Disclaimer: : Chrno Crusade belongs to the mighty Moriyama-sensei, may he write more! We own nothing!
Rubydream: Thank you, minna-san! I'm truly happy to see good responds from everyone. We'll try to update soon well it depends on my English skill and Night-san's free time. How come I got this idea? Actually it's because I play game too much. Lol. For the description of their dialogue and background are thanks to Night-san, not me. . She works hard on it I can't describe it as nice as her sweatdrop So let's shower her reviews for her hardworking! bow....bow..... Thanks for proofread, Nightelfcrawler-san!
Nightelfcrawler : I'm happy to be of help, this fic is so much fun to read! You have the most creative mind! I'm curious to see where it's going Since I'm re-writing paragraph by paragraph I too have very little idea where she's going with this. wai!
Story by Rubydream
Edited by Nightelfcrawler
As the axe began to fall, Rosette closed her eyes instinctively. Behind her, crimson and azure eyes watched with fear and shock, as Joshua and Azmaria huddled close in fear. Azmaria couldn't help but feel a rising sense of helplessness, and then abruptly, she felt a powerful essence rise within her. She felt the sudden support of something strange...something brilliant, as it flooded her limbs and rose up with her desire to save Rosette's life.
"NOOO!!!!!!"
At the cry, Rosette managed to wrench her head back, in time to see a brilliantly warm burst of light envelop Azmaria. Ethereal wings were spread behind her, enveloping the three of them as the young Apostle sought to protect those whom she had befriended. But as she did, her breath began to shorten, as the power she'd called upon was taking a heavy toll upon her, and tiring her quickly.
Rosette didn't waste a single moment. As the light hit the demon, it vanished with a howl of pain, as it disintegrated into ash, quicker than one could blink. Rosette grabbed both Joshua's and Azmaria's hands, and ran fleeing into the forest. Hopefully the brilliant light would have saved them a few moments so they could escape. But Rosette also figured if Azmaria passed out, they would be out of luck... After all, an Apostle's birth was always the strongest moment of their powers... This was the first time that Azmaria had embraced her own power.
As they ran, Rosette swore beneath her breath. How could she have forgotten to bring her precious guns?! As a sister to an Apostle, part of her responsibility was to protect her brother. Princesses weren't just useless tittering idiots here; no instead they were strictly trained to be able to defend themselves, and their people from demons. Since she was very little, she had been taught to reel her fear in, and faced the evil instead of run from it. Her brother was similarly trained to fight, but mostly to focus his ability when he could...unfortunately this only caused him severe pain. This was why Rosette always helped him run away when it came time for their lessons.
"Come on! Don't look back, Azmaria!!"
Unfortunately, it couldn't be helped. Azmaria stumbled, completely drained of energy, as the light around her died away, the wings disintegrating into the air like fine mist, as her eyes slipped closed with exhaustion. She lost her grip on Rosette's hand, and slipped from her protective grasp. Rosette turned her head backwards to see the young apostle laying flat on the grass, face drenched in sweat, completely out cold. She whirled about and knelt beside her, worry tearing at her heart.
"Run, Joshua! Inform the kingdom of the sudden invasion! "
"But..! "
"Stop dawdling! If both of us stay here, we'll die together! Believe me! I won't let myself be killed that easy! Now go! "
Joshua met her determined gaze, and nodded once. His chest ached in worry, but he couldn't let it rule his senses. He turned and sprinted down towards the castle, as fast as his legs would carry him, clutching his chest with his hand as he went. The pain was pounding through him the longer he ran...he had to hurry, if he could endure it...
As the demons approached from over the crest of the hill, Rosette held Azmaria's unconscious figure tightly to her, determined to protect her friend with everything she had. A firm dedication clutched at her chest, and she stood up sharply, clutching her friend close to her as she staggered to walk with the extra burden.
"Not good...she's lost her power now that she's out..." Rosette muttered, after murmuring a choice swear word that a princess should not utter.
She scanned her surroundings rapidly for a route of escape. After a quick deliberation, she ran into the bushes, and lay Azmaria down out of sight, so that the demons would be sure to overlook her...then she promptly ran in the opposite direction.
"I have to attract their attention for a while......"
Her hand reached into her pocket, and grasped the one thing she had for defense...a bottle of holy water. She only carried it for emergencies, but today was definitely a good day to use it. She glanced once back in Azmaria's direction, before she burst out into the clearing in order to direct the demons away form the young apostle. It wasn't long then, until the demons spotted her and surged in her direction, as she ran back through the forest.
