Disclaimer: Chrno Crusade belongs to the mighty Moriyama-sensei, may he write more! We own nothing!
Irisgem's note: This is my second fic on CC. Rubbing head a little I'm trying to make a longer story now. Hopefully my English has improved. . I hope....Actually I try to combine the story of anime and manga to become another story. But mostly it is just my imagination. That's why. I hope I don't mess it up quite a lot. sweatdrop Really, a great thanks for Nightelfcrawler-san. She is probably the one that makes this fanfic looks much better and easier to be understood. I can't make this story interesting without her.
Nightelfcrawler's note: I'm glad to help out by reading, and editing this fic for her. Hopefully everyone will enjoy it!
Prince of Anger, Princess of Apostles
Story by: Irisgem (AccessFinn)
Edited by: Nightelfcrawler
Prologue
Once upon a time...
There once existed a world with many kingdoms scattered about it. Many of them were separated by the wide ocean, while some of them resided high above the earth, floating peacefully through the air. While the kingdoms were anything but co-operative, they each kept to their own realms, and protected their own, which ended up in isolation from the other kingdoms in the realm.
Each kingdom was composed of a different sort of people, each with their own ideals, beliefs, and special abilities. There existed kingdoms inhabited by those imbued with the power of heaven, The Apostle Kingdom. Those born into darkness, violence, and evil were known as the Demons. The beings who embraced the light of all that was good and holy were known as Priests. Those who strove to fight for their own rights, and embrace the thrill of battle were the Hunters. Those whom were favored by the strange mystical forces in the world were known as Magicians. Those who fought valiantly for a just cause were known as Knights. Those who summoned the magnificent powers of spirits harnessed within ensorcelled gems were known as Jewel Summoners. The list continued on, including beings of the fae, technologically advanced kingdoms, and those who experimented and dabbled in strange arts. There truly was no end to the numbers that were scattered about the realm.
The strongest kingdom of all these, was that of the Demon kingdom, ruled by a being known as Pandemonia. Pandemonia was the creator of all demons, having born them all directly...essentially, she was their mother. Under her rule, demons had managed to reign a third of the world for centuries... until a revolution began within their ranks. The younger generation of demons desired freedom from the Queen's tyranny. They had been restrained to only their own kingdom for ages, and not permitted to go beyond their boundaries without permission of their ruler. This was considered to be God's curse among them, and they desired nothing more than freedom from the endless chain. The purpose of the demons, in this plan, was to create stability and balance in the world, darkness to counter the endless amount of light streaming forth.
The Demon kingdom, known as Pandemonium as it was named for its queen, was the darkest, most dismal place one could imagine. The night never slept, always extinguishing the light before its rays could penetrate the boundaries within. A full moon hung in the sky with no sign of glittering stars, endlessly dampening any sign of brightness that sought to penetrate the realm.
Long ago, Pandemonia had initiated a Great War... a war that nearly tore apart the entire realm. There had been heavy casualties on each side, both demon and everyone else. As a result, seven great seals had been erected in order to contain the demons, limiting their movement to the world outside. They spent their extended lives confined within the darkness and cold of the sunless Pandemonium, never experiencing the warmth or transcending light of the sun.
However, when the revolution occurred, the young rebels attempted to break the seal. Pandemonia retaliated, not wishing for another loss of life of her own brethren, and a new war began within the demon ranks. This war was devastating, and nearly wiped out the whole existence of the demons from the face of the earth entirely as the youngest headstrong youths fought to break free from their confinement to the darkest pitch of the realm of darkness. They felt it was unfair that they should live in oppression, without experiencing what else the world had to offer them. Demons were the most feared in the world, hated for their power and existences by all others, yet they alone had never had the chance to experience the blessing of emotions of love, warmth, and all the positive things that the 'light' represented.
They were victorious in their revolution...however; their freedom had its price.
Pandemonia's rule ended and her head became the symbol of the revolution, as the leading rebel, a demon by the name of Aion, led his five brethren into battle. He brutally overcame her forces, and slaughtered his own mother for the good of the revolution. Each of their names became branded in history, as vile traitors... Aion, Chrno, Rizel, Sheda, Wid, and Jenai.
Of the six, Aion and Chrno were the closest to one another, their friendship running deep as two brothers might share. They too, were the strongest warriors of the six.
