Demons Etc.

Chapter Six: Magdalena's Legacy

Authors new note: Good grief... you mean... she lives? Oh yes. Fear me. I'm retouching this fic, almost 4 years after I started it. Forgive me, real life problems, lack of inspiration and stuff got in the way, but... I'm back! Look for changes and complete revisions after Chapter 6! I'm touching up a few things each chapter, then re-working it completely starting with Magdalena's scene. Hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I own nothing! Moriyama-sensei does. Blame him!

Weaving their way back through the city didn't take long, it was trying not to be seen by many of the fleeing crowds that made it tough. In the end, they managed to slip back in through the rear exit to the building, and make their way up the stairs back to their floor without being seen. Most of the attention was being directed to the foyer, which unfortunately had suffered grievous damage.

"On the plus side…" Rosette panted, as she kicked the door open, and helped him into the hallway. "Maybe they can renovate and make it less stuffy downstairs."

"You know it's coming out of our pay." He replied, as she fumbled with the door, pushing it open for him. "Since technically it is our fault…and they know it."

"Bah, no one can prove it." She said, kicking a chair out of the way as she led him to the couch, and helped him sit down. "It could just be coincidence."

"Somehow I doubt the authorities will go for it." He murmured, pulling the coat off, and pulling at the jacket she'd tied about his torso.

"Hey lemme do that." She chided, pulling a first aid box down from the cupboard and walking over towards him with a stern look. Frankly, she was worried sick…most people with injuries this serious would be in desperate need of attention, but he didn't seem too bothered by it, which made her wonder if his properties were different from most people. Whatever the case, when she pulled the bloodied remains of her jacket off, she blinked a little, as she saw the wound appeared quite a bit smaller than she had expected, and strange patterns lined his chest around it, taking on a harder consistency than she had expected.

She shook her head swiftly, and began to swab lightly, glancing up at him quickly to see how he was doing, before going back to her ministrations. His eyes were closed, and his face calm, but she could see a troubled crease on his brow nonetheless. "Hey… you okay?"

His eyes slipped open, and shifted down to her, and he smiled faintly, though she could see the smile didn't reach his eyes. "Ah…don't worry about it." He said simply, and she shrugged lightly, returning to bandaging his torso as he patiently sat there.

She frowned but sat back as she finished, and then reached forward, and grabbed his palm, and eyeing it.

"Man, you really did a number here." She commented dryly, as she gently began to wrap gauze around it. "It's almost worse than the other one." She peered up and her eyes locked on the runic blade attached to his belt. "Why do you use it if it burns you?"

"Because it's effective." He replied gently, with a knowing smile, as he gazed down at her.

"Same goes for the guns…what if you shoot yourself in the foot or something, geeze." She snorted, "…its suicidal."

His smile just widened, and she saw a hint of laughter in his eyes as he closed them. "It's worth the risk."

Rosette frowned, and studied him with narrowed eyes. It was true that many of her previous questions regarding her boss had been answered by discovering the simple truth of his identity, but…now many more questions opened up to her, the more she thought about it. He seemed so willing to sacrifice himself to the cause…granted he was able to take more damage than any normal guy, but still that didn't excuse the attitude he had. No one should have such a selfless outlook, where they were willing to give anything up for the cause. To her, that was pointless, since it only achieved a cause in the most cowardly way.

Yet then, why was he doing this in the first place? Fighting demons when you WERE a demon seemed oxymoronic to her, and though she knew there were various factions that opposed one another, she couldn't help but wonder what his motivation for doing this was. But then, she remembered humans fought each other every day, even had wars of global proportions, she shouldn't be entirely surprised.

Her eyes lowered and her gaze landed upon the glinting gold of the pocket watch. Her hand reached out, and slipped over it, lifting it up so that the light from the window gleamed faintly off it's centerpiece that held a faint red gleam beneath the dials. The hands were locked in position, not counting down or up, which made her think at first it was broken…but then, she realized that the red hue illuminating the dial wasn't coming from a reflection behind her, but from within the clock itself.

His eyes opened slowly, and his gaze lowered as she turned it over, running a thumb over the smooth glass. "This is precious to you." It was a statement, not a question, and she felt a soft sigh from him in affirmation. "What exactly does it mean."

