If you recognise it… I don't own it.

1234567890

"Gundam Wing & Chrono Crusade" – Start

1234567890

It had been a successful mission. Quatre and Duo had managed to obtain the data the Doctors were after from an OZ research facility in New York.

However as they were escaping they found themselves set upon by flying creatures.

"What are they?" Quatre yelled.

"Fuck!" Duo stared, "Quatre, stop shooting! They're only getting annoyed."

"If I stop they'll kill us!"

"Give me a moment." Duo unslung his backpack, "I know it's in here somewhere."

"Duo!" Quatre yelped.

"Got it!" Duo pulled out a small box.

Flipping it open he pulled out another gun, but it looked far older than his usual guns, and four gold crosses. He stuck the gun through his help, before ramming the crosses into the ground in a cross shape around them. Then Duo started to murmur under his breath.

Quatre could vaguely make out something that sounded like a prayer.

Suddenly a golden glow surrounded them. In shock, Quatre stopped firing. He noticed the crosses were glowing brighter than the glow. The glow quickly faded.

Duo pulled a watch out of his pocket, brass and gold and clearly very old. He started to fiddle with the small producing dials.

"Hold this." Duo pushed the gun into Quatre's hand quickly followed by the watch, "Don't shoot me. And whatever you see, know that I'd never hurt you. I'll only be five minutes."

As Duo closed Quatre's hand around the watch the blond boy felt pieces of the watch slide back into place.

Nails became talons. The hands grew. The face aged and markings appeared. Ears moved. Wings formed.

Quatre stared as the creature that had once been Duo turned and launched into the air.

The Arabic boy's mouth dried as he watched the battle between the creatures.

However he quickly rallied and while he didn't understand what was going on, he knew that his friend was fighting for him.

Quatre quickly checked over the gun he had been given, concentrating on the sights and the weight.

Once he was satisfied he took careful aim and fired.

The creature he selected as a target seemingly faded into a dark shadow and spread out into nothingness in a heartbeat.

Quatre pulled the gun back towards him, and stared at it. His gun had done nothing against the creatures. But this old-fashioned gun of Duo's had destroyed one in one hit.

Smiling broadly, Quatre turned back to the fight and aimed again. He didn't know how many bullets he had, but he didn't really care. He had to help.

Quatre quickly took down three more of the creatures, before one of them turned their attention away from Duo and towards Quatre.

The creature flew directly at him, easily dodging the shots Quatre let off, until the gun was empty.

Quatre flinched, his arm rising to try and ward off a blow.

However nothing happened. No attack landed.

Quatre looked up, and saw the creature furiously attacking the golden glow, which had renewed around him. It pulled back after every attack. Smoke rising from flesh as it touched the glow. The glow almost seemed to be hurting the creature.

But still it was determined to get at Quatre. Even to the point of causing harm to itself.

With each attack the golden barrier seemed to be weakening, allowing the creature to come closer and closer to Quatre.

The blond backed up as much as he could, while staying within the relative safety of the barrier.

Suddenly a hand closed around one of the creature's wrists.

"You will not harm him." Duo snarled, as he flung the creature away.

He then charged after it, clearly intent on tearing it to pieces.

But Quatre had seen something that Duo had clearly meant to hide…

Just as the barrier had harmed the creature… It had harmed Duo as well. The back of Duo's hand was still smoking slightly.

Duo drove the creature back up into the sky, to join the other creatures still present.

Once again, the deadly dance began.

Quatre was forced to simply sit and watch, as Duo destroyed the creatures he faced.

A shot almost hit Duo. Spinning the blond turned to aim at the shooter, using his standard gun.

There were two of them. A Priest and a Nun.

For a moment Quatre struggled to fit the idea of two members of a Religious Order wielding weapons with such ease and experience.

"Are you alright?" The Priest knelt down near Quatre.

"Fine." Quatre retorted, "Don't fire!"

"Where did you learn the protection field?"

"It wasn't me. Don't fire! You're aiming at Duo!"

