C: PLEASE DON'T KILL ME ROSETTE, I SWEAR I DIDN'T MEAN TOO!!!! –running for his life-
DK: Whoa, whoa, whoa, what the hell happened?
Aion: Well, I pushed Chrno, he fell over and, 'purposely' grabbed Rosette's… -gets hit in the face with a frying pan-
DK: MORE LIKE ACCIDENTALLY!!! ROSETTE, PLEASE LISTEN! IT WASN'T CHRNO'S FAULT! –runs after Rosette-
Anna, Mary, Claire: Anyway, this is the next chapter.
Aion: I could have told you that. –rolls eyes-
Claire: You are such a homo Aion, stop fantasizing about Chrno.
Aion: I am not! –hurt look-
C: I hope to God he's not thinking—OH GOD!!!! PLEASE SPARE ME ROSETTE!!! –cowers under a two ton boulder Rosette has lifted over him-
R: THIS'LL TEACH YOU TO BE A PERVERT!!! –throws the boulder at Aion, smashing him- I GOD FOR SAKEN HATE YOU AION!
C: So why were you chasing me?! –cries-
DK: Stop whining Chrno, at least you're alive. –sighs in relief-
C: You were worried too… -mumbles-
Mary: Can we please just get to the new chapter?
DK: Oh, one thing before that Sister Mary, -clears throat- I would like to say, to anyone who wishes to read, that life is extremely hectic right now, and… -gets pushed out of the way- WAAAAH!!!
R: Enough talking, onto the next chapter! Have fun people!
To Give the Gift of Life
Chapter Three: Attack on the Order
"Get down!" Before Azmaria could answer Rosette's annoyed gaze, Carmen threw herself on top of the small apostle.
Sensing what Carmen had sensed, Chrno tackled Rosette to the ground. Thus saving her from getting her head sliced off yet again. Dust and debris filled the air, there was no way to see. Two evil voices drifted into the ears of those in the clinic. The hairs on the back of Chrno's neck began to rise. This wasn't good, the devils from before were back.
"You were right, my dear sister. This is where the Saint is hiding." The violet haired devil could hear the silver haired male near him.
'An Egyptian devil?' Carmen and Vincent must have caught sight of him as well. He could see on their faces the confusion. He wore Egyptian garb, so if they were truly from Egypt, what were they doing here? Far as they knew, a devil never left its mainland home. Then again, why should they be surprised? Carmen and Vincent were from Japan, why not Egyptians too?
A small but loud squeak was heard, "it's ok Az, it's just me," it was the golden blond nun. She had crawled over to Azmaria and wrapped her arm around the younger girl, "what do you want with Azmaria?!" roared the angered nun.
"Are you deaf, or just stupid? I said 'Saint.' Besides, what would we want with a weak apostle like her?" the brother chortled, "it's you we want, you'll be the key that allows us devils to kill all humans." He laughed a maniacal laugh.
Gritting her teeth, Rosette stood up, "do tell me then, what makes you think I'll go along with it? Huh, what makes you so sure you can even get to me?"
"Rosette no!" he had said it too late though, there was no going back once that malicious grin spread across the siblings faces.
"I'm sure you won't put up a fight, not if we threaten to kill those who are close to you." Again he laughed when he heard Rosette gulp.
Her teeth were gritted, for a moment she seemed to be at indecision, but then she grinned, "all the people I care about can take care of themselves. I don't have to worry about you getting to them."
Immediately, the brother's grin faded, his calm shattered into bitter anger, "you just signed their death warrants Saint, I hope you've said your last goodbyes."
Rosette reached towards her gun holster she had strapped to her thigh, "shit, Chrno, I don't have my gun!" she backed up.
Crimson eyes were alerted to a silverish object flying through the air, "Gah!" Chrno turned to his contractor, no, that wasn't her scream.
" Isis, what did you do to my sister you stupid little bitch?!" His true forms amber eyes shimmered crimson, all he saw was red.
Enraged, he charged at Carmen, who had thrown what Chrno had now identified as a syringe. Blindly he swiped at the green haired devil, cursing her being. In a panic, Vincent rammed into her side, getting her out of the way of the males claws. Both fell clumsily to the floor. There was a shatter, Isis had thrown the syringe on the floor.
"You guys get out of here! I'll hold them off while you find your weapons!" grabbing onto Vincent's wrist, she threw him at Rosette and roughly shoved the three out the door.
"You won't get away from us this time Saint, you're going with us!" Isis' long silver hair flew wildly behind her as she charged after the blond nun.
Meeting her half-way, Carmen drew a sword from a sheath on her back, "I don't think so ugly, we're going to dance first." Grinning, she shoved the silver haired devil back towards her brother.
"You'll regret having ever said that!" Now in a blind rage, Isis charged at the green haired devil, unsheathing her own blade.
Easily, Carmen danced out of Isis' line of fire. She gracefully twirled on her toes, out of the way of the poisoned blade. Knowing better than to stay still and be struck, she kept moving. The long metallic tail that protruded from the back of Carmen's head shot out, encircling itself around the brother's foot.
"You aren't going anywhere my dear friend, you're going to dance with me too." However cocky she felt, she knew she wouldn't last long. 'Hurry you guys…'
"Zuberi!" Called the female to her brother.
"Pay attention you fool!" aiming a punch at her face, Isis barely avoided Carmen's fist, after which she barely avoided Carmen's blade, swiping across her midsection.
From there, both siblings began to work together. Had the two not been enemies, the lavender eyed devil might have liked to study the way they worked. Both were in-sync with the other. Moving exactly as the other did. Their moves reminded her of hand to hand combat. In the blink of an eye, both were charging forward, swords poised to kill. Biting her lip, Carmen drew her second sword. Quickly dodging as the two aimed their swords at her heart, she nearly missed death.