His hand slipped down, and covered hers as she held the clock carefully in her palm. She lifted her gaze upward in time to catch the pained look of sorrow cross over his face, and she immediately knew she'd struck a personal note within him. She almost spoke up to tell him to forget it, but he spoke quietly before she had the chance to protest.

"It was given to me by a friend, long ago…" His voice was heavy with emotion, but so mixed that Rosette couldn't really distinguish what precise emotion dominated his tone. His hand lifted slowly, and cupped beneath hers, lifting it up so that she could see it better. "It's a very unique device…that protects something even more precious."

"And what would that be?" her breath came out soft, as the atmosphere became such that she feared anything above a whisper would be breaking the mood.

"Life."

Her head lifted quickly, and her eyes widened a bit. "Your life?"

A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips, and his eyes lost some of the haunting pain that lingered there. "No, not mine. Someone else's."

Something clicked in Rosette's mind.

"Normally…" He was continuing oblivious to her sudden change of posture. "…it's designed to facilitate power to a demon who's lost his horns."

His hand slid over to the top, and with a soft clink and snap, the entire watch function snapped open suddenly, making her jump a bit as red power crackled around the watch, and the glow brightened considerably, the dials in the center suddenly springing to life and spinning around rapidly.

It was an amazing sight, and Rosette held her breath a bit, as she tied the last gauze wrap around his right hand, before dropping it, to slowly pick up the watch in both hands, and stare at it in wonder.

"It…can also act as a liaison in another way." His tone seemed to have changed subtly, and Rosette lifted her eyes, watching him closely, as she saw his breathing suddenly grow slightly more shallow as sweat beaded his forehead. Apparently there was a link between the device's functions, and his sudden symptoms.

His talon tapped the watch face lightly. "In this case…It allows me to guard someone else's life with my own."

Rosette smiled slowly, as she put two and two together. "Now I understand…" She looked up at him with a keen smile. "At first I thought it was sad, the story between you and her… but now it seems that you've had a card left to play this whole time."

His eyes twinkled mildly at her, as he twisted the knob once more, and the device snapped shut again, the glow dimming a bit. "No one else other than Remington knows about this…so…"

"Right, not a word." She patted his injured hand with a smirk, and watched him flinch a bit. "Sorry." Her face heated a little, but she felt somewhat estranged, now that she knew he still had someone he deeply cared for, enough to protect her life with his own. It was sad still, she thought, that he wasn't allowed to see her.

Behind them, the kitchen door burst open violently, as someone charged through it, causing them both to jump in alarm, and glance that way.

"Chrno! Thank god you're here… I…" Remington stopped short, blinking a bit, as he suddenly realized just what he was interrupting. Rosette's face deepened in her blush, and Chrno also looked a little pink, as they exchanged glances, and the blond exorcist quickly dropped the demon's hand and fumbled with the first aid kit. "Are you two all right?" Remington slowly stepped in, glancing between them with a worried look.

"Oh yeah just peachy." Rosette rose to her feet, and hastened to put the kit away in the cupboards. "I mean, gee, we beat up some pursuers, had a nice chat, and nearly got impaled several times… well…" She threw a glance at Chrno and smirked. "He didn't avoid that one, but I guess he's tough and can handle it."

Remington ran a hand through his loose hair, and gave Chrno a contemplative look, before shrugging lightly and spreading his hands. "Well, if everything's out on the table then…"

Chrno nodded, his form shifting and shimmering as suddenly he changed back into his more socially acceptable guise. Rosette noticed the precious watch went from dangling at his belt, to carefully being tucked in his front pocket. The bandages also remained, to her relief. "What did you find out?"

The ex-priest threw a gun down on the table, and leaned in, sighing. "After you two went so heroically running out onto the street to cause chaos, I spoke with the Order. Apparently, they had been tracking the Pursuers, and knew they were tracking you, Chrno." His ice-blue eyes lifted, and fixed the two with a piercing look. "Funny how they failed to mention this to us."

Chrno's whole demeanor changed in an instant, and Rosette took a few hesitant steps back as she practically could see the aura radiating off of him…cold, lethal fury. His good hand clenched tightly in a fist, and she saw his shoulders tense up with anger. After several long tense moments, he whirled around and grabbed his day coat hanging on the rack by the door, and slammed his hat on his head. "Car. Now." He threw the door open and was gone in an instant, leaving his two partners to stare awkwardly after him.