She bellowed loudly to get their attention, and she got it immediately. They surged towards the small blonde girl, and she kept her heart strong, as courage pumped through her veins as she held her ground. When they were close enough, she gave a defiant shout, and hurled the bottle of holy water directly at the largest one. It screamed in agony as the water collided with it, bursting upon impact against its tough hide, and burning its skin and eyes instantly. Rosette allowed herself a wide grin at her victory, but...well there were still many more, and the holy water had just pissed off the demon she'd thrown it at, rather than kill it. She dove through and between the trees, winding her way through the maze-like foliage as her breath tore at her lungs. Luckily, her memory served her well, as she dove through the trees easily, knowing every twist and turn since she had discovered the forest when she had been a small child.
Still, the demons pursued her, their fury and lust for revenge on the saucy princess' actions driving them forward. She slipped easily through the trees, since she was smaller than they, but still, her stamina wasn't as strong. Before long, she came to a shaky halt, as she listened intently as the sounds of pursuit diminished. Her legs shakily gave out beneath her, as she collapsed against a large tree trunk, her face drenched with sweat. Complete fear clutched at every side of her, as the courage she had summoned slowly left her shaky, and weak. As she sat there, the sunny pasture suddenly began to darken ominously. Her blue eyes widened in fear, as her gaze lifted skyward, to see black silhouettes blanketing the sky above her.
The explosion that rocked the center of the forest was enough to shake the ground far beyond its epicenter....
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"Hurrah! I found two apostles in the area! Applause please, for my glorious invention!"Sheda's tail twitched with excitement behind her, as she clapped a hand to her chest, proud of herself, and smiling brightly. Her companions both laughed with slight embarrassment, as they glanced at one another.
Ion shook his head, still grinning, as he turned to Chrno with a smirk, and a raise of his eyebrow to ask if he was ready. Chrno simply lowered his gaze a bit, and nodded.
With a small flux of light and wind, the two demons leapt off the edge of their Castle in the Air, wings expanding as they changed forms, and rode the breeze down gently, as they angled towards the earth far below. It didn't take long to reach the ground, and as their feet gently touched the grass, they reverted back into their human guises. With a quick nod to one another, then separated, going into different parts of the forest to search for the two apostles. The apostles were in grave danger at the moment. The Pursuers would try to kill them the moment they discovered them, for they knew that Ion needed them to complete his grand scheme. This was why the Sinners had to find them first.
As Ion walked through the trees, his awareness was caught by the rustling of grass to the side. His eyes darted to the side, and a smile graced his features. Luck seemed to be on his side today, and whatever gods might grace him with their blessing seemed favorable. He wouldn't have to go about this blasted wilderness in search of his quarry, since the young boy seemed to have paused in hiding, clearly scared of something. He must have encountered the Pursuers then, but how did he manage to escape? Ah well, best not worry about it.
With quiet steps, he approached from behind, and then gently tapped the boy on the shoulder. Joshua gave a violent start, and whirled his head around, eyes wide as fear was clearly written on his face. Now was the perfect opportunity, Ion reflected. He smiled kindly down at the boy.
"Put your fears aside, I'm here to help."
The young boy stared up at him with wide eyes then suddenly, he began to slump backwards, as his eyes rolled back in his head. Ion knelt down quickly catching him as he slumped into unconsciousness; the last thing on his lips was a murmured name that Ion didn't manage to catch, as he scooped the young boy up into his arms.
A sudden cold feeling stopped him dead in his tracks, and his head tilted upwards towards the sky as the evil energy washed over him, coming from another source.
The Pursues are here... Well, I'll take care of them later. Now......Has Chrno found the other messenger?
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"Rosette?"
As he ran, Joshua glanced back, stopping dead in his tracks abruptly, as the ground beneath his feet rumbled, and shook. His eyes widened, as he saw the distant explosion from behind, and a hand reached up to his chest, clutching it tightly, as sweat rolled down his forehead in anticipation of the worst...
"No.....she can't be...."
Absentmindedly, he turned back towards the forest, disbelief clutching at him. But out of nowhere, he felt a sudden tap upon his shoulder, and his whole body jerked in fear, as he whirled around, alarm rippling through him. The sight that greeted him was definitely not what he had expected... a tall man with dark skin, platinum hair that drifted down loose around his waist, and wire rimmed glasses reflecting the daylight sun with an eerie glow. He smiled at him, which jolted Joshua into immediate suspicion.
He took a step back, fear surging through him. Where was his sister? What about Azmaria? What did this guy want? His intention was to run, flee from everything frightening, find his sister, and find somewhere to hide. However, as he turned, he felt a weakness wash over him, as everything from the past few moments began to catch up with him, and wrapped around him, sending him reeling and drifting into unconsciousness. As the darkness was wrapping around him, his thoughts drifted to the only person whom he could think solely of reaching.... His sister....