Naturally, their tempestuous actions were not looked upon kindly by the Elders. Not only had they caused incredible trouble, but they had done the unthinkable, and assassinated the Queen. While their plan had once held a question of hope for the Elders, once they proceeded to brash actions, they were despised. The Duke, a demon by the name of Dufaux, led the opposing forces of those who fought against the six, and thus, the demon realm was split into two minds. The Sinners, those who rebelled and fought against Pandemonium, and the Pursuers, those who sought the Sinners to eliminate the danger to their world, and ensure the stability of their realm.
The war continued to rage, and as a result, the Apostles were born.
The creation of the Apostle Kingdom in the realm had resulted long ago from a similar situation, but the presence of apostles was a rare thing. During times of great menace to the balance of the world, seven apostles were born, bearing great powers and heralding the final appearance of the Saint. The Apostles bore the weight of the world upon their fragile wings, before the Saint was gifted to the light, in order to restore the balance of the world.
But likewise... if balance must be maintained, there was an opposing force to the Seven Apostles and their Saint...
The Six Sinners, and their Queen.
During the Great War, all the kingdoms including the priests, Jewel Summoners, Knights, Hunters, Exorcists and more had combined their efforts with the Apostles to beat back the Demons. Being that the demons were far more numerous and powerful, by combining efforts they exiled the demons to an isolated plane, where they deposited all of Pandemonium within. With the assistance of the Apostles, seven seals were created in order to ward the barrier between the demon's realm, and their own.
Through the guidance of the Holy Woman Mary Magdalene, they established the seals and created the barrier to seal the demons within...however, something tragic occurred, and Magdalene died before the seals could be completed. The Apostles took her place, and provided the strength and power to fortify the seals, and lock them in place.
But that had been centuries ago, and the peace of the realm had been undisturbed...and the Apostles long gone.
Until just 13 years ago...
Apostles were often subjected to strains of horrible events and luck that came with their blessed powers. As a result, they were often taken in by dignitaries, and protected to the highest degree by royalty and military organizations.
And of course, occasionally royalty itself gave birth to an Apostle...
---- ----- -----
Chapter One: The Apostles
"Lord Joshua...!? Where HAVE you gone..."
No less than ten maidens were wandering through the castle rose garden, desperately searching for their Prince. The morning sky above was clear and cheerful as not a cloud adorned the azure expanse above. Wind blew benevolently, causing the trees to sway lightly in their caress. The rustle of leaves and grass played like a symphony to greet the new day. Birds adorned the apple trees, singing cheerfully, and the two tower rooms in the far wing had been empty for approximately three hours.
The Kingdom was in an uproar. The welcoming party and preparations for the newest found Apostle were in full swing, and as a result, everything was wrapped up in hectic preparations. The sweet scent of roses filled the castle, as multicolored ribbons flew from every balcony, column, and vase. Flower petals rained endlessly down upon the town, as a gift from one of the magicians for the celebration. Many of the citizens had ceased their busy work this day, in celebration for the discovery of one of the messengers of God. The whole city seemed to be closed for business, as parties adorned nearly every door, and the maze garden was packed with people all there for the celebrations.
The Apostle had been found in the small farming kingdom of Fatima, just a few days ago, and though the kingdom had known there might be more born, it still had come as a surprise.
But yet, even during this exciting occasion, the Prince had STILL managed to slip from his room through an open window, along with his sister. Most likely, it had been her who had taken this opportunity to sneak the Prince out. Princess Rosette was only thirteen years old, and quite a handful. Prince Joshua was only twelve and something less of an annoyance to his family. They were complete opposites, yet still they got along closer than any other siblings. Rosette could be a fine dependable girl once and a while when she chose to, but she was far too wild and untamed at times. Her brother on the other hand, was cordial and very polite most of the time, which was often due to his weak health, a disease that had been with him since before he could remember.
Far from the castle grounds, deep within the emerald forest that surrounded the kingdom, laughter and joy could be heard.
A blonde-haired girl with deep blue shining eyes was coaxing a young boy to follow her, as she ran enthusiastically up a green grass covered knoll. Her long golden hair was plaited in two braids on either side of her, falling to mid-back. She wore a simple pink and white dress, which swayed gently as a light breeze drifted up from the shining lake that spread out beneath them on the opposite side of the knoll. An occasional fish could be spotted, flashing its silver scales in the light, before disappearing back into the water, sending droplets flying which reflected rainbows beneath the sunshine soaked sky.
