Forgotten Memories Chapter Ten

Chrono Crusade

Date Started: December 8th 2004

Sora Kazuma

Julius's training went very well. He had no problem listening to Remington's orders and Remington was surprised with how fast the boy accepted and executed his attack. They both showed a great interest in further their studies as swordsmen and I was more then proud of Julius for taking up the courage to tell me he wanted to stay under Remington's wing as his apprentice.

"I hope that doesn't upset you Sora." He said with a blush as we headed back across the green one afternoon.

I ruffled his hair with a smile. "Of course not. It's no big deal."

The wind blew by us then and I looked up to the ever-darkening skies. "It looks like it's going to rain buckets." I sighed. "I hope that means we don't have to go bail out the storehouse. I could do that in September. There's no way I'm going to do it now."

"I wonder when we'll get the first snow. It is the third week in November." Julius's amber eyes lit up.

"Yeah, it should be any day now." I replied. I could see the boy's eagerness for snow, but I hated it, especially when I had to drive in it.

"Well, I'll see you later Sora!" Julius said, heading off toward the stables.

"Where are you going? Dinner's going to be ready in an hour or so." I told him.

"Azmaria told me she'd meet me down by the stables when I got through training. I'll see you at dinner!" he smiled.

I watched him go with a sad smile. He'd been here almost two months and now he was starting to pull away from me and have his own life again. I was happy, but I could say I missed him following me around like my little lost shadow. I guess it's what all parents hated about their kids growing up.

I went back to my room, finally getting a chance to sit down. I had been on a case all last night and instead of coming home and going to bed I had had to come back, explain my debriefing and then go pick Julius up from his training. The days had past so quickly I hardly believed it was late afternoon already. Then again twenty-four hours without sleep will do that to you.

I heard the rain when it started falling against the window. The soft pitter-patter that got steadily louder as the heavens seemed to open up and slosh buckets on the ground below. I sighed, grabbing the book out of my bedside table and snuggling with Fallon for a while while I just read.

"Hey," there was a knock at the door some time later and Mia poked her head in. "Dinner's ready. Come on downstairs."

I lifted my head from the book, blinking at her. Had I fallen asleep? "Okay, sure." Closing the cover, I slipped it back inside the drawer, my eyes momentarily glancing at the book I had 'borrowed' from the library. That thing was practically useless. I had read it from cover to cover twice and nothing anywhere mentioned the name Seung Jin. I was beginning to think Joshua had given me a false lead, but with him barely around lately, I couldn't ask him about it and I couldn't contact him any longer for some unknown reason. I had a feeling something was going on with him, and it wasn't good.

Leaving Fallon asleep on my bed, I ran to the dining hall, thankful for heat when I entered the crowded, brightly lit room. The rain was as cold as ice. I collapsed in a seat next to Mia. She and Remington were the only ones not on a mission tonight in this hellish mess.

"Have fun dodging hail?" she asked with a grin as I let out a sigh.

"Yeah, loads." I said, warming my hands with the steam rising off my soup. I glanced around. "Where are Julius and Azmaria?"

"Haven't seen them yet." Mia looked at me strange. "He wasn't with you?"

"He's been with Azmaria since he got out of his training this afternoon." I told her.

"Ah, looks like somebody's developed a crush for our lovely choir girl." Remington smiled between sips of his food.

"I think the feeling's mutual. She's hanging around him all the time too." I replied.

"Ah, there they are!" Mia nodded past me and I turned, seeing the couple come in.

Julius's white shirt was soaked and Azmaria was wearing his coat, which went down past her knees. They both looked like they had been standing out in the rain for quite sometime but they were in the middle of conversation as they made their way towards us and I blinked when I saw Julius laugh.

"Sorry we're late." He spoke up with a grin.

"It's not a problem at all. Come on take a seat." Remington motioned them to sit.

Julius sat down next to me and he looked over at me with a slight blush. "I'm sorry Sora." He said softly.

I swallowed, looking back at my food. I just didn't feel like I wanted it right now. "I'm not hungry." I replied, getting up and leaving the table.

"Sora!" Julius called after me. I was almost to the door when I heard him race around the corner, trying to catch up with me. "Sora, I really am sorry." He replied.

I turned, staring back at him. He had a way of acting bold and he never even realized it. "No, Julius, I'm the one who should be apologizing. I-" I swallowed. "I've been taking care of you all this time, much like a parent would have and now that you're starting to pull away from me and do your own things I'm feeling further and further left behind." I smiled. "You are like family to me, little brother. I just don't want to lose you."

"Sora…" he came over to me, slowly at first and then wrapped his arms tightly around me. "Sora, no. I didn't mean to, honest I didn't!"

I smiled, hugging him tighter. There he went, reverting back to his timid child-like form again. "I know you didn't. Julius, it's okay. I just miss spending time with you. Once you pass the exorcist exam, you can come and work cases with me, then we'll spend time together all the time."