They faked the sword attack, both had a dagger in their hands, aiming for her lungs. Cursing under her breath, she had really underestimated her opponents this time. Again she dodged as Isis charged and slashed at her neck. Aiming her own attack at the female's wings, she fell to the floor and rolled. Constant motion would keep her alive she knew this to be a fact. Once she stood up on the other side of the siblings, she held both her swords by the tip of their hilts.
Slamming the ends together, she twisted both, locking them in place. Her twin blades were now a two sided spear. Expectantly, she twirled it delicately in her fingers. Crouching slightly, her left arm was slightly in front of her chest to balance her weight. Her right arm was at her side, her hand slowly twirling the newly formed spear. The rhythm of the twirl would keep her moving. Eyes closed momentarily, she took one slow breath. Listening to the beats of her enemies' hearts, she listened for their move.
They charged, straight forward, no, they jumped into the air, they were going for an aerial attack. Reopening her eyes, her strong legs shot her upwards, her wings springing into life. Spinning to rid herself of air resistance, her spear spun wildly. Zuberi charged at her first, his blade dripping poison. He slashed angrily at her shoulder. Before the blade could meet flesh, she was gone. Propelling himself forward from the force of his attack, he went into a nosedive then shot up to meet her blade. Sparks flew from the two blades as the sister joined in.
Isis aimed for her side, but Carmen quickly vanished from the spot. Both siblings looked high into the air. Carmen dove straight towards them, her spear still twirling madly. Securely she grabbed the spear, striking at the female first, aiming for her neck. After she dodged, she aimed for Zuberi's left arm. As her blade sunk into the air, both siblings aimed a powerful kick into her back. Carmen was sent hurling back into the clinic, but was back up on her feet quickly.
Again she shot into the air, zipping past the siblings. Higher and higher she flew, she flew upwards until she could feel air pressure pushing her back towards earth. With lightning speed, she shot towards the siblings, her spear spinning like a helicopter. However, the two were ready. They weaved in and out of each others way, blocking Carmen from a direct path to either opponent. Cursing under her breath, she swerved off her course. Recovering quickly, she pushed her weakened wings further, forcing them to move her faster.
An idea occurred, she scrunched her body up as much as she could. Placing her right arm behind her, she twirled her spear faster. The energy from the spinning helped her wings to propel her upwards. Gracefully she zoomed upwards, weaving into their pattern. Grinning, the spinning of her spear stopped, and she crashed the weapon forcefully in front of herself horizontally. It was enough to break their spiraled pattern, but not enough to do any damage.
Swerving out of the way, Zuberi made a u-turn and poised his long blade at Carmen's heart. Having lost the momentum her spear had given her, Carmen was unable to get out of the way fast enough. With a sickening rushing sound, Zuberi's blade pierced Carmen's right shoulder. Crying out in pain, her lightly tanned hand dropped her spear.
Grabbing her shoulder with her left hand, she gritted her teeth, glaring at her attackers. She wouldn't be able to last much longer.
"You're weaponless now bitch, there's no way you can stop us. We'll rip apart you and your little friends, limb by limb." Zuberi's voice was like lemon and salt in a deep gash.
Rage began to fill Carmen, listening to Zuberi threaten her friends, and her love, was out of the question. Her eyes went from lavender to crimson. Forgetting all about her spear, she urged her wings to propel her to her attackers. Ignoring the stabbing pain in her shoulder, she put as much force as she could into two punches. Aiming one at the male, with the force of a two ton block of steel, she jack hammered a hole into his stomach. Turning around, she jabbed a forceful punch into the shocked female's neck.
Both sped backwards, Isis clutching at her throat for air, Zuberi clutching at the hole in his abdomen. Clutching at her right shoulder once more, Carmen winced. She had little to no energy left. If she made it out alive, it'd be a miracle. Before she could even catch her breath, two silver haired devils rushed towards her. They were pissed, she didn't need someone to tell her that.
"Damn it, get your asses here now!" defenseless and with no energy, all Carmen could do was watch as the two poised their weapons at her.
Time seemed to slow, they were inches away. Two blades shot forward, gleaming in the moonlight. The blade on the right, aimed towards her heart, the other, towards her lung. What was worse, being stabbed in the lung, or the heart? Both would be painfully slow deaths, as long as they didn't remove the blades. Carmen could clearly see her death in the blades shiny and blood caked surfaces. There was a flash just above her head. Something happened, two blades sunk into her flesh. One pierced near her stomach, the other her arm.
Screaming out in pain, the lavender eyed devils wings gave out. Her body plummeted towards the earth, two blades biting at her body as they clumsily shifted in her flesh.
"Carmen!" A chorus of voices called her name, they became louder as she crashed towards Order grounds.
Again time slowed, she could feel the swords slipping from her flesh from the force of her fall. Her whole body felt numb, poisoned again, but would it really matter? As soon as she hit the ground, the force would kill her. Something softly glided under her body, pushing it slightly upwards. Whatever it was, it greatly decreased her momentum. It was almost like she was now sinking into a pillow of soft feathers or a cloud. There was no force from the contact of her body to the earth. Only the slightly rough feeling of a strong males arms catching her.
"Carmen," a soft voice called to her, "Carmen, can you hear me?" she knew the voice, she'd heard it a few times. "C'mon Carmen, you gotta show me you can hear me." He paused, "I think she might be unconscious."
Groaning in pain, she raised her lightly tanned hand towards her head. "It's about… freaking time you guys… got your asses here." Gasped the wounded devil, "next time… don't cut it… so freaking close."
Deep purple eyes nearly filled with tears. "Thank God, Carmen, you're ok."
"Does this… look 'ok'… to you?" growled the devil.
Vincent could have sobbed at the remark, "how did you guys… stunt my fall?"
Opening her eyes, she looked at the ten people around her, "it was Rosette and Azmaria." Claire answered.