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The wind picked up slightly around him, as Chrno glanced about him, ruby eyes glittering with curiosity, as his loose violet hair swirled around his neck. He could feel the Apostle's presence, but... the stronger pressure of something else filled the air, muting it. It was the Pursuers; he knew...their auras were oppressing the smaller, singular presence of the Apostle, so that he couldn't quite pinpoint it. He had to hurry though... or else he would be too late, and simply find a body instead of a person.Suddenly, the ground began to shake all around, uprooting small trees and shaking leaves down from their perches. His heart began to beat faster, and with a sharp jerk, his gaze fell on a sudden scene that caused his body to go cold suddenly. A huge explosion in the middle of the sea of trees, fire burning and smoke rising in enormous plumes... He instantly whirled on foot, and began racing through the foliage, towards the scene. That had to be it... the Apostle, and the Pursuers were there.
It didn't take long to reach the scene, and when he did, his breath caught. There was an enormous space of burned debris, and ash floating around for a good quarter mile radius. No living thing could have survived such a strike, he marveled, with wide eyes as the ash blew past his face, brushing his hair and dusting it with a slight powder of gray. But then, his gaze landed on a gathering of dark shapes off to the side, and his hand clenched into a fist at his side. Pursuers.... But ... Wait! His eyes shot open wider. He had just spotted something else....
A small blonde girl was stumbling out from the branches that had been blown across her body. She coughed harshly, the ash and smoke choking her, and blinding her eyes, as she rubbed them hard to relieve the stinging of the soot. Her dress had been completely blackened, parts of it burned away by the explosion. As she stood up she flinched in pain, as a lancing streak of agony shot up her wrist. Tears filled her eyes, as she gasped lightly, clutching her hand tightly as she realized something was badly wrong with it.
A sudden motion to the side of her jolted her into action, as she dove aside, narrowly missing the sweep of a falling axe as it whistled by her shoulder, imbedding into the tree trunk behind her. The pain in her wrist forgotten, she whirled around and fled as fast as she could from the source of the danger, the demons who were all gathered around her. But, unfortunately, there was no way out, as she quickly found herself being backed up once more, surrounded. She stood tall in defiance, as a demon approached her, her eyes not wavering.
"Where is the Apostle? "
"I won't let you touch my brother and Azmaria!! "
On the outskirts of the burned copse, Chrno's head sharply raised. She knew where the Apostles were! This meant, if he wanted to find out where they were, he'd best not let the Pursuers kill her... She was too young to die a tragic death anyway, and he would have helped her despite her knowledge, he would have liked to think... but on the other hand...there were a great many of them....
The demon's axe whistled down towards Rosette, deadly and gleaming, as the young girl closed her eyes in fear. It happened in a blink of an eye, and Rosette barely had time to register what had happened. One moment she had been crouching in terror, certain her death was upon her, the next moment, she was sailing through the air, the ground spinning away from her, dizzily below. Her eyes wrenched up, only to meet the startling blood red ones of another demon, as he held her tightly to him, wings wide as they soared swiftly skimming the ground. She cried out in alarm, and struggled in terror, managing to slip free of his grasp, falling to her rear with a slight bump, as she hit the ground. Thankfully, they hadn't been too high, and the fall only made her wince as she scrambled to her feet, running from him. He landed lightly on the ground, wings dropping, as he regarded her with a slight frown, watching her glare dangerously at him from a distance. He rubbed the back of his head lightly, considering the situation.
"You won't capture Joshua and Azmaria! I won't let you! "
"Miss, you've got the wrong idea..."
"Don't come closer! "
"Look.....I....."
Rosette abruptly turned, running once more. Chrno reached out swiftly, trying to catch a hold of her arm, and managed to snag her wrist as she turned. However, she didn't give up her struggle, as she fought, twisted, and cried out, before she suddenly froze in place, her gaze drifting past the demon holding her in place, to somewhere over his shoulder. He blinked a little, relieved she'd stopped, not realizing the sudden danger that had been approaching from the rear. But as he realized her gaze wasn't focused on him, he slowly turned his head to the side, but too late, as a huge fist broadsided him, sending him flying directly into a tree with a short cry of alarm.
Rosette's eyes shot open in sudden shock and understanding, as she realized that this demon had been actually attempting to protect her. She rushed to his side, kneeling down as she watched the blood running down his forehead from the impact. A cold fury clutched her, as she grabbed handfuls of Chrno's cloak, and whirled around, standing before him, facing the Pursuers with a furious face.
"He doesn't have any business with you! Let him go!"
"No...run..." A hoarse voice behind her caused Rosette to turn, watching as the demon who had helped her flee, fixed her with an intense stare.
Slowly, his hands came up, and gripped the fist that clutched his head tightly in place; the Pursuer facing him was far larger, and able to hold him in place. His vision swam, and an aching ringing filled his head, as a powerful headache throbbed the longer the demon held its hand to his head.
Rosette practically exploded, though her eyes were wide with fear, as doubt crept into her gaze. "No. I couldn't leave you like this!"
