I know what Apocalypse means, so don't bother asking if the title was a mistake. I also know Rico is a guy's name. However, that name popped into my head because of Gunslinger Girl. And besides, Rico could just be a nickname. I didn't plan this out very well.

Balance of Judgment

Chapter 3: Apocalypse of Revelations

In a solitary room inside the Magdalan compound, three beings that should have been enemies were more or less civil with each other. Chrno the Sinner leaned against the wall, away from his former comrade, Aion the Sinner. Zachary, an angel of the Dominion Choir, sat diagonal from Aion and was at the moment writing something down on an ethereal book. When he finished Zachary closed the book and it dissipated into light.

"Well, I think it's time we moved onto part two, act one."

"You certainly are one for drama," Aion commented, "if not theatre itself."

Zachary smiled and shrugged. "I never cared for many of the arts that humanity ever created, and theatre is one of them. As for drama, well, there's certainly enough of it in my life. My sense of humor, on the other hand, is purely my own."

"That would explain a lot," Aion said. "So what do you plan on doing now?"

Zachary turned serious and rested his head on his intertwined hands. From the side Chrno could see Aion just above the angel's head.

"How many fallen angels do you think there are?"

"Huh? What do you mean?" Chrno asked.

"One as far as I know," Aion replied. "But she's dead."

"Interesting you should say that," said Zachary. "However, I was being a bit broad. You could say there are two classes of fallen angels. The first would be the ones that openly rebelled against Heaven and sinned greatly for it. Pandemonium was one such angel. The others are simply ones that have cut themselves off from God, but do so out of either guilt or other human qualities in the belief that they have sinned. They are actually rather noble, though they are still fallen."

Zachary turned an eye towards Chrno. "Your friend Remington is one of them."

"What?"

"He tore off his wings after the New York Incident. Oh, he's still alive, wandering the world. Maybe I'll have a use for him, maybe I won't."

"So why bring it up?" Chrno asked.

"Remember Mammon, the demon that tried to take the portal? Well, he's actually a fallen angel."

Aion grinned. "Well, that would explain some things. Especially his strength."

"Indeed," said Chrno. He couldn't help but agree with Aion on that one. "But how come we never encountered him before?"

Zachary leaned back into his chair and sighed. "Before you killed Pandemonium, her rule was absolute. The other fallen angels knew not to challenge her, as she had too many followers at the time. However, with her gone, a power vacuum erupted that they have only begun taking advantage of. You could say that civil war broke out in Pandemonium. Of course, that didn't stop the Pursuers from chasing you."

"So did someone win?" Aion asked.

"Indeed. Pandemonium has another queen."

"Who?" Chrno asked.

"Lilith."

Both demons first looked at each other and then at Zachary. He just chuckled.

"I'm not surprised you don't know too much about her. However, let me put it this way. She is even older than Pandemonium and even more powerful. Her recent actions have caused a good deal of problems, and we think that demons helped with the recent bombings of the US embassies in Africa."

"Is that so?" said Aion. "What is she trying to do?"

"During Pandemonium's reign, few demons bothered to venture into the mortal realm. However, the greed, corruption, chaos, and all the darker aspects of life on Earth helped feed your powers. At the time, there had been absolutely no need for the demons to start the chaos themselves. The 1920s up through the 1940s was a time where almost limitless dark energies seeped into Pandemonium because of human vanity and arrogance.

"The Lord never interfered because it is the policy of the Host to allow humanity to find its own way. Those that find salvation do so, and those that don't, well, don't. There was no point in interfering, at least that was the general view of Heaven for quite some time. That was also the general view of Pandemonium for quite some time as well. However, that has changed quite a bit now.

"At the moment, we know for a fact that Lilith has gathered many of the surviving fallen angels to her ranks. Their power is greater than that of the previous demons and with her cadre, she has taken control of Pandemonium. Lilith is also giving birth to a new generation of demons. Your kind is slowly becoming obsolete. That would explain why a good many demons have been trying to escape into this realm."

