Balance of Judgment

Prologue: Sacrifice or Waste?

1999. Many people believed it was the promise year. How little they truly knew. The headquarters of the Magdalan Order's New York division hadn't changed much. However, all that meant was it wasn't easy getting into the place.

The black trench coat didn't really draw much attention, except that it was possibly too clean. The man stared at the gates as he stood there. Despite his disdain for humans, there were a few notable exceptions. Some of them resided here, but many had already passed away. Too bad their lives had been wasted by the very Order that they had served. Humans were ignorant that way; they assumed too much about the natural order of the world.

"Excuse me, but may I help you?"

A nun was standing before the man but he shook his head.

"That's all right, sister. I'm just taking a look at the various things around New York."

The nun nodded. "God be with you."

The man turned away with a small smile. "God be with you indeed."

It wasn't the first time he had come to observe the order of events on this world, and it wouldn't be the last. However, never before had there been a request that he interfere directly with those order of events. It would be refreshing to try to make the humans do things right. But then again, the frustration in having to deal with them could make a normal being go insane. Humans were just too illogical and unpredictable. Perhaps that was another explanation for why the watchers dispatched from Heaven fell to temptation so quickly.

"It took you long enough to get here."

A single glance caught the sight of an eagle perched on a nearby tree. An oddity unless you knew what you were looking at.

"Strange, I never knew you to be impatient, Aion."

"When I encounter something even I do not understand, I would of course be impatient to learn about it."

"But you never let that impatience get the better of you."

"Of course not. But that is getting ahead of myself. I do believe there is much work to do, Zachary."

"When isn't there? Tell me, Aion. Are you one of those that believe the apocalypse will begin on New Year's Eve?"

"Don't be ridiculous. That is quite impossible right now. As far as I am aware, there is only one apostle at the moment."

"Well, whatever works. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go about finding a hotel."

"I thought the watchers maintained a network for such missions."

"It's your turn to not be ridiculous. Remember, we don't take a direct hand in matters regarding the humans. We only watch and wait."

"Perhaps that is your mistake."

The eagle opened its wings and with a flap took off. As Zach watched the bird disappear into the horizon, he couldn't help but chuckle. Despite Aion's great strength, there was much even he did not know. Before Zach left, he threw a single rock over the walls towards the main building. With any luck, it would find its way to its intended recipient. But what was he saying? Zach didn't believe in luck. Another grin came over his face as he walked off again.

Office of Sister Azmaria, head of the Magdalan Order New York Division

When the rock crashed through the window, Azmaria nearly jumped at the sound. Old age made her slightly more sensitive to sudden disturbances than she would have liked. In her prime, this wouldn't have been a problem. As she walked up to the rock it suddenly morphed into a piece of paper.

"What? How is this possible?"

Azmaria picked it up and began reading. Her eyes grew wider and wider until they came to the end. Wasting no time, Azmaria was already on the phone.

"I need to speak with the Council immediately!"

The commotion that erupted when Azmaria stood before the council was understandable. The mere fact that the rock had gotten into her office, much less one that was of magic, was already cause for concern. The glass used for the windows of the ranking members were all supposed to be bullet-proof. Also, with the passage of time, technological countermeasures had been installed around the compound to prevent demons from getting in. Though these weren't as powerful as the old barriers, they were invisible.

"Are you sure you've seen this before?" the elder asked.

Azmaria nodded. "These are the designs for the watch that Sister Rosette used to fulfill her contract with Chrno."

She clutched the now-dead watch in her hands. After they had found the two, she never allowed the watch to leave her sight or person.

"There's more," Azmaria continued. "The message written on the back also has implications."

The councilman turned it over and read it aloud.

"'That which has come to pass is never standing still. That which has yet to come will never pass us by.' "

"An odd message," another councilman noted. "What could it mean?"

Azmaria looked down at the watch in her hands.

"It means nothing has changed, and nothing will change. It also means someone is preparing to bring about change."

Though the men of the council were wise, they were also human. The fear they felt was clear as they considered the implications.

"We cannot allow something like this to happen again," one said. "Aion's actions caused a great deal of disruption and in the end helped bring about another world war. We must find the one who sent this message and if need be, stop him."

"The question now is if he or she was a demon or human," Azmaria pointed out. "However, I must point this out. Our Order is currently ill-equipped to deal with this if it develops into a threat. Our strength has waned with the passage of time."

The head councilman nodded. "Which is why we must solve this before it gets out of hand."

Azmaria's head bowed down. "We can't let another tragedy like this take place again."

"Sister Azmaria, we all know how you feel. Remember, several of us were also present during the incident. However, do not let your emotions cloud your judgment at a time like this. We must remain focused to prevent it."

"Yes, I understand. However, I only pray that these recent incidents do not build up into something more dire."

World Trade Center

Zach looked at the twin towers that stood before him. A testament to man's ambition and strength, or to man's stupidity and arrogance? God would be the judge of that. A pity humans thought that they could judge it themselves.

Standing in the middle of the square might have seemed odd if you were alone. Usually tourists came in groups or pairs. However, Zach didn't expect to be alone for long. Right on cue, a man in a white trench coat walked up to him.

"Hello Aion. I'm surprised you survived that little confrontation with Chrno."

"So am I for that matter. Chrno was really going for me that time."

"I hope you still aren't planning anything stupid."

Aion smiled. "Isn't that why you're here? To keep things in check? Have things really degraded so badly?"

"You don't seem to consider the consequences, Aion. Your little stunt six decades ago caused quite a few problems. This time, don't overstep your boundaries."

"My only objective was to remove those boundaries, if you will recall."

Zach regarded Aion with a look of annoyance.