"Duo?" The Priest looked confused, but then saw the watch by Quatre's knee, "Sister Zara, cease fire!"

"Father?"

"Sister Christopher's Legacy."

"Yes sir." Quatre could tell that the Nun wasn't happy about the decision, but she obeyed.

"Which one is he?" The Priest asked.

"Dark brown braid."

"I should have guessed. Was it he who erected the barrier?"

"Yes."

"Has it kept you safe?"

"Yes… Why wouldn't it?" Quatre stared at the Priest.

"You who know nothing about all of this… Most would be asking why would it?"

"I trust my friend."

"That thing has no friends!" Sister Zara spat.

"He is the most loyal and honest person I have ever met." Quatre retorted, "I would ask you not to judge him without all the facts."

"You are the one without the facts." Sister Zara insisted.

"Sister," The Priest held up a hand, "I understand your animosity. However I would ask that you temper your remarks. Harming the Legacy would be inadvisable."

"Legacy?" Quatre blinked.

"It is an Abomination!"

"I will not remind you again, Sister." This time there was a touch of reprimand in the Priest's tone.

"My apologies, Father Lawrence." The words came out through clenched teeth.

"You are forgiven." Father Lawrence smiled gently, "My child, I forgot to ask you your name?"

"Quatre." Quatre supplied quickly, "But how come a Priest and a Nun are wandering the streets at this time of night?"

"We are performing our duty," Father Lawrence replied, "However it appears we are not needed. The Legacy is more than sufficient."

Quatre dismissed the remark. It was confusing and didn't make sense to him. Why would Duo be called the Legacy? Particularly the Legacy of a male nun?

He turned his attention back to Duo, who had nearly finished destroying – killing? – the creatures.

Duo turned to the last creature.

"Bring peace to the lost lamb," Duo seemed to be reciting as he destroyed it, "Grant rest to the fangs of the wolf."

There was a short pause, as Duo panted.

"And deliver death to the Devil!" The Nun snapped.

"Sister!" There was a warning tone in the voice of the Priest as he spoke.

But Quatre wasn't really listening. All of his attention was fixed on Duo.

Splattered with blood, clothing torn and liberally scratched, in a similar form to the creatures, he looked a ferocious sight.

Quatre was dimly aware of a mechanical whirling-clicking noise coming from very close by.

As it continued Duo's shape stared to shift again. Wings folded up, shrank and vanished. The face rounded out. Ears moved. Markings faded. Talons became nails. Hands contracted.

Finally only Duo stood there. His clothes were still blood stained. His appearance was disarrayed. Blood even dripped from his braid.

But it was the human version of Duo.

Duo walked towards Quatre. His steps hesitant and wary.

Quatre ignored the blood and the ruined clothing, almost launching himself at Duo. Pulling the former street-rat into a full-body hug.

"Are you alright? Not hurt or anything?" Quatre demanded.

"I'm fine." Duo replied, "You?"

"Fine." Quatre waved the concern away, "What was that?"

"Where's the Watch?" Duo dodged the question.

"Here." Quatre held it out, "Duo, are there any issues I should know about, with you going like that?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Because if there weren't you'd use it more often. Instead of only for five minutes."

"Father," Duo turned to the Priest and Nun, "Sister, it is late. I had intended to merely visit your House, but now I ask if we may shelter for the night?"

"Of course."

"Father!"

"We have an obligation to provide for those in need, Sister."

"But it's not…"

"Quat?" Duo turned back to his fellow Pilot, "Look after this for me, will ya?"

With that, Duo hung the watch around Quatre's neck.

"Duo?" Quatre frowned.

"Trust me." Duo grinned, before grabbing the blond's hand, starting to pull him towards the car, "Come on! We'll meet you there Father!"

"You will be able to find your way?" The priest asked.

"If I can't find my way there… I'm more lost than I should be."

"You will always be lost." The Sister snarled slightly.

"That may be so, Sister." Duo retorted, "But at least I can accept who and what I am."

"Duo?" Quatre tried again.