"What do I have to do to pass the test?" He asked me, resting his head on my shoulder.

I blinked, trying to remember. I took it when I was fifteen and if I recalled, it wasn't that hard. "You could probably pass it now. If you want, I'll talk to Remington about it."

"Please. I… don't know if I'm ready, but I'm going to try." He told me after a minute.

"Wait right here. I'll be back." Stalking back into the dining hall, I made my way over to the table.

"What's going on?" Mia asked, looking up at me, more then a little confused.

"Father, is there anyway that Julius could take the exorcist exam?" I swallowed. "Now?"

He blinked his cerulean eyes. "He's more then capable." He responded after a minute. "The only problem is, is he willing to? He hasn't been placed in the spiritual energy chamber yet and we have no clue how he's going to take it."

"He wants to try." I replied.

Remington stood, brushing his fingertips across Mia's hand. "Alright then. I'll be back shortly."

I followed him out into the hall where Julius was waiting. The boy looked up blinking his gold eyes. "Come with me." Remington responded.

We crossed the hall and went down into the underground, further down then all the training rooms. I felt Julius shiver and wrapped my jacket around his shoulders. He blushed, slipping his arms into the sleeves. The coat barely fit him and the arms stopped a little further up his arms, but at least he'd be warm.

Remington unlocked a set of large doors, sliding them open. "This, is where the exorcist test will take place." He replied, switching on the light switches.

We laid eyes on the rough maze of obstacles on the ground below. Shadowed and with sharp corners all around, it was a death trap waiting to happen. "This is where a majority of the exorcists practice. The machines that are used in this room create synthetic and artificial devils and demons. We've… been avoiding this part of your training, due to your history." Remington stepped up next to him. "Julius, you don't have to do this. Not until you're ready. If you can't do this tonight…then don't worry about it."

"I'm to going to at least try." He smiled, weakly at him. I squeezed his hand. He was trying to be strong, but I could feel his fingers trembling.

"Come on then." Remington led us into an armory room. "Julius, your sword, if you would?"

The boy unclasped it from his belt and handed the scabbard to him with a puzzled look. The Father responded with giving him a beautiful silver sword, runes engraved down the center of the blade. "Since your not an apprentice anymore, you don't need a training weapon." He told him.

Julius stared at the blade and then Remington, not knowing what to say.

Meanwhile I was trying to get through to Yugo. He responded immediately. 'What's going on?'

'Julius's taking his exorcist exam. Thought you might want to be here.'

'I'll be there are soon as I can. Downstairs?'

'Of course.'

He was gone again but I smiled. Yugo worried about the boy as much as the rest of us did.

We set up a set of headsets and Remington walked him to the steps. "You've got two hours to take out all the assigned targets. Sora and I will be up in the control room, should you need to pull out. If something happens, report it to us immediately." He responded over the headset, flipping switches on the control panel. The lights dimmed, and the area quickly filled with mist.

"Right sir." The boy's voice quivered slightly. I looked across to the elevator where he was standing, sword in hand, watching us.

"Julius," I spoke up. "If something happens, I'll be there, alright? And you can reach me on the headset should something go wrong. Good luck."

"Thanks Sora."

The light on the elevator kicked on and the lift slowly dropped to the ground below.

"And now we wait." Remington leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms out behind him. "I really don't know if he was ready for this Sora." He said after a minute.

"As long as he thinks he's ready, he can do this." I swallowed. I was uneasy about this, my hand gripping the control panel. He leaned over, his hand wrapping around mine.

"Hey," he said softly. "Relax. We're here if he needs anything. The room is set on the easiest it can possibly be for the test; there are only fifteen targets. If he doesn't do it this time then there's nothing wrong with that. I just don't want to push him to hard."

I blushed at his touch on me. "Yes…Father."

"Will you both stop worrying about me?" Julius spoke up. His voice was still shaky but he was speaking confidently.

"Are you okay?" I asked, hearing his breathing through the speaker.

"I'm fine." He said softly. "I'm-"

The line cut out and my eyes widened. "Julius? Julius are you there!" I started to get up, but Remington pushed me back into the seat.

"Calm down." He barked, his voice cold. He sighed and his cerulean eyes softened. "Sora, I'm beginning to think you might have been the one not ready for this." He pointed to a flashing light on the board. "He's fighting one of the targets right now. Give the poor kid a break."

I ducked my head, pieces of crimson hair pulling around my face. This was unlike me at all. I exhaled a soft breath, tucking the stray strands behind my ear. My feelings for the kid were getting in the way of reason.

Remington put a hand on my shoulder. "It'll be alright. Julius can hold his own, I'm sure. The poltergeists seem to pose him no problem." He pointed to the flashing light which in a second or two flashed red. "One target down. The only thing that might give him problems is the artificial devil that is waiting within the maze."

