Hey again, CC fanfiction world. If you want the reasons for my long absence from fanfiction, please see the note before this, for I don't feel like typing it all out again.
Note 1: I actually did a piece of fanart that directly relates to a scene in chapter one (the fireplace kiss). If you would like to see it, there's a link to my deviant art page in my profile.
Note 2: To further what I mentioned in my note, it seems my last chapter upset a decent number of people. I want to make a few things clear: Yes, what Chrno did could be considered OOC if you want, but give me a break. I needed to confuse Rosette, okay? I'm not turning Chrno into a skirt chaser. He just has problems dealing with his hormones, sort of. And what I have planned with Magdalena I'm going to keep going with, whether the readers like it or not. I can't just change things to accommodate the readers' tastes like that. Again, if you don't like it, you're not being forced to read it. This was a one-shot, by request I continued it and developed it into a story, and therefore have a plot. And I'm going to stick to it. Thank you for your patience.
On to reader responses for Chapter 3 and the AN (this is going to take up a bit of room, so bear with me):
fallenangeljulian: An update at last!
Fabi-Chan: lol. XD Well, I imagined boy's aren't very in-tune with their hormones at first. And you're right, I do put a lot of a effort into this piece. It's probably my favorite of my fanfictions so far.
Lunatic Pandora1: They're called male hormones. Personally, I don't think Chrno would handle them very well. If you don't like the way I portray Chrno, you don't have to read this.
JasmineScent85: Thanks again for all of your support. (hugs) Really. I don't think I would have made it this far without your help. I really appreciate it. And I hope you continue to enjoy the story.
Lechan: I'm afraid this chapter will not be very enjoyable for you...you'll see why. I kept with the plot I had planned. The rating won't go up, I don't believe. And thank you for all the support on my situation and what I was dealing with. (hugs) -- I'm not weirded out by hugs, if you can't tell. Thanks again! Things have looked up, just a tiny bit.
Angelstars: Thank you for your support and reviews on all of my CC fanfiction. I appreciate it more than I can express to you in words. (hugs, hugs, hugs) And if you like the angst, you're really in for it. XD
Dragon Rider Tayo: Thank you. :D Here's more...finally.
Lillian Claire: Yes, that's exactly what I want in this fic. Rosette is confused, and that's the way I thought was most realistic for her character. And don't worry about the lemon. It was just a small suggestion I put up. I'm not comfortable with writing them, but I was willing to do it if the readers requested it. That's all. Thanks for your support, and I hope you continue to enjoy the story!
Kabashka: Thank you! I'm trying to keep it up! I know I should write for myself, I just feel a little pressured to please, sometimes. It's part of my nature. Thanks for the well-wishes!
Nalu Girl: I'm honored that you like my story and writing. :3 Thanks a lot!
Lord Cynic: Don't worry, you're free to ramble in your reviews as much as you'd like. :3 I didn't like Aion in the anime, not one bit... But anyway, don't fret yet! This isn't going to be lemon. I simply dropped the possiblity if the readers requested it. That's all. It's not something I have planned, but I wanted to leave the option open. And...I'm not all that comfortable with writing them, considering I have only written one. I needn't get into that. Thanks for your reviews! And whether fortunate or unfortunate, I continue to write long...
MoonlightMiko: I'm really glad you like it! I love changing the moods. I think it adds a bit of spunk to the writing, even if it may be abrupt sometimes. And I'm sorry about the wait, but I hope this chapter will be worth it?
Outsane: Sorry about the AN...I just had trouble writing this for awhile. I hope you enjoy this chapter, and that it's worth the wait.
SilverYouko300: I'm really glad that you love it! Thank you for the review!
Indygodusk: Yeah, Satella likes the younger Chrno more. hehe. But after this chapter, she need not worry about annoying Rosette... Thanks for the review!
Hopeless Romantic: Thank you very much! Here's the update, at last!
MizuiroSnow: Thanks :D The update has come!
Centauri Cruxis Angel: I take bribes! Just kidding. lol. This chapter is sure to mess things up...severely. Thanks for all your support and reviews on my CC fics! (huggles)
Aiko: Oh, things are about to get a little more than interesting... Thanks for the review!
ennui deMorte: The cat demon does make her appearance this chapter:3 Things are going to get very complicated... Thanks for the review!
roguehobbit: The plot is about to congeal, boil, and blow up. Get your hard hat and run for the bomb shelter! And thanks for the review. XD
tyne: Thank you. :3
SisterRosetteTheExorcist: Thanks much! Here's the update, finally!