Before she could push the formed question past her lips, Rosette sheepishly answered, "I don't really know, when we saw you falling, Az and I just kind of…"
"Bluntly put, the two created a ball of wind and as you fell, you hit that ball which basically resisted your fall." Chrno explained, from his position between Rosette and Azmaria.
Smiling, Carmen tilted her head, "thank you so very much," her look then became serious, "whatever happened that made them miss, isn't going to keep them away for long. Get ready for their attack."
Everyone nodded Sister Kate, Anna, Mary, Claire, Rosette, Azmaria and Father Remington all held up their guns. "Looks like this is a fight we'll have to win without you Chrno," the blond nun smiled at Chrno, "you stay put too Vincent, thank you, from the bottom of my heart Carmen, for holding them off."
As boisterously as she could, she laughed, "but of course, you guys are like family, I'm not gonna let these pile of shit hurt you." With her proud words, Carmen slowly slid into unconsciousness.
"Ok then, the rest is up to us, Father Remington, how did you say you think their repelling thing works?" Rosette was all business now, the two devils in the air were recovering from the flare Remington had shot into the air.
"It's not exactly a 'shield,' it's their astral energy, pouring from their bodies, that reflects the bullets. Since they're weakened somewhat, we should be able to hit them. However, we need to set up the barrier. That should weaken their astral enough for the bullets to do quite a bit of damage." All nine looked up into the sky, Isis and Zuberi were circling them from the sky above.
Seven of them began to ready their guns, three grabbed a cross and moved out, the Elder placed his hands upon Rosette and Azmaria's shoulders. "I have a special bullet for you two," he handed the silver plated bullets to the girls.
"They look exactly like sacreds." Pointed out the blue eyed nun.
"Yes, but they aren't. There's a mixture of holy water and the powder found in flare guns. The light from these bullets will blind them, and the holy water should neutralize whatever resistance left their astral makes." Both girls smiled at the old coot, he could be useful, sometimes.
"Thanks Elder, you ready Az?"
"Yes," answered the little pale lavender haired nun, enthusiastically.
Both aimed their guns carefully at the silver haired devils. The two devils laughed, their bullets had no effects on them. Confident the bullets couldn't touch them, the two heard Remington shout, 'now!' At that moment, Rosette and Azmaria fired their bullets. A split second before that, Chrno, Anna, Mary and Vincent slammed the crosses into the ground, their holy barrier flying up to surround the enemy devils.
Carmen, Vincent and Chrno groaned slightly in discomfort, but the rewarding screams of their enemies was worth it. The two bullets had hit their marks. There was little to no resistance in Isis and Zuberi's astral energy, and the flare powder blinded them. They scrambled helplessly in the sky. Everyone began shooting five rounds of sacreds, the sixth round being the gospel. Four hit Isis, three his Zuberi, they were considerably weakened, but definitely not dead.
Before Rosette could load another gospel, the barrier faded, and the devil siblings made a run for it. Quivering with joy, Azmaria dropped her gun. Her eyes were wide as she looked on into the sky. The expression on her face almost seemed frightened. However, a huge smile spread across her face. Almost as if she were a hyper child, she began jumping up and down.
"We did it Sister Rosette! We saved the Order!" All the Sisters laughed, Kate and Remington smiled, for now, yes the Order was saved, but for how long, was yet to be determined.
"You did a great job, all of you." The tone in Chrno's voice almost sounded jealous.
"Too bad you couldn't do a thing Chrno," teased Rosette, giving Chrno a light noogie.
"All that matters is that everyone's safe now, and everyone can concentrate on recovering." Anna spoke the truth, some were just shaken, but everyone needed to recover from the nights events.
-----Isis and Zuberi-----
"How could you let this happen, Isis, we had them!" Amber eyes shimmered crimson, Zuberi was not happy.
"I did everything I could, brother!" Protested his sister, the attempt was in vain.
In a rush of anger, he grabbed her throat tightly, he bared his long fangs at her, "Do you know what Aion will do to us for this failure?"
Failingly, Isis tried to speak, "he… won't… kill…" he strengthened his grip on her throat.
"He won't kill us, no, but he can damn near bring us close to it. I do not want to die Isis! I do not wish to go back into that tomb." Abruptly, he let go of her neck, dropping her to the ground. "We'll report to him, but any and all punishment is on your shoulders."
Her amber eyes gazed at her brother. What was it that they really had? Why did she love him so much? They were siblings were they not? She should not love him in any way but a sisterly way. As she came to this realization, Isis began to feel dizzy. It was like something was being lifted from her being. That was right she could make her own choices. Really, she had no reason to follow her brother, Aion maybe, but not her brother. Wait, really, she didn't want to follow Aion, why was that?
Zuberi wheeled on her when he saw her hair begin to turn a ruby color, her eyes a feral orange. Grabbing her throat tightly once more he glared at her, "is that defiance I smell on you Isis?" roaming her body with his nose, he took in her scent. "Don't be such a bad girl Isis, you know you're not allowed free will." Pushing her neck to the side, he held her body to his in a death hold.
Bearing his fangs over her shoulder, he dug into her flesh, until he found the main vain he was looking for. Venom began pouring into the young ruby haired devils body. Hot, white pain surged throughout her, she screamed in pain. Writhing in his arms, she tried to get away. The hair on her head that began to turn ruby, turned silver once more. Before she completely succumbed to his venom, she stored one thought. Zuberi was controlling her, abusing her, and she badly needed outside help to escape his clutches.
Feeling that his sister had fallen unconscious, he dropped her to the floor. Wiping his mouth, he scoffed. Each time he had to re-intoxicate her, the effects wore off faster. Growling, he punched the wall, the last thing he needed was for this to happen. In order to make his venom stronger against her, he'd need Aion's help. For that, he'd need to promise his services for an even longer time then previously decided. After being freed from his tomb, he didn't want to spend anymore time than necessary under Aion's control.
