He stared angrily at Rosette, his frown quivering.

"Just let it go, Rosette!" he yelled. Rosette flinched.

"I can't stay," he continued, "and I can't be with you, either. I have to go." He turned away, about to step out the doors, when he heard a stifled cry. He turned around hesitantly, and felt a lump rise in his throat. He gasped, his heart stopping.

Rosette had her head down, tears silently streaming down her cheek. She said nothing, clenching her hands. She breathed heavily, coughing softly now and then. She took a last suck of breath, and turned away, running without looking back.

"Interesting," a tall man said, with dark skin and silver hair. He had a white jacket on, all his clothes white. He stood in a green room, that had an odd appearance to it. It looked like the walls were constructed of hexagonal cells, with electricity sometimes pulsing in between the walls to each cell.

"So they weren't with the apostle," he said, turning to Genai and Veide. Genai nodded, his arms crossed, leaning on a wall. Next to the man was a person wearing a labcoat, typing onto an alien computer. Two cat ears poked out of the top of her head, a tail dancing around from the bottom of the coat. She laughed, purring as she danced around the computer.

"Everything is working Aion," she purred happily. Aion nodded, smiling.

"All the pieces are falling into place," he said, looking at the monitor. "Good work Shader." The cat woman purred, adjusting her large glasses.

"The whole barrier has been revamped. I'm sure that it'll hold out this time," Shader said, clapping her hands. Someone appeared at the stairs. She wore a maid costume, her dark hair pulled back behind a nurse cap. She had an earring on her left ear, a jewel dangling from it.

"Master Aion," she said in a quiet, almost mechanically indifferent voice, "you wanted me to tell you when Lord Joshua was ill." Aion rose, nodding.

"How bad is it?" Aion asked. The woman looked down, emotionless, except for one single second when a look of concern briefly flashed by her face.

"He doesn't remember anything," she told him. Aion frowned, waving his hand. She nodded, disappearing.

"I think we need to get him back to his people," Viede said. Genai said nothing, his expression darkening.

"Yes," Aion agreed, "Shader, open the portal again. Send Joshua and Fiore back."

"Aww…" Shader said, saddening, "but Fiore just got here! And she makes the best food!" She typed her computer teary eyed, reminiscing on the delicious taste of the maid's cooking. "And the portal is active." A hum ran through the room, as the flashes of light between the walls increased.

"Come," he said, waving his hand at Genai and Viede, "let's go too." Genai pushed himself off the wall lazily, following Aion up the stairs.

"Why don't you come too?" Genai asked Shader. She smiled, grinning.

"You know I'm good with my brain, not my fists," she said. Genai growled, walking up the stairs. Shader watched them on the monitor, as a boy with blonde hair stood next to the maid, Genai, Viede and Aion joining them in a six pointed star etched on a pedestal. Shader manipulated the controls, the star glowing. They were engulfed in light, disappearing.

"Well then," Shader said quietly. "I guess that it's up to you now." She clasped her hands on a pendant on her neck, her expression saddening.

"Chrono," she whispered, "will you make the same mistake?"

"Leave me alone!" Rosette screamed, slamming her door shut on Satella and Azmaria. She cried, falling onto her bed. Rosette sobbed, wrapping the sheets around her. Why was she crying? It was dumb. You can't do anything when you're crying. She should stop. There was no reason to do it.

But why did he leave?

Rosette clasped her hand around a locket on her necklace. Chrono's present. And after that, they…

Did he mean it? Was he lying to her all these years? Did he care, or not?

"Chrono," she whispered. She buried her head in the pillow, feeling hollow and empty inside.

A knock on the door came again. Rosette got up, about to scream at the intruder, when she saw that it was a bunch of men with guns. She stared at them, here eyes bloodshot and her hair messy, still wearing her dress.

"Where is he?" the leader of the men asked. Rosette frowned, staring them down.

"Who?" Rosette asked. The leader's jaw set, glaring back at Rosette.

