(This part has been edited to fit an R rating. Still, this is the most violent chapter, containing descriptions of rape and torture.

Thank you, Puja723 and Thomas Drovin for your reviews.)

Part 4, Bethany

There was a large army of knights.

"This is new," Glenn said. He moved over to Marle, leaning in to whisper. "The Epoch is hidden in that direction."

"Will they find it?"

"It's well hidden, but we won't make it through that."

"They are headed for us."

Indeed, the army was headed for the castle. The group was in the middle. They had to hide for now. At least night was coming. It would be easier to hide in the darkness. Marle, of course, knew a good place to hide within the forest. There was a river to bathe in. She gathered clothes and soap to clean.

"Ayla help." The older woman had followed.

"I can clean myself." She didn't want Ayla to see where there was blood.

"Ayla bring hair soap."

"Thank you."

"Ayla watch Marle. Keep Marle safe."

That didn't really give Marle much needed confidence. "Ayla..."

"Keep Marle safe."

Marle noticed a shift in tone. Looking up, she realized Ayla was near tears. "Thank you."

The river was cold, but it felt good after so long in the humid dungeon. She took a long time to clean. Multiple times, she turned away from Ayla to cry. Her skin felt tender afterwards.

Ayla patiently waited by the shore. She was on high alert the entire time.

Marle lingered until she was shivering. She finally got out and dressed in fresh clothes.

"Marle better?" Ayla asked. Her voice was more tender than usual.

Marle glanced to her. Did Ayla know? "Yes."

"Ayla sleep?"

"You can sleep. Thank you."

They headed back to the camp. The prisoners were wet, having bathed elsewhere. Marle stayed distant.

Ayla spoke to Glenn and Robo before laying down.

Glenn approached Marle.

"I'm used to you being a frog," she admitted as she moved off away from the others.

"It has taken time for me to get used to it as well."

"Did you have green hair before?"

"Yes." He grinned.

She sat down.

He sat by her. "May I ask about the attack on the castle?"

Marle sighed softly, closing her eyes. "I'll...tell you."

"Take your time."

--Marle's story--

Marle went to bed while thinking of Crono. It would be a few weeks before she would see him again, and she couldn't wait. Would her father still be alive then? She wished he hadn't sent Crono off while he was so sick. Turning over to her side, she drifted off while thinking of him.

Suddenly, she woke to the sound of her door being opened. As she sat up, she felt something hit her, like a ball, and it broke on her skin. The liquid inside burned, and she gasped, straining not to scream. Her magic was draining. Her vision blurred as she rolled out of bed. Knowing exactly where her crossbow was, she went for it. As the pain retreated, she shot an arrow into an approaching blur. "Who are you?!" Getting no answer, she used her crossbow as a mace, hitting the next nearest blur.

Two others grabbed her, and she felt her weapon ripped away. "Check Liam!" one of the men commanded.

Marle struggled, using what Ayla once taught her. Nails scraped at skin as she bit the nearest man.

She was thrown and pinned down by multiple hands.

The man who spoke before looked to the one who had been shot. "How is he?"

"He's dead."

He growled as he turned to Marle. "You'll pay for that." He backhanded her.

"The new king wants her now."

"New king?" Marle questioned. "What are you talking about?"

The hitter took some satisfaction from her confusion. "Your father is dead, princess."

Marle felt her heart stop. She shook her head. "No."

"You'll see him yourself soon enough. We're taking you to see him now."

She was half carried, half dragged to the throne room. Her vision was returning. Around her, the castle was in chaos. There were sounds of crying and screams. She was dropped on cold stone, and her father's body laid in front of her. "Daddy?"

"Oh, how sweet," said a pleased voice. "She calls him 'Daddy.'"

Marle looked up, unable to believe her eyes when she saw Dalton standing there. "What?"

"I'm back," he singsonged.

Standing by Dalton's side was man with that distinctive Zeal blue hair. Strangely though, he had a broadsword at his waist.

Marle blinked, and her attention went to her father. She rushed to him. "Father?" She felt cold skin and saw a slashed throat. "Nooo." Hunched over, she began sobbing.

"Killed him myself," Dalton bragged.

"You!" Marle launched her attack. "Dalton!"

Dalton held a look of panic for a second, but he knocked her away with fire. "That's King Dalton."

Marle looked to him, embarrassed to be knocked away so easily. She had used up all her strength trying to fight his men. "Never!"

Dalton laughed as he approached. "Take her to the dungeon. She may prove useful."

Marle struggled as she was dragged away. "You'll all die for this!" she screamed.

The floor was littered with the bodies of knights and servants. Only a few minutes ago, these bodies had not been there. Her people were being killed rapidly. She could not save them.