"Father? Sora? Are you there?" his voice cut back in.

"Julius…" I swallowed. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. That…was different then anything I've ever done before."

"You did a great job lad." Remington complimented him with a smile.

"Thanks. I'll be cutting out again. I'll contact you should I need help." And he was gone again.

I sighed, closing my eyes for a minute. He could do this. I had complete faith in him. I could tell he was scared. He was probably terrified but he was trying. I had to believe he could do this.

"Are you a little more at ease now?" Remington asked me and I nodded. Now, all we had to do was wait.

The half hour marker passed, and then the quarter hour. One by one the lights fell red as he passed through the maze. Six…then seven then eight, nine and ten. Eleven came just as the hour marker passed and Remington told him his current score as well as the time. "I must say, I'm impressed. He adapted to his surroundings relatively quickly." He said, crossing his arms. "He's doing better then I thought he would."

"I agree." I told him. I guess being around Chrono, Yugo and the random appearances by Sieg and Joshua had toughened him up a little without me realizing it.

Yugo… where was that dog anyway? He said he was going to be here soon and yet he still hadn't shown up.

"There's thirteen." Remington shook his head slightly. "Incredible."

"Sir, I'm beginning to pick up on something else up ahead. Should… I be aware of any surprises?" Julius asked after a minute.

Remington blinked, and then he leaned forward staring at the board. "Yes." He swallowed. "Be careful. Be very careful."

"What is it?" I asked.

"The devil's started moving on its own. It's not trained to do that." He motioned to a yellow rapidly blinking light. "This… could be bad."

There was a low demonic growl. I don't know whether it echoed through the room or whether it was through Julius's headset. I heard him gasp after a minute. "What the-" Then there was the sound of a massive weight hitting the rock wall of the maze.

I threw my headset off, jumping out of my seat. That was it. That was the last straw.

"Sora!" Remington threw off his, grabbing my shoulder. I whipped around, my gun pointed at his face.

"Remington, that's the last of my family. I won't lose him to another devil. It won't happen damnit. You are like my brother, but if I have to shoot you to get to Julius, then I'm going to do it. Just let me go Ewan." I told him, looking him straight in the eyes.

He let his grip off me, his hands raised. I turned, dashing toward the door. "Sora," he spoke up, stopping me at the doorway. "If you kill that devil, he won't pass."

I hesitated for a moment. "His health comes first. As long as he lives, he can have another chance at the test." I told him as I started down the hall again at a dead run.

I knew where to go in the maze that would get me the quickest to Julius. I had trained in here so many times, that nothing they could throw at me surprised me anymore. Dashing down the steps, I scanned the place. I could hear the creature breathing and quick footsteps scurrying away. Julius was trying to run from it.

Coming around a corner I found him, holding his sword arm, blood dripping from a wound in his shoulder. The creature was right behind him, a bloodthirsty hulk of a devil, powerful but slow moving. It raised its arm, its claws scooping around Julius's waist and throwing him into the opposite wall.

I gasped. "Julius!"

The dust settled and I saw him lying against the wall, slumped over onto the rock. I raised my gun at the drooling stupid creature, preparing to shoot it right between the eyes.

"Don't."

I blinked, looking over at the form struggling to stand. The monster was catching up to where he was and moving as fast as its tiny feet could carry it. Julius's amber eyes looked over at me. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, but I had never seen him look so serious. "This… is my fight." He spun around just as the beast was practically on him, thrusting the blade straight up into the creature's throat with both of his hands. The monster screamed, shaking its head furiously, dissolving into blue smoke.

"Julius!" I ran up to him, wrapping my arms around him. "Are you alright?"

"What are you doing here?" he asked a bit of anger in his voice.

I swallowed. "I-"

The lights came on, blinding me for a moment. We looked up to see Remington standing out on the balcony by the control panel, clapping his hands. "Brilliant!" he yelled.

I blinked, seeing Yugo standing by his side, arms crossed. How could I not hear him come in?

Julius and I walked to the steps where we were greeted by the two on the porch. "Excellent work." Remington beamed at him. "This… is yours." He handed him the gold badge all exorcists wore on their shoulders, a symbol of their place and rank.

He smiled. "Thank you very much for your help Father. And you too, Sora." His cheeks went red slightly. "I'm sorry for snapping at you. I know you were just worried."

Yugo, ruffled his hair. "You did it kid." He handed him the box that had been sitting at his feet. "This is for you."

Julius blushed. "Yugo… you didn't…" Opening it revealed an outfit of bright scarlet, a coat, pants and a black shirt.

"Figured you would look good in red." He shrugged.

Julius smiled, hesitated for a moment and then hugged Yugo. Yugo's eyes widened and he looked over at me for some type of response. I giggled watching him fluster at the boy's show of emotion.

