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, interspersing some stuff inside of it, so if you're confused that's why.
A Chrno Crusade fanfic by Nightelfcrawleryahoo.com
Chapter Fifteen: Descent into Darkness
"So…" Ion sank into the pre-offered chair in Sheda's lab with practiced smoothness, his legs crossing casually as he reclined, adjusting the loose bandanna about his neck with casual ease. His eyes held a sparkle of interest that seemed to fill the room with more warmth than they had felt in a long time. "What have I missed?"
The flippant nature of the suave demon hadn't changed a bit, Rosette reflected. Though she had never known him well, he seemed to have mellowed out and yet still remained the same. Or perhaps he was just a little more the way he once used to be, before the separation and fragmentation of the tight knit group of friends the Sinners were.
Ironically, things spun in a circle, not only in regards to their personalities, but in their choices. Ion had dumped the long white coat, in favor of an outfit much like his old one, which complimented Chrno's choice in reverting as well. In addition, gone were the long locks of hair that had remained since the day they had split. The only remnant of his old 'style' were the pair of glasses, perched on his nose, glittering in the green light of the lab. It seemed everyone was up for a new change in attitude, and physique to fit their lifestyles better. Chrno had chosen to return to a reflection of who he used to be, yet with enough of a choice in change to reflect his new choices. Ion had simply disregarded all that had changed him since the departure of his comrade, and it seemed he cared nothing to find out some of the missing sections of his memories that had resulted from his 'madness'.
Sheda plopped down on the step across from him, tail twitching as she began to explain the situation. They had spent some time catching up on events, and the topic of the situation down below had come up. Ion had been instantly interested, and insisted they give him the run-down. "So far, we don't know much. All we know is that suddenly, Pandemonium isn't the place to be. But we don't know why."
Ion rubbed his chin thoughtfully, and closed his eyes, tapping his fingers on the side of his jaw. Everyone remained silent, letting him think and mull over whatever mysterious information that remained locked in his brain yielded.
Finally, his eyes opened, looking thoughtful, as he slowly tugged at the tip of his ear. Then his expression darkened abruptly, and his eyes lifted. "You said… they seemed to be fleeing?" At their nods, he shook his head in negativity. "This is not a good sign."
"Why?" Rosette asked, a slight frown on her lips. "What would be so bad that would cause demons to flee their own home?"
Ion's eyes lifted, and fixed her with a very contemplative look in his violet eyes, that shifted to genuine worry suddenly. "Nothing good, I can assure you." He steepled his long fingers together, and tapped them together. "I need to do some research before giving you a full answer." He rose and inclined his head lightly to them all, and apparated out of view.
Rosette blew some of her bangs out of her eyes, and threw her hands up. "Right. He just up and leaves. Figures."
A firm hand on her shoulder caused her to glance backwards into a pair of amused ruby eyes. "Let him."
Rosette raised an eyebrow at her dark haired companion's mischievous smile, but didn't have time to protest, as he pulled her close, and a slight blur of the scenery around them caused her head to reel, and as she blinked, they stood in another location, somewhere high up on top of the tower in Eden. "I wish you would warn me before you did that, Chrno." She punched his arm lightly with a mock glare. But instead of laughing back at her, Chrno turned slightly to the side, and deposited his hands into his pockets with a thoughtful look on his face. "Aw man, don't start pullin' that moody thing all of a sudden!" Rosette frumped a bit and glanced around to see where he'd deposited them.
They stood on the very top of the dome towered roof, far above the turf below. It seemed an infinitely high location, but then considering she'd been flying with him many times before, heights had ceased to be a problem. She peered over the edge curiously, watching the dome slope away beneath her a few feet away, shining brightly in the sunlight. It would be quite a fall if she stepped wrong. Best not to risk it, she thought as she glanced back at her companion.
He looked somber, and thoughtful, and on the verge of saying something, as if he didn't quite know how to word what he wanted to say. Rosette scratched her head a bit, wondering if he'd ever stop becoming so indecisive…
"So…." She stuck a hand on her hip, and tilted her head at him. "We're up…alone…on top of this whole place… You obviously have something on your mind."
He glanced back at her, then shuffled a boot idly on the surface of the dusty roof. Rosette had the sneaking suspicion that he had multiple reasons for wishing the solitude sought on top of a very picturesque locale.