Racheru-Chan: Eh, being embarrassed is almost glued into my nature. hehe... Updated at last! Thanks for the review! And I sympathize with you greatly. I hope your Grandfather's condition improves. Thank you for the support, and I'd like to offer mine to you. Stay strong. Hard times are never easy.
KristiexxNguyen: Finally continued!
Hikari: Sorry, I was dealing with things in life, and with things in the story itself. I will update sooner from now on.
tigger093061: Thanks a lot for the review! I'm glad you're enjoying it. Not sure about the lemon stuff yet...
elyssalyn: I'm honored that you find the time to review at all! Thanks a lot! And yes, finally in this chapter, the secret to Chrno's transformation will be revealed. :3 Thanks for your support and reviews! Much appreciated! Thing have finally looked up a bit. I hope the price of patience was worth this update.
Quicksilvermad: Thanks :D
Cassandra: I hope it remains exciting, or at least interesting. Thank you for reviewing!
RanDOMaZnWRIteR: You'll see Rosette's full reaction this chapter. Things get even more confusing for the poor girl... Thank you for the review!
SylverAngel: Yeah, I enjoy writing him as a young man instead of a boy. It's different and fun to work with. Thanks for the review and support!
Vivid Aura: I'm honored that you consider this a treat. I hope it stays that way. Thank you for reviewing!
Chrono-Crusade1: Thanks, and here it is!
Stray Twilight: Sheda's news can probably be interpretted in many ways...you'll see! Hope you enjoy the update! And thank you for the review!
Stratagirl: Thank you for the support on my story and my drawings!
Maiden of the Moon: Things have finally taken a slight turn for the better! And though it wasn't much, I decided it was time to get back on my feet and get back to writing. Thank you for your support! I know I have a lot of reading and reviewing to catch up on regarding your fics. I look forward to it. :3 Hope you still continue to enjoy the story.
Mase-chan: Thank you for your support! I'm getting back on my own two feet! Even if it took a little time...but, I never give up:D
silent:tears:fall: I'm glad you think it's worth waiting for. And thanks a ton for your support!
Daughter of Bast1: Thank you ever so much! You'd...wait til doomsday for an update? Wow. o.o And I'm glad you can understand...it was very hard. But I finally realized I can't just dwell on things forever. I think he would be happier if I smiled and got back to my feet. So that's what I'm doing. Thank you again!
pyro the dark angel: Thank you. Grandpa is in a better place, now. And I think he's happy to be back with his wife.
Jazzy Uchiha: Thanks for the support. I'm glad you like the last chapter. I hope this one doesn't crush your interest in the story...
Bella1893: Indeed, it's hard to concentrate on writing when so many things plague your mind. But I've finally gotten past it and got back to my feet. Thank you for your kind words and support. And as for where we visited, it was right near Nashville, as a matter of fact. We were in Old Hickory.
Weaver Goddess: Thank you. I really took your care to heart. And Chrno's quote was uplifting. Thank you very much for the support. (hugs)
Janet0041: I'm really glad that you like the story. And I've finally updated. Thank you for the reviews!
Daniela: I'm trying not to press myself, and although it's hard to for a pessimist to be optimistic, I'm getting back on my feet. Thank you!
Narumebleu: I don't know if you've seen me on the internet a lot. It's possible. Manda-chan was mainly my name for this site. I also go by Amako-chan and Serika Mersian. Not sure if I'm necessarily who you're thinking of. Anyway, thank you for the reveiw. I have updated at last.
fluff lover: Thanks for reading and reviewing. Don't fret, don't fret! I merely left the lemon idea as a suggestion. I've only ever written one, and it was quite uncomfortable to write. I just wanted to leave the option open to the readers. That's all. Thank you for your support.
davis45108: You're right, things did get a little better. The sun has finally peaked from beyond the rainy clouds. Thank you for your support! I have updated this fic, finally.
Aoi: I'm glad you're enjoying the story. I know I took a long time in updating this, but I do hope it's worth the wait. Once the writing really started to flow, I was ecstatic. Thank you for reveiwing.
Christy: Thanks a lot. Yeah, I did like experimenting with the changes of an older Chrno. I'm glad you like it.
neko-chan: Thank you for the encouragement! I'm finally back on my own two feet!
