Author's note: I do not claim to own any of the characters ^_^ they are a creation that is best kept by it's author. I hope he might read this one day and get inspired to write a sequel to Chrno Crusade.
If you have not read the manga, do so!!! It's good. ^_^ this fic is based roughly off the manga, interspercing some stuff inside of it, so if you're confused that's why.
Denizens of Darkness, Harbringers of Light A Chrno Crusade fanfic by Nightelfcrawler@yahoo.com Chapter One: Day's BreakBehind them, the whirlwind of power began to die, and Rosette heard the rumble of an engine on the distance, as lights from a car spilled over the top of the rise. Chrno turned his head the same time Rosette did, and they watched as the car came to a stop, and the door opened.
Rosette recognized him instantly, and straightened up, even taking a few steps towards him. "Minister Remington!"
Remington stood tall, and silhouetted against the bright background, his face hidden by shadows as he clearly viewed the scene before him. A demon kneeling in front of a child…
His jaw clenched tightly, as recognition flooded through his mind the moment he lay eyes on the demon who watched him with veiled eyes, clearly exhausted, and fighting to stay conscious. All he had to do was end it here. If a contract had been made, it would be terminated, and his retribution would be complete…
End it now….
His hand grasped the cross in his belt, but he hesitated at drawing it forth, as he watched Rosette's tear-filled eyes brimming with hope as she watched him, clutching the small clock in her hand which dangled around her neck, glinting dully against the glow of the fires in the background.
All he had to do was end it…and the child would be free of her bond, and they would be rid of a dangerous element….
However…
His eyes studied the exhausted face of the demon, who did not seem to immediately grasp the significance of this event. He was too far out of energy to focus, which meant he was very vulnerable. All it would take is one blow…
He released the cross, and let his hand fall. He was not a killer, and taking advantage of the situation would not only make him a murderer, but it would traumatize Rosette further.
He stepped forward, his face set in a neutral expression. "Rosette…? Are you all right?"
She nodded once, tears spilling over her cheeks as she stood there. "Y…yes but….Joshua is…."
Remington's heart clenched. They had arrived at the orphanage, and found an unnatural state… he had only assumed that it was 'that one's' doing… His eyes drifted over to the kneeling demon, who was keeping his eyes lowered as he gasped for breath. Certainly, though, he didn't appear strong enough to do such a thing… So naturally, not having found Joshua in the building, Remington had thought that the boy was either dead, with Rosette, or somewhere else… But they had found no body inside, nor had he been one of the numerous statues. And yet he was not here with Rosette, which only left one option.
"Joshua was…he's gone isn't he!" She wailed, suddenly breaking her position, and running to him, burying her face in his uniform, even as he put a hand on her shoulder. "He was taken…wasn't he!?"
"Taken…by whom?" He asked, surprised in spite of himself. Who else was interested in the young boy?
"Ion…" Came a deep throated growl from a few paces away, causing Remington to glance up sharply, narrowing his eyes at the demon, who remained crouched in place, not moving. "Damn you, Ion…"
Then, abruptly, there was a strange phase shift of energy around the kneeling form, and Remington watched as he fell forward, changing into a young boy in ragged out of date garments from the turn of the century, and landed face first in the grass, unconscious.
"Chrno!" Rosette gasped, and instantly turned away from Remington, and ran, nearly tripping, to the fallen figure's side. "Chrno!"
Remington's gaze dropped. So…finally it had happened. He had known it would happen one of these long days, however…now that it had happened, he was suddenly undecided on what to do. Obviously, Rosette had some kind of attachment to him already, and therefore the situation was far more complicated. Well, it couldn't be helped then…They could find more out if they brought him along, and Rosette was hardly likely to leave him at the moment.
Remington sighed, and approached the two, and knelt down. "Come, Rosette. There is nothing for you here now…I will take you with me."
Her face raised up to meet his, tears running freely down her cheeks and dribbling down onto her sweater. "With you…?" Her eyes dialated a bit as she gasped. "Chrno can come too, right?"
Remington glanced down at the still form of the boy who wasn't quite a boy. "Yes…" He knelt down and scooped Chrno up with ease as he weighed next to nothing, and then took Rosette's hand, and led her back to the car, where she sat, and fell into a sobbing huddle, clutching onto Chrno's ragged cloak in the back seat, as Remington slowly drove them away from the havoc-ridden scene.
By the time they reached the airport, Rosette was fast asleep alongside Chrno.
