The Covenant
Act 2: Reliving life
"Do I know you?"
Chrno's breath hooked deep in his chest, eyes widening sharply as his hand trembled about the bandages he held onto, allowing them to puddle onto the gray linoleum. A million things rushed about his mind, mashed together into one pained cry, his hear feeling as if it would throb out of his chest. "Don't you?" He asked his voice horribly horse to his ears. God, if she kept looking at him with those eyes, those pure blue pools that contained all the warmth he craved, but had none of the recognition he knew should e there, he'd loose it completely.
"Ah…I've run you over before haven't I?" She asked nervously, shifting on his chest as she climbed off, not noticing the way his hand twitched, longing to stop her, pull her to him, and never let go. "I'm sorry…if there's anything I can do…" She didn't need to be kicked out of the hospital just when Joshua had a chance to be part of that program… She went to offer a hand out to him, her eyes nervously scanning the doctors who were just starting to come out of their hiding places now that the danger was gone, waiting for them to come up to her with a transfer form. Thusly, she nearly jumped out of her skin as a pair of large warm hands settled down on her shoulders, moving her to the side away from the one she had toppled.
Remington smiled warmly down at the girl, a light back in his eyes that had gone dull over the long years she had been gone. "Don't worry, my friend has so many rocks loose in his head that something like this won't bother him." He joked lightly, squeezing her shoulders to step around her and grip Chrno's wrist, tugging him up in one smooth motion, causing him to stumble into the ex-priest heavily, his eyes widening as the man whispered smoothly under his breath in his keen ear. "Control yourself Chrno. She has no idea."
Chrno turned his mournful eyes towards the blinking, sweat dropping, girl, as he caught his balance and just watched her every move, taking in the sight of every tiny detail. The way she nibbled on that plush bottom lip, (God how he wished he could feel them on his own right now…), The way that one piece of hair fell askew about her cheek, the way she fidgeted as she watched them with those deep blue eyes.. Rosette… God it hurts… Why….did you forget me? Why did you come back…if it wasn't for me…
"Umn…well.." Rosette took a step back, watching the two staring men with growing nervousness. "I'm going to go… unless there's anything I can do to make it up to you…" She chuckled uneasily a bit, remembering the last person she had trampled had drained her of half a paycheck to keep her from getting sued.
"That's not needed," Remington stated warmly, snapping out of his trance smoothly to wave her along. "We'll be on our way also. Come on Chrno." He grabbed his friends wrist, turning as she nodded, and swiftly tried to put distance between them. Must…get…away…before they...change…their minds!!
"Wait." The rough voice broke through the hall, urging her to stop and turn a bit, a nervous smile on her face.
Crap.
"There is something you can do…" Chrno pulled his wrist from his friend's grasp, his long hair falling into his face. "After your shift is over… Let me treat you to dinner…" He asked carefully, his mismatched eyes terrified for her answer.
Her expression went flat with annoyance, before she sighed and waved her hand at him. "Fine." She stated, peering over her shoulder at him. "I get off at seven, pick me up outside of the north entrance, I'm not going to wait for you, so if you're late, even a minute…I'll leave without you." She threatened him, to which he shook his head rapidly, ruby eyes wide as a wobbly, completely relieved smile broke over his handsome face, as he pushed up his glasses carefully, his eyes gleaming.
"I wont." He assured her, his heart pumping and his mind running a mile a minute. "Not even a second." He had four hours till he was to pick her up, not that the thought appeased him, he would rather just take her in his arms and kiss her like he meant it, convince her that she knew him with the familiarity of his lips; but he knew he couldn't do that. Remington had imposed the 'control yourself' on him, and his unconscious willingness to obey directions forced him to do just that, thinking of millions of ways he could jog her memory. The pocket watch, he could show her that, or even, maybe, the picture that sat on his dresser, or…If he could just tell her everything….
"Well then…" She coughed lightly, looking extremely uncomfortable. "Good bye?" She waved a bit, and stepped off, disappearing around the corner with a sweat drop sitting on her temple. What as with that guy… It wasn't like she hadn't been asked out randomly before, but something about him stuck out…. Something was different then the others…
"Ah…" Chrno winced as she disappeared, as suddenly a moment of panic came over him. He'd lost her again, she was right there and he just let her slip by him, and he almost chased after her, if not for the firm hold on his arm that lead his eyes up to the ex minister's unwavering gaze.
