Title: The Covenant

Chapter: 1

The soft light of dawn worked its way between the heavy curtains that shielded the cluttered apartment from sight; twining its long golden fingers across the dark rug, traveling over clothing, candy wrappers, and books, groping to fill the entire room. As the sun rose, spreading its persona into windows and doorways, greeting early birds with it's shining face, its light canceled out the almost eerily glow of a computer, the soft hum and spaced clicks not waking its owner whom slept before it.

The pale, electronic glow was slowly replaced by the warm gold, revealing the deep purple hues of his long thick hair and the rugged tone of his smooth skin, marred only by the dark circles beneath his eyes born from sleepless nights working on his journal. That journal spanned over twenty-five notebooks, each bound and packaged beneath his bed, the rest compiled on dozens of floppy disks, to many for him to count, stashed in the same organized manor. The purpose was not to log in his events per say, but to keep track of time. His life went by him like a passing dream, things blurred together and if he didn't keep a sharp eye out, he would completely loose track of what year... or even century... it was.

The rest of his home though, had no image of organization at all, even the man's apparel, a thick, almost military, pair of pants and a white Ginny-Tee, his skin slick and bronzed, and his hair tangled about his shoulders, seemed as rumpled as the very air about him. The page was still open on the screen, the small bar flashing almost impatiently in the middle of the first and only sentence. All that had been written on the page had been the date, and three words. God I wish…

The sun draped its blanket over the man easily now, its warmth not seeming to effect him at all, his form as still as death itself upon the desk. But with a small click of changing numbers, the alarm clock on the other side of the room switched on, and the room was filled with the melodic voice of a female singer, rousing the man with a slight intake of breath.

"And you don't seem to understand A shame you seemed an honest man..." The rich voiced singer crooned, the song dimming out all other sounds with it's timbre, as the alarm clock had been set on the maximum volume. He sat up slowly, pulling a piece of sticky paper off of his cheek and stretching luxuriously, his waist long hair rippling down his strong shoulders in violet waves. "And all the things you hold so dear Will come to whisper in your ear..." He opened his eyes slowly, revealing one ruby iris and the other a milky lavender, and stood with a light groan, grabbing a pair of glasses along the way. "And I know that I must seem to love you and I know that you give so much..."

"Oh shut up." He growled irritably.

"But I don't even feel a th--- " The flat of his wide hand slammed down on the top of the machine and the apartment once again was plunged into silence as he walked past it into the bathroom, his numb fingers brushing against an old photo in a shined frame, the glass worn in four streaks, proving him to be a creature of habit.

He closed the door after him with a light sigh, stripping down out of the rumpled clothing to step inside the steaming shower, allowing the scaling spray to wash away his tenseness. He lifted his face to the water, the drops streaming down his strong body, and pooling onto the tiled floor.

What day was it again…? Tuesday? Friday? He ran a hand through his sopping locks letting the streams of liquid course down to the ground. "Maa Rosetto. What am I to do today?" He whispered, his eyes closed as his face pulled up in a soft rendition of grief. It had been so long, and yet still. Still he could not forget her.

He smiled almost painfully; the memory of his love's peaceful face after his broken promise ended her life welling up within him. Eighty years two months and 10 days…he had counted every one as it passed him by. 20 years since Azmaria and Joshua had passed away, after 40 years of being married, cremated in a tradition Rosette had started in her own funeral. Rather then disappear into the ground and become obscure in time; one was released into the air in a brilliant fire, to join the air that they were born from.

A bright ring that startled him out of his thoughts broke his forlorn morning mantra, and he blinked his eyes a bit then peered past the steamed shower door at the phone across the hall, which was jiggling the entire table as it demanded attention. "Ack. Crap." He muttered, groping along the wall for a towel, knocking down a bunch of things on the way that clattered on the ground loudly before he gripped the thick material and drew it to him, wrapping it about his lower half as he headed for the phone with a mutter that turned into a curse when the answering machine began to respond, picking up his pace quite a bit.

His fingers gripped about the phone, before lifting it to his ear with some hesitation; seeing as there were only two people who called him, those who wanted money, and Remington. "Yo! Chrno!" He winced at the voice, oh yes, defiantly the latter, "Are you going to mope around your apartment all day or are you going to join me at your office. You remember, the one at the top of the skyscraper? Labeled 'boss'?"