Remington had them brought aboard, and they flew without much more interruption back south, towards the distant city of New York. As Rosette continued to sleep, Remington lay a blanket out over her sholders and propped her head onto a pillow. Such a firey innocent girl, forced to go through all this…it tore at his heart. She was a very impetuous youth, but honest and careing…
His eyes slid over to the figure on the seats nearest to where he was sitting. Chrno was still unconscious, and Remington had taken the liberty in placing a holy seal crest on the demon's chest just in case. This would prevent him waking up mid-journey and causing trouble, though Remington was fairly sure that there would be no trouble this time along… in truth, he sought the chance to talk to Chrno, however… now was not the time. He had much thinking to do.
They continued into the night, and into the next day, as the sun peeked above the clouds. The city rose above before them as they neared the landing strip, and Remington was wrapped deep in thought. Fifty years was a long time…fifty years he had in charge of protecting the Order, and in all that time, he was now at a loss as to what to tell Rosette regarding her brother. It had taken them so long to discover the youth who could heal others, that he had been careless in realizing there must have been those who were watching their progress, seeking the same opportunity.
Whoever this Ion was, he was a formidable opponant for the demon Chrno to be angered against him.
As they touched down, Remington stood and opened the door, allowing the members of the Order to enter, and take care of necessary things… Rosette was carefully carried, still sleeping, into the car waiting their arrival, and Remington saw to it that Chrno was transported with the appropriate measures in another vehical.
Whatever was to happen, would happen…but they would be there to try their hands.
**
When Rosette woke, she first remembered the pain-ridden face of her brother, screaming at her to run, covered in blood.
She woke with a scream.
"There there, it's ok!" A soft soothing female voice came by her ear, and she felt a warm hand on her back. "You're safe now, Rosette Christopher."
Rosette opened her eyes, her heart pounding in fear, and saw the face of a kindly woman smiling at her from a sitting position on the bed she lay in. Rosette sat there, her eyes slowly spreading around the room, taking in the sterile environment of a hospital, and the cross hanging on the wall adjacent to her bed.
"You're in the Headquarters of the Magdale Order in New York." The woman was speaking soothingly, pouring some green syrup into a cup, and handing it to her. "You were brought here last night by Minister Remington."
"Remington…" She whispered quietly, then her memory foggily gave her access to the last moments before she had fallen asleep. Remington had shown up and taken her with him… she remembered now.
She took a shakey breath and drank the syrup, and made a face at it's bitter taste. "Bleh.."
"Well what did you expect." The woman smiled gently. "It's medicine to make you feel better, not to give you a sweet tooth." She stood up and pulled down a clean frock for Rosette, and lay it on the bed with some undergarments. "Why don't you sit here and relax for a little bit, take a bath if you wish, and get dressed. I will inform Remington that you are awake." And with that, the nurse smiled, and closed the door, exiting the room.
Rosette sat for several long moments, a million thoughts running through her mind at once. What would she do now? Joshua was gone…and she had promised with Chrno… Where was Chrno? She glanced around, but saw no sign of her demon companion, nor the clock he had given her as a seal of their contract. Her heart began to quicken. What if they had killed Chrno!? If he was a demon, surely the holy order would not take well to him…
She forced herself to swallow her tears, feeling them begin to swell up again. No, she couldn't focus on negative things right now… she had to think positive. And so, she stood, and went ahead to the bath and clensed herself. The water was cold, but she didn't mind, as it woke her senses with a sharp shiver. She dressed, and braided her hair loosely, and just as she was finishing, there was a soft knock at her door, and the door opened.
Remington stepped in, and smiled gently seeing her up. "Ah, good. How are you feeling, Rosette?"
She stiffened a bit, remembering the way he had been when trying to recruit her brother and not her, but the feeling quickly left her as she remembered he was the one who had brought her here. "I'm…ok." She said quietly, looking down as another woman walked into the room, a stern face, but kind eyes adorning her visage.
"Good to hear." He said quietly. "Rosette, this is Sister Kate, the curator of the Order."
The woman smiled quietly at Rosette and eyed her up and down with an appraising air. "Hello, dear."
Rosette nodded in response, kicking one foot against a crack in the floor, nervously. "Nice to meet you…but…" Her eyes lifted, staring wide-eyed at Remington. "Where's Chrno?"
Remington sighed a bit, and Sister Kate's lips pursed together into a thin line of displeasure. "Rosette…" He said gently. "Did you really feel it was necessary to form a contract with him? You do understand exactly what a contract is, don't you?"
She straightened and nodded firmly. "Yes! And I don't care. I'll do anything to get Joshua back!"