"What is it… that Sheda told you?" His voice came slowly, as if he wasn't sure he wanted to ask the question in the first place. His eyes lifted, and hit her sideways, with a curious, and somewhat worried expression.
Rosette winced a bit. He hadn't asked that question yet, and honestly she'd been hoping he never would… but she'd known it would come up eventually… especially given enough time. Time… how ironic it played a part so strongly…
She walked up and stood next to him, leaning into him, and he instinctively wrapped an arm around her shoulders, drawing her comfortingly close. "It was… something that isn't' really important right now." She finally said. "I'd rather discuss it later… when things have finally calmed down."
He didn't say anything, but she felt his reassuring nod above her, which put any doubts to rest. He trusted her, if it was something that was best left alone, so be it, he would accept that willingly. She smiled and shook her head lightly. In a way, he was TOO trusting sometimes…
She closed her eyes and stood there in silence, enjoying the slight breeze that tickled his hair against her cheek, as it tore loose from the braid behind him. She caught a strand and ran it through her fingers, a smile on her face that seemed to emanate from her heart. "Ne, Chrno… when this is all over… after we've finished seeing the world, what're we gonna do?"
His head shifted, so that it was touching the top of her head slightly. "I've never thought that far ahead."
She smirked a bit. "Living in the moment, eh?"
He sighed a bit. "Rosette, think about it…" He shifted his head a bit, so that his gaze rested on the top of her head, causing her to glance up and meet it. "How many times have we cheated fate?"
She blinked a bit, turning that over in her mind. "Cheated fate? I'm not sure I get what you're aiming at."
He chuckled a bit and tapped her nose lightly with a finger. "Think about it… I believed I was fated to die alone in my sorrow, in a place where none would so much as glimpse in my direction. But then you came along." His smile brightened. "You taught me so much more than I ever had believed possible."
She elbowed his chest. "Yeah I know, you brightened right up, Mr. Gloom & Doom."
He chuckled, but continued. "Then… your fate… you believed that you might be destined to search for your brother your whole life…and die young." He picked the pocket watch around her neck up, and fingered it's face lightly with a thumb. "But then we cheated that fate, and now your life is being replenished."
"Thanks to you." She poked his chest again, and grinned more. "Of course, it beats being fried from the inside out."
He smiled and squeezed her shoulder lightly. "Then consider Joshua… Ion… the other Sinners… the Apostles… all of them have managed to persevere, overcome the sad fate that was assigned to them." His eyes narrowed a bit in thought. "I'm beginning to believe that 'fate' has no play in life at all, but rather our own choices and decisions drive everything, even what and who we are."
Rosette shrugged lightly. "I've never been one to believe in fate anyway. It's too constricting on what you can do with your life." Her eyes lifted to meet his. "When I was a kid, I thought all demons were evil creatures, who were out to get us. But obviously, that's not the case with everyone, now is it?" At his nod, she shrugged. "So Fate has no hand in this deck of cards, now does she."
He smiled more and she felt the re-assuring chuckle in his chest warm her heart. "I suppose so… Fate must have retired."
"Either that, or she's taking a long holiday." Rosette broke out of his arms and turned around, twirling in the breeze, letting it play with her skirt about her ankles. The wind blew her hair back, and free of it's ties, and she turned around to face him. She was a good head taller than she had been, she realized, and though she wouldn't ever be quite eye level with him, it felt far more re-assuring to not have to strain her neck every time she wanted to look him in the face.
She smiled, and did another spin, only to feel her feet begin to slide out from under her, along the side of the dome. She gasped slightly, and reached out to snag a hold of something, but nothing was in reach. Chrno had turned around to stare at something over his shoulder, and she spotted Ion seated off on the edge of the terrain beyond, just as she slipped off the edge, with a yelp.
She really didn't have time to worry about what hitting the ground might feel like, since she was so used to having Chrno save her from situations, it didn't surprise her to see him vault off the edge of the dome seconds after she left it, and rocket down towards her, wings snapping open as the flair of energy surged through her in response to his power use.
THUNK
They both hit the ground at the same time, but at least her landing was padded by a soft body beneath her. Her breath came quickly, a bit shaken by the sudden burst of action, as she slowly turned her head to peer down at Chrno, as he gasped for breath beneath her.