The boy wore a simple outfit, a plain white shirt with black trousers, and as he stumbled up towards his sister, dragging his feet, a smile played upon his lips. They both stood on the edge of the knoll, staring down at the lands beyond, as the gentle kiss of the wind brushed their rosy cheeks.
"Finally we got away from there."
"Rosette, you do this every day." A small bead of perspiration formed on the boy's head, as he glanced over at his sister.
She gave him a sheepish grin, before sinking down into the deep grass that carpeted the ground beneath them. From such a height, they could see the beauty of nature far off all the way to the tall mountains in the distant horizon. She kicked her shapely legs back and forth, as her brother silently joined her, following her movements, but not glancing at her. His fear of heights notwithstanding, he managed to stare out at the horizon without glancing down.
"It's so beautiful..."
"Yeah...One day we'll go out there and see everything, right Rosette?" His gaze locked with her own comforting sapphire eyes, as she placed her hand over his, and gave it a reassuring squeeze. He knew, however, that though she may have painted a cheerful smile on her face, she held guilt secretly within... Having Rosette at his side to help him overcome his weak constitution had helped him a great deal. She only wanted him to experience life, free of the pain that wracked his body.
As Joshua was distracted by the immense expanse of scenery before them, Rosette lowered her eyes. Would Joshua ever be stronger? Why did her brother have to be cursed by God's gift...? Ever since he had been very young, he had possessed the ability to heal others' injuries. Yet, this power slowly drew life from his body and soul slowly. The more he used it, the weaker he became, and the more time he spent resting in bed, gaze locked on the azure sky above with a longing expression. On days like that, he had nothing to do, aside from reading, and watching the passing of the clouds through his gilded cage.
Was this God's will? Such a cryptic message? What were the Apostles for, anyway? She knew little of the history that had been taught her, and it seemed pointless to have such beings when no threat encountered the kingdoms. She couldn't do a thing for her brother, aside from be there for him. She couldn't even alleviate his pain. Yet, she prayed every day that his illness might ease... still no answer had come.
"Rosette?"
She broke from her thoughts, and turned her eyes to the boy at her side. Watching Joshua's smile was more than enough reward for her. She jumped up, and wobbled a bit as she fought to keep her balance, before brushing off her skirt which was covered in dirt and grass. She offered a hand down to him, which he took with a bright smile, grasping it firmly as he pulled himself to his feet.
"Let's go home. Lunch should be prepared soon."
"Right!"
After continuing back the way they had come, and emerging from the deep forest, Joshua grabbed Rosettes hand and squeezed it tightly, as he favored her with a thankful smile. She replied in like, and then playfully bonked his head with her palm. Joshua blinked a bit, as she dashed off down the hill laughing, and then with a mock-angry glare, he rushed after her, attempting to return the favor.
Rosette merely laughed merrily, and sprinted ahead of him, as swift as a young deer. When Joshua was with her, he forgot everything...his illness and the curse he had been stuck with. This is how they spent their childhood days, residing within the Apostle Kingdom.
--- --- ---
"I can hear the sound of bells."
"You may be right."
Chrno glanced over at his brother, whose platinum hair danced wildly in the sudden gust that sprung up around them. Today, the weather was quite pleasant. Though normally only darkness reigned within Pandemonium, occasionally storms sprang up now and then. Today, the wind was enough to refresh his mind, and give him pause to reflect on what they were about to do.
The dark haired demon preferred to wear an old-fashioned brown cloak in order to allow his movements to be free and un-restricted, while Aion favored a long white jacket, his straight silver hair tied back tightly in a gathering at the nape of his neck. Chrno allowed the breeze to play with his long violet hair, as it danced free, the same length as Aion's, but not held back by any hair adornments.
From this spot on the highest cliff in Pandemonium, they could see most of their world...part of their carte blanche. As the wind danced amidst their clothing and hair, lifting dry leaves about and tossing them into the sky, they had reached a decision. Even though they were simply six, they were determined to gain their freedom from the ancient primeval curse that bound them.
"Are you ready?"
"...I don't know whether we're doing the right thing or not..."