Sister Kate knelt down beside the young girl and smiled kindly, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Rosette…there are better ways to find and save your brother…if you associate with demons you—"
"I know." Rosette said firmly, locking eyes boldly with the Sister. "He takes my soul. I know that. But still, it doesn't matter." She stuck her lip out firmly. "Chrno's my friend too, and I want him by my side."
Sister Kate frowned, and glanced back at Remington, who just shook his head once in negativity. "Rosette…I don't think you really understand.." she began to say, but once more Rosette cut her off.
"No, YOU don't understand." She scowled, her eyes fierce and brimming with tears again. "I want Joshua back! I don't care what you think, but Chrno will help me find him! And I won't let you tell me no! Now, where is he!?"
Again, Sister Kate and Remington exchanged glances, but Remington stepped forward and held a hand out. "Come."
"Minister!" Sister Kate stared at him in veiled anger. "We must separate the two of them…!"
"And how do you propose to do that, Sister Kate." He replied evenly, watching her. "No one can break the contract save the ones involved, or the death of a party."
Rosette instantly was furious. "I won't let you kill Chrno!" She gripped her fists at her side, and glared angrily at Sister Kate with fury. "He's my friend!"
Remington just raised an eyebrow at Sister Kate, and the woman sighed, standing up and pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. "Very well. I'll leave it to you." She turned, and swept out, an aura of fury encompassing her.
Remington shook his head, and smiled gently down at Rosette. "She is not angry at you…she just is not happy with the situation you have gotten yourself into."
Rosette lowered her eyes, but did not allow herself to cry this time. "I…"
"Maa, forget about it." Remington smiled gently. "What's done is done, and if you feel it's the right thing, so be it. Come, I'll take you to him."
Rosette smiled a bit more cheerfully, and followed him. Remington led her down the corridors, and out onto the grounds. She saw for the first time the extensive beautiful layout of the Order's premises. There were gardens, and pathways, fountains, and arches everywhere. The sun shone down intensely on the white buildings like a glow from inside, and bathed the grass with it's warm rays. In the distance, Rosette could see the outlines of the New York skyline rising above to the clouds, like a reassuring reminder that they were protected by a huge city.
Remington led her to a small moss-overgrown chapel underneath a large willow tree, and opened the door. Rosette squinted into the dimmer inside, and blinked in open astonishment as she saw the small building was filled with every sort of gadgetry imaginable. Mechanics filled the walls, the shelves, the tables, and every spare space was stacked high with wires, gears, and other assorted items.
"Elder?" Remington stepped inside, and glanced around, muttering about the clutter, and began to search behind boxes for someone who apparently was here.
Rosette wandered slowly over to the table, spotting something familiar…the clock lay there on the surface of a cloth, shining dimly in the light. A few tools were out beside it, but whoever resided in this small lab didn't seem to have fooled with the ornate device.
Suddenly, Rosette became acutely aware of something unusual…. A draft up her bloomers.
Her eyes twitched, and slowly looked down, only to find the wrinkled old face of a man, staring up her skirt with a wide grin of triumph. "Saaa very nice, very nice! A little underdeveloped, but you have promise!"
Her eyebrow twitched once, before her foot came down firmly on the old geezer's face, with a bellow of rage. "YOU OLD PERVERT!"
Remington's head poked out from some tall crates, and he looked a bit embarrassed. "Ah, you found him."
"merfmmf…" The Elder commented as he extricated his face from beneath Rosette's foot, as the young girl stood steaming to the side, glaring daggers at him. "Remington…"
"WHO'S UNDERDEVELOPED!?" Rosette slammed her elbow into the back of the Elder's head, and he went flying into a stack of empty cardboard boxes head first. "YOU OLD GEEZER!"
"Rosette, calm down!" Remington tried to pull her back before she caused any real damage to the lab.
"Yes, certainly young lady." The Elder stood up, brushing his shirt off and spread his hands. "A true bonfire, that one."
"Yes…" Remington sighed, then released his grip on Rosette's shoulder. "She wishes to see him." His eyes turned a bit more serious. "Has he caused any trouble?"
"No, none at all." The Elder scratched the top of his head. "He's a perfectly well-behaved boy."
Remington shook his head. "He's no boy…"
"True, but still." The Elder grinned. "I don't think you have much to worry about." He reached over and took the clock from the table, and held it out to Rosette. "This is yours I believe…very complex device…magnificent workmenship, far beyond my talent. I'd best you keep a close watch over it, young lady." The elder grinned encouragingly at Rosette, who took it and carefully hung it back around her neck, giving him an uncertain look.