Induced sleep dazed amber eyes began to slowly flutter open. Beginning to wake up, Isis shook her head. How had she gotten on the floor? Why wasn't her lover concerned for her? There was no sign of him by her side until she groaned.
"How are you feeling, my lovely Isis." This was troubling, every time he had to re-intoxicate her, she came out of her small coma with a different set of memories of what they were.
When he had been a proud ruler in Egypt, so many centuries ago, they had been lovers. They weren't truly siblings, though it was commonly practiced. Being lovers with one's cousin, he was revolted by that idea. Vaguely, he wondered what her memory of them would be this time. Would they be siblings, friends, or cousins? What would they be in her mind? This frustrating thought made him long for his rule in Egypt.
Innocent amber eyes blinked in slight confusion, "Zuberi, my love, where am I?"
"We're back at the hideout on the beach, my love. Rest, you will need your strength soon." For once, he felt happy, his true Isis was back.
Lovingly, he kissed her lips tenderly, this was the woman his whole being wanted. Never did he wish for the sister, or the cousin, or the friend to appear again. However, he had to keep her under his control, at least until they were done with Aion. His beautiful ruby haired, feral orange eyed queen never agreed to help Aion. Remembering the day they were brought back to life, he remembered her saying she'd rather go back to the grave then help him. Zuberi wanted to live though, and not without his lover. So to make her agree, he did what he had just done a few moments ago. Forcefully made her submit using his venom, being an Egyptian rattler devil had its advantages.
Their kiss became inflamed, it was no longer tender and sweet. Her lips were crushed under his, his hands roamed her body. Really, he wished for his real lover to be replaced by this amber eyed, silver haired woman. She was his Isis, but at the same time, not his. He felt her every curve, nook and cranny. These were her curves, this was her skin, her hair, her breasts. It was all her, but the color wasn't right. Silently, he wished for the ruby of her hair, and the orange of her eyes. For some reason, wanting her made him remember when they were brought back to life.
There was no incantation, no spell, no nothing. It was absurd, merely being buried in a tomb kept their bodies from coming back to life. Those damned humans, they had found a way to seal them. Then they buried their bodies before they could revive. This angered him, but for now, half of his Isis was back with him, and who knew how long she'd stay. Deciding to take advantage of this, he wrapped his arms around her waist. For this moment, she was his Isis, and he'd take joy in this fact.
-----At the Magdalene Order-----
"This really sucks," Rosette complained for the umpteenth time, "how the hell are we supposed to beat those God for saken devils?!" Anger was clearly evident in her eyes. (AU: No shit, right?)
Once again, Carmen was lying unconscious on the cot in the clinic. All in the clinic was quiet until Rosette's outburst. After that, it was silent once more. No one seemed to have anything to say, or any words of hope or comfort. Anna, Mary and Claire had long ago since gone to bed. Sister Kate and Father Remington were leaning against the wall near the clinic door. Chrno, Rosette, Vincent and Azmaria were all sitting in chairs next to Carmen's bed. The momentary heavy silence was soon broken.
"Vhere have all you been? I've looked everyvhere for you fools." the door flew open, hitting Remington in the face, which unfortunately, temporarily stunned him, in which that time he slid to the floor. Stepping through the door was an elegant red haired woman.
Five pairs of eyes stared at the long haired red head. The young woman's amethyst eyes were piercing, she was beautiful despite the scowl on her face upon gazing at Rosette. "Ah, I see the country bumpkin is here."
"What did you call me?!!?" Jumping up from her chair, she tried to charge at the woman, of course she was thwarted by Chrno holding her back.
"Ah, Satella," Azmaria called, "we've been expecting to see you."
Suddenly letting up on the force of her escape, Chrno and Rosette fell back in reaction. After standing up and getting the dust off herself, Rosette helped Chrno to his feet then questioned Az, "we were?"
"Yes, once you found out where you truly descended from…" began the small albino apostle.
"Wait, wait, wait, so everyone here knew about this whole thing happening, except for me and Chrno?" The blond raised her brow, expecting the answer.
"Yes," answered everyone in the room.
"So everyone knew that I was a descendant of Mary Magdalena except for me and Chrno, right?" this time everyone just nodded.
"What you're saying then is, you knew someday I would be able to use my dormant powers." again, they nodded, "exactly how did you all know this before we had any clue?"
Unexpectedly it was Satella who answered, "look country bumpkin, we knew this was coming so we could help you through it." crossing her arms over her chest, she glared at the blond, "you can either accept our help and stop complaining, or keep complaining and have no help."
Growling, this angered the nun, "why would I want help from a witch like you?"
Sister Kate couldn't stay quiet any longer, "Sister Rosette!" her voice boomed in the small clinic, all the occupants stiffened and looked at the head abbess, "there are always reasons for why things happen the way they do, and the only thing you can do is accept that. We were told first so that we could accept the fact that there will be changes. None that we ourselves could ever control, things that not even you two can control." By the end of her little speech, the other occupants of the room didn't know whether Kate was red in the face with anger, or about to cry.
"Besides the fact that I'm some, 'Earth bound Angel,' what really is going to change, Sister Kate?" Ocean blue eyes looked into deep chestnut, "I'll always be a Sister here, so what's gonna change?"
Closing her eyes, Sister Kate straightened up and placed her hand on the handle of the door, "there will be more changes than you expect, Sister Rosette." with that, she left the room, closing the door softly behind her.
Blinking, Rosette stared at the door, not sure if she should be worried, or scared. "Ok, I'm confused, anyone else confused?"
Immediately Chrno raised his hand, he was just as much out of the loop as Rosette was. However, deciding that it was best that they weren't the only ones that seemed lost, Azmaria, Remington, Satella and Vincent all raised their hands as well. Being as she was still unconscious, Vincent raised Carmen's hand for her.
"We're just as confused by all this, Rosette." Az said in her timid voice.