"Chrnoooo! We want to see the new world!" Sheda bounced up behind her taller brother, her feline ears twitching madly with excitement, as her swishing tail moved happily behind her, poking out from beneath a long white lab coat. She launched herself at her comrade, and wrapped her arms around his neck as she dangled on his back, her breath tickling his ear as she giggled.
Chrno smiled uncertainly, but allowed himself to laugh at Sheda's sudden attack. "I can't wait to see the world."
His ruby eyes shifted back to Aion, who raised a slim eyebrow at his brother expectantly. Chrno gave a small nod, and sighed with a feeling of defeat pressing in on his chest. He wished to journey out into the lands beyond, but something within kept giving him pause... as if something bad were going to happen.
He straightened up, and turned around to face the gusting wind, as all six of them gazed down distantly beyond to try and penetrate the land beyond the seals. Their freedom would come soon, it wasn't far off. With the power Pandemonia had within her, they would be able to finally break through the shield, and penetrate the outer world. They might have been her children, as all demons were, but no affection graced their hearts for their mother. The children of Pandemonia... to her, they had just been tools to enforce her authority, and fortify her realm.
As he reflected on this, Chrno's mind took a deviation, and reverted to a single person from his memory... a beautiful golden-haired woman, the messenger of God...the one who had helped him experience the warm comforting emotion of love... Mary Magdalene. Chrno shook his head slowly, wishing to banish these thoughts from his mind, as nostalgia hit him. He shouldn't focus on the past... he had made a decision, after all... His brethren, over her. She had made her decision as well.... To save the humans from the battle between the Sinners and the Pursuers.
Once more, he straightened his shoulders, and stood tall, with a determined gaze on his face. He couldn't let something he had fought so hard to over come, go to waste. Though many feelings mixed within him, causing him to doubt his actions, and bewilder his mind, the excited gleam in Aion's eyes kept his goals clear before him.
Now the seals...shall be broken...
---- ---- ----
A young girl blinked, as the gentle wind brushed her cheeks, while she peered through the open window of the rapidly moving train. Her eyes glinted with sadness, though the view outside was beautiful. It couldn't amaze, nor phase her in the least.
She felt a twinge of sadness within, as she reflected. Her aunt's family didn't wish her presence lingering with them any longer. Though she had been adopted ever since her parents had died at the hand of a thief, her aunt had cared for her since, though she knew she was abnormal. Then, finally, the truth had been revealed, and her aunt had packed her up and sent her on her way to the Apostle Kingdom.
Several tears brimmed in the young girls' eyes like sparkling diamonds, before they were carried away by the swift wind, as she leaned further out the window. She never could remain happy, no matter how she tried. Was it because she was an Apostle? Was being an Apostle a curse, or a blessing?
As the train stopped, she stepped down off the car with some hesitation. All around her were people bustling, hurrying, and moving on their way, and no sign of any welcoming committee for her. Though she was not a tall figure, her long silvery hair was a dead giveaway that she was something special...not many people possessed silver hair. She should have been easy for anyone to spot.
She glanced around the city, as she picked up her bags, slowly moving away from the train. The sky was raining flowers...she had never seen anything so beautiful in her life. Yet, through all this beauty, she still felt despair as no one appeared to lead her where she needed to go. Perhaps she should find her own way, then. She stepped forward into the crowd, and glanced at the many faces around her. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood, their faces filled with joy that blossomed out clearly. It seemed she alone was the only one who held no excitement upon her visage, in a place filled with celebration.
She lowered her face in order to hide the pain she felt inside. Why did things have to be this way...?
Before she realized it, she was lost. She glanced up, and around her as she stood before a silent forest, far from the outskirts of town. The forest was calm, and greeted her with a gentle rustle of leaves, which helped to soothe her tumultuous feelings within, as she smiled softly, glancing about her in curiosity.
The silence was welcoming... she didn't feel so lonely with the trees surrounding her... but then suddenly, she blinked twice in confusion, as a voice startled her... were the trees speaking?
"Hey, do you know how to get to the castle?"
The young apostle turned her head back in surprise, as she spotted a young girl, who appeared to be a few years older than she, with long braided golden hair. She held the hand of another boy, who was peering at her curiously. "I know the way there. You're Azmaria Hendrick, right?"
She was a bit startled, but stuttered back quickly.
"Um... ye...yes, I'm she... how do you do?"