"So how come there haven't been that many reported incidents?" Chrno asked. "According to Azmaria, there hasn't been that much activity by demons in the US until only eight or nine years ago."

"That's because the majority of the demons have gone to the Soviet Union," Zachary explained. "Though some have come to the US, they've all kept a low profile, feeding on the corruption in both countries. Of course some demons went to other countries, but the US and the USSR were the principal two.

"Of course, if things hadn't changed, I would not be here. Recently we've picked up activity by Lilith's agents, not just the fleeing demons. The little incident last night was also a test. I wanted to know what Lilith was up to, and Mammon's attempt to take the gateway told me all I needed."

"So what is their objective?" Aion asked.

Zachary glanced at Aion and grinned. "Much the same as yours, Aion. Lilith wants to become God. In order to do so, she must destroy everything and recreate it into her own image."

"And we have to stop her?"

Zachary turned his gaze over to Chrno and nodded. "That would be the basic idea. In order to stop her, we will have to take down her agents. But we also must figure out why Lilith started moving now."

"Fair enough," said Aion. "So what's the plan?"

"I don't have a plan," Zachary said, surprising them. "You are the one that's going to come up with one."

Aion smiled slyly as he began realizing what Zachary meant.

"So that's the reason why you chose me," he noted. "I'm the one that tried it last time with the Apostles, and so I'm the ideal one to figure it out this time."

"As I have said before. Though we try to account for variables and possibilities, the details are almost never sorted out. Besides, I have to do a lot of work too."

"So why did you choose Chrno along with me?"

"I said I'd be keeping you on a tight leash," Zachary responded with a grin of his own. "What better way than having Chrno around? Complex problems usually only need a simple solution."

"You're certainly a cunning bastard."

"No more than I have to be. Now, I suggest we get to work. I'm sure you've developed a network over all these decades, Aion. I suggest you put it to work."

Aion gave him one more smile and disappeared from the room.

"As for you, Chrno. Well, I suggest you check what the Order has."

"What about you?"

"You wanted to restore Rico's memories, correct? I'll need to go get some supplies for that."

"Oh. Uh, Zach?"

Zach stopped at the door and turned his head back. "Hmm?"

"Thanks."

"No problem. Just part of the job."

Chrno exited the room after Zachary and went off to find Rico. As expected the girl was inside the workshop stripping down a rifle.

"Oh hi Chrno! So, what do you think of this beauty?"

Chrno looked at the dissected weapon and smiled weakly.

"Uh, I don't really know. I've never seen anything like it."

"Well I doubt you would have," said Rico. "This is a M-16 military rifle. I'm modifying it so it can withstand the force of our bullets."

"Like the Gospel?"

Rico nodded. "The Gospel's power has been concentrated enough into a single point so we can use it in semi-automatic rifles and pistols now."

"Wow. That's certainly impressive."

Rico flashed a bright smile and nodded again. "And it's all thanks to me. You'd think Sister Azmaria would let me go out on a mission or two as a reward, but noooooo. She says I cause way too much trouble."

"What if I took you out on a mission?"

Rico's eyes went wide and she nearly jumped onto Chrno.

"Really? Wow! That'd be so great Chrno! Well, if you could convince Sister Azmaria that is."

"Don't worry about it," Chrno said as he enjoyed having Rico hug him. "I'll go talk to her later. But, it probably will only be a minor mission."

"Well I haven't exactly been able to get out that much recently," said Rico. "I'll take what I can get."

"Well, Sister Azmaria asked me to brief her on what's going on, so I'll come visit you later, Rico."

Rico nodded as she continued taking apart the rifle.

"Oh yeah, Chrno. Have you gotten any proof yet?"

Chrno nodded. "Zachary is gathering a few things, but once he comes back I'll prove it to you. If you're willing that is."

Rico smiled. "You know, I kind of believe you, so yeah, I guess I will try it. At least you helped me with the cleanup before."

"I'll be back soon," Chrno said and waved.

