I do not own Chrno/Chrono Crusade.

Though it is entirely possible that Aion is still alive, considering Remington supposedly saw him, it is also possible he was hallucinating. As for Chrno, well, we never did see where he was buried.

Balance of Judgment

Chapter 1: Rules of Engagement

When the alarms sounded Azmaria was at her desk once again, working. She looked out the window and saw a single man walking from the gates.

"What is this?" she thought aloud.

Then recognition came over her. The man had long white hair blowing in the wind and the white coat was clearly recognizable. Azmaria grabbed the phone and began issuing orders.

"All Militia, surround the intruder! Prepare a Dominion Attack Barrier immediately!"

Soldiers immediately poured out with weapons drawn. Crosses were placed around the field and they all waited. Azmaria came out and stepped forward. The wind was getting stronger at the moment and she felt it chill her. However, that was not the source of her shivers.

"Aion. How did you survive all this time?" she demanded.

Deep down, she felt hatred boiling over. In order to defeat him, Chrno had to use so much power, draining so much of Rosette's life. To think that he had survived, that their sacrifice was a waste, was unbearable.

"Despite what you believe, I am not here for a fight. In fact, I am here to talk. And maybe convince you of something."

"Why should we listen to you, demon?"

Aion grinned. "Because it's about Rosette Christopher and Chrno."

That stopped all activity. The two were considered legends in the Order, despite their background. Three of the sisters also stepped forward. They, like Azmaria, remembered the fateful day when the two had been found again.

"Did you come to spit on their memory?" Azmaria demanded. "They died because of you, and yet you somehow survived."

"Oh I didn't survive because of my powers. I survived because someone else wanted me to. Interesting, is it not? This God of yours protected a demon that was trying to destroy his creations, and yet did nothing to save two that had fought in his name. What a parent he is, not even caring about his own children."

The laugh that followed only fueled Azmaria's anger. She didn't know what Aion was up to, but she wasn't about to let him succeed.

"Go back to whatever hell you came from, Aion. Militia, prepare to fire!"

"I wouldn't be so fast to act," Aion interrupted. "What if I told you that Chrno wasn't dead?"

That stopped Azmaria stone cold.

"All units, hold your fire!"

The soldiers lowered their weapons cautiously, none of them too clear on what was going on.

"Explain yourself, and do it quickly. I don't want to hear more preaching from a demon like you."

Aion grinned and Azmaria shuddered again.

"It's quite simple. Your God prevented my death, and also did the same with Chrno. Though I personally think he would have been happier if he had died with Mary Magdalene."

"But how is he alive? We buried him!"

Then it struck her.

"Oh, he's been sleeping again. You know how Chrno is. However, that attack on his tomb? It wasn't actually an attack. It was Chrno waking up and unleashing his fury. I hope you understand the consequences of his actions."

"But what do you want?" Azmaria demanded.

"Chrno's watch."

Azmaria clutched the watch that hung around her neck and took a step back.

"I'll never let you have it!"

"I doubt you could stop me. Now, hand it over peacefully or I will take it by forces. That wouldn't be pleasant."

Azmaria shook her head. "One thing I learned from Rosette is that even when the odds are against me, I should never give up. There's no way I'll give up now either!"

That only made the demon smile.

"I knew you would say that. Perhaps this will be interesting after all."

An aura started flowing around Aion's body and started creeping forward.

"Open fire!"

All of the soldiers raised their guns and a hail of Gospel bullets were flying at him. They struck the field but the explosions were nullified almost immediately.

"Activate the Dominion Attack Barrier!"

"No need for that," a voice boomed.

The words stopped all activity and even Aion looked up towards the source. High above on the top of the cathedral's steeples stood a single being. His long hair was in a braid and it draped down, the wind not disturbing it. His wings were larger than before and cast a shadow down upon the church.

"And didn't Zachary order you to avoid casualties?"

"Ah Chrno. I see you're awake. It still amazes me how much you sleep."

The hatred that burned in Chrno's eyes were visible despite his distance from them.

"The only reason I do not kill you now is because you are still needed. Leave, Aion. I can retrieve what belongs to me."

"I see you still haven't changed. I wonder it would take."

Despite his statement, the aura disappeared and Aion turned and walked away. With one demon gone, the soldiers turned their attention to Chrno, who had jumped down.

"It's all right," Azmaria said. "All units, fall back. Assess the damage that Aion caused and prepare a report. I'll handle Chrno."