It was one of those perfect moments, right out of a storybook. The tall grass was speckled with wildflowers all around them, rippling and bending as the wind brushed through playfully teasing. Chrno's hair had come out of it's braid, and lay splayed beneath him, some tangled up over his horns and ears, bangs splayed to the side barely brushing his eyes. Her own hair was spilled down over her shoulders, finally completely free of it's ties, mingling with his dark purple tresses, almost like gold on velvet. Both their cheeks were flushed, as their eyes met, his deep crimson ones meeting her crystal blue ones, fire and ice…
Rosette smiled down at him, feeling the flush creeping higher up her face as she did so. Damn it, nothing was going to interrupt us this time! She thought feverantly, as she leaned closer to him, watching as he rose to meet her, their eyes closing as their lips met softly.
She curled her hand around the back of his head, running a hand through his hair, and feeling the strange joint where his tail emerged from the back of his skull, and she smiled mid-kiss as his hand rose and took the same position behind her head, his talons curling gently, tickling her scalp as he pulled her gently closer. The pulse of her heart pounding in her chest matched the one she felt under the fabric of Chrno's shirt beneath her. Somehow, this just felt right to her… as if she'd been missing something in her life the whole time she'd been with him, and now it felt complete, being this close, this intimate.
For once in their lives, they finally had a moment together… free from interruption. It nearly didn't happen that way, for Sheda came bouncing out trying to find them, and having spotted the falling pair, was going to intercept them when a firm hand on her shoulder stopped her.
"Let them alone." Ion's voice was amused, and gentle, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he pulled his glasses down a bit to peer over the rims at his feline companion. "They haven't really had a chance yet, whatever it is, it can wait."
Sheda grinned mischievously. "Well, alright then. But if we end up baby sitting, I'm sticking YOU on diaper duty."
His smile widened more, and he chuckled, raising his gaze across the fields at the two. "It does leave room to wonder…"
"Sir, we've received word that Sister Rosette and Chrno are returning in a moment."
"Thank you." Remington put his book down as he dismissed the messenger and rose up, glancing over at Kate, who sighed at him in response. "Well, on the plus side, it didn't take her long."
"True." Kate rose to her feet. "Perhaps now we might be able to discuss our options… If they're willing to co-operate."
"Rosette isn't unreasonable. If Chrno's duty is finished, I'm certain she would have mentioned the options to him."
Kate shook her head. "Knowing her, I seriously doubt she'd go directly to the point like that."
"Well, we'll see." Remington opened the door for the Mother Superior, and inclined his head, as they made their way down to the Elder's cottage.
As they entered, the ring of wires and metal began to light up in the center of the room, indicating the transport was underway. The Elder turned around and nodded his head at the two clergy. "Morning. They should be here shortly. Ah, they said that I should mention one thing…" He began to say, when the circle flared brightly with green light, and the gate activated.
The three waited patiently as figures began to take place inside, but when the number clearly began to show as three, they exchanged rather surprised glances, just as the light died down revealing the travelers inside.
Remington's hand instinctively went to his side gripping his sword, and Kate stiffened, drawing her posture up sharply. Her jaw clenched and it took her a moment, before she found her voice. "What is the meaning of this! How dare you bring him here…"
Rosette put a hand up quickly. "Now hold on, he's not the same person…"
Remington frowned deeply. "That still does not excuse the fact he is highly dangerous, Rosette…" His eyes lifted to briefly meet the cool lavender gaze of the white-haired demon, before shifting over to the violet haired demon beside him. "Chrno… you should have consulted us first."
Chrno stepped out of the ring, looking a bit embarrassed. "Um, actually we did send notice ahead…" He glanced over at the Elder, who just grinned rather diabolically. "Apparently you didn't get the message." He put a hand up, to pacify the two clergy. "He won't cause any problems. What's in the past remains there." His gaze was even and serious, meeting Remington's doubtful one head on. "But he also knows more about Pandemonium than I do… and can hopefully give us more of an insight to the problem."
Kate looked a bit uncertain, and threw a nervous glance at Ion, who simply smiled suavely at her in response, as Remington released the grip on his sword. "I'm not entirely convinced, but if there is a problem, I will leave you to deal with it, I trust." At Chrno's nod, she sighed a bit and massaged her temples. "Very well."