"Not now." Duo kept moving towards the car, "We can't stay here. The Father and Sister have the authority to clean up… We need to get clear."

Quatre surrendered. Duo obviously knew what he was doing. And what was going on. Quatre allowed Duo to bundle him into the car, and start to drive away.

For about thirty long seconds they travelled in silence, Duo not even turning on the radio.

"Duo," Quatre breathed, "Could you please explain?"

"I'm not sure how." Duo sighed, "Wait till we get to the Monastery. Some one there will be able to fill you in… Without sounding crazy."

"I doubt anything could shock me right now. What were those things?"

"Yeah, but I don't know everything… That's why I was planning on going there. To learn."

"Will we be safe?"

"OZ can't touch us there."

"What about other threats?"

"No one will harm you, Quat."

"And you?"

"Just… Just don't give the Watch to anyone. Don't let anyone touch it. And don't fiddle with it."

"Will they harm you?"

"I doubt it… It's complicated."

"Why does that Nun hate you?"

"One of my family once stole something from their Order."

"And they hate you for that?"

"It was something very precious. It's complicated."

"I thought you said you were an orphan and never knew your parents?"

"I am. And I don't remember them. But I favour them a great deal. Or so I'm told… Met someone who recognised me."

"Who are these people?"

"They're of the Magdalene Order… Sister Helen was a retired member."

"I've never heard of them."

"You wouldn't of… They're rather secretive."

"Surely Religious Orders do good deeds and work for charities and are noticed."

"The Magdalene Order has a different priority and a different duty."

"My father insisted that I learn of every different Religion and Religious Order, in case I was involved in negotiations with a member."

"The Magdalene Order isn't your standard, Quat."

"If they are so secretive, why would Sister Helen tell you anything? Why would they accept us as guests?"

"They're different, that doesn't mean they don't hold to the basic Christian tenets of Charity and Hospitality. And Sister Helen told me, because my family is part of their history. And they are part of mine. She thought I deserved to know the truth."

"The truth?"

"That I was loved. That I was cherished. That I was wanted."

"She knew your parents?"

"She knew of them… She told me that if I wanted more answers I would have to come here… To the New York branch of the Order."

Quatre looked away from Duo, barely noticing the Monastery buildings as they drove in.

Duo slid out the car and quickly positioned himself close to Quatre.

For a moment Quatre thought Duo was trying to protect him, but quickly realized he had it backwards.

Duo was using him as some sort of protection.

"Duo?"

"The Sister's hatred towards me isn't exactly a one off. I'm not sure how many people here would shoot first and think about asking questions later… But if I'm close to you they won't shoot."

"Why?"

"I told you my family stole something from them… It was just more important… More valuable… More precious than anything you can imagine… And he did it twice. Only the second time they knew it would happen… They just couldn't prevent it."

A nun walked towards them.

"Sister Anne will see you in her study." The nun declared coldly.

"Thank you, Sister." Duo bowed low.

"No sister of yours." The words were muttered so low that Quatre had to strain to hear them as she walked away.

"Do you know the way?" Quatre asked, "I don't feel like asking."

"Follow me," Duo nodded, "I know roughly."

Grabbing hold of Quatre's hand, Duo started to slowly lead the blond through the corridors.

123456789

Quatre saw the nervousness in Duo's face as he paused in front of an oak door. For a moment Duo looked down, then he seemed to pluck up his courage and knocked.

"Enter."

The pair moved in.

"I was told you were coming, Mathew Christopher." The nun smiled slightly.

"I go by Duo Maxwell," Duo declared, "I would ask you to respect that."

"Of course, it does suit. And your friend."

"Quatre Rebarba Winner, Sister Anne." Quatre spoke up, "Currently extremely confused."

"I was hoping that you would explain for me, Sister." Duo looked down again, "Seeing as I know very little about my circumstances."

"There is a study down the hall on your left. Clearly marked." Sister Anne stated, "I will explain to your friend. You will find in there everything that will explain it to you."

"Thank you." Duo bowed and scattered off.