ChibiRaccoon: I'm glad you like it, so far. Rosette is confused, and I can't really blame her. So much is happening in such a short time. I hope the suspense didn't crush you. The update is finally here!
Tifa Hikari: Thank you very much! And I hope this means your patience has paid off. Thank you for reviewing!
Chi-chan: Thanks a lot! I'm having a good time writing this fic. Here's the update, at last.
Mad-4-Manga: I am doing better, thanks! I'm glad you like the story. And thanks for the review!
And finally, finally...you are to be rewarded for your patience. Enjoy.
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Blank Pages Chapter Four: Missing Pages
ooooooooooooooooooooo
The Demon Sinner narrowed his deep crimson eyes, staring at his right hand accusingly, as though blaming it alone for what took place just minutes ago.
What had he been thinking when he'd performed such an indecent act?
He really didn't want to scare Rosette. Or upset her, for that matter. And somehow it seemed like he'd managed to do both in one go. He'd ruined everything, hadn't he?
Would their friendship ever be the same again?
His red eyes gleamed through the darkness as he let out a soft sigh, eyes training on a particular second story window from his position beneath the courtyard maple tree. The candle lighting the room from within went out, but the demon's orbs remained fixed upon the window.
Despite his shameful actions, Rosette had mentioned that she liked it when he was open with her. Recalling the words somehow made him feel a little warmer inside. Perhaps even if things between them did change or become a little awkward, they'd remain close to one another, regardless.
And being bound by soul assured that, with every tick the life clock sounded.
Ruby eyes broadened, still transfixed on the blond exorcist's open window. The life clock!
In the mess of thoughts and sensations that arose when he met with his Contractor, he'd completely forgotten to retrieve it. And unfortunately, he needed it.
The violet-haired form bit his lip, hesitantly tearing himself away from the shadowy protection of the tree and taking a few tentative steps toward the building in the near distance. By the looks of the still and silent area beyond the open curtains of her room, Rosette had turned in for the night. And...she commonly took the life clock off and set it on her bedside table while she slept, didn't she?
As much as the young demon disliked the thought of sneaking into the women's dorm, or more specifically, the blonde girl's bedroom, this would be the perfect opportunity to snatch the device. Rosette wouldn't realize until morning, and by then, Satella's butler would have him well on the way toward his destination. He could use that time to think up a decent excuse to provide to Rosette when he returned.
Chrno felt a stab of guilt pierce his chest. He was attempting to do something behind her back, again. His fist clenched at his side as he continued his stride toward the open glass doors, which were creaking slightly in the light wind.
He couldn't tell her. Something things...were better left out of her knowledge. And knowing the blue-eyed tornado, she'd probably make a huge deal out of it and demand to come along. Yeah, things would get really complicated under those circumstances.
...But somehow the guilt remained, embedded into the corner of his mind.
The agile form leapt up to the windowsill easily, long purple braid drifting behind him as he peered inside. Sure enough, Rosette was sprawled atop her bed, blankets splayed everywhere and snores echoing off of the walls. The young demon had to stifle a chuckle at the sight. She was a hard sleeper, indeed.
Brushing a linen curtain aside casually, he touched down on the floor and lifted his sharp crimson gaze about the room. It was fortunate that the demon's eyes were accustomed and developed for night vision. Finding the pocket watch was sure to be a snap.
Narrowed eyes lingered for a long time on the bedside table, but for a reason unknown to him, the watch wasn't there. Where else would she store it while she slept?
The answer came in a flash of moonlight that seeped through the curtain when he shifted, causing a particular area to gleam in reflection of the soft glow.
...Why did his luck have to continue to worsen?
He'd found the pocket watch. That was a definite plus.
However, it's position was not.
The demon felt his cheeks heat in the darkness. Why, Why did she have to ironically wear the life clock to bed on this night?
Swallowing the lump in his throat, he edged closer to her blissfully sleeping form, determinately avoiding from focusing his gaze on where the watch was safely cushioned.
How in the world was he going to retrieve the object he undeniably needed?
Well, that answer was simple enough, but...how could he go about getting it and not waking his Contractor? And without invoking her wrath as well, preferably...