They made a very odd company, marching from the Elder's cottage to the main building of the order, and there was not a single person who didn't stop to stare at the company. Ion seemed to be highly enjoying himself, hands in his coat pockets, strolling casually as if he had meandered through the halls many times before. Chrno walked to the side, with Rosette at his hip, preceding them all Kate walked stiffly, and bringing up the rear, the Elder and Remington followed in silence.
Considering everyone on the grounds was quite familiar with just WHO Ion was, they drew quite a crowd.
By the time the party reached Kate's study, they had picked up both Azmaria, and Joshua, both of whom shot Ion very tense stares, and kept their distance. But Ion simply ignored them, and sank comfortably into the chair offered him, crossing one leg casually over the other in a relaxed position.
When everyone was settled, they all turned eyes upon him, uncertain just what he was about to bring to the table.
Ion sat some moments in silence, before lifting his head and fixing them all with an intense stare. "I assume by now you have some theories as to why this is all occurring now?" He glanced briefly at the others before continuing. "In order to fully explain the power hierarchy of Pandemonium, you first must learn a little about the structure of the realm itself.
"Pandemonium is a separate realm, that exists in parallel to this one. Likewise, we can assume that there is a 'heaven' that perhaps exists on the same level, though no one has actually been able to visit such a place. It could be the Astral Line is Heaven, but we may never know for certain.
"Pandemonium originally was a place that demons called home, a place where we could remain free from the human world. Few demons ever ventured across the gate into the human realm, for such things were normally beneath them. Humans were insignificant except for those who were lowest on the chain of command. Demons were generally content to remain 'home'."
He smiled slowly. "Of course…there was dissent before we came along, we merely were the turning point of the revolution. But nonetheless, that's beside the point." He steepled his fingers, tapping them against each other. "Pandemonia reigned because she was the most powerful demon capable of producing powerful offspring. There is a reason that there are few females among our kind." His eyes glittered mischievously. "She eats the ones that threaten her reign. Simple as that."
Kate raised an eyebrow, skeptically eying Ion with mistrust. "Only females?"
"Well, the males make for good breeding stock." His smile widened more. "The more powerful we are, the better it is for her. Of course, if there was trouble with anything, her lackeys would take care of it, those who were re-named Pursuers that is."
A rather curious look crossed Rosette's face, and her gaze fell to Chrno, who quickly looked away, flushing a bit. "Dare I ask what you two were considered as?"
"Oh certainly we would have been prime crops." Ion's smile widened. "We were too young at the time, however, never fear fair lady… your… ahem…love…is as pure as you."
Oh yes… THAT comment made EVERYONE redden.
Ion continued smoothly, despite the looks of shock, embarrassment, and horror on his listeners faces. "But I am getting away from the true point of this little reflection. Pandemonia was the Queen for one simple and pure reason. No one was strong enough to challenge her. Why is that, you ask?" His eyes slid behind his glasses, which eerily reflected the light from outside. "Because she drove the others to madness, and sealed them away."
Chrno shuddered a bit, as a strange expression crossed his face. Rosette looked puzzled. Remington appeared deeply wrapped in thought, and the others all sat listening with slight puzzled frowns.
"It's not known how many there were, nor how old they were, but the highest level of demons, were called the Elite. It's said that Pandemonia was the only sister of the group, and by far the most devious. Her cunning and guile was more than a match for the brute strength and powers of her older brothers. She fashioned a plan, with the aid of her powerful supporters, her own offspring of course. It's not certain how she actually pulled it off, but somehow she deceived them, stripped them of their reason, and sealed them in the deepest circle of hell, where she alone could release them.
"Of course, now that she's gone, you see the dilemma." His eyes lifted glittering over the rims of his glasses. "The seal has been broken, and the Destroyers, as we have come to term them, have been unsealed and are unleashed upon the world."
A slow breath released from Kate's chest, and Remington looked greatly troubled. "What would happen if one of these Destroyers came into this world?"
Ion's gaze slowly traveled over to Remington, and sent chills down the priest's spine even as he backed a step backwards. "Let me put it this way…" Ion's voice was quiet, barely audible, but yet still piercingly audible due to the deathly silence in the room. "The Destroyers lack any reason anymore. They have been reduced to pure power, seeking more power. What consciousness that existed within them has been gone for centuries, and will never return. They are aptly named, for they consume all they touch. This is why they cannot be fought easily. Demon's powers simply are absorbed. Should one of their limbs touch you, you are dead. They devour everything in their path, and hunger for more, leaving nothing but a wake of death, destruction, and void behind them. It's not a matter of 'if' they come to this realm…it's a matter of 'when'.