"Have a seat." Sister Anne motioned, as the door swung shut, "Would you like some tea?"

"Please." Quatre nodded, "I would like an explanation more though."

"You know nothing of what is going on?"

"Not at all."

"Have you entered a Contract with Duo?"

"We're friends. That's all."

"Are you Christian, Mister Winner?"

"Quatre, please. And no. I'm Muslim."

"You understand the idea of Demons?"

"Of course. Sentient beings with free-will that can co-exist with humans. Unlike the Demons in your Religion they can be good or evil."

"I have heard that. However most Demons are evil. And all Demons are born with 'horns'."

"Horns?"

"Demons are not like humans in that they gain energy from food. Instead they use their 'horns' to connect with the Astral Line. The place from which all life comes from and all life will return to. Without their 'horns' they cannot survive for long and will essentially starve to death."

"How is this relevant?"

"The Magdalene Order is tasked with the job of protecting Humankind from the Demons. While we do not actively go out and destroy Demons, if they attack we will destroy them."

"So those things that attacked us?"

"Were Demons. You were very lucky… We shall have to investigate, but it is likely that someone summoned them for a specific task."

"I follow." Quatre nodded, "What I don't understand is the open animosity that many of your Order have towards my friend."

"You need to understand some of the background before I can explain further. In about 1850 Pre-Colony the Order had a secondary sacred duty, alongside the Protection of Humanity. We were charged with protecting the Holy Maiden, Mary Magdalene."

"Was the Order named after her?"

"No. She was named after the Order. The Holy Maiden was placed into our care as a young child. She was able to foresee the future. She could also perceive the thoughts of others, to the extent where she couldn't remember her own childhood among the thousand of memories she had. However as a seer she was infallible. She wrote many prophecies for the Order… Until she was kidnapped from us. By the Demon Chrono the Sinner.

"We despaired. For the first prophecy the Holy Maiden had ever made was to declare the name of the one who would take her life… Chrono. We searched but were unable to find her for many months.

"Eventually we did find her. Less than half an hour after she died. Chrono was still holding her. Cradling her as if she were his love. He had taken her life. But he had never meant to kill her. I truly believe he had come to care for her."

"How could he take her life and yet not kill her?" Quatre frowned.

"Chrono was part of a group which was known as The Sinners. The leader being Aion. As far as we can tell, Aion wished to kill the Holy Maiden. Chrono objected… And in punishment had his 'horns' snapped off."

"He was starving to death." Quatre nodded.

"He should have been starving to death. Only the Holy Maiden had come to care for Chrono and found a solution. Chrono required a life-source… A soul. She offered her own… She made a Contract between the two of them. They shared a soul. He would 'feed' off it. However it would shorten her life. She was already dying at the time.

"Chrono, to our surprise, willingly submitted to us. He asked only one thing… That his punishment for stealing the Holy Maiden was that he was sealed in her tomb. So that he could die with her. It was deemed a suitable punishment.

"However just over fifty years later, two young children opened the tomb. Their names were Rosette and Joshua. Brother and sister. Orphans. They befriended Chrono, providing food from the Orphanage kitchen. One day Rosette was visiting on her own, when Aion appeared. He offered Chrono his 'horns' in return for loyalty.

"Chrono refused. Aion told them that he was attacking the Orphanage, where Joshua still was.

"Chrono and Rosette tried to prevent the attack. But Chrono was too weak. Rosette offered to help. Chrono warned her. But she insisted on the Contract.

"They failed to prevent the attack. And Joshua was taken by Aion. Rosette joined the Magdalene Order to find her brother. Chrono sticking by her.

"Eventually they did find Joshua. And surprisingly both Sister Rosette and Chrono got very close to the Astral Line. Chrono left Sister Rosette behind for her safety while he went to fight Aion one last time. Chrono did not return.

"Nine months later, Sister Rosette gave birth to a son. No one is quite sure how, as she swore that she had kept her vows. However some theorise that it was due to the close contact with the Astral Line that both she and Chrono had… As the child had some features very reminiscent of Chrono.