Her courage was amazing... Chrno reflected, as he watched her stand defiantly beside him. But this was no place for her. His blazing crimson eyes wrenched from her, to alight upon malicious glittering black ones of the Pursuer holding him to the ground. Slowly, he concentrated his power, and a brilliant explosion of light rocked the small scene, as Chrno wrenched himself away from his attacker's grip.
Rosette could only stare in amazement, overwhelmed by what was happening.
The demon staggered back, howling in pain as Chrno stumbled backwards, his back to Rosette as he backed away from the demon, facing front without glancing behind him at her.
"Time to go. Where are your friends? "
"They......"
"Rosette....."
The blonde girl turned her head. That familiar voice was......
"Azmaria! "
The young apostle was leaning against the trees nearby, her face bright as she gazed across at Rosette, seeing she had managed to escape earlier. For Az, Rosette represented the most important friend, and a close sister. There was nothing more relieving than to find she was safe. However, her expression changed, as her eyes shifted to the tall figure beside her. A tall, handsome stranger...who had two horns protruding from the side of his head along with long extended ears. Azmaria took a step back, beginning to tremble as she realized what he was.
"Ro.....rosette....."
Rosette gave a swift glance over at the man, realizing suddenly what it must look like to the young apostle. She gave the demon a swift glance, before she walked towards Az with a comforting smile, filled with confidence. "Ah...him? You don't have to worry. He saved my life just now. Any way, are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere? "
Azmaria seemed to relax a little, relief washing over her face, as she smiled warmly. Her trust in her friend, extended to anyone the princess believed in. She slowly took a few steps forward towards Rosette, when the rest of the demons, finally emerged, being alerted by the one who had attacked Chrno. They surged forward as one, their intent clear.
"You! Take your friend away from here! "
"But! I can't leave you here alone! "
The surprised glance Chrno shot her was slowly replaced by a warm smile, as his crimson eyes glittered in secret amazement. She was worried about him, a demon, when she'd run from him earlier, when her own life was on the line.
"Don't worry! Everything will be fine! "
The young girl turned on heel, pulling Azmaria behind her quickly as she headed into the forest. Chrno watched them as they departed, a faint smile tugging his lips, as he made sure he bought them some time, before he turned and faced the gathering demons before him.
"So...you're continuing to hunt us."
"Do you really think we'd let you get away with what you have planned?"
Chrno's crimson eyes lifted slowly, fear clenching his heart at the familiar voice. Sure enough, a familiar figure above made his eyes widen in alarm.
"Dufaux! "
"Long time no see, Chrno, the Sinner. "
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Rosette fled as quickly as her legs could take her, holding Azmaria's hand tightly in her own, not giving either of them a chance to breath for a second. All she could think about was fleeing to safety. And to find her brother.Abruptly, when she burst out of the trees, she saw a glimpse of her brother from behind the fringe of trees just ahead. She surged forward, hope filling her as she closed the distance, exhaustion on the verge of consuming her. Almost there, Joshua...!
Then, she got a full view.
Joshua was in the arms of a strange man, dressed in a long white coat that billowed slightly in the wind. Long silver hair spilled over his back from a tie at the back of his nape, lifting slightly in the wind and brushing his arm slightly.
Rosette's eyes narrowed and she stepped forward, her voice shaking a bit, but strong with anger, since she had no idea who this strange man was.
"You!! Let my brother go!! "
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Ion was in not a very pleasant mood, as he glanced blankly around the forest, carrying the unconscious body of the young boy, and slightly irked at his predicament.He was lost.
The wind tossed some dust in his face, as he muttered, listening to the intense silence around him that threatened to drive him mad.
"Where am I?! "
Though he tried to sense Chrno and the other Apostles' presence, he couldn't really pinpoint anything. The presence of the other demons in the area was obliterating the ability to distinguish individual auras. But then, out of nowhere, a voice startled him, and made him turn around. He blinked in slight surprise, seeing a small blonde girl standing before him, face angry and intense, which even made him take a step back. But his gaze was distracted, as he caught sight of the silvery haired girl approaching behind the first girl.
Well well, isn't this a stroke of luck.
He smiled slowly, as his worries eased. Two apostles in a matter of minutes. On top of that, now he could find his way out of these blasted thick woods. He turned around, and faced the young woman, kneeling down before her. She instantly lunged forward, and snatched the young boy from his grip, and he didn't attempt to stop her, his eyes intense on hers. She couldn't go far with him; there was no need to worry.
"Who are you?! "
"My, my......I come here to save your friend and your brother, and this is the thanks I get? "
"Save us? Are you his friend? "
"Who? "
"I don't know. He's a demon with violet hair. "
Ion blinked twice, before he reached forward, and put a firm hand on her shoulder, peering at her intensely. She tried to pull back, alarmed by the contact, since she didn't like strangers coming up and groping her.