As they entered the prison, she felt goosebumps form on her skin. She closed her eyes briefly, and she soon found herself being dropped on the floor.

Over the next week, she was given little food and water. Then one morning, she was dragged out. One soldier was unfamiliar, probably part of the raiding party. The other was a knight from her own castle, Sir Peter.

"Why are you doing this?" she asked. "You were always treated well."

"I saw which side was winning." There was no regret in his voice. He even seem pleased with himself.

She was taken before Dalton. The other Zealian was by his side again.

"Kneel before your king."

Marle was forced to her knees.

Dalton approached with grin. "You, Crono, and Lucca are hailed as heroes, so it would give me great pleasure to have you all executed. Unfortunately..."

Marle grinned as she realized where this was heading. "You can't find them."

"I am quite sure you would know where they would go. There are probably dozens of private hiding places that the three of you share."

"Hundreds, and you won't find any of them."

He pulled out a knife. "Stand her up."

Forced on her feet and held in place, she eyed the blade as he approached. She flinched when he touched the flat of the blade on her skin. She closed her eyes, waiting for him to carve into her skin. Instead though, he began cutting the strap of her nightgown. She began to struggle, but more men grabbed and held her in place.

She got goosebumps and began to shiver. She looked away from Dalton as he undressed her.

Most of the men in the room stared at her body. Some were laughing. A few looked away in shame, but they said nothing.

She soon felt her underwear being cut. She whimpered slightly as her last line of defense was removed. Everyone was silent, waiting for Dalton to make the first move.

"Sir Peter..." He gestured outward.

Peter released his grip, calling on a few others. They quickly grabbed the men who were not enjoying the view. These men were forced on their knees.

"I will not tolerate insubordination," Dalton said.

"I will follow your orders, sire," one of the men argued.

Dalton waved his hand. "Kill them."

There was a brief struggle as the men were being killed. Marle used the distraction to free herself. She grabbed a sword from one of the men and killed him with it. It was heavy and awkward in her hands, but it was all she had.

The unknown Zealian grabbed the hilt of his sword, but Dalton gestured for him to stop.

The rest of the men all charged, and her blade sliced through the face of one. He screamed as he dropped. The others backed off. The sword swung wildly from high and low. One man lost his foot. Another clashed with it, and she stabbed him in the neck.

Dalton did nothing, watching with interest. He was ready to flame her if necessary, but as of now, this was a good test for his men.

The sword was knocked away, but Marle jumped on one of the men. As he fell back, she shoved her thumbs in his eyes. Ayla would be proud. She was dragged off and held in place.

Dalton backhanded her.

"Need a bunch of men to hold me as you beat me?" She hissed. "Pathetic!"

"How many did she kill?"

"Three men dead, sire. Two more permanently crippled."

"The men who turned away from her?"

"Four. All dead."

Dalton gestured to one of the men, then blasted him. The man fell, screaming as his skin charred. He soon turned to ash. "He did not join in the fight against her." He turned to Marle. "Tell me of the hideouts."

"Never."

"Put her on the table."

Marle fought as they grabbed her. She was forced on a table that was not normally in the throne room. They shackled her wrists over her head. She kicked her legs, but they were pinned down and held.

Dalton climbed on the table, smiling as he looked over her body.

Marle looked away, trembling and breathing hard.

"You were a mere child the last we met, but you have become a beautiful woman."

She began crying as he touched her.

"So dry," he said with disappointment.

"Probably true about most of your women," Marle snarled. "Have any of them been willing?"

"Usually not..." he replied with a causal tone that turned her stomach. "...but they always respond." His hand glowed.

Marle suddenly felt a shiver in her skin. "No." She felt sick as she gasped.

"Mm, yes."

The men began cheering and calling her names.

"Consider my proposal."

"Never," she spat, trying to hide her fear with anger.

"Your husband and friend will never know you betrayed them. Their deaths will be quick and painless."

"Yours won't be," she replied.

"I'll let you live. You can spend the rest of your days in a nice cell, being treated rather well. I..." Now both hands glowed. "...can treat you very well..."

She gasped as her skin vibrated. Marle began squirming. Her back arched, and a loud moan escaped.

"Now she is wet," Dalton announced after the forced orgasm.

The men howled with laughter.

Marle felt sick with herself. As she caught her breath, she heard him untying his pants.

"Look at me," he ordered.

Rough hands forced her head to faced towards him, but she closed her eyes.

"Open your eyes, or I'll cut off your eyelids."

Marle opened her eyes.

He looked at her with immense satisfaction. "That's a good princess."