Reluctantly the soldiers moved off, though they all threw Chrno suspicious looks. The demon ignored them and walked up to Azmaria. It wasn't surprising as she embraced him, though he couldn't return it.

"It's good to see you again," Azmaria said as she held the demon tightly.

It took a while but finally the sister let go. The others behind her also smiled and welcomed him back, though they didn't come near him. Something had changed.

"But how are you alive?" Azmaria asked.

"I don't know, and I wish I wasn't. But I'm not here to stay. I need the watch back."

"Of course. But before I give it to you, I need to know this. Are you and Aion working together again?"

Chrno looked away for a brief second.

"I wish we weren't. But this time it's slightly different. Aion is on a leash and he knows it. So am I for that matter."

"Someone else is controlling the two of you? Who? Is it another demon? We can help."

Chrno shook his head. "You don't understand, Azmaria. It isn't a demon this time."

"What? A human than?"

"No. Azmaria, just trust me, okay? Now can I have my watch back?"

Slowly the sister lifted the string that held the watch and handed it to Chrno. The demon put it on and smiled at his old friend.

"Why do you need the watch?" Azmaria asked. "You aren't going to make another contract, are you?"

Chrno smiled. "Just believe in me, Azmaria. I'll do the right thing."

"Okay, Chrno. But if you ever need us, we're here."

Without another word Chrno closed his eyes. As he started to disappear, Azmaria noticed tears coming out of his eyes. She couldn't help but cry with him as the demon left them again. She could only hope that things worked out for the best.

Palace, New York Hotel

Zach sipped the wine while Aion and Chrno hung around the room. The two kept their distance and as long as a fight didn't break out Zach didn't really care what they did. Still, that didn't mean Aion could get away with nearly disobeying an order.

Without warning Aion found himself thrown into the air and chained to an ethereal cross. Zach turned around, wineglass in hand, and walked towards the demon. The chains glowed with holy energy and burned away at the demon's skin. After a few more minutes the chains dissipated and Aion fell to the floor.

"If you ever disobey my orders again, your services will no longer be needed," he stated plainly.

Aion picked himself up as the wounds healed and disappeared.

"I did not disobey your orders, Zachary. There were no corpses when I left. And I'm not about to be caught off guard like that again."

"Believe whatever you want, Aion. You're on a very short leash and I'm not about to loosen it."

Cursing him would do no good so Aion simply smoothed out his suit.

"So now that stage two is complete, shouldn't we move on?"

"We're on stage four, Aion. And at the moment, there is nothing we can do. It will be two days before the opportunity arises."

"And you expect me to just sit here? Well, I guess patience is a virtue."

Chrno walked out of the room and the door slammed behind him. Zach shook his head and went back to sampling the wine. He wasn't sure why certain believers held wine in such disdain. It was perfectly fine, so long as it was in moderation.

Zach looked out the window again and down upon the city. Reflections of the room were also on the window and he decided to focus on them instead. Though he could have easily chosen a more luxurious suite, Zach was hardly vain. Practicality was enough for him and that was what the room was. It would easily house three people so that suited his needs for now. It was possible he might need a bigger room soon though.

"Do you have anymore wine?" Aion asked.

"Check in the mini-bar. There were two bottles of wine."

"Which one did you take?" Aion asked as he opened it.

"White wine."

"Hmm. I think I'll take the red one then."

It didn't matter to Zach what Aion took. The expenses were covered so he wasn't too concerned. However, Chrno was a problem. He was too passionate sometimes and it could cause problems later on. Hopefully Chrno was trying to cool off right now. He didn't need two demons going out of control right now. Though it wouldn't be difficult to handle it, it would be a bother.

"Aion, I'm going to go take care of something. Stay out of trouble."

"But of course. I have a fine drink and solitude. What else do I need?"

"Obedience lessons."

Aion glared at Zach but the man was already out the door.

As Zachary walked out of the hotel, he couldn't help but look upwards. The damage that Aion had done was immense. Not only had Pandemonium been ravaged, but Heaven itself had been shaken. But this was not the time to worry about it. A new era for humanity would soon begin, and the magnitude of the destruction that would follow would only be determined by the actions that were to come.

"Damn I hate this line of work," Zach muttered. "Why do I draw all the weird cases?"

"Who exactly are you?"

Zach turned around and saw Chrno in his younger form standing there.

"Ah, Chrno. Well, at least you and Aion aren't alone. Wouldn't want to come back to a destroyed hotel."