"Good god…he's pissed."

"You have no idea…" Remington's voice sounded slightly awed, and a very tense. "He doesn't lose his temper often, but when he does… I would never seek to be in his way."

"He's really powerful, isn't he?"

"There are few who can match him." Remington agreed, turning around and offering a hand to her. "Come on. We need to stop him before he does something he'll regret later."

Rosette didn't need further urging.

The resulting explosion in the headmistress' office at the Magdale Order was enough to rattle the windows clear to the Elder's cottage across the grounds, as the mahogany doors creaked lightly, startling Kate, before they exploded outward in a shower of splinters. The figure that stormed in, made her knees grow weak, as she sank slowly back into her seat, as he stalked forward.

Chrno was livid.

Everyone who had followed them in could clearly see the waves of black energy rolling off of him, as he strode forward, ignoring everyone who got in his way, as Remington and Rosette desperately tried to pull them aside so they wouldn't be harmed by accident. By the time they had reached the office, a small crowd of people were trailing them, several armed with guns as cries of alarm began to spread.

Chrno however, heard none of this, as he slammed his bandaged hand down hard on Sister Kate's desk, rattling every single item on it, and causing the Sister to gasp, with wide shocked eyes.

His voice was quiet, and leaking with deadly intent, but spoken so softly that everyone outside had to strain to hear.

"Seventeen people, Katherine."

Sister Kate swallowed hard, fear causing her limbs to freeze up, as she met those blazing ruby eyes, that were boring into her like a drill. "Seventeen. Dead." The silence that reigned in the room was stifling, as the power continued to crackle around him like a tornado. "Seventeen innocent people. For what purpose? Because you despise me? Is that it? Because you hate working with a demon THAT much, that you refuse to even give out information that might be necessary to defend others?" His eyes blazed brilliant gold, as they narrowed, becoming slit gems of anger. "Is that what the Magdalene Order stands for? Selfish pride above defending the innocent?!"

Kate's lips pursed a bit, as she slowly stood up, drawing upon the courage that hadn't fled when Chrno had stormed in. "Chrno, I have tolerated your indiscretions long enough…"

"NO!" He barked suddenly, as all the lights in her office suddenly exploded as the energy around him fluctuated sharply. "YOU listen!" He leaned forward, so that his face was only inches from hers, his features contorted in a manner that reflected his true self, though he was not in that shape. "I have dealt with your damned prejudice, pride, and discrimination against me long enough. I have been patient, and understanding. I have still continued to assist you however I can, knowing that what I did was more important than putting up with your attitude towards me." He drew himself up taller, his gaze bearing down hard upon her, causing the normally very confrontational Sister to cringe. "Open your damn eyes! Look around you!" His hand whipped out to the side, gesturing to the world outside in explanation. "What's going on is more important than petty differences between us!"

She scowled more, and leaned forward herself. "You expect me, a representative of God, to put my full trust in one who represents evil!? If the Vatican ever found out that we had been co-operating with you on matters of extreme secrecy…"

"ENOUGH!" His bellow shut her up promptly, as power exploded around him, and his form distorted as he practically exploded into his true form, wings opening wide behind him, and his eyes glowing a blinding golden as his corneas clouded over with their luminance. Everyone jumped several paces back, and some of the sisters who had never seen him like this, let alone seen any demon before, screamed in terror, and fainted. Rosette heard several guns cock behind them, and she and Remington both whirled, holding their ground to prevent the Militia from opening fire on the office.

Sister Kate had fallen back in her seat, staring with wide eyes at the demon towering before her, as he leaned closer, teeth barred with fury, as one hand reached down, clasping the watch tightly in his hand, and slamming it down on the desk, causing her to jump. "I've had enough of this. I'm taking her back. Don't try to stop me."

"Chrno, no!" Rosette finally couldn't hold it back any longer, as she realized he was swiftly making a big mistake. "This isn't what she'd want!"

He paused, and tilted his head slightly to the side, her words reaching him and giving him reason to pause long enough for Sister Kate to stare down at the watch with wide understanding eyes. "Chrno…please…calm down. Rosette is right, this will achieve nothing on either end."

Remington also stepped forward, keeping his tone level, and his demeanor calm. "She's right. Magdalena is safer here. If you take her away from this protected area, then you will be responsible for her…and you can't protect her like they can here. It's best to leave her in their care until it's safe."