Her body shivered, tender and sensitive to his touch. She cried as he moaned, slowly thrusting his hips.

He slowed and leaned into her, grabbing her chin. His mouth on hers, his tongue invaded. He tasted bitter. His weight was heavy on her, and he took his time.

It started to burn. Her face winced, and she began grunting in pain. She felt him begin to kiss and suck her neck. How long could he possibly last?

The men were laughing. They called her several nasty names.

Dalton sat up more, bracing himself. He began grunting as he moved faster. Suddenly, his body shuddered, and his one eye rolled back in bliss.

Marle felt acid in her stomach. It rose higher to her chest as he got off. She closed her eyes, dry heaving. Her stomach was too empty to lose anything.

"Tell me where to find them," Dalton ordered.

She remained silent.

"Have you ever been taken in the ass?"

The men howled. "Fuck the whore!"

Marle felt cold. Was he serious?

His laugh made her shudder. "Oh, the princess is innocent of such things. I'll have to show her myself."

She shook her head. "No."

"Do you wish to save yourself? Do you wish to tell me where to find them?"

She stiffened, then glared. "No."

A pillow was put under her hips to give him easier access. She still couldn't believe he was really going to take her that way, but...

He forced into her quickly, and her body jerked in pain. He took her hard and fast. Marle was soon screaming.

He relaxed after. "I enjoyed myself."

Marle closed her eyes tightly, trying to think of anything else.

He jumped off of her.

The men finally released their grip on her legs. Marle curled up as best as she could with her wrists still in restraints. She shook and sobbed.

"Give her a tonic to heal the bleeding, then throw her back in the dungeon. Do not clothe her."

Her body was mostly healed, though the pain was still there. They dragged her back, many fondling her body the whole way. Marle was lifted and chained to the wall. Her feet didn't quite reach the floor. She was there for a day, moving in and out of consciousness. She was naked, exposed. Rats bit at her feet and toes. Insects began to crawl over her skin.

Suddenly, she was aware of Dalton and his bodyguard. Dalton was right in front of her. The bodyguard was within the cell, but keeping his distance. Who was he?

Dalton caught her glaze. "Oh, this is Egon. As you can see, he has traveled through time with me. He is an excellent swordsman."

"You need a bodyguard."

"He doesn't think I will break you."

"You have been too soft on her," Egon added.

Dalton smiled. "Is that it, Marle? Have I been too soft?" He touched her skin, and it began to blister and scorch.

Marle gritted her teeth, but the pain was soon unbearable. She began shaking and screaming.

The pain eased. She realized he was healing her. Then he traced her skin, leaving new burn marks. He traced down her face and neck, then around a breast and down her stomach.

Her body shook and twisted in pain.

"Tell me," he ordered when the pain eased.

All traces of the burns were gone again. As she caught her breath, she noticed the stench of burnt flesh. "No."

"Their deaths will be quick. Painless. You on the other hand..."

Her eyes widened as he forced two fingers inside her. He began kissing her as he burned her. She screamed again, though it was muffled. As the pain eased, his mouth was still on hers. He held her nose. She squirmed, trying to breath. Her lungs burned. Her body shook.

He released her lips, and she gasped for air. The room seemed to be spinning.

"No one is going to save you, princess. One of your little maids looks quite like you. Same blonde hair. Same height. Same body." He was tracing his fingers over her, but only giving a hint of sizzle. "Your dress fit her perfectly, and after my men were done fucking her, they beat her to death. The marched her around the castle and to the city. She's currently on display in the town square."

Marle shuddered. Bethany. "She...was just a maid..." She struggled to speak. "No threat. You...had no reason to kill her... No reason...to let your pigs rape her."

"The people think you are dead. She's on display...right next to your father."

Marle kicked him, though he was too close for it to do much, and she was weakened.

He laughed and licked her lips, then kissed down her body. "There was even a foolish group of men who tried to rescue your bodies." He bit gently. "They are all dead now."

Marle flinched as he caressed her skin.

"Mm," he moaned. He reached behind her, grabbing a cheek.

She winced, expecting fire, but it didn't come. He used his free hand to untie his pants. Marle looked away as he pushed up one of her thighs.

He squeezed her butt cheek as he began raping her. Magic flowed through, but instead of pain, he went back to pleasure.

Marle fought her body, but she was losing. It was a strange combination of pleasure and pain.

"Yes," he whispered, as she moaned. He licked away angry tears. "What would your husband think, if he saw you moaning."

Marle whimpered.

"It would not hurt if you let yourself enjoy this. Give in. Tell me what I want to know. I can give you many more pleasures."

Marle felt so ashamed, and everything in her body felt too intense to speak. She gasped, catching her breath, as her body rejoiced.