"I ask again, who are you?"

Zach regarded the demon carefully and turned back around.

"Walk with me."

Though Zach had gone through his share of odd experiences in life, walking with a demon certainly qualified as a stranger one.

"You miss Rosette, don't you?"

"Of course I do. Wearing this watch just reminds me of the fact that I caused her death."

"And severing that contract would have done no good, considering how much power you had already used. What if I told you that the contract was still binding?"

"What?"

"That contract is still binding, as it was never broken, and now we have need for her once again."

"What good is the contract though?"

Zach stopped and pointed upwards.

"You know, Heaven is a big place. When we receive orders, none of the details are sorted through and we have to find ways of taking care of the little stuff. You can use that contract to find Rosette."

"What! You expect me to go to Heaven? How am I supposed to pull that off?"

Noticing the looks, Zach pulled Chrno along and started walking again.

"Not so loud around here. Keep in mind where we are."

Without further ado both walked over to Central Park. Though there were lots of people, there were plenty of areas where they could find some privacy.

"To answer your previous question," Zach began as he came to a halt, "yes I do expect you to go to Heaven. Of course, you wouldn't be dead."

"I find that hard to believe. Why would you even suggest such a thing?"

"As I said, the details were left for us to sort out. This is simply a means to an end."

Chrno leaned against a tree and looked over at the being he assumed to be an angel. Even if what he said was true, there were a few holes.

"Shouldn't Rosette have been reincarnated by now?"

Zach shrugged. "It's a lot easier to find someone in Heaven than on Earth, Chrno. Despite everything, Earth is a lot bigger."

"I see. So you're helping me get Rosette back because you have something in store for her."

"Pretty much, yeah."

"Is she going to suffer?"

Zach grinned slightly. "She's an apostle, Chrno. That should be enough to answer that question."

"Damn it. I don't want her hurt again."

"Don't you think she is hurting right now without you?"

Chrno raised his head at that.

"What?"

"She loved you, Chrno, and her soul isn't content without you around. Her legacy was even more tragic than most. Even I noticed the turmoil. If she's still in Heaven, I'll be doing my brothers and sisters a favor getting her back to Earth. They'll probably thank me for letting them have the peace of mind to sleep again."

Chrno lowered his gaze again and stared at his shoes.

"Does she miss me that much?"

"Of course. And you also miss her that much. But keep in mind that together, you can protect each other from suffering. Apart, well, both of you share a great pain."

Chrno kicked the grass and thought it over. At the moment he had nothing else to believe in, and Zach offered hope. However, if the angel misled him, there would be absolute hell to pay.

"I'll do it then."

Zach smiled. "Good. Maybe the two of you will find happiness after all."

"I didn't think angels cared about the mortal world or its people."

"Generally we only focus on the masses. Sometimes though, we feel that certain individuals deserve a little bit of help. Of course, we can't always act on those feelings. Our Lord forbids most of us from taking action. I'm surprised he approved of this."

"So that means something else is at work," said Chrno. "What is it?"

"To be honest, I don't know. We can only wait and see what path has been chosen for us."

"I really don't like you angels," Chrno stated.

Zach laughed and stood up straight. He turned and headed back towards one of the paths with Chrno in toll.

"If more people knew about us, I think they would agree with you. God is hardly merciful. A pity humanity never understood that."

"Do we really need Aion?" Chrno asked.

"Only for a little bit longer. His role is yet to come, so we get to use his abilities for our goals."

"And what would that be?"

Zach shrugged. "Whatever needs being done. We still have quite a few things to take care of, Chrno."

"Don't we always?"

"I'm thinking of using the grounds of the Magdalan compound as the point where I create the portal to Heaven. You think you can gain entrance for all three of us?"

"Possibly for you, but I doubt the Order would allow Aion to step foot on their soil. I wouldn't blame them."

"Neither would I. But I suggest you do so. We need a secure location, and the Magdalan compound is the closest one. Otherwise, we'll miss the window."

"Window?"

"When the path to Heaven is illuminated in the stars and a portal can be opened. Another reason you demons never figured out where Heaven was. You didn't know how to use the stars to chart the course."

"Then I'll go take care of it right now."

Chrno turned and walked away. Another reason Zach had wanted him to handle this situation was to keep contact between him and Aion to a minimum. If they had to be in each other's presence too much, then the case really would be hopeless.

"Why do I insist on giving myself a headache?" Zach wondered aloud.