"The Sinner Chrono," the leader said, "he is to be executed." Rosette felt her heart stop. Chrono executed?

"He's not here," she said. The man looked irritated.

"You're his partner, right?" he asked, "So how do you not know where he is?" Rosette grimaced, her hands tightening around the door.

"I don't know and I don't care!" Rosette screamed. She slammed the door, knocking the men back. She tightened the locks, ignoring the angry knocks on the door. She cringed, sinking to the floor, hiccupping in between sobs.

Chrono… why is it all I can say is your name? I want you here…

Why aren't you here?

Satella raced up the halls, Azmaria on her heels. When they came to Rosette's room, they could see at least five militia men banging on her door. Satella raised her eyebrow. What kind of trouble could she have gotten in now?

"Excuse me," Satella said, "what's going on here?" The leader turned to her, a vein pulsing dangerously on his forehead.

"That girl won't tell us where she hid the demon!" he cried. Satella blinked. Hid the demon? Chrono left on his own. Then they must think…

"Atlanta," Satella said, "he took the first train down to Atlanta." The leader ground his teeth, looking at her.

"Are you sure?" he asked roughly. Satella smiled, leaning over so that he got a good look at her chest.

"Would this pretty face tell a lie?" she said teasingly. The man said nothing, until she stood up, taking away the selective view. He nodded to his men, and they made their way toward the entrance, the leader on his radio saying, "Tell Gilliam we know where he's headed, he's going to Atlanta, repeat, going to Atlanta."

"Satella, Chrono isn't really going there, is he?" Azmaria said worriedly. Satella sighed.

"I hope not," she replied. She was about to knock on the door when it swung open.

Rosette stood in the doorway, her uniform on, a full set of magazines in her belt packs, her two guns drawn, and a determined look on her face.

"Let's go," she said, picking up Chrono's massive ammunition crate. She was surprised to feel how heavy it was. And Chrono never complained once…

"Where?" Satella asked, following her lead.

"Where else? The same place we've been trying to get to," Rosette said. There was a crimson fire burning in her deep azure eyes.

"San Francisco," she said, "I think… that's where he's going…"

"I heard they lost track of him in Chicago," The Elder said, talking on the phone. He was in Sister Kate's office, the Sister sitting on her couch, a cup of untouched tea in her hands.

"So they say," Remington's voice replied, "but I doubt he headed for Atlanta." The Elder cracked a smile.

"Who told them that?" he asked.

"I would believe Satella," the minister told him, a laughter in his voice, " 'Would this pretty face tell a lie'… apparently so." They both laughed, The Elder shaking his head. He grew serious again, looking out the windows to the grounds below.

"You did receive my package right?" The Elder asked.

"Yes," Remington said, "although, I hope we have better luck this time."

"Remington," The Elder said sternly, "I know… you mean good intentions for Rosette. But so does Chrono, and without him, she probably wouldn't even be here by now. Remember what we talked about." Father Remington said nothing for a while.

"Understood," he finally said, "I will report back as soon as possible." The Elder nodded.

"Okay. Be safe," he said, hanging up. Sister Kate looked at The Elder, as he turned to watch the sun arc through the sky.

"Do you think… that they will be alright?" Sister Kate asked concerned.

"I truly hope so," The Elder said solemnly.

Chrono woke up. He felt the train slowly stop, finally coming to rest as the brakes broke its inertia. He lifted himself up out of the seat he was sleeping in. It was morning. In San Francisco.

He joined the other passengers in their migration out of the steel vehicle into the depot. In his arms was a briefcase, with his clothes in it. On his finger was a glinting ring.

Chrono stepped into the Californian morning. He breathed in deep, closing his eyes. He knew what he had to do. He didn't have much time – it would be a few days before the Order finally caught up with him. More than likely, he had less than that.

Find Joshua. That was his current mission. Without saying a word, he left the train station, walking down the streets.