"You still knew everything before Chrno and I did, what else do you guys know?" There was a hint of betrayal in her voice, a bit of sadness in her eyes.
Instead of answering, Azmaria began to sing. Slowly, she could feel her apostle powers regaining their strength. Perhaps, her singing could calm down Rosette's soul, which was warring inside itself. The soft lyrics that passed her lips, in fact did calm the occupants of the room. It was almost as if they were on a high, everyone sunk back into their chairs. In Remington's case, he sunk lower onto the floor, along with Satella. (Where he had slid after being hit by the slammed open door… thanks Satella) Ocean blue eyes seemed to become a glassy color as she fell into a trance. Crimson eyes also gained a glassy color as he too went into a trance.
Each and every occupant seemed to be going into one. The little apostle's song reached everyone, everywhere in the order. Elder, Anna, Mary, Claire, Sister Kate, and everyone else in the order, even the slumbering Carmen went into a trance. She knew that this was for the best, Mary had told her that everyone would need to understand. For them to understand, they needed to be put into this trance. That way, everyone would know the fate of Rosette and Chrno, and be able to accept it.
-----In Rosette's trance-----
She was hovering, or so it felt like it.
There were figures beneath her, she couldn't tell who they were.
Moving in closer, she recognized everyone.
Satella, Azmaria, Remington, Kate, Anna, Mary, Elder, Carmen, Vincent, herself… Chrno… where was Claire?
A grave was in the middle of the circle of people.
Rosette floated near it.
She gasped, it read, 'Here lies Claire…' Rosette could read no more.
Chrno had his arm around a weeping blond haired young woman's waist.
Since when did Chrno do that?
They were talking…
"I know it's hard to accept Rosette, love, but you have to be strong for our daughter."
'Our daughter?' There was no way that could be, Rosette was celibate! There was no way she would have kids!
"She was a sister to me Chrno…"
Tears began to fall from the real Rosette's eyes, none of this could be real.
The Rosette and Chrno on the ground turned to her.
Did they see her?
Nothing was said, but it felt like their eyes were telling her something.
What, what were they trying to tell her?
The Rosette next to Chrno then fell to her knees.
"Please, Lord, guide safely the soul that has just departed us."
Chrno also fell to his knees, he continued her prayer.
"Allow her to live in eternal peace."
Azmaria then fell to her knees.
"Let her know that we shall always keep her in our hearts."
Kate was next.
"Also in our minds…"
Remington, "in our prayers…"
Elder, "in our thoughts…"
Anna, "with us always, the memory of your smile will stay."
Mary, "the good you've done will always be known, we'll keep the memory of you alive."
Satella, "so rest now, loving soul, rest in peace, knowing we'll always pray."
Tears streamed down the real Rosette's cheeks, no, it couldn't be! It wasn't fair!
Mary Magdalena suddenly appeared next to the real Rosette.
"Why… why does Claire have to be taken from us…?"
"Why must anyone leave us? To help whose left behind grow stronger."
"I can become stronger without my friends dying!"
Mary's form faded before her eyes.
-----Chrno's trance-----
He was in a dark room, no lights were to be found.
There was nothing to be heard, where was everyone?
Sounds began to echo throughout wherever Chrno was.
A blush crossed his face, whatever the noises were, they sounded… pleasurable.
An image slowly began to focus before him.
Slight pink hue turned crimson red, Chrno saw himself.
He was hunched over someone, who though?
Whoever was under him, called his name pleadingly, lovingly…
"Chrno…"
The other Chrno lowered his head towards the woman's neck.
"Rosette…" he murmured softly, biting into her flesh.
Heart now racing, he flew down to see what was really happening.
What he saw he couldn't describe.
He was… making love, to his Rosette.
"Never leave me, Chrno." She pleaded.
"I'd never think of such a thing, love."
Time seemed to fast forward.
Rosette was now pregnant.
The other Chrno was feeding their offspring his astral energy through the bite on her neck.
Both seemed so happy.
What about this scene was so deceiving?
The real Chrno flew in closer to look at their faces.
There were tears in Rosette's eyes.
"Claire is extremely sick, Chrno…" she was silent.
"She'll make it through, she's resilient, like you."
Time seemed to fast forward.
The other Chrno and Rosette were in the clinic.
They were sitting next to Claire, who was smiling and laughing.
"I knew you'd get better," Chrno smiled.
Tears were in Rosette's eyes, she launched herself at Claire.
"I was so worried, I couldn't lose you!" A baby girl cooed in Chrno's arms.
The image faded, and Mary Magdalena appeared before the real Chrno.
"This could be the outcome, are you strong enough to make it so?"
Chrno nodded his head, "I have to be, I can't let anything hurt Rosette anymore."
"You know then, that something bad will have to happen in place of Claire's death…"
-----Satella's Trance-----
She was in a room, styled elegantly.
This was Satella, why wouldn't she be in such a room?
People danced around the room, perhaps she was holding a ball.
She spotted people from the Magdalene order.
They danced without each other.
Sister Kate with Father Remington.
Azmaria with a blond haired boy, who was much taller than her.
Chrno in his true form… with Rosette.
Satella herself stood near a window, holding a small sleeping baby girl.
Someone came up to her.
"Sister, why are you not dancing?"
"I'm not in the mood, besides I'm babysitting."
The real Satella gasped, she had found her sister? She was babysitting
More to her surprise, it was the Fiore girl who was with Aion.
Aion, what about him? Why was there a party while he was running amuck?
She saw herself conversing with her sister further, she couldn't hear them.
Just stare.
Why were they not trying to find Aion?
Someone walked in.
It was Claire, she looked pale.
"Glad you were well enough to come." The other Satella said from across the room.
"Thank you for inviting us all, Miss Satella."
Wait, she had invited everyone, even Rosette?
The real Satella shook her head, but of course.
It was making sense now.