A bead of sweat fell down his brow and mixed with another below it, combining and sliding down his cheek as he attempted to slow his ragged breathing pattern. Coming to a halt at her bedside, he hesitantly lifted a knee onto the sheets, earning a small creak from mattress. Chrno winced at the noise, swallowing hard once again, but thankfully, the blonde dreamer did not stir. With a shuddering breath, he lifted a second leg beside the first, invoking another strangled sound from the strained bed. Trying his best to ignore the moaning of the mattress in regards to his extra weight, he reached one clawed and shaking hand toward the shining watch face.
Just a little farther...
The tanned hand finally found its destination, gently grasping the watch. The Sinner nearly let out a relieved noise, but quickly caught himself, instinctively clutching the clock a little tighter in his grasp.
Sucking in his breath, he gave the contraption a small, but sharp tug.
The sleeping figure did not wake, but nor did the watch break free from its bindings.
He administered another tug, slightly rougher.
...Still nothing.
The violet-haired demon sighed inwardly. This meant the watch chain's clasp, in the back, would not break free unless he seriously forced it. And that, he could not afford to do. For one, it would more than likely hurt his exorcist partner. And two, it would most definitely rouse her from her slumber in the process.
Unlatching his grip from the watch, he inched his fingers down the side, reaching two talons for the gold chain that rested upon her night clothing. He felt a burning sensation tingle through his fingers as they briefly met the fabric and gasped aloud, instantly retracting the hand a few inches.
No, he couldn't chicken out now! If he could just quickly snap the chain, the pocket watch would be free.
Simple. Easy. Simple...
'So stop stalling!' he chastised himself mentally. 'Don't lose your nerve now!"
Chrno's resolve hardened again, fingers reaching back to the small and delicate chain.
Thumb and forefinger extended, pulling slowly together around the waiting chain...
:RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIP:
Rosette had chosen that golden moment to take an abnormally large breath, causing her bosom to rise at the precise second his talons had come together to grasp the chain.
Thus tearing an area of white cloth in their wake...
...And completely missing the chain at the same time.
The overgrown sealed demon could feel his ears and neck start to burn, the heat inching up his face.
'Don't look at the open skin! Don't falter! Remember the goal...the goal!'
His hand was burning, his vision was blurring...
But he needed that damned clock!
Adrenaline rushed through his veins and he leaned farther over, encompassing his whole right hand around the chain. He swiftly lifted the gold bond from its resting place, prying his talons against it as he attempted to force the links to break.
'C'mon!' he prodded silently, 'Break.'
His hand was slippery with sweat, but he held on.
'BREAK!' he urged again, unconsciously leaning even closer.
But the chain remained as stubborn as the girl it was entwined around.
Growling low in irritation, Chrno pulled his other hand from its hold of his balance, reaching out to help the first appendage release the thin barrier.
And then the sleeping form shifted, a strong leg flailing out with a particularly vulgar snore.
The unsuspecting demon, balance already diminished, took her heavy calf impact to his leg...
"Ah-!"
...And came crashing down on top of her.
Blue eyes surged open instantly when the impact hit, a strangled and choked noise forced through the open mouth.
Even the fiery blonde, in her deepest of sleeps, could not ignore a large weight crushing down upon her own. It was like being pummeled in the gut by a bowling ball.
Groaning, her eyes squinted to focus to the light.
...The bowling ball had very familiar long purple hair.
Chrno, who appeared to have momentarily blacked out from either shock or blood rush, suddenly came to his senses.
Senses that went positively wild when they placed his current position and situation.
Crimson eyes broadened to the size of dinner plates and he swiftly hurled his form off of his Contractor, stuttering and muttering incomprehensible words.
Rosette was uncharacteristically silent and unmoving.
Chrno realized this when he found himself miraculously untouched and unscathed from the rage and wrath he was sure she'd deliver instantly. Perplexed, he chanced an apprehensive glance at his blonde partner.
And felt his heart constrict painfully.
She stared back at him, wide-eyed and instinctively clutching at the clock around her neck.
There was fear hidden in the depths of the sapphire pools.
Fear.
Fear of him.
His throat was dry, but he had to try to force words out somehow. He had to tell her it was a misunderstanding. That look on her face...it would plague him forever. She must have thought that he had...tried to...
"Why?"
Her eyes pleaded with him as she carefully fingered the frayed patch on her nightclothes, begging him to tell her that her thoughts were wrong.
"I..." His eyes screwed shut, unable to bear seeing her expression any longer. "I...I...I'm sorry!"
'Sunrise is approaching soon...' his mind reminded him. 'Tell her the truth and ask for the watch. There's no time!'
No, he couldn't do it.