"Chrno. I do not know how this happened, nor do I know why she doesn't remember, but if you chase after her now… You will not fair well." He warned him carefully, deep blue eyes studying the corner the girl had rounded. He himself was nearly exploding with happiness. Rosette had such a hard life; to see her like this, a medical student, with such a bright smile on her face… not in pain. Not dying little by little… it made him warm just to think about it. She was happy…
"But…" The demon whimpered, tightening his numb hand until it popped a bit, and he had to raise it to his eyes to examine, pain in his eyes. His arm was a prosthetic, slowly being replaced by flesh, as the Gias that had been released on the demons at Pandimonia's death faded from the world, but at 80 years already, it still effected him enough that slowed his healing process, at least for his older, deeper wounds. He carefully pulled the fingers out, and reset them from where he had popped them out, a soft sigh of annoyance playing on his lips. "What am I supposed to do then?" He turned those mismatched eyes to his only living friend sorrowfully. "Just let her go?"
"No…" He chuckled lightly, his eyes twinkling. "Become part of her life again…but you never know…" He elbowed Chrno lightly, a smile on his features. "Someone might steal her from you now that they have the chance."
Chrno's eyes darkened a bit, "That's not something to kid about Yuan." He sighed, running that mechanical hand through his hair lightly, before he turned and headed for his car, heart heavy but still fluttering.. Rosette…
The priest stood there for a few moments, his eyes half lidded as he surveyed his position. Rosette… Since he had met the girl in her former life, he had been drawn to her, for reasons unknown to him at that time. What was it about her that was so appealing, that made one want to stay at her side forever, to hold her close and protect her even as she could protect herself. In that life, he hadn't been able to do so, his vows and his self created barriers keeping him from doing more then offering wise words and the occasional helping hand. The only time he had truly been able to hold her in his arms had been after Chrno had lost control and when she was dieing. That had been the most trying time of his life. To watch her slowly waste away, calling out his name, and then die, only to have HIM barge through the door moments later and take her from him, the pain and anguish he had felt in that moment had left a particular scar amongst all the ones in his heart. The second time. The second time he had taken the life of someone who had been so special to him. The second time he had caused the death of an innocent, wonderful person.
He let out a soft breath; his bangs fluttering against his skin as he rubbed the small indent in his arm where the tubes connected to his implants went, during his normal monthly check up. After her death, he had made sure that he'd stay alive as long as Chrno did, stay by his side to make sure that the man did not once again unwittingly destroy some child's life with his own selfishness.
During these long years he couldn't say that he disliked Chrno. Not at all. He was as sweet a creature as anyone, like a dog that had been abused to many times and was just hoping for love, but surely he'd bite sometime. And he had promised, Even at the end, that he wouldn't allow Chrno to take his own life, even as he had tried so many times, because of her. Remington tightened his fist a bit. Even on her deathbed, he was all she could think of. It was hard not to recall her smiling face, streaked with sweat and fighting the pain that came with her last sputtering bits of soul. Hard not to remember her words, before she fell limp with one last exhalation of breath…
He shook these thoughts away, and just smiled. She was back, he didn't know how, but she was. With a slightly upturned face, he thanked god for this miracle, before heading out the door, his mind full of thoughts….
Rosette slowly made her way down the hallway, her eyes lowered as that odd sensation of De'ja' vu ran over her mind. What the heck, she had been so worried about being sued that she had just said yes to him without a second thought. That wasn't normal. She normally contested anything the person gave up as a bargaining tool… that's why she normally had to pay them off. Not to mention, somehow, he seemed familiar. "Gah, Rosetto…What are you doing to yourself…"
She tugged on a bit of hair before stopping before the project manager's door, her eyes lowering. This was going to be difficult… Everyone told her that the project manager was a bit of a robot, unfeeling. Why she had been so interested in taking Joshua on to the project was completely amazing, just sending the hospital a simple picture two years ago had prompted them to take her all expenses paid to learn in the hospital, and then take Joshua as soon as things were prepared. Now was the moment of truth. Did she find him ready for the project…? So with one hand and a careful breath, she knocked cleanly upon the door.
"Come in." Came the cool tone, and she twitched, sweat dropping heavily as she stepped in, her blue eyes wide as she closed the door after her.
"Ah…Mrs. Harvenheit…" She stuttered, a bit blue in the face as the tall woman turned, her hair swishing about her face, dark eyes staring at her with an odd sense of knowledge.