Rosette and Chrno were prophesized to be together.
She knew Remington and Kate would be together.
Things were coming together, Aion was gone, that blond boy was Joshua.
This must be a time after Rosette gave birth.
Gasping, Satella shot up from the ground.
"I see you've come out of your trance, Miss Satella." Azmaria said as she smiled at the Jewel Witch.
Satella pressed her palm to her forehead, her normally narrow hazel eyes were wide. "Azmaria, I just saw… the future."
Giggling then sighing, Azmaria nodded, "everyone will see different futures. You must have seen Claire. She'll get really sick soon."
She turned her amethyst eyes towards Rosette, who had her head lolling over the back of the chair she sat in. "Though she looks positively repulsive at the moment, she looks to be in pain."
Azmaria frowned, "she must be seeing Claire's death…"
"How can I see her alive, yet Rosette sees her death?" Gazing at the little apostle girl, she awaited her answer.
"Everyone one of us will see something different, a future that pertains to them. Most of us will see Claire in their vision, not everyone though. For Rosette and Claire themselves, they'll see Claire's death. This is because this is what must change, but in order for that…"
Blinking once or twice, she continued to look at the small albino girl, "something else must happen?"
"Did you see Mary Magdalena in your trance?"
"No," answered the witch simply.
"Then it will be Chrno and Rosette who will know what two outcomes there could be." Answered the little albino girl.
"So what must happen in order to keep Claire alive?" Satella thought on it a moment, "more to that, why is Claire so important?"
At this, Azmaria smiled, "she's not only a fine Sister at this order, but she's like a real, true, blood sister to Rosette. Not to mention, she's the reincarnation of the daughter Sister Kate was supposed to have."
Shocked, Satella stared at Azmaria, "what happened to her daughter?"
Azmaria said one word, 'miscarriage' and that was enough. Satella sat back against the wall, not caring that her gorgeous long red hair was a complete mess. What were the others seeing in their little, 'trances?' Sure Satella knew what had been going on, she knew everything before Chrno and Rosette. Yet, she hadn't known anything about Claire being… a reincarnation. Only thing now was what had to happen in order to keep Claire alive?
-----Kate's trance-----
She was floating in a hospital room.
She saw herself.
Tears streamed down her cheeks.
Her daughter had been lost, due to miscarriage.
It was so unfair.
An angel appeared before her.
More tears ran down her cheeks, what more heartache could God give her?
The angel spoke.
"Your daughter shall be reincarnated, but you may never tell her so."
"Why, why can't I be allowed to hold my daughter, feel her warmth?"
"When the time comes."
The angel disappeared.
The image distorted.
She was now in the Magdalene order.
She was being accepted as the Abbess of the New York branch.
There was no prouder moment in her life.
Other than having been carrying a child.
She took care of everyone.
Rosette came to the order.
Disaster. Panic. Ruin. Mess. Eats everything in sight. Ugh.
Such a rash girl, reminds her of herself.
The scene changes, she was in the clinic.
Sister Claire was sick, extremely so.
Rosette sat next to her, sobbing loudly.
"Please Claire, you have to get better…"
It was a time while her daughter was still sick.
No outcome had been decided.
How did she get sick in the first place?
How was her daughter to get better?
Why get another chance at life, only to have it ripped away?
The images began to fade.
Black was all that was left.
She felt nothing, saw nothing.
Heard nothing, smelled nothing, she didn't even taste the smells in the air.
All she knew was the darkness, and the blue eyes that were Remington's.
"So why are those two going to be the only ones who see the outcomes?" Satella questioned Azmaria.
"That's because the outcome is affected directly from them." Once more, both looked at Rosette and Chrno.
Neither looked to be having much fun, both their faces looked painful. Their hearts went out to the two of them, they had gone through so much. Chrno had become an outcast of his kind. He was used by Aion, and was made to kill his first love, Mary Magdalena. Later he was sealed within her tomb.
Rosette and Joshua lost their parents, and were sent from orphanage to orphanage. They had to deal with people trying to split them up. When they finally found a small sample of happiness, Joshua was ripped from Rosette's grip. Now she had to deal with her soul being drained from her.
Yet she couldn't hate Chrno, like he hoped she would. Instead, she grew to love him, more and more each day.
Both were leading a hard life, there was no doubt of that. Yet, everyone that knew the two also knew that they'd make it through anything. No matter what, they had to, Joshua's life counted on that.
-----Remington's trance-----
Yet again, he was in the Elder's hut.
Once again, he was showing off a new bullet.
It was different this time.
The bullet was strange.
It was pearl white, in color.
Much more rounded and smooth, it had a glimmer.
There were holy symbols etched onto it.
Also symbols in ancient Latin.
Elder was telling him what it meant.
He couldn't hear what he was saying.
Remington walked out of the hut.
His feet took him towards the Order's main entrance.
He crossed the large doorframe.
On his way, somewhere deep within the Order.
It was Sister Kate's office.
She sat at her desk, writing out some report.
"Sister Kate," he said his voice soft.
Startled, she looked up, then smiled.
"Ewan," she said with a warm smile.
"I wish to speak with you," he began.
Nodding, she got up and shut the door.
"How are you dealing with all this?"
"I'm fine, Remington. I have to be, I have to be strong."
Despite her words, there were unshed tears in her eyes.
"You can't continue to deny how this affects you, Kate."
She averted her gaze.
"I know this, but I can't be selfish."
"God is forgiving, he'll understand."
She met his gaze.
"Be selfish with me." He pleaded his voice silky.
Out of nowhere, Rosette arose from her seated position, screaming her head off. "DON'T YOU THINK ABO—" she stopped herself before she could finish her sentence. This wasn't where she was before.
"Rosette, you're awake!" Azmaria jumped out of her chair and ran to hug her best friend.
"Uh… yeah, I am." Rosette, being slightly bewildered, stared at the pale purple haired apostle.