Everyone's breath was held, as they watched the demon consider that, for a long tense moment. Then, his eyes closed, and his aura kicked down several notches and finally faded, as he opened his eyes again, and they were clear once more. But his irritation was still plain, as he straightened up, his wings dropping down a bit and blending back with his coat as he dropped his offensive posture. "And a bang up job they've done of protecting her so far." His voice was tense, and tinged with anger still, but calmer.

"You can't expect us to have just left her as she was." Kate said in a stern voice. "She wanted to return to you as much as you wanted to return to her. She kept trying to escape. In the end, she would sit for days, not eat, just staring out the window endlessly. She was wasting away as we watched… We had to do something."

"And the solution was to make her forget her life?" He spoke quietly, his voice sounded suddenly filled with pain. "Forget everything?" the unspoken was clear to everyone. Forget me…?

"Would you rather her suffer?"

His gaze lowered, and a pained look crossed his features. "No… of course not… but…it doesn't seem right to cage her like this."

Sister Kate sighed. "I know." She walked out from behind the desk, and hesitantly reached a hand out, pulling back for a moment, then seemed to overcome her hesitation of being close to such a powerful demonic presence, and gently touched his shoulder, peering over at him. "Chrno…You're right, I have been rather…closed-minded. I suppose I felt that, ever since you stole her from the Order long ago, you didn't have a right to her, with what you and your companions did." She kept her gaze even, even as he glanced over at her slowly. "But I also didn't really want to believe that a demon could experience feelings in the same way humans could…but I see now that I was very wrong." Her gaze fell to the clock still gripped in his hand, and she sighed. "So…you've bound your life to hers, to protect her. I should have suspected it when she stopped aging and did not grow ill. But…" She shook her head lightly. "I agree with Remington. You have a dangerous life. If you truly wish to protect her, then you'll leave her here."

His shoulders slumped slightly, and he sighed, looking defeated suddenly. "Ah…"

Rosette bit her lip, and watched him with sympathy. It must be so hard for him, being forced apart, yet so close. "Well… can't you at least let them see one another?" She spoke up quietly. "It seems really cruel. Wouldn't she understand, if he was able to explain things to her himself?"

There was a quiet silence, and the exchanging of a few glances between the members of the party, before Sister Kate glanced over at her, eyes soft and sad. "Rosette, I don't believe you understand the full situation..." She sighed. "However, Chrno if you would like to see her, I suppose it could be arranged."

Chrno's head lifted, his eyes widening a little. "You'll….let me see her?"

Kate's eyes softened. "I think we owe that much to you for everything you've done for us in the past 50 years. However, we can't risk her memory returning. You'll have to not disturb her solitude."

Rosette blinked a bit, the idea of him being that old sending shivers down her spine. For that matter, how old was he exactly? Demons were long lived…and she'd never heard of one dying from old age. So theoretically, he could have been around for a long time. She smiled faintly, and just pushed that aside. The look of relief, hope, and excitement in his eyes was almost like a kids' first Christmas. "I understand." he said softly, sounding only half-disappointed at the requirement.

The procession down the hall was a very strange one, to say the least. Sister Kate and Gilliam led the way, Rosette and Remington trailed Chrno who followed them, and behind them all, most of the order had gathered. The Militia had been ordered to put their guns away, but none of them looked that comfortable with a demon in their midst, and the sisters that peered out of every door and window watching them pass, were wide-eyed with surprise.

Rosette kept glancing at Chrno from the side of her eyes. It seemed strange…almost like a tragic love story out of a dime novel. A demon and his forbidden lover who happened to be a Saint. Her heart ached a little suddenly, and she caught herself, wondering why she'd suddenly felt so lonely.

The whole group came to a pause before a very large set of doors, which had a couple of wards on them, as well as sentries posted outside. Sister Kate didn't waste time in going forward, and unlocking the doors, unfastening the wards, and then stepping aside, to allow them entry into the room beyond.

Chrno's shoulders squared a little, and he slowly took a step forward, then entered the room. It was a long narrow room, barely wider than a closet. There was a row of benches similar to pews lined up against the wall, facing clear glass that opened up into a wide and very beautiful series of rooms.