"You meet him? Where is he? "
"Um.....he saved us and went to fight those bad guys. "
"Lead me there! "
Rosette nodded a little, glancing back at Azmaria with a worried look. But the young apostle nodded in affirmation, giving her a faint smile. As they turned, Ion frowned, worried about his brother. Chrno was powerful, and could hold his own certainly. He was a match for a hundred Pursuers if need be... but if Dufaux made an appearance, then things changed. Dufaux was too risky to take on without a plan first.
"I will go with you."
"Ok but don't get too close to them, Az... we don't wanna be caught ourselves."
"You worry too much, Rosette. "
"Come on. We must hurry. "Ion urged, putting a hand on the young girl's shoulder and urging her to lead on.
Azmaria's gaze didn't leave the violet hued man's as troubled ruby eyes reflected back at his. Rosette frowned, not understanding.
Jeez....what's wrong with him?
Ion bore Joshua in his arms as they made their way through the forest, following Joshua with Az at their side. As they walked, Rosette's forehead gleamed with sweat. She had been running for hours now, and was exhausted. But still... she pushed on.
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His breath came sharp, and pained, as he closed his eyes, feeling exhaustion and pain pound through him. The tree he leaned against was stained with crimson blood flowed out of his body from the many grievous injuries he had sustained after the ferocious, yet short battle that had been waged right here. Chrno tried to push himself up straight, as his vision blurred from the blood that clouded his eyes, and reminded him why it wasn't smart to go up against the Duke.Dufaux hovered above the battered Sinner, some wounds across his own body, clothes torn, but nowhere near as decimated as his opponent. He watched as Chrno brushed the blood from his eyes, and once more raised his hand up, summoning power to unleash at him. Dufaux smirked faintly, and merely prepared for the strike by calling his own forth to shield, as Chrno's attack bored into him in a brilliant flare of light. All around them, disaster waged. Trees were uprooted, and blown clear from the ground, as the foliage all around blackened instantly to ash.
They both staggered back by the attack, Chrno hit the wood of the tree behind him again, gasping for breath, and looking up, eyes wide as he didn't see a single sign of Dufaux.
It was then the elder demon struck.
Dufaux materialized from the sea of smoke and dust, aiming directly towards the injured Sinner. Chrno dodged to the side, jumping away, but Dufaux anticipated this and lunged forward from another angle. As Chrno dodged his first attack, Dufaux concentrated power in his right fist, and before the startled demon could realize what was going on, Dufaux had his hands wrenched firmly on each of Chrno's horns, as the demon slammed into his opponent, knocking his attack back easily. Light poured into the twin horns on either side of Chrno's head, as the ruby eyes of the Sinner shot open in fear, and pain.
"Foolish Sinner..."
"Chrno!! "
The moment Ion cried out his brother's name, he knew it was too late. A piercingly agonizing scream of pain echoed through the forest, as birds were startled away in flocks, and the scream bounced off of the mountains surrounding the forest with an eerie echo.
Rosette jerked to a halt, eyes wide in horror as she beheld the scene before her. Not even thinking, she whirled on Azmaria, and turned the girl around before she could see the heart wrenching bloody scene, as his scream continued to pierce through the forest around them. Her eyes filled with tears, as her heart ached listening to him. He was a complete stranger, why did she feel this way... but yet, the strange empathy she felt as she listened to his pain, tugged at her stronger than anything else had in her entire life.
With a violent shove, Ion shoved Joshua into Rosette's arms, and burst out of his human guise, rocketing towards the two demons at breakneck speed, his amethyst eyes glittering with a furious burning hatred and need for revenge. However, the moment he drew near, Dufaux glanced over his shoulder and with a smirk, vanished in place, just as he gave a strong wrench, and tore the horns from the screaming demons' head with a violent wrench.
Ion knelt down, his shoulders shaking, as he gently supported Chrno as the demon began to topple from his knees to the grounds. Rosette watched, her arm wrapped tightly around Azmaria's as tears filled her eyes, watching the scene as she held her brother's shoulder tightly in her lap. She couldn't tear her eyes away from the bodies that littered the burned out copse... what had once been an emerald green marvel of beauty, now a hollowed out graveyard.
Ion's gaze lowered with a torn look, as he surveyed the shivering form held limply in his arms. Everything was covered in blood...it stained Ion's own white clothing, and darkened Chrno's hair from a shimmering violet, to a vibrant vermillion. Ion slowly raised a hand to the side of the fallen demon's head, closing his eyes with a pained expression. What was he to do now...? His gaze lifted towards the children on the rise, and he made a decision, and scooped Chrno's limp body up, gently carrying the wounded demon up the rise, and placing him on the ground not far from the others, and looking up, locking eyes with Rosette.