He ran his hand over the boy's shoulder. "You're a mess." He told him. "You better go get cleaned up."

"Right." Julius nodded. "If you don't mind, I'm going to go try on these clothes as well." He undid the scabbard from his waist, holding the sword out to Remington. "Here sir."

"Why are you giving it back to me?" he smiled. "It's yours now."

Julius blinked. "But…" He swallowed, finally attaching the scabbard back to his belt. "Thank you sir. See you all later!" He waved, heading off.

Remington looked at me and Yugo. "I'll have the paperwork in tomorrow and notify Sister Kate of the changes. Next case your assigned, you have yourself a new exorcist apprentice Sora." He said with a smile.

"Father…?" I swallowed. "About earlier…" I bowed. "I apologize."

"You were just doing what you thought was right. There is no reason to be sorry. The boy took quite a beating. You interfering with the test might have saved him. Still, I think his determination to pass would have caused him to win no matter the obstacle." He explained. "Well, I must be heading off. I have work to do tonight at Grand Central Station. Goodnight you two."

"Goodnight." Yugo replied. As soon as the door shut, his gold eyes looked at me and then narrowed. "You have to stop this."

"Stop what?" I blinked.

"You've been babying him for far to long and it's causing bad effects. You went to him in the middle of his test? Did you ever stop to think that at your order Remington would just turn the damn machine off?"

I blushed. I hadn't even thought of that, but the answer was right there in my face. That would have been the most reasonable thing to do.

"He's getting better Sora. He's trying different things and he's pulling away from you. You knew you wouldn't be able to keep him locked to your side forever, did you?" he stared at me seriously.

I swallowed. "No…I… just…" I sighed. "Maybe I did."

His arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me up against him. "I've been around less lately so I could give you both your space. Whether I've shown it or not, I really like Julius. He's a sweet kid, and I know he needed you so I backed off and let him have you. But now that he doesn't so much anymore I'm stepping back in to claim what's rightfully mine."

I laid my head on his chest, my eyes closed. His heartbeat was so strong... No matter what, being in his arms felt so right. I didn't even realize the glow of the crystal go off, didn't even feel his body change. I was to far buried in my own guilt. I had pulled a gun on my superior…ignored the one man I had ever felt for and been way to over protective of a kid who didn't need to be smothered. I hadn't even realized I had gone wrong, and I had had people all along telling me what I was doing was wrong and the worst part was, I hadn't even really listened to them.

'Don't be like that.' His deep voice rang through my head and my heart started picking up speed. 'Nobody blamed you for anything. You care about Julius. They understand that. Still-'

His fingers pulled my face gently up to his, his claws on my face strong and still soft. His golden eyes stared down at me, the most beautiful things I had ever seen. His dark hair tickled my neck and chest as it touched my skin and his chest was so rough that I wanted to run my fingers over his soft tan skin. We just stared at one another for a minute, me taking in his gorgeous form, his true form. He knew how to make me melt that was sure. My knees were weak just looking up at his face. 'Still,' I felt him falter in his mind as well. 'You are mine, and only mine.'

He leaned down, his mouth sweeping in to meet mine. His arms held me tighter, squeezing my firmly up against him. I could feel his abs, his hips, his thighs…my body was pointing out all the spots we were touching but my mind was swirling. I didn't even feel like I was in my own body anymore. His lips were pressed up softly against mine, his tongue slowly making its way into my mouth. I wrapped my arms around his neck, silently asking him for more. My fingers slipped off his shoulder to explore his bare chest, feeling his mouth jolt as my fingertips danced over his muscular body. His lips left mine, trailing down my neck, fangs scrapping teasingly across the skin as his hand fell off my waist and under my shirt, his claws brushing up against my stomach. I nuzzled my face on his shoulder, my eyes closed. I was afraid if I opened them now that this would all fade into some delusional daydream. The pain in my head was excruciating, but I had never felt so good. A soft gasp escaped my lips as his tongue lapped at my neck. 'Don't let this end…'

His hand went even higher, caressing against my left breast. My eyes snapped open. That was one thing I hadn't been expecting. Yugo pulled away with a soft sigh, his hand dropping back to my waist. He kissed my neck softly standing back up. "Sorry, I didn't mean to be so straightforward."

"It's my fault." I closed my eyes. I was the one that had ruined things.

"Sora, I was moving to fast. I apologize. It's not…" he swallowed, his face going red.

I blinked at him, watching him blush and giggled. "Still, it was fun." I stood up on tiptoe, kissing the teal rune in the middle of his forehead.

He smiled, his arms wrapping comfortably around my waist. "I'm glad. I'll have to remember that for next time. The dos and don'ts of making you feel good."

I smiled resting my head on his chest. He transformed back to his sealed form. "Sorry, I know I probably just cost you a lot of your past."