The Elder led them back to the rear, where there was another couple of doors. They paused before one, where a large holy seal was set on the front. Remington pushed it open, and the seal de-activated, and the three stepped inside.
It was dark and cool inside, and no light filled the inside, save for the light spilling from the doorway. Rosette clutched the clock tigher in her hand, glancing about with wide eyes, a bit taken aback. This was no better than where they had found Chrno.
He sat in the far corner, though the room was no larger than a closet, he seemed small pressed against the plain cement walls. They had dressed him in a straightjacket, binding his arms to his chest so that he could not move much, aside from walk around, but he didn't appear to have even done that, as he slowly raised his head, and squinted at them as they entered the room. At first, he just seemed tired and reserved, but as he saw Rosette, his face became more animated and glad to see her. "Rosette!"
"Chrno!" Rosette ran forward and knelt down at his side, anger and guilt welling up at seeing him put in this kind of position. "Why have you done this!" She shot back angrily at Remington over her shoulder.
"It's ok.." Chrno reassured her quietly, and she turned to regard him with surprise, noting his sad smile. "It's not something that's unexpected. I understand their hesitation to let me walk about on my own."
Rosette stuck out her lower lip stubbornly. "Still it's not right!" She glared back at the others, and Remington spread his hands. "I have to adhere to the rules that Sister Kate wishes enforced…but perhaps I can encourage her to at least allow Chrno to stay here with the Elder if he behaves."
That explination had to satisfy them, and Rosette grudgingly agreed to it, as they all made their way out of the dank room, after Rosette insisted on undoing the horrible buckle clasps keeping Chrno's arms bound to his chest within the straightjacket. They spent time enjoying a late breakfast, which Rosette devoured like a scourging tornado, much to the astonishment of the two adults. Chrno just smiled, having seen it before, and sipped his tea calmly.
At the end of their session, Remington stood. "Rosette…Sister Kate would like to speak to you privately when you were done, so why don't you head up there now." His eyes were smiling and kind, but there was something hidden there as well.
Rosette looked unhappy to leave Chrno's side, but the small demon boy just waved a hand and told her to go ahead, that there was no problem…and so she grudgingly departed.
Once she had left, Remington turned to Chrno, and eyed him intently. "I would like to speak privately with you as well."
Chrno's brow furrowed slightly, and he fixed a locked stare on Remington. Ever since he had woken up in that small hole, then come face to face with the man, he knew there was something nagging at the corner of his mind, something familiar, and something off about the man. It was like a sneeze that wouldn't quite come out. He just couldn't put a finger on what it was. "Ah…sure." He spoke quietly, and Remington opened the door and stepped out into the bright sunlight. Chrno joined him, glancing about, since he hadn't seen the grounds yet, as they had been keeping him out cold when they arrived.
Remington slipped into the bench next to the building they stood outside of, and glanced over to where the sisters were walking about doing their morning chores. Chrno joined him, slipping into the bench next to him, strangely small and seemingly insignificant, his hair bedraggled and mussed next to the neatly dressed Minister. They sat in silence for a long while, before Remington finally spoke up.
"You are the demon sealed within the tomb nearby the orphanage, aren't you."
Chrno's head raised a bit, watching him with some puzzlement. Well of course, if he was from the Magdale Order, he would know… "Yes…"
Remingon smiled and lowered his head. "Ah…as I thought…interesting how they would remove you at just this time… when another demon is involved…" He rose his eyes to meet Chrno's.
Chrno glanced away, gritting his teeth. "Ion… he…probably would have woken me even if they had not."
"Why is that, hmm?" Remington peered at him, his eyes glittering with intelligence.
Chrno slid his eyes over to the priest, and eyed him with a contemplating stare, then his eyes narrowed. "I remember you…"
Remington laughed and threw his head back. "I was wondering how long it might take you… You haven't changed, I on the other hand…" He glanced back down and his smile faded a bit.
"…" Chrno pursed his eyebrows a bit. "You have changed…but not much, considering the time that has passed."
"You are observant." Remington put his head back and looked up at the sky. "People change… which is why I decided not to kill you on sight. I had the feeling that we might encounter one another again, for we have much unfinished business…however, I did not plan for…this circumstance." He glanced at the small demon next to him. "Did you coerce her, or did she volunteer."
Chrno smiled faintly and shook his head, clasping his hands together as he leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees. "You can't coerce Rosette."