The young girl was still clutching her two friends tightly; her blue eyes wide and locked on the violet ones of the white haired demon, who was covered in his friend's blood. Azmaria kept her eyes averted, knowing she couldn't handle it, which was for the best, as Rosette fixed her gaze on the prone figure, who looked as if he were already dead...
He's soaked in blood.....What should I do? He's actually wounded because of me. Because I'm powerless and I couldn't protect Joshua and Azmaria, he has to endure this pain.
She closed her eyes, as she thought that through. She had to help. She might be despised by everyone else for doing so, but it was her responsibility to do this. Her heart couldn't accept leaving an innocent bystander to die because of her weakness. Her eyes lifted, as she watched Ion calling the man's name, Chrno, a look of intense mourning crossed his features. The fallen demon's eyes were barely open, and she watched as Ion continued to talk to him, trying to keep him conscious, as he desperately thought of a way to solve this.
"Ne, what should we do to save him? "
Ion looked her way, with a brief glare of anger, as if he were blaming her for this. But her determined eyes met his full on, which caused him to blink a bit. Beneath him Chrno was struggling to open his eyes more, dimly aware something was going on around him, but so out of it he couldn't determine what was happening. Rosette stood up suddenly, causing Azmaria to glance back, which only made her pale and promptly passed out as she laid eyes upon the scene. Rosette gave her a slight glance before stepping up next to the two demons.
"We could do something to save him, right? Tell me what to do!! "
"You....."
Ion began to say, but was stopped short, as he felt a pressure at his jacket, and glanced down quickly to see Chrno shaking his head as his hand clutched Ion's jacket. He knew what his brother was thinking... Ion quickly looked back up and fixed his intense stormy gaze upon the young woman.
"What is it? "She asked nervously, having seen the look pass between them.
"If you don't allow her, you will die. "Ion said flatly, not moving his gaze from Rosette's.
"I don't.......wish to....." Chrno tried to say, but his lungs seized up as a weak cough choked the words from his mouth.
Ion felt doubt creep into his heart. If Chrno insisted, who was he to reject his brother's request..? But Rosette stepped up and tugged a bit on his sleeve, making him lift his eyes up to meet her fierce sapphire ones. On the other hand, he needed his brother...and he couldn't really say no to the young woman. So, he lowered his gaze, and glanced apologetically at the dying demon.
"I don't want to lose my brother. "
"Ion....!! "Chrno's eyes widened and he struggled to move, but at his weakened state, and dire straits, he couldn't manage to move, and he only managed to cough more blood out, and fall back weakly to the ground.
Ion knelt before the young princess, and smiled faintly, reaching out and taking a lock of her golden hair with his hand, making sure not to mar its beauty with any blood. "You truly wish to help him?" At her nod, he smiled kindly. "Then what you must do is make a contract with him. This means that he can live, without the horns that give us our life-force and power... but the supply of power he draws on is your soul. It means the more you give him power, the shorter your life will be."
Rosette stood there in silence, weighing this. Was she really that devoted to helping him to sacrifice her own life...? Her gaze shifted back to the two Apostles behind her, and then back to Ion, who was waiting for her reply, with an urgent warning in his eyes. She couldn't delay; she had to make a decision. She smiled. Her eyes danced with hope, and reflected the spark of courage that was like a flame that would not die within her.
"I'll do it. If I can save him, it'll make me happy. He saved me, and my friend and brother. I owe him his life at least as thanks."
She closed her eyes, with a small smile, accepting the decision she'd made. Ion watched her with a hint of compassion in his eyes, impressed. He'd thought knowing the truth about what the cost was to her, but when she had still decided to accept this fate, he regarded her with a new light. His eyes turned once to Chrno's face, noting that the demon's eyes were beginning to slip shut. They didn't have a choice any longer. They had to act.
"Merge your blood with his. "
Rosette blinked at this odd request, but she didn't hesitate, as she pulled a sharp piece of shattered rock beside her, and made a swift slice to her palm, despite the pain as she pulled it across her skin, rending it open slightly. She bit back a whimper, and approached the fallen figure.
She knelt down beside him; sadness filling her eyes as she gently bent down and picked his head up in her own. His eyes stirred, slipping half open, and blurrily meeting hers, dimly aware what was about to happen, and flickering guilt lighting his eyes. But, she simply reached forward, and pushed her bloodied hand on to his wounded chest. The instant she did, a brilliant light whirled around them both, as brilliant red patterns of light swirled around on his chest, and up her arm, as his whole body arched at the contact. Rosette gasped aloud; as she felt her breath being drawn from her... it was as if someone was squeezing the life out of her.... It HURT... and it felt smothering.... But she held her hand flat, as she watched the wounds on the man beneath her began to slowly heal over, the blood vanishing.