"The gate will hold them until there is nothing left in Pandemonium for them to consume, however once they have destroyed all there is there… they WILL find a way to come into this realm, and then they cannot be stopped." Ion's gaze turned colder. "The more the gate is used for demons fleeing to this world, the more likely that one of the Destroyers will follow them out. We have been fortunate that so far, they have remained within Pandemonium. However, the longer we hesitate, the more likely the battle will quickly be turned loose in this realm."
The horror of the situation shocked them all into silence, and the distant sound of children laughing could be heard from outside somewhere on the grounds below. It was very clear to them all, what was at risk now.
Before, they had been fighting for simply the right to exist at the hand of Ion's diabolical plan to re-structure the world… Now they were fighting for the very right to exist at all.
It was a very long time, before the inevitable question was voiced by Remington. "What, then… can we do to put this to a stop?"
Ion shook his head, a frown on his lips. "That, I cannot tell you. There does not exist any single demon powerful enough to put his power into re-sealing the Destroyers, let alone destroy them. The only possible option that has not been tried, is of course what you have at your disposal." His eyes lifted to meet with Kate's. "Being that holy power opposes our own, it's possible that the Order might be able to develop a way to put a stop to this… but it will have to be soon…very soon."
"Normal Gospels would… not be enough I assume." Remington spoke up, knowing the answer even before he asked. "What about Testaments?"
"You're dealing with demons that are easily ten times as strong as either Chrno or myself." Ion spoke quietly. "To say that none of us have a chance would be putting it mildly. We can't know what effect it will have unless you try it. But of course, if it doesn't work, then many other things might go wrong before you can compensate."
There was a tense silence as they all considered his words heavily. There was of course no way to test it….except for one way.
Kate shifted her glance over to Rosette, and met the girl's eyes as they flashed back at her, determined, and set. She knew that the young Sister was quite willing to do whatever necessary, so long as Chrno was with her. Even if it meant…
She rose slowly. "Then… I must ask a boon of you." Her eyes shifted from Ion, to Chrno, fixing them both with an even gaze. "We have our differences in the past, as you said… however all of our existences weighs on this combined effort." She paused, and then stood taller. "Will you risk journeying back into Pandemonium to assist us?"
Chrno took a deep breath, and looked uncertain, as Ion glanced sideways at him, speaking slowly. "You realize, that we are not the most welcome of individuals there… we left for obvious reasons, and they continued to Pursue us even then. We have not ventured to return since that day…"
"I am aware of the danger. And nor can I force you to return there." Kate replied evenly, understanding the situation better perhaps than she might have before coming to know Chrno better. "But I am asking if you are willing to take the risk. Otherwise, we must start planning our defensive and evacuating where we think the main battles may occur."
"Go back… to Pandemonium…" Chrno spoke softly, his eyes distant and glazed over thoughtfully. It was obvious to everyone that such a thing had never occurred to him. He hadn't ever wanted to return there, not after seeing what life could provide in this realm. The idea of returning, clearly unsettled him. "We wouldn't have a warm reception."
Ion drummed his fingers together, watching him closely. "It's entirely possible they may be desperate for help by then. They can't have had much luck containing them on their own. Dufou has probably only managed to keep his direct militia from fleeing, since everyone else seems to have re-located to this plane."
Rosette glanced over at Chrno, and scooped his hand up, squeezing it tightly in hers as he glanced her way. "What else can we do though? It may be dangerous, but if they know that we're trying to help, they won't want to extract revenge if it means possibly destroying their only chance for reclaiming their home before it's demolished, right?"
He glanced her way, and studied her face with his own, before looking back up at the others and nodding. "Of course we have to go." His gaze shifted down to Rosette, a sudden surge of concern evident in his eyes. "But…"
"Don't even say it, buster." Rosette stuck an index finger on his chest. "You need my help, and I'm not letting you go into that place by your lonesome. End of discussion."
Everyone in the room chuckled lightly, at the slightly baffled expression that Chrno shot at his partner, realizing he'd just effectively been shut up. "Uh…right."