"Despite misgivings about harbouring a Demon, even a child, it was decided that Sister Rosette would be allowed to raise him… She had some influential allies.

"However the strain of the Contract meant that Sister Rosette's health was deteriorating. Within three years she was barely able to leave her bed, never mind care for a child.

"It was decided against Sister Rosette's will that the child would be placed in a form of stasis, until a solution could be agreed upon about what to do with a half-demon, half-human child.

"Only no solution was satisfactory and the Order could not come to a decision. The child remained in stasis, neither waking nor aging.

"Until about twelve years ago, when the child was stolen from us, by persons unknown. The seal was broken and the stasis released."

"You think that's Duo?" Quatre asked.

"We know it is."

"It's been generations… Centuries. How can you be certain?"

"Follow me." Sister Anne rose from her seat and moved out of her office.

Quatre followed through more corridors, until Sister Anne stopped in a long corridor decorated with various portraits, almost like a gallery.

"This is one of the few surviving portraits of the Holy Maiden." Sister Anne pointed at the first and most ornately framed picture.

"She was beautiful." Quatre smiled.

"This is the only formal picture of Sister Rosette and Chrono." She pointed to the next portrait.

Quatre could see something of Duo about the Nun's face, but nothing he would swear to. And while Chrono had some similarities to Duo's creature… No, Demon form, it could simply be that most Demons had similar features.

"However," Sister Anne pushed open a door next to the portrait, "This is how we are told most people of that time remembered the pair of them."

There was a larger painting on the wall this time. A landscape instead of a portrait. However there were two figures in it.

One was recognisably Sister Rosette, a large grin on her face, very different from the small, formal smile in the earlier portrait. That grin was the same grin he'd seen a thousand times before on Duo.

The other figure, being dragged along by the Sister was a younger boy of about eleven or twelve. Long purple hair tied back in a braid. Red eyes that somehow seemed soft and kind.

But the face… The face was Duo's .

"How?" Quatre asked, "How can the picture outside and this one be of the same person?"

"Chrono discovered that if he stayed in this form… Sealed himself in this form, he required less energy."

"This Watch," Quatre's hand flew to the one hanging around his neck, "She's wearing it."

"It's the Seal." Sister Anne smiled wanly, "Sister Rosette insisted that it would be placed with her child after her death. We don't know how, but we believe that the Seal has transferred to the child… Sister Rosette Christopher's Legacy."

"But Duo doesn't have a Contract with anyone. And his Demon form doesn't have 'horns'… How?"

"He's half-human and half-demon. His contract is with himself. He uses up his own life… Sister Rosette once stated that she would never reach thirty. No one knows how long the Legacy has. However as long as you hold the Watch you will know if he's still alive."

"How?"

"Sister Rosette wrote that she could feel the heart-beat of Chrono through the Watch. Opinion is divided as to whether it was her heart-beat or Chrono's. However in the Legacy's case it's still the same."

"Why do you call him the Legacy? His name is Duo."

"It is what we have always called him. We learn his name. We learn his history. Or at least what we know of it. However we rarely refer to him by name. It's not encouraged. The Order is divided as to whether he should be killed or whether he is an innocent."

"Duo knows this, doesn't he?"

"Yes. None of us will attack him. But I wouldn't count against accidents happening."

"We will stay the night, then leave first thing in the morning."

"That is probably for the best. I will ensure you leave with a suitable weapon should you run across Demons again. I would warn you, you faced only one high level Demon this night… And he was on your side. Do not turn your back on him. His father, Chrono, was highly protective of those he cared for. It would appear that the Legacy has inherited that trait. I would rather have him on my side than indifferent."

1234567890

Please Review.

Pretty please. I only got into Chrono Crusade recently. Still need to watch the anime.

This idea hit me as I read the manga… Anyone else notice that Duo looks remarkably like Chrono, but has Rosette's smile? Or am I just crazy?

If anyone wants this one, please, please, tell me. I'd love to know how this would turn out for someone.