Former Father Remington asked drolly, cocking his eyebrow up lightly as he leaned against the solid wood desk of his office. This was a daily ritual, of dragging the demon out of his little cell, into the daylight to do as Rosette would have wanted him to. Live. "We have 3 cases already. When ever I Predict that the month will be busy, it follows up." He turned and lounged against the wood, his still handsome features accented by his longish hair, which he had let grow out a bit since he retired from the order after Sister Kate's funeral. "It's a tragic gift that I'd easily give up for a vacation." He joked.

"Ah right…" Chrno responded, completely ignoring the man's humor, his voice just as faint as ever, as he leaned over the phone, his tangled locks dripping water on the wood floor and marring his glasses. "What were they? Do I have to get there now?" If he could put it off…he would…

"A couple normal jobs, some legion possessed a Crispy Cream Donut Shoppe, I have a few rookies heading over there now. We'll probably need some more uniforms after this." He chuckled lightly and Even Chrno smiled a bit from his side of the phone.

"Ah yes…" He smirked lightly, crinkling those eyes up a bit, "A messy job, but has to be done. I'm sure they'll be better off once they realize that a spirit will make them explode everywhere…."

"Ummm…. Yes…. I should probably send a clean up crew right away." Remington chuckled, flipping his book to the next page. "A subway accident is being attributed to a upper level Legion. They're coming more and more through that system, something That they requested we do personally…"

"Why is it always personally?" Chrno groaned lightly, adjusting his towel, "Can't you tell them that I'm busy or something?"

"Oh I already did. Because the third call is the most interesting. And I'd suggest you get over here before I have to leave with out you Chrno. Our appointment is in an hour…" He grinned lightly, his eyes twinkling with a light that hadn't been there for a long time, and he set down the book to turn and face the phone, placing his hands tight on the wooden desk, the phone tucked tightly against his ear.

"Eh?" The violet haired demon blinked, pushing his glasses up with his pointer finger at Yuan's slightly trembling, excited voice. What was so interesting that would make his normally calm friend act so strange. "What is it? Yuan?" He blinked again, wrinkling his eyebrows up.

"Chrno. They're back." Remington said softly, taking a soft breath in.

"They…?" He stiffened, eyes widening as his hand tightened about the phone, "As in whom?" He couldn't mean...

"The apostles." The ex-priest stated softly, his throat tightening as he spoke the words again. "They've found one."

"Flight 243 from Venice is now landing, Once again, Flight 243 from Venice is now landing." The voice on the intercom was barely audible over the hustle and bustle of the airport; certainly not loud enough for the one's who needed to know such things to hear. One of those people, sat curled up at a table in the food court, completely asleep. The wide windows to the left sent soft rays of new morning sunlight over the nearly empty food court, the person in question one of the few who graced the area, most of the other inhabitants being very old or very young. Her blonde hair hung over her arms lightly, fluttering once and a while as she breathed out, her right hand spread over a medical book, and the table was covered with folders and papers.

"Flight 243 from Venice is now docked in gate 103. Once again, Flight 243 from Venice is now docked in gate 103." She shifted restlessly, before finally opening her azure eyes, sitting up despite the piece of paper that had stuck to her cheek.

"Aw Crap." She mumbled, pealing the paper off her cheek and peering at the words there on. "I fell asleep." She grinned lightly, yawning as she ruffled her papers together from the long wait, only pausing when she caught glimpse of her watch. 5:25 a.m. The plane had landed at 5:15. "AAHHH JOSHUA!" She screeched out loud, hair bristling as she stood up viciously, sending the chair clattering and the few occupants of the hall jumping slightly and staring at her. She grabbed everything on the table and swiftly shoved it into her pouch, cursing at herself in a language unfamiliar to most people around these parts, but native to the city she had been born in.

Ahh I cant believe I feel asleep!! She chastised herself, throwing her pouch over her shoulder as she ran haphazardly through the small crowds of early morning travelers, nearly knocking some poor sap completely off his feet as she bumbled into him, sending their stuff flying. "Ack! Sorry sorry!" She apologized quickly; snatching up the things she dropped, before taking off once more, not staying long enough to get a good glimpse at poor old man who was twitching on the ground.

Joshua sat on one of he hard green seats that filled the half empty gate, his eyes glazed and distant as he held the small mask to his nose and mouth, breathing slowly. Flying, it seemed, hadn't been the best thing for his body, he had had a couple of attacks on the long 13 hour flight over to America, and nearly killed the nurse assigned to him out of the stress. That made him smile a bit, after all, even a few attacks were worth seeing Rosette again. Two years, it sounded so long, but felt even longer, being without his important, dear sister… Speaking of which, wasn't she supposed to be here 20 minutes ago?