The inside was very richly decorated, beautiful tapestries hung on the walls, curtains and ruffles of matching fabric adorned the window frames, and old fashioned knickknacks and pictures hung on the walls and adorned the furniture. The sound of a softly ticking clock could be heard, but no other sound penetrated the silence that smothered the room. Rosette's eyes roamed about the small viewing room, and saw the speakers. A one-way sound system, and she noticed the radio set into a control box in front of the window. There was a lock on the outside, preventing anyone from opening it to use it. It seemed communications were forbidden.

Chrno turned his head around, looking about him, a nervous expression on his features as he stopped, not certain where his quarry was.

It didn't take long.

Soft rustling of skirts were the first thing that caught his attention, and as he turned, Rosette's own breath caught, as she saw the woman whom had captured his heart so long ago.

No wonder… she was beautiful.

The light hit her in just the right way, that it made her pale hair that cascaded down her back glow with an ethereal light. It was as if her very soul was shining through the thin fabric that was her body. Wide luminous emerald eyes shone with a clear sparkle, that danced off the windows and hit her gown in hues of many colors. Her expression was neutral, her face very porcelain white, and Rosette knew instinctively that she wasn't the type who would have gone around blowing up demons, but would prefer to stay home, safe in a fancy estate.

But regardless, the expression on Chrno's face was enough to make tears spring to Rosette's eyes, unbidden.

"Magdalena…." His voice was soft, and gentle, warm and filled with all the emotions that had been kept inside of him for so long. It was longing, desire, sadness, and hope, all bundled into one tight tone.

Unfortunately, the woman didn't seem to be able to hear them, nor did she notice their presence. Rosette realized that the glass must also be one-way. She walked slowly about the room, a book in her elegant hands, shawl wrapped about her shoulders as she read, oblivious to the company. Still, Chrno seemed to be entranced. He stood there, staring at her without blinking, ignoring everyone else in the room. Rosette noticed that the other priests were watching him closely. Apparently, one of the reasons that they had never allowed him to see her, was the fear that with just one thought he could break through the glass and take her away again.

It was a very poignant experience.

After a few minutes, the woman made her rounds from the room, and vanished back into another section that was off limits from the viewing area, presumably her bedroom. Though there were plenty of windows here, they were high above head level, so that the woman could not see out into the grounds. She was an effective prisoner here. A prisoner for fifty years.

Chrno sighed, putting one hand to his face, trying to compose himself before he nodded to Sister Kate, and she led them back out once more, locking the room behind her.

"Thank you…" Chrno's soft voice could be heard as she turned, and saw he had slipped back into his human form. "This meant a lot to me."

"I'm sorry that it had to be this way…" Sister Kate was apologizing. "But, if she tried to escape again, it would just require us to wipe her memories a second time, and that would be traumatizing for her."

"I understand."

"The Order will of course help fund the restoration and damage costs to your building."

"Thank you."

"If there's any more information on more Pursuers, you have my assurances we will inform you from here on out."

"Of course."

Sister Kate inclined her head to them all, then took her leave, and the rest of the onlookers also began to disperse, leaving Remington, Chrno and Rosette alone with the Elder and Gilliam.

"Well then. Today didn't end so bad, right?" The Elder smiled cheerfully, taking something out of his pocket and peering at it. "Did you have a chance to test out the Spirit?"

Everyone coughed.

"I take that as a yes!" The Elder beamed.

"Man…" Rosette slapped the gun into his open hand and glared at him. "That thing is useless… the demon was almost as big of a problem as the Pursuer was. They took care of one another thankfully, but it nearly took us out too!"

"Hmmm. I'll have to work on that." The Elder mused a bit.

"Forget it." Chrno grumbled. "If we want to fight demons using demons, we've got that area covered."

"But.." The Elder spoke up with a frown. "It's risky for you." His gaze lowered to the burns on Chrno's hand. "As we can clearly see."

"It's better than doubling our adversaries." Chrno shot him a flat look. "From now on, I'll wear gloves."

Dinner that night was rather reserved. It had been a busy day, and everyone was deep in thought, as Remington splashed a pile of spaghetti onto Rosette's plate followed by a few rather burnt pieces of garlic bread.

Her gaze slid over the table at the two detectives, observing them silently as they each sat, eating their food, and going over paperwork. It seemed odd… nothing had changed among them, since she'd learned the truth about each of them. They still behaved the same, sharing jokes and puns, going about their job as if they hadn't just destroyed the whole lobby by default. In fact, true to their word, the Order had contacted the building and offered to assist with financing the re-building, and as of that very afternoon, repairs were underway.