"It was well worth it." I told him leaning up to kiss him. He responded by deepening it. Seems like a repeat of the past couple of minutes was in order.

"Good evening!" I smiled, throwing open the bedroom door. Lena and Mia looked up.

"You're awfully chipper." The blonde said with a smirk. "Remington told me Yugo had come back for Julius's exam. Where is he now?"

"He had to go back into work for a few hours." I replied, pouncing my bed. My knees were still weak and my heart was still racing just from the minor thought of being in Yugo's arms. "Now I know why you like two have your alone time with Remington and you with Joshua. It sure is nice."

Hirelena giggled, blushing. "What were you doing Sora?"

I blinked, blushing. "Hey don't get the wrong idea! We were just kissing!"

"Uh-huh, sure you were." Mia smirked.

"Hey Miss Militia lady, at least I didn't have to have my friends cover for me so I could take a swim with Mr. Blondie in the bathhouse!" I cried.

"Hey, keep it down!" she hissed, her cheeks flushing. "And that was only once!"

"Still, I can't imagine what the two of you were doing." I replied.

"You…!" I couldn't tell whether she was seriously pissed off or just teasing me and I laughed.

The door opened and Julius entered, dark hair still dripping wet, but gorgeous in the red and black. He blushed and blinked his amber eyes at all of us girls as we stared at him, tempted to pounce him and hug him. "Uh, hi everyone?" he swallowed.

"Wow Julius, you look very handsome!" Hirelena said with a giggle.

"Yes, I agree." Mia said her eyes not leaving his form.

I smiled at him. He knew what I thought of him, as always.

"I really do like these clothes. Sora, is Yugo around? I want to tell him thank you again." He said, sitting down on his bed and running his hairbrush through his hair.

"He went back into work. He'll be home in a few hours or so." I told him. Fallon awoke from the foot of my bed and bound up to my side, his tail wagging. I giggled as I stroked his soft fur. The more I looked at him, the more I saw Yugo's fuzzy black wolf ears and tail.

"Sora?"

I looked up, blinking. Julius, Mia and Hirelena were all staring back at me with the same puzzled look. Mia laughed. "Wow, you're really in deep here. I just called you three times and you finally show some sign of answering when I practically yell at you."

I blushed. "Deep into what?"

"Must I answer that?" she grinned. "I could say his name, but I think you'd get the picture if I said that he's about 6 feet tall with teal hair and gold eyes and a nasty attitude."

My face got even worse. "Hey, leave me alone!" I replied, lying down. Why was I acting this way? I swore Yugo's kiss held magic in it, and the more serious I kissed him the harder I fell into the spell.

They all laughed, but I pulled the covers up, trying to hide my crimson face.

Yugo came in later, when the room was dark and the rain was the only comforting thing pelting softly against the window. My eyes opened at his presence in the room and he wordlessly came over, slipping off his shoes, throwing his trench coat on the ground and climbing in the bed next to me. He gathered me in his arms, his lips softly touching my neck as he let out a soft sigh. 'I have never missed you as much as I have these past few hours.'

I could agree with that. I breathed in his scent relaxing completely in his embrace. 'I know the feeling.' I was still drowsy with sleep, but the fact that he was here was putting my mind at ease.

His fingers stroked the back of my neck, his chin resting on top of my head. 'You know…I never thought we would end up this way.'

I let out a soft giggle. '-You- thought that? In the beginning I thought there would be no us. I would admit you were gorgeous, but feelings for you were a completely different story.'

'This afternoon…' he swallowed. 'I can't believe there's anything better then kissing you. If just being close to you with my lips on yours can awe me like this I don't even want to think about…'

I blushed, badly. 'Getting a little ahead of yourself, aren't you?'

'No, not really. Just pondering the thought.' He said, giving off an aura so innocent I wanted to laugh out loud.

My fingers ran over his arm, feeling the strength of his biceps beneath the white cotton shirt. 'As good as you look in clothing, I like you better without it.'

He raised his head, surprised. 'Where did that come from!'

'Don't be thinking completely perverted!' I cried, face going red. 'I-I…I like it when I can run my fingers over your skin. Your chest…I… just…' I had a feeling my stuttering wasn't making me sound any better.

He laid his head back down his eyes closed. 'You can undo the buttons if you'd like. I don't mind.'

I swallowed but moved back, my fingers lighting on the top button of his white dress shirt. 'You sure you don't mind?'

He opened one gold eye, staring at me. 'Honestly,' he said, gazing at me. 'Do you think I care? I would sleep naked if we had our own room. I keep clothed for the respect I have for the others that stay here as well.'

I blushed at the thought, but started undoing the buttons down the front of it, revealing his tan skin underneath. He pulled the bottom of the shirt out from beneath the waistline of his pants not bothering to open his eyes. 'Do you want it completely off or me, or are your little fantasies fulfilled?' he asked.

