Chrono Ephemeris

Chapter 1

1002 A.D. Kingdom of Guardia

It was a beautiful day, much like the same one on the first day of Crono's journey. Birds were chirping, grass was green, flowers blooming, and the people were ripe with hope. It was odd now that the Millennial Fair was not abounding, but it brought an odd sense of peace to the Kingdom, like a refreshing memory that made you feel warm inside. The sight of the empty fairgrounds, the bare cement with all its glory, was an awesome sight to behold. Crono was peering out his bedroom window, half dressed with his boxers dangling from his fingertips. He sighed with relief that no mischief interrupted his relaxation time.

"Crono, breakfast is ready!"

He sighed at his mother's call. Twenty years old and still his mother cooked him breakfast.

**Downstairs**

Ralph was a great husband, that much was true, but he could not for the life of him cook an egg.

"I just don't understand it honey. It eludes me."

Crono thought perhaps he was pretending, but who knows, maybe he can't cook an egg. Ralph put his hands on Gina's hips, lovingly, and rested his chin on her shoulder. She loved the fee l of his beard and his warm breath on her neck.

"Cook me some breakfast too."

"Of course Ralph, you think I forgot you?"

"No." Ralph corrected her, "I mean I want breakfast."

Gina was mortified, "Oh, Ralph" she blushed. "That's what you mean!"
She turned to face him, staring into his Hazel eyes.

"Ralph, wait until Crono leaves."

"Alright," Ralph compromised.

Crono came bounding down the stairs, with a book in his hand.

"Oh Crono dear, don't forget your allowance!"

Gina handed him some money, 200 gold, and Crono gave his mom a peck on the cheek for thanks. He sprinted out the door, nearly taking it off its hinges.

"Well now well now, where were we?" Ralph queried Gina.

She giggled with delight, "Ralph….we were right here."

She kissed the man she so dearly loved, and the world seemed like it longed to stay in that moment forever. Crono was on his way to see Glenn, his long time pal, and things seemed to be working the way they should be. After all, any news of crime of any sort had not reached the ears of the people in quite some time. Only something about a man named Leo; he apparently tried to break into the castle. Crono wished him "good luck buddy, been there done that". But he knew that if somebody tried to break into the castle, they had a good enough reason. After all he'd been through, that much had to be true because you just don't go gallivanting into castles for no reason. Perhaps he needed money, or to assassinate someone. Hopefully the Chancellor was himself again, and no assassinations were necessary.

The grass was freshly mowed, and it crushed beneath his feet gently as he jogged down the cobblestone streets. He could see Glenn's humble cottage in the distance, an understated memorial. A small boy passed him by.

"Hey mista, gimme back my train!"

An older boy jetted down the road, holding a wooden train in his right hand, guffawing at the younger boy's begging.

His face said it all. Hah squirt! I got your toy!

Crono hesitated not. He began to run after the boy. When he noticed Crono, he shouted in fear, "Oh, HEY HEY HEY, WHAT?"

Crono's blade swished through the air, and the toy train went flying. The older kid was crying in pain, but the little boy was delighted.

"My train! My train! You got it back! You're so nice!"

He hugged the train like a teddy bear, and plopped down right where he stood to play with it. The older kid however was cringing in pain. Holding it up in the light, a fresh lumpy bruise was whelping on his hand. Crono had only smacked him with the sword sheathed. Had he been an imp, he would be missing a hand. A tear ran down the kid's freckled cheek. He said nothing, only took off.

For some reason, Crono thought of Marle.

Hey, my pendant! Can I have it back?