He walked across the compound and came to Azmaria's office. This same room used to belong to Sister Kate before she had died. According to Azmaria, the Sister had passed away peacefully in her sleep. Chrno was glad for that at least. She had respected him after a while and he returned that. Chrno sighed and knocked on the door.

"Come in."

Chrno walked in and closed the door softly behind him.

"Ah, Chrno."

Azmaria came over and invited him to have a seat on the couch.

"I hope you rested well after last night. And thanks for your help."

Chrno nodded. "I do what I can. Besides, it's one of the few things I can do."

"So, what brings you here?"

With a deep breath Chrno went on to describe what Zachary had told him. He did his best to recite the little speech Zachary had made and didn't hold anything back. Azmaria deserved to know what was going on and Chrno wasn't going to keep any secrets from her.

"So that's the cause of the recent activity," Azmaria said when he had finished.

Chrno just nodded.

"Well, we'll help in whatever way we can. Thank you for telling me, Chrno."

"There's one other thing."

"Oh?"

"Rico said you won't allow her to go out on missions."

Azmaria smiled. "And you want to take her out on one?"

Chrno nodded. "Maybe it'll help her prepare for when her memories awaken."

"I'll take it under consideration, Chrno. But keep in mind she doesn't go out on missions for a reason."

"She causes too much destruction?"

Azmaria shook her head. "She's too important to us. Rico's ability to make almost anything isn't something you find every day, Chrno. But maybe if a simple mission comes up, I'll let you take her on it."

"Thanks Azmaria."

Seraphim Foundation Regional Headquarters, Outside of New York City and Adjourning Suburbs

When Zach walked into the massive complex he couldn't help but be impressed. After fifty years, the Seraphim Foundation had certainly grown to become a much larger venture than he last remembered. As he walked down towards the security checkpoint, Zach made sure to take note of the security. Over a dozen heavily armed guards stood above him on the balconies and there were several remote-controlled guns as well. When he had first entered, Zachary had felt a Principality Barrier in place. These people were not playing around.

"Identification please," the woman asked.

Zach opened his palm and light focused into a white crystal. The woman didn't seem too impressed and still had her hand on the gun hidden under the table. Zach placed the crystal onto the reader and it blinked green.

"You may proceed. Thank you for your patience."

Zach took the crystal and crushed it in his hand. He nodded to the woman and got into the elevator. The descent took possibly three minutes before the angel stood at the entrance of a massive chamber. Dozens of officers were working, monitoring demon activity all around the world. Unknown to the Magdalan Order, the source of much of their intelligence and reports all came from the Foundation. Though the Seraphim Foundation was powerful, it had little in the way of a military arm. It was purely an intelligence agency, with only enough troops to defend its bases around the world.

Zachary walked up to the center, where a domed off area held a conference room. Inside several others were already waiting.

"Ah, my lord, you are here."

The door slid closed behind him and Zachary took his seat.

"You may begin," Zachary said.

The first man activated a holographic projection that shined into position. It seemed to show a path.

"As we are all aware, there was only one attempt by any being to usurp the position of our God the Lord, and that was by the Archangel Lucifer, a Seraphim. He failed, and no other being, angel or demon, ever attempted again until he came along."

Aion's image showed up before the gathered men and women.

"Though his attempt failed, Aion was dangerously close to causing a great deal of damage. However, it would have been far more difficult than even he imagined destroying and then recreating all life. The problem that Aion did cause was a disruption in the Prophecy of Revelations. Now, a mere sixty years since his defeat, another demon is now attempting to do the same thing."

"I would say it's a human," Zachary stated.

The man nodded. "In a way, she is. However, we have never managed to attain visual confirmation."

Zachary looked at the report in front of him and sighed.

"If Lilith has appeared, we can only assume that the others are to follow. However, the time that they are giving us to prepare is shortening," a woman began. "Therefore, we are being forced to take drastic action. We have kept the Magdalan Order informed about major incidents of demonic activity and so far they have succeeded in containing them. But after a good deal of analysis, it can be stated confidently that the Order will not be enough."