"Call me Fiore. I do not feel attached to that name that the professionals commit to me." She said easily, Placing a file down on the desk and moving around, to reach into a separate filing cabinet, drawing out a file. "You're here about Joshua are you not? Ms. Rosette."
"Yes." She insisted, sweat dropping. "I was wondering, where what he moved to…?"
"The project ward." She gave her a small smile. "Your brother is defiantly a worthy candidate. You should be proud to have such a great sibling."
Rosette exhaled softly, her face melding into a completely blissful smile. "Thank you so much…" She leaned upon her knees, a happy laugh escaping her lips. "You have no idea how happy this makes me. Thank you…Thanks…."
Fiore shook her head, an odd glimmer in her eyes as she watched the blonde, "I'm sure you'll be wanting to see him. His room is just in wing 4, the Yellow wing." She handed her a file, her black hair falling into her black eyes. "Do show this to him too. He'll need to know the calendar."
She nodded, taking the file like It was worth more then her life. "Thank you…" She stood, and turned, her heart pounding insanely. "I'll tell him." And with that, she dashed out, a bright smile on her face.
Fiore just watched her go, staring at the spot she had been standing at for a bit, thinking. I wonder… Would Sheda like to know about this… Where ever Rosette is… Chrno will no doubt be soon to find her…
"Ah… sir? Are you going to take that or just stare at it all day?"
Chrno jerked his head up a bit, a flush upon his cheeks as he looked over at the Cashier of the flower Shoppe, before nodding guiltily, placing both bundles of flowers upon the counter, before looking about and snagging a box of chocolates also with a sheepish smile. "Thanks…" His heart was fluttering a mile a minute, and he kept checking his watch every five minutes, his attention brought back to reality only by the low whistle from the girl behind the counter.
"Wow…" She surveyed the mass bundles of flowers, their soft petals gleaming, along with the wide price tag. "Who ever these are for, is some lucky girl." She snapped her gum, admiring him with a new type of interest as he pulled out his credit card, offering it to her.
"Uhn… she is… I mean!" He stuttered, turning pink, "I'm lucky, for having her… at least… I hope I have her…" He blushed a bit, as he scrubbed behind his head with a hand, an embarrassed and quite cute smile upon his face, glasses sliding down his nose.
"Well with those bouquets, I'm sure you will." She grinned at him, smacking her gum again before tugging out his receipt and scribbling on it, winking. "But if you don't, be sure to give me a call."
He blanched at that, cradling the flowers and chocolates carefully, before taking the receipt gingerly, and escaping like the hounds of hell where at his feet, looking back curiously, not understanding her interest. Since Rosette had left him, all those flirts and comments had disappeared, Remington had said it was because he didn't smile, but he wasn't sure. It was just her, having her in the world made him complete.
He smiled to himself as he made his way to his car, sliding in and placing the gifts upon the front seat. It was sad really, what he'd do to prove himself to her. Within the few hours he had before he was to pick her up, he had delved into that deep account of money he had earned over the years, buying himself a new car, (Bright red Coverable mustang, the unreleased model), one that he'd even let her drive if it would make her happy, even thinking about her track record with cars. Not to mention he had finally gotten out to get some good clothing, his own bad taste for fashion that he replaced with his taste for things comfortable, was thrown out for nice, suave, sexy clothing that was a bit itchy and felt odd. But he looked good. He wanted to look perfect for her, those dead ends trimmed, styled, new glasses, soft and sexy, even though he really didn't need them to see… all he had to do, was have her remember…
But that was the hardest part….
With a sigh he turned the car on, his heart pounding crazily, and he turned his car towards the hospital, intent.
Nothing, Nothing at all could divert his attention from this goal.
Nothing at all…
SCREEECHHHHH Chrno hit the brakes hard as the car before him came to a sudden stop, and he hit his head upon the steering wheel, cursing a bit for forgetting to put on a buckle, and looked up, rubbing at his forehead. What was the problem?!
The sight made his pupils shrink into tiny little slits, for at first it was just a shimmer of something leaning over a car a bit up in the line, just a hint lighter then everything else beneath the slowly setting sun, before he focused and could see the dark black monster, composed of twisted vines and gaping mouths, blood gushing from the largest mouth, its body extended inside of the inside of the car, so that not even an inch was left free, the people within obviously dead already.
"Damn it!" He cursed, turning his car to the side, before he froze.