I glared at him though my mind filled with the guilty feeling of being caught. 'It's up to you.' I told him finally.

'No, it's up to you.' He replied quickly. 'You're the one who's going to have to deal with me sleeping shirtless.'

My immediate thought was that that didn't sound bad at all and I heard him chuckle, reading my thoughts like lines in a book. I covered my face, not believing what my impulses had gone off of, my face so hot I felt like my cheeks were going up in flames. 'Guess that solves that question, doesn't it?' he responded, sitting up. He shrugged the white cloth off his shoulders, throwing it on the floor on top of the trench coat. He leaned over, kissing me on the cheek. 'Don't sweat it. This is me you're thinking about here. As much as I tease you I'm honored that your thoughts are that way. You don't have to get all embarrassed.'

I swallowed. There he went, acting all noble again. The heat in my face lessened a little bit, and I looked over at him. His golden eyes were watching me with adoration, his smile melting my insides. I rested my forehead against his shoulder, letting out a soft sigh.

He grabbed my chin with his hand, bringing my mouth up to his. I deepened the kiss, putting my other arms around his neck before I even realized it. I felt him tense in surprise and backed off, blushing. "I-"

He covered my mouth with his fingers, smiling. 'Don't worry about it. You just shocked me that's all. You're not one to initiate things.'

'Your kisses are like drugs. I keep finding I want more.' I replied sheepishly.

'The feeling's mutual.' He told me with a grin. He leaned in again and then pulled back. 'I need to stop or we're not going to get any sleep tonight.' He collapsed back onto the mattress, his head hitting the pillows. 'But if you will lay beside me, little one, I'll be eternally happy.'

How could I refuse an offer like that? I laid down by his side, pulling the covers up around me. I was surprised to find my body fit comfortably closely up against him and I laid my head on his shoulder, closing my eyes. I could get used to this.

'Get some sleep love,' he replied softly, his voice calm. As happy as he was, the fact was evident that he was exhausted.

'I will.' I responded, dropping a playful kiss on his chest.

He looked down on my, running his fingers over my cheek affectionately before resting on my waist.

I awoke the next morning as Julius shifted in the bed next to mine. Lena was still asleep; Mia was probably most likely in Remington's room and Rosette, Chrono and Azmaria had yet to return from their mission last night.

I leaned over Yugo, watching him sleep for a moment. He was so good-looking…my heart always skipped a beat when I stared at him. My body couldn't seem to get enough of him. Whether he was in this form or his true form, I couldn't help but just inwardly drool over his body. My eyes fixed on his lips and I just seemed to act on my own. I leaned down my mouth brushing across his.

He stirred with a soft moan, stretching. His amber eyes fluttered open and I pulled back, staring down at him. He smiled, his arms tightly wrapping around me. "Good morning. That was a wake up call I could get used to."

"I bet." I smiled. "Get up sleepyhead. You have work later today but I have the morning off because Remington's not around and I figured you, Julius and I could do something, if the kid doesn't have plans already of course."

"Well, out door plans are killed." He pointed over to the window, where it was still pouring buckets.

"It's –still- raining?" I whined.

"Looks like it. Sorry love." His hand came up to the back of my head, pushing more of my weight down on him. "Course, I could think of a few things we could do to pass the time." He replied deviously, his tongue caressing my neck.

I blushed. "I would love to lay around with you all day, but I've got things to do and I think Sister Kate would have a cow if she saw some of the things that involve your kisses."

He grinned. "We haven't even gotten bad yet, dear. Wait until those days."

"I –will- wait until those days." I replied, pushing myself off him. My self-control was already willing to crumble at the thoughts of his mouth on mine and I had been awake all of ten minutes. "I'm heading to the bathhouse. I suggest you do the same."

He sat up, the sheets falling off him and revealing his entire chest. "Alright then."

I looked over at him and then turned, getting out of there as quickly as possible before my mouth started to water.

I plunged into the hot water with a sigh. What had I become in the last twenty-four hours? My mind wouldn't get off of Yugo or his body. Every thirty seconds a passing thought would cross my mind and I was blushing, tying to shield him out so he couldn't see how weak I was being and trying to get rid of the thoughts. Lying here in the hot tub made me daydream about him in the shower and I let out a breath in defeat, conceding to my thoughts. 'All right!' I shouted into my head. 'I give in! What is it that damn well want to show me! Is it Yugo who's doing this to me, or just this desire over him!'

'You're quite temperamental this morning, aren't you?' Yugo added with a laugh and the color slowly drained from my face.

'…You heard that?'

'Of course I did. I've been in your mind ever since you woke me this morning. And I have to admit; I'm not doing anything. Your body's just reacting on its own.'

I swallowed. 'I swear your kisses are magic.' I replied accusingly, not knowing what else to say.

'If they were, don't you think I'd be trying to get more out of you then just kisses?' he added arrogantly.