"That was already quite clear," said Zach. "Now, how do you plan on remedying this? Is it a shortage of manpower, or power in general?"

"Both," the third figure answered. Zachary glanced over and saw it was another woman. "Therefore, we are preparing to implement the Nephilim Protocol."

Zachary raised an eyebrow at that one. "Now I know it is part of the Foundation's priority to keep track of fallen angels, but are you sure about this?"

"Yes. We are well aware of who we can trust and who we cannot. Besides, it is entirely possible to push them towards assisting us. Once this crisis is past, we will immediately disarm them once again."

"Well, it's ultimately your decision. Just don't do anything stupid. I'm the one that has to figure out a way to clean it up."

"No need to worry, my lord. We will be careful."

Zachary regarded each member of the committee and nodded. Indeed they would be careful. Their faith was absolute despite their differences. They knew what it meant to bend the rule and not break it. Too bad they didn't have enough people like them.

"There is one other thing that I need before I leave," Zachary said. "I'll need a small amount of the Messiah's blood."

"What? Why?"

Zachary just smiled. "You are not the only ones working on acquiring the means to defeat Lilith."

Magdalan Order Compound

Chrno carried the box of Sacreds as he followed behind Rico. They were helping reequip the other Exorcist and Militia units. With the rise of demonic activity in and around New York, the Order had plenty to keep busy. Fortunately, reinforcements from San Francisco had arrived and they weren't being overwhelmed.

"Let's see, do you people need any Gospels?" Rico asked.

"A few would help greatly, thanks."

Rico smiled. "No problem."

She opened the suitcase and handed out two clips of Gospel rounds. Even with the advance of technology, they were still expensive to make and were used sparingly if possible. Chrno then supplied them with several clips of Sacreds for their M-16s. According to Rico, the Order would soon be switching to a different weapon simply for practicality's sake. The M-16s jammed far too much.

"Let's see now. We still have to deliver the Testament rounds to the Militia units."

"Why didn't we give any to the other Exorcists?" Chrno asked.

"The Testaments are a bit different," Rico explained. "Let's just say the Exorcists aren't trained to use them properly."

"Okay. Though I'm not sure why they're different."

"Hey, I designed them so who would know better?" Rico said proudly.

Chrno chuckled and picked up the box again.

"Remind me why I'm carrying this box?"

"You used to do it for Rosette, right? Well, if I'm her, it's only natural."

"Sure, sure."

Just as Rico turned a corner she ran into Zachary. The girl yipped and fell back.

"Ouch."

"You okay?" Zachary asked as he extended a hand.

"Yeah, thanks. Gotta watch where I'm going next time."

Zachary pulled her back up as Chrno greeted him.

"Hi Zach. Did you get what you needed?"

Zach nodded. "Let's see, it's three right now. Meet me in the center garden at ten PM, and bring Azmaria. Oh, and make sure you have some guards with you. This will take quite a bit of energy and we might attract more demons."

"Just great," said Rico. "Can't you hide all this activity or something?"

"My lady, I'm an angel, not a miracle worker. Besides, I'm not paid enough to try to work one."

Rico blinked and turned to Chrno. "Since when did angels have a sense of humor?"

"I wouldn't know."

When the two turned their heads back Zachary was already gone.

"Well, let's finish our rounds and then tell Azmaria. I'm sure she'll be sooooooo happy to do another operation so soon."

Chrno couldn't help but laugh again. Rico certainly could be funny in her own sarcastic way. Still, he did recognize some of it as Rosette's. Chrno looked down at the box he carried and sighed. Even if she was Rosette reincarnated, Rico was Rico. Did he have the right to take that away from her? When the ritual was complete, Rico would no longer exist. Neither would Rosette or Magdalene for that matter. What would result would be a mix of the three, none of them who they really were.

"Rico?"

"Hmm?"

"The ritual. I guess I should tell you more about it. It's designed to restore the memories you've had since your soul entered a contract with mine."