"So you understand?"
"Yes, I do," Rosette answered, her eyes filled with an emotion Azmaria recognized as fear.
"Just do what you know you need to do Rosette, and everything will be fine." The pale haired apostle gave her best smile.
"So either… Claire dies… or something happens to me? How is that fair on either end?" she questioned, hugging her knees to her chest.
"You can't think of it like that Rosette…"
"But that's exactly what it is, right Az? Either she dies or I die… how is that fair?" she held her knees closer to her body. "I know I shouldn't be selfish, but despite the way I act sometimes, and how I disregard my life, I do want to live!"
"Rosette…" the poor apostle tried to reason with her. "You don't get it…"
"What don't I get Azmaria?" questioned the blond nun, drained of energy.
"If whatever is supposed to happen to you happens, Claire won't die." She paused while Rosette snorted her disliking, "but you won't die either." This seemed to catch the blond nuns interest, "if whatever is supposed to happen to you occurs, neither of you will die."
"How do you know?"
" Magdalena told me that no matter what, you would not die. It's not what's meant to happen. No matter what, you will survive Rosette, it just depends on you to keep Claire alive too." She smiled up at her blond friend.
A smile then too, appeared on Rosette's features, "thanks Azzy, you don't know what that means to me." It might have seemed selfish to want to live, after disregarding her life so much, but there was still so much she had to do. So many people she still had to save to get her brother back.
"I'm always here for you, Rosette." smiled the apostle, grabbing Rosette's hands in her own.
"Having said that, I'm going to the exorcist training grounds." Standing up, she stretched, her golden locks falling behind her neck.
"Why are you going there?"
"Target practice," grinned the nun, however, this confused the pale lavender haired girl, since when did the fiery nun need target practice?
-----Ten minutes later-----
Azmaria was still staring after Rosette. Satella hadn't said anything as the nun walked past her. Chrno soon woke up, and when he looked around, and his eyes never met Rosette's form, he worried. Shaking her head, Azmaria assured him that Rosette was fine. Frowning, he looked towards the door, he could feel her restlessness in the aura that surrounded the whole entire Order. Silently he followed that restless aura, he followed it to the training grounds. Finding her in the cold, underground building confused him.
What was the reason for her being down there, when she didn't need any kind of target practice?
He looked down upon her from the control room. The practice was set at 25, five levels above that which allowed her to become militia. True to that, the crimson eyed devil believed her test was even harder. She did have to save Azmaria's soul. That had to have made it more difficult. Then again, no, when it came to her friends, Rosette wouldn't fail, she wouldn't let herself fail.
Looking down through the window, he pinpointed Rosette's location. At the moment, she was picking off the weaker of her mock opponents. If he hadn't known her better, he would have rushed to her side as a stronger devil came up behind her. There was no need though, she had somehow developed some sort of sixth sense. She was able to tell when there was someone behind her. Somehow he wondered if this sense developed so she'd know when he was behind her. To be truthful, he wouldn't doubt it.
Loading more bullets into the barrel of her gun, raising her arm above her head, she shot behind her. The sacred connected point-blank at the base of the horn in the middle of a devils forehead. Definitely she was getting better, but would she be able to pinpoint anyplace on Aion so easily? Would she be able to get the base of the horns on Joshua? True she had improved, but the last time, Joshua had been too fast. So what made her so sure that she could connect the shot now?
Gritting her teeth, she ran on, destroying her targets. When would she truly be ready to take on her own brother? How would she know when she was truly ready for such a thing? Taking a deep breath, Rosette calmed herself, she'd gain nothing if she kept doubting herself. Her senses seemed to pick up on an abnormally strong target behind her.
Whirling around, her gun came face to face with Chrno's forehead. Once again, she breathed in deeply, then smiled, "looks like you found me Chrno."
"What are you doing here Rosette, there's no need to train right now." He looked up into her glowing ocean blue eyes.
"I know, but I can't keep this thought out of my head. What if I'm not good enough to be able to get Joshua right at the base of the horns? What if I absolutely have to hit the mark? Joshua's fast, we've seen that before, he could dodge it, or worse. I could hit the wrong place." As she talked, she slid to the ground, her knees together, her legs fanned out.
Worried, hard crimson eyes softened, "is that why you're here? You don't believe your skills now are good enough?"
She let out a breathy laugh. "Why else would I be here Chrno?"
Smiling, the small devil grinned, "you won't get better at the skills you really need Rosette." A vein popping on the young nuns head, she interrupted before he could continue.
"Are you saying that I'm unskilled?" pushing up the sleeve of her habit, she got ready to attack the offending devil.
"No, no, that's not what I'm saying. What I am saying, is that, you won't be able to hit your mark while practicing on targets where it doesn't truly matter where you hit them." Raising a brow, she listened to him, interested, "if you truly want to increase your skills, you need to practice on targets where it does matter if you hit the exact mark."
The blond nuns face hardened, "I'm not using you guys as target practice."
"You don't have to use us, not the real us anyways." Rosette gave him a questioning look, "the Elder thought about it a lot while he was creating that bullet." He smiled, "wait here," with that, he disappeared, and within minutes, his form appeared next to her, without her noticing. When she turned around, she gasped.
"How'd you get there so quickly Chrno?" there was no answer, "Chrno… answer me damn it!" more veins popped on her forehead.
"Don't kill it Rosette! That's not really me, it's a program the Elder made." The little violet haired devil ran up to the nun.
"When did you find out about this?"
"He's been babbling about it for a long time, he actually started it when we first arrived here. Just because he's perverted, doesn't mean he doesn't know what he's doing."
"So he created these copies, so I could practice hitting my exact mark?"
"Yes, and there are several levels. First is a trial and error. You shoot, if you hit the right mark, you're lucky, if you don't, it'll show you what to look for. The next will be someone you know, with a point on them which you must absolutely hit. From there on that point becomes smaller, the opponent becomes faster and stronger, you have to be on your feet, ready for anything."