He finally made it to the beach. The waves rolled in, the glistening seawater spraying the air with a mist of salty water. He took his clothes off except for his boxers, and dove into the water. He slowly made his way back to the surface, breathing in deep.

Just be calm, he told himself. Forget everything.

"Chrono!" Rosette screamed.

It's okay. Everything's going to be fine.

"I'm glad I met you," she whispered.

This is best for us. Especially you.

"Are you scared?" she asked.

Yes. Of course I am. There's always a chance to lose you.

If I'm away from you… I can't lose you.

But I can't tell you… how I feel either.

He splashed out of the water, collapsing on the sand. He felt his eyes grow hot, and it wasn't because of the sting of the salt water. His hands grabbed fistfuls of rough sand. He wished he had grabbed a handful of silky soft, blonde hair. He put his head onto the rough beach. He wished he was leaning on a warm body, some sweet scent wafting around him.

He opened his mouth, wishing so desperately that someone would hear his words.

"Rosette…," he whispered, "I… wanted to always tell you… that I–"

A shadow loomed over Chrono. He paused, looking up.

Father Remington stood over him, a dark expression on his face. He had a large cross in his hands, clenched tightly over the metal.

"Father Remington?" Chrono asked in surprise.

"So, instead of helping Rosette, you decide to take a vacation," he said darkly. "Well, I am sorry Chrono – your trip's been terminated."

In a flash of blue light, a large blade appeared at the end of the cross he was holding, swiping down swiftly. Chrono had barely enough time to roll to the side, jumping to his feet. The blade cut a deep trench into the sand, making the water part with the force of the blow.

"What are you doing?" Chrono cried out. He grabbed his red tunic, hastily dressing himself. The minister turned around, tossing something over to Chrono.

"Here. I can at least offer you this," he said. A long sword was stuck in the ground, right at Chrono's feet.

"What-What is this?" Chrono asked. Father Remington turned to him, his clothes swaying in the breeze.

"I, Ewan Remington, am to be your executioner," he said, "Come now, Chrono – let's finish what we started fifty four years ago!"

"Here," Father Gilliam said, handing Rosette a cup of cocoa, "I know it's been rough on you for the past couple of days." She nodded, gazing listlessly at the steaming mug.

"I never thought he would leave," she muttered. Gilliam took a sip of his drink, nodding.

"It's not as if he wanted to," he said, trying to comfort her, "he had no choice. Either run or be killed right on the spot." Rosette's hands clenched tightly over the cup.

"But… why didn't he tell me?" she said, shaking. "I would have gone – we could have left together! But why…" Gilliam sighed, putting his hand on her shoulder.

"He has his reasons," he said, "but look. You're looking for him right?" Rosette looked up at the militia man, Gilliam giving her a small smirk.

"And we he sees that – well, I'd be surprised if he isn't in the slightest way appreciative," Gilliam finished. Rosette nodded, taking a small sip of her cup. It was warm, and felt funny as it coursed its way through her body in a winding pattern.

"When we get to San Francisco, I'll tell you," he said, moving to the cockpit, "until then, get some rest. I don't want you wandering around either." Rosette nodded. She finished her drink, staring out the window. The night sky seemed so ominous… it was the same night Chrono had left. Who knows where he could be by now?

"Chrono," she said, "I'm coming for you. You said, we'd never be alone." Her hands clenched over her locket.

"I don't want to be alone… not when I have you."

"A carnival," Azmaria said, gazing at the tents and jugglers. Satella rolled her eyes in contempt.

"I don't like them. They're so common and noisy…" she said condescendingly. Rosette stood there irritated. Gilliam had booted them out of the San Francisco Branch, which turned out to be a single office building.

"We have to find Joshua – I mean, Chrono! I mean–," Rosette shook her head, yelling at Gilliam a few minutes before, "you guys are doing nothing!" Gilliam turned to a tough looking nun.

"Sister Grace," he said simply.