"So? That doesn't sound so bad."

Chrno shook his head. "I'm not finished yet. I don't know what the ritual itself will do, and even after, well, you might be changed."

"Huh? What? Explain now."

Chrno smiled at her forcefulness. His heart ached at the similarities between Rico and Rosette, but he would not destroy one to get the other back.

"Rico, a person is made up of the experiences they've had. You are who you are because of those experiences. If suddenly you got the memory of two people you never knew, who aren't you, then what would happen to you?"

Rico frowned and stopped walking. She looked thoughtful be a smile quickly came over her face.

"Well, if our souls are the same, then those memories are technically mine, am I right? Look Chrno, I understand you're worried about me, but if I'm really Rosette then you've done a lot for me. If I really am Rosette, I would want to pay you back."

Chrno shook his head. "I took your life from you twice. I'm the one that's in debt."

"Well, then maybe I should get the memory back so I can start making you work that off!" Rico said cheerfully.

At that Chrno couldn't help but laugh and Rico joined him.

"But seriously," Rico said once she got herself under control again. "I wouldn't be too worried, Chrno. You're a nice guy and all, and even without her memories, I think I can see why Rosette loved you."

"Thanks Rico."

"No problem. Now let's finish with this. I have other chores too you know."

Chrno raised an eyebrow. "Why does the weapons master have to do chores?"

"Hehe. You seem to have forgotten. I'm on cleaning duty for destroying the firing galley."

Later that evening Azmaria, Chrno, and Rico stood outside waiting for Zachary. Rico was impatiently tapping her foot as the angel was already twenty minutes late.

"Do you think he forgot?" Azmaria asked.

"No," Chrno replied. "Zachary is actually usually punctual, if not early. Let's see, he said to push the speed-dial on this cell-phone thing if I needed to get in touch with him."

The demon pulled out the cell-phone and put it to his ear. After a few seconds of silence he looked at it again.

"Oh. I have to turn it on first."

Rico just sighed and fell back. She laid on the ground as Chrno finally got through.

"Hello? Zachary? We're just wondering where you are-"

Before Chrno could say another word the phone was torn out of his hands by a very mad Rico.

"Where the hell are you! Listen, it's 10:20 and you told us to wait for you here! Right now I'm freezing my butt off here and where are you!"

"Right behind you."

Rico jumped and twirled around, landing on her butt again as she tripped. When she got up the girl kicked Zachary in the groin and the angel flinched, but didn't fall. Of course, that didn't mean the angel wasn't affected.

"Damn girl. I didn't think you were that jumpy."

"That should teach you to sneak up on me. Hmph!"

Chrno laughed and Azmaria and the other guards couldn't help but join in.

"You should have seen the Elder after Rosette got mad at him for looking up her skirt," Chrno said.

"Yeah, yeah," Zach said as he tried to walk. "When I finish with this assignment, I'm going to ask for a bonus."

He muttered a little bit more as he moved toward Chrno.

"So why are you late?" Chrno asked.

"It took longer to get the Cross than I thought it would," Zach replied. "Apparently all of them were in use."

"Cross?" Azmaria asked.

Zachary raised his hand and a light appeared. It fused into a silvery cross that was taller than all of them. The cross looked as if it was simply a long pole and a short pole melted together. It was simple in design and they waited for Zach to explain.

"Yeah. Rico? Please come over here, and don't try to kick me again."

"Hmph."

The girl walked over and when she stood before the post her feet suddenly left the ground.

"Huh? What? What's going on!"

To the amazement of the others Rico was floating and lifted up to the cross. Her arms were spread open and her legs drawn together as white chains suddenly wrapped around her body. Within seconds Rico was tied down onto the cross.

"Rico!" Chrno exclaimed.

"Get me down from here!" she cried.

"Relax," Zachary suddenly yelled, out shouting them all. "No harm will come to you, Rico, so calm down."

"Was this absolutely necessary?" the girl demanded.