I blushed and he laughed. 'Here, since your so wanting to see me right now.'

The image appeared in my head and my face went completely red. I had no problem staring at him naked in the shower, steamy water pouring off him. 'You tease me.' I told him, trying to keep from melting into the hot water.

'If it's a tease, then you should do something about it, eh?' he snickered. 'If seeing me unclothed is so much of a tease, then perhaps you'd like to touch?'

My heart stopped. 'YUGO!'

He laughed. 'That's right. You wouldn't, nun girl.'

I growled, slamming a mind barrier up. He was being a jerk but my heart had gone from a complete stop to racing in my chest. I looked down at the water, feeling more then a little ashamed. I needed to stop drooling over him or else I was just going to continue to act like this blushy naïve maiden all day. I closed my eyes, wondering what type of work I would have to do this afternoon. It would be mine and Julius's first case together and I was curious to see what the boy could do.

'I'm heading over to the main hall. I'll se you whenever you get out love.' Yugo responded and then was gone.

I leaned my head back on the side of the tub, eyes closed. Well, that took care of part of my problem. As nice as the water felt I slowly got out as well. I could hear the talk in the shower room pick up next door, meaning more and more of the girls were showing up. I towel-dried my hair, getting dressed in one of the changing stalls near the tub in the room. My stomach rumbled and I grinned sheepishly. Only eating part of my dinner last night hadn't satisfied my black hole stomach, and it was protesting earlier this morning then usual.

I ran through the rain over to the main hall just as a car took of across the gravel road. I recognized the blonde behind the wheel as Rosette, but she was alone. I blinked. Chrono wasn't with her?

I headed into the corridor just in time to see Yugo standing around with Chrono and Azmaria and about half a dozen bags of cooking supplies. "Where's Rosette going by herself?" I asked.

"She's got to go pick up Father Remington from Grand Central Station." Chrono replied.

"Which is odd because I thought he drove out to the city himself yesterday." One of the other sisters replied.

"Maybe he got a flat or something." I shrugged.

"That's a possibility." Another one of the girls responded. "Yugo, Chrono, could you help us carry these bags to the kitchen?"

"No problem." Yugo responded, lifting two bags full of wheat up into his arms like they were nothing. Chrono managed a big one by himself and Azmaria and one of the other girls managed to carry one by themselves while the rest of us each carried one. Marie was so happy to be receiving new supplies and she smiled, offering us warm tea and biscuits before she sent orders to the chiefs for this morning's breakfast.

We met at the table normal time for breakfast and I grinned as Julius and Mia joined us along with Rosette, Chrono, Yugo and myself. "Where's Lena?" I asked upon glancing over the table.

"I tried to wake her up a little while ago, but she didn't even respond." Mia told me. "I think she might be sick or exhausted. It is the time of year for the flu."

"I'll go see if she needs anything." I told them. Lena, sick? She never got sick. And even with a fever, she was going to miss out on flapjacks? Something there wasn't right.

"I'll go with you." Yugo added, standing back up.

As soon as we had turned the corner in the hall, out of view from everyone else, I was pulled into his arms, my lips locking with his. My eyes fluttered closed and then I pulled back with a sigh. He was going to drag me down with him. "Now is not the time for that." I reprimanded him, heading back down the hallway.

"Yes, but I couldn't help myself." He said with a grin. Suddenly his head jerked up, his eyes narrowing. "There's a demon around," he growled. "And it isn't Joshua, nor Sieg."

I dashed up the hall, my hand on the trigger. Bursting through my door I came face to face with a gorgeous woman with long silver hair and blue eyes, holding Hirelena's unconscious form in her arms. "Well, if it isn't Yugo's pretty master."

He glared at her, his anger rising, his temptation to take her face off evident. She blinked and then let out a haughty laughter. "Speak of the devil," she said with a smirk. "If it isn't Aion's little lapdog."

"Who are you?" he hissed.

"Me? Yugo, I'm hurt." She pouted with her full lips, an evident flirt directed at him. "You don't remember me, Ashleigh? I was a friend of yours and Chrono's way back when."

"Your not a sinner." It was more of a statement then a question.

"No, I'm not. But enough bout me, I must be going." She said with a smile.

"Put Lena down!" I cried, raising my gun.

"Sorry, honey but I can't do that. Rizel and Aion have ordered her sent to Joshua, and I'm to carry out my orders." She disappeared into nothingness, her voice echoing as she left. "However, if you'd like to try to do something about it, you can meet me at Grand Central Station."

I looked at Yugo, who was giving me the same look. Grand Central Station it was then.

Julius met us in the lobby as we were leaving the boarding houses. "Where are you two heading off to in such a hurry?" he asked.

"Lena's been taken by one of Aion's goons. We don't really have time to talk." I said.

"Grand Central Station, right?"