"Yes, feel my body." His fingers began burning her. He moaned as she screamed.

She was vaguely aware of when he finished. The fire became more intense. Then she knew nothing but the pain. After what seemed like an eternity, her body was healed.

"Think about it." He grinned. "My men want nothing more than to enjoy your body, and they will not be gentle."

Marle trembled.

He licked her cheek, then whispered into her ear. "You have until tonight before they can have you. After that...I will give you over to Egon." He backed away.

Egon gave a sickening smile. "I look forward breaking you." He looked over her body. "Don't break too soon. I want to enjoy myself." He and Dalton walked away.

Marle screamed in anger and fear, but she was exhausted. Her body ached. She was crying as she passed out.

They came that night.

She woke up to Peter slapping her.

Marle hissed at him.

"Do you have the information he wants?" Peter asked.

She tried to speak, but ended up mumbling. Marle shook her head no.

Peter smiled. "Good."

Her stomach turned as she saw his glee.

She was released and dropped to the ground.

They grabbed her quickly, more men than she could see. They held her in place.

Peter was quickly on her. The traitor laughed as he raped her.

Marle groaned in pain.

"I admired you for years. I never dreamed I would have you." He laughed, leaning in. He cupped her face. "The body of a princess."

"Does your wife know you are a rapist?"

He punched her.

Then the second man took his turn. This one was a stranger to her. He was rougher than Peter, often hitting her. She could taste the blood, and her vision blurred.

With the third, Peter ordered her turned over. Marle felt him grab her hips, and she tried to struggle, but he slammed into her behind. She screamed out, and she lost the strength to fight.

Peter took an agonizing long time. She dropped to the floor as they got up. The world spun.

They moved her from one position to another, invading her in every manner. She lost count of the number of men. She was vaguely thankful as she began to lose conscious.

When she woke up, they were done. Her body ached.

Peter was there. They were alone.

Marle looked up to him. "Sick bastard."

"I have good news."

Marle felt ill.

"Your husband is dead."

Had she given up information? What about Lucca?

"It seems there was a delay in communication..."

"No." She hadn't betrayed him. This was a lie.

"Yes," he practically sang the word. "My men saw him fall during the battle at Truce. Many of our new prisoners have confirmed his death."

"You're lying." She couldn't believe this.

"Dalton is quite pleased. He's throwing a celebration."

Marle began crying. "Crono."

"Unfortunately, your pathetic husband got his body trampled. That doesn't make for a very good display. Lucca, however, will be publicly executed. She'll be on display until she's rotted away."

"You will never find her," Marle hissed.

"Just tell us where to find her. Dalton has put Egon in charge of your torture. From what I hear, he's the best at his job. You will break. It's only a matter. There is no need to suffer."

"And you care?" she asked with sarcasm. She was kicked in the stomach, then grabbed by the hair. Forced up on her knees, she tried to fight as she saw him untying his pants. "No. Not again." He shook her, and she didn't move, feigning defeat. Marle relaxed, then she bit down.

Peter screamed, and Marle was released. Peter spasmed on the floor.

Many guards came running. Some grabbed Peter as the rest began beating on her.

Marle curled as they kicked and punched her. She was so weak to begin with that she quickly lost conscious.

When she woke up, it was dark and blurry. Her face and body ached.

"You are awake," was a familiar voice.

"Russell," she said with scorn. It was the first she saw him since before the attack. He had always been a loyal bodyguard to her father.

"Please, quiet, your highness," he said in hushed tones. "Security is too tight to remove you from the castle, but I will move you to where the maids are being kept."

"They'll recognize me."

"You have been beaten beyond recognition."

"Why is it so dark?"

"It's not. Your eyes are swollen shut."

Marle gasped. Her face hurt, but she hadn't realized how bad it was.

"I heard how well you fought. Your father and husband would be proud. Peter..." He said the name with disgust. "...lost his penis."

"Good."

"Dalton and Egon are now setting up an area to torture information out of you. They are going to keep it up until you break."

Marle realized she was dressed again, but she couldn't move her legs or arms.

"You need a new name. May I suggest Bethany."

The one who died in her place. "Dalton will know."

"He hid her death from all. Even the men who...who killed her. They were the lower ranked men, and they thought it was you. Dalton and the higher ranked men never bothered to learn her name."

"Bethany it is," she said sadly. "Why can't I move my limbs?"

"They are in splints. If asked, tell people that I raped and beat you."

She felt bad about saying such a thing about someone trying to help her.

"Please, people must think I have a personal interest in you, and it will explain your injuries. ...It may be a while before I can get you out."

"I understand."