Rosette fell flat on her face, tossed out with Satella and Azmaria landing on top of her.

"What the hell's your problem?" Rosette roared. Gilliam laughed from his window.

"There's a carnival in town. Go kill some time."

Thus, they ended up at the carnival.

"We don't have time for this," Rosette muttered. She followed Satella and Azmaria, as they played the games there. Rosette's attention drifted, ignoring everything.

Her eyes fell upon a dancing square, couples happily dancing inside it. She looked away. It made her think about Chrono. She wasn't too sure why. All she knew was that she didn't like it at all.

"Rosette!" Satella said, "Where are you going?" Rosette stared blankly at her, taking a few moments to answer.

"I'm… going to go find a restroom," she muttered. Satella said nothing as she lost herself in the crowd.

Rosette walked along, finally coming to the edge of the party. She leaned on the rail, able to get a good view of the evening sky settling in on the blinking city. She rested her head on her arms, blinking some moist droplets from her eyes.

It was weird, she thought. For four years, she'd been looking for her brother. But right now, she was most concerned about finding Chrono, who had been missing for merely a day. What was with her? What happened to her priorities?

What was it that she truly valued?

Her brother? Or her partner?

A flap of wings caught Rosette's attention. She turned around, her blood going cold.

The eagle was perched on a lamppost, glaring with red eyes at her. It suddenly took off, flying away.

"Hey! Wait!" Rosette cried, chasing after it. She ran through the crowd, not caring that she knocked some people away. The bird flew up some stairs to a vacant plaza, coming to rest on a boy's arms.

Rosette stopped, skidding to a halt. Her heart thumped hard in her body, so hard she thought it might've burst through her chest.

A boy around her height stood right in front of her, his hair a paler yellow than hers. Their eyes were the same blue, but he looked as though he was lost, or half-asleep.

"…Joshua?" Rosette asked hesitantly. The boy turned his attention to her, smiling.

"Hi," he said, chuckling

"It's really you. You've gotten taller. Have you been eating enough?" She reached over, tears forming on her eyes. "I've been so worried about you!"

"Nice to meet you," he spread his arms out in greeting, the bird flapping away, "My name is Joshua. I'm waiting for my sister. I haven't seen her in a long time"

Rosette paused.

"Wait a minute!" she cried, tugging on his collar. "It's me! Rosette! Don't you recognize me?" He laughed.

"Oh, that's funny," he said, "My sister's name is Rosette, too." Rosette backed away, gazing at him in confusion. He didn't recognize her? But, she was right there, right in front of him. Why didn't he remember?

"Heh, he seems the same to her," a familiar voice said.

Rosette swiveled around to see a man sitting on the fountain, a maid next to him. She brushed past Rosette, checking Joshua.

"Hey! Who are you guys?" Rosette said, about to pull her off him.

"Just leave him alone," the man said, the eagle on his shoulder, "She knows more about taking care of him than you." Rosette stared at him, gasping in horror as she realized who this familiar voice was of.

"It's… it's you!" she said in hushed voice, even though she wanted to scream.

Aion smirked, pushing up on his glasses.

"Correct," he said, both him and the bird talking, "it's been four years since we actually met. You were still a little girl."

Rosette's hands moved swiftly to her belt. She withdrew her guns, loading magazines in a single deft motion. She aimed them squarely at Aion, both hands squeezing on the trigger.

"I'm glad I finally found you, you four-eyed freak!" she screamed. "And that bird too! What did you do to Joshua?" The maid turned, something clinking in between her fingers, hidden.

"Didn't Rizelle tell you?" Aion asked, not even looking at her, "Joshua is becoming more susceptible to Pandemonium's influence. I thought he needed you to keep him stable, but you don't seem to have any effect." Rosette grimaced, shaking her guns toward Aion.

"I don't understand a thing you just said!" she cried. Aion sighed, scratching his head.

"It's not my responsibility to make you understand," he replied simply. Rosette glared at him. Damn him! Didn't he see the guns, she thought. He's looking at me like I'm an ant or something!