A fist clenched at his side, his own cowardice invoking a large heap of self-loathing. But it didn't stop him from what he was about to do.
Rosette nervously retracted as the demon leaned down again. Her eyes closed tightly, bracing herself for whatever was to happen.
SNAP
Shock forced her blue orbs open once more, a comfortable weight disappearing from her neck. Disbelief lined the shadows of her gaze as Chrno's taller false form bolted for the open window.
"No! Wait! Chrno! What are you-"
Her breath hitched in her throat as his head turned toward her from the perch of the windowsill, ruby eyes gleaming with suppressed sadness and guilt.
And then he was gone.
Rosette was frozen for a brief second, her hand clenched over the broken chain around her neck.
He'd just...taken the pocket watch. Her soul. Her life.
Why?
What was he hiding from her now?
Her former self came crashing back to shore, a tsunami of mixed anger, hurt, disbelief...
And energy.
The young girl leapt out of her bed, slamming her boots onto her bare feet and racing for the swaying open window. Calling upon her years of training and developed skills, she jumped out of the opening and performed a perfect diving-roll as she hit the grass below.
Blue fire intensified with determination as it caught sight of a figure running in the distance. And without wasting a single second of precious time, she bolted after him.
The answers would be hers. All of them. Whether he wanted to give them or not.
She would discover the truth.
ooooooooooooooooo
"We're going to be a little off-schedule, Mr. Chrno."
The young demon panted as he raced by the convent gates, still attempting to catch his breath as he wrenched the passenger side door of the waiting vehicle open and dropped himself into the open seat.
"Sorry," he apologized lightly. "I had a setback."
The elderly butler nodded, focusing his attention on the road ahead and immediately bringing the car to life. "I can make up for lost time," Steiner assured, a small smile gracing his wrinkled features.
The automobile promptly took off like a shot.
oooooooooooooooo
Rosette Christopher fell to her knees, blue eyes shining with unshed tears as the buzz of the car died away.
She was too late. Chrno was gone.
A bare fist pounded the against the metal gate as the girl released an anguished cry of fury.
"You're so loud, even first thing in the morning!"
Rosette choked back a sob, eyes widening in surprise as a tall figure rounded the corner of the gate.
"Satella!"
The German woman tossed her long red locks over her shoulder. "What are you doing out here at this time of the morning, Sister of Destruction?"
The initial shock of seeing the jewel summoner lifted and Rosette jumped to her feet, desperately throwing herself at the woman and grabbing her arm. "WHERE DID CHRNO GO?" she yelled hysterically. "YOU KNOW, DON'T YOU?"
Satella was taken aback by the blonde girl's outburst, unconsciously stepping backward.
"PLEASE!" the exorcist continued, tears now streaming innumerable paths down her cheeks as she shakily clutched the tall woman's arm. "TELL ME, SATELLA!"
"Hexen der juwel" furiously shook her arm out of the sobbing girl's grip. "Calm down, already! What's wrong with you?"
Rosette fell back to her knees, but her emotion-filled orbs stayed fixed on the busty jewel summoner. "You...delivered a message to him. I'm sure there's a connection! Please tell me where he's going, Satella! He...took the clock!"
Satella bit her lip. As much as she honored that the business was Chrno's, and Chrno's alone, she could easily tell the young demon had not told his partner anything regarding the message, not even the part that involved the pocket watch, the container of Rosette's soul.
'She'd probably beat the answer out of me eventually anyway,' the redhead thought with a grimace.
"He's gone to a grave."
Rosette gasped. "A… grave?" she questioned in a quivering voice. 'Please don't let this be...' "...Whose?"
"I don't know exactly who she is," Satella stated simply with a shrug. "Someone called 'Magdalena', I believe."
Stunned silence.
A fine eyebrow raised over the jewel summoner's right eye. "You know this person, I take it?"
The blonde Sister nodded numbly, her eyes strangely lifeless as they cast to the ground. Why would he go...there? And with pocket watch...? What could...? Why her...?
A million questions ravaged the exorcist's poor mind. Each without even the hint of an answer.
"Rosette...?"
The fair-haired girl fluidly rose back to her feet.
"I'm going."
Hands clenched harshly at her sides, Rosette stalked through the open gates, heading straight for a single parked vehicle.
It didn't matter to her whose it was. If necessary, she'd pay them back. She could worry about that later.
After she got the answers she desired.