"If they find you, he'll break you," he emphasized. "Don't try to save anyone. Many more lives may be at stake."

"I know."

"It's just not the time for heroics," he said sadly.

She was soon carried to the maids. He laughed about raping her. A few called him names, and they tended to her as soon as he left.

Marle froze. Her personal servant, Heather, was the one tending to her.

"Who is it?"

Marle was fearful.

"I don't know."

She let out a sigh. "Bethany."

"Bethany, thank goodness. We worried for you."

Marle was glad she couldn't see them. She felt horrible for lying.

"We have no hope," Heather continued with tears. "King Guardia and Princess Nadia were murdered. Now people are saying that Prince Crono died in battle at Truce."

"We must be brave for as long as we can," Marle replied. "There is always hope."

Not one of them recognized her. By the time her face started healing, she and the maids were put into separate cells.

Russell checked on her from time to time, giving her food and medicine, but then he disappeared.

"I heard good news, Bethany," Heather said from another cell.

"Yes?" Marle could not see the others, only hear them.

"Russell, the knight who hurt you so badly, he is dead."

Tears fell. Marle was glad they could not see her.

"Did you hear me?"

Marle tried to sound happy. "How?" Her voice sounded cheerful.

"They claim he was caught trying to free some children, but after what he did to you, I doubt it."

"Do you know how he was he killed?"

"They hung him."

Marle closed her eyes. "Thank you for telling me."

She was trapped. Her body was growing frail. Sometimes, the knights or guards took use of her. One by one, the maids disappeared.

"Bethany, are you there?" It was Heather.

"Yes." It was difficult to speak.

"One of the knights selected me as his bride... I'm scared."

"I...hope he treats you well." Marle did not know what else to say.

"He was the one who killed my husband when they invaded the castle, and he has not been gentle with me in this cell... Now, I'll be expected to serve him within the castle."

"I'm sorry."

"Am I betraying my husband or the royal family, and the people who now live in fear and poverty?"

"No. Being in a cell or getting yourself killed won't help anyone."

"Can you forgive me?"

Marle was worried. "For what?"

"Leaving you here, and...I need someone to forgive me." She was crying.

Marle sighed in relief. "I forgive you."

"Th-thank you."

"Heather?"

"Y-yes?"

"I hope you find some kindness up there. I really do. Try to have hope."

"Thank you."

Heather was gone.

Marle became completely unaware of how much time had passed.

She learned about each of the soldiers. She knew which ones took joy out of the new power. She knew which ones worked for Dalton out of fear. She knew which ones were secretly undermining him where they could. It was these men that kept her and many other prisoners alive. They snuck them extra food and medicine.

The day came when one knight realized who she was. He was filled with hope and happiness. The queen was alive! ...but she was near death. For weeks on end, she was semi-conscious. She had to get her strength back before he could try getting her out.

She didn't realize why he was there so often, until he slipped and called her Nadia.

"Bethany," she answered.

"I understand."

"What is your name?" she asked. He wasn't from her castle.

"Gordon."

"Could you find me an ether?"

"They have been outlawed. Only Dalton can keep them, and he selects who he gives them to."

"My magic usually restores with proper rest, but I have not felt it return."

"He has devices throughout the castle and kingdom to prevent it. As long as you are within range, only ethers will return your magic, and only magic can destroy the devices."

In time, as she slowly healed, but she had many setbacks. She feared it was a losing battle. She gave him information about the knights and guards. If she died, he could try to fight without her.

He told her everything he knew. There was a resistance out there. Dalton had been trying to find them.

Marle looked to Glenn, tears streaking her cheeks. She had kept certain details vague, but told enough that he knew everything. She hadn't planned on it, and she wasn't sure if she could have told all of this to Crono.

Glenn felt angry at all that she had suffered, but he could not find words of comfort. They all sounded empty in his head.

"I think Ayla knows."

"She and Robo probably both do," Glenn replied. "I have not told them anything, but they are both very observant."

"I didn't want her to know."

"Why not her?"

"Because she's always been so strong. I don't want her to realize how weak I was."

"You were caught off guard and overwhelmed. It can happen to anyone."

"She was so happy when Lucca discovered I was her descendant. I..." Her voice lowered. "...I don't want her to be disappointed in me."

"She is strong," Glenn replied. "We are all weak compared to her."

Marle smiled.

"However, I do not think she would ever blame us for being attacked."

"Maybe not."

"If you do not wish to talk to her though, you have Robo or myself."

She hugged him.

He carefully hugged her back. "You have a stronger heart than you know. Give yourself time to heal. You'll see your strength once again."

Marle smiled. "Thank you."

To be continued...