Rosette…
This could be his only chance to have her back, wasn't that more important then some people he didn't even know? He went to take a back way around the accident, his eyes closed tight from the sight.
He had done enough right? Couldn't someone else save these people? Couldn't he have his moment, for something that was more important then anything?
The monster growled, pushing itself deeper into the car, its tendrils squishing from the very seams of the car, until the thing groaned and collapsed, the creature sucking the metal, and drained corpses into its disgusting wriggling form, its two, misplaced, glowing beady eyes upon the car that was trying desperately to swerve away from the now visible creature, the child within the new prey wailing loudly.
SCREEE The Car stopped again, and the poor demon cursed himself, anger and fear bubbling up within him. I'm sorry Rosette… but you'd hate me if I abandoned them… Without a second thought he fazed in, his body melding into the form he fought in, the scars from his battle with his brother, still visible cleanly on his form. That eye had ever healed, just a red mottled mess, although the gems upon his forehead had returned to their normal state, the blue healing marks mottled his body dimly, never to return to their dark fleshy state. His flesh molded about the metal creation the Elder had made for his arm, spiking out into a long sword, his battered wings pumping him upwards in a flash, his eyes dark as he faced the demon, rage written on his face.
"You had to come now didn't you? You had to ruin this one chance I had…you will pay…" He growled, his eyes glowing dark crimson, and his claws glistened, releasing all of his rage into this single creature.
Oh yes. The streets would run red…
Rosette tapped her foot, sighing tightly, as she paced. Where the hell was he? She grumbled a bit more, running a hand through her hair. Damn it. She could be hanging out with Joshua, celebrating the upcoming project, and instead, she was standing out in the chill waiting for some person. Didn't she tell him she wasn't going to wait? Why was she still here?
She grumbled unhappily, turning and heading for her bike, sighing as she walked beneath the just turning on streetlights to the rack, and began to undo the chain. She should be happy that he didn't show up, that meant she didn't have to deal with any boorish man who was just looking for what he could find in the bedroom.
Then why was she disappointed?
A soft growl came from between her lips, and she pressed a few stray pieces of hair out of her face, tucking them behind her ear and the hood of the sweater she was wearing. With a slight sigh and a hop, she rode the bike lazily out of the complex, heading towards down town to grab dinner before she headed back to her apartment. It was strange; there was absolutely no one on the streets.
Was there a parade going on and she hadn't heard about it? She stood up upon the bike and tried to see over the hill, picking up her pace.
What was going on?
Just in the very distance there was a flicker of something strange. It seemed like it was raining, but as you got closer, you could see, that the 'rain' was squirming, falling about one larger form, that zipped across the sky almost to a point that one couldn't see it half the time. She pressed down on the brakes as she got closer, her eyes wide and pupils as small as pinpricks as she stumbled off of the bike.
The sky was full of wriggling black snakes, falling down in gushing black piles, that would explode at impact with the street into plumes of crimson red, staining the already dark street with its noxious blood.
She felt as if she was going to throw up…
And in-between it all, that larger form touched down, his body muscular and lean, coated thickly with the red goo, its stain dripping down the ivory horns and vertebrae, his dark vest sticking to his chest and oozing the liquid, as he turned, glowing red eyes locking upon her like the gaze of the devil.
Oh god… She dropped the bike, taking a step backwards as the violet haired man seemed to come to his senses, black wings curling down as he lifted a talon-ed hand out to her, the sharp points gleaming.
And with that, she did exactly what everyone else would do.
She ran.
Chrno's heart clamped, collapsing inside on itself at her expression.
She was afraid of him.
That golden princess, who never feared anything, ran from the sight of him.
He wouldn't accept this…
"ROSETTE!" He growled, spreading his wings and taking after her.
he wouldn't loose her again…
She was his…
Weee! I JUST got this in on the deadline for Vero's Contest! HAHAAHAHAHAHAHAH! Oh yes, I'd make the perfect author, never get a chapter done until the day of the deadline… sigh
I hope you enjoy..
Finally have some time to respond to some of these reviews. Gonna be a long thing here. sweatdrop
Damn, 47 for two chapters. I'm impressed.
Keep up the good work mine loyal patriots.