Aion glanced at Rosette.

"Do you hate me? I see murder in your eyes," Aion said, "Very well." Aion rose, the eagle disappearing.

"Let's play a game, shall we?" he said. He glanced at Rosette's bigger gun.

"You call that your 'Gospel', yes?" he said. He smirked. "Back on the train, the recoil sent you flying backwards. You can't hit anything with that gun unless you hold it with both hands." Rosette remembered the fight with Rizelle, falling off the train when she fired the gun.

Rosette's gun fell to the floor, her arm shooting with pain.

"I see you still have some bullets left," Aion continued, "Excellent. The best defense is a good offense." He stuck the Gospel to his forehead, holding Rosette's arm painfully against his face.

"Wh-What do you think you're doing!" Rosette shouted. Aion sat down on the fountain, still holding Rosette's arm.

"This is all the power you've gained after four years?" Aion mocked.

"I took your brother away," he said.

"Shut up," Rosette said, glaring at him.

"I took away your peaceful life."

"SHUT UP!"

"I am your hated enemy, and this steel 'fang' is the tool for your revenge…"

"It's time to place your bet," Aion said, "Four years leading up to this moment… what will it be? Heads or tails?"

"Heads, you will be the one to bring my story to an end," Aion said, trembling slightly. The gun shook, but still stayed planted to his forehead.

"Tails, all those years spent seeking vengeance will have been for nothing," he finished.

Rosette glared at him.

A bang echoed in the carnival, Satella and Azmaria catching a flash of light appearing out of the corner of their eyes.

"Satella? What was that?" Azmaria said. Satella threw her arm out, a jewel in her fingers.

"Stay back!" Satella shouted.

Through the crowd, Satella could spot two men. A giant with a black leather jacket on, and a smaller gristly looking man in Western clothing. The two demons from the Chicago Park.

"Come with me, Songstress of Vegas," Viede said, "your friend has already been summoned before our king." He glared at them. Satella gripped her jewel tightly. No one else seemed to notice Viede or Genai. Satella grimaced. She knew she was not only outmatched, but also outnumbered. She submitted, Genai grabbing her roughly by the arm, Viede grabbing Azmaria with just as little delicacy. They pulled them toward where they had heard the blast.

An eerie silence settled over the plaza. The maid and Joshua stared impassively at Rosette. She stared forward to the end of her gun in disbelief. The gun rattled in her hand.

Aion licked a trickle of blood that ran down his face.

"So it was all for nothing," Aion said smirking, "Well, that was amusing."

I forgot what it is I am fighting against, Rosette thought. I forgot the real meaning of the word…

Demon.

"Joshua, go play with your sister," Aion said, "It'll be a little 'entertainment' before the rest of our guests arrive." Joshua smiled, loosening his tie. Two long horns had appeared behind his ears.

Rosette trembled, falling back. She felt her hands suddenly become light, and found her gun was gone.

"Nice gun," Joshua said in a raspy voice, "I like these things." Rosette swirled around, to find a barrel leveled at her head.

"You're slow," Joshua said, his eyes half closed.

When did he move, Rosette thought.

"It's too soon for checkmate," Joshua said smiling, "The game's just starting." He smirked, and kicked the gun out of Rosette's hand. He lazily tossed his aside.

"Let's try an even match," he said, "if you can get this…" He dangled the Gospel on his finger, "you can have it. If you can get it." He tossed it into the air, the gun disappearing into the sky.

Rosette gulped. What was happening? Aion… Joshua… She took a shaky step back as her brother casually walked over to her. Aion stood behind him, smirking, with the maid watching, completely focused on Joshua.

She was scared. She was defenseless.

And she was going to die.

Chrono leaped to the side, Father Remington's sword reverberating around him. He lifted the pathetic steel sword, barely able to hold ground against the minister's weapon.