Satella could only watch, dumbfounded, as the hot-headed and impulsive girl broke into the car and brought it to life, taking off in the direction Steiner had gone with Chrno not minutes ago.
Realization hit her like a brick, just as the automobile faded from view.
"WAIT! THAT'S MY CAR!"
ooooooooooooooooo
"If I may inquire, why is it that you need to be in Michigan by sunset?"
Chrno, who had been lost in thought while staring out of the window, turned blinking red eyes to the driver. "Well, it's a little complicated," he spoke after a moment of silence, pressing that he didn't want to further discuss the issue. "And even I'm not sure why it has to be by sunset. I'm just following Satella's message."
Steiner nodded, respecting his wishes, and glanced into the rear-view mirror, eyes narrowing. He didn't think he was really going senile. It would be a few years for that yet. ...Maybe he was paranoid?
Why did he get the strange feeling that the car traveling nearly a quarter mile behind their vehicle was following them?
The young demon remained oblivious to the old man's suspicions as he dove into his thoughts once more, his talons unconsciously gripping around the life clock and stroking the smooth surface.
He knew what he'd done was wrong. Not only the incident in the common room, but also refusing to breath a word of his intentions and situation to his Contractor when he'd stolen the watch from around her neck.
Her graceful, slender, bare neck...
No! Why was he having those disturbing thoughts again? He should be more worried about her reactions and the fact that he'd just jeopardized their whole relationship!
Furious with himself, the demon's crimson eyes closed, willing the further thoughts of his partner's appearance to vanish. He shouldn't think of her like that. Granted, he couldn't really stop it, but now was not the time. He would have time to work things out with Rosette and his hormones after he found out the purpose of Sheda's request.
Magdalena... He still loved her after all this time, didn't he? Even though she was gone...and it was his fault.
But...what about Rosette?
His thoughts immediately shifted over to her once more.
Now that he'd been forced to see his energetic Contractor in a new light, other curious feelings and thoughts formed along with the less-than-appropriate ones. Chrno had always cared for her, ever since she was a mere twelve years old when they had first met, that fateful day in his love's tomb. He had always stubbornly believed that care was rooted within an almost parental concern.
And even after four years of growth, he remained alongside her, protective and watching out for her well-being. The contract had kept them close. Very close. To the point where his guardian-like care and concern began to grow into something more.
When had the protectiveness escalated to an almost...possessiveness?
Even in his smaller sealed form, the thoughts and feelings had arisen slightly. When the handsome blond minister would touch her, when any demon or otherworldly being tried to hurt her...
The demon boy became selfish. He did not want anyone or anything else to touch her or try to take her from him. And if they dared to cause her sadness, frighten, threaten or hurt her...
Sometimes he got a little carried away.
And Rosette appeared to remain naive to his changes, treating him like the child he appeared to be. Beating on him, teasing him, bossing him...
It's not that he disliked the attention he received from her, or how comfortable and easy-going she was in his presence, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he somehow wasn't satisfied. The blonde girl knew he wasn't really a child, right? Maybe she was getting too comfortable with the sealed form.
A part of him felt insulted, misinterpreted, and mistreated.
Perhaps it was his demonic inner-workings that demanded a change, and downright refused to remain submissive.
He had complied with those wishes.
The Elder had seemed quite surprised with his request, to say the least, but did not question his reasons. Instead, the brilliant old geezer had shared a little information he'd discovered while working with the "Spirit" project (which had been a failure, but proved to be useful, nonetheless).
It did not require an Astral source to change to a form other than full-demon. None of the Astral power had been lost from the Elder's "lab rat" demons when he'd transformed them. The revelation baffled the young demon, but strangely made sense. He had decided to further inquire of the Elder why it was that he'd automatically taken such a childish form when sealed.
And had been surprised again.
"It's something you're doing unconsciously, my boy," the old coot stated simply. "You're so tied down into your regrets, deep sadness, and guilt that you force yourself to remain small, insignificant. You have a very weak will to live."
He was still bound by his mistakes. He was still running and hiding from his past.
Yes, it made perfect sense.
And with a small dosage of help from the Elder, he prepared to shift his form.
A warning was voiced and Chrno couldn't remember what it was, but it involved ever returning to the child form. He paid it no heed at the time. If only he had, maybe his Contractor would not have been forced to endure what she had.
Instead, Chrno let go of his tight hold to the past, for himself and for Rosette. He felt that in a way, this change would benefit the both of them.