He lifted his eyes, searching the meager crowds for his beloved twin, every blonde not the right shade, and every person not exactly how he remembered her. That is, until he heard a cry of glee as he looked slightly to the side just to get completely knocked over his chair by a very excited blonde girl.

"JOSHUA!!"

THUMP!

"AHHHH!!" The nurse screamed out loud, her plump face going completely pale as the two of them fell and hit the hard ground, the two tussled heads of blonde contrasting against the gray linoleum. Joshua wheezed a bit, the sudden lack of oxygen and the unexpected crushing closeness of his favorite person causing him to loose his breath for a moment. "Rosette…you're late…" He smiled warmly, wrapping his arms about her tightly, hugging her to him like she was the only thing left, which she truly was. Both their parents had died a few years back, and they had been living in an orphanage before Rosette had gotten a Medical scholarship to New York. For a moment, sicknesses were forgotten, replaced by the joy of reunion.

"Uhn. I know. Sorry about that, I fell asleep." She hugged him back, ignoring the odd looks they were getting from the people around who found it quite strange for two teenagers to be hugging on the ground in the middle of the Airport. She was too happy to be self-conscious. "I came here at 3:15 in the morning because, I was afraid I'd miss you, and I had so much homework to do so I ended up getting so tired and…I'm so happy to see you!" She wailed a bit, overreacting like normal as she just hugged him, as if letting him go would cause him to disappear.

She finally pulled back, helping her brother to his feet and checked him over quite a few times. "How was the flight over?" her eyes were worried, a little bit older, but not much different from the last time they had seen each other.

"I'm Fine Rosette, never felt better. Really." He gave his sister a comforting kiss on the forehead, actually feeling better now that his twin was so close to him. The nurse on the other hand, begged to differ.

"Miss. Christopher, your brother had 3 attacks or more on the flight over, he's not fine. He should be taken to the hospital as soon as you can do it. It isn't safe having him out like this…" She wiped her large sweaty forehead with a napkin, her heavily makeup-ed eyelids heavy over her mud brown eyes.

"Yeah." Rosette gave Joshua a look, which was a bit hard due to the fact that he was now quite taller then her, "You need to be more careful Joshua, your health is the most important thing." She squeezed his hand apologetically, before turning to the nurse. "Thank you for all your help, I'll take it from here…" She took hold of the bag the large woman was carrying and gave her a smile that said, 'leave already'.

Said woman just snorted, turning around and lumbering directly to the chow area. "Sorry Joshua," She sighed, turning to face him, and scrubbing the ink that was stuck to her cheek from sleeping on her exams.

"Maa. Don't worry about it, she's been slipping my pain meds on the way over anyway." He snorted, looking around as he looped one arm around her shoulder. "So this is America…" He grinned lightly down at her, "How is my English, I've been practicing more you know." He stuck out his tongue lightly at her, and she just laughed.

"Maa Its perfect. As I would expect it to be from someone whose parents were American." She pointed out, a grin on her features.

"Oii! That's mean! You know it yourself! Italian was more dominate in our lives. Don't make fun of the fact that I had to study our native language!" He pouted, looking off to the side. "And it wasn't like mama and Papa were alive long enough to keep it in our vocabulary."

She just smiled lightly, taking his hand and tugging him along. "Right right. Come on, I have to get you to the Hospital, they need to check into the program."

"Ah right." Joshua laughed lightly, "That's why I'm here isn't it." He squeezed his sister's shoulders and leaned over to kiss her on the cheek. "But I expect a lot more action when I'm around you."

"Damn straight you should."

"As you can see, she's in perfect condition." The doctor pointed out, dropping his stethoscope to the bed next to the small pigtailed girl, whose wide eyes were watching them with obvious confusion and interest. "They realized her powers when a young boy fell from a cliff in Brazil while they were playing tag, she retrieved him with glowing wings. Of course the family called our Brazilian branch immediately and the order had her moved here." The man patted the girl's head fondly and offered her a piece of candy to which she babbled off in Portuguese in thanks, having no idea what the man was saying to these two strangers.

"She's not the same…" Chrno stated softly, a mourning pain in his voice. "As the others…she's a completely different person…" He took a hesitant step forward and set a hand over the young girl's head. She looked nothing like the apostles he had known before, the ones who had been involved in Aion's scheme, and this hurt him deeply. Did this mean…. that Rosette would never return…and if her soul did…then she wouldn't be her?