"Come on Chrono," Father Remington said, his eyes narrowed darkly, "don't tell me you can't do anything unless Rosette releases her pocket watch!" He swung, Chrono thrown up. He skidded along the water like a stone, eventually splashing down.

"Demons have absolute confidence in their powers," Remington said, walking towards Chrono, "They can heal wounds instantly. They can tear a human to shreds with one swipe of the arm." Remington raised his sword.

"But their attacks are wild and undisciplined, their defenses negligible," he continued, "If you can face them calmly, they aren't quite so powerful." He swung again, Chrono dodging to the side in time to avoid the repercussions of the attack. He ran forward, when Remington's foot appeared out of nowhere, crunching painfully into his cheek.

Chrono cried out, thrown once again onto his back. He got up. He had no time for this! He had to help Rosette find Joshua!

"I don't have time for this!" Chrono roared. Remington walked out of the seawater.

"And Rosette does?" he retorted. Chrono cringed. That comment stung.

"I'm doing this for her," Chrono said heatedly, "and I don't know what it is that you have a problem with, but I can't waste any more time than I already have!" Remington stopped, putting his sword down a little.

"What is it that I have problem with?" Remington asked. "How about the fact that you are eating away at her soul? Or that you are responsible for the death of Mary? Or that you didn't stop the conspiracy that Aion has planned out? Does that sound reason enough?" Chrono didn't answer. Yes, all those things he had done. But…

"It's because of that," Chrono said quietly, "that I am fighting on. Because of me, Rosette will never experience life. Because of me, Mary isn't alive. Because of me, Aion will keep going with his plans." Chrono stared straight into Remington's eyes.

"I'm going to correct my mistakes, and no one's going to get in my way this time!" He glared at the minister. "Not even you." Remington lifted his sword up. They ran at each other, two figures silhouetted against the red falling sun.

Two blades sang in the air, coming to rest a few moments later.

Chrono breathed heavily. Was he alright? He paused, expecting his body to suddenly burst into blood.

Something fell from the back of his head. Chrono turned, to see his ponytail lying on the sandy beach.

Remington let out a grunt, falling to his knees. Chrono saw a mist wafting from his chest, and his shirt suddenly came off, sliced in two by Chrono's sword. Chrono ran over to Remington, and halted.

Remington's body didn't look human. All along it were hexagonal shapes, and an external backbone that seemed almost nailed to his body. Two external ports were on his back, and a metal seal that had the Magdalene Order's crest on it.

"Legion?" Chrono said. Remington leaned back, on a briefcase that he had brought with him. He nodded, looking up at Chrono.

"I suppose… I owe you an apology, Chrono," he gasped. His chest was cut, and Chrono saw that the mist that was coming from his wound was…

"Astral energy?" Chrono asked. Remington nodded, holding his chest.

"A long time ago," Remington said, "I was badly hurt in battle. I couldn't go back to how I was before. When the doctors told me that, I volunteered for the procedure." Remington looked up, into the setting sky.

"I would kill demons," he stated, "to that end, my body was made just like a demon's."

Chrono stared at Remington. This explained everything. His hate for demons. His incredible strength. Even… his protectiveness of Rosette.

"Those astral capsules that I gave you," Remington said, "they really weren't for you." Chrono stared at him.

"What? I thought you said that The Elder wanted me to–," Chrono didn't get to finish.

"No," Remington said, "I did." He pulled out a capsule, about the size of a bullet, and reached behind to his back. Where the two ports went, he stuck the end of a capsule in it. He pressed it, and the end inserted in his body cracked, a small sound of released gas hissing into the air. Remington's chest began to heal over, as the astral energy from the capsule was absorbed into his body.

"I wanted to see if they could do for you what they do for me," Remington said. He shook his head.

"I'm sorry they didn't. But I can make it up to you," Remington said. He pulled the briefcase from behind him, undoing the clasps. He opened the case, displaying its contents to Chrono.

"The Elder wanted me to give you this," Remington said.

