Return of Time

WIP 3 of ?

AN: I now have my four exorcists and one demon. You'll find out your roles in the coming chapters as I come to decide what to do with you all. As for answering the question that RyuuMahou asked, you'll find out in this chapter. Thank you to all my reviewers. I love you all.

I'm walking down the line
That divides me somewhere in my mind
On the border line
Of the edge and where I walk alone

Green Day "Boulevard of Broken Dreams"

For disclaimer see Ch 1.

W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W

"As soon as the second stage is complete Father Remington, you'll need to take his horns. You'll then need to transfer them to my body." Mary smiled up at the priest from her position in the chair. "I trust you to do this for me."

"The transfer of the horns is part of the third step." Sister Elizabeth said as she drew a strange circle on the floor around Chrno's body and Mary's chair. "Which is what I'll be busy doing. Understand?"

Ewan nodded, his expression grave. "Yes. After that Mary will be gone and Chrno will need to rest for a few days, correct?"

Mary shook her head. "No. More like a month or two."

"Why so long?"

Elizabeth answered for her student. "He will have no memories, or very few, at first due to the Sealing and his… her body will be weak still. That alone will take a while to heal. After her convalescence, Chrno will undergo extensive retraining as an exorcist. She will also be taught as a Sealer when she joins me for her training in Chicago. Since the Seal restricts her demonic powers and memories, every time she loosens the seal she will remember more. This should help speed her training and have her back here in New York in less time than otherwise."

Elder Joshua murmured an oath under his breath, before he completed his preparations. Moving to Mary he gently placed a dive helmet on her head. "Ready Little Sister?"

"As I'll ever be."

"Dive!"

W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W

San Francisco was quieter than Chicago. At least it was after Chrno woke up. Regret filled him for what he had done. It would take a long time to rebuild the neighborhood that he had destroyed during his berserker rage.

He lay his forehead against the bathroom mirror. He still wasn't feeling well, as the Legions repaired the damage still present after a partial healing. The knock at the door didn't startle him, when it came. Only two people here cared enough to come looking for him and if he were honest with himself, he had expected one of them to come earlier. Scenting the air he smiled slightly. "It's unlocked Rosette."

Rosette opened the door and cautiously entered. "Are you alright Chrno?" she looked him over and sighed in concern. There was evidence of his wounds still visible on his exposed back. Picking up his shirt from the sinks rim, she maneuvered him into it. Pulling his hair back she started to rebraid it. "I worry about you Chrno."

He nodded, "I know." After letting her finish the braid, he leaned back and pulled her arms around himself. "I'm sorry."

Rosette studied his face in the mirror. Sometimes it was disconcerting to know that this child-like demon held her life in his small hands. "Can I see you as an adult Chrno?"

Crimson eyes looked up startled to catch hers in the mirror. "Why?"

Rosette tightened her hold on him. "I want to be held tonight."

"Can't I hold you this way?"

Rosette leaned down and kissed his cheek. "Please."

Chrno turned in her arms and hugged her. Shifting to his adult form, he lay his head on her shoulder. "Alright Rosette." Pulling away, he took her hand and lead her to his room. As they entered, he turned to her. "I'm not sure about this Rosette. With the way my powers are right now, I don't know how long I can stay this way." His eyes were worried as she closed the door behind her.

She smiled softly as she pulled the nervous demon towards the bed. "That's fine. I just want to fall asleep in your arms. I always just feel safe when your holding me. And sometimes, I miss the days when you were bigger than me." She blushed. "Plus I think you're handsome like this."

A light blush stained the demon's cheeks as he pulled Rosette down onto the bed with him. Laying nose to nose with her, he gave into temptation and kissed her softly. "Can I tell you something?"

Snuggling into his chest, she nodded.

"I love you Rosette."

W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W

Pulling back form the memory, Mary took a hold of the sleepy demon's mind and smiled. Gently weaving the seal around him, she pulled him free of his body and tugged him along on the path back to hers. At the feeling of confused resistance, she crooned a soft lullaby to calm him. Calling forth a touch of his power, she bound him to her body and partially freed herself from it.

'It's all up to you now Sister Elizabeth.'

'Who are you?' The soft male voice startled her.

'I'm a friend Chrno.'

'Is that my name?' his voice was confused.

'Yes.' She enveloped the other mind in a hug. 'Just sleep for now. It's almost over.'

'Over?'

'You'll be allowed to wake up soon.'

She could feel him smile softly.

'Alright.'

Feeling the final ties that bound her to the earthly plain dissolve, she sighed in joy. She was free now. 'Goodbye Chrno. May you find the joy in your life that I never could in mine.'

W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W