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

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

WARNING: Mild spoilers for the sixth manga of Chrono Crusade.

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Ticks of the Clock

Promise

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"Here."

"Eh. . . ?" the demon's kitty-like appendages gave simultaneous twitches of curiosity; blinking wildly at the folder of papers she'd just been given by the beautiful blonde. "What's this? Is it the test results?" she questioned cheerfully, opening the packet with a bubbly disposition. Her face fell, however, when she discovered the contents— flipping through what appeared to be a small book of designs and plans. "Mary, this has nothing to do with Pandim—"

"I know." Mary giggled at the professor's pouting bottom lip, taking a seat beside her. "It's something I saw in a dream."

"Oh?" Shader instantly perked, straightening her round glasses. "A dream?" she echoed, awed. "Some dream! What a fantastic looking. . . er. . . what is it?"

Magdalene chuckled again, spreading the blueprints outon the table. "It's an astral focusing unit. At least, that's what it's supposed to be."

The Sinner wrinkled her nose, looking more closely at the detailed instructions and writing lining the pages. Complicated. . . just how she liked things. "Looks more like a pocket watch to me."

"It's meant to," the blonde nodded seriously. "It's for devils who make contracts in place of their horns—it ticks down how much life is left in their Contractor. And it helps the demon who initiates the pact conserve astral energy for as long as possible."

The professor nearly purred. "Quite the little do-hickey, Mary, my dear! I'm impressed! But. . ." Her perky, excited beam dulled slightly; locking gazes with her assistant. "But why are you giving these plans to me? Of what use is it to us? We're not horn-less, we have no Contractors. . . why?"

". . ." Magdalene bowed her head, brow crinkling. "I. . . am not sure, truthfully. Nor am I entirely certain what a 'contract' entails—or how I know of them. Perhaps it has something to do with Pandemonium's attack. . . But when I sleep I can see a future where. . . where Chrono will need this. For a girl."

Shader cocked her head, spluttering and baffled. "G— girl! A human girl?"

"Mmm."

"What girl!"

". . ." Mary began doodling small designs on the chrome tabletop with her forefinger, a distant sort of smile on her lips. "Her name will be Rosette Christopher. She will mean the world to Chrono—and he will mean the world to her." Lifting her chin out of her palm, the prophet beamed at the child-like woman. "I think you'll meet her, too, someday. . . and I hope that you like her, when that day arrives. In my dreams she's quite the little bearcat." She laughed, oblivious to the Sinner's concerned gaze.

"But. . . but—I thought that you. . . and that Chrono lov—"

The seer sighed, yet the grin remained. "Yes. . . Chrono. It's strange how time seems to revolve around him. I know the end, and yet. . . sometimes it seems. . . hm. Time is a funny thing. And speaking of time. . ." Magdalene placed one graceful hand over the cat demon's, causing their gazes to lock. She had grown quite serious—and desperate. "Shader, I must ask a favor of you."

"A favor?" the professor repeated, stunned; already tinkering with her much-beloved tools. "Uh—well, sure. What is it?"

"When the time is right—and you will know when that time comes—you must give this astral device to Chrono for me," the girl said solemnly, eyes dark with mystery. "And please. . . don't tell him of this. If asked, simply claim you thought of it yourself."

Shader gaped, nearly leaping to her feet. "WHAT? But—!"

Mary cut her off with a kind beam and a wave of her fingers. "Oh, don't worry. You're so intelligent, everyone will believe you. So. . . will you promise me? As a friend?"

". . ." the Sinner gradually smiled in return—a much more subdued and sincere smile than she usually wore— and nodded, placing her own hand on top of Mary's. "I may not understand. . . but I promise you, nonetheless."

"Thank you."

(NOTE: One of two ficlets inspired by manga 6. I dunno exactly where this idea came from, though. . . I guess I just like playing with Magdalene's vast knowledge of the past and future—and Shader is SO CUTE in the graphic novel! XD XD XD XD XD Awww. . . good kitty. . .)