"Let me ask you this. What happens when the boundaries are all removed?"

"Freedom," Aion stated confidently.

"Incorrect. Without boundaries, there is only chaos. Freedom comes from bending the rules, not breaking them."

"You're different from the others, I must say. So, how are things down in Pandemonium?"

"The balance of order has been restored," Zach answered, "though at a high cost. As you are the one that disrupted that balance, you must repay the price."

"I expected something like that. Perhaps that is why He did not allow me to perish."

"Don't be ridiculous, Aion. Your death would have been ample repayment for the trouble we went through. However, the price has risen with the ages, and that can only be paid with your life."

For a second it seemed as if Aion would attempt to escape such a commitment. However, he made no move.

"What happens once I repay this debt?"

"You never will," said Zach. "You of all people should understand what I mean. You will keep repaying that debt until you die."

Aion sighed. "Well, at least make sure the work is interesting. If I'm bored, I won't exactly stand for it."

"Now that the means to your objective have been taken away, you fold that quickly? I'm disappointed, Aion. Or have you grown soft?"

"Never, Zachary."

Zach shrugged and turned around. The two men walked out of the square down the streets.

"Are you ready for your first assignment?" Zach asked.

"Ask and you shall receive."

"Chrno's watch."

Aion gave Zach a curious look.

"Now why would you want that? It is of no value anymore."

"Value is relative, Aion. Just because you aren't aware of all aspects of the plan doesn't mean there isn't one. Now get going."

Aion pushed his glasses higher and the sunlight glinted off them.

"I assume I can retrieve them however I wish?" he asked with a smile.

"As long as there are no casualties."

"Very well then."

As Aion walked off, Zach looked over in the direction of the Magdalan compound. If they knew what he was up to, elements within the order would do anything to assist him. However, only act one was completed. Act two would be Aion's job.

Zach started walking himself as he went on his way. He wondered how Aion would deal with the soldiers of the Order. Well, he was ordered to avoid casualties, and hopefully that would keep him in check.

Two weeks earlier: Tomb of the Sinner Chrno

"Why in the world are we guarding the tomb of a demon?" one of the guards asked.

"You idiot, this just ain't any demon. This demon was the one that helped save the world!"

"Yeah right," a third countered. "Damn good job he did. The Great Depression kicked off right after he died, remember? And he was the one that caused so much trouble for the Order."

"You fools should show more respect for the deceased," a voice suddenly said.

All of the guards drew their weapons and looked around.

"Who's there?"

"Why is it that I cannot get any rest?" the voice continued. "Why can I not join the one I love?"

"What?"

"Why must I live!"

"Shit! I think it's a demon!" a guard screamed.

The explosion blasted the door open and a figure stood there. Its wings were torn and the being was unsteady, but its power was undeniable.

"Why can't I die!"

"Monster! If you want to die, then come get some!"

The guards opened fire but their bullets did nothing. Even the Gospel shots were deflected somehow as the raging demon charged forward.

"Why can I not die!"

Its scream was soon joined by those of the guards as each one fell. Before even the moon shined upon the night, the tomb had been bloodied as their bodies were broken. In the middle of it all, a demon stepped out into the open air.

"Most impressive, Chrno."

The demon spun around and saw a man standing above on top of the tomb.

"I had thought you would have gone mad by now, but you still retain some of your sanity. I wonder what it will take to awaken you?"

Without any thought regarding his actions, Chrno charged forward with a roar of anger. When he was almost upon the man a blast knocked him back onto the ground.

"Careful now," the man spoke. "If you kill me, you might never see Rosette again."

That caught the demon's attention. His eyes narrowed and slowly consciousness took over.

"Ah, I see only the name is enough."

"Who are you, damn it!"

"Me? Consider me a messenger. Of whom you ask? Just look up and you'll see the answer."

Chrno took a step back.

"What? Why must you do this to me? Why torture me like this! Why can't you just let me die and be with her?"

Chrno sank to his knees and tears flowed out of his eyes. He felt his energies burn away, but that was perfectly fine. Perhaps this time he could stay dead.

"Tsk, tsk. Chrno, you seem to be missing the point here. I'm here to help you, though if you want to die so badly, I won't stop you."

"And how can you help me? Rosette is dead and I could do nothing to stop it. Why won't you people just let me rest in peace!"

"I can help you by returning that which is most precious to you. Doesn't that sound interesting?"

"What?"

"Rosette's soul can be restored. Do you wish for that to happen?"

Chrno looked up at the man. He still had no idea what motivated him, but if it were true that he was a Messenger of God, then there would be a price. How heavy that price was, only time would tell.

"Rosette would never approve of harming coming to anyone for her sake."

"I'm well aware of that. And yet, it seems interesting that any harm that might come out of this would be inflicted upon you. Is that acceptable?"

"Of course," said Chrno. "But I still don't believe you. Why would an angel want to help me, a demon?"

"I seem to remember another angel that tore off his wings because of you and Rosette. I offer my help, Chrno. Whether you accept it or not is completely up to you."

Chrno closed his eyes and tried to remember the last moments he had with Rosette. The sunset that had closed off her life and yet somehow failed to end his. It was unfair that he should go on living at the price of her life. If he could restore it, then so be it. As he opened his eyes Chrno transformed once again into a lesser form. Something told him he would need his energies.

Present Time

Zachary smiled as he headed back towards his hotel. He doubted Chrno would react well to the news that Aion was also still alive. However, both were needed if the plan was to work. As he walked down the streets, Zachary wondered why he even tried helping humanity. Sometimes it seemed hopeless. But then again, overcoming the hopeless was his job.

End of Prologue