"When exactly, did you learn about this?" questioned the nun, grinning at her devil partner.
"The day before we were sent out on our last mission, the Elder said he could feel the time was nearing for, 'special training.'" For a moment, he was lost in thought.
"Why didn't you tell me this before?" standing up at her full height, she tried to look intimidating to the small being before her.
"Elder told me not to, I suppose it was just another thing everyone else was in on that we were clueless about." Chrno also stood up, looking up into the ocean blue eyes of his contractor. "You'll protect your friends Rosette, you won't fail." There was so much warmth in his smile, more than there ever had been before.
That warmth she saw, that warmth that fired up in his eyes, she had never noticed it before.
Had it always been there?
Her cheeks began to burn, when had those crimson eyes begun to bore so far into her soul? Why were her thoughts so rampid? What was it about this violet haired, crimson eyed devil that made her feel so, crazy?!
The feelings flowing through her at the moment were indescribable. There was no chance to think straight, and she felt herself becoming dizzy.
There was never a time that Rosette had truly depended on another.
Seeing her now, she seemed like a porcelain doll. A doll that would break whether left alone, or touched by even the gentlest of hands.
He could feel his face heat up, and he didn't miss the blush that crossed his contractor's face. Biting the inside of his lip, he could hear his angel's heart speed up. What was she thinking that would make her heart race so? His eyes bore into her's, and her eyes into his.
Rosette once more slid to the floor, (no rhyme intended) she couldn't tear her eyes from the crimson orbs of her companion. Chrno's feet were rooted to their spot, his eyes never breaking contact with Rosette's. His breath became short and rigid, his own heart began to speed up. Shaky tanned hands raised up to cup rose colored cheeks. The warmth from his hands on her face sent shivers down her spine.
She looked up into his eyes, her knees once again locked with her legs fanning out behind her. "Chrno…" she barely whispered.
One of her arms was extended out in front of her for balance. The other slowly raising towards her partners face. Her lips were slightly agape, his left hand left her cheek, to slowly trace her jaw line. Gently he curled his index finger under her chin. He tilted her smooth skinned chin upwards. Her soft and pale hand reached his cheek.
Slowly the two closed the gap between their lips. Their breathing growing increasingly short, Rosette's eyes fluttered shut. Half lidded crimson eyes glazed over, and finally closed. Was this truly happening?
"Rosette…" tanned lips captured soft, warm, pink lips in a gentle and timid kiss.
The contact was brief, but it was enough to send both to cloud 9. Crimson eyes opened dazedly, as did ocean blue. Chrno fell backwards, his precious contractor sitting back upon her legs.
Somewhere off in the distance, a huge metallic door was opened. Foot steps rang off the walls, louder and louder the closer they got. Pale lavender hair peeked past a corner, then a pale face with crimson eyes. Azmaria gazed at her two friends worriedly, they were just… sitting there!
Gulping, she looked on, watching for a reaction as she called to her friends, "uh… um, Rosette, Chrno!"
Being that Chrno's back was facing her, she couldn't tell if he had heard her. However, it was clear that Rosette had. She began blinking wildly, five blinks, ten blinks, 27… then she looked up. Blinking once more, something seemed to click in her mind, and her whole face went red. Her jaw dropped, and she panicked.
"Rosette, what's wrong?" cried the worried apostle.
"Uh, n-nothing!" she stammered, her eyes jolted from side to side, and finally she hit Chrno upside the head when he wasn't saying anything.
A huge knot appeared on the poor devils head, "ow! Rosette, what was that for?" complained the little devil.
For a moment she had no answer, "you distracted me from my training!" she bellowed randomly, which was, in fact true.
Gazing at them with swirly eyes, Azmaria swayed, "I'm so confu-u-u-u-sed…" she held her head.
The two chuckled nervously, "ehehe," they looked at each other than back to their friend, and continued to laugh nervously. Their little moment together, was secret, at least for the moment, it'd be that way.
DK: Wow that was a long chapter.
R: Yeah, they just keep getting longer and longer…
C: 'yay, I got to kiss Rosette!' I agree, very long indeed… -face turns red-
ER: Why is your face so red Chrno?
E: It couldn't be that you're having dirty thoughts, now could it?
SK: Edward! Stop that right now, he must be sick if he's flushing like that!
S: Yeah right, I bet he's just thinking about me. –Girlishly blushes, holding her face-
R: Get over yourself Satella. –Growls-
A: Please, no fighting! –Swirl eyes-
DK: yeah, no bickering, I gotta do the overview of the next chapter!
Carmen: Oh, can I do it?
Vincent: Why you? You'll start going off in random events!
DK: Hey, she's my character, I created her that way!
Anna: wouldn't that be a bad thing then?
Carmen: No way!
Vincent: Whatever. –Sighs-
Mary: What's with you guys today? You're all dead!
Claire: Those trances weren't fun…
DK: -sniffles- Don't tell me about it, I may cry. –Sobs-
C & R: Don't talk to us about it! We're the ones being affected about it!
SK: Anyways, on with the overview… -pinches the bridge of her nose-
Carmen: Things begin to become weird between Rosette and Chrno. Carmen and Vincent are finally sealed within the pocket watch. Sister Kate, Father Remington and the others begin discussing what's left to be told of the prophecy that Rosette and Chrno don't know. Not a moments rest is allowed, devils begin to mercilessly attack New York. What's with the sudden spring in devil activity?
Vincent: God, you can't keep it simple can you Carmen?
Carmen: Nope!
DK: Dewa mata, minna! Ja ne!
Words to know:
Zuberi- Egyptian name meaning 'strong'
Isis- Egyptian name meaning 'Female of Throne'
Dewa mata, minna- See you later, everyone
Ja ne- See ya