...And now he was shamefully falling right back into his old footsteps again. Going back to the past.
Magdalena. The mistake. The pain. The sadness.
'I'm sorry, Rosette.'
ooooooooooooooooo
"Uwah! It's really Chrno!"
The eccentric cat demon bounced up to the taller demon's false form, smothering him with a friendly hug. The violet-haired figure returned it lightly, forcing a smile to his face. He was getting nervous.
Sheda's ears twitched as she caught sight of the life clock. "Ah! You remembered to bring my brilliant invention!" She smiled brightly, gesturing in quick motions toward the cave opening before them. "Come, come! You'll be simply amazed at what I've discovered!"
Chrno followed her bubbly form silently, trying to suppress the shivers that raced down his spine as he trekked through the dark and rank enclosure.
The bespectacled demon finally came to halt before the all-too-familiar sealed doors of Magdalena's tomb. She traced a claw over the runes of the intricate patterns, springing the doors to life as they briefly lit and obediently widened to allow passage.
With her hands in her lab coat pockets and humming nonchalantly, Sheda skipped right up to the closed casket and then released a hand from the white overcoat, holding it out expectantly. "My watch device, if you please."
The crimson-eyed demon hesitantly handed it to her, desperately hoping that whatever the cat girl planned, it would not affect Rosette or alter her soul in any way.
Chrno wrenched his eyes painfully closed as Sheda reached over the wooden frame and carefully pried the top off the death container, a dull creak echoing eerily off the dirt and stone walls.
No...he did not want to see the remains of his first love. The young demon felt a wave of nausea at the thought.
"Look, silly!" The ever-cheerful genius prompted.
He swallowed, harshly pushing his fears down as he opened the ruby-colored orbs.
And nearly fell down onto the dirty ground in shock.
"H-How is that possible?"
Magdalena lay perfectly still, a soft smile resting on her ageless features. If it weren't for the dead flowers surrounding her, Chrno would swear she looked exactly the same as the day she had been put to rest.
Sheda grinned. "Surprised, aren't you? I was as well, I admit. Who would have thought that she could maintain her young appearance after fifty-four years!"
"How?" he whispered again, unable to pry his wide gaze from his dead Contractor's untouched form.
The cat demon adjusted her glasses, holding up the life clock as her grin widened a fraction. "It's connected to this," she announced gleefully. "Through some minor testing and the knowledge I had of my own brilliant contraption, I discovered something spectacular!"
She brought the Astral container nearer to the dead woman's form, and before their eyes, the watch face lit up.
Sheda nearly jumped up and down. "I was right!"
Chrno blinked, failing to understand what she was referring to.
Noting his confusion, she calmed her excited reaction, lifting the clock to his vision. "My wonderful piece of brilliance still contains a part of her soul!"
"WHAT?"
The cat demon nodded enthusiastically, her tail swishing back and forth. "And now for the real kicker..."
Chrno swallowed, waiting as he held his breath tightly in his chest, his heart racing uncontrollably.
"With this piece of her soul, and my flawless theory, we can return the soul fragment to its owner and thus bring dear Magdalena back to life!"
The violet-haired figure looked as though he had been struck in the stomach by an invisible punch, eyes wide, mouth hanging open. "Y-You're kidding?"
"Nope!" Sheda assured, bouncing in place. "Granted, she won't have many years ahead of her, but she will live again for awhile!"
Something unbidden came to Chrno's mind, and he failed to keep the question from reaching his lips. "What made you decide to...Does Aion know you're doing this?"
The incredibly smart demon's smile became more gentle. "He does know," she stated. "And I've always had a soft spot for her, you know. She was a great assistant and a very warm human being."
Chrno smiled back, casting a fond glance to his peaceful former Contractor. "Yes," he agreed whole-heartedly. "She most certainly was."
"Are you ready for this, Chrno?"
He blinked back at the cat demon, then smiled again. "She deserves to have her life returned to her, even if she never forgives me."
Sheda's own smile turned almost playful. "You'll have a lot of explaining to do, Chrnooooo," she sing-songed merrily.
And after the cat demon carefully released a knob on the very back of the shining clock, the room was engulfed by a bright and blinding light.
ooooooooooooooo
Rosette Christopher couldn't deny that there were precious memories here. Yes, down in this stinky old and deteriorating cave, she met Chrno.
Four years ago...
"Wha?"