Magdalan Order New York Division

Deciding to take a less direct approach, Chrno walked up to the gates in his younger form. He still wore the old clothes from the 20s and they suited him fine. It may have seemed a bit old fashioned, but no one here cared. When he walked up to the guard at first they only gave him a suspicious look. However, after they spoke with Sister Azmaria, Chrno was allowed into the compound.

He was escorted into Azmaria's office and the guards closed the door behind them. The sister sat at her desk and only waited for Chrno to speak. The demon took in everything around him; the room hadn't changed that much since Sister Kate's time. But reminiscing could be done after Rosette was returned to him.

"I need two favors, Azmaria."

"Of course, Chrno. We'll help in any way we can."

"Don't agree so quickly," Chrno warned. "You should hear me out first. Then tell me yes or no."

Azmaria rested her head on her hands and waited.

"The first thing I need is some kind of weapon. Something that's powerful enough to take on Aion with even in this form. Even if I can use my powers again, it doesn't mean I want to stay as a demon all the time."

"How?" Azmaria asked. "Your horns are lost and I hope you haven't formed another contract."

Chrno opened his shirt and Azmaria gasped.

"A receptor."

"Modified to draw the astral energies all around us, much like a horn. I never need to make a contract again."

He buttoned up his shirt and stood there again.

"We can provide you with something," said Azmaria. "At least this way I know you and Aion haven't become too close again. What's the second favor?"

Chrno shifted uneasily but forced himself to speak. It was for Rosette's sake.

"The second is we need to open a portal here on the compound grounds."

That surprised her and Azmaria's mouth fell open.

"A portal? To where?"

This time Chrno smiled and pointed upwards. Azmaria got the hint and leaned back.

"I assume the catch is you need to bring Aion here."

Chrno nodded. "As well as someone else. He says he's an angel, and I believe him."

"Chrno, does this have anything to do with Rosette?"

The sadness returned to Chrno's eyes and Azmaria immediately regretted asking. However, the look turned into a wistful, almost hopeful smile.

"I was promised that she would return to me. I'm going to make sure that promise is kept."

"And what is the price?"

"I don't know yet, but Rosette wouldn't want to return if others got hurt for it. I'll make sure to honor that."

Azmaria nodded. "Very well then. I'll allow you to open a portal here, but Aion is to not put a foot anywhere we don't want him. He goes straight from the gate to the portal and back to that gate once you guys return. Am I clear?"

"Yes."

"As for you angel, well, I'm not sure if he's trustworthy either."

"Remington was," Chrno stated.

"Yes, he was. And he broke his wings for it. The lines certainly have blurred, Chrno. When do you have to open the portal?"

"Two days from now. I'll call ahead just to make sure you don't get any surprises."

Azmaria stood and opened the door for them.

"Now, let's go about seeing what kind of weapons we can get you."

They walked out of the building and through the garden. A slight breeze blew across the green grass and Chrno looked over at the fountain. He remembered the many times he would wait for Rosette there, and how many times some of the other young nuns would semi-flirt with him. Memories of back then were bittersweet. Then there were spots where he and Rosette had planted flowers, some of which still grew. It was painful even standing in the compound again.

"Here we are."

The two were standing in front of the Elder's workshop and Azmaria knocked on the door. A young girl with brown hair in a lab coat opened it and peered out.

"Oh, Sister Rosette. How can I help you?"

"Chrno, this is Rico, the head weapons developer for the order."

"Yo," Rico greeted cheerfully.

She opened the door to reveal a room filled with instruments and computers.

"I see some things have changed," Chrno said as he walked in.

"Technology has advanced quite a bit in the last sixty years," said Azmaria. "Most of the stuff is digital and electronic now."

Chrno shrugged. "I don't even know what you're talking about."

"Who is he?" Rico asked.

"I'm disappointed, Rico. Didn't you learn anything from reading the Elder's books?"

"Besides the fact that he was a great big pervert?"

Azmaria laughed. "What about a demon named Chrno?"

Rico looked over at Chrno and her glasses slid down a bit. Her eyes were completely open and she stared at Chrno for about a minute.

"Oh dear. I didn't know you were alive."

"I shouldn't be," Chrno muttered.

"What's that?"

"Nothing," Azmaria interrupted. "We're here cause Chrno needs a weapon. Something really strong would be nice."

"Well, let's see, a weapon huh? How about a portable nuke?"

Chrno looked at Azmaria.

"What's a nuke?"

