Sacrifice

Note sometime this virtue is described as Charity, but I thought this fit better.

He looked down at the child in his arms, already feeling his strength fading.

With Mary there had been no warning. No way to say no. She had activated the lifeclock, made the bond, and given him everything to save his life. He had no choice.

He could not claim helplessness here. He had a choice. Worse, he understood what she was asking for, even if she didn't.

I'll be damned. Not because I'm a devil, but because I'll kill her. I'll take her life little by little as she uses the contract.

The love he felt for her then was not what it would become later, although it was where that love started. Now he thinks of her almost as a little sister. A dear friend, a child. This bright and beautiful being, in his arms looking up at him so trusting.

"Rosette" He whispered, "You'll live in pain. I'll take your life little by little, and you will die years before you should. Do you know what you're asking? Can you live like that, please think about it."

She smiled, and she was beautiful and sweet in that moment. An angel "I want to save Joshua, and then we can all go find the astral lines. Ok?"

He stared at her. Did she understand? Could she possibly?

"Please Chrono." She whispered and he felt the strength draining from him. He had to make a choice.

I'll be damned he thought and then looked into her eyes and thought For her, I will do anything.

He set her down gently, as if she was something most treasured and said "I will make a contract to you Rosette Christopher."

He knelt before her, bowed his head, and took her hand. He pressed the watch into it, and folded his own around hers. Her hand is so small, he thought.

"I will serve you Rosette." He said and added mentally I will protect you.

The watched snapped closed, and he felt himself transform into his smaller form, his hand still in hers. Now not small, but the same size. He looked up at her from where he knelt, and thought I will protect you. And all I am, I will sacrifice for you.

She smiled and pulled him to his feet and hugged him "OK" She said "From now on, we're partners."