Zachary nodded and turned to the others. "We're about to start. You Militia, keep your eye open for trouble. If an attack comes in the middle of the ritual, I won't be able to help you."

"Perhaps that is why I'm here," a voice suddenly said.

Everyone looked over and there Aion stood, right in front of the main building.

"Just do your job," Zach said.

Chrno glared at the demon but did his best to ignore him. This was more important. Just as he turned around the cross lowered itself into the ground and planted down there.

"Okay, this had better not turn out how I think it does," Rico said. "I do know what happened to Christ, you know."

Zachary just smiled and shook his head. "Don't be foolish. I'm not going to kill you."

Around the cross Zachary put down three crystals.

"Azmaria, stand at one of the crystals," Zach ordered. "Chrno, you're to stand in front of Rico."

The two followed his instructions and watched as Zach took out a vial of red liquid.

"What is that?" Chrno asked.

"The blood of Christ."

Upon hearing this everyone in earshot turned their attention to Zach. He walked to one of the other crystals and poured it onto the crystal. After it was all gone Zach walked over to the last remaining crystal. The moment he was standing behind it, all three started lighting up and formed a triangle around the cross and Chrno.

"What is this?" Rico asked, getting even more nervous.

"The Holy Trinity," Zachary replied. "I represent the Father our Lord, the blood of Christ represents the Son, and Azmaria represents the Holy Spirit."

Suddenly lines of light streaked towards the cross and raced through it and Rico. The girl screamed as the power raced through her.

"Rico!" Chrno screamed.

"Don't move!" Zachary commanded. "You move and this ritual fails."

"But she's in pain!" Chrno protested.

"It will pass. However, if you disrupt the ritual, then we won't get another shot at this."

Chrno stared at Rico's withering body but forced his feet to stay firm. Throughout this, Zachary had begun chanting.

"By the will of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. By the decree of our God and Master. By the power of Christ the Savior. By the power of the eternal Lord."

Chrno was only half paying attention as Zachary started drifting off into another language that he couldn't understand. All he could do was watch as Rico screamed out in pain.

"We have incoming!" a Militia cried out.

Chrno looked around and noticed a small group of demons appearing. Before the Militia had even fired a shot, Aion was amongst them and tore them apart. Still more soared down and there were plenty of targets. Lights danced across the night sky as Sacreds and even Gospels peppered the demons. Suddenly the entire sky erupted into flames as one of the snipers fired off a Last Rite. The few that landed were dealt with quickly by swordsmen using runic energy blades.

Just then the light around the cross intensified and Zachary's eyes erupted into light.

"Let that which was taken, return again. Let that which is made, be made anew. Let that which was lost, be restored!"

The cloak around Chrno's neck opened and light streaked forth from it. Each beam struck Rico and streamed through her body. Her cries intensified before an explosion of energy erupted. Just as quickly, it collapsed and the light disappeared.

With the ceremony complete, Zachary turned around and with a wave of his hand obliterated all of the attacking demons. The few that had not come over the compound yet quickly retreated at the sight of so many of their brethren falling so quickly. An eerie silence fell before it was broken by Chrno.

"Rico!"

The chains pulled away and Rico's body fell limply down. Chrno caught it and held her before him.

"Rico?"

Slowly, ever so slowly, her eyes opened slightly. A blue glow shined through the cracks and she smiled at Chrno.

"Hey," she whispered. "How have you been?"

Tears ran down the demon's face and he embraced her. The young woman returned it as tears of her own streaked down her cheeks. A smile came over her face though as they held each other.

"Rico," Chrno whispered again.

The others just smiled and stayed away. It was their time to be together, after being separated for so long.

"Rico."

Rico turned her head slightly and brought her mouth closer to Chrno's ear.

"Call me Rico Christopher," she whispered.

With that, she closed her eyes and lost consciousness.

End of Chapter 3

I'm not sure if any of you caught the meaning behind the title, as I laid down several very vague clues. However, they're there so just read more carefully next time. Of course, it could also be said that Apocalypse has two meanings.

Z98