Azmaria just shook her head in response.

"Rico, a sword or gun will do fine. Just find something that's powerful."

There was no need to say that as Rico was already digging through all the equipment.

"Let's see now. Does he want a rifle, pistol, sword, anything in particular?"

Azmaria looked at Chrno, who just shrugged.

"Let us take a look at your best rifle, pistol, and sword," Azmaria replied.

"Okay then."

Rico cleared off a table by sweeping aside all of the papers onto the floor. She dropped a large case onto it and went about scrounging for the other samples. It wasn't long before a pistol was on the table, along with a cross.

"Well, let's take a look here. First is this baby."

Rico picked up the pistol and handed it to Chrno. The demon weighed it in his hands and looked it over.

"It's a modified Heckler-Koch Mk. 23. I had to change a few things to make sure it would withstand the force of shooting Gospels and Testaments. Slightly heavier than the standard model. Another nice thing is the laser aiming device attached under the barrel."

"What's a laser?" Chrno asked.

Rico shook her head. "My, you really need to be brought up to date. Well, I'll show you after you choose a weapon. Now onto the rifle."

She opened the locks on the case and revealed it for Chrno to inspect.

"This is another weapon that I've modified. It's a Barrett M82A1 special application scoped rifle. It's more for sharp shooting than close-in combat. However, if you wanted to take down someone from far away, this is the gun to do it."

Chrno picked it up and examined it. The rifle wasn't too heavy for him and he looked through the scope. Rico was right about one thing; it was useless in hand-to-hand combat. However, it could still be useful.

"And the sword?" Chrno asked.

Rico grinned and picked up the cross. It ignited into a long thing blade.

"My latest development," she stated proudly. "Using holy energies and a laser beam, this baby can cut through anything. I've also inscribed holy scripture onto the image of the blade, so it's even more effective against demons."

"All three of them have their uses," Azmaria noted. "Perhaps you could take one of each?"

Chrno nodded. "Thank you, Azmaria. They will definitely come in handy."

"Well, I guess you'll need ammo too," Rico said with a smile. "I have lots of good ones, and I'd love to have someone test them."

"She reminds me of the Elder somewhat," Chrno said to Azmaria. "At least with making all this stuff."

"Hey, don't you dare compare me to that pervert! I'm much smarter than him!"

Ringing interrupted them and Azmaria looked at Rico.

"What? It's not me!"

"Sorry," said Chrno. "I was given a cell phone, but..."

As he took it out, all Chrno could do was look at it.

"Oh my god, I can't believe you don't know how to use that," Rico said.

She took it out of Chrno's hand, pressed talk, and handed it back to the sheepish demon.

"Hello?"

"Back when Chrno was around," Azmaria whispered to Rico, "the mobile phones were big backpacks. Chrno was stuck carrying one around for Rosette most of the time."

Rico giggled at the thought of that and looked over at Chrno. He looked like a teen in his current form, though a weird one with his out-of-date sense of fashion.

"Okay. I wouldn't want to be near him anyway."

Chrno lowered the phone and looked at Rico again.

"Oh for the love of God."

She took it and pushed the end button.

"You really need to learn how to use technology. How come whoever gave this to you didn't show you how to use it?"

"I think he had other things on his mind," said Chrno and he turned to Azmaria. "Azmaria, I have one last favor to ask."

"And what would that be?"

"Well, I need a place to stay. It isn't a good idea for me and Aion to be in close proximity. Or at least that's what the angel said, and I agree."

Azmaria smiled. "Of course, Chrno. The Order will always welcome you, as will I. I'll arrange for a room."

Chrno looked around the workshop and sighed.

"I assume my old one has been cleaned out?"

"You'll have to ask Rico," said Azmaria. "The Elder didn't change anything and tried to preserve the room."

"Actually, I haven't either," Rico said proudly. "You can stay there if you want, though we may need to dust it a bit. Hehe."

Chrno shook his head. "A new room will be fine. I just want to sleep."

"Come this way then."

As they walked back out into the sunlight Chrno felt the warmth touch him. It had been like this, the last time he had been with Rosette. She hadn't deserved to die and he should have never made that contract with her. If Zachary didn't keep his end of the deal, Chrno would lose all reluctance in using his powers.

End of Chapter 1

The only issue I've had so far with the other Chrno Crusade fics was their length. They all seemed rather short, though otherwise they were entertaining. This might help explain the length of each of these chapters, if people were wondering why they were so long.

Z98