"That was expected Chrno." Remington stated softly, placing his hand lightly on his old friend's shoulder. "No where in the Word is there any mention of Reincarnation. It's just not possible, a told you that before…'her'…. funeral… Thusly God gave his gift to an entirely new child…and let those souls who have done their duties rest…"

"I know…" He stated softly, his eyes gentle on the young girl who was unwrapping the sticky candy with small fingers that kept slipping. "So Yuan.." He turned with that half smile on his face again, his glasses slipping down about his nose as he tried to make the grin heartfelt. "On a mission for the Apostles once more. Brings back memories…."

"Yes…" Remington sighed, offering the doctor a twenty to which the man tucked it into his front pocket inconspicuously. "It does. Come on, we must set up our plans with the order. I know its been a long time since you've personally set foot there, but I promise you, not much has changed." He took his friend's arm, and tugged him along out of the room, waving lightly to the doctor as they rounded the corner and stepped out of the wing. "We're going to be very busy now."

The doctor sighed a bit, running a hand through his hair before stepping up to close the door only to get bowled over by a streak of blonde and blue, and ending up in a pile under the Brazilian girl's feet. Said child just blinked, and nibbled on her candy interested as the attacker sat up, her blonde hair a mess and falling in her face. "Uwa! Doctor! I'm sorry!" She hurriedly stood up, helping him up also with a huff.

"Ms. Rosette Christopher…" The man groaned, holding the crick in his back, and looking exasperatedly over his nose at her. "If you keep this up…" She had to be the most destructive medical student to come across this hospital. "We're going to have to transfer you to a different establishment."

She flushed, and held up her hands. "Ack. No, I'll be good! I just came to ask…" She nibbled on her bottom lip and lifted those blue eyes to meet his. "Where was Joshua brought too, I had a fussy patient and wasn't able to meet him for his check up. They're supposed to make sure he's eligible for the program."

"Ah yes.." The man mused, "He's got lung problems doesn't he, from when he was born. I almost forgot that was why you were here…I'm sure as long as you are involved in the staff, the project will include him." He winked at her, and then pointed the same way his company had left. "Right up that hall and around the corner. You'll find the project manager's office. She'll direct you I promise." He patted her shoulder and she smiled, bowing thankfully. "Good luck." He winked at her as she turned to leave and she laughed.

"Thanks. I'll need it." She smiled and turned, closing the door and dashing along the hall, puffing slightly as she skidded around the corner.

"Now I was thinking about starting in Michigan…" Remington trailed off, spreading his hand to the side as he watched with some interest as the nurses and doctors' eyes bulged at the sight of them, and dived to the side, into rooms and hallways, and some even under carts.

Chrno seemed to notice it also, his eyes curious from behind the glasses as his ears twitched lightly, wondering why everyone was acting like there was a monster on the loose. He wasn't in his True form…everyone would be screaming then, so why… "What's going o-"

"AHH!!! LOOKOUTGETOUTTAMYWAYYYY!!" Came out a bright yell that made all the staff members flinch and the two who were walking blatantly in the middle of the hall turn, only to get plowed over by that blue and blonde streak. The poor demon paled just as he caught the brunt of the attack as he went flying with a yelp into a cart, tumbling over it into a pile of Sheets, bandages and bottles, leaving the ex-priest to blink in surprise.

"Well now…That was a surprise…" He chuckled at the writhing mess, lifting up the sheet to peer at the mess of bodies, only to stiffen in shock and stumble back, dropping the sheet. "Oh merciful heaven…"

"Wah! Why did you drop it!" The run away train yelped, struggling to get the sheet up again, the violet haired victim caught the rim of the sheet, trying to blow his bangs out of his face to focus on the one sitting on him, a aggravated tone in his voice.

"Why don't you watch where you're going?! You could…. kill… some… one…." His mismatched eyes widened as his words faltered, catching in his throat against where his heart had risen.

There. Sitting on his chest. Scrambling to get the flop of bandages off of her head was the most perfect creature known to man and any other living thing. Oh god… His heart pounded as his hand reached up to pull that piece of material from her hair, having to restrain himself from just tearing her to him and weeping into her neck, having to keep himself from just crushing his lips to hers and just keep kissing her till the world ended. Instead all he could muster was a breathy, heart broken… "Rosette…?"

It was as if God had decided to smile upon him, reward him for all that he had done. His heart soared, he felt so complete. It was heaven. But she just blinked down at him, her eyes following the cloth as it fell in his large grasp, and frowned a little at the feeling of his chest move beneath her, and gave him a confused look.

"Yes…? Do I know you?"

Those 5 little words sent him crashing back down to reality. No… this was no heaven… it was hell….

TBC

Damn that took me forever. Enjoy. :/