A/N- here's yet another attempt to create a story that will actually last… *sigh*

Disclaimer: I own nothing copyrighted that is from ToS, or anything else that manages to sneak in here…

Tales of a Paradox

Chapter One: Peaceful Days

::Colette::

I think it all sort of started on my birthday, when I was 16. The church across the street burst into flame, and no one ever quite figured out what happened that day. Well, no one except us, but I can't tell you everyone else's name, because they want to explain their story themselves.

Anyway, the church exploded as I was on the bus to school, but at that time I thought nothing of it. At school, I hooked up with Genis and Lloyd, my best friends. Genis was a half-elf, with silver hair that seemed to flow from his head. Lloyd had on his usual red outfit, with his brown hair spiked up like a porcupine. Somewhere during the day Lloyd caught up with me and told me about a fair the next day. "It's gonna be big, lights and tents everywhere! Also, Genis will be showing off his new invention…" and so we made plans for the next day, unaware of the consequences that day would bring.

::Lloyd::

I got to the fair before Colette, so I figured I'd buy her something nice for the occasion. I'd wandered about looking for something when a necklace caught my eye. The vendor was in an outfit that made him look like he was from the past, with very spiky auburn hair. I gave the man the money quickly, because I'd spotted Colette. I was almost to her when she turned around, knocking us both to the ground. "I'm Sorry," she said, then when she saw it was me she apologized again. She has, well, had a problem with that. Anyhow, I ended up getting her to stop, and got an opportunity to give her the necklace. We decided to head for Genis' invention first.

::Genis::

When Lloyd and Colette came, I showed them the machine, it was an improved teleporter. Of course, what we didn't know is there was a design flaw, one that caused temporal distortions, and let me tell ya. Those. Are. Bad. As in, seemingly fine when Lloyd tested it, and then…

Something about that necklace Colette was wearing. That had to be it. Colette asked to try, and when she stepped onto the platform… Lightning began shooting between the platforms, and space itself rippled. A hole in space and time ripped between the teleporters, and Colette warped into said hole. All that remained was the necklace.

A/N- for those of you who've played Chrono Trigger, you'll see where I got the plotline.