"Great! I'm Rosette. Rosette Christopher. This is my brother, Joshua."
"Nice to meet you, Rosette, Joshua." She bowed a bit clumsily, but the two siblings mimicked her actions and laughed together. She had no idea she'd just run into two members of royalty, since they seemed so natural and easy going to her. She had no idea why, but her fear vanished as she joined in their laughter. These two looked like great people, especially the girl...
"You're the Apostle of Fatima, right?"
"Yes..how do you know?"
Rosette shrugged, and glanced back at her brother, who shared a knowing glance with his sister. He sighed deeply, and then lifted his head up, his own blue eyes locking with Azmaria's own as he smiled at her.
"Sheesh, Rosette, you never listen when father talks over dinner. He said she was coming today."
"I was eating at the time!" Rosette protested, scowling. Joshua laughed brightly at her, which only further invited her wrath. But instead of pummeling him, she turned back to Azmaria. "So, you're the apostle then?"
Azmaria nodded hesitantly, feeling doubt creep into her mind. She hoped they wouldn't fear, or hate her because of what she was. She had dealt with rejection like that before, and she dreaded it... her eyes closed, as she anticipated their rejection, but instead, a warm hand snagged her own, and tugged on her.
"Come on, let's go grab lunch. Come with us."
Her face brightened as brilliant as the summer sun at that invitation. She was being asked to come...! She'd never felt so happy before, as she eagerly grabbed her bags, as Rosette's smile widened and together, they ran down the hill, through the forest, back towards the kingdom boundary. It no longer mattered, all the pomp and circumstance awaiting her arrival. No, as long as she had someone to consider a friend, she would be far happier than a mere party could provide for her.
I want it to be like this...forever...
---- ---- ----
"The seven seals.... RELEASE!"
Chrno watched with held breath, as he along with his brethren began to combine their power at Aion's command. Together, the Six Sinners, with the combined strength of Pandemonia's head, began to swirl around, converging as one upon the world, as they joined forces.
Darkness and light slammed into one another, two opposing forces of equal magnitude, which resulted in an explosion of wind and light as they clashed. The Sinners struggled to remain on their feet as the wind howled around them, tearing at their bodies, and screaming in their ears like a fierce tornado. Then... it happened.
A mighty explosion rocked the surrounding countryside around them, as the holy barrier was broken with an enormous ripple of energy that sent the pieces raining down like a shattered mirror.
Aion's pleased smile was evident, as the wind and light began to die down around them.
"Two steps have been completed."
Revolution...broken seals... the seven apostles...and one saint....
Sheda's eyes sparkled with excitement, as she dashed over to her computer console, set up protected behind a rock outcropping, and began to punch in the permutations wildly. Her hand flew over the console, and as she input the information, the whole ground began to rumble, and shake violently. The Demon realm was finally moving....
The whole section of land around them rose into the air, floating free of its confines, as the Sinners watched in delight. Now, finally, they could finish their desires....and achieve the freedom they so longed for.
Aion's eyes met the intense crimson ones of his companion, as a smile spread across his face. Chrno didn't speak a word, however, but just nodded slightly, and he turned about with a swish of his cloak, and strode into the building behind them, as the fortress rose higher into the air. His footsteps returned him to his private room, his mind in deep turbulent thoughts that gave him reason to question whether what they had just done was the right thing...
Soon, they must prepare to fight the Pursuers... the demons had gathered great armies to fight them, furious by the rebellion, their queens' murder, and her own palace converted into the Sinner's private fortress, which now hovered far above the earth, like a citadel. The Pursuers surely would not let them escape, after all this. This is why they needed to find the Apostles before the Pursuers killed them all. To free themselves from this curse, the Apostles were needed... but yet, how could they find them, when the Apostle's Kingdom was under the protection of a powerful force.. the priest's own regiments.
---- ---- ----
"There! I finally did it!"
"Eh? What'd you make, Rosette?"
"Can't you see? It's a necklace!"
"That poor flower... now they'll whither up and die."
"JOSHUA!!!"