Broken from her reminiscing, the blonde stared wide-eyed at the shafts of light that filtered through the open doors in the distance. The doors to Magdalena's tomb.
Something was happening!
Rosette broke into a wild dash, halting as the light faded. She could hear voices, just slightly, through the large crack. One tone she recognized instantly, but there were two others that she did not.
Two others...?
Curiosity getting the best of her, the young exorcist peeked into the opening.
"Chrno? Is it really you? I thought I was... I missed you so much!"
Long and flowing pale blonde hair. Beautiful ocean-colored eyes, currently stained with tears.
...Slender arms wrapped around a form with a long violet plait.
Rosette's heart nearly stopped.
Magdalena was alive. Living, breathing, and...embracing Chrno.
She forced her eyes away from the touching reunion, blue eyes that burned with tears. Her trembling hands came to rest over her ears. The young blonde Sister did not want to hear his voice any longer. His deep voice, full of love as he greeted his former Contractor...
'Stop being selfish, Rosette,' she told herself inwardly. 'You don't have a right to be upset.'
That's true. She didn't. Chrno deserved this. For all the pain and suffering he endured over her death, he deserved a second chance with his love.
She...had no right to interfere.
Her face remained downcast, shadows from her hanging bangs obscuring her eyes from view. Magdalena needed him more than she did, now. Rosette had no time to dwell. She would continue her search for Joshua.
Alone. Without the Order, and without her treasured partner.
Even if Chrno had been attracted to her, lust was nothing in comparison to love.
'I wish you happiness, Chrno. You deserve it more than anyone.'
One tear struggled free and fell, gliding slowly and smoothly down her face. 'But I will always love you...'
As she turned and walked away, the exorcist never noticed the gold chain slip from around her neck and fall, forgotten, to the stone floor.
oooooooooooooooooo
"There's...someone I want to introduce you to, Magdalena."
She smiled, almost knowingly. "I would be happy to meet her, Chrno."
He blinked in surprise, red eyes wide. "B-But I never said the person was female!" he sputtered.
The smile remained on her features and she chuckled, quite amused by his reaction.
"You...knew?" he inquired incredulously. Her power to see future events had not vanished?
"And I know a few more things that you do not," she added, aqua eyes sparkling.
He raised a puzzled eyebrow. "Like what?"
Another chuckle. "You'll find out."
"Nyah! Let's get back outside!" Sheda chirped, brushing a hand against one of her ears. "This deteriorating tomb is no place for a happy reunion."
"Agreed," Chrno said with a smile, taking his former Contractor's hand as he led her out of her own tomb.
Sheda shut the large stone doors after them, effectively sealing the entrance once more. After depositing her invention back into Chrno's hands, she cheerfully bounced ahead, leading the way out.
Chrno moved to follow.
CRUNCH.
"Eh..?"
Quickly lifting his foot from the stone pathway, the demon knelt down to get a better look at the shock of gold laying innocently on the cold gray block.
A sharp gasp escaped his throat as the startlingly familiar chain was lifted from its resting place.
"...Rosette?"
Magdalena's hand came to rest on his shoulder. "Chrno? What's wrong?"
He swallowed hard, grasping the chain in a tight fist. "I need to get back to the convent. Immediately."
The violet-haired demon had been so wrapped up in the situation that he had failed to notice his current Contractor's presence.
And now it, and she, had disappeared.
oooooooooooooooooo
"I'm sorry," Azmaria apologized with a bow. "I don't know where Rosette is. She's been missing all day." The Apostle paused for a moment, before timidly continuing. "I had...assumed she was with you, Chrno."
The said form fell straight down to his knees, horror, guilt, and fear plastered upon his features.
Magdalena was back...
And Rosette...was now missing.
oooooooooooooooooo
I do hope that was worth the wait? I did say that things were going to get sticky. Feel free to leave any questions and comments you have. I appreciate the feedback immensely! Spare a review if you can, please.
To clear up a few things: As I mentioned at the beginning, Chrno is not a skirt-chaser. Rosette is merely confused. She thinks Chrno is merely attracted to her, and that she stands no chance against the love he has for his first Contractor. But above all of that, she truly wishes for him to be happy, and thus believes she can let him go and keep toward her goal of finding her brother. I believe she really does love Chrno that much.
I know, I know...angst.
Thank you all for your continual support! I'll never give up! (Hugs everyone)
Stay tuned for the next chapter!
And of course, thank you for reading.