(Prelude Review Responces)
NightElfCrawler: Do I really need to respond to your Reviews? LOL! You bother me about it enough without leaving you on this cliff to plummet ne? glomp
Evilanimeblonde22: is glad to have made you cry Don't take offence, I was in dead out tears while writing it, to the point that my poor laptop was swimming. I'm glad to have made EVERYONE cry. :P
SxStrngSamurai13: Yay, people crying! Although I would like to know what a Wrok is. Lol. I love typos. If you read this chapter before I did this, instead of Chrno's heart throbbing in his chest, it said his hear. Is taken over by the typo demons AHHH!!
Zilleniose: pokes your hand
RuByMoOn17: nods yep yep! Sad! Just wait! It'll get better! (heart)
ruby-dream: Ruby-chaaaaannn! Its been so long since I've talked to you! wails
Cauldron: Yeah, Chrno and Rosette Kiss on the last chapter. Its really sweet. sighs romantically Yay…
Purin-chan: The epilogue is out, and I'm sure you've read it ne? Rosette does die, it puts a bit of a snip into my plans with this story, but in other ways it helps. Lol. Thanks a lot for reading. :P
Flying Phoenix: stares at the next two chapters Yay! I continued! And I plan on keeping on doing that!
GoddessLD: wails again Wahh! Its been so long since I've talked to you either! clings
Ryuu of the Broken Light: Thank you for reading!!
E-chan5: attacks you Wahh! Chrno is NOT a chibi Vincent! He's so much cooler! bites E-chan's arm And why are you E-chan5? What other E-chans are there?! O.o!
Inuficcrzy: I'm writing, I'm writing…
kitsune-firedragon: You have to read the last chapter! Its great! Thanks for reading this, and I'm not going to quit on this. Its just a bit slow seeing as Fan fiction writing is a bit less important then graduating High school. Lol.
Rythmic: Wahh, sorry that I hit you with that wack Of angst! It'll get better, I swear it. stares at the rollercoaster of emotions that is this fiction Urr… sweatdrop well, yeah, you'll have your action/adventure/romance. Promise!
Vero-chan: Exactly. Alternate endings rock. :P
(Chapter 2 Reviews!)
Nightelfcrawler: Once again. I luff you. :P
Mip the Demon Fox: Hee hee, if we weren't mean to the characters, then the story would go nowhere ne? :P. Thanks and I'll work hard!
SxStrngSamurai13: Yepyep, Stella'll make an appearance. Just wait! :P
Vero-chan: laughs how was this cliffhanger then? :P
Rythmic: Whooaa.. Well then! That review confused the HELL out of me! laugh
Sailor Tiamat: Oh hoh hoh hoh hoh! That will be explained all in due time my friend! laugh And, btw. Its Chrno. Not ChrOno. is picky
Chobit 00: Yeah, I love that song. Its so pretty.
Mandapanda: Actually, its like we need more GOOD Chrno Crusade fics. --
YumeTakato: Amusing? How?
Cauldron: its written! O.o! Its Written!
kitsune-firedragon: Lol. Thanks for the compliment.
Lillith: I love your name. The name of Pandimonia when she was human. Roxxor. :P
ruby-dream: thank you ruby!
Inuficcrzy: That IS the question, mine friend, That is the question. laughs maniacly
GMGirl: Thanks!
Shazaoblossom: strokes 'the covenant' Lookie there! Someone called you a gem! feels as loved and gushy as a marshmallow
Isishikage: Mn? It reminds you of a book? will have to read that just to see thank you for Reviewing!
Elyssalyn: I'll write as fast as I can, and post as much as possible. Thanks for reading!
Britin: Happy ending…considers that LOL.
Saikyou Kirei262: Eh? That was a bad cliffhanger? grin
Hayai Akurei: Bhwhaah. Every time he tries to make it better, he just makes it worse. Just watch. :P
HiddenStar: stares at you Only…watched…the…anime? attacks you READ THE MANGA! 2,000000000000000000000000000 times better!
Treneka: Bah, I loathe Typos.
KiraLacus/RyomaSakuno Forever: Email me and I can send it to you ok? :3
Genki Birdie: Oh yes, they were not twins in the 1920's. But this is not the 1920's anymore. Them being twins has an important purpose in this story. Just wait, and all will be explained.
VanRulesFanelia: Yay. Thanks for the compliment! It'll get finished! Sometime. sweatdrop
Silverninja: Hora!
YetAnotherCatgirl: Yep, I'm still working on it. Slowly. Life is a bit more important then writing at times. Although I do try to write a little each day. sigh Thanks for reading!