Disclaimer: I own Chrono, yes I do! I'm a liar, how 'bout you!

Author's Note: See chapter one or chapter seven.

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Ticks of the Clock

Voice

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"But nobody. . ." Chrono murmurs, allowing the golden glow of astral to surround him, radiating from his heart and encircling the idol, "likes being forced to do something against their will."

I smile slightly, an expression unnoticed by my devil companion, as he lifts his arms to the heavens; eyes closed and mouth open. He takes a breath. . . and then begins to chant, to sing, powerfully and towards the sky— his voice echoing through the deadly silence like an angel's.

"Confutatis maledicitis

Flammis acribus addictis

Voca me cum benedictis. . ."

I have always loved his voice. It is the voice, after all, which sang me to sleep so many nights. Which comforted me when I was sad or lonely, told me stories to make me smile. In fact, my life has been divided into two phases—before I met him and after. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that such a trivial sentence as "Who's there?" would change my life forever.

But it did.

Simply because it was him who said it.

"Oro supplex et acclinis

Cor contritum quasi cinis

Gere curam mei finis!"

I don't get to hear him sing much, anymore. I've grown too old for lullabies and fairytales, though part of me wishes he'd offer them, once in a while. Still, it's not as if I never get to hear his voice. We talk all of the time, after all. . . and he'll hum along with me if I start singing for some reason or another. But it's not the same. . .

And though I do sometimes get this rare treat. . . it comes with a price.

My hand clenches around the pocket watch, holding it tightly to my chest.

"Lacrimosa dies illa

Qua resurget ex favilla

Judicandus homo reus

Huic ergo parce, Deus. . ."

The golden god in Chrono's hands is floating, now, fading quickly from view. His voice continues to lift and lower in pitch, warm and strong and enchanting. Magic is at work here, weaving in and out of his words and his body.

"Pie Jesu Domine,

Donna eis requiem."

Closing my eyes lightly, I allow the last, beautiful notes to wash over me like a soothing wave. Amazing. . . In his voice lies so many secrets, mysteries, memories. Some are mine to share, some are not. . . but when the song is over—and it's always over too soon— the doorway to those esotericisms will be locked again, burying them all within his heart. I hope he'll share those dreams with me, someday. . . But until then, I will simply cherish these moments. . . and the voice that I fell in love with.

The seal's many cogs and coils snap back into place.

"Amen."

(Note: This ficlet was inspired by the first chapter of manga one—and the shot of Chrono sending back that golden idol. It looks to me like he's singing. . . and I've always wanted to play with that idea. Anyway, the hymn he uses here (or, rather, the last fourth or so of the particular hymn—it's actually quite long) is called Dies Irae, which I believe translates to 'The Day of Wrath'. It's Latin, just like Chrono's name. XD Spiffin', ne?)

TRANSLATION: ('Cause I know someone will ask)

"Having destroyed the accursed

Condemned them to the fierce flames

Count me among the blessed

I prostrate myself, supplicating

My heart in ashes, repentant

Take good care of my last moment!

That tearful day

When from the ashes shall rise again

sinful man to be judged

Therefore, pardon him, o God

Merciful Lord Jesus,

Give them rest.

Amen."