The deaths of the innocents were another matter.

Though Chrno had been very happy to enjoy the bliss that he'd been awarded by seeing his long separated lover, the euphoria had vanished once they returned home. She couldn't blame him, seeing without talking or interacting with someone that he'd dedicated his own very life to...Rosette couldn't imagine what it felt like. So, he had been very emotional and apologetic to the families of the dead once they'd returned to their building, and she knew that guilt was eating him up inside, despite the fact it really wasn't his fault. How could it be? He didn't kill them? He tried to save more innocents by drawing the battle away, and succeeded.

Somehow, she didn't think he saw it the same way.

So, when she heard the creak of the door opening down the hall late that night, she knew he was feeling restless. She hadn't been able to sleep, her mind too filled with information to make her the least bit tired, so she made up her mind, and followed him.

She was barely able to make out his form on the dark roof, as she opened the door and looked around, the lights from the city below illuminating the edges of the structure eerily. He was leaning against one of them, head tilted down, watching the city below, looking rather wistful, as the lights of the city flashed over his features, casting sharp light then shadows on his face.

What was his story? How had he met Magdalena? She recalled someone saying that she'd been kidnapped by the Sinners, but then what? Why had Chrno returned her to the Order and bound her life to his? Why was he so emphatic on guarding her, even if it meant them being apart?

She tugged awkwardly on her braid, wondering if she should disturb him or not. He was slouched there in just his pants and shirt, suspenders slouching off the side of his shoulders as he leaned over the ledge casually, the wind from below ruffling his short dark hair against the faintly pointed ears that she'd always found so…appealing. She blushed deeper at that thought, and took a step back, deciding she didn't want to interrupt his private thoughts, but unfortunately her foot had other options, as it tripped on her laces, and she went sprawling with a loud thunk.

"Ow…." She rubbed her bum with a grimace, and heard the gravel crunch nearby. She cast her eyes upwards and saw his curious face peering down at her. "You know, this is comfy gravel…." She commented cheerfully, relieved when he grinned widely at her, and offered a hand down. "Thanks." She grunted, pulling herself somewhat ungracefully to her feet. "What a klutz, Rosette…" She rolled her eyes, and heard him laugh softly.

"Ah, what would we do without you around here." He smiled in that infuriating way of his that just made her go woozy inside. "It's hard to imagine we could ever get along without your help."

She flushed more, quickly let go of his hand, and walked to the edge of the building to avoid letting him see her reddened face. "Geeze, you two musta been bored stiff without my womanly touches around this place. Just think, having to endure one another's cooking, and knowing YOUR touches, God help that Remington didn't die sometime."

Chrno snorted, and leaned on the edge next to her, his hands clasped loosely over the side. "I'm not so bad as that… I can bake decent cookies."

She rolled her eyes and smirked. "Uh huh. I'll believe that when I see it." She cast her eyes down at the streets, watching the cars go by below, their lights like small fireflies on a river. She glanced sideways at him, and saw his gaze was focused downwards as well, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Must be weird, huh?"

His eyes shifted up to hers, their ruby depths glittering at her. "Weird?"

She nodded down at the sea of cars, an amused look in her eyes. "You've been around a long time, right? Like, before the city looked like this…you must have seen a lot of things change over the course of your life."

His eyebrow raised, but a faint smile graced his features as he nodded. "It has changed… I didn't come to this city until more recently but…" He stuck his chin in his palm, and leaned there, looking reflective. "Before then, I remember when automobiles were a fantasy concocted in stories by Jules Verne."

She snorted. "That's right…it must have been weird, riding horses everywhere." She snorted a bit and then laughed shortly.

"What?" His eyes twinkled, amused.

"I just got a weird picture of you in a black gentleman's suit, and a top hat, escorting a lady in a bustle around." She snickered.

He laughed at that, and shook his head. "No, I never did that…" His grin widened. "I did however tour the West with a gun on my belt."

"You're kidding!?" She stared at him. "A real cowboy, eh?"

He smiled wider. "Yeah. I have photos to prove it."

"I'd love to see that sometime." She smirked a bit.

"I'll dig out the pictures from storage." He smiled warmly at her, obviously amused by her reaction.