He reached into the case, gently pulling out a delicate piece of machinery. It looked like a disk, which was attached to a wire that ran down to another larger machine. This machine looked like a gun barrel, set on a glove.

"This is an Astral Converter," Remington explained, "put the disk where your horns should be, and strap the glove to your hand. Insert the capsules into the end, just like I did. The energy is transferred up the wire, into your body." Chrono held the machine.

"Are… you serious?" Chrono whispered. Remington nodded.

"It's not a full-blown Astral source," Remington said, "and it's no substitute for your horns… but this will give you the fighting chance you need." He looked up at Chrono.

"Promise me this, Chrono," Remington said. Chrono nodded.

"Before you give up… fulfill your contract," Remington said.

"I will," Chrono said.

Rosette tumbled on the ground. She screamed, as a blur flashed by her. A forceful blow to her gut threw her into the air, where it seemed like tens of men where around her, punching her from all sides one after another. She hit the ground, Joshua landing nimbly on the fountain.

"This is fun," he commented, "I hope you're not too worn out yet." Rosette couldn't find the strength to get up. Her body was beaten, her organs smashed, and blood flowed from any opening she had. She gasped. She had no weapon. No way out.

The pocket watch clinked onto the concrete. Rosette stared at it, as though it were unreal.

Chrono.

Her hands clasped around the old watch. Aion perked up, noticing the antique. He walked forward, when Rosette screamed.

"Stay back!" she shrieked.

"What do you plan to do?" Aion said, "I'm disappointed – he's not here, and I thought he was going to stay by your side forever. Even if you do release the seal, what are the chances of him finding you?"

"You'd be surprised Aion."

The silver haired man roared, as a blast exploded beneath him. He grimaced, brushing his shoulder off. Joshua stared at the impact point, and then collapsed, falling from the fountain. The maid rushed to his side, holding his head up. Joshua gripped his head, cringing, veins popping up grotesquely on the sides of his face.

"My horns…" he shouted, "they're screaming! Stop! Stop the noise! I can't take it!" He roared, the water from the fountain starting to freeze, becoming motionless, suspended in the air. The maid moved back, as the water around her legs stopped moving.

Aion turned around, grinning.

"Well," he said, "isn't this a surprise."

Chrono glared at Aion. He clenched his hands, tossing the ends of his maroon jacket aside. He glared at Aion with his five eyes, the three on his forehead burning red dots. He stepped towards Rosette, cradling her in his arms.

"Chro…no?" she whispered. He nodded, smiling.

"I'm sorry I'm late," he said. She trembled, her eyes spilling with tears.

"Chrono!" she cried, wrapping her arms around her neck. She didn't bother asking why he was in his big form. She didn't care. Nothing mattered, except for one single thing.

He was with her again.

A light flashed, Aion tossing his arm forward. It sped towards them, too quick for Chrono to dodge. Rosette took one glance at the blast, then grabbed Chrono tightly. He leaped back, when they were consumed with light. Rosette screamed, yelling out to Chrono.

"Chrono I love you!" she screamed.

End of

The Third Clause

To Be Continued

On The Next Episode:

The Fourth Article:

Proof Of The Truth

Rosette Christopher, the Magdalene Order's nun with a gun, and Chrono, her demon partner in arms have reached the pinnacle of their journey. At long last coming face to face with her brother Joshua, Rosette has found that his memories have decayed, and he is slowly being sucked into the power that he possesses. With Aion's plan slowly being strung together, Chrono must fulfill his promises, and stop him before he reaches completion. Satella confronts her own past when she finds her sister Floretta, another victim in Aion's game. Another revelation is unearthed as Aion unveils his plans for Azmaria and Joshua, who he calls "Apostles." Satella separated from Chrono and Rosette, they must not only destroy the demon Aion, but the bonds of tragedy that link Chrono and Rosette together, and reconstruct a new bond, an unbreakable one that they can never forget about.