Remington laughed again. "True. Well, I suppose there's nothing to be done now…however." His eyes narrowed meaningfully. "I don't expect her to be letting you to use your power around here. Keep in mind, that if you get any 'ideas', it won't be tolerated." His eyes sharpened, watching him intently, as if he was trying to make a decision…but he shook his head and glanced away. "That will have to do for now…"
Chrno watched Remington with a slight frown. There was much unsaid things between them, yet…but it seemed that he did not wish to deal with it just yet, and certainly Chrno couln't complain, as he would rather not dig up old memories.
Remington stood, and turned back to Chrno. "I'll see what I can do regarding living arrangements…until then I think it's best you remain inside the Elder's cottage."
Chrno nodded, and smiled faintly. "Thank you…"
**
The apple trees were in bloom, sending blossoms across the whole courtyard with fresh fregrance that tantalized the nose, and tickled as the white petals blew up against his face…
Chrno sat on the fountain's edge, watching the preparations about him with a smile on his face. It was the perfect kind of day, and in a way he felt much like a father might…
Today was the day that Rosette graduated to Sister of the Order of Magdale.
She has been through a lot, he reflected, watching the food being set out on long tables next to the row of chairs set out for visitors. She has grown since that late fall night in Michigan… It barely seemed like it had been two years since then. He had watched her study, work hard, practice, and sleep from all the above, and yet she still had the robust energy that he had grown fond of.
"Chrno."
He turned his head, and glanced up, seeing Sister Kate's disapproving glance. She had never taken well to having him walk around freely…though Remington had convinced her he was no threat, and he had proven himself to everyone else, she still remained skeptical that he would slip up some time, and he knew if that happened, he would be sealed back up in some dark room. Yet, he still couldn't blame her, after all, weren't most Legions and typical demons something to fear?
He smiled and pushed past that. For the past year, he had been allowed pretty much anywhere on the grounds, and permitted to go with Rosette off grounds providing they had an escort. It was getting better each day by day. "Sister Kate." He stood politely and blinked up at her, trying to be as un-offensive as he could. He didn't seek to please her, but he certainly didn't want to incur her wrath.
"Rosette would like to speak to you." She said rather stiffly, turning. "Come with me."
Chrno blinked, but followed her. It was rare that Sister Kate spoke to him at all, mostly it was side comments when he was around, snide or otherwise. It wasn't that she hated him specifically, rather she was uncomfortable with what he was. But, there was little he could do aside from just bear it with good grace.
He tucked his hands into his bright red coat, and glanced aside watching the stage as it continued to be set up with decorations. This would be a grand event. But that all disappeared as he followed Sister Kate into the main room, then down several halls, until they reached the dining room.
The room was filled with chatter and excitement that practically threatened to burst at the seams. All the young initiates were gathered there with their family members, eagerly waiting in line for the photographer, crying and hugging, or just sitting and professing their excitement for when they became assigned to their first mission.
"Chrno!"
He turned his head to the side, just as Rosette ran up to him. "Ah, Rosette!" He smiled brightly at her. She was a fine sight…the blue, white and gold outfit looked good on her, though he did miss seeing her pigtails bounce alongside her head as she ran. "You look great." He complimented, even as Sister Kate stood alongside, watching them.
Rosette just grinned happily, beaming from ear to ear. "Can you believe it! I'm finally going to be a Sister!"
He smiled brightly and nodded, glad for her enthusiasm. "You've done well! Congratulations!"
She opened her eyes, and he saw the firm determination there that she seemed to constantly have. "Now we can go find Joshua!"
He sighed internally, as he normally did when she brought the topic up. Finding Joshua…it wasn't easy like she seemed to think. But he didn't voice this, instead he just continued smiling, and nodded. "Yes."
Sister Kate cleared her throat, and they both glanced over at her. "Being as Rosette has no family…we thought it appropriate if you, and Minister Remington, represent her."
Chrno's mouth opened in surprise, since this was a huge step…represent her family? Surely it was something he would be eager and honored to do, but…
Rosette just continued glowing. "Come on, we're going to get our photo done soon!" She grabbed his hand, and tugged on his arm, pulling him down the aisle through the throngs of people, to the front of the line where Remington was waiting, a calm smile on his face. "Here we are!" Rosette panted, letting Chrno's hand go, and turning about as she stood next to the tall blonde man. "Sorry for making you wait!"
Remington just continued smiling, and inclined his head, as the photographer stuck his head beneath the black curtain covering the aparatas. "Ready?"
Rosette yanked Chrno close to her, and poked him. "Smile!"
*flash*
The picture would remain on her boudoir until the end of her stay…