They stood in silence for some time more, before she asked the one question that had been playing on her mind for several minutes now. "Hey… Chrno?"

"Yeah?"

"How old are you exactly?"

He glanced over at her, and gave her a pensive look, before shaking his head a bit. "Why do you want to know?"

"Well…" She played with the rubble on the edge of the ledge. "You know so much…and you've been around… And it just seems odd, talking to someone who might be God knows how old… compared to me, who's barely old enough to drive."

"It's not that bad." He chuckled softly. "When you have a long life, you tend to lean to take things slower, and enjoy life for what it is. I really don't know as much about the world as you may think."

"Still…."

He spread his hands a bit. "It's all relative, right? A day, a minute, a second. Each is just as important in the end." He ran a hand through his hair lightly. "But… to answer your question, I'm not sure exactly." He glanced her way. "Time passes differently, and is measured differently in Pandemonium. By the time I came to this realm, I'd spent a while down there, and have been up here for a while too." He glanced her way. "I would estimate to guess, between one hundred and two hundred years."

She felt her mouth drop open, as she ran that over. She'd thought he was old, but… "Holy crap…and ya don't look a day over twenty."

He grinned widely at her and laughed at that, leaning closer, his nose only inches away from her. "Don't tell anybody, they'll all want to know my secret."

She blinked a bit, taken by surprise at his attempt at humor. "Uh…like anyone would believe I hang out with a guy who probably shook hands with that jerk Custer or something."

He smiled and leaned back, chuckling. "There is that." He stood up straight, then stretched a bit, and suddenly turned towards her, a thoughtful look on his face. "Aren't you tired?"

"Nah." She shrugged. "So much has happened today, I couldn't sleep anyway."

He nodded a bit, then abruptly held a hand out to her. "I want to show you something. Do you mind?"

She glanced down at his hand, then back up, a curious feeling tug at her chest. "Uh, no I don't mind." She reached out and tentatively grasped his hand, giving him a curious look, wondering what it was he wanted to show her.

She soon found out that what he had in mind, wasn't taking her back downstairs to rummage through old photos, as he turned towards the ledge, hopped up, pulling her after him, and dove off.

"H...hey!!! Waitaminute!" She gasped, but too late as she was pulled over the edge with him, her stomach clenching as she felt nothing but air beneath her feet. She started to scream, her mind overloading and forgetting in the brief moment of life-preservation instinct that kicked in, just whom she was with.

His arms wrapped around her warmly, and she suddenly felt their fall arc, as the city ceased to be directly beneath them, and began to level out parallel. She gulped, and her breath came back to her in a rush, as the dizzying feeling of plunging towards the ground left her, replaced by that spinning motion of weightlessness that she had felt each and every time that she'd found herself in his arms before.

"Gah… next time… warn me before you do that." She gasped out, realizing that her arms were clutched around his neck like a lifeline. She quickly let go, and blushed, as he smiled down at her, his golden eyes glittering, as the moon glinted off the three gems studding his forehead. Her heart clenched again. Every time she saw him like this…it just sent shivers down her spine, in a good way. When she first had seen him, she'd been struck by how handsome the exotic features made him, despite the strangeness of the extra appendages of horns, tail and wings. Now, she just found they fit him better, and it seemed odd to see him without them.

"Sorry." He apologized, as their speed began to increase, angling up higher into the sky, away from the city. "But it was fun seeing your reaction."

She simply yanked on one of his long ears in irritation. "Yeah, really funny. Ha ha ha, hear me laugh." Her gaze turned away from him, as she watched the lights of the city spin away from behind them, and clouds begin to obscure the scenery as they leveled out, and nothing but stars and the moon loomed over them. "Where are we going?"

"You'll see." He answered with a wink. "It won't take long, if we put on some speed."

"Speed?!" She practically shrieked, glancing around watching the clouds race by. "How fast are we going to begin with!?"

He just smiled more, and she watched as his wings suddenly compacted streamlined next to their bodies, and a bright golden glow began to surround him. "Just hang on…."

The only sound that broke the stillness of the upstate New York night, was the shrieking of a blond teenager, as she clung for her life to her companion, as they rocketed forward like a comet in the night sky, a clap of thunder the only evidence of their passing, that few even witnessed.. unless they happened to wonder why such a noise would occur in a clear night sky.

Revised: 02/07/08