I stopped, turning to look at him. "How did you know that?"

He swallowed. "I overheard Chrono and Azmaria talking. Apparently, a demon has taken everyone in the station hostage. They headed out immediately after hearing the news." He smiled slightly. "So, are we going?"

I nodded. "Alright then."

Even with my fast driving we still wouldn't have made it. By the time we got there, Chrono and Azmaria had set up a crucifix barrier over the entire building. We dashed in just as the demon was making her exit. Remington was standing there, cross saber in hand and Rosette, who was struggling between tears and anger.

"Rosette!" I called, running up to her. "Have you seen Lena?"

"Lena?" she blinked. "No. Was she here?"

"Damnit!" I cried, rushing past her as the crucifix barrier faded. The people began waking up one by one. I dashed down the steps toward the train platform, but there was nothing there.

"That's quite odd." Remington followed behind me. "There was a train here just a few minutes ago."

I ran my fingers through my hair. "They got her. Damnit to hell, they got her!"

"Sora, what's going on?" Remington asked, confused.

I was on the verge of tears. "Lena…was attacked by a demon called Ashleigh."

"Did you say Ashleigh?" Chrono's garnet eyes widened in recognition.

"Do you know her Chrono?" Rosette asked.

"Yeah, we've met. She was a friend of Rizel's the spider demon you were fighting a while ago. She's in Aion's inner circle; a servant to the sinners. A close companion of Aidan's." he explained.

"This demon attacked Lena?" Remington's brows furrowed worriedly.

"She was knocked out when I got to them and Ashleigh took her with her when she left, saying she'd be at Grand Central Station, if I could make it in time. They got her…" I cried, tears falling down my cheeks. Yugo put his arms around my shoulders, silently trying to comfort me.

"We had no idea she was on the train…" Remington cursed softly.

"That makes no sense. Azmaria is the one Aion was after. What could he possibly want with Hirelena?" Rosette told me.

"It's not Aion who wanted to see her." I swallowed. "It was your brother, Joshua. They couldn't take you to him, so they would take her."

"And what would Joshua want with Hirelena!" she snapped back.

"Because-" I started and hesitated. I closed my eyes for a minute. Mine as well get this out in the open. "Because," I stared at her. "Hirelena and Joshua are lovers."

Her ocean blue eyes blinked wide. "What?"

"They met back in August in the city, and he's been seeing her off and on ever since. Lena's been wanting to tell you so badly, but she couldn't bring herself to say it." I told her. "She knows little more then you do; Joshua always comes to see her so she doesn't know about his work or where he's been staying."

She sank to her knees, Chrono beside her, his hand on her shoulder. "I…"

"We didn't tell you Rosette, because we knew you would make Lena's life miserable if you knew. She really loves your brother and she doesn't deserve everything that's coming down on her because she loves him so." I added.

"Rosette…" Chrono said softly. "We'll find Joshua. Lena was no help to us because she was in the same position we were. Don't be angry at her for something that she couldn't control."

"I'm not mad. I just… all this time… he's been so close…" she closed her eyes, tears running down her cheeks.

"I think, this is best if you open this." Remington handed her a sealed envelope. "This was the report my operative was supposed to return to me. You all may or may not have known this but I've been conducting my own case into the matter of Joshua Christopher. It's been four years since his disappearance."

Rosette opened it, pulling out the papers. On top was a photo of Joshua, walking through the streets of New York City. She gasped, running her fingers over the picture. "Joshua…"

"We finally got a lead Rosette." Remington told her softly.

Azmaria smiled, sinking down by her side. "That's it Rosette. They found him."

I saw Julius smile, his hands in the pockets of his pants. I even nodded, my head leaning against Yugo's. This was the way it needed to be figured out. As a team.

"Rosette, Chrono," Yugo raised his head off my shoulder, catching their attention. "If… it's not to difficult, would you mind telling Sora and me how you met and how all of this happened? We'd like to help you all in anyway possible."

The two looked at one another and Rosette nodded finally. "Alright then."

Author's Notes- Chapter Ten is finished! -claps hands- I feel like I've accomplished something now! Julius passed his exam, I got back onto the actual Chrono Crusade storyline and Yugo and Sora's relationship is more solidly starting to come together. I can't wait until I get to do a fight with Yugo, Chrono and Sieg all transformed The eyecandy will be so great I don't know if I'll be ever to finish the battle scene! (Much rather leave it as is, drooling over Sinners. Oh well…I'm so bad) ; Speaking of Sieg, he and Satella will be MIA for another chapter as we recap Rosette's past and exactly how she and Chrono became to be how they are now. But don't worry! The insanely huggable crimson-haired fallen angel will be back in Chapter Twelve. Geez with all the planning and the hoping of getting Chapter Thirteen out on Christmas Eve I better started speeding these things up! Until I write again!

Sora Tokumi Kazuma