And then, it was over, and she collapsed over him, unconscious, as his breath slowly came in and out, no longer faint or uneven.
The contract had been made.
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Hours later, Dufaux made his way through the ruined copse. There was no evidence left... the only trace, was a pool of dried blood, some stains on the local trees, and a patch of grass stained dark brown. He sighed a bit, cursing silently, but there was little he could do. He had retreated too soon, having taken more glee in watching Ion's fury at him slipping away, to think that he might be losing his chance to kill them now. But now, he couldn't feel any aura of the Sinners anywhere near. With a shake of his head, he faded out, returning to his armies, anger burning in a deep abyss within him.--- ---- ----
Slowly, Rosette's eyes slipped open, as her awareness drifted back into place. Why did the wind feel so strong against her cheek... Her gaze shifted to the side, and widened in faint surprise, as she saw a massive fortress rising before her...floating in mid air, amidst the fluffy white clouds, as natural as you please. Just ahead, she could see the extended wings of the white haired demon, carrying Azmaria and Joshua in his arms... She sighed in relief. At least they were safe....
Her gaze slowly shifted then, to the figure who was close to her...carrying her. Her cheeks reddened a bit, as she realized just how close their faces were, and she quickly lowered her gaze. The soft sorrowful gaze Chrno gave her was enough to explain everything. His injuries were healed, but his heart was not. To him, harming a young girl by stealing her life from her bit by bit was almost as bad as dying itself.
"Why...?" He asked quietly. "Why did you do it?"
She glanced up his way again, her eyes feeling heavy and tired. It hurt him more than she... The pain was gone for them both, but while she felt weak, it couldn't damper her spirit, as she smiled up at him, disregarding her exhaustion and weakness as she fought past it with her abundant courage.
"Do what? "
"The contract. "
She didn't reply, since she didn't really feel it was necessary to do so. What was done was done. They slipped up to the edge of the fortress, and his wings spread bringing them to a halt as he touched down lightly, and she slipped lightly from his grasp, but still felt his strong arms supporting her, as she was too weak to do so own her own.
"The contract will kill you one day. "
Rosette's gaze slid over to Ion, as the other demon stood waiting for them to join him, but he simply shrugged, and gently set the two apostles down against the wall nearby. She closed her eyes slightly, before she glanced back up at Chrno, eyes glittering with newfound determination.
"Ne, can you return them to the Kingdom? "
Ion gave her a wary look, but smiled. Chrno gazed down at her, gaze flabbergasted as he fought to understand how she could consider other people before herself in a time like this. Of course, it also meant she was avoiding his question.
"We couldn't. We need them. That is why we've been searching for them. "
"Then, will you at least guarantee their safety? "
"Of course, we need them, nothing will happen to them, I give you my word."
Her eyes glittered up at him suddenly with an almost malicious gleam, which caused Ion to take a step back, staring at her with wide, nervous eyes.
"You better, pal, because if anything happens to them, I'm canceling this contract thingy."
There was an awkward silence, before soft laughter relieved the tension in the area, as Rosette glared fiercely at the two, before they finally trailed off, eyeing the furious young girl whose hands were placed on her hips in a disapproving manner.
Ion shook his head, but nodded in agreement, and exchanged a knowing look with Chrno.
"I guess I should thank you for saving our lives. I'm Rosette Christopher." She turned around and stared up at Chrno. "And you are? I don't wanna make a contract with some guy whose name I don't even know."
Ion chuckled more, watching as Chrno rubbed the back of his head with a sheepish smile. Rosette watched him, rubbing the back of her eyes with her hand, lazily, as she stuck her other one out directly at Chrno.
"My name is Chrno. But... my question, you haven't......."
His words were abruptly cut off though, as Rosette slumped forward directly into him. He caught her, startled, and peered down at her with curious eyes, to find her fast asleep. Ion shook his head, and glanced at the sleeping apostles. Chrno seemed to find her amusing...it was rather cute if you thought about it.
With a resigned sigh, Chrno scooped Rosette up into his arms, and made his way towards the sleeping rooms before the other Sinners came to greet their return.
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Four years later in Eden.....
The wind seemed to laugh, as it brushed up against the young woman's rosy cheeks, her long golden hair swaying behind her over her shoulders, as a golden clock on the end of a thick chain dangled from around her neck. She wore a simple white cotton shirt, and a skirt, as she hummed lightly staring out past the drifting clouds beyond her, dancing blue eyes shifting to meet curious crimson ones beside her.
"Rosette? "
"Chrno! What's up? "
"Nothing. I found your room was empty, so I killed some time searching for you. "
"The sky is pretty here. "
"Be careful though. It's high up here. "
She waved her hands about her wildly, giving him a sheepish smile. Her companion sighed deeply, and slipped down to sit beside her. She never considered the danger of any situation if she enjoyed doing it. Anyone who fell from this height would die instantly; it was too high to expect anything less. But he wouldn't allow his contractor to slip away that easily. He watched her face, as her eyes searched the sky out beyond them.