It was the god-knew-how-many-th time in the week that Rosette had snuck out. And what's worse, she had taken the two apostles with her. Outside the castle boundaries, there were no barriers that could protect the holy children from the demons and monsters that occasionally frequented the realms. Not all of them had been contained to Pandemonium, after all. Yet, though she was scolded and punished for her foolish actions, Rosette still never gave up her actions. She just kept doing it. The King and Queen were fed up with trying to contain their wild daughter, yet still they couldn't be too harsh on her, for her merriment brought much joy and laugher within the castle, even during the most serious of times. Without her, the castle was an empty building of mere stone and wood.
Today, they were seated upon the hill just outside the forest, where flowers grew in abundance all around them. This place was one of her favorite spots, and Joshua seemed to recover from his illness whenever they frequented it. Azmaria also, looked far happier now than when she had first arrived a mere month ago. When she had come to their kingdom, she had been a lonely solitary girl, who wallowed in self-pity over her gift. But over time, her eyes had brightened, and reflected the excited gleam the two siblings had instilled inside her.
Rosette glanced down at her handmade necklace, and made a face. It wasn't THAT bad. Why did they mock her? Azmaria was secretly trying not to laugh, but couldn't contain it for long, and joined Joshua in his merriment. Rosette threw her a sharp glare too, which cut her laughter off, but didn't wipe the smile from her face as she returned to working on her own flower crown.
When Azmaria finally finished her work of art, she placed it upon her head, and watched as Rosette squabbled with Joshua as he teased his sister yet again. It was fun being with them, for Rosette had a calming effect on everyone. Azmaria's cheeks flushed a bit, as she removed the crown quickly from her head, and they began to fall apart into her lap, in a mess of petals.
Suddenly, the ground began to shake beneath them, as if it were trembling in sudden pain. Azmaria gasped, and toppled over sprawling on top of Joshua as they all lost their balance. After several long minutes, the shaking stopped, and the three sat up.
"Azmaria, are you ok?" Rosette asked, looking a bit shaken, but in better shape than the two apostles with her.
"Um, yeah..." Azmaria's eyes reflected the fear she felt, though she tried to hide it.
Rosette glanced at her brother, who nodded slowly as he sat up. She clamored to her feet, and brushed the grass and dust off her dress, as she glanced around. Something weird was going on...it didn't feel right. She kept getting that prickle down the back of your neck as if something bad was about to happen. She shook her head quickly, and offered a hand to the other two, helping them to their feet.
But that's when she saw them.
The sky was covered in them, thick black masses that began to block out the sunlight as they drew nearer... demons. There were hundreds of them!
Rosette didn't waste any time as she urged Joshua and Azmaria to run, quickly, as fast as they could back towards the castle. The kingdom most likely had NO idea that anything was wrong yet... they HAD to warn them! If anything happened to the apostles... Rosette would feel the guilty weight of full responsibility.
They ran swiftly, their breath pounding through their chests as the fled, but of course there was no way they could outrun their pursuing enemies. Azmaria fell heavily to the ground, as a root caught her foot, tripping her. Joshua also collapsed against a tree, clasping a hand to his chest as he struggled for breath. His illness still plagued him, and he couldn't go on like this.
Rosette felt helplessness well up, as anger at her own foolish actions swept through her. This was her responsibility to protect them! And protect them she would!
She whirled around, and stood in front of the two, arms spread wide in front of her, as her blue eyes gleamed angrily at the oncoming demons. How dare them! The two apostles gasped for breath behind her, as they clung to the trunks of the trees in a desperate attempt to hide from the demons. Joshua reached out, tugging on his sister's sleeve, desperately trying to bring her back closer to them, but she refused to move.
Then, a gigantic demon with a double bladed axe landed heavily before them, it's towering bulk ominous as it leered down, thrilled at finding three unlucky victims of it's hunt this quickly upon entering the human realm. Its axe reflected the eerie light of the sun, as a red haze began to cover its normally cheerful golden presence.
Rosette's eyes lifted to the demon before her, wide and frightened as she met its own malicious ones with her gaze. The axe was going to cleave her in two, she knew that immediately... her life would end, and her soul would return to the Astral Line in that moment.
"ROSETTE!!"
She shut her eyes, her heart pounding in fear as she heard her brothers' terrified scream behind her. She didn't dare open them...she didn't wish to see her death come so quickly... But still, she kept her arms raised in defense of the ones she cared for, as she stood tall, unmoving against the demon's massive bulk.
One desperate thought flew through her mind in that split second....
Someone... please help!!!!