"Well then…" Ion stood up smoothly, and a slow leisurely smile crossed his features. "I suppose I shall have to accompany you both as entourage to ensure you don't foul it up." His eyes glittered challengingly at Chrno, who shot him a glare. "Besides… I'm the one they most want, perhaps we'll be able to negotiate better if a small bit of pressure is placed upon them."
The news wasn't well taken back in Eden, as they soon found out when they returned.
"You're going WHERE?" Jenai practically exploded, and had it been possible, his eyes would have bugged out. He turned sideways to Rizel. "Tell me he just didn't say what I thought he said."
"No… he said it." Her soft voice was rather muted, for obviously she knew that there was no such thing as a practical joke in this situation. Not that Ion was one to pull such things. Joke yes, but never practical jokes.
"But…" Jenai stuttered a bit, sticking a hand to the white fluff of hair poking out from beneath his hat. "That's… suicidal."
Sheda's tail twitched worriedly behind her, chewing on her lip. "Ion… you know what they'll do when the get their hands on you both."
"We'll just have to ensure we evade their grasp, now shan't we." Ion reached for the tall bottle of bourbon and poured several glasses, offering them out to his fellows, and even one to Rosette, who politely declined. "But they haven't ever been able to catch us before, I'm certain our talents shall keep us out of harm's way until our directive can be reached."
"Damn it…" Jenai growled, downing the liquor quickly. "We're going with you then."
"I think not." Ion's voice was firm, and decisive. "The fewer number of us that goes, the better. As it is, the two of us shall draw quite a bit of attention, three is out of the question. We must get in, attempt a stand, and get out quickly to report our findings. With all luck, we can pull it off successfully."
"And if you fail?" Rizel's voice continued to have a cold edge to it. "What then?"
"Then you best be preparing to find the best route to escape the aftermath of destruction that will inevitably follow." Ion said smoothly. "For if we fail, it's highly doubtful the Order will be able to be prepared to withstand the full brunt of the Destroyers emergence into this world."
There was a quiet silence, as the Sinners mulled that over. Even Chrno managed to sip the bourbon without flinching, much too distracted to consider being without it.
It didn't take long to procure the needed tools, supplies, and safeguards necessary to make the trip. By the following morning, the entire residence of Eden had followed the three back down to the Order, which of course continued to make the Sisters increasingly uncomfortable.
"First we harbor one… then two… then three… now six demons." Kate shook her head slowly, a baffled look of incredulity on her face. "Honestly, why not just invite them all to camp out on our front lawn!"
The Sinners looked about as thrilled as the Mother Superior, but were too busy assisting Sheda to reply to the woman's dry remarks.
They had made the decision to open the portal down on the Order grounds for a number of reasons.
One: The Order had many safeguards to protect the gateway when it was open and in use, as well as dormant.
Two: There was more firepower available to deal with any threat here, than anywhere else.
Three: If the trio should fail, and a Destroyer managed to make it's way to this world, it would use the easiest and most recent breech in the fabric between the realms, and that would bring it right over the Order, where they could immediately fight it with minimal casualties, they hoped.
It took all morning for Sheda and the Elder to rig together a proper device to limit the gate's access to the realm. They could have just simply opened a rift… but that would leave it open for a long time, and present a very vulnerable position, so they had to limit the amount of exposure presented first.
By early afternoon, everything was in place.
Rosette finished latching the catches to her uniform and turned around, studying her reflection in the mirror. She looked older, for some reason… perhaps it was the fact her life was far more enriched now, or perhaps it was the knowledge that despite everything they had fought for, despite their struggles and perseverance, they very well might lose their lives after this confrontation.
Not just their lives… but everyone else in the world as well.
That was a heavy burden on anyone.
She slid the holsters onto her belt, and cinched it tightly, the two Testament guns glittering brightly at her hip in the sunlight. The Elder had worked feverously to replicate the first weapon Kate had gifted her with, which had been one of a kind. They couldn't risk going into this with only one, however, so now she had a pair, both loaded with a full round of the most powerful bullets they had available, and with a magazine full of back-ups as well.
She was prepared to use them, and by god use them she would.
As she approached the inner garden where the circle had been erected, Sisters made way for her with respect. Once this was over, she had the feeling she'd be a legend among the Order, if she wasn't already. She didn't desire fame, however, and she thought wryly that she'd rather just operate a private agency, once this was over and done with. That way she could still have fun doing what she did best, without the restrictions the Order lay down upon her shoulders.