She had grown much in the past four years, blossoming from a girl to a lady virtually overnight. As he watched her grow, a strange feeling within had begun to burn secretly. He tried to ignore it by pushing those thoughts aside most of the time, but sometimes... He smiled gently over at her.
"Anyway, breakfast is ready. "
"Really? "
Her eyes lit up with a new fervor, as she jumped to her feet, and dashed back inside swifter than he could blink, as he was left sitting there, an embarrassed grin on his face, before he rose and jogged after her, as she beckoned to him eagerly.
The kitchen door swung open as the two entered, and Rosette waved once as she spotted the silvery haired apostle was already there, preparing, her best smile on her face as usual. She was placing a bowl of soup on the table, as she looked up at them with a sunny disposition.
"Good morning, Rosette! "
"Good morning! "
She threw herself into a chair, kicking her feet up and making her brother roll his eyes, from the seat next to her.
"Mou.....you will break the chair if you do that every day, Rosette. "
Rosette threw him a glare, as Rizel strode in, grumbling incomprehensibly about hating mornings. Jenai entered shortly afterwards, shooting the usual insults at everyone. Rosette ignored them however, whispering a swift prayer, as she often did every morning.
Joshua and Azmaria joined her, as they often did. When they first had joined the Sinners, the others had ignored their ritual, disliking their choice of habits, and feeling uncomfortable by it. The only two that seemed not to mind had been Ion and Chrno. No matter how much the others had pressured her, Rosette had refused to give up her ritual. So, Ion pleasantly enjoyed teasing her, as he did this morning by snatching her bread while she wasn't looking. When she finished, she noticed, and scolded him with fury like a tempest, as the others sighed in defeat, used to this practice.
"Ion! Why you!! It's mine! "
Chrno smiled as he munched his bread, watching the chaos with an amused smile as he always did. It was peaceful, in a way, he reflected watching Rosette chase Ion around that table, Rizel smacking her forehead on the table, and Jenai plugging his ears, trying to read his paper. The only one who was enthusiastic about the situation was Sheda, who was cheering for Rosette, who bounced up and down as they ran around.
"Really Ion, you're worse than the kids." Rizel growled.
"Lighten up and enjoy yourself, Rizel." The tan demon chuckled, standing tall, and waving the bread over his head teasingly at the short girl glaring up at him furiously.
Ion smirked as Rosette tried to grab her bread, uttering a few choice words as she made the attempt. No matter how she grew up, she wouldn't be able to be tall enough to ever compete with him and manage to outreach him. At the moment, she only reached his shoulder with her eyes, which was hardly enough. All the other Sinners sighed, used to this routine, as Azmaria giggled with Joshua, as he tried not to choke on his water.
"Humph!! "
Rosette finally gave up, and plopped back in her chair with a small pout, as Joshua scooted aside, to give her room with a lopsided grin. She closed her eyes, a dangerous aura flickering around her as she pouted. Chrno shook his head, and walked over to Ion, accepting the bread the tall demon relinquished to his companion, and he placed it lightly on her plate, as Ion grumbled about him being a spoiled sport, giving him a playful smile.
"You two are incorrigible." Jenai smirked.
"Hopeless is more like it." Rizel took a whiff of her coffee, fixing them with a glare.
"They're like overgrown kids..."
"Worse."
"Hey, can it!"
"Rosette....."
Chrno chided gently, as Rosette snorted and returned to her breakfast.
"Thanks bub, you're a REAL help."
Sheda laughed merrily and tapped her forefinger on Chrno's cheek.
"Chrno is making a mistake! "
"Since when did our peaceful mornings start being ruined? " Rizel grumbled but still a little smile played upon her lips. Jenai shrugged and returned to his paper, ignoring the chaos once more.
Rosette smirked as she worked on her breakfast. Four years seemed a long time, but it had passed quickly here in Eden. She hadn't returned home in that long time...she had to wonder what was going on below. Were their parents searching for them? What were the lands like beneath? Yet, despite the knowledge that she'd left her home that way, she was still happy, even in the demon's fortress. Especially with him here... Her cheeks redden brightly at that thought.
Her eyes slipped to the side, watching her dark haired companion. She quickly glanced away as he felt her gaze upon him, and glanced her way, her face flushing more. Their lives had been very peaceful up here, not a single incident had interrupted their lives since that day the Pursuers had cornered them in the forest. It was an ideal situation but...
But peace never lasted... chaos would eventually return one day...
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Wew....this is really long and Night-san had fought hard to proofread. Thanks, Night-san!. And please read her fics! They are so nice to read! You'll miss something beyond awesome to read if you don't read hers!!