Purification

"I want to ask you something," Prier began, "Why did you kidnap my sister? You mentioned that your child was murdered by humans long ago. But why take away my sister against her will? And why send her to fight against me? Just to cause a disturbance so the Demons could kill me much easier?"

"We were human long ago. Those Fatiman bastards…they killed our entire village because of our powers. Everyone there called on their strength from the Elements. When Lady Sang offered to give us the bodies of Demons…we were more than happy to agree; anything for our revenge. Lady Calamity further strengthened our power by sealing our human bodies once and for all; they can never be recovered. Then we saw your sister; sensed her Dark nature. She would be able to become a Demon with us; become Javelot. But…a human who is unwilling can never become a true Demon. They might take on the persona and power, but deep inside they wish to be free. I understand now how foolish my desires might have been. I was a mother; a mother stricken with grief for her child," Ciel coughed out.

Prier knelt besides her. She told the woman, "I understand you better than you think. I too am a mother who worries for her child. And I understand how you must have felt after your village was destroyed. Fatima was living on borrowed time as it was; only a matter of time before someone was driven to the breaking point and accepted the Darkness to get revenge. It's sad that you couldn't see the truth while there was still time. But there is something I can do for you; I can give you a second chance. Oh Holy Goddess Poitreene. Let your gentle flames of Purification wash over these troubled souls. Give them a new life; a life free from the grief of their present existence. I ask this in the name of the Maiden of Light…" With that, a brilliant light enveloped the bodies of the two Demons; consuming them in flames.

Dominique ran to her sister's side; hoping that she hadn't overexerted herself. But Prier was just fine. She looked up at her twin and smiled. The younger girl smiled back. "I never would have expected you to pray for them after what we were put through. You're a lot more brash than I, get into more trouble, and know how to hold grudges. It's hard to believe I'm the Dark twin and you're the Light one."

"It's what I've learned from my travels," Prier replied, "Sometimes, you have to look past your own hatreds and forgive. Grudges are what led to the pain felt by Croix, as well as these two. But their souls have been riddled with a Darkness that no amount of Redemption can cleanse. I sensed it is even stronger than the power binding Croix or what pain consumed Noir. The only way they can avoid the terrible fires of Hades is to be reborn. And only one who has Light powers can make that happen."

Culotte was curious to how Prier knew these things; she'd never studied a day in her life. Not only that, but how could Ciel and Tonnerre's crimes be worse than Croix or Noir; the only reason he could see that Croix would find Redemption was that he was still alive to make amends. But she didn't go any further into the issue. The woman simply walked off to get some food; using all the energy tired her out.

S...S

That evening, Croix found Prier sitting on the roof of the Infirmary. She was letting the breeze play with her short hair; allowing her troubles to be washed away. How he envied her some times. Even though her past was filled with despair, she was always able to pull through with a happy face. He certainly couldn't do such a thing; his pain coming from things he did as well as what happened to him.

He stared a couple of minutes at her; smiling as he watched the young girl's reverie. She was perhaps the most amazing woman he'd come across. Sure Angelique had been kind and loving, but she never surprised him; Croix could predict her next move as if he were a chess champion. However, Prier moved in such a way that you could never figure out where she'd be next. She kept her friends guessing as well as her enemies. And through it all, under her brash exterior, he could feel the radiating warmth.

"Come up here Croix. Why don't you sit with me on the roof? It's nice and cool up here; plush there's nobody around to bother us," Prier called down. Croix nodded and climbed up to be by her. He didn't think twice before pulling her into his arms; shielding her from the cold she was weathering nicely.

However, Prier didn't slug him; she instead snuggled deeper into his embrace. For the first time in four years, they were alone. And for the first time since Croix had left her, she could feel the loving touch shared between the duo. What more was there to ask for? Croix gently pulled his arms around her body; his hand rubbing her back as they savored each moment. Then, he whispered in her ear, "I've been waiting so long for this moment. The past four years were a Hell ride I wouldn't want to repeat."

She let out a small moan of pleasure as his hand passed over her. "I agree. Every day I waited and wondered whether or not you were safe. But your letters were my only comfort; they were the lifeline I held onto. Also Angelique. If it weren't for me getting pregnant, I might have done something stupid like follow you after so long. And I knew that no matter what, I had to live for her sake; she needed me alive."

"I promise you Prier," Croix added, "Promise that I'll never leave your side again. When this is all over, we'll get married and have a happy life together. Then, there will be nothing to stop us." He lightly lifted Prier's body so that their faces drew closer and closer together. Understanding what was going on, Prier began to go through the motions until their lips met in a passionate kiss. Her arms went around his backside until they met in the middle. They stayed like that for a few minutes; savoring each second.

'Mommy…Daddy…I'm so happy that you're together again. Now I'll finally have the family I was dreaming of. I know that I'm going to have to fight to protect this happiness that I've found. But I'm not scared; I'm going to be brave and strong like you both. Then, once the Demons are gone, everything can go back to the way it should be; I'll no longer cause problems due to my powers,' thought Angelique; who was spying from the doorway. She let out a sigh; they looked so happy. But it also caused her to smile.

S...S

In the bedroom, Dominique was opening her window. She too was hoping to climb up onto the roof to be alone; it was something she'd done when she was a little kid. But when she got up there, she saw her sister and future brother-in-law making out. Blushing, Dommie went back inside to pretend that she'd never walked in on Prier. After all, it didn't do her any good to ignite her twin's notorious temper.

Teefa's Last Words...

I just adore romance! One of the reasons I loved La Pucelle; it had a great set of love stories. Oh! Rutee's gonna turn on Rhapsody and play some more! I'm in for now! If anything goes on, as much as I hate to say so, I'm leaving Sky in charge! Onward to victory!