She reached the center, where the Sinners, Remington, the Elder, and Kate awaited. Standing before the gate, were the twin forms of Chrno and Ion, in their demon forms, which even to this date, continued to amaze her in their similarity. Light and dark, physically and emotionally. They were virtual opposites of one another, right down to the markings on their forehead. If any two demons were destined to be brothers, those two fit the category to a T.
As she approached, Chrno held a hand out to her, his talons curling lightly as she took hold of it, and favored her with a sad, whimsical smile. He seemed to be disturbed about something, though she wasn't about to press him in query without his consent.
"Ready?" She glanced up at him, and seeing his tight nod, she smiled in encouragement. "Don't worry, I'll kick their asses. You just worry on getting me close enough, kay?"
"I don't think being close will be a problem." Ion slapped an arm around Chrno's shoulders, and grinned down at her, as his fellow Sinner glanced over at him, awkwardly. "We'll most likely get an up and personal account for you. It's getting back that's going to be tricky."
"Well, whatever." Rosette grinned fiercely. "So long as we're back in time for dinner."
Without hesitation, Sheda slammed her fist on the release button, and a bright flare of green light exploded in all directions from the circle, as it lit up brilliantly flooding the garden with it's eerie light. A hissing and whirring of electricity hummed about the immediate area, lightning of green and white crackling around the gateway's exterior, as a solid mirror of light that seemed to suck in all the light around them, and absorb it into itself materialized before them.
Rosette's breath slowly let out as she stared at the gate, watching the octagonal patterns reflective of what she had often seen before, shift and fade in and out as the barrier between the two worlds remained active. All they had to do was step through, and she would finally see with her own eyes, just where it was the man she loved had truly hailed from.
Her heart fluttered nervously in her chest, at that thought. She wasn't entirely sure she wanted to see what Pandemonium was like. From everything she knew, and everything she had heard, such a place was likely to shake the roots of her foundation of what Chrno was, and the true origin of his soul. Though she knew that what she saw shouldn't have an effect on how she considered him, she was afraid that her own faith might suffer a failing as a result.
Chrno seemed to be sensing some of what she was thinking, though she knew he was making a point to stay out of her head as much as possible. He could control his powers far better now that he had complete access, free of any holy taint. He didn't 'accidentally' overhear things as he used to. "Are you sure you want to go?"
"Oh, stop it. I go where you go." She remanded him with a light smack to the hand he'd placed on her shoulder. "Besides, you can't fire the guns at this thing, or you'll blow your hand off."
He smiled at that, but something seemed to be disturbing him further and didn't leave his eyes when he looked away. She bit her lip, and almost spoke up, but then decided against it. Whatever it was, he didn't want to talk about it here… she'd ask him when they were alone.
"Rosette… Chrno…" The two of them turned to face Kate and Remington. "Please… take care and return to us." Kate's eyes were lined with worry and fatigue. "If this fails, we may very well lose any hope we have. Even if it looks like you are about to fail, flee if necessary. You MUST return to give us notice on what effect your attacks have…otherwise we shall have no way of knowing what actions we can take."
"We'll be careful." Rosette said with a confidant straightening of her shoulders. "Just make sure you have plenty of notes for when we come back. And keep the light on for us." She thumbed back at the gate with a saucy grin.
Not much else could be said, and no one tried. Instead, they stood silently, as Chrno scooped Rosette up into his protective arms, and together, he and Ion stepped through the gateway, their forms dissolving into the light that rippled like water around them.
Abruptly the light died, leaving the courtyard in silence, and dozens of pairs of eyes watching the spot where their companions had departed.
There was nothing more they could do now, but wait.
Author's note: ok I'm back! I had a great vacation, outlined the plot pretty much to the end, and got lots of sleep! There are only a few more chapters in the fic left, then it's over folks! There will NOT be an act 4. nod this time I mean it End a good thing when you can, right? ducks the thrown tomatoes
As always, input is appreciated! I'm too tired to go through and scan the comments so THANKS to all of you! wave You guys keep me motivated!
Next Chapter!
Finally… what's the demon realm like? And whoo doggie… what's that big black thing in the sky? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it's the SUPER DEMON…. ducks more tomatoes